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<blockquote data-quote="Lylandra" data-source="post: 8102412" data-attributes="member: 6816692"><p><strong><em>Footsteps in the sand (or Prelude to the Crossroads)</em></strong></p><p></p><p>We then venture to the portal gallery to experience the effects of the planar configurations firsthand. While we're not sure how they managed to duplicate Giovanni's art of creating pocket dimensions in portals, we still guess that this might be inspired by his work. In this gallery, we also find ideas of “minor factions” on display who didn't make it to grand presentation level. So we decide to give them a try, too, as there might be a hidden gem among them.</p><p></p><p>First on our list is the Arboretum, which puts some really malleable weather in display, making it rain instantly the moment Erskine enters the portal. And of course, this makes the weather conditions only worse.</p><p></p><p>“My, you're such a sunshine...” Livia says, glancing over at the dragon in disguise before she gets caught by the plane's strange flora. The plants, too, seem to react to our wishes and we find very exotic, never-seen-before specimen among them. Livia/Auryn takes a moment to examine them for a moment and quickly understands that botany would be a wholly different subject in this reality.</p><p></p><p>We then enter the realm of Colossus and get a first glimpse at the superpowers someone could get were they among the chosen few of the Obs. Of course, being there and experiencing the power feels great at first, but it turns hollow very quickly as we realize every second we spend in this realm that this is nothing but a slow-paced path to corruption for those who crave power.</p><p></p><p>The Panachists' world feels a bit less tempting, as we are encouraged to experience the mortal-object connections and teleportation powers this path would open up. Far more drastic is the realm of the Watchmaker's faction where prisoners are forced to follow a crazy, timed script again and again, thus showing off the minute detail planning that is possible if done right. We see that these “prisoners” are not really happy about this forced scenario and back off quickly in disgust.</p><p></p><p>The display of Miller's Pyre also utilizes prisoners, but this time the guys used are violent and encouraged to slay another to get out. But the configuration inside makes the stronger one of them hesitant to kill the other. They talk a bit and then agree that the one who's allowed to “leave alive” will get food for the one stuck inside. We examine the effects of this realm more thoroughly and realize that it does hinder its inhabitants to act violently against each other which seems really impressive.</p><p></p><p>We then enter various smaller sketches of more experimental planar effects. One of them plays with gravity while another one makes rays of light quite solid and walk-able, leaving us with the thought that some Obs might actually had a good fun designing these. Another dimensions encourages its inhabitants to play music or sing while enabling them with the power of realizing their mistakes much quicker. And of course, Auryn jokes about stealing that one from the Obs to improve more quickly.</p><p></p><p>Then we get to a portal with a stormy sea which seems to enable flight for everyone. We spot a group of people who enter the portal and take flight easily. Then we turn to Haffkrüger and see that he turns his back on the picture.</p><p></p><p>“And here I thought you'd be the first one to join them in...” Livia says, pointing to the flying people inside.</p><p></p><p>Haffkrüger seems oddly silent at first, and then quietly answers “...I won't dare it.”</p><p></p><p>We leave him like that and get the feeling that the old man seems to struggle with himself, probably even fearing that he might lose control or be too tempted to join the circle of conspirators should he be able to soar the sky once again.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">(That was one of the rare times when Gradiax displayed something like melancholy, another humanizing emotion we only thought was possible when he spoke of his daughter. We guessed that he was and is really struggling against his desire to try become the Dragon Tyrant he used to be once again every moment he comes close to a situation where he's presented with a possible way back to the old days)</span></p><p></p><p>One last portal shows a terrifying world where the feeling of religion and divinity lost all meaning. And while we understand how someone would come to the conclusion that this scenario might be desirable, we decide to leave that one as quickly as possible.</p><p></p><p>After our visit to the portal gallery, we are being approached by a guard of the estate who asks Kiov Hetman to come with him as Nicodemus requests his presence. Of course, Kiov agrees to follow the guard who leads him towards the lighthouse. He tries to get a good look at the building and realizes that there is some kind of magical laboratory inside. He also spots Luc and Ottavia who seem to be in a gesturing argument as he is being lead onto a platform where Nicodemus is already waiting in a relaxed position.