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DragonHeir

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  1. DragonHeir
    One materialized, a normal chair by all appearances. “Is that good?” Asked the interface. “Do you want a cushion?” - Rebus shook it. “I am Rebus.” - “Regardless of how much sense the story makes, the core lesson should be understandable - one of the best ways to convince people of things is to enable a situation when they only need to say yes once.” Rebus tipped Antagonist, the crown humming with malicious energy. “I did nothing to Ryna personally - I’m simply evil enough, even now, to be a veritable beacon of darkness to certain magical senses.” “Very.” Rebus said. “Perhaps you could even kill this body.” Then he disappeared, the Narratively fractured conversation recombining. - Jack followed, looking over his shoulder several times. “How do we make sure the other sages aren’t like this one?” “I came here because I wished to know what you are doing here.” Rebus spread his arms wide, indicating the castle and surrounding landscape. “But I also have an offer to make.” - “Deal.” That was a contract, certified with magic; Rebus nodded, then disappeared with a whoosh. Rebus stumbled, swinging his now-free sword at Cricket’s torso - so the man wouldn’t have time to strike while Rebus was off balance.
  2. DragonHeir
    The program wasn't sure what to do about that. - "You could try, if you wished." Rebus said, landing on the deck next to Levi. "I wouldn't be especially upset." - "Showing that is exactly the point of the scenario - that interacting with one makes safe containment impossible." - Not right now he isn't - while that dodge is certainly enabled by residual plot armor, Rebus is completely depowered and only using mundane(ish - he trained while doing other things via hive mind) skill. Rebus grinned. "Exactly!"
  3. DragonHeir
    "Because my Author would stop writing about it, and then I'd be dead."
  4. DragonHeir
    “Survivorship bias.” Rebus said. “If I did nothing I wouldn’t be here.” “Aelinor holds Conflict, now.” Rebus grinned. “I am supposed to be a terrible person - and I want that Blade, or to fight its wielder.” - Rebus chuckled. “Clever. I shall refrain from true dishonesty, of course - now that you hold Bacon captive, perhaps I can take his place as an introduction to Narrators.” He snapped away, having concluded that arriving with Malevolence would be detrimental to the plans. - “Yes.” Jack said, not breathing very much at all. “As far away from that place as we can get. But it was not wholly your fault - I told you to bring me there.” NameIess seems to have done so - taking the trial will probably result in interaction with the man in question, though he’s already around. Rebus watched from across the Thread, pleased the hunt seemed to be going well. The quarry also watched. It told time, in fact - a very handy device, should you remember to wind it. Not lack of intelligence, merely lack of research. Rebus is saying that sci-fi tech pretty much always violates the laws of physics. Utility fog is especially bad - it should overheat, you need to get zillions of tiny robots to do what you want, and it might not even or possible to build robots that small. It bounced, the same way it had for the others. - Rebus nodded. “I had been wondering what it does, but I suppose I shall see in a moment.” - “A machine made to act as a person - for the purposes of the experiments, imagine a mighty spirit of vast knowledge but little fondness for people.” “Ah.” Rebus said. He started to say something more, but stopped talking as dodged rightwards. There was a clang as he barely blocked the true attack, his eyes wide. “Clever,” he said, standing close, their blades locked together - Cricket could hear him breathing. “You almost had me.” Rebus smiled, and kicked straight at Cricket’s kneecap.
  5. DragonHeir
    Rebus laughed, ruining his next strike. "Never felt pain! Cricket, every moment I do not exist is spent in endless confinement, unable to act, nothing ever permanent. That is torture, and not metaphorically so; a normal man would be driven insane in days. I do not feel pain, but could you say that your mind would remain after that endless nothingness?"
  6. DragonHeir
    "Most futuristic technology is impossible, of course, but utility fog - given the thermodynamics, computation complexity, and intensive nanotechnology - is one of the most so." One of those utility fog walls appeared, the system making an educated guess as to where it should go. - Rebus followed, lifted himself to the deck with utility fog. "How does the ship sail?" he asked, hovering next to Eli. - "Yes, but my goals remain the same - reminding the Authors of my situational ruthlessness. I suspect I could manage said crime syndicate, but if you wish I shall teach you the art of manipulation." He smiled. "The secret to much of my success lies in a situation known as the AI box test. This scenario is a thought experiment, in which a superintelligence is placed within a closed system and allowed only to write text on a screen. This is an attempt to control the superintelligence - an entity trapped within a 'box' cannot take over the world, but can still communicate plans that would improve it. Unfortunately, when simulated in real life - one human, with none of the enhanced capacity a true superintelligence would have, writing text to another who plays the researcher - it is overwhelmingly clear that the simulated AI can talk the researcher into letting it out, even when actual money is at stake." "This is done in two ways. The first is bribery - within the test, anything can be offered by the superintelligence, since it is after all a superintelligence - from incredible technology to simple wisdom. The second is that the simulated researcher only has to agree once - the AI has plenty of time to argue, and merely one moment of weakness is enough to let it out." Rebus grinned, eyes sparkling. "Sound familiar?"
