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<< march open log: of truth and lies >>
This is our special event that everyone earned by their thread donations back in January! Because it's a unique event, all threads are worth 6 points each. Since this is also our only open log, players are free to include MANTA Board quests in their toplevels.
For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice.
For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice.
NORHPIP
Upon arriving at the ancient crab leviathan, Norhpip, everyone will be greeted by a small army of crabs of all types and sizes. They are, understandably, very distrustful, but some are also quite curious and more welcoming. It will soon become clear that Norhpip is a leviathan that is even older than Nogard, Elah, and Eltrut, existing from times before the great flood that changed the world of Escordvi to what it is today. It's also clear that the leviathan could have important answers about the rifts and the relic that people are still searching for, however they won't be given so easily. Those who are brave enough to face the challenges held within Norhpip's mountainous shell may garner some respect and trust from the leviathan, and perhaps then he may reveal some of the world's secrets—and those important clues.
However, it won't be easy. All over the leviathan there is a strange atmosphere that will make everyone feel one of two things. Sometimes this feeling will switch around, but it will be one or the other with varying degrees of intensity. Some may feel more distrustful and suspicious of others, making it more likely that they will try to do things on their own than work with others. There's a higher chance to betray and lie. The other will make people more trusting and believing of others, making it more likely they will follow whatever they hear no matter how ridiculous it may sound. There's a higher chance they will only tell the truth, regardless if it's a good idea or not.
Finally, some may feel a bit crabby and actually turn into crabs at random intervals. It's a temporary effect, but one that could make exploring either easier or more difficult depending where they are. It will certainly make performing the challenges more, well, challenging.
Perhaps pitying the explorers, occasionally the little crabs will appear and offer to "relieve their mind" of whatever effect is currently influencing them most. However…is this also a test? Should they trust the crab? Roll a 10 sided die to determine how the crabs help you. If it's 6 or higher, the crabs will offer a friendship bracelet woven from colorful grasses to clear the enchantment; 5 or below, they get a big pinch that… somehow also helps, but not quite as well as the bracelet. The higher or lower the number, the stronger or worse it is (ie, a 10 will have the best effect in clearing one's mine, while a 1 will be the most painful pinch of their life).
However, it won't be easy. All over the leviathan there is a strange atmosphere that will make everyone feel one of two things. Sometimes this feeling will switch around, but it will be one or the other with varying degrees of intensity. Some may feel more distrustful and suspicious of others, making it more likely that they will try to do things on their own than work with others. There's a higher chance to betray and lie. The other will make people more trusting and believing of others, making it more likely they will follow whatever they hear no matter how ridiculous it may sound. There's a higher chance they will only tell the truth, regardless if it's a good idea or not.
Finally, some may feel a bit crabby and actually turn into crabs at random intervals. It's a temporary effect, but one that could make exploring either easier or more difficult depending where they are. It will certainly make performing the challenges more, well, challenging.
Perhaps pitying the explorers, occasionally the little crabs will appear and offer to "relieve their mind" of whatever effect is currently influencing them most. However…is this also a test? Should they trust the crab? Roll a 10 sided die to determine how the crabs help you. If it's 6 or higher, the crabs will offer a friendship bracelet woven from colorful grasses to clear the enchantment; 5 or below, they get a big pinch that… somehow also helps, but not quite as well as the bracelet. The higher or lower the number, the stronger or worse it is (ie, a 10 will have the best effect in clearing one's mine, while a 1 will be the most painful pinch of their life).
Coral Forest. Lining the lower parts of the crab's shell are vast rings of coral forests, some stretching as high as dozens of feet tall. While some are harmless, there are sharp anemones among them, so adventurers should watch where they turn lest they get pricked by one, which may make the more weak-willed susceptible to telling bold truths or lies until the pin is safely removed. There are also old shipwrecks caught within, and who knows what treasures and secrets might be found there? These ships no doubt hold stories of the crews that once lived on them, so go forth and explore! Just watch out for the crabs that have made a home on these ships—they aren't too fond of visitors!
Clam Fields. Further up the crab's shell are the clam fields which are exactly as they sound: stretches of clams that have attached themselves to Norhpip as a means of both travel and safety from underwater predators. That doesn't mean that the clams are welcoming, however. Some are very protective of the pearls and jewels that they hold, and they will trap anyone inside that wanders too close or dares to steal from them. Only way to get out is to either pry them open or tickle them from the inside. However, there are others that will hand over their treasures to anyone that can protect them from the seagulls that swoop in looking for food.
