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With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

Discussion in 'Creative Writing' started by Mr Zoat, Jan 27, 2019.

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  1. Bramble Thorn

    Bramble Thorn Verified Silhouette

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    Please don't use factually and technically wrong arguments when arguing with Vaermina, all it does is bolster hie ego and make it harder for everyone else.

    They aren't called 'you can't attack me with magic' chains, they are called 'magic suppression' chains, and presumably shut down all the magic they can, including any he might be using or wish to use to maintain his life or support his body.

    No, trying to muster up popular support or political permission is just dumb.
    We can't have christmas decorations most public places any more, because of the religious affiliation. Asking for permission through the governmental just gives them the right to say no.

    Try to set the precedent that it is more like the pope doing a blessing on one of his visits. It's a free country, so he can blass as he wants. If you feel infringed, your rabbi or imam or vestal virgin or witch doctor or shaman can come down and do one as well. Demand indulgence or forgiveness, not permission.

    OR... anyone and everyone who just doesn't want to die. Like if he is steeped in death because that is what he started with, or because he does it as a religious observance ("He's pledged himself to some sort of life-eater."), but doesn't actually need to kill someone sapient to extend human life...

    Like if he can drain a chicken or cow to extend life, then that is something worth paying out the nose for, and prohibiting it would be just as bullshit as when corrupt lawmakers make animal sacrifice illegal 'on health/sanitary grounds' to prosecute a religion they don't like.

    Or hell, even if he has to use Human life force, but doesn't have to take all of it. Should someone selling a year of their life to a multi millionaire/billionaire for a million dollars or so be illegal?
     
  2. Vaermina

    Vaermina Well worn.

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    Keep in mind Zoat already established that even a "succubus has dinner" level of life energy drain has no negative long term effects and super minimal negative short term effects on a human.
     
  3. Gantradies

    Gantradies Not too sore, are you?

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    *blinks*
    my understanding was that his medical issue was simply that he was OLD- and was using stolen energy/life to halt/freeze his ageing process/ the shortening of his telomeres ect- and what OL means was that he’d either almost certainly die from old age before seeing sunlight, or the delayed-degradation of his body/genetics would kick back in if he was prevented from killing people to “recharge” (*edited in after first post* under the understanding that the sacrifices were due to the method/technique requiring the victims death- otherwise why bother with people smuggling/repeatedly killing people as human sacrifices when it’s EASIER to have the cult make smaller, willing donations, spend a few days resting/ eating well then donate again)-was there something I missed/misread? o.o
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
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  4. Grek

    Grek (she/her)

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    I feel like if he could use animal sacrifices or non-fatal human sacrifices, he'd be doing that. Finding people that you can get away with murdering is hard work, and if there's not a steep advantage to doing it that way, why bother?
     
  5. Gantradies

    Gantradies Not too sore, are you?

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    Exactly what I was thinking!
    To use a minecraft analogy, when playing with the blood magic mod, it’s -far- more practical to get a group of friends/other players to join in on using sacrificial orbs/knives to donate a little blood at a time at the altar (and switch to bred livestock later) then trying to “harvest” in a village large enough to provide a meaningful amount of BP-the latter has a tendency to cause PO’d iron golems (or town guards/ vigilantes/ the police/ the national guard,in this case) to bumrush you >.<
    on an entirely pragmatic level, you’re making things more difficult/unsafe by killing other sapients -just- to extend your own life- therefore by logic if he/the little cult that was seemingly communicating with him has been doing so, it’s because they -want- to, or their method of life extension -demands- sapient sacrifice....
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
  6. Yog

    Yog Know what you're doing yet?

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    Didn't Paul invent artificial magically active human blood? I think he did. If this wizard can drain power from said blood, that's the moral issue solved.
     
  7. Bramble Thorn

    Bramble Thorn Verified Silhouette

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    You said all the chains did was prevent him from using his magic offensively, when they in fact suppress down all magic they can without making any distinction of type, including any purely defensive, or even health sustaining magics he might hypothetically want to use or have been using. Regardless of the reasonableness of using the chains in that situation, you made what seems to be blatant misrepresentation of fact when making your argument.

