Alex/Faerzen/Lyra video memo

-- visceralVanguard [VV] began conversing with snuffshotMartyr [SM] --
VV: Greetings, Lyra.
VV: I will not bother saying too much at that present because I still have yet to show my identity and the fact that I am currently uninfluenced.
VV: I had a great deal of time sensitive matters on my plate to deal with the past several hours, but I am currently free of them.
VV: I am able to use the smartWall in my den to set up live video communications if that would be sufficient.
VV: I would prefer to not have to fly all the way to your present location as I am in the middle of working on a project in my workshop.
VV: Are you available at the present to have a proper talk?

[20:40] <Alexander_Pyrite> SM: yeah video chat sounds cool
[20:41] <Alexander_Pyrite> "LYRA! COME OVER HERE"
[20:41] <Alexander_Pyrite> "wait shit she cant hear me"
[20:41] <Faerzen_Norstov> VV: Excellent. I will get the equipment set up on my end. Do you have a mechanism available to view my video feed?
[20:41] <Alexander_Pyrite> SM: yeah i think so
[20:42]  * Alexander_Pyrite grabs a computer and shows lyra the messages
[20:42]  * Lyra_Bel brings her laptop from her strife deck
[20:42] <Lyra_Bel> SM: Alright.  Ready.
[20:43] <Lyra_Bel> SM: Let's see what you've got.
[20:43]  * Alexander_Pyrite leans over lyra shoulder to watch
[20:43] <Faerzen_Norstov> VV: Do you have a video or audio feed?
[20:43]  * Lyra_Bel shifts to let him sit beside
[20:43] <Lyra_Bel> SM: Yes
[20:44]  * Faerzen_Norstov presses several buttons on his coffee table to activate the video communications feature
[20:44]  * Faerzen_Norstov walks down the stairs into the workshop and sets Abyss on the workbench.
[20:44] <Faerzen_Norstov> *I will be back shortly.*
[20:44] <Abyss> Can't you just... Leave me out of view of the camera or something?
[20:44]  * Faerzen_Norstov walks back upstairs and turns the camera and audio on, sitting in his favorite reclining armchair, wings spread on either side of him
[20:45] <Faerzen_Norstov> *You will still be able to hear everything just fine from here. I want to be able to tell Lyra you are in the other room.*
[20:44]  * Lyra_Bel accepts video chat request
[20:45] <Faerzen_Norstov> Hello!
[20:45] <Lyra_Bel> "Hey"
[20:45] <Alexander_Pyrite> Hi!
[20:45] <Faerzen_Norstov> Oh, I see you have Alex here as well.
[20:45] <Faerzen_Norstov> Hello, Alex!
[20:45] <Alexander_Pyrite> Yeah, hey faerzen
[20:46] <Faerzen_Norstov> Were the two of you able to find Brofessor?
[20:46]  * Alexander_Pyrite looks confused
[20:46] <Alexander_Pyrite> What?"
[20:47] <Alexander_Pyrite> "WE CANT HEAR YOU"
[20:47]  * Faerzen_Norstov looks puzzled
[20:47] <Faerzen_Norstov> I can hear you, so the audio connection is established just fine. Let me check my audio and microphone settings.
[20:47] <Lyra_Bel> "Not your fault"
[20:47]  * Faerzen_Norstov taps around on the coffee table
[20:47] <Lyra_Bel> "Schizophrenia"
[20:47] <Lyra_Bel> "Hallucinations"
[20:47] <Alexander_Pyrite> WE'RE JUST INSANE DUDE DONT WORRY ABOUT IT
[20:48]  * Faerzen_Norstov looks back up at the screen
[20:48] <Faerzen_Norstov> You don't have to yell, Alex! I can understand what you are saying just fine!
[20:48] <Faerzen_Norstov> All of my audio setting seem to be functioning, and the microphone is picking up audio. I am not certain why you can't hear me. Is something wrong with your speakers?
[20:49] <Alexander_Pyrite> WHAT‽
[20:49] <Faerzen_Norstov> YOUR. SPEAKERS.
[20:49]  * Faerzen_Norstov speaks slowly, enunciating clearly
[20:49] <Lyra_Bel> "Faerzen, stop."
[20:49] <Lyra_Bel> "We can't hear you."
[20:50] <Alexander_Pyrite> MY GEARS‽
[20:50] <Lyra_Bel> "Open a memo in another window"
[20:50]  * Faerzen_Norstov frowns, pulling open his chat client on his glasses
[20:50]  * snuffshotMartyr [SM] has opened memo on board Big Bowl of Crazy Flakes
[20:50] <visceralVanguard> Is this better?
[20:50]  * Alexander_Pyrite grabs another computer
[20:50] <snuffshotMartyr> That'll work
[20:51] <visceralVanguard> Is something amiss with your speakers?
[20:51] <unmotivatedMeatshield> Sorry about the yelling, we're both deaf
[20:51] <visceralVanguard> I was saying that everything checks out on my end in terms of audio connection.
[20:51] <visceralVanguard> DEAF?
[20:51] <visceralVanguard> Oh no!
[20:51] <visceralVanguard> How did that happen?
[20:51]  * visceralVanguard sighs
[20:51] <unmotivatedMeatshield> guess
[20:51] <visceralVanguard> Some horrible monster came and ripped out your eardrums.