Toxic Vents. Occasionally, Norhpip's body will rise just far enough out of the water to reveal its underside. Anyone daring enough to journey beneath the shell will find themselves in the most hazardous, steepest terrain of all. Only experienced climbers should wander below. Norhpip's shell has vents to allow steam and water to flow through, and sometimes, that steam can be toxic. Breathing too much of it has some side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and in more severe cases, paranoia. But there could be great treasure, including hard to find relics and artifacts. Scraping off the barnacles attached underneath will also yield valuable materials used in healing and detoxification.
Pools. Around Norhpip's shell are dips where small pools of water with their own ecosystems have formed, many different kinds of fish calling them home among the reefs. However, thanks to the leviathan's magic, the water in these pools can be collected and used as a mild truth serum. They are also shallow enough that anyone interested can take a small dive into the pools to check them out.
Clam Fields. Further up the crab's shell are the clam fields which are exactly as they sound: stretches of clams that have attached themselves to Norhpip as a means of both travel and safety from underwater predators. That doesn't mean that the clams are welcoming, however. Some are very protective of the pearls and jewels that they hold, and they will trap anyone inside that wanders too close or dares to steal from them. Only way to get out is to either pry them open or tickle them from the inside. However, there are others that will hand over their treasures to anyone that can protect them from the seagulls that swoop in looking for food.
Toxic Vents. Occasionally, Norhpip's body will rise just far enough out of the water to reveal its underside. Anyone daring enough to journey beneath the shell will find themselves in the most hazardous, steepest terrain of all. Only experienced climbers should wander below. Norhpip's shell has vents to allow steam and water to flow through, and sometimes, that steam can be toxic. Breathing too much of it has some side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and in more severe cases, paranoia. But there could be great treasure, including hard to find relics and artifacts. Scraping off the barnacles attached underneath will also yield valuable materials used in healing and detoxification.
Pools. Around Norhpip's shell are dips where small pools of water with their own ecosystems have formed, many different kinds of fish calling them home among the reefs. However, thanks to the leviathan's magic, the water in these pools can be collected and used as a mild truth serum. They are also shallow enough that anyone interested can take a small dive into the pools to check them out.
Seagulls. All around Norhpip's shell, there is one threat to rule them all: the seagulls. They are relentless in their attacks, dive bombing and stealing smaller crabs right out of their homes as well as anyone who might threaten their food. Protect the crabs, fight them off, but be warned: they are aggressive and truly an enemy to be reckoned with. They travel in large flocks, so taking them on alone is not recommended. One must also be on the lookout for the dangerous sharkgulls that may appear…
Crab Nursery. Aww look at those little baby crabs—oh no. Help collect all the little crabs that try to escape using whatever means necessary. Nets, buckets, shirts, whatever can be used! However, these little babies have really honed in on their "stranger danger" lessons, so they will not only be distrusting, but very quick to pinch and bite unless they can be convinced otherwise.
Relic Hunting. One special task the crabs will set is to find special crab statue pieces that are scattered all over the leviathan. Parts of claws, legs, shell, eyes—whatever can be found. The more pieces found, the higher Norhpip's approval rating for everyone will go and the more likely he will reveal more information. Other artifacts and relics can be found that are free for the taking, though most of them will be either cooking, swimming, or water related.
Crab Nursery. Aww look at those little baby crabs—oh no. Help collect all the little crabs that try to escape using whatever means necessary. Nets, buckets, shirts, whatever can be used! However, these little babies have really honed in on their "stranger danger" lessons, so they will not only be distrusting, but very quick to pinch and bite unless they can be convinced otherwise.
Relic Hunting. One special task the crabs will set is to find special crab statue pieces that are scattered all over the leviathan. Parts of claws, legs, shell, eyes—whatever can be found. The more pieces found, the higher Norhpip's approval rating for everyone will go and the more likely he will reveal more information. Other artifacts and relics can be found that are free for the taking, though most of them will be either cooking, swimming, or water related.
