tushanshu | Entries tagged with † leonardo (2003)

[ River is sitting on her bed opposite the console in her suite, the soft blues and greens of the Water Sector highlighting her. Even though it's obvious that she deliberately activated the video feed, it still takes her a moment to begin speaking. ]

I have a story.

"Once upon a time there was a Queen in her castle, who had a very strong Knight. But in a distant land there was a Dragon, and the Dragon was even stronger and cruel, and the Queen worried about it coming to the castle and eating all the people who lived there. One day she said to the Knight, I will teach you how to battle the Dragon, so if it comes to our land you can protect all the people.

But the Knight refused and claimed that no one could fight the Dragon, and so they should send all the people away. The Queen was very angry, because she wanted the people to be safe. It is a terrible Dragon, she said. You must learn how to protect the people from it. But still the Knight refused. The Queen asked, don't you want to protect the people? And the Knight said, if you were a good Queen, you would fight.

One day the Queen died and the Dragon came but the Knight didn't send the people away. He didn't fight and he didn't send all the people away. The Queen is dead, long live the Knight."

[ River frowns very pensively at the screen for a moment, as if silently repeating to herself her own story. Finally she asks: ]

Which one is the terrible one?

agentx13

[ Sharon knows the consoles are compromised, but she's concerned and wants answers now. She'll just be careful with what she says. ]

This is Sharon Carter. Anyone with information concerning Monet St. Croix, please see me in WA-1D. Please do not post any information on the consoles and see me directly.

Thank you.

i_speak_softly

( Arrival )

[After a few days of this migratory living, Don concludes that:

A. His current situation has nothing to do with the wooden soldiers.
B. No one here is much interested in fighting with him at all.
C. But he can't go home, and he's expected to help with some kind of war.

Armed with this knowledge, he finally goes to check out his assigned suite in ME-3B. His intention is to use the console to find out if his brothers are somewhere in this city, but a cursory inspection of the premises soon turns into taking half the gadgets apart to see how they work. Completely disassembling and rebuilding the console doesn't solve the bizarre screen display issues, but after some more failed troubleshooting, Don tries to use the network anyway.]

Ah… hi, everyone. My name is Donatello. I arrived here a few days ago, and I'm hoping I'm not the only Turtle around.

Aside from the one under us, I mean. Are there others living in the city? I'd really appreciate any information…

[He trails off, then adds:] Guys, they told me everyone has one of these consoles. Please don't be that technologically hopeless.

superieure

Good morning, Keeliai.

[ Monet's seated, her clothes neatly pressed, colours deliberately chosen to contrast the comfortable seat in front of her console, one leg crossed over the other. She hasn't found any nail polish a-turtle yet, or she'd be wearing that as well. Her tone is pleasantly pitched, and even-keeled. ]

My name is Monet Saint-Croix, and I'm acquainted with several kedan who're willing to accept temporary assistance from Foreigners for tasks our gifts are more suited to handling [ i.e., with superpowers ]. This is an excellent opportunity to get more involved with the local community, and perhaps improve relations. [ a polite smile to punctuate ]

If you're interested in helping, kindly come to the office [ a location ping in the Metal Sector ] provide your name, the types of cases you're accustomed to handling, and where we can reach you if a suitable match turns up. Should you wish to be a part of the venture but under a [ her nose wrinkles, just barely: she can't believe she's about to say this ] superhero identity, that can be negotiated. Payment will be by commission, depending on how satisfactorily you complete your task.

If you have any questions you may direct them to this console. [ A short pause, for another smile. ] We look forward to working with you.

[ And with that, she turns off the feed. ]

[ooc: feel free to jump straight to action, she'll be at the office all day. ooc planning post is here, job list is here, and do fill out telepathy permissions if you have time, thank you.]

duelkatana

[BASIC ENCRYPTION TO:

alphatar,

dustonmyfeet,

jirk,

wintershepherd,

angermanaging,

bindsthedead,

starcharter]

[The figure hunched over in front of the feed is: a turtle, green, wearing a blue bandana around his head, and brandishing two swords over his shell. But he isn't the same Leonardo as the one these people must know. His fingers are steepled in front of his face, covering a good portion of his mouth, and his hard gaze is locked forward. Behind him stands a second turtle; shorter, stockier, his mask a dark red, and also very much not smiling.]

