You slowly open your eyes to find yourself sleeping on the ground in a cave.

Manisha blinked.

Wait... had that all been a dream?  Getting hit by a car?  Dying?  Asking to be born again as someone with power?  She didn't hurt... actually, she felt pretty good... She probably had had a really strange dream.  Too many otaku talking at her about anime and what kinds of world-conquering heroes they'd make if the Isekai Truck hit them, no doubt.  She reached out to pull the covers over her head...

No covers.  Hm.

...No clothes?  Awkward.  She should get some on.  She reached out with a hand, and...

Well.

Several issues.

That thing her fingers had encountered was scaly.  Like a snake, say.  A very very large snake.

Except that she'd felt it from both sides when she touched it.  Like the snake's tail was part of her body, or something.

And then, she'd reached out to it with... what was that again?  Her right hand.

All four of them.

What the hell?

She sat bolt upright... or stood... legs did not appear to be involved, as she did not appear to have them, at least not past her mid-thighs... and looked around wildly.  A cave?  What was going on here?  What had happened to her body?  What... what did she actually look like?

She didn't really even have to think about it-- a gesture, a soft word, and a full-length mirror appeared in front of her, as if by magic.  Well.  Her senses seemed to tell her clearly, actually by magic.

She looked in the mirror.

...Yep, there it was.  Eight arms.  Long snake tail.  Her skin was a bit paler, now, and her hair was green, matching her tail.  Well, all the hair she seemed to have, anyway.  She didn't appear to have any hair under her arms or elsewh--

Wait, she was naked!?

With a short scream, she covered herself with her many, many hands.  A moment later, though, she gestured, and clothes appeared around her.

As well as glasses.  She felt more naked without them.

All right.  The clothes she'd made weren't exactly fantasy epic approved, but she was fine with that.  A chainmail halter top was not going to be her style, thank you!

Wait, what else could she make that way?  Weapons appeared in her hands, balls of energy... a desk.  A chair that she couldn't possibly use.  A pile of gold coins.

Well.  Useful.

All right.  This was impossible, and she knew it, but she was strong enough to cut out panicking.  Somehow, deep in her soul, she knew that this was real.  It was all real.  The truck.  Death.  Weird career counselling with a mysterious glowing figure.

Reincarnation.

As some kind of weird fantasy monster, at that.  Okay, she'd seen pictures of this one before from the otaku around the office.  All the weapons tied in with that.  She got the impression that she was pretty strong, though...

Well, fine.  She didn't want to stay in some dank cave forever, even if she could make furniture if she wanted to.  This was a strange new world that she was in; it was time that she explored this strange new world.

She began to explore the cave.

The next tunnel you encounter has a number of small, dog-like humanoids in it that haven't seemed to notice you. They were sharpening weapons, wrestling with each other or eating charred hunks of meat.

Well, that was odd.  But... they were her neighbors, weren't they?  Some kind of monster; she'd heard of them somewhere...

"Good day," she said, seeing what they'd do.

"Ah! Snake-lady is awake!" one of them shouted and there was a rush of movement as they rush over to you.

"Yes, I am," she said.  "I am Manisha."

...Perhaps in a new life, one ought to start over with a new name, but it was the name that she knew best, and the one that she'd answer to.

"Ah, Manisha," one of them said and the others started muttering it. "Are you a god?"

Manisha considered this.

"...I'm very strong, at least," she said.  "Why?  Do you need a god?"

"We ready for new good. Old one is gone," one of the small dogmen said.

"Oh?" asked Manisha.  "What happened to your old god?"

"They left. Said they were bored. We gave them all the food and treasure we could," the leader said.

Manisha frowned.

"That's not a very good god, then," she said.  "...all right.  First off, what do you need here?  Where do you get food?  How do you live?"

"We live in cave, go out and get food and treasure. Bring all we find  back here. Also: build traps. Last god taught us that," the leader said.

"All right," said Manisha.  "What kind of food and treasure do you get?  How do you get it?"