Due to the unnatural tension caused by the atmosphere around the leviathan, the two Armadas have become more suspicious of one of another. Distrust and doubt only feed into the already hostile opinions the two groups have for each other, and while it starts off as moderate at first, as time goes on it gets worse and worse and attacks and fights become more frequent. Eventually Corsairs start trapping Paladins or become more cruel and ruthless in their deceptions and lies, and Paladins are more quick to try and arrest and isolate any Corsair they come across even if all they're doing is just stand there. At some point, they will see each other as a threat, and some will even kill without question. Even those who only act out of self defense will find that option preferable over other alternatives.
Of course, the opposite is also true—while conflict is more likely to rise, a sense of trust and willing to give the other benefit of the doubt will also bloom between Corsairs and Paladins. They will try to defend and protect each other even more fiercely, which can also cause a ripple effect in conflict. But even so, this may also be their only hope in preventing a complete collapse between the already tenuous relationship the two Armadas held prior to exploring Norhpip.
Of course, the opposite is also true—while conflict is more likely to rise, a sense of trust and willing to give the other benefit of the doubt will also bloom between Corsairs and Paladins. They will try to defend and protect each other even more fiercely, which can also cause a ripple effect in conflict. But even so, this may also be their only hope in preventing a complete collapse between the already tenuous relationship the two Armadas held prior to exploring Norhpip.
CHALLENGES
Once inside the mountain shell, explorers will find numerous paths, tunnels, rooms, and walls they will have to try and pass through. To make it even more challenging, they will often find themselves suddenly moved from one location to another, often separated by those they were originally with and now in another group entirely. This often occurs via sudden holes appearing at their feet, revolving walls, and even activating a hidden teleportation stone that will move them.
Fortunately (or unfortunately), there are many little "crab guides" that will help inform and direct those who are lost and confused, and give instructions once they reach a particular challenge. As fun as it is to watch everyone be bewildered, they also don't want anyone to be stuck within the leviathan's shell forever. On the other hand, free meals…
Perhaps it's the crabs everyone should be most suspicious of all.
In-between the challenges, there will be unique doors that can only be opened if someone either tells the truth or tells a lie. The doors will either be clearly marked or have a crab to warn them. Each person must stick their hand into an opening in the shape of open crab claws that will either not move if answered correctly and allow them to pass freely, or will clamp down and squeeze painfully until they do. Careful, there are rumors that some have lost their arms…
(Note: this is not an exhaustive list of challenges and players are free to come up with something else so long as it fits the theme! All effects from the previous section are active in this section.)
Fortunately (or unfortunately), there are many little "crab guides" that will help inform and direct those who are lost and confused, and give instructions once they reach a particular challenge. As fun as it is to watch everyone be bewildered, they also don't want anyone to be stuck within the leviathan's shell forever. On the other hand, free meals…
Perhaps it's the crabs everyone should be most suspicious of all.
In-between the challenges, there will be unique doors that can only be opened if someone either tells the truth or tells a lie. The doors will either be clearly marked or have a crab to warn them. Each person must stick their hand into an opening in the shape of open crab claws that will either not move if answered correctly and allow them to pass freely, or will clamp down and squeeze painfully until they do. Careful, there are rumors that some have lost their arms…
(Note: this is not an exhaustive list of challenges and players are free to come up with something else so long as it fits the theme! All effects from the previous section are active in this section.)
Tests of Loyalty will be ultimate challenges of trust, even with those they normally wouldn't grant it. They will have to set aside those differences and work together to get through.
🌉 Invisible bridge. There are occasionally large gaps that must be crossed, and the method to create the bridge or get past will be different. A person calling out instructions for the other to step on invisible tiles; taking turns holding down a button at different checkpoints to create a portion of the bridge for the other to cross; completing small objectives to unlock passages for the other to get through. The key point is they are separated and must rely on each other to get across.
🧗♂️ Co-op climbing. Whether it's using one rope, forced to be connected to each other in some way, or have to link arms and press back against each other to "walk up" a narrow tunnel upwards, they must work together to climb up. If they start doubting each other, however, water will trickle down the walls to make it slippery.
💦 Water room. Trapped in a small cave, it will slowly fill with water. One person will be able to escape through a small hole before it's sealed off, and they must solve a few simple puzzles or answer questions to make it and stop and free the other. However, they will also be tempted to escape early as they will also have water filling the room, but are free to leave at any time. So long as there is continued trust, the water level will remain low and flow slowly, but if there is doubt or suspicion, it will rise faster.
