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Author Topic: The Forgotten Art: Approaching the Nexus  (Read 272501 times)

Harry Baldman

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3135 on: December 02, 2014, 08:19:38 am »

"Huh.  Guess I could ask Cal, if he can be arsed to show up.  Was supposed to meet me here an hour ago.  HEY CAL WHERE ARE YOU?"  The last comment was directed at his marked hand.

"Oh hey, dude, what's up? I'm running a bit late, since I ran into Mona over on the Sun - haven't seen her in a thousand years! Had to catch up! So, what's going on?" Cal replies after a few moments of silence from your hand.

The DUNKER sighs.

Dangit Pete, I really liked doing stuff with you.

Call over my massive amount of Pork Queens and tell them to push Pete and the poet guys down into the pit.

The queens oblige, swarming over the pit and depositing all twelve of the poets and Pete down there through the force of superior numbers without even needing to beat anyone with their scepters. They seem very satisfied at the outcome. Pete, though, seems significantly less pleased.

"I feel slightly betrayed, fellow pilgrim!" he shouts from the bottom of the pit. "Though I admit I may have been a tad rash!"

"You were trying to murder all three of us! For spurious reasons, no less!" shouts the fat guy right back.

"Spurious? You were indirectly responsible for all the bad things that have happened to me!"

"But I did point ya in the right direction, didn't I!" the fat guy says with righteous indignation.

"Well, okay, a little spurious. But I lost track of the demon who may or may not have eaten my sidekick, and I have no one else to kill for revenge!"

"Have ya tried not killing anybody, perhaps?"

"The thought is occurring to me in this pit of flat harlots, yes!"

"That's the spirit! Now stay down there a while and think about what you've done, and we'll talk later."

"Deal! Vengeance shall be evaluated!"

The fat guy looks at you.

"That went reasonably well," he says. "2D strippers give people perspective, I guess. So, then!"

He glows a moment and the angels on his body evaporate. The remaining sphere also evaporates, though oddly enough the person in it is no longer the silly big-headed guy, but instead a guy who looks a bit like an Asian remix of Stoner Jesus.

"Dude, that was, like, kind of balls. I think we need some better stopping spells," he says.

"I tend to agree. Swankifying purses and stuff like that can be fun, but we need some firepower," the fat guy then agrees.

"No shit. That was just one guy, too," says the woman, her conjoined twin having disappeared moments ago, but then reappears again in roughly similar form when she stops to cast a spell. She sighs. "Eh, screw it. It's not bothering me that much."

"I take offense to being called an it," her twin says, gesturing with a stunted arm.

"Er, sorry," the woman says, half-shrugging.

"Neat. I do like the matchsticks, they're very original. So how does one go about choosing his or her particular way of giving magic to others? Do you just choose the object? And is the magazine Lee gave me really necessary, or can I acces the voice in the magazine some other way?" John asks Pilton, sounding excited

"I think you work something out with your voice, sort of do a little meeting of the minds. In your own mind, of course. And then it just works if you agree on something? The whole object thing is mostly for passing it along in a stylish, organic way, and after you have magic, it's not so important. Unless your voice just feels like being an asshole about it, though I don't see why it would, since it doesn't really have any other friends than its user."

"How do I, uh, talk to it?" Tracey wonders. "If I need to, I mean?"

"I dunno," Pilton says. "I never really thought about it, which I guess is the key." He looks thoughtfully into the distance for a moment, then at Tracey. "Did I talk out loud?"

"Yeah? I guess?" Tracey says confusedly.

"Well, there you have it. Guess you have to talk out loud, then," he says.

"Okay," she says, trying to imitate Kermit's thoughtful look. "Fair feline!" she exclaims dramatically. "Speak to me if you're there!"

A moment passes.

"I guess meowing works, yes! May I have a taste of your glorious magic without the need for a match?"

She smiles excitedly, and then her eyes roll into the back of her head and she falls straight backward. Luckily the floor seems pretty soft around here. Her mouth hangs open limply and she twitches noticeably.

"Eugh. Seems like she's not liking that," Pilton says, tapping his chin. "Hm. Do I sound as funny when I address my voice?" he asks of you.

Just out of curiosity, what's the name of the bag's WiFi AP?
Also, use the powers of the bag to insert my golden shoes in it, if possible.
Then use the bag's network to research the hotel and the people in it. Anything will do, from simple reviews to police reports.


The name starts to change as you investigate it. First it's a blank space, then it's six of those missing symbol blocks, then it becomes a string of those weird symbols you get when you try to render Cyrillic letters on a computer that doesn't have them properly installed. Then, for a moment, it's a big number. Finally, it appears to settle on "dont ask questions just use this already".

