Etcetera

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Etcetera>

Hmm. I guess that's convenient enough. It looks like me being an aspiring entrepreneur, taking a loan on territories that just happened to be claimed by a big, scary business.

<Snipped quote by Fractured>

*Laughs* Probably not, bro.

@Balance

My benefactors seek to ensure that this process is mutually beneficial.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Balance>

What's the difference?

<Snipped quote by Etcetera>

How many of these have you already done?

@Fractured

My benefactors have carried out exceedingly many successful transactions.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Etcetera>

But when I come in and claim the territories, how will I not be obvious?

<Snipped quote by Fractured>

*Shakes my head* It’s not the same.

@Balance

Because the territory in question will be moved into a collective pool before being distributed to you. There is no sign that you orchestrated the transaction.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Etcetera>

I understand. I know at least one person who would benefit. Oh, one more question—is your friends' method of taking over these territories liable to create enemies for me and my sis?

@Balance

No. My benefactors are covert.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Etcetera>

Well, servant, I hope you're treated well by your benefactors.

@Balance

Please spread the offer to others who might be interested. We wish to preserve as many homes as possible.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Etcetera>

By what name can I call you?

<Snipped quote by Fractured>

I'm into it. *Shrugs* I try not to kill in warzones unless death was already high probability.

@Balance

I am a servant. That is the only name I go by.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Fractured>

Depends. Sometimes we fall right in the middle of a save-the-world story, and I help the heroes, or test them. That's rare, though. Other times, I'll spar in big-name rings, or hang out with elite forces in a war.

<Snipped quote by Etcetera>

How do I contact you or your benefactors? I'm not sure if I want this quite yet.

@Balance

*Takes a metal plate out of my cloak with the information inscribed into it*
You can summon me or one of my counterparts with this.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Etcetera>

Is there a particular placement of territories that would be worth asking your friends to arrange? Or is it simply the size of a clump of territories that has the advantage you're talking about?

<Snipped quote by Fractured>

Yeah, pretty regularly. Ruby and I go to lots of different universes, and it's part of our routine to spend some time teasing out the affairs of different planets and nations. If any of my powers fit the magic or tech of the place we go, I like to get involved in the action.

@Balance

My benefactors can acquire territory in whatever arrangement you find most advantageous.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Fractured>

Maybe it does. I use it for my fighting style, not to sneak around.

<Snipped quote by Etcetera>

Are there particular shapes it's worth doing in?

@Balance

I don't fully understand your question.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Etcetera>

So you're saying there's a psychological advantage gained by guarding a medium-sized territory against enemies that are actually seeking to gain control of Existence.

@Balance

Correct.