Videos[ | ]
Odyssey: Reckoning was part of SMITE's annual Odyssey event series. It was released on September 8, 2020 and ended on January 26, 2021. The story for this event takes place right after the conclusion of New Moon's story.
Welcome to the Odyssey: Reckoning[ | ]
Collect Odyssey Points![ | ]
Collect 
Odyssey Points by purchasing Odyssey: Reckoning Skins, The upcoming Digital Loot Pack, Chest Skins released up until the month of November, New Theme bundle skins, New Viewer Pass Skins, and by participating in the Battle Pass.
Explore the World![ | ]
Discover new Territories! Receive a 
Map Fragment to unlock more unique Territories for every 20,000 Odyssey Points you earn.
Get Cool Rewards![ | ]
Go on Voyages in each Territory and complete the Quests to uncover rare and epic rewards such as Odyssey Bonus Chests, Cosmetic Items, Team Boosters, 
Favor, 
Viewer Points, and SMITE 
Gems!
Odyssey Bundles[ | ]
All Exclusive Odyssey: Reckoning Skins will be purchasable with Gems. Odyssey Collection Reward items will be unlocked by earning enough Odyssey Points and can be tracked on the Odyssey reward bar. Odyssey Points can be earned by buying Odyssey: Reckoning Skins and can also be earned by participating in the Battle Pass, purchasing the Digital Loot Pack, and purchasing select items in the SMITE Store until November 2020.
Odyssey: Reckoning Skins will release with an initial discount of 33% off for the first 2 weeks! Get each Skin for 500 Gems at launch or pick it up later on at full price for 750 Gems.
Each Odyssey: Reckoning Skin includes a cosmetic item and 10,000 Odyssey Points.
Chapter 1[ | ]
| Winged Death | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Thanatos. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Draconic | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Jump Stamp | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive Jump Stamp. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | September 8, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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| High Voltage | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Zeus. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Madness | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Loading Frame | September 8, 2020 | A limited Loading Frame. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | September 8, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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Chapter 2[ | ]
| Dark Lord | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | September 22, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Chaac. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Dark Lord | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Loading Screen | September 22, 2020 | An exclusive Loading Screen. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | September 22, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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| Gambit Queen | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | September 22, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Hera. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Gambit | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Recall Skin | September 22, 2020 | An exclusive Recall Skin. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | September 22, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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Chapter 3[ | ]
| Gummy Worm | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | October 6, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Medusa. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Gummy Bear | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Ward Skin | October 6, 2020 | An exclusive Ward Skin. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | October 6, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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| Sniper Tech | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | October 6, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Ra. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| High Tech | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Jump Stamp | October 6, 2020 | An exclusive Jump Stamp. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | October 6, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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Chapter 4[ | ]
| Oni Guardian | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | October 20, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Ares. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Sensei | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Title | October 20, 2020 | An exclusive Title. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | October 20, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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| Raxolotl | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | October 20, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Ratatoskr. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Raxolotl | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Avatar | October 20, 2020 | An exclusive Avatar. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | October 20, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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| Fallen Star | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | October 20, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Sol. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Skeletal Embrace | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Fountain Skin | October 20, 2020 | An exclusive Fountain Skin. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | October 20, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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Chapter 5[ | ]
| Paintballer | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | November 3, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Jing Wei. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Paintball Splash! | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Level-Up Skin | November 3, 2020 | An exclusive level-up skin. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | November 3, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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| Shadow Howler | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | November 3, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Hun Batz. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Bye Bye! | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Death Mark | November 3, 2020 | An exclusive Death mark. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | November 3, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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Chapter 6[ | ]
| Sunken Sorcerer | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | November 17, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Poseidon. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| The Kraken | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Global Emote | November 17, 2020 | An exclusive Global emote. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | November 17, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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| Techno Titan | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | November 17, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Hercules. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Cthulhu | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Announcer Pack | November 17, 2020 | A Cthulhu custom announcer pack. Cthulhu Announcer Pack |
| Odyssey Points | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | November 17, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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| Raven King | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | November 17, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Chernobog. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Raven | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Recall Skin | November 17, 2020 | An exclusive Recall skin. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | November 17, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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Chapter 7[ | ]
| Demon Scourge | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | December 1, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Athena. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Witch Huntress | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Avatar | December 1, 2020 | An exclusive Avatar. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | December 1, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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| Sacred Arrow | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | December 1, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Rama. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Sacred Arrow | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Loading Screen | December 1, 2020 | An exclusive Loading Screen. |
| Odyssey Points | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | December 1, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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Odyssey Rewards[ | ]
Unlock rewards by earning Odyssey Points! Receive Collection Bonus Skins every 40,000 Odyssey Points up to the final Tier 5 Eclipse Summoner Hel Reward Skin at 160,000 Odyssey Points!
Go on Quest Voyages in a Territory on the Odyssey map to uncover more rewards including Odyssey Bonus Chests, Gems, Favor, Boosters, Viewer Points, and Cosmetic Items!
For every 10,000 Odyssey Points you collect after 160,000, you will receive an Odyssey Bonus Chest reward! This maxes out at 350,000 Odyssey Points.
| Mysterious Warrior | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Mulan. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Gecko Gladiator | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Xing Tian. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Primal Spirit | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | October 6, 2020 | An exclusive skin for Cernunnos. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Eclipse Summoner | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | September 8, 2020 | An unlimited skin for Hel. It has custom animations and ability effects, and custom voicelines. |
| Eclipse Summoner | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Jump Stamp | September 8, 2020 | A limited jump stamp. |
| Eclipse Summoner | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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God Skin | September 8, 2020 | A limited recall skin. |
Quest Map[ | ]
Territories[ | ]
During the Odyssey you will encounter a map with 9 Territories. Each Territory will differ in environment and have its own Quests and rewards that vary from all the others. Some Territories will even have corrupted areas with more difficult Quests.
Your first Territory, Niflheim, will be free, that way you will be able to familiarize yourself with the new system. To unlock more Territories, earn 20,000 Odyssey Points which will grant you a Map Fragment. When selecting any Territory it will show the rewards that can be claimed from completing Quests in that Territory. It will also show how many Quests you have completed.
Let the exploration begin!
Voyage Quests[ | ]
Unlocking a Territory will zoom you into that Territory on the map. Once zoomed in, you will see a range of trails called Voyages. These Voyages can lead to different Landmarks. Each Voyage will have Quests along it and a Territory can have a range of 10 -14 Quests in total. You can only have 1 Voyage started at a time from any Territory.
