Location unknown

Inside a ring of marble pillars, there is a circle divided into thirds. One part is white, one part black, and one part grey. Surrounding this circle are nine chairs, perfectly tailored for whoever wishes to claim them. Beyond the chairs lie rings of stadium seating, for those who wish to view the proceedings. Or for those who are too massive to get closer.

“I’LL SMITE THE ENTIRE CITY! GET OUT OF MY WAY!” Bellowed an aging man with a sun breaking over a plain upon his robes. In his rage, he glowed with an internal fury. He immediately froze as a skeletal hand slammed the butt of a scythe upon the ground three times.

“You will not interfere. Or my scythe will claim another divine life.” Green flames flared from within the hood of the figure, and the burning light of the angry man immediately died. A willowy feminine figure and a stout dwarf managed to drag him back to his seat. Satisfied, Thanatos took his seat in one of the three chairs on the grey portion of the circle.

“Calm yourself Pelor. This behavior is unbecoming of the divine.” The speaker was a woman with golden hair cut short. The result was incredibly tight curls that allowed her to keep a blindfold tied across her eyes. She was seated in the middle chair of the grey arch.

“And why are you not outraged Justice? He stole your eyes and used them to evolve!”

“I discarded them long ago, you know this. Besides, there is a difference between the spoils of war and common thievery.”

“War? WAR! NO WAR WAS DECLARED!”

“Oh?” A laughing voice from the side of Justice pealed out. A youthful looking man, possibly early in his twenties sat forward from his previously lounging pose. “Did you not privately declare a crusade amongst your followers, Pelor? Before you answer, remember my domain.”

“Why would the lord of Light do such a thing?” The elf asked.

“Because, Gaia, he is blinded about certain things.” The dwarf replied in a gruff voice.

“You knew of this?” The youth asked.

“Aye, I did Truth. After the innkeeper was slain in violation of hospitality laws.”

“Broke hospitality?!” Justice thundered, standing and summoning a fiery blade.

“Not on my orders!” Pelor hastily replied.

“Close.” Truth said. “You left ambiguity in your words on purpose, Pelor. The adventurers walked through the door you left open.”

“That doesn’t matter. I’m still going to smite them.” He replied. Before anyone could react, a deep chuckling came from the depths of the black area.

“Oh? And what makes you think that I will allow such folly?” A massive draconic head ringed with curved horns came into the light of the central clearing. “Of all my humanoid children, they are the closest to true dragons.”

“Tiamat.” The dwarf nodded to her respectfully. “You would defend them?”

“I know it isn’t normally my thing, but he intrigues me. He is bold. Lucky. He brings forth the chaos which I do so love. Plus, he still reaches higher.”

“He’s not done?” Pelor asked with wide eyes.

“Of course not. Though I don’t know his plans, anyone who has talked with him can see the fire burning within his eyes.” Lolth spoke up. She was the only one in the three black chairs. “And truly Pelor, do you believe yourself strong enough to battle both Tiamat and myself? Especially after your most recent blow.” She chuckled seductively.

“I’ll wipe you and your foul creations from this world.” He replied with a voice full of venom.

“Of course you will darling. Save your empty promises for your followers. All here can sense your weakened state. It must truly be hard, losing your main church, your pontiff, and that many priests all in the same night.”

“Enough.” Justice interrupted. “I’ll have words with you later about breaking hospitality, Pelor. As of now, I remind all here about the rules of interference. There will be no divine smiting.” A grumbling chorus of agreement accompanied her pronouncement, before the group moved on to other things.