"We hunt meat and find other things," the Leader said. "We also find treasures sometimes. Other things kill big folk and we find things on them."

Manisha nodded.  Scavengers and hunters, then.  Not much to work with... but she was here, and, oddly, she felt responsible to them.  Their old "God" had abandoned them?  That didn't seem right.

"All right," she said.  "What's it like outside your cave?  What kinds of things do you hunt?"

"Big things with horns! Small things too," the leader said. "Lots of trees outside, a river and road that big peoples travel through."

"All right," said Manisha.  This language, or these kobolds, were rather imprecise.  She'd have to see if they could be educated a bit more.

"So what kinds of things kill the big things?" she asked.  Threat assessment seemed like a good early priority.  "Do they ever kill your people?"

"We try and hide from them, but they try sometimes and that's what the traps are for," the leader said.

"All right," said Manisha.  "But what kinds of big things are there?"

"A lot of them look like you, but with less arms...and they have legs," the leader said.

"Ah," said Manisha.  "Humans, then.  Probably adventurers... I think we need to change your relationship to the, although it may be a challenge.  Hm.  Can you introduce me to everyone here?"

"Is the god sure? Some can be very mad," the leader said.

"Well, all of your people, first," said Manisha.  "The ones who serve me, I guess."

"I am Biter the Tenth, my mate is Runner and...," this continued on until all twenty-five of the dog humanoids were named.

"All right, good," said Manisha.  "And do any of you know how to make things, or medicine, or magic, or anything beyond gathering food and treasure?"

"Oh, yes, the last god didn't care about any of that," Biter said.

"Well, I'm here to do a better job than the last god," said Manisha.  "So what have you got?"

"I know some magic and my wife is a good herbalist. We have some basket weavers and tanners as well," Biter said.

"Good, good," said Manisha.  "What do you need most here?"

"Protection from the other things that live deeper in," Biter said.

"Ah," said Manisha.  "Well, I can help you with that.  I'm very strong, for one thing, but also... what kinds of things are they?"

"Ogres, some oozes, a beholder and a dragon," Biter said.

Manisha digested this.

"Well, I think I can do something," said Manisha.  "Oozes and ogres should be easy for me... more to the point, I think you might be able to do more about them, once you've had some training.  But it would be easier if you had the right weapons... what kinds of weapons and armor do you have?"

She could make some things, but wasn't sure she could make things as tough as good steel.  But there might be other ways...

The dogpeople held up various weapons. There were short swords, hand axes, clubs and spears.

"All right, that's not bad," said Manisha.  "...we need to get all of you better armor and shields, though.  Well, maybe not right away.  Of the different groups around here, who causes you the most trouble?"

"The ogres," Biter said.

"Fine," said Manisha, cracking several sets of knuckles.  "Where are they?  I'll go negotiate a peace with them, or beat on them until they cooperate."

"They're down the big tunnel. Keep following it until the fourth right turn and then go in there," Biter said.

"All right, Biter," said Manisha.  "Thank you.  I'm going to go see the ogres and straighten things out."

And she slithered off to look for them.

You find the ogres lounging about in a large cave. Scattered bones and other garbage is everywhere.

"Greetings," said Manisha.  "I hear that you've been making trouble for my kobolds.  That's going to stop now."

"What's all this?" the largest of the ogres said, rising to his feet and lumbering over. Another ogre tried to pull him back, but he shrugs him off.

"I believe that you heard me," said Manisha.  "You can serve me, or you can go your way in peace and never hinder me and mine in any way, or..."

Weapons appeared in her many hands; a couple of her hands held balls of blue fire, just for variety.

"I protect and look after those who serve me, but I won't tolerate threats.  So if you're willing to be reasonable, we can live in peace."

She surprised herself with the tough talk, but she was, after all, imitating executives making legal threats... backed up by firepower.  It seemed like the best approach she had available.

The rest of the ogres grabbed the largest and pulled him back and they talked quickly in very low voices.

