[video] un: theballadeer

[lyingstars]

[There is a hatless Scaramouche laying back against the floor. He seems to be contemplating something, hand outstretched above him and idly playing with an odd looking purple and gold chess piece - a Gnosis for those that are familiar with them. There are no introductions here, just a question.]

I'm curious... Tell me about your gods. Who they are, what they do. Whatever.

[A pause.]

Just what is a god to you?

Comments

text | un: sleep

[verytired]

I'm the god of sleep. A god to me is someone who performs duties to help ensure a life well lived for mortals.

[somnophilic]

What a strange question. Well, no, I suppose strange isn't the right word.

[The responding individual seems to have his device propped up, leaning lazily forward on the table? Desk? Whatever he's sitting at, one hand on his chin.]

I may not be the intended audience for a question like this, since I've only really heard of gods in passing from those who dream... but from my observations, they seem to be those who can do inexplicable and amazing things in a physical realm.

[Slim shoulders rise in a shrug, and he reaches up to push his glasses back to their proper place on his nose.]

I suspect, in the end, that there's less that separates a god from any other individual past age and ability. I've even met people who call other short-lived mortals "Gods," simply because they see them as something unattainable.

Video; UN: Zhongli

[negeotiation]

[Oh, Zhongli is certainly familiar. His gaze is knowing as he watches the young man fiddle with the familiar shape, but... there's no judgement there. Only keen, amber-eyed observation.]

That makes three now, doesn't it...?

[lyingstars]

Hm... three?

[While Scaramouche can guess what that's in reference to - there's really very few things it could be about - he doesn't seem particularly interested.]

text; un: manslayer

[hitokiri]

i dunno something that has some kinda power over shit. the world or fortune or whatever the fuck. but not all gods are equal cuz some shitty mountain god aint the same as a god that can i dunno control death or somethin

[negeotiation]

Three Gnosis that have been acquired by the harbingers, as far as I am aware.

[lyingstars]

The god of sleep... What does that even entail?

[He taps the chess piece against his chin in thought.]

Does it truly matter if they lived well or not? What makes mortals worth all that effort?

[lyingstars]

[Well there it is. He tilts his head slightly.]

Oh? Are you implying that I'm a Harbinger?

un: tapir

[dreamvour]

[she's stretched out on a futon, arms folded under her head]

A god, at least by my understanding, is an immortal being that holds dominion over some aspect of the human world and is worshipped as divine. They are seen as gods and worshipped as gods by humanity and so, that's what they are.

[a yawn] I work for Bishamonten, a god of war and warriors in my country, but he is known by other names elsewhere in my world. He protects where the Buddha teaches as well, so he's also considered a god of knowledge.

[verytired]

[ He switches to video. ]

It means sleep, dreams, and nightmares are all my domain.

[ That lazy grin. ]

Of course it matters. Their lives are short and easy to destroy unlike ours. If I am to live a life well lived, shouldn't they as well? They're the ones who worship and honor us, after all. Without them, we have no duty.

video | un: Gogol

[quizpersona]

[The video feed flutters on to show Gogol sitting with one leg crossed over another with his arms splayed out. Bet no one who wasn't already exposed to the Decay of Angels could anticipate a discussion about theism would attract clowns. Just wait for the bird metaphors to start coming out.]

Oh crumbs! Shouldn't I know the answer to this one?
God is a measurement used to determine whether humanity blossoms or decays.

[lyingstars]

Oh... It's you.

[He sounds so very unamused.]

And how does one measure something like that?

[quizpersona]

It's me! Did you miss me?

[and he looks visibly delighted to be annoying Scaramouche.]

Let's see here. Now don't they say that man imitates God? Yet to become completely unbound by those shackles, to achieve perfect freedom, it's only natural that you should be in opposition of that. The measurement is through acts of defiance!

[lyingstars]

The power between gods is not always equal, no... But what makes them gods is control over some aspects of the world, or fate. At what point does that control turn them into gods? Or are they considered gods right from the start?

[lyingstars]

[Scaramouche rolls his eyes, ignoring answering in favour of returning his focus to the chess piece.]

Do you defy your god, Gogol?

[lyingstars]

And if a being possesses that power, but isn't worshipped what does that make them? Simply immortal? At least until some mortal comes along and decides to worship. How many does it take before they're considered one of the gods.

[A pause.]

War and warriors... While also being a god of knowledge? That's quite the combination.

[dreamvour]

That would depend on what they use that power for, I would think. And why they were given it in the first place. Many of the gods I know lived human lives first, and with the power they had, used it to better human life. It was only after they died that they ascended to what they are now.

Others . . . mm, things do need to stay balanced.

[a small puff of amusement]

Many gods are like that where I'm from. In his pantheon alone, three are considered gods of prosperity, but are known for other things, too.

[hitokiri]

huh. good question. or u know what maybe its just one of those things that depends on how u look at it. what u think a god is might not be the same as what i think a god is because maybe u got some kinda weird power shit going on and u aint real impressed with my gods hehe.

but u probably gotta be the best at something. or the source? some "god of fire" that gets burned by their own fire aint much of a god its just some asshole who can start fires

i aint really smart enough to know about this kinda shit but u got me wondering

[ sure beats thinking about worse things like he usually does... ]

[quizpersona]

[Gogol wags his finger with the same tempo as the ticking of the second hand on a clock.]

Ah-ah-ah! You ask a lot of questions for someone who gives nothing in return! I like it! Buuut how about just this once you answer my questions. If you do a good job I might tell you that and more as a prize.

[lyingstars]

What questions? Maybe you'll get lucky and I'll consider answering.

[quizpersona]

Strap in, it's time for a special edition rapid fire quiz. Well then, are you prepared? First up--

[Gogol holds up three fingers. It's an indication that this is all he's going to ask (allegedly in rapid succession.)]

Is The Balladeer a moniker with a greater purpose attached to it?

[In the absence of being given an actual name he's gotta ask. It's right there on the network. He gotta.]

[lyingstars]

Those who dream?

[He sits up a little at that.]

Do they only have power in the physical realm then? Though I can only imagine how many pseudo-gods you have running around, if all it takes to be labelled one is an ability others think they cannot match.

[lyingstars]

[Scaramouche keeps his gaze fixed on the Gnosis as he considers if it's worth answering that question. For the moment it doesn't hurt anything. Though he supposes he could also just lie.]

It's an alias, nothing more. Consider it a job requirement. There's nothing special hidden behind it.

[As though that doesn't add more questions.]

[quizpersona]

That answer...! Let's call it good enough. Now then,

[Immediately he puts one finger down even though it might be a superficial answer. He's diligently sidestepping coming to know anyone too well.]

Does your question about God have anything to do with what you're holding right now?

[lyingstars]

No.

[Partially.]

Should it?