Choose a Voyage by selecting a Landmark in the Territory that stands out to you. Confirm you want to start that Voyage and begin your journey! Completing a Voyage to the Landmark will grant you a rare reward, additionally, Quests along the Voyage will grant you more common rewards. Come back to the Territory in order to select a new Voyage once you have completed your last one!
Niflheim Territory[ | ]
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| Reward - Odyssey Points | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | September 8, 2020 | 10,000 Odyssey Points
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| Reward - Takoyaki | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Avatar | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive Avatar |
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| Reward - Booster Battle Points | |||
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Team Booster | September 8, 2020 | Team Booster - Battle Points |
Giza Plateau Territory[ | ]
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
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| Reward - Shut Down | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Death Mark | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive Death Mark |
Bonampak Territory[ | ]
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
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| Reward - SMITE Gems | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | September 8, 2020 | 160 Gems
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| Reward - The Voyage | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Level-Up Skin | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive Level-Up Skin |
Valley of Conquest Territory[ | ]
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
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| Reward - The Voyage | |||
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Music Theme | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive Music Theme |
The Pacific Isles Territory[ | ]
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| Reward - Madness | |||
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Global Emote | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive Global Emote |
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| Reward - SMITE Gems | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | September 8, 2020 | 160 Gems
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
Leshy Forest Territory[ | ]
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
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| Reward - Takoyaki | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Jump Stamp | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive Jump Stamp |
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
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| Reward - SMITE Gems | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | September 8, 2020 | 160 Gems
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The Jade Kingdom Territory[ | ]
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| Reward - Gambit | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Loading Screen Skin | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive Loading Screen |
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
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| Reward - SMITE Gems | |||
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| Icon | Type | Release Date | Description |
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Currency | September 8, 2020 | 160 Gems
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Roman Republic Territory[ | ]
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| Reward - Compass | |||
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Recall Skin | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive Recall Skin |
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
Sakura Isles Territory[ | ]
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| Reward - Ink Bolt | |||
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Fountain Skin | September 8, 2020 | An exclusive Fountain Skin |
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
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| Reward - Odyssey Reckoning Chest | |||
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Treasure Chest | September 8, 2020 | An Odyssey: Reckoning Chest |
FAQ[ | ]
What is eligible for Odyssey Points in the SMITE Store?[ | ]
These items will reward you with Odyssey Points:
- Odyssey Skins = 10,000 Odyssey Points
- NEW Chest skins while the Odyssey is active (whether rolled or directly purchased) = 10,000 Odyssey Points
- Upcoming Digital Lootpack = 10,000 Odyssey Points
- Battle Pass Free completion = 15,000 Odyssey Points
- Battle Pass Premium completion = 5,000 Odyssey Points
- NEW Viewer Pass Skin = 10,000 Odyssey Points
- NEW Skins in Theme Bundles = 10,000 Odyssey Points
- You can earn a total of 55,000 Odyssey Points for FREE by completing a quest in the Niflheim territory and participating in the 2 Battle Passes while the Odyssey: Reckoning event is active
Where can I track how many Odyssey points I have earned?[ | ]
You can see how many Odyssey Points you have earned by going to the Rewards tab in the Odyssey event. There you will also be able to see the Odyssey Reward tiers and your next obtainable Reward.
What do I get with the Buy All?[ | ]
Players who Buy All will receive all active Odyssey Event Skins. Every two weeks new Skins will be unlocked and added to the player's inventory.
The player will receive Reward Skins for the 40,000, 80,000, and 160,000 Reward Tiers on day 1 of the 7.9 update, including the Unlimited Tier 5 Hel Skin. The 120,000 Reward Skin will be received on day 1 of the 7.10 update.
I did the Buy All option, do I unlock all the map fragments and the territories?[ | ]
Yes, players who Buy All will unlock all territories and will be able to start one Quest voyage in any territory.
How many total Gems can I find across all the territories?[ | ]
800 Gems in total.
How do I start a Quest voyage?[ | ]
First begin in your free territory or unlock a new territory by earning 20,000 Odyssey Points. Then select a landmark, one of the sights or structures you see in the territory. Selecting it will ask if you want to start that landmark’s Quest voyage. Quests from the same voyage can be completed simultaneously. Accept the Quest and begin your voyage!
What are the corrupted voyages?[ | ]
Corrupted voyages reward the RAREST items, but beware, the Quests are more difficult to complete!
How many Collection Reward Skins are there?[ | ]
4, you will receive a Collection Reward Skin at 40,000, 80,000, 120,000, and 160,000 Odyssey Points!
How do I get the Tier 5 Reward Skin?[ | ]
Unlock the Unlimited Tier 5 Hel Skin by earning 160,000 Odyssey Points or buying all 16 Odyssey: Reckoning Skins. The T5 Hel Skin can be unlocked instantly by purchasing the Buy All option!
Lore[ | ]
The Beginning of the End[ | ]
Mulan ran her whetstone along her sword. The blade had not needed sharpening since her ascension to godhood, but it made her feel more at ease. She sat in an untended cemetery in the Taihang Mountains, listening to the soft whisper of the dead. They spoke to each other of their lives, their deaths, and more. When they fell silent, she smiled. “I was worried you would not come.”
“I almost didn’t,” Persephone said. She stood among the trees, her expression drawn, her eyes downcast. “Hades forbade me from coming. He feared a trap.”
Mulan frowned. “I would not betray you that way.”
“I know.” Persephone looked around. “You are the only one besides my husband who would not, I think.” She smiled sadly. “Perhaps it is no less than I deserve.” Before Mulan could reply, she went on. “I thought I had made my feelings clear, Mulan. I have done enough harm to the world.”
“Yes. But I believe you have not yet done all the good you are capable of.” Mulan stood and sheathed her sword. “Your power might be able to heal the World Tree -”
“It is too late,” Persephone interjected. “What has been done cannot be undone. Not by me.” She turned, as if to depart. Mulan crossed the distance between them in a single stride. She caught Persephone’s arm.
“Wait, please.”
Persephone stiffened. Mulan released her, and she turned. “You should spend less time worrying about me and more time worrying about yourself,” Persephone said softly. “I have heard of the trouble among the celestial court, and how the gods of China war on each other as their temples burn…”
“That is why we need you,” Mulan pressed. “The Great Dreamer spreads madness wherever he goes. Not even the gods are safe from his malign influence. But if we can somehow repair the damage to the World Tree, we might be able to fix all of this!”
