spellminders | ᴏᴏ1 ( ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ )

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ᴏᴏ1 ( ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ ) | ᴏʟᴅ ʜᴀʙɪᴛs.

[ time spent in this . . . chaotic landscape of shifting dimensions and new worlds has been something of a hit the ground running experience for roy. he's located a select few people he's found somewhat competent, and he's also located (more importantly) the people from his world that he trusts. specifically, alphonse and riza. edward, it seems, has been taken back to amestris.

hopefully.

but to those who haven't met roy mustang, you are suddenly faced with an image of a relatively young man in his late-twenties/early-thirties, with messy-ish black hair and piercing eyes. he looks like someone who knows what he's doing, to a certain extent. certainly comfortable with the notion of a bunch of strangers listening to him speak, at any rate. and when he speaks, to those that are familiar -- he's definitely military. from his posture and his commanding tone.

that being said, he definitely looks somewhat less-than-put-together, for someone with military experience.

roy is a work in progress. ]

I hope you've all enjoyed the . . . festivities. [ roy, for one, has not enjoyed feeling like big brother has been watching his every move and being told to stay in a room due to some arbitrary lockdown, but he supposes the party has been nice. or something. whatever. ] But I'm afraid I'd like to address something slightly less charming and more pragmatic than celebration.

Since being in the -- employ of the deity who brought us along on this adventure, I've noticed that there seems to be a lack of structure among those of us who are here, for better or for worse, against our will. Many of us have abilities that have been stripped from us without our consent or knowledge [ and while roy has his tone level and calm, as if speaking about the weather, it's fairly obvious that this is a bitter sticking point, for him ] and while I'm certain many of us are capable of living life without said luxuries, I'm certain many others have difficulty. Regardless of what camp you're in, you're definitely not alone.

That being said, when I first arrived here, I came at a time of relative crisis. From what I've been told, there's not much of a structure for coping with said crisis, particularly with our current residents, and the population seems to be rather young. [ WHY ARE THERE SO MANY TEENAGERS ] I'd like to speak with those here, particularly those who have been a part of this journey for some time, on the formation of said structure. Particularly with those with experiences or talents that could lend to said cause of a response team of sorts, or even those who want to have a more forward-minded effort toward understanding our fellow man on this bizarre journey we've all found ourselves on.

[ here, roy pauses, and he gives a somewhat sheepish smile. ]

I don't really expect so much information for free, so, by example: my name is Roy Mustang, Brigadier General of the Amestrian Military. Central Branch. State Alchemist. Currently on assignment in the Ishval region, to headline the reconstruction effort. None of that will carry much weight with most of you, but to make an extraordinarily long story short, I recently took part in an attempt to save the world, with a surprising amount of success. I'm particularly good at organization and delegation, but fail spectacularly at micromanaging. I also enjoy a good game of chess, and entertaining company.

[ pause. ]

And for the naturally suspicious, I'm certain Alphonse Elric will speak highly of me.

[ go bother the teenager for references if you need them, thanks. ]

ooc: this is dated before the communication issues!! we're good. :)

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[ A new exercise to utilize the visual capacities of the signet -- he hasn't much bothered before this. But the nature of his granted powers make it easy enough.

~~aside: seriously why so many teenagers~~ ]

Do three months qualify? Though I doubt the utility of my ability...

[ Qri-given, in any case. ]

My experience might be useful.

[ No other option, at this point, but utility. Forward-minded, indeed. Push toward departure. ]

Gaelio Bauduin, of the Seven Stars. Specialist Major of Gjallarhorn's Inspection Division, then adviser to Rustal Elion, Commander of the Arianrhod Fleet. Currently...

[ suppressing a revolution? matter-of-fact thus far, he trails off, glancing blankly away. ]

Irrelevant.

[ All of it's meaningless here, but it seems to matter to this guy. ]

[ literally none of those words make any sense but THAT'S. FINE. that's the point of this exercise, after all -- to get to know thy neighbor, in these times. and to get a list together of the people who can be trusted and relied upon to do things when they're all underneath lockdown.

the 'irrelevant' comment earns a laugh, though: ]

I don't think life experience could ever be irrelevant. What you've been through or accomplished in your world could undoubtedly prove to be useful here, regardless of how outlandish it sounds.

[ THAT being said: ]

Commander of the Arianrhod Fleet? [ roy does his best with the pronunciation, and it actually comes out fairly close. ] Fellow military, then. Career?

[ Amestrian and State Alchemist hadn't meant a thing to him, either, so they're square. ]

Not necessarily.

[ And not necessarily smiling, either, when Roy laughs, but the harder lines on his face ease. ]

While no ability was stripped from me, the majority of combat and thus my combat experience took place in large war machines.

[ Even if a Mobile Suit or Gundam turned up, the field wouldn't quite... fit. Then again -- Geir. But, ]

Adviser to the Commander.

