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15:32, 24th April 2024 (GMT+0)

The Confessional.

Posted by System AIFor group 0
Chalei'nh
Wanderer, 18 posts
AC 19, 28/28 HP
F+7, R+9, W+9, P+7
Fri 8 Jul 2022
at 15:58
  • msg #47

The Confessional

- "Work-related stress is a result of a failing business strategy as much as treating those that have no power over you is childish. Have fun with that."

Chalei'nh smiled as V'Verik disappeared, giving Moya's hand a small squeeze back in return. Once he did, she turned to Gallbry after she was done replying.

- "Actually, in our society wildlife does have some moral rights independent of their usefulness to humans, and the fact that we are having a conversation and have the mental faculty to understand what it meant to step through a portal does imply we share a similar level of sentience. To regard everyone outside of one's zone of control as lesser than they -- despite overwhelming evidence -- is, quite honestly, surprisingly primitive for an organized government. Could you tell me more about how the Confederacy is run?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:33, Fri 08 July 2022.
Connor
Wanderer, 93 posts
AC-18(19), HP-22/22
F+5, R+9, W+7, Per+5
Fri 8 Jul 2022
at 16:10
  • msg #48

The Confessional

Connor considered her responses, and thoughtfully nodded.

"Understood. And what happens if we, through some slim chance, end up beating the games? Do we get acknowledged as our own galactic faction and treated with legal rights? And how about our powers and abilities? What happen to those if we win the game? Are they limited to inside the game or can they become real if we win somehow?" he asked, curious to what she'd say.

He was told early on that if he won they won they'd have rights to all of Earth's salvaged matter, as well as the excess matter from other planets and such that they currently use for the game. While he'd free guildmaster and such, could that allow him to remain a Wizard and reformatted super-human?
PR Agent Gallbry
NPC, 3 posts
Your PR Agent!
Can I get back to you?
Fri 8 Jul 2022
at 19:26
  • msg #49

The Confessional

Chalei'nh:
- "Actually, in our society wildlife does have some moral rights independent of their usefulness to humans, and the fact that we are having a conversation and have the mental faculty to understand what it meant to step through a portal does imply we share a similar level of sentience. To regard everyone outside of one's zone of control as lesser than they -- despite overwhelming evidence -- is, quite honestly, surprisingly primitive for an organized government. Could you tell me more about how the Confederacy is run?"


Gallbry sighs. "Well, you have convinced me. Now you just need to convince V'Varik, his entire fundamentalist movement which has taken over my dimension and own the majority shares of D/Monix. Good luck with that..." She rolls her eyes, or at least you think that's what she is doing, because she does not have pupils or even an iris. "As for telling you how the Confederacy is run...I am not allowed. That would be cheating, and if it was discovered I told you my neck would be on the chopping block...so to speak. Now, if you find out on your own, that's not my fault." She seems to imply something else, but its not clear what.

Conner:
"Understood. And what happens if we, through some slim chance, end up beating the games? Do we get acknowledged as our own galactic faction and treated with legal rights? And how about our powers and abilities? What happen to those if we win the game? Are they limited to inside the game or can they become real if we win somehow?"


"Those are good questions. And I can tell you honestly I have no idea what happens if you win. Nobody has won...ever. However, I do know you planet's matter will revert to you as the winner. It's why people keep at the games so intensely. There are beings within the labyrinth who have played for centuries, if not longer, just trying to get to the end and free their people. And should tell you, D/Monix barely plays by the rules. That being said, those rules are enforced by the AI itself. Even D/Monix cannot totally bypass its will. Unfortunately...its sorta insane. No one can guarantee the AI's favor, and that favor is often fleeting as its demented whims."

She shakes her head. "However, as your PR Agent, I can help you with those rules that involve my job. Unless anyone else has any other questions?" She looks at those who have not spoken.
Moya
Wanderer, 19 posts
AC14 HP26/26
F+5 R+4 W+9 P+7
Fri 8 Jul 2022
at 19:53
  • msg #50

The Confessional

Moya smiles and asks, "Are tattoos popular in your culture, Hen?"
Chalei'nh
Wanderer, 19 posts
AC 19, 28/28 HP
F+7, R+9, W+9, P+7
Fri 8 Jul 2022
at 20:16
  • msg #51

The Confessional

- "Oh?"