🌉 Invisible bridge. There are occasionally large gaps that must be crossed, and the method to create the bridge or get past will be different. A person calling out instructions for the other to step on invisible tiles; taking turns holding down a button at different checkpoints to create a portion of the bridge for the other to cross; completing small objectives to unlock passages for the other to get through. The key point is they are separated and must rely on each other to get across.
🧗♂️ Co-op climbing. Whether it's using one rope, forced to be connected to each other in some way, or have to link arms and press back against each other to "walk up" a narrow tunnel upwards, they must work together to climb up. If they start doubting each other, however, water will trickle down the walls to make it slippery.
💦 Water room. Trapped in a small cave, it will slowly fill with water. One person will be able to escape through a small hole before it's sealed off, and they must solve a few simple puzzles or answer questions to make it and stop and free the other. However, they will also be tempted to escape early as they will also have water filling the room, but are free to leave at any time. So long as there is continued trust, the water level will remain low and flow slowly, but if there is doubt or suspicion, it will rise faster.
Betrayals Most Foul is where the goal is to harbor doubt and betray those they are with. It is the most selfish of the challenges and will surely test relationships after.
💻 Crabmongus. There are multiple rooms with multiple people trying to perform tasks, but someone is a saboteur who will "capture" people in a bubble while pretending to be an ally. Either figure out the saboteur or if the saboteur, be the last one standing (either scenario will allow everyone to proceed; if the saboteur wins, they will be sent to a farther location).
🔪 Backstab. Tensions will rise as you never know when your partner will turn on you and literally stab you in the back—with a plastic crab claw. The trick, however, is that no one will know when this challenge is active, and the person that is "stabbed" must actually have some belief in the person they are with. It won't count if they are suspicious.
🦀 Crab-and-Seek. Trapped in a maze-like cavern, there is a very large crab that roams through,hunting looking for any unwary adventurers. While working together to get past is an option, at the end of the day it's every person for themselves and others within the maze will try to make the crab go towards other people instead to give them the opening to escape. Those caught by the crab, well… Perhaps they can escape, or perhaps play the big con and try to betray it instead.
💻 Crabmongus. There are multiple rooms with multiple people trying to perform tasks, but someone is a saboteur who will "capture" people in a bubble while pretending to be an ally. Either figure out the saboteur or if the saboteur, be the last one standing (either scenario will allow everyone to proceed; if the saboteur wins, they will be sent to a farther location).
🔪 Backstab. Tensions will rise as you never know when your partner will turn on you and literally stab you in the back—with a plastic crab claw. The trick, however, is that no one will know when this challenge is active, and the person that is "stabbed" must actually have some belief in the person they are with. It won't count if they are suspicious.
🦀 Crab-and-Seek. Trapped in a maze-like cavern, there is a very large crab that roams through,
Deceive to Believe is similar to betrayal, however the sting is a little less and there is a bit more cooperation between those involved. A battle of lies, wits, and trickery, can they lie their way to victory?
🚪 Escape room maze. Trapped in a maze like room, the only way out is to pass through without alerting the crab statues that watch from various pedestals. They can do whatever they need to to deceive the statues, such as distracting one while the other activates a door or covers it, even destroying them. Just don't blink or turn their backs on them or the crab statues will move and try to squirt tartar sauce on them.
🃏 Card games. A simple challenge where players can pick a variety of different games that are designed to trick and deceive each other to end with the winning hand. A particularly easy one is Old Maid, where one must try to subtly trick the other in taking the Crab Joker card and not be left with it in the end.
🎭 Posers. The oldest trick in the book is to pretend to be something you're not, and for this challenge everyone will need to brush up on their acting skills to get past a very discerning panel of crabs. Whatever the act, they must convince them and receive a passing grade before they continue. If they don't, the crabs will chuck tomatoes at them.
🚪 Escape room maze. Trapped in a maze like room, the only way out is to pass through without alerting the crab statues that watch from various pedestals. They can do whatever they need to to deceive the statues, such as distracting one while the other activates a door or covers it, even destroying them. Just don't blink or turn their backs on them or the crab statues will move and try to squirt tartar sauce on them.
