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Ha, Chibi stole my thunder there. There's magic in this setting and nobody's tried to blow anything up yet???
Hmm, tomorrow's our birthday, I think. Again, with dem Homestuck parallels, that's pretty worrying. Before shit hits the fan, it might help to know what all our options are. And what is...? > Open: AXSIS Freeze
Also, I'm kind of curious if there's anyone we might want to be aware of who isn't actually a "friend." > Open: AXSIS Contacts
You are not currently being hailed by AXSIS Law Familiarity Operatives.
v HELP
Are you being hailed by AXSIS Law Familiarity Operatives? AXSIS Freeze will let you know with a friendly klaxon. This government-endorsed application comes standard on all AXSIS devices and helpfully auto-syncs to your AXSIS Gold account to automatically deduct any Arrest Resistance Fees you may accrue.
> Open: AXSIS Contacts
Launching AXSIS Contacts 15.1.0...
Welcome to AXSIS Contacts 15.1.0.
v CONTACTS Select contact for more detail.
Entries marked with + are trusted contacts.
AXSIS is a trusted contact by default.
v Family
FORTUNATA, DIAMANTA
FORTUNATA, FRIA
FORTUNATA, SAFIRO
FORTUNATA, SERGIO
TRAVERSA, ELETTRA
TRAVERSA, MANFREDO
v Friends
AKAHAI, MAKANI +
RUDO, DESTA +
RUDO, KOJO +
v Other
AXSIS +
KRONOPOULOS, SOPHIA +
> Open: AXSIS Cast - Spell Index
Welcome to AXSIS Cast 11.4.6!
-- SPELL INDEX --
> SPELL SHOP
> SPELL COMBINER
Cast spells to unlock new, rarer magic!
Or, purchase a random new spell in the SPELL SHOP!
Select spell for more details.
Conversation initiated between WitchesBlue and CrashedBurnt.
0931, 4d5mo
Other party is using AXSIS SpeechToText 4.7.0.
Other party is using AXSIS TextToSpeech 8.0.2.
[WB] okay
[WB] you were one hundred percent right
[WB] that game is straight up propaganda
[CB] See I told you.
[CB] How far did you get.
[CB] Because it gets really bad later on.
[WB] i got through the part where she loses at the magic contest
[WB] it felt like that part was scripted right
[CB] As far as I know.
[CB] If you can win there I'm pretty sure it's a glitch.
[WB] i gotta say too
[WB] its weird how in the games fantasy setting
[WB] everyones usin axsis devices to cast magic
[WB] like
[WB] its glaringly outta place
[CB] They don't want anyone to get ideas I guess.
[CB] Can't have people thinking about quote unauthorized magic.
[CB] Then they'd have people all over the place trying to do magic outside of their closed system.
[CB] Lots of blackeyes for them to round up and disappear.
[WB] yeah i guess
[WB] anyway i at least have to give the game props
[WB] the character design is
[WB] surprisingly good
[CB] I'll have to take your word on it.
[WB] oh right
[WB] sorry
[CB] No it's okay.
[WB] and when its not lickin the churchs boots
[WB] the writing is pretty sharp
[CB] It's insidious that way.
[CB] So what're you doing today.
[WB] hadnt gotten that far honestly
[WB] probably gonna be a lazy piece of shit and just dick around
[WB] you know
[WB] normal break
[WB] gonna be busy tomorrow with whatever my parents are plannin
[CB] Oh yeah that reminded me.
[CB] Mom offered to treat you to a dinner for your birthday.
[CB] Obviously not tomorrow but.
[WB] honestly id rather do that than be with my parents
[WB] but maybe the day after tomorrow
[CB] Okay I'll let her know.
[CB] She told me to tell you to pick out your favorite homemade meal and she'll cook it.
[WB] oh for real
[WB] okay ill get to thinkin about it
[WB] um
[WB] thanks
[WB] like really thanks
[CB] It's cool.
[CB] My mom has her own problems but she still kicks ample ass.
[WB] something something your mom has an ample ass CrashedBurnt has sent the file: a6120413.pic
Image description: An animated picture of a monkey in a pirate outfit, rolling its eyes.
Well, I guess it's reassuring that we'll know whether the Man is after us... I guess...
So there we have TimesTabled, RiskySophism, DozingGoner, and CrashedBurnt on the contacts list, of course. We already met Diamanta, and presumably one of the other Fortunatas is "dad." And then we have a couple of... siblings? Maybe a grandparent or cousin or something? And the Traversas I don't know that we've heard references to at all.
