uptowngirl: (i'm a lady)
[personal profile] uptowngirl
[ She debated for a while whether it would be more prudent to put this to video or text, but ended up deciding on the former. Given the subject matter, it would make sense that she might need to be recognized. So here is a dark-haired young woman with a deep red cloak hanging at her shoulders, sitting by herself just outside of what is recognizably the main complex of the Station. The sun has been up for a little while, but the light peaking over the building and surrounding trees gives way to the early part of day. ]

Good morning. [ She smiles. ] My name is Asami Sato. I know there's a lot going on right now, to say the least, but I'm hoping that you can take a minute out of your day to listen to what I have to say.

[ She straightens, her shoulders leveling as her expression, though still warm, turns more serious. ]

We're all aware of how the Void is growing closer to the coasts, so I've recently taken up the task at trying to help those who may not have the resources to get out of harm's way in time. The edge of the Void is closing in on the lands of Leana and there are a number of villages that could be lost.

[ Anyone who has taken part or at least heard of Gilgamesh's attempt to save Leathann will be familiar with the situation. The Void is, of course, ever looming, and those at the coasts are just at the mouth. It doesn't seem a permanent solution to move anyone inland, but it seems worse to leave them to be gobbled up. ]

As honored as I am to take on this responsibility, I can't do this alone. I've been in the Drabwurld for a little over three months now, but there's still a lot to learn. If there's anyone out there who is familiar with the land on the southern end of the continent, I'd really like to meet or speak with you.

[ There's more, of course, because the sheer size of her intent covers multiple settlements. Asami exhales lightly through her nose, business face on. ]

I'll offer what I can in return for services or information. If anyone has the ability to lend themselves over to help escort civilians, recommendations or access to transportation of groups of people, or are willing to donate anything to the cause, I'll be in your debt.

[ She picks up a piece of parchment off to the side, the edge just barely caught by the live feed. ]

I'll be heading to the White Citadel in a day and then to Caer Glaem afterwards before turning towards Northern Leana. The end goal will be to start moving them north, hopefully eventually to Parrais. [ Asami sets the paper back down, turning her gaze back to the compass. She smiles again, looking a little hopeful. ] Any and all assistance will be greatly appreciated. I know you'll be putting your faith into someone unknown, but I'd really like to help as many people as we can. This is their home, and sometimes losing that can make you feel like you've lost everything. Let's...make sure that doesn't happen.


(( OOC; plotting post is here for more information! ))
brainiest: (that's a lot of work)
[personal profile] brainiest
HERMIONENET / COMPASSES

To anyone that owns a device that can read this notice:

Please return your device to me for additional protection and charms. This won't come with any charge, but it is something that needs to be done. It will make it so that no one but you can use your device and, should it be stolen, it will turn into a harmless little lump of fool's gold, with a promise of a replacement from me if you need it.

If you can't come to me personally for any reason then, please, let me know. I'll do my best to either visit you or send you information on the runes for you to perform yourself. Thank you.


SEELIE LOCKED

[ The video feed shows a harried, tired looking Hermione sitting behind her desk, head held high as she smiles, leaning forward. ]

As always, if anyone is in need of potions or charmed, protective cloaks for the upcoming battles, let me know. Artefacta will be happy to provide them, and we can enchant items you already own as well. Just let me know through your lockets and I'll arrange it all.
notyetlegend: (don't let me out of your sight)
[personal profile] notyetlegend
[It's been a few days now, but when Merida flicks the locket on, she looks like an absolute mess. Her hair is disheveled, it looks like she hasn't slept in days, and in spite of how she's feeling, she's only contacted a couple of people. Who knows how many others he knew? There's a couple of wolfhounds on either side of her, and she rubs at her eyes, wiping a the corner.]

Lancer - that is, Cu Chulainn - he left th' Drabwurld this last week.

[Her throat clogs up and she has to clear it before she continues, one of the hounds nuzzling her and licking her cheek before she gently places a hand on his collar.]

I'm goin' to be livin' in Leathann from now on, since th' fortress is gone, but I'll still be comin' an' goin' between there an' th' trainin' grounds. Anybody that had any unresolved business with him, I'll try an' follow through with it.

[There's a pause before she lets her lips quirk into a tired, wry smile.]

I don't suppose anyone knows a cure for heartbreak, huh?

