genessia | Action, Audio

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Action, Audio

[Action - The Bay and the surrounding area]

[Artanis jolts awake with a start. It feels uncomfortably humid. How long had he been asleep? It was still dark. Had he slept the entire day?

...No. No, that wasn't it. He hadn't fallen asleep in a place so...cramped.

The realization sends a jolt through his body. Anxiously, he feels around the inside of the box he's in...then manages to push open the front. He falls out, but it's an easy effort to lift one of his legs and stop his fall before he lands in the...

...Water?

Now steady on his feet, Artanis looks around. He appears to be in some sort of body of water, with other similar boxes around him. They've all been opened. It's like no place he's seen before.

Well, first things first. He was going to try to call for help. Broadcasting his thoughts outward, he speaks.]

Karax, can you hear me?! Matriarch Vorazun! Rohana!

[The only thing that answers him is silence. He looks around, searching for a way out. But first, something catches his eye back in the box he emerged from.

Upon closer inspection, there appears to be some sort of communication device there, as well as a pendant. He picks them up and looks them over, as well as the welcome note. He then looks around, and finally spots what appears to be an exit.

He emerges into bright sunlight, and immediately he can feel nourishment. However, it doesn't relieve him much -- the surroundings are completely alien to him. The geometry and the structures indicated what might be a Terran settlement, but...it didn't seem right. Something was off.

After taking a few more steps, he investigates a device...until it activates. Suddenly, a holographic projection of a Terran female appears before him, and Artanis listens to the message. Fortunately, it fills him in better on his situation. Not that it makes him feel any better.

If he's trapped, there's a problem. He's the Hierarch of the Daelaam -- the ruler of the united Aiur, Nerazim, and Purifier factions of the Protoss. And after the End War, he's their greatest living hero. While he has no doubt that the council would be able to continue on in his absence and might be able to obscure his disappearance, he fears mass panic would break out among the general populace if they were to find out.

But first things first. He would gather as much information publicly available as possible, then send out a message asking the inhabitants here for further information.]

[Action -- Genessia, Schnee Company Welcoming Center, Amagi Inn]

[Clearly these people had never seen a Protoss before. As Artanis walks through the streets of Genessia, he draws stares left and right. Though to be fair, a seven-foot tall, gray-skinned, elaborately-dressed alien with glowing blue eyes tends to stick out like a sore thumb. It's all Artanis can do to act natural and ignore the fluctuation of emotions around him.

Eventually, he makes his way to the Welcoming Center in Genessia. After getting more information there, he leaves once again and heads toward the Amagi Inn. He's heard they offer free rooms temporarily to new arrivals, so that was as good a place as any to go.

Feel free to catch him at any point during all of this.]

[Audio]

[Broadcasting his telepathy to make it audible is easy enough. Dealing with an unknown Terran settlement, however, is a bit different. He chooses to keep the broadcast on audio for now.

Listeners will hear a deep voice with slight reverberation to it.]

To all who are listening to this broadcast, I bid you greetings. My name is Artanis, and I am a new arrival here in Genessia.

The reason why I am making this broadcast is because I seek information -- namely, information on access to our homes. It is imperative that I return home as quickly as possible, but for the moment, it seems that I cannot. But can we learn about what is going on in our homes? Can we access any detail, any scrap of information whatsoever about them? Any information, no matter how small, will be welcomed.

[OoC: Artanis has had dealings with humans in the past, and he knows how skittish and even hostile they can be to what they don't recognize. Therefore, until he can get a better read on people, he isn't going to show his face to them unless given no choice -- so video responses will be met with voice only.

However, he will be more open to showing his face to anyone who is visibly non-human! If he can tell they're not human, he's more willing to be forthright in an attempt to foster goodwill.]

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[A few moments after the telepathic broadcast, there was a presence reaching out to Artanis, in a way similar but different to the sensation of the Khala. It's tentative at first, almost... scared. However, after a moment and the connection becomes more stable a much more confident voice will respond.]

...For so long I had been the only being in this place to communicate in such a manner. As for your questions, I'm afraid none will be able to help you. We have been attempting to find answers to no avail. However, should it soothe any worries, it would appear that while we remain in this place, time stands still in our respective worlds.

Coincidentally, I also asked these kinds of questions when I arrived here a couple of days ago. What I can tell you from the information I was given is that first, time itself is stopped back home. Secondly, there's a way for us to know what's going on back home through the Dream Docks. What I've been told about them is that here, we sleep for a week or more and are changed based on what we went through back home.

