That One Techpriest You Used To Know

My theory is that God exists, and so do Heaven and Hell, even if I'm not the most rabid believer. And, in my defense, I would like to present to the skeptics a theory known as Pascal's Wager, developed by a French philosopher named Blaise Pascal (1623-1662).

In short, it is a chart. This chart depends on two facts - either that God is, or that He is not; as well as whether we believe, or we do not.

Thus, we get four combinations.

If we believe in God, and worship accordingly, and he does exist, then we win in the form of Heaven.

If we believe in God, and worship accordingly, and he does not exist, then nothing happens.

If we do not believe in God, and ignore Him, and he does exist, then we lose in the form of Hell.

If we do not believe in God, and ignore Him, and he does not exist, then nothing happens.

So, looking at this either way, choosing to ignore God is a coin flip of oblivion vs. Hell, while worshiping God is a coin flip of oblivion vs. Heaven. One might call me superstitious because of it, but I'll hedge my bets, if you don't mind. 

35 minutes ago, heavens-champion said:

Why would anyone want to be the villain? 

2 minutes ago, ooReiko said:

Villains are the heroes of their own stories. No one is villain just because they want to be one.

A good answer, Reiko, but let's take this and expand upon it.

Nobody ever wants to be a villain. That's like saying someone would just wake up one morning and say, "Oh, boy! I feel like being a dastardly prick today! I shall kick this puppy and and eat this baby, and the world will bow before me!" (That is, unless you happen to be a character or have a personality thinner than a piece of paper.)

There are generally two reasons people take up the role as villains, so to speak. The first one is rather boring from a literary standpoint, slightly stereotypical, and tends to be more of a hand wave in literature than an actual reason: the character in question is insane and is incapable of making logical decisions. While you can do great things with an insane character played properly, it tends to be used by itself as justification rather than as a device. In real life, however, insanity is in fact a major reason why things get as bad as they do- people who are incapable of using reason getting into a position where they can do whatever they want.

The second reason is much, much more interesting, in that it is logical, reasonable choices made by completely sane, intelligent people, willing to go to extremes to get their jobs done.

First off, please remember that nobody ever chooses the worst option. People make different choices based on information they have, or a lack thereof. If asked to kick a puppy and eat a baby, to use the example above, no one both sane and in real life would ever do so- it's just unreasonable!

Well, Edge McFaceLord III, Esq. just chose to eat the baby and kick the puppy. Why? Let's throw some theories out there.

1. I know something you don't about this baby and this puppy. What would happen if, say, the baby wasn't eaten and the puppy remained firmly unkicked, they would be ritually sacrificed to a dark god that would help herald the end of reality afterwards? The character in question has knowledge they can apply from outside the context of the question that isn't necessarily shared with others. Which leads into my next point...

2. I'll do it so someone else can benefit/no one else has to do it. Basically, because the 'villain' is making a shameless choice that he will be ostracized for in an attempt to help someone else. He might have just won a million dollars for charity, obtained the cure for cancer, and solved world hunger all at the same time- but he will be forever remembered as the crazy man who just ate the baby. Alternatively, he might make this decision for his friend- if he knows that his best friend, Child Eater Jr., is being pushed by his father to carry out the family business, he might bite the bullet for his friend so that they aren't forced to make the decision.

3. If I eat this baby and kick this puppy, perhaps people will... be my friend? Respect my decisions? Stop asking me if I'll be a stereotypical cartoon villain as part of a survey so I can get back to my studies, goddammit(!)? You'd be surprised what people will do under societal pressure. There's a reason peer pressure exists.

4. I ate this baby so that I could prove that I am the Ultimate Lifeform. Megalomania, narcissism, and egotism can cause problems, even if they aren't bad enough where they fall under the umbrella of insanity. Perhaps they felt that by making this evil choice, they could both boost their self-esteem as well as make others fear and respect them as a superior person for making the hard choice.