[20:52] <snuffshotMartyr> Heh
[20:52] <unmotivatedMeatshield> no
[20:52] <snuffshotMartyr> Nah, just more schizo stuff
[20:52] <visceralVanguard> How is being deaf related to that?
[20:53] <snuffshotMartyr> It's hallucinatory
[20:53]  * visceralVanguard makes a :/ face
[20:53] <snuffshotMartyr> Look, this isn't important
[20:54] <unmotivatedMeatshield> ish
[20:54] <snuffshotMartyr> We'll be fine
[20:54] <snuffshotMartyr> Eventually
[20:54] <visceralVanguard> Were you able to find your shield?
[20:54] <unmotivatedMeatshield> No hes buried under some rocks
[20:54] <snuffshotMartyr> We're working on it
[20:55] <visceralVanguard> I would offer to send you something to help, but you do not have an alchemiter, so I think I would be of limited assistance.
[20:55] <snuffshotMartyr> Yeah we do
[20:55] <snuffshotMartyr> It's right outside
[20:55] <snuffshotMartyr> It was like right there during the whole trial mess
[20:56] <unmotivatedMeatshield> I dont have any grist though
[20:57] <snuffshotMartyr> It'll wear off
[20:57] <snuffshotMartyr> No point wasting grist
[20:57] <snuffshotMartyr> This isn't relevant to the topic at hand though
[20:58] <visceralVanguard> Oh you are at home now?
[20:58] <visceralVanguard> Very well.
[20:59] <visceralVanguard> If I come across anything that could be of assistance, I shall send the code your way.
[20:59] <visceralVanguard> Maybe you will find some grist somewhere.
[20:59] <visceralVanguard> Grist has an odd way of cropping up sometimes.
[21:00] <visceralVanguard> I agree that this is one of the less pressing matters at the moment though.
[21:00] <snuffshotMartyr> Eeyup
[21:00] <visceralVanguard> As you can see, I am still here in the flesh, fine and unharmed.
[21:00] <snuffshotMartyr> Yeah, YOU are
[21:00] <visceralVanguard> I went on a picnic earlier with Nick, and we cooked some lamb chops.
[21:01] <snuffshotMartyr> Is Nick still alive?
[21:01] <visceralVanguard> Yes.
[21:01] <snuffshotMartyr> Unharmed?
[21:01] <visceralVanguard> He decided to take a nap upstairs.
[21:01] <snuffshotMartyr> Decided in what sense?
[21:01] <visceralVanguard> Nick is also entirely fine.
[21:01] <visceralVanguard> Decided as in, "I am sleepy and I want to go to Prospit"
[21:01] <snuffshotMartyr> Alright
[21:01] <snuffshotMartyr> Did you tell him yet?
[21:01] <visceralVanguard> He had quite a time marveling at the technologies of modern showers, and then he was sleepy.
[21:02] <visceralVanguard> Tell him that I have Abyss?
[21:02] <visceralVanguard> Yes, I did.
[21:02] <snuffshotMartyr> Not quite that part
[21:02] <visceralVanguard> We talked quite at length about it.
[21:02] <snuffshotMartyr> More the 'gave Carl permission to kill him' thing
[21:02]  * unmotivatedMeatshield watches silently
[21:02] <visceralVanguard> I did not use those exact words because that is not what I did.
[21:03] <visceralVanguard> I told him that Abyss promised not to hurt me, but I did not tell him that he could not be badgered into promising not to hurt an alternate version of a person who likely tormented him for a week.
[21:03] <snuffshotMartyr> Yeah
[21:03] <snuffshotMartyr> That poor mask
[21:04] <visceralVanguard> I told Nick that Abyss is under no contractual obligations at the moment.
[21:04] <visceralVanguard> He may do as he wish.
[21:04] <snuffshotMartyr> Lovely
[21:04] <visceralVanguard> Nick, understandably, was quite anxious.
[21:04] <snuffshotMartyr> As anyone should be
[21:04] <visceralVanguard> However, he beliefs that the arrangement we have set up is better than any of the alternatives discussed at the trial.
[21:05] <visceralVanguard> *believes
[21:05] <snuffshotMartyr> So he'd rather be vulnerable than not?
[21:05] <visceralVanguard> He and Abyss talked briefly but it was very awkward.
[21:05] <snuffshotMartyr> Welp
[21:05] <snuffshotMartyr> Least I guessed right
[21:06] <visceralVanguard> Nick explicitly told me that the entire time he had the mask, the mask never made him do anything.
[21:06] <snuffshotMartyr> Was this before or after getting exposed to it?
[21:06] <visceralVanguard> Both.
[21:06] <snuffshotMartyr> I see
[21:07] <snuffshotMartyr> Is there anything else you wanted?
[21:07] <visceralVanguard> Yes.
[21:08] <visceralVanguard> There are two primary things.
[21:08] <snuffshotMartyr> I don't WANT to say 'no and no'...
[21:08] <visceralVanguard> I know you might shrug them off as unimportant or unpleasant, but please bear with me.
[21:08] <visceralVanguard> Hopefully they are not too terribly weighty topics.
[21:08] <visceralVanguard> The first thing I want to say is this:
[21:08] <visceralVanguard> "I am sorry."
[21:09] <visceralVanguard> At the trial, I was ruthless.
[21:09] <snuffshotMartyr> What?
[21:09]  * unmotivatedMeatshield sits up a bit straighter and scratches the back of his head
[21:09] <visceralVanguard> I still stand by the case we made, the decisions I made, and the agreements we came to
[21:09] <visceralVanguard> However, I tore you apart during those whole proceedings.
