LOCKED TO MERIDIAN

[leicesters]

[Claude's communion prescence has always been like a summer breeze; warm, easygoing, albeit difficult to read before it moves on. Now it has more of a brittle, bitter quality, like a looming dust-cloud he has to hold at a distance. There's no going back from this point when he knows things will only escalate from here, and so now seems like an important time to address his fellow Meri.]

The fight for the next Oracle will be on us soon. The Tribune may have been slain, but he entrusted the future of the worlds to us. Though he won't be able to help us see this through, we can still fight for him, and all the others we've lost along the way. We can fight for Springstar... and we can fight for Quetzalcoatl.

[There's a brief pause on this point. Her death deserves respect and acknowledgement, and she may not be the last to meet such a fate before the fighting is over.]

...We'll fight for your homes, too. After all, our worlds aren't that different, right? They might be flawed in their own ways, and there might even be some of you who would rather stay here when this is done. But every world and the life on it is precious, and it beats whatever phony world Yima and her followers come up with.

Speaking of Yima: I've discussed this with a few people already, but I suspect she's still alive. When the Blight almost destroyed Kenos, somehow she was still around. When I asked her about it, she said she wasn't bound by time like a normal person is. She can exist in different times and different places simultaneously; I don't know how it works, but maybe she even foresaw this attempt on her life before it even happened.

That said, it's just speculation, so we might as well play dumb and behave towards Zenith as if we're convinced she's dead for now. It'll be easier for us that way.

[Others have probably arrived at a similar conclusion, perhaps people among Zenith's ranks too, but it bears saying, particularly for those newly arrived to the conflict.]

Anyway, enough about her -- how about we use this opportunity for a little strategy get-together? We have a few new faces around, so feel free to introduce yourself and your capabilities.

For those of us who have been around longer, feel free to toss in an introduction too. More importantly, share what you know about Zenith and its current capabilities, in combat or otherwise. Any insight into their current thinking would be useful right now, too. What's their morale like? We know by now that some of them really hate our guts, and I wonder how much their desire for revenge is going to play into the next battle...

[He sounds casual, almost flippant, but there's a serious point in there he's sure he doesn't need to overstate: the more loyal Zenites are going to have some serious motivation in the next battle to get back at them, whether they believe Yima is gone or not.]

Let's not let our own judgement be clouded by revenge, even if we've sustained losses. We need to go into this with a clear head, looking toward the future.

Oh-- on that note, Hayame wants to speak with some of you about some further strategising either before or after the Oracle. Sorry that's a little vague, but I'm sure she'll talk to you about it properly when the time comes. For now, let's just focus on one thing at a time.

Comments

INTRODUCTIONS

[leicesters]

[dreamflowers]

[Jade's aura is of saltwater and regret.

[Once the dark cold passes, there is a strange calm, until the woman herself speaks:]

So, uh. Hi. No fancy speeches here, just Jade -- my name.

[Really nailing this thing.]

Anyways, since I was already in the middle of trying to stop a world-ending event from wiping out humanity and lunatics who believed we were better off letting said thing happen... Meridian just made the most sense to me. So here I am. Hi. Again.

[Yeah, that's it. No other reason.]

Hm, what else? [Maybe something she can actually add to the table?]

My capabilities...

[A long, reluctant pause.]

In my world, I, um... became something known as the Prophetess. No relation to your "Oracles" here, as I understand it now. [So she feels a little more comfortable sharing this information.] No, it's not a religion thing -- I'm a bloody heathen atheist and hated that title. I just have visions sometimes. [Sigh.] I'm sharing this in the event that, should one of those come to pass now that I'm Harmonized and shit, I might be able to share... something? To somebody? But I wouldn't hold my breath, honestly. [Being disappointment incarnate is pretty much her thing.]

These days I specialize a lot in magic. If I kinda look like a skeleton or get sick sometimes, don't worry -- that's normal where I'm from, and I've got ways of dealing with that.

[Maybe she should save openly sharing the specificities of her more dubious magical practices for when she's more settled in this world. Let's see. What is she missing?]

Ah. Guess when I'm not hurling lightning bolts or fixing up doors, I've a hand for infiltration. [Which will make her little excursions into places where Meris aren't very welcome that much easier, but that's more or less the unspoken part.]

Bottom line is... I prefer range and discretion, and I'm willing to make myself useful this time.

[AMA?]

Hayame

[warmare]

Thank you, Claude. I will speak to some of you imminently. In private.

