And we’re back for another little thought experiment. By thought experiment I of course mean world building prompt. Stories are filled with conflict. Rivals pitted against one another each trying to prove superiority. Nations at war with one another or creatures from beyond. Even tales of mortals rising up against unjust gods. We always love a good underdog story. But what happens after? A decade later? Or a century later? What do people remember? And more importantly, what do they forget?

So let’s set the stage. Long ago there was a war between mortals and the gods and mortals won. Not only did they win, but they were able to invade the homeland of the gods themselves and claim it for themselves. Even more impressive, something they did has also prevented the gods from returning. But the god’s influence hasn’t been completely cut off, after all they are still gods, they can still speak to mortals and lend them power. But centuries have passed. Grudges have been forgotten. And details have gotten mixed up. Since their banishment, the gods have convinced mortals that they are not living in paradise and that it is only through venerating the gods that they can reach it after death. You know, classic stuff. All in an attempt to trick mortals into letting them back in so they can reclaim paradise for themselves. Quite the devious little trick isn’t it? But the question still is, what then?

The War

What caused the war? Did mortals become greedy and want the power of the gods for themselves? Were the gods tyrannical masters who pushed mortals too far? Was there another force influencing events?

How did mortals win? Were there traitors among the gods that lent their aid? Are there powers more ancient than the gods who tipped the scales? Did fate itself intervene?

The Gods

What is their goal for mortals? Are the gods vengeful and want to wipe out all mortals? Do they want to restore their rulership over mortal kind? Or do they just want to get their homeland back and then banish and never see mortals again?

Are the gods united in their purpose? Or are their factions among them each vying to claim their homeland first?

Mortals

Why have mortals forgotten that they claimed the home of the gods? Are there those that still remember? If so, where can they be found and why aren’t they believed?

The World

What is keeping the gods out? Is it an ancient device the gods left? Did mortals devise a powerful spell to keep them away? Did mortals and gods make a treaty to end the war?

What do the gods need to do to be let back in?

What have mortals done with the gods homeland? Are they prosperous? Have they gained any modicum of the gods powers?

While I may be a big fan of asking ‘what if’ and thinking of alternate ways events could have played out, asking ‘what then’ is also pretty fun. Taking things to their logical extremes, or even illogical extremes. Are illogical extremes a thing? Maybe? Probably? Oh what if we did a whole prompt on it, we cou- oh right. I should probably end this post before moving onto the next shouldn’t I? That would be logical. But if I was being illogical then- all right folks I think I’m a bit too distracted and should probably stop here. As always until next time.

Onwards to adventure!

– CozyPandaDragon