Silveraith
Argent Phantasm
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Working.At the very least, hearing about another worked example will help him clarify his thoughts.
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Working.At the very least, hearing about another worked example will help him clarify his thoughts.
It means hello, though of course they would be laughing at Paul. There is no k sound in "Χαίρετε", that χ is pronounced similar to the 'h' in home or hello though more pronounced.By context, I would guess that means 'Friendly!' or 'Ally!' ...Though what was that about the trousers?
To be clear: I the author do not speak any form of Greek.It means hello, though of course they would be laughing at Paul. There is no k sound in "Χαίρετε", that χ is pronounced similar to the 'h' in home or hello though more pronounced.
Similarly the sound of the letter is not 'chi' but 'hi' (NOT 'hai' as the word hi is pronounced in English) same 'h' sound.
Though I understand why they would write it that way, as it is kinda hard to differentiate the english greeting from the sound of the greek word.
No, that's correct. It means when a textbook shows you step by step how an equation works. An example that's been worked out.
I know I'm just poking some fun towards the unfortunate choices of english speaking academics (and more importantly "academics") when attempting to phonetically write greek words they have never heard.
Not in ancient Greek! Χ was an aspirated velar stop, which means "kh" (the h isn't silent) is exactly the right way to describe it. And Themysciran Greek is closer to ancient Greek than modern or even Koine Greek, as they broke away from the rest of civilization circa 1200 BC.It means hello, though of course they would be laughing at Paul. There is no k sound in "Χαίρετε", that χ is pronounced similar to the 'h' in home or hello though more pronounced.
Similarly the sound of the letter is not 'chi' but 'hi' (NOT 'hai' as the word hi is pronounced in English) same 'h' sound.
Though I understand why they would write it that way, as it is kinda hard to differentiate the english greeting from the sound of the greek word.
There's not a precise word in modern English for it. If you backtrack to definitions that are obsolete in modern use, the appropriate term is "protege."
I'm rereading a bit of the Earth -16 episode and the mentions of the Zatara Crime Family's signature backwards-talking magic that can't really be faked. I remember Sephtian's excitement and bafflement at testing her ability as well. Is the source of their logomancy in this setting going to be given an explanation at some point?
I personally have a headcanon about Leonardo da Vinci (Zatanna's ancestor) and Dream of the Endless being lovers or at least patron and..patronee? (what would someone who has a patron be called?), to explain the power of words reshaping reality.
I figured, but I was wondering if he'd provide an origin for it like he's done for other things (like the Genomorphs coming from a Kryptonian 'unicorn'-hybrid)Zoat seems to be going with the Zatara logomancy being a genetic legacy- can't be faked because for non-Zataras it's as magical as pig latin.
Also it is used specifically as what is called politeness plural. Generally it is a semiformal to formal way to say hello to someone or someones who you are not familiar with or to whom you were introduced for the first time.Also, χαίρετε is specifically plural, so it's a greeting for groups of people.
I will remain skeptical until someone links me an actual academic paper, and just treat it as the quick and easy excuse that Hollywood used it as; to not bother to get things right with an (admittedly) troublesome to get right language.
Probably not.I'm rereading a bit of the Earth -16 episode and the mentions of the Zatara Crime Family's signature backwards-talking magic that can't really be faked. I remember Sephtian's excitement and bafflement at testing her ability as well. Is the source of their logomancy in this setting going to be given an explanation at some point?
Sounds about right.I personally have a headcanon about Leonardo da Vinci (Zatanna's ancestor) and Dream of the Endless being lovers or at least patron and..patronee? (what would someone who has a patron be called?), to explain the power of words reshaping reality.
https://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0521335558 says (emphasis in original):I remain will remain skeptical until someone links me an actual academic paper, and just treat it as the quick and easy excuse that Hollywood used it as, to not bother to get things right with an (admittedly) troublesome to get right language.
Vox Graeca said:The evidence for this category is required primarily to show that in classical Attic the sounds written φ, θ, χ were aspirated plosives, like the ph, th, kh of Sanskrit and the modern Indian languages (and similar to the initial p, t, k of English or German), and not fricatives* as in modern Greek
[...]
When a final voiceless unaspirated plosive (π, τ, κ) stands before an aspirated vowel [...] it is changed to φ, θ, χ; which can only mean that φ, θ, χ here stand for aspirated [ph], [th], [kh], and not for fricatives.