[ A pause, and then: ]

My apologies for not introducing myself first. I'm Hikaru Takeda and it's nice to meet you, Artanis.

[Anduin is simply winding down from another day of work when he spots Artanis. While some people might shy away, he doesn't. He walks right up to him though he feels a bit underdressed; he's ditched his epaulets so he's just wearing a blue and gold tunic, no Stormwind crest or anything.]

Hello there! Are you lost?

[Yukiko was behind the desk waiting to see if anyone checks in today and when someone came in, she was surprised, but was quick to shake it off and smiled.]

Hello, are you checking in today?

Greeting, my name is Belle. As for your questions actual home is not possible but I have noticed people have sub archways that are connected to there home world. It's only a portion of it though.

[To say Artanis is surprised is an understatement. He's aware that some Terrans possess psionic powers, but they're very much a small minority. Not only that, none of them ever felt this powerful. If he had to compare it to what he's felt before...it would be about as strong as the Queen of Blades at the end of the Brood War.]

...I had believed this to be a Terran settlement upon my arrival...yet I can tell that you yourself are not a Terran.

[Interesting. He's even more curious about this place now.]

...Time stands still, you say? So there is some form of time dilation going on. However, I've never heard of accelerating time to the point that everything else comes to a complete stop. Whatever technology is being used to implement that must be formidable indeed.

[Even Chrono Boost technology, advanced as it was, could only accelerate the flow of time relative to the normal passage.]

Would you tell me who you are, stranger?

...I see. I've never heard of time dilation technology so potent.

[The Protoss have turned time dilation technology both into a method to bolster their manufacturing capabilities and as a weapon. However, they can only speed up or slow down time, not stop it altogether.]

Have you visited these Dream Docks before, Hikaru Takeda? Or have you only heard of them from the populace here?

[Artanis looks down at the boy, actually coming to a stop. For a moment, he'd thought that he was being greeted by the Terran emperor himself -- but no, it was someone smaller, presumably younger. They look similar, though.]

...I am a new arrival, but...I would not say I am lost. I'm headed toward the "Welcoming Center" mentioned in the documentation available at the city entrance.

[Though since he's been stopped, might as well see what info he can get.]

Have you been there?

[Artanis isn't the best at reading Terran body language or facial expressions, but he can guess that the girl behind the counter is surprised to see him. After all, it's clear as day that Protoss aren't exactly a common sight here.]

Ah, yes. I have just arrived here and am seeking temporary lodging. Does this establishment have room available for me?

[Subarchways... Artanis had seem some information on them in the literature, but he still had questions about them.]

Can you explain how it only being a portion works? For example, if I were to request that the capital of my home were to be made accessible, what would stop me from leaving the city?

Of course. I always make sure to have some extras rooms pen just incase of new arrivals.

[She found she always kept at least four free at best as she went and grabbed a key before moving to go around the counter.]

If you please follow me, I will show you to your room.

[Yeah, they... really... do........................... that's awkward. Blizzard, please.]

I have! There's a lot of good resources and advice to be found in the Welcoming Center. It might be a problem if you can't read Common... I'm not sure how languages translate here, actually-- now that I think about it. Magic, maybe?

[He shrugs lightly, though the topic really does interest him a great deal.]

My name is Anduin Wrynn. It's nice to meet you, sir. I-- actually, I thought you were a draenei at first so I came to offer my assistance, but I think I was mistaken. That's all right, though.

And you would be right, for the most part. Humans make up the vast majority of the population here. However I do not believe there is any technology involved with the way time behaves. This place seems to exist outside of normal understandings of time and space.

You may call me Mewtwo. I am one of what are referred to in my world as a Pokemon.

Very well. Please lead the way.

[Artanis offers a curt nod to the girl as she gets everything ready, then follows her once she steps out from behind the desk.]

[...Magic? The people here still subscribe to such superstition? ~~Never mind that Protoss technology is virtually magic. That, like StarCraft not being Warcraft in space, is totally different.~~]

I suppose I shall find out when I arrive.

I am Artanis. I do not know what this "draenei" you speak of is, but I can tell you that I am a Protoss. My kind hails from a different planet than your people, even before taking alternate realities into account.

[Outside normal understandings of time and space... So then, perhaps it was like Ulnar. Or even the Void.]

I see. I myself have experience with...I suppose I can call them "pocket worlds," but they at least adhered to the same flow of time that my own world does.