[21:09] <snuffshotMartyr> ??
[21:09] <visceralVanguard> I may not have shown it as much as I was feeling it, but I was enjoying it.
[21:09] <snuffshotMartyr> What are you talking about?
[21:10] <unmotivatedMeatshield> whoa
[21:10] <visceralVanguard> Everything I said at the court
[21:10] <snuffshotMartyr> Remind me?
[21:10] <snuffshotMartyr> I wasn't paying attention
[21:10]  * snuffshotMartyr cracks a grin
[21:10] <visceralVanguard> About your schizophrenia, about your suicidal tendencies, about your sociopathy, about your painful interactions with others, about your time with Reggie
[21:10] <snuffshotMartyr> Okay?
[21:10] <visceralVanguard> I enjoyed pulling it all out in the open and exposing it.
[21:10] <unmotivatedMeatshield> So you enjoyed being a lawyer?
[21:10] <snuffshotMartyr> Uh
[21:10] <visceralVanguard> No.
[21:11] <unmotivatedMeatshield> Oh
[21:11] <visceralVanguard> While constructing a logical argument and arguing my case was invigorating, it was tearing Lyra apart in front of everything that enjoyed.
[21:11] <snuffshotMartyr> ...
[21:11] <snuffshotMartyr> Dude
[21:11] <snuffshotMartyr> Seriously?
[21:11] <visceralVanguard> While I think that many of the things we proved were correct, I went overboard for our case.
[21:11] <snuffshotMartyr> You did not 'tear me apart'
[21:11] <snuffshotMartyr> Don't flatter yourself
[21:12] <snuffshotMartyr> You rattled off a list, most of them points I already made before
[21:12] <visceralVanguard> I could have easily proved our case with much less graphic evidence and strong language.
[21:12] <visceralVanguard> You know that.
[21:12] <snuffshotMartyr> Like taking candy from a baby that is literally handing you their candy.
[21:12] <visceralVanguard> I chose to go deeper just for fun.
[21:12] <snuffshotMartyr> Not following
[21:13] <snuffshotMartyr> At what point did you actually 'go deep'?
[21:13] <snuffshotMartyr> Because that whole thing was stuff I'd already been talking about
[21:13] <visceralVanguard> Okay, Lyra, we do not need to get into this.
[21:13] <snuffshotMartyr> Y'know, I think we might
[21:13] <visceralVanguard> You not entirely comprehending how emotionally damaging some things can be is precisely one of the things brought up in the case.
[21:14] <snuffshotMartyr> You're talking about emotionally damaging ME, though
[21:14] <snuffshotMartyr> I'm at least 90% sure nothing you said scarred me emotionally
[21:14] <visceralVanguard> Because of what the two of us brought up in court, Alex collapsed, Abyss was brought to tears, Reggie was brought to tears, and even Regent was put off by the whole proceedings.
[21:14] <visceralVanguard> I never said my apology was addressed only to you, Lyra.
[21:14] <visceralVanguard> I am apologizing to Alex too.
[21:15] <unmotivatedMeatshield> wait why
[21:15] <snuffshotMartyr> Regent was put off because of what I said to him
[21:15] <visceralVanguard> You were quite literally a passersby who happened to drop in to the case, and yet we still went into as much depth as we did.
[21:16] <visceralVanguard> Surely you cannot deny that what was said did not negatively affect you. You quite literally collapsed!
[21:16] <unmotivatedMeatshield> I mean lyra is, uh
[21:16] <unmotivatedMeatshield> yeah well thats because im a little bitch
[21:16] <unmotivatedMeatshield> not your fault dude
[21:16]  * snuffshotMartyr laughs
[21:16] <snuffshotMartyr> I think that's the first time anyone but me's been called that
[21:17] <unmotivatedMeatshield> a little bitch?
[21:17] <snuffshotMartyr> Eeyup
[21:17] <unmotivatedMeatshield> you're not a little bitch, you're fucking metal
[21:17] <snuffshotMartyr> Tell that to the queen
[21:17] <snuffshotMartyr> And whichever Regents, I don't even remember
[21:17] <unmotivatedMeatshield> youve gone insane more times than fucking...
[21:18] <unmotivatedMeatshield> a mental patient
[21:18] <visceralVanguard> I'm not saying that everything I did in that trial was an overdramatic show that didn't need to be done and everyone is now permanently emotionally scarred by it. What I am saying is that I chose to make the trial more gruesome and uncomfortable than it had to be because I was having fun doing it, and that was selfish of me.
[21:18] <unmotivatedMeatshield> that goes insane alot
[21:18] <visceralVanguard> I want you to know that I am sorry for that, and that I do not necessarily believe you are the horrible dark twisted monster I sometimes tried to paint you to be.
[21:18] <snuffshotMartyr> Faerzen
[21:18] <snuffshotMartyr> Stop
[21:18] <unmotivatedMeatshield> Yes stop
[21:18] <visceralVanguard> That is all I have to say on the matter, so I will stop.
[21:18] <snuffshotMartyr> First of all, there was a lot worse stuff that could have been said
[21:18] <visceralVanguard> Of course.
[21:19] <snuffshotMartyr> Most of that was part of my quaternary plans, but I digress
[21:19] <snuffshotMartyr> Secondly, why on Earth would I think you believed the image you were setting up?
