text | un: mazd

[mazd]

Something that's on my mind right now is how one goes about choosing a username. Of course I've chosen one and so has everyone else, but simple observation can't always tell you why someone chose something or what it means. A significant chunk of the population appears to be using their own names and that at least is self-evident - it's their name so of course they'd want to use it! This doesn't account for people who may be using aliases in order to mislead others, which is always a possibility. But the ones that are of more interest and that take more thought are the names that aren't just names. Little phrases or words mashed together...why were those things significant to that person? I can't help but wonder about it.

While observation can absolutely give you a window into someone else's point of view it can never be as good a view as the one you can get simply by knocking on the front door and asking. So I really do want to ask. But is that sort of knowledge something to be given freely? Maybe some of it is private, but also there could be a more fun way to learn than just asking, right?

If you'd like to volunteer the information, please do so. Otherwise...would anyone like to play a game with me? I know there's several going on right now from looking but I don't mind if it's just a few people. I'm just in the mood for something a little more involved than telling a lie and hiding it in the underbrush of truth.

Recently some students were passing by playing a game they called 20 questions. The concept is fascinatingly simple but can get complex depending on how devious your opponent is. You have to think of an object and your partner can only ask yes or no questions to discover what it is. Given our different points of origin, however, we should refine what could count as an object, no?

So, for the purposes of this game please consider the "object" to be "the reason you chose your username and the true meaning of it" or "an animal found in this world". If you're unsure if an animal exists here, there seem to be lists of them at the Guilds alongside our potential powers as creatures we may eventually be able to transform into, as well as an available bestiary. Just specify if you're thinking of your username or an animal. Then players (possibly just me) will ask you questions that can only be answered with "yes" or "no"...if they go over 20, they lose. Apparently the consequences for losing can be quite dramatic among the student body but that seems a bit much to me. Instead I'll tell you something interesting if you win or I lose, okay?

And of course you're free to guess the meaning of my own username using the question framework. That said, those of you who know the true meaning behind it already are obligated to assume I'm thinking of an animal instead. In those circumstances I'm going to include animals from back home, too.

As I said you're free to play with one another, too, but I mostly just wanted to try it out myself. For some reason the students were too nervous to play with me...but you wouldn't mind doing just one round, right? Even just one person would be okay.

Comments

[sangreine]

If there isn't, you could invite people there yourself.
Especially if someone provides drinks and entertainment and maybe some fireworks [ *cough* Yoimiya ] I'd bet a good crowd would come.

[mazd]

Perhaps I will ask one of my acquaintances how such a thing would be organized. I believe there are several who are skilled with such things!

[sangreine]

If it's open for anyone to join, I'll definitely be there with my husband. I'm sure he'll make iced tea and cookies or something like that.

[mazd]

I don't think it would be closed. I'll have to see. I've never organized that sort of thing for myself before. Usually festivals are handled by the appropriate committees.

[sangreine]

You can still form a committee here, of sorts. People like to plan parties together.

Either way, I wish you good luck with it. I hope you get your beach party in whatever form you it happens.

[mazd]

If it does, I will be certain to contact you directly, Saya!

[sangreine]

It will, I have faith in you.

I appreciate it! Let me know if I can help, okay? I'm not good at very much but I'm strong and fast, so I can carry things if you need it.

[mazd]

I will! Similarly, please contact me if you would like assistance. I can't say I'm particularly physically strong, but I'm handy with thinking.

[sangreine]

As luck would have it, that's exactly where I'm lacking.
Except for combat tactics, that type of thinking I'm great at.

[mazd]

When it comes to combat, I'm definitely more support. I can help to coordinate other people's attacks and amplify their damage, but it's best to keep me on the back lines.

[sangreine]

That's just as valuable as front-line fighters. We wouldn't get very far on our own.

[mazd]

I think we can both agree that the other's type is integral!

[sangreine]

We certainly can!

Although I think support roles might be harder. Having to watch while we fight, I can imagine that's difficult.

[mazd]

It certainly gives me cause for concern at times, but I'm happy to watch and try to provide backup as needed.

[sangreine]

That's why you're a good support person.

The ones that are a pain are usually resentful of being where they are. [ She speaks from very annoying experience. ]

[mazd]

Did you know someone like that?

[sangreine]

Mmhmm. My brother. He thought he was tough enough to handle anything, kept putting himself in danger and griping about it not working out.

He did it out of love, but I wanted him safe.

[mazd]

It's very natural to want those you love to be safe.

[sangreine]

And it's natural to want to protect the ones you love.

[mazd]

Yes, it rather puts people at an impasse quite often.

[sangreine]

It does. Unfortunately, life is complicated, and love is complicated, so the two together are sometimes complicated.

[mazd]

Still, those same complications make it all worth it, do they not?

[sangreine]

It's worth all those complications and a thousand more besides.

[mazd]

I hope that your loves all go well.

[sangreine]

Thank you. And the same to you.

[ Starting now, right...? ]