Hmm. Would you mind explaining to me what a "Pokémon" is, Mewtwo?

[Izanami was just beginning her night-shift at the welcome centre when Artanis arrived. Well... he was definitely different to the usual newcomers to town. How interesting.

Still, for now, she just gave him a friendly smile.]

Greetings, welcome to Genessia. How can I help you?

[If he was capable of telling what people truly were, he might be able to tell that there was something off about her.]

[There's a pause on Mewtwo's end as he considers his words.]

The word itself is an abbreviation of Pocket Monster, referring to the device through which humans capture, train, and transport Pokemon, a device that renders a Pokemon into energy for transport.

As to what we are... it would probably be easier to show you. There is a gateway in Fayren that will lead you to where I - and a handful of others from my world - reside.

[Mewtwo even goes as far as to send telepathic directions should Artanis desire them.]

I can't really say as I've done it myself, nor have I been in one, but i get the feeling that even if you id things won't be exactly the same as home.

[She carried on walking turning the corner and going to the second door on the right as she moved to open it.]

Here you go. I hope this is okay?

[~~I snorted.~~]

Protoss! I see. The Draenei are not from Azeroth either. I believe they came from a planet called Argus, and then traveled in a ship until they found another world they could live on.

[He's immensely curious about Artanis but he doesn't want to be rude. One does not simply ask where the hell his mouth is.]

Are you a paladin?

[Artanis's psionic powers are the closest thing he has to determining a person's true nature. With that much, he can at least tell that she's more than what she seems.

Still, she apparently has to have some way to make a living, and so she's working here. There appears to be an incentive to do a good job, so Artanis isn't terribly worried about her in this particular setting.]

Greetings. I was informed that you had information here on ways to help newcomers. I would like to have this information so that I may analyze it for myself.

[Wait, Terrans have been doing what? He knows that they raise animals for companionship and for food, but he's never heard anything about them going out and capturing living beings with devices. And since when have they had the technology to convert living matter into energy? The Protoss have this technology, yes, but it only came into use after the end of the Brood War.

Though Artanis is guarded to not let his thoughts escape, Mewtwo may be able to sense his surprise and confusion. But Artanis shakes that away as he receives directions.]

Ah...very well. I currently am inside a room at the Amagi Inn; I will be there within a reasonable time frame based on my current location.

[So once again, Artanis sets out on foot. This time, he heads into Fayren.

Artanis had read some of the literature on Fayren, but he still isn't prepared to see it firsthand. To a Protoss, a medieval human town looks nothing short of ancient. Protoss didn't live in such a fashion since before the First Age, before the Xel'naga even arrived on Aiur. He can't help but look around at this relic of the distant past as he heads to the spot where Mewtwo told him to go.

There he finds a sub-archway, and enters, finding himself on a wild mountainside. This felt more comfortable; after all, Aiur has its own share of wilderness, though much of it is still recovering from the Zerg invasion during the Great War. He takes a moment to enjoy the peace of nature.]

[The peace doesn't last for long as Charizard comes swooping down from overhead, roaring and bellowing fire into the air, flexing his claws while eyeing Artanis with intent. ...That is until a vine from what could be mistaken as a large flowering bush flies out and flicks the fire-type on the snout. Venusaur and Charizard proceed to have what seems like an annoyed argument for a moment until a familiar voice silences the both of them.]

That is enough. Charizard, you know I have opened this place to visitors and that they are to not be intimidated or challenged unless I specifically instruct you otherwise.

[The winged lizard crosses its arms and snorts smoke out of its nose in begrudging obedience as Mewtwo emerges from a nearby cave.]

I apologize for that greeting. Charizard is always looking for a challenge, and has a talent for seeing strength in others. However, I believe this would be the most effective illustration as to just what a Pokemon is. There are a myriad of species, coming in all shapes sizes and each with abilities that are beyond humans. I am a psychic-type, while Charizard and Venusaur here are fire and grass types respectively.

In that case, I shall have to investigate into this matter personally. What are some of the smaller sub-archways?

[Artanis looks around. He's never actually seen a Terran living quarters before, even when the Hyperion was on Aiur. However, a room is a room, and it hopefully wouldn't be for very long, anyway.]

This will be fine. I thank you for your generosity toward a stranger.

[Hm. Interesting. It actually sounds similar to Terran history in the Koprulu Sector. Curious how these things go.]

A..."paladin?" I'm afraid that term is also foreign to me. If you mean my role in my society, my official title is "Hierarch." I am a leader of sorts to my people.

