Faerzen tells Nick about the Nothing

[18:16]  * visceralVanguard [VV] began conversing with solemnSketcher [SS]
[18:16] <@visceralVanguard> Greetings, Nick.
[18:17] <@visceralVanguard> Are you there?
[18:17] <SolemnSketcher> [a minute passes]
[18:17] <SolemnSketcher> Oh, hello there
[18:17] <SolemnSketcher> what's going on fae fae?
[18:18] <@visceralVanguard> I am afraid I have to say I am not entirely certain.
[18:18] <SolemnSketcher> hmmm...
[18:18] <SolemnSketcher> what happened this time?
[18:18] <@visceralVanguard> As I said, I decided to go exploring while you sleep, and among quite a few other interesting locales, I encountered a library.
[18:19] <@visceralVanguard> Do you perchance happen to still be asleep?
[18:19] <@visceralVanguard> Asleep as in awake as your dream self, that is.
[18:20] <SolemnSketcher> oh, no. i went to sleep a few minutes ago
[18:20] <SolemnSketcher> a library you say?
[18:21] <@visceralVanguard> Ah.
[18:21] <@visceralVanguard> So you are here on LOWAB then?
[18:22] <SolemnSketcher> indeed i am, if by lowab you mean the land of weird lights and floating islands
[18:22] <@visceralVanguard> When I saw LOWAB I am referring to the Land of Wicks and Bulbs, yes.
[18:22] <@visceralVanguard> I have a feeling I already know the answer to this next inquiry but I shall ask it anyways.
[18:22] <@visceralVanguard> You didn't perchance decide to go exploring, did you?
[18:23] <SolemnSketcher> i can defend myself, if that worries you
[18:23] <@visceralVanguard> You cannot defend yourself against everything. Please answer my question, I fear this may be quite important.
[18:23] <SolemnSketcher> yes, i am exploring
[18:23] <@visceralVanguard> Did you decide to explore above or below the darkness?
[18:24] <SolemnSketcher> i was below the darkness for a few minutes. is it that bad?
[18:24] <@visceralVanguard> FUCK.
[18:24] <@visceralVanguard> Are you still down there?
[18:24] <SolemnSketcher> faerzen?
[18:24] <SolemnSketcher> not quite
[18:24] <@visceralVanguard> Why did I know this would be the case?
[18:25] <SolemnSketcher> of course just when i decide to go down something horrible happens
[18:25] <SolemnSketcher> ruin seems to love my company
[18:25] <@visceralVanguard> EVERY single fucking time I try and relinquish some sort of thing happens.
[18:25] <@visceralVanguard> What do you mean by you are "not quite" down there?
[18:26] <SolemnSketcher> im leaving as we speak
[18:26] <SolemnSketcher> this place creeps me out
[18:26] <@visceralVanguard> Holy jurgen fuck thank you
[18:26] <@visceralVanguard> Are you okay?
[18:26] <SolemnSketcher> also, please. calm down fae. everything is okay
[18:26] <SolemnSketcher> yes, you got me worried.
[18:26] <SolemnSketcher> are YOU fine?
[18:27] <@visceralVanguard> Nick, things almost were very far from okay.
[18:27] <@visceralVanguard> I am fine.
[18:27] <@visceralVanguard> You, on the other hand, might not have been so fortunate.
[18:27] <@visceralVanguard> I have learned more about this darkness and what it is.
[18:27] <@visceralVanguard> Unsurprisingly, it is likely to be quite a great deal more dangerous than I first anticipated.
[18:27] <SolemnSketcher> but of course
[18:28] <@visceralVanguard> Nick, down here in the darkness there used to be an entire civilization.
[18:28] <SolemnSketcher> the ominous shadow of the world is obviously as dangerous as it looks
[18:28] <SolemnSketcher> oh
[18:28] <@visceralVanguard> This shadow is essentially the essence of nothingness.
