003 [video]

[lancerofblood]

[Based on what can be viewed in the background, Lancer's recording this during a brief lull at work - those familiar with it will recognise the interior of the Everglade Sheriff's station. He looks the kind of tired that goes with long hours that are longer for him taking on whatever work he can which will encourage those in charge to grant him more responsibility, but he also looks a little done with it all.

For a former king, sitting at the lowest rung of an unfamiliar ladder is not entirely fulfilling. At least, not for this former king.]

This world brings to it many who once lived less modest lives than the one offered here. Those who are perhaps accustomed to a way of living that does not fit with the need for consistent employment and advancement.

I wonder, then, how does such an individual better themselves by the standards set for advancement, or are we expected to content ourselves with more meagre living? If we might not prove ourselves with war, how might we prove ourselves otherwise so that we might be granted a position and lifestyle more in keeping with that we are accustomed? Or is this perhaps less a matter of standing and more of era, that I am not yet versed enough in more modern societies to be able to succeed?

[His tone is somewhere between genuine question but also just venting thoughts. But the lack of war brings another thought to bear.]

Also. Outside of events such as the recent tournament, how might we best ensure that our ability to fight is not hampered by the lack of necessity to do so. Certainly, my current choice of employ helps, but it would not do to allow any of my skills to turn to rust.

[Except for one. He'd gladly strip himself of that and burn it, if he could.]

Comments

Video

[zenoh]

As someone who is experiencing the same when it comes to employment, I would say it's a matter of era and culture shock. The adjustment from one drastically different culture to this one, even if it tries to be accommodating, can be extremely difficult.

[ She sighs, shaking her head and rubbing her forehead. She definitely feels his pain about the lack of war, not that Ayame wishes one to come to this world, but at the same time she feels more at home in that setting. ]

But there are the holodecks, the Attleton arena, and the bi-weekly bounties as the main source of combat challenges we have in this world, along with the occasional person who seem overly eager to look for people to fight. But I understand that they remain lacking in many ways still.

[ Particularly in one crucial factor: they all lack spirit. Even the others like them, who don't really have a good reason to fight other than to train. ]

Video

[lancerofblood]

Culture shock, yes. That sounds an appropriate term for the experience...masked until now, perhaps, by the novelty of the situation.

[Perhaps he just hadn't appreciated, at first, the full impact of what the change in culture - and moreso, his position within it - would bring.]

But perhaps, then, it's about time I explored Attleton more fully. I can't say I don't have my reservations about the holodecks and the bounties are less than predictable...though I agree there is something that only true war can inspire that cannot fully be replicated deliberately. Still, close enough shall have to suffice.

[zenoh]

Attleton may be a small town, but it has hidden gems in it that is worth exploring fully. It might even serve you purpose aside from the arena.

Halloween is coming and every year this world has some strange event at that time. Like the prior year for example, where Genessia City's streets was overrun by dark creatures every night, while Attleton's showed citizens their worst fears. It's best to be prepared.

[ Having a more accurate mental map of each city would serve beneficial should things start going awry this coming Halloween ]

[lancerofblood]

...And would these strange events include a necessity for us to visit cities we may not usually spend time in?

[Because if that's the case, he definitely needs to know more. Besides, if he's conquered Nova City...not that he has...it's probably about time he sees what the fifth major power of Genessia has for itself.]

[zenoh]

Not always, but it's good to be prepared, especially whatever this world has in store decides to strike a little earlier. Fayren, Everglade, and Nova City were relatively mild in comparison. Entering Fayren changes one's attire to a random Halloween costume, buildings in Everglade were made of pastries, and entering Nova City turns someone into a mythical creature.

voice;

[immortalrose]

We prove ourselves with our deeds.

[Lancer would most certainly recognize the speaker in his reply since it's none other than Augustine. The dhampir been oddly quiet as of late, probably busy with both work and the upcoming performance happening soon. It's a known fact that the Tepes lives a very busy and sometimes chaotic life.]

There's no need to highlight violence to display skill. Here in this more modern world, integrity is valued over strength. I'm a firm believer that hard work leads to great spoils.

