seelie/hermione-net; video [backdated to the 20th*]

[reticence]

[Faolan is not normally one to address the network thus, but there has been a matter on his mind for some time now, and it has come to his attention that he needs to address it before anything worse should happen than already has. That is to say -- his mental connection with Bridei. And the fact that he has no control over it whatsoever. While he does not mind sharing in the little dragon's joys and triumphs, and even his moments of anguish (when they happen, though Bridei is overall a happy child, and even when he's upset he usually gets over it quickly). While he does not mind Bridei sharing himself, he minds sharing a great deal in the reverse. When they had come back from removing the curse from him, when he had experienced those awful things, Bridei had felt them too. And no child should go through things like that. It was bad enough Faolan had experienced such things, but not Bridei as well.

Of course, Faolan doesn't even know where to begin, who to ask about such things. And it isn't as though he can make a broad announcement about needing to know how to better shield his mind from a dragon when Bridei's true identity is being kept quiet for his own safety. It means he must choose his words very carefully. Luckily for Faolan, he has made a life of doing exactly that (among other things).]

I seek to know who among our numbers has skill in mind control and other such arts. Either in practicing or advising in them.

Your efforts will not go unrewarded.

[No one ever accused him of being a conversationalist.]

((*ooc note: backdated to right before shit gets real they start marching out to cathraon!))

Comments

private;

[babbylon]

My mind is impenetrable.

[Which is to say, Gilgamesh has great skill in exactly what Faolan seeks to learn: defending against the backdraft effect from mental invasion. He admits this freely and proudly, though for Faolan's sake he does recognize the sensitivity of the information and ticks things private.]

What do you wish to know? Speak.

[psalmed]

...mind control, monsieur?

[She sounds wary. He hasn't explained it in detail, after all.]

Of what sort?

private;

[reticence]

[Of all the people to answer such a request... Fine. If Gilgamesh can actually aid him in this, then he will take it.]

I have heard tale of the ability to be able to block one's mind from another. Do you know of such a skill?

[babbylon]

[Even in times of conflict, Gilgamesh recognizes the need to maintain certain ties. After Leathann's rescue, this tie in particular would prove essential. And perhaps he feels a certain kinship, as well, being a fellow exile of the Court, but he keeps that much to himself.]

Less of a skill and more a concentrated discipline, but yes. I know of it. It is an ability inherent to my kind.

private;

[reticence]

[Faolan instantly locks the feed. He does not know who is watching and/or listening in. But he will respond to her question accordingly. That much he has no qualms in regards to.]

I wish to be able to block my mind from the penetration of another's. For better or for ill. I cannot operate shard magic, but this, perhaps, is merely a matter of discipline. If I might at least attempt to learn the correct application...

[reticence]

[And Faolan recognizes such a person in Gilgamesh as well. He had directed Les and Melv, his agents in the Records Office, to aid in the rescue where they could. But even beyond Leathann, he knows Gilgamesh's type. He knows that he is a resource he would be fool to turn away, regardless as to what his personal feelings are on the man. Actually, he's been quite civil to him as of late. Perhaps there is hope yet.]

Such an ability, a discipline -- might it be taught to others? Others who may not be of 'your kind', as you say?

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh nods before the front of his compass, and indeed, appears receptive... mostly because he's too tired for his usual boisterous egotism.]

It is not advanced magic, to the point it could hardly be called magic at all. Rather, it is an attitude you must master.

[vengeance_driven]

This sounds like it could be pretty useful, actually. I don't want no people fucking around with my head.

Is a thing that happens a lot here?

[reticence]

[Whatever the reason, Faolan's not complaining. He's been the sort of straighforward, no nonsense sort of guy he is for a long time now. And he can appreciate the Gilgamesh he's talking to here and now. Hell, the Gilgamesh he talked to last as well.]

Is it something that you would be willing to teach me? We do not have much time, before the battle is upon us. Yet. I have my reasons for needing this.

[reticence]

I would hesitate to tell you that it is a frequent occurrence. But a battle is coming up on us. Any number of techniques will be used against our ranks. It is no secret that we used similar tactics against the Unseelie forces ourselves. I would not put it past them to retaliate.

