GODLY AUDIENCES: ALEX

[divus]

Comments

[psynergy]

[He's looking down a god, this is perfect...

Okay actually he'll only show the mildest surprise at the questions.]

Oh? It seemed the most worthwhile to make use of that power as early as possible. I do apologize if I've offended you.

[divus]

I think we both know you don't really mean that.

[Fortune gives an exasperated sigh and heads further into the room, waving for him to follow.]

...but I had some questions for you. If I win this, the people who helped me win are going to get something from me. What is it that you want?

[psynergy]

Of course I do.

[He'd sigh too because for some reason it's hard for people to trust him, but Alex. I mean, he certainly doesn't hide the fact that he has hidden agendas, but he really goes out of his way to not directly cause trouble most of the time...

And follow he does. Maybe he'd show off his warping skills, but alas, it's not allowed in this dream game.]

I thought that would be obvious from your name. I'd most like for my fortunes to remain as good as possible. I've found that despite one's best efforts, sometimes certain details can remain outside of an individual's control at times...

[divus]

[Fortune doesn't answer that immediately, but... well, this entire contest between the gods is the very epitome of "something remaining outside of an individual's control". Maybe it hits a little too close to home.

After a moment, Fortune glances at Alex over their shoulder.]

So, six weeks from now when I win and send you back to Weyard with all the good fortune I can give you... what do you plan to do?

[psynergy]

[If only omniscience were so easy...

It's nice not feeling like a deity-figure was reading his desires and staying ahead of him. Normally he wouldn't be this close to open, but given the stakes, he'll let the one granting him power know just enough to understand why he'll see this through.]

I plan to be successful when I finish claiming what is rightfully mine. Ideally while also showing one particular pest his true place, but so long as I accomplish the former, that will be taken care of sooner or later.

[divus]

[Alex can't see it, but behind Fortune's mask, their eyebrows are raised so high they're practically in their hairline.]

I really shouldn't be surprised that you're managing to be both straightforward and cryptic at the same time.

[psynergy]

Hmh, you think so?

[It's hard to tell if he's just mildly amused or suppressing a stronger reaction.]

If you'd prefer I put it in simpler terms, I intend to succeed, and I will use whatever means may be available to ensure that I do.

[divus]

I know that. That's why I tried to get you to pick me.

[Alex is a good person to have on your side if you want to achieve something - and the gods, who know everything that was on their app quite a bit about them, are well aware of that.]

...I just wonder what it is I'll be sending back into your worlds if I win, that's all.

[psynergy]

[...Then why are you asking all this, the people in his canon may be dense but he's a pretty damn obvious read.]

Ah, are you saying this reward must have some sort of physical manifestation?

[divus]

No, that's not what I meant.

[Fortune shakes their head.]

You're dangerous enough already even without my power. If I send you back with it, what's going to happen to Weyard?

[psynergy]

[...Yeah, he knew you knew more than you were letting on. Though it still doesn't explain the lack of trust to him. He stays silent but smirking for a couple seconds.]

I see... But what point is there in limitless power without the place in which one can use it? You can't really believe I'd cause something that devastating with my own hand.

[divus]

[Well. God, and all.]

...have you tried going down the stairs yet, Alex? The ones outside of the temple?

[psynergy]

[So you also know the entity he's ready to teach a lesson to basically is one! You know, just for the record...]

I'd been using my time familiarizing myself with...my immediate surroundings. Although I must admit, should no one else make the journey and report back, I would have gone to see for myself. Why?

[divus]

[Haha, yeah... That sure is a thing.]

There's nothing down there.

[Fortune says it bluntly.]

This is our world, and our "limitless power" destroyed it. You needing a place to use your power once I win doesn't mean your world is going to be safe.

[psynergy]

[Alex looks about as surprised as he typically can get. But it's not very long until he exhales and closes his eyes.]

Interesting. I suspect that's related to the need for this "game"?

Of course there are always unpredictable forces, which I'm sure you're all too familiar with. Rest assured I have my reasons for not wanting a similar fate to befall Weyard, and I would prevent it at whatever costs I see as necessary.

[It's NOT BECAUSE HE'S LIKES ANYONE ELSE, NOPE...]

[divus]

Is it because of Mia?

[SORRY, ALEX, YOUR GOD IS A LITTLE SHIT.

All-knowing. All-powerful. All too willing to troll their followers.]

[psynergy]

[His eye narrows just enough that you KNOW he'd be glaring if he wasn't trying to keep the "aloof" thing up all the time.]

...Suffice it to say that Weyard will be remaining below or above anything that is already there.

[He'll go for Alex 101 and try to change the topic. It always works with those JRPG kids...]

I must admit, I am curious as to why a collection of gods without a world would find it necessary to hold some sort of contest.

[divus]

[Fortune doesn't seem all that bothered by the narrowed eye, but then, it's hard to tell behind a full-faced mask.]

Well, we had a world. But the arguments about how to rule it got a little out of hand.

[And now there is... not a world anymore. Yikes.]

We've sworn oaths to accept whatever decision you all come to about which of us will be in charge. I don't think it's the best way of doing it, but it's what we have to deal with now.

[psynergy]

[Yeah, at least he's not afraid to show SOME of his face!]

Hmmm, I see. So there's far more at stake for you, then. But with no world to rule over, what is the point if I may ask? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the societal requirements of deities.

[divus]

Whichever of us is chosen to rule over the rest will get to remake the world the way they want to.

[That's what the stakes are, basically.]

I think you can tell just by looking at the names of the other gods that some of them doing that would be a really bad idea.

[psynergy]

[Alex certainly can't argue against the "winner takes all" approach though logic does make that seem a bit weird what the the explanation for why it's necessary.]

Heh, yes, your names do appear to be rather telling. [Says the guy who picked "Arcanus" in the tarot card club.] I have to wonder how "Ruin" would create anything...

So essentially, you've put your fates into our hands?

[divus]

[look if these gods were competent there wouldn't be a murdergame. they're a mess.]

I've been trying not to think about that. [Fortune says that flatly, because uh, Ruin? Yikes.] ...but yes. Our fates are in your hands. That's why you all are here.

[psynergy]

[He's...getting that vibe, yeah. Such a pity too.....]

I see. That being the case, I do hope the victor is able to uphold their end of the bargain...

[Hi I'm Alex and I've apparently been trying to pick a fight with not!god after he pissed me off, that's probably not isolated behavior...]

Is there anything else that might be valuable to know?

[divus]

They will be.

[Fortune says that with absolute certainty, at least. When someone is declared the supreme god of this world, they'll gain all the power that comes with it.]

That depends on what you find valuable. I'm not allowed to speak generally, but if you ask me specific questions, I can answer.

[psynergy]

Oh, really? Then I suppose that would depend on the nature of this competition, or at least of this place. I may have to get back to you on that then, if that's all right.