"We agree to your demands," the largest said.

Well.  Easier than she thought.

"...all right," she said.  "That's all, then."

And she went to head back to the kobolds.

"What happened, new god?" Biter asked.

"I told them that if they made trouble for you, they'll answer to me," said Manisha.  "Also that I will protect those who serve me.  They agreed; if they are treacherous, I'll make them pay."

"Very wise of you, new god," Biter said.

"I think their leader might try something," said Manisha.  "Keep watch.  Be safe."

"He is rather dumb," Biter said.

"...a problem, then," said Manisha.  "How often do humans come here?  I thought of a way we could turn them to our benefit."

"We don't get many humans here. Sometimes on the road," Biter said.

"All right," said Manisha.  "Between you and your mate, can you make any kind of healing items?"

"To be honest new god, not that many," Biter said. "But if you wish, we will do as many as we can."

"Well, what do you need to make more?" asked Manisha.  "You should tell me what you need, in general."

"We'd need a lot more herbs, new god," Biter said.

Manisha nodded.

"How hard would it be to gather them?" she asked.  "And would it help if you had more baskets, more things to store herbs in?"

"The herbs aren't the most plentiful ones out there," Biter said.

"Hm.  All right.  What kinds of things can you gather more easily?" asked Manisha.  "Assume that I can protect you from threats."

"I suppose we could roam farther looking for the herbs with you, new god," Biter said.

"Why don't we do that today, then?" said Manisha.  "I want to learn the lay of the land around here anyway."

"Are you sure, new god? We would appreciate it," Biter said.

"Then let's do it," said Manisha.  "Did your last god do anything to help you?"

"The old god mostly kept people and monsters away," Biter said.

"Well, I'd like to do better," said Manisha.  "I want you to prosper."

The kobolds quickly cleaned the animals and got them roasting on a few fires along with some root vegetables.

Manisha made a point of creating a few things for them-- bowls, forks, hearths for the fires if they were needed.  She had the power; it was time to try it out.

Once the food was done, the kobolds presented you with the largest serving of it.

Well, that was to be expected.  She ate heartily-- this body needed a lot of energy!

"So," she said.  "What else do you need?"

We are doing well, new god," Biter said.

"All right," said Manisha.  She wasn't entirely satisfied with that... but it would do for now.  And perhaps she'd find more tomorrow.  She had her own needs...

Soon, sleep took you, but it was an odd, dreamless sleep. Then you awoke.

Manisha looked around to see what was going on, and perhaps to get some breakfast.

The kobolds were cooking more meat and dividing up some wild berries they had found.

She went to join them.

"Any news?" she asked.

"Biter and the women went to gather more berries and fruit," the kobold said.

"Good, good," said Manisha.  "I'm going to look around the caves, and also look around outdoors.  I want to see more of what's out there."

"There are more things than the ogres deep in," the kobold said.

"What else?" asked Manisha.  "I should know about it..."

"There's a weird area where the stalactites (or is that stalagmites?) try to kill you," the kobold said. "The ogres have a room with a big pit and something in that eats waste. I've heard things roaring back further, but that's the deepest any of us have been."

"Does any of it come roaming around up here?" Manisha asked.

"Nope, it never has. Just if you get on the other side of the spike-thing cave," the kobold said.

"Hm.  I might leave that alone for now, then," said Manisha.  "No need to stir up trouble, as long as the ogres leave us alone.  I'll look around the woods more, and see what I can see on the road."

"I think it's a dragon!" one of the child kobolds said as they ran up.

"Dragon?" said Manisha.  "Where?"

"The thing that roars in the cave," the child said.

"Ah," said Manisha.  "I should go and greet them, then.  A dragon can cause things to happen just by existing..."

She went to go find a dragon.

The ogres scrambled out of the way when they saw you coming and now you have come to the cave of spiky death.

Well, she could fight her way through... but why?  Carving a hole in space with glowing knives, she created a portal to the other side of the cavern and went through.