[21:19] <snuffshotMartyr> Come on dude.  It's a trial
[21:19] <snuffshotMartyr> It's kind of your entire JOB to make me look bad
[21:20] <visceralVanguard> Correct.
[21:20] <unmotivatedMeatshield> it was his job
[21:20] <snuffshotMartyr> Why would I be mad at you for doing the same thing I was doing?
[21:20] <visceralVanguard> I never said you would be mad.
[21:21] <snuffshotMartyr> Whatever
[21:21] <visceralVanguard> I felt bad about something and I wanted to make sure we were all on the same page, so I apologized and clarified.
[21:21] <snuffshotMartyr> Well then why feel bad?
[21:21] <visceralVanguard> If you feel all of that is unnecessary, then fine.
[21:21] <snuffshotMartyr> S'like
[21:21] <snuffshotMartyr> If I were to track mud on your carpets while you're playing with a hose in the living room
[21:22] <snuffshotMartyr> And some dirt with the hose, I guess
[21:22] <unmotivatedMeatshield> damn thats a good analogy
[21:22] <snuffshotMartyr> Darn right it is
[21:22] <visceralVanguard> Just because the repercussions of my actions were not terribly significant does not mean I cannot feel you should be entitled to know my motives behind them.
[21:22] <snuffshotMartyr> You were trying to make me look bad
[21:22] <snuffshotMartyr> Because that's the plan we ended up going with
[21:23] <visceralVanguard> Yes.
[21:23] <visceralVanguard> We left on such a sour note that I wanted to ensure we were still on the same page.
[21:23] <snuffshotMartyr> Carl's not in the room with you?
[21:23] <visceralVanguard> No.
[21:23] <snuffshotMartyr> What about the Reg brigade?
[21:23] <visceralVanguard> They are upstairs.
[21:24] <snuffshotMartyr> Yes or no, please.  I don't know if you're also upstairs or not.
[21:24] <visceralVanguard> No, they are two floors above me.
[21:24] <snuffshotMartyr> Alrighty then
[21:24] <snuffshotMartyr> Promise none of this info gets leaked to any of them?
[21:25] <visceralVanguard> I will not speak a word of what you say to them.
[21:25] <visceralVanguard> Or in Regent's case, write.
[21:25] <snuffshotMartyr> I mean, they'll steal it anyway, but I wanna pretend that promises still hold meaning
[21:25] <visceralVanguard> What is the matter?
[21:25] <snuffshotMartyr> Okay then.
[21:25] <snuffshotMartyr> Dude
[21:25] <snuffshotMartyr> I ain't mad at you
[21:26] <visceralVanguard> I am glad to hear that.
[21:26] <snuffshotMartyr> I mean, a little bit ticked that we jumped straight to plan C
[21:26] <snuffshotMartyr> Heh
[21:26] <snuffshotMartyr> I had this whole rant planned out for confronting you about that part
[21:26] <visceralVanguard> I expected that.
[21:26] <snuffshotMartyr> And I expected it to be rendered moot
[21:27] <snuffshotMartyr> That's actually why I thought it up
[21:27] <snuffshotMartyr> Can't come true if I have a plan for it, right/
[21:27] <snuffshotMartyr> ?
[21:27]  * visceralVanguard smirks
[21:28] <snuffshotMartyr> But in all seriousness
[21:28] <snuffshotMartyr> It was pretty hypocritical
[21:29] <visceralVanguard> <no response>
[21:29] <snuffshotMartyr> I mean come on
[21:29] <snuffshotMartyr> After the whole "don't crash the boat" intervention?
[21:31] <unmotivatedMeatshield> What
[21:31] <visceralVanguard> I am afraid I do not follow.
[21:31] <snuffshotMartyr> After I threw you through the gate
[21:31] <visceralVanguard> What intervention?
[21:31] <snuffshotMartyr> Reggie made me visit Faerzen
[21:31] <snuffshotMartyr> We talked about means of advancing
[21:32] <snuffshotMartyr> A boat surrounded by icebergs
[21:32] <snuffshotMartyr> You either crash it and hope you get out, or you try and plot a map
[21:32] <visceralVanguard> Correct.
[21:32] <visceralVanguard> We did have that discussion.
[21:32] <snuffshotMartyr> Plan C was to stand still and let it sink
[21:33] <snuffshotMartyr> You took the option that slowed but didn't stop anything
[21:33] <snuffshotMartyr> Me being free doesn't change anything.  Carl being gone?  That'd change something.
[21:33] <snuffshotMartyr> I had plans, Faerzen
[21:33] <snuffshotMartyr> Ways to get us out of there
[21:34] <snuffshotMartyr> Some better than others, some bad to the point of having a hurricane rework the map and us hoping he put the boat back down in one piece.
[21:34] <unmotivatedMeatshield> what was the hurricane
[21:34] <snuffshotMartyr> Nick
[21:35] <snuffshotMartyr> Maskwraith
[21:35] <unmotivatedMeatshield> ah
[21:35] <snuffshotMartyr> That was plan E
[21:35] <visceralVanguard> You may have plans, Lyra, but I find it difficult that you expect everyone to comply with your plans when you tell other people next to nothing about what they are.
[21:35] <snuffshotMartyr> You don't need to comply!
[21:36] <snuffshotMartyr> I can't work with people, why would I plan anything that involved needing help?