[18:28] <SolemnSketcher> you... just gave me shudders down my spine and wings
[18:28] <SolemnSketcher> like.... excuse me... but... holy shit
[18:28] <@visceralVanguard> It consumes things by erasing all of their connections to the outside world, leaving them forgotten and alone, and then it consumes them
[18:29] <@visceralVanguard> It massacred an entire race.
[18:29] <SolemnSketcher> faerzen. i REALLY dont want to scare you, but when i was down there, there was something else
[18:29] <@visceralVanguard> When you went down......
[18:29] <SolemnSketcher> something grabbed my glaive at one point
[18:29] <SolemnSketcher> it let go, and kind of... dissapeared, no response of any kind
[18:30] <@visceralVanguard> Nick, the LAST thing I want right now is for your existence to be erased from my mind.
[18:30] <@visceralVanguard> Please promise me you will never go down there again until we figure out how to get rid of it.
[18:30] <SolemnSketcher> you know i wont.
[18:30] <@visceralVanguard> I know I wouldn't be able to know that I had lost someone, but I do not think I could bear the thought of not being able to think about you.
[18:30] <SolemnSketcher> ...
[18:30] <SolemnSketcher> thinking about this hurts
[18:31] <SolemnSketcher> that... that was a close save
[18:31] <@visceralVanguard> Yes..... yes it was.
[18:31] <@visceralVanguard> I apologize if I sounded rather panicked or stern initially, I needed to make sure you were okay.
[18:32] <SolemnSketcher> dont worry about it, that is you anyways.
[18:32] <SolemnSketcher> you have forgiven a LOT of my creppy moments after all
[18:33] <@visceralVanguard> That doesn't mean I should behave that way towards you. You deserve better. :)
[18:33] <SolemnSketcher> i dont think i could get anything better
[18:34] <@visceralVanguard> Awww, thanks! :)
[18:34] <@visceralVanguard> Given the nature of my recent discoveries, I wanted to find out you were okay, but also to inform you somewhat of my recent activities.
[18:34] <@visceralVanguard> I am down here below the darkness horizon at the moment, but I am protected by this place. There is no darkness here.
[18:35] <@visceralVanguard> Something is keeping the darkness at bay, protecting all of these books from being erased.
[18:35] <SolemnSketcher> oh god.
[18:35] <@visceralVanguard> There are some scientific studies and journals here written by those who were destroyed by the darkness, before they vanished.
[18:35] <SolemnSketcher> that... sounds ominous
[18:36] <@visceralVanguard> This darkness seems to be able to pass through anything, unstoppable, unavoidable. The only thing shown to be able to hold it back is Light.
[18:37] <@visceralVanguard> This appears to be why the upper area of the land is relatively safe.
[18:37] <@visceralVanguard> There is also information here that these beings collected as to how to rid the land of the darkness.
[18:38] <SolemnSketcher> really?
[18:38] <SolemnSketcher> im quite intrigued. tell me about it
[18:38] <@visceralVanguard> It is unfortunately unspecific, but it is heavily implied that it is something only I can do.
[18:39] <@visceralVanguard> There is a restricted section of this library that will likely have more information on the matter, but I have not yet ventured forth to that area yet.
[18:39] <SolemnSketcher> faerzen
[18:39] <SolemnSketcher> promise me something
[18:39] <@visceralVanguard> What?
[18:39] <SolemnSketcher> dont get caught in that darkness. or im going to be really sad, and really angry
[18:39] <SolemnSketcher> are we clear?
[18:40] <@visceralVanguard> I have no intention and even less desire to do that. Its consequences would be devastating.
[18:40] <SolemnSketcher> indeed
[18:41] <@visceralVanguard> In order to obtain access to the restricted sections of the library, some manner of ethical or moral examination must be taken and presumably passed, and I know not what that will hold in store.
[18:41] <@visceralVanguard> It seems to be odd procedure for a library, let alone one not attended by anyone anymore.