If you're seeing this message, it's because you know L - [the slightest pause, his knuckles tightening over his face before dropping from in front of his face to rest flat on the desk] Leo. We're cousins of his, and we... have some bad news. If you would let us, we'd like to meet you face-to-face.

[ooc; log for secondary action ~~incoming!~~ here!]

dustonmyfeet

[Toph is in her usual favorite spot -- her twisty chair by her console. If you look carefully, you can probably get a glimpse of her feet glowing green. She looks thoughtful.]

So right now the turtles are about the size of young badgermoles.

Thing is, badgermoles have whole mountain ranges to live in. If these guys are anything like the Turtle we're on, we're going to need something bigger than mountain ranges.

I mean, eventually they'll probably swim. But until then, they're definitely not always going to fit in the house. Let alone on a city street. So where are they going to go?

[She frowns a bit more, leaning her chin into her hand. What comes next will be far more serious.]

The Emperor brought us here, and she was going to send us home later. Now that she's kind of . . . gone . . . what's that mean for getting home?

[As though attempting to add a lighter note into it:] Not that it hasn't been great and all, but someday I have to get back and help save the world. That kind of thing.

sushihouse

[A few days of careful reconnaissance, both of the network and the city itself, has led to the firm conclusion that the populace here is ignorant of not only the Cooper bloodline, but the crime for which Rioichi had been framed for in his world: an attempt on the Shogun's life. No wanted posters, no angry mutterings of his name in the street — it's one of the few bright spots to be found in this jarring shift in fortune that's befallen him, especially considering the Emperor's death. Therefore, it should be safe (or at least safe enough) to reveal himself to the network.....besides, as Rioichi Cooper the Sushi Chef, there's no reason to hide. Some of the juulan that was gifted to him upon arrival has gone towards the purchase of an outfit that is identical to what he preferred to wear during less....morally-dubious pursuits, and thus doesn't scream "ninja" from the rooftops.

He's wearing it as the feed begins; it fits him well, seems to suit him perfectly. Rioichi studies his would-be audience for a long moment, dark eyes calm yet impassive, inscrutable, then dips his head forward in a polite nod.]

Ah, hello. My name is Rioichi. To begin, I would like to offer my condolences in light of the recent misfortune. [It strikes him as incredibly rude to deliver his intended message without at least acknowledging the Emperor's murder.] Please forgive me for not speaking at length about the incident; it is not my place, as I have been here for only a short while.

[A stilted pause. This talking, clearly sentient raccoon seems quite unused to sharing his thoughts with a bunch of strangers in a mass broadcast. But to be fair, part of this stems from how the vast majority of them lack tails, fur, and proper ears, not just because of a career that is decidedly solitary.]

Allow me to get to the point: I seek answers about something I do not fully understand. It concerns.....time travel.

[Bafflement colors his tone then; a quiet, detached uncertainty. It's as though he both can and cannot accept the concept that he's just put out there. Rioichi glances down at his lap for a moment, then back up into the feed.] Please respond if you are familiar with this concept. I would greatly appreciate any assistance in this matter. [Another respectful nod.] Thank you.

[ooc: as a reminder, the majority of rioichi's icons won't match up with his "public" persona's outfit! please assume he appears as he does in the icon of this post.]

superieure

[ Monet is seated, one leg crossed over the other, arms folded, lips curled into a smile, immaculately dressed as always, regarding the camera with a critical eye. In front of her is a chessboard, all set out for a game. She’s chosen black, so white faces the viewer. ]

I require an opponent.

duelkatana

[He's been stranded in other dimensions before. Other timelines before, too. They've always been temporary excursions, and even now, he believes wholeheartedly that this time is no different. There have been no magical Time Scepters or reality-bending War Staffs to break him out, return him home where he belongs; but he knows it in his bones. He'll wait a lifetime if he has to, but he knows he'll see his family again.]

[Before now, his personal record for being lost in another place was three months.]

[One year. Twelve months. Four of them without his brothers.]

[Yeah... former record thoroughly bested.]

[Early on the morning of the 24th, Leo slips quietly from the suite he shares with his cousins, skipping out on their usual morning routine. He leaves no note, but his covers are neatly folded and his weapons and mask are gone from his bedside. All the markings of a Leonardo Mood™ are left in his wake.]

[He spends a few hours in Keeliai; visiting his usual places, stopping by his own suite. He passes over what used to be Raph's. He almost goes to the Fire Sector to check up on his old safehouse, but decides against it.]

