With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

FeepingCreature · Apr 26, 2022

Mr Zoat said:
The fact that I consult with you is already well known, so it would seem strange that I might give you one."

wouldn't

Darko · Apr 26, 2022

Mr Zoat said:
myself that while he is old he's younger

"old, he's younger"

Mr Zoat said:
"…because I would be fired."

Ploutos strums the fingers of his right hand against the side of his coffee cup, avoiding my eyes. For a moment I feel awkward about hassling an old man, before I remind myself that while he is old he's younger than quite a few of the Olympians I've already spoken to and been turned down by

Yeah, the Greeks may not be too pleased at discovering his true nature.

Mr Zoat said:
Wouldn't that be economic suicide?"

Since when has a decision being stupid ever stopped a politician from going through with said decision.

Mr Zoat said:
"During Themyscira's brief and fleeting contacts with the world outside of their island, it was usually the Herakla who made the journey

They are incredibly strong and they may not have been all that integrated in the mainstream Amazon society.

Mr Zoat said:
"Ah, yes. I see how that could happen. Despite his power, Zeus was never ambitious. He fought Cronus for his own survival and took power as his due, not because he sought it for its own sake

Guy may have been horrible, but at least he wasn't ambitious.

Mr Zoat said:
work in a field were

"field where"

Mr Zoat · Apr 26, 2022

FeepingCreature said:
wouldn't

Thank you, corrected.

Darko said:
"old, he's younger"

No, I think that's okay.

"field where"

Thank you, corrected.

Darko · Apr 26, 2022

Doccer said:
Which episode is that? I've been considering getting I to the series and I'd like to know what 1 to look for.

Xmaster3000 said:
You're gonna wanna start from season one, but the episode Darko is talking about is in season two. The episode in question heavily implies that someone (not saying who 'cause it's a spoiler) is a clone.

The episode is called Hollow Mind, but yeah, like Xmaster3000 said, you wanna start from the first season.

Trust me the show is great and if you start from the first episode then you'll be more invested in the characters and the impact the last episode has on some of them.

Though be warned, it got really dark.

FreeGod · Apr 26, 2022

Darko said:
Guy may have been horrible, but at least he wasn't ambitious.

Might have been better if he was. As is all he did was crush the ambitions of everyone else.

Chojin Patriarch · Apr 26, 2022

Mr Zoat said:
28th October 2012
21:32 GMT

"…because I would be fired."

Ploutos strums the fingers of his right hand against the side of his coffee cup, avoiding my eyes. For a moment I feel awkward about hassling an old man, before I remind myself that while he is old he's younger than quite a few of the Olympians I've already spoken to and been turned down by.

True. He appears as an old man because, like wizards, professors get more respect if they seem mature and wise. Even if some aren't anywhere near either thing. Still, a pity we missed some others, but I suspect most conversations went the same way.

"Wouldn't that be economic suicide?"

"Only in the same sense that smoking is suicide. The fundamentals of an economy are not harmed by short term price fluctuations. Real economic damage kills slowly but surely. The office I hold and the privileges that come with it are the most a person can hold in Greece without being elected. And because I am not elected and because it is my job to tell people who want to spend money they don't have that they can't, I don't have the support of a political machine and I don't have the support of the cabinet."

And unfortunately, others might not be so sensible and reserved in their advice. And more likely motivated by personal gain.

"But you have the support of your peers-. You don't, because they want your job."

"It's not as if I'm ever going to retire, after all."

And as noted, others probably only see the profit he makes, not the challenges he faces or the potential risks.

"You'd have to eventually, wouldn't you? I mean, they're going to notice eventually."

"There are people in this world who do not age as most do. It would be simple to 'discover' that I was descended from a demigod or some such thing, particularly with people growing accustomed to being guarded by the Herakla."

Also the fact that many of the people he works with would probably move on after ten or twenty years, and wouldn't perceive the 'old man' not getting older.

"I was surprised by how many of them volunteered."

Given the effort it's taken to persuade other Amazons to go through the Dolmen Gate, the fact that most of Herakles' daughters were happy to decamp to the mainland came as a bit of a surprise. Particularly given the number of statues that had to be relocated in a hurry. Still, it's… Making the people of Greece feel a good deal safer, and been a major boon to the tourist industry.

I'm picturing one of them seeing a statue and saying, "It's a good likeness, but as you can see, I'm not nearly that busty. Nor would I walk around half-dressed like that..."

And not just from lesbians.

