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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. Duke Long

    Duke Long Glomerulus

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    ‘paleontologists’

    Good to see the Sivana business getting an explanation.
     
  2. NightmareWarden

    NightmareWarden Versed in the lewd.

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    Renegade Timeline for everyone:
    • Magnus is infected by a spine rider mind killer on Earth.
    • Most of Sivana’s kids die to the gravity creature that destroys the Venus base.
    • Sivana Senior returns from the Sheeda future and learns they killed his ex-wife and kids.
    • Grayven discovers (and removes) Magnus’ spine rider shortly before it makes him commit suicide and ramps up anti-Sheeda plans. Sivana Senior summons Grayven, threatens him with two radion weapons, and they improve anti-Sheeda plans.
    • Sheeda invasion. Grayven storms the castle, wins a god-duel, and Sivana senior comes to the scene with a bomb to kill the Sheeda queen. Bomb goes boom. Grayven and Artemis are FLUNG INTO THE FUTURE, WHERE MY EVIL IS LAW!
    • The fools return to the past (present day) after frolicking with the future-Sheeda.
    • Today: Magnificus has an idea.
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2022
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  3. DrThoth

    DrThoth I trust you know where the happy button is?

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    What about necromancy? At least to get Sivana himself back, since he died on Earth. Might be way harder without an active thaumosphere on Venus (and Sivana died in a space-time explosion which probably doesn't help) but New God abilities aren't limited by that per se, so it could be an important avenue (not sure Renegade knows/trusts anyone uniquely equipped to become New God of Necromancy, though what happened to Dark Druid in this timeline?). Plus Renegade has ties to his timeline's Nyssa, who might also help Magnificus out emotionally (romantic or otherwise) and Lazarus Pit research.

    Getting Magnificus involved in the New Light seems like a good way to keep an eye on him, even if he doesn't currently have any interest in benefiting/ruling the world at large. If Renegade orients him towards researching the White Light, that could be good for both him and the overall enterprise (studying the Black Light could also be interesting...)
     
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  4. NightmareWarden

    NightmareWarden Versed in the lewd.

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    It seems to me like he’d lose out to Luthor due to the latter’s business-savvy ways and resource base. Admittedly only Grayven knows Luthor’s in the new Light (he’s disguised as an AI) so the competition between them for renown would not immediately start up.

    You know what might be fun? A scientific research base in the Shadowlands! Grayven knows the Shade, the Shade likes Grayven, and Magnificus will get to test himself against new threats. Plus, Magni will get a break from other people for a time.
     
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  5. Mr Zoat

    Mr Zoat Dedicated ragequitter

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    Thank you, corrected.
     
  6. Sockmonkey

    Sockmonkey I trust you know where the happy button is?

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    Mind killer, the cloud thing. Not a spine rider.
    Equestria's magic might help as Grayven has learned how to tap into the magic of friendship when in pony form.
     
  7. Pinklestia

    Pinklestia Well worn.

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    If you take the long road, is possible, they cannot harden all of the past, but you would need either to be a New God or an inmortal caveman to have that kind of patience.

    As in, go far back enough the timeline isn't protected, take advantage that you are in the past, do things exactly as you need so your past self ends going back in time to do that and make sure to not screw up your rescue because you only have one chance.
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2022
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  8. WereDragon

    WereDragon Bookwyrm

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    Factually incorrect. There are a great many of things Greyven can do to stop him. They just have consequences.
     
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  9. Bud-E

    Bud-E Stand up so I can push you down!

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    Is someone going to call Twilight or some other pony this is a severe friendship problem.
     
  10. Windona

    Windona Beetle Queen of Crackshipping

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    Oh, poor Magnificus. He really needs help and social support. Even Billy at this point would be a big step up. Actually, given Billy lost his parents too...

    Luthor's business savvy might be the exact reason for Magnificus to join. For one, Magnificus can work on solely research instead of managing a multinational, soon to be multiplanetary business. Though Dr. Cranius is also there for that, I feel Magnificus has other things to offer since Cranius is more biology. For another, can't have too many brilliant scientists as long as they can handle themselves.

    Weirdly, I can see another non-Light route for Magnificus, if he decides that joining the League/Team to help make sure threats like the Sheeda never come back and that leads to him innovating on a lot of hero tech.
     
