[Event Post]

[autumnswarm]

Barian Island, where the, well. Barians are. And the head of their bookclub is here! He seems in fine spirits and can be approached about near anything. However, he has brought a companion who may or may not be familiar. Their hands are tied behind their back and their staff appears to have been left at home. Word WAS sent ahead that there was a... scholar who had questions. This is them.

Comments

[all_for_not]

*well, who better to answer questions than this particular Barian. Who... who isn't really keen on seeing Sullivan standing there, when he approaches.*

[autumnswarm]

"Failnaught."

They attempt to extend a hand, remember they're bound, then bow instead.

"This is... about the reception I had expected."

[all_for_not]

I'd have preferred clearer warning of your approach. *he tries to hide any further emotion on this matter-- his guard is definitely up right now, but you're bound and... apparently unarmed, at least.*

You're the one who had questions?

[autumnswarm]

"I do.

About the warp. I'm attempting to craft an artificial body so I can return this one to my sister. I'm... finding difficulties in producing artificial souls.

Now. I know it is dangerous and it's the equivalent of a caveman playing with uranium at this point. Which is why I asked Kaz to bring me. Even the wildest mage knows when to consult experts. You may not like me or what I am, but I'd like to at least keep the dislike cool and not bubble over into hatred."

[all_for_not]

Artificial souls? What do you intend upon doing, so I can follow your line of thinking?

[autumnswarm]

Sullivan nods.

"To power the bodies while I make sure they work. I've been scraping off my own soul stuff but the results have been... Mixed. Half-stuff. Maybe to also patch up my own. The swarm was, ah. Not too kind to mine."

[all_for_not]

The swarm was what Kai had to cleanse you of before, is that correct? I guess not even what his partner can do can fix the holes that had already formed... but it's dangerous enough that anyone would use their own soul for such a project. The question that I was trying to get the answer for, however, is what you intended on using the Ettosyleit for, to fashion an artificial soul.

[autumnswarm]

"Mmm, I guess if it would even be possible? It was my first instinct upon seeing my first failure, since it is a realm of energy and the creatures there just... form out of it?

I feel, and I could be very, very wrong, that I could impose my own will into something from it to fix my own and proceed with my research. However: I felt that way about the Light I had dealt with and the Swarm. I yet live, but both attempts left me mangled and feeling quite, ah, unwhole. I will not repeat the same mistakes again."

[all_for_not]

... Of course it's possible, but I wouldn't recommend it by any length. There is a lot of chaotic energy in the Ettosyleit, and within it, errant souls that are loose from what the demons have consumed. Parts of entire worlds can be found within the theoretical boundaries, but as a result, it's all simply "corruption". With the damage done to your soul already, you'll likely not live long without protection, even entering into there... and that isn't including your current idea of using anything within there to help "patch" your soul. *... he kinda goes quiet for a moment though. Is there more?*

[autumnswarm]

Sullivan gives themselves 'I was absolutely right' points.

"I was afraid of that. ... But, do you have... other ideas?"

[all_for_not]

*it's taking a lot of his energy to not say anything in an... overly negative manner. You can tell he's bracing himself for even thinking of the idea itself.*

To be perfectly honest, though I loathe to suggest it... What our original creators did, would likely be more what you'd want to research into, when it comes to compensating a soul.

[autumnswarm]

Sullivan flinches.

"I had also thought about that. But... I felt it would be rude to ask, to say the very least."

[all_for_not]

Yet I'm the one who ended up also thinking of it... *he seems to let out something akin to a sigh* Still, that would be my best suggestion, in simpler terms. You'd need to find a "proxy" to help support your soul, or anything you do to power an artificial body. That is what our partners are-- they are effectively the other halves of our souls, and same for them with us.

[tachyonparticle]

*Well, you went in the direction Failnaught looked in.

And you found Labrys, but she's up on top of one of the Bujin-origin buildings, just sorta taking in the view out into the sea, pondering.*

[autumnswarm]

"... ah. Excuse me, ma'm?"

[tachyonparticle]

*she glances downward at you.

There's a clear level of distaste, but Failnaught must've sent the warning ahead already, since if he hadn't, she probably would've found you first.

She leaps down, landing on her feet, before straightening up.*

What do you need.

[autumnswarm]

Alright, now I can see why Kaz sticks to hanging out with Failnaught.

"Ah, Failnaught has made some suggestions on how I can fix myself to some degree and help with my research, rather than foolishly attempting to channel the Warp, which is why I was here. I would prefer to not use that realm, for multiple reasons, chiefly being that of my own safety and those around me.

Unfortunately, to further this, I need to talk to Durbe and Mizael. I don't like my chances of not being bisected as soon as I get too close to them in Heartland."

They sigh.

"I know you don't like me, but I'm trying to do something right by a few people. Would you kindly escort me to meet them? I can go as I am now."

They motion to their bonds.

[tachyonparticle]

*she looks down at the bindings. You do appear to be unarmed-- but then again, so does she, at the moment. Which is more or less thankful for you.*

... Am I correct to assume that if you can't find any headway about this, you'll resort to whatever original plan it is you had with the Ettosyleit?

[autumnswarm]

"Please. I'm foolish, but not that foolish. If I can't make any headway this way, I'm back to square one. Failnaught seemed pretty sure that no one can make this... Ettosyleit bend to their will.

I'm good, but I'm not THAT good. I may resort to the Vylons or the like."

[tachyonparticle]

He'd be right. I've seen it before-- someone thinking they can command what lurks in the Ettosyleit, and then realizing how truly dangerous it is. How easily it can corrupt and wear away... *she shakes her head*

I'm glad you realize that going back to that idea won't work, at least.

When did you expect you'd be going?

[autumnswarm]

"Honestly? Whenever worked for you, if you're willing."

They shrug.

"In the next week or so would be nice, but there's no rush."

[tachyonparticle]

*she thinks about it. as long as they weren't expecting this to happen immediately...*

In three days, return here. We'll go ahead and take care of this, then.

[autumnswarm]

Sullivan is reasonable. They kinda HAVE to be to keep on going the way they do.

"Three days? I'll make my preparations. Thank you very much, Labrys."

[tachyonparticle]

Don't thank me yet.

If either of them find solid reasoning to not trust you, I am liable to side with them.

But as long as their reactions are purely towards the presence you give off, I'll act as your escort. Understood?

[autumnswarm]

A nod.

"Completely."