[Around noon, he ducks into a console cafe and takes a seat at one of the farthest corners, writing up an anonymous message to send into the network.]

In my world, there are many myths revolving around the World Turtle, an ancient beast who carried the world on its back. In Chinese mythology, the heavens were separated from Earth by four great pillars. One day, they collapsed, sending the world into chaos; floods drowned the land and fires scorched the earth, and ferocious animals devoured the people of the world.

In desperation, the goddess Nüwa, creator of mankind, patched the holes in the sky using smelted colored stones. She then sought out Ao, the Great Turtle who had lived in the seas since the creation of the world, and cut off his legs in order to replace the fallen pillars.

With the sky repaired and the heavens once again supported, the floods receded, the fires were snuffed out, and the beasts died away. Carrying the Nine Provinces of China on her back, Nüwa embraced the harmonies of spring and summer, autumn and winter... Yin and Yang.

Seems like it worked out for everyone in the end. Except for the Great Turtle.

wingedwarrior

[It's about midday when Shayera turns on the comm, sitting in the comforts of her suite in the Earth Sector. Her expression is her default serious, and her overall demeanor shows she means business, despite feeling a tad unusual about making a public appearance that's not in person. But that aside, she knows that she has something that needs to be said, and a little awkwardness isn't going to stop her.] My name is Shayera Hol. Most of you probably don't know me, but that's not the point here. I'm here to talk about training for self-defense in battle.

[She leans back in her chair to get comfortable, arms crossed as she speaks.] I know there's been a few other posts about this, but having more offers doesn't hurt things. A-- [There's a brief hesitation as she decides which word best describes Kyle. He said family, but... she never agreed to that.] friend of mine brought it to my attention that there are people here who need to know how to fight. There's things here that can kill, and people should be prepared to defend themselves against them should the need arise. I'm a pretty competent fighter, so don't worry about me knowing what I'm doing.

[Then there's the fact that there's teenagers here, and they're really going to need help unless they have some form of fighting on their own.] Even if you have your own powers or whatnot, knowing how to fight is still crucial. I'd be willing to help anybody out, so just give me a call, or come to my apartment, EA-2C. I'll be starting the lessons in a couple of weeks, if nothing unexpected pops up.

[filtered message to Captain James Kirk and Clara Oswald]

[Once that's been taken care of, she fixes up a filter to the two Kyle told her about.] The little ball of sunshine told me about you two in particular needing training, so don't expect to get out of it. If you've got any questions, feel free to drop by.

dustonmyfeet

[The feed flickers on to Toph in a swivel chair, idly twisting back and forth as she talks. Restlessness is plain in her features. Her tone is wry.]

Okay, so. Since I seem to keep getting questions about it, if you couldn't tell, I'm blind. [She illustrates this by waving a hand in front of her face.] Yep, that means I can't see anything. Complete darkness. All of that. Ooooooh.

[She leans back, looking especially wry.] So if we can get past the incredible magic blind girl thing now, I've got a question.

Normally I have a way I can "see" through my feet, but with the turtle on the fritz, that's not working, and I'm not just going to sit around and pick my toes whenever Mr. Flippers decides he's got a head cold.

I need someone -- or a couple people, I don't care -- who know how to fight blind. I'm a fast learner, and I know how to move, so teaching me isn't going to be a problem.

Only complication? You have to come here. I'm at Korra's in the Metal sector. She's currently out saving the world or something, and I'm not getting run over trying to reach you. She's got the space here, so it shouldn't be a problem.

cmdreffingshepard

[Shepard looks tired, but otherwise? Today she's wearing her Alliance Navy Commander Face - serious, but not angry. Take-no-nonsense, but also understanding. The face she wears when she's about to make a Big Damn Speech - better prepare yourselves, everyone.]

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Commander Shepard, Earth Systems Alliance Navy. I know that doesn't really mean anything to most of you, but the long and short of it is that I've been in the military and seen a lot of action - and led a lot of troops. If you want more of my qualifications, I can tell you about them.

What's happening here is big, and scary, and a lot of people are confused and desperate to know what's going on. I know. I'm in the same boat with you. But Kirk is right - we need to organize ourselves better. So many of us are used to keeping things close to the chest, only trusting a few close allies - but if we're going to fix this, we need to all be willing to share, trust each other, and put our heads together.

