Induction.

[wordsmithery]

Today seems to have been an exercise in providing more questions than answers. After all, aside from the rules on the walls, it's not as though there's much here that's going to help you understand what's going on, or why you're here in the first place. Some of you are angry; some are more confused than anything. Some are dealing in the best way that they know how. But perhaps one question remains at the back of mind, regardless of what you choose to make of the situation, and rightly so: Who is responsible for this? It's a question that doesn't seem to have a ready answer; after a while, though, you will receive something. It's not a solution, and it's not a way out, but it's contact – the sound of the public address system crackling to life somewhere above your heads, an indication that someone, somewhere, is aware that you're here and has something to say. 'I trust that all of you had a good night's sleep. Now that you have hopefully familiarized yourselves with your fellow Apprentices, allow me to make a formal introduction myself.' The voice is male, that much is obvious; it isn't recognizable to anyone present, however. 'Welcome and congratulations, new Apprentices of Chronos University. You have been chosen for a valuable exercise of higher learning within these walls. Both the rules and a list of your fellow Apprentices have been provided for you in several locations, and I advise that you study both very carefully. Knowing them well can only serve to help you.' 'As for my own introduction, I am the equivalent of a headmaster to this educational institution. For our time together, you may refer to me as the Wordsmith. I do hope that you all endeavor to make the most of your time spent here, however you may choose.' [OOC: You can be heard just fine through the PA system, so feel free to ask/say anything your little heart desires!]

Comments

[feistytrader]

[...You know, there are a lot of things to be said here, but the first one that comes out of his mouth is, well-]

So if you're a teacher, what are you teaching? When's class?

[Do they get a field for their battles-]

[wordsmithery]

What you choose to learn is entirely your decision. It is not up to me to decide what you become Apprentices of, specifically.

[bloodbiter]

[Before any of her other questions...]

Where are you? Show yourself.

[What the heck is a PA system. Technology is hard.]

[wordsmithery]

I would prefer not to. In the interest of Rule Five, you understand.

[acherontiastyx]

...

I think I'm gonna make the most of my time by throwing down. Why don't you show yourself and let us get a shot at breaking Rule Five, huh?

[wordsmithery]

That would be an unwise decision on your part, Rebellious.

[officerhops]

[...okay, this is completely beyond the realm of what Judy was expecting. But this is going to be her chance to talk to their captor, and she's not going to let it go to waste.]

Well, Mister Wordsmith, I do hope you are aware that bringing people to a location against their will, regardless of proposed circumstances or institutions, is a criminal offense.

[wordsmithery]

And that's to be enforced by...who, exactly?

I'm afraid that you'll find a new set of laws applies here, Determined.

[elepe]

[So, the man of the hour does in fact exist. Well, that's wonderful to know if nothing else.

...Still, yeah, Lusamine's got some questions.]

Mr. Wordsmith, then. While I understand the need for schooling beyond the basics, I must ask. What do you intend to teach us? Is there a curriculum that you intend for us to follow?

[wordsmithery]

The best teacher is experience, is that not how the saying goes? It is entirely up to each Apprentice to decide what they wish to learn.

[firstaid]

[Hearing all that said, Estelle's definitely whipping her head around trying to figure out where the voice is coming from. Is it being protected? But from where? It's definitely not just something being linked to her mind, or so she thinks...

...how does this level of technology work?]

Excuse me, but I don't recall applying for an academy. Also, I have many questions for you if you can hear me.

[She's definitely yelling as if she's trying to project her voice loud and clear enough so wherever this Wordsmith is can hear her.]

[wordsmithery]

I can hear you, Noble. You were chosen with no need for time wasted in applications.

[iaspis]

Gems are perfect being. We have no need for "higher learning." I was created knowing what I need to know to serve the Diamonds.

[wordsmithery]

I disagree. You may just find that there are things even such a being like yourself has yet to learn.

[byday]

[Can't show his face. Of course. He has to make things difficult. They're everywhere, too, and Bruce immediately has a new goal of discerning where the Wordsmith is broadcasting from. He moves towards a wall, casually, trying to take note of where the voice is coming from. He tucks his hand into his jacket pocket, looking casual as he does it.]

This isn't about ransom, is it? You know I have enough for both myself and everyone here, really.

[wordsmithery]

Of course that's not the case. What makes you think it would be?

[ravagers]

[ Vanille has a lot of questions, but the air is so tense... ]

What kind of exercise, exactly?

[ ... she's still in denial about what the rules have told her. ]

[wordsmithery]

Call it a trust-building exercise.

[foundfate]

[And here Watanuki thought they would be getting a proper introduction.

Watanuki listened to the Wordsmith, but at the end of it he still has questions. Questions he is going to put voice to, actually, because he would like some answers.]

