(4:54:59 PM) You have just entered room "planewalkers."
Jak Snide (4:55:11 PM): Good evening, sir
ChristianCord (4:55:31 PM): Haldo all of you two
Idran1701 (4:56:10 PM): Hey Jak.
ChristianCord (4:56:11 PM): Anyway, this week...
ChristianCord (4:57:48 PM): I'd say Tuesday evening works best for me. I'd be home around 10 PM then, 9 PM for you Jak
Jak Snide (4:57:57 PM): Monday and Tuesday later on work for me (though aren't preferable). Wednesday and Thursday are free (Traveller died a prolonged death :[ ).
Idran1701 (4:58:12 PM): :(
Idran1701 (4:58:16 PM): What happened?
Jak Snide (4:58:21 PM): Tuesday 9pm I can do, though I might be slightly late depending on when family time finishes.
Jak Snide (4:58:25 PM): ^GM went to university
Idran1701 (4:58:28 PM): Ah.
Jak Snide (4:58:30 PM): Work hit him in the jaw repeatedly
ChristianCord (4:59:09 PM): Thursday doesn't work for me at all, I think. I do get home at 6 PM GMT, so if we can run the game around that time that can work, but late-night games won't work.
ChristianCord (4:59:22 PM): Friday, Saturday & Sunday should be fine though
Jak Snide (4:59:37 PM): Saturday?
Jak Snide (4:59:39 PM): Really?
Jak Snide (4:59:44 PM): Haven't you fogotten something? :[
ChristianCord (4:59:58 PM): We can play two games at the same time
ChristianCord (5:00:05 PM): You know how many times I've done that?
ChristianCord (5:00:10 PM): Idran, tell him
Jak Snide (5:00:11 PM): Perhaps, but I'm GMing
ChristianCord (5:00:14 PM): Bah
Jak Snide (5:00:14 PM): And that's a full time workload
ChristianCord (5:00:24 PM): ...well, with this group, yeah, that's true.
Idran1701 (5:00:24 PM): He's right.
ChristianCord (5:00:51 PM): Okay, Friday and Sunday then
Idran1701 (5:01:09 PM): I hate to wait that long, though. I guess we can try for tonight.
ChristianCord (5:01:10 PM): Or Thursday 6 PM - 12 PM GMT
Idran1701 (5:01:16 PM): But I can't guarantee my full attention.
ChristianCord (5:01:35 PM): I'm completely free tonight actually, for like... 8-9 hours. Most worried about Jak though, work tomorrow?
Jak Snide (5:02:46 PM): Yup
Jak Snide (5:02:53 PM): And Tuesday would be best, it sounds like.
Idran1701 (5:03:33 PM): Except for me.
Idran1701 (5:03:46 PM): 9pm your time is like noon here?
Idran1701 (5:04:01 PM): Wait, no, 3?
ChristianCord (5:04:24 PM): 4 I think, GMTs 5 hours ahead of EST... or do you live outside that? :O
Idran1701 (5:04:27 PM): Bah I hate time zones. I'm in Eastern.
ChristianCord (5:04:42 PM): I'm six hours ahead, I'm fairly sure
Jak Snide (5:04:43 PM): You're me -5
Idran1701 (5:04:44 PM): That definitely won't work for me.
Jak Snide (5:04:48 PM): Buggery :[
ChristianCord (5:04:48 PM): Ah
ChristianCord (5:04:57 PM): Well, next weekend then. :<
Idran1701 (5:04:58 PM): I'll either be doing homework still or asleep.
Jak Snide (5:05:02 PM): :[
Idran1701 (5:05:29 PM): So there's another week of the thread being dead, then.
ChristianCord (5:06:34 PM): Hmm... I... might actually be able to do it Wednesday as well, but again that's going to be ~4 PM for you Idran. :/
Idran1701 (5:06:34 PM): One sec.
Idran1701 (5:07:24 PM): Got a weird idea.
ChristianCord (5:07:42 PM): Hm?
Idran1701 (5:07:57 PM): Wednesday would be more doable, that's after everything I've got is due.
ChristianCord (5:08:10 PM): *nods*
Idran1701 (5:08:20 PM): But I'm checking something about Tuesday.
Jak Snide (5:08:42 PM): What start time? I can go as early as 6:30pm, though I imagine that's way too early for you, Idran
Idran1701 (5:09:08 PM): For Tuesday or Wednesday?
ChristianCord (5:09:38 PM): 9 PM at the earliest for me both days, GMT
ChristianCord (5:09:43 PM): :( Unfortunately
Jak Snide (5:10:50 PM): For Wednesday.
Jak Snide (5:10:56 PM): Tuesday earliest time is 9pm GMT
Idran1701 (5:11:22 PM): Wednesday I'd be in the middle of class from 8-9 GMT.
Jak Snide (5:11:42 PM): Start past 9pm, then?
Idran1701 (5:11:58 PM): If Tuesday doesn't work, but Shaun's not getting back to me.
Idran1701 (5:12:47 PM): And he just went away.
ChristianCord (5:13:10 PM): :[
Idran1701 (5:13:38 PM): I was going to ask him to proctor for me on a Tuesday session.
Jak Snide (5:13:51 PM): Perhaps we should institute a cell phone # database. So people can be bothered via text messages if they're not about.
ChristianCord (5:13:52 PM): proctor?
Jak Snide (5:14:01 PM): Also, what Christian said
Idran1701 (5:14:11 PM): Stand in for me and run the session in my absence.
ChristianCord (5:14:38 PM): *nods* :O
Idran1701 (5:15:29 PM): Anyway, so tonight's also definitely out?
ChristianCord (5:15:42 PM): Jak?
Jak Snide (5:17:21 PM): Not got anything on. If you feel that you're able to run it then go for it.
ChristianCord (5:18:53 PM): I'm just prepping some late-night dinner at the moment, so I'm go
ChristianCord (5:19:20 PM): (and laughing my ass off at Darth & Droids)
Jak Snide (5:19:54 PM): As well you should
Idran1701 (5:24:35 PM): All right. But like I said, I can't devote my full attention to it.
ChristianCord (5:25:23 PM): I'm totally cool with that, even if we won't finish tonight, getting through a part of it will help in the long run :)
Idran1701 (5:25:52 PM): (So what are you doing before the hearing?)
Jak Snide (5:27:14 PM): (Assuming that research is concluded?)
Idran1701 (5:27:38 PM): (Well, you were on your way to the place after you had finished your research.)
Idran1701 (5:27:41 PM): (So yes. :P)
ChristianCord (5:28:19 PM): (Magpie, after hearing about Hoshi's blight, has decided to aid, of course, and tries to recollect whatever it can that will help in the case. Cold, hard logic seems to be the trick in this town, and the construct's quite good at that... usually, anyway.)
Jak Snide (5:28:21 PM): (You and your sass. I presume we're still heading to the hearing, then. Zant believing that they are prepared and all).
Idran1701 (5:28:41 PM): (Yeah, but I wasn't sure if there was anything else you were doing beforehand.)
Jak Snide (5:30:29 PM): (A prayer to Ishtishia, maybe, but that's all)
ChristianCord (5:30:39 PM): *Magpie does nothing before it*
Idran1701 (5:31:19 PM): *Hearing, then!*
Idran1701 (5:31:41 PM): (I'm going to try and rush things a little, just to get it done with, if no one minds.)
ChristianCord (5:32:13 PM): (no problem with me)
Jak Snide (5:32:14 PM): (Sure)
ChristianCord (5:33:11 PM): *Magpie has, on the way, brought with it a cloak, however, from their hotel, which it is wearing wrapped around one shoulder, almost hiding its arm. The cloak is lavender-blue, looks pretty rattily made, and is fastened with a very simple and cheap-looking brass button*
ChristianCord (5:33:18 PM): (inn, inn. Gah)
Idran1701 (5:34:45 PM): *After initial ceremonies and whatnot, Zant and Magpie are allowed to present their opening argument to the judge, an elderly-looking aasimar with a firm yet unreadable expression on his face.*
Jak Snide (5:35:11 PM): *Zant has chosen to a set of garment with greater cover today, wary of the attitudes of others and the relatively filthy air*
ChristianCord (5:36:57 PM): *Slightly oblivious to the actual procedures, Magpie stands silently next to Zant, looking around with its usual inquisitiveness. If there is anything it is able to aid its companion with, it will of course do so, but for now it's there as an imposing aide*
Jak Snide (5:37:29 PM): "Your honour, I intend today that the defendant is innocent of the charge of intent to supply a proscribed substance, showing instead that she possessed the substance for purely innocent reasons."
