(no subject)

[awitchdidit]

Good evening, Travelers. And welcome, new arrivals.

[Beatrice seems to be borrowing Thorne's ability to Livestream again, broadcasting from her cozy created room, now full partly of furniture and partly with a looming goat demon dressed like a butler, who appears to be there mainly for effect, and to hold a couple of heavy, leather-bound books. Beatrice herself sits in a high-backed chair, which is a trick in her usual ruffled dress.]

I have much to talk about and have delayed overmuch in doing so. First of all...

[With a "nothing up my sleeves" flourish, Beatrice shows the camera the stylized Magician tattoo on her left arm.]

I spoke with one of our hosts during the Liminal interlude preceding our adventurs on the Bando Peninsula. She told me a few things, a few of which were confirmations of information I received from other Travelers - that there is a Phase 3 to their plans for us, and we're approaching it shortly. It will supposedly start once every Trump has had a "turn" overseeing a Jaunt - and oh yes, they're only "supposed" to mark us players on their turns, but several of them have found loopholes to mark people like myself and Mrs. Washburne off their turn.

And if you're new and don't know what I'm talking about, find someone who's been here. It's well-trod ground.

[She rolls her sleeve back down.]

It's also quite unlikely that there are very many Jaunts left before Phase 3. It's difficult to count who's had a turn from our end, but by my estimation, there are between 1 and 3 cycles left until the game changes. How, I cannot say. It's a matter that bears further research, or failing that, mental preparation.

[She takes a breath, conjures a cup of tea, and sips it for a moment before letting the cup and remaining tea disappear.]

Now. Other matters. While I'm still unclear just what the alternate Jaunt in Brooklyn's intended purpose was, one of our members did manage to gather information on a "Familiar Face" - beings like us who persist between Jaunts, but aren't connected to us or aware of their roles. The information found was this - in their thoughts and minds, they are no different from any other denizen of the Jaunt world, nor do they have any special connections to things outside of it that we can sense.

However, what they can do is instinctively sense us Travelers. To them, we are not obvious, but we are beacons of interest to their subconscious, the speaking roles on a stage full of extras, or the player characters in a world full of NPCs.

[Eyebrow raise at her camerawoman there.]

What this means, I cannot be sure, but if I had to guess, they are the means by which our hosts keep an eye on us within the worlds we visit. We already know that the Trumps are not omniscient within those worlds, but the Familiar Faces may be their eyes and ears. Or they may be an unrelated phenomenon. I don't have the magic to even start testing this, although I did apparently blow one's head off in Bando, so I suppose I'll see if that has any effect.

[Finally, she relaxes back, uncrosses and recrosses her legs, a striped-stockinged ankle peeking out from under her long skirt hem.]

And some personal matters from myself, Beatrice the Golden. First of all, I've completed several copies of a summary of my experiences in Misericordia, including details on the Illuminants. Stop by my little cottage and I'll lend you a copy.

[The goat butler holds up the smaller volume in his hands.]

And finally...its come to my attention that at least one of you has had the fortune of reading some entertaining novels based upon my exploits. To avoid confusion and argument, I've recreated the first two volumes of such, in both abridged and complete form. It's only fair, and these are novels that truly exist in my own world, so don't think too hard about it. You'll only get a headache.

[The goat butler lifts up a much larger volume.]

And even beyond reading about little old me, maybe you'll find a useful skill or two. Come by my place, I can copy this thing all day with magic.

[She smirks.]

I've gone on long enough this time. Bother me or Thorne for details at your leisure.

[She waves, and assuming Thorne listens, the psychic broadcast will end.]

Comments

[shiroganeheir]

If anyone is truly interested, I am the one who performed the Sift on the Familiar Face. I would be willing to speak with people about this, however, I will not do so in public or private on the network.

Please let me know if you are interested, and we can find a place to meet.

Also, Beatrice-san, I would be interested in your novels.

[awitchdidit]

[You can't actually see her preening, but.]

You're more or less the target audience, Detective. I'd be quite interested in hearing your thoughts in return.

[shiroganeheir]

[Naoto's mental voice is highly amused.]

Certainly. It is rare that I get to discuss a novel with its subject, especially mystery novels.

[awitchdidit]

Hmhm. I only hope it lives up to your expectations. It certainly stumped a number of people in my own world.

[Private] [Protection 1]

[willyousee]

[The quiet, "dead-air" quality of the line says that it is private and protected.]

If I may discuss it with you, I would be grateful. Particularly if I might borrow those volumes when you have finished with them.

[Private] [Protection 1]

[shiroganeheir]

Always, Alcuin. Perhaps we can meet in my room? I have come to distrust even the most private of connections. There are too many here who have little respect for the privacy wishes of others.

[Private] [Protection 1]

[willyousee]

Certainly. I will be there shortly.