[18:42] <SolemnSketcher> well. perhaps its the classic "chosen one" deal
[18:42] <@visceralVanguard> Unfortunately, most of these tomes seem to present the story that way.
[18:43] <SolemnSketcher> and well... what does destiny say? so to speak?
[18:43] <@visceralVanguard> It does lead to things being generally ambiguous and unhelpful, as well as frustratingly limited in scope, but it makes sense given that this entire land was supposedly generated specifically for me.
[18:43] <@visceralVanguard> Honestly?
[18:43] <@visceralVanguard> It does not say much on the matter at all.
[18:44] <@visceralVanguard> Everything I have found thus far has essentially said "the fabled hero will come long after we are gone and by overcoming great trials they will save everyone".
[18:44] <SolemnSketcher> oh
[18:44] <@visceralVanguard> Quite generic hero fairy tale material, as a matter of fact.
[18:44] <SolemnSketcher> of course t does say that. its so..... cliche.
[18:44] <SolemnSketcher> is that the right word?
[18:45] <SolemnSketcher> still getting the hang of modern expressions
[18:45] <@visceralVanguard> Yes, I would say that word is perfectly applicable in this scenario
[18:46] <@visceralVanguard> I will keep investigating, as always, although if this recent occurrence has taught me anything it is that I cannot neglect my duties to keep track of everyone else.
[18:47] <SolemnSketcher> sigh. faerzen, can you drop that atleast once?
[18:47] <SolemnSketcher> it worries me
[18:47] <@visceralVanguard> There are quite a lot of parallel threads running in this tapestry and we need to ensure they do not become irreversibly tangled in a messy knot.
[18:47] <@visceralVanguard> It is not you I am worried about, Nick.
[18:47] <SolemnSketcher> its everyone
[18:47] <@visceralVanguard> Others here are not as... tempered in their attitudes as you are.
[18:48] <SolemnSketcher> yes, that's what worries me. the hands that attempt to hold more realize their grip is looser than it should
[18:49] <@visceralVanguard> I don't care if it is going to require me to spend all of my energy tightening my grip to hold things together. It is better than me letting everything fall to the ground and shatter!
[18:49] <@visceralVanguard> I appreciate your concern, Nick, but the stakes are far too high here for me to stand idly by.
[18:50] <SolemnSketcher> but what if you DONT have to hold everyone
[18:50] <SolemnSketcher> please faerzen.
[18:51] <@visceralVanguard> A hypothetical situation is irrelevant when that hypothetical is impossible. I am not burdening myself with the responsibility of making sure everything goes perfectly; that is an impossible goal and an unreasonable responsibility. I am simply committing myself to doing the best I can to maximize the likelihood of our team's success.
[18:52] <SolemnSketcher> its too must for anyone... atleast let me help you
[18:52] <@visceralVanguard> There is honestly little that you can do at this point. Perhaps in the future, but most of what I am doing right now pertains to obtaining and distributing knowledge, and this game seems to have a predilection towards providing that knowledge to me as opposed to other players.
[18:53] <@visceralVanguard> As is evidenced by this library, for example.
[18:53] <SolemnSketcher> we dont have much luck regarding information
[16:23] <@visceralVanguard> I believe that is simply the nature of this game, to be obscure, difficult, and complex.
[16:24] <SolemnSketcher> it has proven that way many times
[16:26] <SolemnSketcher> each passing day this game seems more of a "congratulations, enjoy your new life"
[16:27] <@visceralVanguard> How so?
[16:29] <SolemnSketcher> when was the last time we did something toawrrds winning?
[16:29] <SolemnSketcher> in  a completely concrete way?
[16:30] <SolemnSketcher> its shenanigans all the way down
[16:30] <@visceralVanguard> I still have yet to learn how it is we are supposed to be expected to create a new universe, and that fact is irritating.