“And I told you – it is too late,” Persephone said. She stepped back, out of reach. “Unless…if you wished, Hades might be convinced to give you sanctuary…”
“No,” Mulan said. “I cannot abandon my people. Whatever comes, I will stand against it.” She gave a rueful smile. “I’d hoped you might stand with me.”
Persephone turned away. “I am sorry, but no. Hades has sealed the underworld. Whatever happens to the world, we will not be a part of it.” She paused. “Good luck, Mulan.” She was gone a moment later, as if she’d never been there at all.
“Good luck, Persephone,” Mulan said softly, to the empty air.
*
The great hall of Olympus echoed with the sound of dissension. A great table, made from a branch of the World Tree, sat at the center of the hall. Around it sat divine representatives from half a dozen pantheons. At the far end of the table rose a modest throne, carved from the molten heart of a star. Seated upon it, Olorun watched in solemn silence as his fellow gods bickered over their next course of action. He gave every appearance of listening to them with all due regard, nodding occasionally at some point or other.
Zeus, watching it all, seethed in ill-kept silence. He sat on Olorun’s left, and Hera, his wife, sat on the new king’s right. Zeus smiled when he saw that her features were tight with annoyance. She glanced at him, and her expression hardened. Zeus grunted and looked away. Ever since his return, she had seemed distant. As if something had changed. His gaze flicked to the throne, and the usurper seated upon it.
If Olorun noticed Zeus’ glare, he gave no sign. Instead, he leaned forward. “Athens has fallen,” he said. The assembled gods fell silent. Olorun continued. “As has Hermopolis. Bubastis is besieged, and Yax Mutal. The great cities of the world burn with the fires of madness. The servants of the Great Dreamer seek to desecrate our temples, and convert our followers to the worship of their foul master.”
“And what would you have of us, King of Olympus?” Rama asked, his blue fingers knotted atop the table. “Cthulhu and his followers are not an army to be met on the field – though some have tried to match them thus.”
Looks were traded around the table at these words. More than one god had tried to defeat Cthulhu in open battle. Hou Yi, Chaac, Bellona…all of them had failed. Some had merely been defeated, and driven from their lands. Others had suffered worse fates, their minds and souls broken.
“What of Hades, and Persephone?” Anhur demanded. “She is the cause of all of this, after all. Why is she not standing before us, to answer for her crime?” Zeus found himself nodded in agreement. Like him, Anhur had been held captive by his treacherous offspring.
Olorun gestured to Baron Samedi. The Baron rose and bowed to the assembled gods. “Lord Hades has sealed the underworld. The spirits of the dead gather on the banks of Styx, unable to enter the afterlife.” He shook his head. “Both Anubis and I tried to gain an audience with him but he refused to so much as acknowledge us.”
“Perhaps we should knock down his gates and take the witch by force,” Anhur growled. “There must be punishment for her crime.”
Nu Wa, the Guardian of Heaven, spoke up. “Perhaps she has paid enough.” She looked around the table. “I have spoken to my new sister, Mulan, and she swears to Persephone’s regret…”
“And is her treatment of her fellow gods included in that regret?” Zeus asked. He pushed himself to his feet. “Is she sorry for the torment I and the others endured at her hands?” He gestured sharply before Nu Wa could reply. “It is of no importance. Persephone’s punishment can wait until we have dealt with the Great Dreamer.”
“Which is why we are here,” Olorun said. “We must come to some agreement on a course of action and soon, else –”
“You are a fool, Olorun!” Zeus’ fist struck the great table like a crack of thunder, startling those present. “Would you talk while the world burns?”
“I would talk until we have a plan, at least.” Olorun rose from the throne, his eyes shimmering with celestial light and – eagerness? Yes, Zeus thought. The almighty Olorun was not so imperturbable as he appeared. Good. Olorun continued, “I know patience is not your strong suit, Zeus, but our foe is not one to be overcome by mere physical force.”
“There is nothing mere about the force I can bring to bear.” Lightning snarled about Zeus’ clenched fists as he struck the table again, cracking the ancient wood. “This creature is but one more titan, waiting to fall before me. Let us call together the strongest warriors of the pantheons and strike – before the creature topples any more temples.”
“We have seen that a frontal assault will not work, husband,” Hera began.
“And who was part of that assault? Athena? My brother, the king of fishes? No.” Zeus slammed the palm of his hand down. “The strongest, I said. Where is Odin the Allfather? Where is the Destroyer of Mountains, Cabrakan? Or Pele, She of Volcanoes and Violence?” He looked around. “I do not see the mightiest among us here.”
“Save yourself, of course,” Heimdallr said, from farther down the table. Zeus turned his crackling gaze towards the Watchman of Asgard. Then, a slow smile crept across his face.
“Yes. Save me.” Zeus turned to Olorun. “When I sat in that throne, I did so secure in the knowledge of my own strength. I raised an army and slew the titans, as I will slay the Great Dreamer, if you but heed me...”
Voices rose in protest at this disrespect. Olorun raised a hand for silence. He did not flinch from Zeus’ gaze. “Hera warned me of your stubbornness, and now I see it for myself. You would risk all in the name of pride…” He shook his head and Zeus felt a surge of anger. With a roar, he shattered the table in a single blow. Startled, Olorun staggered back, and Zeus leapt, reaching for the other god’s throat.
Olorun narrowly avoided his lunge, stepping aside, his eyes burning like twin stars. “You dare?” he thundered. Celestial light swirled about him as he gathered his strength.
Zeus rounded on him, his fists full of lightning. “I dare this and more. Olympus is mine. And neither you, nor Cthulhu, will stop me from reclaiming my throne!” The lightning spread, crawling up his arms and wreathing his head. It licked out wildly, striking nearby columns in its fury and forcing the gathered gods to retreat.
“Husband.” Hera’s voice cracked like a whip across the air. Both Zeus and Olorun turned to face the Queen of Olympus. “You have always been the most impetuous of us, even more so than Ares,” she continued. “Is your brain so full of thunder and lightning that you cannot hear what we are saying?”
Zeus lowered his fists. “I hear, and I disagree. Is that no longer allowed in this new Olympus you have built in my absence?” He sneered at the assembled gods. “Look at you – you might as well be mortals the way you quibble and cower.”