[And the feed ends.]
fairyfoes: (Default)
[personal profile] fairyfoes
SEELIE
[At approximately midday on the seventh, the lockets of all Seelie characters will vibrate. When they are opened, the following message will play:

High-Queen Solais is seated in her throne. While she is radiant, while light seems to surround her, she appears diminished. Her light seems softer, like it is being filtered through a shroud. The throne of High-King Ridire at her side is empty, his spear laying across it in two shattered pieces. Beneath it rests a blood-stained golden cloak.]


It is with a heavy heart that I must share this news. High-King Ridire - His Most Glorious, The Just, Lord of Light, and First Warrior of Glaschu - has followed his Avatar Clarisse La Rue - Marchioness of the White Citadel and Goldenspear - in death, just as she followed him in life.

[Solais stands. Previously hidden in her gown, it’s clear now that she is wearing a belt and sheathed sword. The sword is drawn, and the queen sets it on a cushion born by a servant. The gold and glimmer of her dress begins to fade, changing from bright to dark, mournful black. Across Glaschu and in other Seelie-controlled areas, bells toll.]

To honour his passing, we will set our swords aside for one week save for in great need. We will not wear the gold that he so favoured. We will remember him, the blows he struck and took for us, for our cause.

[Here she pauses, her strength seeming to momentarily falter before Solais pulls herself up taller.]

Remember our fallen King. Remember that all things must end so that others may begin. And above all, Look For The Light.



UNSEELIE
[It’s in the evening that each and every Unseelie locket will open no matter where they are across the Drabwurld. It is not Morla’s face that greets them, instead it is Reul. He is a dark figure, menacing still even when but a simple projection. Tonight he exudes smugness -- from the high tilt of his chin, to the way his eyes shine from behind helmet. It’s perhaps the closest anyone in the Drabwurld has come to his face and maybe some might now be wishing to never see the sight again.

Reul is a frightening sight, especially when pleased. ]


Greetings brothers and sisters; those who are my most loyal. [His voice is a calm baritone, a teasing lilt of delight if you listen closely. ]

I come to you with glad tidings this night: High-King Ridire is dead, slain with his wretch of an Avatar. Tonight we are not victorious, but we are blessed. He who would have us slain; he who would see us slaughtered is naught but a memory.

[It will become obvious now, that Reul himself is not holding the locket. It pans out now, revealing Reul upon his throne and beside him sits Morla, dressed decidedly in gold. There is something reminiscent of a smile that lingers on the edges of her lips; it's a tight thing, but present. Her hand sits atop Reul's armoured one, a rare show of closeness. It's fitting, this evening. ]

Tonight we celebrate. Tonight we cast aside our weapons and we wear gold so that we may honour such a worthy foe. We invited you to share this glory with us; intimately and with the passion we are known for.

[Morla says nothing still; she lets Reul finish. It's after that she lifts her chin, her voice steady:]

And after we shall shed our gold and let it burn in the fires most pure; we will take arms anew and begin again.

[And it's done. ]



MOD NOTE There will be no NPC responses to this post. Solais will not be taking any visitors. Unseelie… have fun at the orgy.
commandertoolbelt: (what have I done)
[personal profile] commandertoolbelt
[ The feeds turns on to show Leo, visibly shaken, dirt on his face from where he'd fallen after losing his already tenuous hold on the mountain. He hadn't bothered to clean up yet, too focused on watching the aftermath before hauling out of Unseelie territory to find somewhere relatively safe. ]

We lost Mt. Verla. And the Pyrii... walked right into the Void. Like they didn't have anything left to stay for.

[ With their home gone, he supposes that they really don't. It isn't like they wanted to be saved, anyway. They hadn't even tried, and that disturbed Leo quite a bit, though not as much as seeing them march to their deaths. ]

And I can't... I don't know what happened, if it has something to do with them disappearing or not, but... I can't use my fire. [ His voice trembles as he speaks, looking down at his hands with a shake of his head. ] I tried. Over and over, but I can't do it. I've never... not been able to do it before.

Can anyone else use fire magic? Firebending, or whatever?

[ There's a hesitation, but he asks, ] Is there any way to get it back? Would Shard training help?
knightscode: Noble by firelight (♠ 83)
[personal profile] knightscode
[ A few hours after Ariadne's post, which came after the monarch audience.

