alchemenace | week 3, saturday, post-trial w/ veronica & orion

[ His eyes narrow, but, ]

I do, yes.

I suppose you'll be wanting to take a look at it?

[There is nothing sketchy about Veronica being here, maybe.]

If you have it with you, yes. [She tries for a smile, but it might come off a little awkward.] ... Sorry for inviting myself. I know it was Varian who originally asked to talk with you.

Technically, I invited you, and-- and, well, there's a reason for that. But yes, the original letter if you have it.

[ otherwise they'll just. go walk to get it ig ]

I don't carry it with me, so if you'll accompany me--

[ so why don't we handwave an awkward walk up to the room that Fitz and Ion shared, anyway,

he heads over to his dresser and pulls out a slip of paper from between the pages of his ic handbook. the one that burns people who try to open it, yes. there is a separate piece of parchment elsewhere in the room- the one he'd sent to his partner to look over, and he grabs that one too. ]

This is the original message.

[ and here is another link so we don't have to dig it up out of trial ]

[Hm.]

... Those are a lot of smudges. [She glances at Varian for a moment, her expression pinched, and then back at the letter.] I wonder if those happen at random, or if it's... something else.

[ he gives her a similar look before turning back to the letter ]

I don't know about random. Sandalphon's letter to Ion was like that too, wasn't it? Blotted. It might be something about the transfer between the Other Side and here.

[ there's a pause as he taps the letter ]

... The reason I asked Veronica is that she and I got similar letters.

[ sry if you didn't want to reveal v!!! ]

[ a thin eyebrow raise. but then he huffs an airy, flippant breath, and, ]

Well, in the case of worst coming to worst tomorrow at least this information won't be dying with me.

[ he was, half tempted to take it with him out of spite, but also- that is as much a waste of time and life as he claims to hate. ]

Similar, or the same? Did they touch on the same subjects?

Different, but similar enough that we might be able to help each other out.

[Honestly, she was waiting for Varian to reveal it since he did invite her, so... It's all good. Info sharing is murder caring. Anyway, let's just assume Veronica grabbed her own letter before they started this meeting because no one wants her running out across the common room to grab it.]

I received one from Beauty and Beast. [Taking out two pieces of parchment. One seems to be the original letter, written in both Beast and Beauty's handwriting. The other is a somewhat "fixed" copy written in Veronica's handwriting.] But I haven't been able to figure out everything that was smudged out.

[A beat, and she sighs.]

... You might not die, by the way. We... We might have enough ink for all four of you, if that theory's correct.

She's right. We don't know what'll happen to you guys yet.

[ Varian takes out his own letter, written in Beauty's handwriting. ]

Mine is probably the easiest to figure out. The only thing I haven't gotten yet is this [ he points to the ten letter blank after seeing ] and the three words near the end.

Edited 2018-07-01 03:05 (UTC)

[ Ion pauses, then flourishes his own second parchment, laid out and written in the common script to them here. It's his best guess at cleaning up the text that was sent him, with a few haphazard attempts at puzzling out the remaining two sets of four blank words. ]

I believe I've managed to interpret most of mine as well, save for these particular segments near the beginning and in the middle.

[ But he smiles, wanly, and less rigidly than he had during the trial, and: ]

In any case, I might not, and likely I will probably not-- but it's better to be practical, and account for matters of that sort regardless. We've all been saved by whatever it is long enough to possibly become complacent, and I would rather not any unintended surprises ruin us more than they already have.

That's... a pragmatic point of view, I guess. [She's not happy about it, but she won't argue against his logic because he is right.] And there's always the possibility that we're going to screw up at some point and kill the person responsible for that.

[They're a mess. Either way...]

... It looks like all three of our letters are encouraging us to not stab each other, though. That's... nice.

[Maybe.]

[ he doesn't comment on Ion's point of view, though he acknowledges it with a nod. also here's varian's fix because I forgot. ]

Right. They're mostly encouraging us to do our objectives, which... might be the same thing for some people. As we've learned.

I wonder why these were sent to us, as opposed to anyone else...

[ he's perusing the other two letters with a pursed expression. from at their feet, Scott nickers a quiet, sad noise, as if picking up on the atmosphere. ]

They seem tailored enough to the each of us, so it can't have simply been random chance. [ 'keep tinkering? keep creating? keep all of your limbs?' he can't see that applying to anyone other than Varian; ] In any case, surely the majority cannot be so violent. Even Hijikata's did not necessarily involve death...

