☆ 1st Page ☆

[noctuagoetia]

Sender: Stolas of Ars Goetia
To: Everyone
Subject: Inquiry


It would appear that my stay here is a bit more... 'long term' than what I previously had thought. Not that I don't mind a little vacation from my usual day-to-day. However, there has been some recent developments back home that need my attention. Unfortunately for me, I don't think I'll be returning back anytime soon. Seems like introductions are in order. Usually it is frown upon to reveal myself to those of the mortal world but I don't see the harm since if I am to be stranded here. My name is Stolas of Ars Goetia. Pleasure to meet you all.

As the case may be, I would like to get to know about this quaint little town. Primarily my interest lies in how the magic of this place is conducted. I don't mean this... 'dreamotion' the adorable little tapirs explained upon my arrival. I have experimented with it a little already. Seems fairly straight forward. They are reminiscent of how my own abilities work, just with a little... emotional flare? Hmm, its hard to explain... What was my question? Oh yes! I want to know if anyone has looked into the root of the source. The how and why people are brought here. I know a thing or two about portaling spells that links realms but whatever brought me here seems more potent. More powerful. It has turned my grimoire into a decorative paperweight. It would be fascinating if the implications weren't so GRIM. Ha! Sorry, bit of book humor.

Speaking of books... Is there a library I could visit to read up on any local lore? As I stated earlier, I have only just arrived and still finding my way around.

Comments

[herewardbound]

The Ars Goetia? As in the 17th-century text describing the various nobilities in Hell?

Either your parents were very strange, or that's the most interesting possible introduction I've seen around here. Though I suppose you could just as easily be a lunatic or idiot. Going into my third month here, either could be equally plausible.

There's actually two libraries I'm aware of- the Tree of Stories has one, and the Wikki Archives, though the latter is maintained by visitors, I think, so the value of the information... varies.

[noctuagoetia]

Has it really been that long? I always forget earth years pass differently than here in Hell. I suppose I am THE Ars Goetia as my name states.

Though depending on who you ask, I have been called both before. Though I'm more of an owl than a loon.

Two libraries, you say? I will have to check them out myself. Isn't that always the case when you read anything? Question the author's intention and reason for writing? All books hold value.

[herewardbound]

Hah. Loon.

I disagree. There's one or two I've read that I've ended up thinking afterward that weren't worth the paper they were printed on. They're usually autobiographies, or else have titles like 'Ten Rules for Living' or 'Make a Billion Yen in Six Easy Steps'.

But I do see what you're getting at.

Sender: Christo

[evangelclairvoyance]

So I'm not the only one whose powers have been weakened here.

Out of curiosity, would I be correct in assuming you're a demon?

[noctuagoetia]

[Oh my, this could be dangerous. Admitting that his powers were muted to the wrong person could be problematic... even if it was true.]

My other abilities seem to be in working order for the most part. Still need to experiment with my limitations. I cannot say the same for my poor grimoire.

Ho~? Why yes I am. Did the Ars Goetia tip you off?

[evangelclairvoyance]

That and your comment about the "mortal world." A human wouldn't call their world that and the Ars Goetia rules out Celestia, so a demon was the only logical conclusion.

[And with that confirmed, he is definitely going to stick with the demon disguise. Even if Stolas may not be from any of the Netherworlds he's gone to so far, the last thing Christo needs is for someone to learn the truth and say it to the wrong person.]

Sender: Loki of Asgard

[whose_son_am_i]

I'm pleased I'm not the only one who has noticed that about their own powers. Fortunately my training in magic translates over to learning this dreamotion magic quite well. Although it's frustrating at times.

You say your grimoire has been reduced to a fancy paperweight? That is rather fascinating.

[noctuagoetia]

[Oh dear, did mentioning that his grimoire no longer function spill over into people think he himself was weakened? True as the may be, it would be very dangerous if others saw him in that light. Never know if there was an assassin afoot.]

While I may not possess the full range of my usual arcane abilities, I would hardly say I'm powerless. Similarly, the way I understand how this 'dreamotions' works, it's much like my own powers in a way. If not a bit temperamental.

I did indeed mention my grimoire no functions as intended. I would share your fascination if it didn't imply some rather unpleasant implications. Primarily how powerful the magic has to be to render it useless.

[whose_son_am_i]

[Loki raises an eyebrow at the response.]

I do not recall accusing you of being powerless, nor implying any such thing. On the contrary, I was agreeing with your frustration and assessments regarding our usual abilities and this Dreamotion.

You'll have to forgive me if I don't understand just how important your particular Grimoire is. Although if you're indeed worried about how powerful the magic has to be to render it useless that is a cause for serious concern.

Sender: Louie Duck

[talkyourwayout]

If this is anything like the last other dimension sort of place I was in, you might not have to worry about stuff back home. I'm not sure it's the same way, though.

[noctuagoetia]

You have traveled between worlds before? How interesting.... Tell me, what spell did you use and what do you mean I wouldn't need to worry about home? Does time pass differently?

Sender: Ira

[iracorn]

The best place to look would likely be the Tree of Stories. It is fairly extensive, and likely has what you're looking for.

I've found it rather useful. Though I don't know if it contains information regarding a source.