[21:36] <visceralVanguard> Clearly it did need cooperation if you are frustrated at me for doing something counter to them.
[21:37] <snuffshotMartyr> "Cooperation" in the sense of not letting you hijack the trial, maybe
[21:37] <snuffshotMartyr> There were ways we could have come out ahead, instead of just minimizing our losses
[21:38] <snuffshotMartyr> But no, those have risks, and we can't have that!
[21:38] <visceralVanguard> I still do not see how I could have been expected to let you have your way with the trial in the hopes that some mysterious black box plan would work.
[21:38] <visceralVanguard> If you want my cooperation, you can't just keep me in the dark, Lyra!
[21:38] <snuffshotMartyr> I told you exactly what I wanted done!
[21:38] <visceralVanguard> I am not trying to work against you, but if I don't know what you're working on, I can't work for you either.
[21:38] <snuffshotMartyr> I told you exactly what I wanted done!
[21:39] <visceralVanguard> I still do not see the problem here.
[21:39] <snuffshotMartyr> The problem is that you accepted the loss with a smile
[21:39] <visceralVanguard> What loss?
[21:39] <snuffshotMartyr> Insanity plea
[21:39] <visceralVanguard> How is that a loss?
[21:40] <snuffshotMartyr> How is it a win?
[21:40] <visceralVanguard> Your soul does not get consumed and we still retain amicable relations with Abyss so we can form another more beneficial agreement in the future.
[21:40] <snuffshotMartyr> "amicable relations with Abyss"
[21:41] <snuffshotMartyr> The thing that demanded being allowed to kill Nickolai?
[21:41] <visceralVanguard> The Nickolai it knows when on a horrible murder spree killing everyone!
[21:41] <visceralVanguard> Could I ask you to promise not to kill him if that's all you knew of him?
[21:42] <visceralVanguard> Of course not!
[21:42] <snuffshotMartyr> ...
[21:42] <snuffshotMartyr> Plan F coulda come in handy around now
[21:43] <snuffshotMartyr> What was the official deal again?  It wouldn't "harm" you or Alex?
[21:43]  * unmotivatedMeatshield slightly leans away from lyra
[21:44] <visceralVanguard> Abyss promised not to work against us and he promised not to hurt Alex or I.
[21:44] <snuffshotMartyr> I see
[21:44] <snuffshotMartyr> A few easy ways to break that
[21:44] <snuffshotMartyr> Faerzen, do me a favour
[21:45] <visceralVanguard> Are you trying to corner him into something now?
[21:45] <visceralVanguard> What do you want me to do?
[21:45] <snuffshotMartyr> Type in "four equals five"
[21:45] <visceralVanguard> Why?
[21:45] <snuffshotMartyr> Just do it
[21:45] <snuffshotMartyr> Tell me a lie
[21:45] <visceralVanguard> "four equals five"
[21:45] <snuffshotMartyr> Say it aloud
[21:46]  * visceralVanguard says "four equals five" aloud
[21:46]  * unmotivatedMeatshield looks at lyra and then looks back at computer in real life
[21:46] <snuffshotMartyr> Can't tell now, but I've recorded it, so I'll replay that when my hearing works again
[21:46] <visceralVanguard> What are you trying to do?
[21:46] <snuffshotMartyr> Checking to see if you're possessed
[21:46] <visceralVanguard> I see.
[21:47] <snuffshotMartyr> Because I feel like you might be
[21:47] <visceralVanguard> I know you think I might be.
[21:47] <visceralVanguard> I think there is very little I can do to assuage that feeling.
[21:48] <snuffshotMartyr> You could maybe stop sympathizing with it.
[21:48]  * unmotivatedMeatshield puts his hand on lyra's shoulder
[21:48]  * snuffshotMartyr glances at him
[21:48] <visceralVanguard> It is always possible to be paranoid enough such that something could be wrong.
[21:48]  * unmotivatedMeatshield mouths "lyra" then shakes his head
[21:48]  * snuffshotMartyr sighs
[21:48] <snuffshotMartyr> What makes you so sure it's telling the truth?
[21:49] <visceralVanguard> I am not 100% certain it is telling the truth. It simply seems the most probably outcome that it is telling the truth. If it were lying and it is actually attempting to manipulate us, there are so many other ways that it could have gone about achieving its goals that involved significantly less risk and more effect.
[21:49] <visceralVanguard> Abyss seems to gain little from having fabricated this whole scene.
[21:50] <snuffshotMartyr> ...
[21:50] <snuffshotMartyr> Darn it
[21:50] <snuffshotMartyr> That actually makes some sense
[21:50] <visceralVanguard> Wait, really?
[21:50] <snuffshotMartyr> Blurgh
[21:50] <visceralVanguard> I was preparing myself to hear you try and shoot that down.
[21:51] <visceralVanguard> Well, that was nice.
[21:51] <snuffshotMartyr> I still don't like it
[21:51] <snuffshotMartyr> But you might be right
[21:51]  * unmotivatedMeatshield quickly glances at lyra and back in suprise
[21:51] <snuffshotMartyr> It wants something more than just us dead
[21:51] <snuffshotMartyr> Or worse
[21:51] <snuffshotMartyr> Can't forget the worse
[21:52] <visceralVanguard> Of course.
[21:52] <snuffshotMartyr> But still
[21:52] <snuffshotMartyr> You're trying to sympathize with its sob story?
[21:54] <visceralVanguard> Why wouldn't I?
