The Synodiporia Psychic Network

I suppose introductions would be best, first.

My name is Neria Surana, one of the 'veteran' Travelers here. I understand we've had several new arrivals in the midst of one of our escapades, and for that, I do offer my sympathies. This is not a common occurance, I assure you, though I'm certain that is of little condolence to you.

[Her voice is calm and gentle, though there is some underlying strength there that hints at authority. It's hard to shake what she once was, even if she would never seek such a thing among their number. Cautious, she tries to give information without inflection, afraid her frustration and distress will show through if she divulges too much.]

We have had a very difficult Jaunt. I'm stating the obvious. But those of us who have been here the past few...months [what is time in these places] have gone through enough trouble and disaster, I think. And it's high time we have a talk about it. Specifically...what we go through during these excursions.

[Neria pauses, gathers herself.]

Many times, we take on roles these Trumps have given us. We believe we have lived in these worlds we visit for our entire lives, carry memories of people and faces and entire identities that are not our own. And these have been used, time and time again, to twist us into doing things we might not do otherwise. We are actors in a play to the Trumps and little else. [Her voice grows in anger.] But make no mistake: we are not at fault for this. The decisions we make are not our own; the things we do, no matter how terrible, are not ones we would willingly consent to. Though you may have done something, listen to me now when I say it is not your fault. You are not what they have made you to be.

Unfortunately, that does not mean that we can forget what's been done to us and to others.

[And there lies the problem. It's easy to forgive friends, but harder to reconcile when that person hurt you or destroyed some part of you, possibly even killed you.]

We've been going strong these past several months. But what happened in Harrogate, what happened on the Grid... We need to talk about it. You might think it better to hide it, stuff it all away, but we don't have that luxury. We are allies, if not friends, and we have to look out for one another. If we don't trust each other, if we harbor resentment, then we will start to fail these tasks the Trumps have given us. And while you might think that a grand idea, trust me when I say you don't want that. But even worse, if we don't trust each other, we could disappear. [She sighs.] Many, many Jaunts ago - and some of us may remember - we weren't able to find a solution. But we couldn't leave, either. We stagnated as a group, did little to help each other. There was-- [No, she realizes she doesn't want to talk about it, actually.] We came down to a vote: give up or keep going. Most of us chose the former. And when we came to Liminal Space, those people didn't come with us.

We don't know what happens when people vanish. They might go home, they might not. I'm not willing to take that chance. I propose we discuss what's happened, air our grievances, come to terms with it, and move on. I think we all deserve that much, don't you?


[ooc: basically, FREE FOR ALL DISCUSSION but also doubling as an armchair support group counseling session. anyone who's willing to discuss their stuff privately and not on an open network can also see Neria on the log.]

Those of you aboard the Panlong, I have a request.

We met with a very strange fellow who should be arriving in your midst very shortly. He's covered in bandages and has a straggly dog with him. [Sort of hard to miss.] He's been stranded aboard the atolls for some time now. He can't tell us how long.

[But that's really not the point, is it?]

He's...a bit of a cryptic man [thing?]. Something is very, very odd about him. [Which is putting it mildly.] He mentioned something about leprosy as well, so I would be wary of touching him if you can help it. He's asked to come with us, but he hasn't specified to where.

With all that's going on with the Grasper and the mermaids, and the ships chasing us, I don't think his appearance is coincidence. It never is. We've seen some of the same people, time and time again [like Tobi] but...I've never seen him before. It's possible he's a native of this world, of course, but-- I just don't know. He might just be the key to ensuring the end of this Jaunt. We need to keep an eye on him.

[She's not certain what a sickly man in bandages can do, however, to keep them safe from the Grasper.]

...And speaking of trouble, what exactly are we doing to try to warn our fellow seafarers about what's coming for us? Has anyone had any luck in convincing the captains of the danger?

Back into the fray again, I suppose--

[Neria's voice echoes across the network, wry. She sighs.]

Welcome, new Travelers. I trust you can hear me. Wherever you are in Liminal Space, if you should require aid, you need only speak up or call out to the other Travelers around you. Though we're all strangers, I assure you that we're here to help.

[Which is your standard welcome, by all accounts. But she has a specific reason for requesting people's attentions this time.]

You might notice the portals that are leading out of Liminal Space. I would advise you be cautious until you've listened to what I have to say.

We are in the middle of an excursion into another world, something we do here very frequently. We have been tasked with aiding the realm of Dolorosa, a kingdom fraught with trouble. There is a missing queen and knights abound, with dragons and murderous barons. [She chuckles briefly.] I know it may sound fantastical and strange, but this is a reality you will be facing very shortly. I would caution you to ask your fellow Travelers, the other Veterans, about Dolorosa and how you can prepare, what you can expect, before moving on.

Rest assured, we will do all we can to help you.

I have but one request of all of you gathered here: should you find any herbs or anything of use, please collect them and bring them to me. I am one of the few here capable of healing injuries and my stock is low, a very dangerous thing considering what has transpired recently. [Her tone sounds almost bitter, colored with bemusement.] I would be highly grateful if you could bring me whatever you can. I cannot pay you, but it will certainly come in handy should you be injured along the way.

Oh, and do try to be inconspicuous. I've found that spouting inane babble about portals and other worlds tends to lead to trouble and a possible stay in a cell.


[Veteran Lock;]

We've spent a month in this place. What have we learned, and what's our next goal?