deernet | Video| un: xl

Entry tags:

Video| un: xl

Greetings sleepers!

[A soft warm voice belonging to a youthful face with a gentle smile appears on the network. With two fingers lightly placed on his temple, sitting on a tree stump looking just off center. His long white robes flow off camera, hiding the dirty bottom edges from sight. ] My name is Xie Lian. I've been here for the greater part of the winter season, and it's been quite [tilting his head and raising a single brow] the experience. [Managing a small wry smile at the loaded statement. ] But I'm afraid I'm still at a loss about a few things, and could use some clarification on two matters.

[With his free hand, he raises one finger up.] First off, how does one know who their patron is exactly? And what purpose do these patrons serve, or rather what purpose do we serve the patrons? [Quiet for a moment, mulling the thought over in his own mind before continuing. Another finger pops up. ]

And the second question is more general. [Honey brown eyes flash directly forward with an inquisitive gleam.] What do you all make of the pthumerians? Honestly I'm still trying to figure out my own thoughts, but getting different perspectives seems like a good place to start.

[OOC: I can adjust to prose or brackets!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ An old man appears on the screen. He seems to squirm about until the camera is in focus. In his lap, a Centipede places it's head. The old man taps the creature with a smile. ]

What a fascinating question!

[ He gives some berries to the monster. With a pause he comes to an answer. ]

I've seen my patron in death. I'm not Too sure on the cause, but I did indeed die. When I became a new squid, I remember all of these tendrils swirling around me. On a closer look, I saw the menacing face of Mariana- an entity with jellyfish features!

[ While intrigued by the discussion, the demon fails to introduce himself. He nears the camera- almost to the point of placing his nose to the lens! ]

I take it, you have yet to know your patron?

Edited 2023-03-24 00:43 (UTC)

[At first preoccupied with the large insect on the man's lap he can't help but to stare. Musing it surely must be a familiar of some sort or possibly his omen otherwise why would he be so friendly towards the creature. It isn't until he tunes in and hears the word death-- that his attention is drawn back. Looking towards the man he listens carefully to all the details of the encounter. Entrenched in the story his body subconsciously leans forward only to be forced back as the man unexpectedly approaches the screen.]

I'm afraid not, but I want to be as prepared as possible should the time come. But it sounds like you went through a frightening ordeal.

[His expression changes to one of thought pulling his lips to the side and furrowing his brows together ] You used the word menacing to describe Mariana, what do you think her goal was while you were being reborn exactly?

I'm unsure really.

[ The old man tilts his head. He taps his chin while lost in thought. With an awkwardchuckle, the demon seems to recall a detail.]

What's interesting, I do remember being called child when being reborn. Perhaps some Pthumerians see Sleepers as their own children. What would you think about that?

Hmm. I'd say that I've been told certain pthumerian give good advice, and that's a skill associated with parental guidance. [It's possible Mariana feels connected to sleepers because of how we are brought into the world, but Xie Lian is not fully convinced of any entity's motive.]

And while that may be the case for some, I don't think all of them are that kind. It feels more fair to think of them as individuals like you or I.

Individuals?

[ The old man muses. ]

That's a great deduction!

[ The demon's eyes widen with curiosity. ]

How would you want your patron behave? I mean, is a relationship with some diety interesting to yourself?

[ This is perhaps one of the only discussions the demon has had about the patrons themselves. He recalls some information from another. I wonder how The Ranger would answer. ] The demon thinks to himself- intrigued to see what the newcomer may expect of wish to manifest.

Some Pthumerians bring good luck.

[ He speaks before the other answers. With a quick nod, the demon apologizes for interrupting the other's thoughts. ]

I don't see pthumerians as deities. [His tone along with his gaze shift to a matter of fact.]

The native Trench dwellers, apart from the cultists of course, don't seem to praise or mystify them like some of the sleepers might be inclined to do. [Fully aware the statement might be contentious, but disregarding the notion entirely. Xie Lian really sees nor has any reason to worship anyone.]

But an allyship would be a great position to be in. [He's not naive or all that optimistic.]

Although, [scratching the side of his cheek and returning a small sympathetic smile] I'm not sure that sort of relationship is all that likely. Like I said before, as individuals their temperaments and reasons for doing anything can be vastly different.

Oh, that's an interesting point.

[ The old man tilts his head and closes his eyes. The demon appears contemplative. I haven't given much thought to the original folks. He muses. Though, why not? Well, perhaps that's room for improvement. ]

So, you've talked to the Trenchies, so to speak? I wasn't sure many liked the Sleepers.

Well I've had some words with the Natives. Some were incredibly helpful, but others were not as amiable. [He's not here to cause or deepen any rift between sleepers and the Trenchies.] But often a place's culture has a way of weaving itself throughout different aspects of society. Look at the architecture for example. The number of temples here is pretty insignificant compared to what I've seen, which seems to support the idea that these beings are not actively worshiped, well publicly at least. With the exception being the cultists. With that being said, it's something I'll keep my eye out for in the future. I'm still new and please remember, nothing is set in stone. I am but a voice among many.