[ ... ]

If the Tiger is out to win this, then what does the Dragon benefit from in calling to arms two Blotters a week? It seems to do nothing but set a time limit on us.

Your guess is as good as mine. It's not as if we've done anything specific to catch their attention, have we?

[Besides taking the Weenie Hut Jr. CYOA route, but that only applies to 2/3 of the people gathered here. It has to be something else, if there's a specific reason at all.]

... Did Dragon confirm that she's the one who specifically picks the Blotters? I know they meet with her, but I thought it was something both she and Tiger shared.

... I can't think of any reason why us three specifically, though it might be something we did individually.

[ which he can think of examples for himself but obviously not for them both. ]

Was Akechi the one who told you it was Dragon specifically that week, or your partner?

[ to add onto veronica's line of thought ]

Edited 2018-07-01 04:20 (UTC)

What? [ he blinks briefly, surprised-- then schools his expression back to a more solemn one. ] No- I apologize, I misspoke.

Both Akechi and my partner, whenever they referred to the Crafters, did so in the plural. As far as I know, your assumption is correct: it is a shared duty. What I was wondering is what the Dragon has to gain from going along with it...

[ but he shakes his head, because it seems like an idle thought for now. ]

... My partner did give me more information than that, however, if it's specifically any Blotter information we're concerned about. Perhaps it wasn't wise of me to flaunt any of it at the trial, [ but he was strongarmed into the letter reveal anyway, and was fairly tightlipped about the other thing with Steph; ] if I might have made myself a target, but...

In any case, the information he received from the previous week was this: besides the Historians and Blotters, there are also two Viziers, an Alchemist, two Editors, and a Shield in play.

[... There's a pause, and then Veronica takes out a pencil to quickly scribble those names on the back of the transcription she's been working on.]

Maybe... Dragon has no choice. Have you noticed how they behave when answering some of our questions at the trial? Sometimes, it feels like they're about to be straightforward before something stops them. She could be as bound to the rules of the war as we are.

[This is all theory, though, so. Well. She shakes her head and keeps scribbling on the back of the paper, apparently taking notes.]

If no one has gone after Akechi I wouldn't worry about becoming a target yourself, Ion. [flatly. in b4 ion dies next friday, god. either way—] ... And I think I might have an idea of what one of those does, but what do you guys think?

There's an alchemist?

[ sorry he'll be serious in a second but right now he needs a second to be high key Offended there's an alchemist role and he didn't have it. what the fuck. anyway. ]

--But, but Veronica's right. She's as bound as we are. They told me as much when I asked. Both of them aren't ... [ rolls eyes ] "writing their own story". They've been in this cycle for a long time.

[ as for the list... ]

I'm not... sure. Obviously I know what an alchemist does normally [ but i sure the fuck don't ], but in a story context? I am not a writer.

[ Hmm to all the talk about the Dragon. But- ]

I thought, briefly, that a Shield might exist to take others' pains onto itself-

[ because if you block a blow, then it's the shield that gets damaged, right? ]

The person I asked had no knowledge of what I was speaking of. Theirs was simply a normal healing role, if self-destructive to a fault.

As for the others... An Alchemist- are they expected to do anything other than synthesize things? Whether knowledge or crafts... I know the the ones we have in residence have had a helpful field of knowledge, but if it's that alone I think it might overlap with one of the other titles listed.

Because Viziers, I know, should be advisors. [ what that even means in the context of this game, Ion has no idea. ] Editors would fit in with the narrative theming, but I'm afraid I can't be entirely too sure what it is they would do.

[ what, are they revisionists??? they're not doing a good job of erasing the bad if--

he revisits Varian's note, actually, passing over Veronica's for that faint, nagging sense of... something, at its words (trust your partner). ]

Seeing... isn't believing.

Might the Editors be responsible for tampering with what we are able to see, somehow?

... Shield sounds like a role that's meant to protect others from death. [And at this, she looks at Varian.] Do you remember the note Natsuo got? He sounded upset that Dave didn't get one, too.

[So... Maybe it was a declaration of protection? Or so she assumes.

But, anyway.

Hm.]