It is a smart war strategy. To prepare yourself for whatever may come. Be as ready as you can for what lies ahead. And perhaps... I am overcautious.

[It's a good enough excuse. He can't go around telling strangers that he needs this because he is one of the caretakers for one of the only two native dragons alive, and he is afraid what will happen to said dragon through his mental bond should he march into war and... Well. Something unfortunate happen to him. Bridei is to be protected at all costs. Even saying this much, making this inquiry, he knows he is saying too much. He leaves this conversation unlocked for now, hoping that all who see it will believe his cover.]

private;

[commandertoolbelt]

I've... been controlled before. [ And he definitely doesn't like talking about it, either, but since Faolan is asking... ] Did it happen to you, too?

[babbylon]

It is something you may learn on your own, if you've the inclination to do so.

[Gilgamesh wonders after the real reason behind this all—if Faolan sought to protect himself against the Cult, or something else. But it's not really his business to know, and for once he keeps his curiosity to himself rather than pry.

This was an ally. And Gilgamesh assisted his allies, for at least as long as they were useful to him.]

The idea revolves around a few core principles, most notably around the conceptualization of the ego. Or, in other words, your sense of self.

private.

[huntedby]

The Seelie ally, asking for assistance on mind control.

How curious.

private;

[psalmed]

That seems quite the useful skill.

[What is he blocking it from? What danger is there? Her expression asks all of those questions but it wouldn't be polite to badger him that way. At least, not through this medium. That was bullying to be done in person.]

I am afraid I only know my psalms. The protective ones to banish someone from your mind. I am not certain that would help you.

[vengeance_driven]

[Even if he doesn't know the real reasoning, he would completely agree on the military front.] If there are people that can do that, I would see no reason why they would not use this advantage.

But I didn't know that we had used it.

[He didn't even know that he'd encountered someone capable of it, at least once upon a dream.]

text, from "Robin" on hermione-net

[dicktionary]

I've got some training in how to defend against it, if that'll help.

private;

[detoxifying]

I have experience with my abilities. Should you need any information, do not hesitate to ask.

[ Though, this could be rather dangerous, considering that it is readily available on the network where enemies might see. ]

private;

[reticence]

Controlled?

[Faolan is suddenly all ears.]

Perhaps I have, in a way. I am curious to hear your tale, if you are willing to share it.

[reticence]

'The conceptualization of the ego'...

[Faolan cocks his head at that, an oddly canine gesture perhaps. But then again, he does secretly spend some of his days as a dog, so perhaps there is reason behind it.

And then he continues in his usual Faolan fashion:]

Explain.

private.

[reticence]

[Faolan knows just from the phrasing that whoever this is, she is not Seelie, nor is she ally. Not an ally of his, at least. But that does not mean that he will ignore her responses. Just be careful with them.]

'The Seelie ally.' I am not sure that it has the same ring as the other names I have heard myself called before...

[The Seelie dog, and all.]

private;

[reticence]

Your psalms.

[Faolan cocks his head at her slightly, uncertain of what exactly she means. He has heard of her having abilities from Lancelot, although he has yet to witness or experience them for himself.]

I am not certain that I understand.

[reticence]

[Faolan nods slowly, carefully.]

A fright tactic that was decided upon. To project the image of the Seelie dragon, Sura, onto the Unseelie army. It even worked, for a while. Before they realized what was done, and adjusted accordingly.

private; video forever (bc that's easier to keep track of for me)

[reticence]

Tell me more. You mean to say that you have experience in the creation of mental blocks yourself?

[Forgive Faolan for his lack of conversational ability...]

private;

[reticence]

Your abilities.

[The way he repeats the words, it's more of a question than a statement.]

I would like to know more, if you think it is relevant to my question.

[Faolan agrees. It's why he's being so careful with his words himself. Which is why he would be happy to meet with you, Cullen, if you do have something to share.]

[vengeance_driven]

I would guess that is one of the better ways that sort of mind stuff could be used. [He has some principles, he couldn't make people do worse. But fright tactics like that aren't too bad.]

Ways I wouldn't want to run into, though. You find out any good people that can help with it, maybe you tell me, ah?