audio; username: hb

[hellshaped]

[Hellboy is largely uncomfortable putting his face out there for public consumption, so he defaults to audio. His tone is businesslike but friendly, and there's no indication whatsoever that he's anything but human.]

So we've been here about a month now. Nalawi, I mean. Now that things have settled down and we aren't dealing with typhoons and other things [he's talking about parties], we should probably convene and talk about this case.

Has anyone found anything that could point to where their goddess has gone? Things are getting pretty hairy here; I've seen some pretty strange stuff that I think can get out of control if we don't find out a way to help them soon.

Any clues or ideas would be helpful, so don't be afraid to share what you've found. Even if you don't think it means anything, maybe it'll help someone else solve a puzzle.

Even if we can't find a way to bring their powers back, this place is headed for some really bad stuff if we aren't careful. So let's figure it out.

Comments

[hellshaped]

[He saw someone wearing a hood and acting weird... what else could it be but cultists...]

Well, think about it. If they think their goddess has left them for whatever reason and things are going downhill, they might turn toward something else.

[boneafide]

No, I mean- what's a cult??

[hellshaped]

[Pap... yrus...]

Technically an umbrella term for all sorts of religions. But in this context, people who are splitting off and worshiping something unusual.

[boneafide]

Well, if it makes them happy, why not let them???

[hellshaped]

[Ordinarily he'd agree. He has no real proof that what he suspects is a cult to some kind of... fish god is actually harmful in theory. But --] Their whole culture seems to be built around their religion. Having people split off like that when they're desperate is going to lead to some fighting, or worse.

[boneafide]

But if it gives them new hope, and it isn't hurting anyone, then it can't be that bad. Sometimes arguments happen when things change!

[hellshaped]

[He pauses. Then, with a little exasperation --] Has anyone ever told you that you're a very, very optimistic person?

[boneafide]

All the time!

[And if a skeleton is capable of beaming: he is doing it.]

[hellshaped]

It's not a terrible quality, but sometimes you need to be a little more practical about things.

[boneafide]

I'm a believer in that everything will work out, so there's nothing wrong with keeping a positive attitude!

[hellshaped]

Right... but what if something doesn't work out? How does that affect your worldview?

[boneafide]

Well, that hasn't happened yet, so who knows!

[hellshaped]

[Papyrus......]

Well... keep it in mind. Sometimes things go south. That's just the way things are.

[boneafide]

I know that! But things that go south, must go north again eventually! Life is full of ups and downs. You can't have all one way or another. But there's no point in having a bad attitude about it!

[hellshaped]

Alright. Tell you what -- have a good attitude for me too, okay? I'm not the best at it.

[boneafide]

I'm already doing that for a few other people here, so why not!