[There's a certain warmth in his tone that Lancer might be able to detect. It's that unmentioned hint of respect that Augustine has for him.]

While you might not be able to reclaim your illustrious titles, you'll certainly reclaim the admiration of all those who'll have the honor of working with you.

voice;

[lancerofblood]

[For all he enjoys Augustine's company for other reasons before it, Lancer cannot say that the respect he always hears in the other Tepes' voice isn't a balm to his ego. And for that, there's a trace of warm amusement beneath the general contempt with the situation - hard work is all well and good, but he's used to a degree of privilege that doesn't serve him here.]

You're kind to say so. And certainly, I am aware that strength alone does not suffice. I suppose this is merely a very different landscape than I am used to navigating, and for that the paths I must take are rather less obvious.

But how have you been? I feel we both have had significant demands on our time of late.

Re: voice;

[immortalrose]

While the portrait might be a tad different, the inspiration remains the same. [An elegant quote from yours truly.] We just need to help ease your way back into power through modern politics. That means getting you groomed and ready for the next elections, good king.

[Uh oh. Augustine has an idea. A very bold and wild idea. This man has something up his sleeves.]

Oh, yes! You would make a fine Guardian for Everglade. I can see it now...! [Too bad this isn't video because Augustine's eyes are alit with glee.] A Tepes finally at their full glory and without the depravity that looms around that awful Dracula farce.

This is going to be excellent.

[Normally he would do some sort of near manical laughter here but Lancer's inquiry caught him off guard.]

Oh, me? I'm quite well, thank you. Just been far too busy at work lately. The museum's visitors have tripled since the opening of the Asterdome and I'm thinking of recruiting more staff now. Just need to finish the paperwork and get the chairmen on board.

voice;

[lancerofblood]

[Modern politics may be an unknown to Lancer but that doesn't lessen his intrigue as Augustine mentions elections. Not a form of governance he has any real experience with, given that both his lineage and that of Yggdmilennia had been enough to determine right of rule, but an intriguing notion all the same.

A shame indeed, though, that this is not video. Augustine will have to imagine the sharp grin that comes with Lancer's response.]

It is little wonder that you and I get on so well. Perhaps we are due a face to face discussion...I do not trust to the inscrutability of these devices.

[All of which is to say: he may not want to get into it here, but if he has a willing ally in this then he isn't about to turn that away either.]

Is there reason to think they would not be? Surely, to prohibit growth in staffing is to prohibit growth of the entire venture?

[He's not a businessman but even he can make the "there are more visitors = needs more staff" connection.]

[singinghuntress]

If I had been vorried about keeping my military titles, I vould haf driven myself mad vithin zhe first few months of arriving in a new vorld.

[As it was, it did take Rip a bit to actually get past not having those anymore. So, she does understand where he's coming from in some sense.]

Zo, I vould say focus less on a job zhat grants you advancement und power. Instead try finding one zhat gives you... contentment? Zhen again, you could alvays start up your own business.

[As for the rest...she grins.]

Find a sparring partner. It helps.

[lancerofblood]

It is true, many of us will have lost titles which once formed such a core part of our identities. Perhaps, then, the challenge is to find who we are without that part. How, if it's not too presumptuous to ask, did you fare in that particular riddle?

[He at least isn't too proud to ask advice where someone might provide it.

As to the rest:]

Perhaps that would not hurt, particularly given some more recent arrivals. Perhaps they may provide a more suitable form of training.

[Hitting up the other Servants who likely will also want to keep their skills sharp doesn't sound like the worst idea, with no Grail at stake]

[singinghuntress]

[She hesitated for a moment.]

...Not vell. I felt like I lacked purpose. So, I found myzelf one.

[The way her voice sounds a bit uneasy might clue him into it being...less than a smooth ride in doing that. Rip may have taken the hard road more than once with varying results and not the greatest mental stability.]

My suggestion? Don't... cling zo hard to zhe past und try to figure out vat you actually vant vithout zhe titles und responsibilities hovering over you.

[Advice she really wished she had several years and three worlds ago. ]

I've alvays found sparring partners to be useful. Especially vhen zhey haf skills zhat are different zhan yours. Zhough, finding someone zhat has skills zhat compliment yours is alvays nice to.