I see.

[ The demon gives a bow. ]

Pardon me, but I failed to introduce myself. You can call me Chin Yisou.

[ The old man ponders on a new thought. ]

Do you think that the dangerous nature of the Trench makes people less devoted to an entity?

[ Chin Yisou, for one, couldn't imagine worshipping someone else. After all, religion seems distracting. ]

[A polite smile.] It's fine our conversation has been quite engaging and sometimes formalities get lost to curiosities. It's a pleasure to meet you .
[But the following statement causes some hesitation.

I think that may have something to do with it, but often a situation has many facets and is much more complicated than a single cause. But certainly living here can take its toll on anyone. [A pause ] If you don't mind me asking, when did you get here?

I've been here for...a couple of years.

[ The demon answers with a sense of surprise. ]

Funny, I haven't realized how much time has passed! You're fairly new still. How are you settling?

I've been managing. [A short sweet answer with little time to dwell on that subject.] But you've been here for sometime. Were you lucky enough to receive a gift from Mariana? I've been told that's a customary practice here.

[ At first, Chin Yisou expresses confusion. His yellow eyes flicker. A gift? He wonders. Suddenly, a memory strikes. ]

Excuse me.

[ The old man exits into a tent. While rummaging through his belongings, Chin Yisou makes quite the noise! The sound of metal and clay clink against each other. As the demon returns, he smiles. ]

I have this Medallion. Yet, I'm uncertain of what it does.

[ Chin Yisou holds up the necklace with intrigue. He appears like a child sharing a trinket with a friend. Although they had just met, the demon appears happy to find new company. ]

Have you come upon a strange trinket before?

Well many [that's almost an understatement ] but nothing out of the ordinary here. Hm, [tapping his fingers on the stump.]

Certain items need to be under specific circumstances in order for their power to be revealed. Maybe you just haven't met those conditions yet. Otherwise maybe it just holds beauty and nothing more. Either way it's a very nice piece.

Oh, that's interesting. It seems that magic can be finicky regardless of power.

[ The demon pockets the medallion in his sleeves. Coming across magical items. He must be lucky. Then again...he's here. Chin Yisou's thoughts trail off. ]

If you don't mind me asking- what sorts of treasures have you found?

[ The demon smiles. ]

Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to find something of value here! Hidden well within some creature or trapped in another portal!

[Oh. That question wasn't expected. Tapping his chin with his index finger.]

The few that stick out in my memory happen to be weaponry with extraordinary abilities. For example one particular sword had the ability to reveal one's true identity.

[But as for stumbling upon any by chance...]

Luck is rarely on my side, but increasing my odds of finding a rare treasure certainly sounds useful, but I must ask, are these portals safe?

Oh, those would be useful in a place like this.

[ Chin Yisou replies. He muses on the other's statement. ]

I guess that since you're here, then luck isn't quite on your side. Perhaps there's a draw between circumstances. What would be fascinating though, is to hunt for such weapons.

[ The demon smiles like a Cheshire cat. ]

The portals are tricky, very tricky. However, they may hold magical items like the ones you've found. The only issue is that they come by chance and truly can be a danger.

[ The demon winces from the memory of a particular cultist. ]

Whats you're experience with fanatics ?

Well nothing of value comes easy [ but he's not sure he's ready to dive into portals-]

Fanatics you mean like the cultists? [Now he's seen overly zealous people back at home, but usually their end goal was more politically motivated as opposed to the individuals running around in the other city trying to strengthen or even possibly resurrect some "god". He's not too sure what the situation is with regards to Riteior, but it's something that's been drawing his attention more and more as of late.]

[ The demon nods. ]

Indeed. There's a particularly annoying cultist. I'm not sure where he is since our last encounter. Yet, you'll be able to sniff him out.

[ Chin Yisou raises a finger. ]

He's quite the nuisance but a dangerous one at that.

[ The demon's centipede appears again on screen while skittering about in circles. ]

I have to go now. It was nice meeting you on this device. May we cross paths in real time. Until then, take care!

[ Chin Yisou gives a bow and prepares to shut off the communication. ]

[A throaty baritone voice speaks.]

It seems they generally manifest their presence by granting you a gift during the month of their patronage, otherwise, they may show themselves to you when they are most needed - or when they are least needed, if you've the misfortune to be under the patronage of some of the more trickster-like.

I've been fortunate that my patron has manifested themself to me - and that I am under the patronage of likely the kindest of the Pthumerians, Bausphomette. Some view their patrons as gods or guardians, but others like myself consider them as holding more of an advisory position.