[21:54] <visceralVanguard> I am trying to ascertain the truth of the situation.
[21:54] <visceralVanguard> There is no other way than to hear its side of the story.
[21:54] <snuffshotMartyr> O.O
[21:55]  * snuffshotMartyr grins
[21:55] <visceralVanguard> If it is lying then I am simply listening to meaningless words in an attempt to learn the truth and if it isn't it isn't then I am being a good person.
[21:55]  * snuffshotMartyr 's grin widens
[21:56]  * unmotivatedMeatshield looks at lyra
[21:57] <snuffshotMartyr> I getcha
[21:58] <snuffshotMartyr> Faerzen
[21:58] <snuffshotMartyr> I'm sorry I ever doubted you
[21:58] <unmotivatedMeatshield> Im missing something arent I
[21:59] <snuffshotMartyr> He's got a plan.
[21:59]  * visceralVanguard looks at Lyra with an puzzled expression
[21:59] <unmotivatedMeatshield> Oh boy
[21:59] <unmotivatedMeatshield> more plans
[21:59]  * snuffshotMartyr turns somber
[21:59] <snuffshotMartyr> ... and I've been doing the same thing I was so angry at you for.
[22:00] <unmotivatedMeatshield> wait angry at who
[22:00] <snuffshotMartyr> Faerzen
[22:00] <unmotivatedMeatshield> alright
[22:00] <snuffshotMartyr> For getting in the way and assuming I'm the only one who thinks ahead
[22:01]  * snuffshotMartyr shakes her head
[22:01] <visceralVanguard> Apology accepted, thank you.
[22:01] <snuffshotMartyr> Likewise.
[22:01] <snuffshotMartyr> New rule.  You send Carl my way, and you know exactly how I'll act towards it.
[22:01] <snuffshotMartyr> Understood?
[22:01] <visceralVanguard> Hmm?
[22:02] <snuffshotMartyr> No more Bayesian garbage.  One action, one reaction.
[22:02] <visceralVanguard> What do you mean?
[22:02] <snuffshotMartyr> I mean you know exactly how a meeting between Carl and I would go.  Right?
[22:02] <snuffshotMartyr> Or you have an idea.
[22:02] <visceralVanguard> I would predict quite unpleasantly.
[22:02] <snuffshotMartyr> Perfect
[22:03] <snuffshotMartyr> That's fact now.
[22:03] <snuffshotMartyr> No more predicting.  It's now a fundamental rule of causality
[22:03]  * unmotivatedMeatshield googles bayesian
[22:03] <visceralVanguard> Okay then.
[22:04] <snuffshotMartyr> Deal?
[22:04] <visceralVanguard> Thank you for clearing the mudder waters of probability and causality.
[22:04] <visceralVanguard> How is it a deal?
[22:04] <visceralVanguard> You are stating something.
[22:04] <snuffshotMartyr> Yes
[22:04] <snuffshotMartyr> And in exchange, your plans are that much simpler to make.  Because now you don't need to factor me in as anything but a static number
[22:05] <visceralVanguard> Okay.
[22:05] <snuffshotMartyr> On the other hand...
[22:05] <snuffshotMartyr> If and/or when your plans FAIL...
[22:06] <snuffshotMartyr> Roll 1d20+5 to smirk like a supervillain like in the movies
[22:06] <`DM> snuffshotMartyr rolled 1d20+5 to smirk like a supervillain like in the movies [ 1d20=6 ]{11}
[22:06] <snuffshotMartyr> My turn.
[22:07] <visceralVanguard> So essentially you are telling me that this better work or else your doing whatever you want.
[22:07] <unmotivatedMeatshield> roll 1d20-1 to notice smirk
[22:07] <`DM> unmotivatedMeatshield rolled 1d20-1 to notice smirk [ 1d20=2 ]{1}
[22:07] <visceralVanguard> *you're
[22:07] <snuffshotMartyr> No
[22:08] <snuffshotMartyr> I'm telling you that I am now a known quantity
[22:08] <snuffshotMartyr> And if you hit the point where nothing works, then I've still got a few ideas that might be salvageable
[22:09] <visceralVanguard> That is an incredibly reasonable thing to say.
[22:09] <snuffshotMartyr> Like Plan A
[22:09] <snuffshotMartyr> I liked Plan A
[22:09] <snuffshotMartyr> Would have been nice to try it out
[22:09] <visceralVanguard> Which one was that again?
[22:09] <visceralVanguard> Was that Derse?
[22:09] <snuffshotMartyr> Not telling
[22:09] <visceralVanguard> Excellent.
[22:10] <snuffshotMartyr> My point is
[22:10] <snuffshotMartyr> For whatever purposes you decide to paint it as
[22:10] <snuffshotMartyr> I don't care about anything but making Carl suffer
[22:11] <visceralVanguard> I am quite aware of that.
[22:11] <visceralVanguard> Thank you for clarifying.
[22:11] <snuffshotMartyr> Alrighty
[22:11] <snuffshotMartyr> Now then
[22:11] <snuffshotMartyr> You said there were two things?
[22:11] <visceralVanguard> Yes.
[22:11] <visceralVanguard> The boxes.
[22:11] <snuffshotMartyr> Ugh, right
[22:11] <snuffshotMartyr> It's gone
[22:12] <unmotivatedMeatshield> we uh
[22:12] <unmotivatedMeatshield> duct taped a grenade to it and chucked it off a cliff
[22:12] <visceralVanguard> Lovely.