-AXSIS Hush
Level: Common
Cost: 0.3g
Description: Dampens noise in a 30ft radius around the caster. The dampening effect is only obvious to the caster; any others in the radius hear noise at its unaltered volume.
Cast this spell?
> YES
> NO
> Chat: TRAVERSA, ELETTRA
Conversation initiated between FORTUNATA, COSMO and TRAVERSA, ELETTRA.
0945, 4d5mo
TRAVERSA, ELETTRA is not a trusted contact. AXSIS Chat will not display usernames or preferred names.
[COS] good mornin elettra
[ELE] Hiya Cosmo!! How's it going??
[COS] uh good i guess
[COS] howre you and grampa manfredo
[ELE] We're great!! I mean, I am. Grandpa takes a while to get around.
[ELE] So he's working up to great. But he'll get there!!
[COS] thats good
[ELE] I'm super stoked to see you tomorrow!! It's been ages!!
[COS] what
[COS] oh are you gonna be at the dinner moms organizin
[ELE] Oh no. Oh no!!
[ELE] I didn't know you didn't know!!
[ELE] Aw, I shouldn't have blabbed!!
[ELE] Aunt Diamanta is going to be angry!!
[COS] im sure shell be fine
[ELE] Well......
[ELE] If you say so.
[ELE] Are you excited for your birthday??
[ELE] 17's a big year!!
[ELE] I know because I remember being 17 and it was a big year for me!!
[COS] i guess
[COS] feels like any other year to me
[COS] hey did mom say if anyone else was coming
[ELE] Hm......
[ELE] I don't know if I should say!!
[COS] well you already told me that you were gonna be there
[COS] so im guessin grampa manfredo is goin too
[COS] and if it helps i wont tell mom
[ELE] Okay!!
[ELE] You're right. Grandpa is coming. I also heard that Uncle Safiro and Fria are coming too.
[ELE] So all of us cousins will be there!!
[ELE] It'll be the first time in a long time we'll all be in the same place!!
[ELE] The last time was......
[COS] i think i was pretty little
[COS] i dont remember much of it
[ELE] Oh yeah!! I remember!! That was when Uncle Sergio said that he was glad you came along, because both of the other cousins were girls!! He was so worried he wouldn't get a son!!
[COS] ha ha
[COS] yeah
[COS] my dad says some funny stuff sometimes
[COS] anyway i gotta get goin
[ELE] Okay!! See you tomorrow!!!!
[COS] see ya
[ELE] Oh yeah!! I remember!! That was when Uncle Sergio said that he was glad you came along, because both of the other cousins were girls!! He was so worried he wouldn't get a son!!
[COS] ha ha
[COS] yeah
[COS] my dad says some funny stuff sometimes
Oh shit. :( Tomorrow's going to be rough, isn't it, whether or not the world ends.
A lot of information just from that one small conversation. That clears up our contact list pretty nicely... but there's a couple other things I'm curious about.
-AXSIS Breeze
Level: Common
Cost: 0.3g
Description: A slight breeze manifests, centered on the caster. Range of the breeze is 10ft in a straight line, parallel to the caster's face.
Cast this spell?
> YES
> NO
> Open: AXSIS Map
Launching AXSIS Map 14.1.1...
Welcome to AXSIS Map 14.1.1.
Embedded image description: a world map with names of countries labeled.
Please select a name above or in the index below for more information. Alternatively, tap the 'PERSON' icon to zoom in directly on your current location, or enter a location in the search box.
> PERSON
> SEARCH
-- REGION LIST BY CONTINENT --
> ALVERDI
-> Becdeni
-> Remina
-> Vandrio
> DOLA ISLANDS
-> North Dola Island
-> South Dola Island
> BROWSE AXSIS NET
v ENTER AXSIS NET ADDRESS
-> Enter address: knowledge.axsis
> SEARCH AXSIS NET
> APPLICATION STORE
> GAMES
-- Welcome to AXSIS Knowledge Base! --
> SEARCH
> ABOUT
v ARTICLE OF THE DAY
-> Blackeye Tragedy
The Blackeye Tragedy refers to a specific blackeye sighting and conflict on 2d18mo2116y. Unlike most blackeyes, which are solitary monsters, three blackeyes appeared at the same time in a residential area in Vezretti, Vandrio... READ MORE
> Chat: AXSIS
Conversation initiated between WitchesBlue and AXSIS.
