text.

[megatheorem]

Username: sextus
Name: Palamedes
Age: 22
Hometown: The Library

Hi, Palamedes here, again. Now that we've collectively gotten our bearings, more or less, I'd like to revisit the buddy system spreadsheet idea you might have glanced by previously. Functionally, this place is a nightmare for anyone traveling solo, and the lingering unknowns in the realm of what they put in our necks pose a larger concern than our surgically-inclined neighbors seem to think.

So, a buddy system. On a spreadsheet. I'll sheet it, but I need a good amount of people to actually spread it. Think of it as an on-call list of new companions willing to believe in strength in numbers, for what the overall purpose is. I'm thinking name / availability / exploratory preference and interests / relevant skills, but this is a collaborative idea, so I'd love suggestions.

Unrelated, sort of, but the library in our new lodgings is full of some of the worst garbage I have ever had the delight of reading. Does anyone want to form a book club for God-awful literature? Some of it is trying very hard to be erotic.

I can make two spreadsheets. Let me know.

Comments

un: salem (text)

[techrotten]

Boo to spreadsheets, hooray to (terrible) erotic literature. I will happily join this club.

[megatheorem]

Glad to hear enthusiasm for the written word. Can I ask why "boo" to spreadsheets? Out of curiosity.

un: bloodbag

[deathpainting]

( so much of this is going over his head that he takes a bit to do some of his own research on whatever the elusive 'spreadsheet' is... )

Spreading the word is easy but I'm not sure about the spread of...sheet. Can it not be on a piece of paper?

[megatheorem]

Real paper? Luxurious. But this place seems to be wallowing in luxury, and I won't say no to giving up flimsy for a while. Paper will do.

[does that help.]

un: j.talis (text)

[wondrously]

Hi Palamedes. Hope you're down from a 24 on your scale.

You can add me to your spreadsheet (availability undetermined as of yet). I'm hoping to get to a real library, and pick up some tools ASAP.

[ He needs $$$ for the latter, though. A problem right now. ]

[megatheorem]

Hello and thanks! I think I'd put myself at around a 6, now.

[Ha ha, his little private joke. Anyway.]

I'll gladly add your name, and join you on the hunt for a real library, if you'll have me. What kind of tools?

un: STR1NG0FP34RLS

[electrotoxic]

hold everything else

HOW bad is the library

[megatheorem]

Bankrupt in all areas of talent, but with a broad range of creative scenarios. A few heaving bosoms. Nothing of real interest regarding nonfiction topics.

un: realname_online

[eepy]

Another one signing up for this book club.
There's something about passing the time with erotic literature while our hosts encourage us to engage in certain trust exercises.

[megatheorem]

That's a fair point. I promise you my interest in a book club is not a ruse to put the moves on you all en masse, although it would be faster for someone who is. I'm just an avid reader.

Do you want to go on the spreadsheet as "Realname Online," or something else?

@chuuya

[gravitys]

not sure what else that spreadsheet would need, since on-call wouldn't need a "don't pair me with this person". it'd be nice if you sorted it by availability times, i guess? so you could find someone available as needed. or if it could be sorted by any of those on a need.

also, i'm bored as fuck. sign me up for book club i guess.

[megatheorem]

Skill-based sorting as a priority, maybe? I know for myself, a buddy with physical strength is going to be a necessity, because I have none.

Another for book club! Am I writing down "Chuuya" or another name?

un: murphy | voice

[bogeyman]

[ ring, ring. he's calling. text is awful. ]

-> voice

[megatheorem]

[Ooh, fun, his first personal phone call on this thing. He picks up, and since no one would call him for anything else at this point:]

Hello, Palamedes speaking. Is this about my spreadsheets?

un: soulseer

[filikos]

Book club? How delightful. I should like to attend, and see for myself just how terrible the literature here is!

[megatheorem]

Oh, it'll shock and delight you. Down to the lettering on the book covers.

I'll put you down for books. How about buddies?

@AAAA

[parhellia]

+1 to two spreadsheets!!
still, it sounds complicated...
wouldn't it be easier to just grab the first person you see and force them to come with?

[megatheorem]

Not for me, no. Plus it sounds counterproductive to the idea of getting anything done, if you're arguing with an unwilling partner the whole time.

un: monster

[hallankind]

[Oh he recognizes that name, considering how much Palamedes had insisted on it.

Johann has little interest in whatever a 'buddy' 'system' is, and even less of a clue when it comes to what a spreadsheet is. He's barely able to use the Syntrofos in the first place. At least he's literate.]

So how bad are we talking about? I've never been much of a reader but maybe you can change my mind.

