Vasso's Discovery of Clerical Powers

Summary

During the journey to New Smoke in Session 5 of the campaign, Vasso reveals to his companions that he has developed new abilities through his prayers to the Earth Mother. He describes experiencing divine communication through vibrations in his hands, which he interprets as his god touching him. The revelation sparks a conversation about Vasso's religious beliefs, including his understanding of sin and his deep sense of shame surrounding these matters. Safia questions whether Vasso might have a malfunctioning implant similar to her own, while Sucks makes crude jokes that embarrass Vasso. The discovery culminates in Vasso gaining access to clerical magic, specifically choosing two level one spells: Magic Weapon and Bless.

Details

While traveling, Vasso announces to his companions: "Yeah. FYI, guys, while we're on this little journey, I've discovered some new talents, by the way. So I've been, like, practicing some of my. My prayers because I feel like every time I'm doing prayers, like, I'm. I'm kind of, like, really getting touched by my God, you know?"

Vasso explains that the Earth Mother communicates with him through physical sensation. As described in the session, "Vasso thinks it's. Well, you know. What did I say his God, his name like earth mother. He thinks that earth mother is vibrating through his hands." This method of divine contact differs from how others might experience their deities, prompting Vasso to ask his companions, "What do you. How do you hear your God?"

The conversation shifts to Vasso's understanding of religious doctrine. He reveals his conception of sin includes "thinking about anyone before binding/marriage" and "making decisions without thinking about his god." These beliefs cause Vasso considerable shame when discussing them with his companions.

Safia suggests a more mundane explanation for Vasso's experiences, questioning whether he might have a malfunctioning implant like her own. Sucks, characteristically, makes crude jokes about jerking off and vibrators, which deeply embarrass Vasso.

Despite the awkward conversation, Vasso's spiritual development proves genuine. He gains access to clerical magic and selects two level one spells that align with his understanding of the Earth Mother's power: Magic Weapon and Bless.

Participants

Vasso — experiences the divine awakening and reveals his new abilities to his companions
Earth Mother — Vasso's deity, who communicates through vibrations
Safia — questions whether Vasso's experience might be caused by a malfunctioning implant
Sucks — makes crude jokes about the nature of Vasso's divine vibrations
Dayna — present during the conversation

Consequences

Vasso gains access to clerical magic, taking his first level one spells
Vasso chooses Magic Weapon and Bless as his initial spells, selected for their alignment with his conception of the Earth Mother
Vasso's companions learn about his religious beliefs and his understanding of sin
The group becomes aware of Vasso's shame regarding his spiritual practices and beliefs
Vasso's method of receiving divine communication—through vibrations in his hands—is established as distinct from other forms of religious experience