🃏 Card games. A simple challenge where players can pick a variety of different games that are designed to trick and deceive each other to end with the winning hand. A particularly easy one is Old Maid, where one must try to subtly trick the other in taking the Crab Joker card and not be left with it in the end.
🎭 Posers. The oldest trick in the book is to pretend to be something you're not, and for this challenge everyone will need to brush up on their acting skills to get past a very discerning panel of crabs. Whatever the act, they must convince them and receive a passing grade before they continue. If they don't, the crabs will chuck tomatoes at them.
Honest to a Fault will have people wishing they could bury themselves in a hole after they are forced to spill out truths they may have preferred to keep secret. Sometimes honesty isn't the best policy.
🎈 Truth balloons. There is a giant balloon that one must sit on to cross over a large gap of tartar sauce, and to make it move they must answer whatever question that appears honestly. If they don't, the balloon will pop and they will fall into the pit. Questions will likely be embarrassing or something very difficult for them to admit the truth of. Need some help? Try a random question generator for ideas!
🍻 Never Have I Ever. A fun game especially for those who like to drink. Those who participate must go through five (5) rounds with a very potent but delicious crab vodka as the drink of choice. Someone asks a question, and if the act has been performed a drink is taken. If not, then they continue as is. After the five rounds, they must try and walk over a path made of swaying giant crab shells, but they can help support each other. The crabs will have Lobsterade as a detox drink for them whether they cross or fail three times. Should they fail to pass, they have to start the game over. (The crabs may give a bottle of the vodka to those who answer three questions honestly.)
🥊 Brutal Honesty. Sometimes people tell white lies to spare feelings. Unfortunately, this is not one of those times. Armed with giant boxing gloves in the shape of crab claws, two people must face each other on a raised platform and "fight" not only by trying to punch them off the ring, but also by saying only the worst, honest statements about them they can think of. True compliments and flattery can work, but only the hard truth will strengthen the claw and inflict stronger hits.
🎈 Truth balloons. There is a giant balloon that one must sit on to cross over a large gap of tartar sauce, and to make it move they must answer whatever question that appears honestly. If they don't, the balloon will pop and they will fall into the pit. Questions will likely be embarrassing or something very difficult for them to admit the truth of. Need some help? Try a random question generator for ideas!
🍻 Never Have I Ever. A fun game especially for those who like to drink. Those who participate must go through five (5) rounds with a very potent but delicious crab vodka as the drink of choice. Someone asks a question, and if the act has been performed a drink is taken. If not, then they continue as is. After the five rounds, they must try and walk over a path made of swaying giant crab shells, but they can help support each other. The crabs will have Lobsterade as a detox drink for them whether they cross or fail three times. Should they fail to pass, they have to start the game over. (The crabs may give a bottle of the vodka to those who answer three questions honestly.)
🥊 Brutal Honesty. Sometimes people tell white lies to spare feelings. Unfortunately, this is not one of those times. Armed with giant boxing gloves in the shape of crab claws, two people must face each other on a raised platform and "fight" not only by trying to punch them off the ring, but also by saying only the worst, honest statements about them they can think of. True compliments and flattery can work, but only the hard truth will strengthen the claw and inflict stronger hits.
Never Have I Ever
Vodka isn't quite to his taste. Alastor prefers something a bit spicier, but at least it isn't the worst. ]
Quite ready! Shall you go first?
[ He sits with one leg crossed over the other, radio filter ever present in his voice. ]
no subject
Oh, um. Sure...let me think...[He kind of wishes they'd given him starter prompts but let's seee...]
Never have I ever...played this game before.
[Softball question! but the only time he's gonna get to use it so he might as well.]
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DemonMagic! ✨ ]Is that so? It's quite the classic game, as I recall!
[ Which means that Alastor will be taking a drink. Hmm. Yes. A touch too sweet for his liking but it is a potent thing. ]
Hmmm. Never have I ever purchased take out.
no subject
[And as an adult he just drinks his alcohol without games. Like, y'know. An alcoholic.
He'll take his shot, though. Shiver a bit. Oooh, that's strong.]
No take-out? ...Well, cooking at home's probably better for health and the wallet. Let's see...Never have I ever...made my own wine!