It's also made it hard for the Orthodox Church to complain too much about the pagans, though that's probably going to change in the not-too-distant future. Having living proof of the power of the Olympians hanging around has emboldened the pagans, and… It's interesting to watch them trying to speak to the Amazons in Ancient Greek.

Linguistic drift. Unlike ancient Greek, Themysciran Greek is still living and changing, if slightly.

I imagine it's like saying 'ayve' to a Roman and then being confused as to why they tell you to go away.

Assuming they didn't correct your pronunciation ("It's pronounced 'Ah-vey', you silly person.") Then tell you to go away.

"I was not."

"Oh?"

No doubt the daughters of Herakles have been feeling a bit of wanderlust.

"During Themyscira's brief and fleeting contacts with the world outside of their island, it was usually the Herakla who made the journey. Hippolyta knows that the government in Athens has no malice for her or her people, but that would not stop a single individual attacking them. The Herakla are even more capable of taking care of themselves than their sister Amazons."

"And because despite everything they're still defined by their father."

I bet the world has a slightly skewed image of an average Amazon because of that. A good explanation as any for the typical 'super-strong warrior woman' depiction of some eras of the main DC Universe.

"Which is not a bad thing as far as the rest of Greece is concerned."

"The Archbishop's speech rather suggested otherwise."

Well, of course the orthodox church is going to complain about 'heathens'.

"It was a moderation on his former position, and an indication of the direction of travel. It is usually unwise for churchmen to spring things on their parishioners. They have long since acknowledged that we Olympians exist, and it actually helps their position that the Herakla hold their father in such low regard."

"So..?"

Huh. Quite the forward-thinking fellow, then.

"So I will wait between five years and a decade, until such things are normalised if not fully accepted, then I will make a quiet announcement concerning my own 'heritage'."

"But a hard 'no' on acting as God of Commerce?"

Probably not that demanding a job, really. Bet he'd have to spend a lot of his time telling worshippers 'No, this may net you profit now, but you'll suffer later'.

"You have a compromise in mind?"

"Hellenism isn't exactly a major world religion at the moment."

Yet. Though if Hephaestaean has anything to say about it...

"That is true. And if I were to take the job, I doubt that it would be much different to the lectures I am periodically called upon to give to my fellow economists. Some time away from the office, but returning to Olympus rather than Davos."

"I'm sure that Hephaestaean would prefer it if you were actively trying to proselytise, sharing your wisdom with anyone who needed it. But taking a day or two a month to answer those who request your guidance shouldn't be any great burden."

And the afore-mentioned knocking of sense into short-sighted idiots...

"No." He nods. "No, I suppose that you are correct. And Hephaestaean does not want me to control a company for him?"

"Given the rate at which I've been picking up rejections today, I think he'll be glad that you're willing to do anything."

Been going that well, huh? Zagreus did say earlier, they'd grown used to their leisure.

"Ah, yes. I see how that could happen. Despite his power, Zeus was never ambitious. He fought Cronus for his own survival and took power as his due, not because he sought it for its own sake."

"Jesus never sought power for its own sake, and the religion he inspired is the largest on the planet."

But that wasn't his doing, was it?

"True, but I have my suspicions about Paul and he founded the institution."

"Not going to tell me that you met him?"

I doubt it would have been as Ploutos, God of Wealth, if he had. Maybe listening to a sermon or two in amusement.

"He would hardly have asked me for business advice. No, if you want to hear about the early church, I suggest speaking with Athena."

"It has been suggested to me that I might like to avoid unplanned encounters with gods."

Given the way some of them have reacted to you, or your unsubtle approach to making contact, I am not surprised.

A wry smile. "It may be wise. Will Hephaestaean expect me to offer him advice on how best to use the technology he is developing?"

"I imagine that he would appreciate it, but he's willing to take whatever you're willing to offer. I.. work in a field were many of my contemporaries maintain separate identities for their civilian lives and heroic lives. That sort of deceit is really quite common."

Though I doubt Ploutos will need glasses or a mask to keep his identities separate. Perhaps appearing as a young man made of gold for his official form?

"A superhero of economics. I have never been referred to as that in such a literal way. Very well: I agree. You may tell Hephaestaean that I am willing to act as a part time God of Commerce, advising the rest of the pantheon and the most ardent of our worshippers."

"And in the future-?"

Let's not be too hasty. See how things work out at first.

"In.. the future, I may be willing to revise my position. Depending on what else is happening. The difficulty is that I am not prepared to do half a job with the Greek economy, or have a job as a god."

"Is there anyone you can train up for either job?"