Ah, good on you. He'll probably find it more useful than you will now, and even the odds a little. Assuming things come down to close melee. And given that they didn't simply bombard New Cronus from their ships in the first place... I'd say the Ascendants want to get up close and personal.11th September 2012
20:38 GMT
Athyns and I both head towards the forward edge of the defenders' position.
"Sorry to spring this on you." I take the sword out of subspace and offer it to him. "But you might find this helpful."
Indeed. Though I don't doubt it'll take him a moment to work out how to empower it."A war-prize?"
"Their technology. The gods told me that you are a descendent of Rhea yourself, so you should be able to use it."
He's a pragmatic fellow, he'll use any advantage he can get..."I… Had suspected, but-."
The soldiers at the edge of our position open fire. Athyns ducks slightly, then takes the sword and hefts it.
I take it that's been frustrating him thus far. But with any luck he won't need to use it."If it helps with their damnable personal shields then I will take it."
"Good show."
I can imagine him pausing as OL watches with amusement, then opens one eye and asks, "Um... Why aren't I dead yet?"I shoot into the air, immediately drawing fire from the attackers' advanced party. Nothing particularly troubling. They all seem to be equipped as light infantry, and their weapons have nothing like the power needed to meaningfully damage my shields. I generate a draconic claw construct and send it downwards, grabbing the closest and pulling him into the air. He struggles for a moment, then prepares for death.
Admirable.
Ah, your first Error: OL isn't on New Cronus' side, officially. When someone busts in and starts shooting at the people you're talking to, you don't stand there saying "I'm not with them, thanks." You duck and shoot back."Hello. I'd like to arrange a parlay. Who do I need to speak to in order to do that."
"There will be no parlay with the servants of the parasites!"
To be fair, I can see him not knowing, actually. If he's low rank, he's probably had the old mushroom treatment like the rest of the lads...."Now, are you informing me of policy there, or are you just talking me down? Has Sparta ordered no parlay with anyone?"
He hesitates.
Ah, OL. Only you could use a philosophic discussion as an opener for peace talks, in the middle of a firefight."No, the-. The false gods are condemned, but she-. She has not made any decree on the fate of their servants."
"Then, surely, from your point of view… Is it not reasonable to grant pardon to the slaves of the false gods, who serve them because they know no other life?"
...I mean, you're not not looking like a god right now, flying above and holding him in a grand grasp..."I-. Who are you?"
"I am the Illustres of the Orange Lantern Corps. Not one of the false gods you're here to fight, though that's sort of happened anyway. If you could send a message to your commanding officer?"
And what good soldier doesn't want to avoid them or their mates dying?"The false gods still stand! Their soldiers still fight!"
"If you don't negotiate with them, they'll be force to fight to the last. They will kill more of your side than they would otherwise. I don't see how that's advantageous."
Not if you don't ask, certainly.I smile broadly.
"Would you please explain it to me?"
"I… I don't think that they would surrender…"
Ah, progress! Show a bit of spine, though. Just because he's holding you by the scruff of your neck doesn't mean you can't be firm."You have the authority to make that determination?"
"No! But-. Ah, I can.. contact my squad leader?"
Good to see the comms disruption isn't applying to them. Makes it much easier than going flying looking for said Primus."Why are you asking my permission? I'm your enemy."
He reaches around the construct talons and taps his neck. "Primus. One of the fa-. Um, defenders, is requesting a parlay. Is there-?"
That is a good point. Most of the Titan's army is Karrakanian, isn't it? except where it's been supplemented by Minosyssines (Minosyssi? Argh, the nomenclature...) Depending on how long the trip from Karrakan took, some of the older ones would still remember the old days? Assuming it took years to get here...He pauses, and I don't listen in to the other half of the conversation.
"No, they're still resisting." I glance down. The scouting party is fanning out to form a containment perimeter, but not advancing. I'm not sure that Athyns' party could attack. "Because… Most of them are Karrakanian. If they hear the truth of the Ascendants-. Ah, of course, but are there… No conditions..? Yes, but I'm uninjured and he makes… A good point. We are all Rhea's people, and this is-."
Necessitating a show of trust on their part. Not that I doubt OL couldn't carve his way out of the enemy positions...There's a longer pause.
"Thank you, Primus." He looks directly at me. "My Primus will speak with you and the leader of the-. The soldiers below us. Just the two of you."
Now that's going to take a much higher Diplomacy check Difficulty Class... Let's hope OL can diplomance his way through it..."Can your Primus order a wider ceasefire?"