“If you find this course so objectionable, then perhaps you should depart,” Olorun said, his stoic mask restored. Zeus looked at him. For a moment, he’d hoped they’d finally come to it. Whatever else happened, there could be only one ruler in Olympus. But as ever, Hera had played peacemaker.
“Yes.” Zeus nodded. “Yes. I shall go and gather those who see the wisdom of my path, and we will break the Great Dreamer on the altar of my might.” He pointed at Olorun. “And when I have done so, you may feel free to step down, usurper, and return all that which is rightfully mine.”
*
Zeus’ departure was a thing of sound and fury. A rush of air, a rumble of thunder. Olorun watched him go with a mixture of relief and regret. “I lost my temper,” he said, softly. He glanced at Hera. “I do not know how you put up with such obstinacy all these centuries.”
“You learn to pick your battles,” she said with a thin smile. “Once, there was a good heart beneath the bluster. But his time in the Underworld has hardened him. Made him as ill-tempered as his father, Cronus.”
Olorun nodded. “He is that. But he is not wholly wrong, I think.” He paused, as a thought occurred to him. “Speaking of ill-tempered braggarts – have we located Tsukuyomi?”
Hera shook her head. “Not yet. He’s fled somewhere, likely back to his own lands.”
“And Amaterasu?”
“She will recover, according to Yemoja. Susano and the others are planning to hunt Tsukuyomi down and repay him in kind. Over Amaterasu’s objections, I might add.” Hera frowned. “I foresee trouble there.”
“What’s a bit more trouble, added to the pile?” Olorun took a deep breath. He looked at the broken table and shook his head. “I left the stars so that I might bring an end to such foolishness. I wonder if I am doing more harm than good…”
Hera looked at him. “Such thoughts help no one, and are not worthy of a king.”
Olorun forced a smile. “Maybe.” He looked at Rama, Anhur and the other gods, and came to a decision. “I have a plan,” he called out, and they fell silent. “But it will require coordination and trust. We must be united, else we will fail.”
“Speak,” Anhur growled. Rama and the others nodded or murmured in agreement.
“Cthulhu strikes at our places of worship, in order to weaken us. So we must do the same, and more. We must defend our temples, our peoples, but we must also dislodge his worshippers from our lands.” Olorun paused, surveying the assembled representatives. “We must cast down his abominable idols and scatter his worshippers. We must take the war to our enemy on all fronts…” He raised his fist and let his light shine forth.
“We must strike so that the stars themselves tremble at our fury.”
*
From a rooftop, Tsukuyomi watched as the horde of robed and scarified cultists advanced across the covered bridge towards Usa Jingu. The wooden fences would not be enough to keep them out of Hachiman’s shrine, and the torches they carried would easily set the thatched roofs alight. And the war-god’s faithful, huddled within, begging his protection, would be of no use against the hardened fanatics in their crudely carven masks. He settled back on his haunches, considering his next course of action.
If he did nothing, Hachiman – and by extension, Amaterasu – would be weakened. But honour demanded action. What the Great Dreamer’s supplicants planned was desecration and that was an insult to all the gods, not just Hachiman. And worse, to conduct such blasphemy beneath the light of the full moon – madness. Utter madness.
“Nothing for it, I suppose,” he murmured. He clashed his tonfa together and straightened. “Standards must be maintained, else what is it all for?”
Decision made, he leapt gracefully from his perch, spinning out across the face of the moon to plummet downwards in a shaft of silvery light. He landed lightly, between the advancing cultists and the gates leading to the inner shrine.
Tsukuyomi straightened, smiling. The cultists had paused, a murmur of consternation running through their ranks. They were not wholly blind to his divinity, despite the madness that gripped them. He spread his tonfa.
“I’d run,” he said.
They did not. Then, he hadn’t expected it. Instead, they came in a howling, gibbering rush of bodies. He swept his silvery tonfa out, casting gleaming caltrops across the bridge. The front ranks faltered and fell with agonized howls. The caltrops were followed by a hurricane of black shuriken that streaked through the night to strike their targets with lethal accuracy. Bodies tumbled into the river as the advance was slowed – and finally halted altogether. But they were not yet broken, not yet humbled.
Tsukuyomi gave a great shout and slammed his tonfa together over his head. As the blades struck, moonlight surged about them for a moment before lashing outwards in incandescent beams of cold fire. The moonlight hammered into the cultists, burning their flesh and casting them back in broken heaps.
Even as the light faded, Tsukuyomi was charging towards them, faster than a mortal eye could follow. His tonfa sliced out, dealing graceful death to the reeling cultists. When at last he slid to a halt, only the dead were left in his wake. And those few who remained in the land of the living had already fled, back the way they’d come, all thought of desecration forgotten. Tsukuyomi laughed loud and long as he turned back to the shrine.
When he reached the gates, the mortals were already kneeling in welcome. They, at least, knew how to show a god the proper respect. Tsukuyomi entered the shrine and looked around, already envisioning the changes he would make. It would take much work on the part of the mortals to make this place worthy of its new master.
A small price to pay, he thought, given that he had rescued them. As he would rescue all Japan, one shrine at a time. He looked down at the trembling mortals and said, “This place is mine now. Hachiman could not bestir himself to defend you, so I will do so. You may now show your gratitude through prayer and proper worship.”
He looked up at the moon. Soon, its perfect, silver light would illuminate all of Japan. He turned his attentions back to the temple – his temple, now.
“Yes, I think this will do nicely.”
Dark Alliances[ | ]
Olympus echoed with the sounds of preparation. Gods from many pantheons made ready for the battle to come. The last battle of the last war. Or so some among them hoped, Olorun included. As he followed Hera down the winding staircase that led into the mountain’s depths, he found himself wondering what might come after. If the Great Dreamer were defeated – what then?
He pushed the thought aside. Such questions were for after. He turned his mind to the matter at hand. War called for warriors, but the most preeminent warrior of the gods had not been seen in some time. Not since Hades had made his ill-fated stab at supremacy.
“He has been here all this time?” Olorun asked. “Why?” Around them, paths and caverns branched off from the stairs. Mount Olympus was honeycombed with secrets ways and hidden places. Some were inhabited, most were not.
Hera did not look at him. “I do not know. I have tried to speak to him many times, but he ignores me. I thought his father’s return might cause him to stir, but…still he sits in the dark.” She shook her head. “If I did not know better I’d say he was feeling sorry for himself.”