5. I find the reactions of others realizing that I have made this choice amusing. What would you do if Edge McFaceLord III, Esq. told you that he just ate a baby and kicked a puppy? You'd probably react with disgust, back away, perhaps even shout something along the lines of, "How could you have possibly done this?" He reacts with a shrug and a smile, for he just had his decision justified for him. This is why the term 'Don't feed the trolls' is a popular internet rule for dealing with provocateurs- if you deny people reactions, their reasoning for making poor decisions just to see the results would be significantly less justify if people aren't reacting to it.

6. I did it because I didn't know what would happen. Ah, curiosity. The natural desire to pursue knowledge, and one I can understand. Say, for instance, Edge McFaceLord has taken some lessons from his best friend's successful father, Child Eater Sr. He tells Edge McFaceLord III, Esq. that babies taste good, after all, and it's not as disgusting as those haters lead you to believe- in fact, child eating has a long history. And kicking puppies is therapeutic- Edge McFaceLord III, Esq. is in college, after all, and he could use the stress relief. So when Edge McFaceLord is presented this choice, perhaps he decides to try it, just once- and then he might be disgusted with himself afterwards, or perhaps, even, he'd start to agree with him.

These are flanderized examples, sure, and certainly not all of them, but hopefully they help prove a point.

"Odd... well, this confirms that we aren't the first person here since 2012," Inked murmured to herself quietly as her hands continued to scribble. After a moment, she opened her pack and took out the recorded floor plans to the guest house. "Hmm... well, it looks like there's a living room down the hall. If we can find a generator and a television, then perhaps we'll be able to view it here. Otherwise, it looks like we'll have to wait. Don't think we have the stuff on us to play VHS, unless the camera can somehow?"

This is an extremely interesting concept, and I think I'd like to participate as a student. Allow me to pull a character who needs development out of my hat, and I'll get you a character sheet here in a bit.

@@nx9100,

"Well, this is just the guest house. We still have to go and see the state of the barn and the main house and take a look inside before we get started on the recording- just so we don't run into any mid-recording problems like a cave-in that blocks us off and ruins the flow or something. You know, a rehersal. Speaking of rehersals, what say we run one here? A quick fifteen seconds of the trek so far and initial impressions. Random, stand over here with the boom mike, and Blood, pick a chair and sit down. Or stand if you want. Raze, experiment with angles and what you think'll look good here; we'll spend about two minutes messing around before we keep going."

"Although I will say..." Quill said, looking up, "I'm not sure how structurally sound this place is. Certainly wouldn't want to be trapped here in a really bad storm. Watch your step."

@@BloodDrops, @@Jack Baker, @@nx9100,

"Don't concern yourself about that," she said to Blood Drops, her previously jovial attitude fading away to irritation. "I have plenty more paper, enough for several days of writing like this. And knock off the whole attitude thing. I'm the person who pays everyone, not you. We got our permit to take a look around, and if we need to replace things on behalf of the city, it'll come out of the studio coffers. Or, if you don't knock it off, yours. So stop while you're still drawing a bigger paycheck than the others, hmm?"

Readjusting her glasses, she turned around, before saying over her shoulder. "Oh, and if us breaking and entering isn't okay, blatant thievery certainly isn't either, so I suggest you don't go rummaging through everything like a madman and hold yourself to your own standards."

Shaking her head, she turned to Raze and Random. "While that might be the best case scenario, I certainly don't see them particularly forthcoming, so we'll have to provide for ourselves." She quickly opened a section of her bulging backpack and withdrew some bottles of water for the group. "Make sure to stay hydrated, especially in a muggy place like this. Afterwards, what do you think, Raze? Should we go straight out the door in search for the main building, or should we go poking around here a bit?"

@@nx9100, @@BloodDrops, @@Jack Baker,

"So this place has potential, you say? Great!"

Notebook out and at the ready, she started scribbling again. The odd cow corpse effigy is a zebra curse stick- made as a ward against people who disturb it or the area it protects. Hopefully that doesn't include us. DO NOT DISTURB.