Also, your bag proves a good home for the golden high heels. Surprisingly easy to carry after that, too, though it's starting to get a little weighty now.

As for the hotel, you find no reviews. However, there is a news story about a police raid happening there from a couple years ago, and the words 'suspected ties to organized crime' appear in said story, as well as an indication that the place has been officially closed since then, which tells you a few things. Little Tay appears to have a blog that hasn't been updated for over six years. That seems kind of fun.
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lawastooshort

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3136 on: December 02, 2014, 08:53:41 am »

((Anyway, I’m a bit pressed for time right now so will try to edit in an action later tonight))

((Well that didn’t quite work out as I hoped. Sorry.))

Right. Well. Need to find another Initiate, and also bring back that fecker that stole my soulpotato and make him kneel before God.

Oh, wait.

”O God?”

Halesey waits for Potato God to reply, assuming he’s about.

”So I had another initiate – Derek, he might have been called, but he wandered off filled with the wonder of potatoes, or something. Do You happen to have seen him? I am disappointed in him, and consequently in myself. I shall seek him out, if not. Also, I appear to have become half-man half-potato half-vortex. Amazing. Thank You for Your gift – I’d kneel in gratitude, but I can’t anymore. I don't think.”

Speak thus, and also do a quick count of how many limbs I still have – are my legs and arms functional? Kneel a bit at God if I can.

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Toaster

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3137 on: December 02, 2014, 09:31:33 am »

Larry grunted again.  Asshole could have said something.    "Yeah, I'm here on Mercury talking to this dude.  Says he needs metal.  Got any way to get any here?  His crib's really dark."
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HMR stands for Hazardous Materials Requisition, not Horrible Massive Ruination, though I can understand how one could get confused.
God help us if we have to agree on pizza toppings at some point. There will be no survivors.

Harry Baldman

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3138 on: December 02, 2014, 09:40:07 am »

”O God?”

Halesey waits for Potato God to reply, assuming he’s about.

”So I had another initiate – Derek, he might have been called, but he wandered off filled with the wonder of potatoes, or something. Do You happen to have seen him? I am disappointed in him, and consequently in myself. I shall seek him out, if not. Also, I appear to have become half-man half-potato half-vortex. Amazing. Thank You for Your gift – I’d kneel in gratitude, but I can’t anymore. I don't think.”

"You mean the fellow with the weird monotone and steadfast refusal to be impressed? For I have seen that initiate very clearly indeed. Hours ago, in fact. Seemed like an agreeable chap, ultimately. Could evolve potatoes, too - very fascinating thing, that. Gave him a blessing and sent him on his way. He'll be doing good work in my name, I assume. Seemed on top of things, generally, though didn't like you much for some reason. Bit too shy for prophecy, methinks. Not too patient, either."

"You might want to tone down the vortex a bit, though. It's unsettling for me to look out into the mortal world like that. Is it really as potato-free as it looks from here?"


Larry grunted again.  Asshole could have said something.    "Yeah, I'm here on Mercury talking to this dude.  Says he needs metal.  Got any way to get any here?  His crib's really dark."

"What's he need metal for? Mercury's full of metal. 'Sides, I don't think I can fit much stuff in my van without totally ruining the atmosphere. I can loan him my crappy lamp, though. Does he have one of those European electrical sockets, maybe?"
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Toaster

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3139 on: December 02, 2014, 09:50:58 am »

"He can't, like, power any thing to get it out or something.  Can't get it all started or something."
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HMR stands for Hazardous Materials Requisition, not Horrible Massive Ruination, though I can understand how one could get confused.
God help us if we have to agree on pizza toppings at some point. There will be no survivors.

The Froggy Ninja

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3140 on: December 02, 2014, 10:21:32 am »

"He can't, like, power any thing to get it out or something.  Can't get it all started or something."
((Maybe he can grab a bit of the sun. that usually works in the legends.))

Harry Baldman

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3141 on: December 02, 2014, 10:45:40 am »

"He can't, like, power any thing to get it out or something.  Can't get it all started or something."

"Oh, so it's the savage land out there still? Figured they'd get their act together by now. Yeesh, if they could gentrify Jupiter, why is Mercury suddenly a problem?"

"There's no damn wind here!" your host snaps. "And we've got no magic, either!"