You could be right about that, Ion. Editors polish other people's stories, and we're kind of up to our noses in this fairy tale theme. It'd make sense if they can dick around with the "story."

[ at Ion's description of who he thought was the shield, varian laughs weakly ]

Yeah, I think I know who you're talking about. [ ANYWAY ] Then that Shield role would have to be a weekly choice, wouldn't it? Since Natsuo died the next week.

[ it sure happened. it probably should've stayed happening, apparently, but that's none of his business. (except for the part where replion would've died. damn it.) ]

... In the woods, Stephanie and I saw things. And then last week, in the dining room, there was an earthquake, but no one else felt things. Could the hallucinations around the castle be caused by the Editors?

"Keep going, Natsuo. Don't let them break your spirit. I'm keeping an eye out for you."

[ he quotes the note word for word, with an accuracy of memory born of having to recite too many prophecies. ]

I think it might have to be a weekly choice, yes. Else they could simply spread their protection to everyone in the game, eventually.

[ but this is really the first he's heard of any woods adventures so explicitly. Kyouka had implied it, as had Rapunzel, but neither of them had been very coherent about it and Ion had busied himself instead with trying to assist. ]

As for the Editors... I couldn't say. [ a tight, awkward smile. ] It's why I'm asking, isn't it? But how would any of this benefit them, and why?

[Damn, Ion. She blinks, somewhat surprised, before giving him a wry smile.]

Encouraging. At least we can assume that the person with that role isn't a psycho.

[Or not an overt one, tbh. Regardless... The Editors are kind of, uh, concerning. And she thinks for a moment before responding.]

... It could benefit them if their objective is to indirectly help carry the murders out. Remember what my letter says? Villains shouldn't get caught up defeating the heroes, and vice versa. Civilians shouldn't get caught up in defeating both of them. That means that someone has been told that wiping out one or more of the factions is a good way to end the war.

[Or maybe they're just crazy. Who knows??]

So let's err on the side of the person with the Shield role is... trying their best. [ he will go with that because of the message. ] It's everyone else who's up in the air right now. The Historians are one side of things, so... I think it's fair to say either the Editors or the Viziers are the ones directly opposed to them. Right?

[ unless it's the alchemist but. let's go with s with s. ]

I believe we should trust these letters, which... puts me on the side of the Historians, going by what Beauty and the Beast have said and what we know of them, I suppose. I'm worried about what those other roles can do, but since we can't know for certain right now, I think we should table theorizing on what those roles can do and focus on what we can do with this information.

[ a beat. ]

Whether you live or not tomorrow, Ion.

[ #helived but y'know backtag ]

If we figure out who the Shield is, as a start we could then attempt to protect them, I suppose? [ a pause, then an entirely too elegant, dismissive shrug. he's fine. perfectly fine.

if he's dismissive enough about it it's like it won't even matter. ]

Easier said than done. I doubt they would be trying to draw attention to themselves... Perhaps one of the more reclusive sorts?

Protect them and convince them to protect a member from one faction each week. I... I don't want to find out what happens when one side "loses."

[Which, considering #backtags and the execution? Yikes. Save the villains.]

... I disagree. Being reclusive isn't enough to keep attention of yourself. Remember Hijikata? [That was on Thursday, Veronica. You found the body. Of course they remember.] If I had to guess... It could be someone who makes themselves feel valuable to everyone else, and stays well connected. The more popular and well liked you are, the less of a target you have on your back once your "friends" start getting chosen as Blotters. It's how the alpha bitches stay afloat.

[ what the fuck is an alpha bitch. ]

I don't know about reclusive or not, but I think we could figure out something based on the wording of Natsuo's note and the fact that they went for Natsuo at all. Obviously, he has a lot of friends [ or well. had. ], but I think we can assume they knew him pretty well. If only we could find out who else they've protected so far...

[ fuckin. ugh. ]

I do think there are some people we know we can eliminate, based on personality. And... we also have to hope they weren't a victim this week.

[ or won't die tomorrow oops lmao ]

Hmm. You two are probably right, thinking about it. Having connections would be a valuable protection, even if it then becomes a balancing act between keeping one's identity secret without lying too much... Do either of you have any idea who might fit this?