</p><p></p><p>He directly asks Kiov what he has heard or seen regarding the murder of Ramos Zoltan. Kiov, of course, sees this as a carefully hidden interrogation, so he replies in the same direct manner. He states that he didn't have anything to do with it as the man is his acquaintance and he had actually been the first one to realize that Zoltan was missing during breakfast. He then caused a ruckus to get the staff to go look after Zoltan and was shocked to hear about his friend's demise.</p><p></p><p>Also, he has been the one to complain about the security measures earlier last day. And rightly so, as it turned out that someone was able to murder dear Ramos in cold blood. He states that he's glad to be finally able to file his complaints to someone who got an actual, material brain and got something to say as well as he reported the issue of a halfling guy taking notes on the other guests of the convocation. A very suspicious looking fellow, Kiov adds, as this halfling had some snake-like scribblings in his notebook, especially if one considers that fact that they found a statue of a snake with Ramos Zoltan.</p><p></p><p>Nicodemus smiles disarmingly at this full display of dwarvish excitation and agrees that this is one man who obviously really cares for his friends. He tries to assure Kiov that everything's going to be just fine, but Kiov doesn't want to be buttered in sweet words as right now, he cannot really feel safe in his own bed, especially if a ghost could be among the suspects. This makes Nicodemus promise that he'll personally insist on making the murder case a top priority subject.</p><p></p><p>Lastly, Kiov asks whether he could get a guided tour through this magnificent lighthouse as this is clearly his favorite subject. Nic replies that he'll put it on the list of requests, but he won't make any promises. He then dismisses the dwarf and asks for the guards to pick up Livia Hatsfield next.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">(Carlyle really did such an outstanding performance of the dwarf Kiov... which is also very much in character for a man who knows so much about other people and their desires... and yes, he desperately wanted to understand the Lighthouse)</span></p><p></p><p>Like Kiov, Livia is also being led through the lighthouse to the top platform. She seems a bit intimidated by the fact that she's basically being questioned by the Obs' leader and quietly tells Nicodemus what she witnessed during breakfast and that she was sound asleep the night before. She admits that she is terrified by the current situation as all she ever wanted was to bring goodness and change into the world and now she's inside a murder madness.</p><p></p><p>Nicodemus seems to show sympathy towards the elf and asks her whether she'd mind to tell him more about her thoughts on a stroll on the beach. But not on this dread plane, he explains, as he misses the stars and wishes to see them again after many days in the dark. He then gestures towards some personnel working on the lanterns and casts a levitation spell on both himself and Livia. Then he takes her hand and floats off the tower to the beach below.</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, the sky lights up bit by bit until the stars come out again.</p><p></p><p>“Much better. There is solace in their soothing light. But who am I to tell that to a Risuri.”</p><p></p><p>“I didn't know how much I'd miss them. But yes, the Skyseers claim that the future is written in the stars.”</p><p></p><p>“So, please, walk with me. Tell me something about yourself, Miss Hatsfield.”</p><p></p><p>Livia smiles faintly at that invitation and moves closer to Nicodemus. She then tells him about her youth in an elven forest village near Shale, which was both carefree and increasingly boring. She then moved to the city and came into contact with Duchess Ethelyn of Shale, the King's sister. And she happened to like this energetic woman.</p><p></p><p>“Charming and clever, that woman, but truly a troublemaker” Nicodemus, adds.</p><p></p><p>Still she couldn't join in with her growing estrangement to her brother, so she grew more distant and was really horrified when she learned from the Duchess' betrayal. That was when she learned that bonds of blood apparently meant nothing at all which made her doubt the world itself, a place that seemed more ugly and wrong with each passing day. Then she learned about the Obs and their plan to make the world a better place. Which, she says, sounded so wonderful in her sore ears.</p><p></p><p>But alas, when she saw and learned more about her peers yesterday, she started to doubt in their good intentions again.</p><p></p><p>“How carelessly they spoke of murder. What kind of person who truly wishes to work for the betterment of the world would be so unscrupulous? And now there is a dead body, a murdered person, and I cannot even say that I am that surprised.”