[... If no one but him notices how incredibly insane it is that she says that publicly, then, that's just fine by her! But also... Is this even the same woman who spoke on Communion earlier? The sense of her seems... calmer, and warmer. Warm like Meridian feels.]

My name is Hayame, if you are new enough not to know it. I will not waste your time with much talk, since I have so recently said my piece. My stance on this faction, and our enemies, should be more than clear.

But as for what you may count upon me for in an actual Oracle trial,

I am a warrior- an archer, primarily, but when need be I wield a naginata just as well. You will find me on the front lines, where a warrior ought to be. If you require aid against a Zenite you cannot handle yourself, you may attempt to call upon me. I am a jinba, so you need not fear how fast my hooves can carry me. As long as we do not find ourselves stuck in some godforsaken maze again.

More importantly... I have come into a new ability. I would speak on it in detail for you, but far too many weak-willed people can hear this, so allow me to simply say that it may be able to rob some of our more powerful enemies of their advantages. If the more trustworthy among you are curious, I will speak with you on it.

And as a courtesy, if I bring it to bear in an Oracle trial... I will alert you via Communion to clear the area.

[damnpire]

D.

[This absolutely atrocious and stony introduction, help girl.

It's really all he gives for the people who don't know him, his name and a deep and soft voice coming out of a dim and chilly place of mind.]

I'm a vampire hunter.

[He's not a braggart, and so he feels this is enough to say what he's capable of without handing out a bunch of information.]

[hauntedking]

I've been here quite a while at this point, so most of you know probably know me. I am Dimitri Blaiddyd, King - or former king, I suppose - of Faerghus and a united Fodlan. I am a soldier and a warrior and have been one for most of my life, even if I would rather have spent my time doing anything else but war.

[ There's a wry chuckle there. ]

I am skilled with a lance and since my arrival have picked up some magic - mostly healing, if you need it. Should you need assistance in any matter, please do not hesitate to ask.

[leicesters]

Should I have started with introductions before I talked people's ears off? Ah, well.

You can call me Claude. I'm an archer, and battlefield permitting, I prefer to ride a wyvern into combat. So if you see a white fire-breathing beast in the skies, hold your fire and make sure you're not hitting my trusty steed, okay?

Aside from that, I'm experienced in commanding troops, strategising, and diplomacy... but, well, we know how that last one turned out. [haha... ha] Anyway, feel free to talk to me if you ever want to talk tactics.

[annmorous]

[oh god this is embarrassing, can you feel the cringe through the communion... but she should probably say something, so:]

Uh... Hey! I'm Ann Takamaki. I was just a normal high schooler back home, so...

[She's still on the fence about how much she trusts anyone here, but she does relent a little to add a slightly more honest response.]

I'm pretty sneaky, though. And I can help you with magic if you get hurt.

[a_noble_flame]

[Alice's aura comes through warm and comforting for now. Her mental image in communion is vague and fuzzy, though the flames that always lick at her heels are easily seen.

Given this is an introduction she gives it in full -- posture straight as befitting a soldier.]

I am Second Lieutenant Alice L. Malvin of the Imperial Army State Section III. My section is also known as 'Pumpkin Scissors', devoted to war relief and rooting out the causes of corruption within and outside as well. My justice is equal for all, whether Emperor or civilian -- no one is higher than another.

[She pauses a moment. It had little bearing here of course but for the sake of full introductions:]

I am the youngest daughter of one of the thirteen noble families of the Empire. My great-grandfather's deeds during the war between my country and the Republic of Frost granted my family the honor of a title. My own actions in contest between our branch families earned me the L in my name.

[That's probably a bit much, isn't it? There's the feel of flustered heat before Alice laughs a little. Even her laugh sounds warm.]

Forgive me, I wish to be thorough here. As for abilities I am chiefly skilled in swords -- I asked about commissioning a weapon through communion some days ago. I have primarily used a short sword and a swordbreaker, at times in tandem and at times alone. I also have experience in mounted combat; my horses unfortunately haven't followed me -- Piro and Ace.

[Her voice dips gently.]

They are very good mounts. I have been beside both since they day they were born. Piro is the more gentle of the two so chiefly it is Ace who joins me in the field. I --

[She's rambling now. Ahem.]

I have little experience with magic though I have been taught a few spells in the last few days. I welcome those who wish to train with me whether through sparring or physical exercise. Through supporting one another I believe we may conquer whatever comes our way and see an end to this conflict.