[megatheorem]

[Why do so many of you disdain the buddy system, it works--]

Drivel. Nonsense. Precariously balanced half-plots on top of mostly grotesque prose. Unironic use of the word "turgid."

text, un: momo-chan~<3

[yesdoubt]

Ooh, very organised~
I'm always willing to help out with stuff, so I'd be interested in joining up (*´ω｀*)
Also good to hear the books were worth dragging yourself around the halls for... (*≧▽≦)ﾉｼ))

[megatheorem]

Thanks on both counts! I'll jot you down. Any notes, noteworthy skills, and so on?

They were terrible. I have recommendations, if you want them.

un: walrus

[mantlebearer]

Will you be reading it out loud? If so, consider me interested.

[ could he read them by himself? yes. will he? no, this would be much more fun —

also yes, make the spreadsheet, seems like a wonderful way to gather information about people. he will peruse it at his leisure. ]

[megatheorem]

Of course. I'll be preparing dicussion questions, too.

[Are you ready for the Themes and Motifs discussion, sir—]

un: thorny.

[wanderment]

what's a spreadsheet?

[megatheorem]

A grid for data collection. Great for organizing, and sort-able!

un: medarda

[opposed]

Since people would be spreading the list around, how many individuals are you suspecting would have access to the names there?

[ Privacy issues are sort of a concern right now. ]

[megatheorem]

Not to put too fine a point on it, but Patho-Gen absolutely has files on us already, if they know the first thing about running a place like this.

That said, the most secure method would be to have everyone write down their information privately, have me read it, and then have me destroy it. I remember everything I read. Unfortunately, I can't count on being available all the time.

Anyway, salient concern. No one who isn't on the list is permitted to see the list; it's opt-in all the way down. If there are already known bad actors around, I welcome my volunteers to give me a heads up.

text | un: godslayer

[polemos]

Put my name on both lists. Mydeimos.

[megatheorem]

Sure thing. Any skills you want to include? Or interests?

text; un: V

[techmaturgy]

[ew...the buddy system again. do not perceive him. do not give him a buddy. HOWEVER--]

What were you hoping to find in the library?

[megatheorem]

[Why do so few of you embrace the power of the buddy system!! It's like you weren't raised in an empire obsessed with a very specific kind of buddy system, or something.]

Not the buxom and boisterous adventures of many a cheeky heroine, I assure you. I wanted information. That Patho-Gen representative disappeared so quickly when we all arrived, so I thought maybe a room full of books would have at least something helpful. History, data about the world outside, detailed notes on the things in our necks.

It's mostly cheap reads and a few tourist-type nonfiction collections, though. I've been more disappointed before, but this is up there.

un: childe

[monoceroscaeli]

Count me in. Adventuring, taking on the most dangerous of conditions, and slaying powerful enemies is something I'm quite good at. Having a companion or two alongside me wouldn't be so bad.

Though...count me out on the book club. I'm more partial to well-written adventure stories myself.

[megatheorem]

Glad to have you. Do you want to be listed as "Childe" or something else? And for my own curiosity, what kinds of enemies do you slay?

If I find a better selection in the libraries hopefully in the city, I'll let you know.

@AMAGIBIGDICK69

[hanikamu]

nah fuck off lmao

[megatheorem]

Thank you, I'll start a third list for the profoundly disinterested.

Not even book club?

text; un: coinflip

[guaranteedwins]

If you don't mind, would you add "Aventurine" to your lists?

[megatheorem]

Both? Of course. Like the stone? Anything else I should add?

And welcome to book club.

un: dr.mccoy

[homeostatic]

Add me to both.

Dr. Leonard McCoy / mornings and afternoons / municipal buildings, cultural centers, schools, libraries, and whatever passes for a Public Health Authority around here

At least you found something entertaining?

[megatheorem]

Absolutely. Also, I'd love to touch base. I'm not personally a doctor, but I've dabbled in the field, and I'm itching to get a second informed opinion on the surprise surgery we've undergone.

And yes, it's dreadful prose, but the kind that loops back around into sensibly chuckling. Hence, book club.

@traveler

[startraveler]

That's a good idea. You can count me in.

I'm an adventurer and a traveler, so I'm quite experienced at exploration and dealing with danger. I can fight with a sword.

As for the book club... I think I prefer books based on historical events. Or a good adventure story.

[megatheorem]

Sure thing, thanks! Preferred name? And it's not crucial, but what kind of sword?

You know, I spotted at least one historical fiction in here, ar at least I assumed it was meant to be historical fiction. It was a bit dry, but if you'd like to check it out...?