first puzzle | voice

[recinerate]

[beyond was dead, and now he's not.

it's a perplexing position for anyone to find themselves in, of course, but even more so when there's something fundamental about that person that's gone missing - something that should be there, but isn't. beyond has found he is missing such a thing, and has decided to take advantage of the technology of this new place in order to work out his thoughts regarding this dilemma.]

"In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity."

[his voice is quiet, raspy, almost unnaturally even in tone. he pauses, then picks up with one of many questions currently on his mind, addressing anyone within earshot.]

What shapes your sense of identity?

Comments

[recinerate]

Was I supposed to make a formal introduction first? My apologies. I was not informed.

[walkthedarkpath]

Most would, it takes the suspicion away from most.

[recinerate]

I suppose I must not be like most people, then.

[walkthedarkpath]

Luckily, I would say that is a good thing. However, I am not like most either. Welcome to the barge, one of the wardens will surely tell you all you need to know. Or already has.

[recinerate]

Thank you. [he doesn't sound particularly thankful; his tone remains flat, expressionless.] Do you have an answer?

[walkthedarkpath]

[ He said nothing to the thanks. But after a moment he decided to humor an answer.]

Power, what else is there to shape anything?

[recinerate]

What sort of power?

[walkthedarkpath]

Any kind of power worth having. Intellectual, magical or brute strength. Whatever is able to be had.

[recinerate]

Which kind is most influential on your identity?

[walkthedarkpath]

[ he had to think on that a moment, as much as he wanted to say any power, that seemed still too vague.]

Intellectual, If i had to choose.

[recinerate]

And how, specifically, would you say that intellectual power has shaped your identity?

[walkthedarkpath]

I was groomed from birth to be a scholar. To know all I can know about any subject. When all else fails, I can usually think my way out of most boxes.

Is this the type of answer you are seeking, or did you simply plan to play 20 questions? A debate loses flavor when it is one sided.

[recinerate]

Perhaps you'd like to ask me a question? I suppose it would only be fair.

[walkthedarkpath]

Perhaps, yes. So, what is your answer to the same?

[recinerate]

The same what? [why yes, he's being as difficult as possible.]

[walkthedarkpath]

What shapes your identity.

[ A note of annoyance in his tone.]

[recinerate]

[just as planned.]

I suppose I would say my work.

[walkthedarkpath]

And what is your work?

[recinerate]

I was a detective. [it's simultaneously close enough to the truth and the farthest thing from it.]

[walkthedarkpath]

We were on opposite sides of the law it seems, I was a mercenary.

[ He did work as one for awhile, he figured it was better than screaming out demon hunter right away.]

[recinerate]

I don't see that it necessarily matters much, given the circumstances of our current location.

[walkthedarkpath]

Not at all, it simply amuses me.

Here we are both criminals.

[recinerate]

Your assumption is erroneous. [it isn't, but beyond has given no one confirmation that he is here as an inmate, even going so far as to claim outright that he is a warden.]

[walkthedarkpath]

We'll see what you think in a month or so.

[ He smirks, then disconnects.]