[16:31] <@visceralVanguard> Perhaps it is a task we need not worry about because the game automatically generates a new universe upon our defeat of the Black King, but knowing this game, I highly doubt it is something so straightforward.
[16:32] <SolemnSketcher> well... it DID create planets, societies and more
[16:33] <@visceralVanguard> It is clear that the game is capable of creating something along those lines.
[16:33] <@visceralVanguard> What I doubt is that it is going to be straightforward for us to satisfy whatever requirements the game has in order to do that.
[16:33] <SolemnSketcher> yeah
[16:33] <@visceralVanguard> As you said, shenanigans.
[16:34] <SolemnSketcher> i have grown to hate that word
[16:34] <@visceralVanguard> This game can do quite a great deal, but as for precisely what or when or why, it is often a mystery. It usually seems to be geared towards making things difficult for us as a test, but that is only my hypothesis.
[16:34] <SolemnSketcher> sigh... has it been a week already?
[16:34] <@visceralVanguard> A week? Perhaps.
[16:35] <@visceralVanguard> Precisely feeling the passage of time is difficult when one never truly sleeps anymore.
[16:35] <SolemnSketcher> sigh
[16:35] <SolemnSketcher> indeed
[16:36] <SolemnSketcher> oh. so.... i saved the codes for all the food we have left
[16:36] <SolemnSketcher> just in case
[16:37] <@visceralVanguard> Wise decision.
[16:37] <@visceralVanguard> I feel as though I have rambled on as I usually do about myself for quite sometime, but I also wish to hear how you have been.
[16:38] <@visceralVanguard> Last I heard you left Prospit and were headed for your land.
[16:39] <SolemnSketcher> yeah, i was in my land, i discovered something QUITE interesting
[16:40] <SolemnSketcher> apparently, my land was probably devastated by some sort of volcano
[16:40] <SolemnSketcher> as there are signs of it, some places seem to still be active, as the ash floating around and actual magma seem to prove
[16:41] <SolemnSketcher> i guess that also gives the names of my grist some validation
[16:42] <@visceralVanguard> Ah, interesting.
[16:42] <@visceralVanguard> Geothermal activity always fascinated me!
[16:43] <SolemnSketcher> if my memory doesn't fail me rhyolite and sulphur can be found in a volcanic area right?
[16:43] <@visceralVanguard> Correct.
[16:43] <SolemnSketcher> plus, the first ogre i fought was made of obsidian
[16:43] <SolemnSketcher> or something like it
[16:44] <SolemnSketcher> oh?
[16:44] <SolemnSketcher> yeah, the fluids that burn under the earth are quite interesting
[16:44] <SolemnSketcher> if not scary
[16:44] <@visceralVanguard> Well as has become habit, I will say again to exercise caution! :) I am certain that I do not need to inform you that volcanic activity is dangerous.
[16:45] <SolemnSketcher> dont need to say twice
[16:45] <SolemnSketcher> oh, i was talking with lyra.
[16:46] <SolemnSketcher> apparently the game yet refuses to kill her
[16:47] <SolemnSketcher> and she seems to be.... in a relationship with alex?
[16:47] <SolemnSketcher> somehow?
[16:47] <@visceralVanguard> What did she do now that death was in a significant possibility?
[16:48] <SolemnSketcher> hallucinations perhaps
[16:48] <SolemnSketcher> apparently an army of ghouls attacked her
[16:48] <SolemnSketcher> and then she watched a movie with alex
[16:48] <@visceralVanguard> Lovely.
[16:48] <SolemnSketcher> something called "mad max"
[16:48] <SolemnSketcher> indeed
[16:49] <@visceralVanguard> I was hoping Alex would be some sort of stabilizing force for her. I am pleased to hear that that seems to be working to some extent at least.
[16:49] <SolemnSketcher> eh. it seems to work that way around here
[16:49] <@visceralVanguard> As for the two of them being together, I am surprised you did not know earlier!