“Perhaps he is ashamed of the way he was manipulated.”
“Perhaps. Then, introspection was never his strong suit.” Hera turned. “Are you certain you wish to do this? Once unleashed, he will not be easy to control.”
“I do not wish to control him.” Olorun smiled. “I merely wish to speak to him.”
Hera shook her head again. “Much good it will do you.” She gestured with her sceptre to a ragged hole cut into the rock wall. “There. That cavern is where he lairs these days. Or it was the last time I came down here.” She paused. “Be wary.”
Olorun stepped past her without answering. The cavern was small, as such places went, and barren of decoration, save a few flickering torches. The rough floor was strewn with straw, and a fire-pit had been gouged in the floor. Racks of weapons lined the walls or lay scattered about, as if thrown in a rage and forgotten thereafter.
He made to call out, but froze as a sharp blade was pressed to his neck. “Who are you?” a voice rasped. “Why do you disturb me?”
“I require your aid,” Olorun said. Carefully, he pushed the blade away from his neck. The figure behind him stepped back as he turned. “Have you felt what has come into the world, since your exile?”
“I…yes. Yes, I have. There is slaughter on the wind. It calls to me, but I do not answer.” The figure turned away, sheathing his blade. Olorun made to follow, and his foot connected with something metal. He looked down and saw a gleaming helmet. He picked it up and dusted it off.
“That is why I have come, son of Zeus. Olympus is at war. And it needs every warrior if it is to survive. Including you…” Olorun extended the helm to its owner. “Ares.”
Ares was silent. Then, slowly, he turned. “Where is my father?” he asked roughly.
“He lives, but he no longer rules here,” Olorun said, firmly. “I am Olorun, king of Olympus. And I have come to ask for your pledge and your sword, son of Hera.” He waited, wondering if Ares would draw his blade anew and follow Zeus’ example. Every story he’d heard, every tale the others gods had told him of Ares’ ferocity and impetuousness had made him wary. But instead of attacking, Ares merely slid his helm over his head, and looked at Olorun with burning eyes.
“Very well. Tell me of this war.”
*
Elsewhere in Olympus, Amaterasu knelt before her sword with her eyes closed, trying to center herself. The curved length of the blade was braced horizontally on an ornate wooden stand, waiting for her to wield it. Hands braced on her knees, she envisioned herself humbling her treacherous brother, Tsukuyomi. Bringing him to heel, as she should have done the first time he overstepped his authority. Annoyed at him and at herself, she opened her eyes and released a slow breath.
“He learned nothing in exile,” Susano said from behind her.
Amaterasu gingerly pushed herself to her feet. “How did you know who I was thinking about?” She turned to face her other sibling. As she did so, the wound in her side pulled and she winced. Tsukuyomi had hurt her, but not as badly as he’d intended. She knew his game – he was following the examples of Set, Loki and others before him, though he would never admit it.
“Who else would it be?” Susano said.
Amaterasu smiled sadly. “True. And speaking of whom – have you found him?”
He shook his head and tugged at his neatly trimmed beard. “He is adept at hiding. And as we grow weaker, it becomes ever more difficult.” He sighed. “He refuses to face us in open battle, and why should he when he can simply outlast us? If we do not fade away first, we will go mad and war amongst ourselves. It is getting more difficult to keep Raijin and Hachiman from each other’s throats.”
She nodded, knowing he spoke the truth. As their shrines fell, either to the cults of the Great Dreamer or to Tsukuyomi, the strength of the gods faltered and became frayed. Soon they would be no threat to either of their foes, and the fate of Japan and its people would be decided by others. “How many shrines so far?”
“Four at last count. Four large ones, I mean. Dozens of smaller ones. Hundreds of worshippers. He has taken from all of us, save you.”
“He is leaving me for last.” Amaterasu looked away. “As much as it pains me to admit it, he might be right.”
Susano grunted. “What do you mean?”
“The Great Dreamer’s influence over our lands – it wavers. Can’t you feel it?” She looked at him. “It is like…a clearing of the air. If only temporarily.”
Susano nodded reluctantly. “Maybe. But what does it matter, if Tsukuyomi is the only one to profit from it?”
Amaterasu paused. “Perhaps he does not have to be.”
Susano frowned. “What are you saying, sister?”
She looked at her hands. “As you say, we wane as he waxes. But what if one of us were to do the same as he? What if our remaining worshippers gave their prayers to but one of us, rather than all? Could we not then match him, and perhaps even defeat him?”
Susano paused and nodded reluctantly. “Possibly. But who?”
“Me,” she said. “It must be me.” It only stood to reason. Her shrines were the greatest, and it was to her the people would naturally turn, as darkness encroached.
Her brother was silent for a time, and she feared he might refuse. But all he said was, “Do you truly think you can best him this time, sister?”
“I must. I am the only one who can.”
Susano nodded. “The others will take some convincing. As will their followers.”
Amaterasu picked up her sword and half-slid it from its sheath. “Then let us be about it. The longer we argue, the harder it will be.” She slid the weapon home and turned.
“It is time for the sun to rise.”
*
Dark clouds gathered over the silent halls of the Aesir. Thunder growled and lightning snapped. Trees bent in a sudden wind, their boughs rattling like spears. Snow whirled up from the ground to be cast in all directions. A storm had come to Asgard.
As the whirling snows cleared, Zeus stepped forth. He had expected a challenge of some kind, but there was no one, Aesir or otherwise waiting for him. The halls were dark, the great city as quiet as a grave. Zeus recalled that Heimdallr had said little about the Aesir – or about their plans for dealing with Cthulhu. Odin had despatched him to Olympus, but beyond that Allfather had played little part in the great conclave of the gods.
Irritated now, he strode past the burnt remains of Glasir, the great golden tree, and up the steps to fling open the doors of the Hall of the Slain. “Odin,” he bellowed. “Where are you, Allfather? The lord of Olympus demands your presence!”
Silence was the only reply. The hearths were cold, the benches empty. The great hall was populated only by shadows. Zeus shook his head, irritation turning to cold anger. Had all of them lost their nerve?
He’d saved Odin for last, hoping that the Allfather at least was made of sterner stuff than the others. Pele had refused to see him, as had Chernobog. Cabrakan, at least, had made an ill-fated stand against the Great Dreamer at Tajumulco, and the reverberations of the battle had broken the land for miles in all directions. Zeus had arrived too late to do more than watch as an entire mountain range collapsed, burying Cabrakan – possibly for good.
