Salme @ Aurelius

You never did tell me what you like on your burgers, assuming it’s a beef burger and not a tofu burger.

Hmm. Pretty open to most variants, really? Hard to go wrong with the classic mayo, lettuce and tomato though, it’s pretty general purpose and doesn’t need you to be in a specific mood like some others do.

Huh. Okay. Now do me a favor and forget I asked you this.

Seems Unlikely now that you have asked, but okay.

Was I too mean to your bird just now, saying he doesn’t exist? I got defensive of you, which maybe you didn’t even need me to do. Maybe you need me to do more of? Am I betraying you in spending so much time with him?

Aury I’m an idiot.

You’ve got stop finding new and creative ways to give yourself anxiety, Salme. If you accidentally hurt his feelings he’ll get over it though. Shockingly, I’m sure, I don’t have any particularly strong feelings on the matter so long as no one is claiming the action I’m taking are not my own, regardless of where the source of the power comes from.

You’re not an idiot, you just care more strongly than most. And this. Maybe. Makes you a tiny bit abrasive in certain circumstances. But I don’t think anyone would change that about you.

I just … okay. I’m sorry for the anxiety. And I think I maybe slightly misunderstood how he meant “mine.” I’m also always doing that. Whatever parts of his power you’re using, your actions and your choices are yours. I don’t … even think he’d disagree with that.

“Tiny bit abrasive.” Thank you Aury, that’s kind. Sorry to bother you again.

You don’t have to apologize, your anxiety isn’t hurting me. It’s upsetting you, which is the thing I actually worry about, silly.

And you are not bothering me.

Oh. You really don’t need to worry about me so much. As ridiculous as it might sound, I’m fairly resilient. I just. Want to do right, by you and your bird. But also I don’t ever want you to think you aren’t coming first, that it wasn’t you I chose and still continue to choose.

But, thank you for caring. You’re good at that, too.

<3

So … Jorule shared the Truth That Burns and it went … hm. Well. Things sure did happen, though at least I don’t think anyone’s going to be angry at you in particular. Let me know if you’d like to debrief?

Also I hope you’re okay. I thought, initially, that Jorule could manifest in the Void like he can in the Library and then I realized you simply weren’t there and realized I was mistaken. I don’t know … what happens to your consciousness when that happens, but it’s gotta be weird.

I knew it was about to happen, so it’s fine. And more or less saw what happened this time.

And yeah I’m fine. Kind of weird for sure, but fine.

Oh. You were able to see what happened this time? That’s interesting that you can.

I wish I could make this easier on people but. I think it’s something each person has to come to terms with in their own way? I can’t … expedite the process.

Does it ever still bother you? The Truth That Burns?

No. Well. Funny story, it turns out it actually didn’t… really bother Annarr that much? And there was a bit of a delay between hearing it and him getting spirited away? I think I might’ve been reading into another half formed ill understood memory at the time if I ever implied otherwise. And then ever since I’ve been… me… there’s enough of Jorule’s self-assuredness left over that I kind of feel above it…? If that makes sense.

But yes, this is probably mostly something that they’ll need time with, though certain be willing to offer an ear if someone wants to talk.

Oh. Well, I think maybe I got the impression more from Jorule than from you? I guess … if it wasn’t the Truth That Burns, what … did break Annarr so badly that Jorule was able to slip in? He said that Annarr was … empty? Or is that just a reference to us not being Sparks (en-Sparked?) at that point? Or did the Architect flub Annarr’s mind-wipe or something?

And I do think that it makes sense, that you’d feel above it. I’m glad you are. This isn’t something I want weighing on you.

And you absolutely know I’ll be willing to offer an ear if someone wants to talk. I’ll probably check in on Wolf once he’s had some time. I think he tends to prioritize other people of himself and he might need someone to prod at him.

<3

No clue! Judging from how the conversation went that sounds like as safe a guess as any though.

Ugh I guess another obnoxious question for the bird to clarify.

Also. Do use the same runes for magic that we have access to in our world? I’ve never looked too closely (don’t really do much runework anyway).

I mean… more or less? There’s differences between planes in the same way that regional accents might vary, where as - actually all things considered a language based comparison isn’t gunna work here huh? Okay it’s like. Apples? How they can more or less be the same red apple, but depending on where it’s grown it can be a little more or less sweet or whatever? And then there’s green apples, which are a lot more different - got those sour notes and whatnot - but it’s still… largely recognizable as the same thing, squinting from a distance? If that makes sense?

anyway, runes more flexible than you’d think, but the stuff I do more closely resembles the varlets in high circulation on Beast (slightly less sweet red apple) where as the stuff jorule does in his portals and gates and shit is more green apple-y.

