[charm: video]

[cursegod]

[Instead of Dara's usual appearance, the feed opens to a view of her walking on two legs along the parameter of some crops and holding her charm with only one of two gloved hands. Although it may be hard to tell that it's Dara at all considering her hairstyle switched to a bob that frames a wooden mask covering her face; some may even recognize it as a certain mask representing Fortune. The background may also look familiar to those who've traveled to Rumpitur except the farmland looks significantly healthier than before alongside new wooden pillars that line the edge.]

I've secured the crops for the Rumpiturians. Sounds like there are plans being made already, so don't bother me for extra help with the blight. I've got my hands full over here.

[Yup, that's definitely Dara's voice. Speaking of, there's a small gathering of the snake people that soon swarm the curse god, causing her to fumble the charm and drop it on the ground. Some of the Rumpiturians have tears of joy, a few grinning with hope, and they all have their expectant gazes on her. One even grabs her hands--]

Lady Misogiya-- no, Priestess Misogiya, how could we ever repay you?! If what you said is true, we will never have to starve again! A brighter future for our children. Thank you... and please, will you teach us your ways? We will try our best to provide anything you need in return. Just say the word!

[There are agreeable nods and murmurs, yet Dara's reaction is unreadable thanks to the mask. Even her tone stays neurtal:]

If you all agree to follow my teachings, then so be it. I'll need a place established for monitoring--

A temple, yes! It shall be done!

...Okay, fine. Sure. A small place, nothing big. I also need a large vase for water. But before all that, let's just...talk a bit before we rush into things. [With that, Dara pulls her hands away and picks up her charm to turn it off.]

Comments

Voice

[whatsamada]

[Somehow, seeing a group of worshippers for her wasn't surprising. A god like her would obviously want people who want to follow her every will. Still, it didn't stop Ken from giving a small sigh.]

I can see you have your hands full.

>>>audio

[cursegod]

[Jokes on him, having followers is unusual for her. Uncomfortable even. It was easier back home because she only had to handle two kids and their mom.

Dara responds a few minutes later once she's able to get some peace and quiet. Too bad she recognizes Ken's voice:]

You again, huh? Still going to challenge me to a fight? It shouldn't take too much of my time.

[whatsamada]

No, I think I have better things to do with my time.

[He said with a sigh before giving a small frown.]

Although, I wondering when it was a better of time before you find some worshippers.

[cursegod]

Oh? Are you worried for them? Think I might gobble them up?

[The teasing continues with an obvious smirk in her voice.]

[whatsamada]

No, not really. I think if you did, the locals might come after you.

[He said with a pause]

And I doubt you want that.

Audio; Charm

[conflictresolution]

[Now this was an interesting scene to view, and he had no doubt that it was all done on purpose. It was still impressive that, regardless of her reasons, she had enough power to temporarily - or permanently - allow the Rumpiturians to cultivate crops.

He was not a fan of starvation particularly, having experienced significant food shortages in the past. It was only a touch annoying that the Rumpiturians would praise her that was, mostly because it put her in contention for competition in future business ventures.

Still, this one had a certain reputation...]

Your powers do not fail to impress, especially if it can be maintained enough for the people of Rumpitur to gather a harvest and see themselves through the colder months. Quite the hero, you are.

[He'd seen his fair share of prophets selling hope too.]

Are you establishing a religion and place of worship for yourself? There is power in belief.

>>>audio

[cursegod]

A god is far different than a hero.

[She needs to get that out first since this one is an unfamiliar voice. Guardian, martyr? Fine. Hero does not sit well with her, however.]

The situation here bothered me, but my hand has been forced by the Council to gain followers. I wouldn't bother with all this commotion otherwise.

[Because she's actually an awkward introvert.]

[conflictresolution]

Is that so? Can't a god be both to the people that they are saving?

[There were so-called gods in his world as well, and they often worshipped. This looked a little similar. Just a little.]

So, you're following the Council's decree's. You aren't the only one. How many followers are required to fulfil your penance?

[cursegod]

Wouldn't be the first time humans have been foolish towards higher beings.

[She's definitely not going to budge on that.]

You as well? For me, they didn't put a number down, so I might be able to get away with this number. [Dara pauses then sighs:] But I guess I can't blame them if word spreads. Just as long as they see me as mortal, it should be fine.

Video | Charm

[beshackled]

How wonderful that you have been able to help them!

[Though worshipful he is not, Erichthonios is nothing short of delighted at the change.]

May I ask what approach you took to resolve the contamination of their farmlands? And is there anything you need to make certain your efforts continue to bear fruit?

[cursegod]

[Another person she doesn't recognize! So the mask stays on even when she finds a quiet moment to respond:]

If you're asking to replicate the process, don't bother. The posts have sigils carved into them, but I still gotta figure out a ritual process that would gather enough spiritual energy to activate them without me around.