"No, but he can take you to an Ascendant who can, if he thinks that it is worthwhile."
So, stand around, hurry up and wait, no shooting? Sounds good. Smoke if you got them!"Can't say fairer than that. And in the meanwhile?"
"Our soldiers will not attack if yours do the same, and will not advance further if yours do not retreat."
Thankfully OL's shields are tough enough to tank their shots, if someone has a twitchy trigger finger. Wouldn't do to get the grunt shot..."Accepted."
I descend at speed, swapping the construct claw for a simple tether. Athyns readies his sword and two other defenders point their guns at us as I return to ground level.
Recognising an Ascendant fighting for the enemy, no doubt. I'll bet that's a shock, all right."Good news; they've agreed to parlay."
My prisoner stares at Athyns' face in clear shock. Athyns merely frowns back.
Yeah, no simply marching across a border without a proper Cassus Belli. That sort of thing went out centuries ago."And that is good?"
"While these things can't always be settled through reasoned debate, one of the most important rules of warfare where I'm from is that both sides should openly state what they're trying to achieve. Aside from anything else, it encourages seeing the people you're killing as people, and not as some faceless manifestation of an abstract principle. Also."
Heh. That would put the defenders at quite the advantage, since I doubt any of Sparta's Ascendants are gods of healing.I take a couple of purple healing ray devices out of subspace and thrust them at the soldiers acting as medical orderlies.
"Universal healing rays. Patch your soldiers up."
A helpful carrot there.My 'prisoner' looks shocked. "That-."
"Is a technology that I will be happy to share upon the cessation of hostilities, but I am on the opposing side at the moment."
Ah, right. The other guy didn't have a scabbard, did he?"It's… Yes. I can.. lead you to my Primus. You'll need to stow your weapons."
I dismiss my construct guns, while Athyns awkwardly holds the sword-.
As long as it's not the naughty kind of 'sheathing'...I fabricate him a sheath and pass it over, and he sheathes the sword and attached the sheath to his equipment harness.
"Adequate?"
Though I suspect Athyns is feeling a little exposed. OL might be able to tank their shots, but...He points to the tether and I remove that as well. Then he nods. "This way."
We follow up out of the area Athyns' soldiers are hunkering down in, out into an area where the attackers' scouts have a clear view of us. No shots, though they peer out only cautiously, checking that their colleague is alive and well. One nods and waves us onwards before getting back into full cover.
Plus, I doubt either corpse's armour was in the best shape, given the force needed to kill them. Something many adventurers forget about when they're looting everything not nailed down (and rummaging for prybars for the things that are.)"I don't suppose that you took armour as a prize as well?"
"Sorry. I feel a little off about stripping corpses. I mean, if you try and kill me with something then you've got no right to complain if I keep it, but taking someone's clothes seems unsavoury."
Ah, good sensible rank markings. No golden cuirasses or big, flashy crests here, eh?We're led through sensor domes and shield generators and past the bodies of the fallen. Gradually we begin seeing more of the attackers' soldiers. No vehicles of Ascendants, but they're clearly mustering. A few have wounds or other battle damage, but the advantage of advancing is that you can gather your wounded somewhere safe.
A soldier with gold striped on his armour is giving orders to a few without, but looks around as we approach. He takes a moment to look us over, then dismisses our escort with a gesture.
Which I suspect outranks the Primus just a bit. But it's not like high-ranked officers have never had to make peace with low ranks before..."I am the Primus of this cohort. What are you?"
"I am Athyns, commander of the New Cronus garrison."
If they weren't so honourable about these things, I suspect a meaner man would be chuckling to himself evilly... Imagine the bounty on such a person.
...Not literally, I hope. I doubt the Titans went down that easily.The Primus snorts contemptuously.
"Haven't you heard, commander? The gods are dead."
Thank you, corrected.
And given that they didn't simply bombard New Cronus from their ships in the first place... I'd say the Ascendants want to get up close and personal.
I mean, you're not not looking like a god right now, flying above and holding him in a grand grasp...
...Not literally, I hope. I doubt the Titans went down that easily
Hades is gonna stop letting OL take his daughter out.The Primus snorts contemptuously.
"Haven't you heard, commander? The gods are dead."