There's always the option of fathering a few demigods to do side-work. Demi-god of profit, another for banking, perhaps? A number-oriented fellow or lass as a deity of stock exchanges, perhaps?

"No one I'd trust." He sighs. "I will speak with the Rector of the University of Athens about increasing the number of lectures I deliver. I should be able to sense anyone sufficiently capable, and I should be able to find time to mentor them. I have a suspicion that a man like you will not rest until this theological restructuring happens, whether the world is willing or not."

"And on that note, do you want a power ring?"

...Oh, my goodness.

He frowns, his eyes dipping to my hands for a moment.

"Why would you offer me one of those?"

Indeed, let's hear that reasoning.

"It would explain the longevity without you needing to make overt reference to the Hellenic mythos, and allow you to move far faster than a normal man. The fact that I consult with you is already well known, so it would seem strange that I might give you one."

"I will have to think on it at some length."

Though given the lack of desire there, I don't think he's going to see much need for it.

Safe to assume most of the Olympians he's visited have given him negative responses of varying politeness. Wouldn't be surprised to find one or two got violent about it. Too bad, they could have gotten in on the ground floor of a revitalised pantheon, if Hephaestaean's plans come to fruition. At least Ploutos is on board, if with reservations. So the day isn't a complete loss.

Vaermina · Apr 26, 2022

Mr Zoat said:
28th October 2012
21:32 GMT

Why is LePaul trying to recruit a God of Commerce when he was supposed to find a God of War?

Also... Why do they need one when they have Hermes?

You know... Hermes the Greek God of shopkeepers, merchants, travelers, and transporters of goods?

Darko · Apr 26, 2022

FreeGod said:
Might have been better if he was. As is all he did was crush the ambitions of everyone else.

True, but if he was more ambitious then it's also possible that he could have brought his brand of cruelty on a larger scale.

Brainwasher-Boy · Apr 26, 2022

Mr Zoat said:
"And on that note, do you want a power ring?"

Not the worst choice of recruit, though I can feel Hinon rolling her eyes already

Darko · Apr 26, 2022

Chojin Patriarch said:
Been going that well, huh? Zagreus did say earlier, they'd grown used to their leisure.

And Kratos said something similar when he told Paul that they're used to working away from each other.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Though I doubt Ploutos will need glasses or a mask to keep his identities separate. Perhaps appearing as a young man made of gold for his official form?

I'm still getting images of Heph turning them all into cyborgs.

DrThoth · Apr 26, 2022

Paragon could always just give him a fake orange power ring as a scapegoat explanation for Ploutos doing godly/superhuman things. I assume that 'glowing orange' is something he'd be able to do with his own magic at the very least.

It would be interesting though, a public official gaining a power ring (or being perceived to have gained one). I imagine it would lead to a lot of legislative changes etc. to give some checks and balances to this externally granted source of power. Savenlovich is a kind of example of how that might play out, I guess.

Doesn't Hermes's duties already include God of Commerce?

Darko · Apr 26, 2022

DrThoth said:
Doesn't Hermes's duties already include God of Commerce

That may not necessarily be true in this universe, or it may be different compared to what Ploutus is doing.

In Greek myths Heph was viewed as a god of fire, but in this story he's not, so Zoat may have changed the domains that Hermes is associated with.

And if Hermes is connected to commerce then it may just be that he provided protection to traveling merchants and caravans, but he may not be able to predict things like markets and economies like Ploutus can, so he's not a good fit.

Also, he may have a lot of other jobs, so he may not be able to do it full-time.

Vaermina · Apr 26, 2022

Darko said:
That may not necessarily be true in this universe, or it may be different compared to what Ploutus is doing.

In Greek myths Heph was viewed as a god of fire, but in this story he's not, so Zoat may have changed the domains that Hermes is associated with.

And if Hermes is connected to commerce then it may just be that he provided protection to traveling merchants and caravans, but he may not be able to predict things like markets and economies like Ploutus can, so he's not a good fit.

Also, he may have a lot of other jobs, so he may not be able to do it full-time.

More likely?

Mr Zoat just forgot about Hermes and will now have to retcon the character to make the story work.

moralrelativity · Apr 26, 2022

Mr Zoat said:
do half a job with the Greek economy, or have a job as a god.

Should the "have" be "half"? Could go either way.

Mr Zoat · Apr 26, 2022

moralrelativity said:
Should the "have" be "half"? Could go either way.

Thank you, corrected.

Nervaqus987 · Apr 26, 2022

Vaermina said:
Why is LePaul trying to recruit a God of Commerce when he was supposed to find a God of War?