1023, 4d5mo
[WB] uh
[WB] good mornin
[AX] Good morning, citizen!
[AX] My name is Anarka and I am your assigned AXSIS Representative for the duration of this conversation!
[AX] How may I assist you today?
[WB] nothin much but uh
[WB] i always wondered
[WB] are you a real person or does axsis got bots doing customer service
[AX] Ha ha ha! That's quite funny, USER:WitchesBlue.
[AX] I can assure you that I am not a bot.
[AX] Nothing but human over here!
[WB] huh okay
[WB] can you
[WB] i dunno
[WB] tell me a joke
[AX] Of course! How's this?
[AX] 191 citizens walk into an AXSIS-approved Drinking Station.
[AX] The bartender says, "I'll happily serve you, citizens."
[AX] So the 191 citizens say, "Thank you," and sit down.
[WB] oh uh
[WB] hilarious
[WB] how about a
[WB] more different joke
[AX] Of course! How's this?
[AX] 191 citizens walk into an AXSIS-approved Drinking Station.
[AX] The bartender says, "I'll happily serve you, citizens."
[AX] So the 191 citizens say, "Thank you," and sit down.
[WB] right
[WB] okay it was great shootin the shit with you
[WB] but im gonna remove myself from this conversation
[AX] Very well! Have an AXSIS day!
[WB] i struggle to imagine how i wouldnt
> Chat: TRAVERSA, MANFREDO
Conversation initiated between FORTUNATA, COSMO and TRAVERSA, MANFREDO.
1041, 4d5mo
TRAVERSA, MANFREDO is not a trusted contact. AXSIS Chat will not display usernames or preferred names.
[COS] hello grampa
[MAN] OH....COSMO....IT"S GFREAT TO HEARV FROM YOYU....
[COS] do you have caps lock on grampa
[MAN] I DON"T KNMOW WHAT TRHAT ISW, COSMO....
[COS] look on the left hand side of your keyboard and there should be a key that says 'caps lock' on it
[MAN] I KLOOOKED AT MJY KEYBOARD AND IT JUST HAS THE NIORMAL KEYS ION IT....
[MAN] THE BLACK ONES AND THE WBHUTE ONES....
[COS] the black
[COS] wait
[COS] grampa are you looking at your piano
[MAN] OF COUIRSE,..../
[MAN] TGHATR"S WGHERE THE KEY
[MAN] S ARE....
[COS] the keyboard on your axsis grampa
[MAN] COSMO,, WHAT"S AN "AXSIS GRAMPA">?
[COS] i
[COS] um
[COS] yknow what
[COS] i dont know what an axsis grampa is
[COS] why dont you just ask elettra what caps lock is
[MAN] OKAYU, COSMO....I"LL GO AND AKS HER RIGHT NOW...WAIOT JUASTR A MINUTE FOIR MNE OKAY....
[MAN] I"M BACK COSMO....ARE YIOU STIL;L THERE
[COS] yes grampa
[MAN] ELETTRA DIDN;Y KNOW WHAT A HAT LLOCK GRAMOA WAS EITHER....
[COS] a
[COS] hat lock
[COS] oh
[COS] maybe thisll just remain a mystery grampa
[MAN] ITR"S LIJKE I ALWAYS SAY, COSMO....SOMETIMES THERE ARE THINGS TYOYU"RE HJUST NOT MEANT TO KNOW....
[MAN] AND THYAGT"S OKAY....NOBODGT IS MEANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING....
[MAN] WE JUST HAVE TO ALL MAKE OYUTR OWN WAYS IN LIFE..;.
[MAN] AND FIND WHAT MAKES US HAPPY...
[MAN] NO MARRER WHYAT...
[MAN] COMSO?? ARE YUOU STYIKLL THERE??
[COS] yeah
[COS] im still here
[COS] that was just
[COS] a nice thought grampa
[MAN] JUST BECAYUSE I"M IOKLDER THABN THE DUIRT DOESN"T MEAN I DPON"T KNOW WHATR I"M TALKING ABOUT SONMETIMES....
[MAN] YOUR OLD GRAMPS HAS STILL GOT IT, CVOSMO....
[COS] yeah you do
[COS] see you soon
[MAN] HAVE A GREWAT DATY MY AWSOME GRANDCHIKLD,....
Interesting that Grandpa uses "grandchild" to refer to Fiametta. That plus the "just because I'm old doesn't mean I don't know what I'm talking about" makes me wonder if he's more aware of her status than the rest of the family.
