video | text, un: uruz

[uruzology]

[ The scene presented via jewelry is within one of the many rooms of the newly refurbished Oska castle. A centaur stands next to the cheerfully roaring fire, presenting a matchingly cheerful smile. ]

It looks like you’ve all lived, although that was a little close there, for some of you. Good work! I knew you could do it.

Now, as you may have noticed by Oska looking quite well around you, the last week was a false reality. Don’t take it personally, that happens to everyone here eventually. We have to make sure recruits are up to snuff. You’re a bit unique as a whole team of greenhorns, though. To be quite honest, I’ve never seen this activity done on such a large scale before. It was impressive, wasn’t it? And don’t worry, any trinkets you may have come across are quite real, and yours to keep if you want them.

So then, to business. I’m Uruz. I’m familiar with some of you already, although I’m afraid that’s one-sided in most cases — I spent a fair bit of time in there with you, but none of you saw me if I was doing my job right. ALASTAIR has asked me and my compatriots, Dagny, Crowley, and Cherenkov, to review your performance within Chantes and rate your work. It’s quite a big job, our to-do with worlds, and we want to make sure we’ve got trustworthy recruits. I’ve attached that for you, please do give it a glance.

dagny: Well, the king died. So that's... not the best. From what I hear, things are kind of chaotic there right now, what with the whole 'no government' thing and all. And a lot of you got in a ton of trouble with the law. But you did work together! Most of you, anyway. People died and the city got destroyed, but I know you all did your best, so you get points for effort. I give you an... eight. Point five. No, nine out of ten. But that's as high as I'll go, because, you know. The murder and death.

Don’t feel bad, though, there’s always room for improvement.

crowley: Your refusal to work with the goblins’ natural talents for magic was disappointing. I foresaw much potential there, and it was wasted on your muddying things up with politics. On the other paw, your dispelling of demons and other magical creatures was serviceable, if a little last-minute. 5/10.

cherenkov: I stopped paying attention after you all brought the sun back. Because that's what matters, doesn't it? You didn’t do badly for a bunch of apes, but don’t get distracted by the diplomatic nonsense next time. Ignore the cow and the knife-eared one. Spend the time improving instrumentation, not making friends. 8/10.

uruz: You did make an attempt. You got engaged and cared to deal with their issues, which, well, we'd really have an issue for concern if not. And you did very nice work on a personal level, to bring together goblins and humans. They'll not be moving in together any time soon, but they're on the right path. But really, did you have to murder the man? He'd just killed the king, to be sure, but taking a life has serious consequences, no matter whose it was. It sets you on a path it can be difficult to step off of. But overall, acceptable. 6/10.

There we go. On a final note, I’ve been asked to let you know that you’ve got some time to spend in Oska before your next assignment, which is to Nalawi. A lovely place, I’m a bit envious. Enjoy your downtime, and again, good work! I’ve very high hopes for the lot of you.

[ The network is now back up again along with Oska being restored and the weather events ended, and you can find a full description of current Oska right here. Feel free to use this post to thread on, and the NPCs may make a few appearances for direct questions. ]

Comments

[terrormine]

But a rift can't talk back to me, so obviously complaining to it wouldn't be the same. I don't suppose you guys can do anything to at least attempt at regulating them better?

[uruzology]

If we weren't doing anything about the rifts, it's possible your entire world would have been consumed by them, rather than just you toppling out through one.

[terrormine]

Couldn't an entire world topple out from a rift too, if one to several people can? Though I suppose there would be a significant difference in volume and mass, so how about the other way around? You got any means to track, the number of people who do get consumed instead of just 'toppling out'?

[uruzology]

When a world topples out of a rift, it's a bit different. Have you seen the edges of Oska, with all the mist?

[terrormine]

Not yet, but I'll put it on my list. Is that what's happening to Oska?

[uruzology]

Oh, no, Oska is quite stable by now. I think that wasn't always the case, though. This little scrap of land is all that was saved of this particular universe, the rest of it fell into collapse. That is what happens to a world that "topples out from a rift."

[terrormine]

So you're not sure. Suppose I can take your word for it, at least until a more apparent reason why you would lie to us crops up.

What about people? Do ALASTAIR keep record of the unlucky ones?

[uruzology]

No, unfortunately we don't have near the amount of resources that would take.

[terrormine]

Can't and not won't, huh. A pity, you could use the numbers to waive around and make people appreciate that they exist, if nothing else.

So what happens to those who topple in but can't fight, or simply possess no aptitude whatsoever for conflict resolution of any kind?

[uruzology]

Not every world visited begs a fight to set things right! I quite firmly believe that everyone that ends up here has something to offer our efforts.

[terrormine]

What if they have no confidence, are extremely unlucky, or plagued by some other unfortunate circumstance? Someone who just can't seem to do anything right for whatever reason, so they'd prefer to stay isolated and not get involved. Would you still force that kind of person into action?

[uruzology]

Oh, we won't be forcing anyone into anything. We haven't the time to waste on that business. I've yet to ever see a sort like your hypothetically fellow, though, there's been a use for everyone in my experience.

[terrormine]

Isn't that fortunate. But there was no opt out for that little training exercise you big shots put together, was there. Are 'real' missions like that too? Mandatory fresh air and exercise for the entire conscripted crew?

[uruzology]

True enough, but it wouldn't have done much good if there were. You're all be better off with a few survival lessons.

I suppose you'll all be going along, but what you do within the world is quite up to you.

[terrormine]

I don't really disagree with that. Humans have grown so skilled at pampering themselves, they should be reminded once in a while just how formidable nature can be. I just think your methods of recruitment are inefficient, but hey, what do I know about how ALASTAIR really works. If you have the luxury to sit back and not get involved directly though, then sounds like getting things done matters to you more than how it's done. The score may as well be just a sophisticated afterthought.

Anyway, one last question. Does it happen that toppling through the rift alters one's nature in some way?

[uruzology]

You've got it exactly. Results are the most important part, the how is details. Important details, but details nonetheless.

It doesn't as far as I'm aware! Why do you ask?

[terrormine]

If more humans understood that, you wouldn't get as many complaints. But you're probably used to it by now, huh.

...

In my world, there exists a certain kind of being that cannot be seen or heard by humans, unless they possess exceptionally strong resonance - or spiritual ability, if you will. Yet everyone here seems to be able to perceive them fine, and I think it unlikely that all your 'recruits' are equally gifted with resonance. Would you happen to have any idea about that?

[It's not SUPER sensitive information, all things considered, but she still took a few moments to choose her words, just to be safe.]