[Action....prose]

[willyousee]

Alcuin of course is prompt, and knocks politely, waiting for her permission before entering. "Thank you for seeing me so promptly. I wish I had been there to be able to help you in your endeavor, but as I was not..." He shrugs his hands helplessly and carefully chooses to take a seat that sets some distance between them. He is still uneasy in himself deep down and hasn't been able to scrub the feeling of filth from his skin. He would rather not contaminate her.

[leftbehindagain]

Well, there's only three Trumps left that haven't made some kind of appearance. Or four, depending on what's up with World, but otherwise we're down to Strength, Justice, and Death.

I'd bet Death will be the last one. Major transition.

I'll definitely be by for a copy of the Misericordia story. And on that note... before Helena-san left, she finished a write-up of what happened in Purgatory, more focused on what happened than who did it. I have a copy, and Claudia-san still has the original - if anyone wants a copy and can do that copying cantrip, you're welcome to come get one, but I can't do it myself.

She was going to do more, but... that's the only one she finished.

[awitchdidit]

That's the trouble with truly great authors. No matter how much they write, it's always one book too few...

Bring a copy of her story with you and I'll make myself a copy while you're here.

[leftbehindagain]

Certainly.

We figured she should try one she hadn't been on, and Questing Country doesn't sum up well and my knowledge of the Grid covers maybe a third of it, if I'm lucky.

[thornsofmalkav]

I don't know. I'd like a shot at writing Questing Country, if only from Charoite's perspective.

[thornsofmalkav]

What are you even going to do when I'm unable to play camerawoman, Bea?

Anyway, her books are fun and you all should read them. I'm really looking forward to the Misericordia one.

[awitchdidit]

I'm working on bending space to my whim here. I'll work on minds later.

And I actually have a copy right here...

[thornsofmalkav]

Awesome. I'm really looking forward to the work of two such wonderful and expert witches as yourselves.

[Private] [Protection 1]

[willyousee]

...might I borrow the Misericordia memoir when you have finished with it?

[He's quiet and subdued and the line has the feeling of something private and protected.]

Re: [Private] [Protection 1]

[thornsofmalkav]

[Oh thank fuck. At least someone knows to protect his brain conversations.]

Yeah, of course. I don't mind.

[...]

Are you okay, Alcuin?

[solvethepuzzle]

[Interesting matters regarding the Familiar Faces, and in retrospect he can't say he's surprised by the revelation, really. It makes sense.]

The other perspectives would be useful to know, of course. [Learn all you can. Sort out what is significant and what isn't later.]

And this after you seemed put out when you'd assumed I was asking for a free clue a few incarnations of Liminal Space ago. [He could sound annoyed or amused, but he doesn't. Nor does he even feel either of those things. Just an interesting point.]

[awitchdidit]

Ahaha, I was anticipating doing this even then. I'm not sure how interested a professional detective is in solving a novel, but if you are, I'm sure you want to go into it unspoiled.

[solvethepuzzle]

If it's truly fiction, then it's a little less interesting, though what's fiction and what isn't are obviously a bit nebulous here. [He personally dislikes the idea that someone he's unaware of could know so many things about him without his permission or at least without any interaction. But he has to consider it a possibility. Just because you don't like something doesn't mean it can't be real.]

As such, I wouldn't mind flipping through it when I'm not otherwise occupied. [Casual words, as if he's ever less than intent about anything he's curious about. Even so, the statement is a true one, because:] The imminent change of the game is the first priority, though.

[littleladyluck]

[she ends up a bit late,mostly internalized but still heavy panic tends to taker far too much time.]

Congratulations, I suppose, on your new mark. I mean it in a good way when I say that I would be offended on your behalf if Magician didn't consider a witch for their squadron.

If I may, could I possibly get a copy of each to read later? I'm working on something before we leave on our next expedition, but I'll need something to keep my mind occupied when my hands finally realize what I've put them through!

Lastly, and least relevant, cute stockings.

[awitchdidit]

[She snickers crudely over the psychic connection.]

The dress is a formal, ceremonial garment. I try to be inventive with what I can in this outfit.

And you're more than welcome to a book, as long as you tell me what you're working on. In person, if it's a secret.

[littleladyluck]

Ah, I see. I simply suspected that period dress was another interest of yours, besides tea and murder mysteries. I'll keep that in mind!

It's a gift. Not for you, sadly, but I could always make you something similar, if you wish! We can discuss it more deeply once I get there.

[satonthewall]

[BOOKS YOU SAY yes Beato you're good at getting Elliot's attention.]

I'll come by. Mystery isn't my thing - [It's Leo's. Everything is Leo's thing.] - but it'd be nice to have something to read again.

[awitchdidit]

I'm afraid we lost the gentlem--the man who was attempting to create a general library, but hopefully this will tide you over until I remember how The Brothers Karamazov went.