[ Julieta might kill him if he let someone believe he'd actually held Rustal's position. And though Gjallarhorn was a peace-keeping organization, it wasn't wrong to call it military. Peace through force. ]

Both career and inherited. As to this place, however... you should speak with Jay. [ though: teenager ] He and a young woman, I believe Nike, had begun organizing the coven on the island into survival teams of a sort. Hunting, gathering, fishing, farming. Other things.

[ Opposition to Qri, though he wouldn't want that said in this forum. Then there's 9S and his pod, but one thing at a time. ]

Roy Mustang, I am pleased to meet you, even if it's under such... odd circumstances.

[ This whole telepathy video thing, she means. ]

You seem like a kind and trustworthy man. As for me, my name is Celica, a priestess from Novis Priory. I don't have much to offer in terms of information, seeing as I'm only a recent arrival... but those who I have met so far have been helpful beyond measure.

If you're organizing a more structured form of aid, I'd be very much interested in assisting you.

[ She has leadership experience! But that goes unsaid. ]

[ no, opposition to qri is an entirely different matter, and roy has some leads on that. but the rest of it -- structure, that's just as important as the opposition effort.

'no ability,' but formidable nonetheless, by the sound of it. the talk of large war machines immediately brings olivier to mind -- no ability, whatever. you don't need alchemy in order to strike terror in the hearts of men. ]

Thank you for the information. [ genuinely! ] A few of those names sound familiar... any structure is useful, particularly when it seems so many people lack aforementioned real world experience, especially in times of crisis.

[ like mass flooding. or big brother. ]

You said large war machines? [ it's hard to hide his curiosity. ] Tanks, and the like?

[ another young person. it never really seems fair, that young people are thrust into these positions of apparent power. though she hasn't said so, she obviously responded to the post lured to something. what roy was asking for. skills. a priestess, in a priory . . . interesting. ]

You flatter me, Miss Celica. I'm thankful for the offer, and the compliment.

[ kind AND trustworthy. how sweet. ]

Is Novis the god that you worship, in the priory? Or goddess? -- being? [ curious! but before she can answer, roy continues, slightly apologetic: ] I'm afraid I'm not much of a person of faith, nor are many of the people at home that I tend to associate with, so a pre-emptive apology for any ignorance that I have is likely in order.

Alright, let's try this--

[An image flickers of Qilby sitting by a window, stroking his ~~ridiculous~~ beard in thought. It's clear this guy isn't 'rather young' by any stretch of the imagination, nor is he from any particular Earth-like military; instead, he has a kind of world-weary calm about him. Perhaps the giant hat, though, is some sort of status symbol? Who knows. --And then the video leaves, but the voice continues.]

[He laughs sheepishly - and it's on again for a split-second, showing that he has his temples cradled in his fingers - then it's off again.] Pardon me; I haven't gotten used to this yet.

My people weren't particularly warlike, but we were certainly a civilization that lasted... And I'm proud to say I led us through our proudest period. I've been with this coven for a much, much shorter time [the joke is that he's millennia old], but hopefully I'll have some experience to contribute here as well.

But enough of that - my name is Qilby, of the Eliatrope people. It's a pleasure, Roy Mustang.

[What Waver heard was a lot of...well, beating around the bush about intentions. And that puts him in mind of too many academics for him to be comfortable with. So when he replies with a video, there's no doubting the scowl that's on his face.]

You're talking around what you want to do instead of flat out outlining a plan, which it's pretty clear you have on some level. Even an inkling of hierarchies, which is fine for an island that needs further development, but you're going to have to adapt to in infinite permutations with this world hopping.

[He does know Al though so...Waver'll share a little of himself.]

Al's been nice since I met him. Waver Velvet, alchemist, but not your world's alchemy.

Well, anyone Alphonse will speak highly of I’m willing to give a shot.

[He likes the Elrics. They’re smart, capable, and clearly have some training in a military capacity. He adjusts the signet signal to make sure it’s clear and nods.]

And since you offered up your identification I’ll give mine. I’m Shirogane Takashi just call me Shiro, former Garrison Pilot turned Black Paladin of Voltron. To explain it, on my world we reached space faring capability. But the larger Universe has had that knowledge for over ten thousand years. Bit of a surprise but my team and I have been assisting the universe as we can. I’m the only one of that team here. Aside from being a pilot I’m not bad with diplomatic relations or combat if it comes to that. Hopefully it won’t but looking more likely than I’d like.

Anyway, I’ve been with the Coven since our first world hop. I came in shortly after their last fight with a fanatical alien race bent on destroying another one. There has been a fairly loose structure of command and ideas here. It has fallen somewhat since we arrived in Shehui. I agree we need some sort of response team to deal with any kind of crisis that comes up. Possibly one with a rotation of personnel to suit whatever we’re up against at any given time.

