investigation wrap...?

[cancrymods]

Well that all sure... uh, happened!

Despite the initial hostility, you've gotten a lot of important information to chew over: Esme, the one who holds Authority over Invidia has made it very clear that she opposes the Executors and their intended goal of repairing the Cogs of Renewal at the bottom of Purgatory. And thanks to that, and Esme's degree of control over Invidia, the gang are stuck here until they can find a way to bypass Esme and continue descending the layers of Purgatory.

Surely, everyone will be on the same page about how to handle that!

Either way, with discussions with Esme wrapped up and the Executors on their way, now's a good time to put your heads together and see if you can't work out where to proceed from here.

Or you know, just kick back and relax in Invidia for a bit. You've had a tough weekend!

Comments

[phantasmagorial]

No, it wouldn't...!

[ NOOOOOO FIGHTING!!! ]

She said she's so powerful because they love her. So maybe if we redirected some of that...

[crypddyd]

...make them not love her?

[daughterofthemark]

Make them love... someone else instead?

[seasharp]

...But who, though? I mean, the Spectres are the problem, so it would have to be...

[daughterofthemark]

Someone even cuter than Lady Esme!

[She looks at Rei.]

[seasharp]

[...!

Ariel runs over to Rei, catching on immediately. And she puts her hands on Rei's shoulder.]

Oh ho ho! Leader, you're up!

[phantasmagorial]

[ SHE PRETENDS NOT TO SEE IT!!! SHE IS LOOKING AWAY!!! ]

I... r–really don't think I'd be a good fit...

[seasharp]

Hmmmmm, but who here is cuter than you~?

[phantasmagorial]

I– that–

Th–that's not the point at all!

[ I don't even need to tell y'all how red she's going, I hope ]

[seasharp]

Isn't it? We need someone lovable, and you definitely fit the bill!

[phantasmagorial]

Would literally anyone else like to volunteer?!

[crypddyd]

... I think they're correct.

Lady Rei has a powerful elegant image.

[Sage nod]

[phantasmagorial]

What does that even mean?!

[ She is SO EXHASPERATED ]

1/2

[crypddyd]

It means you are very cute, but in a mature way.

[What does that mean, lion]

Like a young noble lady.

[crypddyd]

... but I am not sure I like the idea of the Spectors clambering at you.

[Big Brother vibes activating]

[phantasmagorial]

Neither do I. [ BIG SIGH. ] You should've seen how many of them were lined up just to shake hands with her. How could I ever compete with that, even if I wanted to?

[seasharp]

Right, right, right? She's perfect!

[discutio]

We could redirect it, certainly. Or find a way to ruin her image.

[schardynfreude]

...Mm. There's an idea. Her perky nature to her fans is just an act, after all. She's got no issue showing her true self to us. And we've ways to record her...that she may not notice.

[discutio]

I'd considered it briefly when she mentioned that as the source of her power, but I don't exactly have a way to activate that without a verbal cue. Not the most subtle.

That said, I think that's a viable course of action if we can meet her in person again.

[schardynfreude]

She did suggest the idea of someone trying to usurp her power would be fun...

[discutio]

If she insists upon a bit of fun, I think we may as well deliver on that.

[schardynfreude]

[He glances over at the gaggle of tiny teenagers giving Rei a heart attack.]

Seems the girls have one angle of attack covered.

You have garnered at least a modicum of respect for keeping things from turning into a terrible conflagration. And you've an attitude that tells one where they may stick it with the politest of words and tones.

[discutio]

You flatter me. I think I was some manner of advisor in life so such an ability stands to reason, nothing more.

[schardynfreude]

I flatter you with the truth.

Nothing more.

[Hm hm!] I could, of course, accompany you, and whoever else might wish to assist on such an endeavor. Someone ought to be filming at the very least, perhaps from multiple angles.