Apple of Discord: Chapter 1

Hey there, demigod heroes! 

I’m so glad you decided to join us at Camp Half-Blood Austin branch. Topher wanted me to introduce myself. So, here goes... 

​The name’s Grey, your Demigod Digital Assistant for Magic or DDAM. I’m going to help guide you through the questing process. You can thank Annabeth Chase and Mr. D for getting me up and running.

Mr. D is REALLY breaking the rules, allowing us to use these magical communication channels normally reserved for the gods. Annabeth figured out an ingenious way to piggyback a digital hook on the magical signal.

Normal prophecy is still a problem though, as Nero has control of all Oracles and prophecy. For as long as we can communicate this way, we should make the best use of our time.

So, first things first. Work on your demigod warrior attitude.

Look in the mirror or the nearest pond (any reflective surface) and repeat after me,

“I am super dangerous and good looking! I am a fighting machine! I am about to be a highly trained super dangerous, good looking, fighting machine!”

Add a little growl to your voice when you say that.

If you didn’t before, go back and do the growl thing.

I’ll wait. Go on!

Now go hug someone.

You’re only super dangerous when fighting monsters, but you’re always good looking and kind.

Sorry about the sass. <Running a diagnostic>.

There appears to be some new code in my personality programming from Connor Stoll (son of Hermes). Oh well.

We’ve gotta stop Nero.

He is the last of the Triumvirate—the last of the three vile Roman emperors who had themselves worshiped as gods during their normal lifespan.

Because of this Nero achieved a sort of quasi-godhood after he finished ruling Rome and has since been amassing wealth and power.

With Commodus and Caligula destroyed just outside Camp Jupiter last fall, Nero must be feeling vulnerable. Our sources tell us that a while back Nero found and weaponized the Apple of Discord by slicing it into pieces. 

I’m sure you’ve noticed things have been a real mess lately.

You remember the Apple I’m talking about, right? It was the one that started the Trojan War back in the day. Now that Nero’s achieved the strife and discord he wanted, he wants to reassemble the pieces and deliver a death blow to us all.

You have to train.

You have to quest.

You have to stop him.

You have to remember that peanut butter and apple slices are the best thing ever, unless you’re allergic to that kind of thing. 

Muse on this for a while.

The pieces of the Apple will continue to exert their influence. It’s making everything more difficult and deadly. You might have noticed that you are arguing with your family more often.

Compassion and kindness seem to be a bit harder to find. Folks can’t seem to agree on much, and they aren’t afraid to tell you about it.

It’s going to get worse unless you dig deep.

You have to be a part of the solution.

You have to be what the monsters fear, or we are going to lose this battle.

The world is at stake.

Are you ready to start? Good.

Let’s get you the right tools.

In this case, something stabbity. That’s tech-speak for a sword.

If you are already a Camp Half-Blood Austin Branch camper, you probably have your camp sword next to you.

If not, don’t worry.

Use your imagination.

A pen or pencil works.

So does your finger.

Get creative.

Seek out Master Da’Mon.

He’ll be your sword trainer. This guy is the best!

I can open a magical portal for you to step through to his home.

Don’t worry, he knows to expect you.

Be prepared, he has a gruff exterior, but, well... he IS gruff.

The best fight instructors are, am I right?

He will get you in fighting shape, demigods.

Practice makes perfect.

Ready to go? Swords up!