What is history but a fable agreed upon?

Aren Arthur James Drake College History Professor Phoenix OG Viking 40 Years Actually 1200 years

[arthurjdrake]

deadswitchengage​:

Yeah, I guess it’s concerning but on a weirdness scale, I feel like sharks are pretty low compared to everything else that’s been going on. Not to devalue the sharks or anything. But apparently the snowmen are popping off? Or so I’ve heard. I don’t know how legit that is. Have you seen any? Because hostile snowmen sound ama 

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You say that but people are claiming it’s a Megalodon which I can safely say would not exist in these waters. Like, I get a lot of weird stuff goes on in this town but you gotta draw the line somewhere and I draw the line at saying prehistoric creatures and dinosaurs still exist.

The snowmen? What do you mean popping off? Oh good Gods what next? Staypuft comes crashing into town? I mean I’ve seen snowmen but I don’t know about anything strange happening there so that’s news.  Either way I guess all you need to deal with them is a blowtorch or a well placed molotov.

[arthurjdrake]

themidnightfarmer​:

Yeah bud! Gotta stay awake!

Two days 😁 It really has been paying off so far. I only crashed the once but only for like a few seconds! 

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Is it really that important? Surely you need to sleep at some point? I’ve heard people start to go a little loopy when they haven’t slept in an extended period of time...

Two... Wow. Despite my concern I have to say that’s pretty impressive. I might have to try that during finals season.

[arthurjdrake]

alejandra-solano​:

Are you some sort of shark expert or one of the scared people who keep calling the station to report them? People know I can’t arrest a shark right?

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I mean I’m a historian by trade and know a thing or two about palaeontology to be able to say if a Megalodon did still exist or was responsible for these attacks as some claim everyone would know about it because that thing wouldn’t go unnoticed because the general consensus was they’re a warm water species. 

But no, I’m not one of those people wasting police time or resources, which is why I posted online rather than being one of those people to ring up the station with some wildly outlandish theory... I’m sorry that you are having to deal with people like that though it doesn’t sound enjoyable.

[arthurjdrake]

phoenixleah​:

[pm] Friends like Mercy? That’s a smart way to do it, honestly.  Without a family a phoenixes to keep them in order, I was wondering exactly how you managed to keep it all in track- I’m assuming these life-long friends aren’t exactly human.

I think the risk posed is pretty subjective, honestly.   It’s probably not as arcane to them as it is to us.  I wonder if you would feel differently if someone you loved had been killed and then brought back to life.

Can I be honest? I love the unknown.  Love discovering it and learning about it and turning into the known.  But just because it makes you uncomfortable, doesn’t make those that dabble in it dangerous.

Ooh, okay.  This sounds interesting!  I’m going to be honest with you, I don’t know if it’s something I’d enjoy or be good at, but I’m definitely willing to try. 

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[PM]: It’s not easy. But yes they’re all not human considering you know, humans die rather easily in general. We aren’t the only long lived species after all, vampires and some fae are just a few examples of other species that can live an extremely long time. One good friend of mine for example is almost a thousand years old!

Perhaps not, I don’t know. It’s rather hard to put into words to make it make sense I suppose. I guess I’ve just always found people with mortal life expectancies being given the opportunity and potential to seize unlimited power or means to extend their lives beyond their natural limits as rather unnatural to the course of nature. They risk corrupting the very essence of what they are. That scares me.

Oh absolutely be honest - I respect that, I like the unknown to a degree but I guess I’ve had too many bad experiences in the past with people dabbling in that sort of arcana that it just makes me wary of the draw.

It is! It’s a good time to be honest, if you like anything like Lord of the Rings or any kind of fantasy stuff I think you’d find it pretty fun. But hey if you ever want to try you’re welcome to come along and play Mercy and I have a game with a few other friends.

[arthurjdrake]

Is White Crest known for having sharks? I wouldn’t have thought the water temperature in this region at this time of year would be all that habitable for them. Yet apparently some people have been attacked recently? Rather concerning isn’t it?

[arthurjdrake]

sasha-r-blog​:

Has anyone else been having trouble getting into certain buildings recently? I don’t mean like being locked out I mean just…not being able to get into them? I was trying to get into a store the other day and I just couldn’t get through the door. God, this sound crazy doesn’t it? I swear I’m not losing my mind. 

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I don’t think so? I know sometimes people struggle with iron door handles due to allergies but otherwise no. Was there anything strange around the door? A symbol or talisman or anything else out of the ordinary?

[arthurjdrake]

themidnightfarmer​:

Black coffee mixed with redbull?  Not as bad as some would think. I’ve been digging new fencepost holes and I can feel the energy rising up through my leghairs. 

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Redbull and coffee? Really?

That sounds pretty intense, how long have you been digging fencepost holes for?

[arthurjdrake]

humanmoodring​:

[pm] Because I don’t want to use them. I want– I need to do this the normal way. The human way. The living, breathing person way. Feeling it makes it real.