[A slow, thoughtful inbreath through his nostrils as if gathering the air for a likely long response.]

I'm likely in the minority here, but from my observations, the Pthumerians are a part of the local ecology, for better or for worse. Some may view them as gods, and those Sleepers and Trench-dwellers are welcome to that position if it helps them to better grasp their place in this world. They are neither good nor evil, but rather something outside the confines of black and white morality, if such a moral code even exists. This world would lack much of its weird wonders if we did not have them.

[ People never really change, do they.]
Back in my world we have something that sounds similar to how you describe pthumerians. With enough cultivation or strength of spirit, one can either ascend to a position of godhood or fall descending into a powerful ghost. In these states, we are often granted extraordinary graces and immense responsibilities, but at our core we remain human, and I don't think anyone ever completely loses that.

[A small tired sigh accidentally escapes his lips. ]

Well, what I guess I'm trying to say here is that you describe pthumerians in a way that gives them a lot of... humanity. [There's a brief pause.] That's not a perspective I was expecting to hear, but I'm glad to know someone thinks that way. I know how easy it can be for people to jump to conclusions and idolize or demonize those whose actions and motives aren't inherently intuitive or simple for them to understand.
[A beat.]

Ah, sorry I can go on about this sort of thing for a while without restraint. [There's an apologetic smile to his tone.]

But it sounds like Bausphomette has been good to you. I want to assume you were lucky enough to receive a gift?

[ A lot has happened to He Xuan these last couple of months, but this is the first time he's been downright astonished. Xie Lian? No shit, this place really did let in anyone.

He genuinely considers using the "Anonymous" feature that he was taught about in his last post, or even just changing his face to answer the questions seriously. He's been feeling a little vulnerable since a confrontation a week ago didn't go his way. But instead he just takes the time to make sure he looks decent, hair up and robes clean, though in his dark cave even his pale skin is hard to see clearly on the camera piloted by his skeletal Arowana. His affect is flat, as always. ]

Mariana is powerful. After all, she can even bring forth a god to this place.

[ Trust He Xuan to have respect for the ocean - and nobody else, though he doesn't directly say so. ]

[Considering Qi Rong washed up about a month ago, he'd almost agree with that statement, except for the fact that the encounter was brief. Thank the heavens for small blessings because his own mental well being was at serious risk. It seems even the Trench has a return policy.

The dark feed has Xie Lian very curious, leaning forward with a fist pressed against his lips with narrowed eyes, trying to get a better look at who or what is answering him. This only lasts for a second before everything becomes chillingly clear. That username and familiar spiritless voice. When did he get here? Having just learned the ropes of some of the marvels of modern technology, he hadn't bothered to engage with the network and missed out on the age post. But after finding out how similar it is to the communication array, he decided it was time to give it a go.

Conflicting feelings and images fill Xie Lian's mind upon hearing He Xuan's voice. Taking a moment to compartmentalize and focus on the subject at hand, particularly on the public platform, would serve him best.]

It would seem she has no lack of talent for bringing ghosts of the past back. [One good turn deserves another, right? Stated very bluntly before his tone shifts just ever so slightly back towards his curiosity.] But I often wonder is it she who actually has the ability to do such feats, or is it the pull of something even stronger?

She is the ocean that reincarnated us and guided us to shore, Highness.

[ Of course the reincarnation itself, or transmigration as Shen Yuan called it, feels like a natural force, but so is the ocean. For all Shi Wudu's power, He Xuan had known better than most that simple gods can affect the tides and the waves but those forces will continue with or without them. Mariana is the ocean, a greater and baser power.

The other Pthumerians are irrelevant to him; just because they style themselves as patrons, doesn't make them more than powerful beings similar to Michael, Paimon, or even Xie Lian here. But he has deep and pious respect for Trench's black waves. ]

When'd you show up, anyway.

[ ...
Reincarnate, that can't be right- gods were not suppose to be able to enter back into the cycle. While believing nothing is impossible, he decides to take this new information and pack it away for another time. Denial runs deep with this one. ]

The beginning of winter [ tilting his hand side to side ] about 3 months give or take. How long have you been here?

[ This whole time? He's been here this whole time?? He Xuan lets out a long, tired exhale. ]

Eight weeks. Feels longer.

[ Probably because he's been more social in those eight weeks than in the past few centuries - puppeting didn't count. And he's weakened, had to work for shit.

And then a black dread strikes a low toll deep in his soul, though he tries to keep himself sounding neutral as usual: ]

That other guy, Crimson Rain, he here too?

[ Please, he had enough trouble with the casino last week, he doesn't want to be in debt again. ]

[ There it is. Savage as ever. The mention of his name is enough to tie his stomach into knots and send his heart sinking into his stomach. Swallowing and choosing his next words carefully so as to not show any signs of inward distress outwardly: ]

No one else seems to be here. But I did see Qi-Night Touring Green Lantern about a month ago. [ Yeah change the subject, that'll do it. ] Though, I'm almost positive he's not here anymore.