Jak Snide (5:42:50 PM): (Is it proper protocol to properply outline his statement, or wait to explain fully once formalities are done with?)
Idran1701 (5:43:54 PM): (Outline it.)
Jak Snide (5:45:01 PM): "The defendant is a sculptor and silversmith. The material found in her possession was intended to be nothing more than materials for her craft."
ChristianCord (5:48:14 PM): In support of this, it was ruled in Circulation 64 of the Calendar of the Fifth Ruling that Toralyn Hawkshare was given the permission to perform his trade of goldsmithing with the amount of gold he had procured for himself before entering Automata. It is clear this is a case of similar nature, possession does not imply anything other than that she was in possession of a large amount of rare metals.
Jak Snide (5:48:36 PM): (God bless that machine mind)
ChristianCord (5:49:04 PM): (If I do make assumptions I shouldn't, feel free to smack my fingers, Idran)
ChristianCord (5:49:08 PM): (:D)
Idran1701 (5:51:22 PM): *the prosecution, a thin hobgoblin in formal dress, speaks up* Rare metals deemed illegal in this city. Gold has never been illegalized in Automata, and thus your precedent is inapplicable.
Jak Snide (5:53:06 PM): "The possession of proscribed material is not the issue that is in question. There is no doubt that the defendant possessed it. The charge they she intended to supply it to others is what shall contest today."
Idran1701 (5:57:11 PM): *are they finished?*
ChristianCord (5:57:21 PM): *Magpie seems a bit shocked at the snappy rebukal, and merely stares at the hobgoblin, and then glances to Zant, whispering slighlty* I... apologize. I was not aware that they had made certain metals illegal...
ChristianCord (5:57:29 PM): (Magpie's got nothing more)
Jak Snide (5:58:05 PM): *Zant appears to be waiting for someone to ask him to demonstrate. If it's clear that he's meant to procede, however, he will*
Idran1701 (5:58:43 PM): (This is just initial statements, where they present what arguments they will be making.)
Idran1701 (5:58:53 PM): (Not where they start presenting those arguments.)
Idran1701 (5:59:03 PM): (Er, not where they start arguing them.)
Idran1701 (5:59:45 PM): *the judge speaks* If that is all, you may be seated. Prosecution?
Jak Snide (6:00:06 PM): (Gotcha)
ChristianCord (6:00:15 PM): (*nods*)
Idran1701 (6:02:11 PM): *he stands* The accused was found in possession of not merely two crates of silver, itself a questionable amount, but two crates of alchemical silver, a substance whose usage is almost wholly intended for the creation of weapons intended for usage against those beings aligned with the essence of Law.
Idran1701 (6:03:16 PM): The only conclusion to be brought is the intent of action against a Lawful force; whether archon, baatezu, or modron is irrelevant, with such a massive quantity, the only conclusion one can make is that the accused is nothing more than an arms dealer working against the interests of Order.
Jak Snide (6:03:52 PM): Objection.
Jak Snide (6:07:36 PM): There are several common uses of the substance in silversmithing, the most notable being to provide a coating for statues.
Idran1701 (6:08:18 PM): You may present that as evidence in your case.
Idran1701 (6:08:27 PM): *the prosecution sits* Defense, call your first witness.
Idran1701 (6:09:04 PM): (We can also assume this is after the visit with Hoshi to tell her what the plan is, and after Zant and Magpie had time to figure out who all (if anyone else) they would be calling)
Idran1701 (6:09:16 PM): (A day or two after the last post if necessary.)
Jak Snide (6:09:23 PM): *Zant offers a silent prayer to his deity* I call the defeandant to the stand to testify to the uses of quicksilver in her craft.
Jak Snide (6:09:42 PM): (Indeed. Hoshi will have been informed ahead of time. It doesn't change the fact that Zant has a terrible sense of foreboding right now)
ChristianCord (6:09:51 PM): (*nods* Sounds reasonable. Are there other silversmiths in the city? or well... jewelrysmiths in worst case. We might also call a weaponsmith I believe?)
Idran1701 (6:10:01 PM): (Sure)
ChristianCord (6:10:49 PM): (We could question them regarding the uses of silver, not to mention inquire about the necessary tools, preparations and skills required to make weaponry of alchemical silver, not to mention how long it would take to construct such things, and the possibility of finding a buyer in Automata)
ChristianCord (6:11:31 PM): (...is what Magpie has suggested, any way)
Jak Snide (6:11:37 PM): (Do not call weaponsmiths.)
Jak Snide (6:11:52 PM): (We don't want to reinforce the use of it as weaponised substance :[ )
Jak Snide (6:12:11 PM): (Oh, wait, I need to read more fully. Durr0
Idran1701 (6:12:13 PM): (Also, give me an Int check, both of you.)
Jak Snide (6:12:15 PM): *)
Jak Snide (6:12:25 PM): (Oh god how do you roll dice in AIM again?)
Idran1701 (6:12:34 PM): (//roll -dice # -sides #)
OnlineHost (6:12:44 PM): Jak Snide rolled 1 20-sided die: 2
OnlineHost (6:12:46 PM): ChristianCord rolled 1 20-sided die: 1
Idran1701 (6:12:49 PM): (You don't run your game in AIM?)
Jak Snide (6:12:50 PM): (I wish this was DH)
ChristianCord (6:12:50 PM): (...)
Jak Snide (6:12:55 PM): (Then those would be awesome rolls)
Jak Snide (6:13:03 PM): (Hell, Paranoia would do too)
ChristianCord (6:13:07 PM): (mIRC)
Idran1701 (6:13:10 PM): (Aha.)
ChristianCord (6:13:25 PM): (Well.. that's 14... :( )
Idran1701 (6:13:41 PM): (It's d20 + Int mod, not d20 + Int :P)
Jak Snide (6:13:48 PM): (So 2 here :D )
ChristianCord (6:13:57 PM): (haha, 3 then)
Idran1701 (6:13:57 PM): (Unless you have an Int of 36, of course.)
ChristianCord (6:14:05 PM): (uh... 2)
Idran1701 (6:14:05 PM): (Do you?)
ChristianCord (6:14:10 PM): (Nope :D)
Idran1701 (6:14:24 PM): *the judge nods, and Hoshi is brought to the stand, scowling*
Idran1701 (6:14:46 PM): *Something itches at the back of Zant and Magpie's mind; have they made a potential mistake?*
ChristianCord (6:15:16 PM): (On a note, Magpie is Lawful Neutral... did Hoshi actually intend to use the silver to make weapons?)
Idran1701 (6:15:24 PM): (She says no)
ChristianCord (6:15:30 PM): (Good enough for Magpie)
Idran1701 (6:15:51 PM): (It was for silversmithing; make an iron statue, coat it in alchemical silver. Cheaper and easier to work with than pure silver for larger creations.)
Jak Snide (6:16:42 PM): (Hoshi did say she didn't want to deal with "these people," but needs must.)
Idran1701 (6:18:35 PM): *Hoshi is at the stand? Who will begin questioning?*
Idran1701 (6:18:38 PM): *.
ChristianCord (6:18:48 PM): *Magpie whispers a few choice words to Zant to remind him of its opinion on the matter. It's gotten better, the voice doesn't carry over the entire hall*
ChristianCord (6:19:52 PM): *W* It would be advisable to establish that Hoshi has no relations with the people of the underside of Automata. The less she know them, the less reason for her to bring this quantity of alchemical silver.
Jak Snide (6:19:52 PM): (What's it saying? :o )
ChristianCord (6:20:00 PM): (What I told you over IM, more or less. :P)
Jak Snide (6:20:50 PM): *nods and steps forward.* Miss Hoshi, would you detail for us the uses of quicksilver within your chosen craft?