Hahaha, yeah that makes sense, and I appreciate the metaphor though I have noticed that … there’s a shitton of runes in Samudra and they look pretty different from the ones I’m familiar with on Almachadta, though again I’ve personally never used them for gnosis-work. Of course, I never really … did the kind of gnosis-work we found on Samudra. That was everywhere.

That’s funny because Alamchadta/Samudra/Beast all look pretty similar to me and it’s the alien ones that seem uncanny to me, but I guess that’s familiarity with practical applications at work?

Yeah I mean rune-work was … I mean not my thing, obviously. I think if you’re confident and knowledgeable about it, though, it’s probably easier to see the similarities rather than just being mystified by the differences.

I know we’ve talked a lot about the … emotional and interpersonal pitfalls of the Beast, but is there anything I should be prepared for culturally? Also have you given Luĉja the glyph for burning resonance yet? I thought that could be your honor, since it’s your plane, though if you’d rather not I can do it.

I keep meaning to share the flourishing glyph with everyone because Archie asked but I keep never finding the time. I wanted it to be … well. Special. But maybe I should just write it in the library.

Nothing really comes to mind, other than bluntness not really being equated with rudeness there…?

Anyone can grab it from the library, really, but I did not personally bring it up.

…Which I guess preemptively give my opinion on the last bit I suppose.

What’s the Beast opinion on asking multiple invasive questions?

And yeah, I suppose that does answer that regarding the glyphs. I just seems like, if the story is the only thing we have, we should relish small moments of wonder and revelation where we can find them?

I’m glad we’re out if Samudra, truly, but sometimes I wish we’d stayed on Tulinsuojat eating burgers indefinitely.

Sadly, Samudra was probably the most welcoming place for that particular character trait to express itself with strangers.

I don’t think you really mean that though. You’d get bored after a few days.

Okay you’re right, and it would probably be less than a day, honestly, it’s just. Everything feels so awful right now.

I’m really looking forward to an evening in Almachadta. I hope it’ll be enjoyable for you too.

How hot is it on the Beast? I was looking at my clothes, and I’m guessing I don’t want to go back to what I wore on Almachadta, but I’m not sure if my sandals from Samudra are appropriate.

I guess I could ask this in general, but.

That could have made a decent topic, yeah. Oh well.

It probably depends? Queenstown is a bit warmer than outside of it. Warm enough that I didn’t feel the need for an undershirt, at least. Mu’s where all the unbearable heat’s going to be, I think. Your Samudra outfit probably would be fine, if a bit provocative (our fabric work’s not nearly that good) as would the sandals, provided we didn’t leave the capital? Your Almachadta outfit is probably fine, honestly? Especially for out of the capital where we’ll want tougher, more durable stuff anyway. But even inside of it it’s fine, you’ve seen the picture of Zaya, right?

Oh I guess she is wearing a lot of layers isn’t she?

I mean, I’m planning on changing to something world-appropriate once we get there anyway, so it’s mostly for the short term. Are people going to challenge me to a Rite for the fineness of my clothes if I wear my Samudran outfit?

no one is going to fight you for being hot. unless you stupidly agree to the stakes being you having to go on a date with them if you lose, then it might happen.

Give me some credit, Aurelius. I know how to set the stakes of a Rite. (I believe you complained about this once, even though you won anyway). By the way, I used your Void Flare trick earlier. Didn’t have it stacked with Tracer, but it was still a solid move.

And I thought the fabric work of my clothes was the provocative part, not how it made me look.

I was simply asking the question to its fullest limit.

Also a thing can be multiple things at once.

Answering

I see.

I was sort of planning on a more provocative outfit for the Beast. Though made of Beast-native materials. That’ll be okay, right?

I mean, you’ve seen what I wear. And what Lucja doesn’t. (only Really Old Endjinn walk around without cloths tho that’s not really a Normal thing)

Yes I’ve seen what you wear. I’m still a little agog at the denim outfit for the Septentrione. Not that it didn’t look good, but it was cold!

Wait. Luĉja is just. Weirdly naked? Like that isn’t normal?

That’s what the heat-stones were for!

Younger Endjinn are much better at acting like the other… … uh, humanoids? (humans/metahumans/monsters).

I love that instead of dressing warmer you just did magic. Which, respectable, but why bother to change your clothes at all?

