(text - public post.)

[conclusively]

Type: Text
Sender ID: conclusively (Mycroft Holmes)
To: Public
Subject: Research Requests
Warnings: N/A


Greetings to my fellow travelers. I have recently joined your ranks, and am endeavoring to familiarize myself with what would have been unknown in my home realm but is remarkably common here. To that end, I am requesting aid in regards to texts on magical theory and the fundamentals of such. The Conservatory has been helpful in providing archives to sort through, but the sheer breadth of resources leaves me desiring some instruction on where to go for the most optimal education, as well as accounts from those knowledgeable that do not exist in a book's pages.

While magical theory is my primary focus, I would also welcome some direction regarding accounts of flora and fauna as well. They are no less critical to understanding this world, though the fundamentals of their research are not as opaque to me.

I am perfectly ready to negotiate for compensation to those that wish to lend their knowledge in this matter, should they wish.

-M.H.

Comments

voice | yuezun

[yuezun]

The crew known as 'Raiders of the Lost Arts', who reside aboard the Phantom Moon, will be able to answer much of your questions. We have gathered with the purpose of research the hidden magics of this world. Many of them are skilled in the matters you are asking after and have shown themselves willing to provide aid to those who are curious. How willing they are at this time is up to them. But if you wish to inquire among them, this venerable one gives you permission.

You may also find some answers with those from the crew of 'The Hideaway'. However, this venerable one has no say in how they conduct their matters. But this venerable one does know that many of them are also familiar with the topics you have asked after.

permatext.

[conclusively]

I thank you for the names and knowledge, and wish to know how I might make a more direct inquiry with your crew, so that you might be able to judge your own willingness. I realize I am a total stranger, but my intentions are purely to gain knowledge, and any expertise is viewed with the respect it deserves.

As for The Hideaway, if they make themselves known, I will ask them the same.

Permavoice

[yuezun]

[The voice is bored. Has been bored. Remains bored. No emotional inflection at all.]

This venerable one does not care why you wish the knowledge or how you intend to use it, so long as it is not used to harm his people or what belongs to him.

[conclusively]

Such would be unthinkable in my mind. If it is to be used for anything, only to help, not harm.

[yuezun]

That is your choice. This venerable one will not forget you have made it.

The Phantom Moon docks out of Nogard.

[conclusively]

Thank you. I hope that our paths may cross in the next few days.

My name is Mycroft Holmes. Who will I be asking after?

[yuezun]

This venerable one is Dongfang Qingcang, Moon Supreme of the Moon Tribe. This venerable one is also the Captain of the Phantom Moon and leader of The Raiders of the Lost Arts.

You may address this venerable one as Moon Supreme. 'Captain' is also acceptable.

[But if Mycroft chose to use something easier to pronounce, Daqiang was, at this point, resigned enough to it happening that he would say nothing. Simply remember the slight (intentional or not) and move on.]

-> action.

[conclusively]

Thank you again.

[it'll only take two days to reach Nogard, and with observation, it's not hard to be directed to the Phantom Moon. it's a beautiful craft, and he takes a moment to admire it as he draws near first. almost like it came from a painting, and he's reminded fondly of some illustrations he saw in a text. but just staring at a ship won't get him the answers he needs - he has his phone in his pocket to let Douglas know when the meeting's over.

so, he'll call upwards, considering that the time of day means someone has to be around.]

Good afternoon! Anyone about?

[he knows he doesn't cut the most imposing figure, limited to the simple and practical wear that a newly arrived might have, but decorum will carry one further.]

Action!

[yuezun]

[The Phantom Moon has a hired crew to do most of the work of sailing (none of the members of the Raiders of the Lost Arts were particularly skilled at the craft itself), so it's an active enough ship that when Mycroft called up, someone looked over the side to wave back down at him within short order.

Not being recognized as one of the Crew or someone they'd seen around, however, had the crew man asking who Mycroft was and what his business with the Phantom Moon was.

While Mycroft was waiting, he'd be able to notice that the activity seemed to be largely focused on getting the ship loaded up with supplies.]

perma-action :3c

[ligero]

[Douglas, hanging back to let Mycroft do the talking, takes to observing the Phantom Moon. It's a fine, well-built vessel: reminiscent of a Chinese junk. He hasn't seen one of these in a long time.

As the crewman begins speaking to Mycroft, Douglas whispers to him as an aside:]

I could still come aboard if you like, Holmes.

[His friend is shrewd enough with his words to handle this alone, of course. But Nogard is still unfamiliar Corsair territory, and the motivations of this vessel's captain still unknown. Sticking close as backup couldn't hurt.]