[Unless he happens to have a god's worth of energy.]

[beshackled]

[The presence of a mask causes Erichthonios no pause. He has his own, though he has yet to don it properly, the white avian visage with silver scrollwork left hanging at the breast of his robes.]

...If it is a vessel capable of storing such energies you require, then I shall inform you as soon as I am able to confirm a suitable material of this realm.

[Mayhap the stones will also work to that end, reactive as they appear to be, but he needs to confirm it first.]

Would that our creation magicks would hold without constant maintenance... Furthermore, this star seems curiously bereft of aether... one of the forms of which comprises the soul... or at least, the souls of those from Etheirys. So I know not how well attempting to gather energies from the environs would work...

But our people are able to freely share our aether, should there be a need to do so. You need not take up your burden all on your own.

[cursegod]

[........Sorry, give her a moment to mentally translate the majority of all that. Different systems, different vocabulary.]

...Thanks, but no thanks. Even if you tried to transfer whatever energy you're talking about, it'll probably end poorly for you. I don't need more on my plate.

[breakin_ur_lore]

[Wow, she seems like she's got a lot done! It cheers him up to see.]

Do you need any help?

[cursegod]

No. [The voice behind the mask is terse but lightens up after a pause.]

This is something the Council ordered, so I wouldn't want any setbacks. That includes another Chosen helping.

[breakin_ur_lore]

[Good thing she clarified. He was about to be super sad. Now he's just surprised.]

Oh.

...the...Council of Aldrip? The people in charge of our...'rehabilitation'?

[cursegod]

[Good thing too because she would've stopped responding. She's already uncomfortable being perceived, don't throw more expectations and emotions at her!]

Yeah, that group. Supposedly it's a step closer to getting home...Not that I trust them, but it's better than nothing.

Voice, charm!

[drugsnotclubs]

-Hey, you made it look good.

[The mask, from his shitty doodle, he means. When asked for ideas about masks, of course the Shadows he's fought and watched for so long would be the first to come to mind.]

I guess they were eager for someone to step in and save them, huh. It been going okay?

[cursegod]

[Self-esteem too low to consider any other meaning.]

Heh, good to hear. If you want a mask too, just let me know.

[Compared to her tone with everyone else who responded, Dara's much more relaxed with Shinjiro.]

But yeah, it's going fine. They're just...enthusiastic. I don't think this is a problem they could've fixed on their own anyways. This blight works too similar to a curse.

[drugsnotclubs]

Yeah, I'm not so sure I could pull it off the same way.

[Just that Good Friend pitch-shift! Nothing to think about here!]

I guess if it let up when they fed the monster, it basically could be. The thing didn't seem that smart when we were fighting it, though...

[Maybe it was just some monster being used by someone? Or maybe it was less specific and intentional than a curse would be. All questions he's got no leads on.]

At least they won't all starve to death. [And then, more amused:] So did I hear 'em say they're gonna make you a temple?

[cursegod]

[All other conversation points are out the window because goddammit--]

Ugh, don't remind me. I'll make them convert it into a meeting place or a school if they make it bigger than two rooms. [Dragging a hand down her face even if he can't see it.]

This kind of attention is what my sister handled, not me. It's not like I lived in the main shrine with my family either, so it's just...weird for me.

voice

[rebellions]

[ Okay, so Ragna may have more or less given up on taking revenge on snake people (and even then, it's only because he got into an argument with Jinx over it), but the fact someone bothered to help them out is pretty wild, all things considered. ]

... Wait. So first they tried to kill us, and now they get rewarded for it?

[ There again, she's also a snake, so maybe he shouldn't be too surprised... ]

[cursegod]

[Wow, not even going to appreciate that she's not continuing her public indecency streak. Guess she should strip again.]

The weak and vulnerable are easier to turn into followers-- that's how desperation and gratitude work.

[There is no JK here. Dara doesn't mind playing up the villain image either even if she actually did care about keeping the Rumps from starving.]

It's a tactic that wouldn't work in Aldrip, and I'm preventing the need for ritual sacrifices to start again in the future. Everyone wins in some way.

[rebellions]

[ You do not get points for achieving the bare (pun not intended) minimum, Snake Lady. ]

Sooo... you're starting a cult.

[ He's not sure he likes the sound of it... but hell, the people of Aldrip have their "those who were here" or whatever bullshit belief, so it wouldn't even be the first one in this place. ]

You sure this isn't a stunt to get 'em to give sacrifices to you, huh?

[cursegod]

On the Council's orders, yeah.

[SHE'S TOO MUCH of a recluse and introvert to start a cult! But this is part of her "rehabilitation", so.......]

Too troublesome. If I wanted to feed on the living, I'd do my own hunting.