[noctuagoetia]

The Tree of Stories. What a fun name! You're not the first person to recommend me to visit. I will have to go take a look to see.

You have been there, yes? So there is nothing about the origin of this place? A fairytale, perhaps? Sometimes truth lies beneath fiction.

Sender: Mammon

[stupidmammon]

Oh great. Another onna you nerd types who's gonna end up livin' at the book places. Yeah you're definitely gonna fit right on in here.

[ he's groaning, but he might have laughed at the dumb pun. ]

Re: Sender: Mammon

[noctuagoetia]

Well I have need called worse things. Though usually when someone casts insults my way they are of the same caste. Nerd is such a funny sounding word. Nuuurd. Nerd. NeErd.

Is there something wrong with curling up with a good book?

Sender: Satan

[angelbirth]

Your Grimoire arrived with you?

[ He supposes it's less alarming if it's not working as it should, but also -- that's unfortunate. And no. He doesn't laugh at the pun (although he should). ]

There are a few places where you could lounge around with a cup of tea and read up on this world's history. I've made several copies of the tomes I found most relevant, and I don't mind sharing with you so you can keep them and read them at your leisure.

[noctuagoetia]

Yes it has, for all the good that does me. Even though I cannot use it, the information it holds is still valuable.

[Over the journal communication, Satan couldn't see the owl clack his claws excitedly together.]

That sounds exactly what I am looking for. I would greatly appreciate if you could lend me a copy. Do you work as some kind of scholar?

Sender: Trahearne

[pactmarshal]

Welcome to Songerein, Stolas.

As many have mentioned before, you may find information in both the Tree of Stories and the Wikki Archives, though information differs. The Tree of Stories is home to just that - stories. I believe every story and piece of fiction found across all realms can be found there, and while I'm certain information on certain facets of the dream and its threats can be gleaned from these stories, it would take many lifetimes to go through it all.

The Archives were established to concentrate all information on Songerein itself into one location, though it does rely on residents to contribute what information they have. Unfortunately, this is the reality of the situation, as many parts of this realm remain a mystery and not many of us have been here for much longer than a year.

Whatever sort of information you're looking for, I may be able to help, or at least point you in the right direction of someone who may know the answer.

[noctuagoetia]

Hmmm, that's something I hadn't considered. The amount of time to sort through all that information. Guess groaning up surrounded by my own books, time wasn't really a factor.

If you could help cut down on wasted time sifting through the vast library, I would appreciate it. What I'm interested in is anything mentioning magic. Or better yet, the origin of this place. Perhaps there is a fairytale. Sometimes truth is hidden within fiction.

Sender: Dante

[strawberryredgrave]

That extra potent force you mentioned's got my attention. If it's alive, it wants something. If it's notsomeone's messing with something they shouldn't.

Hell gates, heaven gates, shadow gates, nobody opens these things to borrow a cup of sugar.

[noctuagoetia]

You bring up an other good point. One that is a bit more alarming. I was only considering the possibility of a general warding enchantment to nullify outside magic. But when I think about it, and talk with other... It seems that what is chosen to be dulled is selective. It leaves me to start suspecting what ever is behind this is intentional and intelligent. So the question is why? And for what purpose?

Sender: Ann Takamaki

[menaretrash]

Hello! We met face to face days earlier, but I wanted to say hi again regardless.

I want to make a suggestion, so please take this as you will: be very careful what you write in these books because you don't know who is reading. If you have magical abilities, if things were meant to stay hush hush about yourself at home, I would do my best to lay low on that aspect.

Sorry! I don't want to scare you or worry you or anything, but we really don't know much about our current captors. As nice as this place seems, and as lively as it is, it's a gilded cage, so to speak, as far as I'm concerned.

Please be very careful.

[noctuagoetia]

[Gilded Cage. Ouch... That struck a fucking nerve.]

Oh yes, hello my dear! You were the fairy princess I met on my first day if I'm not mistaken. That color suited you~

Thank you for your concern. What I have said is nothing secret. Its quite well known that I have magical abilities back home. But I do see your point. I should have considered that I was addressing our captors while writing this... I will be more careful from now on about what I disclose publicly.

How are you fairing with your new surroundings?

Sender: Moxxie

[imp_resario]

[Oh, crumbs. It may be a familiar 'face' and even a friendly one, but just the same...]

And here I was hoping that you, of all people, would have had some guess as to how we got here or how to get back. I'm sorry to hear that's not the case.

[And then, after a short delay...]

What do you think you'll be doing now that you're here? Apart from the library visit, I mean.

[noctuagoetia]

[The owl's eyes narrowed at the sender's name. 'Moxxie'...Wait. He knows what name... Oh! The short chatty imp under Blitzø’s employ. So more hellborns were here.]

A temporary issue, I assure you. I need more time to examine how this world works. If it is some sort of magic, I might be able to find a way home. As you know, creating portals to other realms is kinda my thing.

[There was a delay as the Goetia mulled over the imp’s other question. He... hadn't thought about that. He was focused on the first major hurdle in his way...]

Hm... I guess enjoy my little vacation while it lasts in-between trying to find a way home. I am sure there is plenty to explore. What about you? I hardly see the need for your... particular services here.