[16:50] <@visceralVanguard> It was not particularly difficult to notice, I daresay. :)
[16:50] <SolemnSketcher> i KIND OF knew
[16:50] <SolemnSketcher> actually, i knew beforehand that alex liked lyra
[16:51] <SolemnSketcher> and i expected them to go eventually get in a relationship
[16:52] <SolemnSketcher> it just seemed kind of obvious
[16:52] <SolemnSketcher> ;p
[16:52] <@visceralVanguard> :)
[16:53] <@visceralVanguard> I would make some comment about the group of us pairing off and how that relates to Tarane and Byron, but I believe it would be inappropriate, particularly given recent events between the two of them.
[16:54] <@visceralVanguard> We shall see, however. It is of little consequence at the present I believe.
[16:54] <SolemnSketcher> im going to be the cruel one here and say it.
[16:54] <SolemnSketcher> it was never going to work
[16:55] <@visceralVanguard> I am not betting so solidly against them, but Byron is going to have quite an uphill battle if he continues with things at this rate.
[16:56] <@visceralVanguard> Enough of gossip though, you were telling me about volcanoes!
[16:56] <@visceralVanguard> What have you found so far?
[16:56] <SolemnSketcher> well. lets start from the suppositions
[16:57] <SolemnSketcher> i suspect there was quite big volcanic activity at some point long before i arrived on my land
[16:57] <SolemnSketcher> a series of volcanoes or a stupidly big one
[16:58] <SolemnSketcher> because, if the dark stone is any indicaton, things are either covered in mismatched volcanic rock, or obsidian
[16:59] <SolemnSketcher> it also seems to have killed most of the vegetation in areas that arent covered in dead trees and ash
[17:00] <SolemnSketcher> yet, some areas seem to still be active, as demostrated by a volcanic chimney that spilled forth some magma and noxious gases
[17:01] <SolemnSketcher> correct me if im wrong, but volcanic activity can be caused by earthquakes?
[17:01] <@visceralVanguard> I would hesitate to say that it can be caused by earthquakes but more that they are both closely related due to their underlying causes both being tectonic movement.
[17:02] <@visceralVanguard> Volcanic eruptions can dislodge tectonic plates causing a release in stress, triggering an earthquake.
[17:02] <@visceralVanguard> Likewise, earthquakes can agitate instabilities in the Earth's mantle, triggering volcanic activity.
[17:02] <SolemnSketcher> well, in that case lets say they are directly connected.
[17:03] <SolemnSketcher> because i suspect the crags, and cliffs are not direct cause of natural erosion
[17:03] <SolemnSketcher> as there seems to not be water anywhere in sight
[17:03] <SolemnSketcher> or the typical lines caused by it
[17:04] <SolemnSketcher> and it doesn't look like wind erosion, from the images i compared it to
[17:05] <@visceralVanguard> Wow, it certainly seems like you have done quite the bit of research on this matter, Nick! I am impressed!
[17:07] <SolemnSketcher> well, if something interests me i will pay attention to it
[17:09] <SolemnSketcher> so.... out of the dark.
[17:09] <SolemnSketcher> happy now?
[17:09] <SolemnSketcher> i am now sitting on the border of an island
[17:09] <@visceralVanguard> Excellent, I am glad to hear it
[17:11] <@visceralVanguard> What do you plan to do now? Any ideas?
[17:12] <SolemnSketcher> i was planning on going to sleep again, to collect my art supplies and the other things i needed and or wanted
[17:13] <SolemnSketcher> how about you?
[17:14] <@visceralVanguard> I intend to finish up the preliminary research I am in the midst of at the present, and then attempt to gain access to the restricted section of the library.
[17:14] <@visceralVanguard> It seems almost all of the necessary information is protected inside those shelves.
[17:14] <SolemnSketcher> interesting
[17:15] <SolemnSketcher> what kind of things do you think there will be there?
[17:15] <SolemnSketcher> any kind of things such as the name they have given byron?