[That was the Big Rousing Speech to get everyone fired up - now for the nitty gritty.]

That said, Kirk and I have decided to spearhead this effort. I'm putting together two teams - medical, and defense.

For the medical team, anyone with medical experience - doctors, nurses, anyone with knowledge of biology or xenobiology or paleobiology - we can use you. I figure we can divide medical into at least two smaller groups - one to focus on tracking the turtle's health and working out that problem, and another to organize and network medical care for the Foreign and kedan populations, set up triage and maybe even start work on a medical database - liaise with the admin team.

I know there are some independent clinics running already - the medical team could help clinic runners and staff network with each other, share knowledge and resources, and help make sure everyone on this turtle stays alive and healthy no matter what happens.

As for defense, I'd like to get together with anyone with military or law enforcement experience, so we can get emergency preparedness plans in place for the whole turtle, set up self-defense classes for civilians - I know Dinah suggested something like that, and I want to make sure we do it and do it right.

These teams would be permanent groups, maybe eventually able to liaise with the kedan, so we can have an official voice and help each other out to everyone's benefit. We don't need our powers to do this - hell, we don't even need our tech to do this. I know there are a lotta smart people on this turtle - if you think you could be of use to one of those teams, talk to me. Let's get this show on the road, and try to set up some meeting times in the next week or so.

anything_it_takes

[The cart ride into Keeliai is long, exhausting and stressful. Leo presses himself into the furthest corner to hide (which still leaves him painfully visible) even as his sharp blue eyes peer through the slats, taking in as much of the alien city as possible.

On one hand, this is the most amazing thing Leo's ever experienced, an exhilarating adventure straight out of Space Heroes. On the other, he's never felt so alone, out of control and exposed in his life. Sure, he always wanted adventure, but not without the guys - and not hauled down a city road in broad daylight, surrounded by people turning their heads in curiosity.

At least the few kedan on the street who take a close enough look into the open-backed cart to spy him out don't scream or run. But there are some stares, and he can feel the undercurrent of hostility like a flame inches from his skin. There's a tension in the air in some parts of the city they go through, a hard look to some of the kedan when they see someone not like them...

Leo slips into his appointed building like - well, like a ninja, or as close as possible while lacking the cover of darkness. When he gets to his temporary quarters he leans his shell against the door and sighs wearily; alien robots and plant monsters are one thing, but this? This is an entirely new level of crazy.

Water had seemed a natural choice when the kedan gave him options. He's glad of his choice now as he splashes some from the room's small fountain over his head, then winces as he does the same to the burn mark forming on his shoulder. It's not serious, but Leo's entire arm aches and tingles from channeling Justin's electrical shock through his katana. He's certainly pulled smarter moves.

Hopefully whatever jerked him "sideways" during that explosion also took his brothers through in slightly different places, and he can link up with them again once they all get their bearings. He knows the team can handle this situation, but first? They have to be together.

He'll start canvassing the city come dusk, one Sector at a time if he has to. But until nightfall, Leonardo has time to kill, and he isn’t about to sit around doing nothing.

Settling in at the console, Leo sets it up for a text message - and pauses, considering his options. This is a public network; he has to get a message out that his brothers will understand if they're listening, but that won't arouse too much civilian curiosity or alert any enemies.

There is one thing... He'd batted around an idea for a code word with Donnie. The problem being, it was never official - Leo just hadn't anticipated a realistic situation where it would be useful. The idea was just idle talk.

He hopes that if Mikey or Raph are alone out there, they'll recognize his reference. Donnie will catch on at least, if he's listening. One way or the other it's the best Leo's got until he can search the rooftops.]

ANy New Yorkers out here? if you know the 2nd Time About shop on Bleeker, contact me ASAP

[Ryan to Dauntless, come in Dauntless...]

Aalso. Look, I got the story from the kidan ans I know i can;t be the first person to ask. But Im looking for any leads on how t get back to my own world... stories, rumuors, anything. Thankyou.

[Please don't let him be alone out here. Leo presses Return.]

[ tl;dr Enter one cagey ninja turtle boy with delusions of being a Great Hero! Leo v.2012 is here and super worried about his bros ;A; ]

alpha_squad_leader

[He's healed up now thanks to his healing factor but Victor still looks like he could use some rest and some food. Either way, he's offering a short wave and a tired look to the camera.]