I think it’s pretty damn similar, Art.

Thank you, Arthur. Seriously, seriously, thank you.

[PM]: Alright, I wish I could convince you otherwise but I respect your tenacity on this occasion. Even if I dislike the fact enduring pain.

By absolutely no book, scroll or scribing on the God’s green earth does fine equate to surviving a brush with death.

 You have nothing to thank me for, I’ve barely done anything. Plus, I’m not the sort to walk away from people I care about. Never have, never will.

[arthurjdrake]

phoenixleah​:

[pm] Do you have any memories of this?  I’m fascinated by the idea of my past lives, but I have no memory of them.  They almost feel like feelings and emotions more than memories… does that make sense?

But why do you feel it’s against the course of nature when they do it but not when we do?  Is there really anything fundamentally different about being able to save people from the brink of death versus bringing them back from death itself?  

Yes, but it seems like you’re singling out spellcasters for some reason. Because we all have the capacity to do harm, which is what I mean, I suppose.  What makes spellcasters especially dangerous to you?

You’re right.  The situations we come across are never as black and white as we want them to be.  I wish I could say there was some definitive rule book about who deserves life, but unfortunately, it’s never that easy.

Ooh, like a board game?  I’m not sure I’d be very good at that, but I’m always down to try!

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[PM]: Yeah. I remember a fair bit about my past lives but only because I store record them in my journals. They’re kept safe but other long-lived friends until the point I can come back to collect them.

Just honestly because I do. There’s also way less risk with what we do versus dabbling in that kind of arcane.

Their access to the unknown. I don’t like the unknown. Hate it in fact. There’s a lot of unknown in magic and naturally it makes me wary of those with access to it as such. Also one time I got on the wrong side of a spellcaster and she killed me, so there’s that.

Kind of but with dice. It’s like collaborative story telling, you make up a character and then you roll dice to determine the outcome of each decision you make in a fantasy narrative that you build with friends. It’s pretty fun I won’t lie.

[arthurjdrake]

thronesofshadows​:

[pm] At least I was / am pretty, so I made for something for him to be proud of. To show off, too, I think. In another world, I would have gotten that, but I think I have grown stronger because of it. Though perhaps also more worried about how others will see me, sometimes.

I was able to grow up quite well regardless, I think. Besides, I have always had almost everything I ever wanted. I know it makes you angry, Arthur - and I cannot ever express my gratitude for finding you in my course at Cambridge. Having someone stand up for me like that is I think part of why I got the confidence years later to run away here. I only regret not letting you know beforehand.

Thank you. She does, I have no doubt. She is kind to me and gentle and I do not know that I deserve to have her as someone so important in my life, no matter how extraordinary I might be.

[PM]: I doubt there’s ever been a period in your life that you haven’t been pretty Evelyn. That’s still besides the point though.

I know. But still. Parents like that will always rub me the wrong way. Always have and always will. No point for regrets, they only make for wasted time in my opinion. All we can do is make the best of what we have and move forwards in our lives.

You’re welcome. I’m still going to look into her. Well, do keep me updated hm?

[arthurjdrake]

humanmoodring​:

[pm] Um, no. That is to say, there isn’t any left. I… wouldn’t use them, if there were, though.

Well, I’m not dead, and, really, isn’t that the same thing?

Nah, I’ve mostly got it under control. I’m, admittedly, lousy company right now, especially for walking. But, I’d like to see you. Soon?

[PM]: Why not? I gave them to you for using even if it wasn’t you that ended up using them.

Not really no, but nice try to make a distinction there.

Hm. Okay. Well, I would like to help out so if you need anything you know where I am. Of course, when you’re ready just tell me. I’ll always be here for you.

[arthurjdrake]

meflemming​:

[pm] Flattery will, in fact, get you everywhere, sir. I take quite a lot of pride in my work, so I appreciate this. Wednesdays are just fine with me. If I’m not in the main part of the shop, tell whoever is at the desk that you’re there for me. I look forward to seeing you in person, Mr. Drake.

[PM]: Oh that is a fact I’m acutely aware of. Plus there’s the nice addition that if you do it just the right amount you can reap the rewards of both the flattery and the politeness. Not that I would ever dream of taking such advantage, but some just might.

Wonderful, I’ll see you soon.

[arthurjdrake]

[PM] Just an odd request coming from someone who hasn't seen you in a while, but go with it: if you're ever at the workshop and someone drops by unannounced, do not let them in. Don't let anyone you don't know into the office nor the workshop when you're alone. Alright?

[PM]: Right, because that doesn’t sound at all like a vague or ominous warning of something looming on the distant horizon.

Going to elaborate a little more on that cara mia? Is someone looking for you?

