Post by Zivix on Feb 17, 2013 17:18:11 GMT -5
The Rise of the Spinning Coin
an autobiography
Almost four centuries ago, like you, I was mortal. I had a life filled with danger, adventure, and excitement. I had fun. The group I was adventuring with at the time was used by the then-god Kallistrae to start a war that would forever change the face of three worlds. For my part in this, I was raised to divinity by a council of the three greater gods.
At first, there was a lot to get used to and for a while I stuck to my mortal ways. After using my new-found power to create my city Vix on the chaotic neutral moon, I went to the places I understood the most. For many years I bounced from one group of rogues to another to let them know they now had a divine being that they could call on and who approved of their activities. It was very disorganized and although I hate organization in general, something would have to be done if I was to gather the one currency that I figured out meant some to us gods: followers. Rogues weren't going to be enough, I had to find my way to the common folk and especially the merchant and noble classes. In the end I decided to use their own greed against them.
I have often found that those with money, even those who claim to be altruistic, often want more. And usually with power comes vice. I decided to create something that catered to both. Since the Hearthome Confederacy is less restricting than some empires (Lark for example) I decided to try my new invention there first...a house of gambling. The structure was very simple at first. The games are all rigged of course, and there are plants at most tables that are either faithful to me or are paid to act like they are. These plants will win enough to make it look like calling on me improves their odds. Should someone else actively call on me for assistance at the tables, the gamekeepers are instructed to make sure they win at least enough to come out ahead. This does of course depend on how fervent their prayers really are. For those who really seem to buy in, the clerics that are in attendance take those people aside and talk to them about the faith, emphasizing how belief can increase their wealth and power. All members of the crew are also instructed to watch for any that are trying to cheat us as well. People like that are always useful. Another facet of this business is to cater to people's vices. All casinos will attempt to get whatever a guest requires, be it drugs, girls, etc. Partakers of these services are always recorded in sealed logs the the Boss (high priest) keeps safely hidden away and layered with traps. Leverage against powerful people is always useful. All casinos contain temples and altars to me, though not all of them are visible. In fact, most aren't, or are disguised as part of the decor, which is always flamboyant and richly colored. I decided to call these establishments "The Spinning Coin", and the front door of each has over it a 2' gold disc that is a replica of my holy symbol that is constantly spinning on its edge.
After the successful opening of some of these Houses in Hearthome, I decided to take the biggest step yet and open one in Lark. It was an unbelievable success. Shortly after the opening of this house I was approached by Cyian who had an arrangement he wanted to make with me. He needed my assistance in tracking down the then-god Balthir for some of his plans. In exchange he would make sure that my faith was not only allowed, but would let it be known that it was ACCEPTED in Lark. I instantly agreed. I played my part perfectly and tracked down Balthir and assisted in the combat, but when the time came for Cyian's plans to come to fulfillment, Sardinal stepped in at the last second and snatched the victory away, raising Sierra as the goddess of love and not the next in the drow pantheon that he had hoped for. To be honest, afterward I retreated to Vix and laughed for a good two hours.
After Sardinal's interference, Cyian declared an inquisition against the faithful of Sardinal. I decided to step in here and try to gain favor with as many of these as I could through the use of my people in Lark. As I said, followers are currency to us. My people were of course also told to turn in any who weren't amenable...after all, it's good to have friends. After all this was said and done, my faith has thrived in Lark and we are working our way into the arenas that are popping up; mostly in the gambling but also trying to build a house of our own to put fighters in the ring. Operations in Lark are overseen by my High Priest Marx Reeve. Approval for all investments must go to him. He is also in charge of what is now my largest casino in Lark proper.
All of my temples are encouraged to do any outside business their own way, and competition against one another is encouraged. The only single rule is that there will be no outright war between temples. Setups, extortion and the like are all tolerated unless Boss Reeve sends them a task that is to be completed. He also has the right to freely punish any of the other temples who break the one rule.
That's my story, at least for now. I have my fingers in so many pies, so I'm sure there will be more to tell, but that's a story for another time.
-Zivix