There suddenly was rather loud growling coming from the next cave.

Promising... Manisha entered the cave, but on guard, ready for trouble.

When you went inside, there didn't appear to be anything.

(OOC: Notice check please.)

18, with Darkvision, Acute Smell, and Sense Magic

There is something small, hiding behind a large rock.

Manisha went to look.

Behind the rock was a small dragon-like lizard with butterfly wings was hiding.

"Ah, there you are," said Manisha.  "You can come out now.  I found you.  I'm not here to hurt you..."

"How did you find me?" the dragon-thing asked.

"Well, I have some keen senses," said Manisha.  "Also, the rock only covers one direction."

"Are you going to eat me?" the dragon asked.

"No," said Manisha.  "I usually don't eat anyone that I can have a conversation with.  It seems rude.  Do people try to eat you often?"

"There's lots of things out there that do," the dragon said.

"Because you're small, or because you're a dragon?" asked Manisha.

"I think it's because I'm small," the dragon said.

"Are you a very young dragon?" asked Manisha.  "Or just a very small one?"

"Small, I'm a fairy dragon," the dragon said.

"How do you live here?" asked Manisha.  "This seems like a poor environment for a fairy dragon."

"I make my lair here and then fly out of a crack in the rook further in," the fairy dragon said. "I use magic to try and keep everything else away."

"Ah, I see," said Manisha.  "That sounds dangerous... if you like, you could stay with me.  It's up to you, though.  And you can decide later."

"Where do you stay?" the dragon asked.

"With the kobolds," said Manisha.  "I'm their new god."

"But you're a demon," the dragon said.

Manisha shrugged, a truly impressive sight.

"...I have a secret there," she said.  "I wasn't one three days ago.  I came here and found myself in this body.  I don't think I"m the only one.  And the kobolds seem to accept anyone who's strong and can help them as a god."

"Oh, so were you transformed into one by an evil wizard?" the dragon asked.

"No," said Manisha.  "...I think I died and was reborn like this."

"Oh. So...were you really evil?" the dragon asked.

"No," said Manisha.  "I'm very sure about that.  I was asked what I wanted in my new life.  I said I wanted to be able to make a difference in the world, to be strong enough to help people or change things."

"I suppose that makes sense," the dragon said. "I'm willing to see where you live."

"Come along, then," said Manisha.  She didn't bother with the other caves very much, instead opening a gateway back to the kobold caves.

The child kobold pointed as you appeared again.

"Dragon!" they said.

"Yes," said Manisha.  "This dragon is my guest.  Would you like to say hello?"

"Yes!" the kid said running over. "Hello, dragon!"

"Hello," the dragon said.

"Introduce yourselves to each other politely," Manisha instructed.  "By name."

"Oh, okay," the child said. "I'm Render."

"My name is Grelly," the dragon said.

"Good, good," said Manisha.  "Grelly, it's up to you what you want to do now, but it looks like someone wants to make friends."

"It seems it'd be safer here," Grelly said.

"Well, then," said Manisha.  "Why don't you make some friends here?  It's safer to have friends around anyway."

"I suppose you're right," Grelly said, going off with the kobold child.

Well, that was good-- a new ally, perhaps a friend, and the caves felt a bit safer.  Manisha went to check in with the rest of the kobolds.

The kobolds were roasting some lizards and some kind of root vegetable over a fire.

"Would you like some, new good?" one of them asked.

"Well, all right," said Manisha.  Teaching the kobolds how to cook went onto her list of things to do.  Stew, for example, would probably improve the lizard and veggies diet.

The lizard at least was nicely roasted with crispy skin.

"Tasty," she said.  "Well done.  Do you get all your food by gathering?  That must be hard in the winter..."

"It is, but we know where game often hibernates," the kobold said.

"That's good," said Manisha.  "I wonder, though, if there's a way for you to store more food, or raise some of it against lean times."

"Hmm. I don't know if we have enough room for that," the kobold said.

