nexus_sages | Leaders and Followers

As if on cue, there's a massive puff of smoke and there stands everyone's favourite monstrous mage.

"I am always happy to give advice regarding portals, or anything else you may ask of me, Ice Bear! Please, what's on your mind?"

[Oh hey, Ice Bear isn't really surprised by the fancy entrance. He raises a paw in greeting to the wizard.]

Ixis. Ice Bear hopes all is well. [As for the question...]

Ice Bear wants to seal a portal and open a new one to his world. Ice Bear wants the fridge to be normal again.

"I'm doing splendidly, thank you for asking." Granted, he's still a little inwardly twisted up over his recent homeworld revelations, but like Naugus is one to be plain about his concerns. Especially when there's magic to be discussed!

"Child's play! Where would the new one open up to? Still in your home? With a little fiddling, I'm sure something can be arranged. I trust you'll take me up on this offer rather than seek alternatives? Orrrr are you going to shop around?" He frowns at the notion. If Schön shows up and pulls business out from under him again...

[If he's distraught about it, Ice Bear sure doesn't notice. Instead, the bear just continues on discussing the current portal conundrum.]

Ice Bear's home in the Nexus. Need to have old portal put in a shed near Ice Bear's cave. [The bear's eyes narrow for a second, putting two and two together easily. He's not sure who to fully commit to just yet.]

Ice Bear isn't sure what to do. How much will you charge Ice Bear for such a service?

"No charge other than an agreement. That you would not tamper with the portal or blame me for any harm or mayhem that would occur if you did." No mention at all of the fine print that comes with an Ixian agreement; not even his friends are safe. Wicked old wizard.

...Ice Bear wants to know if you have other agreements attached to the original one.

[His eyes are still squinted, even as he proposes a sensible offer to Ixis's services.]

Ice Bear can make you meals. Ice Bear can even knit you a nice sweater.

"...We could do that as well. An exchange of services." That seems a kinder, gentler option. There's no agreement outside of rendering of promised goods, which leaves no room for the usual fine print to sink its little hooks in.

"I would look atrocious in a sweater, though. Pulling that over my head would shred it on my horn besides."

Ice Bear would be willing to do that. [And the polar bear nods his head lightly, his stoic gaze returning to normal. He does, however, give Ixis's wardrobe a glance over. Maybe a sweater wouldn't be the best thing.]

Ice Bear thinks a scarf would look on you. Maybe something dark colored.

"You are a bear of many talents, I continue to find! When did you even take up knitting?

"And I will say, you are free to court your options in this portal business. Just don't go with Schön. He's the worst sort of shyster. Debt up to your eyeballs. Terrible."

Slander in the portal business!

A while ago. Ice Bear decided to try making clothes for his brother. Found it to be a relaxing hobby.

[A small nod from the bear, especially at the mention of Ixis's rival Schön. Maybe Ice doesn't understand why they fight, but now's a great time to ask.]

Ice Bear wants to know why you don't get along with him. Also, Ice Bear thinks it be best to try and learn his skills as well.

"Purely a professional rivalry. He acts as a glorified bloodhound for staggering prices and debt that he prefers to call in whenever he pleases, and I create a portal on demand, as well as alter existing ones, all for little more than a handshake! Truly, there's no comparison, but people continue to flock to the mincing little fellow. I continue to be baffled by it, really."

[Ice Bear just sits there, calmly listening to what Ixis says, realizing that this rivalry really lives up to it's name. For a moment, the bear just thinks about what kind of solution Ixis needs to make him more marketable.]

Ice Bear thinks it's your looks. Ice Bear could see people being scared off or frightened to talk to you. Ice Bear thinks you should hire attractive people to help you get business.

Anyone else saying this would probably get him a little cross. But this is Ice Bear and he's a straight-shooter.

"How shallow. Do you really think that has something to do with it? Attractive to whom? What about hiring you? People seem to like you on account of being a kind bear."

[Ice Bear just shrugs his shoulders in response. People can be pretty self-centered and foolish at times.]

Ice Bear wouldn't be surprised if people think like that. Maybe Ice Bear can teach you how to be nice as well? Ice Bear could come up with a regiment to get Ixis to look convincing. Just like Ixis's thin, stylish rival.

"I'm not about to compromise my personal ways just to be as slimy as that slip of a man! Put the thought out of your head. What I really need is more people to attest to my helpfulness!" He looks at the bear pointedly. Like you, for instance.

Ice Bear thinks you would look good in a top hat.

[The bear just shrugs his shoulders and watches as Ixis stares at him. Oh. Hmmm. Ice Bear isn't sure how good he'll be at advertising Ixis, but it might be worth a shot.]

What do you want Ice Bear to do?

"Just endorse me. Especially if people show up asking for portals and I have yet to arrive. And doubly especially if Schön is already on the scene. Make a good case for me. I ask this strictly as a close acquaintance." Which is a fancy way to say friend, right?

Hmm...Ice Bear sees no difficulty in this. Ice Bear will do what he can for you.

[The bear extends one paw as a sign agreement. Looks like you've talked him into this one, Ixis.]

Ice Bear makes no promises in being successful, however.

