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[borntobebard]

[ Having gained some confidence with this fancy tech over the week, Jaskier’s content enough to finally present his baby face to his adoring public, casual in his old school medieval shirt, unlaced to show part of his chest like the total hunk he believes himself to be. He begins with a soft throat clear, his voice carrying like a theatre performer, each word animated. ]

Greetings citizens of Maurtia Falls and beyond! It is I, Jaskier, your beloved bard, here to fill your undoubtedly mundane and murky lives with my brilliant light!

[ A perfect way to introduce himself is to neg everyone listening, right? ]

I seek heroes!

Yes, yes, each and every one of us has been granted such a title, but I require only the best, only the truly worthy among you to share my blessed company. In return, I promise authentic retellings of your adventures to all those that would listen. Stories to make a man weep, songs to get the crowds rejoicing, and poems so passionate that maidens will be lifting their petticoats at the mere mention of your name.

I will consider each applicant in a timely and fair manner, although a drink and some coin as cajolery wouldn’t go amiss.

[ A pause before he quickly admits: ] Bribes. I take bribes.

Thank you, and good day!

Comments

[tricksterofasgard]

Divine, you say?

[ He acts curious but also impressed. ]

Now, many different realms come together in this one. Surely a little demonstration would have been appreciated by lots. Names hardly mean anything here after all.

Though I did not mean to be rude. I am Loki.

[borntobebard]

Not at all rude, Loki. [ The title of "Loki" means little to him in most contexts, beyond a name he hears occasionally uttered by Skelligers. ]

I'm always open to constructive feedback. Going forward I'll ensure all that speak to me know of my capabilities. Are you a man of good taste yourself? You certainly look like you are.

[tricksterofasgard]

[ And Loki is perfectly fine with not being recognized. ]

You have a keen eye, my friend. And naturally I hope to learn of those... Capabilities of yours myself.

[borntobebard]

I'm sure you will in time! Are you a hero seeking a bard? Or just a curious bystander?

[tricksterofasgard]

Neither. I am a god. Though I sometimes participate in the heroics. It's fun.

[borntobebard]

A god? Of the people? I've seen more than my fair share of monsters and humans claim themselves to be gods. Is it something like a cult?

[tricksterofasgard]

I can’t exactly deny the visual similarities my kind shares with the mortals, but do I look like a monster to you?

You can actually look me up in the library if you wish. Though I just warn you that those tales aren’t the most accurate or even flattering ones. This realm may be more familiar with a different incarnation of myself.

[ One that’s a little more than just an alien. ]

[borntobebard]

So you exist in multiple worlds? How fascinating. I'll admit I can't even begin to fathom how that would work.

[tricksterofasgard]

Oh, I find it easiest to simply focus on myself without bothering too much on... Alternate versions.

[borntobebard]

Probably wise, I can imagine trying to comprehend multiples of the self could be exhausting at best. But what of your own self? Were you a god created by belief, or was a belief created because of you already existing? I suppose it's little chicken or egg when it comes to gods sometimes.

[tricksterofasgard]

I do not require anyone to believe in me to exist, worry not. Though I cannot claim to recall the very moment I came to be.

[ Who remembers their own birth anyway? ]

[borntobebard]

Oh, good! I'd be rather upset if you were to vanish out of existence in front of my very eyes.

[ It would be a hassle and he might have to feel sad or something. ]

And don't worry, I can't remember when I came to be either, although the way my father tells it, it wasn't as romantic or grand as I wished it to be.

[tricksterofasgard]

...I doubt that a birth generally should be considered romantic.

[borntobebard]

For a man such as myself it's simply must. Birthed into the still, reflective waters of Melitele's Tears, o-or delivered upon a bed of Redanian roses.

[tricksterofasgard]

If you are this convinced, I will have to accept your word.

[ And maintain his doubts in secret. ]

[borntobebard]

Well, it's sadly not something that happened, but one can dream.

[ And he can just make up bullshit and lie to people about it, that's basically what he does for a living anyway. ]

But you were born, were you not? Grown up from infancy rather than created as you are now?

[tricksterofasgard]

[ Loki is just as much of a liar, but he will allow people to keep their stories every once in a while just because sometimes that gives him something to mess with them.

Though he does raise a brow at that question. ]

Well, yes. Asgardians typically are born and raised.

[ Even those that are frost giants. ]

[borntobebard]

Interesting. Many gods I hear of come into being as they are, or are born of the earth, or some other such tale.

[tricksterofasgard]

Stories. Stories made up by mortals. I already mentioned the tales written about my people.

[borntobebard]

Ah, of course, I suppose there's not much we tend to get right.

[tricksterofasgard]

Oh, but you got the internet right. And shipping wars!

[borntobebard]

Oh, oh! What are shipping wars? A strange term for sea battles, or something entirely and wonderfully new?

[tricksterofasgard]

Shipping wars have very little to do with naval vessels, but with... Ships. Of the romantic sort. I feel you might like those.

[ What could possibly go wrong here. ]

[borntobebard]

[ Nothing at all, surely. Jaskier is already one of the biggest shippers out there. ]

Romance?! I'm invested already! Tell me of these romantic ships that drift on the breeze.

[tricksterofasgard]

[ Loki mostly ships to be a troll - And a pain in Mysterio's ass by writing unrequested smut featuring him and Iron Man and regularly dumping it in Beck's apartment. It's a hobby. One that no one complains about aside from Beck. ]

It's very simple - And very fun. I assume you are already familiar with encountering two beings that you simply know belong together even though they themselves - and others - may not be aware of it. That is your ship. Beings in this realm enjoy displaying and sharing their dedication and support for their ships in very artistic ways. Such as writing, poetry or paintings.

Though disagreements between supporters of different ships may ensue. Which is when the aforementioned shipping wars can ensue. Wars which are often fought by artistic means as well. You really might excel at these.