Also, what other sites are you posting this on? I'm kind of curious to see if there's been other discussion about the setting and such.
I guess to get some more info about the setting, >Read news about Nessa Sly and >Read news about weather?
Also on my tumblr, but there's been even less discussion there then at the other sites. 😅 The most discussion has happened here, honestly, followed by that first link.
I think you probably have enough actions to be getting on with at this point, but I have to say that Manfredo is a DELIGHT, what a good grandpa. Also, I feel dumb for not managing to notice the map before; looking forward to seeing what Chibi's investigation reveals!
Manfredo has been so much fun to write. Just gonna say that.
Also, I hope y'all are ready for PLOT AND WORLDBUILDING
> Open: AXSIS News - Nessa Sly article
Launching AXSIS News 8.0.3...
Welcome to AXSIS News 8.0.3!
Here are your curated headlines. Select one to read the article:
v "AXSIS CEO Nessa Sly Accepts Lifetime Achievement Award"
3d5mo2117y
At an awards ceremony on the steps of the Church's Cathedral of Shadow, Holy Mother Nepotisa Encompiti presented AXSIS CEO Nessa Sly with the coveted Vandrio Lifetime Achievement Award. Only two other people have ever been presented with the award, and both of them were high-ranking members of the church: Inita Begenna, Holy Mother during the fourth Convention of the Church, and Ione Raptis, long-time bodyguard of several Holy Mothers.
In a short prepared remark, Sly said that she was "honored" by the award and would "continue to march AXSIS down the road of progress, dragging the rest of the world behind kicking and screaming."
For her part, Holy Mother Encompiti stayed awake through the whole ceremony for the first time in three months. Following the acquisition of the Church by AXSIS, the position of Holy Mother has largely been regarded as ceremonial.
> Open: AXSIS News - weather article
Welcome to AXSIS News 8.0.3!
Here are your curated headlines. Select one to read the article:
v "Great Weather For The Week: Gray, Rainy"
3d5mo2117y
Overcast skies are here, and they've settled in for the week. Expect higher-than-normal chances of precipitaction for the next several days, but no thunderstorms - unless, of course, you've committed acts deemed taboo by the Church, in which case you can expect targeted lightning strikes. The temperature is expected to hover around a balmy 297 degrees during the day, dropping to 291 at nights.
> ABOUT: AXSIS Knowledge Base
Welcome to AXSIS Net 72.89.2!
> BROWSE AXSIS NET
v ENTER AXSIS NET ADDRESS
-> Enter address: knowledge.axsis
> SEARCH AXSIS NET
> APPLICATION STORE
> GAMES
-- Welcome to AXSIS Knowledge Base! --
v ABOUT
AXSIS Knowledge Base is a free encyclopedia maintained by top AXSIS Knowledge Operatives. Edits to articles happen live when necessary. Currently, AXSIS Knowledge Base is the largest and most accurate collection of records in the world. Pursuant to 301 V. Code § 82(a), AXSIS Knowledge Base, when contradicted, should be regarded as the definitive resource and other records should be altered to match.
Applications for AXSIS Knowledge Operative positions are not currently being accepted.
> Open: AXSIS Knowledge Base - Blackeye Tragedy
Welcome to AXSIS Net 72.89.2!
> BROWSE AXSIS NET
v ENTER AXSIS NET ADDRESS
-> Enter address: knowledge.axsis
> SEARCH AXSIS NET
> APPLICATION STORE
> GAMES
-- Welcome to AXSIS Knowledge Base! --
v Blackeye Tragedy
The Blackeye Tragedy refers to a specific blackeye sighting and conflict on 2d18mo2116y. Unlike most blackeyes, which are solitary monsters, three blackeyes appeared at the same time in a residential area in Vezretti, Vandrio. One victim was saved from the attack; while unconfirmed, it is likely that the blackeyes were relations of the victim. While the blackeyes were contained without any major damage being done to the surrounding area, the event is still nonetheless referred to as a tragedy due to the circumstances surrounding the blackeyes and the victim.
> Open: AXSIS Map - Vandrio
Welcome to AXSIS Map 14.1.1.
> ALVERDI
-> Becdeni
-> Remina
-v Vandrio
Embedded image description: a map of the Vandrio region with major towns and cities labeled.