He took a deep breath and stormed into the hall, lightning clinging to his muscular frame like a second skin. He called out for Odin again, casting his voice ahead of him like thunder. But the Allfather did not appear. Nor did any other Aesir.
Zeus looked up at Odin’s throne, with its gilt and furs. He snorted and made to turn away, but paused – something had caught his eye. A sudden twitch of movement, a soft chuckle. With a roar, he spun back and cast a bolt of lightning at the throne. Something – a shadow – leapt away, laughing. The bolt struck the throne, reducing it to smouldering flinders. Zeus was already turning as the shadow-shape landed lightly behind him. Steel flashed and lightning erupted from Zeus’ hands.
A flurry of knives, their blades melted to white-hot slag, clanged against the floor. Zeus caught his attacker by the throat and propelled him backwards against a pillar. “Backstabber,” he growled, tightening his grip. “Is this how the Aesir greet their guests?”
“Depends on the guest,” his captive gasped, clawing at Zeus’ forearm.
“Loki,” Zeus said. He smiled fiercely and lifted Loki higher, until his feet dangled clear of the floor. “I have long dreamt of getting hold of you, trickster. You were among those who trapped me in the underworld. It was only my anger that sustained me, in my captivity…”
“You’re welcome,” Loki hissed. A second blade appeared in his hand as if by sorcery, and he made to plunge it into Zeus’ eye. Zeus caught the trickster’s wrist and squeezed. Divine bone cracked, and Loki cried out as the knife fell from his grip. Zeus pivoted, hurling the other god to the ground with enough force to crack the floor.
Loki rolled onto his hands and knees, shaking his head. Zeus gave him no time to recover. He caught Loki by the back of his jerkin and wrenched him into the air. He turned and sent Loki hurtling into one of the great feast-tables that lined the hall. It shattered under the impact, and Loki lay groaning in the debris.
Zeus stalked towards him, summoning a bolt of lightning into his open hand as he did so. “Any last words, trickster?”
“Wait – wait – wait,” Loki coughed, trying to clamber to his feet.
“I have waited long enough.” Zeus kicked Loki in the chest, sending him skidding backwards into the wall in a cloud of splinters. “Odin is nowhere to be seen. But I will get some satisfaction while I am here.”
“I know where he’s gone – where they’ve all gone,” Loki said desperately. “I’ll tell you everything.” He held up his hands. “That’s why I’m here! To help you!”
Zeus paused, lightning bolt cocked and ready to throw. Then, he laughed. The sound shook the hall to its foundations. “I need no help from a creature such as you.” He hurled the bolt, but the moment’s hesitation was all Loki needed. The Trickster God vanished an instant before the bolt struck the wall.
Roaring in rage, Zeus whirled, searching the shadows for his opponent. He saw nothing. But pained laughter drifted down from the heavy oaken beams above. “You need all the help you can get, I think. A king without a kingdom, and soon a god with no worshippers. You might well wish you were still in Persephone’s garden, then…”
Zeus hurled a bolt straight up, tearing a hole in the roof and sending hundreds of golden shields clattering to the floor. “Come down here and face me, Aesir,” he snarled, summoning another bolt to his waiting hands.
“I think not. Set warned me that you’d gone mad, but I had to take the chance you might see sense. Old grudges mean little in the face of – awp!” Loki’s words were interrupted by the second bolt. It nearly smashed him from his perch, and he hastily leapt to another beam. Below, Zeus paced after him.
“Set, is it? And Bellona perhaps? Who else, then?” Zeus gestured, and lightning coalesced in his palm.
“Many,” Loki replied, tauntingly. “You think you are the only one to see the way things are going? Madness rides the star-wind, Zeus. Only those who understand chaos – true chaos – have any hope of defeating him!”
Zeus paused. “You have some scheme in mind,” he said. “Some way of defeating the Great Dreamer that Olorun and the others have not considered…what is it? Tell me, and maybe I will let you live.”
“No, no, I think ignorance is bliss all around.” Loki bowed mockingly. “You are as obstinate as your dear wife, and I leave you to a well-deserved fate.” He was gone even as Zeus loosed his third bolt, leaving behind only the echoes of mocking laughter.
Zeus stared up at the ceiling, rage coursing through him. With a howl of frustration, he unleashed his full fury, filling the great hall with lightning. And as the ancient wood began to burn, he turned and departed.
If he could not find allies, then he would meet his enemy alone.
And to the victor, the spoils.
Final Stand[ | ]
Pallid flames danced along the muddy coastline of the newborn island. The fires were celebratory in nature, kindled by the hands of hundreds of newly arrived pilgrims. Their vessels, whether junk, barge or cog, lay beached and forgotten on the shoreline. They had come from every corner of the world, drawn to this place by their dreams and the designs of their lord and master – dread Cthulhu had risen, and so his children must make obeisance amid the cyclopean stones of newly-risen R’lyeh.
The island shifted like an unsettled beast as a band of recent arrivals dragged their sea-battered long ship ashore. Clad in fur and mail more suitable for the icy seas of the north, they nonetheless bellowed in savage glee to have reached their destination. They were welcomed by their fellow pilgrims, and soon set to merry-making with the rest among the weeds and stones of the corpse-city.
Poseidon, chained to a high obelisk overlooking the shore, watched it all with resigned detachment, his rage long since spent. The fetters that bound him burned like cold fire against his battered limbs, and sapped his divine strength. It was all he could do to hold his head up, and ignore the vile whispers that crowded at his ears. He was not yet mad, he thought. Not yet, but soon.
He heard the voices of his nymphs, his kin, his worshippers – they called him coward; powerless; a false god. They rained scorn upon him. Though he denied them, the deluge was unceasing. The longer he resisted, the stronger it became. He shook his head like a tired bull awaiting the blade. “I am the King of the Seas,” he growled hoarsely. “I will not go mad.”
The voices laughed at his defiance, and renewed their assault. Broken; weak; forgotten…that last had the ring of truth. For where were his fellow Olympians now, when he needed them? He closed his eyes, head drooping. He had been forgotten.
An avian shriek pierced the air. Poseidon’s eyes snapped open. He craned his neck, searching the night sky. Something flashed across the black. Birds, with feathers like brass. They swooped low over the shoreline, and a rain of feathers fell like darts across the gathered celebrants. The screams and howls that arose from the mortals spoke to the lethality of these strange missiles. Poseidon’s eyes widened. “The birds of Ares,” he whispered, in disbelief.
