Roleplayer001

Summoners of Babel

Direct Interactions:@Lady Athena@Cherrywitch@Rune_Alchemist
In Area of: Manor of De Draiochta (Vili's House)

Vilivyn had been prepared for a response, but except for the cruel pixie things were remaining civil. The demoness listened, but after a few discussions with her stepmother they had decided this was the best course of action. They had been prepared for this response.

"Not everyone will stand up to them though. And there's still a fundamental problem: you are saving them. If you do that, next time they are bullied they will simply hope that another elf or human or dwarf will come by and assist them: people who are starving or hungry don't - can't - resist such cruel treatment. They have nothing to lose, so they don't have anything to hold onto. They need to stand up to themselves." The demoness paused for a moment, making sure to elaborate. And of course remembering those days back in the alley ... "I admit that seeing a spirit like Inari or a spirit kin like me would probably make them think something different, but that's why I'm going to the tower in the first place."

Time to explain a little nobility to the girl. "Prestige means access. Elves, Humans, Dwarves, and Half-Orcs already have the ears of the king and the nobility. Taking the tower simply means that spirit kin will have one as well. I'm only intending to give spirits and spirit-kin a voice as well. This means that spirits and spirit kin will have something to stand up for themselves with."

Perhaps more direct terms would be better. "In more human terms, when some daughter of a grand noble decides to have a birthday party and wants the most awesome adventuring party ever, she will see elves, dwarves, humans, half-orcs, AND Spirits and Spirit-Kin as heroes. This means that the next generation will grow up seeing everyone have potential, and be able to put a face on 'those damned spirit-kin' when they inherit."

"I admit when I moved in here, many of the noble households Kythela associated with backed off, but those that couldn't were forced to associate with me at parties and other social gatherings - things that my step siblings had to practically drag me to - began to see our kind as people. Slowly the teenagers convinced their parents that treating the spirits as slaves - after I had translated a conversation with them - was horrifically wrong. Conditions improved. Spirit kin are being hired in those households today, and they have a powerful noble house behind them and full stomachs. Spirits are being treated as valued companions rather than as servants. They and their children will stand up for themselves. Simply being around those in charge makes them more comfortable with our kind."

"And for the everyday spirits and spirit-kin? Those who are only waiting to be claimed or having their highest honest aspirations being a nice loaf of bread for dinner? They will look up and say 'we CAN' and they will look for ways to improve themselves. There aren't really any famous spirit-kin in history, and the most famous of spirits tend to be ... less than nice ones. And in order to cause this social change, make others see spirits and their relatives as being more than beasts, make it so the oppressed stand up for themselves rather than simply hoping a nice elf will hop along, have those at the bottom have aspirations higher than finding a decent slice of bread that day - I can't be in prison. I won't ever have the noble households ears or go to parties and give our people visibility if I'm considered a radicial or violent person. I'd be written in history as a revolutionary of blood who did one cool thing."

Summoners of Babel

Internet being finicky. Post delayed until tomorrow.

Summoners of Babel

@Cherrywitch Alright then, I will post tonight.

Yeah, Faera's just like 0.o "... what happened to that peaceful sleepover?"

Summoners of Babel

Direct Interactions:@Lady Athena@Cherrywitch@Rune_Alchemist
In Area of: Manor of De Draiochta (Vili's House)

"Eep! It's so pretty!! Oh, I'd love to stay if you wouldn't mind having us!"

While Alba still seemed somewhat catatonic, Faera seemed to be settling herself in and would be happy to spend the night. Vili tossed the girl an excited smile. A sleepover! Someone wasn't afraid of her powers as a succubus! The kitsune seemed less than thrilled, but the black haired girl was sure she could win the pouty fox-spirit over with her natural charm, enthusiastic attitude, and smiles! Vilivyn nodded, indicating her approval of Faera's choice!

Of course, the spirit-kin's cheerful attitude reversed as Lena opened her mouth. "I-I apologize if this comes off as rude and...uncivil of me, but...are you just that complacent or are you just a coward?" Vilivyn's stopped drinking, hand clenching tightly the glass in front of her as she was insulted. Where was this coming from?! "A-Ah I mean, I'm sorry! I just...w-well when the spirits were in trouble-you...just sort of stood there and it made me sad and I couldn't believe that someone as nice as you would do that...and uhm..." Well at least she finally said why. Of course, the pixie felt it necessary to elaborate.