Continuing to write quickly, she glanced up at the overgrown house. "Well... I'd assume that that's the guest house. Kinda strange that we ran into it before the main buildings, but eh. Could just be the path is overgrown. We can look, but we might need to trailblaze to get there. No one's been around here for a while, after all. We can't expect a path to just... exist."

I shall post in about two hours, after I am finished with current events and then eat.

@@BloodDrops, @@Jack Baker, @@nx9100,

One glance at the effigy was all it took for Inked Quill to start scribbling furiously as she took in the sights, the smells, and the sounds. It seemed almost obsessively intense, but soon after, she closed the book again and looked up, her face was slightly less enthusiastic than before. "Well, the property's certainly showing signs of wear and tear, but these obvious signs of vandalism... this whole thing is looking like some teenage prank. I'd hate to meet the teenager that makes effigies out of, not only one cow, but at least four, though..."

She shuddered, covering her nose and mouth in disgust. "I don't know much in the field of effigies... Drops, you think this would be a place to start? Assuming people can take the scent, that is... ugh. I wasn't expecting to need the noseplugs."

@@Jack Baker, @@BloodDrops, @@nx9100,

"Missing and presumed dead," she parroted after Raze was finished. "If they did escape, they sure didn't tell anyone about it. Besides, with all the disappearances around the area, I'm sure that at least something's there, even if it's not dead. Who knows, there might be some mad scientist in there putting together Frankenstein's Monster! But I'm sure you'll know soon enough if there's any ghosts around that feel up to being around."

Taking another draft of her cigarette before dropping on the ground and rubbing it out on the rough, rocky road, Inked picked up the laptop and placed it in her backpack, while also flipping out her notebook once again. "... Alright, then, I'm ready, Raze is ready, and so is Drops. That just leaves..." She carefully picked up the end of the boom mike case and nudged the back of Random's head- perhaps a little too overzealously. "Come on, slowpoke! Let's get going!" Straightening up, she then turned back to Raze. "Everything checks out over there? Spare batteries, functioning lenses? It'll be a shame to break the pacing if we have to come back to the car without having finished."

Inked Quill quietly stepped outside of the car, carrying with her a large notepad and scribbling away with a pen furiously as she nudged the passenger door closed with her hip. "The drive here alone was quite interesting. I'm sure we'll find plenty of interesting things here, even if the house isn't haunted!"

Taking a few more notes before slamming the book shut, Quill lit a cigarette and took a drift from it before opening the back doors of the truck and taking out smaller pieces of equipment with her free hand. "Come on, guys, let's get moving!" she spoke loudly to the other members of the crew through the packs and equipment. "The sooner we can get to exploring this metaphorical treasure trove, the better."

Hello all. Sorry for being late to the party.

Here is Inked Quill. Not the best character but better then she was doing a few days ago. Still lacking a picture too, I need to do that ASAP.

Thanks for waiting for me; and I'm sorry for taking so long.

This is probably one of the best hand drawn things I have seen. Good job working on it; she looks quite spiffy!

Long songs? 2112 by Rush has always been a favorite of mine.

Alright, I threw my hat in the ring. Even if I don't get (re)selected, best of luck to the fine fellows who do!

I know I have no excuse to not post, but actually I do have an excuse to not post because life. Not much for me to do atm anyways, I'm sorry. I'll try to get one done over the weekend. ;-;

I'm sorry, I was waiting on @@P-Jay to post.

@@Driz,

I, for one, think this whole affair foolishness. You go to your death, Mori. We've done our task here for now; should the nobles wish to march forwards foolishly on their own, let them.

"Perhaps," she whispered, "but we must ensure our need to repeat the task is not in our future." She looked at Ametrine, and then at Helios. "... yes. I agree. We shall accompany you forwards, at least," she said, referring to the many spirits with whom she traveled with. "Although, he seems to have been moving out of the forest as opposed to deeper in... he may have already escaped, say, a day or two ago. It has been fair weather as of late, and rather dry. There also appear to be a distinct lack of wildlife around here that would harm the paper, and little wind as well... it would maintain it's appearance for quite some time."