[22:12] <visceralVanguard> What was the reason for that?
[22:12] <snuffshotMartyr> Wanted to see what'd happen
[22:12] <visceralVanguard> What did the box look like?
[22:12] <unmotivatedMeatshield> and apparently its a lich cropse
[22:12] <unmotivatedMeatshield> corpse
[22:13] <snuffshotMartyr> Phylactery, yeah
[22:13] <visceralVanguard> What made you think that?
[22:13] <snuffshotMartyr> Scorched wood, pictures of nooses and skulls, and the words 'do not open'
[22:13] <snuffshotMartyr> So naturally, we didn't open it
[22:13] <visceralVanguard> I see.
[22:13] <snuffshotMartyr> What are we, stupid?
[22:13] <visceralVanguard> Perfectly reasonable.
[22:13] <visceralVanguard> Alex, do you have one?
[22:13] <unmotivatedMeatshield> sorta
[22:13] <unmotivatedMeatshield> i dont think so
[22:14] <unmotivatedMeatshield> i can check
[22:14] <visceralVanguard> I would advise checking.
[22:14]  * unmotivatedMeatshield checks inventory
[22:14]  * unmotivatedMeatshield pulls out wooden box
[22:14] <unmotivatedMeatshield> Yeah I've got one
[22:14] <visceralVanguard> Lovely.
[22:14] <snuffshotMartyr> I've got one grenade left
[22:14] <visceralVanguard> I would refrain from destroying this one so hastily.
[22:15] <snuffshotMartyr> Oh, it didn't get destroyed
[22:15] <visceralVanguard> Okay, "getting rid of"
[22:15] <snuffshotMartyr> Kinda just disappeared
[22:15] <visceralVanguard> I still do not know what these boxes are or where they came from.
[22:15] <unmotivatedMeatshield> so whats in it?
[22:15] <visceralVanguard> But it appears that almost everyone I have talked to has one.
[22:15] <visceralVanguard> They have all been of differing appearances.
[22:15] <visceralVanguard> However, all wood.
[22:16] <visceralVanguard> A couple of them have been opened, namely Nick's and my own.
[22:16] <visceralVanguard> Neither of them portrayed any sort of negative imagery on the outside and I used Reggie as a mental precaution.
[22:17] <visceralVanguard> Mine appeared to be a makeup box.
[22:17] <visceralVanguard> As it turns out, that is precisely what it was.
[22:17] <unmotivatedMeatshield> It...
[22:17] <unmotivatedMeatshield> had makeup?
[22:17] <visceralVanguard> Indeed.
[22:17] <snuffshotMartyr> Well what the heck
[22:17] <visceralVanguard> Nick's contained similarly mundane objects, but both contained a note.
[22:18] <visceralVanguard> The notes seemed to be from me.
[22:18] <visceralVanguard> Claiming to be from the future.
[22:18] <snuffshotMartyr> Ladies and gentlemen
[22:18] <snuffshotMartyr> Here we see the first recorded evidence of, let's call it Wingwraith
[22:18] <unmotivatedMeatshield> why wraith? is it malevolent
[22:19] <visceralVanguard> I have already met my alternate self. I hope I do not need to again.
[22:19] <unmotivatedMeatshield> Oh
[22:19] <visceralVanguard> Regardless of whether these boxes are in fact from my future self, I figured I would provide you with the information.
[22:20] <visceralVanguard> I haven't the foggies clue how future me would be able to transport the boxes back in time and place them in our sylladices, but there are many things I do not understand about this game.
[22:20] <visceralVanguard> We do know that time travel is possible in this game.
[22:20] <snuffshotMartyr> Juan's vortex manipulator
[22:20] <unmotivatedMeatshield> what
[22:21] <snuffshotMartyr> Another guy, with a time machine
[22:21] <visceralVanguard> Juan either has or will obtain an item that allows one to travel through time in some manner.
[22:21] <visceralVanguard> The specifics are a bit fuzzy, but time travel of some sort is definitely possible.
[22:22]  * unmotivatedMeatshield rubs eyes
[22:22] <unmotivatedMeatshield> gret just what we needed
[22:22] <snuffshotMartyr> So it goes
[22:22] <visceralVanguard> That is how Maskwraith was able to travel here.
[22:22] <visceralVanguard> Oh, another piece of information that may be useful, however minimal that use is.
[22:23] <visceralVanguard> I spoke with Regent about Maskwraith and what Regent did to him.
[22:23] <snuffshotMartyr> ??
[22:23] <visceralVanguard> According to Regent, he banished Maskwraith to a place "very far away" that will prove to be very difficult to return from.
[22:23] <snuffshotMartyr> "very far away" will definitely stop a time traveller
[22:23] <visceralVanguard> He is not certain of exactly where he sent him, only that it has effectively removed him from the picture for the time being.
[22:24] <visceralVanguard> However, "for the time being" has entirely no meaning for Maskwraith.
[22:24] <snuffshotMartyr> Exactly
[22:24] <snuffshotMartyr> So... he's still hanging around?
[22:24] <visceralVanguard> That is why I said it is of minimal use, but still potentially of greater than zero utility.
[22:24] <visceralVanguard> Who, Regent?
[22:24] <snuffshotMartyr> Maskwraith
[22:24] <visceralVanguard> I have no idea.
