Madison Valley Role Play

I don't think there's a power known to man that can make you not reaffirm how special you are.

Citizens and Refugees of Madison Valley

Because of the recent violence that has taken place at King's Daughters Hospital, and the protest and refusal of many of the doctors and administration there to continue to treat refugees who threaten them, injure them, or destroy their premises, the Hospital can now be considered off limits to all refugees.

A Refugee's Clinic will be opened at the location of the old Madison Clinic, staffed with doctors not involved in the protest, to treat the illnesses and injuries of refugees.

Also, due to recent events, the use of magic is now banned in Madison Valley. Those who are found violating this law will be subject to 90 days in prison and/or a fine of $10,000.

Thank you, and have a nice day.

~Madison Valley City Council

Who: Valen & Open
What: Dumpster diving, other things.
Where: Madison city proper.
When: Morning
Warnings | Status: Mentions of abuse | in progress

( Read more... )

More than two months have passed, and still we find ourselves here. Although I find myself quite comfortable, I wonder how many of us are becoming complacent. Have we stopped looking for a way home?

I also wonder, does time here pass as it does in Faerie? Will we return home to discover that no time at all has passed, or will we find that ages have passed and all we once knew are dead and gone?

[Filtered to Harry Dresden]

When will you begin to actually teach me something? If you restrict my behavior as you have and teach me nothing in return, then I think our contract may soon be at an end.

I have a theory that whatever bubble is around the town will pop after being pumped full of hot air due to everyone's run-away super-special egos.

[Filtered away from Harry Dresden and the Council]

So it sounds as if magic is genetic.

If it is, then if you could isolate the coding, you could genemod for magic. I bet my stepmother could do it. But she's not here and there aren't any genelabs, so...

It's just a thought.

I've not been in the market for a wife, I can't be so shackled, but this one's gone a long way toward it. I haven't a clue what the purpose is of half these items are or why I need them.

I get the hint when you give a man soap he's not seen in a season, and perhaps a hair brush but the rest of it I can't imagine serves a purpose. My teeth don't have fur.

[Filtered away from the Council]

Attention wizards, witches, mages, arcanists, sorcerers, vampires, werewolves and other magical people!

Did any of you cause the strange weather we're having?

I don't mind the snow. I'm just curious.

[Filtered to Kvothe]

Circumstances keep conspiring to prevent me from listening to your celebrated music, so they do! I'll not be able to attend the festival, worse my luck, but I wanted to wish you well with it nonetheless.

I am preparing to teach a class on the delicate and subtle art of Naming. I am temporarily suspending my belief that it'll be a complete waste of my time.

I have been asked to play at the Art Festival this weekend, and have accepted the offer. It seems as if the town may finally becoming wise on the talents of those who have arrived here.

I will be playing in front of the Fountain, at Main and Broadway, for those of you who are interested.

[Filtered to Harry Dresden]

I will not be able to make lessons on Saturday, because of it. I beg your deepest apologies, sir.

Who is this Robert Browning fellow and why does he suppose he knows anything about anything especially the Tower and he's the one who lies in every word, so it is.

Didn't I say that I hate   carry-over     lies    bad poetry? I'll not put up with it.

Mother smell I can't say I've ever dreamed up a place like this. Though Gods be praised for it, and the kindly intervention of gunslingers, as it were.

This little pork are done is a strange place and quite unlike any I've ever been through. It's got me all kinds of turned around. Turns out I've been juped for coin and home! Though if words be true as they say, I'm not the only one.

What a fascinating device! I'm almost afraid to take it apart to see how it works, in fear of not being able to get it back together properly. It must be terribly advanced sympathy to act as a communications device. I've never seen anything like it.

We all clearly need a Jump to Conclusions mat. Which is all I have to say.

A tale once came to me of a University near a regular sort of town. It was a large University, that taught a good number of students. These students were from all across the Four Corners of Civilization. Some were from noble families, younger sons who had been sent away to learn their trades. Some were from more humble backgrounds, but clever beyond measure. Some were rich and clever, though to be sure, these were very few.