Does our 'equivalent of a headmaster' have a name? It's weird to call someone just by a title. And shouldn't introductions be done in person?

[wordsmithery]

The name I've given will suffice for now. And as for presenting myself in person, surely most of you can see what a poor idea that would be on my end.

[sportadork]

Loudspeaker... [interesting. not the opening he was hoping for, but still very interesting.]

Wordsmith! [god what does he even ask.] Ah, do you not think some of us are a little old for school?

[wordsmithery]

One is never too old to stop learning.

[oyashiromama]

[She wishes with her physical body she had her sword back.]

Why were we chosen for this? Why us specifically?

[wordsmithery]

Perhaps you all just have something to learn from this university.

[tsugomori]

Well, well...

[ Look who it is. ]

I don't suppose you will tell us how we were sent here, hm?

[wordsmithery]

I'm afraid I can't do that.

[deofoled]

[ Finally, some type of contact from whoever owned this place. A lot of the others gathered are asking some of the more typical questions, and Killia's actually pretty bristled about what he's calling them, so he'll start with that.]

What makes you think I want to be your apprentice?

[wordsmithery]

I don't recall saying you were my apprentices specifically, Individualistic.

[iamthatsea]

Um... I'm already an apprentice somewhere else, though? I'm not really at a stopping point.

[wordsmithery]

One can learn several things at once, Spiritual.

[matchbreaker]

[ UM?

UM???? ]

Where do you even got that voice of yours coming from?! If you've given us phones, at least use those!

[wordsmithery]

It's a very simple PA system, Indomitable.

[alchemicals]

So I just have one question for you, I can try to figure out the rest on my own.

[Surely, this is going to be - ]

What the hell did you do to my hair.

[rele...vant never mind then]

[wordsmithery]

...Nothing? Why, is there something wrong with it?

[modernmedicine]

Herr Wordsmith, while I certainly appreciate higher learning, kidnapping and violence are different matters entirely. What has you so convinced that those things are worth doing?

[wordsmithery]

It isn't the value I hold in it that matters. If they are worth doing, Restoring, is up to each of you to decide.

[plentyfriendly]

I don't suppose you're willing to reveal what the consequences for violating any of your rules are?

[She doesn't see much point in arguing with him. Whatever happened before, she is now Here, and that's immutable.

She can also tell it's not like a prerecorded message or something, based on how most everyone else got an actual response.]

[wordsmithery]

I thought the implication to be obvious.

But if anyone would like to find out, you're welcome to break one and see.

[quadruples]

Is murder the only option, or are there other ways to end this course?

[ He really isn't here for killing people tbh. ]

[wordsmithery]

The rules were carefully written to be as clear as possible.

[spiritform]

[ So this is the 'Wordsmith'? Whoever or whatever it is doesn't matter-- ]

I don't have time for your "lessons". I have a mission I must complete at any cost, I cannot allow any more delays.

[wordsmithery]

That's unfortunate. I'm afraid the only way to leave has already been outlined to you.

WORDSMITH AGE POLL

[elepe]

[Well, with that put on the table, Lusamine clicks her heels against the floor to try and get people's attention.]

Excuse me, fellow apprentices--if I could have a moment of your time, Mr. Wordsmith is allowing us a chance to find out something about him. He is potentially willing to arrange putting his age up for disply, if we are able to reach a majority who wish it.

I believe this may allow us a chance to see something of our...overseer, [She is trying really hard not to say kidnapper, dammit.] and perhaps understand our situation the slightest bit.

Would anyone else be in favor of such an arrangement?

[ravagers]

[ raising her hand...!! ]

[neverheardofhim]

Varric Tethras, writer and unwilling kidnappee. Here's my question: why is your title so... tacky, I guess would be a good word.

[And why Balanced of all things. He's still bitter, leave him be.]

[wordsmithery]

It was suitable enough.

[officerwilde]

[Well everyone's more or less said and asked everything Nick could have ever wanted to ask himself, and frankly he's not as interested in this as he could be either. They have to kill each other to escape? Honestly, who is stupid enough to do something like that in the first place? He'll believe it when he sees it and until he sees it, he's not going to take a single thing here seriously.]

Mister Wordsmith, as a member of the Zootopia Police Department I'd like to have a couple of words with you.

[So he's going to mimic a certain too-serious bunny that already got on his nerves today, because there's nothing better to do here.]

[wordsmithery]

And those would be what, exactly? I'm afraid you're out of your jurisdiction at the moment.

[introspects]

Um, Wordsmith-san, how...did we end up here in the first place?

[ Did you just break into their homes or what, is the question ]

[wordsmithery]

You were brought here.