You know, Truth That Burns and all that, but no one thought to warn us that Luĉja is an Endjinn nudist?? That seems more shocking to me!

A layer of denim over a layer of cotton was much warmer than a thin silk robe that generally was not even covering half my chest, I can assure you. And the work boots were several degrees better than wooden sandals that only had a thin cord.

I mean, if you’re not thinking too hard about it it doesn’t seem weird, since the plating gives the impression of armor. And they don’t get cold easily, so the older ones usually didn’t bother. The younger ones are better integrated into society though, so even if it’s mostly for fashion rather than warmth/comfort/safety, they’re more likely to be wearing a full outfit.

(And Lucja was, I feel I must remind you, The First. And it rather old to boot.)

is

Okay, well yes, the sandals would have been a bad move with all that snow. Where’d you come up with that outfit anyway? Raiding the Bird Wardrobe?

Yes, I am aware that Luĉja is the First and is fairly old. Though they do seem to get cold more easily than you’d think. I’d been contemplating trying to make something warm for them, but I haven’t quite gotten the hang of weaving non-enchanted materials, let alone enchanted ones.

I guess maybe I wouldn’t bother with clothes if I didn’t have to? Still seems … strange.

Yeah, was something another aspect wore. Figure it would have been weird if I just borrow Jorule’s outfit.

And I mean, it is strange, but at the time Lucja appeared, they didn’t even think Endjinn were people and were just some kind of bizarre fiend so I suppose they probably just… got used to it…? Who knows. You could ask them yourself, I bet that would me a funny conversation.

Can you share clothes with all your previous aspects or do they … resize? Also you know the Academy would’ve just … bought you clothes. I got a wholeass fur outfit. And yeah, I, for one, would appreciate it if you avoided dressing like Jorule as much as possible. It would be exceptionally weird at this point.

You know, next time we have some downtime I might. I still … need to sit down and ask them about themselves and what all they remembered. It seems like a lot?

Anything that’s still in the Inventory, at least, and most of the aspects are close in height…? For the most part. And yes I know, but I already had stuff on hand, so.

Probably, yeah.

Important: Is “smagg” a word that you’re familiar with and is it one you’d ever use?

Sounds like something SQ would say…?

You lost to a woman who says the word “smagg”?

Also, thank you for a lovely evening, especially with the gifts. Sorry I always get shifty when you’re quiet. I’m … working on it.

It’s fine! I just don’t feel the need to be the center of attention all the time, so I am a bit quieter in groups. And the gifts were no trouble at all.

Says Smagg, and can Quad Wield two-handed weapons while the stinger looms ominously.

You really don’t let yourself be the center of attention very often, actually. Only when there’s no one else to take the lead. Or, that’s my read on it. It’s very … radiant of you. I think I’m a bit more. Hm. Egotistical? That’s not a nice thing to know about oneself, but. Performer.

Okay, point taken. Light, she’s going to kick our asses while being really stupid about it, isn’t she?

Yes, yes she is. She kicks everyone’s ass. It’s a rite of passage (and also a rite of dragon)

I mean, it’s less the losing and more the unbearable stupidity that’s concerning.

Embrace it.

Well I don’t think I’m getting a choice in that.

So I guess consider it embraced.

Also, I was thinking … I’d like to apologize for something. I threw out a line about you not noticing the whole burger cookout, like your response was inadequate. I was trying to get a rise out of you, but in retrospect it was. Cruel, I think. You’ve never … you’ve been a really wonderful partner ever since we started this. I shouldn’t imply you haven’t been.

It’s fine, I remember how much you actually were smiling at the time and assumed it was something along those lines. Thank you for trying to get ahead of it in case I had not, though.

Hey, I just wanted to … see how you were doing, and if you wanted space or company or something else? If I could do something?

I also don’t know. Would you prefer to keep our relationship unspoken or …? I wasn’t sure, er, what you’d like me to do?

I think I’m going to take a walk on my own for a bit and try and figure that out. There’s… probably no reason to keep anything secret, though.

Have a good walk. Whatever you need, whether it’s space or … a lack of space, I’m here for you. And it’s okay to keep things a secret if it feels better for now anyway. It’s again whatever you need.

Zaya came and talked with me. She said you said I was your girlfriend, which. Thank you for saying that, and for listening when I said it; for taking care of me, even when I know you’re really going through things.

I like her, but I mean. I knew I would. Expanded on some of the stuff you told her about the worlds and Birds and such.