  11. Whenever Possible

    Whenever Possible Versed in the lewd.

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    Wait, did Paulragon's futzing around with changing the nature of time for the local multiverse affect enough that Sivana's time machine won't work? Or is Magnificus just struggling to work because of his grief?
     
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  12. Joelseph14

    Joelseph14 Know what you're doing yet?

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    Maybe he thought Magnificus would be able to bring them all back?

    Nevermind than
     
  13. Duke Long

    Duke Long Glomerulus

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    Neither. Rather, as time travellers, the Sheeda have ways of preventing their enemies from using time travel against them. Otherwise, Dr Sivana could have done it, since he was clearly able to work despite his grief and I think he came back from the future before Paragon changed the laws of physics.
     
  14. KaiKolo

    KaiKolo Know what you're doing yet?

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    I do like seeing Paul and Grayven dealing with maniacal and megalomaniacal personalities who set their sights on something but aren't necessarily Evil with a big 'E'. I don't know who posted it but the saying of "what do you want and how can we achieve it together" comes to find.

    One benefit that Grayven has is that he is more attuned to the mentality of villains (or eccentric personalities), how the villains want to achieve their desires, and finds a way for the villains to 'win' in a way that doesn't bring harm to regular people.

    On a final note:
    This is missing an 'n' in "Magificus".
     
  15. Mr Zoat

    Mr Zoat Dedicated ragequitter

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    Thank you, corrected.
     
  16. Ciber

    Ciber Know what you're doing yet?

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    I forget, wasn't the nature of time travel changed by time trapper Paul?
     
  17. Someguy Somewhere

    Someguy Somewhere The Critical Fumbler

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    It was, but Grayven wasn't abducted, and thus was not informed of the change.

    He did -sort of- have an impact. He managed to shank Korna's finger tip with the Sword of the Fallen when they grabbed at him, which is what weakened him for the Rest of the Paul's.
     
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  18. AmericanNumbers

    AmericanNumbers Not too sore, are you?

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    Question for longterm readers: what was the name of the book Paul recommended to Lex Luthor to read. I have a space in my reading queue and i lost the link.
     
  19. Windona

    Windona Beetle Queen of Crackshipping

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    "How To Succeed In Evil"
     
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  20. AmericanNumbers

    AmericanNumbers Not too sore, are you?

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    Much thanks.
     
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  21. Threadmarks: False Dawn (part 10)
    Mr Zoat

    Mr Zoat Dedicated ragequitter

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    8th November 2012
    17:28 GMT +3


    I look around what appears to be an open market, stalls arrayed in all directions and the noise from hawkers and potential buyers near deafening.

    "So, how many of these are real people?"

    "What do you mean by-?"

    "Real. Actual people, whether they have material bodies or not." I look over to a stall that appears to specialise in dates, ceramic pots filled with the things arranged on a wooden stall. "Did al Raschid send actual people here, or parts of their personalities, or… Alter the structure of the Dream by… Burning part of reality?"

    A small bullock with a balloon tied on its midsection floats by, using flippers strapped to his hooves to control its forward movement.

    "And where the heck did that come from?"

    The bullock turns its head towards us. "Excuse me?"

    "I'm sorry. Where the heck did he come from?"

    "Hmpf." He tosses his head, then swims away.

    "I do not know, and I do not know." He shrugs. "I was not there when the Caliph made the pact with Morpheus, or to observe the transition. If you want to know, you could make the time to ask him yourself."

    "Ah, Doctor?" Sanderson is looking around too, but in his case his expression is one of wonder rather than the suspicion I'm sure is on my own face. "What are we looking for?"

    "A map would be useful. Tools thet will assist us in entering the Tower, or finding John Constantine."

    Alan nods. "What do they take for currency around here?"

    "This place is the dream of a great trading city on the silk road, between Europe and China. They will take any currency, speak any language and honour any agreement. You can trade with American money."

    The Demon raises his eyebrows. "Take card payments, do they?"

    Dr. Balewa looks surprised. "There is a bank thet gave you a credit account?"

    The Demon reaches into his coat and pulls out a wallet.

    "No, but they gave one to… 'James Robinson'."

    Alan frowns. "Who's that? And why do you-? Oh."

    The Demon rolls his eyes as he slides the wallet back into his coat. "If it makes you feel better, he doesn't need it any more. Amazing how much money there is in dead accounts."

