text | un: anonymous

[possessum]

( This is not Peter Graham, though of course, posting anonymously takes away that possibility. The user didn't want to use the boy's network handle, to inevitably be seen through the filter of "Not Peter."

The user is trying to define his own identity. )

why did you choose your title here on this THING
what is the meaning
?
?

( ...Texting is still something he struggles with, though the demon has been watching and learning and forming his own conclusions on how to do it. Autocorrect is a life-saver. Two questions get two question marks. ....Even if they go in the wrong place. )

i will grant you a
GOLDEN COIN
if you
RESPOND

( ...For those who know Paimon fairly well, that particular offer of exchange might betray who he is. But the demon of Knowledge is curious to hear reasons, and within them: perhaps stories, memories, self-perceptions. There is a meaning to everything, whether simple or complex.

And perhaps by the end of it, he will know what title he would give himself, here on the network. )

Comments

Text | un: londonstar

[slightlytaller]

It's one of many ridiculous nicknames that one of my students in my home has given me. I previously used the other part of the nickname-- bigben -- but it left the wrong impression and led to an awkward confrontation on the network.

A contact I met in Trench advised me to beat my student to the punch and just use it whether or not he comes to shore.

If you're looking to give yourself a net handle, my advice is to not reveal your name if you don't have to.

Just pick something comfortable, intriguing, or familiar.

Also: don't just offer gold to strangers. Its not necessary and people might abuse that privilege... As we've already seen in the public conversations here.

Both of these tidbits are free. I don't need gold.

[possessum]

i see
it seems that these TITLES can cause discord
they must be selected carefully

yes it is not WISE to reveal a name
there is power in names

( His type of demon certainly functions that way — he can be summoned by those with magic powerful enough to do so. If the wrong person were to get ahold of his name... well. He's extremely careful who he divulges it to. )

i am gathering information in return
it is exchange
some thing must be given in return for some thing taken

( But there's a pause. He hadn't thought anyone here has abused it, but has someone else perceived it that way...? He's curious to hear this person's thoughts on it. Paimon is well aware he's been used by humans in the past, so the thought doesn't rest easy in him. )

you have seen some one abuse it here?

[slightlytaller]

The first responder, the one who pulled a clever trick to earn your favor. Some would call that sort of twisting of what was written improper.

Be careful.

[possessum]

( Ahh, "BOMBSHELL." Being what he is, the demon king can appreciate such displays of wit (and ultimately he gained a lot of information from conversations that user took part in here), but this stranger has a point. After all, Paimon isn't sure who all he's talking to here. There could be magicians lying in wait to utilise him. )

i see
it is WISE to be wary
especially of humans

they are not bound by RULES

[slightlytaller]

That depends on the human.

I'm quite bound by rules, for example.

However, the rules we follow are in the interests of our own good-- if we have them at all.

This may not be a good thing for you.

[possessum]

( A human, bound by rules? Colour him even more interested in whomever he's speaking to. Perhaps some sort of magician, witch? What sorts of rules could this be?

But the person brings up a very good point, something that gives the demon much to think about. )

i see
it is true that even the humans i work with are acting in the interest of their own good
they come to me for assistance
to grow stronger
wealthier
more knowledgeable
happier

but there must always be equal exchange
they must provide offering for me first

do your rules involve exchange
?