So as severance packages go, a mob beating is a pretty crappy one. [He pauses for a moment and then sighs. He'd been trying to joke but now he just shrugs it off.] For anyone that didn't notice, the kedan are turning hostile. I got fired from my job and the next thing I know I'm getting a statue upside the head.

[He reaches up to touch the spot on his head that had been injured. It's healed up now but a slightly lighter shade of green than the rest of him. It'll even out in a little while.]

I didn't hear too much while I was getting pummeled but what I did hear was that they're angry at us for the rationing. [He rolls his eyes at this and shakes his head.]

Everyone should be careful out there. And keep an eye on your supplies in case any of the kedan decide to try to take it. And I'm going to ask that nobody goes brotherhood on the kedan. Don't go picking fights or attacking them since it'll only make things worse for all of us.

And for the people that helped me out, thanks. You guys didn't have to risk yourselves to save my skin and I appreciate it.

[He lingers for a moment before reaching over and turning off he video.]

boselfdestruct

[This is backdated to the early part of mid-March, before the event.]

[Don takes a deep breath on-screen and flashes a quick, tense smile. He looks nervous, but under that a little haggard. It's what happens when he's spent the last two days going over his encryption algorithm line-by-line, repeatedly, and adjusting it for video usage. And then going over it again. And again. The upside is anyone taking on the task of attempting to hack this is going to get the full brunt of puzzling out Don's aggravated, sleep-deprived mind. This is about as full-proof as he can get with the equipment available to him. It'll have to do.]

Right, hello. If you're getting this, it's because you're a, well...[he gestures to himself, and aside from that his hands stay more-or-less abnormally still for the rest of conversation, a sign of discomfort that might only register to his own Raph] a mutant turtle, like me, and from a similar dimension. Don't worry about anyone not invited seeing this. I'm handling that.

So...you might have been told about this already, but I'll rehash just in case. This is mostly just a place to talk. No pressure or anything, but we just can't keep ignoring one another forever. There are too many of us running around already for that to be plausible, and it's not like there's any guarantee it's ever going to stop. The least we can do is know who's who. [so, in other words, if you want to make sure any of your wayward brothers showing up are pointed in the right direction? SPEAK UP.]

[Don pauses, reaching up to tug at his plastron absentmindedly] I...guess I'll start? My name's Donatello. I'm fifteen. I'm from the same universe as the more recently arrived Raphael. If you think of anything about your homes that might be useful to know, no matter how innocuous you think it is, go ahead and lay it on me. Every little bit helps. So far we've noticed that appearance and age are two of the bigger distinguishing characteristics among us, which is why I recommend using video, but if you're too nervous then it's text. Heck, covering up the camera works just as well. Avoid actual audio mode, if by some weird quirk of electronics you can actually access it. I tried to make sure you couldn't, but you never know, and I don't want anyone yelling at me later because I didn't mention it. Point is, it's not supported right now, and anyone using it could crack this thing open like a bad egg. Which would be, you know, bad.

[Leo take it now Leo take it now before he pours his uneasiness into a babble about his baby go go go someone]

tuskenlancer

[She'd waited, patiently, for them to respond to her messages. When that hadn't worked, she'd gone looking for them. And looked. And looked.

They're gone.

CT has a sinking feeling that she knows exactly where York, North, and Kara have gone - or at least the first two. Kara...well, she'd never been quite clear on where exactly home was to her.

The point is, though, that they're not here anymore, at least nowhere that she can find them. It's like they've disappeared without a trace, and while some part of her, at least, had been expecting exactly that to happen...she can't quite bring herself to give up. Not yet.

The post is simple, text with no audio, though she does post pictures of the three of them as well. This place is strange enough. Maybe it's just zombies or monsters again. Maybe they haven't up and left her here alone.]

MISSING

Agent North Dakota, 6'4", blond hair, purple armor, always calm and friendly, excellent sniper shot.

Agent New York, 6'1", brown hair, tan armor, enjoys breaking into things, cooking, and annoying people until they want to scream. Prominent facial scar over his left eye.

Kara Thrace, 5'6", blond hair, arm tattoos, enjoys alcohol, cigars and Agent New York.

Information leading to their discovery will be rewarded. Agent New York is exempt from said reward (you don't get a prize for turning yourself in, York).

Please respond as soon as possible with any leads.