The Masters, of course, were the same way. Some were Masters because they loved to learn, and loved to teach. These Masters were kind, for the most part, and taught their students many things. Some Masters were simply too smart to do anything else, their minds so far above their students that they bordered on madness. But some Masters were cruel, and seemed to be there more to put their students in their place than for any other reason.

Among the students at this school was one who had worked very hard to arrive there. He had very little means, but a great deal of talent, and was the youngest admitted in more years than many could count. He had, in fact, begun to study sympathy many years before, when he was but a small child. When he began his classes, he thought, realistically, that this should be taken into account. After all, he did not see the purpose of wasting time learning that which had already been learned. So he took it up with his Master, who he (wrongly, it was later proved), assumed to be a great man.

The next day, the Master, threatened by his student's cleverness, and determined to put this young man in his place, handed the reins of the class over to the young man. After all, if he was so clever, perhaps he should be the one teaching. The young man was nervous, and humble, and resisted his Master's request, but was told to do so once, twice, three times.

So he did, and set forth to show the Master that he was not as foolish as perhaps the Master believed. Defiant? Perhaps, although he had not wished to be. But he had been forced to take this position, and swore by Merciful Tehlu that he would not embarrass those who had so kindly taught him in his youth.

And the young man spoke, imparting the wisdom he had learned many years before, as the class listened in rapt interest. While he spoke, he formed a clay mound in his hand, and sculpted it, until after a few moments it was nearly a perfect sculpture of the Master. Requesting a piece of the Master's hair, which was freely given, he completed the simulacrum, and binding his will, caught the small figure's leg ablaze. Now, it was not a perfect link, but the boy's power was beyond all imagining, and in mere seconds, the Master's clothes caught fire, smoking, then shooting blue flame in all directions. Why blue? I know not, although from what I have heard of this master, I think it not impossible that perhaps it was the Demon in him that caused it to burn so - and which caused him to suffer so little hurt.

The boy, of course, found himself on the Horns for such an offense. Humble and terrified, having only meant to warm the Master's foot, he nonetheless stood brave and strong before the onslaught of anger, and showed a strength and nobility beyond his years. Sentenced to seven lashes - seven, that number of such import - he went to his punishment with his heart in Tehlu's hands.

And merciful Tehlu blessed him. Once the lash cracked! And the boy's skin split, but no blood appeared. And he did not flinch, as if he had not even felt the pain.

Twice, and three times! And still, the torn skin refused to cry its tears upon the ground, healed by Tehlu nearly before it had been broken.

Four five and six, and the boy closed his eyes, braver than many men.

And at last, released from his punishment, the crowd marveled at this boy who had been so marred, and yet so blessed that no drop of crimson - and no grimace of pain - marred the boy's countenance.

Why was he blessed so? Perhaps because Tehlu has a special place for those who have been wronged. Perhaps because the Master truly was a demon, and the boy nearly a brave martyr to have challenged him.

Whatever the reason, men say that the lamps in the Master's room always grew dimmer and bluer, and a strange chill would enter the room on the nights that visitors or students would dare to mention the student who had defied him, and won Tehlu's blessing in return.

[Filtered from the council]

Other than Cassi, Pollux and Harry, who are the arcanists here?

And Cassi, meet me tonight at midnight and we'll begin.

Who: Harry Dresden & Kvothe
What: Wizarding
Where: Harry's apartment
When: 9/10
Warnings | Status: TBD | in progress

( Read more... )

[Filtered to Harry Dresden]

Might I come by tonight, sir?

Men attack car with swords September 9, 2013 Julia McGee MADISON - Officers responded to a report Saturday that two men were standing in the road when they launched themselves at a car near Lanier Drive, the Madison Police Department said. Adam Shelley, the driver of the vehicle, said he was driving northwest on Lanier Drive when the men appeared with drawn swords and attacked the car. The attack caused minor damage to the windshield and fender. "I thought the circus was in town, or they were doing some sort of theatrical rendition of a troupe," said Shelley. "They were dressed in period clothing and shouting. I didn't know what to do." When officers arrived to the scene the perpetrators had escaped. One man is described as a white male, standing around 6-feet-8-inches with long black hair and grey eyes. The other is also described as a white male, standing around 7-feet-10-inches with red hair and grey eyes. According to officials, the men are armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Madison Valley Police Department.

