Branching Thoughts
Year 132
This is the third batch of prospective priests and students. A priest gestured to the Patreearch, as a group of 50 walked into the room. They all bowed, and were quickly given a short interview. A test of their faith, as the Patreearch made them recite the constitution of the Freshlands. Then a quiz on my abilities.
It was a strange feeling, but at the sa ti, I was numb, The school of Treeology had to expand quickly in order to et the need for social and cultural influence in the region, so this school had to grow quickly.
Conflict and confusion naturally erged. Speed ant planning was not proper, and it seed the 10 Decarches quickly had different opinions of how to expand the school. They soon squabbled over things like what was the right way to pray, what was the right way to do things, and their thods. Decarches, because it was 10 Patriarchs and Matriarchs.
I summoned them all and they all presented their case. Each Patreearch ca from a different place, and there was so diversity in races too. One of them was a half-elf, another was a centaur, another a treefolk. As such, each had different areas which they felt was important in their faith.
For so, it was caring for the land. That ant they were both priests and druid. For another, it was about the birth and death of souls, and the ceremonies. While they seed like they could mutually coexist, their argunts would devolve into argunts about what is of a higher value or semantics.
For example, one of them, in their practice of honoring those who have died, would bury the body in the earth, and plant a tree on them. Yet, because the bodies of mortals sotis carry sickness or poison. For one, it is still right to bury them. For the other, caring for the earth takes precedence, so the sick or poisoned corpse should be burned, or at least processed before burying.
Its often little but fundantal differences in which values hold strong, that created these conflicts. They are small conflicts, in the sense that they can still live with each other, and operate within the sa area, but certainly it is an ideological difference. In a way, its like different teachers in a school, each thinking their own subject is the most important one.
But at the sa ti, I didnt want to clamp down on these differences in opinion. I didnt see myself as a founder of an orthodoxy where there is only a single source of truth or opinion, it certainly wasnt aligned with how plants evolved and adapted to their surroundings.
Thus the faith I had must be able to evolve, and it was only right that the willingness to accept differences of opinion be set up at the start. But at the sa ti, a faith that could evolve was also one that would squabble, and eventually break apart. Yet, as I pondered this problem, whether I set it up or not, faith will naturally evolve as the greed and instincts of man ant the rules will shift over ti. It is only proper, that I set up the chanics to do so early on, and finetune it, since I am after all, their deity.
So, to the ten Decarches, I decided to allow each of them to lead their own departnts. A student would rotate and go through all of them, over the 2-3 years of training as a priesthood. There would be a debate, and a voting system as the 10 decarches would have to decide. In ti, I saw that Id probably expand the decarches into a proper council of high priests, but that would be in the near or far future.
For now, a departntal approach seed better. I an, I could in theory agree with any of the ten and decide that as canon, but a tree exists in the real world, and the proper way to do is, is to let the priests carry it out and observe the consequences of such beliefs. Then, apply corrective guidance as and when necessary.
One thing I was quick to notice amongst the mortals of the world, was that they didnt believe neither in gods omnipotence nor omniscience. The concept of a one god of everything does not exist, simply because of the visible divinity of lesser deities and the higher gods.
So it cos off rather strangely to , that in this aspect, these people are progressive. They can accept that the gods can change their minds, and frequently, in their prayers to the divine, often try to negotiate with the gods. Even if its futile. Is it because theyve always lived in a world where there is an expectation of a pantheon of gods? And they seem to acknowledge, without much reservation, that gods have a limited scope of powers.
Still, differences erge from their different interpretations and priorities. Its only natural, and its sothing I should let it run its course.
-
In this period of tense peace, with the temples still planning for a second crusade, I continued to improve on our beetles and spiders. New assassin and anti-human variants, and higher range for my new artillery bomber-beetles. They are larger, about the size of a giant beetle, and they move a lot slower. But, they can shoot out an acidic projectile that can travel a few hundred ters, so that makes them a proper ranged attacker. Even if they are absolutely defenseless otherwise.
No matter. Little secret weapons I can use on the next crusade. Best to keep them hidden and only reveal them when really necessary.
Horns enjoyed all beetle related stuff, but I did notice he cared more for the beetles. Trevor and the other artificial minds were the ones driving the changes to the assassin spiders. I thought I should make more assassin spider artificial minds, such that they act as my assassin-generals.
Jasmine was quick to support the idea and recomnded that they be assigned to her, since she and Patreeck coordinated the surveillance and monitoring of the denizens of the Freshlands.
I wondered whether that was the right idea. What if Jasmine and Patreeck made the wrong call and assassinated soone without truly checking? What if they killed soone who shouldnt be killed?
I didnt think that outsourcing the business of killing was sothing I was willing to do. Not until I could trust their judgent, even if they have been shortlisting and compiling cris on our denizens. I felt rather strongly that I should be the one deciding on whether they lived or died. At least, in assassination situations.