Lancelot's voice is clear and calm, if a little tired. This sort of thing always drains him.
]

For those who do not know me my name is Lancelot, I am marshal of the Seelie forces. If we have not met before, forgive me. Things have been busy of late, and today is no exception. I would like to preface by saying if you have any questions you are free to approach me, either by locket or in person. I am often in the training grounds here in Caer Glaem or over in the White Citadel. I never turn away a question or help offered, and I do my best to be transparent and honest in my answers.

Recently a lot of activity has been noted from a group known as the Cult of the Fox. For those who do not know, they are a native group who have a strong anti-shardbearer sentiment. Since all of us are shardbearers this is a little difficult to ignore, and ignoring it is not something I would recommend in the slightest.

[ I will do my best to explain ] )
brainiest: (pic#)
[personal profile] brainiest
 I know I've made an entry like this before, but I thought it might be apt to make a new one considering how official things have become lately.

[ Hermione looks at the camera, initially nervous but gathering in her own determination, expression tightening before she continues to speak, careful and measured and making sure she doesn't rush her words. Anyone that hasn't seen her since June will have heard the rumours of her duel and will see the mark of it on her face - a scar, healed now, covering the left side of her from her brow down across her cheek. ]

My name is Hermione Granger and my friend Dorian Gray and I run a business called Artefacta. Together, we make and produce potions, runes and protective enchantments for you to use for whatever you happen to be doing while you're here in the Drabwurld. We can also create and enchant items for communication, generally compasses, should you need that for anything - or if the lockets stop working as they did this past year.

[ She nods her head, turning the camera to show off the cloaks, compasses and set of vials that litter the desk she's sitting behind. ]

If you need something please feel free to contact us privately or visit me at the White Citadel. Tell the guards outside my door you're here on business and I'll make sure they let you in.

[ Unfortunately, since January, Hermione has had her rooms on lockdown, just to be safe. Only a few people are allowed in without permission and, generally, people looking to buy things are not on that list.

But - she continues. ]


I've also been learning to duel and swordfight over the last year and I was hoping to find someone who wouldn't mind sparring or practising with me. Nothing professional or intense, I'm hardly that good, but a little something to make sure I don't go out of shape would be nice. Let me know? And... Thank you. In advance.
ex_bronze361: (pic#)
[personal profile] ex_bronze361
( she wakes up in the morning and her bedside is icy, uninhabited. she expected to open her eyes and see percy at the window, plagued by nightmares and being thoughtful enough to not wake her -- but when annabeth sits up and looks around, she's met only with the soft sounds of her dog yawning as it warms her feet.

she fears, automatically. but she still waits to make a post on the lockets. she waits, she spams percy's phone, she hushes her dog's cries at missing its dad. it's when she get up out of bed, and sees his shard resting on their bedside table, a note written telling of a goodbye that makes her heart weight down deep into her stomach, that she's confident enough that percy isn't returning to the room. she opens up her locket.
)

If you knew him, Percy Jackson has left Drabwurld.
- Annabeth.


( short, sweet, simple. text, because it's easier than getting choked up in communication. )
brainiest: (Default)
[personal profile] brainiest
[ The locket opens on just Hermione's face; behind her there is nothing but a blank wall, at least until she turns. Then there's a small bookshelf, a series of vials and a cauldron before she sits down and refocuses the camera on her and nothing else. It takes her a moment to speak but she does - after taking a long, deep breath. ]

For anyone that doesn't know me, my name is Hermione Granger. We're about to enter a war and I don't think it's right that any of us enter entirely unprepared - there's only so much we can do, but I intend to do whatever I can to make sure that everyone is ready and as capable as they can be. 

[ Another deep breath and she turns, so that both her cauldrons are in sight. ]

I've been brewing potions for the last few days, as much as I can and as quickly as I can. I have things for cuts, scrapes, wounds, for loss of blood and for burns, anti-paralysis... I think you get the idea. I've got a lot of stock and I'm ready to give it to anyone who thinks they might need it before they go and fight. If you need it after then you know my name and how to contact me, right?

[ She looks troubled, still; war isn't something she is entirely comfortable with, even now, even with how familiar she is with it. ]

Just let me know if you want or need something and I can pop over and deliver it. And if you have, um, friends that might need it but can't read this? Let me know. I'm an equal opportunist potioneer, I promise. Thank you for your time.

[ And, added a little later, if the change in the shadows of the room are any indication -- ]

You don't have to pay me for them, but if you can find ingredients or donate something that would be nice. Just so I can keep this going.