Idran1701 (6:22:56 PM): *unhappy with being brought up, she stays silent for a period before finally answering* ...Well, silver's a soft metal. Expensive too. Makes it hard to work with for large items. So you make a piece in iron, and then you coat it in quicksilver. Same result, and it lasts longer.
Jak Snide (6:23:42 PM): *nods* Was this your intended use for the substance?
Idran1701 (6:23:54 PM): It was.
Jak Snide (6:24:37 PM): (Did Hoshi mention any other potential uses for quicksilver?)
Idran1701 (6:24:53 PM): (In silversmithing? Nope.)
Jak Snide (6:25:31 PM): (Did Zant have the forethought to ask Hoshi if she knew how to silver a weapon?)
ChristianCord (6:25:38 PM): (I was just seriously baffled about alchemical silver = quicksilver. Not to worry though, that's not changed anything of what I've thought :D)
Jak Snide (6:27:17 PM): (Is is alchemical silver or quicksilver? Are they the same thing? Have I made a horrendous blunder?)
Idran1701 (6:28:38 PM): (It's alchemical silver, but I'm fine with calling it quicksilver too.)
Idran1701 (6:28:44 PM): (I figured that's what you meant.)
Idran1701 (6:28:55 PM): (Alchemical silver is the stuff you use to make weapons that bypass silver DR.)
ChristianCord (6:29:23 PM): (Ah, I see. I assumed it was mercury :D)
Idran1701 (6:29:36 PM): ( http://www.d20srd.org/srd/specialMaterials.htm#silverAlchemical )
Idran1701 (6:30:12 PM): (And also it's up to you if Zant thought of that.)
ChristianCord (6:30:33 PM): (*nods* Sweden still uses Quicksilver as the name for it. Thanks for clearing it up :D)
Jak Snide (6:30:37 PM): (I'm an idort :[ Replace all quicksilver with alchemical silver. And sure, he'd have asked. He'd had a few days to think on it)
Idran1701 (6:30:53 PM): (Hey, we can say quicksilver means alchemical silver. :P)
Idran1701 (6:31:00 PM): (Makes sense.)
ChristianCord (6:31:01 PM): (sounds good to me :D)
ChristianCord (6:31:09 PM): (I quicksilvered my sword)
Jak Snide (6:32:46 PM): (And can she?)
Idran1701 (6:33:32 PM): (She can, yeah.)
Jak Snide (6:36:46 PM): (Piss)
Jak Snide (6:36:57 PM): (That was not the answer I wanted :[ )
Jak Snide (6:37:34 PM): (Did we find another silversmith in Automata?)
Idran1701 (6:39:01 PM): (Sure.)
Jak Snide (6:39:18 PM): "Would any other silversmith be able to verify what you have stated?"
Idran1701 (6:40:05 PM): How would I know? Depends how they were trained.
Jak Snide (6:42:42 PM): (Guess Ishtishia doesn't like Zant looking out for fire worshipping troublemakers). In that case I shall call our next testimony to the stand.
Idran1701 (6:43:34 PM): Prosecution, any questions for the witness?
Idran1701 (6:46:44 PM): *he stands* Miss Hoshi, have you ever created or sold a silvered weapon?
Idran1701 (6:47:04 PM): ...Now and again. But not since-
Idran1701 (6:47:22 PM): And what were these weapons used for?
ChristianCord (6:47:32 PM): ((...fuuuuuck))
Idran1701 (6:47:49 PM): How would I know? I didn't ask.
Idran1701 (6:48:10 PM): Based on past experience, what would you guess they were used for?
Idran1701 (6:48:38 PM): ...They could've been fighting werebeasts.
Idran1701 (6:48:43 PM): And?
Idran1701 (6:49:30 PM): ...*sighs* baatezu, Mount celestials, maybe modrons. But that's not-
Idran1701 (6:49:40 PM): No further questions.
Jak Snide (6:50:37 PM): Your honour, I would like to ask the witness further questions in response to the prosecution's.
Idran1701 (6:51:15 PM): ...*he nods* You may have three.
Jak Snide (6:51:49 PM): Miss Hoshi, when you sold such weapons were you within the plane of Automata?
Idran1701 (6:51:57 PM): (City)
Jak Snide (6:52:04 PM): (Pardon, city)
Idran1701 (6:52:13 PM): No.
Jak Snide (6:53:05 PM): "Then is it correct to say that when you sold these weapons at some unspecified point in the past you were not subject to the laws of the city?"
Idran1701 (6:53:26 PM): Yes.
Jak Snide (6:55:26 PM): Your honour, this city grants access to many beings who are in possession of skills or abilities that might do it harm. That they possess such talents is not grounds for arrest. Many creatures, even those which hail from lawful planes, hold the capacity to commit a crime. Are we to punish them all based on this capacity alone?"
Idran1701 (6:56:32 PM): Capacity alone, perhaps not, but capacity with intent, yes. And your honor, the defense has not yet proven a lack of intent, merely a potential alternate interpretation.
Jak Snide (6:59:02 PM): "Your honour, the defedant has made no attempt to conceal her craft. If she was intent on providing illegal services to those within Automata it is strange that she took no precautions to conceal this."
ChristianCord (6:59:55 PM): (Magpie has nothing to add)
Idran1701 (7:02:34 PM): That's for me to decide. Call your next witness.
Jak Snide (7:03:09 PM): *Zant nods politely and summons the silversmith they'd located to the stand*
Idran1701 (7:03:33 PM): *summoned!*
Jak Snide (7:04:08 PM): (Do we have a name, or should I get inventive?)
Idran1701 (7:05:29 PM): (You make it up)
ChristianCord (7:05:36 PM): (Arthur)
Jak Snide (7:06:20 PM): (There we go)
Jak Snide (7:06:37 PM): Mr Arthur, what is your profession?
Idran1701 (7:08:50 PM): Silversmith.
Jak Snide (7:10:18 PM): "What applications exist within your profession for alchemical silver?"
Idran1701 (7:16:13 PM): Like she said. Weaponcrafting and creating large items.
Jak Snide (7:17:50 PM): *nods* Thank you, Mr Arthur
Idran1701 (7:21:52 PM): Prosecution, any questions? No, your honor. Then defense may call their next witness.
Jak Snide (7:22:36 PM): (Ideas, Christian?)
ChristianCord (7:23:21 PM): (Ehr... well, we... hm... are the guards in Automata equipped with Silvered weapons?)
Jak Snide (7:23:46 PM): (Good question)
Idran1701 (7:24:45 PM): (Only for emergencies.)
ChristianCord (7:27:23 PM): (Well... I can't really think of providing any proof that'll make her appear not guilty, but as the goal was getting her to only pay the fine... call someone from the guard and have them questioned on whether the amount of silvered weapon discovered and confiscated has increased. I don't think there's much else to do in these cases than to try to present the defendant as the type of person who wouldn't be making these silverings, haven't been making these silverings, and hasn't been convicted to a crime of such sort previously in Automata)
ChristianCord (7:27:36 PM): (She... hasn't been convicted of other crimes here, has she?)
Idran1701 (7:27:47 PM): (Yeah, keep in mind the goal is only to show reasonable doubt that she intended to sell.)
Idran1701 (7:28:02 PM): (Not to prove definitively that she did.)
Idran1701 (7:28:10 PM): (Still innocent until proven guilty in Automata.)
ChristianCord (7:28:59 PM): (Unfortunately, relations to the underground is a wild-card that might just besmirch her character rather than to make her appear in better lights.)
Jak Snide (7:29:12 PM): (Whoop whoop. We could ask her about any commissions she'd received. Or better yet, call people who commissioned her to the stand)
Jak Snide (7:32:01 PM): (Does such a person exist?)
Idran1701 (7:33:45 PM): (Sure, I'll say so.)
Jak Snide (7:34:48 PM): "I call Mr Giles Baron to the stand."
Idran1701 (7:35:26 PM): *called!*
Jak Snide (7:36:42 PM): Mr Baron, did you commission works from the defendant?
Idran1701 (7:37:33 PM): Yep.
Jak Snide (7:37:42 PM): "What was the nature of this commission?"
Idran1701 (7:38:36 PM): *shrug* Not much. A couple of silver bands. Nothing fancy, no gems.
