"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.