[ Happy, Mako? ]
marred: [ supernatural i know ] (pic#7854892)
[personal profile] marred
[ on january 11, the humming of the macarena comes to a sudden and abrupt halt. it's with a hiss of a snake and the sight of a tongue in the very corner of the camera, it's clear luke isn't holding his locket. it's martha who is, but she doesn't make a sound as a little red fox curls into luke's neck and licks his jaw. she's rowdy and restless, but luke tries to smooth her hackles a little with his fingers stroking her fur. as for the man himself, he looks a little tired. ]

[ his voice is quiet, ] Uh, hey guys. [ the fox in his arms nudges him hard on the jaw. ] Woah, hey, calm down.

Look, I need to make this quick. It's getting colder. I'm not really great at knitting, but — Can anyone help me out here? She needs something to keep her from shivering.

I promised someone I'd take care of her. And — [ he meant it when he'd vowed to the black shuck he'd honour his deceased friend. and that even means doing this. ] Yeah, I'm going to need more than one pair of socks and a scarf. We can work out a trade, if you're not willing to knit for free.

[ the fox settles against him, closing her eyes. there's a quiet hiss of ask from martha. ] And if you can knit two long stockings — [ the camera shakes and luke rolls his eyes. ] And maybe four or so ear muffs — I'd be grateful.

[ and though it appears as though luke's wanting to get off his locket as soon as possible with the fox resting against him, it's all an act. encrypting a text for seelie only, he dictates his own audition advertisement for the seers of the court. please note: this advertisement lacks the extravagance of his cow advert from a few days prior. it doesn't help he has a fox that won't leave him alone in his hands. ]

SEELIE LOCKED )
knightscode: WELP #2 (♠ 64)
[personal profile] knightscode
[ Lancelot is doing a remarkable impression of someone attempting to look calm and competent. He's getting better at it, although the faint lines of tension and stress are likely visible to anyone looking for them. His surroundings, what can be seen of them, look as if they might be a study of sorts. ]

For those of you I have yet to meet, my name is Lancelot. I hold the rank of Field Marshal here in Caer Glaem. I have no doubt those of you newer to this land have plenty of questions, and if you have patience enough I will do my best to answer them.

As it stands, I have seen plenty of people offering training. I thought it worth emphasising that the training yard here in Caer Glaem is open to anyone of any skill who wishes to either help train another to defend themselves or improve their skill. You may have never held a weapon, may be considered the best in your own land. Either way, I am quite certain you will have something to learn and teach both, and we will find what is best suited.

When all of you were brought here it was because of something inside you, what they call a shard. A chip or piece of a gemstone of great power that found its way to your world. It carries power you can use, and some of us -- myself included -- have been taught how to do such a thing. I will gladly teach anyone who wishes to learn. It is better to be taught than to use it by accident, I think, as such things can be explosive.

Likewise, there is always plenty to be done around Caer Glaem that is not combative. If any of you wish to volunteer your skills, or to be pointed somewhere you might be of use, we will find you something. No skill is useless, no person lacking worth. A city cannot be manned by soldiers alone, it takes more than that to keep it running.

[ ... Is that it? Yes, he thinks he has run out of things to say. Lancelot inclines his head a little, offers a small smile. ]

Thank you for your time.

[ OOCly; A log if you wish to find him, train with him, fight with him, or just mingle in the training yard with someone else! Lancelot can also give out quests, he has q few open still but I can also create new ones to suit if you have an idea. If you need your character to be pushed into something for the war effort, or are unsure how to involve them, you are welcome to let me know and I will try to think of a way to recruit them! ]
marred: (pic#7641567)
[personal profile] marred
[ everything is great and dandy and shit, but, luke's been trying to escape these four cows for a long-ass time. some in caer glaem may have seen four ladies eating the grass and gossiping, perhaps even speaking to two snakes as they all sit around in their mother's meeting and have a little giggle. luke wants to get the fuck out of cow dodge — to be reminded hermes is a cow fucker and won a bet to trade for a herd of cows makes him a disgrace in luke's eyes. ]

[ and because he's the tech master, his locket identifier changes to ophiotaurus and the broadcast has a few nifty things attached to it, like blinking, glittery text. ]

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SALE


Step right up, folks, and get your own talking, mooing, milk-giving, butter-making cow! A nice chocolate brown, she'll tend to your lawn like there's no tomorrow! Free milk, free conversation, and a hell of a lot of meat if you're into that. Pretty sure that milk is made of gold, too ...