[if you can make wine he needs to know, Alastor, this is critical information.]
no subject
[ Alastor considers the following questions. Oh he will be making this little game fun all right. Not too much longer now. The only thing he hadn't considered is the potential of inebriation himself. ]
The whole concept of "fast food" and "take-out" is a deplorable one. Sacrificing quality for something quick has never settled well with me.
[ As for the other... Well he had lived during the prohibition era so! Taking a drink himself. ]
Never have I ever sacrificed my morals and principles.
[ He's not drinking to that one and that is done with honesty. ]
no subject
[Kaveh suspects take-out might mean something different to him than it does to Alastor! oh well, mr weirdly colored man, it's fine.
He notably doesn't touch his shot.]
...I'd toast to that, but it'd defeat the purpose, no? [He hums to himself, thinking...it's surprisingly hard to think of questions.]
Never have I ever refused to help someone who needed it.
no subject
It would, indeed. In my line of work, there is always something someone is willing to gamble away. How refreshing for me.
[ Alastor, naturally, does take a drink. There is no helping every soul in Hell nor does he wish to. ]
Now we're getting into some fun questions. Never have I ever found myself with blood on my hands.
screams
"Sachin and his "disturbing way of doing things" — as you put it — is very likely to have met your father twenty years ago."
...But would he have ever met Sachin, if not for Kaveh? That's been at the back of his mind...though he knows that isn't why Alhaitham told him any of this. In his gut, he still wonders...if his father had run into Sachin even outside the competition, he'd have done the same thing, he knows. But would he have met him at all, if it hadn't been for Kaveh? There's no guarantee of that.
It's a long moment. A very long moment. But he does pick up the shot and drain it.]
Never have I ever regretted what I've given up for my ideals.
[His tone is softer, and a little rough from the vodka, but there's a current of anger to it. The Palace. The Diadem. The situations he's in because of them hurt...but Kaveh won't take back what he's done.]
:]
Well we're over halfway there. Only two more to go!~
[ His grin grows sharper. No regrets either but also feeling as though he is responsible for something that resulted in bloodshed? How interesting indeed! That's why this game can be so much fun.
He taps red tipped fingers against the table before them, debating himself. Well. No. No, there are no regrets here. Regret would mean a lack of confidence in himself and he can't have that. So he leaves it alone. ]
A good thing that you don't, really. Feelings like regret won't change the past, after all. Now what should I say... Oh wait! Here's one - Never have I ever paid for the blood on my hands!
aaaa
Kaveh doesn't drink. He's paid for it over and over and over. Only recently has the idea he can be forgiven been implanted. But this man--did he just say--?]
I--what?
no subject
Never have I ever paid the price for the blood I've found on my hands.
no subject
...Never have I ever enjoyed causing others harm.
[Maybe if he gets this man completely wasted he can escape?
Kaveh you have had three shots already you are not doing any running anywhere.]
no subject
Alastor himself picks up the glass. Takes that drink like the gentleman he is. ]
Last statement and then half of the game is complete.
[ Shadow like tendrils slip from behind Alastor's back. One takes a hold of that last shot glass in preparation. When he speaks, those antlers on top of his head grow. Longer. Larger. Be mindful of your shellphone, Kaveh because now it is sparkling sickly green as static fills the space around them. ]
Never have I ever showcased the screams of s̵͍͈̐o̵̩̔u̸̖̤̜͓̓̎l̶̛̮̝͔̮̱̍̋͌s̶̯̉́ ̸̛̲͓̓b̴̡͉͎̔̈ͅe̶̘̠̿̐̃î̴͖̼͌͒͘̕ͅn̴̖͍͎͎̋͒̊͜͝g̶͍̟̳͊̀ ̸͖͙̠͍̏t̴̹̗̯̽̑͝õ̴͚̎r̸͔̝̆́ṅ̷̨̳̮̺͔͆ ̸̟̘͓͕͈̍͛̍͛a̸̹̼͕̺͕͊́̆̈́p̸̘̻͙͗͜͝ā̸͍̞̫̜r̷͖̳͍̮͐t̶͙̫͝ for all to hear.
no subject
[Because Kaveh does not believe that. He is afraid--of course he is. His throat is thick with it. his skin is clammy. He is not sure how to get out of this alive. But the thing about Kaveh is when he is scared--
he gets angry. Defiant. How dare this man? What kind of sick game is this?
