network: @dramamamba

[prozaic]

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.

Comments

[linkmakers]

[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?

[prozaic]

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.]

[linkmakers]

Oh, really?

[Please elucidate.]

[prozaic]

[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.

[linkmakers]

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!

[prozaic]

[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?]

[metagame]

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

[linkmakers]

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.

[prozaic]

[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.]

[linkmakers]

[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.]

[prozaic]

[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.]

[linkmakers]

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.

[prozaic]

... 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--]

[linkmakers]

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

Was that all you needed, dears?

[prozaic]

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.]

[metagame]

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.

[linkmakers]

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.]

[prozaic]

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.

[metagame]

[He rises to his feet and smiles. Genuine.]

There's no need for thanks, Shalem. I'm your friend, and friends help each other.

[With Braphine gone, it's like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. He bounces on his feet.]

I even got to play a new game!

[prozaic]

[Friend... hah. Yeah. He's going to ignore that for a moment, and simply smile like he didn't just have a troubling mental reaction to that declaration.]

It was fun, wasn't it? We should do it again some day.

[metagame]

Yes!! You should show me the games from your world, too!

[Even if they're the same as some of the ones he knows from back home.]

And I can show you a few of my favorites... Have you ever heard of Senet? Or knucklebones!

[prozaic]

I've heard of neither... but I'm told I can become quite good at poker or blackjack if I set my mind to it. [Because he has hell of a pokerface.]

[metagame]

Eh? Really...

[He hums in thought, hand to the back of his neck to rub where he was once tense.]

I wouldn't mind playing either... This may surprise you, I don't particularly like to gamble. So if we play poker or blacjack it'd have to be without stakes.

[prozaic]

I have no interest in stakes, in any case. If I were to play any game, I would just prefer it to be casual.

[Now he crouches to organize the cards and tuck them back into their box.]

[metagame]

[Atem remains silent as Shalem speaks with Braphine.

There isn't anything he needs to discuss exactly... But yeah, actually, it makes sense Shalem wanted to summon her with how Ice magic messes with him. Snakes go through brumation when they're cold.]