[sheezit]

[ Shez's communion presence is dark as far as the eye can see, but comfortable and warm like the feeling of being perfectly bundled up in an endless wintry night. The sound of water that follows isn't the usual gentle swaying, though; today, it's heated to a boil, bubbling up to surface in the shape of vaporizing energy! ]

Aw yeah, introduction time! The name's Shez, and I'm a mercenary from Fodlan. Strategy isn't my strongest suit, but if you need a tough pair of blades or a bit of [ dark ] magic, I'm your guy! Oh, and if you're in a pinch and need an emergency exit-- well, y'know those teleporting cornerstones? I'm kinda like that. Just give me a holler and I'll get you right out!

[ Wait. ]

As long as we're not trapped in a maze like last Oracle trial, I mean.

[ ... wait. ]

... or if I'm not too familiar with the place and I get lost on my way. That happens sometimes.

[ His vigorous head shake to get back on track is real, but the cheerleader pompom dance is figurative only, very much a Vibes thing! ]

Point is, if Meridians need any help, don't hesitate to call me!

[faceripper]

[ For once, Fane makes his “appearance” in Communion match what he is truly looks like. Considering the confusion it had caused the last Oracle, he’s at least learned to swallow that bit of annoyance and drop his preferred presentation. So, rather than a handsome, elven man, today you’re getting… a skeleton. ]

Well, I am Fane. I am an accomplished scholar of magic, especially that which bound together my world, but unfortunately, much more relevant here is that I am an accomplished magic user as well. I am no stranger to battle, and I’ve both Aerothurgy and Necromancy at my disposal along with Sourcery. I have a variety of offensive spells at my disposal, but a fair amount that are also meant to be supportive of front-line fighters as well. So, I would prefer to accompany someone if possible in this upcoming battle. I’m used to supporting an archer and an assassin, but I can make do with a warrior just as well.

[ A pause, and then with a sigh: ]

And before anyone asks an inane question, yes, this is what I look like. And no, I am not undead. Please save any barbaric aggression for the Zenites we’ll slay.

[clockpunk]

[ the clarity of chrono's communion is, as always, high definition. even though he's basically just leaving a voice message here. ]

Oh, hey! I'm, uh, Chrono?

[ bro it's your own name don't pose it like a question????? anyway ]

The home I'm from didn't have magic or anything, so a lot of this power stuff is kinda new. That said, uh, I forgot until I got my deck back the other day that I actually kinda do have a thing? It's not somethin' I used much back home, since it kinda hurts, but I can sort of like... summon some friends of mine. Somethin' to do with being the "Singularity"...

[ super useful explanation chrono good job. instead of explaining further, he just provides quick mental images of the twelve zodiac time beasts. ]

The ones I summon aren't the original guys, just-- ah man, I can't explain it well. The point is, they can help out in an emergency! I can't maintain 'em long, but it's somethin' at least. I can shield and heal and throw a punch pretty good, too.

[ he goes quiet for a moment, contemplating whether he should even say the next part. but he sighs and soldiers on. ]

While war like this is... overwhelming, I've been in some pretty big fights before. World-ending stuff. [ his last memory before being woken up from the tree was exploding a deity, so. ] So a lot of this isn't all that new, honestly. Yeah.

Anyway this sucked, but if you've got any questions for me I'm happy to answer 'em.

[furibund]

[ She's mostly here to listen, to see if anyone says anything of real interest. But she knows better than to be that weirdo standing in the back not saying anything. Probably. ]

My name is Nebula.

[ Useful. ]

And I [ was ] am a Guardian of the Galaxy. That applies even now. So long as I live, I will fight to return all of us to our homes. Know that anyone who claims to make a better world is a psychopath who will deem to destroy that same world the moment it's no long their favorite toy.

Do not trust any Zenith who claims they will. They won't.

[escardos]

Hey guys! You can call me Flat— Flat Escardos!

[ flat’s presence is empty and hollow, but the jovial beat in his voice and thoughts is very much real. ]

Hmm, abilities… I’m a mage! I can buff allies, debuff enemies, and heal injured people, among a bunch of other things. And I’m a really good scout. In video game terms, you could say that I’m a support unit.

[ good luck understanding that, not modern nerds! ]

Oh, but I’m nooo good at physical fighting. So good luck everyone else!

VOID HORRORS

[damnpire]

I advise to be aware during the next Oracle of what I found inside of Cyrus's body. A hungry force of something like entropy.

[Not to distraction from an attempt at the Oracle. It just doesn't help to have something else hanging over the whole ordeal.]