We’ll see who comes to the party after you put out the sign. What do you need to be brought up to speed on?

State alchemist... -A youthful tone speaks the words, slowly, as if trying to process what they actually mean. There's a pause before she speaks again, a much deeper tone this time.-

Government sponsored magicians, applications in the manipulation of material elements. Applications in public works, construction, research, support, defense, assassination. Are you human?

[ impressive. nearly correct, though assassination is a strong word. genocide is likely more suiting to the task, particularly when the program was created, and especially as applied to roy. the military employs subterfuge on occasion, and definitely implanted tipping points around the world, when bradley was in charge.

lior springs to mind, for one. ]

Partially correct.

[ mildly enough ]

Magic isn't real, in Amestris. I'm a scientist, I don't pull rabbits out of hats. [ which about sums up what roy thinks of these powers being granted all over the place, but here we are. ] I'm also not much of an assassin, I don't think I would have the patience or the aptitude for quiet to pull it off, or the moral flexibility.

[ in actuality, explosions are way easier than sneaking about, 9/10. but out of all the theories, the last question is what gives roy pause. ]

-- are many people not human, here?

[ he's seen the dragon and all, but. ]

Any sufficiently advanced science is indistinguishable from magic. -The youthful tone chimed in again.- But science is so dull. I prefer magic! It's more human!

-But the mature tone quickly returned.- However, you also didn't answer my question. Are *you* human?

[ in the most long-suffering of tones: ]

I can assure you that alchemy is not magic.

[ HE DIDN'T SPEND ALL OF THOSE YEARS BEING TAUGHT TRICKS, MAN. equivalent exchange is important!!! ]

[ but the question, again, and in order to be considered trustworthy, one has to offer up some sort of vulnerability. and stating that he's human is hardly something to be given away, in exchange for everything else he's offered about himself. but it begs the question of why the question has to be asked in the first place.

. . . not that non-humans aren't a thing, in amestris. the homunculi, no matter how many times roy is told otherwise, were anything but. ]

I am human -- or, at least, the last I checked.

Are you?

[ more military. quite a few here, now that roy has tossed out the feelers to ask. shiro seems to have control over a small, elite force, which is . . . comforting, really. the more leadership material in this place, the better, particularly when so many of the people here seem to be inexperienced at best.

there's a slight upward twitch of his lips. ]

Edward and Alphonse Elric were my . . . charges [ which is a delicate term for what they actually were ] for a period of time. Specifically, I was Edward's supervising officer. I'm certain Alphonse has a better opinion of me than his elder brother.

[ not that it matters much, at the moment. edward is no longer here. ]

Both of them have given me a rundown of what to expect while stuck here, but I want to know what people here are trained in rapid crisis response, medical capacity in the face of sudden injury, and military training -- or, failing that, weaponry and close combat. An available listing of those people, trustworthy people, that the less-abled population can get into contact with in the event of an emergency is essential.

[ roy pauses ]

Obviously, I'm newer than most. Information on who to speak to would be appreciated, or where to go in the effort to obtain more information. Who is generally in charge when these events happen, and is there a system in place for when that person is unable to lead? Standard affair, to begin with. The hardline structure can come later once we know where to begin.

[ there's a slight arching of his eyebrows at the ~~totally true~~ accusation, but he doesn't seem offended by it. ]

Al tends to be nice to almost everyone who meets him, it's one of his best and worst qualities. [ Aaphonse elric should be protected at all costs, tbh ] As for the rest -- it would be foolish to put forward a plan without having all of the information, or listening to anyone else's ideas, or assume that I have any real authority or knowledge in knowing what I'm doing in putting forward said plan.

[ mildly enough, though roy tilts his head slightly, to get a better view of this waver velvet. ]

If you want to hear what I think should happen, then I'll happily tell you, but I'd be a little more interested in hearing what makes your alchemy different from my own.

In my experiences, more mages could stand to have that quality. [That's where to start with differences, but Waver likes to take things apart much more.]

It would be foolish, but you're already acting with some level of authority by just making a proposal and by listing your qualifications as you did. [He loves analysis a little too much.] What you think will happen is going to come up at some point, so you might as well share it now that way any and all biases are clear and apparent.

[As for alchemy, Waver eases into the explanation.] Alchemy is one branch of magecraft - one of many, and seen as a lesser one for that matter. It focuses more on chemicals than what Al's showed me. I wouldn't classify it as chemistry, but it hems closer to it. It can deal with artificial humans and souls, but that requires a family line that has spent generations upon generations of working out how to do it.