Chalei'nh tilted her head in wonder.

- "Why would asking about the political structure of the Confederacy be considered cheating? That wouldn't have anything to do with the entertainment industry, would it?"

She paused, allowing her mind to linger on that train of thought.

- "Unless... what is actually running the Confederacy would be part of the same AI in charge of these games, making you as much a prisoner of this system as we are."
Moya
Wanderer, 20 posts
AC14 HP26/26
F+5 R+4 W+9 P+7
Fri 8 Jul 2022
at 20:22
  • msg #52

The Confessional

"Aye, just like Effie Trinket in Hunger Games." Moya lifts her hand with her three fingers straight and her thumb covering her little finger.  "Youse need a Mockingjay, Hen."
Mo
Wanderer, 7 posts
Ac-19, HP-32/32
F+9, R+7, W+4, Per+6
Fri 8 Jul 2022
at 20:45
  • msg #53

The Confessional

"Well, at least they ain't gettin' us to vote and pretending we have any say in anything," Mo concludes, having let most of the conversation wash over him but having picked up the key points.

"I was gonna ask if we age like normal, if anyone lives to retire, but I've got my answer."

He decides to sit on the floor, leaning his bulk against a wall, and wait for things to move on.
Nathan
Wanderer, 40 posts
AC-17, HP-26/26
F+5, R+8, W+8, Per+8
Mon 11 Jul 2022
at 19:57
  • msg #54

The Confessional

"If our civilization could have been more entertaining and could been become a contributing member of  your Confederation if had been given the chance." Nathan realized that antagonizing the sponsor, the audience and their advisor he decided to concentrate on surviving and the slim chance of recovering their people. "Let's move then. Tell me, are there any hot button topics to avoid so me don't alienate our audience and sponsors?"
Connor
Wanderer, 94 posts
AC-18(19), HP-22/22
F+5, R+9, W+7, Per+5
Mon 11 Jul 2022
at 22:37
  • msg #55

The Confessional

Connor nods his head.

"Anything you can tell us about the confessionals will be helpful. Especially topics we should stay away from, but equally ones that you think could help us get the sympathy of the crowd and the Shaitan. I mean anything we can do to make it a bit easier on ourselves would be helpful!" connor asked.
Mo
Wanderer, 10 posts
Ac-19, HP-32/32
F+9, R+7, W+4, Per+6
Mon 11 Jul 2022
at 23:47
  • msg #56

The Confessional

"So do the viewers decide stuff about us like in Big Brother?" Mo asks, I never did see Hunger Games. I saw Jennifer Lawrence in that space film where this pervert wakes her up because he fancies her, and that Russian one, but never any of those Hunger Games ones. Here..."

He gets up and flicks a V at where he thinks cameras might be, moving his hand around to get all the cameras.
Tsuki
Wanderer, 58 posts
AC: 17, HP: 28/28
F:+6 R:+5 W:+7 Per:+5
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 00:22
  • msg #57

The Confessional

Tsuki remained quiet, in the back of the room as everyone spoke and asked their questions before she finally spoke up. "Because knowing how their society and government is ran would give us an edge in how to appeal to certain peoples while trying to achieve our goals. If we knew how it was ran, we could angle ourselves to appeal to the senses of those in charge. Dictatorship, act more militantly. Republic or Democracy, act more humbly and honorable, and so on. Right now all we know is that these 'games' are ran for money and profit. Is that not correct Agent Gallbry?"

Then she looked to the others. "Also, I am Tsuki. Originally I hailed from Japan. I was a priestess of Kami-Inari at one of it's temples."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Tue 12 July 2022.
Chalei'nh
Wanderer, 21 posts
AC 19, 28/28 HP
F+7, R+9, W+9, P+7
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 00:49
  • msg #58

The Confessional

Chalei'nh shook her head.

