002

[forceofnature]

[voice, public]
[Viridi has learned her lesson.

...Well no she hasn't she never does, but she can at least recognize the fact that the people here were too stupid to be expected to understand why gods needed to communicate the way they did.  Or how, exactly, this sort of communication worked. 

The telepathic broadcast is once again aimed to everyone within the city.  Instead of ringing directly in the ears of the unwashed masses, though, it seems to be reverberating from their communications devices instead.  There's an oddly echoing quality to it, and they'll find that her voice is impossible to shut off through the COMP, but hey.  She tried.]

So.

You've all been busy.  Paying visits to the mysterious 'Velvet Room', huh?

I couldn't help but notice that you're all practically lining up out the door to do favors for some strangers you don't know from Adam.  I'd call it altruistic, but we all know you're just hoping to get some shiny trinkets out of it.  A new weapon here, a better Persona there...  Call me crazy, but it's almost like you're making offerings in the hopes of receiving a blessing from some higher power you're pretty sure is benevolent.  Isn't it weird how familiar that sounds?  And you know, come to think of it, I could use a spare hand for some fetch quests, too.  Since you're all just so eager to be helpful, I'm sure you have time to spare.

Of course, I don't need anyone's faith, but a few favors here and there might just mean some handy-dandy divine intervention in your future.  I'm a goddess of my word.

You can even ask Pit!  My Treasure Hunt board had the ideal balance of difficulty to reward.  Palutena's was the lamest thing ever and Hades basically made his for sadists.  So act fast!  Once I've got what I want, you're just plain old out of luck.

Comments

[ineedthemforanalyzing]

...well, I do really like these hairpins, but I helped out Miss Caroline because she asked nicely.

[forceofnature]

Judging higher powers by whether or not they're 'nice' is the fastest way to earn a ticket to the next life. Sure, Hades is a riot at our parties, but will you still be laughing after he takes your soul?

[ineedthemforanalyzing]

Why would Caroline or Igor want my soul?

[forceofnature]

That was an analogy. I'm sure they're after something else.

[ineedthemforanalyzing]

So in your experience, do supernatural beings always have an ulterior motive for helping people?

[forceofnature]

Everyone has an ulterior motive for helping others. Even if it's just because you feel good about yourself for doing it or because you want the other person to like you.

[ineedthemforanalyzing]

And what's wrong with either of those?

[forceofnature]

The first is egotistical and the second is sycophantic.

But higher beings don't usually need to feel good about themselves or really care all that much whether an individual mortal likes them. We play for higher stakes. Whatever motive your Velvet Room attendees have, it's not pure altruism. Same for Philemon.

[ineedthemforanalyzing]

And the same for you.

[forceofnature]

Exactly! See, you understand.

[ineedthemforanalyzing]

I'll keep that in mind if I ever have a reason to work for you.

[forceofnature]

It's not as if I'm subtle about my ulterior motive at all, you know. You don't need to think that hard.