    That is why I mentioned religious reasons. OL doesn't have to spread chaos with his actions, but not doing so impacts his social relationship with his patron. Don't discount ideology pressing its thumb on the scales when weighing pros and cons. I mean you could apply your line of reasoning to the Third Reich. "They wanted to have free slave labour, and hated the Jews who they thought they were an inferior race. Obviously they needed to kill the Jews when using them as free labour, because why kill profitable slaves otherwise?" When in fact they were just going above and beyond in their ideology.
     
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  8. Pinklestia

    Pinklestia Well worn.

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    Yeah that one, it somehow ended fusing with the city spirit of Gotham...

    Is confusing as hell but it involves a literal God (Darkseid) and time travel... so if course it was never gonna make sense.
     
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  9. Gantradies

    Gantradies Not too sore, are you?

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    I mean- from what we’ve seen so far, his health-sustaining magic seems to be “vampyic life-draining”- Sounded offensively oriented to me-and There was no mention of him visibly degrading/decaying when he came into contact with the chains like you might expect to see if the anti-aging effect was a continuously-channeled one- you have to admit it feels like a reasonable assumption...
    but I’ll admit an assumption nonetheless-
    and now I’ve made an ass out of myself and um- *is shot*
     
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  10. Xelloss

    Xelloss Know what you're doing yet?

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    Make it "any specialized field" (sometimes, even comic book knowledge itself).
    On second thought, add tv shows writers to comic book writers.
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
  11. Mr Zoat

    Mr Zoat Dedicated ragequitter

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    I'm afraid that today's segment will be delayed until this evening. I'm house-sitting for my parents once again while they visit my father's relatives, and while I did set my alarm I didn't actually turn it on.

    I doubt that they were aware of one another.
     
  12. Chojin Patriarch

    Chojin Patriarch Veteran Lurker

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    If nothing else, it'll give you some time to write future chapters, maybe build up a little buffer. Let's just hope there's not a repeat of the last time's internet issues. And, fingers crossed, some of us get the pleasure of a chapter waiting when we wake up in the morning.
     
  13. Mr Zoat

    Mr Zoat Dedicated ragequitter

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    No no, the internet's fine. I just didn't have time to post it before dashing for my train. It'll be up at about 18:45 this evening.
     
  14. Tzeentch

    Tzeentch I trust you know where the happy button is?

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    Well, in the case of Gotham knowing about Vandal, why would he? Vandar Adg was just one of those dime-a-dozen annoying and interfering loincloth wearing barbarian warriors back then, even if he did use immortality to cheat.

    In regards to Vandal knowing Gotham, well, maybe he wouldn't know the man personally, but given the old wizard's extreme power and skill, and the a VERY large collection of powerful artifacts he had before his imprisonment below the lands of the Miagani that would one day become Gotham City, the ancient monster MUST have had some repute back in the day, even if no one knew his actual name.
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
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  15. Threadmarks: Guys from Gotham (part 11)
    Mr Zoat

    Mr Zoat Dedicated ragequitter

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    17th February
    00:21 GMT -5

    "Orange Lantern." Dr Balewa looks at my prisoners. "What is this?"

    "An ancient sorcerer -allegedly-, his chief acolyte and a collection of minor magic-using criminals. Apparently, there are very few people that the Gotham police are allowed to hand criminal magic users over to… It's basically you, Giovanni Zatara and Angelica."

    He gives Mister Gotham and Strega a slightly closer look.

    "What became of that woman's leg?"

    "It was used in the commission of a crime, so I confiscated it."

    "I… See. Will it be returned to her?"

    "Well, it's evidence now. That's up to the Gotham police."

    I snort with laughter, though Dr Balewa does not appear to see the humour.

    "Orange Lantern, are you well?"

    I shake my head. "It's been a bit of a weird night. Can you take over here? I've got John Quinn dealing with any dangerous enchantments in the basement and I don't think I've really got anything to add."

    "Yes." He nods. "I think that it may be for the best if you call it an evening."

    "Probably." I raise my right hand to my forehead and

    step out

    and reappear on the top of a nearby building next to Selina, who's crouching at the edge of the roof and watching the activity below.

    "Everyone away safely?"

    I'm mildly impressed that she doesn't jump. On the other hand: Batman. "As safe as Gotham gets. Was one of those people the lunatic who organised this?"

    "Yes, the one missing a leg."

