sixty-second labyrinth

[lord_wizard]

[Filtered away from First Gen's and their allies]

Good afternoon, residents of Paradisa. I have several announcements to make today, so do listen close.

First of all, for those of you to whom I haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Felix Harrowgate. I am a wizard and as such my interests lie in the practice and study of magic. I realize this may be something that does not interest you or that you choose not to believe in, but bear with me a moment. You see, I started a group shortly after arriving here two years ago to continue to do just as I said, with the aid of other magic-users within the castle. It is called Chimera, and I hoped to make our goals both the research of the castle and magic in general but, as things may sometimes occur here, the lending of our talents in protecting those who live here. I have largely kept the existence of this group veiled from the rest of the residents, mostly to protect ourselves and the information we gather from less altruistic parties. However, given the nature of my next announcement, I think it's time for a bit more transparency.

As of last month, myself and a few others have laid wards on the new outpost. Hopefully most of you are aware of this, but it bears repeating, Aradia did us the favor of reconstructing one of the buildings after they were destroyed by sabotage last year. The wards currently in place are meant to protect the building from harm and prevent any violence within the walls as well. We may add to or change these wards as time passes, but it is my hope that at least some level of protection will remain on the buildings as long as a member of Chimera is around to maintain them. In any event you are forced to evacuate, or feel unsafe at all, the outpost is available as a safe haven.

Now, if any of you have questions regarding the wards or Chimera, I will do my best to answer. Where magic is concerned, the answers are rarely solid.

Comments

[originalcopy]

Why would someone sabotage an outpost?

[lord_wizard]

I'm afraid the motives of the saboteurs was never made entirely clear, so I can only guess. We do know the people responsible were actually members of the group we refer to as the First Generation. Perhaps to make us feel unsafe or remind us of how tenuous our place is, or maybe to simply give themselves a tactical advantage in the future. I really can't say for sure.

[originalcopy]

The First Generation... are they a separatist group or something?

[lord_wizard]

In a manner of speaking. They were residents of the castle years before any of us and left en-mass at some point to wander in the wilderness. Their attitudes towards us range from ambivalent to outwardly hostile. It seems they believe we carry the influence of the castle with us, even when we leave, and it takes quite a long time for it to wear off. There are several factions among them. I'm told there are several nomadic groups of various size, including one they have dubbed the Iron Suits, given they apparently stole some type of technology from us several years ago.

You can read up on the particulars here - [He jots a page number]

[originalcopy]

Holy shit... that is really helpful.

Why the hell isn't this just given to everyone who arrives?

[lord_wizard]

It is a lot of information to digest for the newly arrived. I can't even keep it all straight and I have lived her for two years. I think attempts are introductory guides have been made in the past, but nothing seems to stick for long. Even the woman who wrote that is no longer in the castle. You can see how easy it might be for information to be forgotten. Just do your best to pass it on to those that need it.

[originalcopy]

I will, I know a few people who were looking for this kind of thing.

Maybe another attempt at a guide needs to be made... one that doesn't rely on a single person to spread it around.

This place seems to rely on things not lasting, or people not giving a shit.

[pompous_today]

Has there ever been a situation where evacuation has been required before?

[lord_wizard]

I wouldn't say required, no, but there has been occasions in the past where we did have to pull together in safer locations, such as the time that Slenderman creature was abducting children or during the fighting which occurred when a number of us dealt with a few of the more troublesome residents. Not to mention several occasions where residents have gone on losses that rendered them hostile and extremely dangerous to the rest of us.

[pompous_today]

[A long pause as Simon digests that before replying.]

I am glad someone thought to provide such a haven, then. Is it stocked with provisions? My first thought is always making sure adequate medical supplies would be available in those kinds of situations.

[lord_wizard]

There are a number of outbuildings, though I'm not sure how stocked it might be for anything like an extended siege. You may want to ask Aradia about the particulars, if you'd like to help. My knowledge lies only with the wards.

[pompous_today]

Understood. Still, every extra layer of protection helps. Thank you for the information.

[lord_wizard]

My thoughts exactly, and I am happy to be of help.

[forsometimenow]

I hope we never need to use the outpost, but I'm glad to know people are looking out for us.

[lord_wizard]

I hope much the same. But it's best you all know it is, at least, an option - should you wish to take it.

[forsometimenow]

Is it big enough to accomodate a large number of people?

[lord_wizard]

I would say so. Likely not the entire population of the castle, no, but I doubt you could get everyone to go to the same place in such an event.

[forsometimenow]

True. Thanks for helping put the protection up around it- I come from a world without magic, so seeing it real and being put to use in my everyday life here continues to amaze me.

[lord_wizard]

My personal experience is something of the opposite, to be honest.

[lightbranded]

What wards are you using for this?

[lord_wizard]

Myself personally, do you mean?

[lightbranded]

The wards in general, really. I'm curious about that kind of thing you see. [And he wondered if the wards of his own kind would be of any assistance.]

[lord_wizard]

Well, there is only three of us supplying the wards at the moment, and each of our magic functions on different principles, so I'm afraid I can only give you a vague idea of what Duke and Vanyel have arranged.

My own is something of a weaker copy of the ones used on the Mirador. They reinforce the structure itself and prevent damage. There is another layer that reads the intent of the people inside the walls and counterattacks it. The original wards were far more lethal about it, but I've modified it so simply put the person to sleep.

[lightbranded]

I see. [Will resolved to ask Duke about it that night.]

I suppose I was mostly wondering whether the wards of my kind could be of any use.

[lord_wizard]

Hm. This is Will, correct? Would this be anything like you did for Duke?

I never properly thanked you for that, by the way.