"Oh?" said Manisha.  "Are you running out of room?  That's something that I can try and help with, one way or another."

"We have no room for pens and are too close to the human road," the kobold said.

"Not pens," said Manisha.  "But what about storage bins for seeds and nuts and roots?"

"I suppose that could work," the kobold said.

"Well, if you could use them..."

Manisha used her magic and created several things-- storage bins, kobold-sized shovels, carrying baskets, barrels.  It was nice to use her magic for something like this.

Many of the kobolds went rushing over to the new equipment.

"Thank you, new god!" several of them said.

"You're welcome," said Manisha.  "Are there other things you need?  I can make some more things."

"Not at the moment, new good," one of the kobolds said.

"We could use some toys," one of the children said.

"Well, I can do that," said Manisha.  She kept it simple-- rolling toys, dolls, balls, hoop games.

The kids ran over to pick up the toys while thanking you.

Manisha smiled.  Children ought to have toys... and with more tools, the kobolds could store more food, and hopefully have less stress in winter.

"...what season is it here, anyway?" she asked.  "How far away is autumn, or winter?"

"It is the middle of spring, new god," Biter said.

"Plenty of time, then," said Manisha.  "Good.  Easy winters are better than hungry ones."

"We mostly dry meat and keep nuts," Biter said.

"There's more that you can do," said Manisha.  "Do you use grains at all?  Those can be stored, just like nuts.  Also lots of root vegetables and tubers."

"We don't get much grains out in the forest, but yes, many roots and tubers," Biter said.

Manisha nodded.

"I still wish that we had more to trade," she said.  "That's a path to prosperity.'

"We don't have much others would want," Biter said.

"You could, though," said Manisha.  "The key is to figure out what you do better than anyone else.  Or what you do very well, anyway."

"We just survive, new god," Biter said.

"...that shouldn't be enough," said Manisha.  But what could she do?  Every avenue seemed to turn up nothing.  She went out of the cave to watch the countryside and think.

Off in the distance you can see another cave, one much larger than what the kobolds are staying in.

Well, that might be significant.  Manisha went to take a look.

There was an odd smell in the cave, but the first area was at three times larger than the cave the kobolds were in. The floor had many humanoid bones strewn about as well as rotting corpses.

Odd.  Manisha explored further in, cautiously.

As you move deeper in, there's a rattling noise as the bones begin to move of their own accord, reforming bodies.

Manisha felt for the magic in the room as weapons appeared in her hands.

There was magic everywhere in this room, a foul magic. The undead shambled towards you.

(OOC: Initiative time)

15.  How many are there?

There were at least twenty or so skeletons and zombies.

Manisha started out by spraying the ones closest to her with bolts of fire!

All-Out Attack 5 on the nearest 5.  24, 13, 30 (a crit!), 21, 16.  Damage 10.

You managed to make short work of five of them, the rest kep shambling towards you.

(OOC - Only one managed to hit. Toughness DC - 18)

27

The undead couldn't easily hurt her-- she barely noticed their attacks-- but this could get endless.  She gathered the power and unleashed a spreading ring of flame to cut down their ranks!

Power Stunting a Damage 10 Burst Area effect to clear out the small fry.

The bodies collapsed and stayed still.

Good.  But that probably wasn't all-- she went further in, searching as she went.  What was going on in this cave that created so many undead here?

In the next cave you saw what appeared to be a massive hunk of onyx, cut like a gemstone floating above a pillar covered with runes.

Manisha tried to feel out what the magic in this place was-- it was clearly very powerful.

It felt dark and evil.

Well.  That was bad news.  Manisha didn't really know what she was doing, but she wound up and created a powerful hammer to strike the gemstone.

The gem shattered and the magic slowly disappeared.

Well, that was good.  She looked around to see what else was here.

The rest of the cave seemed empty, at least until you get very deep in and there were several veins of what appeared to be gold in the walls.

Promising!  Very promising.  Manisha felt around for more magic, and looked and smelled for more threats.