"Yeah, yeah. With that attitude, how are you gonna handle Pluto later? That place is, like, nitrogen ice. All of it! The sunlight you get on Pluto is four hours old by the time it reaches you! It really makes me giddy to imagine what wonders ambitious people could do with the place. Five words: shining domes, caves of ice!"

"Why don't you people do it, then? Or heck, have those Jupiter kings take charge? They've got a good track record, right?"

"I said 'ambitious people'. We angels are more like... the idea people, you know? The muses. Policy of non-interference and shit like that."
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Toaster

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3142 on: December 02, 2014, 11:27:17 am »

Larry sighed.  He really didn't give that much of a crap, but he didn't have anything else to do.  "Would anyone do it for some of that divine porn?  Sounds like you just need a little something to get started.  I can't summon up metal or anything, but I could bless that angel of yours again.  They seem to like it.  Or summon a couple more."
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HMR stands for Hazardous Materials Requisition, not Horrible Massive Ruination, though I can understand how one could get confused.
God help us if we have to agree on pizza toppings at some point. There will be no survivors.

Harry Baldman

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3143 on: December 02, 2014, 11:48:49 am »

Larry sighed.  He really didn't give that much of a crap, but he didn't have anything else to do.  "Would anyone do it for some of that divine porn?  Sounds like you just need a little something to get started.  I can't summon up metal or anything, but I could bless that angel of yours again.  They seem to like it.  Or summon a couple more."

"I doubt kidnapped angel labor is going to make this whole place very marketable," your host says.

"Divine smut really seems like more of a hobbyist's market than something with mass appeal, too. Have you considered hiring some demons?"

"That I have. No way to contact any, though."

"I could bring it up with the big guy downstairs next time I see... it right now, I think? See if it's got any idlers. They love their real estate down there, I hear. Been looking to expand lately. Would make for an awesome contrast if we brought some here..."

He thinks a second.

"... you know, I could do that right now, actually. Haven't been to hell in ages. Any of you two want to come along?"

"I'm a bit integrated with the installation now, dude. It's gonna take a day at least to get all my tendrils out of here."

"Aw. What about you, Larry? Want to take a walk on the underside?"
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Toaster

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3144 on: December 02, 2014, 12:14:01 pm »

Larry pondered a moment.  While something deep inside him told him consorting with demons was probably a bad idea, he was looking for an excuse to leave this guy.  Kind of a bore, really.

"Sure, what the hell.  As long as I can get back home by 2."  He thought a moment.  "Might want to watch out for those guys we fucked over with the magazine thing."



((In case it's not clear, it's Larry that was bored, not Toaster.  Toaster thinks it's interesting.))
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HMR stands for Hazardous Materials Requisition, not Horrible Massive Ruination, though I can understand how one could get confused.
God help us if we have to agree on pizza toppings at some point. There will be no survivors.

Xantalos

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3145 on: December 02, 2014, 05:02:33 pm »

Huh, I kinda thought that would kill him. Good thing it didn't, I suppose.
Anyhow! How do we upgrade the leyline?
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Pancaek

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3146 on: December 02, 2014, 05:15:59 pm »

Quote
Hm. Do I sound as funny when I address my voice?

"Nah. You use a lot less purple prosish words. No 'fair feline' kind of things. Can we do something to help her along?"

John sort of looks at the fallen waitress. Doesn't look like she's getting up any time soon. Perhaps it's a good idea to try and contact the voice without the magazine

"Hey, spirit. Voice. Being? I don't even know what to call you. Are you there? We really need to talk over this magazine thing, because it would be super handy if I could just throw that thing away. Also, do you have any preference as to what we should use to give magic to others?"

Ask Pilton if we can help the waitress. Converse with voice in my head, possibly.
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Parisbre56

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3147 on: December 02, 2014, 09:41:29 pm »

First of all, look at known leyline locations (the one in the school and the one in the sewer) on the map. Anything interesting about them, something that makes that location special in any way? Historic significance? Arrangement of buildings around them? Anything that could help me track them more easily or gain some insight about them?
Then search news and police reports. First order of business is to check for correlation between the location of known leylines and supernatural activity around them.
Second is to search for events that could be attributed to the following wizards based on their appearance and the magic they are known to possess: Joanie, the Dunker, Hungry Pete. The intent is to use that to track them.


((I realised after writing this that I could very easily ask one of my contacts to provide the info, but I think I'll stick with the non-magical do-it-on-my-own approach, just to see what happens.

@Toaster: Too bad I can't hook you up with my demon guy... Wonder if phones work in hell...))

Harry Baldman

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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3148 on: December 03, 2014, 11:50:26 am »

Larry pondered a moment.  While something deep inside him told him consorting with demons was probably a bad idea, he was looking for an excuse to leave this guy.  Kind of a bore, really.