</p><p></p><p>“And still you take a walk with me. Alone in the dark. You seem to trust me, or am I mistaken?”</p><p></p><p>“It appears I do.”</p><p></p><p>“So then, please trust me when I say that everything will turn out fine. And for now, let us just enjoy the simple quietness of the breaking waves on the shore. Oh I really missed these stars...”</p><p></p><p>As Nicodemus appears to be both strangely melancholic and charming, Livia walks a bit closer to him and explains that she does feel much safer already and that she enjoys being away from the crowd for once.</p><p></p><p>She waits a few more steps until she starts talking about the grand design, the planar configuration and the fact that she does believe that Cula Ravjahani's plan seems to have a great potential to actually bring change and a better world for all its inhabitants. Still she fears that some of the other Obs might be more interested in what appears to be the prospect of personal power or petty wish fulfillment.</p><p></p><p>“And what about you?”, Nicodemus interjects spontaneously. “If you could change but one aspect of this world, one little detail to make a 'better world', then what would that be?”</p><p></p><p>Livia doesn't take much time to answer this. “I would give everyone the ability to understand each other, to see with open eyes unclouded by hate or prejudice. This way, all people of this imperfect world would be able to see each other's perspective, as in my opinion hate and oppression can only grow where you see the other one as something dissimilar from yourself.”</p><p></p><p>Nicodemus raises his eyebrows as he is clearly surprised by such a quick and strong response from Livia Hatsfield.</p><p></p><p>“I didn't expect this answer. How intriguing...”</p><p></p><p>“You don't agree?”</p><p></p><p>“It is not what I would have expected from a single wish. I wonder how many would share your view. But then again, by what right do we chosen few decide upon the fate of this world?”</p><p></p><p>“Because it is you, us, who came up with this plan.”</p><p></p><p>“A very presumptuous one, don't you agree?”</p><p></p><p>“Presumptuous indeed” she finishes with a smile while Nicodemus exhales a deep breath as he remembers that it is about time to return to business. He then turns to Livia for one last time, picks up her hands and squeezes them softly.</p><p></p><p>“Keep that keen spirit of yours and don't be afraid to speak your mind. We need people like you.”</p><p></p><p>He then whispers a quick incantation and they transcend back to the Bleak Gate. There, Nicodemus formally and very briefly questions Livia again about Zoltan's death before he wishes her a good night and levitates back to the Lighthouse's platform.</p><p></p><p>The moment his feel leave the ground, Auryn can hear a faint, clinking sound of metal falling on stone. She looks at the place and finds an old, iron chain with a pendant of a rusty fishing hook. She picks it up and tries to call for Nicodemus, but then stops a split second before she raises her voice as something warm and powerful urges her not to. Just as if whatever this could be wanted to stay with her...</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">(Dare I say that I loved this scene so much. From the genuine charm of Nicodemus to his motives and thoughts that I am only able to understand in hindsight to the utter romance of a walk under the stars. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)"></span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">At first, Auryn of course tried to incorporate Livia, who is both a bit frightened by the happenings and also a hapless romantic. Something that Nicodemus could have known about. But bit by bit she let her own voice come through the surface, and then it was her being charmed by Nicodemus despite the fact she knew that this was wrong and Nic was still occupying Andrei's body. It really culminated in her and him confessing the nature of the Obs' plan as presumptuous, something that Carlyle tried to convince her of before.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)"></span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">I really don't know how Nic thought about this whole scene, but I think that he didn't lie about his motives. He was being lonely and "in the dark", especially without Kasvarina. And I cannot help but guess that Livia's words about the other plans and the unscrupulous nature of the Obs were the final straw for Nicodemus to decide that he had to kill off the opposing factions. Hence the fact the Hook left him after that very scene. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)"></span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">Oh and the Humble Hook. Fortunately, Nicodemus lost his concordance long ago, so he wasn't able to see who was really inside Livia's body. I wonder if he ever reached perfect concordance with the Hook, but I guess he did at some point and never understand he lost it eventually. Maybe he just forgot or ignored the Hook's urges and this is why he didn't realize it was gone. For Auryn, the Hook was a complete game-changer however, something that firmly set her on her own path.