[ the nearest hall that anaxa will drift towards will be a room full of soldiers(?) dressed in long black coats and wearing what look to be a plague doctor's mask. they are all armed with long thin blades—swords—but don't seem to see anaxa (and thancred) as a current thread. in fact, it's hard to tell if they're even alive to begin with given their absolute stillness. it won't even be clear if they're breathing.
as for thancred and his enjoyment with the whispers, he'll catch a sounds of someone's mumbling. a secret plan to capture someone in order to complete the process so that they may obtain their goal. that goal, however, will not be within the conversations. ]
[ Anaxagoras knows better. This is the exact kind of setup where everything could go to pot with one wrong move. But, he is still kind of curious, rather than filled with tension.
...He must learn more.
How long does this hall go on for, anyway? Anything else besides the soldiers hanging around here? Any of them look particularly odd? ]
...Aye. No hasty decisions. I don't like what I'm hearing.
[While Anaxa is checking down the hall, Thancred will cast his eyes across the larger room behind them. What sort of layout does it have? Pews? Confessionals? Any evidence of a sanctuary or altar?]
[ for anaxa's eyes, he'll see that they go on much longer than realistically should be possible and that there's no difference in any of the soldiers before them. if anything, it might look as though they were clones of one another. just a copy and a paste in a line and filling a room. barely existing and maybe awaiting some sort of order.
and as for thancred, the layout of the interior is all rather standard, nothing that would implicate anything different. though, if there is anything to note, it would be that behind the altar would be large blue orb with golden rings circling around it. much like a globe or some sort of diorama of a planet and the rings around it. ]
Behind the altar. [Said quietly, his eyes trained in that direction.] I'd think it to be an aetheryte, if not for where we are.
[It's on his next-thing-to-do list, but he will also look up for the main room - mainly, do we have any crazy high stained glass, any motifs on the ceiling of note?]
[ checking the ceiling is so real!!! for the both of them because these two might hate this or love it for two different reasons, but the ceiling will reflect a solar system. they'll know it to be earth's solar system (look, we have a frame of reference!!) if they bothered to study up on it in any of the books within the library. ...and if not then clown noses on all of us.
the solar system associated star map of the night sky will start from where thancred will be viewing around the orb and stretch out to where anaxa is viewing. or more simply, the sun and the orb are the same. ]
[ Anaxa is actually particularly crazy investigative enough to have studied up just enough in the library by far that he recognizes this! Cannot believe I'm playing someone this crazy...no clown nose this time.
Looking right back on over to where 'behind the altar' so happens to be. The sun...pitching his voice a bit quieter: ]
Should we have a closer look at the orb, then? I wonder if there is anything else important we can gather from a bit more scrutiny.
[ Anything notable on top of the altar as he peers over? Probably not, but gotta check. ]
[Meanwhile: the stars are for Urianger, of course Thancred doesn't know. :') honk honk honk]
A method of transportation where I'm from, so long as one is able to use aether.
But aye, we'll do no good just gawping at it... [A sigh, a mutter, even as he waves Anaxa to follow him closer to the altar. Time to ponder.] ...Where's the astrologians when you truly need them...
[ tragically, there's nothing notable about the top of the altar other than the orb with it's golden rings circling that's situated behind it. though, as they ponder the orb, they'll begin to feel sick. the sort of sick where it's less about their stomachs churning uncomfortably or that the get a cough or any of that kind of illness.
it's the sort of sick feeling where their bodies begin to ach—their bones start to feel like they're crumbling. the sort of "sick" that would make them believe that their extremities will slowly begin to calcify...all while the orb shines on and the golden rings spin. ]
On that note, this appears to be the sun - both on the ceiling and this orb. From Earth's Solar System-
[ Anaxagoras...
Does not have a high rating when it comes to things that apparently adversely affect his body. He stumbles back after gasping, and nearly falls to the ground.
At least he's farther (decently) from the orb. Just give him a moment. But he manages: ]
[ the two of them are free and fine to pull away from the orb and as soon as they do, the relief will be instantaneous. they'll feel just as they had before they pondered the orb. ...though it will still be there. ominously existing as a threat to their well-being.
though, at least it wouldn't be entirely for nothing, as they will hear excited mumbles around them. though the words aren't clear they will speak of it almost complete...if only they had the correct person. ]
Here I have to wonder if the correct person would have a different sort of response. Whoever they are. [Because it clearly isn't either of them, and the crowd seems all the happier despite their suffering.
Is there a pulpit area? If so, he's going to try to slip that way.]
Edited (I had a stroke there for a sec gomen) 2025-12-01 03:00 (UTC)
[ as for the what that is nearing completion, axana won't be able to hear many of the mumbling address it but a few stray mumbles will make mention of filius philosophorum momentarily before being drown out by other whispers of schemes and plans.
and for thancred's vision, he'll see that there is a pulpit area to the church that they can both sneak away into...you know. if he doesn't want to leave anaxa alone to deal with the disembodied voices by himself. though back there won't be too much but another figure that will be standing there motionless. ]
I wonder the same. But, I do have a theory it could have been attempted to reduce us to material or mere compounds...
