if you desire the world, then come and take it

[emberserker]

[Discordia]

@ wolfsbane
Enough is enough. Who knows how long it's been in that place without a proper meeting. I propose we convene back at the base in Invidia. That'll keep the migraines and getting lost to a minimum, plus whoever the Authority is won't cotton on, I should hope.

[Invidia - Authority's Mansion]

[Wolfsbane is entirely fed up. After a few days in Avaritia (it's longer, but who knows in that place), she sends out the notification and sets up shop in the mansion back in Invidia; not too far a commute for anyone no matter where they are, and plenty of room besides. When the others arrive, she's sitting at the table, eating a plate of steak and lima bean salad. No, she didn't make any for you. Okay, those with good senses can probably smell that there's more in the kitchen, but given where they are, it seemed tacky to offer to share.]

I'm sure we've all at least come up with something by now investigating that tacky tourist trap. Share, will you?

(This is an open mingle log for everyone to share the fruits of their investigations! Have fun... or at least vent your frustrations at Avaritia's economy.)

Comments

later

[crypddyd]

[Lion ponders all of this, his brain slowly organizing things]

So it seems we have a few options going forward. If Greed truly is what fuels this layer, then like with Esme we likely can take the Authority by being the most wealthy. But we must be aware in doing so we may force the Authority into a... kind of shock, like Esme. Snatching away the power aggressively will almost certainly make them regress into the sin that brought them here, and we will have to fight them.

I feel... if that can be avoided, we should.

Taking the money outright would be the fastest, but also riskiest. We could also attempt winning it legitimately like Ruin described possibly happening before? Or... hmm... I wonder if spreading the wealth out might destroy the source of the Greed? Counter it with Charity? I am not sure. We are still largely working blind here.

[emberserker]

If we're to work through the sins, then that would probably topple the Authority, but if everyone's got an equal share, who would be the new Authority? Would there simply not be one? I doubt it, with how this place loves its systems.

[crypddyd]

That is the question... the ideal would be to have an Authority that would simply allow us to pass.

[emberserker]

Do you really think it'd ever be that easy?

[crypddyd]

It would certainly go against our track record so far...

[emberserker]

Perhaps we should steal it somehow, but have luck as a backup plan. Unless somebody's got luck as a power now.

[crypddyd]

Luck... perhaps we wouldn't need luck? Is there a way to put the odds in our favor? I am not usually one to promote cheating, but if it prevents a fight...

[emberserker]

What, does someone here know how to tamper with the machines?

[heir_to_ruin]

The machines are gonna be a lot harder to mess with than just cheating at cards. Or bribing a dealer or something.

I mean it'll take some time for me to build up enough to play at a high roller's table but I definitely could. If you wanna do it legitimately.

[emberserker]

With how many people we've got, we may as well try both.

[heir_to_ruin]

Yeah, I guess. But we should make sure the groups stay separate. Don't want to have the legitimate efforts ruined by being associated with cheaters. And Lion's already been seen with me a few times.

[Which means the blond is his and you can't make him do a crime.]

[emberserker]

Very well, keep him. He's been more useful with legitimate business anyway.

[heir_to_ruin]

He would be.

[He scoffs and shakes his head but.... there's still a fond smile there.]

[emberserker]

...are you flirting with him in the middle of a meeting.

[heir_to_ruin]

W-what?!

[Don't call him out like this? This isn't even obvious flirting!!! He just likes this big dumb idiot shut up]

[emberserker]

There's something seriously wrong with your priorities, the lot of you.

[crypddyd]

[Guys he's still like, right here]

[emberserker]

[we know]

[heir_to_ruin]

[Speak up if you've got an issue with it then, sir.]

[heir_to_ruin]

Hey Lion? How often do they come to the theater? Maybe we can... I dunno, schmooze. Try to get more info that way?

[Ah... but if they are the authority they'll know they're executors right away, like Esme did. And... it's not like it worked with Esme either. Y'know what? He's overestimating their social skills, his own skills, hah-]

Actually, never mind that's a terrible idea. We'd just out ourselves. Wait, haven't they noticed you?

[crypddyd]

They have not- though I have not spoken to them directly I haven't hidden myself either.

[He jerks, as if realizing something. Oh, right-!]

Ah, speaking of Esme- based on my battle against her I can safely say that her outting us at the stage was likely because I spoke to you after. She didn't warp away- she was invisible. She was likely watching us the entire time.

[heir_to_ruin]

Oh... yeah? That's... good to know.

[It's fine, Lion. You don't have to keep bringing things up to try to make it seem less like he screwed everything up.]