proceed to new world (do not ask questions, do not collect delightful prizes)

[space_between]

Here is a young woman curled up on a bed, shivering, having thrown off her blankets when she woke earlier.

She is asleep. For now.

Comments

[shadopolis]

"You will choose your fate, and it will come to pass. You might be able to change how it comes to pass, but it will regardless of all attempts to change it."

[space_between]

"Do any of the other choices share that -- or any similar -- drawbacks?"

[shadopolis]

"No."

[space_between]

"Okay. What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Empress card?"

[shadopolis]

"You will become an ageless warrior with significant magical power, but you will be forced to fight or die."

[space_between]

"How would I be forced to fight or die?"

[shadopolis]

"You would be required to battle the foes of the Creator of the World, until eventually you lost."

[space_between]

Nicole sighs slightly. "What form does that requirement take?"

"--also, there's a creator of the world?"

[shadopolis]

"You would become very sick and eventually die if you went without killing one for too long. And yes, there is a Creator of the World. Of my world, at least. I do not like him."

[space_between]

"Are these foes sapient? Why, specifically, don't you like him?"

[shadopolis]

"Yes. Because he is incompetent and controlling."

[space_between]

"Is there any reason -- beyond it sustaining people who chose Empress -- there have been other instances of whole... thing, yes? -- for them to be killed?"

Nicole sounds almost offended.

[shadopolis]

"They are his enemies, and trying to subvert his Law. That is enough."

[space_between]

"What is this law, and how do they try to subvert it? --Will you warn me if I ask questions you don't consider relevant to my choices?"

[shadopolis]

"The Law is the order of things that must be maintained in stasis, and the bindings laid to ensure that end. The Creator's enemies attempt to break the Law, to end the stasis, to claim his throne so they may use it more effectively. And yes, I will."

[space_between]

"Who is responsible for this part of the way the Empress choice works?"

[shadopolis]

"The Creator of the World."

[space_between]

"Do you know anything about his motivations? --probably not. Is he responsible for all of these choices, and the methodology of the choice-making?"

[shadopolis]

"No to the first question, yes to the second."

[space_between]

"Of course." Nicole is silent for a moment, then, quickly, "What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Chariot card?"

[shadopolis]

"It will make you stronger, faster, more athletic. It will also make you inflexible and rigid, less able to learn new things."

[space_between]

That's terrifying.

"Can the Empress' requirements be subverted in any way?"

[shadopolis]

"Other than dying, no."

[space_between]

"...can the downsides of any of the cards be subverted, other than not objecting to them?"

[shadopolis]

"No."