[17:15] <SolemnSketcher> the "heir of hope"?
[17:17] <@visceralVanguard> That is quite an oddly specific question, why do you ask?
[17:18] <SolemnSketcher> that name seemed to be a quite ominous thing
[17:18] <SolemnSketcher> really, an inheritor of hope sounds... stupidly......... important
[17:19] <SolemnSketcher> i wonder if we all have such names
[17:20] <@visceralVanguard> From the limit amount of evidence I have gathered, it seems that this is in fact the case.
[17:20] <SolemnSketcher> really?
[17:20] <@visceralVanguard> Indeed.
[17:21] <@visceralVanguard> I know not what may be the case for others, but these tomes at least seem to point to my so-called "title" being the Knight of Light.
[17:21] <SolemnSketcher> hey, it rhymes!
[17:21] <@visceralVanguard> It sounds very imposing, but I haven't the foggiest what it actually means.
[17:21] <SolemnSketcher> so.... knight of light? well yeah. that also sounds ominous
[17:22] <SolemnSketcher> if you are the knight, does that make me the damsel
[17:22] <SolemnSketcher> ?
[17:22] <@visceralVanguard> I am quite sure if any male here is going to be called a female by this game, it is going to be be me. :)
[17:22] <SolemnSketcher> heh. :p
[17:22] <@visceralVanguard> We shall have to wait and see though!
[17:23] <@visceralVanguard> Is there anything in particular you would like me to see if I can investigate while I am here?
[17:23] <SolemnSketcher> could you do me a favor? if you find more names like that, remember to tell me about them
[17:23] <SolemnSketcher> the names sound familiar. and the domains sound... to interpretation
[17:23] <@visceralVanguard> The pool of knowledge here seems more limited to my land than anything else, but I shall see what I can find.
[17:23] <SolemnSketcher> heir, knight, i have heard that before
[17:24] <SolemnSketcher> hope and light however...
[17:24] <SolemnSketcher> oh, thanks faerzen
[17:25] <@visceralVanguard> No problem, Nick. :)
[17:26] <SolemnSketcher> do you want to watch a movie later?
[17:27] <@visceralVanguard> A movie seems like quite the time commitment, but if we have a moment I would love to. :)
[17:28] <SolemnSketcher> its not like we dont have free time. do we?
[17:28] <SolemnSketcher> unless we find something important to do, in which case, we should put that in priority
[17:29] <@visceralVanguard> While our time is thankfully not forcibly taken from us and applied to urgent situations anymore, I would certainly not say that it is free. There is much to be done and much to be learned!
[17:29] <@visceralVanguard> But yes, taking some time for ourselves would be quite enjoyable.
[17:30] <SolemnSketcher> indeed
[17:31] <SolemnSketcher> what kind of movies do you like?
[17:31] <SolemnSketcher> im still wrapping my head around the concept
[17:34] <@visceralVanguard> There really is quite a wide variety of options when it comes to movie types.
[17:35] <SolemnSketcher> it seems that way
[17:35] <@visceralVanguard> Personally, I have always enjoyed mysteries.
[17:36] <SolemnSketcher> oh, interesting
[17:37] <SolemnSketcher> from the description these things are giving me, mystery movies sound quite excellent
[17:38] <SolemnSketcher> its interesting how these movies follow.... "tropes"
[17:38] <SolemnSketcher> i found a quite lovely page that helps in getting up to date in modern culture and how it has evolved
[17:39] <SolemnSketcher> and lyra's advice in how to use the internet has helped a lot
[17:39] <@visceralVanguard> I am glad you have discovered the wonders of the internet! :)
[17:39] <SolemnSketcher> videos seem to be a good source of information... or weirdness
[17:40] <SolemnSketcher> there is lots of stuff, and... for some reason that i can figure out, there are MILLIONS of videos of cats, people getting hurt and... other things
[17:40] <@visceralVanguard> There is an unfathomable amount of material available there, as well as an unfathomable amount of content you never wanted to see hahaha.