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)"></span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">For why I dubbed this "Prologue to Crossroads"... because this is where everything that would happen later was put in motion. The real crossroads - like in the "Crossroads of Destiny" will happen a bit later, but it all started here. There was a little chance that these two would have walked their way side by side, but that obviuosly didn't happen) </span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lylandra, post: 8102412, member: 6816692"] [B][I]Footsteps in the sand (or Prelude to the Crossroads)[/I][/B] We then venture to the portal gallery to experience the effects of the planar configurations firsthand. While we're not sure how they managed to duplicate Giovanni's art of creating pocket dimensions in portals, we still guess that this might be inspired by his work. In this gallery, we also find ideas of “minor factions” on display who didn't make it to grand presentation level. So we decide to give them a try, too, as there might be a hidden gem among them. First on our list is the Arboretum, which puts some really malleable weather in display, making it rain instantly the moment Erskine enters the portal. And of course, this makes the weather conditions only worse. “My, you're such a sunshine...” Livia says, glancing over at the dragon in disguise before she gets caught by the plane's strange flora. The plants, too, seem to react to our wishes and we find very exotic, never-seen-before specimen among them. Livia/Auryn takes a moment to examine them for a moment and quickly understands that botany would be a wholly different subject in this reality. We then enter the realm of Colossus and get a first glimpse at the superpowers someone could get were they among the chosen few of the Obs. Of course, being there and experiencing the power feels great at first, but it turns hollow very quickly as we realize every second we spend in this realm that this is nothing but a slow-paced path to corruption for those who crave power. The Panachists' world feels a bit less tempting, as we are encouraged to experience the mortal-object connections and teleportation powers this path would open up. Far more drastic is the realm of the Watchmaker's faction where prisoners are forced to follow a crazy, timed script again and again, thus showing off the minute detail planning that is possible if done right. We see that these “prisoners” are not really happy about this forced scenario and back off quickly in disgust. The display of Miller's Pyre also utilizes prisoners, but this time the guys used are violent and encouraged to slay another to get out. But the configuration inside makes the stronger one of them hesitant to kill the other. They talk a bit and then agree that the one who's allowed to “leave alive” will get food for the one stuck inside. We examine the effects of this realm more thoroughly and realize that it does hinder its inhabitants to act violently against each other which seems really impressive. We then enter various smaller sketches of more experimental planar effects. One of them plays with gravity while another one makes rays of light quite solid and walk-able, leaving us with the thought that some Obs might actually had a good fun designing these. Another dimensions encourages its inhabitants to play music or sing while enabling them with the power of realizing their mistakes much quicker. And of course, Auryn jokes about stealing that one from the Obs to improve more quickly. Then we get to a portal with a stormy sea which seems to enable flight for everyone. We spot a group of people who enter the portal and take flight easily. Then we turn to Haffkrüger and see that he turns his back on the picture. “And here I thought you'd be the first one to join them in...” Livia says, pointing to the flying people inside. Haffkrüger seems oddly silent at first, and then quietly answers “...I won't dare it.” We leave him like that and get the feeling that the old man seems to struggle with himself, probably even fearing that he might lose control or be too tempted to join the circle of conspirators should he be able to soar the sky once again. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)](That was one of the rare times when Gradiax displayed something like melancholy, another humanizing emotion we only thought was possible when he spoke of his daughter. We guessed that he was and is really struggling against his desire to try become the Dragon Tyrant he used to be once again every moment he comes close to a situation where he's presented with a possible way back to the old days)[/COLOR] One last portal shows a terrifying world where the feeling of religion and divinity lost all meaning. And while we understand how someone would come to the conclusion that this scenario might be desirable, we decide to leave that one as quickly as possible. After our visit to the portal gallery, we are being approached by a guard of