video, un: howe

[manifestering]

Hello. Octavian here as ever.

[Octavian slightly too close to the camera, specifically, with glimpses of Rumpitur's streets behind him, beautiful springtime, all of it. He looks wildly out of place here, as always looking like a wasted Victorian in a sweater vest who's never seen daylight, but: here he is.]

Previously I shared with you all the visions shown to me by our previous AI iteration. The former Chosen turned into something else. I believe this is them.

Watch.

[And he moves, device still in hand and camera rolling, to approach one of the Naga. He asks them quite directly, "Do you remember what you were before?"— and the Naga blinks at him for a second before something changes in their expression, a clarity coupled with a strangeness of feeling, like they are seconds away from remembering exactly what he's talking about. It's there, definitely, under the surface—

And then it fades, and the Naga brushes him off with a dismissive wave and turns away.]

You see. They are nearly there. I have asked them many variations. "Do you remember being Chosen." "Were you human once." "Do you know where your people came from." All who react do so in this same way.

[A beat; he makes a little face, lips pursed.] The others have informed me I am either insane or rude. Belligerent. What did you all do.

[It can't have been him, he is a weird hermit who barely goes out. The rude questions and abruptly accosting the Naga totally unrelated.]

Somewhat unrelated. In her departure Root has left me with a small pile of her computers and other devices. I am not especially gifted with them. Will someone help.

Comments

[manifestering]

They were merged with these serpents. Decay must be inevitable.

[Sucks to be them! Hopefully that won't happen again, huh!!]

She has left several computers. A handful of communication devices. The... "dark web" kind.

[endcaller]

"Dark web"? My, my, my, how ominous!

Well, I would be willing to take those computers and devices off your spectral hands!

[Giant neon red signs reading "DON'T" might as well be hanging around him. But they aren't, so he just smiles and blinks coquettishly.]

[manifestering]

I believe calling it ominous is why you were not privy to them before.

[Dweeb-ass response, he thinks, as a fellow dweeb-ass.]

But no. They were left for me. They are mine.

[endcaller]

[A deep sigh and he shakes his head.]

Very well. If they must stay in your possession, I can at the very least look over them with you, yes?

[manifestering]

I could be amenable to it. I shall bring one to what remains of the inn. After I have finished my business here. Of course.

[endcaller]

Of course.

If only we knew more about the Chosen of the past cycles. Had we any artifacts or music on hand I am sure the reactions from the scalekin would be...interesting!

[manifestering]

I do not know how we could obtain those. Such things from our own homes appear here all the time. One would assume the previous Chosen experienced the same.

But I do not know where their things would have gone.

[cactusy]

Howe. You need me to kick this guy's ass?

[Though she's clearly addressing Octavian, the reply is threaded under Fandaniel for a reason - please note her hovering, bro.]

[manifestering]

[Oh, this reply tickles him, she is truly a delight.]

Not presently no. Thank you for looking out for me regardless. I have been learning to punch. It has been terrible.

private

[cactusy]

I don't know diddly about computers. But if you have more than you want to deal with, I can store it.

-> permaprivate

[manifestering]

That would be helpful. There are quite a few.

Are you alright?

permaprivate

[cactusy]

I'm fine. Bring them by whenever.

[ She inserts an address her - to the apartment that technically belongs to Charles Rowland. ]

[manifestering]

Alright. Once I have returned from the serpentfolk's town. I will bring you a souvenir.

[He means this. Maybe they have fish keychains.]

[cactusy]

You don't have to do that. I wouldn't know what to do with it.

[manifestering]

Hang it up somewhere I suppose. Assuming I can find you something to hang up.

[cactusy]

[She pauses.]

Yeah. Okay.

[She doesn't sound dismissive, she sounds all too serious. Whatever weird thing Root's buddy brings her will get hung up in her apartment.]

[endcaller]

I could use a kick in the arse, I shan't lie.

Dare I ask why you offer? Have I done aught wrong?

[Other than have rancid vibes.]

This isn't about me destroying part of the city, is it? If you decide to fight everyone who does that, you will fight half the Chosen erelong.

[cactusy]

Call it a warning shot. But sure, I can beat you up for that too, if you want.

[endcaller]

Mercy me!

[He throws his hands into the air.]

I would never harm our favorite resident specter.

Though I must say, your commitment to his protection is commendable. Whence came it?

[cactusy]

You're being weird about powerful electronics. That doesn't go well, in my experience.

[endcaller]

[A playful wink.]

Ah, that.

I am a technologist. Surely you cannot blame me for my interest? I do promise not to use technology for anything wretched!

[cactusy]

What's the phrase - a hundred times bitten, a hundred and one times shy. You're smarmy as hell, dude.

[endcaller]

Ah, the tragic backstory comes into focus!

You were wronged by a scientist? Such a shame...

Hmm... 'Tis strangely a common issue in these parts.

[cactusy]

"Tragic backstory"? If that's what you want to call pattern recognition, sure.

[endcaller]

Pattern recognition! My!

So...

What manner of mad scientist was it?