A few who were dissipated in the last Oracle had dreams or visions which aligned to what I experienced. If you also experience anything unusual during or after the competition, let me know.

[wolfish]

New faces ought to know about those pools of shadow too, now that you mention it. Hell of a lot of people fell to those creatures made of the same stuff.

THE LIST

[hauntedking]

While I have been reluctant to speak of or contemplate turning this into a war to the death, I no longer think it is possible to win this fight and restore what has been lost without grappling against those who hold ideals utterly opposed to our own. No matter if they have good reasons for them or not...

[ There's a moment of silence and thoughtful regret. ]

I have had to kill before and in this case... some of the individuals serving Zenith I believe are too dangerous to be allowed to continue as they are. While I believe shattering a shard, especially here, is the equivalent of killing... in war we must be prepared to kill. Especially if the ideals our opponents cling to lead them to a barren and fruitless place.

There are several among Zenith who should be shattered if you find yourself capable of doing so - whether because they are too dangerous to be allowed to oppose us or because there is no compromise or peace possible with them.

[ As he lists names, indistinct mental images filter through the bond. Although probably clear enough to make these people recognizable. ]

Amos. He is utterly dedicated to Zenith and has no compunction about killing.

Gen. He is... lost in his own misery and willing to take it out on everyone around him. Likewise dedicated to the Zenith cause.

Sebastian. A rather dangerous demon who has no compunction about inflicting pain and harm on others.

Silco. A egotistical madman - there is little more to be said about him. He publicly shattered the shard of one of our own only a few weeks ago.

These four come to my mind most strongly... and I would rather avoid shattering others unless it can absolutely be avoided or unless they prove themselves utterly intractable to reason.

[a_noble_flame]

[What a heavy thought, particularly for Amos. Not that she knows him intimately of course but that wounded heart of his ... a cycle that just keeps repeating itself. Gen ... well, she's not quite sure what to make of him.]

Understood.

SEBASTIAN

[wolof]

Shall I start us off with one of the most dangerous threats Zenith has at their disposal? Sebastian is a powerful demon who has a wealth of powers at his disposal.

I've fought him once in combat, and while I am a sorceress of some great capability, he erred on the side of physical confrontation. An interesting thing to note, but that was some time ago. I do not doubt that he is far more dangerous than simply that.

Do not confront him if you are not prepared for it. In fact, should you find yourself cornered, I recommend myself or Set to extract you from danger.

[ She communes. Sipping tea. With Sebastian next to her. 😇 Good thing nobody who didn't know is at her house. ]

[warmare]

[Hayame has locked down everything as best as she is able in order to enevitably have this conversation, to discuss that demon without baring her own weakness. But an Iconoclast will be able to feel some of it.

The painful, burning rage that has not much abated since the night an eye was implanted in her head. (Actually... is it hotter?)]

And I recommend myself.

SHADOWS

[annmorous]

Everyone's seen how creepy the shadows are in Springstar by now, right? One tried grabbing me, but when I tried fighting it off, nothing worked!

[what good is a persona without being able to fight shadows, smh...]

I managed to run away, but what should we do? I'm worried the problem will get way worse if we ignore it.

[hauntedking]

This might be related to whatever it is that's... out there. But I don't currently have a solution. Matt was floating some ideas when I spoke to him... unfortunately, he's chosen to align himself with Zenith.

AMOS BURTON

[warmare]

It has been said a hundred times, but- Amos Burton cannot be reasoned with, he will not leave Zenith, and he will never not follow the orders of that sacred bitch on high, Yima. Even if she is actually dead, he will continue to hold her tenants. I have no doubt she was behind the order to assassinate the Tribune.

And you saw what resulted from that. What resulted from allowing Zenites free reign of Springstar to let them map our our streets and vulnerabilities.

Amos is a human man, but he has embraced the powers of this world quite smoothly. I have heard tale of his strength when he rampages, and that is cause enough to be cautious with him in battle, but my personal experience is more with his ability to manipulate "gravity".

[... She says that word like it's made-up. Just medieval Japanese things.]

He can make rob you of the ability to stay upon the ground, and just as quickly make the air around you so heavy that you can barely lift a leg to stand, let alone fight. Beyond countering his spells as he casts them, I do not know how they can be fought. Mages, what say you?

And those who know more of his abilities... I would ask you share them here. It is likely Amos will charge at the forefront of Zenith's offensive in this next Oracle, as long as the trial's nature permits.