@caraitaliadolcemeta

[arthurjdrake]

thronesofshadows​:

[pm] He was scared. All too human, if you ask me - which is not his fault. I did love him - do love him - but he is very interested in his own self-preservation. Why do you think I ran away? You would be correct. I mean, I was given practically everything I ever wanted. I was supposed to be happy. I have been told at points that I am spoiled because of this. Being given everything and still being displeased with my upbringing. I am working to be more open and honest, but one can never be too sure, especially if someone is human. I do know a number of good humans, but so many may look at me the same way I always saw my father look at me - and it was only when I was ten that I finally understood. When I asked him and he did not comfort me, only told me I had to keep it all a secret. All to save face for him. He confuses fear and love too much - I learned later on that the only reason he did not divorce my mother before I was born is because that would have drawn too much attention. He only kept me because of much of the same, I think - and besides, I was a cute baby, so perhaps that does play a factor. I do not know. I prefer to not think of him unless I must. I am working to be more open with more people. I do have others who I trust in this town - and someone the number of others amounts to more people than I have ever trusted in my entire life. 

I suppose it may be.

I understand this, Arthur, and I appreciate love you for it. I promise. I do know that Miriam thinks I am extraordinary and she deserves to be cared for too and does care for me. I think that we are I know that she is someone who I could trust with anything I feel or do, positive or otherwise.

I shall think on it.

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[PM]: And? Scared is absolutely no bloody excuse for treating your own daughter or any child for that matter in such a fashion. It’s a parent’s role to make their child feel loved and safe, it’s a parent’s role to act as a role model for their kids. Anything less than that’s unacceptable, no matter how human or mortal you are.

Gods it makes my blood boil even thinking someone would think it’s okay in any sense of the word to treat you that way. You can’t buy your kids and expect them to be happy when you provide no support or emotional context to their upbringing how is any child meant to grow up into a well-adjusted adult if- 

I’m sorry, you know this subject makes me angry.

Good. And she should because you are extraordinary.

[arthurjdrake]

humanmoodring​:

[pm] Okay, that’s… okay. That… makes sense. The last time I was in my body, she’d been working her way through the supply that you gave me pretty efficiently. 

Exactly. I’m fine, and she’s gone. That’s literally all that matters. She had to go.

I will, Arthur, and thank you. Yeah, yeah, I will be.. I’ve got to clean up in there. You wouldn’t believe the mess that poltergeists make. I’m… kind of ready to jump into things as soon as I can. Not doing shit just, like, makes me think too much, you know?

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[PM]: Shit. Well, uh those are like really rare. Do you know if there are any left?

I highly doubt you’re fine. As stated earlier, no attempt to convince me you are fine will work at present because there’s no way anyone can be fine after what you’ve been through.

You’d be surprised. Do you need a hand with cleaning up? Yeah I can understand that, well, if you fancied a walk or anything it would be good to see you when you’re feeling better.

[arthurjdrake]

phoenixleah​:

[PM] This sounds intense, Arthur.  Are there any public records of this?  I’d love to read all about your wild, cult-y life.  Besides, probably, the animal sacrifice.  That’s just wrong.  

I don’t think you’re being fair in your judgement, like at all.  You’re telling me that if Mercy someone you loved died suddenly, you wouldn’t do everything you could to bring them back to walk this earth with you again, if you had the power?  None of us has any way of knowing how we’d act in a certain situation until we’re in it, but I’ve met a lot of spellcasters in this town, Arthur.  And a lot who specialize in what you seem to think is so dangerous.  None of them are power hungry or abuse what they can do.  I’m sure there ARE those spellcasters that exist that are corrupt, but the same can be said for regular humans, or phoenixes, or fae.  

That’s why covens exist, though.  To teach and train and mentor witches in a way that they won’t end up corrupt or reckless.  The boundary is the same that you or I or anyone else has to not do awful things- moral implications.

Do you think everyone’s lives deserved to be saved?

I can’t say I have… is that a book?

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[PM]: It was a time. I’m sure there are records somewhere. I don’t have any personally but then again I haven’t exactly searched them out. I mean yeah, it’s not like I asked them to do that, unfortunately they just did it anyway.

Oh I’m being perfectly fair because I’ve been there. A long time ago but I also got a lot of people caught up in my complete obsession to try and force something that was against the course nature took. Plus the people in my life now, well, most of them I don’t have to worry about because they’ll come back anyway... 

So we’re in agreement then? Because that’s my point - I’m not trying to say the people you personally know are bad or anything of the sort. Or that witches are bad either just that as you said - there are others who aren’t so resistant to that lure of power. Who wouldn’t stop if they came across it, and in those hands that kind of power is dangerous even with the best of intentions fuelling the actions. 

Depends what you mean by everyone’s lives. I don’t believe a mass murderer deserves life if they have no remorse for the crimes they’ve committed. But otherwise? Of course. Unconditionally, but it’s not that simple and it never will be. 

No. It’s a game you play with dice. A great game where you make up a character and play through a story narrative with friends.

[ceremonial]

Well, I mean… Look at me. I do have a reputation to uphold. Matthew Goode as Matthew Clairmont in A Discovery of Witches, Season 2 (2021)