She also told me some things that … shockingly, the thing I was already launching myself into space being maybe, possibly anxious about was. Which. No comment on that required, I just mention it so you don’t feel like you have to mention it.

I hope you’re doing okay and I hope you’re being kind to yourself.

AG said something to me that meant a lot, actually, and I think it might mean something to you too? I was. Thinking about stuff with Badri, and my time before all this started, back on Almachadta, and they said:

you’re where you’re at because you’re climbing up a hill made out of dead moments you’re trampling underfoot! let them be dead. look to the future.

The past can weigh heavily. We both know that. Maybe it won’t be a useful thing for you to hear, but I thought I’d share.

Glad that went well for the both of you.

Hmm. I’d gotten the impression she hadn’t wanted to hear about that yet, but maybe she just didn’t want to hear about it from me, or changed her mind? Either way.

It’s still kind of weird having these feelings appearing seemingly out of no where and with the intensity they have, without really having an outlet for it but I’m fine other wise. Someone tracked me down and gave me a bunch of food? So hotwing were had if nothing else!

Oh. I don’t think that was it at all? About not wanting to hear about these things? I got the impression—I don’t know when she went from someone who felt she could act freely to someone who felt like she couldn’t, if that was while you and Luĉja were away, or if that happened a long time ago. Before she asked me about Bird Shit, she asked if it was a dangerous question to ask? And, of course, as someone who will always ask the question regardless of danger, I’m not a good judge of this, but she seemed … relieved when I was able to answer things for her?

Which is a lot of words to say I think she tries to be very careful as opposed to what she wants. And maybe I again took a lot of the initiative in imparting this information but I thought, maybe also, talking with a stranger with some emotional distance might allow her to ask more questions?

Anyway. Is there a kind of outlet that would be … helpful for you? I’ll always listen, and I’m happy to spar with you. Pretty sure there’d be no shortage of sparring partners. I can teach you how to string a loom if you want something that’ll make your back hurt like a bitch?

You’re also … ‘I’m going through horrible emotional turmoil with no outlet but I’m fine otherwise’. It’s okay to not be fine. Though. Not okay to not be fed, so I’m glad hotwings happened.

Though. Shit wait was that Jorule nonsense? I thought he was going to let me try.

…Well, there’s still some sauce at least so that ship hasn’t completely sailed?

Also I suppose we might define ‘okay’ differently. I mean, it was a lot worse before you and I talked, and I do feel better about that. And like I can still more or less act and functionally normally, as long as I’m not looking directly in her eyes. And even then, the conversation got less awkward as it went, so I don’t think it’ll be a long lasting problem. Thank you, though.

Suppose you taking initiative in the conversation for forcefully does make sense, too.

Oh yeah. I mean I am sure I will get a chance to experience this magical wing experience, I just thought he’d share. You can take the bird out of the angel but not the jerk out of the Jorule? That makes no sense.

Hm. Not sure we do define ‘okay’ differently. I think it’s just wanting to see someone you love thriving, not just functioning normally. I’m glad you and I talking helped. I’m glad your conversation with Zaya at least got less awkward as it went. And I do think it’ll get better with time, as she gets to know you, and as you resolve the dissonance between your remembered emotions and your current experience. I’m not chewing myself up with anxiety or anything (For once! Character growth!) I just … again, want to see you thrive. I also know you will, and I know I can’t rush it.

I don’t really think my conversation with Zaya counts as “taking initiative in the conversation forcefully” but I also know I can’t prove it. Unless you’re talking about me taking the initiative with you, which. I mean, duh.

… that last bit was a joke, in case it wasn’t obvious.

It was, yes! Sorry, wasn’t looking at my tomestone, not offended or put off by something you said or anything.

I wasn’t worried by the lack of response, just realized the tone wasn’t clear. Don’t apologize for not being glued to your tomestone, kulta.

This is where I’d steal your move and bonk my head against yours, just so you know.

Duly noted.

I’m sure you’ve got other things on your mind, but if you’d like, hopefully, a pleasant distraction … I’ve been thinking about how I’d like to update my wardrobe for the Beast for a while and I was wondering if you had any. Er. Preferences? Where you’ve particularly liked how I dressed? Or aspects of what I’ve worn?

Okay kind of embarrassed to send that but I stand by it.

I think the way you move lends itself to loose, flowing fabrics accentuating your form rather well. So, if we’re strictly speaking aesthetically, skirts and dresses are of course more appealing than trousers. The sheer layers in brighter tone over the more solid, slightly darker ones seem to work rather well, additionally? As did the top with a more open back. The sandals with the lacey straps that went up to your knees were nice too, compared to the boots. I can imagine a simple understated necklace in a lighter colored metal might look nice on you, as well as earring studs? Probably not loops or anything long and dangling. Your hair always looks lovely, and the braids suit you well, though I admit I’m a bit curious what it looks like when worn down.’

Though all that said, it might be more wise to prioritize something easy to move in that you won’t mind getting roughed up, or something sturdier that can take a beating as I suspect we will see more Rite engagement here than elsewhere. Also the tasting portion of an Iron Chef competition can get messy.

Well, one thing I got from Samudra was that gnosis-work can be used to all sorts of ends to make clothing durable and functional regardless of how it looks. Or, you know, warm, as you showed me. It certainly opens up a variety of sartorial pathways otherwise closed.

I … wasn’t really expecting to get that kind of in-depth input and I want to let you know how much I value it and. Okay. I needed a moment to. Collect my thoughts? I just immediately … You’ve said much of this separately, obviously, but hearing all of it together like that made me feel … beautiful. Also giddy and … very young. Um. So thank you that was … lovely.

Well, what else can I say other than I’m glad my opinions make you happy?

It was all just off the cuff though, and you don’t need to go out of your way to appease me. Though if it was just to help you generate ideas for something you’d want to make/gather yourself, then of course, go nuts.

It’s something I’ve been wanting to do ever since on Samudra? Actually wearing clothes that weren’t completely utilitarian, that made me feel cute (and that incidentally garnered certain reactions from certain people, yes) was really. It did a lot to help me feel more myself? I’ve been trying to figure out how I’d like to alter my clothes for Almachadta too. The amount of traveling required does want practicality but I’m sure there’s a way to get both.

By all means, continue to experiment and surprise us then.

But also don’t feel shy about reach out for help if you need inspiration… which… I suppose if what you just did. Excellent use of that trailblazer energy.

<3

<3 <3 <3

Also you figured out radios? Would you mind telling me what a radio is? I can always ask Jorule, of course, if you’d rather not. It sounds like it’s some sort of long-distance communication device?

Luĉja also made a discovery but considering how crowded it’s getting, I don’t know if it’s safe to do so here.

It’s a long distance communication thing yes, like an evolved farcaster… is I guess the best way to explain it? Though more ideal for sending messages from a single source and having several different things receive it, rather than paired communications (which does still work, sort of, even if the channels aren’t secure)

He didn’t mention anything when we were doing our experiment, at least?

Oh interesting. I hope you have a good time looking in to how to resolve that. I’m guessing you were trying to get in contact with Tasna et al?

Ah. Well Luĉja is surprisingly cagey about things unless asked directly, I think. We figured out how to access Alethic rites. Or rather, Luĉja, whatever weird asshole Angel thinks they can pilot Luĉja, and I. Invoking Libra against them yielded … a surprising amount of information. I’m not sure if invoked against the rest of us we’d learn very much useful at all, but it is something that I think could be worthwhile to those who consent. Additionally, I’d like to be certain everyone has access to these Rites.

The library might be a better venue to talk about it? I’m not sure.

Yeah, we made a farcaster after realizing the tomestones wouldn’t work, and unlocked a new song in the process. Guess we’ll be descending into the Deep Forge at some point during our stay.

Oh, that. Yeah it’s pretty easy to do tbh? Feels like we more or less know who we all are at this point, and when it was used on me last time it was my choice was secret to reveal, but. Yeah, certainly wouldn’t hurt to try it out and see if anything’s different now.

Ah. Did Luĉja talk about the Deepforge at all when the subject came up? I see the new song as well. That’s cheeky, with the lyrics.

Oh had you already figured it out? Of course you had. And I agree about we more or less know who we all are sans one very obvious person. I might ask him about how he’d feel if I cast it on him? I’m not sure.

I did receive significantly more information than the Omniclast got from you. Luĉja did not tell me the truth—the Glory did. I wonder if the Omniclast also heard the Glory’s take on you, or if his absolute devotion to autonomy limits his ability to know things people might not wish him to know?

Not really, but I’m vaguely familiar with the concept?

Don’t ask, just do it. He’ll chicken out otherwise despite desperately wanting to know.

But, hm. Fair enough, that’s why it’s always worth trying.

I would not just try to rip the truth out of Sininen with a Rite. I would not do that to you. I wouldn’t do it to any of us. I might want to, very badly, but I wouldn’t.

