leicesters: (112)
Claude von Riegan ([personal profile] leicesters) wrote in [community profile] kenoscomm2024-03-08 01:40 pm

LOCKED TO MERIDIAN

[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.
kaientai: (042)

THE HORRORS??

[personal profile] kaientai 2024-03-08 08:20 pm (UTC)(link)
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.

[personal profile] ex_fend346 2024-03-08 08:21 pm (UTC)(link)
You were the one who spoke in favor of a less violent course. Sometimes one voice makes all the difference, so I appreciate that you did.

[ Sorry Ryouma, there is no escape. ]

I traveled dimensions, so I can attest that there are many worlds out there. I'm not certain what power could affect them all, but I would rather help others than harm them.
escardos: (pic#13770517)

[personal profile] escardos 2024-03-08 08:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, these are the ones that are invading people’s bodies, right? Matt and I were talking about it.

[ and while flat doesn’t seem to be all that bothered by it, he does carry himself with just a bit more gravitas than usual. ]

You all saw those people that look like like the people we know, right? Well, they’re the real deal— and they’re also full of the void. I’m not sure if they even have a soul anymore, but it’s hard to see underneath all of that stuff inside them.

[personal profile] ex_fend346 2024-03-08 08:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He really did.

Subaru was wobbly beforehand but well. Silco has that certain charm. ]


It does sound that way... And unstable, as well.
wolfish: (mull)

[personal profile] wolfish 2024-03-08 08:24 pm (UTC)(link)
And rapidly, at that. Seems to me it's been accelerating.
fishfearme: (huh?)

[personal profile] fishfearme 2024-03-08 08:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Run a... "eh-play-ne" on "kah" fuel...?

[He's from (a world forced to remain at) medieval times so he's literally just 🧍‍♂️ right now trying to understand what those are. While he may've come across those terms in books, he's only ever read them and never heard them aloud, so he's not making the connection here (and even then, he just dismissed 'airplane' as a very bizarre flying mount like a pegasus or a wyvern and 'car' as a magically powered cart).]
Edited 2024-03-08 20:25 (UTC)
a_noble_flame: (079)

[personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-03-08 08:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[Alice's somewhat vague mental image nods a little. This has been brewing for a bit now since butting heads with Gen, Hayame and others. Perhaps more with Gen to be honest, he had chilled her in a way few others did.]

I will also say this, not simply to Dimitri but anyone else in this communion. If you find my ways and ideals suspect then you are welcome to challenge me on them, whether through word or weapons. I will hold no anger or animosity toward you. My justice is impartial and I strive to use my blade and abilities impartially as well.
wolfish: (regard)

CALLING ON HEALERS + LESSONS

[personal profile] wolfish 2024-03-08 08:41 pm (UTC)(link)
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.
damnpire: (pic#12094812)

[personal profile] damnpire 2024-03-08 08:46 pm (UTC)(link)
She could have a way to physically control him without his consent, though I'm not sure if it's necessary.

What did you say to him exactly that made him confused?
damnpire: (pic#12094818)

[personal profile] damnpire 2024-03-08 08:49 pm (UTC)(link)
...

[Sorry that the personification of the chilly darkness turns full-body toward Flat mentally. Not angry. Just hyper-focused.]

Tell me how you know this.
escardos: (pic#13770501)

[personal profile] escardos 2024-03-08 09:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Hm?

[ is he intimidated? not really. but he is taking this seriously. ]

I can see it. It’s difficult to explain but… I see the world a little different than other people, I guess.
damnpire: (pic#12094807)

[personal profile] damnpire 2024-03-08 09:21 pm (UTC)(link)
Mm.

[He's quiet for a long moment or two, but the presence is still there, stormy, not at Flat.]

It's infiltrating the dimension. [Hmm.] Are you able to see it elsewhere, or just on the people we believed to be illusions?
annmorous: (004)

[personal profile] annmorous 2024-03-08 10:32 pm (UTC)(link)
I can heal with magic too! I'm not a medic or anything, but I can use magic to patch you right up.
kaientai: (258)

[personal profile] kaientai 2024-03-08 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
No, I agree. The Oracle is the most important thing we should be focused on, although we would be smart to try and avoid getting tunnel vision about these things in either case.

[ Sorry, Claude. He can tell you're not part of the problem he's trying to nip in the bud. ]

That bit was more directed at anyone who thinks we'll solve this problem by seeking revenge or who might be tempted to resort to more extreme measures in the name of victory.

I don't usually like to be so blunt, but this is one instance where we can't afford to screw around.
hauntedking: (05)

[personal profile] hauntedking 2024-03-08 10:47 pm (UTC)(link)
I could certainly try to be more active. It couldn't hurt.

[ Yes, he is immediately thinking of doing it himself. ]
hauntedking: (06)

[personal profile] hauntedking 2024-03-08 10:47 pm (UTC)(link)
I see. What is it you're tracking down?
hauntedking: (17)

[personal profile] hauntedking 2024-03-08 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
You're not naive. It is sad and is something to be mourned. Having to fight these people isn't a victory or even something good.
annmorous: (003)

[personal profile] annmorous 2024-03-08 11:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Why are you so proud of that?! That's a horrible thing for your friends to say!
annmorous: (007)

[personal profile] annmorous 2024-03-08 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't want a new world. If I did, I'd have joined Zenith... I haven't given up on restoring my home just yet.
dreamflowers: (16970411)

[personal profile] dreamflowers 2024-03-08 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Are, uh... vampires such a thing here that they specifically require a hunter?

Not to downplay your work! Just wondering.
annmorous: (030)

[personal profile] annmorous 2024-03-08 11:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Wow, that actually sounded pretty cool...

[hi ann has no brain to mouth brain filter]
annmorous: (040)

[personal profile] annmorous 2024-03-08 11:17 pm (UTC)(link)
'Burning them away' like, setting them on fire?

[Or just using the light of a flame to scare them away...? Either way, she uses fire magic, so she wants to take note.]
appeale: (distant but rational)

[personal profile] appeale 2024-03-08 11:18 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm Rudbeckia. [ no surname, not anymore. ] As the High Priestess of Set, my main duty is to him, but I also try to help those like me: civilians who are uninvolved in the conflict.

[ those familiar with Ruby will find her presence somewhat changed; while her fear and anxiety remains, and it still feels as though she could flee from you at any moment, there is something that bolsters her now. she takes comfort in the warm, red sands that surround her. ]

I don't participate. You can yell at me all you want, but I'm just an ordinary, weak person who wouldn't be able to fight back anyway. It would be throwing my life away – especially now, when I'm sure our Shards will no longer be safe.

I'll help where I can. But I have no desire to make myself a target when I can't protect myself, and I would only be a burden if I needed someone to always keep me safe. [ there is something else she doesn't say, that nonetheless lingers in Communion: that she would not trust a single Meridian besides Set to actually protect her to that extent. ] So, I won't stand against Zenith. I'll make myself friendly to their Shard-Bearers, in the same insignificant way that I am to all of you.

That's all. Good luck to you all in the Oracle trial.

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