    Alan's frown escalates to a glare. "Are you-?"

    The Demon tries to look innocent, and naturally falls far short. "He made a deal with Satanus. It was practically a victimless crime."

    Alan's clearly not happy, but recognises that it's not pertinent to the mission. "Okay, Doctor, but how do we find those things?"

    "It is the way of these places. The merchants we want will find us, if we do not find them first."

    Sanderson looks uncomfortable. "Are they gunna want… Other sorts of payment?"

    The Demon looks away, making a choking, snorting noise. Sanderson edges away from him, then looks to Alan for a sensible answer.

    Alan looks levelly at The Demon. "Constantine."

    "Dreams don't go in for virgin sacrifices, mate!"

    Sanderson blushes, prompting Dr. Balewa to hold up his right hand to forestall Alan's retort.

    "But, they may ask for ideas, memories, or even capacities thet you possess. They are not quite so bad regarding such matters as the fey, but it is not a foolish concern. I cannot tell you how to respond in every instance thet could arise. You can ask me for advice, but it would ultimately be something thet you will hev to decide for yourself."

    Sanderson nods, slightly mollified.

    "How circuitous do we need to be when we make our enquiries?"

    "I am sorry?"

    "How do you rate the chance of John Quinn monitoring the Dream, or us? I'm asking because I sort of assumed that Boss Smiley wouldn't be able to eavesdrop on my conversation with Liberty, and that got us in a bit of trouble."

    "Yeah." Alan nods. "That's what got us into trouble."

    "Slim to none. I hev spent time with him, and I hev felt nothing of the Dream from him. Using magic here for such a purpose would draw the ire of the Dream-wizards who live here. And if he can monitor us in such a fashion without us knowing it… Then we are already doomed and there is no sense in worrying about it."

    "Ah." Sanderson shrugs. "I haven't written a Will. I mean, if we're doomed, I'd feel a little bad about leaving a mess for everyone."

    "If you just tell me what you want done, I'll forge it for you."

    "I'd like the house turned into a museum and the money put into a trust to keep the place going."

    "Not a problem." I look at Dr. Balewa. "Should we look anywhere in particular?"

    "I believe thet the established shops will prove more useful than the market stalls." He looks around once more. "This way, I think."

    He leads the way through the market, ignoring the stall holders as they try to persuade us that theirs are the fruit, the rugs, the coffee, the jewellery, that will make our day worthwhile. I-.

    I stop, and the stallholder immediately orientates on me.

    "How much for one jar of figs?"

    "These figs, sir?" He grins. "Only the finest-."

    "Yes I'm sure they're lovely; that's why I'm offering to buy them. How much?"

    "For one jar? One dirham."

    Excellent. I've got plenty of silver, and I know the design Kahndaq uses for its commemorative coins. Fabricate, and… I offer the coin to the stall-holder, who checks it visually and then bites it before passing me a jar with a smile.

    "Tell all your friends!"

    I nod and step away, looking for-.

    No. No no.

    Come on, there's no way they could have gotten that far away that quickly. I fly-.

    No, apparently I don't. Impellers? No. Flying carpet? Yes. Alright, let's-.

    "Sir!" The stallholder frantically shakes his head. "Those are banned in the market, except for official purposes!"

    Okay. Dismiss the carpet and toss him another dirham by way of thanks, and…

    "Which way to the speciality shops?"

    "Speciality? Like…"

    He makes what I suspect to be an obscene gesture. Huh. I remember that while prostitution is illegal in modern Iran, it's perfectly legal to have a short-duration marriage with a non-refundable matchmaking fee. The Egypt of this era had slavery, but I'm not sure what the rules were on sex.

    "Magic arcana."

    He pointedly looks away. "It is not proper for a good Muslim to involve himself in such things." He points towards a bridge a short distance away across the market without looking at it. "But since you are a foreigner, it may be that some other foreigners who may be in that direction may be able to help you."

    "Thank you." I turn to march away. "I will consider you for all my future fig purchases."
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2022
  22. Mr Zoat

    Mr Zoat Dedicated ragequitter

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    Link here.
     
  23. Khettien

    Khettien Perpetually confused

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    ...I am simultaneously amused and despairing over this.
     
