video; un: saxitup | two truths, one lie

[saxsongs]

Hello! Some of you might remember me, but in case you don't - my name is Ren Jinguji. I returned during New Years and I'm resuming my work as an idol!

[With rewnewed energy, as one might notice from his annoyingly sparkling smile.]

But that's not why I'm making this post, really. I want to propose a game! Something so we can get to know each other better.

This is, two truths, one lie. Write three things about yourself, one of which is a lie. Others will have to guess which one it is. Of course, you can also reply as a video or a voice message, if that's easier.

Simple, right? Let's have fun.

Comments

text; UN: Puppetking

[throneaway]

1. I'm always looking for new chess and unspeakable-magical-secrets research partners.
2. Hallowe'en is my favorite holiday.
3. I'm always cool and collected.

text; un: hammertime

[malleiform]

The lie is 3. And if not, it's fairly impressive.

If 1 is true, what sort of research do you do?

[throneaway]

It's true, 3 is the lie, sadly. But it's unbecoming to lose one's nerve, so it's still a worthy goal.

Shadow magic, primarily. I dabble in others, with less success. Why, would you like to compare notes, Thor?

[malleiform]

It's unrealistic to expect someone to always be cool and collected.

Thor? My name is Jayce. I study, to put it simply, the science of magic. The practical integration of it in science and technology for the improvement of life. But I am always glad to share information with someone curious.

[throneaway]

Absolutely. But I'm a cut above the rest.

Hm, I didn't nail that one then. Jayce, call me Maxwell.

'The science of magic'. Oh, I know someone back home would absolutely love your approach. Me, I'm more of a the-magic-of-science guy, but I'd be happy to trade with you, and strengthen us both.

Are you affiliated with the local Research Center, or are you more of a rogue agent?

[malleiform]

That one was much better, by the way, Maxwell.

For now, I'm at the Research Center. They have great facilities and resources. The people there are knowledgeable and excited to share discoveries.

It's a good way to get information quickly. I'd be glad to share what I can. I hope to eventually get a lab here so my partner and I can do our own work.

[throneaway]

A poor wordsmith blames their tools, so I'll take responsibility. But I'm curious about where your username came from.

Hm. Then I'll stop by and see what all the fuss is about. I don't exactly love combat, myself, though at a push I can just about defend myself.

Oh, someone else from your world is with you?

[malleiform]

It came to me set up like this. Though I do know where it came from. My family famously runs a forge at home. And I have a hammer that I personally designed and built with my partner.

I don't think you will need to engage in combat at the research center. I haven't had to yet. Not that I've been here that long.

And yes. My partner and I arrived here at about the same time. I got really lucky, I think. I'm finding that it doesn't always happen like that...where you arrive with someone you know.

[throneaway]

Maybe I should have called you Hephaestus, pal. Still crickets, or do you like that one?

How long's 'not that long'? You seem pretty well-informed. But I guess you would, if information's at a premium for you.

...Yeah. I was just getting used to not being alone, myself, and then this happens. But with other displaced weirdos, I shouldn't complain. I'll figure something out.

It sounds like you and your partner make quite the team, anyway.

[malleiform]

Wish I could say I did. Still crickets, though.

I've been here just over a month. One of the first things I did was go to the research center. People are kind enough to share what is needed here when prompted, as well. Plus, a lot of what I've learned isn't things I had to figure out and discover and research. It was information that was readily available when knowing what to ask.

We do. He's the smartest person I know.

un: abnormalitylover, text

[abnormalizes]

Oh definitely 3. I don't think any human could manage it, though that's a big assumption on my part.

[throneaway]

Oh, hello again.

It is 3, yes. Though, for the record, all the nonhumans I know personally are considerably emotionally unstable as well.

[abnormalizes]

Most of the ones I know too, but there are exceptions! One Sin and Hundreds Of Good Deeds - the Abnormality that's currently doing therapeutic work - is pretty much unflappable.

[throneaway]

I do wonder, is everything either 'human or monster', where you're from?

[abnormalizes]

So, it's complicated? The definition of human in my world includes anything that used to be human, even if literally all their body parts have been replaced. So a lot of people you wouldn't look at and think 'human' are human, legally speaking.

[throneaway]

The bioessentialism of Theseus, hm? I'm not surprised, you did pretty conclusively paint it as a dystopia yourself already.

You're better off here. That place doesn't deserve ... well, anyone. But particularly people who can see through these things.

[abnormalizes]

Here's nice. I would love to be able to bring more people from my world here too, they deserve a better life as much as I do, but it doesn't work like that, unfortunately.

[throneaway]

I take it that you would choose to remain, if your mission here was over, then. That there's nothing compelling you to yearn for your old world at all?

un: viktor | text

[hexcorized]

[ Is he going to completely ignore the game for the sake of asking a question? Yes, yes he is. ]

What exactly constitutes for unspeakable? And what type of magic?

[throneaway]

[ Rules are made for breakin'. Maxwell ponders, but not for long; they're good questions, and honesty is an equally good policy, insofar as he can be honest with himself. Admit it's extremely dangerous? Hmn. ]

The 'dark and ancient' type. I call it 'shadow magic', but that's mostly metaphor; it's as tangible as you or I. The fuel it uses can be harmful if used improperly, but so can just about any energy source. I'd be happy to show you, if you're interested.

...Viktor. Are you Jayce's partner? [ He very nearly typed 'Jayce's Viktor'. That would have gone down well. ]

[hexcorized]

[ Viktor and danger is a bad combo. His recklessness has gotten him in trouble so many times in the past and yet he continues regardless. ]

Fascinating. What does this fuel consist of? And yes, very interested. When are you free? [ Please tell him more about your weirdly fascinating and dangerous shadow magic, thanks. ]

That's correct.

[throneaway]

[ Both these gentlemen seem eminently reasonable to Maxwell, which may be its own sort of warning is fine. ] I call it nightmare fuel. The ancients used it for everything; their weapons, their technology, their portals, their lights. I don't use it as they do, but their base state wasn't human. It manifests itself differently to everyone. You may find it feels and smells completely unique to your own lived experience.

I can make myself available anytime over the next... six hours?

He's told me a little about you. Only good things. [ Wildly good things. But it'd be more fun to say Jayce called Viktor 'so valuable' in person, to see the look on his face. ]

[hexcorized]

Quite the moniker. How are you able to harness such magic while being human, if the original users were not? [ Surely there has to be more to it that is not being said?? ] Or is its manifestation part of its utility and ease of use? And if so...how does it conform to specific individuals?

[ So curious. But it's no surprise that Jayce and Maxwell have spoken. ] Jayce has a tendency of seeing only the good in people.

[ Hm. ] I am at the research center, stop by if you have the time.

[throneaway]

Long story short, let's just say it, combined with my time as their King, profoundly altered my physiology. I'm not human anymore, though I can still do a decent impression for the nearsighted, I'm as frail and fragile as I ever was... but it's the magic I wanted. And the fuel gives you what you want.

He didn't say you were modest, but that's fine. It takes all kinds.

I'll make the time.

[hexcorized]

I see. You say frail and fragile,n are you sick as well?

[ As someone who also altered their physiology through self experimentation but is still frail and fragile as ever, Viktor can't help but feel a bit...strange knowing that others have had a similar experience as him. But at least Viktor is still human so that much he's grateful for. ]

Whenever you have the chance. It's not as if we're leaving here anytime soon.