the estate who asks Kiov Hetman to come with him as Nicodemus requests his presence. Of course, Kiov agrees to follow the guard who leads him towards the lighthouse. He tries to get a good look at the building and realizes that there is some kind of magical laboratory inside. He also spots Luc and Ottavia who seem to be in a gesturing argument as he is being lead onto a platform where Nicodemus is already waiting in a relaxed position. He directly asks Kiov what he has heard or seen regarding the murder of Ramos Zoltan. Kiov, of course, sees this as a carefully hidden interrogation, so he replies in the same direct manner. He states that he didn't have anything to do with it as the man is his acquaintance and he had actually been the first one to realize that Zoltan was missing during breakfast. He then caused a ruckus to get the staff to go look after Zoltan and was shocked to hear about his friend's demise. Also, he has been the one to complain about the security measures earlier last day. And rightly so, as it turned out that someone was able to murder dear Ramos in cold blood. He states that he's glad to be finally able to file his complaints to someone who got an actual, material brain and got something to say as well as he reported the issue of a halfling guy taking notes on the other guests of the convocation. A very suspicious looking fellow, Kiov adds, as this halfling had some snake-like scribblings in his notebook, especially if one considers that fact that they found a statue of a snake with Ramos Zoltan. Nicodemus smiles disarmingly at this full display of dwarvish excitation and agrees that this is one man who obviously really cares for his friends. He tries to assure Kiov that everything's going to be just fine, but Kiov doesn't want to be buttered in sweet words as right now, he cannot really feel safe in his own bed, especially if a ghost could be among the suspects. This makes Nicodemus promise that he'll personally insist on making the murder case a top priority subject. Lastly, Kiov asks whether he could get a guided tour through this magnificent lighthouse as this is clearly his favorite subject. Nic replies that he'll put it on the list of requests, but he won't make any promises. He then dismisses the dwarf and asks for the guards to pick up Livia Hatsfield next. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)](Carlyle really did such an outstanding performance of the dwarf Kiov... which is also very much in character for a man who knows so much about other people and their desires... and yes, he desperately wanted to understand the Lighthouse)[/COLOR] Like Kiov, Livia is also being led through the lighthouse to the top platform. She seems a bit intimidated by the fact that she's basically being questioned by the Obs' leader and quietly tells Nicodemus what she witnessed during breakfast and that she was sound asleep the night before. She admits that she is terrified by the current situation as all she ever wanted was to bring goodness and change into the world and now she's inside a murder madness. Nicodemus seems to show sympathy towards the elf and asks her whether she'd mind to tell him more about her thoughts on a stroll on the beach. But not on this dread plane, he explains, as he misses the stars and wishes to see them again after many days in the dark. He then gestures towards some personnel working on the lanterns and casts a levitation spell on both himself and Livia. Then he takes her hand and floats off the tower to the beach below. Meanwhile, the sky lights up bit by bit until the stars come out again. “Much better. There is solace in their soothing light. But who am I to tell that to a Risuri.” “I didn't know how much I'd miss them. But yes, the Skyseers claim that the future is written in the stars.” “So, please, walk with me. Tell me something about yourself, Miss Hatsfield.” Livia smiles faintly at that invitation and moves closer to Nicodemus. She then tells him about her youth in an elven forest village near Shale, which was both carefree and increasingly boring. She then moved to the city and came into contact with Duchess Ethelyn of Shale, the King's sister. And she happened to like this energetic woman. “Charming and clever, that woman, but truly a troublemaker” Nicodemus, adds. Still she couldn't join in with her growing estrangement to her brother, so she grew more distant and was really horrified when she learned from the Duchess' betrayal. That was when she learned that bonds of blood apparently meant nothing at all which made her doubt the world itself, a place that seemed more ugly and wrong with each passing day. Then she learned about the Obs and their plan to make the world a better place. Which, she says, sounded so wonderful in her sore ears. But alas, when she saw and learned more about her peers yesterday, she started to doubt in their good intentions again. “How carelessly they spoke of murder. What kind of person who truly wishes to work for the betterment of the world would be so unscrupulous? And now there is a dead body, a murdered person, and