- "That would only be useful if we also knew about demographics. Besides, there is a fair chance acting that way would backfire as we do not know the cultural and societal norms of the other races in the Galaxy. Humans are pretty diverse as it is and that's just one planet, miss Gallbry mentioned being from another dimension so we may be dealing with entirely different galaxies here. Even influenced by Earth culture there's no guarantee acting a certain way will lead to a certain outcome."

She motioned at Mo.

- "For all we know those 'V' signs Mo is making is considered a strong insult. Best to act ourselves, i say, less chances of breaking character under pressure. Speaking of, Tsuki, was it? Might i ask who Inari is?"
Tsuki
Wanderer, 61 posts
AC: 17, HP: 28/28
F:+6 R:+5 W:+7 Per:+5
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 01:45
  • msg #59

The Confessional

"Not really. In monarchies and dictatorships those in power tend to hold all the influence. You appeal to the and they can influence the powers that be to get things to you. Same with a communist style of government. But in a more republic, democratic, and capitalistic styles it's not so much the case. You would have to pick and choose who you appeal to, and again knowing the style of government even then would allow you to more cater to the whims to one side or the other, even so much so that we could begin playing them all against themselves while we ourselves work together." She explained. "So by not telling us that very key piece of information, it leaves any chance of us receiving any outside help up to random chance all while also keeping us from affecting their politics through the game itself."

"Inari is the Japanese Kami of Foxes. She is a popular deity in Shinto and Buddhist beliefs in Japan. Kitsune were her messenger's according to belief. She is the patron of  foxes, fertility, rice, tea and sake, of agriculture and industry, of general prosperity and worldly success, blacksmiths, and the protector of warriors." Tsuki explained. "I was a priestess at the shrine at Fushimi-ku, Kyoto in Japan." She continued. Her tone was soft, calm, and soothing. Far different then during the fight earlier when she sounded like a raging storm. Then she continued more. "Kitsune have many abilities, and it seems that I have managed to acquire many of them in some form. I question if I  may acquire more."
Chalei'nh
Wanderer, 23 posts
AC 19, 28/28 HP
F+7, R+9, W+9, P+7
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 02:12
  • msg #60

The Confessional

- "True, though the competing in game shows for prizes and the commercial sale of new property does hint at a more capitalistic style of government. Given the name 'Confederation', i would wager it is a smattering of different types of government with appointed representatives making up a senate of sorts, perhaps comparable to the -- what's the name again -- United Nations?"

Chalei'nh leaned back, crossing her legs as she listened to Tsuki.

- "Ah. I am from Australia, though i have never had the opportunity to visit Japan. Was your faith a factor in how you chose to recreate yourself?"
Tsuki
Wanderer, 62 posts
AC: 17, HP: 28/28
F:+6 R:+5 W:+7 Per:+5
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 02:31
  • msg #61

The Confessional

"The Golden Horde was said to be a Confederation in name, but they were in fact a Autocracy. Names can be deceiving." She explained. "After all, look at the Russian Federation. Says it is a Federation, and it is in name only. It's Duma has no real power." She continued. "That means even though we are competing for prizes we could simply be competing for the the eye of a bunch of autocrats. We do not know and can only make assumptions, meaning that for now until we learn more about our 'caretakers' we should do our best to simply give them a good show whiling also doing our best to win."

She considered Chalei'nh's next question a moment, then nodded. "Of course. It is also why I have the friend I do. You will get to meet Keyla soon enough. Though Conner and Nathan can tell you about my Dire Fox companion I am sure." Then she considered again. "When we win, and put our world back to what it was, you should visit it."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:18, Tue 12 July 2022.
PR Agent Gallbry
NPC, 4 posts
Your PR Agent!
Can I get back to you?
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 12:18
  • msg #62

The Confessional

Moya:
"Are tattoos popular in your culture, Hen?"


"Can't tell you...it would be cheating. I know that sounds insane...and it most likely is...but it is what it is." Gallbry does the odd 'rolling' of her glowing eyes as she takes another drag on her odd pipe.