All you need to do is offer up an object for trade and you've got yourself a deal.

Delivery is free. Guaranteed item the moment you trade. Please give it and a rat (it's only courteous!) to the snake delivering your cow.

WHILE STOCKS LAST!

NO REFUNDS!!!


( please note calliope, cleo, ero, and hymn will return to luke after a day of their own free will! they're loyal to only him, so, they're going to be boomerangs, much to his displeasure. he will not be giving anything back without someone doing a few things for him — these cows gossip, so please be aware they will return to him with some info about your dude (so please lmk what you want them to know)! feel free to continue trying to buy a cow, luke really wants to get rid of them atm. )
brainiest: (Default)
[personal profile] brainiest
So much has happened in the last few days and I've been a little busy. Is there anything I can do for anyone? I can travel fast, heal, brew potions for sleeping and nursing. Please, let me know. I want to do what I can to make sure we're all safe an taken care of.

My name is Hermione Granger, for those that don't know. I don't care where you are. Please let me help.
 

( PRIVATE TO HERMIONE'S CLOSE CR )

I'm awake. I'm tired and I feel like something is tugging on my heart no matter what I'm doing but I'm awake and the thing is done. What have I missed? Let me know. 
fell_to_hell: (Smiling in the streetlight)
[personal profile] fell_to_hell
[Nico debates saying anything over voice, but decides against it. He doesn't trust himself to remain collected. Honestly, he feels...drained. Not only is he left with Bianca's shard, but he's now left with Piper and Jason's.

This is too much for him to think or speak clearly. Text is the better option, despite his dyslexia.

The son of Hades takes a deep breath before typing.]


Jason Grace, Piper McLean, and Bianca di Angelo are no longer with us. I currently have their shards.

[He knows for a fact that Thalia will come running to find him in Caer Glaem, so he doesn't bother sending her a private message. This, he thinks, is something that needs to be talked about in person.

Currently, Nico is out on the grounds, sitting next to his gigantic hellhound and looking much like he had when he'd first arrived in the Drabwurld. Alone, sad, and putting up familiar barriers against the pain of loss. Clifford whines at him, not only sensing Nico's distress, but also the loss of one of his favorite demigods.]
brainiest: (Default)
[personal profile] brainiest
[ At first the feed is silent, just showing a small grassy plain. Then, suddenly, there's a quiet little yip and something pops into view -- a puppy, looking more than a little excited, with wings fluttering around it's little body as it moves, barking at the camera (or, rather, who is behind the camera). Eventually it moves, with a scuffling noise, and Hermione's face pops into view, at least until she is mauled by the dog licking at her and clambering to get into her lap. She accepts it with good grace, of course, just laughing and patting at the lovely thing's head. ]

I was given this lovely boy by the faeries today and I have no idea who it's from - it must be a gift because I didn't ask for him, at least not this time. I wanted to say thank you to whoever it was because he's adorable! He's the cutest thing I've ever seen - and I've decided to call him Padfoot. 

[ She knows Harry and Ron will understand and she hopes neither of them will be put off by the nickname. She moves to shut off the feed even as the puppy goes to try and bite at the chain holding the locket in her fingertips. ]

Padfoot, no ---

[ and it goes. ]

( PRIVATE TO THE KREW + ANYONE WITH A COMPASS. )

I was given my boon by the faeries and - it's incredible. They've given me a book that'll teach me how to make my own network, like the lockets but only for us to use. I was wondering if you'd all tell me what kind of thing you'd want, if you want a personal network for anyone or just for you and some friends? And what you'd like it on - a watch or a necklace or something? Let me know, please?
metalica: scarfneto (Default)
[personal profile] metalica
The Station is rather a mess but it seems there is rather a lot to be accounted for. Items of value that you might wish to have, for example, that I can procure. That or items of a metal nature - ask and you might receive. All I would like in return is a feather.

( LOCKED TO MORGANA )

I have something we must talk about, if you've time. Let me know.
masterofmystery: (pic#7739935)
[personal profile] masterofmystery
[For a moment, the video of the locket filters on. It's the briefest of glimpses, but a glimpse nonetheless. The face on the other side is a bit dirty and angry, it's very obvious it wasn't a planned glimpses. Most notably, perhaps, is that the castle of Caer Glaem has been abandoned. Instead the video captures a forest, a part of one, at least.