In a war situation as everyone present was a combatant, I am more willing to give my assistants free reign to decide. But in more covert and subjective situations, I dont think its fair. Many people have rebellious and treasonous thoughts, but that doesnt an they would all rebel, or would be disloyal. In fact, I would suspect anyone who never had that thought at all, because that ant they have never internally considered it. That generally ant their loyalty has never been tested, and as such, they may switch even when they seed loyal all this while.
So, I demanded a dossier for every suspected person. Theyve been graded on a frawork and risk rated. I felt like this was so kind of risk rating for loans, or a little like the social credit scores, but... if Im the only one I trust to make this decision, then this is the best way to thin down the risk.
Or we can focus on Freshka and the nearby countries? Trevor suggested. Based on the potential damage that these unfavorable people can cause in faraway places, its rather limited.
Ah, a distance weightage. Thats a good point. Then lets do that. Only flag those who operate within the near-valley zone. For those further out, only flag those as high risk, are a large movent, or have high magical power.
With that, the list was shortened considerably.
-
Trent, my artificial soul in charge of my intercontinental trade route gave his weekly summary of the trades. It took a year, but the basic infrastructure for trade was finally ready and traders started taking the trade.
They still had to deal with the issue of supplies and resources to make the month-long journey across the central area of the continent. For now, only rchants with the right set of skills or teams made the journey. This was similar to the past, when New Freeka was newly set up. The terrain then was unfavorable, many cities were destroyed by the demons too. So, the rchants that travelled from one city to another usually had so skills that allowed the to stretch their supplies a bit longer, or make their journey a little faster on less favourable terrain, or rchants that could boost or enhance their horses and carriages such that they could make it to the next town.
Once more rest stops were built along the route, the trade volus would naturally increase, as the route itself becos easier. A natural evolution of trade.
In fact, a train service from one end to another would also work, and I could naturally instruct beetles to act like long-haul trailers to move goods from one-end to another.
I an, they were already a ans of transport back in the days of New Freeka, and it was ti that I resud their service. I decided to have Horns start research on dedicated Truckbeetles and Trailerbeetles. It just made sense. Giant Truckbeetles that haul goods across the continent. I just hope they dont accidentally bang into soone and reverse-isekai them to another world.
Still, an intercontinental state sponsored beetle-hauling service. Of course, there was a fee! I an, the Valtrian Order must be financed. Alternatively, the beetles could also act as supply-trucks, to provide food supplies for the rchants on the route.
We should price the beetles services at a high point. We do not want to outcompete the pioneer batch of rchants. Kavio quickly suggested. Ill summon the rchants guild and we can develop so kind of pricing schedule. As ti goes on and the route matures we can bring down the prices. We must still let the pioneer batch make so profits.
I pondered this for a mont and decided to agree. I wondered whether I should feed the capitalist elents of this world and let them gain power? But then, in this world, rchants do take very real risks with their lives. The protection of beetles like my own is very much an aberration.
"Master, have you thought of using our network of trees across the continent for trade arbitrage? We could easily make a profit using the price differences between the Freshlands and those faraway kingdoms."
I thought of that for a mont, and decided I did not want to compete with rchants. At least, not at the mont. I am a tree, and at the sa ti, I am also a singular point in growing governnt. I see my role as a facilitator and provider of infrastructure that cannot be replicated by individuals. I also am rather skeptical of a governnt playing the role of businesses, even though the Valtrian Order did run different types of businesses to earn money and support its expenditure.
No. In the end we are a governing entity, not a business. Well just charge fees and taxes.
The first thing I needed to do was to set up 3 beetlestops, each one at the borders of the three chosen allied nations. These future truckbeetles would not be able to communicate at all, so I would need the Valtrian Order representatives to record orders and instructions, have them processed... wait.
How would they get orders? The rchants cant communicate with the beetles.
Maybe we can have trees that receive ssages?
I pondered this question for a mont. All these while Ive been relying on my artificial minds to run my operations, and essentially the beetles can only be ordered by them, or by Horns and the other beetle-generals. They react by spying and observing, or in the days of New Freeka, the beetles moved at regular routes and made scheduled stops, essentially like a bus service.
I could repeat that, of course. If so, I could set up the beetles to depart on regular schedules and have the rchants work with a titable. The Valtrian and Freshland representatives rely act as booking coordinators and allocate or match empty beetles to the rchants.
While Kavio handled the discussions with the rchants, I zood in on the new planned border towns. Each of the three nations have begun setting up a small expeditionary force, builders, farrs and rchants being the first to make the journey, along with a small military entourage.
There are beetles, but so far theyve been hidden in the subsidiary trees. After all, theres really no reason for them to appear unless the hybrid demons attacked.
At these designated town zones, the area Ive reclaid from the demonic corruption is larger, much larger to allow for so farming activity and buildings, and fortifications, if these nations deed them necessary.
Ive essentially cut the Rottedlands into multiple slices with this long route through the Rottedlands, and its only possible because of the weakened demonic energies.
Theres potential of using [Root Tunnels] to create a secret smuggling route. Patrick suggested.
Well hold that off until necessary. I responded. Im sure so of them have skills to detect tunnels and such.
On the Freshlands side, were also rapidly building up a new settlent, on the edges of the existing segnt. Its ant to be the launchpad for trade through these new route, and there are so who would take up this challenge and opportunity.