He shakes that paw enthusiastically! "No promises needed! The effort is enough and vastly appreciated. Thank you, Ice Bear. And I'll still happily see to this portal problem of yours."

Amelia is careful as she approaches Ice Bear. He seems... on edge, which makes her more than a bit nervous. It makes her all the more glad she's decked in her full weapons and armor as well. She hopes he doesn't notice, or at least mind, the nervousness during the slow approach.

"Hierarchy in what?" she asks. "The military? Government? A business organization? Each have their own meaning and means of attainment. Each also have their own draws and drawbacks." If it seems like she's talking from a place of knowledge, it's because she is. The rogue is full of secrets and useful knowledge from back home.

[Ice Bear looks up from his extreme couponing task to lock eyes with Amelia. He recognizes her from many weeks ago, which causes him to stand up. He actually brings both paws together and bows politely to her.]

Ice Bear is pleased to see you again and hopes all is well. As for the question, Ice Bear is interested in all forms and groups of hierarchy. Ice Bear's family is a type of hierarchy as well, so learning about it will help Ice Bear be a better brother and teammate.

"Let's start with family first, then, since you asked about it." She pulls up a chair to a close, but respectable distance away. "Family hierarchy starts with the oldest generation. The father or mother who runs the household - because it could very well be either - can choose to be... "in charge" of the others if they wish." This isn't the case in her family, but she can see very well how it might be. "They have wishes for their family that can't be disregarded and strive to help or encourage the younger generations to do their best. Everyone "under" them falls in descending order of power, from their children to their grandchildren and so on. And then, when their children are grown and they require being taken care of, they pass on the head of household title to the next generation and it begins again."

She pauses for a moment, frowning thoughtfully. "Perhaps that's a bit vague. Would you like more details?"

Family. Yes. [Ice Bear sits down on the couch once more, giving his undivided attention to her. He's very interested in what she has to say. Upon hearing her explanation, the bear nods lightly to confirm that he does understand what she meant.]

Ice Bear sees the similarity to his own family. Ice Bear doesn't have parents anymore, just two brothers, but the oldest takes care of Ice Bear. Hierarchy has never been a issue until just recently.

[He pauses, uncertain if he wants to burden Amelia with his recent family troubles. Instead, the bear turns his gaze away a little, looking down at the table.]

She's not usually one for being interested in a stranger's personal business, but Ice Bear's response gets a raised eyebrow. "If you knew this, then why would you ask about it? Unless... you think something's wrong with this structure and are looking for ways to circumvent it?"

If Amelia's good at anything, it's breaking rules set down by society.

Ice Bear likes talking with people in the Nexus. Hearing other options is good. [He raises his head a little, looking at her once more. He shuffles a bit on the sofa, trying to think about how to put the words together in the best way.]

Ice Bear watched the hierarchy of his family fall apart for a time. Ice Bear didn't do much and things got bad. Ice Bear has never tried to step in and be a leader for his brothers before, so Ice Bear is hoping people in the Nexus can offer advice on how to contribute to the hierarchy better.

Now that's something she understands completely. If anyone were to take a close look at who is actually the head of her family back in her world, they might be surprised to find her father has less to do with everything than she does. Unless they knew about Amelia's extra curricular activities, of course.

"You're trying to become the head of the family now that things are bad?" She wants to make sure she completely understand what he wants before offering any advice. "Has any of your brothers been trying to be the "leader" up until this point? Or has it been a kind of free-for-all?"

Sort of. Ice Bear will explain.

[The bear reaches for a blank piece of paper and a pen, taking a few minutes to sketch out three bears, all stacked on top of each other. The top bear looks like a grizzly bear, the middle represents a panda, and the bottom bear is Ice Bear.

He turns the image so Amelia can see his 'art'.]

This is Ice Bear's family. On top, Grizz, the leader. The middle, Panda. Ice Bear is the bottom of the stack. [He points at each bear drawing with his pen.]

Grizz is the leader. Always has been. Ice Bear and Panda haven't been able to contribute much to the hierarchy. Recently, Panda became the top bear. [And Ice draws two arrows near the top and middle bears, indicating a swap.]

But things went bad. Grizz had to take over the hierarchy again. Ice Bear wants to learn skills in order to contribute to the hierarchy better next time. Or to take over. Ice Bear hasn't decided on the last one yet.

"The circumstances leading to both of the changes are important. What happened to cause Panda to take over, and then for Grizz to have to take over again? Perhaps that will shed some light on what you can do to change your status in your family." The devil is in the details and if Amelia's good at anything with other people, it's finding the devil.

Wolves showed up in the forest one day. Threatened to hurt Ice Bear and his brothers. Panda jumped in and scared them away. Panda became the decision-maker at that moment, moving Grizz to a lower position.

[A pause, then Ice Bear continues on with his tale.]

The wolves returned later that night. Panda and Ice Bear couldn't fend them off. Grizz returned and scared the wolves away once more. Things seemed to return to normal after that.

"All of this happened in a single day?" She's honestly surprised by that. "I'm curious as to why you want to change things. Is "normal" bad for you and your brothers? Or are you simply looking for ways to make sure this short interruption in what is considered normal doesn't happen again, perhaps by creating a new normal?"