VANDRIO
Location: Continent of Alverdi; west of the Becdeni region; bordered by the Losdat Sea; southeast of the Emek Archipelago; northeast of the continent of U Hao
Comparative area: Similar in size to the region of Alzabata; twice the size of the continent of Erdric
Climate: Wet, foggy, mild winters and summers
Imports: Minerals, textiles, electronic components
Exports: Grapes, wine, beef, religion, electronics, machinery
Notable population centers:
Vezretti: A major player on the world stage, as both the seat of the Church and the worldwide headquarters of the AXSIS Corporation are located here. Popular for pilgrimages from all over the world and crowded on days of religious significance.
Port Braski: The region's main seaport. Though Vezretti has the largest airport in Vandrio, Port Braski still sees regular traffic for shipping.
Berende: A rural town far away from the more heavily populated areas of Vandrio. Home to the majority of the region's vineyards and farms.
Forts Lago, Vertice, Settone, and Ovest: These forts sit at the northeastern, northwestern, southwestern, and southeastern points of the region and are owned in full by the AXSIS Corporation. They have not been used for conflicts between regions - their intended purpose when constructed - for decades, and now they are mostly used as headquarters for the Vandrian branch of the AXSIS Law Familiarity Operatives.
Nessa SLY, oh boy, I wonder if we need to watch out for her. :P Love the little details like the temperature scale apparently having the lower temperatures assigned higher numbers?? I also look forward to future lightning strikes, since I imagine we'll be getting up to some taboo things eventually. :P
And my, my, my, did that blackeye tragedy happen the day after DozingGoner mentioned he had a "big thing" tomorrow, and after which he was never heard from again? Eh. I'm sure it's nothing.
> Search AXSIS Knowledge Base: "AXSIS"
There's a lot of fun worldbuilding stuff to unpack here, but I think I actually want to talk to TimesTabled. I wonder if she might have any advice on how to get through family dinner tomorrow.
The thing with the temperatures was a typo - I had to fix it. :D; Sorry! If it helps, they're actually operating off of a modified Kelvin scale to be as annoying as possible.
> Open: AXSIS Knowledge Base - AXSIS
Welcome to AXSIS Net 72.89.2!
> BROWSE AXSIS NET
v ENTER AXSIS NET ADDRESS
-> Enter address: knowledge.axsis
> SEARCH AXSIS NET
> APPLICATION STORE
> GAMES
-- Welcome to AXSIS Knowledge Base! --
v AXSIS
"We help you get the most out of life!"
Founded by Nessa Sly on 12d2mo2074y, AXSIS began as a humble software company. Thanks to Sly's leadership, AXSIS quickly became the dominant software provider to the world in less than two years; shortly thereafter, AXSIS branched out into hardware, with their first product being the original AXSIS handheld computing device.
Originally located on South Dola Island, the company's headquarters moved to Vezretti in Vandrio after it became clear that they would need more space. As AXSIS grew, it acquired many other companies and expanded until, in no small part due to its convenient and easy-to-use products, it became the de facto computing resource throughout the world.
After governments the world over understood how helpful AXSIS and its products were, they all voluntarily handed control to AXSIS' board of directors, headed by Nessa Sly, during a single week later known and celebrated as the AXSIS ConvenienceWeek. Following the approval of the Goddess of Shadow, AXSIS also acquired the Church, including the Cathedral of Shadow in Vezretti.
Only one region in the entirety of the world has no AXSIS presence: Momotto, in Merset.
SEE ALSO:
Sly, Nessa
Current AXSIS Board of Directors
Church, The
AXSIS ConvenienceWeek
> Chat: TimesTabled
Conversation initiated between WitchesBlue and TimesTabled.
1129, 4d5mo
[WB] good morning maam
[TT] Good morning, Fiametta! How're you?
[WB] uh
[WB] worried i guess
[TT] Oh dear, what's going on?
[WB] well
[WB] its like this
[WB] tomorrows my birthday
[TT] Happy early birthday!
[WB] thanks
[WB] my parents are takin me out to dinner
[WB] and i found out its gonna be this big deal
[WB] like a bunch of my familys gonna be there
[WB] and none of them know about me
[WB] like
[WB] about me about me
[WB] you know what i mean
[TT] Yes, I follow.
[WB] and like
[WB] it was already gonna be bad
[WB] since im gonna have to dress up
[WB] and everyones gonna call me handsome and darlin son and all that
[WB] but now theres gonna be way more people
[WB] includin my cousins who are both girls
[WB] like nobody thinks theyre guys i mean
[WB] and my dad likes that im a guy
[WB] or rather that he thinks im a guy
[WB] since he was worried hed get a daughter too when both of my cousins were girls
[WB] and its just gonna be sad and uncomfortable the entire time
[WB] and i dont wanna do it
[WB] but i gotta
[TT] Why is that? Why do you have to, I mean?