For now, the first batch of traders mostly bring high value, high-margin goods. That ant jewelry, works-of-art, and artifacts. Theres always an audience for this sort of good, and for the traders who have to travel light and fast, these were the best choices. These batch of traders have a lot on their hands, and part of their journey is sponsored by the rchant guilds of their ho cities. Its an exploratory run, these traders would return with feedback on the difficulty of the journey, the kinds of prices and the demand for various goods, and what else they could buy.
The Freshlands have a lot of food, so thats sothing that we can sell in bulk. Were like... Fresh Foods.
-
Aeon. A patriarch of the Aeonic Faith spoke privately. Its close to the end of the year. A question?
Yes?
So of us have been debating whether we should expand so missions to the new lands as a result of the new trade routes. We asked Kavio about it, but he was not able to give a firm conclusion on whether the trade-agreent included missions of faith. We believe that it is only right that we spread our faith to these new allies, but at the sa ti, were not too sure whether our attempts will be viewed positively.
Uh. Maybe? Speak to the rchants?
Ah. Thats a good point. The patriarch nodded and he arranged a eting with the visiting rchants from the faraway kingdoms.
I thought back to the older days of my studies? Should I use marriage and royal conversions into the faith as a way of expanding my power? I recalled so kingdoms used to marry their nobility and convert other kingdoms to their religions.
Is that too manipulative as a religion? Should I go there?
I paused. Its not the first of the many tough decisions I have to make. All these decisions are tradeoffs, one way or another. I dont care for royals, but I cannot deny the influence of inherited abilities, or their powers to sway vast numbers. Having royal assent would make our priests and preachers have an easy job of winning this cultural war.
But at the sa ti, am I not a hypocrite? I did not care for royals, and yet, should I agree to this whole royal-marriage schtick, its essentially giving them a lever of power.
Hypocrite.
In so places, maybe Id be referred to as pragmatic, to make decisions based on what benefits I can derive. If I was human at this ti Id go for a long run, or do so stretches. I instinctively stretched, and it felt like my senses stretched to encompass the entirety of the Freshlands, as overwhelming and confusing as it sounds. Its like... zooming out of a buzzing city and viewing it from high up, like an airplane.
Ive thought long and hard for so ti. The issue of ddling with hereditary abilities and skills reeked of genetic engineering, and am I not robbing the young child of choice? Similarly, by pairing up royals for a skill advantage and also to proselytize these royals to my faith felt like an offense against that choice.
But I have not been consistent either. Certainly Ive changed my mind. Have I given the Valthorns a choice? Not really, I am aware of the huge ethical quandaries of child weapons. Am I prepared to sin all the way to hell and back, for that chance to find a path to heaven? Is there a middle ground where I can take, that still leads to that end?
Master? Trevor asked. We detected a lot of magical activity... from you.
Ah. I seed that as I zood out, I also drew on the magical energies of the Freshlands. It was a strange feeling, but from this far away, I felt like... maybe I should go ahead with it. Sure, its hypocritical...
No. Thats wrong. I must have a line I cannot cross. I must. If not Ill eventually descend into viewing all the lives I sacrificed as nothing more as statistics. I forced myself to correct my earlier train of thought.
It was a struggle, but I quickly called on my mories of pain. Of destruction. Of Death. My mories of those who died around .
Then, mories that I did not recognise started flooding my mind. They were mories of those who lived here, the pain of losing a spouse, a child, a leg, a friend. So many strange new mories.
It was like that mont when I processed the hex, but more real, more vivid and yet also more nuanced. I could sense strong emotions, fear, anger, helplessness, bitterness, disappointnt. It was strong, and from the valley... from Freshka.
Master, youve activated my abilities. Patreeck said, and I realised that those were the mories of those in Freshka. Their history and past. I saw them flash, and yet it didnt overwhelm . Its just at the right pace, the right amount that I can still take in those feelings.
It took a while, there were so many mories to go through. The first generation of settlers of the Freshlands had hard lives. Starvation, hunted by monsters, was very normal. It was a pain that still felt raw for many. Even if it was just decades ago.
Master... Trevor too intervened. The populace of Freshka is behaving strangely. They were in a state of daze, all of them. The sudden mind-draw was like a psychic attack.
Ah. My bad. I relaxed and let my psychic hold go. I felt my connection to them disappear. In a way, it wasnt unusual.
As a tree in the center of a huge forest of trees that sprawled across the continent, each normal tree is like its own brain. It has its own senses, and very rarely, its own thoughts. They are often filtered out by my ntal firewall, since its mostly inane. This felt rather similar, like adding more trees into the network, only these trees have a far more developed thought process and more mories.
I paused again. I have to walk a middle path, between a tree and man. The trees aspect can get too macro, and the aspect of man tends to be emotional and micro.
But I do wonder... Is this pragmatism? Or a form of enlightened dictatorship enabled by always-on surveillance and an ability to read minds? Maybe to the temples across the ocean, to them, I may well be a hivemind that has the entire Freshlands in thrall.
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