Doing something of a reread, now I'm rethinking this in light of more recent chapters revealing Paul's tattoos are making him into something equivalent to a new god(Avatar off the Ophidian), and wondering whether Earl Dukeston has much chance of ending up as Avatar of this god of technology, he already has technology control abilities, and his soul was created using a fetish of the god of technology's power."Well, short version, a while ago I found myself in your position. I talked to some wizards, and after a while we managed to get it fixed. Since I couldn't grow a soul normally, we used a little magic to make me grow one artificially. I'm not exactly sure how it would work for you, but we can talk to some people and see what we can come up with."
It sort of seemed like Boss Smiley is actually an impressive master planner from that whole confrontation, aside from being able to hijack a bunch of saints' energy in the first place, the important thing is how he went about that whole confrontation, with a series of goals of increasing difficulty and decreasing likeliness of success, starting with a possible goal of ill-disposing the religious community towards OL, then the deaths of those associates driving the technological revolution(later reversed by resurrection) then the destruction of the Sword of the Fallen(apparently successful, but probably reversible by a method I've just come up with, but also removing one of the only things we're sure could kill Smiley), then putting OL in a disadvantageous position to try to offer a series of deals.When If?
"Nearly. Your perception of her death set you on this path."
And now I have his attention.
"What do you mean?"
"If she died and you didn't know about it, your behaviour would be unaltered. If she was replaced by a gynoid programmed to mimic her, or a shapeshifter, your behaviour would be unaltered. On the other hand, if you believed that she died…"
Doing something of a reread, now I'm rethinking this in light of more recent chapters revealing Paul's tattoos are making him into something equivalent to a new god(Avatar off the Ophidian), and wondering whether Earl Dukeston has much chance of ending up as Avatar of this god of technology, he already has technology control abilities, and his soul was created using a fetish of the god of technology's power.
Also, this scene got me thinking about the confrontation with Boss Smiley some more:
It sort of seemed like Boss Smiley is actually an impressive master planner from that whole confrontation, aside from being able to hijack a bunch of saints' energy in the first place, the important thing is how he went about that whole confrontation, with a series of goals of increasing difficulty and decreasing likeliness of success, starting with a possible goal of ill-disposing the religious community towards OL, then the deaths of those associates driving the technological revolution(later reversed by resurrection) then the destruction of the Sword of the Fallen(apparently successful, but probably reversible by a method I've just come up with, but also removing one of the only things we're sure could kill Smiley), then putting OL in a disadvantageous position to try to offer a series of deals.
So basically I've been assuming that the destruction of the sword was planned, and have been wondering why Grayven hasn't been seeing more pushback.
But also I've been thinking that Smiley is probably why every parallel version of Sivana except for the theoretical physicist ended up a supervillain. Because only the one that didn't produce practical applications wasn't a threat to the balance of power, and it wouldn't be that difficult to convince people to not invest in his tech, and to convince Sivana himself to take revenge and become a supervillain.
Anyway, getting to how time travel is related to Smiley, I suspect that there will be a future anti-smiley alliance, and Sivana will be critical, because he could use a time machine to go back and pick up the Sword of the Fallen from before the Angels would have destroyed it. I know that the whole 'perception of a series of events in time leading to the present to avoid paradox' thing is unnecessary since OL changed how time works, but by the same token it probably wouldn't be that hard to fake the sword to a casual analysis followed by destruction, just in case for some reason they want to avoid creating a noticeably distinct hypertime branch.
They are outnumbered and in their avatars they would be weaker than they would be in full power, so Sparta and the other Ascendant may have been able to kill them.
Going to be honest, I don't remember what that is.Just finished another re-read.
Feels like it's been awhile since Paul used old classics like the Pithing Needle.
It's a construct that creates a needle that, when inserted into a human's body, will render them mostly unable to move. Effectiveness against non-humans or altered humans may vary.
Theoretically, sure.
But I doubt it. As the soldier stated, they are here to kill the gods, they have no orders about their followers.
So if they finished their mission, why are they still fighting instead of trying to leave?
Mission Accomplished, after all.
Alternatively, the Primus could be lying. Not saying he necessarily is, just that it's clearly an option.Because either the followers are still fighting them or Sparta's followers just want to keep fighting and killing to sate their bloodlust.
Alternatively, the Primus could be lying. Not saying he necessarily is, just that it's clearly an option.
Yes. Also, the Primus could have been lied to by someone else (e.g. Sparta).True.
Or it could be that some of them are still alive and fighting, but losing to the point that they're unlikely to live much longer, so the Primus considers them dead already.