Also... Why do they need one when they have Hermes?

You know... Hermes the Greek God of shopkeepers, merchants, travelers, and transporters of goods?

Vaermina said:
More likely?

Mr Zoat just forgot about Hermes and will now have to retcon the character to make the story work.

Presumably, he decided to take ten minutes to check in with the easy to find god that he's already been working with.

Ploutos is also already a member of the Greek Pantheon, being a son of Demeter.

As for why him and not Hermes, firstly we haven't heard anything that says they're mutually exclusive.

Secondly, my understanding of things is that Ploutos is the God of Wealth whereas Hermes is the God of a Lot of Things(competing with fucking Apollo in that regard), among them Merchants, trade, etc. Ploutos interacts directly with money and the economy whereas Hermes interacts with the guys who interact with that. Basically, the guy who handles the money vs the guy who handles the money makers.

Granted, Hermes could likely do most, if not all, of what Ploutos can do(provided specialist vs generalist stuff doesn't come up), but he's also got a lot of other things on his plate.

Bud-E · Apr 26, 2022

Plutos and the Heralka defending Greece would be a good way to convert people to Hellenism. Assuming the orange power ring has no negative effects on his psyche.

Rafin · Apr 26, 2022

Mr Zoat Who all did Paul visit?

Hell's Razer · Apr 26, 2022

Vaermina said:
You know... Hermes the Greek God of shopkeepers, merchants, travelers, and transporters of goods?

And thieves. People keep forgetting that part for some reason.

Nervaqus987 said:
(competing with fucking Apollo in that regard)

Who also was god of plagues, since ancient Greeks didn't do the whole 'bad powers, bad people' thing that most western societies like to follow.

BlackCoat13 · Apr 26, 2022

Presumably Paul didn't both Hermes because he's busy being The Postman.

Mr Zoat · Apr 26, 2022

Rafin said:
Mr Zoat Who all did Paul visit?

I skipped writing a list precisely because I didn't want to write a list.

Hell's Razer said:
And thieves. People keep forgetting that part for some reason.

To misquote The Godfather 'A lawyer can steal more with a briefcase than a thug can with a gun'.

LazySloth13 · Apr 26, 2022

I figured Paul visited Ploutus to get his opinion on becoming a more active god of his domain given how already active he is in making sure the greeks pay their taxes, its first mentioned that he has guards at his door, and he's still looking for a war god amongst the minor Greek gods but most of them have turned him down.

Paul may need to look into the Roman pantheon to find any gods and goddesses willing to take up certain roles in the future.

jaelin910 · Apr 26, 2022

Vaermina said:
Why is LePaul trying to recruit a God of Commerce when he was supposed to find a God of War?

Also... Why do they need one when they have Hermes?

You know... Hermes the Greek God of shopkeepers, merchants, travelers, and transporters of goods?

Because you haven't been paying attention, apparently. He's not recruiting a god of commerce, he's informing the existing god of wealth that he'll be expected to resume his duties as such.

Pinklestia · Apr 26, 2022

And Comerce and Greed share a bed.

Mr Zoat · Apr 26, 2022

Pinklestia said:
And Comerce and Greed share a bed.

The SI is faithful to Jade.

Handlewithcare · Apr 26, 2022

Giving the god of Commerce a Ring of Greed.

There is a joke in here somewhere...

Signaller · Apr 26, 2022

Is it worth pointing out that the economy and commercial interactions are different fields?

Doccer · Apr 26, 2022

Mr Zoat said:
"Why would you offer me one of those?"

"It would explain the longevity without you needing to make overt reference to the Hellenic mythos, and allow you to move far faster than a normal man. The fact that I consult with you is already well known, so it wouldn't seem strange that I might give you one."

"I will have to think on it at some length."

Or a fake one that just glows?

Xmaster3000 said:
You're gonna wanna start from season one,

Darko said:
The episode is called Hollow Mind, but yeah, like Xmaster3000 said, you wanna start from the first season.

I intend to. Just wanted to not forget.

Darko · Apr 26, 2022

Doccer said:
I intend to. Just wanted to not forget

Don't be put off by Hooty, though.

The owl...bug...tube thing might be annoying and more than a bit pathetic, but trust me when I say that he'll become your favorite character once you give him the chance.

There's a reason the fandom loves him.

Zig · Apr 26, 2022

Handlewithcare said:
Giving the god of Commerce a Ring of Greed.

There is a joke in here somewhere...

Doesn't that risk like, polluting the thaumusphere? Or do gods not have any effect on their domains if they change?

With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

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