[conclusively]

[were they home, he could have waved off this concern, gone to the meeting alone. but they're in strange waters, and it still hasn't been many months since they arrived in this land. some caution might be warranted.

whispering back:]

Judge them for yourself, Douglas, and if you have cause for concern, then I will say your curiosity has also been raised.

[and then, at a volume for the crewman:]

I recently spoke to your captain, Moon Supreme Dongfang Qingcang, about making inquiries on magical theory, and was invited to come by. If he is present, I'd like to speak to him in person.

[there will be no shortcuts on how to address this man. he'd replayed the message a few times on the journey to Nogard, ensuring his pronunciation would be accurate, and decided he'd follow the lead of addressing nobility when it came to manners.]

[yuezun]

[The sailor gave a quick salute to indicate they'd heard the man and not long after, another sailor leaned over the side and gestured with great energy to the cargo gangway. The gangway would take them to the lower level, but there were stairs to the main deck that could be accessed through any of the five moongates on the outer walls of the lower level.

When the two did choose to approach, they'd find another sailor waiting to help them up the gangway if they needed it and then lead them up to the poop deck and then further still up another stairway to the aft deck, which was covered by a great arch of red painted wood acting as a shade for the raised and many tiered deck. The tiers were wide and rather reminiscent of a garden's tiers in how they kept the deck level at each step but otherwise rose up with the incline of the aft line.

Sitting (lounging) with a book in hand in the shaded deck at a low table near the back, was Dongfang Qingcang. He neither stood at their arrival nor looked up at their approach. Waiting until they had been left alone by the crewman to simply wave with his free hand at the cushions set out.]

You may sit.

cw mention of period-typical racism

[ligero]

[What an unusual title, thinks Douglas to himself-- but there's no time to ruminate on it further, as the Phantom Moon sailor is already inviting them aboard and to an audience with Dongfang Qingcang himself.

As they continue along the length of the ship, Douglas hangs back behind Mycroft a little, taking the time to silently observe the ship and its crew. They may be in another world, but the colors of their skin haven't changed. Until it's abundantly clear it isn't a problem for Douglas and his friend to behave entirely as equals, he'll proceed with his usual unassuming bearing and caution. He'll let his friend take the lead in addressing the sailors and their captain for now.

At last, they arrive at their meeting. Without another word, Douglas sits at Dongfang Qingcang's request, offering the stranger a respectful nod-- then turning an expectant eye towards Mycroft. This man's bearing is undeniably... regal. Dealing with the upper crust is Mycroft's forte; leaving it to his friend was the right choice, it seems.]

[conclusively]

[the ship itself is no mean feat of engineering, and it's impressive, Mycroft taking it all in as he follows where they're being led. his barometer for ships is lower than Douglas, more room to be amazed, but even so, this is no ordinary ship. it would draw praise from nearly everyone he knows - and he's glad his brother isn't here, to start trying to analyze every angle or dismiss it all as not within his purview. funny, the moments when you miss someone.

but that voice is the same as the one over the messages, even if they weren't led straight to him. and Mycroft does the same - a bow of the head, before taking the invitation. something in him reminds Mycroft of how it feels to sit across from the Queen. someone who is simply used to having their every word adhered to, and not contradicted.]

Moon Supreme. Thank you for your generous invitation. I am Mycroft Holmes, and this is my colleague, Cyrus Douglas. We are grateful for your hospitality.

[he resists the urge to look at Douglas and see his reaction to that introduction - that was the one thing he hadn't cleared with the other man before showing up.]

[yuezun]

[Once they were both seated, Daqiang sets a marker into his book and shuts it. Puts it aside and gives them both his attention. There was a lack of expression on his face that gave him a very good 'resting bitch face' and when he spoke, his tone remained the same bored and even tone as he had spoken with over the shellphones. It could almost come across as if he had no emotions to express at all.

He gives a single, shallow nod to acknowledge the both of them.]

You are interested in learning magic? Both of you?

[As they were not his subjects, nor his crew, he saw no reason not to get straight to the point.]

1/2

[ligero]

[Too bad Mycroft doesn't look over at his friend, because he misses the slightly incredulous expression that crosses Douglas' face. Buddy can you PLEASE warn him ahead of time when you do this--]

2/2

[ligero]

[A second later, though, he's recovered, continuing evenly as if Mycroft hadn't caught him off-guard at all.]

Less the art itself, so much as how it functions in this world.

[But he'll let the other man pick up on the answer from where he leaves it off.]

[conclusively]

Exactly so.

[his attitude remains friendly, open - not relaxed, but a sense that the conversation will proceed at Daqiang's pace, and not his. stepping cautiously in a brand new space.]