You could detect faint magic deeper in, but there didn't seem to be anything else alive other than insects.

That still sounded worth investigating, so she went further in.

Deeper inside you found a couple of small gemstones radiating some kind of purple light.

Well.  Interesting... Manisha picked them up.  What did they appear to be?

They appeared to strength a person's stamina.

Dangerous.  She created a small metal box to contain them.  Was there anything else here, though?

No, the rest of the cave seemed to be empty.

Good.  She headed back to the kobolds... and paused outside the cave.  She used her power to carve a mark like an M on the outside of it, before going back to them.

"Welcome back, new god," one of the kobolds said.

"Thank you," said Manisha.  "Biter, do your people mine at all, if the rocks are soft?"

"Mine? I suppose we could, given the gear," Biter said.

"I can create some gear," said Manisha.  "Probably enough to start.  But I found a gold vein in a cave nearby."

"You did?" Biter asked.

"Yes," said Manisha.  "I had to defeat the dead things that filled the cave, and face the death magic that filled it, but I think it's safe enough now."

"The cursed cave, new god?" Biter asked.

"That one, yes," said Manisha.  "I'll go in first, but I destroyed the evil magic, the undead, removed the cursed gems, that kind of thing."

"It is safe now?" Biter asked.

"I think so," said Manisha.  "I'll go in first when we go, though, in case there is a danger."

"Take me there," Biter said.

"Come along, then," she said, and lead him to the cave.

Biter followed and you soon arrived back at the cave.

"We've found gold," said Manisha.  "I can protect you, and help you trade it for things that you need."

The kobolds began to talk amongst themselves.

"...questions?" Manisha asked.  "Requests?  Suggestions?"

"Where is the gold, new god?" one of them asked.

"In a cave nearby here.  It used to have dead things in it that attacked people, and dark magic that made them walk, but I destroyed both," Manisha said.

"You have dealt with the cursed cave?" another of the kobolds asked.

"Yes," said Manisha.  "BIter and I went to confirm this."

There was more talking among the kobolds.

Manisha waited.  Best to see how her little charges reacted to this; forcing them to do it wouldn't work out very well.

A few of them were asking Biter questions and once they were done, they seemed to be willing to try as long as you would protect them.

"Yes, of course I will protect you," said Manisha.  "I am your goddess, after all, and I am strong."

With that, the kobolds seemed willing to try.

"Well, then," she said.  "I've made tools for you; they are at the cave.  Eat and rest tonight, and we'll go to the caves tomorrow."

The kobolds sent out a hunting party to make sure there would be a big feast. Several of the older ones began to grind up a paste with dried herbs.

Manisha used her magic to decorate the cave a bit.  Why not?  She could...

The kids decided to invite you to play, but that was when the hunters came back with a large deer. They got to work butchering it while the gatherers began to smear the herbal paste to it and then roast it on the fire.

Well, Manisha wasn't going to interfere with the hunters.  She went to entertain the children for a bit while dinner was prepared-- the privilege of being a goddess!

The kids really seemed to enjoy getting to spend time with you, they were very grateful for the toys you had made them.

This was nice.  It felt like she was doing some good, here... how was the dragon doing, though?  She ought to keep an eye on that one.

The dragon was doing its best to sleep with all the racket off in a corner.

Best to let it sleep, then.  She could entertain the children in the meantime.

The children were always impressed with you, the magic snake lady god.

...and dinner would be soon.

It was, soon the food was done and then passed out to the whole clan. You got a large serving.

Well... that was fair.  She was bigger than any eight of the kobolds; she needed more food.  But she'd have to make sure that they got more food as best as she could.

"New god?" a child asked. "I heard the adults talking about how you want us join up with humans. Is it true? What do you mean?"

"I want to trade with humans," Manisha explained.  "Humans have many good things kobolds don't have; I'd like to change that.  And I'd like for humans to stop raiding these caves and killing your people, too."