  24. KaiKolo

    KaiKolo Know what you're doing yet?

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    Not surprised that demons have access to bank accounts. Hell, this might be the best time in history for demons to act on Earth without having to show themselves to anyone.


    With banks going digital, the large number of bank accounts opening each day, and the billions of transactions done day, how could anyone or anything trace an account's activity to a demon.

    I like that magical items and services can be found in black markets, there would be a demand for it and it's not likely that these businesses would be operating out in the open.

    Though with magic being much more prominent lately (age split Earth and all that) I could see politicians wanting to regulate what magical products and services are being offered. Something along the lines of needing a licence to sell offensive spells and implementing a waiting period to purchase them for example.
     
  25. SemiAnarchist

    SemiAnarchist Versed in the lewd.

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    Should that second have also be hev, to keep with the accent?
     
  26. Chojin Patriarch

    Chojin Patriarch Veteran Lurker

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    Ooh, good point. The Caliph cast the magic and wonder of his city into the Dream... But he still awoke in a Baghdad with a population. I wonder if any of those people suddenly found themselves missing a loved one, or a friend, that morning?

    To be fair, the work was done by Morpheus. And his power is a lot more elemental than mere magic. He could quite easily have copied every person in the city, the Caplih included, as a spirit of the Dreaming.

    ...Huh, the social equivalent of a non-sequitor.

    ...Dream logic at its finest. I don't even...

    And that sort of thing has its own risks. No need to compound their trouble.

    And I'm no doubt sure someone will offer such a thing. Whether it's real, and whether you can pay what they ask for it...

    Heck, they probably have a link to the Heartlands, so they can spend Dollars there.

    I mean, Demons do love their contracts...

    ...Cute, Mr Zoat. :D Cute.

    I mean, I doubt that the Demon specifically did the deed on him...

    ...Or not. Still, I guess he sees no shame in making use of a resource like that...

    Such is the power of Narrative Causality.

    I mean... I wouldn't go signing any contracts without giving them a proper once-over. Especially if they ask for it in blood.

    :oops: oof, embarrassing much?

    Though I suspect the more valuable the object, the harsher the payment demanded...

    Worried about spies, OL? Tattletales and walls with ears?

    Hey, at least the two of you got to meet JFK and save Uncle Sam.

    Eh, I'm sure the lawyers who were managing things would happily step back in.

    Heh, Reflections of the early-2000's JSA Comics, where their Brownstone in New York was a museum. Managed by none other than Abigail 'Ma' Hunkel.

    Just be wary of those trying to lead you into dark alleys...

    Ah, OL playing the Guile Hero card.

    Fellah, he's already buying them, no need to give him the full spiel.

    An Arabic coin of the correct period, no less. Worth about 3 grams of silver.

    He's probably happy to serve someone who actually knows their coinage. Instead of offering gems, bizarre coins or even scraps of rag paper with such funny green designs...

    ...Oh dear. OL, have you broken your own golden rule: Never split the party!

    Ah, the joys of having to follow the rules of the conceptual space you're in, huh, OL?

    Heh. I rather imagine there's sometimes traffic jams of carpets overhead... :D

    ...Yeah, that sounds all kinds of skeevily exploitable.

    Not that he ever expects to need to purchase figs again. Still... At least he has some tasty snacks now. And a nice souvenir for Jade.

    Oh, boy...In tales of souks like this, getting split from your companions is a prelude to trouble, usually with ruffians, thieves or kidnappers. Who will no doubt find they've bitten off more than they can chew with OL. Still, this could prove frustrating, if he keeps catching sight of Balewa, Alan and Sanderson but can't reach them. And given the bizzarchitecture of this place, that's entirely likely.
     
  27. Bloodalchemy

    Bloodalchemy Versed in the lewd.

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    It's not his. A regular human made a deal with Satanis, Demon Constintine killed him and took his stuff.
     
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  28. Ciber

    Ciber Know what you're doing yet?

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    I am 100% onboard with Paul making his weekly grocery run through the depths of Tartarus and along the river of dreams just to get some really good figs.
     
  29. Darko

    Darko Connoisseur.

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    And judging by that Mandate episode, he did copy them.
     
  30. Vaermina

    Vaermina Well worn.

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    Well... I guess that answers LePaul's question about whether these are real people or dreams.

    They're dreams.
     
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