[WB] i mean
[WB] my parents planned this whole thing
[WB] as a surprise
[WB] and its only cause my cousin cant keep a secret that i know
[WB] and you cant talk my mom outta anything
[WB] and if i have to explain why its gonna be bad news
[TT] Hm. I see.
[TT] First, let me say that I'm sorry you're in this position. It's not something I have a lot of experience with personally, but I have a few ideas, if you'd like to hear them.
[TT] If you just want to vent, I understand that too.
[WB] nah
[WB] hit me with what you got
[WB] maam
[TT] All right. So the way I see it, you have three options.
[TT] First, you can go to the dinner. Grin and bear it. It may not be pleasant, but it's only one evening.
[WB] okay
[WB] bein upfront im not super wild about this plan
[TT] I didn't think you would be, which is why I put it first so we could get it behind us.
[WB] smart
[TT] I thought so. Now, option two is that you disappear for the evening. Go find a friend to spend some time with. Maybe Makani - I'm sure the two of you could find something to do for an evening that wouldn't put you near a restaurant. Then, when the night is over, you go back home and make up an excuse about how you lost track of time or something.
[WB] hmmm
[WB] that ones more promisin but i bet my mom would call the agents or something when she couldnt find me
[WB] plus then shed probably reschedule the dinner anyway
[TT] True. Which brings us to option the third:
[TT] Come out of the closet.
[TT] To your whole family.
[WB] whoa okay thats not happenin
[TT] Why not?
[WB] id be murdered in the middle of a fine dinin establishment
[WB] everyone knows youre not supposed to cause a scene in the middle of a fine dinin establishment
[WB] but nonetheless im pretty sure my dad would straight up knock my head clean off my shoulders in the middle of a fine dinin establishment
[TT] Are you sure?
[WB] well no
[WB] its not like i have experience with this
[WB] but my dad gets
[WB] angry
[WB] and on top of that my mom would get all emotional
[WB] and shed be disappointed in me
[WB] not to mention the rest of my family
[TT] Well, consider this:
[TT] Being in the middle of a 'fine dining establishment' might actually help - it could temper some of their reactions.
[TT] Regardless, it's ultimately up to you.
[TT] I've heard some people prefer to come out via letters and the like, but of course that won't help you for tomorrow.
[WB] im just
[WB] scared
[WB] what if i come out and they kick me out
[WB] id be homeless
[WB] with nothin
[TT] It breaks my heart to hear that that's even a possibility, Fiametta.
[TT] I want you to know this.
[TT] If anything happens, you can consider my home a sanctuary.
[TT] I can always make up the guest room for however long you need a roof.
[TT] Fiametta? Are you there?
[WB] yes
[WB] that just
[WB] caught me off guard
[WB] thanks ms k
[TT] You're welcome.
[WB] i think im gonna go
[WB] got some stuff to think over.
[TT] Of course. Let me know if you need anything.
[WB] ok
Vezretti: A major player on the world stage, as both the seat of the Church and the worldwide headquarters of the AXSIS Corporation are located here. Popular for pilgrimages from all over the world and crowded on days of religious significance.
And my, my, my, did that blackeye tragedy happen the day after DozingGoner mentioned he had a "big thing" tomorrow, and after which he was never heard from again? Eh. I'm sure it's nothing.
I don't think so cause DG disappeared earlier this year, but the tragedy appears to have happened last year.
Edit: wait, nvm, I'm dumb, I was reading the dates wrong. It does appear to be the same day! Well then~
As AXSIS grew, it acquired many other companies and expanded until, in no small part due to its convenient and easy-to-use products, it became the de facto computing resource throughout the world.
Haha, GrayGriffin already hit all the stuff that jumped out at me as far as commands. So in that case, hmm... I kinda just wanna know more about Blackeyes in general.
> Open: AXSIS Knowledge Base - AXSIS ConvenienceWeek
Welcome to AXSIS Net 72.89.2!
> BROWSE AXSIS NET
v ENTER AXSIS NET ADDRESS
-> Enter address: knowledge.axsis
> SEARCH AXSIS NET
> APPLICATION STORE
> GAMES
-- Welcome to AXSIS Knowledge Base! --
v AXSIS ConvenienceWeek
AXSIS ConvenienceWeek refers to both a specific date and a week-long holiday celebrated yearly.