"Sure, what the hell.  As long as I can get back home by 2."  He thought a moment.  "Might want to watch out for those guys we fucked over with the magazine thing."

((In case it's not clear, it's Larry that was bored, not Toaster.  Toaster thinks it's interesting.))

"Not a prob. Be there in a jiffy," says Cal, and you feel like the line goes out now.

Huh, I kinda thought that would kill him. Good thing it didn't, I suppose.
Anyhow! How do we upgrade the leyline?


"There's a method. It involves a whole lotta redecoration and redesigning. Convoluted sort of redecoration and redesigning, mostly."

"Basically we need to make this place into a proper dungeon, if I understand correctly," says the lady, yawning quietly. The fat guy yawns as well, and so does the last guy.

"Prolly not today, though. It's pretty damn late. Need sleep badly."

You yawn as well. It must be the very early morning right now.

"Nah. You use a lot less purple prosish words. No 'fair feline' kind of things. Can we do something to help her along?"

John sort of looks at the fallen waitress. Doesn't look like she's getting up any time soon. Perhaps it's a good idea to try and contact the voice without the magazine

"Hey, spirit. Voice. Being? I don't even know what to call you. Are you there? We really need to talk over this magazine thing, because it would be super handy if I could just throw that thing away. Also, do you have any preference as to what we should use to give magic to others?"

Ask Pilton if we can help the waitress. Converse with voice in my head, possibly.

"I think she'll be okay. Messing with her right now is only liable to make things worse," Pilton says, having a sip of some lukewarm coffee that he seems to have forgotten he had until this moment. Utilizing the lull, you address your voice as well.

~Oh, sure, you can get rid of it. It's really not that much of a restriction anyway, is it? As for giving magic to other people... hm. I dunno. How about an oil lamp that you need to rub for the magic to come to you?~

First of all, look at known leyline locations (the one in the school and the one in the sewer) on the map. Anything interesting about them, something that makes that location special in any way? Historic significance? Arrangement of buildings around them? Anything that could help me track them more easily or gain some insight about them?
Then search news and police reports. First order of business is to check for correlation between the location of known leylines and supernatural activity around them.
Second is to search for events that could be attributed to the following wizards based on their appearance and the magic they are known to possess: Joanie, the Dunker, Hungry Pete. The intent is to use that to track them.


((I realised after writing this that I could very easily ask one of my contacts to provide the info, but I think I'll stick with the non-magical do-it-on-my-own approach, just to see what happens.

@Toaster: Too bad I can't hook you up with my demon guy... Wonder if phones work in hell...))

They seem reasonably evenly distributed in two corners of the city, tending toward the periphery - so there's a bit of geographic correlation there. It's not very exact, as you can clearly see, so it doesn't really let you pinpoint a location, but it does appear to point to there being more leylines in similar areas. Building arrangement is difficult to tell from the map, since it doesn't appear to include the fact that the one at the sewers got its surrounding neighborhood blown up.

As for police reports, those aren't exactly freely available on the internet. Or at least the local police (and probably federal police as well) aren't really into sharing. News, though, seem to mostly center about the destruction of Lower Esplanade and also the huge denture castle, which you actually know to be your friend's doing. Other than that, nothing really. You don't actually know much about Joanie, Hungry Pete or THE DUNKER, at least in terms of what spells they cast. There is a report about some people being found covered in hair, though, for what it's worth, and the victims report seeing somebody matching Joanie's description plus another person you don't recognize. Other than that, people have been staying off the news nicely.

Seems like the internet's less helpful on this than one might initially surmise, especially with the massive amount of what sounds like awful fabrications floating around. In your search, however, you do locate a blog that seems to center around the exploration of the esoteric, written by somebody going by the handle of 'Baww'. The newer posts seem to be discussing the happenings in town, a sharp contrast to the more new age mumbo jumbo tone of the rest of the thing. Oddly, the posts include demonstrations of what you think is legit magic, at least from the way the names of the spells are written out. There's ten posts, each having a very tutorial-like character.
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Re: The Forgotten Art: Disgust and Confusion On The Wizardly Way
« Reply #3149 on: December 03, 2014, 11:59:51 am »

Larry stared blankly for a second.  "For angels, they sure do get along well with demons.  You seen any here?"
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HMR stands for Hazardous Materials Requisition, not Horrible Massive Ruination, though I can understand how one could get confused.
God help us if we have to agree on pizza toppings at some point. There will be no survivors.
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