[escardos]

Gravity is the force that keeps our feet in the world.

[ just putting that out there.

between that and flat speaking up again, there is a long pause as he processes what she’s saying. when he talks, there’s no emotion behind it other than an overwhelming curiosity. ]

Gravitational manipulation is a pretty neat trick! I’d have to watch him do it, but the way I’d do it is by cancelling his abilities entirely… or by trying to reverse what he’s doing in real time.

[ which is not easy, no matter how simple flat makes it sound… ]

Other than that, you’d probably have to sneak up on him or send something with enough force that it breaks through his gravitational field without losing force!

[ so, a rocket? ]

THE HORRORS??

[kaientai]

So, are we going to talk about what happened when someone tried to revive the Tribune?

That something said, "We never would have been able to Enter without the Choices that have been made."

[ He wrote it down. Does he have a Pepe Silva wall on his boat? Maybe. ]

Did everyone forget? Because I can't.

In case it needs to be said louder, maybe we shouldn't start destroying souls when something horrible — possibly Oblivion itself — is banging on the doors and windows to our reality, trying to find more footholds to get in and consume us.

[ He's sure they've all felt that hunted feeling. ]

You're right if you think it sounds like I'm trying to scare you. [ Just being honest. ] A blind push forward in the name of progress and victory helps no one if our actions invoke what we're trying to repel first.

This is all for nothing if Kenos dies before we can complete the ritual.

[leicesters]

I agree, but this isn't a blind push so much as the best way forward, at least for now.

The Oracle is a tangible goal we can rally around, especially when we don't have a Tribune. It might even offer us more clues to the truth, no matter which way this bout winds up going. Of course, if anyone finds out more info in the meantime that would be ideal, but banging our heads against a wall isn't productive either, right?

CALLING ON HEALERS + LESSONS

[wolfish]

While we're talking about the merits and demerits of our offenseive, we might want to consider our defenses too. Not that we have time for fortifications, which a few of us do know a thing or two about, but I'm thinking about how we keep our people alive.

[ There is no fight to be had, for any cause and with any tactics, otherwise. ]

I've extended the offer before, but I'll do it again since we've got so many fresh faces here. If you want to learn field medicine or healing magic, I'm willing to share what I know. The less of us that see avoidable dissipation, the better — we're our most vulnerable then, and we know what happens if we fall into the wrong hands.

[ Now that he's dispensed with that offer, he moves right along to something else that's on his mind. ]

I'd also like to establish who among us has skills in that department. If someone's in a bind, it'd be best if they know who to call, yeah? So if you're game to share with the class, let people know what you can do in the healing or medicine department.

[ A pause, as he considers that he should do it himself too. ]

So I guess I'll go first. I'm not a dedicated healer, but I can handle heavy injuries with magic. I'm not a surgeon either, but I can bandage you up, set bones, get you stable. Done it a few times here and many more back home.

[annmorous]

I can heal with magic too! I'm not a medic or anything, but I can use magic to patch you right up.

→ Claude (replying to him, but visible to meris!)

[ex_fend346]

I was in Highstorm, until the manor fell and that... [ He trails off, overtly hesitant. Any Advocate will feel it distinctly. ] Deeply unpleasant man gave that terrible performance.

[ It's the gentlest way Subaru can phrase it, not for any reason save that he is surpassingly polite by nature. ]

Of course, because I was unharmonized, I wasn't particularly trusted, so there isn't much I can offer as insights go. They're angry, as you expect, and I agree that Yima is most likely still alive. I helped search for anyone trapped in the rubble, and there was no sign of her.

Furthermore, I have known someone with a similar ability to be many places. She was known as the Dimensional Witch, though she didn't involve herself in the affairs of any one world in the manner Yima does, so far as I know. Such a person...there must be something to which they are bound, something that tethers them, but I know no more than that.

YIMA.

[redsoil]

At the least, she is at a distance from any new Zenites. I feel she is still alive, too. I actually like his idea of "playing dumb", so bravo to him for proposing it. Faux ignorance is a wonderful tool to use.

[ actually, he Knows for #reasons ( he sussed it out ) but he's not saying this ]

Claude and I had a discussion once, about who she could be. More important than that, is how best to kill her and remove her from Zenith's future. They cannot rely on her to create their world, as many have said they will. This could destroy their desire to pursue this path, and hopefully they will just lay down and die as a result. Not like any of them have the fortitude to take on the divine task of Creating Life.