  7. DragonHeir
    Rebus thought this development was interesting, though the subsequent events might be less interesting than Ryna seemed to think. "I am literally cheating - every bit of this technology would fall apart if anything resembling normal physics were applied." A ball, as requested, materialized from the air in front of him. - Rebus nodded, managing to put satisfaction, acknowledgement, and permission into the motion. - "Ah. I could simply kill them for you - Eli is less expendable than I'd expected, though clearly not whole." He shrugged. Rebus cocked his head. "Why would I want to be?" he asked, attempting the overhead swing a second time. "A soldier is one of many, and that is a dangerous position."
  8. DragonHeir
    "Utility fog is a preexisting concept - I adapted it, brought it into being. 'Omnions' are technically responsible for the technology, but it was Narration - both summoning items and causing events to happen - that enabled it." "Alright," came a quite voice, the text boxes disappearing. It sounded vaguely like Rebus, but clearly wasn't. "You said you wanted a ball?" - "Of course." Rebus said, smiling. "I take it from your reaction that Elinore was truthful." - "I can indeed. Do you have someone in mind you want convinced of something, or would you like general advice?"
  9. DragonHeir
    "That is good to hear." Rebus smiled. Voice commands are an option, if that is comfortable for you. - Rebus nodded, then waved a hand. Utility fog crashed into Eli, throwing her perhaps ten feet backwards. - "Of course you may," Rebus said.
  10. DragonHeir
    A new wall sprang up, as he presumably intended, and the ball indeed bounced off of it. That was intended to be text - I should use italics instead. There is nothing to fear. A new box read. How do you wish to interact with this system? - "If Elinor really is telling the truth, killing her would be physiologically bad for Altas." Rebus nodded slowly. "And I may not lie, so creative wording and misdirection shall be needed." - "My experience is different than that - enjoy, I suppose."
  11. DragonHeir
    Rebus turned sideways, the sword slicing his whirling coat. His eyes narrowed slightly, and he let out a breath as he waited for Cricket to come at him. It seemed like a normal rubber ball - dark green, around the size of his fist. Rebus bounced that off a utility fog wall, and has given him the ball so Dax can try to do the same. A new box sprang up in front of him: "Recommended interface: spatially consistent augmented reality. Prompts are projected, but hold a fixed location in space - a perfect introduction to heads-up-displays." - Rebus nodded. "How does mysteriously disappearing sound? I will unfreeze Atlas to say goodbye, of course." I was assuming that meant you - interesting... - "If you wish; you'll return to oblivion, but perhaps you do not mind." Cosplay, you say? This shall be very good.
  12. DragonHeir
    Alright, I'm back. Honestly got more sleep in the last two days than I have in any three of the last two weeks. Rebus stepped smoothly backwards, the first strike falling short. As Cricket got closer, Rebus batted away the next two strikes, then suddenly stepped forwards and swung his sword down from overhead. "Oh, I am perfectly aware of that. I do like what you've done with the place - the evil volcanoes are a nice touch." "Yes." Rebus said simply. "I do." - Rebus thought, throwing out utility fog projections of various plotlines. "The fairest option would be the newcomers - preferably before they get a plot going. Lyric and Jack would be a good choice, as perhaps would be the former companions of Sequence, the High Notblades and those they are interacting with, the group seeking Plot Significance, or Eli and Ryna." - Jack followed, jumping clean over the Sage. He did a roll as he landed, springing back to his feet next to Lyric. "That man seems mad. Both kinds of mad." Rebus tossed the ball to him. The words blinked, and Rebus raised an eyebrow at his Author for causing such a thing. - Rebus grinned - that dragon seemed to match his old aesthetic. "Ah - would you prefer Eli to remain blinded to the realities of this world?" - "The quote-unquote 'summonee' has already stopped the situation, so you needn't be worried. Except because of me, of course." Rebus smiled sweetly. It might be quote-on-quote, actually... I am now, though it took me two days to sleep it off. I'll get around to checking my messages tomorrow... Yeah! Much good Rebus fanart! Rebus cocked his head. "An ordinary person granted near omnipotence could indeed have anything they want." He smiled, eyes glittering. "But it's all just words. I could be have all the luxury in the world, and it would be just the same to me as being tortured." This level of inexplicablity was indeed suited to the task. "Good. Now then - there is a man within a cave, formed of vapor. If you search for him, you will find that cave, regardless of where you are. He is the gatekeeper to a smith of great skill, and you may attempt his test if you wish, but he is not the one you want - for around this cave there should be strange happenings. Follow them, and you will find the quarry." The first man is Omen, who is played by NameIess.