[17:40] <SolemnSketcher> we humans find such odd ways to waste our time
[17:40] <SolemnSketcher> that sounds like an anecdote.
[17:41] <@visceralVanguard> Hmm?
[17:41] <SolemnSketcher> did you stumble into something you didn't want to see?
[17:41] <@visceralVanguard> Such an occurrence is quite common when it comes to the internet!
[17:41] <SolemnSketcher> really?
[17:41] <@visceralVanguard> If you can imagine something, chances are it exists on the internet.
[17:41] <SolemnSketcher> i guess i have been lucky in that cas--
[17:41] <SolemnSketcher> oh
[17:42] <@visceralVanguard> Naked people, violence, blackmail, terror, financial manipulation, governmental attacks
[17:42] <@visceralVanguard> It is all present on the internet.
[17:42] <@visceralVanguard> As with most things, there is always a flipside.
[17:43] <SolemnSketcher> that is... quite the combination
[17:43] <SolemnSketcher> i dont even want to know why would someone upload pics of their  naked bodies to the internet
[17:43] <SolemnSketcher> EVERYONE CAN SEE! WHO WOULD DO SUCH A THING?!
[17:46] <@visceralVanguard> Why not?
[17:46] <SolemnSketcher> what
[17:46] <SolemnSketcher> i.... what
[17:46] <@visceralVanguard> As you said, we find odd ways to waste our time, and to some people, doing something like that is enjoyable.
[17:47] <SolemnSketcher> i... guess so? but... really, showing one's privates... sounds lke.... a bit too personal?
[17:47] <SolemnSketcher> i can see the point of all the cat videos and the whole people getting hurt stuff but
[17:48] <@visceralVanguard> On the internet it is easy to be anonymous.
[17:48] <@visceralVanguard> When you are in a community of billions of people, Nick, it is highly unlikely you will ever happen to run into someone you know.
[17:48] <@visceralVanguard> Hiding your identity it not difficult.
[17:48] <@visceralVanguard> Furthermore, I do not believe it would be inaccurate to say that most people have some innate curiosity as to what someone else besides themselves would look like without clothes on.
[17:49] <@visceralVanguard> It really is not too surprising that such material is present, even prevalent.
[17:49] <SolemnSketcher> well.. isn't he whole point of seeing someone naked just trying to see someone they have romantic interest in?
[17:50] <@visceralVanguard> There is quite a booming commercial industry in the sale of material containing nudity, Nick.
[17:50] <@visceralVanguard> What if you do not have a romantic interest that is willing to do such things?
[17:50] <@visceralVanguard> The internet can provide you with a subsitute.
[17:50] <SolemnSketcher> that's also a good point
[17:51] <@visceralVanguard> Even not for sale, such material is highly prevalent.
[17:51] <SolemnSketcher> i guess its like with the whoring business? but without... you know
[17:51] <@visceralVanguard> I am certain if you so wished you could easily find some of said material online for free. Not that anyone is around anymore to collect your payments in the first place.
[17:52] <@visceralVanguard> Another reason it is attractive to people is that it does not actually involve contact with another person.
[17:52] <@visceralVanguard> There is no commitment, no consequences, just a consumer alone that does not need to worry about significant repercussions of their actions.
[17:53] <@visceralVanguard> There is less need for a physical partner when you can easily conjure up imagery of a digital one for free.
[17:53] <SolemnSketcher> when you see it like that it has more of a point
[17:54] <@visceralVanguard> The usage and personal consumption of such content was actually quite prevalent in my time.
[17:55] <@visceralVanguard> It was very rarely actually discussed in public, but its usage was a rather socially accepted norm.
[17:55] <SolemnSketcher> i can see how
[17:56] <SolemnSketcher> how long has this been a thing?
[17:56] <@visceralVanguard> Hmmmmmm..... I would estimate since the early 20th century.