It doesn't make a lot of sense to Amelia, but she's not about to tell him that. If Ice Bear is determined to change things, then she'll offer whatever advice she can. She only hopes it'll mean something, given she's never dealt with a situation like this before.

C'taqa has spotted Ice Bear, and will approach him with a peace offering of meat. There are several dishes, all cooked to varying degrees of doneness from rare to well done, as he's not entirely sure what Ice Bear will prefer.

"I think it has a lot to do with power...assumed or otherwise. Someone can appear very powerful on the outside, but be proven utterly helpless to those who know better." He sets the dishes before Ice Bear, careful not to disturb the coupons. Or the axe. "Does that make sense?"

[Ice Bear glances up from his work at the scent of meat. Normally, he'd jump at it within seconds, but he lets C'taqa place the food next to him, before giving it a curious look. He's definitely not used to random acts of kindness.]

Power. Ice Bear has seen how power influences things up close. Ice Bear understands what you've said clearly, especially the part about being helpless. Ice Bear wants to believe that power alone doesn't determine who should lead or follow.

...[One paw points to the food.]

Ice Bear has nothing to give you in return for this. But Ice Bear does appreciate your kindness.

C'taqa nods. "I want to believe the same thing. And I've seen enough that I can say it's probably true. It isn't just power...even if that is a large part of it."

He smiles at Ice Bear's thanks. "You don't have to give me anything. I made way too much food, so I'm giving it away."

Ice Bear likes the way you think. [And one fuzzy paw reaches for a well-cooked turkey leg. The bear takes a few bites, smiling a little upon eating the food.]

...Ice Bear thinks your cooking is well done. Is there something you'd like from Ice Bear? Please allow Ice Bear to return the favor in some manner.

C'taqa smiles at the compliment.

"You could play your bagpipes for me again sometime," he suggests after a moment of thought. "You're pretty good."

Ice Bear would be happy to do that.

[The bear nods, looking down and the food, then back to C'taqa.]

Ice Bear wants to know how long this took. Is this your job or a hobby?

"A while, I guess...it's kind of both," C'taqa admits. "I've always been fond of cooking, but I decided I'd put that to greater use lately. I'm helping some friends out with a restaurant and bar they're running."

Edited 2015-10-16 02:02 (UTC)

Oh. A talking bear! An armed talking bear. This must have been what the pamphlet was talking about with its last warning of anthropomorphic animals. This is Rando's first sighting of such a thing and it has him a little flustered.

So rather than talk, he arms himself with his gift from Amelia; a little notebook he tied a pen to with a bit of twine. Rando scribbles down a message, then kneels so the bear can read it.

Power. Certainly power. Everything else can get you there, but you MUST have power to hold it.

I speak from experience, I'm afraid.

[Forgive him, Rando, but your appearance does get a surprised look out of the bear for a moment. He's back to being his usual stoic self upon seeing the large man handle him a single piece of paper as means of communicating. Ice Bear nods in agreement at the words written there.]

Power seems to be the major factor in a heirarchy. Ice Bear was hoping to hear other solutions could be effective as well.

...

Ice Bear wants to know more about your experiences, if you don't mind telling Ice Bear your story.

Rando nods and hurries to write some more, telling the requested story.

Back in Olathe, there was a hierarchy of power called The List. It was a landmark that separated the east region from the west, as well as providing a written statement of who is in power and where they fall on the hierarchy.

Ten warlords. Ten names.

~~Even Thomas~~ Even the pacifist had to have great strength to protect his non-violent community. Even the merchant of goods had great firepower to protect his share. Everyone got onto that List and stayed on that list by being strong.

And the only way for them to be taken off was to be even stronger and kill them.

[The bear leans over and watches Rando write, but it isn't until the man is finished that Ice Bear is actually able to read what's on the paper. He blinks a few times, some of the words having a foreign meeting to him. Finally, after contemplating Rando's story, the bear looks up at his mask once more.]

Strength for survival? Ice Bear assumes this is what your world was like. Is Olathe your home? Ice Bear wants to know if you were a warlord too.

Rando nods again before writing on a fresh page. The last message took up a lot of space.

Olathe was my home, yes. The world I came from. It was very much for survival as well.

And yes. I ~~was? Am?~~ Was a warlord. I wasn't on the List, however. Me and my army were left alone by merit of me being one of the strongest.

I hope that doesn't sound arrogant to say. I only worked to protect people. To try and bring order and peace back to Olathe.

...Ice Bear wants to know if you were successful at bringing peace.

[Now the gear Rando wears makes sense. Ice Bear can't help but ask more questions about the world Rando emerged from.]

Ice Bear is curious to know if you'll go back to Olathe? To continue being a warlord?

Rando shakes his head. No. No, he wasn't. He then writes a further explanation.

No. I thought I was making decent progress towards peace, but unexpected elements came along. Things no one could have predicted that threw us back into worse chaos than before.

I don't think I want to go back. I have no place there now. And I hate to think of what could happen if the people of Olathe had access to the Nexus. It would not be pleasant.

Leaders and Followers

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