@hythlodaeus | text

[nomoresharks]

I've an odd question to ask, if you'll indulge me.

Let us say a world exists where all work toward the betterment of their world, where none go without, and no one need be separated from their loved ones before they could bid farewell. Each day is peaceful and productive, and you know your place within it. You need not leave until you are ready, and only when you feel fulfilled.

Would you choose to live in this world or the one you came from? Why?

And to those who know why I ask this question, I pray you answer as well, and do so honestly. I promise 'tis in the spirit of keeping an open mind.

Comments

[nomoresharks]

That depends on what you mean. No lasting discontent, I should think, or at least not any so dire as to need addressed. Otherwise, well, it would be.

But we all of us have our own moments of doubt and determination. There is always something that can be improved upon.

[matermali]

So, what of crime? Theft? Homicide?

[nomoresharks]

Theft is hardly necessary. We all of us are capable of creating what we need, so there's no reason to take from others.

As for homicide, I don't recall any cases of it in Amaurot. At least not while I've been alive anyroad.

[And yet, something at the back of his mind sees fit to speak up, he's gone from "couldn't" happen to "hasn't."]

[matermali]

[ He also knows what it means, which is good enough for Vanessa. ]

Fascinating. What are the stories like, then? Without any written word here, one is starved for interesting tales.

No scandalous history? Myths?

[nomoresharks]

Oh we've definitely a fondness for the arts, let me assure you, and I'm more than happy to pay a visit to the theatre myself. Then there are the summits on the creation of various masterworks, debates held in the Hall of Rhetoric, and so on and so forth.

I for one am much more fond of sharing personal tales--or rather *others'* personal tales, if you want to be more exact.

[matermali]

[ A gossip, is it? ]

How kind of you to warn me away from sharing my own personal tales.

[ As if it was actually a risk. ]

But I ask after the history because I am to wonder how such peace was achieved. It sounds to be something any of us would greatly benefit from, were we able to bring such knowledge home with us in our escape.

[nomoresharks]

'Tis hardly something the star of the tale would oppose me telling. Well, one individual aside, but he's much too modest for his own good.

And truth be told, I'm not entirely sure how it would work on your own worlds. I'm beginning to think creation magicks are the thing that makes it possible. I may be wrong, but at least on your world, is scarcity of resources one of the prime factors that lead to conflict?

[matermali]

One of many.

However, I would be more interested in learning about this creation magic you mentioned.

[nomoresharks]

I'd be more than happy to demonstrate if you like.

Are arrows all right? I've been practicing the most with them so far.

[matermali]

I've no interest in tricks. Where did it come from? Who created it? How were you taught?

[nomoresharks]

At this rate I'll have to host public lessons on aetherology.

I haven't the slightest idea who the first person to use creation magicks was, but 'tis something even children are capable of on Etheirys. Most parents teach their children how to best harness these magicks while young so they don't go bringing every thought that crosses their minds into being (as you can imagine, things get *quite* dangerous if they don't), but there are plenty of schools and tutors available to help guide them as they grow.

From there it all depends how each individual wishes to use his talents as well as his individual skill.

[matermali]

Aetherology?

[ She knows her Latin. Now she's even more interested. ]

I would very much like to see one of those lessons, should you find the time and inclination.

How have you chosen to wield your own talents, then? Only arrows?

[ She says 'only', but that's impressive by itself. ]

[nomoresharks]

Some other magic as well, though they're not much more than party tricks in their present form--something many people here have to deal with as well from what I've heard.

As for how I would use it back home... mainly day-to-day endeavors, really. I'm hardly a mage, and am quite terrible at manipulating aether aside, but despite that I know my measurements well enough to make a new robe for myself when necessary. My line of work mainly involves evaluating the creations of others to determine whether they can be registered for use or if they need to be revised first.

[matermali]

[ He is...quality control for miracles? ]

How very organized. Has its use always been so closely managed?

[nomoresharks]

[The funny thing is, that's not even inaccurate]

Of course.

...Is what I would like to say, but given some of the concepts that have crossed my desk, I wouldn't be surprised if positions like mine came into existence for a very good reason.

[matermali]

What should happen if someone does not wish for their creation to be so structured? If they cast spells that have not been welcomed by you or others?

[nomoresharks]

[It takes him a moment to reply, having needed time to think]

Actually, that's a good question. Most people I've come across have been happy to complete the modifications needed and resubmit, but for those who refuse to submit their concepts to the Bureau for review at all? I believe the Convocation would step in at that point.

[matermali]

And how does the Convocation most often manage such matters that come before them?

[nomoresharks]

I'm not entirely certain, but I think that would depend on who would end up going and what sort of magicks or creations would be at play. Though... a seal of some sort, maybe? It seems like it would help fix the problem with the least harm.

[matermali]

So it is immediately deemed a problem? That seems a bit sad. Wasteful, even.

[nomoresharks]

On the surface, perhaps. But it's not too uncommon for some people to get a bit carried away with their creations or for unexpected complications to arise as a result.

Let us use, for example, a flower. A lovely thing, mayhap even the most beautiful bloom you've ever laid eyes on. Its creator, absolutely smitten with its beauty wants to ensure it spreads far and wide, capable of growing in even the most extreme environments, seeking only to provide color and beauty reaching into the horizon.

'Tis a beautiful vision... in theory. In reality, 'tis like that the plant will end up choking out many others, or else irreparably changing the environment it spreads across into something else entirely. That ends up doing harm to the creatures living there, which causes problems down the food chain, and so on and so forth until one has a veritable disaster on their hands.

[matermali]

Yes, that is a possibility, but not a guarantee. To accept risk is to experience the verity of life. Anything less is doomed to be half-lived.