Chalei'nh questions are responded to in a similar fashion. "Cheating...its cheating..." Gallbry groans in annoyance.

Nathan:
"Tell me, are there any hot button topics to avoid so me don't alienate our audience and sponsors?"


Connor:
"Anything you can tell us about the confessionals will be helpful. Especially topics we should stay away from, but equally ones that you think could help us get the sympathy of the crowd and the Shaitan. I mean anything we can do to make it a bit easier on ourselves would be helpful!"


"Good questions..." Gallbry says, but her tone not changing very much. "...but I can't fully answer that. What pleases one sponsor may very easily piss off another. In fact, by getting one sponsor you may be making an enemy of a different faction, which will cause them to try and bid against you. However, anyone who does offer to sponsor you will contact me, and I will inform you.

That is what the confessional is all about. Its allowing you, the wanderers, to talk to the multiverse audience. Its format is very similar to one of your earth talk shows. There is a host, and there may be other Wanderers or visiting guests depending. I will try to book you on the most far reaching shows, but ultimately its a bidding war form the sponsoring corporations."

Tsuki:
"Because knowing how their society and government is ran would give us an edge in how to appeal to certain peoples while trying to achieve our goals. If we knew how it was ran, we could angle ourselves to appeal to the senses of those in charge. Dictatorship, act more militantly. Republic or Democracy, act more humbly and honorable, and so on. Right now all we know is that these 'games' are ran for money and profit. Is that not correct Agent Gallbry?"


"Bingo. That is what you humans say, right?" Gallbry responds, shooting a 'finger gun' at Tsuki.

"In any cause, you bunch should be ready for showtime really soon. I have some notes for your earlier performance, and here are my suggestions for each of you in order to appeal to the most sponsors.

Moya, you need to do more plant work. Plants are your thing, and you need to play it up!

Chalei'nh, I want more wind from you. You need to make sure those air strikes are in constant effect.

Mo-think fire! Lots and lots of mass arcing burning death! You don't take any persistent flame damage, so take advantage of that!

Connor, we need more spells from you. The whole protect the group thing is nice, but the cameras are missing out on magical zaps, which is a big crowd pleaser.

Nathan, try to call your shots. We are getting a lot of positive feedback on you being a marksman. Don't worry if you don't hit every time, most of the footage is edited anyways.

Tsuki, play up the weather angle of your abilities. There are already a bunch of watchers who love the whole 'lady of the storms' thing.

Ok, you will be ushered into the waiting area soon, and then you will see the recap. After that the host and the audience will appear. Good luck everybody!"

With that, Gallbry vanishes.
Chalei'nh
Wanderer, 25 posts
AC 19, 28/28 HP
F+7, R+9, W+9, P+7
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 12:49
  • msg #63

The Confessional

- "I see. In that case, among the digitized materials from our planet, may i recommend to you 'I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream', by Harlan Ellison? It is a short science fiction story about an AI in control of everything, there are some parallels with our current situation. D/Monix' introduction was already almost straight out of 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' so i assume there is a database of similar materials available."

Chalei'nh smiled at Gallbry in response. She really could empathize with the agent's hands being tied by corporate protocols. Once she had disappeared, she turned to her companions, pointing at each of them and herself in turn.

- "So... Earth, Fire, Wind, Water... If Nathan wants to play the Cupid angle and be Heart i guess that would make Connor our Captain Planet?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:01, Tue 12 July 2022.
Moya
Wanderer, 22 posts
AC14 HP26/26
F+5 R+4 W+9 P+7
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 14:43
  • msg #64

The Confessional

Moya smiles.  "Plants" she whispers.  "Herbs and roses, can you hear me darlings."  She expects no answer yet, but she'll keep trying.  Sooner or later, they will reply.
Mo
Wanderer, 13 posts
Ac-19, HP-32/32
F+9, R+7, W+4, Per+6
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 16:22
  • msg #65

The Confessional

"So Gallbry," Mo has a parting question, "How much is your success tied up in ours?"
Connor
Wanderer, 96 posts
AC-18(19), HP-22/22
F+5, R+9, W+7, Per+5
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 16:39
  • msg #66

The Confessional

Connor nodded at Galbry as she responded and disappeared.