@@Driz,

For some reason, when you said that, I was expecting the Pink Panther theme for some reason. Maybe I'm just too tired with the holidays...

Wasn't disappointed, though; Danganronpa is probably one of my favorite game soundtracks. I liked Goodbye Despair better, but, eh, opinions are opinions.

@@Driz, @@Hazard Time,

"No, I did not mean-" She stopped, suddenly, and took a step back as the mare's face immediately dropped.

So much for dignified royalty, hm? She looks on the verge of tears from your response... I wonder what despair colors her soul? Perhaps we'll find out after she joins us; if you don't first.

Mori remained silent before her face softened, and, for a moment, appeared to speak again before she was cut off by Ametrine's hurried response. "Oh, if only I knew what troubled you so, fae princess," she whispered to herself. "It seems that both real and abstract beings have their own webs of secrets that they are caught in."

A sole spirit wandered to her from the side. "We have done what we can in the time allotted to us. It will take several weeks to properly prepare a place for every body here, so we have rendered the bodies in the area covered in only shallow graves and marked them for later anointment and recognition. Let us hope no dark magicks touch this place until then, else we may have a horde of desecration scratching at our back."

Mori turned and curtsied to the side in thanks to the spirit, before the light mist receded and the spirits returned. She flipped up her hood before approaching the scholar, shovel being returned to her side in exchange for the old tome. "It is quite dusty, and I have been unable to find anything that mentions an author. Perhaps you will find what you are looking for?"

@@Driz, @@Hazard Time,

"Why would you ask her anything important?" the Widow chimed in. "I'm certain your scholarly friend knows at least fifty times as much as this mere peasant does, especially in terms of magical theory. Unless, perhaps, you're desperate for something in particular..." Giggling, the ghostly image vanished back into a mere flowing mane, claw still grasping the prayer book. Mori remained silent for several seconds more as she finished her current task before turned around relatively slowly, wearing a dark expression which seemed to cast a shadow over her face, even without the hood.

"... it would depend, Mistress Ametrine," Mori started, her voice quickly flattening out all emotion, the fearfulness earlier completely gone and replaced with what could only be described as a mix of contempt and pity, "what you meant by putting a soul back into a body. In terms of my work, doing so is impossible. No matter one's skill at this craft, nor one's endowments by blood, once the connection has been severed between body and soul, there is nothing that can reattach the threads through mere physical or spiritual means- which then results in the requirement of magic to achieve what you ask. I am not a scholar and what I know about magic all come from ancient tales- many of which are mere rumor and speculation, though many of them do speak of resurrection and of soulless beings undertaking mighty deeds to obtain their own. Perhaps you could be more... specific? An example, perhaps?"

@@Driz, 

I find it fine. It's much better than electric yellow or neon green or any of the super light colors. 

@@Driz, @@Hazard Time,

"Oh, if only it was as clear cut as that," commented the Widow from her perch as Mori continued her work. "It's very, very much a case-by-case basis. In fact, most of these fine fellows have already... er... left, so to speak. All any burial is, after all, is a to help preserve dignity from the perspective of those still alive, is it not? After all, it's rather hard to talk to someone who isn't there. Most of the time, they don't care; they tried their best, got as far as they could, and were expecting deaths. Other times..." she paused, glancing at a bit of unseen drama off to the side involving a pair of irritable souls in knight armor- one of them well known to her- currently occurring. "... not so much. But, yes, it tends to help more than hurt. I'm certain that if a bloody, unfortunate fate were to befall you, you'd definitely want your body to be six feet under instead of left to rot in the bloody charnel house this field has become."

Upon reaching the first sad, withered corpse- chest all but obliterated in the mighty strike it had received- Mori sighed, kneeling down and examining the poor warrior. After a few moments, she stood, and, with a motion, drew back her hood and obtained Durandos from her side. As she did so, her mane and tail seemed to lose form- where it once appeared almost as if it were loosely contained, it now was almost entirely replaced with a very light mist that spread across the ground, losing much of it's mass. It still existed, of course- a large, coalescent blob still was attached to her in the likeness of a mane, but unlike the others, it appeared as if something... shifted within it.