[17:57] <@visceralVanguard> Around when printed medium was easily distributable was when consumption of media was particularly easy, and thus demand spiked.
[17:57] <SolemnSketcher> well.... i have known of people into excibitionism
[17:57] <@visceralVanguard> This is a trend applicable to most all forms of printed media
[17:58] <SolemnSketcher> and that was back there in my times
[17:58] <SolemnSketcher> not common, but... it was there
[17:59] <@visceralVanguard> Well then I suppose you can start to imagine that augmented by the power of digital media and communication.
[17:59] <SolemnSketcher> oh god. aren't there 3d projectors in your time?
[18:00] <@visceralVanguard> Of course, they are commonplace.
[18:00] <@visceralVanguard> You saw Eva on my wall in the living room. My glasses are also equipped with one that I put together.
[18:00] <@visceralVanguard> Most public electronic devices have some sort of user interface that involves complex projectors.
[18:03] <SolemnSketcher> god, if we ever get out of this game its going to take me a while to get used to all the technology if we all end up in the same place
[18:03] <SolemnSketcher> i wonder if we keep our wings
[18:04] <@visceralVanguard> We will need to find out when we cross that bridge, I am afraid.
[18:05] <SolemnSketcher> i like to keep myself hopeful, or atleast think i am
[18:07] <@visceralVanguard> That is a good attitude to have, I would say.
[18:07] <@visceralVanguard> Particularly in the midst of so much uncertainty.
[18:10] <SolemnSketcher> well, its hard to lose hope and determination when you have people to accompany you around the way
[18:11] <SolemnSketcher> yeah. that's a better word. determination.
[18:11] <@visceralVanguard> I only hope that determination will suffice to get us through this.
[18:12] <@visceralVanguard> The longer this game continues, the less probable that outcome seems, but I have no intention of giving up any time soon.
[18:12] <SolemnSketcher> that's the spirit
[18:13] <SolemnSketcher> faerzen. if you ever give up at one point im going to fucking make sure you dont
[18:13] <SolemnSketcher> you hear me?
[18:13] <@visceralVanguard> I do. :)
[18:13] <SolemnSketcher> good.
[18:15] <SolemnSketcher> such is the case for everyone.
[18:15] <SolemnSketcher> im gonna slap some sense into anyone that gives up. no exceptions, figurative slaps
[18:16] <SolemnSketcher> or literal, if the situation calls for them
[18:20] <SolemnSketcher> god, i sound so cheesy
[18:21] <SolemnSketcher> how can you even stand being with such a dork like me :P
[19:06] <@visceralVanguard> I cannot disagree with the degree of cheese you have been exhibiting. :)
[19:07] <@visceralVanguard> You make it sounds like you being a dork is a bad thing! I quite like it.
[19:07] <Nick_Varnegs> i guess im just that charming? heh
[19:08] <@visceralVanguard> ;)
[19:09] <Nick_Varnegs> that's a winky face right there
[19:09] <Nick_Varnegs> so... i guess i shouldn't interrupt further your "quest"? who knows what you could find there in the  library
[19:10] <@visceralVanguard> I am afraid I should probably return to my work now. I was wonderful to talk with you as per usual! We did get quite sidetracked in a surprise discussion about pornography, but it was all in the name of education. I do not particularly know how I became your font of knowledge on these matters, but as usual if you need anything just let me know.
[19:10] <@visceralVanguard> There is quite a great deal here to find, and I hope I uncover some useful and interesting information!
[19:11] <Nick_Varnegs> i wish you best of luck, faerzen
[19:12] <@visceralVanguard> Likewise! Stay safe with the volcanoes. :)
[19:12] <Nick_Varnegs> hey
[19:13] <@visceralVanguard> Yes?
[19:13] <Nick_Varnegs> i love you ;p
[19:16]  * Nick_Varnegs [SS] is no longer messaging visceralVanguard [VV]