Patchwork Universe

Kao Sheng · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 6:02 pm Post subject:

"Such is undeniably the case," said Kao Sheng. "Yet, if you have no objection, it is now necessary for me to inquire what your opinion of them actually is at this juncture..."

Kalyndis · Good Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 252 Location: Kerya

Kalyndis arched an eyebrow.

"As a species, or as individuals?"

Kao Sheng · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 6:57 pm Post subject:

"You may be assured that my inquiry concerned the species as a whole, O honoured Kalyndis," was the reply.

Kalyndis · Good Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 252 Location: Kerya

Kalyndis looked thoughtful. "I have had little experience with humans; my area of expertise is the study of lizardfolk. Nonetheless, humans are certainly among the most interesting of the lesser races. They are clever and highly adaptable, making up for their physical fragility with deft use of tools. Unfortunately, their lack of long-term reasoning and their inability to control their breeding rate means that unmanaged populations often place considerable strain on their local environment. They are also emotionally volatile and inclined to superstition."

He unbent a little as he began to summarise his recent observations.

"The groups I have seen so far in the Patchwork demonstrate higher degrees of material culture than I would have expected in feral populations -- witness their sophisticated clothing and architecture. Some of them appear to be capable of considerable feats of intellect. Of course, as you have pointed out, it's possible that their different backgrounds render comparisons with the humans of my world meaningless, but I have already learned a lot from my association with them, and hope to learn a great deal more. To be honest, they are far more interesting than I would have anticipated."

Kao Sheng · Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2004 5:51 pm Post subject:

Kao Sheng listened carefully, and nodded thoughtfully.

"Taking into account the various influences and unfortunately limited time which you have had with which to form your opinions, it is a hopeful beginning," he said. "Yet your path is likely to be longer than most, and the first steps will have the greatest effect upon where the journey ends.

"In particular, I would sincerely encourage you to consider that, given time and wisdom, all things may be changed. That which is weak may become strong, that which is dark may become light, that which is fleeting may, in time, endure: And when you disregard all things that may change in time, then you, and I, and they, are very much alike.

"Do you understand?"

Kalyndis · Good Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 252 Location: Kerya

"I do, insofar as what you is obvious. Things change. Time passes. From the right viewpoint, all things look the same. So I do not understand whatever deeper meaning you are alluding to."

He lifted a coffee cup and examined it for a moment before continuing.

"Do you want me to say that humanity, as a species, has considerable potential? I can say that. Do you want me to say that from the viewpoint of a god, humans and dragons might look the same? I can say that too. But in your talk of things changing in time, you have still not answered my question. Was Michael an exception? Or is death, which awaits all things that change in time, changed here for everyone?" Now Kalyndis was frowning, and the air crackled slightly. He set down the coffee cup with exaggerated care.

Kao Sheng · Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 5:31 pm Post subject:

Kao Sheng smiled faintly.

"It is possible to say that the answer you desire is the latter, that, in your words, death has changed for everyone here," he said.

"It is not, however, a strictly correct answer to the question which you asked, for there are many possible interpretations of 'death'. It is also necessary to consider the matter of who, in fact, is really here.

"However, should you wish to speculate upon the matters of which I am not permitted to speak, I would encourage you to concentrate your analysis upon the precise wording of your final question: Is death, which awaits all things that change in time, changed here for everyone?"

At that, a learned observer of Kao Sheng might say, he contrived to look particularly cryptic.

Kalyndis · Good Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 252 Location: Kerya

The crackling in the air subsided, but Kalyndis's brow remained furrowed.

"Kao Sheng, if you want me to help you by taking this first path you spoke of, then I would appreciate any information you are able to give. If death is one of the topics on which you cannot speak freely, perhaps you could tell me how to start on the path."

Many possible interpretations of 'death'? What does he mean?

Kao Sheng · Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 6:37 pm Post subject:

"That, at least, I can elaborate upon, and I must express my most profound gratitude for your consideration in this matter," came the reply.

"Since there are three who currently hold me bound, the strength of three would be necessary to effect the change. One of these, it need not be said, should be myself.

"For the next, I believe that it would be of the greatest benefit to obtain the assistance of the Lady Arnora. Whilst I believe that she would support me, her powers are currently diminished as a result of her arrival: Some have been restored recently, due to the tireless efforts of my distinguished colleague, but still more remains to be done that only she is able to adequately direct. Should you be willing to provide her with your invaluable assistance in this matter, I would be most grateful.

"If you wonder why I must make such a request of you, it is of course necessary to appreciate that there are certain matters of formality and decorum which influence my own freedom to act in such a matter," he concluded carefully.

Kalyndis · Good Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 252 Location: Kerya

"Of course." Kalyndis nodded. "Honoured Janitor, do you remain neutral in this matter?"

The Janitor · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 3:39 pm Post subject:

The Janitor seemed briefly startled by the question, as if his mind had been on something else, but recovered quickly.

"Ah yes, I've generally taken a neutral view on such matters. My concerns are those of the maintenance tasks which have fallen to me."

"Of course, certain things might become easier if the restrictions on Kao Sheng were relaxed."

Kalyndis · Good Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 252 Location: Kerya

Kalyndis smiled. "It is good to hear that not all the gods are arrayed against this endeavour. However, I must ask, Kao Sheng, will those who oppose you take any forceful action against this enterprise? For I am, I must admit, a young dragon with little experience in warfare, and less in fighting beings who hold power over death. Or do the constraints on your actions also constrain the interventions of the other gods?"

Kao Sheng · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 5:44 pm Post subject:

"Your supposition is essentially correct, O courageous Kalyndis," Kao Sheng replied. "The issue of direct intervention is a complex one, but a highly significant contributing factor is the fact that your actions are in many ways more important than my own, although I am, of course, unable to explain that statement further at this juncture. It must suffice to say that those to whom you refer should not attempt to move directly against you if you do not first move directly against them."

Kalyndis · Good Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 252 Location: Kerya

"I shall bear that in mind. One more question: who is the third god we seek, once Arnora has been contacted?"

Kao Sheng · Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 6:12 pm Post subject:

"It is my belief that the indicated role might be best assumed by a certain individual who has but recently arrived," Kao Sheng said.

"Her name, I believe, is Peregrine, although I have not yet encountered her in person. If your paths should cross, I would of course greatly appreciate any steps you may take towards convincing her of the virtues of our cause."