[22:24] <snuffshotMartyr> Gone for now, but can just come back
[22:25] <visceralVanguard> Essentially, yes.
[22:25] <visceralVanguard> Also there is the fact that he was able to travel through time before the trial as well.
[22:25] <visceralVanguard> So he could potentially crop up anywhere regardless.
[22:25] <visceralVanguard> As long as he decided to do so before the trial.
[22:25]  * snuffshotMartyr smirks
[22:25] <snuffshotMartyr> Nice
[22:26] <snuffshotMartyr> Plan E might still be an option then
[22:27] <unmotivatedMeatshield> wait if he has time travel
[22:27] <unmotivatedMeatshield> doesnt it not matter when he gets back
[22:27] <unmotivatedMeatshield> fuck
[22:27] <visceralVanguard> Correct.
[22:27] <visceralVanguard> That is what I was saying earlier.
[22:27] <visceralVanguard> The fact that he is banished means little.
[22:27] <unmotivatedMeatshield> augh nevermind
[22:27]  * unmotivatedMeatshield facepalms
[22:29]  * snuffshotMartyr smiles slightly
[22:31] <snuffshotMartyr> Alright then
[22:31] <snuffshotMartyr> So, to recap
[22:31] <snuffshotMartyr> I am the bogeyman for all intents and purposes
[22:31] <snuffshotMartyr> Boxes contain evil makeup from the future or something
[22:32] <visceralVanguard> Hooray.
[22:32] <snuffshotMartyr> Maskwraith might still be a thing
[22:33] <snuffshotMartyr> Aaaannnnddd we've still gotta get the Brofessor back
[22:33] <snuffshotMartyr> Anything I missed?
[22:33] <unmotivatedMeatshield> Fuckin time travel man
[22:33] <unmotivatedMeatshield> whats with that
[22:34] <visceralVanguard> Not particularly.
[22:34] <snuffshotMartyr> Awesome
[22:34] <visceralVanguard> I think that covers most of it.
[22:34] <snuffshotMartyr> Sweet
[22:34] <snuffshotMartyr> Alex, wanna go blow up some rocks?
[22:34]  * visceralVanguard laughs
[22:34] <unmotivatedMeatshield> yes.
[22:35] <unmotivatedMeatshield> Yes i do.
[22:35] <snuffshotMartyr> Awesome
[22:35] <snuffshotMartyr> Talk to you later, Faerzen
[22:35] <snuffshotMartyr> Remember
[22:35] <snuffshotMartyr> I hate Carl with a passion and my entire purpose is to make it suffer
[22:35] <snuffshotMartyr> :P
[22:36] <visceralVanguard> Oh, silly me, how could I have managed to forget :P
[22:36] <snuffshotMartyr> You know what I mean
[22:36]  * unmotivatedMeatshield briefly reconsiders who he's semi-dating
[22:36]  * unmotivatedMeatshield makes a pfft sound
[22:37]  * unmotivatedMeatshield decides he still got lucky
[22:37] <visceralVanguard> It was good to talk with the two of you, and I hope you have fun blowing up some rocks. Try to not blow up yourselves in the process. :P
[22:37] <snuffshotMartyr> Already tried that
[22:37] <unmotivatedMeatshield> No promises!
[22:37] <unmotivatedMeatshield> see ya man
[22:37] <snuffshotMartyr> Not as much fun as you'd think
[22:37] <visceralVanguard> Farewell, you two. Have fun.
[22:37] <snuffshotMartyr> And you
[22:37]  * snuffshotMartyr [SM] closed memo


[22:53] <snuffshotMartyr> Actually
[22:53] <snuffshotMartyr> Before we go blow up some rocks for the crime of being vulnerable to gravity
[22:53] <snuffshotMartyr> Quick question
[22:53] <snuffshotMartyr> Sort of important
[22:54] <unmotivatedMeatshield> sure
[22:54] <unmotivatedMeatshield> whats up?
[22:54] <snuffshotMartyr> When we were talking before, you got a reference that would have been a century out of date from your perspective
[22:54] <snuffshotMartyr> So...
[22:54] <snuffshotMartyr> my question is... in your ultra-cybertech-megacorp-laden future...
[22:54] <snuffshotMartyr> Is Disney a megacorp?
[22:56] <unmotivatedMeatshield> Nah
[22:56] <unmotivatedMeatshield> its still around but lower key
[22:56] <snuffshotMartyr> Ah
[22:56] <snuffshotMartyr> Fair enough
[22:56] <unmotivatedMeatshield> the only reason i recognized it was one time i accidently got high on allergy medicine and binged 8 hours of disney movies
[22:57] <snuffshotMartyr> As one does
[22:57] <unmotivatedMeatshield> yeah
[22:57] <unmotivatedMeatshield> whenever i get allergies "I'll make a man out of you" gets stuck in my head
[22:57] <snuffshotMartyr> Haha
[22:57] <snuffshotMartyr> I mean, there are worse songs to be stuck in your head
[22:58] <unmotivatedMeatshield> fuck now its stuck in my head
[22:58] <snuffshotMartyr> In theory
[22:58] <snuffshotMartyr> Darn it
[22:58] <unmotivatedMeatshield> luckily you dont have to hear it
[22:58] <unmotivatedMeatshield> because we're both deaf
[22:58] <unmotivatedMeatshield> and insane
[22:58] <snuffshotMartyr> True
[22:58] <snuffshotMartyr> Gotta look at the positives