He turned to Mo.

"Mo? she's gone. Seems it's time for us to go on stage, so to speak. And I hope her success is tied to ours as it will keep her honest." he said.

He looked at Chalei and chuckled, as he understood the reference well.

"Yes...Captain planet suits me well as far as the team roles are concerned. I'm the one who's been playing facilitator and arbitrator on the team and overall am like the glue. And I'm fine with that - it's a strategy that let us beat the Apex with out casualties. Although it was close at the end." he replied.

"She gave us some good info just now. We now know there's factions we can appeal to, but that we also can appeal to individual viewers and that developing more of a theme of schtick can help too. Like Tsuki as "storm lady" and so on."
Tsuki
Wanderer, 64 posts
AC: 17, HP: 28/28
F:+6 R:+5 W:+7 Per:+5
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 17:19
  • msg #67

The Confessional

She would walk up and place a hand on Conner's shoulder. "If you are the Captain, then Sir, I am the General. After all I did kinda have final say on most things." She said with a small smile to him.
Moya
Wanderer, 23 posts
AC14 HP26/26
F+5 R+4 W+9 P+7
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 18:11
  • msg #68

The Confessional

Moya grins, "An' Ah'm the cactus in the Field Marshall's Office.".

She's sure that banter will work with some factions, but which ones can help them the most, she doesn't know... yet.
Connor
Wanderer, 97 posts
AC-18(19), HP-22/22
F+5, R+9, W+7, Per+5
Fri 15 Jul 2022
at 04:29
  • msg #69

The Confessional

Connor smirked at Tsuki.

"I view myself more as a facilitator. I make plans, and try to figure out how to mobilize our resources and what options we have. Can I lead? In a pinch yes. But really I'm more of the rule-from-on-high or power-behind-the-throne type that only conquers the world at the end of the movie, if you will. When it's too late to stop me." he replied with a chuckle.

"But all jokes aside, you're great with people Tsuki. You have a certain presence and way with words most of us don't have. If I am the one who comes up with plans, then you're the one who helps get them done and as dynamically as possible. You're the executive branch to my judicial branch, if you will. And I very much value that dynamic energy you had given us throughout our time together on the first level." he continued.

"And I'm hoping you continue to help light the inner fire of our group, Tsuki, into the second level and beyond. I can't make it through this game without you, and my plans won't work without people like you pushing them into action and getting other people on board with things. In that way, you very much are like a general to my...whatever I am. LOL." he added, enunciating the L-O-L verbally letter-by-letter.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Fri 15 July 2022.
Chalei'nh
Wanderer, 26 posts
AC 19, 28/28 HP
F+7, R+9, W+9, P+7
Fri 15 Jul 2022
at 14:29
  • msg #70

The Confessional

Chalei'nh looked at the others.

- "As for me, i'm still trying to find my spot, honestly. Let's talk tactics for a bit: Obviously i'm going to be mobile and shrug off spells, but i'd need to fit in with you. Heard Gallbry mention a lot of us have magic, do we have a specialized tank?"
Mo
Wanderer, 14 posts
Ac-19, HP-32/32
F+9, R+7, W+4, Per+6
Fri 15 Jul 2022
at 15:19
  • msg #71

The Confessional

"C'est moi," said Mo.

To demonstrate the point, he stepped back to give himself room. He raised the haft of his flail, the chain and ball following into the air.

He drew the contraption around in a slow arc and got his broad shoulders going swinging it about his head. The chain erupted into flame and the ball became a smoking meteor. Mo's eyes lit up too, like burning coals.

"The weirdo said I'm flame resistant," he said once he had finished his display, "So it's for the rest of you to cast fire magic at me, through me. I can't say I've put it to the test mind."

He shrugged and went back to his seat against the wall.
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