Kaveh sets his hands on his thighs, below the line of the table, fists clenched so hard his nails are digging into his palm. If this man wants a reaction, than he refuses.]
no subject
[ Static crackles and pops around them as Alastor laughs. Then as soon as the little show had started, it all ends. Lighting returns to normal. Antlers regain their usual size and that shadow is now safely tucked under Alastor proper. ]
Heavens no! I've not lied once while sitting here. [ He takes that last drink from the glass. ] See?
[ As he moves to stand, he waves his hand in the air to summon his microphone cane. He twirls it around before holding it behind his back. Hand out for Kaveh to take like a man that minds his manners would. ]
I am many things, mon cher, but dishonest is not one of them. [ A wordsmith, deceiver, and someone who might omit the truth? Sure. ] So while your fear is an absolute delight, rest assured I don't actually mean you any harm.
[ For now. ]
no subject
And then that horrible sound is gone? The shadows? The feeling of being in a room with an apex predator remains. Kaveh stares at Alastor's hair for a long moment, debating refusing it, but being polite might be a little wiser in this situation--this isn't a fight he can win sober, much less three shots in.
So with a bit of a sigh, he'll take Alastor's hand. Unfortunately he's still under a truth effect so what comes out of his mouth is--]
Sadistic bastard, aren't you? I don't think I'll ever understand that.
no subject
He's not keen on playing this game again and having a mess to clean up for it. So best that they just get across.
The comment has him chuckling. ]
When the situation calls for it, yes! They're only the souls of the damned. Who cares?
no subject
[Even the damned deserve compassion.
Unless they're Kaveh.But he's going to...very unsteadily...wobble towards that finish line....is the bridge spinning or is that just his head? Oh no. This was a lot stronger than he thought.]
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[ Alastor won't allow Kaveh to fall. This conversation is pretty interesting. The only person he's ever encountered that actually, truly does care for every soul in Hell is Charlie. Even the others, who mmean well, have their limits.
So he's just a little curious! ]
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[He sighs a little too much, and wobbles dangerously on his feet. Almost there...almost there.]
I won't defend the evil they've done. They've made unspeakable choices. But kindness are compassion are the choices I've made...if I don't choose differently from them, there'll never be any end to suffering.
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[ So maybe Alastor's shadow will make another appearance. Just to also help stabilize Kaveh. And Alastor gets the answer that he had been waiting for. Of course plenty of people could say that they care. It's another to phrase it quite like that.
Punishment without end is just torture. Well yes. That actually is the point of being in Hell. It's not about justice or punishment. Hell is exquisite suffering. ]
Interesting. Young man, suffering and happiness are simply two sides to the same coin. You cannot truly comprehend one without experiencing the other. Without suffering, those moments of happiness lose their value and their importance.
[ Alastor hums. ]
I imagine that you and my business partner would get along quite well. She believes such twisted and corrupted souls can be redeemed.
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[That metaphor's as wobbly as you are, Kaveh. But they've finally made it to the prize! Which is more booze! Yaaaaaaaaaaaay!]
I simply...can't stand the idea of not trying for better. Why would I settle for things being the way they are?
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[ If only because those that dream the biggest have the most heartbreaking, world shattering failures. That's the part of it that Alastor finds entertaining. Without people who strive for more, deals made out of desperation would never be made.
At least he escorts Kaveh to where the drink to alleviate his inebriated state rests. A good thing, too. Alastor is being a little more openly chatty than usual. He's not usually one to make inner musings known. ]
Who says you have to settle? Never have I ever implied that anyone should.
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You are skating by on a technicality...There's plenty of layers between your words, and I can't find it in me imagine you are encouraging me in hopes I find any success, sir.
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[ He is going to take a drink of that sobering glass. Honestly, his blonde companion should also consider it. ]
I can't very well be the Radio Demon without drama and suspense, now can I? What good is an entertainer without any entertainment to be had? [ A roll of his eyes. ] Though have it your way.
[ This time when Alastor swirls his cane, the microphone tip catches Kaveh under the chin. Forces the young man to look Alastor in the eye. ]
You are correct. I care very little about anyone finding success in their endeavors. However, I can respect someone who adheres to their principles unfalteringly. That is what I will encourage for whether or not your find that success is, ultimately, up to you.
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