[ but if Natsuo had been protected that week, does that mean that he was targeted at the same time his partner was? ]

... Also, we never did catch Dave's killer... or killers. And Ann and Akechi only ever confessed to poisoning Soo-won. They never mentioned going after Natsuo, that week.

That was when their protection should have been relevant, correct?

[ he is not touching the 'possible victim tomorrow or this week' thing with a ten foot pole, because out of the four of them, Rapunzel at least seems as if she could fit the bill from the wording of the note. he can account for his own partner, he's fairly sure, but he can't say he knew either Monika or Hijikata that well.

... though, if it was Monika, then that must be unfortunate, given Natsuo's breakdown... ]

Edited 2018-07-02 01:06 (UTC)

... No ideas yet, but I'll sleep on it.

[They have a lot of social butterflies, now that she thinks about it... So it might be useful to compile a list of who are the resident castle darlings. Natsuo is out, at the very least, since she doesn't think he can protect himself? Or she hopes not since, uh, that would be pretty OP and scary after tonight.]

Varian and I thought that the wishing well might have killed Dave, but... I don't know what to think after what Tiger said tonight. His killer is "still with us", whatever that means. [SO. Hm] I wonder if the protection extends to the execution, too. Do any of us know what was up with that doll?

I have ideas who it isn't. [that's. about it. ] And... I don't think the Shield knows who's going to be targeted that week. I believe, going by how everything else works, they simply have to... go with their best guess.

[ which is. bad. for everyone. ]

Back when we thought two killers meant both killers, the well made sense, but I think now we know "two" might just refer to our Blotters. That theory doesn't, doesn't really hold up anymore. [ he gives a long suffering sigh and runs a hand over his face ] I know Natsuo got that doll from the same, same "quest" we went on. Stephanie and Fane got something too, but they broke it.

Ideas who it isn't is as good a place as any to start. [ there's still like, 26 of them alive. ] And though I wouldn't know anything about it, two 'killers' might indeed only refer to the ones forced to do it every week, as unfortunate as it is.

Still, I wonder who the Shield thought must have needed their protection most, this week...

[ three whole dead bodies. three different victims, hm. ]

I hate to say it, but my partner was a very obvious target. [ thanks, fitz, for making enemies!!! ] Perhaps they know something we do not, and sought to protect another because of it? [ that, or their aim just really sucks; or they're an akeichi stan and that's the real reason akechi's still alive ]

If the "two" really refers to the Blotters, then that's misleading as hell. Would changing the way we ask about the number of killers get us a different result?

[... Probably not, and she sighs, running a hand through her hair.]

No offense, Ion, but your partner killed Natsuo. With how popular that guy is... I can't imagine anyone would have really wanted to protect Fitzgerald unless they were really chummy with him. It's cruel, but...

[It's the truth. Natsuo stans are too strong. :'(]

If we can figure out who the Shield has protected so far, that should be another clue as to who they are. But I doubt anyone will be as... open about it as Natsuo. [ read: stupid. speaking of stupid. ] That's why I agree with Veronica. I doubt they would've protected your partner, no matter how obvious a target. The, the issue with having one person be the one protecting others is that they'll have their own biases. It's probably less that they know something we don't, and more that they're protecting the people they like.

That's what most people would do in their shoes. Protect their own interests.

[ did either of them expect ion to try to defend his partner beyond that really, because if they were they're going to be let down. his smile is thin as he responds, and though it's not necessarily pleasant, neither is it unpleasant. it's just... there. ]

From an objective standpoint, [ ... and by that he means an. objective standpoint, and not a standpoint focused on objectives ] would it not be best to try to predict targets and nullify attempts on their lives when possible, regardless of who they are? Especially when their presence leads others to be so predictable.

[ 'if someone is after fitz, then that's less time to be going after someone else.'

... not everyone is so pragmatic, ion. that said, he does dip his head in an acquiescing nod, and: ] But you both have points, and the Blotters-- or whoever our other killers might be-- proving this week that they very well can pick multiple targets muddies that regardless.

[ because Dave had been a mystery everyone had ended up chalking up to the well, up until now? still, he sighs, settling back in his seat heavily. ]

In any case. If all we know is that they have protected Natsuo... Do we really know anything much about them, then?

week 3, saturday, post-trial w/ veronica & orion

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

watch us all be going down the entirely wrong rabbithole icly

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject