*Wearing his other Nanoweave Suit, with Shimmersilk Shirt, wearing the Belt of Smacking, with the Breaking Blades, leaving the bulk of his weapons at the hotel suite*
((What does she look like, I think all I ever saw her was through her holo projector?))
*smiling even though Tessa has the tongan death grip on my arm, making no indication that he notices the men at the other table*
"Greetings Memo, I don't think we have all been formally introduced. This is Siljonic Blackwind, and you've already met Tessa (insert unknown to me last name here). Since we are all friends here, I am Jhiaxus, but I was born Adam. Now that we have that all out of the way, let's sit down and break bread so to speak."
*as the waiter pulls out his chair, sitting down, assuming Tessa and Siljonic do the same*
*takes a bit of everything, curious as to what it all tastes like*
"We got off on the wrong foot, and after hearing who you have met, and knowing at least some of them, I can empathize. Siljonic and I spent many months with Lilandra, and up until the last couple of weeks, it was not a fun experience. I also met a couple of other versers, some being complete psychopaths, and some being normal people trying to find their way. I was much more jaded and cynical before meeting Tessa, sometimes all it takes is one experience for a paradigm shift to occur. I think everyone that has traveled with me has noticed that I'm not so much of an abrasive person anymore, I'm much happier and for the most part reasonable, and having a care for others well being."
*making sure she is eating before taking bites himself, and when she is, will try a bit of everything, using the tea to take the taste of the previous out of his mouth*
"The food is very good, not what I would have chosen in my first lifetime, but I like to experience new things now. So here we are, and you have no doubt been told our offer from the gods. We have accepted, made sure you got your credit without formally working under you. With that said we are all going to be working together here, I just think it makes more sense to work with each other, and build up some trust, than to oppose each other. Now we have said we would protect you, but it comes with the caveat, that if new versers appear, we first appeal to their humanity and find out what they want, and not resort to kidnapping and death theats. Now I think you know me a little by now, I am reasonable, but if there is a reason to, I do get very angry. I like to think I spend most of my time laid back and helpful, but if someone needs to be brought down, I will find a way. I've done a lot of speaking, I'm sure you have questions, and concerns you would like to bring up."
Jhiaxus
She has a severe face, with her dark, auburn hair up in a twirl. Her businesslike pantsuit is oddly matched by a set of Nikes you noticed.
She looks the same as through the holo projector. Evidently personal vanity is not one of her more severe problems.
"Lord Odin, I would keep your true name to yourself as the Unnamed One works magic by such."
"I too, try to care for others, at least for those in my care. I've had a hand in the reduction of crime in Reykavik as my cameras can catch the scum in action, and make sure with the police's help that they don't harm the weak again." Her eyes glitter with suppressed fury.
She notices what you are doing with the eating, and gives you an approving nod. She then makes a point of taking a bite of everything right then.
"I prefer not to take the risk if someone is a pschyo." Memo says. "Arrange things so thats not a problem." Tessa almost breaks your arm, and you see Siljonic move as if to keep her from leaping the table. Suddenly Tessa subsides, and eats calmly.
"The food is very good, and for you strange, and for me, almost home." Memo laughs sounding almost carefree for a half-second. " I suggest an arrangement for meeting new versers. I shall scout them out with my cameras and my satellite, and then I shall pass the information on to you for you to do the actual meeting. Does that sound fair?"
*smiles*
"Thanks for the warning, I had no intention of revealing my whole real name, in fact I don't even think about it."
*nods*
"That is noble, that is something we have in common. I don't like to see the weak harmed either. Many of the versers I have encountered, have lost their humanity....for lack of a better term."
*when I see her sample the items, dig in, not making a pig of myself, but showing an appreciation for new food, and respecting my host's company*
"I think that is prudent, and I'm sure Tessa is still a bit, perturbed at that. I'm just going to say this, nothing produces irrationally and anger more than putting someone's loved one at risk. Some may capitulate, others get outraged. When you present the rock and the hard place, it's fight or flee. So we will do the meeting and greeting, you will watch, and I'm sure you'll have your men ready if there is trouble *makes a head nod to them at the other table*
*takes a drink of tea*
"We got a temple for a good price, have a place rented out till it's ready to train. We plan on staying here for a long while, making sure, the people aren't being abused in general by the others, while keeping the peace. I noticed we didn't receive holo projectors or the plans for them or the other devices they wanted improvements made on. I would assume, you wanted to make a personal assessment given your new found status as to our intentions, before such gifts were bestowed."
*remembers the camaro*
"I noticed your taste in convertibles and classic cars. I haven't looked at the Camaro yet, but I assume it too is a convertible? If I may ask, what year is it here? I noticed fashion of the late 60's and early seventies."
*nods as he starts on the dessert*
"I will give you a small rundown on our abilities, Tessa can fix/build/improve anything she gets her hands on. Siljonic is probably the greatest melee fighter in the verse, and I say that knowing there are powerful people out there, he may only be 5'1" but do not take his lack of height and girth as being weak. Myself, I'm a jack of all trades."
*finishes up*
"I do hope you feel more comfortable now, we should work toward getting to know each other, if we are going to work together. I thank you for the fine lunch, I'm sure you have your duties to do, as we have to attend to ours as well. I thank you for your gracious invitation."
*gives her a small nod*
"When they are out I lean in to Tessa and mouth"
*Good job keeping your cool*
*kisses her and gets back to the hotel, checking out the Camaro, pulling out the PDA going over the tasks he needs to get done with everything*
Jhiaxus
"I don't know about the holo projectors."
You can she disagrees with you about the uses of terror, but she has no need to convince you to her side. However, she rather enthusiastically agrees to protecting the weak.
"It is 1973 Anno Domini. And yes, I suppose I am predictable, that way. It is indeed a convertible, but I chose the largest engine they had."
You are struck by the fact you've been in another 1973. It was the basement right before Da Gamemastah! dragged you and the others through a portal to his game verse.
Later as you talk to Tessa...
"I was about to stick a fork in her eye, and suddenly I saw her. She's so afraid, so convinced she's weak. And then I could not hurt her, I just felt sorry for the poor thing."
The Camaro is black, the license plate says "Odin", and the engine barely fits inside the engine compartment. It looks like its got all the bells and whistles a stock car fresh from the factory might have.
Looking over your PDA, you see that you need to go sign some contracts for the electricians which is, hopefully, the last of the contractors. You get that done at the seven story apartment building that had been abandoned, and is now swarming with workers. Although you see none on the actual building, you see dozens of ravens on nearby buildings, as if they were waiting.
*shudders about GameMastah's trap, knowing he could drag me back in at any time*
*nods* "I'm proud of you, it's hard to let things, go, believe me I have my own problems sometimes."
*sees the ravens and excuses himself from Tessa and Siljonic*
"Looks like I'm being summoned to talk"
*heads up to the roof of the building*
"I've been waiting to figure out your intentions here."
Jhiaxus
A raven swoops out of the sky, and lands on a rusty TV aerial clamped to the roof edge.
"We have no intentions now. We did, but your intentions have changed ours. Perhaps you are right. We will all see together." The Raven caws, and you realize its not Muninn or Memory. It must be Huginn or Thought. "Perhaps Twilight will not come to this world. But be warned, there are those who are not as nice as the broken woman amongst your fellow 'gods'."
It launches, and all the ravens in the area croak and caw in salute as it flies straight toward the Sun.
*nods* "I figured, once I get my training done, we will see who is naughty, and who is nice, and I will be checking my list.
*heads back down to Tessa and Siljonic*
"It seems that our actions change even a god's plans, we are to train, get powerful enough to deal with the not so nice "gods" here. I agree wholeheartedly with those sentiments."
*smiles*
"I think we should get started in the morning, we'll find a bookbinder and have two grand spell books made, waterproof pages, cases, that is, if you take us as your apprentices Siljonic, for magic and combat?"
Jhiaxus
Siljonic agrees, and you make an early night of it. The next day, a quick visit to two bookbinders brings you to your choice who says he can get it for you in a week.
And then Siljonic gets you started with thirty minutes of stretches with weighted practise blades. After that, its another thirty minutes of precision lunges with alternate hands at a ping pong hanging from a silk cord descending from the ceiling.
Then its an hour of magic.
OOC: Siljonic's magic? Rough idea, please.
((I will work on his CS tomorrow, can post his spells early then))
*for a rough guideline: 6th level spells, I know he has teleport without error, teleport, fireballs of all sorts, lightning bolt, dig, Wall of Stone, Wall of Iron, Wall of Ice, Wall of Fire, Wall of Acid, Wed, Invisibility, Phantasmal Killer, I will give you a complete list tomorow, he had a lot of spells, and he uses them a lot. Between his Ring of Wizardry, and his general tactics and knowledge, he's pretty vicious with spells. I'd say any spells in his book, he is a mid level professional at casting, with exceptions being better, as his signature spells. I will make them known tomorrow*
*Will get one for Tessa, and for myself, I will let him know I want the finest materials for the books.*
*when training time is over, will begin going looking for decorators, to furninsh the building. my basic plan is below:*
*basement, storage, laundry, heating, air conditioning*
*first floor, offices, general greeting areas, meeting areas, security*
*second floor, Dojo*
*third floor, Magic Training*
*forth floor, staff apartments*
*fifth floor, high priests apartments*
*sixth floor, Valhalla (Long table, Bar and Kitchen), Siljonics's and Jhiaxus/Tessa's quarters*
*seventh floor, Temple*
*roof, Swimming Pool, Grotto, Bar, Patio*
The building is called "Asguard"
Jhiaxus
The next day he puts you through your stretches, and your lunges at the Ping Pong of MicroDoom as Tessa calls it. Siljonic just laughs with you, and motions for you two to continue.
After this, he explains Magic.
"Magic, to be very simple, is the flow of energy along certain patterns from a positive source to a negative source. It is like water flowing downriver, and over a waterfall. However, you, create a waterfall for the water to run over with your mind and body. This causes things to happen in the material or mental world that the unitiated call magic."
He makes you come up with four examples of what he's talking about. Tessa explains electricity to him, and he nods in interest and agreement.
"Now, a traditional mage makes a pattern of something in their head, of their words, and of certain materials which have their own pattern in them. We have the added difficulty of not being able to use materials as such. We have swords in our hands. Hard to toss out a dust of sulphur and a peacock's feather when you're clutching a drop foil, or breaking blade. So, we have to create the pattern by the nature of our swords, and by the pattern in which we swing those swords. These Flourishes Magica, are useful as demonstrations of sword skill, but primarily they serve as magic patterns."
He then demonstrates a simple pattern, vocalizes 'Fiat Lux', and Light blooms around him.
"One of the simplest and easiest of the spells. Light."
*smiles enjoying hitting the little ping pong balls after his stretches*
*my examples will Include a cellphone signal and how the human bodies can either amplify or degrade it, and how fire needs air to breath and grow, and restricting it can extinguish it, and how the smallest wind on an ember will cause it to grow*
*takes it as a queue to watch what he does and tries, draws his swords and says* "Fiat Lux", envisioning light bloom around him.
*after training, taking out each and every item from his bags, replacing things like deodorant, soap, and consumable products, considering the time period he is in, and remembering fondly of the M-79 grenade launcher in Terminator 2, asks one of his friends about army/navy stores, and military surplus, and seeing if the US exists, and if the weapons he is familiar with also exist.*
*takes a look at the black box from the Captain's safe from his first world, haven't not been able to open it, knowing it was a heavily telepathic world, seeing if the orange sensitive's ring can provide a clue on how to open it*
*arranges to take everyone to a firepit longtable grill like his friends showed him the first day, thinking Siljonic and Tessa will like it, and of course taking care of any things that need his attention as Odin*
*sees Tessa's modest items, and equipement*
"Tomorrow we need to take you shopping, the essentials, jewelry, you will need to pick out a car, and I don't know if you know how to drive, but I can teach you. I know which car to get you, a 1964 Porche 904 Carrera GTS. It was inexpensive compared to later models, and put Porche on the map for making a serious 4 cylinder engine car that was a dream to drive, and won many races. I'm thinking sebring silver, with the Porche version of t-tops. Freya as the licence plate. For Siljonic, I know I will need to teach him to drive, but I'm thinking of a 1970 Pontiac GTO, in cherry red, with t-tops, Loki for the Licence plate. The best part, we are dealing with 1970 economics, the prices if your not playing a god were reasonable. I don't want us to go nuts, but part of Earth culture in 1970's is everyone had a car, and that's something I fully support."
Jhiaxus
Siljonic adds three ping pong balls at head, waist, and knee height descending on their own strings in a close bunch. You are to slash at these with a hip twist as he rapid-fire calls out 'High' or 'Low'...
You do this and the lunging target practise and the stretches.
"First I teach you precision, then speed, then power." Siljonic says, and then hands you a pair of five pound wraparounds for your legs and your arms. He gives Tessa the two pounders. So, now you're carrying an additional twenty pounds. "Wear all day if you can, boss."
You feel the energy rush through you, a small trickle, but you feel the vast weight of potential for a second, not that you know how to tap it. And suddenly you're surrounded by directionless light. Its beautiful.
1@2 Skill for Spell.
You replace your consumables with the harsher local variant.
"There's army/navy stores, but you have to have an active rank, or permission from your Colonel to go in one. And...you mean the Middle Provinces?" Carl replies to your questions. A quick look at a map he has reveals that the Northern Hemisphere, except for Japan and China and Saudi Arabia is largely colored green for Irish Imperium. The rest is largely purple for Mandarin Republic. Hawaii here is known as the Western Islands and the furthest expanse of II power into the Pacific. The US is divided up into seven provinces, with one being pretty close to Texas in shape and size.
The party at the neo-Viking firepit is a grand success.
"Woo hoo, shopping." She does not know how to drive. In her home world, before jumping onto a starship, cars were heavily regulated, and only the VIP's could get them. So for her car=VIP, and she's very enthused about the idea. "Can we drag race my car vs. your car north of town in the open plains area?"
Siljonic however is somewhat skeptical, but willing to give it a try.
You try the box, and find yourself in a maze with a white floor black walls of glossy something, and in the distance a gray sky.
*nods and will wear the weights all day, figuring with his metabolism, training with the weights isn't a bad thing*
"Sounds like a good plan, let's do it"
*happy that his friends are having fun and bonding*
*Smiles* We can, should be interesting, yours would be light, with a smaller engine, but the acceleration would blow mine out of the water, but the Camaro is a big block V8, and once it gets up to speed, would be faster. Would be interesting to see the comparison, so sure, as long as it's the flatlands. We don't need to have cliffs be a problem."
*Nods* "I figure your helping us out with training, it's only fair, to get you up to speed on technology. Every guy needs to learn how to drive a car, and should learn how to drive a stick as well as an automatic."
*looks around* "Ut oh what did I get myself into now....Well only thing to do now is to follow a wall, and see where it leads to."
((Do I have my equipment, I'm assuming not, just me in the maze, since it's likely psionic, and it's just me finding my way in my mind?))
Jhiaxus
Tessa listens and its clear you're opening yet another door for her. This type of consideration for car races is not something she would have ever thought of.
You take them out shopping for cars, and Siljonic finds his choice fairly quickly. While Tessa meanders up and down the aisles trailed by a patient salesman, you give Siljonic a lesson on the back lot. He picks it up very quickly, even the stick. After an hour of practise, he could deal with driving in the country, if not the city.
1@3 Stickshift Car Driving.
It takes another hour, and two test rides for Tessa to find the perfect car. By then, everyone is tired, and so you put off the race for another day.
And so thoughtfully, you pick up the black box....
The only things you have other than your clothes are your holy symbol of Odin, your Knights of Terra rings, and your Orange Sensitives' Ring. That last ring is glowing about the size of a grapefruit.
You follow your path, and come to a room with three exits leading down. A hooded woman gestures about what has suddenly become a tower room to each of the three exits, and the symbol above them. A lightning bolt from passage you hear snarls, a globe map of the Earth from which you hear grunts of pain, and a tower from which you hear nothing.
*grips my Holy Symbol for Odin and says a rare prayer* "I know I don't ask for much, and nor do I bother you with many prayers. I believe you want us to fight on our own, and get stronger from our choices. Grant me part of your wisdom to have some insight into what each of these means. I will make my own choice, but I would be foolish to make one without trying to discern what they mean."
*if that fails or gets no answer*
*clear my mind, and focus on my Sensitive's ring and try to see beyond what I can see, to get a glimpse down each of these paths, and perhaps some insight as to what I am choosing, and for what purpose.*
Jhiaxus
You hear a raven's voice echo down from the grey sky.
"Mmm, mmm, yum. Ah, yes, well let me point out you have three items, okay four, but ones a duplicate, and never mind. Three items. And I have a tasty bit of manflesh stuck in my ....grahahggh, there that's better. Three doors."
Your mind flashes back to the world of Iron Fusion where you got the Sensitive's Ring. They had talked of the Towers of the Sensitives.
*considers, three items, three doors, three keys? well Odin is ruler over magic, which would include lightning, Knights of Terra, Knights of Earth, and the tower, of the sensitives, I wonder if I need to go through all three, or if this is a one choice deal*
"This is one of those times, I wished I had been more curious at the time, but then again I was worried about the Princess, I think this is making me make a choice of what path to follow. *I present the hand with the Sensitive's Ring in front of me and try to walk in/through the exit with the picture of the tower on top of it."
Jhiaxus
You walk in, and down a long corridor that exudes peace. An old man awaits you. He has an orange ring like yours.
"Greetings Sensitive. This Mindmaze I have constructed will enable your mind to be strengthened, and the powers inside it to be revealed, clarifed, and strengthened to some degree. It is advisable not to strictly rely on the Mindmaze as a sentient teacher is neccessary as well to cover the full vastness of experience."
After a bit...
"Now, Sensitive, sit."
He sits lotus fashion, and tells you to 'see the pink elephant in all its detail'.
*smiles and nods*
"Are you able to respond to questions, not of a sensitive nature? I come here under unusual circumstances, but that can wait till after the lesson."
*sits in lotus style, reaching out his mind to see the pink elephant he is describing, focusing not only on it's appearance, but it's dimensions, texture, presence, seeing if it moves, casts a shadow, if I can read it's emotions and state of mind*
Jhiaxus
"I am the shadow of a man. I will do what I can."
You visualize it, and he begins to ask you questions, drawing forth greater and greater detail. Is there a fly on it? Where? How many notches are in its tusks? What does it smell like?
This goes on for some time.
And then he begins to try to trip you up, by going back to the beginning, and speaking quickly.
"There were two flies on its right leg, right?" He snaps out. When you reach for the memory of what you had said, instead of the memory of the pink elephant as it stands in your mind in front of you, you find you can't. Its as if that part of your brain was shut off.
So he starts again, and repeats the whole process. You do a little better. And next time better still, and the last time, you get markedly worse.
"You're tired. Go back to your body through that door. Make sure to eat some chocolate to ground your mind in your body, or if not that, then some lunch meat."
Later, you wake, and you're dripping wet with sweat and your butt is sore from sitting so long.
*Works with him*
"I just wanted to know if there is something to learn down each of the paths? Or if this was the only right choice? This box is no longer in the same universe it started in, so there probably are very few sensitives here, so for right now, you are the only one teaching me."
*when I wake, I have one of my friends to pick up some unsweetened bakers chocolate, and some lunchmeat, cheese and bead*
Jhiaxus
"The Mindmaze, as much as it can, represents your mind and the possibilties inherent in it." He pauses to see if you get it. "Unless you do something here that closes off part of your mind, or transforms that mind so that other possibilities are no more, than those doors still exist."
He pauses again.
"It would be wise to seek out a teacher."
Tessa brings you food, and a wet washcloth to wipe your face. She looks concerned.
"You look like you ran five miles."
*nods*
"I will...try to appeal to one I know of to teach me."
*takes the food and wipes my face*
"I got this box in my first verse, never could open it, I forgot about it, I tried it now...it's a teacher for powers of the mind, and it put me through the ringer. I need a teacher...."
*puts a message to Mercury to ask Psi Grandmistress Lisabeth Collins to contact me about a psionic matter*
Jhiaxus
The next day, you're in the middle of stretching when the workers simply put down their tools, mutter about taking a break, and walk out.
Ms. Collins steps into the room, and even the air grows still. There is an authority about her that would quiet a room full of drunk teenagers.
"You seek a trainer, Lord Odin. I do not take students, but I can reccomend several people with some skill. The Marchlord has some basic skills in a broad fashion, as does the Mental Menace, and Edgar McWinton has some pretty fair telepathy."
*smiles*
"I already have some skill, in some of the areas I work, I would blow them out of the water, but if your not taking students, I would rather muddle through myself, than learn from the likes of people like "The Mental Menace". I'm sure you have already read my mind, this was mostly to get a feel for you, if that is your choice, so be it. You will also know I'm not someone who asks for favors readily, and will likely never call for the furies services. Of course, if you have scanned my mind, you know that the real Odin has taken an interest in this place. All interesting things to consider. I do thank you for coming out and making a personal appearance."
*considers for a moment*
"All these people impersonating gods, you would think they would be scared of angering the real ones. I have permission from mine, I wonder if they have the same."
*smiles and goes back to stretching*
Jhiaxus
"The Mental Menace is not a bad guy as you think. He's a vigilante from Central City who spread fear amongst the criminal scum, as he says it." She actually smiles as if she likes the guy.
"Ah, then you might wish to speak to Hades then." She adds in response to your final comment as she turns and walks out.
Your workers come back a few minute later.
"I've seen Drow Clan Queens with less arrogance than her." Siljonic says.
*nods to Siljonic* "I think that's why Odin is giving us this time to train, he is not one who likes failure. So we will watch, wait, train and evaluate."
*walks over and pats him on the shoulder*
"That's why I have learned, the more power, the more you learn, the more you need to keep your humanity, and use it for the right purposes. When I first versed, I thought I was entitled to do what I wanted, when I wanted. It took some lessons, good friends, to show me the real power is finding people to believe in, watch your back, and good things will come."
*grins*
"Your ping pong balls of doom await."
Jhiaxus
You attack the ping pong balls, and over the next week, Siljonic adds a new process. A surround of a dozen ping pong balls that are hanging in differing formations, and you have to approach them with your eyes closed. The thing is a race against yourself to swack them with a lunge or slash as appropriate as Siljonic has learned from Tessa about stopwatches. He loves them.
Fail, and you get to run up and down the stairs toting your practise swords.
You and Tessa start having nightmares about stopwatches.
You're doing three hours a day on swords, and one hour a day on magic.
Siljonic, for health, and Tessa for religious reasons takes one day off a week. So that gives you 18 hrs. a week on swords, and 6 hrs. a week on magic. Right now, Siljonic is teaching you to be very good at Light.
You're getting to learn how to summon light hanging upside down, blindfolded, or with the Rolling Stones or ABBA playing loudly. This qualifies the magic practise as Doubled Difficulty, I think????
((sounds like doubling to me))
*I will also spend time with the box everyday see all I can learn from the one door, before going to the next too*
*Have they sent over holo projectors, or plans as of yet?*
*will do a few hours a day dealing with what I need to do as a "god*
Jhiaxus
OOC: I keep forgetting about the holo projectors.
You find yourself mainly doing the beauty pageant winner routine. Showing up at new shopping malls to lend your 'divine blessing' to the endeavour, and turning the first shovelfull of dirt on new playgrounds. But you find that a certain authority is creeping into your words.
The holo projectors arrive out of thin air. They're semi-complicated at to their control interface, and a trifle kludgey.
And in reverse order, you do spend time with the mindmaze box, and with training your imagination, memory , and concentration. Every day, he pushes you to add more details, and to remember them from day to day.
And the second week...
*I will keep doing what I'm doing for the public, it's a good public service, so really can't fault the end result.*
*I will fire up the laptop, and see what I have for Holo Projector technology, and use my computer skills with programming and software, and the starsong tech knowledge, to create a version that can completely change the image it puts on the user, or close environment*
*I enjoy the mindmaze box training, lets me expand my abilities in the mind department*
*as for the next week, continue what we started here, Training with Siljonic, keeping mostly to ourselves in terms of interacting with other "gods", if Lady Memory wants to talk or meet, will do so. If she does will ask her how often versers come to this world. Looking forward to seeing progress on the building, and moving in soon and letting Siljonic play with his Lyre of Building to see what he can do to make it defensible, and add secret doors and passages.*
*making sure to spend time with Tessa, Siljonic and friends, I'm sure Tessa is working on wedding stuff, offering to help if needed. Might think about getting an acoustic guitar, and an electric guitar and amp and learn how to play*
Jhiaxus
You realize you're doing more than mouthing words as you scoop the ceremonial shovel.
1@1 Blessing of Odin on Enterprise. This is full body involvement, at least ten minutes, loud, appropriate speech, use of holo projector or other obvious sign of Odin's power, and a listening crowd of at least twenty as you bless the new (school, business, road project). You receive a bonus if you bless something particularly appropriate to Odin like a missile factory.
Its not hard for you to improve the holo projector, but it does take some time as you have to totally redo the whole thing in order to do it right. Its got what you'd considered outdated tech for 2010 mixed with kludges.
Unfortunately, you're having a problem. You can make it better, or a lot better. But a lot better is not going to be easily manufactured in this world and time.
Lady Memory does not say anything although you hear of her help in catching a ring of purse-snatchers. Siljonic begins to alter the dojo floor which is fully completed.
"Lord Odin. You have visitors." A TV suddenly says with Memo's voice.
You check, and indeed two versers are approaching your temple.
((Just want to let you know I love the world, if I seem like I am settling into training mode, just doing that while you move the story along. Don't take it as me being bored :) ))
*Interesting feeling as though this is a real blessing instead of just going through the motions, will keep that in mind for future openings*
*I will make notes of all the improvements and shelve it for a more appropriate place and time*
*to Siljonic* "Looking good, I trust you to to make us a wonderful temple and roof pool/bar/patio as well. Would love some secret passages." *encouraging him to be creative*
*To the speaker she has put in for this occurrence* "Thank you, I shall greet them."
*rounds up Siljonic and Tessa and puts on his armor and weapons nothing in hand and goes out to greet the new arrivals*
*when he gets up to them, smiles and generally has a happy, relaxed look about him*
"Greetings, and welcome, as you've already deduced, this is a world where versers seem drawn to, I am Jhiaxus, this is Tessa and Siljonic. I'm sure you have questions, I would normally invite you in, or out to a local place to grab a bite to eat and talk, but this world has some complications. If you have food you like, we get can some takeout and break bread so to speak?.
*if they are someone I know*
"Good to see you again"
Jhiaxus
OOC: Cool. Well, I figure we need to shift somewhat to training although it may shift back in a bit.
Its Baron Coranado and She Who Is Gold. The last time you saw them they were in the super-genius kid's world, and they had given you something like a hundred page survey to fill out. They research versers, the Multiverse, and biology of the various verses.
"Hello Jhiaxus." Says She Who is Gold (her skin color is very yellow). "My husband is embarrassed to ask, but he's a very good photographer, and not bad as a videographer."
You blink in understanding free puzzlement. And Tessa gasps a tiny bit.
"You need a photographer for your wedding don't you?" Asks She Who Is Gold. "Please tell me no one else has gotten the job first. We'll do it free."
*smiles*
"The first time I met you, you handed me a survey to fill out in the super-genius world. There you called me Jhiaxus of The Two Towns. That was my first time meeting you, do you remember that? Just trying to sort out the order. I don't think that job has been taken as of yet."
*smiles and offers his hand to shake*
*to Siljonic and Tessa* "These are good people, let's invite them up to the great hall and let them know the social arrangement in this world."
*genuinely glad to see them* "It's good you found us first, and not some of the other versers here. We'll explain on the way to the elevator. I was in such a hurry last time we met, I did regret not spending more time getting to talk with you.
*as we walk*
"I'm going to assume that you know me....us well enough from our interaction in my future and your past to know this is where we get married? I used to be a time travel buff before I versed, so I grasp onto the concepts a bit easier than most. I did find my friend in that world, Siljonic, almost got into it deep with a lightsaber wielding, guy, and a woman, they both gave me bad vibes, maybe not evil, but defiantly not stable."
*has one of the people he sees find one of his other friends, to order take out, a bit of everything to give people a taste of the food here*
*considers*
"Did you come here by accident, or have you learned enough about the verse to track specific people and places? I know you are both scientists, I had to ask. I don't know much about it myself, I know someone here knows when versers come here, but I can only tell my feeling for them, it's not automatic, and I can't tell the difference between one and another. Is that normal?"
*offers them seats in a sitting room*
"I'm talking alot, I just really haven't gotten to talk to another verser before who wasn't trying to kill me, judge me, or extort me first. It's....quite refreshing."
*gets everyone some drinks, be they soda, tea hot or iced, coffee, or spirits, if they prefer*
*puts on some music to drown out if Lady M has listening devices in here*
"Sorry for the loud music, but the one who let me know you were here, is a little paranoid, and has a habit of bugging places. I wanted to talk to you without freaking her out. The year in this world is 1974, and the history basically is what happened if the Vikings invaded Ireland, and their culture spread. Seems there are two large empires, The Neo Irish, and the Manderan. Your currently in Iceland. The complication here, is that a bunch of versers came here and established themselves as "gods". There are a lot, and I have been told most of them aren't too nice. We have been keeping our heads down, assumed the guises of Odin, Freya, and Loki. We are watching and waiting, and figuring out if and what to do. Although we don't see any outright abuse, and in some cases, help, we aren't that comfortable in pretending. Odin has blessed this plan, and is letting us proceed to see what happens. We are taking the time, learning skills, getting to the point of defending ourselves, and making sure that people are being treated well. Lady Memory, is interesting, we first met, she setup a death trap, but we got through it, and learned, she thinks she is weak. She is extremely paranoid, but mostly harmless. She is focusing her attention on fighting lawbreakers and protecting the innocent, and I can't really fault her actions."
*pauses*
"That was a lot of info, please tell us about you."
Jhiaxus
"That was eleven years ago for us, and we spent two more years there, and then nine more years in a fascinating low-tech society where not even knives worked. We had to invent a punchhole language to write notes in our notebooks because our pens would not work, let alone our computers." Baron Coranado says with enthusiasm.
"Yes, we arrived a week ago, Jhiaxus." Says She Who is Gold who smiles at her husband's enthusiasm for the research even as she nods in her own sligtly more reserved way. As you enter the Great Hall, she explains that it was mere luck that brought you and them together.
"To be more precise..."
"Yes, we have theories."
"Interestng ones."
"We suspect that arriving in a world creates a scriff puddle. We don't think Tadeusz is right with his 'weaknesses in the worldwalls' theory. And the more recent in time, the scriff puddle..."
"The larger the pull for new versers. Before the puddle has time to evaporate back to teh scriff." The baron finishes.
Carl goes to get some Neo-Viking takeout which they look enthused about.
"Its accident. But there is a definite tendency for people who met to meet again." She Who is Gold says.
"You should read my theory on Interdimensional Gravity." the Baron adds. "Its based on a model of rejoining versers similar to the typical solar system with its planets with the versers being teh planets."
"We can't tell you if this is the world. Its against our policy. Besides, we talked to the Alchemist, and the possibility of Sawtooth Snaps, even if mitigated by the theoretical Restop in Scriff Space is worrisome. Paradoxes and time loops are scary stuff." She Who is Gold has dropped her reserve.
"oh, yes, Captain Chris and Lil' Miss Sureshot. They're deadly for a fact. No worse enemies, no better friends." Says the Baron and his wife nods in agreement.
"The Captain can turn it on faster than anyone I know. Even Di Vars doesn't go from full stop to all out mayhem faster than the Captain." She Who is Gold remembers.
"Although Di Vars is a LOT more dangerous." Coranado clarifies, and they grin at each other with a shared memory.
"We've never met anyone who can differentiate between two versers, nor have we heard any claims to be able to do so, although we've met a few who were trying to learn how to do that." She Who is Gold says thoughtfully.
The food arrives. Fire-grilled beef chunks, and potato chunks dominate the food basket.
They listen to your recitation of the world, and take extensive notes. They quiz you and Tessa and Siljonic on all sorts of aspects of the local verse. You find yourself noting connections and understanding the local reality better after listening to their questions. They've obviously done this a lot of times before.
And then they stop, and nod at each other.
The Baron touches a button on his shirt, and suddenly the loud music is gone.
"Sonic bubble. Made by the Star Empire of the Lakostians. We were the first humans in that universe. And..." The Baron's story is interrupted by his wife's cough. "Ah yes, well, its a dual layer sonic bubble. And we have heard of a group of versers who do this. From what we hear, a bunch of Canadian frat boys borrowed a scriff inside big screen television, and got roaringly drunk. And in the middle of 'toss the booze across the room' they versed out. Later, as they remet, they got the idea that they could pretend to be gods. I have reliable reports of at least one world which they ended up destroyiing because they got too competitive with each other and so they started a 'godwar' with the locals as their armies and orbital laser cannon as their artillery."
*nods* "I think after we met spent 2 more months on the Ship of Worlds....and then 2 years thereabouts in starsong. Then here."
*smiles as he sits down taking a drink of ice tea* "I would love to hear all your theories, and I understand about your code about revealing the future."
*smiles* "I met them briefly, while Chris was fighting Siljonic, wasn't under the best circumstance. The only other verser I spent any amount of time with was Lilandra, and she and I didn't get along at all at first, took a long time to get some trust and understanding between us."
*sees the bubble and is concerned* "They have technology like this, they used it when we were recruited. I know I could copy or improve much of what they have, but the limitations of this time period prevent that."
*not happy* "Well then it's clear, we are here to make sure that doesn't happen again, but they have many and we few. I suppose that is why Odin is giving us the time to prepare. They will expect us to "recruit" you too, might I suggest doing so, while we build up our abilities, figure out their structure, and have a real chance to stop them? I would suggust taking the monikers of Thor and Sif, if nothing else, with your gold tone, she is always mentioned with her golden hair."
*eats a bit*
"I am not happy pretending to be something I'm not, but sometimes, for the greater good, you have to endure some things you would rather not do."
Jhiaxus
"We have done some fighting, but we're not like Sorceress Lauren, or even Whisp. We don't go out looking for fights to get into." 'Thor' says. "And..." He glances at his wife.
"Perhaps we might speak to the gods first, to make sure its okay." She says, and with your permission, she begins to quote a Nordic plea for the presence of the gods in the form of an epic poem. About ten lines in and a black raven appears in the midst of you all.
"Wow, its been like centuries since I heard that one. An oldy but a goody."
"Lord Munin, we beg a favor of you."
"Look, pretty skin, just ask,a nd enough with the formality."
She asks, and the raven pauses to ruffle his feathers, and then groom himself. He then cocks his head as if listening.
"Thor finds it amusing. Sif, being a woman, is more demanding. She wants an act of honor done in her name."
"That's it, then?"
"Yup." The raven turns to you. "Got any spare eyeballs or fresh meat for a visitor?"
*Nods and goes to the kitchen knowing there is fresh meat there and gets a handful in a bowl for Munin and sets it in front of him*
*smiles*
"Then perhaps it's time to create a holiday to honor Sif, I know of no better way to honor a goddess than to have the whole world spend a day of reflection on what she stands for. Of course it would end in a feast, there is something to be said for Nordic tradition."
*nods*
"Let me welcome you to Asguard, a home, training ground and safe haven. I will let the other "gods" know there are two more amung them, we have quarters on this floor, a dojo floor, a magic training floor, as well as quarters for the staff, and friends that help out here. Siljonic is currently training myself and Tessa in his Drow Bladedancing style, and has taken us as apprentences in the ways of the arcane. I don't go out looking for fights, but the verse has taught me, that you must be prepared for anything, and here, we are being called to justice, it would be wise to prepare ourselves for that purpose. You may put down the Sonic Bubble now."
*waits for Baron Coranado, to release it and contacts Mercury with the means he was given*
"We have made contact with two versers, they are agreeable to being Thor and Sif, but Sif has a request, that there be a day of Honor in her name, do you wish to make contact yourself?"
Jhiaxus
Mercury arrives.
"Sure, we can do that day of honor thing. I'll talk to them privately. Um, I suppose this means, we can raise one of your friends to god or goddess..."
Mercury leaves to the roof to talk with Thor and Sif. He comes back down after a bit.
"All set up. Have you picked the person to raise to divinity yet?" He chuckles. "Its rather like Caesar, or Pharaoh. Holding humanity in the palm of your hand."