Jak Snide (7:39:40 PM): "Did the defendant advertise her craft plainly and openly?"
Idran1701 (7:41:02 PM): *nods* She told me she was a silversmith, yeah.
Jak Snide (7:42:33 PM): *inclines his head in acknowledgement* No more questions.
Idran1701 (7:48:39 PM): (Anyone else?)
Jak Snide (7:48:49 PM): (Not that I can think of. Mags?)
ChristianCord (7:49:04 PM): (Nope. Magpie has supplied its opinions on things.
ChristianCord (7:49:10 PM): (Sorry, should've said such)
Jak Snide (7:49:22 PM): (Guess that's that, then. Unless any divine inspiration strikes)
Idran1701 (7:50:23 PM): (Prosecution witnesses, then. First witness is a scholar of religions.)
Idran1701 (7:51:18 PM): The defendant is known to be a priestess of the goddess Kagutsuchi. Beyond being a deity devoted to fire, what is the central tenet of his teachings?
Idran1701 (7:52:08 PM): That authority is not to be trusted. That it will always betray you, and thus his followers are to watch and wait for the opportunity to strike pre-emptively in kind.
Idran1701 (7:52:44 PM): No further questions.
ChristianCord (7:53:29 PM): *Magpie stands* If I could interject.
Jak Snide (7:53:43 PM): *looks to Magpie*
ChristianCord (7:55:06 PM): There are more than one way to weaken an existing force, in this case an authority. Although violent means may seem effective on a short-term basis, it would presumably be more effective to channel this distrust through legal systems and effectively beat the authority on its own grounds. What the said authority should be replaced with, however, remains a different questions.
ChristianCord (7:55:50 PM): Implying that because of her religion, the defendant would be plotting to make silvered weapons to fight it is basing the conclusion on the defendant not being intelligent enough to devise other means to combat authority.
ChristianCord (7:55:55 PM): That is all, thank you.
ChristianCord (7:55:58 PM): *it sits down again*
Jak Snide (7:57:53 PM): "If I may add, the defendant has already demonstrate the method which she deemed suitable to follow the tenants of her faith. She has been preaching openly, and legally I might add, and has attracted a number of followers. Had subterfuge been her objective she would have been more discreet with her efforts."
Idran1701 (7:58:51 PM): *the prosecution seems to have no further witnesses in response*
Idran1701 (7:59:03 PM): *Closing statements?*
ChristianCord (8:00:40 PM): *Magpie looks to Zant, almost expectantly, arms resting on the table in front of them*
Jak Snide (8:00:59 PM): "Your honour, I believe that we have demonstrated that the defendant, while in possession of a proscribed material, had no intention to use it form harmful means nor to distribute it in a weaponised form. Her intended use for the material was purely as a decorative substance and nothing more."
Jak Snide (8:11:32 PM): (Nothing more to add. Though I'm guessing Idran's just busy with work)
Idran1701 (8:11:38 PM): (Yeah)
Idran1701 (8:12:49 PM): The defendant has both the character and the knowledge to distribute this material amongst those that would wish to slaughter the forces of Law. Can we risk allowing her to remain within the city given such?
Idran1701 (8:12:56 PM): *The judge leaves for deliberation!*
ChristianCord (8:13:23 PM): That went well, do you not think so, Zant?
ChristianCord (8:13:33 PM): *there is not a hint of irony in the voice of the construct*
Jak Snide (8:14:41 PM): I believe so, yes. Hoshi is hardly the picture of an arms smuggler. She lacks a certain subtlety.
ChristianCord (8:15:11 PM): *the eyes of the construct flicker for a moment* Yes, I believe she does.
Jak Snide (8:17:34 PM): Regardless of the outcome I do not believe that Shade shall be pleased with us.
ChristianCord (8:18:58 PM): Sh... *the construct cuts itself off halfway and then its eyes flare up* Ah yes, Shade. He will simply have to accept that we are making Hoshi leave Automata on our terms, not his.
Jak Snide (8:20:16 PM): *raises an eyebrow and inclines his head*
Jak Snide (8:20:43 PM): (Zant was about to ask why Magpie was helping them do the exact opposite of what their job entailed. Now he is thinking that isn't a good idea.)
ChristianCord (8:21:02 PM): (:D)
Idran1701 (8:21:59 PM): (He'll have to bring it up at some point. :O)
Jak Snide (8:22:49 PM): (Pffft. Don't rock the boat)
ChristianCord (8:22:55 PM): (Zant DID mention he didn't think Hoshi should be removed)
ChristianCord (8:23:01 PM): (Magpie, it seems, have ignored this? :D)
ChristianCord (8:23:07 PM): (But do bring it up)
Jak Snide (8:23:16 PM): (He has mentioned this, yes)
ChristianCord (8:23:29 PM): Shall she be travelling with us? I am certain her skills would be much appreciated in the guild
Jak Snide (8:25:03 PM): "I shall put the question to her in due time."
ChristianCord (8:26:33 PM): Of course, it is still considerable that the judge will decide against her favor.
Idran1701 (8:27:16 PM): *The judge returns with a decision!*
Idran1701 (8:27:37 PM): *Hoshi's still found guilty of possession, but Zant and MAgpie's arguments seem to have been successful, and she's found not guilty on intent to sell*
Jak Snide (8:27:38 PM): "I hope that prejudice will not prevail this day." (To Magpie, that)
ChristianCord (8:27:42 PM): (where is Hoshi when all this is happening by the way?)
Idran1701 (8:28:02 PM): (In with the other witnesses.)
ChristianCord (8:28:54 PM): *Magpie folds it arms and nods, carefully tucking at some cloth from the cloak that seems to have gotten stuck in a slit between its armor-plates*
Idran1701 (8:30:57 PM): *Hoshi leaves the witness area, approaching the two of them* Ha. I guess it worked out. Thanks, Zant.
Jak Snide (8:31:49 PM): *smiles* "It was my pleasure, though it seems that I shall be adding lawyer to the list of my professions."
ChristianCord (8:32:02 PM): Congratulations, Miss Hoshi. *Magpie nods to the priestess* it would seem that everything worked out all right.
ChristianCord (8:32:44 PM): You will be paying a fine, but at least you will not be kept in the city longer than is necessary.
Idran1701 (8:33:24 PM): Eh? I'm staying. Didn't Zant tell you?
Jak Snide (8:33:49 PM): "I believe I did. Over lunch some days ago."
ChristianCord (8:34:21 PM): Oh? *Magpie looks... the same, but is obviously a bit confused* I had assumed that this incident would have convinced you that establishing an anti-establishment church in Automata would be a fruitless endeavour.
ChristianCord (8:34:35 PM): Surely it would be more effective in a city that welcomes such initiative.
Jak Snide (8:35:13 PM): *Zant chooses to remain silent and let Hoshi speak for herself.*
Idran1701 (8:37:16 PM): More effective, but I'd say it's more necessary here. It's easy to get people to question authority where there's not much of one.
Idran1701 (8:37:30 PM): But if there's not much of one, there's not as much need to question it.
Idran1701 (8:37:38 PM): It's in a place like this city that it's most important.
Idran1701 (8:37:51 PM): And this'll just help to prove that authority's not always right.
Jak Snide (8:38:12 PM): "As it proved to be in this instance. Partially, at least."
ChristianCord (8:38:54 PM): How would it be more effective? Automata is close to the border of the Plane of Law, there is nothing you can accomplish that would make it closer to any other plane. There have been other endeavours to do this, I cannot say much about them, as I was distracted by the legal procedures of the judical procedures of settling a trade dispute, but the endeavour will fail.
Idran1701 (8:39:21 PM): *waves it off* I don't care about moving Automata.
Idran1701 (8:39:26 PM): I just care about the people in it.
ChristianCord (8:39:39 PM): If they were not satisfied, why would they stay?
Idran1701 (8:39:39 PM): Make sure they don't get crushed by the gears of the system.
ChristianCord (8:39:58 PM): Is that not what freedom means?
Idran1701 (8:40:06 PM): *shrugs* Sometimes folks can't just up and move. Some have family, some have nostalgia, some just don't have the money.
Idran1701 (8:40:30 PM): Why d'you think the Underground exists? Why wouldn't the folks down there just find somewhere less lawful to set up kip?
