"Of course. My pantheon only has three deities, so it certainly needs to expand."
Dunn pondered for a moment, then nodded as he spoke.
Then, facing the delighted Miriil, he continued, "But as an equal member of the council, I cannot accept you into my pantheon."
Miriil's expression instantly stiffened.
At the same time, Lolth's expression darkened. Dunn's emphasis on the word "equal" was also a veiled jab at her subjugation of Moradin.
Even Cyric and Tiamat beside them looked slightly grave.
There were now six deities in the council.
They remained clearly divided into two tiers.
Lolth, a greater power, and Dunn and the Fate Overlord, two deities with hopes of advancing to greater power, were prominent figures even in the world at large.
The remaining three lesser powers were, if not at the very bottom of the current Astral Plane, not far from it.
Thus, these three lesser powers all had quite a few thoughts of their own.
The most important was that, at a critical moment, they could seek shelter under Dunn, the Death Overlord. If nothing else, staying alive would at least be no problem.
Yet from what Dunn was saying now, he had actually rejected them outright.
"Joining my pantheon and becoming my subordinate deity would mean placing yourself beneath me."
Dunn's words made Lolth's expression even darker, but he simply acted as though he had not noticed and continued, "But that does not mean our relationship would become any closer.
"Within this council led by His Eminence the Fate Overlord, we are already steadfast and secret allies. There is no need whatsoever for any further insurance.
"Now that only the six of us remain in the council, we should make good use of every bit of strength.
"For instance, hiding among the gods and