[ ah, good. another edward. just what the world needs. ]

-- crisis is inevitable, and chaos follows crisis. If we're all going to survive, when something inevitability bad happens, structure needs to be put in place, preferably by people able to provide assistance during said crisis. When I arrived, it was in the middle of a massive flood, and people were caught off-guard. Plenty of people helped out, but it wasn't organized, when it likely could have been. People adept with organization, handling panicked people, basic survival and combat skills -- all of these things should be accounted for, and organized in a way that said people agreed upon.

[ roy pauses, and offers half a smile ]

I have ideas, but I'm not a dictator, and I won't pretend to know best for what's needed when I haven't been here as long as others. I'm simply putting out what I can do, and asking for information in return. If you want to give it, you can. If you don't want to do so, that's your choice. This is a democracy -- or, it could be, as much as it can be, underneath the guidance of the people who brought us here.

[ ALL OF THAT BEING SAID, roy's matter-of-fact expression (albeit one at ease) shifts into something a little more guarded, when waver mentions artifical humans and souls. magecraft (more magic) isn't interesting to roy, but that part -- ]

I take it Alphonse has explained what type of alchemy individuals in Amestris practice, so I won't bother re-explaining unless you have specific questions. [ he pauses. ] What type of alchemy do you practice, if you don't mind answering?

[ read: are you from that family line that requires generations upon generations that worked out how to perform what sounds an awfully lot like human transmtuation ]

[ roy can sympathize, with the trouble. he forced riza to practice this connection for an hour before he broadcast it. it wouldn't do to look caught off guard when he's asking for trust. though qilby does earn half a laugh, at the admittance. roy's video, however, stays steady.

my people, a leader. interesting. ]

Maybe that's the secret to a lasting civilization; peace. [ one, hopefully, that amestris will see soon. and roy pushes the hair out of his eyes with half a sigh. ] Thank you, for sharing, I appreciate the information -- if only to get a gauge on how diverse this collection of people seem to be.

[ different worlds, different cultures, different languages . . . it's really a wondrous thing, or it would be, if they weren't trapped here. ]

The pleasure is mine. Did you have a title, Qilby? Other than leader of your people.

[ roy sounds curious, rather than asking what qilby wants to be referred to. all the information is pretty amazing. ]

You defensive assessment of alchemy and how it is, in your opinion, not magic certainly would qualify you as human, I suppose. It is a very human way of thinking.

No offense.

As for myself... -The youthful tone came back.- I'm not even finished, so I dunno what I am! -But... probably not human.-

Well, a fully participatory democracy - every man has a voice - might in fact buck every suggestion you just made if the vast majority are voting for something that doesn't sound like a road to buerucracy. You're also creating something that begs for committes and that means politics. With, as you so kindly said earlier, younger individuals.

[Teenagers and politics, Roy. It's a bad combination.]

So if you're that keen on getting organizations, I think you've got to be looser than what you're used to in that lengthy CV you just gave.

[Waver's also of the opinion that magic and politics are the worst combination, but that's a small angry child yelling for another day.]

Yeah, don't worry about the rehash. [Waver flaps a hand, dismissive.] Currently my research is about refining one's abilities in their lifetime rather than relying on genetics to improve magecraft in the next generation.

[Also, he summons dead Macedonian kings sometimes.]

[ some of the most all-knowing individuals he knows are teenagers, man, this is the lot he's been given in life. ]

Amestrian politics aren't really the type of organization that needs to happen here.

[ with half a grin (self-serving at best and secretive at worst), though roy quickly continues: ]

Youth doesn't necessarily preclude life experience, but with some rare exceptions, I've found people above a certain age tend to know more than the younger ones. [ mildly enough; he knows how it feels to be assumed stupid because of his age, but roy also isn't asking a bunch of teenagers to sign up to defend a city because sometimes, kids should be kids, okay ] But fine, I'll eat my words, and admit that involving said youth in said politics in true democracy may be a poor decision. That's the entire point of the questioning, isn't it? Hashing out good ideas versus bad ideas.

[ all of that aside: ]

Is that so? [ pause. ] So you're a professor.

[ is roy being purposefully dense

yes

100% yes ]

[ c u t e. ]

. . . you're not finished?

{ what does that even mean ]

[Being Roy Mustang is suffering.]

What you've offered just has a lot of holes to poke in it. [Waver shrugs.] Also you're missing out the element that the minute that someone suggests that there should be people of a certain age in charge, you're inviting knee jerk reactions of no! because people have been living with minimal authority and are overall comfortable feeling a certain level of independence.

[Waver will admit, emergency response services would be advisible. So he lets out a sigh.]

Pitching a squad for emergency responses would probably work, and carry no politics or stupid in-fighting. Going beyond that, and everything I've said holds true.

[Waver...cannot actually tell if Roy's fucking with him or not. ~~He's right about Waver's future, admittedly.~~]

Like anyone pays me.

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ᴏᴏ1 ( ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ ) | ᴏʟᴅ ʜᴀʙɪᴛs.

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