The facts are laid out as this:
— She is one of, if not the oldest, individual in Kenos. Perhaps the first individual to ever arrive.
— She arrived from a destroyed world, and her children were lost to her in a way that she could not bring them as she brings Shard-Bearers.
— I once asked for her guidance and was lead to explore the depths of the Beyond — the place where I built the weapon that destroyed her Manor was the location she directed me to. It was the temple of my sister, Isis, long-destroyed by both hand and time.
— Claude spoke with her, and like he said — she said she was not bound by time like a normal person. This is my experience as a divinity, too. Though, I am confined to a single moment by Kenos's rules as a Shard-Bearer.

Silco

[warmare]

And what is to be done with Silco?

Ideally, I would see him answer for his public actions in the exact same dramatic manner he seems to love. His execution in the courtyard of Heliopolis could do just as many wonders for Springstar's morale as the Tribune's assassin.

But if he keeps hiding in Kowloon, how will he be dragged out? Perhaps he has changed from a rat to a whelk.

I do not know exactly what he has done to change himself, but he did do something before the Harbinger Oracle. He is supposed to just be a human, as far as I knew, but he somehow had two hands again when I encountered him in the labyrinth, and he moved far too fast for what his wizened knees should have been capable of.

His bones are not any more durable than a human's, though. My arrow pierced his skull just as easily as it should have.

I know some of you must know more. So I ask you to tell us.

His madness may have made some Zenites cringe away from him... but those that remain are willing to be his ilk. And more of that is the last thing we need. As rewarding as an execution would be, taking care of him in a way that is far more final is likely best.

[hauntedking]

While a public execution would be what he deserves, a point has been brought up - what if by shattering shards we are fraying the threads that bind not only this world together but also what is left of our own? It is impossible to say for certain, but I think we should take the cautious - and pragmatic - route now. Dissipate him. Capture his shard so he cannot return. But we must wait for that last level of finality to ensure we do not do more harm to ourselves than good.

That said, there are a few alternatives... he likely has bolt holes and hiding places all over Kowloon at this point. Simple force will not avail us. If we cannot find and catch him in an Oracle, we will need to plan and go carefully... and loosen his grip. What has been done can also be undone.

LINK.

[redsoil]

The little one who lost his will — we share a connection, as Savant.

He and another long-eared individual were caught spying on us in the Beyond, and while handled, I heard the echoes of a warning he sent out to all of Zenith. And his thoughts of an individual he holds dear to him, but that is only as important as we decide it to be.

Anyone who still harbors hope that he will find his way back to us, dispense of it. He's chosen to place more importance on the well-being of a Faction that harbors individuals like the assassin, Amos Burton, the murderer, Silco and weak-willed naysayers who think they have the power, the fortitude or the ability to wield the Authority of a god. [ yawn, zenith is full of delusional fools ]

He has essentially said to me he only wants solutions, on his terms. Real, workable things — yet, had he asked any one of you for aid? No, I bet not. He simply closed his mouth, his eyes, and his heart to his world because he did not have a solution — and chose the path of instant gratification, as all Zenites do. He is small, deeply guilt-ridden and morose, and prone to shouldering things on his own. Make sure he finds no comfort in companionship, keep him isolated and confused and insecure by asking him difficult questions such as oh, say — why he chose to stay with the reprobates of Zenith, over his proven friends in Meridian, and he will be no threat to us.

[hauntedking]

It is not a hope I will put aside.

Hope is important.

ATSUMU MIYA.

[redsoil]

Another individual whom is devoted to Zenith, but has put no thought into anything he does. I asked how he would explain his role to his loved one, and he refused to answer. "I will figure it out when it comes to that point" is no answer we can allow, if Zenith truly believes in their path.

He is a normal child, unused to the moral quandries and difficulty of war, battle and strife. Make him uncomfortable, focus on isolating him. He will also be of no consequence. [ set is offering info now because, well,

he's a little deeper in the merisauce, and these are some people he wants to see CHALLENGED ]

RIN TOHSAKA.

[redsoil]

I know little about her. She is a magic-user, she is full of herself, and her pride could be used against her.

[ Aka, let him know more about her, please. ]

The less I know about someone, the more I wish to target them to discern who they are, what they can do, and how to handle them — if anyone deals with her during the Oracle, inform me. I wish to engage her directly, this time.

[umurice]

She did not seem as dangerous when I spoke to her.

[Then again, she was also suffering the effects of Yima's disappearance.]

She seems knowledgable about medicines though, or at least, ones she has made. You say she is a magic user?