Perhaps I can have someone try to use it on me first to see if it’s even worthwhile? You or Sininen are the obvious choices, though I don’t know if letting Sininen see it used on me would make him more, or less likely to consent

nnngh I guess? It going to find a way to surface one way or another, this way seems like an easier, potentially more gentle way into it? I’m not gunna make you make him though.

You do make several compelling points I just. Feel weird about forcing it. Even it it might be better.

I do value your opinion though. Immensely.

Aury, are you someone who would rather know that something difficult might happen in a certain context, or would you rather not worry about it unless it does happen?

I feel like I should know you well enough to have an answer to that but unfortunately I don’t.

This question isn’t about me. I’ve been pacing trying to figure out how to tell people this, but I know you have enough on your mind right now as is.

Probably depends on the context? And intensity? And urgency? Hard to answer outside of any.

I don’t particularly need to know that a meteor might happen to crash into the world and kill us all tomorrow, but I probably would like to know that a T-Rex might attempt to breach the city gates tomorrow…?

Ah. I am. Of two minds, on whether to accession the memory, but there was more that the Glory told me about Luĉja, though it was something Luĉja already knew. They do not know when they will be unmade, but they know where it will happen: In the Deepforge.

I don’t think it will be the first time we descend there? Disc 2, if it even happens during our story. But in the event it does happen, or that they are more vulnerable when we head down, I wanted to let you, at least, know?

Is this something that is useful to tell the others?

Apologies. I am bad at decision-making.

Oh. Uh. Probably? But if it’s a hard decision to make… seems like the sensible thing would be to leave it up to him?

They said I could accession the memory, but they seemed unworried about people knowing or not?

I’m sorry I hope my saying that didn’t harm you. I should have probably waited to give you more time.

If they’re not worried, then you probably don’t need to be either?

Not sure why that would have harmed me either…?

I mean Luĉja has been ready to die for the greater good since they were made, I think. And if that is what it takes I will let them, but I’m not looking forward to seeing it happen, personally?

And I mean. It’s just another wretched thing when you have enough shit to worry about and sort through? I just. My instinct was that if something happened, and you had known it might have been something you could have prepared for, it would have been worse than not knowing? But I also could be wrong.

I think you are perhaps thinking a bit too much in general…? Lucja does not give the impression they are looking to die, particularly not now that they’re more animated than I have ever seen them before. We are going looking for answers, not coffins.

I don’t know if you can access these memories, though I could just use your expertise.

If I’m going to challenge Jae to a Rite 1 on 1, do you have any tips on … hm. The goal isn’t to win. But I have something I want to accomplish ([Libra]), and then I want to give her a run for her money. Do you have any tips? You’ve gotten the closest, right?

I know I’m not as skilled but. It seems sometimes like it’s the only language she understands.

Ivory blood early tbqh. Honestly, just make peace with accomplishing one goal and then be satisfied when it’s done.

I love you, but I’m not giving you tips on how to be the first victor over the SQ, as a solo attempt.

No. Again I don’t … even want to win. That’s yours, if it’s anyone’s at all.

I would like to get in one good hit though. But that’s secondary to [Libra].

Though. If she could make her own Alethic Rite we’ve got to be able to too, correct?

Oh, well, if you just want one good hit, Fang/War Monger’s Right There.

Maybe? Depends? On a lot of things? Something to consider for sure, though.

Yeah. Fang was my thought. Though breath does have Tracer and it’s glorious in my default deck. It’s mostly a matter of staying upright long enough to set up anything. I can … hm.

Aury I was going to cast [Libra] that first round during but then I hesitated because I thought she might be AG and didn’t know if that would be a violation, and then I thought we’d need anything I could to help us whittle her down … I overthought it.

Shocker.

As for making our own. I don’t think her bullshit card is inherently written into the metaphysical resonances of reality. Or. Well it is but I don’t think it always was.

I feel like. Hm. This is a thing if anyone could figure out it would be you.

That was very silly of both you and Lucja, yes, especially since Lucja should have known what would inevitably happen anyway… though I realize we have wildly different thoughts on the effect itself.

And maybe, but it could be baked into the Overseer role itself, or time gated, or any number of things really, but it’s certainly worth looking into.

I wasn’t going to … care, about trying to help everyone win, because I knew we wouldn’t, but then everyone seemed so serious about it and it felt unfair not to prioritize trying to help them.

Of course, not like I ended up being much help at all. I should have just done it. I guess that’s what being prosocial gets me.

And yeah I think there’s any number of reasons we couldn’t be able to access it yet but. Hm. There’s something there I think.