However, none of that really bothered Hudson. If there was one thing that he had learned from living in Tal'Qamar for twenty years, it was that every opportunity came with risks. This opportunity was far from ideal, but it still presented him with the best chance to change his life for the better.
"What kind of rewards would we be given?" Hudson asked eagerly. He didn't care if he came across as greedy, because the rewards were absolutely the most important aspect in his mind.
General Nasrith's gaze flicked to Hudson, a knowing smile playing across his lips. "That depends on your performance. Rewards could come in the form of monetary compensation, enchanted items, or special privileges. Should you prove your usefulness and loyalty, I might even consider giving you all one of the Conclave's towers from the Spire Garden, once they are… refurbished. Not to mention that spreading the influence of your deities has the potential to quickly increase your Levels."
It was that last point that Hudson cared about the most. At his current rate of progression, it would likely take him more than a year to reach Level 20. People progress in Levels by doing things related to their Classes, especially when those things were uniquely difficult or dangerous.
There was a reason that Adventurers leveled far faster than most people.
Religious classes were unique in that their Levels would also increase faster the more favored they were by their gods. Hudson didn't know exactly how long it would take him to reach Level 20 if he was recruiting worshipers for Cerebon, but he estimated it could even be as soon as a few months!
Farida scoffed before sneering at Hudson disdainfully. "Serving one's god is its own reward, boy. The only recompense you should be concerned about is your god's approval."
Speak for yourself!
Hudson ignored the zealot as his mind conjured images of him moving out of his small house and into one of the towers in the Spire Garden. It had been more than a year since he'd had to worry about going hungry, but his life still couldn't be considered a comfortable one.
"So long as you serve Tal'Qamar faithfully, you shall be rewarded in turn," General Nasrith said as he studied Hudson before turning his attention back to Farida. "And as long as your teachings are not a threat to the city's interests, you will be permitted to spread your teachings without interference."
Hudson wasn't all that concerned about interference since Cerebon wasn't too picky when it came to his rituals, but he could tell all of his peers were reassured by the General's word.
Just as Hudson was about to ask another question, a deep rumbling voice echoed throughout the room.
"Is it safe to assume that you would prioritize contributions that bolster Tal'Qamar's war capabilities?" asked Borak as he studied the General. "The Boons offered by the Way of Gendal are indeed well-suited for combat, but they will only be shared among my people."
Why would Tal'Qamar be going to war?
Hudson turned his attention to Nasrith and saw a pleased smirk on the General's face. "Why do you believe that would be safe to assume? I have made no mention of a coming conflict."
Borak grumbled under his breath and his eyes hardened as he returned the General's gaze. "In my long years, I've learned how to predict where the wind will blow. The Conclaves still hold significant influence in the rest of the Qahtani Desert, and will not be pleased that they've lost access to Tal'Qamar. As a man who has known nothing but war, it's natural that you will respond to their inevitable aggression with military might."
Hudson knew that the old ogre had hit the mark when he saw General Nasrith's smirk widen further. "Your wisdom does you credit, Grand Shaman Borak. Conflict is indeed more likely than not, which is why I would like to move on to the discussion of your Boons and what you have to offer. That is, of course, if you have all decided that you wish to stay in Tal'Qamar and freely spread your faiths."
Hudson had already decided a while ago that he would accept the General's offer and nothing he had heard so far had changed his mind. Even if he was forced to serve under a military dictatorship and live in a city that was about to go to war, this wasn't an opportunity Hudson intended to pass up. Besides, he was in a decent enough position to run away and start a new life if things turned sour.
"I can't speak for anyone else, but the terms you've put forward are acceptable to me," said Hudson, nodding toward General Nasrith before turning to the others to see how they would respond.
Farida was the next to speak, her expression as stern as always. "Despite the circumstances, I am a faithful servant of the divine. The Stern Wanderer has never turned his back on those in need, and I don't intend to start now. I will pledge my service so long as you honor your word to refrain from interfering in our teachings, General Nasrith."
Borak let out a gruff chuckle. "The Way of Gendal has endured many changes throughout the years. We will endure this one as well."
Kinta simply nodded calmly in agreement, "The Serene Guide's teachings bring peace and understanding to all who follow them. If I can continue to share them with the people, then I will endure any hardship."
All eyes turned to Kassan, who merely gave the General a long calculating look. "You already know my answer, General Nasrith."