A Beggar's Charity

[Bellarmina]

​

You come upon an empty, unnamed stall in the midst of the Holy City's booming Central Market - surrounded by such shops as the Golden Hive, Al-Saeati Bazaar, and Talon & Claw.

The small display on the empty stall says 'OUT FOR LUNCH. BE BACK IN 10.' In distinctly different penmanship, it's then scribbled below; 'LEAVE DONATIONS OR REQUESTS' Though no one arrives, day or night.

It seems quite out of place if a little abandoned- though few locals seem to mind. If anything, many donate trinkets and knickknacks into the wooden crate. Teddy Bears, Old Scrap Notebooks, the odd Can of Beans.

Most surprisingly, it remained unguarded- though many-a local send stink-eyed stares to those attempting to steal and pilfer from it. Some are rather vocal to call skulduggery out- namely, the various beggars typically minding their own business. They seem rather invested in the dusty stall.

The Crate itself was labelled, despite the words being haphazardly etched into the crate. An old, worn crate of sturdy enough quality it seemed. Entirely unsuspecting.

It read; The Beggar's Charity.

​

"What is this Beggar's Charity, anyways? Empty stall kind of clutters the street."

"Eh, this thing? Kind of popped up after the Famine hit- some mismanaged attempt by the Government to keep the beggars docile." - An Eccentric Qadir

"Beggar's Charity? Whas'at, some kind of Charity run by Beggars? Ha! Just another attempt by Women trying to empower themselves, probably!" - Some Drunken Willow Patron

"Spirit only knows, it's hardly manned- but we like it. Keeps folks hopeful. Damned be any rats trying to pilfer a Beggar's rations." - Local Business Owner.
​

=x=​

"Huh. What does the Beggar's Charity do? Seems like a new Charity a day."

"Can't say, but by the looks of it they just hand out what they collect to the local beggars. Seems to keep 'em in high enough spirits in this famine!" - Some Skipping Street Urchin

"I heard it's just a sham- a bunch of punk aberrants preying on the goodwill of gold-hearted Ailor! If I had anything to say about- hey! Where are you going?!" - A Proud Regalian Citizen

"It cares to give to those who want it. Those who ask. Spare a regal or two?" - A Blind Beggar​

=x=​

"Sounds.. alright, if only a little lacklustre. How would I go about helping?"

"How would I know? Just wait for the Stall-Owner to get back. Ten minutes, see? Idiot. Now move aside, Spirit." - An Irritated Merchant

"I hear the Hive's Lady is pretty generous. Mayhaps ask her? Mind the bees, though." - Some Red-Hatted Fellow

"Donating is helping enough, young one. Though perhaps if you find yourself in need, you ought leave a request in place of possession." - A Passing Altalar​

=x=
​

"Little auspicious sounding, isn't it? Well, how do I know who does take part?"

"It's probably just a cute little project by the locals! Who cares- as long as the Beggars get what they need. Every little bit counts, Dearie!" - A Chipper Elderly Woman

"It's pretty mismanaged, but this dame comes about here and there- really pretty looking, encourages donation! She has these fat melons- no, not like that! She has actual melons to cut and serve the locals as prodding for donations." - Some Smug Lecher

"That's weirdly nosy, isn't it? Just donate and move along - Void, who invests this much time and thought into a dead Charity Stall? There's clearly nothing more to it. Strange folk.." - A Very Critically Judgy Passer-By​

With little more to be discerned, and enough time wasted trying to snoop about a dusty Charity Stall like some manner of madperson - you are left with three clear options.
Do you offer a Donation? Or a Request? Or do you walk away, Blissfully Unaware?

Should you chose to Donate or Request, please start a Forum Conversation with @TheBioverse with the chosen item placed into the Donation Box.​