But the video wasn't intentional and just as quickly as it shows up its gone. For a while there's nothing. Ron Weasley doesn't know what to say or even if he should say anything at all. He knew making anything public was a dumb idea, made worse if it got in the wrong hands. But did that really matter in the end? He was angry--it was an anger he's only felt twice before... Under similarly dire situations, at that. He had to be smart, though.

He waffles through words and thoughts. He almost doesn't want to say anything at all. Would Hermione even be happy he got other people in on this? Probably not. But there were people here that mattered to her and he had to find them. Even if he kind of... ran off on his own with compass and deluminator in hand, he couldn't have sat still then. But talking and dragging them along wasn't the same thing at all.

That's why the actual response takes much longer to come out then expected. And shorter then all that time spent considering it might suggest it should have been.]



[SEELIE LOCKED TEXT]

answer this if a compass means anything to you.

[/END SEELIE LOCKED TEXT]


[It ends abruptly more after that and there's another long, hefty pause. He doesn't want to ask for help. There isn't time to ask for help. That's why every time there's a pause now he's apparated somewhere else. ]

[SEELIE LOCKED TEXT]

there's a girl you can't miss her she'll yell at you for no good reason and rattles off about anything she can get her hands on. if you know anything about her you should answer too. this is the only time i'm gonna talk on here for a while. i don't have time to bugger with this any more.

[/END SEELIE LOCKED TEXT]


[There, better. Still vague enough while also addressing the issue he needed to get to. He knew she'd get mad if he didn't try to contact someone else. He needed to get to Harry, too. But fussing with figuring out how to send private locket messages right now wasn't worth it. He'd have to figure it out later. The longer he sat around chatting the quicker something could happen.

...So he finally ends it here:]


[OPEN TEXT]
never use flying broomsticks for travel for more then a couple hours


[Now that he tried for a forced bit of humor, he has one last thing to say to the general public. Does he honestly care what anyone says? No. He had enough of this a few weeks ago. He wasn't about to start again. He was done, he was tired. And no one was going to hurt the people he cared about again.]

touch her and i will kill you

[/OPEN TEXT]
showmeyourwreath: (❁ Monte Cassino)
[personal profile] showmeyourwreath
[Flora is outside, sitting on what appears to be a swing, but in place of chains are woven vines. As time passes, little flowers bloom along their length. The locket is not on her person, it hovers in front of her, and the view shows her wearing what look like a white overall dress over a pink top and work gloves. Several fairies are flying around her, braiding her hair, or sitting on either shoulder. She waves before gently taking hold of the vine chains.]

Hello everyone, I hope you're well.

[Her voice is more deliberate with the well wishes, and her smile is kind, knowing. A lot's happened--when isn't it--but she does hope everyone has come out of it for the better, somehow. It's no meaningless platitude.

She moves to put her finger to her lip, remembers she's wearing gloves and thinks better of it, and instead cants her head thoughtfully. Her voice is gentle and curious.]


There's something I've been wondering about for a while now, and don't quite seem to understand, just yet. [There is a slight upturn to her lips. She is a patient girl, but she can't say she likes not understanding things. It's what she always seeks to do, if she can.] I've heard of some things from other people that were kind enough to answer me [mostly kind, anyway. Zelos was a little rude.] but with so many people from so many places, I'm curious about the similarities and differences.

[She looks directly at the locket.]

What exactly is a God or Goddess? Or what would you say make one? The same with angels. Is this something that has some sort of set criteria or is it more malleable?

[One might notice that she doesn't ask about demons, but that's because she doesn't realise there's a need; they're the same as monsters to her.

Flora dips her head in thanks and smiles, once again.]


Please, I would very much like to hear what anyone has to say. Thank you.


Locked to Seelie )
scanningutterly: ([teen] I rule on this throne)
[personal profile] scanningutterly
[Orlando had turned on the video first, finding the idea more natural, even if he's using his real (real?) body instead of speaking through a sim. But the idea of talking about this face-to-face, face-to-face with strangers, made him freeze up. Death is a pretty personal thing, especially your own. So he switched to voice, trying to give himself a layer of distance. Personal as it may be, he'd still like some answers on this.]

So... [There's a pause as he takes in a deep breath and lets it out as a sigh. So much for a strong start.]

How many of you are dead? I mean, died in your world, but...came back here?

It can't just be me, right? [He tries to make that last part sound like a joke. It doesn't really work.]