Fighting as a team alvays has its perks.

[lancerofblood]

And how, exactly, does one figure that out?

[Because that's the rub. He's never been without titles or responsibilities and now he's a Heroic Spirit, he feels bound by those now more than ever. So even as he can grasp the theory, the reality is something he's wrestling with rather more.]

I will grant, fighting as a team does have its advantages. I think we proved that well enough through that bounty of ours.

[Perhaps not the perfect team, there, but then Lancer's not sure he's ever been part of a team without its quirks.]

video

[priceofmagic]

Do you mean like.. getting a rise? I hadn't even thought of that. You work so hard around the office that I'd have thought you would get one...

As for fighting... Practice, I guess? There's a place called the Holodeck where you can go all out with your powers.

video

[lancerofblood]

It is not so much the money that troubles me as it is that I'm not certain of how to advance beyond the lowliest station. It is not something I am accustomed to navigating.

[And he's impatient, he realises. But there seems to be a lack of openings for which the life experience he has would grant him any degree of seniority, at least not that he's seen.

The fact that he isn't exactly technologically adept doesn't help.].

Ah yes...I had heard of it but wondered about other options.

[priceofmagic]

To be honest, I don't know either. I guess the next step would be... Guardian? Or Deputy? Have you spoken to Guardian Hikaru? I'm sure you're more than qualified.

There's also a coliseum, where death isn't permanent. But I don't know how the structure holds up compared to the Holodeck.

[lancerofblood]

It's true, that is where the seat of power is found. Perhaps I was fooling myself to think I would be satisfied with anything less.

[The break from politics was all well and good but damn if he doesn't miss it now.]

v i d e o ;

[v_hunter_d]

[ D feels obliged to show up on this feed, though his video response is just simply him staring into it. ]

v i d e o ;

[lancerofblood]

[And Lancer's first thought is that this must be some mistaken response, or at least it would be if not for the intensity of that stare.]

If you have something to say then I am afraid you must put it into words. Divining your thoughts through a device such as this is not as yet a skill I have mastered.

[Though given how the conversations following that sort of look tend to go, he could probably hazard a guess or two.]

v i d e o ;

[v_hunter_d]

Your name. Is this your true name? [ He refers to the name that comes up on the id of the post. ]

v i d e o ;

[lancerofblood]

I suppose that would depend on what you mean by true name.

[Which isn't to say he doesn't get what is actually being asked.]

Certainly it is not the only name by which I am known.

[video]

[prideofhoshido]

You..bring up grand points. Just from arriving here, there is no war, no conflict. While it is good that there is peace, it is concerning for those who were in the midst of a war that is not yet finished.

[He hasn't trained in a while. This place was conflict-free, but what if he wakes up and back with his timeline and he has lost all of his skills. Failing Corrin. Failing his Family. Failing his country. It was a haunting thought.]

It would depend if you wanted to find a way to get out of this place, or cherish the different lifestyle without barely any battles. I do wonder..about such a thing as escaping..

[video]

[lancerofblood]

Then you are in a similar position to my own.

[As far as Lancer recalls, they were in the middle of full-on assault against the Red Faction and not knowing how that might turn out is a thought that weighs at the back of his mind.]

Regardless, whether we seek to escape or not we are nonetheless constrained to remaining here for the time being. Though it has occurred to me that endeavouring to investigate further may well prompt war in itself, if those in charge are so determined that we must stay.

Re: [video]

[prideofhoshido]

Then perhaps, when the time comes, that'll be our fate. People, even the ones brought here, cannot stay here-caged despite this place being a sort of utopia.

I'm very surprised that they wouldn't be worried. If they were wouldn't have they have stopped such ideas before it came to us? This is all such a strange situation, strange rulers..

[video]

[lancerofblood]

Perhaps they are confident enough in their abilities to keep us sedate and at peace that they feel no need to stifle our thoughts in such a way.

[After all, he supposes there are many who would welcome the more peaceful life offered by Genessia after dealing with hardships elsewhere. Perhaps those in charge simply assume that even the dubious will adjust in time.]