Arcana-talk time [A day or two into the new liminal]

[professorwolf]

We're still assuming that the liminal space before a Jaunt represents the Arcana competing in it, yes? I know someone's mentioned this earlier, but it definitely needs to be highlighted-- I think it's pretty obvious this time that the contest will be between Chariot and Tower. The giant wooden horse running through a thunderstorm really couldn't be more blatant. For once.

[He's not great at understanding symbolism, but damn if this wasn't an easy one.]

So if that's right, it'll be a contest of motion and persistence, versus dramatic change and catastrophe. I think it's easy enough to decide who we want to support, in this case. We'll just have to find ways to make sure we see what sort of conditions make for a win for each ideal.

Any ideas for what to look for and how to keep things from devolving into a catastrophe? Those seem to happen a lot when we're around, unfortunately.

Comments

[rustyhonesty]

One thing that'll likely help is to make me an infiltrator if I'm not one automatically. Last time we had a Tower jaunt, I definitely screwed up.

[It's likely he didn't mean to actually answer with that, but it just came up in his thoughts with the subject.]

[professorwolf]

That doesn't mean you will again, especially if you know now what's going on. What happened last time, if I may ask?

[rustyhonesty]

I died twice. First one was a failed attempt a sneaking in to a conference in Bando, but the second one was entirely all my fault and I don't trust myself to deal with infiltrators, who are normally my close friends, anymore...

[professorwolf]

Why do you say that? Are you more concerned about them when they're infiltrators, or do you simply give yourself away by trying to interact with them?

[There's no judgment in his tone, just curiosity, a desire to understand and maybe help.]

[rustyhonesty]

I give myself away. Last time I couldn't come up with a believable story after encountering someone... and my mind thought I as with the person rather than with a person who looked like them.

[professorwolf]

You won't be the first to give themselves away, and I doubt you will either be the last. But now you know what that feeling is like, and I'm sure you'll be better prepared this time.

[neverfeltthatway]

Jean...

[rustyhonesty]

It's just the truth. I know one person won't make a difference, most likely, but it's safer.

[neverfeltthatway]

[He's quiet a long moment, perhaps sensing that a logical argument is unlikely to hold any weight here. The moment passes, and he responds - quiet, but utterly sincere.]

I won't feel safer without you.

[rustyhonesty]

[He's quiet for a long time before he replies.]

Thanks. It's good to know other feel safe around me.

[neverfeltthatway]

...I don't think we'd be better off investigating without you. We've all made mistakes before. But we have to try anyway, for everyone's sake.

[willyousee]

Jean, no... Please, do not lay all the weight upon your own shoulders.

[rustyhonesty]

It's not like that. I'm just pretty sure I'll play right into Towers' hands like last time, if I'm myself... I'm just not fit to being an investigator.

1/2

[willyousee]

If an entire world cannot avoid their influence, I hardly think you unfit.

[willyousee]

I hate to think it... however, is it not possible that your patron, who has allied herself with that destructive force, might not have influenced you in ways which might further its cause?

[rustyhonesty]

It's a thought, but... I wasn't marked by her back then. I got my mark back in January, when I was Orion.

[willyousee]

Mm. Inconsistent timing. In a way, I am glad. I do not like to think she would be so cruel. Still. I think you as likely as anyone else to do well in such an arena, provided you are not hampered by ill advice.

[hiding_honor_in_darkness]

One needs to learn from their mistakes, not run from them.

[rustyhonesty]

True, I may be just running away, but that's fine with me. I don't want to take any risks on a jaunt with this particular arcana.

Especially with a timing as perfect as this one.

[hiding_honor_in_darkness]

Timing for what?

[rustyhonesty]

[There's a silent sigh, not carried over he network.]

A year ago, around this time, Tower was a part of a Jaunt. Either it's a really ridiculous coincidence or a very calculated plan. I wouldn't know... but whichever it is, I'm not going to take risks.

[goestoextremes]

Jean, no. One thing that will help is that you ask for someone, who can turn an infiltrator back into an investigator to do that to me or Mikasa once you find one of us.

... Or Eren, that'd work too in case you two could avoid going insane with each other after that anyway.

[ Or Armin? But let's consider the fact of hearing stories about what happens in that colossal fight, he is actually not one of Korra's first options for situations like that Bando thing after that. Sorry. In no serious fight situations though? Yeah, he is on top of her list too from what she has heard from Jean, naturally. Or well considering his (telepathic) abilities here... but that probably depends on the situation. ]

[rustyhonesty]

That's also an option. Though what are the chances that anyone with the ability to do so is around? ... the same goes the other way around, of course.

[goestoextremes]

I wouldn't know since I can't see into the future and besides, if we go that route, what are the chances that all of us are on the same side and somehow against you?

[rustyhonesty]

There's always a chance for that and given our track record of being on the same side, I wouldn't even be surprised if that happened... though I guess it's the same chance for every other option as well.