Video

[midsummer_moth]

This afternoon a handsome face is gracing the network. It's most likely new to, well, pretty much everyone, though perhaps you might have caught a glimpse of him wandering about town, occasionally asking questions but mostly just listening to the answers.

It's amazing what people will tell someone who's a good, attentive listener.

In any case, the new fellow gives the camera(?) a positively charming smile before speaking.

"Hello, greetings, salutations, and all that. My name is Oberon. Fairy King Oberon, if you like. A pleasure, I'm sure!"

A pleasure for whom? Never mind, he's still got more to say, apparently.

"Now that the pleasantries are dispensed with, I have an important piece of business to discuss. You see, it's come to my attention that I happen to possess a rare and valuable commodity, that many here would dearly like to get their hands on. The so-called 'virgin blood', to be precise!"

He pauses briefly to make sure everyone clearly heard and understood that bit.

"Now, rather than simply squandering it for my own sole benefit, I thought I might instead generously offer everyone the opportunity to acquire this precious resource by holding a teensy little open, public auction. All bids are considered, and bidders are welcome to pool their resources into a single bid, should they believe they can share in the spoils."

Is this guy serious? He seems to be totally serious about this.

"You may begin the bidding... now."

Comments

video; un: lady

[dohaeris]

[sansa is still very leery of people who introduce themselves as kings, but it shouldn't hurt to do one a favor...she tries to look bright and helpful.]

Your Grace is likely to get a better price off one of the artificers in Willful Machine. Perhaps whoever told you your blood was so valuable would be willing to trade you for it. Certainly any mage born in the city stands much more to gain in acquiring it than a Sleeper. I suppose you could try posting this video on one of their net works. It might help if you could say what your blood type is.

[danserai]

[ THE oberon? he seems a little . . . different. ]

Uhm, that's . . . very nice of you but I don't think it's a good idea?

video; un: joker

[stealhearted]

Pretty sure there's a good number of virgins with blood here, so it might be a hard market to crack.

[ Not that Akira is exactly trying to keep track or anything, but... ]

video, un: AskMalice

[slayerskiss]

[...What.]

I don't think going on the network and bragging about being a virgin is as impressive as you think it is.

[Guess who knows fuck all about blood magic.]

[midsummer_moth]

If only she knew Oberon's title pretty much means squat. Not that he's going to clarify, why disabuse someone of a notion that's convenient to him, after all?

"Does the type truly matter so much? As I understood, the value comes from the raw power, doesn't it?"

[midsummer_moth]

Well, an Oberon, at least. Something something different timelines, different worlds, and all that. He's definitely the real deal though, for real, he can assure you.

"Oh, I realize that whoever loses out might be disappointed and perhaps jealous of he winner, but I'm sure whoever chooses to bid would be aware of that and prepared to deal with any ire they earn."

[midsummer_moth]

"Haha!" What an amusing thought, Oberon has to laugh. "I'm sure there are, but as I understand, the term here is used to mean someone who hasn't yet used their blood for magic."

[midsummer_moth]

"Oh dear, perhaps you're even more newly awakened than I am?"

He gives a thoughtful(?) look.

"Haven't you heard about how blood is used for magic here?"

[dohaeris]

[sansa very briefly stares. it seems somewhat remarkable that someone should have come to understand this niche concept of blood magic without absorbing any of the basics. it takes her a moment to think of a useful response.]

Well, very strong Warmblood would be most powerful in treating corruption, and would fetch the highest price from Blood Ministers––few else would even know what to do with it. Very strong Vileblood would be very poisonous and corrosive, and would be sought after by weaponsmiths, mainly. Jewelers pay highest for Paleblood and Coldblood, though Coldblood is also used in weapons very often. Darkblood has many applications in smithing and construction, but a blood mage would probably give you the best price. And Darkblood will float away like smoke unless you or someone else uses Darkblood magic to make it liquid. Coldblood freezes, but that shouldn't be any trouble if you're collecting it for trade. Vileblood might corrode a vessel if it isn't properly treated, and Paleblood's useless until it sees moonlight.

Raw power only matters to those who know how to use it. Most Sleepers use their own power and little else, but the mages born to Trench rely on our blood to do any blood magic. They're the ones who are willing to pay the most for it. There isn't even an artificer on this net work who could truly capture its power in a bloodstone. It takes years and years of training, and none of us have been practicing with a blood gem tool longer than a few months.

[danserai]

Or you could be generous and donate it? Without any competitions.

[midsummer_moth]

"Well, for ordinary use of course the type would matter, but isn't what makes virgin blood special its extra little oomph in particular?"

He really doesn't sound very put out either way though.

"And anyway, doesn't that make my offering it here all the more generous?"

[midsummer_moth]

"Hmm, but would someone who got it for free truly appreciate its value? At least you know that if they bid on it, they definitely want it."

At least he didn't suggest hosting some sort of fighting tournament for blood rights.

[danserai]

The value of blood?!

[midsummer_moth]

"Well, yes. I hear that's very much a thing here?"

He's pretty sure he's not mistaken on that point.

[danserai]

Uhm, yeah, but people treat it carefully and generously. Because we should all look after each other?

[dohaeris]

[sansa, who doesn't have a very high opinion of kings outside the north, is starting to suspect this one just wants the attention of people bidding on him, and perhaps for people to think he's very generous.]

I have always heard that it's most generous to give where it's most needed.

[midsummer_moth]

Oberon's really a king in name only, a fact he'll even cheerfully admit to should an opportune time present itself.

And then probably promptly follow it up by asking for some sort of freebie, because that's how he rolls.

"Oh, well in that case, wouldn't the penniless newcomer who nonetheless is offering up his very blood be the most in need?"

Shameless.

[midsummer_moth]

"Which is why I thought to best to offer everyone a chance at it!"

Is that really the reason? Who knows with him.

[dohaeris]

[sansa raises her eyebrows.]

Somebody might even be moved to tell him where he can find the best buyer for that blood.

[she exhales.]

We offer food, shelter, and clothing at the Sanctuary for any who have need of them. We mean to keep corruption at bay by addressing the circumstances in which it festers, and ask only what might be given by those who can afford it.

And pricking your finger with a needle doesn't count for blood magic, if that was your concern.

[danserai]

It just seems kind of needless . . .

[midsummer_moth]

"I see, I see."

He nods along as he listens to the explanation.

"And that would be your recommendation, I assume?"

[midsummer_moth]

"Well, say I were to decide to be even more charitable and donate it. To whom should it go? How would I even decide?

"At least this way everyone has a fair shot at it, don't you think?"

[danserai]

I don't know.

There are lots of people with different blood types. I don't think it's a big deal.

[midsummer_moth]

"Isn't it less about the particular type, and more the 'virgin' quality of it, in this case?"

That's the angle he's been going for, at least.

[danserai]

Oh!

What does virgin mean?