[ That mumbling mentions certainly not an unfamiliar term. It makes him give pause, and it is perhaps lucky that there is an expert alchemist over here, also someone who can understand latin (but maybe Thancred has such language on his world), because boy.
He lets out a little 'hum' of thought to himself. ]
It seems some alchemical pursuits are being undertaken.
Correct. It is something I have mastered, completely.
[ And, actually, this spot of moment gives them a chance for Anaxagoras to elaborate on the subject, fairly easy for him to do when discussing alchemy. ]
In fact, let me tell you something:
That which I heard were the words "Filius Philosophorum". Now, in Alchemy, it can carry a variety of meaning. But, because the subject was also tending towards 'completion', I believe that this may refer to one of its foremost meanings - the Philosopher's Stone.
I wonder if the "sun" itself was a key component in that - or rather, something else entirely, given its apparent acute toxicity. Though, there are too many still unanswered questions. Let's now take a look and be prepared.
[ Anaxagoras will wait patiently, but then whenever Thancred steps forward to take a closer look at the pulpit, so will he. Will they be able to tell anything more discernable about the figure? ]
[ the figure that they find themselves before will be that of a young boy...or perhaps young girl? the figure's look is rather androgynous with the clothing it wears being being a simple shirt, pants, and boots underneath a long orange and brown cloak. again, as close as the two of them may be to the figure, it will not move and barely acknowledges their presence.
guess they can talk about alchemy in peace as the figure is just going to be there. chilling. the mumbling around them softening while they have been tucked away. ]
[me when philosophers stone is just a clam in ffxiv]
I wouldn't call that a simple toxicity. It almost felt as though the thing were petrifying us in one turn, disintegrating us the next...
Unless this Stone of theory would fit those lines?
[It's a quiet question, and he'll give Anaxa some time to answer before he signals for some distance, approaching the child a little closer to get a better look at their face. His voice stays gentle.]
[ Why is it the FF game has a silly clam as the most valuable stone...anyways, Anaxagoras wonders what they could call that. Toxicity, adverse reaction? No, none of them seem necessarily correct. ]
A supernatural toxicity, perhaps. Honestly, I don't know if there is something that could wrap it all under something defined. Although, I could see such a stone causing an effect depending on how it was synthesized.
[ Filius Philosophorum...he looks at the child. ]
"The Philosopher's Child". I wonder if this child may be connected to the Philosopher's stone.
[ There's a nagging feeling at the back of his head about something. But, he will revisit it later, watching as Thancred approaches. Just in case anything unfortunate happens. ]
[ thancred's able to get a better look at the child's face though they still will not react to to him calling out to them. they'll barely acknowledge him at all—their eyes glazed over and staring into a space beyond thancred and anaxa. whether that is a blessing or a curse remains to be seen but they're not going to be spilling any secrets for the moment. ]
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[Though as they walk, he will tend to linger behind slightly, trying to see if he can pick up any of those disembodied conversations.]
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as for thancred and his enjoyment with the whispers, he'll catch a sounds of someone's mumbling. a secret plan to capture someone in order to complete the process so that they may obtain their goal. that goal, however, will not be within the conversations. ]
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[ Anaxagoras knows better. This is the exact kind of setup where everything could go to pot with one wrong move. But, he is still kind of curious, rather than filled with tension.
...He must learn more.
How long does this hall go on for, anyway? Anything else besides the soldiers hanging around here? Any of them look particularly odd? ]
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...Aye. No hasty decisions. I don't like what I'm hearing.
[While Anaxa is checking down the hall, Thancred will cast his eyes across the larger room behind them. What sort of layout does it have? Pews? Confessionals? Any evidence of a sanctuary or altar?]
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and as for thancred, the layout of the interior is all rather standard, nothing that would implicate anything different. though, if there is anything to note, it would be that behind the altar would be large blue orb with golden rings circling around it. much like a globe or some sort of diorama of a planet and the rings around it. ]
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[ He'll check the ceiling real quick because I think it's funny to do the 'did you look up' prompt in an investigation at least once.
And then turn towards Thancred. ]
...Anything catch your eye?
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[It's on his next-thing-to-do list, but he will also look up for the main room - mainly, do we have any crazy high stained glass, any motifs on the ceiling of note?]
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the solar system associated star map of the night sky will start from where thancred will be viewing around the orb and stretch out to where anaxa is viewing. or more simply, the sun and the orb are the same. ]
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[ Anaxa is actually particularly crazy investigative enough to have studied up just enough in the library by far that he recognizes this! Cannot believe I'm playing someone this crazy...no clown nose this time.