    She looks at me dubiously. "I know Batman's policy is no killing, but I don't think he's going to be happy about that either."

    "Then he can deal with the next evil wizard on his own. Besides, she's going to be executed anyway, it's not like she's going to be disabled for long."

    "So is that a policy..?"

    "Yes, but not for all opponents. Against a powerful magic user whose precise capacities are unknown but probably quite advanced I'm not going to use rubber-tipped anti-magic rounds. Particularly not in the middle of an inhabited city. Taking them down fast takes priority over taking them down politely."

    "Just so long as I don't have to worry."

    I frown. "Is that what you..? Thought?"

    "You don't have the best reputation for mental stability, and around here…"

    "Crimson Avenger shot dozens of people dead."

    She looks at me askance. "Am I supposed to know who that is?"

    "America's first costumed adventurer. Wore a red suit?"

    She shakes her head.

    "He worked in Gotham a few times, back before Green Lantern settled here."

    "What powers did he have?"

    "I'm not sure he had any innate powers. I remember reading that his guns were possessed by demons who helped him hunt down evildoers, but I haven't confirmed that for myself."

    "So the mystery man got shoved aside when the Lantern turned up?"

    "No, I said that Crimson Avenger worked in Gotham sometimes. Green Lantern certainly wouldn't have kicked him out."

    "I was just commenting on the obvious parallel-."

    "He's in the Ukraine and yes, I spotted that."

    She saunters over to a ventilation unit and hops up on it, then turns around and lounges on the metal in a mildly provocative pose. "It will be interesting to see how Batman reacts. I've never seen him disappointed in someone else before."

    "And this attitude has got nothing to do with the fact that when the two of you were 'togetherish', you'd have been looking for some 'bat-personal time' after a heroic action like that?"

    "I'm not confirming anything, but are you and that assassin girl-?"

    "Yes, though thank you for including me on your bat-substitute list. It really validates my existence as a man."

    She smiles and looks away, the claws of her right hand drumming on the metal.

    "What were you doing here, anyway? I mean, good work-"

    "Thank you, it's nice that you noticed."

    "-but it doesn't seem like your area of expertise."

    "People were disappearing. The albino, the one-eyed redhead and the white-haired girl stood out. I got a copy of the building's plans and rode the elevator down."

    "Really? That seems a bit…"

    "I make it sound easier than it actually was. And your charm helped me bypass their magic security." She thinks for a moment. "The Albino had a sword-."

    I take it out of subspace. "I've been looking for a new magic melee weapon. I'll have Hephaestus have a look at it, see if we can find out what it can do."

    "How much is it worth?"

    "I can't appraise it until I know what it does. Also, I'm authorised to complete the documents required to confiscate supervillain equipment legally and you're not." She pouts. "How much do you want?"

    "What, you're not going to haggle?"

    "I have infinite money, Selina. There's no market price for magic swords so I can't name that-plus-a-percentage. What do you wan-?"

    There's an explosion to the south. We both turn to look at it, and even as I see the extinguishing of emotional lights that indicates people are dying I just feel… Frustration.

    Disappointment.

    I sigh.

    "You know, I've worked something out this evening."

    "Oh? And what's that?"

    "It used to be that I got annoyed at other superheroes for using their abilities purely for crime-fighting and not using them to revolutionise human society. But I think I'm getting it now. It wasn't that they were.. too stupid to realise the opportunity, no. The problem was that a never-ending cavalcade of psychotic total morons were perfectly happy to throw themselves at them, and they never had the-. Gosh-darn time to do anything but fight them off."

    I take a.. deep breath.

    "I'm going to go and deal with whatever that is and then go and get this sword appraised. Think about what you want for it."
     
    Last edited: Dec 11, 2019
  16. Finagle007

    Finagle007 [Verified Great Old One]

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    Wow, this is really early. Like, 12 hours early. Are you alright?
     
  17. thebishop8

    thebishop8 Umm, ackchyually...

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    Actually it's more like 12 hours late. He didn't update earlier.

    *one-eyed
     
  18. Finagle007

    Finagle007 [Verified Great Old One]

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    Huh, yeah. He didn't. Now I'm getting a bit worried.
     
  19. Huttj509

    Huttj509 Getting sticky.