I cannot even say that I am that surprised.” “And still you take a walk with me. Alone in the dark. You seem to trust me, or am I mistaken?” “It appears I do.” “So then, please trust me when I say that everything will turn out fine. And for now, let us just enjoy the simple quietness of the breaking waves on the shore. Oh I really missed these stars...” As Nicodemus appears to be both strangely melancholic and charming, Livia walks a bit closer to him and explains that she does feel much safer already and that she enjoys being away from the crowd for once. She waits a few more steps until she starts talking about the grand design, the planar configuration and the fact that she does believe that Cula Ravjahani's plan seems to have a great potential to actually bring change and a better world for all its inhabitants. Still she fears that some of the other Obs might be more interested in what appears to be the prospect of personal power or petty wish fulfillment. “And what about you?”, Nicodemus interjects spontaneously. “If you could change but one aspect of this world, one little detail to make a 'better world', then what would that be?” Livia doesn't take much time to answer this. “I would give everyone the ability to understand each other, to see with open eyes unclouded by hate or prejudice. This way, all people of this imperfect world would be able to see each other's perspective, as in my opinion hate and oppression can only grow where you see the other one as something dissimilar from yourself.” Nicodemus raises his eyebrows as he is clearly surprised by such a quick and strong response from Livia Hatsfield. “I didn't expect this answer. How intriguing...” “You don't agree?” “It is not what I would have expected from a single wish. I wonder how many would share your view. But then again, by what right do we chosen few decide upon the fate of this world?” “Because it is you, us, who came up with this plan.” “A very presumptuous one, don't you agree?” “Presumptuous indeed” she finishes with a smile while Nicodemus exhales a deep breath as he remembers that it is about time to return to business. He then turns to Livia for one last time, picks up her hands and squeezes them softly. “Keep that keen spirit of yours and don't be afraid to speak your mind. We need people like you.” He then whispers a quick incantation and they transcend back to the Bleak Gate. There, Nicodemus formally and very briefly questions Livia again about Zoltan's death before he wishes her a good night and levitates back to the Lighthouse's platform. The moment his feel leave the ground, Auryn can hear a faint, clinking sound of metal falling on stone. She looks at the place and finds an old, iron chain with a pendant of a rusty fishing hook. She picks it up and tries to call for Nicodemus, but then stops a split second before she raises her voice as something warm and powerful urges her not to. Just as if whatever this could be wanted to stay with her... [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)](Dare I say that I loved this scene so much. From the genuine charm of Nicodemus to his motives and thoughts that I am only able to understand in hindsight to the utter romance of a walk under the stars. At first, Auryn of course tried to incorporate Livia, who is both a bit frightened by the happenings and also a hapless romantic. Something that Nicodemus could have known about. But bit by bit she let her own voice come through the surface, and then it was her being charmed by Nicodemus despite the fact she knew that this was wrong and Nic was still occupying Andrei's body. It really culminated in her and him confessing the nature of the Obs' plan as presumptuous, something that Carlyle tried to convince her of before. I really don't know how Nic thought about this whole scene, but I think that he didn't lie about his motives. He was being lonely and "in the dark", especially without Kasvarina. And I cannot help but guess that Livia's words about the other plans and the unscrupulous nature of the Obs were the final straw for Nicodemus to decide that he had to kill off the opposing factions. Hence the fact the Hook left him after that very scene. Oh and the Humble Hook. Fortunately, Nicodemus lost his concordance long ago, so he wasn't able to see who was really inside Livia's body. I wonder if he ever reached perfect concordance with the Hook, but I guess he did at some point and never understand he lost it eventually. Maybe he just forgot or ignored the Hook's urges and this is why he didn't realize it was gone. For Auryn, the Hook was a complete game-changer however, something that firmly set her on her own path. For why I dubbed this "Prologue to Crossroads"... because this is where everything that would happen later was put in motion. The real crossroads - like in the "Crossroads of Destiny" will happen a bit later, but it all started here. There was a little chance that these two would have walked their way side by side, but that obviuosly didn't happen) [/COLOR] [/QUOTE]
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