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network: @dramamamba

Arcanas, Personas, and elements. All quite interesting, isn't it? According to the forecast app, I am a Hanged Man, though such a term means nothing to me, outside of it seeming quite ominous.

What I am truly most interested in are the magical elements given to us. I did speak to our dear RA about such things, but it seems Braphine didn't gift her with much knowledge, merely that these were a potential power within each of us. However, I do find it a little odd that there was "potential" for ice-element magic within me, given who and what I am.

[Anyone who has seen Shalem in action would know that he just... flops over like a dead fish in the cold. Or tries very, very hard not to. It's as if Shalem is just forever doomed to fucking himself up, no matter what Arts he uses.]

I have half a mind to ask Braphine herself for more information, perhaps even attempt to plead her into fixing this as it's become a problem. However, I'm well aware that the key to summoning her lies in a connection with other people. Consider this a request from assistance from your local serpent.

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We've many tables to choose from. [Given this is apparently the local community centre... but given they're attempting to summon the goddess, not have some fun-- well, they're supposed to, but that's not the main priority, is it?-- Shalem casts his gaze over the tablets and further into the sanctuary, at the table meant for offerings.

And he points right at that.]

Come on, that place is just as good as any. It's supposedly the closest to her, after all.

Edited (moving the scene along...) 2024-09-25 08:33 (UTC)

That works for me.

[He steps off in that direction.]

Where'd you find that tarot deck anyway?

[When they're at Braphine's offering table, he holds his hand out for the deck. To see what they're working with to decide what game they should play. Shuffle it, too.]

At the bookstore, an odd little section at the back for occult games, occult religions and whatnot. [Not even the board and table top games area! Sheesh. Sometimes he has to wonder what bookstores consider good organization, when they don't even follow proper book organization systems.

Shalem sits by the offering table once he reaches it, and slips the cards out of their box, beginning to shuffle them.]

Do you have an idea of how we shall play?

Occult games...

[Ehhh? Like a ouija board..?

He quickly flips through the cards to get a good feel for them... Mmm...]

I think standard tarocchi should work since we've got all 78 cards.

[He holds up the World card since it feels fitting.]

The 22 Major Arcana and Kings are worth five points. Queens are 4, Knights are 3, Knaves are 2, and Pips are worth half a point.

Tarocchi plays a lot like Egyptian War. The goal is to capture the other player's cards. We draw five cards then place one card into a pile like this...

[Places the World on the table for his example.]

Only another Major Arcana or King can trump another one another. The others go by points... So Pips are trumped by Knaves, so on and so on.

After we place a card down, we have to draw a new card. We play until the cards are gone, then we tally our points at the very end. Whoever has the most points wins.

Sound good?

That's acceptable. [And reasonable! Shalem doesn't need to keep rules for a new game in his head for the entire duration of it.

He gathers up the cards again and begins to shuffle. When he's done, he sets the deck down in the middle of the table.]

After you.

[More cards means more math to keep track of... There being 26 cards to end a round means he needs to play rather conservatively to accumulate the most he can.

So he takes a good look at his hand and starts off with a Pip, the Ace of Cups.

They play quite a few rounds, and though Atem's still quite distracted by summoning Braphine, Avrae decided he was going to win anyway.

Because King of Games, I guess.]

Heh, that was a lot of fun!

[His grin is huge on his face. But uh. Uh... Short-lived, too, as he clears his throat and schools his face back to stoic indifference. That feels more acceptable to meet a goddess...]

[And, just like that, something in the air changes - like they are no longer in the ordinary, mortal world, and are instead in one charged with powerful energies.

A golden-haired woman now sits at the throne, a golden scepter in her hand. Her gaze is amused, fuchsia eyes fixing on the two and their card game.]

What fun! It's been a while since anyone played about here.

What is it you two needed?

Ah, you-- [Shalem stops in congratulating Atem for his win, his mouth and nose filling with the scent of something not unlike ozone, but also still unlike it. He shuts his mouth and turns his head to look at the newcomer... The goddess herself, the game actually worked.

Shalem stands up and straightens his posture, and adjust his speech to be formal. That's how respect works, after all.]