[He's being humble. Way too humble. He is the leader of his people (Tal'darim notwithstanding).]

[Artanis takes a step back as the Charizard roars at him, showing obvious signs of hostility. He activates his psi blades in response...only to have the potential confrontation interrupted.

When Mewtwo emerges, Artanis deactivates his psi blades and returns to standing properly as he sizes Mewtwo up. He can feel the creature's psychic presence even stronger here than he could when he was in the Amagi Inn. It was most definitely at least as powerful as Kerrigan's before her deinfestation.]

These...these are all Pokémon, then? And all so different... Fascinating.

[The only race he's ever seen with this kind of diversity is the Zerg. And even they had shared characteristics. You'd never know these were anything similar beyond all being animals...or some kind of hybrid in the Venusaur's case.]

I am a Protoss, the Firstborn. We are an ancient race, and one of the first to travel away from our homeworld of Aiur and out among the stars. We, too, possess great psionic potential, and our technology is unrivaled across the galaxy.

[After what Mewtwo has told him, Artanis feels that it would only be fair to explain about himself.]

There is far less diversity among my people. In terms of racial and societal structure, we are more like the Terrans -- which is what we call humans who stand on the galactic stage -- only more empathic due to our more advanced psionic capabilities.

It's my job anyway, I make sure everyone has a place to stay while they get settled. It's the least I could do after all.

[She wouldn't be a good inn keeper if she only let those she knew in anyway.]

I don't know what, but if you check out Nova City you'll be able to see some sub archways. They stand out.

Paladins are heavily-armored warriors who use the Light to protect and heal others, much like priests do-- like myself. And they can be leaders, but... I'm rambling.

Hierarch. [He smiles again.] Would you prefer your title? I am Prince of Stormwind, but I tend to withhold that detail so that no one feels uncomfortable.

That may be so, but you offer this service to newcomers without charging them a fee. That fact alone speaks of your generosity.

[The only item Artanis has with him is the box he received upon his arrival, so his "unpacking" consists merely of placing it on the table in the room.]

Since I will be here for at least the next few days, what other services might you offer here?

Then I suppose I'll have to conduct my own research. But why Nova City in particular?

[Artanis had already been planning on checking it out, since it is supposedly more technologically advanced than Genessia is. But he's curious as to the reason behind the advice here.]

[The light...interesting. Artanis can't help but be reminded of the Khala, and its frequent comparisons to the light -- especially when contrasted against the Nerazim and their association with the shadows.

But unfortunately, the Khala is gone now. And though Artanis can still use the psionic powers he learned from it, he now uses them in conjunction with the black energy of the Void. Even by those standards, he can't be called a paladin.]

I only request to be addressed as such in formal environments. In plain conversation, I prefer to speak and be spoken to plainly.

[Though for the Protoss, "plain" is a relative term. They pretty much almost always speak properly.]

Additionally, our authority does not apply here. We are cut off from our worlds; and though I can only speak for myself on the matter, I can tell that none of my people are here.

[Though the Khala may be gone, Artanis can still at least sense other Protoss by their psionic output. Dark templar are the exception, at least some of the time, but no dark templar would have reason to conceal himself from their Hierarch.]

[Mewtwo nods a bit, motioning upward to the several Kakuna hanging from tree branches.]

There is little to bind all of us together as Pokemon save for some shared genetic traits. However, each species of Pokemon share far more uniform traits and characteristics.

[He tilts his head slightly at the talk of interactions on a galactic scale.]

I do not have any experience with any form of interstellar travel. Humans have often speculated that Pokemon come from beyond their world, however they have yet to escape their world's gravity yet. At least, as far as I know.

This place is my sanctuary, purposely removed from the eyes of humans. I do not... have the best history with humans in my world.

The simple fact is I understand how little most new arrivals come with, it would just be wrong to have to charge them.

As for other services, you can order food and we can bring it to your room and also offer the hot springs, which are apart of the inn. The inn is simply to make sure you have comfortable, so if you ask for something it's my job to make sure I get what you need.

There are limits to that though but I don't think I would need to explain that.

Because that place seems to have the most sub archways. I could be wrong however in that area.

[She was planning on checking it out herself really.]

[Artanis gives a nod of understanding. Once he wrapped his head around the whole multiple worlds thing, he had figured that there might be people from other times as well as places. Considering that the arrival of Terrans in the Koprulu Sector had occurred during his lifetime, it's even less surprising.]

