un: kantera, text

[happydreamed]

If this adventure with chain mail has taught me anything, 'tis that many of us here are having our first exposure to the internet, with all its amusements and pitfalls included. Thus, I thought it might be nice to introduce another 'getting to know each other' game that some of us might not know yet. This one won't involve pictures or ratings of attractiveness, not to worry.

This game is called 'two truths and a lie'. The premise is simple. You list three statements about yourself, two true and one false. Ideally they should all be similar levels of unbelievable. Then, other people respond to you to guess which one is the lie. We all learn a little about each other and have a bit of fun.

Comments

un: philosophy

[egomitochdavar]

1. Three birds once lived in a forest black as night.
2. They took the mantle of Arbiter, Beholder and Claw to protect all within from a beast.
3. The beast never existed.

un: devilbreaker

[nihilmancy]

I am not certain that this is how this game works.

[egomitochdavar]

A game's rules only exist in contract; they are forged when all sides come to consensus.
But even as presented, which rules do you feel were violated?

[nihilmancy]

Your name is proving accurate.

I would say that it's unorthodox to use the format of this game to tell a linear story. And I suspect that at least the first statement is making use of metaphor. You have also not clearly indicated that the statements relate to you.

[egomitochdavar]

I have been surrounded by books on the very topic and little else for some time. I would be a poor librarian if I ignored my very subject.

Perhaps it is unorthodox, and perhaps it utilizes metaphor. But that does not change the challenge as it was issued. As for your final point, one could argue that it does not apply to the woman speaking with you in this moment - but if it once did, is it any less valid for it?

[nihilmancy]

Interesting, and fair enough.

I will say 3. One way or another, there is often a beast, even if it is not what you expect it to be.

[egomitochdavar]

Clever, child.

The beast they were searching for never existed. The same cannot be said for the beast they created.

[nihilmancy]

And what did they create?

[egomitochdavar]

Civilization.

[nihilmancy]

Elaborate.

un: kantera

[happydreamed]

This is certainly not how the game is played, but I'll allow it.

Is it one, because they presently still live there?

[egomitochdavar]

In what way have the rules been broken?

Perhaps. Or perhaps they were never confined to the forest to begin with. Should it be the lie, there could be any number of answers.

[happydreamed]

They were meant to be statements about yourself.

Traditionally, after someone makes a guess, you confirm whether or not that guess is correct.

[egomitochdavar]

Perhaps these words aren't true to the life I hold now, no. But they are undoubtedly statements about a life I once lived.

Will that suffice, doctor?

[happydreamed]

I'll allow it.

[egomitochdavar]

Then in keeping with the rules, a gesture of good will:

The three birds called the Black Forest their home, and not a one will ever truly return.

[happydreamed]

I see.

Then, perhaps... The beast did exist, but in a form or manner unexpected?

[egomitochdavar]

To deliver a prognosis, a doctor must understand the nature of the disease. And...
In the treatment of a malady one is not afflicted with, one can create the conditions for illness to thrive.
Wouldn't you agree?

[happydreamed]

Indeed. There is a reason we swear first to do no harm.

Did they regret their mistakes, those birds?

un: gaine

[sangreine]

Well, your username isn't a lie at least.

un: philosophy

[egomitochdavar]

I find lying to be distasteful without purpose and ineffective with it. Why bother softening the blow of truth?

[sangreine]

I agree, but that might be because I'm terrible at it.

un: ungeziefer

[roached]

[why are sirens going off in his head, should he really respond-]

Huh.

[Very thoughtful, Gregor. A few minutes later.]

3. There is always some beast.

un: philosophy

[egomitochdavar]

Clever. You have stumbled across truth without ever seeing it in its entirety.
You are correct, child, but consider this:

There was no beast when they began.
What was it that brought the beast to them?

[roached]

I'm no expert on this kind of thing, so sorry if I take too long to respond.
Just giving it some thought, you know?
To be honest, I am surprised I got it right.

[Since it might take some minutes or so to Really Think It Over in between messages.]

I do know that anyone or anything can become a beast.
Either if one chose to become one themselves or the world changes them into one despite their feelings.
I also know that power comes with it's risks. It can backfire and you can lose everything in the end.