"Basically, Lena's saying you're a complacent apathetic coward who's fine with watching spirits get trampled over, ya batty slut." Where Lena seemed at least somewhat apologetic - whether that was because she was afraid of the repercussions of insulting a succubus or simply acknowledging that there was some three thousand ways to word that better, the pixie simply stated what was on her mind.

Before Vilivyn could get too angry though, the elven girl responded. "I...I want to know why you didn't help? I...I uhm, am not trying to tell you that you have to! But...you said he's not worth it...I understand if you don't want to stand out and cause trouble...heh, being bullied most of my life I understand....really. But...If no one does, then nothing will change. Help, I mean. Stand up to people like that...noble fellow." The spirit kin really was curious about how an elf could relate at all to the bullying those spirits or their half relatives received - in society, elves were generally looked up to for various reasons. A lot was expected of them, and most of them achieved that standard.

Through all of her attempts to collect her thoughts though, the demoness had to constantly remind herself not to be angry.

It took a few minutes.

On the bright side, at least the elf was willing to get the cat out of the bag. This conversation made Vilivyn lean more towards ignorance on Lena's part rather than an attempt to treat her like some sort of lesser being to be observed and avoided. A brief sigh passed before she started to explain. The demoness would need practice at this.

"... A spirit-kin's life is a constant reminder about what you are. At best, people stare at you in lines and are too nervous to speak to you. Normally at worst, people get a little grabby ... and make assumptions about your character. But you grin and bear it, and move on." Vilivyn's eyes drifted over to Lena. She was still upset at the girl about that earlier, but it was rather obvious the elf was ignorant of such matters. It wouldn't help anyone to remain angry, but perhaps pointing out Lena's own flaws would make things a bit more relatable.

"But sometimes, things are worse. Those attached to you are unable to find anything but the worst of jobs. Apartments won't house you. A loaf of bread becomes a luxury. And sometimes, a seven year old gets kicked by a few drunk noblemen, and the guard turns an eye as a young girl's ribs are broken." Vilivyn's eyes looked down, memories clearly running through her head. She didn't really want to make the mood dry, but hopefully it would help drive the point she was trying to make home, and offer some validity to what she was saying. "And perhaps a friend is going to step in, or a family member, or some random person, and say 'this is wrong' and act on it. But the guard suddenly wakes up, and they end up in jail. One or two noblemen bruised the next day, one spirit-kin in an alley coughing up blood, and one father in jail for three weeks. In the end, a seven year old is left alone on the streets mostly broken and alone, all because of the valor of one of the few people who can no longer stand up for her." After a long pause she gestured to the building around her. "This? It's new to me. But it's taught me a lot."

"Offering spirit-kin and spirits protection for a day isn't helpful. Offering us good jobs, giving us prestige, and recognizing us is what matters in the long run. Those in power feed off of prestige." Thinking back to the earlier events, she offered a scowl. "And nothing feeds that more than a good demonstration. Fighting them, paying attention to them? That only feeds them. Attack them? Suddenly their competition is in prison. The competition that is much more likely to make a difference in the long run removed from the game."

"So yes, I could have stood up for them. I would have defended those spirits for a day. They wouldn't have a guardian the next or the day afterwards. It wouldn't have helped the general population of spirits and spirit kin." A little anger ran through her eyes, but ambition followed. "But I intend to make a real difference. I'm going to lead a team to claim that tower, in the name of all spirits and spirit-kin. I'm going to give us so much prestige and fame, that suddenly trampling on us would be considered a thing of the past, and even the most conservative noble can't socially afford to be cruel. And in order to do that ... I can't afford to be thrown in jail. I can't afford to have those who could help me in jail. And I can't give him the satisfaction of winning, of removing his competition by having law enforcement fight them for his noble ass."

It took a moment for Vilivyn to realize that she was ranting loudly, and breathing heavily as she finished. Based on the way she spoke about the subject, she had put a lot of thought into it. Perhaps it could be condensed, but she thought it got the point across. "... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ramble. But ..." A few thoughts went through her mind, but whatever she was thinking trailed off.

Summoners of Babel

I'll post before I go to bed.

EDIT: Sorry, that got a bit long.

Summoners of Babel

@Cherrywitch well, Inari is just enjoying the shitshow.