"Do you think they would?" the child asked.

"Well, they might," said Manisha.  "If they see how strong I am, they won't come lightly, but if they think they'll benefit from trading with us as well, they'll have a reason to have peaceful contact."

""Okay, I think that makes sense," the child said.

"I hope it does to them," said Manisha.  "But I am quite strong.  I can certainly protect people."

"I want to see you fight some time," the kid said.

"Well, maybe someday you will," said Manisha.  "A fight like that could be dangerous for you, though."

"I can hide good!" the kobold child said.

"Good, but you still need to be careful," said Manisha.  "...we'll see, though.  You might get the chance."

"Yay!" the child cheered.

"So who are you, kiddo?" she asked.  "What's your name?  What do you do?"

"I'm ankle chewer," the kid said. "I explore."

"Well, you'd better be careful when you explore," said Manisha.  "Lots of dangerous things out there who might decide that you're nice and bite-sized."

"Eeep," Ankle-Chewer said.

"I'm trying to make this place safer for you, though," said Manisha.  "You can come along if I manage to meet any travelers.  I think you'd enjoy that."

Ankle-Chewer cheered.

"Thanks, new god-lady."

"Just remember to not go up to them first," said Manisha.  "That's my task."

"I got it!" Ankle-chewer said.

"I'm surprised that you don't have a name reflecting your hobby," Manisha observed.  "Do you all get names from a very young age, and change them later?"

"Why would a name do that?" Ankle-Chewer asked.

"Because sometimes, people change when they get older and bigger," said Manisha.  "In some places, they become called new things."

"Nope, I'm gonna be Ankle-Chewer forever," the kid said.

That made sense, given many of the other names.

"Well, Ankle-Chewer, I look forward to seeing what you become," she said.

"I'm gonna be a big hero!" Ankle-Chewer said as he ran off.

Manisha smiled indulgently.  Oh, if only she could find a way to raise them up, make something of this tiny clan...

"How are you doing, new god?" Biter asked.

"Well enough," said Manisha.  "Just speaking with the children.  That one seems to have a great drive."

"It is good to see. Makes one feel younger," Biter said.

Manisha nodded.

"How long do your people live, Biter?" she asked.  She knew, somehow, that she'd outlive all of them, no matter what she did.

"About fifty years, new god," Biter said.

Manisha nodded.

"Not as long as some, but not as short as I'd feared," she said.  "I'm guessing that you walk and run from a young age, of course."

"I suppose?" Biter said. "I don't have experience with other species."

"That's fair," said Manisha.  "I love how energetic and curious your children are, though... Do your people have any ceremonies, Biter?  Holidays or celebrations or anything like that?"

"Yes, it is currently a bit of a lull right now, but you can order a new one," Biter said.

"...when we have a little bit more to celebrate," Manisha decided.  "But I might do that, soon.  Especially when I'm sure that you have enough food."

"We have been doing fine on that," Biter said.

"Good," said Manisha.  "If you have enough food and are safe, the first part of my work is done."

"What would be the next step, new god?" Biter asked.

"Further prosperity," said Manisha.  "I don't want you to be prey for every adventurer that comes along; that means more than just fighting them off, myself."

...besides, as fun as playing with Kobold children could be, she wanted to expand her social circle, and find more things that she could do with her time.

"Ah. Then the mine then," Biter said.

"Yes," said Manisha.  "I know it will take time, but I want prosperity for the children, at the very least, and comfortable old age for all of you."

"I am already rather old," Biter said with a chuckle.

"Then I suppose I'll have to work quickly," said Manisha.  "We'll see what I can do."

"We are headed to the mine today," Biter said as the others started packing things up.

"I'll join you, then," said Manisha, "unless you want me to stay here, to guard what is yours."

"Thank you, new god," Biter said. "Your help is appreciated."

"Glad to help," said Manisha.  "...So, mine?  Or here?"

"Your help in moving to the mine, please," Biter said.

"Then let's be about it," said Manisha.