Come to, Observe Self and Surroundings

The experience of reincarnation was...peculiar. It was odd in that it did not feel odd. I expected something dramatic-a fwoosh of sudden arrival, a thunderclap of abruptly dropping in. Instead, the feeling was...more gradual. I did not so much 'arrive' as I did just fade into existence. Like I was falling asleep and slipping to a dream. My first action was to take a quick glance around. Some of my vines and tentacles seemed to absorb light in a way my mind interprets as vision-giving me a curious form of all-around sight. Neat. I was in some clearing, apparently near a mountainside village. Mostly grasses, a few trees, not much to speak of. A few simple stone houses off in the distance. Compared to the urban nightmare I spent my life in, barely looks like it qualifies as an apartment complex.

And so, I turn my God's Eye onto myself. Now, that gives me quite a bit to look at! A little breakdown of my stats-not too much of interest to me, since I saw what it all was when I choose it. It did seem some things were a bit more open-ended than I thought, though. It seems dark Magic and Light Magic were just question marks all around. Apparently, they're some more vague ability to use shadow and light magic to do things, less defined than distinct spells or abilities. I had to smile inside when I saw my expanded class name. Priest of Carnachias.

You see, I'm not horribly interested in this light and dark stuff. I just want another chance at life to do whatever I please, and wasn't gonna turn down this chance to be more than some rando schlub. She seems moderately amenable to that. Melanoche seemed like it would have been an affront to her if I pulled that. I don't know if gods can revoke priestly magic in this world, but best not take any chances. Sticking it to her by serving her sister is just a nice little bonus spite.

Next, I turn my view from my stats of note, to my body. Out the outside, it would have seemed mostly like a somewhat scrawny tree. Of course, that wasn't actually the case. I was more of a...loose collection of mixed tentacles and vines, vaguely gathered around a central point at the base. Roots on one side, else on the rest. I was no teratoanatomist, but I assume that central point is my brain-analogue. My current appearance was a result of me using some of the vines-which had wood coverings- to form a 'shell' of wood to disguise and protect myself. A bit underwhelming for Huge. Here's hoping I get to really spread out as I level. Pando, you better watch out, I'm gunning for your record!

During all this self absorbed observation, my attention lulls away from my environment. Guess I still need to adapt to properly having two trains of thought. At least, that would explain how I didn't notice something until I heard a noise...