maskormenace | [VIDEO]

[The video feed presents an older british gentleman at his desk, surrounded by stacks of history books. He looks up into the camera and smiles warmly.]

Good evening, my name is Walter Strickler. I'm a new arrival here, and I thought it best that I introduce myself. More than that, actually, I was hoping to ask a question.

I am in the midst of familiarizing myself with the history of this world, and how it differs from my own... Most of the discrepancies have been fairly minute, others less so, but it lead me to wondering about other worlds. Your worlds, and the histories theirin; if you care to share them. I suppose I'm just curious, is it common for most of us... "imports" to be from worlds that are similar, or ones that are vastly different? Is there anything here that has struck you as odd?

[There's a small pause, an aside glance, as he arranges the wording of his next question carefully.]

And, are 'powers' common where you're from? Whether it be mutations, magic, or anything of the sort. Are these things familiar to you?

Please do forgive me if I take a moment to understand anything you have to share. I must admit, I am still attempting to process all of this... But I would not want to have anyone feeling put-out for my misgivings. Thank you. I look forward to getting to know you all better.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Perhaps it is, to those who haven't grown up with it. I take it you only know magic through stories?

That's right. And the forms that magic can take are entirely dependent on who's telling said stories. I've heard a lot of them, so my ideas of magic are rather... varied, but likely inaccurate.

What is magic like to you, as one with experience?

Well, the forms I'm familiar with either involve a great deal of study and practic, or they're more... raw and instinctual, but exact a high price on those who use them. [Sabriel's heading into her house now, so if Strickler's there he'll experience the odd effect of hearing Sabriel's voice from the door, and his communicator.]

Hm, there are actually quite a few stories that.. depict it in that way...

[He trails off as he experiences the sound of her voice in stereo. His first confused thought is that she's breaking in for some reason, until he realizes that she must be one of the other people living in their shared government housing.

He opens the door of his bedroom and peers around. She hasn't come into view yet, so he purposefully speaks into his communicator to get that same double-audio effect.]

Though before I delve deeper into questions, I really ought to make your acquaintance properly.

[Sabriel's eyes widen at that- then she understands, and heads towards the voice, calling out more loudly.]

Then let's do that face to face, since we're apparently housemates. Have you met Yato or Norman yet?

I have not yet had the pleasure, no!

[He walks forward to meet her at the last few steps, and offers his hand for her to shake.]

But let's start here. My name is Walter Strickler. And you are?

Sabriel. [She takes his hand, offering a firm shake. Her hand might be unnaturally pale, as is the rest of her visible skin, but her grip is firm, her hands calloused by sword and bell, even though she's just wearing a sweater and jeans at the moment.]

Abhorsen of the Old Kingdom, and here- an agent of Aegis Force. We're sort of like the imPort police.

A pleasure to meet you. [He takes notice of her appearance and calluses. She doesn't seem like someone to take lightly.]

Ah yes, I think I have heard something of the Aegis Force. How is that going?

Well enough. There haven't been any major incidents during my time here, but imPorts are apparently magnets for trouble. [He seems... like an ordinary man. Friendly enough, but probably utterly unused to strange things like ghosts and monsters.]

[He’d be heartened to know that’s the impression he gives off. That’s exactly what he wants her and everybody else to believe.]

That’s what I’ve heard, unfortunately... But it’s encouraging that you and others are doing what you can to keep it under control. I may not be able to assist in terms of combat or [He scoffs-] superheroism, but I would be happy to help in any way that I can.

Well, we need more than just fighters. We need people who can research, investigate, and talk to the people native to this world without intimidating them.

I would... advise practicing basic self defense though. Just to be safe.

I should be able to assist in that way, then. I have no trouble with talking to people.

I do have some basic understanding of self-defense, but I should get back into practice. I'd rather not put myself in harm's way, but based on what I've read of this world’s history... it seems likely to find me regardless.

That's my understanding as well. Even if many imPorts aren't dangerous, people assume they are. [Sabriel is, she's not going to deny it, but then, she's Abhorsen. Many imPorts are just ordinary people with powers that aren't necessarily dangerous.]

If you'd like, I could help you with that.

I would appreciate that immensely, thank you. It will help me feel more at ease.

[He'll have to start out pretending that he's less skilled than he really is, but that's a good thing. Going through the motions will help sell the lie that he's unfamiliar with combat.]

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