Golden Shoat [LINKS]

Gilded Swine of Flame and Fortune

Born of prayer and metal, these flying porcine specimens awaken in response to intense desire and want, functioning similarly to minor deities in some capacity upon coming to life. As its subjects offer themselves in its service, the golden shoat rewards their sacrifices with great fortune. Though outsiders remain wary of golden shoats and their promises, the number of devout believers grow almost as quickly as a shoats coffers, as heaps of gold are fed to the swine. 

Bountiful Idol. Communities blessed by the presence of a Golden Shoat see many benefits; the shoat doles out boons and lucky breaks to all who come to sing its praises. Over time, a small community grows in size as rumors of the magical golden pig spread throughout the land, enticing more attention from beyond. Particularly long lived shoats can birth small cities centered around them as travelers near and far come to pay homage in exchange for good fortune. 

Golden Hunger. Though a golden shoat may be revered similarly to a deity, its true nature is still that of a celestial born of mortal wishes, and wishes cannot fill its belly. A steady diet of gold in any form, though coins are its favorite, are necessary for the longevity of a golden shoat. As such, tithes and fees often begin to accompany the opportunity to be graced by the shoat’s presence, as those nearest to it seek to line their pockets in the name of “the greater good”. 

Eager Gods. Unfortunately, the generosity of a golden shoat is not limited to those of good hearts and kind souls. The spontaneity of their sudden existence means that these golden celestials can appear in response to any sufficiently powerful desires as long as their needs are met. Satisfied with wallowing in praise and flattery, a golden shoat thinks little of the wider reaching repercussions of its blessings, instead happily granting boons to any who come with appropriate offerings. 

The cheers of the temple ring beyond its walls, as the crowd rallies yet again in ecstatic applause. As you try to get your bearings amidst the ruckus, a golden light from within catches your eyes. Suddenly, the crowd parts, leaving you all standing alone in the center of the market square. When you look up, a flying golden pig flaps its ears lazily as it sways down the temple steps in your direction. After taking a moment to finish chewing on the golden piece between its teeth, you hear the swine’s voice ring in your head. 

“Greetings and salutations friends! Long and weary must have been your journey, but worry yourselves no longer, for I see good fortunes in your future!”

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