Magic does not exist where we come from. What some see as such always has an explanation rooted in the world as it is. It's the realm of legends, of myths, pure fiction. Coming to this place, obviously that system of thinking no longer applies, and it would be foolish to essentially ignore the very real impact of magic here. We seek to understand in the same manner that a man might look to understand any other strong forces on the world, to be able to more accurately know the place he lives in.

[they must adapt to this world, for it will not bend for them. and Mycroft cannot live with the itch under his skin that he would be in any way ignorant.]

We wish to make it less strange and frightening a concept, and instead something we can embrace as part of where we reside.

[yuezun]

Then you are not interested in learning magic. You are interested in the academics of it.

[To others there might not be a distinction, but to him there was. Plenty of people who had no talent for magic were well educated scholars who could understand curses and spells and talismans without being able to channel the power themselves. Or at least not to the extent that those talented in it could. Everyone could do a little magic in the immortal realms. He was less certain about those of the mortal realm. But he didn't think it was very common there.]

The two of you are scholars? Researchers?

[ligero]

Not professionally, although I speak for myself, rather than Mr. Holmes.

[But Douglas does have to admit to his own curiosity, now that Mycroft has dragged him into this a little more deeply.]

I have been a sailor for much of my life. I am no stranger to the seas. But as my colleague mentioned, [cue the slightest sidelong glance at him,] the concept of magic is as fantasy to us both. The longer we remain here-- and I expect it shall be for some time-- the more vital it will be to understand it. A man cannot navigate his ship with no awareness of the winds or tides, after all.

[conclusively]

[maybe, at one point, he'll break down, see if he could try for himself what it felt like to experience such forces, what it was like to use magic. but right now, they still remain imposing and alien, and so he cannot say he'd feel comfortable with it immediately.]

My scholarly interests have also been conducted in my free time. I was a civil servant, before.

[if not for Douglas, he might have entrenched himself in one of the Paladin offices and clung to the familiarity of the office. as it is, he's had help adjusting to what's required to sail, and he's perpetually grateful for it.]

[yuezun]

Winds and tides.

[He murmured the words, contemplative for a long moment as he continued to observe the two. The one called Douglas seemed to look to the one called Mycroft for cues on how to act or react. When it was appropriate to speak or not. But in the current world, his knowledge was more readily useful than the former civil servant's. So he had confidence in his words that Daqiang suspected might not be there normally, with the way he followed Mycroft and glanced at him every so often.

He tilted his head, curious.]

Cyrus Douglas. Tell this venerable one what you mean about the winds and tides? This venerable one has only recently begun learning to sail and has been told that the stars are to be used to navigate, not the winds and tides.

[He was honestly interested, but also, he wanted to see how the two would react to the apparent 'follower' being addressed directly and the leader being otherwise ignored.]

[ligero]

[Douglas is a careful man, but nowhere near as observant as Mycroft. When Daqiang addresses him directly, he sits up a bit straighter, brightening somewhat-- he hasn't picked up that Daqiang is testing him, but boy, can he talk about sailing.]

I learned to sail when I was a young man, honorable Moon Supreme.

[He inclines his head with a slight nod. For the moment, the affected deference to Mycroft is gone: the seas are Douglas' element, and he knows it all too well to pretend that he doesn't.]

The stars are always there, of course, but these other elements must also always factor into a ship's course. Whether the direction of the wind and the conditions of the waters are favorable or unfavorable for a journey, or if a crew should navigate elsewhere for the safety of its men and cargo. Various instruments exist for this purpose, even to calculate a ship's location in relation to land.

[Did he get ahead of himself a little? Maybe. But it's clear that he's more than confident in this respect.]

[conclusively]

[there's something that Douglas won't catch, since he's looking at Daqiang and not Mycroft - the little smile that quirks onto his face unbidden, to hear him directly addressed and appealed to for his knowledge. good. good. perhaps then he might be so bold as to out and out state that Douglas isn't just his colleague, but his true friend.

it means he listens to Douglas peacefully, considering it a matter of course. let the man be in his element, and confident.]

[yuezun]

[Douglas might miss the smile, but Daqiang does not. It seemed the one called Mycroft was pleased that Douglas was being spoken to. Or perhaps that he was speaking up. Perhaps the one called Douglas' hesitation was a social nervousness? Either way, neither acted like the other was a servant of any kind nor were either upset by Daqiang's focus.]

There is magic that can control the seas.

[He said before Douglas could get too into his explanation.]

Magic that can control the winds.

[And here, Daqiang leaned forward to pour himself a cup of tea out of the pot that had been sitting just off to the side. Before he picked it up, however, he waved a hand and two more cups appeared as if out of thin air, clearly part of a set (blue and gold paint with stylized black cats sitting in windows). Then he poured first himself a cup and then held the teapot out for one of them to take.]

And more magics. How does that factor into sailing?