[puffyn]

--- Caelum, turn 16 ---

I have not had time to write this year past. My kingdom has greatly expanded, from the Nidzh River all the way to the deep port at Muktadir, and some part of this has been my doing. After many months of study, aided by the Seraphs, I was presented with a lucky amulet and an evil-looking sword, and went forth to expand my reach northward.

The storm general prophet has been crusading up and down in the east, carving a place. He still insists on my divinity, of course, claiming that all he does is in my name, but he's become quite a hero himself among the Caelians. Sometimes I wonder. The Seraphs back home are loyal enough, though, perhaps too much so. As they have slowly come back down from the mountains, they have all taken new names, denoting their magic skills. It's convenient, but also very disconcerting.

Last month I received an odd gift from a people called Vanheim in the north. They sent a magical dwarven hammer and some water gems, but if the messenger was supposed to bring a message also, the long trek had addled his brain, and I could not get any sense out of him. Until I better know the strengths of those rising around me, it seems like a poor idea to alienate a potential friend, so I had Wizard (W) (I told you the names were odd) forge a magic clam which produces a magical pearl each month. I shall send it back to Vanheim, in payment for the sturdy hammer.

That hammer will swing in the forge again this month, fashioning one of the most feared weapons of the ancients: the staff of storms. With this twisting, sparking thing of raw might and beauty bringing storm clouds wherever it goes, my seraphs will become even more formidable in battle. In a month or so, enough will have gathered to strike south against the rabble of knights and religious fanatics who have too long held that land in defiance of Caelum. The very skies will open and strike them all in anger.

I am at a bit of a loss for what to do next. I must continue to expand my power base but how is that best accomplished? Magic is key, but lately I have also become concerned that the people have insufficient faith in me. It is perhaps hypocritical to be upset that they don't venerate me, when I am no divine being, but the benefits of a strong belief are so great. The people live more happy, productive lives, and my own strength is supported by their chanting. As such, it is clear that I need to encourage more men to enter the priesthood. Yes, men. To be honest, I do not trust the Seraphines, high-priestesses of Caelum. They are so fanatical, that if they ever suspected I am but a pretender to god-hood... the outcome would be painful. It is best to keep their number small, and encourage religion among the humans and other lesser races.