[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.

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.]

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?

[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]

[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.]

[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.

[conflictresolution]

No, and I expect it won't be the last time that you have to endure such foolishness. Humans have a habit of cynicism.

[He wasn't here to make an enemy of an apparent god. He saw value in a conversation with her after all.]

So it would seem. Was part of the requirements that you had to maintain the worshippers or a miracle and a shrine is enough?

[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.

[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.

[cursegod]

No, it's actually quite open ended-- "use your powers as a god to gain followers and impacting those around you for the greater good'.

[She's memorized the text on her scroll just so she doesn't have to keep digging around in her stomach for it.]

So it's the Council's problem if they decide there's a minimum requirement. [Dara pauses before letting out a huff, her tone switching to light sarcasm:] If you're so curious, you can join too.

[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.

[beshackled]

...I see. If that is your resolve, I will respect it.

[Disheartened though he is by the outcome. But if he has learned anything about dealing with the Chosen, it is that they are unlikely to change their mind through verbal debate. To engage in such would be... a waste of time, however infinitesimal that time was.]

Have you any need of fresh seed? The crops of Rumpitur have been contaminated for some moons, and I know not if they stored any safely away.

[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.]

[conflictresolution]

Does that mean as a god this is not something that you would do normally? Though, greater good is always an interesting term to define someone's actions.

[He was amused by her attitude, even if her powers were impressive. He had the impression that they could go the other way just as easily and ruin someone's day.]

Gods and goddesses aren't particularly my thing. I believe in causes, not beings.

[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.

[cursegod]

Fufufu, you seem to be catching on. If this is my punishment, then what was my "crime"?

[Dara would say that she's also amused by Silco. She doesn't necessarily care for beating around the bush, but his way of trying to get information is entertaining on a conversational level.]

What sort of causes have you invested in during your arrival so far?

[cursegod]

That's quite the assumption. [Dara chuckles darkly:] The locals can barely handle their own beasts. You think I truly consider them a threat?

[More like it would be annoying.]

[cursegod]

...Perhaps new seeds would be for the best. I could always cleanse the ones they have in stock, but it's probably best to start fresh.

[She let's out an annoyed sigh. This goodytwoshoes giving her helpful ideas that would be beneficial but she's not so eager to go overboard with blessings.]

You got a supply? 'Cause I don't see Aldrip being so merciful when they got their own problems to figure out.

[beshackled]

I do. I have been saving seeds ever since the fairies requested our help with restoring the forest.

[While their blessing had held, he'd even gone so far as to dot the fledgling regrowth with plants that would yield sustenance for mankind's consumption ere they became lost within the woods... He has yet to check whether it is contaminated, however. He will have to do so later.]

'Tis mostly fruit that I have, given the way sustenance is sold... but I have a small quantity of grains I have yet to consume.

I shall give you the larger share of what I have.

[whatsamada]

Perhaps but you never know. People can be a lot stronger than you think.

[For better and for worse too.]

[cursegod]

Whatever evidence there is isn't promising.

[ESPECIALLY when the Council had to leverage going home against her to prompt good behavior.]

In any case, shouldn't a do-gooder like you be happy that I'm helping them? What can you say for yourself in helping the Rumpiturians?