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[seaboards]

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE

There have been a lot of riftfarers arriving lately. It seems like there have been more arriving than usual. So many different kinds of people from different kinds of worlds with stories to tell and experiences to give.

A little game has appeared on the shellphone network in hopes of getting to know just a little more about these otherworlders. You might find it on your shellphone as you’re scrolling through one day.

Tell the world two truths and one lie about yourself. And let others try and decipher which of the three is your lie. If they can guess right, perhaps you’ve been able to make a new acquaintance. Or in the least learn more about someone from another walk of life.

Comments

[beshackled]

I... I must admit, I struggle to understand such disunity. The peoples of your star war against each other over matters of belief unverified? Over resources when they can be shared, or at the very least, traded for?

[haveaflare]

Mayhap the world born anew shall be more unified. I only know a world which warred chiefly over control of the Crystals. Nations were conquered over them, entire cultures engulfed in the greed of others. It was by design.

It was all part of a plan put into motion by a being of immense power, capable of shaping the fabric of creation, in order to remake the world in its image. It created the Dominants for this purpose, and the Mothercrystals, great towering structures that collect the Aether of the land and from which all magic flows.

Desperate for their blessings, all people sought to control them, and this endless conflict allowed Ultima's plans to nearly come to fruition. Joshua was instrumental in the discovery and thwarting of His plans. I only pray we were not too late.

[beshackled]

I don't know what to say, Dion. But I hope so, too.

The aether will need to be returned unto the star. 'Twould be a great adjustment for its peoples, as it would mean that which they fought so many wars over would no longer be available to them.

'Twould also be a great task in of itself to accomplish, as it would require one strong enough to channel large quantities of aether back to where it belongs, or mayhap a number of devices created for the purpose if no such people can be found. And then measures to prevent the misuse of such devices.

[haveaflare]

The aether will not simply return to its proper place?

[beshackled]

The aether of a star does have a natural flow, as do its winds and waters. Normally, when a life ceases the incorporeal aether that comprises the soul returns to the star upon these currents. However, these Mothercystals you write of suggest a great and unnatural disruption to your star's natural currents. Siphons, mayhap, over a great wound, creating unnaturally large formations upon the surface of your star.

Aether condensed into crystal is stable, and will not be borne readily upon currents. Even should it be returned to its most basic, mist-like form, such a vast amount loosed upon the surface could have devastating effects on the surrounding ecosystem.

'Tis quite possible that your people's reliance upon crystals for magicks would indicate a general lack of aetherial reserves within their bodies... which would in turn suggest that they are not fully adapted to aether-rich environs. A body can soak in aether as easily as it might plain water. Just as too little is a problem, too much aether will make them ill, or worse, begin to induce chances in their physiology, just as our wielding aether can affect changes upon our environs.

[haveaflare]

[There is a delay in response as he ponders this.]

Could these changes include conversion to a crystalized husk which embodies an extreme emotion such as one which they may have experienced at the time of their change?

[beshackled]

In theory, aye. Whatever crystallization that occurs would resemble the aether that they were over-steeped in. Furthermore, if it were dense enough to crystallize, 'twould feasibly disrupt the natural flow of their aether as well as its elemental balance. What you describe could be a side-effect of this.

[haveaflare]

We call them akashic. They have been an increasing plague of late, before we realized it was the mining of the Mothercrystals causing such instability, and then greed proved a greater motivator than benevolence.

[beshackled]

Greed.

Yet again, I fail to understand. Mayhap my mind can grasp it, just barely. But my soul can't.

[haveaflare]

Then you may well be one of the best of us, Erichthonios.

I believe I would prefer you remain unable to grasp it, for greed has led to some of the worst atrocities in history.

[beshackled]

[Atrocities. A weight settles heavily in his chest.]

I don't understand. I don't understand, but... I'm glad you aren't like that.

You're very kind, Dion.

[haveaflare]

They are but words printed, and yet I can feel your dismay at such truths because I have known it.

I mean only to help how I am able. I know no other way to be.

[beshackled]

And I would ask you to be no other way.

I am truly grateful to have met you. Thank you for indulging my questions. I can only hope that I have been of some small help to you in turn.

[haveaflare]

I have precious few friends, Erichthonios. You do me great honor to allow my counting you among them.

[beshackled]

I could say the same of you, Dion.

Thank you, for being my friend.

[haveaflare]

You are quite welcome, Erichthonios.