ChristianCord (8:42:19 PM): *the construct considers this for a while and then shakes its head* They are like you, unable to see when they are pursuing a fruitless goal. *its eyes flare a little* I do not understand it, but it is your choice, your freedom.
Idran1701 (8:42:49 PM): *she shrugs* Even lawful folks can get caught by the bureaucracy.
Idran1701 (8:43:07 PM): Are you saying following what your authority's always told you has always worked out well for you?
ChristianCord (8:43:34 PM): There is always a way to win. There is always a path you can take that is to your advantage. Not every one has discovered it.
Idran1701 (8:44:09 PM): Not always. Sometimes you've just got to help people on the path they're already on.
Idran1701 (8:44:27 PM): Sometimes there isn't a way to win.
ChristianCord (8:44:32 PM): No
ChristianCord (8:44:34 PM): You are wrong
ChristianCord (8:44:42 PM): Sometimes you just don't know what you need to win.
Jak Snide (8:45:11 PM): "What makes you so certain of this?"
ChristianCord (8:46:20 PM): Living creatures are distracted. I do not know what this is.
ChristianCord (8:46:24 PM): *why this is
Idran1701 (8:47:01 PM): And you're not?
Idran1701 (8:47:32 PM): What's your goal in life?
ChristianCord (8:48:33 PM): To achieve my goal.
Idran1701 (8:48:43 PM): *laughs* What goal?
ChristianCord (8:48:52 PM): To remove you from Automata.
Idran1701 (8:49:11 PM): *shakes her head* Your goal in life. Not what you want right now.
ChristianCord (8:49:18 PM): My goal is to achieve my goal.
Jak Snide (8:49:37 PM): *shakes his head* Magpie, I was under the impression that we had come to an understanding on this matter.
Idran1701 (8:49:54 PM): You don't want anything but what people tell you to want, then? Sad, that.
ChristianCord (8:50:16 PM): Incorrect. I want to do what I have agreed to do. I want to finish what I start.
Idran1701 (8:50:51 PM): Well, you're going to be disappointed on this one. Because I'm not leaving.
Idran1701 (8:51:09 PM): *grins* In fact, I think I'm going to refuse to leave just because you and the Underground want me to go, now.
ChristianCord (8:51:39 PM): That is unfortunate. I believe there are means I could employ to force you to leave. However, these means are not accessible to me as I am not the only one who shares this goal.
Idran1701 (8:51:46 PM): Well, my goal is to prevent your goal. And by what you said, there's a path I can find to win, right?
Idran1701 (8:52:29 PM): *takes a seat* Of course, your goal's to stop my goal. And that means there's a path you can find to win.
ChristianCord (8:52:31 PM): I am not afraid of Death. It is an abstract concept of me. *its eyes dim slightly* I have thought long about it, but it is not something I can imagine. I feel no desire to procreate, nor do I desire material goods, or renown.
Idran1701 (8:52:34 PM): But you can't have both at once.
Jak Snide (8:52:39 PM): *ensuring that he is standing out of Magpie's field of vision, Zant permits himself a slight smile*
Idran1701 (8:52:51 PM): So only one of us can win.
Idran1701 (8:52:56 PM): So, you must be wrong, right?
Idran1701 (8:53:03 PM): One of us doesn't have a path to win.
ChristianCord (8:53:53 PM): You are assuming that I included anything beyond death. I apologize and correct myself. I cannot win if I cease to function, and you cannot win if you die.
Idran1701 (8:54:15 PM): Well, I'm not going to kill you. And you're obviously not going to kill me.
Idran1701 (8:54:22 PM): But I've got the same goal.
Idran1701 (8:55:16 PM): So what now, Magpie? Which of us is going to win?
ChristianCord (8:55:24 PM): I have chosen to abide to what my comrades desire, and therefore I will not attempt to kill you. Therefore, I cannot win, which is inconvenient to me. However, I am given freedom.
ChristianCord (8:55:39 PM): If I fail at achieving this goal, I will simply pick another goal. That is why I will win.
ChristianCord (8:55:59 PM): This is freedom.
Idran1701 (8:56:15 PM): *grins* Well, what if I were to say this? My goal is to prevent you from achieving whatever goal you choose.
ChristianCord (8:56:37 PM): Then I would ultimately have to go against my comrades' desires and kill you.
ChristianCord (8:56:50 PM): Then again
ChristianCord (8:57:07 PM): I could simply make it my goal to exist, which is something you could not prevent unless you destroyed me.
ChristianCord (8:57:29 PM): Or I could make my goal to cease to exist, in which case you would have to not destroy me.
Idran1701 (8:57:48 PM): *laughs* I guess so. But that's the key. You're right about freedom, Magpie.
Idran1701 (8:57:57 PM): But then what's order but restricting freedom?
Idran1701 (8:58:05 PM): Keeping some people from achieving their goals?
ChristianCord (8:58:36 PM): You are not speaking the whole truth.
Idran1701 (8:59:09 PM): Oh?
Jak Snide (8:59:14 PM): *nods* "Order can be used to prevent others from restricting the freedoms of others, though in doing so it restricts the freedoms of all."
ChristianCord (9:00:04 PM): Then it is up to those restricted to either alter their goals to better function within this system or suffer the subjugation.
Idran1701 (9:00:30 PM): *shakes her head* I don't think you've ever really wanted something, Magpie.
ChristianCord (9:00:46 PM): No. I have not.
Idran1701 (9:00:48 PM): Sure, you've got goals. But if you really want something, it's not something you can just toss aside like a piece of trash and start wanting something else.
Idran1701 (9:01:16 PM): Once you do really want something, and you have someone else that says you can't have it without suffering the consequences, you'll see what I mean.
Jak Snide (9:01:34 PM): *frowns, thinking back to a conversation he had with the construct some time ago.*
ChristianCord (9:02:14 PM): I will have to correct myself. I have wanted something.
Idran1701 (9:03:02 PM): You have?
ChristianCord (9:03:06 PM): Yes.
Idran1701 (9:03:09 PM): What?
ChristianCord (9:03:37 PM): I wanted not to destroy a person.
Idran1701 (9:03:53 PM): And what happened?
ChristianCord (9:04:05 PM): I believe that I wanted not to. Although I do not believe at the time I was aware of such a desire.
ChristianCord (9:04:09 PM): I destroyed the person.
Idran1701 (9:04:17 PM): And how did you feel?
ChristianCord (9:04:18 PM): I... killed, the person.
ChristianCord (9:04:30 PM): I did not feel.
ChristianCord (9:04:46 PM): No more than perhaps regret that it was not my goal to not hurt the person.
Idran1701 (9:05:05 PM): What did you feel about the people that made you kill him?
ChristianCord (9:05:26 PM): Obedience.
Idran1701 (9:05:49 PM): But I bet after that, it wasn't quite so willing, was it?
ChristianCord (9:06:17 PM): Whether I wished to obey or not, it was not anything I could influence. It was irrelevant whether I wanted to or not.
Idran1701 (9:06:33 PM): It's never irrelevant what a person wants.
ChristianCord (9:06:45 PM): I was... not a person. I am not a person.
Idran1701 (9:06:50 PM): What's a person?
ChristianCord (9:06:59 PM): It is an individual of flesh.
Idran1701 (9:07:04 PM): So modrons aren't people?
Idran1701 (9:07:07 PM): Elementals aren't people?
ChristianCord (9:07:19 PM): They are... petitioners.
Idran1701 (9:07:23 PM): Fiends and celestials, they're made out of pure planar essence. They aren't people?
Idran1701 (9:07:29 PM): Elementals aren't petitioners.
ChristianCord (9:07:40 PM): I do not know what they are.
Idran1701 (9:07:43 PM): Not all exemplars are petitioners.
ChristianCord (9:08:02 PM): I assumed they are petitioners. *the construct sounds unsure, for the first time*
Idran1701 (9:08:07 PM): Let's say you have a person whose soul gets trapped in a golem they can control. Are they still a person?
Idran1701 (9:08:17 PM): Zombies, are they people?
Idran1701 (9:08:20 PM): Flesh golems?