[Filtered to Harry Dresden]

Did you speak with Master Elodin, sir?

To anyone who might have been concerned about me: things are somewhat better, now. Or at least improving.

It's interesting that there are so many different kinds of magic here, isn't it?

[Filtered away from Pollux and Cuthbert]

Has anyone seen or spoken to Cuthbert Allgood in the past few days? Please let me know if you have.

Yes I'm aware that near half of my public-broadcast telephone messages are asking after people who are either missing, won't speak to me, or both, and yes it's troubling.

A number of years ago, in a place much like this in some ways, and much different in others, there was a boy who lived alone in a city full of people. Young he was, and frightened of many things. He had no shoes, no clothes except what he wore, and the only food he had to eat was the food that he managed to steal. He lived like a rat, scrambling across the rooftops in his bare feet, living in a small place where the rooftops met that offered him some small shelter from the rain. The boy had very little except his many sorrows, but still he lived. And in living, he learned many things, and he grew taller, and stronger, and wiser.

But one thing he never grew was bored. For there were always things to do; always things that had to be done. And in the doing, his time passed quickly. In the small amounts of time he had for himself, his mind wandered, and he dreamed. Dreams of Home that once was that made him sad. Dreams of a future that likely now could never be. Dreams of hope, and dreams of sorrow, dreams of despair and dreams of joy. But never did he understand this feeling of boredom that came from having nothing at all to dream about. As he grew, he would watch from afar as the rich walked by, in their fancy clothes and fancy hair, their stomachs full from their latest meal. He wondered if boredom came from that - from having too much, from never having to work for the things you wanted. Or if boredom came from minds that had never had to entertain themselves, having enough money and means to always have someone else to do the onerous task.

And in time, he came to pity them. For who, who truly knows the world, could be bored by it? Who, who loves the trees and the sky, could cease to be entertained by the songs they sing? Boredom, he decided, was an illness that affected those who had closed their eyes to all things around them, and made them feel that doing was more important than seeing or living...

Looks like Tommy is gone.

Tell me something interesting that I don't already know.

I'll give you a prize in the end.

Leisha wins!

Who: Harry Dresden & Open
What: Checking out the barrier
Where: On the edge of the map.
When: Morning, 9/6
Warnings | Status: TBD | in progress

( Read more... )

WHO: Kvothe and Cassiopeia Black
WHEN: Backdated to Wednesday night, after his thread with Elodin
WHERE: Upstairs at Uncle Elmer's Tavern
WHAT: Meeting Cassi
WARNINGS: TBD, likely none
STATUS: Closed/Ongoing

( ~+~+~+~+~ )

Who: Yuuko & Kvothe
When: Mid-Morning Thurs Aug 5
Where: Yuuko's house
What: Tea time
Rating: TBD
Status: Closed, Ongoing

Who: Elodin & Kvothe
What: Catching the name of the wind, but probably not.
Where: Everywhere
When: Now
Warnings | Status: Minor abusive student/mentor comments | complete

( Read more... )

Guns are everywhere. And in a place such as this, with such ill will directed towards us, who knows whether anyone here is safe from them? You could be walking down a street, minding your own business, when an intolerant citizen decides to take this scourge into his own hands. Holding that cold steel in his hand, he puts you in his sites, and without even giving you the chance to defend yourself, the gun fires...

...and shatters every hope, or dream, or love you ever knew.

Unless, of course, you thought of this in advance, and bought one of my Bullet Banes. It's a device that, when activated, will purposely and actively push bullets away from you using the ancient art of sygaldry, keeping you safe from those ignorant locals who may wish you harm.

At only $250, what better way to guard your peace of mind, your dreams, and your very future?

I've given some thought to those from different time periods, and we've decided to hold weekly unofficial 'classes' to catch you up on current technology and cultural awareness for the 21st century. But that also made me think of the women and men who don't know about the availability and reliability of contraceptives here in Madison.

If you're not familiar with the concept -- they are things that may prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. There are different forms you can utilize to suit your needs, but I'm not any sort of resource to learn about them all and will defer you to local clinics or any physicians we have with us here.