Below, from the water, came a clash of steel. One of the newly arrived long ships shattered and sank as a tall, broad figure smashed through it and waded ashore. The mortals froze in shock as the newcomer stalked ashore, his armor gleaming in the firelight.
Ares.
Silence reigned for a moment. Two. Then, before they could gather themselves, Ares was among them, his blade whirling in lethal arcs. There were more than a hundred of them, but it wouldn’t have been enough at three times that. Poseidon laughed as Ares rampaged among the stones of R’lyeh, and was laughing still when his nephew finally came for him some time later.
“You have looked better, Uncle,” Ares said. His armor no longer gleamed, Poseidon noticed. The island was silent. Even the fires had been doused. Poseidon grinned.
“And you have never been a more pleasing sight, nephew,” he croaked. He twitched, rattling his bindings. “My chains…”
Ares’ blade flashed, and Poseidon fell to the ground, free. Ares did not help him to his feet. Instead, he turned. “There is more work yet to do. If you can be of help, get up. Otherwise, stay out of my way.”
Poseidon rubbed his chafed wrists. “What do you intend, nephew?”
Ares started towards the heart of the corpse-city. Overhead, his birds swept past, shrieking joyfully. “Cthulhu despoils our temples. I will obliterate his.”
Poseidon blanched. “That will not stop him – it will only anger him!”
Ares paused, and glanced back. Within the shadows of his helm, his eyes blazed.
“I am counting on it.”
*
“He’s certainly effective, I’ll say that.” Olorun studied the shifting map of the world. Yemoja had conjured it from a pool of water, and she stood at his side as he observed Ares’ handiwork. Olympus echoed with the sound of preparation – the gods of many pantheons had gathered in its marble halls, readying themselves for the battle they were certain was to come.
In a mere matter of hours, the God of War had wiped out almost a third of Cthulhu’s worshippers. Ares had carved a path of destruction across Greece, China, Egypt, the lands of the Maya and the frigid north. Wherever he went, the makeshift altars of Cthulhu were toppled and his adherents scattered, or slain.
Olorun found such wholesale carnage distasteful, but it had the desired result. Following in Ares’ wake, the other gods pushed to reclaim their despoiled places of worship and reaffirm the faith of their surviving followers. The madness Cthulhu had inflicted upon the world was no longer as pervasive as it had been. Olorun felt as if a weight had been lifted from his thoughts, though he knew it was only temporary at best.
Unless Cthulhu was bound once more, these gains were only momentary ones. But as yet, they had not learned of a way to imprison the monstrosity – or even how it had been done in the first place. Even now, gods of knowledge and wisdom from every pantheon scoured the libraries of the world, seeking some hint that might aid them. Until then, they could only hope to delay and distract the creature.
“My son has always been skilled at causing havoc, if nothing else,” Hera said, joining him at the pool. “He takes after Zeus in that regard.”
“Speaking of whom…” Olorun looked at her. “Has there been any sign of him?”
She sighed and shook her head. “No. Not since he entered the lands of the Norse.” She studied the map for a moment, and then added, “He has ever been unpredictable. Sometimes, he is a storm that blows itself out in a few hours. Other times, he is a hurricane that rages for days.” She turned as Athena joined them, accompanied by Nike and Baron Samedi. “What news, child?”
“For a simple-minded brute, Ares has his moments,” Athena said. “We have retaken Athens and Heliopolis, thanks to his efforts.”
Nike nodded. “Cthulhu’s followers are disorganized – chaotic. Easy prey for someone like Ares. He strikes and is gone before they can recover.”
“And where is he now?” Olorun asked.
Baron Samedi cleared his throat, and shared a glance with the others. “R’lyeh,” he said, after a moment. “We tried to talk him out of it, but…”
“Ares is Ares,” Hera said. “Once he has his mind set on something, he sees it through. Regardless of the consequences.” She looked at Olorun. “Attacking R’lyeh was not part of our strategy. Who knows how that monster will react?”
Olorun frowned. “He might not care. He has not shown great regard for any of his places of power, at least not in any way we can determine.” He paused and glanced at Yemoja. “What do the rivers tell you?”
“Much,” she said. “They sing of red waters in Greece and Egypt – Ares’ work. The Severn murmurs that Arthur has called a gathering of those who rule in the lands of the Celts, to better deal with Cthulhu’s followers in their own lands. The Dnieper saw Baba Yaga’s chicken-legged hut heading away into the mountains near the Black Sea. The Shokotsu whispers of Tsukuyomi’s rampage…”
“What of Amaterasu?” Olorun interjected. The Goddess of the Sun had not been seen since her departure from Olympus some days previous. Olorun knew of her plan to combat Tsukuyomi, and had wished her well in it. Were circumstances otherwise, he’d have happily aided her. Tsukuyomi, like Zeus, was a distraction they could ill-afford at the moment.
“She was seen crossing the Uji Bridge by the Isuzu River,” Yemoja said. “The Ise Grand Shrine is there. Her place of power.”
Olorun nodded. “And what of our other prodigal gods? What of Set and his allies?”
Yemoja shook her head. “They were last seen near the Erythraean Sea, though what their purpose is, I cannot say. Horus might know, or Ra, but…”
“But they are not here,” Olorun finished. Horus and Ra were on the hunt for Set and his allies, blaming them for Cthulhu’s awakening. He shook his head. “We shall simply have to hope that they restrain themselves until our common foe is defeated. As it is, I – eh?” He looked up as a sudden peal of thunder shook Olympus to its bedrock.
“Zeus,” Hera said, softly.
Olorun nodded, but did not speak. He could feel the newcomer’s anger beating on the air. Zeus had obviously been unsuccessful in his scheme, and had returned to vent his frustrations. He turned as the great doors to the council chamber were smashed open by a crackling arc of lightning.
Zeus stood in the smoking aperture. “So,” he rumbled, arms crossed. “I see little has been accomplished in my absence. Still you dawdle, while the world burns. The halls of Olympus are empty of allies, save the weak and cowardly. The strong guard their own.”
“And where are your allies?” Olorun said, stepping forward to meet Zeus. “Where are the great and powerful gods you promised to sway to your cause?”
Zeus’ eyes narrowed. “They do as I should have done.” He entered the chamber, hands full of lightning. “They see to their own temples, their own followers. As I would have, if I had not let you blind me with talk of allies and strategy.”