Looking right back on over to where 'behind the altar' so happens to be. The sun...pitching his voice a bit quieter: ]
Should we have a closer look at the orb, then? I wonder if there is anything else important we can gather from a bit more scrutiny.
[ Anything notable on top of the altar as he peers over? Probably not, but gotta check. ]
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A method of transportation where I'm from, so long as one is able to use aether.
But aye, we'll do no good just gawping at it... [A sigh, a mutter, even as he waves Anaxa to follow him closer to the altar. Time to ponder.] ...Where's the astrologians when you truly need them...
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it's the sort of sick feeling where their bodies begin to ach—their bones start to feel like they're crumbling. the sort of "sick" that would make them believe that their extremities will slowly begin to calcify...all while the orb shines on and the golden rings spin. ]
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[ Anaxagoras...
Does not have a high rating when it comes to things that apparently adversely affect his body. He stumbles back after gasping, and nearly falls to the ground.
At least he's farther (decently) from the orb. Just give him a moment. But he manages: ]
We need to leave this hall.
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[Ah, but that feels
Bad
Oh like VERY bad actually
Thancred's further ahead, though sinking his weight against the closest pillar or pew he can find as he starts to feel fragile, like plaster--
Bile rises in his mouth as he immediately tries to pull his eyes away, training against the back wall instead.]
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though, at least it wouldn't be entirely for nothing, as they will hear excited mumbles around them. though the words aren't clear they will speak of it almost complete...if only they had the correct person. ]
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Would be nice if they could kick it like a frisbee! Anaxagoras straightens himself, letting loose a sigh. One of relief, more than anything. ]
Thankfully that did not last long...
[ ...He takes pause. What even else is that mumbling continuing on saying? What is almost complete? ]
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Here I have to wonder if the correct person would have a different sort of response. Whoever they are. [Because it clearly isn't either of them, and the crowd seems all the happier despite their suffering.
Is there a pulpit area? If so, he's going to try to slip that way.]
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and for thancred's vision, he'll see that there is a pulpit area to the church that they can both sneak away into...you know. if he doesn't want to leave anaxa alone to deal with the disembodied voices by himself. though back there won't be too much but another figure that will be standing there motionless. ]
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[ That mumbling mentions certainly not an unfamiliar term. It makes him give pause, and it is perhaps lucky that there is an expert alchemist over here, also someone who can understand latin (but maybe Thancred has such language on his world), because boy.
He lets out a little 'hum' of thought to himself. ]
It seems some alchemical pursuits are being undertaken.
[ ... ]
Notice anything else, Thancred?
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[Very, very lucky. But he tilts his head towards the front.]
Aye. We've another guest. Up at the reverend's pulpit.
I've a mind to get a closer look and see if he isn't any more the welcoming sort, so long as our little "star" over yonder doesn't protest.
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[ And, actually, this spot of moment gives them a chance for Anaxagoras to elaborate on the subject, fairly easy for him to do when discussing alchemy. ]
In fact, let me tell you something:
That which I heard were the words "Filius Philosophorum". Now, in Alchemy, it can carry a variety of meaning. But, because the subject was also tending towards 'completion', I believe that this may refer to one of its foremost meanings - the Philosopher's Stone.
I wonder if the "sun" itself was a key component in that - or rather, something else entirely, given its apparent acute toxicity. Though, there are too many still unanswered questions. Let's now take a look and be prepared.
[ Anaxagoras will wait patiently, but then whenever Thancred steps forward to take a closer look at the pulpit, so will he. Will they be able to tell anything more discernable about the figure? ]
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guess they can talk about alchemy in peace as the figure is just going to be there. chilling. the mumbling around them softening while they have been tucked away. ]
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me when philosophers stone is just a clam in ffxiv]I wouldn't call that a simple toxicity. It almost felt as though the thing were petrifying us in one turn, disintegrating us the next...
Unless this Stone of theory would fit those lines?
[It's a quiet question, and he'll give Anaxa some time to answer before he signals for some distance, approaching the child a little closer to get a better look at their face. His voice stays gentle.]
Don't be afraid. I've no intention to hurt you.
Can you hear me alright?
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A supernatural toxicity, perhaps. Honestly, I don't know if there is something that could wrap it all under something defined. Although, I could see such a stone causing an effect depending on how it was synthesized.
[ Filius Philosophorum...he looks at the child. ]
"The Philosopher's Child". I wonder if this child may be connected to the Philosopher's stone.
[ There's a nagging feeling at the back of his head about something. But, he will revisit it later, watching as Thancred approaches. Just in case anything unfortunate happens. ]
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[Brow furrowing, he's following their gaze towards the space behind them.]
A homonculus, perhaps...? I believe that was the word, anyways. [Vrtra was the inly one he'd ever met to use one and call it such.]
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while lum is preoccupied....
Thancred: hold that thought anaxa ill brb
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since we're skipping turns here...
Wibbly wobbly
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