The Protoss have had some mixed history with humans, also. Forces of the Terran Dominion -- a nation of colonists who had arrived in our sector -- as well as forces from Earth itself have both come into conflict with us. None exists now, due to the Dominion crowning a new emperor. Additionally, there was one Terran battlecruiser that fought alongside us when our homeworld was invaded.

Humans are...an interesting race, to say the least. But if my life has taught me anything, it is that every person should always be approached as an individual first and foremost, irrespective of species.

[Of course, it wasn't just the Terrans that taught Artanis that. The Nerazim, the Purifiers, even the Tal'darim -- all take pride in their identities.]

Of course.

[If nothing else, the staff won't have to worry about bringing Artanis food; Protoss are autotrophic beings. The hot springs may be useful, however.]

I will not seek to stay here too long, at the very least. I plan to begin searching for employment immediately.

[Though the idea of looking for work is strange to Artanis -- the Protoss have, until recently, operated on a caste system that determined what positions they would hold. But he's certain he has credentials that will pose attractive to places seeking employees.]

Ah, I see. Then that would make sense.

I suppose there is only one way for me to find out.

That is a good attitude to have. It would be rather difficult to judge me by my species. I'm all there is.

[He took a second, noting how much of an odd sensation it was to divulge such information upon meeting someone. However, the fact Artanis was decidedly non-human, had a powerful psionic aura of his own, and had his own conflicts with humans put him at relative ease.]

My name, Mewtwo is no coincidence. In my world there is a Pokemon that is said to be the blueprint from which all Pokemon are descended, though it is considered extinct by humans. The legends of Mew brought two men together when the fossilized remains of one was found. One man was a scientist, a pioneer in cloning and an expert on the energies that psychic-types like myself wield. His daughter had died at some point, and through a machine kept her psychic presence isolated and stabilized. He sought to perfect cloning technology to build his daughter a body that she could once again inhabit.

The other, however, a man by the name of Giovanni, wanted to not only create a clone of what was supposed to be the strongest Pokemon to ever live... he wanted to genetically engineer a better Mew. One that he could use to bring the world to its knees.

...I am the result of that project.

Edited 2015-12-19 06:01 (UTC)

That's usually what a lot of people do when they first arrive. If you have an idea of what kind of work it goes much quicker.

[She thought she might as well say that as she gave a small bow.]

If that is all, I will leave you to get settled.

Then I will wish you good luck.

[Artanis remains silent throughout the explanation, with no change of frequency in his psionic emanations. None of this is strange news to him -- not after Moebius's hybrid program. Only the fact that it was seemingly initiated by Terrans themselves struck him as unusual.]

I am no stranger to such programs myself. My most recent enemy employed the use of genetic modification to create abominations -- not only were the genetics they were made of supposed to be incompatible, but the creatures themselves were inherently insane and bloodthirsty.

I can at least determine that you are not anything like these Hybrids that I've fought in the recent past. All the more evidence that my attitude toward judging others is merited.

That being said...we Protoss were also altered, but in a different way. An ancient race, predating even unicellular life, found our primitive ancestors on the planet Aiur. Deducing that we possessed a desirable trait -- which they called "purity of form" -- they uplifted us. I, and my fellow Firstborn, are the result of this intervention by these Xel'naga.

You'll pardon me if I do not fully grasp the parallels. Despite my appearance, power, and intelligence hardwired into my DNA, I have... little experience to comprehend the scope of such things.

How can such a thing as abstract as purity of form be quantified?

I understand. Even we Firstborn struggle to comprehend the Xel'naga at times. I will do my best to explain.

"Purity of form" is determined by two factors. The first is physical -- physical strength, endurance, flexibility, even nutrient processing and immunity to disease. The second is the potential for psionic powers. The Xel'naga sought beings with the psionic potential to contain their essence.

Those descriptors could very well apply to Pokemon. All Pokemon, not just psychic-types have some form of psionic presence, though not all are able to manifest such presence outwardly, and Dark-type Pokemon have a negative psionic presence, completely immune to any and all psychic energies.

Yes, many beings do possess psionic potential. There are even Terrans who are capable of harnessing psionic powers, though they are a small minority. However, every Protoss has tremendous psionic powers from the onset. In fact, my people used to be connected to each other via a psionic link shared by almost our entire race.

Even so, I never would have suspected that these Pokémon all possess some degree of it. As for your Dark-types...they sound similar to my kin of the Nerazim tribes.

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Action, Audio

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