“Husband,” Hera began. Zeus ignored her.
“Odin has fled Asgard,” he snarled. “Chernobog hides himself in dark holes. But I will not be like them. I will take back what is mine, and I will defy any to take it from me – god or monster!” He raised his hands, and Olorun tensed.
The sudden, winding call of a horn interrupted them. “That was Heimdallr’s horn,” Hera said, stepping between Zeus and Olorun. “Perhaps we should postpone this matter until a later date.”
“No,” Zeus said. “No more postponing, no more interruptions, no more hesitation – I will have my throne back now!” He thrust Hera aside and hurled a bolt of lightning at Olorun. Olorun’s hands slammed together, catching the crackling missile mere inches from his chest. Straining, he tore the bolt asunder, casting sparks of lightning in all directions.
Zeus gaped at him, but only for a moment. A new bolt shimmered into his grasp and he readied himself to hurl it, even as Olorun swept towards him. Light shimmered about him as he crashed into Zeus and carried him backwards, out of the chamber. They grappled, lightning and celestial energy bracing off of their forms to strike pillars and walls. Gods ducked for cover, or called out encouragement to one combatant or the other.
Olorun knew, even as he fought, that it was a mistake. A waste of time and energy that would solve nothing. Zeus would not surrender, and Olorun could not easily defeat the former ruler of Olympus, weakened as he was. But this confrontation had been brewing too long. He had endured insult after insult, and for what?
Light flared, and Zeus reeled, cursing. Momentarily blinded, he slung lightning in all directions. Olorun slowed time and stepped quickly between the bolts. Again, he heard Heimdallr’s horn, its call distorted and drawn out. Something was coming. He felt it deep inside himself – as if the stars were suddenly crying out in horror.
Time snapped back into focus and Olorun’s fist connected with Zeus’ jaw, sending him crashing to the floor. Olorun sagged, suddenly tired. “Enough,” he said.
“No,” Zeus snarled, scrambling to his feet. “Not until I have my throne back!” Before he could lunge for Olorun again, Hera shouted a command and the hulking form of her guardian, Argus, suddenly interposed himself.
“He said enough, husband – and I say it as well.” Hera strode towards them, her face set in an expression of tranquil fury. “Idiots, both of you.” Athena and the others joined her as she gestured with her sceptre. “Heimdallr would not sound his horn save that some threat approached – and meanwhile you two brawl like children!”
“She is right,” Olorun said, shaking his head. “We cannot afford to waste our strength here. Not like this.” He paused, and then looked at Zeus. “Afterwards, though. After Cthulhu is defeated, we will settle this once and for all.”
Zeus hesitated, and then nodded. “Yes.” He looked at Hera. “I will not forget this, wife.” Olorun could not tell what he meant by those words, but Hera’s expression tightened.
“As I will not forget your foolishness, husband.”
Olorun hesitated, uncertain as to whether he ought to intervene. He caught Athena’s gaze, and she gave a slight shake of her head.
The horn sounded again. Olorun led the others towards the sound. They found Heimdallr on one of the great balconies that overlooked the rocky slopes of Olympus. He turned as Olorun stepped onto the balcony, and his expression was grim. “What do you see, Watchman?” Olorun asked.
“Ares has done his job too well.” Heimdallr pointed.
A sea of clouds surrounded Olympus. As Olorun and the other gods watched, those clouds were turning black, and something vast and monstrous was moving through them. Something as large as the mountain itself, a towering horror beyond any titan or monster.
Cthulhu had come, and Olympus shook at his approach.
“It seems we have caught our enemy’s attentions,” Olorun said. “And now we are out of time.” He looked at Zeus, and the other god nodded, a savage smile on his face.
“Then let us make these last moments count.”
*
Amaterasu stiffened as she heard the faint echoes of Heimdallr’s horn sounding. Every god knew that sound, and what it meant. She knelt at the heart of the Ise Grand Shrine, readying herself for what was to come. She looked down at the sword laying on the ground before her, and lifted it, partially unsheathing it. A part of her wanted to return to Olympus, to stand with those whom she had come to know as allies. But of what use would she be if Tsukuyomi claimed all of Japan for himself?
She stood. “None at all,” she murmured. Better to see this through, and then worry about Cthulhu. One enemy at a time.
Susano and the others were far from here, harrying Tsukuyomi’s followers with the last of their dwindling strength. The attacks were not meant to harm him, but rather to prick his ego – to anger him, and force him into a confrontation before he was ready.
From outside the shrine came the murmur of voices – the numbers of the faithful had been growing since her arrival. It had been too long since she last walked among the mortals, and she had forgotten how it felt to hear their prayers with her own ears.
It had been no easy task convincing the others of her plan. But with Susano’s help, she had been able to reassure them that it would not be a permanent change. Merely a temporary ploy to draw in their mutual foe. She hoped it would be enough. She felt stronger already, and her light shone like that of a caged star, filling the shrine and illuminating all those who approached it. Even those who would rather stay hidden.
She heard a whisper of sound and smiled faintly. “Hello, Tsukuyomi.” She spun, drawing her sword fully from its sheath as she did so. Three black shuriken fell at her feet, sliced apart by the stroke of her blade. “You tried that trick before,” she chided.
“Merely trying to get your attention,” Tsukuyomi said, dropping down before her. He squinted at her, as if unaccustomed to the light. Darkness flowed about him like a living shroud. “As you succeeded in getting mine. Figured out my plan, then?”
“Of course. You are hardly the master strategist,” Amaterasu said, goading him. “It was obvious from the start what you intended. And I have matched you.”
“So you have. A good trick, getting Susano and the others to convince their worshippers to venerate you instead. And with you sitting here, shining like a beacon, it is all the harder for the mortals to resist.”
“You were right about one thing – Japan must be unified, if it is to survive. But you will not be the one to do so.” She raised her sword. “Bow, and take your place at my side once more – or face my wrath.”
Tsukuyomi frowned. “An insult. I bow to no one, least of all one I have defeated before.” He grinned suddenly. “Still, I must thank you for making this so easy for me. With you beaten, my task will be completed and quicker than I expected.” He clashed his blades together and laughed. “You wish to fight, Amaterasu? Then come, let us do so.”
Amaterasu shook her head sadly. “If that is what you wish, Tsukuyomi.”
He was already racing towards her as she spoke.
His blades rose for a killing thrust.
Her sword snapped out to meet them.
A flash of light filled the shrine.