Aspect shows EdgeOfShadow a Path

Characters in this scene: SubstantialAspect27, EdgeOfShadow

Editor's note: This RP seems to be incomplete. The rest, if it exists, will be added when it is found.

SubstantialAspect27 — 02/28/2021

You step out into a dappled forest. Deep green ivy winds out of the shadows and around the trees, with no clear beginning or end. In front of you stands a young man, late teens to early twenties, dressed like he's going for a hike. Backpack, boots, and a somewhat ornate walking stick.

"Are you EdgeOfShadow? Remember, you've sworn oaths not to exploit our services or act against us during this expedition."

EdgeOfShadow — 02/28/2021

"Duh." He's a bit older than the man with the backpack and boots. He's tall and his clothes are fitted, skinny jeans and a black leather jackets. His hair is jet-black and his face - well, you can't see it; he's wearing a white mask, his eyes and mouth x'd out in blue marker. "And besides, it sounds like a real dumb move to mess with the Finder family that's helping me along this Path." He pauses, looking around, "So, uh, this the glittering forest or whatever?"

SubstantialAspect27 — 02/28/2021

"A part of it closer to the surface, so to speak, used for ease of access. We'll first consider payment- I'm guessing that you're either an Oni or Goblin practicioner, based off of your... vernacular. Not enough swearing for goblin, though, I think."

EdgeOfShadow — 02/28/2021

"I could swear more," he said, "So - is the glittering forest *the* Path you're showing me today?"

SubstantialAspect27 — 02/28/2021

"If you're amenable, we'll likely dive into the deepest parts of the Gossamer Wood- it's a somewhat artificial Path, with multiple layers. The risks and boons alike are greater the deeper you go. We've walked the Wood many times, and we played a part in its creation."

EdgeOfShadow — 02/28/2021

"oh, *that's* super interesting. Didn't know you could make Paths," he said, hands in his pockets, "So, what are you wanting as payment? What are the boons you're helping me get?"

SubstantialAspect27 — 02/28/2021

"We benefit to a degree just by having an outside practitioner walk these Paths. As payment for our assistance and shared knowledge, we would request three things- a valuable secret known to no other, a lesson imparted and forever lost, and one other of your choosing- with provisions. We're fairly flexible."

EdgeOfShadow — 02/28/2021

"Hm. Not sure if I know any valuable secret known to no other, or if I did, that's already been traded away," he says, tapping a finger against his mask, thinking, "I could teach you a way of binding that allows an Other or Practitioner to act against their nature *and* I'd be willing to lose it, so that could fit the second. For the third -," he spits on the floor, "I could teach you a basic Fae trick. You might already know it though."

SubstantialAspect27 — 02/28/2021

"Hmm... a basic Fae trick is probably not needed. Do you have any items of moderate power you'd be willing to trade away?"

EdgeOfShadow — 02/28/2021

"Not really an item kind of guy," he shrugs, "Most of what I have on me are things you can find at a Wigglemart."

SubstantialAspect27 — 02/28/2021

"In that case... three pieces of novel knowledge of the practice, one lost forever, one diminished, and one preserved, along with a bit of a power drain."

EdgeOfShadow — 02/28/2021

"Sounds good."

SubstantialAspect27 — 02/28/2021

"On to the lesson... the Paths, also known as the Reaches, the far places, or the Dream- though that's somewhat outdated- are places Lost and unmoored, detached from general reality." *Aspect and Edge stroll through the ivy, which slowly grows thicker and darker.*

"Within them, things are often strange, disjointed, unintuitive. In many ways, they're very much unlike most other aspects of the practice. This is the Gossamer Wood- a Path cultivated into what it is today by the patriarch of my family. As we descend, the Lost- others that inhabit the Path- will begin to emerge. They are, by definition, *not* bound by the Seal, and they have nothing to lose, for they have already Lost themselves. It is imperative that you not speak with or address them, within this Path- here, they can and will take the words from your mouth, thoughts from your head, and eventually your very Self."

"Within the Wood is one Other who is not Lost- the Verdant Governess. She was a complex spirit imported into this Path to oversee and coordinate the Lost and bargain with us, for she *is* bound by the Seal. The Wood's boon is eloquence and assuredness in social situations- easily navigating them with grace and skill, enhanced understanding of etiquette, convention, and emotions and motivations. The downside is that you become a bit more careful with your words, a bit more thought before you speak, a bit less confident in impulse and luck."

"The Wood gathers lost thoughts, skills, memories, and insights. The Others here were often once echoes, and their memories add to the Governess's hoard. The Wood's boon is not as great as some, but the danger is less prevalent here- as long as you don't leave the path or speak with the Lost, you're safe."

"Do you have any reservations about proceeding?"

EdgeOfShadow — 02/28/2021

"None I can think of."