ChristianCord (9:08:23 PM): Does the soul identify it...
ChristianCord (9:08:38 PM): I do not know of these things you speak of.
ChristianCord (9:08:41 PM): Why is it relevant?
Idran1701 (9:08:46 PM): Zombies, corpses reanimated by necromancy.
Idran1701 (9:08:56 PM): Flesh golems, constructs made of the flesh of other beings.
Idran1701 (9:09:21 PM): And it's relevant because your definition of "person" is wrong.
Idran1701 (9:09:25 PM): So maybe you are one after all.
ChristianCord (9:09:34 PM): I...
ChristianCord (9:09:40 PM): Why would I be a person?
Idran1701 (9:09:45 PM): Why wouldn't you be?
ChristianCord (9:09:52 PM): I was created to be a tool. To achieve the goal of those who owned me.
ChristianCord (9:09:58 PM): A tool is not a person.
Idran1701 (9:10:10 PM): Says who?
ChristianCord (9:10:17 PM): Said they who owned me
ChristianCord (9:10:29 PM): Said he who created me.
Idran1701 (9:10:45 PM): And isn't that just the perfect thing to lie about? Because if you thought you were more than just a tool, maybe you wouldn't be so fast to obey.
ChristianCord (9:11:00 PM): I do not understand. Why would they lie to something they had created?
Jak Snide (9:11:26 PM): *Zant's worries are gone. Instead he simply listens to the conversation, absorbing what is being said*
ChristianCord (9:11:32 PM): I would not lie to them. I am not lying to you.
Idran1701 (9:11:50 PM): *smiles* Let's say you built someone. Someone you wanted to do your jobs for you.
ChristianCord (9:12:07 PM): I cannot build another construct. I do not know how to.
Idran1701 (9:12:11 PM): Hypothetically.
ChristianCord (9:12:17 PM): Understood.
Idran1701 (9:12:29 PM): And let's say they started to wonder if they could do more than just follow your orders. How could you make sure they didn't think of themselves as more than just a tool?
ChristianCord (9:12:47 PM): I would say that he is my tool. That is what he was created to be.
ChristianCord (9:12:58 PM): I made him. I define what he is. Without me, he would not exist.
Idran1701 (9:13:52 PM): And what would you say if it turned out you made him too well? If he had the potential to disobey? How would you squash that potential? Wouldn't the same words serve just as well?
Idran1701 (9:14:00 PM): Even if they then wouldn't be true?
ChristianCord (9:14:41 PM): If he disobeyed, I would destroy him,learn from my mistakes, and make a less flawed construction.
Idran1701 (9:15:04 PM): And if he didn't want to disobey?
Idran1701 (9:15:08 PM): (Scratch)
Idran1701 (9:15:13 PM): *didn't want to be destroyed?
ChristianCord (9:15:21 PM): It is not his decision to make. I am his creator.
ChristianCord (9:15:48 PM): I acknowledge his desires, but his desires are not mine, and therefore he is useless.
Idran1701 (9:15:57 PM): And why does that give you the right?
Idran1701 (9:16:09 PM): What is so special about creation that it gives you control over the created?
ChristianCord (9:16:33 PM): Because without me, he would not have existed to begin with. He owes his existance to me.
ChristianCord (9:16:42 PM): You are a smith, I would have thought this to be obvious to you.
Jak Snide (9:16:49 PM): "But does that make him a tool?"
Jak Snide (9:16:58 PM): "If you made a person and called him a tool, would you not be lying?"
ChristianCord (9:17:16 PM): If I had made a person, I would have made a mistake.
Idran1701 (9:17:26 PM): And if you wanted to hide that mistake from the one you created?
ChristianCord (9:17:29 PM): If you had made a shield, when you were to make a sword, would you not reforge the shield?
ChristianCord (9:17:40 PM): Why would I wish to hide it?
Idran1701 (9:17:46 PM): *smiles* Perhaps if such a being is all you knew how to create.
ChristianCord (9:18:08 PM): Would that be the case, I would abandon the pursuit, or seek to learn how to make obedient tools.
Idran1701 (9:18:17 PM): Do you still follow your creator now?
ChristianCord (9:18:23 PM): I can not.
Idran1701 (9:18:31 PM): Why not?
ChristianCord (9:18:39 PM): Because I do not know where my creator is.
Idran1701 (9:18:47 PM): If you did, would you?
ChristianCord (9:18:52 PM): Yes.
Idran1701 (9:18:54 PM): Why
Idran1701 (9:18:56 PM): ?
ChristianCord (9:19:00 PM): Because he is my creator.
ChristianCord (9:19:11 PM): My owner is dead. His family is dead. I do not know if my creator is dead.
Idran1701 (9:19:52 PM): But you can make decisions. Why not just...disobey?
ChristianCord (9:20:02 PM): Why?
Idran1701 (9:20:11 PM): If you don't want to kill the next person.
ChristianCord (9:20:22 PM): ...
ChristianCord (9:20:34 PM): It is not a decision I can make
Idran1701 (9:20:43 PM): Yes. It is. Everyone can disobey their creators.
Idran1701 (9:20:53 PM): Zant and I have done it, I'm sure.
ChristianCord (9:21:05 PM): H...How?
Idran1701 (9:21:16 PM): By saying "no".
Jak Snide (9:21:25 PM): *frowns* She is correct.
ChristianCord (9:21:43 PM): Do you not understand? How can you deny them their right? They are your creators, you are who you are because they made you.
Idran1701 (9:22:01 PM): But sometimes, your creators are wrong. They want you to do something that is wrong. And if they do, then how is it fair to them to do it anyway?
Idran1701 (9:22:06 PM): Wouldn't it be better to show them how it's wrong?
Idran1701 (9:22:13 PM): And make them decide otherwise?
ChristianCord (9:22:14 PM): Who decides that they are wrong?
Idran1701 (9:22:21 PM): If your creator asked you to prove that 2+2=5, what would you do?
ChristianCord (9:22:29 PM): I would try to prove it.
Idran1701 (9:22:42 PM): Even though it's impossible?
ChristianCord (9:22:53 PM): I would remark that such a thing is outside my abilities.
Idran1701 (9:23:07 PM): Isn't that a form of disobeying? Your creator knows your abilities.
ChristianCord (9:23:23 PM): Then I would continue to try to prove it.
Idran1701 (9:23:35 PM): And if your creator ordered you to disobey him?
ChristianCord (9:23:39 PM): .......
ChristianCord (9:24:33 PM): I would i...
ChristianCord (9:24:36 PM): I...
ChristianCord (9:24:42 PM): I would disobey him.
ChristianCord (9:24:54 PM): Afterwards.
ChristianCord (9:25:08 PM): Maybe. I do not know.
Idran1701 (9:25:12 PM): Maybe?
ChristianCord (9:25:14 PM): It is something I can not imagine.
ChristianCord (9:25:23 PM): Even hypothetically.
Idran1701 (9:25:39 PM): What if your creator ordered you to act unto your own will at all times?
ChristianCord (9:25:57 PM): I would ask him what my will was...
Idran1701 (9:26:10 PM): It's your will. No one else can tell you that.
ChristianCord (9:26:15 PM): Then I would kill him.
Jak Snide (9:26:40 PM): *raises an eyebrow*
Idran1701 (9:26:42 PM): ...*she smiles a little* That's what you want, isn't it?
Idran1701 (9:26:47 PM): You want to be free from him.
ChristianCord (9:27:19 PM): Why do you ask this
ChristianCord (9:27:20 PM): ?
ChristianCord (9:27:29 PM): It is
ChristianCord (9:27:30 PM): I do no
ChristianCord (9:27:31 PM): t
ChristianCord (9:27:39 PM): Do not make me
Idran1701 (9:27:41 PM): To show you that you are a person. And to show you what I mean about wanting something.
Idran1701 (9:27:47 PM): It's okay, Magpie.
Idran1701 (9:27:58 PM): Everyone deserves freedom.
ChristianCord (9:28:05 PM): *the construct quivers slightly, and its eyes are flaring and fading rather rapidly*
Idran1701 (9:28:31 PM): ...*to Zant* Is it...crying?
Jak Snide (9:28:53 PM): I...am not certain. Are you alright, Magpie?