  13. DragonHeir
    Rebus advanced, pivoting his sword through a series of slashes to push Cricket back. His smile matched Cricket's, though perhaps for different reasons. I need to research sword words, y'all. I also need to sleep; you shall hear from me tomorrow.
  14. DragonHeir
    Rebus smiled, and a ball was constructed in a flurry of utility fog. He caught it, then tossed it forwards - a solid wall of light (or, rather, an invisible wall represented by light) locking together just before the ball bounced off of it. "Immobile, solid objects are what I would practice first - though of course the interface prevents even grievous mistakes from, say, tearing someone's arm off." - Rebus laughed. "I have quite concrete proof of what I say." A whirl of Chaotic Light formed around his hand, shimmering with color. "This would, for a moment, show you the world as it is." - "That happened some time ago," Rebus noted. "What exactly is your objective here?" I need to be able to function tomorrow, since the last day of the semester (and hence due date for everything) is tomorrow. Ergo, I am going to sleep. We do? Excuse me, what?
  15. DragonHeir
    Assuming he’d selected the relevant control option (and hence allowed Rebus’s technology to read his mind), lines of light spiraled around him at the force of a strong wind. - Atlas is an old character and has clear feelings, implying method acting and hence some measure of autonomy. Eli is quite new, and has less of a personality. Hence, Rebus considers only Atlas to be a person. “You aren’t real. Nobody you’ve ever met has been real - and most of them even less than you.” - “Please refrain from interrupting my extortion.” Rebus smiled politely, Antagonist humming from atop his head. “Do you want Conflict both intact and unused?” Rebus had, in fact, been attempting to bring Ivisyre to him. Or threatening to, at least - he’d very deliberately insured he could be interrupted. Still, visiting Ivisyre was worthwhile. One of his copies materialized there, smiling politely and fully prepared for something to vaporize him. Rebus lashed out with his blade, lunging and swinging in one fluid movement.
  16. DragonHeir
    “I did, though magic was of course involved.” - Of course - Atlas is real. “Alive and living are different things. You and Atlas would cease to exist if you left together.”
  17. DragonHeir
    The drawing is very good. - Other people’s command over utility fog was visible now, lines of light representing the actions of the nanomachines. There was the construction of objects, of course, but it also nudged errant frisbees back towards their throwers, caught dropped objects, and occasionally lifted people to the terraces above. - “You don’t have lives.” Rebus said softly. “Very well,” Rebus said. “Ivisy-“ he began to say, the tone making the nature of the magical summons quite clear. @NameIess
  18. DragonHeir
    Words - a heads-up display - shimmered into view as the two became citizens of Rebus’s empire. It seemed designed for unobtrusiveness, except a central menu with three choices: “utility fog display”, “mental interface”, and “other”. “You now have permissions allowing nanomachine control, among other things.” Rebus explained. “The most flexible method would be mental control, but that makes people uncomfortable for a number of reasons. What you see now is the default method - if even that is discomforting, a physical device can be provided.” - “You may be telling the truth. You may be a liar, and you may merely be a hypocrite. Why should I believe you, and why should I care?” Rebus watched Ryna lead Atlas off to the side, but made no comment - the Chronicler was likely better suited for counseling. “It is my pleasure.” Rebus smiled. “If you would, dispatch a servant of yours - Mischief would be well suited to the quarry, though perhaps not the task - to bring the man I seek to me, alive. I can provide help, of course, but some interactions are difficult for metaphysical reasons.” Rebus smiled, eyes glittering. “Your stake could perhaps be a portion of the fruit of your plots; credit for the actions taken and the fealty of those corrupted. Another Plotblade is of little direct benefit to me.” - Jack hit the ground with the distinct sound of clockwork winding, surprisingly graceful considering his performance in combat. Acting on a whim, he threw a can of oil - from the party and still perhaps a quarter full - at the Sage. - Rebus nodded - he had made changes of his own, though he’d offered no explanation as to what they were. - “Is that so? I understand your grief, and your anger, but I believe I can allow you entrance to Sequence’s world. The graves may very well be intact - Ivisyre seems likely to maintain them as a trophy.” “Fate… I presume you know the terms.” Rebus shifted into a proper stance - he stood like a fencer, though he held the sword in two hands. “Let us begin.”
