Video

[terminally_clever]

[After spending some time looking around town, talking with locals, and efficiently gathering information, Fumi's ready to introduce herself to the network.  Except it's not so much an introduction as a combination lecture / interrogation.  She doesn't have time for idle pleasantries - there is a new research topic afoot.  Her face is expressionless as she launches right into her diatribe.]

Persona.

A concept first introduced by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung in the early twentieth century, described as 'a kind of mask, designed on the one hand to make a definite impression upon others, and on the other to conceal the true nature of the individual.'

[Dry and pedantic, just like she likes it.  Although at this point, her features take on a hint of frustration.]

I have vague memories of having heard this word shortly before waking up in this city, and given the rather abrupt nature of my arrival, I feel safe in assuming the word holds a more significant meaning in this place than would normally be suggested by traditional psychological terminology.  I've also gathered that I'm far from the only person to have arrived in this way, or to have experienced that vague dream upon arrival.

So, Hinoto-Ri, what can you tell me about the Persona phenomenon, and what is the most efficient way to awaken one?  Please make your responses as brief and concise as possible.  I may have found my next research topic.

[The woman smiles before ending the feed and waiting for responses.]

Comments

[meaningdies]

Mm. Likely. Though the current ruling force of the universe in my world is Yehowah - and yes, I mean the Abrahamic God. The server of the summoning program was the Tower of Babel, however.

[terminally_clever]

It's very possible that both are true on some level. I've gathered that Polaris doesn't intervene in human affairs on a terribly regular basis. Likely even less so than other sorts of deities. Ours was a bit of a special case.

[meaningdies]

It's possible, I suppose. But I've never heard it mentioned, and that's the sort of thing I would have likely come across.

[Someone would have mentioned it during one of his lives.]

[terminally_clever]

Perhaps Polaris was overselling itself, then.

[She seems amused at the notion.]

[meaningdies]

It's entirely possible. Many powerful beings have delusions of being more important than they are.

[terminally_clever]

It does diminish my own accomplishments somewhat if that turns out to be the case, though.

[meaningdies]

You're young. You still have time to go beating up godlike beings.

[terminally_clever]

[Eyebrow raise.]

Oh? And how old does that make you by comparison?

[meaningdies]

A damn old fart.

[He chuckles a bit.]

[terminally_clever]

Hm. Indeed.

[She won't pry.]