She could not handle this task alone, after all, without her newfound acquaintances being just as skeletal as the ones he was about to bury. An army of ghosts and spirits manifested before her, invisible to all except her. After some collaboration with each other, they began quietly tracing out plans through the forest, framing perfect three by five plots for every body in sight, spaced a foot apart from each other and placed wherever they could be while also looking decent and allowing sufficient space for travelers to move through freely- including a rather wide space between the two sides.

After about fifty of them had been planned, Mori quietly approached the first site, stretched, and, with the assistance of several companions, began her grim duty, a shadowy claw holding a small black prayer book open as Mori began to dig. As she began, several groups also began- onlookers would see as if nature itself was moving the various corpses into alignment, documenting what they could amongst themselves, before allowing the corpse to sink into the earth, clearing blades of bloodstained grass as they did so- leaving an almost picturesque grave, missing only a tombstone. They moved on, the six or seven groups manipulating nature to bury a corpse with the proper blessings in as little as thirty seconds a body. Mori, despite moving much slower than the others, acted as the center point of their efforts, chanting in a low voice so accented one couldn't make out what was being said.

@@Hazard Time,@@Driz, @@P-Jay,

While this occurred, a shadowy figure manifested, lounging on Mori's back. It was a pony in appearance, but was composed of the same coagulation of mist that composed her hair, and, instead of hooves, it instead had claws- in fact, it's left rear one was the one holding the prayer book for Mori. "Too bad we don't have more time to spare," the shadowy mare stated in the same ghastly echoing voice as before, if slightly quieter. "What do you think we could accomplish here if we were able to cut, say, a row of trees? A pretty little line of graves at least. This archaic spread will have to do, I suppose... I must say, I fear for your safety should this fellow still happen to exist as a visible specter such as myself. What kind of warrior is able to put this many to slaughter, no matter how skilled he is? Definitely nopony of natural origin."

As the specter talked, Mori began to move forwards at a slow pace, working as quickly as she dared while still maintaining the lead. Glancing around, it continued. "Perhaps in a few years from now, when grass grows over, this place will be even prettier with the natural grass woven in with the bloodstains. Or perhaps it will grow back red; that would certainly be interesting as well. Either way, with how many bodies are being displaced and considering the nature with which so many have perished, I'll be quite surprised if nothing particularly... paranormal, as you ponies may call it, happens. Other than what is already occurring, of course, but you need not to worry yourselves about that. You may wish to draw your armaments, especially if enchanted, in case a... negative response is invoked."

@@Hazard Time,@@Driz, @@P-Jay,

Mori visibly relaxed, and her voice grew a little firmer as she recognized that she seemed to have been... tolerated by them. At least she wasn't at immediate risk, though she did notice the maul that she reached for as the Widow attempted to flirt with Helios. Physical strength as well... She would have to be careful. "Oh, yes, Mistress Ametrine, I had no intention of delaying anyone at all... we should continue with all haste."

She quietly trotted to the forefront of the group, before withdrawing a dusty tome and consulting the pages within- a book that her friends had, as they said, 'found'. It contained a several rough maps, a few dozen pages of text, and a few small illustrations. Strangely enough, it didn't have an author, either- it was an adventurer's notebook of some sort. After reading a few of the pages located within, she closed the book and stored it before adjusting her cloak and continuing ahead, spending a few moments in pause at the sword and shield. A warning, much like the other places before it. Did Valran place this here himself, or was this some final warning from a doomed adventurer?

What an odd stallion, to call such an 'exciting encounter.' It seems he is more scholar than bodyguard. Perhaps an expert in this field? Or merely someone to document the exploration. Either way, he seems like a hole that must be filled with knowledge.

Mori remained silent through the spirit's continued musings, continuing onwards towards the wood.