[CT presses her lips together, staring over what she'd written, and posts it, angrily swallowing past the lump in her throat.

She hopes it's just zombies.]

seriouslytwisted

[voice]

[Exploring and ninja-ing around is turning up a whole lot of dead ends and questions with no answers, so now Raphael is going to try his last resort.

Conversing with strangers.

Making sure he has his voice only function on (pretending that little SNAFU with it in his earlier conversation didn't happen) he reluctantly addresses his fellow...strand-ees.]

Okay, seriously. How many of you people actually buy that "you are in the in-between" story?

[the mystic new-age voice for the quote helps set the atmosphere, yes it is necessary]

---

[action]

[Before this post, Raphael will be swimming around in the Water Sector, trying to keep as hidden as possible but needing to surface to breathe and also sneak back up onto the docks occasionally when he can't cross sections in water. He's a stealthy little bugger, so the average Joe might miss him, but anybody with serious training or extra-sharp senses might find him.

...or you might catch him when he's losing his temper and angrily kicking over a barrel after talking to yet another tree-hugging native yokel, whatever.]

polyhistor

[Reid hates technology. No, he really, genuinely does. Computers don't move fast enough to keep up with him, and he has a long-established love of hard copies where literature is concerned. But the fact of the matter is, there are very few books here. So here he is, seated at a console, half a dozen of the local books he could find stacked beside him and several empty coffee cups as well. Recently, he's taken to drinking green tea, but a lapse in that particular habit seems appropriate considering his surroundings.]

You know, the terminology relating to a meta or 'multiverse' was originally coined by William James, a philosopher and psychologist in the late nineteen hundreds. His paper, titled 'Is Life Worth Living?' was published in the 1985 October Edition of the International Journal of Ethics. He postulated that, with the decline of social religion all 'visible' nature (that is to say, everything we see and experience) is in and of itself a 'moral' multiverse as opposed to being a moral 'universe'. He was referring to the visible nature of the world - good existing alongside evil, with every imaginable shade in between. Each nuance of the world then became in and of itself a 'multiverse' in James' ideal.

The neologism didn't actually enter into common vernacular until much later and under a drastically different context, but the concept of other worlds or parallel universes - what we today call a 'multiverse' - has actually been around for centuries, generally tied to religious philosophies of the time. Muslim theologian al-Ghazālī believed that it was not only possible but highly probable. His extrapolation was that that Earth was the best of all possible worlds and that humans occupied it as a form of divine right, stating that 'there is in possibility nothing more wondrous than what is'.

[a brief pause, because... he's generally not used to speaking so long without interruption.]

Essentially, the concept of a 'life, death or dreaming' state faintly echoes several Buddhist or Hindu philosophies, though equally suggestive of liminality. The continual repetition of that 'life/death/dreaming' theme represents a trinity; three is often considered a holy number in any number of doctrines. Three also represents the body (life), the soul (death) and the spirit (dreaming). And then, the fact that there are five districts also reinforces the ties to numerology. If you go by the numerical value of the Hebrew letter 'He' or 'five' it symbolizes the universal life, the breath of man, the air, the spirit and the soul.

Oh-- right, liminality. Liminality was another word coined in the same philosophical era as William James' 'multiverse' by Arnold Vann Gennep in his 1908 paper Rites de Passage. It's from the Latin līmen which means 'threshold' and it's a word used to describe the transitionary phase during a ritualistic transformation, during which the participant's own identity is considered to be void until the process is complete and the individual can be reborn. It's almost a contract – during this process you forsake your identity, your sense of self, your titles and earthly possessions all for the sake of a form of theoretical transcendental enlightenment. It's this fluidity of self that enables change and dissolution of old habits or customs to make way for the new. It's not limited to an individual, either; it can be applied to groups of people – such as a graduating highschool class – or to societies and cultures as a whole and I believe it's what we're technically undergoing now.

Liminality is considered a tripartite structure, and each segment of that structure is as follows: preliminal rites, or rites of separation. This stage involves a metaphorical 'death' undergone by the initiand. They're essentially forced to leave something behind by breaking away from previous practices and routines, or by, say, coming to Keeliai.