But I can answer questions to a limited degree, and am willing to go with you to clinic appointments if you're terribly shy or nervous about it.

If you're already on something maybe it would be a good idea to see the travel.. didn't mess it up unduly.

Thank you.

So tomorrow night, at Uncle Elmer's Tavern, we're going to have a night for sharing stories. So many of us are from different worlds and the heart of a culture is found in its stories and songs. So bring your tales, your ballads, and your instruments for a night of learning about each other and sharing our stories of home.

Any questions, contact me, Kvothe.

[Filtered to Elodin]

There have been books written about me.

[Filtered to Harry Dresden]

Say someone could make a handheld device that could deflect bullets.

How much would that cost?

Do muggles you Americans ever use the phrase be careful what you wish for? Because-

WHO: Kvothe and OPEN (multiple threads welcome)
WHAT: Kvothe is at the tavern, playing music.
WHEN: Monday evening
WHERE: Big Elmer's Tavern
WARNINGS: TBD
STATUS: Open Open Open! and Ongoing

( I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs to make the minstrels weep. You may have heard of me. )

Congratulations, you've been moved up a space on the proverbial ladder. It wasn't by your own doing.

[Filtered: visible to school-aged refugees only]

Hi, it's Leisha again.

No politics this time! I promise. As you probably know, we've got real teachers arranging lessons at the church now, which is good even though I liked teaching and Justine is offering extra computer classes and stuff for people who need them which is bad 'cause I was going to charge for those and I can't compete with free classes.

Anyway. It leaves me with extra time on my hands and I'm bored, so I'd like to explain my new venture to all of you.

I'll do your school assignments for you. Math and Sciences up to and including twelfth grade, English Literature if you give me enough notice to read the books first, others by arrangement, though not History or Social Studies because my America's too different for that.

Prices are on a case-by-case basis. I accept US dollars, Bitcoin, or bartered items. At least 50% of all cash profit will be donated to the church for support of people taking sanctuary. High grades are guaranteed. In fact they're so guaranteed that if you get a B grade or less I'll give you a 50% refund and the rest goes to the church. If you get a C or less? Full refund. I don't like giving refunds and I don't expect that'll happen.

Maybe you don't like that idea. I don't blame you but there's nothing saying I can't make money off of leeches and looters. Special offer, then - for the exact same price I'll offer tuition sessions where we can go through the assignment together for as long as it takes until you're confident to attempt it yourself*

Contact me if you're interested, privately. It applies to both church classes and those at the regular schools. If you've got local friends who are interested, and you know that they can keep a secret and they're not anti-refugee, then you can pass the message on. Don't be careless, don't be stupid, I'd like to keep this going for mutual benefit and not get it shut down.

If you're totally uninterested, forget you saw this message and you won't hear about it again.

*Grade-based refund guarantee does not apply to tuition sessions.

How many of you are from pre-industrial societies? If you read the news there was a man struck by a car and I only assume (maybe that's bad?) he didn't know how to cross the street. And if he didn't know how to cross the street, then maybe you don't know either.

And if you don't know how to cross the street how do you navigate your phones, computers, and other technology.

Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to have some unofficial classes to go over these basic concepts to give you a better handle on things.

Just a thought.

Man struck by car in Madison August 28th, 2013 By David Johnson MADISON - A pedestrian was struck by an oncoming vehicle Thursday afternoon, according to police. The accident occurred around 4:30pm on Clifty Drive. Witnesses say the man, a reported refugee to Madison Valley, tried to cross the busy street when he was struck by the car. The driver of the vehicle claimed she had been blinded by sunlight and did not see him. She remained on the scene to speak with police after the accident. She was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian. A worker at a nearby 7-11 says he saw the accident, and tried to help the man until he could be transported to the local hospital via ambulance. The man sustained arm and leg injuries but is reported in good condition, according to Kevin Greene, a public affairs officer at King's Daughters Hospital.

They want our blood?!

Huh.

Apparently I miscalculated the distance between my bed and the chamber pot this morning. Neither of which have I discovered since arrival. What a sad little hope that was.. flying away on hopeless little wings.

Were I a more foolish man I might ask where I am, but common wisdom tells me I am in Madison Valley. Wherever that is.