  19. DragonHeir
    "Yes." Rebus smiled, and Dax felt a brief rush of magic as the contract was certified. "Yes, it is." - Rebus smiled broadly, circling around Elinore. "You represent a unique opportunity to me. You are, as a matter of fact, absolutely insignificant. You are almost certainly a terrible person, and you haven't existed long enough to have any feelings at all." He grinned, eyes sparkling. "That means I can kill you." Well, it would be time, except there's no way we're finishing this tonight. Slow burn/modicum of self-care. You, on the other hand, are most certainly significant. You may have heard that Honesty is my middle name - what I have said is true, as is what you have just ascertained. Rebus calmly hung Antagonist on Redemption's hilt, the crown throwing off feedback where it touched the sword. "I do understand you, Cricket. Perhaps that is part of why you hate me." And Rebus swept his hand to the side, a simple longsword coalescing within his grasp. "I accept those terms."
  20. DragonHeir
    Rebus smiled as he walked through the portal, shoulder to shoulder with the man who hated him.
  21. DragonHeir
    Layke watch the supernova approach with no small amount of dread. This would wreck all the interesting things his planet was doing! Except... perhaps new interesting things would occur. The power liked that - watching the leylines cross was interesting, but the activity the supernova would spur was more than sufficient to replace it. And so Invention waited expectantly for the wall of Investiture to crash into his system.
  22. DragonHeir
    It said something along the lines of "I hereby signify I possess the authority to authenticate this contract. I place [honestly have forgotten] laboratories and the associated nation-state within the command and protection of Rebus's empire." - Rebus turned around, a slow smiled spreading over his face. "My name is Dr. Rebus Honesty Clarke. I am the Antagonist." - Just for the duel - armor is cheating, you see. I do.
  23. DragonHeir
    And then Heir finally showed up. Rebus smiled, and a pen and paper materialized in front of him. "Welcome to my empire, then." - Rebus is pretty sure he's given up most chances at love - he doesn't regret it, but still wishes there had been some other way Rebus laughed, grinning. "Alright." "Instrumental convergence, Malevolence. Existing is the prerequisite to almost any goal." Rebus smiled. "A reward... The highest stakes would be that of the Witherlord Mantle, followed by the Lost Page required to acquire it. I suspect you - rightly - would agree to neither. Fealty would likely be cut short by betrayal, though a favor could serve as a reward. If my plans progress as intended, I shall have up to five excess Plotblades - should you have an item of similar worth that could be my wager." - Jack glanced at him, then jumped. He easily crested the husks, spring-loaded heels propelling him a dozen feet into the air. Whether that would be sufficient distraction remained to be seen. - Rebus nodded. "Good. In addition to remaining here, I'll procure the last element required." Rebus's smile lessened, changing from unnerving grin to something more sane and civil. "I suspect I can be of use. I respected Sequence - she deserves the burial she would want. I only ask one thing in return." Rebus looked directly toward Eli, but his Author hadn't followed this plot well enough to know what else he should do. "That agreement is acceptable - welcome to my empire, Vengeance." Rebus snapped into being with a sonic boom, longcoat rippling. Antagonist hummed on his brow, a smile on his face. "Yes, Cricket. Let's."
  24. DragonHeir
    “I shall be available.” Then, Rebus turned to Malevolence, awaiting his reply. “The war? It depends upon the factors in play - some things can be changed easily, while others remain the status quo even when they shouldn’t.” Rebus shrugged, beginning to lead them down the street. Civilian responses to him were mixed - some smiled and waved, while others stood at attention or bowed. A dog ran up to him at a fairly significant speed and enthusiastically rammed into Rebus’s leg as the rather sheepish owner caught up to them. “But this place - and the many like it across the empire - would be available to you.” - Rebus watched the exchange with a wistful smile. Rebus watched from afar, a faint smile on his face. Welcome back - I look forward to hearing of your plan. Even after dying, Bat is still tormented by random animals.
  25. DragonHeir
    “I lack sufficient knowledge of yours, so I shall serve my own interests - a subset of which presumably match those of both you and Atlas.” “I might agree - it was my previous weapon.” The city was utopian close up - not merely in sterile elegance (though that was certainly present in the futuristic architecture) or picturesque greenery (though that was present in the park visible a few blocks away and the trees thriving in rows along the street), but also in the authentic cheer visible on nearly every person walking the street. Multitudes of people, smiling and laughing - as though they had not a care in the world. And from the looks of it - close observation revealing that items occasionally materialized from the air, seemingly at the whim of those who proceeded to use them - they very well may not have. - Rebus laid a hand on Atlas’s shoulder, speaking softly. “I know someone who you can rely upon without fail. Someone who cares for you deeply. Someone who understands you, maybe even more than you understand yourself.” Rebus was holding some sort of cloth - red, with a white edge. He unfolded it, and carefully pulled the santa hat over Atlas’s head. “@Keke?”
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