The liminal rites – or transitionary rites – involve the creation of a sort of... tabula rasa, a blank slate, through the removal of limits and forms previously taken for granted. There are two primary characteristics to this stage of the rite, first: the rite 'must follow a strictly prescribed sequence, where everybody knows what to do and how'. Because this rite is a fundamental deconstruction of the self and self-held values, it's meant quite literally to mirror the act of walking over a threshold between two worlds.

The postliminal rites, or 'rites of incorporation' are the third and final sequence. During this stage, the initiand is re-incorporated into society, essentially born again as a 'new' being.

[CRICKETS. CRICKETS ARE CHIRPING IN THE BACKGROUND, REID. He awkwardly clears his throat.]

All... right so... um, hi. I'm Doctor Spencer Reid. Any questions...?

[for those of you who didn't turn the console off ten seconds into his impromptu lecture??

ooc; also: a permissions post.]

survival_isnt_living

[It seems like barely a few days ago that Sep talked to the network. He doesn’t usually, so he feels it. Nor is this the same easy, almost lazily arrogant young man of that particular video. His eyes are a little sharper and even calculating, his voice crisp, and what is quite obviously military precision in his body language.]

An invasion of animate dead bodies in tightly enclosed quarters is a new experience I could have done without.

While the Palace has been offered as a sanctuary, I know not everyone, outer sectors especially, will be able to reach it--or will want to. [After all, there’s something sketchy going on with the Emperor. He can understand that attitude.] WA-3A has been fortified, and as I work out of it as a rule, it has a basic medic station if you get injured and can’t make it anywhere else. Feel free to come here either for patching up or shelter. If you have any medic skills to offer, we'd be happy to host you for the duration as well.

[He hesitates, and for a moment looks regretful and a little softer around the edges.] Sadly, I haven’t heard anything about a way to counter the effects of a bite, and finding one would take time to experiment—something which I don’t have.

Evandau’s patrols won’t be doing wider sweeps of the city. I expect he has limited men with which to do so. [There may be an implication of ‘this is the only good excuse for his not doing so.’] I am not about to let anyone trapped or choosing to remain in outer sectors go undefended. I sincerely hope I won’t be the only one. We’ll be more effective if we are coordinated.

[He glances down critically, nods to himself, and after a moment turns to sheathe and toss a newly sharpened dagger on the bed behind him. The movement reveals notably Roman-esque laid out on it.] To that end, if you want to help, I’m holding a strategy session here in WA-3A in two hours. I’d like to get some people set for civilian escorts, both on standby for requests and in regular sweeps. I would also like to get enough people together to start making some tactical strikes.

[Pause.] If anyone has lightning, fire, or flight capabilities, I’d really like to talk.

[[Log post is here. OOC planning is here and here]]

exiledsummoner

[Tris has been rather lonely since arriving and spent most of his time working with the kedan and continuing his practice and studies as best he could alone. He has tried to make an entry many times, but given up each time until now.]

The passage of time here is surreal. Perhaps because I was so used to being on the road and surrounded by friends and suddenly I'm alone... I think were I back home it would be about time for Winterstide. We always have lavish banquets and festivals and a ball, but I suppose my home won't be celebrating this year - there is very little to be joyous about. And I should have held the Court of Spirits to help restore balance to the flow of magic.

But that isn't something I can do here. Not least because I can sense people's souls and their magic, but I have been unable to project onto the Spirit Plane. It's as though it doesn't exist here, like there are no ghosts and no spirits. Perhaps what they said is true, that this is a land between death and life. [His lips press into a tight line. The worst part is that where ever this place is, he is no longer able to sense his sister's spirit and guarantee that it hasn't been devoured by the Soulcatcher...] Still, it's like losing a part of myself, even though I've only been able to do it for a few months.

Has anyone else discovered changes to their magic or their abilities?

Oh, speaking of abilities, I worry that in my time here I may lose practise - I don't suppose there are any other swordsmen here who would be willing to spar?

Tu Shanshu

FOURTH VERSE ☯ VIDEO;

006 || Audio

001 ~ Audio

003 ♛ video

003 ⚔ video; basic encryption

005 - Video

1 ❀ video | the bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists

002 ♛ video

002 ⚔ TEXT; anonymous

001; video

002 - Video

003; video;

[TEXT] Leo to Team, COME IN TEAM

006: [Video]

002 ≅ [video/ENCRYPTED 100% TO TURTLES/PRIVATE NETWORK POST]

text

[voice; action]

[video || cafe post || action?]

video;

video;

Links