For my audacity in summoning you, I apologize. However, I came to request assistance, the magic I use to serve your purposes are, unfortunately, detrimental to my health. [Perhaps saying detrimental is borderline hyperbole, but Shalem does think using Ice magic is a nightmare for his efficiency.]

Oh, really?

[Please elucidate.]

[First, Shalem reaches behind himself and shows off his tail, black-scaled, iridescent. It's very obvious that he is some sort of reptile, but he's not about to leave it just to assumptions, he knows how to make a proper speech!]

I am a man and a serpent, [well, it's close enough, he's being very simple about this because Terran biology is very odd and not at all his field of expertise,] and while I look more like a man, I am, unfortunately, affected like a real serpent when in the face of cold.

[Then he places his free hand on his chest.]

I become tired, and sometimes incapable of coherent thought when I become cold-- I have already become a burden to the others due to this. Unfortunately, when I wave my hands, what comes out is ice magic.

Hmmm...

[She peers at him curiously, flicking her index finger at him - and causing Orpheus to appear on his own for her to take a looksie.]

...Oh! I see, I see. Your soul is that of the Hanged Man arcana. Yes, that would cause it, no doubt about it!

[He startles when Orpheus appears without his order-- of course she can do that... But more than that, he gets some interesting information. The elements are attached to the arcana? He looks at Atem, eyebrows raised, before looking back at Braphine.]

Is that something that... can be changed? [Aren't those reflective of their personalities or souls or something?]

[He just shrugs his shoulders! No clue what's happening here. This part is new to him.]

It is your very soul, my dear. It's a problem if they're easily malleable.

[Still, she hums to herself in thought.]

I think if I were to simply change your soul, the rest of my chosen would be quite cross with me. So instead, I will leave it in your hands.

[She beckons him over.]

Come here, please.

[He wouldn't want his soul altered either, frankly! He's already in danger of having it shackled forever to the Crimson Troupe and its god. He chews his lower lip a little in anxiety but moves towards her throne anyway.

He really feels awkward standing here in front of her, but at least it's not as terrible as standing in the Wine God's presence.]

[Humming cheerfully to herself, she gives her scepter a fancy twirl and proceeds to just

bonk him very lightly on the head with it.]

There!

[She looks so proud of herself!

However, nothing actually feels different.]

[He gets bonked, and his tail stretches out behind him like a cat's, before flopping back down onto the floor. Then he looks up at her, like... um...

He looks down at his hands, then his tail, then his feet. Nope, nothing odd.]

If I may be more impudent... What happened? [Aside from the bonk.]

You can't sense it?

[He cannot.]

I have bequeathed upon you a blessing! Should you truly, honestly exemplify the traits of another soul - another arcana - my blessing will help use it to reshape your Persona accordingly.

Essentially, your arcana will change! But only to one that is still suitable for your natural personality. And only once, so let us hope that your personality is not entirely frigid in nature.

... Oh. [He gives a little blink, but honestly? Honestly!! He'll take it, even if he has to adjust his personality a little.

... Actually that might be a bit difficult but still! Shalem gives a deep bow in gratitude.]

You have my fervent thanks-- I will make use of this gift to the best of my ability. [If he can ever unlock it, anyway--]

Let it not be said that your goddess isn't generous!

Was that all you needed, dears?

Edited 2024-09-26 05:09 (UTC)

No, not for myself. [But he looks at Atem, waiting. He's well aware he was quite rude in using Atem... so it's only fair that the man gets to do something too.]

Thank you for your generosity, O Holy Goddess, Lady of Connections.

[He kneels and places his head and hands low, forehead touching the ground.]

Forgive my lack of offerings and infrequent ablutions... But in truth, I need or want nothing. Your kindness to my friend Shalem is more than enough.

Hah! The others could stand to learn a thing or two from you.

[She beams at Atem for his politeness!]

Well then, if that's all you needed, I'm afraid I must take my leave. Things are busy, busy, busy, and there is much to be done here, there, and, almost literally, everywhere!

Toodles~!

[Was she in a bit of a rush?

Well, at any rate, the air returns to the normal, dusty atmosphere that is the quiet temple, and the woman once standing before them is nowhere to be seen.]

I-- Ah. [Well, he's gone.

Still, Shalem bows towards the throne and space she just vacated, and gives Atem a nod.]

Thank you for assisting me.

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