001; video

[diociopath]

[The screen is awfully dark at first; wherever the video is being recorded, it's hard to tell, so at first it might seem like this is either an accident or the user isn't all that great with technology.

Fortunately, it isn't long at all before a light source comes on, but it's dim - so dim, in fact, that the person who shows up on screen isn't entirely visible. He seems to be lounging around somewhere, but there's enough light to tell that he's...he's shirtless, yet his face is completely obscured.

Surely he couldn't be doing it on purpose to show off his body, right? Who the hell could be that narcissistic?]

What could you say about a city of heroes? If a city of warriors is strong and steadfast, but a city of scholars is wise and knowledgeable, then would a place like this be courageous and just? It's an ideal long sought after. Some would place more worth in those kinds of ideals then strength or intelligence. As long as a person is "good", their talents will not be used for less than savory purposes. It alleviates the fear of strength and intelligence being used against those who wish to make use of them.

I think it speaks far more about fear than it does the ideal. To stock up on heroes in order to protect yourself, to fear the unknown and prematurely defend oneself against it, that is the real truth of this world. To maintain control is to eliminate fear, and to conquer fear is to truly live. Conquering fear is how a person may realize they have lived to the fullest. If only they could do so without relying on others, it would almost be impressive.

[Unfortunately, this is really a case of someone who thinks they're hot shit being given an audience. He's glad people have to listen to how smart he thinks he is.

But there is one more reason for this.]

I'd like to meet some heroes; if you feel the title suits you for whatever reason, I'd appreciate some of your time for a talk.

Comments

[fingerbang]

It might be. But what they're going for, I'm afraid, bears little resemblance to what they've produced.

[diociopath]

I see. So their methods are flawed, much like anything else.

[Very good. Then again, they brought him here; he knew something was wrong from the very beginning. Confirmation is just nice.]

Would you say this place is devoid of heroes entirely?

[fingerbang]

I wouldn't go that far. There's more than enough to make things difficult for anyone who might try something [ as this guy certainly would not do! at all. ], but people aren't always willing to classify themselves so simply. One of the most common things to hear from newcomers is a disavowal of the title in their introductions -- even if they go on to perform actions that qualify as "heroic."

[diociopath]

I find it strange that such people would deny the title...has the role has gained a poor reputation of some kind? Or maybe those who cling to the title too tightly may be looked towards first when things fall apart.

Although, it's also likely their opinion on it is simply so high they don't feel deserving of it.

Heroes are a grand thing, after all. It's likely living up to that kind of name would seem intimidating.

[fingerbang]

You may be right about that. In my experience, those who try the strongest to remove themselves from the notion of heroism are often those who display it the most strongly. If the term really had no meaning to them, after all, it wouldn't be nearly as offensive. Even when their disdain is for the title's failings rather than their own, doesn't that imply that they must have once held it in higher esteem?

It's all very complicated. What they don't seem to understand is how little their views of themselves matter.