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    Go 4 posts up.
     
  20. Queshire

    Queshire Not too sore, are you?

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    Nah, we got an explanation for that. House sitting.
     
  21. Massgamer

    Massgamer Not too sore, are you?

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    Sure not always the case, but yeah. Heroes are usually reactive force against criminal idiots who don't realize they can make money legally.

    OL should just blame villains and human stupidity in general. I'm sure Dox would love to give lecture how humans are ruled by stupidity and emotions over logic.
     
  22. Ace Dreamer

    Ace Dreamer Questioning The Nature of our Realities

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    Seeing as OL is making Selina an 'offer' for the sword, does she get to treat him as a wish-granting genie for this purpose? And, if so, what does she want?

    We might doubt that Paul is willing to do anything too obvious that might give her an edge over Talia/Batwoman...
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
  23. Mr Zoat

    Mr Zoat Dedicated ragequitter

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    Thank you, corrected.
    More 'alarm-setting' than the house-sitting.

    Though I suspect that the alarm in my own house went off just fine.
     
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  24. Handlewithcare

    Handlewithcare Versed in the lewd.

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    OL is going native.

    But yeah, it's not just the stupidity of heroes, but also the stupidity of villains...and, let's be honest, plot necessities.

    Also, nice of him to offer payment.
     
  25. Chojin Patriarch

    Chojin Patriarch Veteran Lurker

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    Boy, the League really does need more magic-user members...

    Better than saying 'collateral damage during her arrest'.

    I suppose he's seen worse, given where he usually hangs out.

    I guess you can call that... Doctor's orders?

    I see she decided to stick close.

    Is everyone going to harp on that?

    Given the comics plotline, he didn't have to at least. The ragtag band of magical adventurers known as Shadowpact did.

    Ah, so that's what she's concerned about.

    I mean, she's not wrong...

    "Proper suit, not tights, that is..."

    One more thing for the gigantic to-do list.

    Safe bet Alan wouldn't have tolerated the whole 'excessive lethal force' thing...

    I'm sure Batman's disappointment is really important to OL these days... [/sarcasm]

    None of your business, kitty-cat.

    Correction: 'on your bat-substitute'.

    Well, she's got to do something to keep busy, since she's more or less gone straight.

    Would you even know how to use it? Or is this a 'how much can I sell it for' thing?

    Ah, OL, straddling the line of good guy and 'bad' guy.

    Yeah, I can just imagine the mental shudder, grimace and 'Oh Eris, what now?'

    Do tell?

    Hey, at least they keep busy... And save lives.

    I'm sure it won't take too long on the former task. The latter is up to Hephaestus...

    Well, that was amusing. I bet Selina never gets to the chance to just sit and chat with Batman like this. Now, bets the explosion is something to do with Talia?
     
  26. Mr Zoat

    Mr Zoat Dedicated ragequitter

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    Thank you, corrected.
     
  27. Khettien

    Khettien Perpetually confused

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    Is it just me, or does OL come off a little..unhinged, in this update?
     
  28. Ardy

    Ardy I trust you know where the happy button is?

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    Hes been dealing with Gotham crazies for at least 2 hours by now. At least he’s still functionally sane
     
  29. Bramble Thorn

    Bramble Thorn Verified Silhouette

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    This is rather cheeky. Also, rather fucked up on multiple levels.

    What should be happening is the person who lost a leg gets put in an ambulance and sent to the hospital for treatment. The leg gets put on ice and sent along with her so the doctors can examine it and her when making a diagnosis, and determine if it can be reattached. If you actually want to take the leg as evidence as salvage. If it isn't something the doctors decide they won't be able to reattach and to actually want to be a dick and confiscate someone's body parts as evidence, that is something you really should be arsed to go to the trouble of getting a warrant for.

    Not having enough emotional investment to heal the murderess yourself is one thing. This, whatever this is, is something else entirely.

    [Gilgamesh Wulfenbach]This must be how my father feels--all the time![/Gilgamesh Wulfenbach]
     
  30. Mr Zoat

    Mr Zoat Dedicated ragequitter

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    The SI wasn't being entirely serious. That said, the thigh was too damaged to be reattached without exotic reconstruction, and neither the SI nor Dr Balewa are inclined to provide that.
     
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