Heaven's BBS | Text

[fixed_destiny]

When: June 8
From: Anubis

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Are gods expected to work with their pantheons? I don't mind if so, but I haven't the faintest idea whom else might be beholden to the Egyptians.

On that note, if anyone has any great need of the services of one of the many gods of the afterlife that seem to be in the mythology of this world, I'm willing to assist in any way I can. Please feel free to contact me on this odd little device or at my temple.

Comments

[bussounoshima]

I haven't worked much with the others in Aditi's pantheon. [It could be awkward, if she's supposed to be their mother.] It doesn't seem to be all that relevant.

Anubis has quite the legacy to inherit. What kind of prayers have you been getting, if you don't mind me asking?

[fixed_destiny]

That's good to know. And a little unfortunate, having built-in backup if something goes sour is always useful. Unless of course your new god is at odds with theirs.

Primarily prayers for intercession on the behalf of the recently departed. Although as far as I can tell, I have no actual say in what occurs after someone dies and where their soul goes to, it is believed I do.

Some of them are hard to listen to.

[bussounoshima]

You'll have to make connections on your own, if you want backup. We are encouraged to work with our shinki, if that is any comfort for you.

Speaking of which, comfort is probably what most of your followers are looking for. As you said, you have no influence over where their loved ones go and nor should you. That's entirely up to their own karma.

[Unless they're... kidnapped and used to possess zombies during a really weird parade. But that's just a detour, hopefully.]

[fixed_destiny]

I intend to make myself as self-sufficient as possible as soon as possible so such things may not be necessary. But for new arrivals or those not inclined to combat, help immediately would surely not be a bad thing.

I am

Not particularly suited to offering comfort.

[bussounoshima]

If you were to reach out to newcomers, I'm sure they would appreciate it. We're all in the same boat.

It takes practice. Listening is a good start, you don't want to talk over people or tell them how they should be feeling.

[fixed_destiny]

Is it expected that I go to these individuals in person? I'm not sure a seven foot tall black dog headed deity is going to be very comforting even if I do listen.

I have been, when I find my fellow new arrivals.

[bussounoshima]

How you answer prayers is up to you. I'm sure anyone praying to Anubis knows who to expect. But some other sign that they're being heard might help, even if they don't lay eyes on you personally.

I'm a little jealous though. When I was told I was Aditi, the name didn't come with a makeover. I could have used the extra arms.

[fixed_destiny]

I'll have to find a way to do so then. This sort of thing wasn't precisely taught back home.

It seems to be the power I gained upon becoming Anubis. I would have picked something a little more useful, but it makes sense in a way too. Perhaps there's a way you could upgrade to more arms.

[bussounoshima]

Most people aren't taught it, exactly, it's something they have to learn on their own. It doesn't come naturally to everyone. Just remember that you're doing it for their sakes, not for your own.

I'll settle for the arms I have. I did get Aditi's rooster, at least, though he seems to have fallen on hard times since he appeared in the stories about her.

[fixed_destiny]

I can freely admit that I'm not altruistic enough for that to be an effective line of reasoning. Comforting the bereaved is not something I'm going to be able to do well even if I strongly wished to.

Not without leaving a string of disasters in my wake as I try to figure out the most effective way to do it. Seems unwise.

A rooster, really? Perhaps you really did get the raw end of that particular deal.

[bussounoshima]

Give it a try. You might surprise yourself. Either way, you're not obligated to answer prayers if you really don't want to.

It's not so bad. He's been growing on me.

[fixed_destiny]

There's likely some reason that each of us were chosen to come here and participate in this parade of strangeness. I don't want to simply ignore that job so long as the mystery remains. I would have preferred it not involve comforting the grieving however.

Is the rooster good for anything beyond being a pet?

[bussounoshima]

Take it as a challenge.

[And that's all she has to say to that.]

Security.

[... And all she has to say to that, apparently.]

[fixed_destiny]

Not interested in that sort of challenge. Thank you though, for your information and help.