On 7d5mo2080y, AXSIS CEO Nessa Sly unveiled a campaign aimed at convincing citizens the world over that their governments would be better off in the hands of the AXSIS board of directors. She spent the following week traveling to every major region in the world, speaking with their heads of state. The campaign was a success, and by 12d5mo2080y, nearly every government - with one notable exception (see: Momotto) - had voluntarily handed control over to AXSIS.
The second week of 5mo, from 7d to 12d, was thus designated as AXSIS ConvenienceWeek and celebrated yearly. That week is guaranteed vacation time except for AXSIS employees, with some areas even mandating the entire 5mo as vacation.
SEE ALSO:
AXSIS ConvenienceParade
AXSIS ConvenienceFestival
> Open: AXSIS Knowledge Base - Blackeyes
Welcome to AXSIS Net 72.89.2!
> BROWSE AXSIS NET
v ENTER AXSIS NET ADDRESS
-> Enter address: knowledge.axsis
> SEARCH AXSIS NET
> APPLICATION STORE
> GAMES
-- Welcome to AXSIS Knowledge Base! --
v Blackeyes
Embedded image description: a picture of a fully-grown blackeye
Blackeyes are the colloquial term for the monsters that form from people who use magic unauthorized by AXSIS. In their fully-grown form, they can grow to be roughly 1.5 times the size of an average human; they also have a coat of iridescent scales and long, serrated teeth. While it can take a variable amount of time for them to reach maturity, they all do so within a month of the offending spell, with repeated castings speeding up the maturation time.
Once a human has cast an unauthorized spell, they shortly grow a pair of horns from their head and their sclera turn black. From there, the transformation into a blackeye and the resulting loss of identity and humanity are unavoidable.
Blackeyes are significantly stronger than the average human, able to completely destroy an AXSIS DomicileUnit within an hour. Some blackeyes are capable of continued usage of the spell that prompted their transformation in the first place, but this is rare.
There have been no documented cases in which a human who used unauthorized magic did not turn into a blackeye.
Embedded image description: a map of the Momotto region, unlabeled.
MOMOTTO
Location: Continent of Merset; southeast of the Kenba region; northeast of the Alzabata region; south of the Khetaqa region; bordered on the east by the Losdat Sea; north of the continent of Ginde
Comparative area: Similar in size to the region of Qassan
Climate: Warm all year long; has a distinct rainy season and dry season
Imports: none
Exports: none
Notes: Momotto is walled off from the rest of the continent and has an active no-fly policy over the entire region.
Notable population centers:
Momotto's notable population centers are unknown. AXSIS Knowledge Operatives are not allowed to enter the region.
Haha, I had initially been thinking that the temperature was in Kelvin, and then the inversion messed me up. I guess things are a little less wild than I was thinking for a moment there.
Hmm, lots of interesting worldbuilding here... Although I have to wonder how safe it is to keep poking at it. I imagine we can't run up too many queries on Blackeyes or whatever before some AXSIS Knowledge Monitors or whatever start taking an interest. And I kind of want to know more about... magic.
> Search AXSIS Knowledge Base: "magic"
Good God, this birthday dinner is sounding more and more excruciating with every chat. It's good to know that TimesTabled is on our side.
The second week of 5mo, from 7d to 12d, was thus designated as AXSIS ConvenienceWeek and celebrated yearly. That week is guaranteed vacation time except for AXSIS employees, with some areas even mandating the entire 5mo as vacation.
...actually. Remembering that app makes me wonder about the scope of this story. What first seemed like "survive dinner, find our friend" is starting to seem... possibly far bigger.
On a side note, I'm suddenly curious about Fia’s magic cast history, and whether or not we can glean anything from it. In particular, the fact that we have the timestamps for the spells. For starters, this confirms the calendar has 20 months, not 18. Assuming there are, in fact, 18 days a month, that does line up nicely with a 365-day year. It also matches DG being gone for 127 days.
18d2mo hush - This was the day Fia went to talk with TT about something personal. The cast was in the morning, while their convo was in the afternoon. Hush isn’t exactly the most useful spell (I thought it dampened noise around you, but apparently it only affects you.) Though I guess it could be nice if you’re feeling sensory overload.