[ This gets an unexpected laugh: ]

Yeah, he got fucked up by some plants.

[ Delightful. Hope that green loudmouth never comes back. (He Xuan has not forgiven him for the imitation via cannibalism.) Though also the absence of Hua Cheng makes his heart a little lighter. Though... he'll still have to look out for his Highness in case the guy ever does show up. ]

There's mortal cultivators here, too. But nobody I knew.

[His head quirks to the side but it's unclear if this reaction is from hearing He Xuan's laugh or the incredulous news.]

Plants? [His tone falling as flat as a flounder. Shaking his head back and forth with a hand placed on his temple.] It doesn't really surprise me it's just... [embarrassing.] There's really no teaching that one common sense. [Talking about Qi Rong always left him with a bit of a headache but the mention of more cultivators in the Trench drowns out those thoughts and piques his interest.]

I believe I ran into one when I first got here, but I haven't had the chance to have a proper conversation since then. It makes me wonder what other paths of cultivation they choose to follow, and just how many of them are here.

Four mortal daoists, though one's a bit of a unique situation.

[ But it's embarrassing to talk about Shen Yuan so he doesn't, just moves right along. ]

Couple of Japanese exorcists, too. A martial arts dojo for kids. Handful of other immortals from other places.

[ The demons and ghosts of different cultures fascinate him - but mostly this tally is indicative of his spymaster tendency for information gathering and threat maintenance. ]

[His brows raise, impressed by the breakdown.] It appears you've been busy at work. I didn't take you for the social type. [A small jest but he's sincerely curious ~~and downright nosey. ]~~ And you said one was an exception? You either are a daoist or you're not, so how can thay be?

[ Turns out if you puppet half a dozen officials of the Heavenly Court you have to be pretty good at socializing even when you don't want to. Still, he doesn't acknowledge the backhanded compliment with more than a low neutral noise.

Instead he tries to describe Shen Yuan's situation without letting a single emotion show on his face: ]

Ah, that guy. He's a transmigrator. Born into a futuristic society like most of the people here, died and reincarnated into the body of a cultivator from his past. But he remembers his first life. So he's a sect leader who doesn't really care about cultivation or purity. The world really is home to all sorts.

[ Despite everything, some fondness starts to creep in at the end there - he could easily talk about Yuan-di for hours. ]

[oh, it's that guy. Jin Guangyao recognizes him from their ill-fated first meeting on the farther shores some months ago--him and that bizarre, sentient ribbon of his. as such, the temptation to just keep scrolling is very real--and yet.

he sighs, logs in, and decides to be pleasant.]

Greetings, Xie-xiansheng.

A Sleeper's patron Pthumerian coincides with the month of their blessed day. For most, the blessed day appears to be some date in a Sleeper's past that is significant to them. As an example, this humble one's blessed day falls on his date of birth.

[he leaves the subject of his opinions on the Pthumerians themselves alone entirely.]

[ Yes, it is indeed that guy. Bless Jin Guangyao's politeness. ]

Forgive me but I can't seem to see you, [ popping off the stomp and approaching his omen very closely in attempt to fix his screen, causes his head to have a fishbowl effect on the video ], but the information you have provided is very useful. [Giving a small grateful bow with his head which at this distance fills up the entire screen with his long brown hair. ] When you say significant, is it presumptuous to assume that it would only extend to pleasant dates? For example, would a date of importance that may not necessarily have been comfortable but had a great impact on one count as well?

Hello, Xie-xiansheng. My name is Shen Yuan, and I see we have a friend in common via He-xiansheng.

You ask some interesting questions, and I'm sure you'll recieve some equally interesting answers. For my own part, I'm willing to believe that as a group, the Patrons are not malicious towards us. But it seems to me that either they don't understand us, or they don't understand their own strength. In many cases, a Patron's attempt to better life in Trench was either ineffectual, or so overwhelming as to cause more chaos than it eases.

Take for instance the Reckoning, who oversees one of the summer months; justice is said to be within her purview, but then why is her time one of anarchy and residents of Trench attacking each other in the street? Her power inflames the people's sense of justice, but it comes without a sense of order or fairness; the willfully malicious and those who have committed accidental crimes or tried to repent are all tarred with the same brush. What kind of justice is that?

Edited 2023-03-30 09:34 (UTC)

Who's that. I don't know him.

[ Which? Both? It's just reflexive at this point. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Video| un: xl

Video| un: DetectiveDoll

Video

Re: Video

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[Audio][UN:A_Wesker013]

Voice

video / un: blackwater.

Video

Video

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

text | un: wheninlanling

Video

text post; un: peerless_hobo

ignore this tbh