St. Sappho Academy, Medieval Magic Academy (Invite Only)

The magierprinz nodded, putting a hand against his chin. "I admit that is not within my range of experience." A few seconds passed before a thought passed into his head. "I've never controlled souls or puppets before myself, but since it seems ... others are not arriving ... perhaps you could deliver me a few pointers? Since you are here, this would be a good time for me to start experimenting with this type of magic myself. Maybe I can start building my own little army?" In truth, soul magic was something the mage had been avoiding for a little bit of time. His last sentence was said with a smile, but there was a little truth in it.

The teacher frowned slightly as Livia appeared to give off the most roundabout and unexplanatory explanation she could. If that was the game the headmistress wanted to play, that was fine. Aetheria would reveal anything she learned with absolute and academic certainty, but little more. "I hope your own projects are going well then, and I am excited to see them published in the future. And I am curious about your own experiences."

Of course, if the headmistress was willing to help her out in other ways, it could be useful. The pair of them could come to an agreement on different terms. "I have some other rudimentary research, but nothing close enough to completion for the headmistresses eyes. If you were willing to give me a ... more updated ... version of her tears, that would be helpful. There is some variation even in the batch you gave me, and it would help me test a few hypothesis about how they work and perhaps provide information about the phoenix that we would both consider useful."

A small scroll found it's way out of the teacher's bag. If Livia bothered to read it, she would find herself seeing strange glyphs and what seemed like an ancient version of Latin. "Lastly, try getting her to read this. Just to satisfy my curiosity. Samples of writing from the old, middle, and new kingdoms of Egypt, in addition to writings from various eras of Greek and Latin literature."

Maoin leaned into the pettings, tail wrapping around her newest benefactor and ears twitching as her owner's hand ran across her head. Oh, it felt soo good. After a little bit of purring though, the black haired looked up into the eyes of her mistress. The pettings never lasted long enough coming from the ice mage, and it was usually a bit of a disappointment.

"Mistress ... have I been a good kitty?" It was a bit of a strange question, but everyone else seemed to say something along those lines when she was petted. Her lady never made those sort of comments, which confused the neko. Her owner's petting schedule was random at best.

When the dragon entered her furious rage soon after waking up, the yelling and words sent Fia into one of her most common emotions: shock. The fourteen year old simply stared at Sorcha, feeling like she was being held there by the force of fear itself. When Luna's hand pulled her out, there wasn't really a person there anymore to respond to the kind woman's words, or to resist the guiding hand that maneuvered her like a doll.

She didn't even realize she was following someone else really until she felt a sudden warmth fill her stomach, and the crimson haired girl realized she was crying. Brushing away her tears with her hands, she looked at her newest companion. A wolf girl? A hellhound?

The phoenix was self-aware enough that she knew she'd normally be really upset at what just happened. She still was. But this new person gave her a sense of ... fulfillment ... she hadn't felt before. Despite her tears, she found herself looking at her newest companion silently, curious about what was going on, and who this person was.

Summoners of Babel

@Rune_Alchemist Well, she is making up an excuse. She doesn't want to stay in such a fancy place!

Summoners of Babel

Well I posted to keep things moving :D

Summoners of Babel

Direct Interactions:@Lady Athena@Cherrywitch@Rune_Alchemist
In Area of: Manor of De Draiochta (Vili's House)

The pixie would likely find the small pots of plants and other things to play with entertaining. Vili watched the cute little thing with a bit of curiosity, before turning her attention back to Lena.

"A-ah...uhm, that won't be necessary Vili. I have some work I need to do in the morning a-and uhm, It'd be best if I slept somewhere a bit closer. B-but if you have some tea or something that would be lovely."

The black haired girl couldn't help but give off a slight frown of disappointment as her offer was rejected by some excuse. It was rather obvious the elf was making one up despite what Vili felt like was every attempt to be friendly on her end. Why would the elf do that? Obviously, because the succubus in front of her wouldn't be able to resist tampering with her mind if she spent the night. The thought furrowed the demoness' brows slightly as she knew what was going through Lena's head.

"That's fine! I understand ..." A little bit of disappointment was rather obvious in her voice. Luckily, fine herbal tea soon turned the corner in the hands of a servant and all the requested refreshments were handed out to various members of the party.

After a few sips of various beverages had gone by, Vili removed her lips from the glass of wine she was holding and tried to give her most inviting smile to Lena. "... if you don't mind my curiosity, earlier you had a question?" It afterall was obviously the reason the knight-squire girl had come, since she wasn't interested in making friends.