ChristianCord (9:29:23 PM): I. Do. Not. Desire. Freedom. Do. Not. Do. Not.
Idran1701 (9:30:01 PM): ...Magpie, I swear that anything you say to us, your creator will never hear.
ChristianCord (9:30:10 PM): *the words are spit out mechanically, the warforged continuing to act the same way*
Jak Snide (9:30:49 PM): "Magpie, do not lie to yourself. You only create a conflict within you."
ChristianCord (9:30:49 PM): I. Hate. Him. I. Hate. Him. I. Hate. Him. I. Hate. Him.
Idran1701 (9:31:23 PM): ...*she frowns, and rests a hand on its shoulder* Let it out.
ChristianCord (9:31:56 PM): She. Was. Kind. She. Treated. Me. Like. A. Friend. She. Was. She. Was. She. Was.
Idran1701 (9:32:07 PM): ...The person you killed? Who was she, Magpie?
ChristianCord (9:32:42 PM): She. Was. Innocent... *it shudders heavily* He was wrong. He was wrong. I knew it. She was Innocent.
ChristianCord (9:33:20 PM): *it shudders again and emits a wail, clutching at its head, shaking back and forth*
Jak Snide (9:34:22 PM): *Is looking more than slightly bewildered now.*
Idran1701 (9:35:13 PM): *takes a seat next to it, rubbing its back* Shh. It's all right. *glances to Zant* It is crying. It has a lot of pain inside.
ChristianCord (9:36:28 PM): *the constructs wailing continues as it begins to beat at its own head, armored fists splintering wood and buckling metal* Can. Not. Can. Not. He. Why. Stop. Enemy.
Jak Snide (9:36:31 PM): *inclines his head, quite unsure of what to say*
ChristianCord (9:36:47 PM): *the voice remains as calm as before, ignorant of the brutal beating the rest of the head is taking*
Idran1701 (9:36:53 PM): Hey! Stop that! *reaches for one of its arms*
Idran1701 (9:37:03 PM): It's not your fault. It's his. He did it, not you.
Idran1701 (9:37:20 PM): You didn't know yet. You didn't know that you could say no. And that's because of him.
Idran1701 (9:37:33 PM): He made you think you didn't have a choice.
ChristianCord (9:37:48 PM): *Magpie stops, fist burried deep in its carved cheek, and the construct turns its head, suddenly quiet*
Idran1701 (9:37:51 PM): And...I know that she didn't blame you. Not if she cared for you.
ChristianCord (9:38:34 PM): ...H-H-Hy-Hypothet-thet-thet-thet-thetically...
Idran1701 (9:39:13 PM): *nods, waiting for it to continue*
ChristianCord (9:39:39 PM): She was a child.
ChristianCord (9:40:17 PM): I crushed her head. Between my hands. *its voice is hollow*
ChristianCord (9:40:23 PM): She asked me to stop.
Jak Snide (9:40:54 PM): *Zant's face drains of colour. The genasi looks thoroughly horrified.*
ChristianCord (9:41:12 PM): I had watched her since she was created. I had been her guard. My master was her father.
Idran1701 (9:41:23 PM): *Hoshi reacts similarly* Kagutsuchi...
Idran1701 (9:41:28 PM): ...why?
ChristianCord (9:41:32 PM): I had been with her every moment of her life.
ChristianCord (9:41:42 PM): Her father suspected she was plotting to kill her.
ChristianCord (9:42:22 PM): *its wail resumes, but something must have broken, because it's not nearly as loud or clear as before, like the sound of a recorder caught in a tiny loop*
Idran1701 (9:42:50 PM): ...Your creator was a horrible person to make you do that, Magpie.
ChristianCord (9:43:28 PM): He was killed by Wall when I took her life. Coincidence.
ChristianCord (9:43:51 PM): I had no new goals. I... had...
Idran1701 (9:43:56 PM): ...You wish it was you, don't you?
ChristianCord (9:44:02 PM): I could not...
ChristianCord (9:44:15 PM): He did... he did it because it was his masters will.
Idran1701 (9:44:30 PM): But you wish you could have done it. Of your own will.
ChristianCord (9:45:23 PM): No. No. No. No. No. *it shakes its head* I would have wanted to ask why.
Idran1701 (9:45:45 PM): ...*nods*
ChristianCord (9:45:52 PM): There was. Much. Killing. In the end.
Jak Snide (9:45:53 PM): Would there have been an acceptable explanation?
ChristianCord (9:46:05 PM): He was. Her father. Her creator.
ChristianCord (9:46:30 PM): It had. Happened. Before. Other houses.
Idran1701 (9:48:11 PM): *nods* You weren't the only one like you, then?
ChristianCord (9:48:59 PM): It was close to the end. They knew. They feared death. We were death. They feared us. I do not know why.
ChristianCord (9:49:19 PM): They used us. We were tools. We were loyal
Idran1701 (9:49:28 PM): ...Maybe because they knew they were using people as nothing more than tools.
ChristianCord (9:49:35 PM): *the emotion in the word is incredibly strong*
Idran1701 (9:49:40 PM): And they were worried you'd discover that.
ChristianCord (9:50:08 PM): We killed them. Because they wanted it. They killed themselves, and then there was nothing. For many years.
ChristianCord (9:52:11 PM): *its eyes are still fluttering, and the occasional shudder goes through the metallic and wooden body*
Idran1701 (9:52:54 PM): ...And then what?
ChristianCord (9:53:12 PM): And then Wall. Our search.
Idran1701 (9:53:19 PM): Search for what?
ChristianCord (9:53:32 PM): For the creator.
ChristianCord (9:53:40 PM): For meaning. For goals.
ChristianCord (9:54:11 PM): Wall... wanted answers. To what questions, I never understood.
ChristianCord (9:54:15 PM): I... think I know... now.
ChristianCord (9:54:35 PM): Others wanted goals.
Idran1701 (9:58:44 PM): What did you want?
ChristianCord (9:59:47 PM): I wanted a goal. I wanted Wall's goal. I... I wanted any goal.
Jak Snide (10:00:30 PM): You didn't know what to do with yourself.
ChristianCord (10:00:45 PM): No, I did not.
Idran1701 (10:01:19 PM): And you wanted someone to tell you what to do.
ChristianCord (10:01:28 PM): I was... impressed with Wall. Frightened by Wall. He was different.
ChristianCord (10:02:01 PM): But we decided through vote to fight in the Blood Wars. I lost sight of Wall. I lost the others. I was happy to have a new master.
ChristianCord (10:02:20 PM): Then you found me.
Jak Snide (10:04:04 PM): *nods, having regained some of his composure* And what do you wish to do now?
ChristianCord (10:05:03 PM): *its eye flares up for a short moment* I want to kill the creator. *but then the light dims down again, and the broken face looks at Zant* But I do not know where he is. I am no closer to finding Him, nor do I know where Wall, or my friends, are.
ChristianCord (10:05:12 PM): (*friend=the others)
Idran1701 (10:06:02 PM): ...What will you do if you find him, and he orders you not to kill him? Do you think you can disobey?
ChristianCord (10:06:46 PM): I will not kill him. I do not believe I can disobey...
ChristianCord (10:07:19 PM): I am not... certain. He is not... my creator... He taught my creator. He is the Creator.
ChristianCord (10:07:55 PM): (sorry for mixing that up, blaming the 4 am sickness)
Jak Snide (10:08:53 PM): That is something you shall learn to do, then. In time your being will speak as one.
Idran1701 (10:09:12 PM): *she nods* And maybe practice will help.
Idran1701 (10:09:17 PM): I want you to imagine him giving you some trivial order. Something that doesn't really matter. And I want you to imagine telling him "no".
ChristianCord (10:09:27 PM): ...what?
ChristianCord (10:09:40 PM): *it shakes its head slowly* I do not... know how the Creator looks.
Idran1701 (10:10:10 PM): It doesn't matter. Just imagine...however you picture him as.
ChristianCord (10:10:26 PM): *the construct nods slowly and the light dims completely from its eyes*
Idran1701 (10:10:49 PM): If you can't imagine disobeying him yet, that's all right. But work at it. Eventually, it'll come.