2d18mo breeze - This was the day DG vanished. Late at night, too. Could be a coincidence (after all, Fia had no idea anything was up yet.) And the description for Breeze sounds pretty useless for anything other than goofing off. :P
Several Frost casts near the end of the year. Maybe the weather was just hot? :P Vandrio might have mild seasons but there could always be hot days. (Not sure what hemisphere Vandrio is in, or whether those late months were summer.)
Out of the spell history, the only one that I’m puzzled by is Growth, as that’s the only spell name that’s not self-explanatory. Two back-to-back casts...
> BROWSE AXSIS NET
v ENTER AXSIS NET ADDRESS
-> Enter address: knowledge.axsis
> SEARCH AXSIS NET
> APPLICATION STORE
> GAMES
-- Welcome to AXSIS Knowledge Base! --
v Magic
Magic refers to the manipulation of ambient maghons in the atmosphere to produce a desired effect. Manipulation of ambient maghons in the same way will always result in the same result, known in the vernacular as 'spells'. Most AXSIS devices come equipped with an AXSIS MaghonEnforcer, which can manipulate ambient maghons with a precision not achievable through manual means. Manipulating ambient maghons through manual means can and does introduce randomness into the spell, which results in maghon backlash, which induces the transformation into a blackeye.
Any rumor that magic used to be able to be cast safely without an AXSIS MaghonEnforcer should be regarded as false.
SEE ALSO:
AXSIS MagicCouncil
Blackeyes
Maghons
> Open: AXSIS Knowledge Base - AXSIS MagicCouncil
Welcome to AXSIS Net 72.89.2!
> BROWSE AXSIS NET
v ENTER AXSIS NET ADDRESS
-> Enter address: knowledge.axsis
> SEARCH AXSIS NET
> APPLICATION STORE
> GAMES
-- Welcome to AXSIS Knowledge Base! --
v AXSIS MagicCouncil
The AXSIS MagicCouncil is the governing body of AXSIS' MagicUse division. Their primary purpose is to determine which magic spells are safe to use via AXSIS Cast and, upon finding an unfilled niche, when to begin the creation of a new spell.
The AXSIS MagicCouncil was formed in the aftermath of AXSIS ConvienceWeek. The members of the AXSIS MagicCouncil are all AXSIS administrators, and the composition of the AXSIS MagicCouncil has changed multiple times since its formation, though AXSIS CEO Nessa Sly has consistently been the lead councilwoman.
Any spell not approved by the AXSIS MagicCouncil is unauthorized.
SEE ALSO:
Magic
AXSIS
Sly, Nessa
> Select: AXSIS Growth
Welcome to AXSIS Cast 11.4.6!
-- SPELL INDEX --
-AXSIS Growth
Level: Common
Cost: 0.3g
Description: Induces slight growth in nearby plants or plant-like objects.
Cast this spell?
> YES
> NO
> Chat: CrashedBurnt
Conversation initiated between WitchesBlue and CrashedBurnt.
1210, 4d5mo
Other party is using AXSIS SpeechToText 4.7.0.
Other party is using AXSIS TextToSpeech 8.0.2.
[WB] hey so
[WB] i was doin some readin
[CB] You were what.
[CB] You were voluntarily learning on your own time.
[CB] Who are you and where's the real you.
[WB] stop bein a sarcastic ass
[WB] sarcasstic if you will
[CB] I will not.
[WB] anyway hush for five seconds and listen
[WB] do you know about maghons and all that
[CB] The elementary magic particles right.
[CB] Yeah I've heard of them.
[CB] Why do you ask.
[WB] apparently theyre easy to mess up or whatever
[WB] and thats why people turn into blackeyes
[WB] and axsis cast has a way to do it so you dont mess up
[WB] is that true
[CB] I don't know.
[CB] Were you looking it up in AXSIS KnowledgeBase.
[WB] yeah
[WB] and i know
[WB] take everything in knowledgebase with a boulder of salt
[WB] but i dunno enough about any of that to say oh its definitely wrong
[CB] Let me look up the article.
[CB] Okay the bit at the end about rumors.
[CB] That's an odd way to phrase it if nothing else.
[WB] thats what i thought too
[CB] Either way though I'm not sure I want to keep talking about this on an AXSIS.
[CB] I don't need lightning today.
[WB] yeah thats fair
[WB] oh unrelated
[WB] can your mom make pasta for the dinner
[WB] with that really good egg cream sauce
[WB] and the blastbacon
[WB] ive been jonesin for it
[CB] Sure I'll let her know.
[WB] thanks