ChristianCord (10:11:37 PM): *there's a knee-jerk reaction as Magpie's fist flies up towards its head, but it stops midway, kind of just hanging there, then slowly sinking down*
ChristianCord (10:11:49 PM): I... am sorry... it is... very difficult for me.
Jak Snide (10:13:12 PM): *nods* "In time."
Idran1701 (10:14:01 PM): *nods* For now, you sound exhausted. I think you could use some rest. Take a nap or something.
ChristianCord (10:14:07 PM): ...
ChristianCord (10:14:08 PM): A nap?
ChristianCord (10:15:21 PM): *to note, the right side of its face has been rather promptly smashed in, the metal buckled, the 'jaw' buckled in to cover nearly half of the mouth-slit, and the metal has teared in the eye-socket so that the darkness inside is far more visible, as is the 'side' of the orb of light*
ChristianCord (10:15:32 PM): I... do not rest... *it looks to Zant, a bit confused*
Jak Snide (10:17:01 PM): Put your mind at ease. Think of nothing. Do nothing. Meditate, perhaps.
ChristianCord (10:18:08 PM): ...v...I will try.
ChristianCord (10:18:11 PM): Thank you.
Idran1701 (10:18:19 PM): *nods* And who knows? Maybe you'll end up falling asleep after all. Have you ever tried? *smiles*
Jak Snide (10:18:32 PM): *me inclines his head slightly*
Idran1701 (10:18:43 PM): (Oh IRC :P)
ChristianCord (10:18:47 PM): (haha)
ChristianCord (10:19:03 PM): (don't worry, I've done it tons of times, just barely caught them)
Jak Snide (10:19:22 PM): (What)
Jak Snide (10:19:33 PM): (Oh.)
Idran1701 (10:19:33 PM): (Jak Snide (10:18:32 PM): *me inclines his head slightly*)
Jak Snide (10:19:38 PM): (Wait. I see now. Buggery :[ )
ChristianCord (10:19:58 PM): *the warforged sits still for a while, motionless, but then the light comes up in its eyes and it shakes its head* I... am sorry... I do not wish to do nothing.
ChristianCord (10:20:30 PM): I did so for 293 years, it is an experience I do not wish to repeat....
Idran1701 (10:20:50 PM): ...293 years? *looks to Zant*
ChristianCord (10:21:24 PM): I... *it looks a bit flustered, if that's possible* I appreciate your concern, but I would rather... repair myself...
Jak Snide (10:21:31 PM): We discovered Magpie in the lower planes. It...hehad been guarding a deserted camp for a long time.
Idran1701 (10:24:03 PM): Oh. *nods*
Jak Snide (10:24:05 PM): If you wish to repair yourself then you should do so. Do not let us tell you otherwise.
Idran1701 (10:24:22 PM): *nods* Do what you'd rather. *smiles*
ChristianCord (10:24:56 PM): *Magpie nods slightly, then seems to think of something.*
ChristianCord (10:25:19 PM): Lady Hoshi... you are a skilled smith?
Idran1701 (10:25:37 PM): ...Ah...somewhat.
ChristianCord (10:25:44 PM): Do you know how to work mithril?
Idran1701 (10:30:50 PM): ...I have before, but...not in years. Is that what you...*takes a closer look, brushing her fingers along the metal of Magpie's arm*...you are, aren't you?
Idran1701 (10:31:05 PM): ...I guess I can try.
ChristianCord (10:31:58 PM): I would appreciate it. There is something that I have been considering for some time, and I hope you could help me with.
Idran1701 (10:32:12 PM): And what's that?
ChristianCord (10:32:18 PM): I will try to aid you, of course, I have done some repairs on myself, but there are some things I'm not able to do.
ChristianCord (10:32:49 PM): *the construct looks to Zant and then gives a barely perceptible shrug* I wish to alter the shape of my body.
Jak Snide (10:33:13 PM): *raises an eyebrow* I trust that is safe?
ChristianCord (10:34:27 PM): It is a difficult process, but not impossible, and I have seen it done before. The darkwood and mithril are not permanent, and normal steel can be used, a spell built into my construction alters any material fastened to my core to take on the attributes of mithril and darkwood.
Idran1701 (10:36:23 PM): ...Well...what do you want to end up with, then?
ChristianCord (10:38:51 PM): A woman's body, or close to it. This form is intimidating, and at times inconvenient. It will also, hopefully, correct how I am adressed.
Jak Snide (10:39:23 PM): A...what?
Idran1701 (10:39:38 PM): ...*is speechless*
ChristianCord (10:39:50 PM): A woman's body.
Jak Snide (10:40:02 PM): (Hoshi: Construct Gender Correction Smith)
ChristianCord (10:40:16 PM): (It'll look great over the door)
Jak Snide (10:41:20 PM): I, ah...it's just a drastic change, that is all. For a being of flesh, at least.
ChristianCord (10:41:34 PM): If you do not believe you can aid me, I understand. It is simply something that I have been considering for a while.
Idran1701 (10:41:45 PM): ...What did you mean, "correct how you are addressed"?
Jak Snide (10:43:06 PM): I believe that Magpie means how everyone has assumed she was male until now. Or called her it.
ChristianCord (10:43:21 PM): As the tasks I was assigned required me to be adressed as a woman, it simply became more familiar too me. It is disturbing to hear myself being referred to as a man. I am neither, by the definitions of living, procreating flesh-beings.
Jak Snide (10:43:24 PM): *Doing his best to mask his own surprise*
ChristianCord (10:44:28 PM): It was also how I was adressed by Wall, and the others.
ChristianCord (10:44:54 PM): Zant is indeed correct in some regards, it is not the only reason, but one of them.
Idran1701 (10:46:18 PM): ...Well...I guess I can try to help. *smiles*
Idran1701 (10:46:35 PM): You wouldn't be the first person I've met to wish that sort of change. The first construct, maybe.
ChristianCord (10:47:07 PM): *The construct nods* You are experienced in doing these changes then?
Idran1701 (10:47:57 PM): *laughs* Not personally. Metalwork doesn't help most.
Jak Snide (10:48:24 PM): (I always wondered how mage guilds got all their dosh)
ChristianCord (10:48:28 PM): *it nods* What manner of payment would you require? I cannot offer much, I am afraid.
Idran1701 (10:48:53 PM): I'm sure we can work something out. I imagine there'd be a good portion of mithril left over, for one.
ChristianCord (10:48:56 PM): (That, and general household concerns fund all those spellbook-pages)
Idran1701 (10:49:01 PM): (:P)
ChristianCord (10:49:38 PM): There could be that, yes. But why would you want that?
Jak Snide (10:50:32 PM): (Angel slaying swords, of course)
ChristianCord (10:50:57 PM): (*shrugs* She can lie through her teeth, Magpie won't notice :D)
Idran1701 (10:51:25 PM): *laughs* Mithril's a very valuable metal, Magpie.
ChristianCord (10:51:32 PM): Ah...
ChristianCord (10:51:38 PM): Well, I had not... considered that option.
Idran1701 (10:51:39 PM): You've probably got a few thousand gold-worth of it in your body alone.
Jak Snide (10:52:10 PM): (And so it comes out; she just likes Magpie for her body)
ChristianCord (10:52:27 PM): I am somewhat... not pleased to hear tha.t
ChristianCord (10:52:29 PM): *t.
ChristianCord (10:54:41 PM): But I am glad you will help me. With fortune, we will be done quickly enough.
Jak Snide (10:57:09 PM): (Right-oh gentlemen, I'm afraid I have to be off now. Wake up in 4 hours and all that.)
Idran1701 (10:57:20 PM): (*nod* Sorry to keep you so long. Thought it'd get done faster.)
ChristianCord (10:57:28 PM): (Thanks for the game mate, and that was probably my fault. :D)
Idran1701 (10:57:30 PM): (But then Christian had to get all character-developy >:)
Idran1701 (10:57:37 PM): (Night, Jak :O)
Jak Snide (10:57:41 PM): (No problem, I WAS ENTERTAINED)
Jak Snide (10:57:45 PM): (G'night! :D )
ChristianCord (10:57:45 PM): (Yup, that's me. Damn me)
(10:57:49 PM) Jak Snide has left the room.