un: phoenixevolution

[manufactured]

Through curiosity both morbid and not - what were you in the middle of before bring brought here, and how urgent do you consider returning to it?

Just going by the way things have been around here lately, I won't precisely be surprised if answers trend towards "having a crisis", "dying horribly", or "watching someone else die horribly"; even so, it isn't as though I'm going to judge for such things either way.

Comments

[manufactured]

[He's going to stick with text, personally, but damn.]

My, my. Some people really do have all the fun. Terrible alcohol aside, of course.

How well does it look like all of that is going to resolve itself...?

[liberaltus]

[Yes, Thedas is certainly a world of extremes and Dorian is a man of strides.]

Yes, the steward is a sadistic little man who is trying to kill us all, no doubt, but that's for later. The chaos does keep things entertaining otherwise, always something to do if it's not supernatural evils its political machinations.

[When Wesker asks him about the resolution aspect Dorian laughs, it's a pleasant sound somewhere between a chuckle and a sigh.]

The odds you mean? With or without my presence? With I would say the odds are three to one against us, without my presence it would be five to one at least. Call me optimistic.

[manufactured]

Admittedly, I've never been much for explicitly weighing odds, but that's largely because doing so just makes me competitive. I like proving others wrong in most ways that count.

[liberaltus]

And competition is an excellent motivator [Dorian sees nothing wrong with competition in the slightest] besides when the world is going straight to shit I don't see why not and I win either way. On the one hand I walk away with my life on the other I'll never have to worry about settling any debts from weighing those odds.

[That's cheerful.]

Out of curiosity what are the ways that count, in your expert opinion?

[manufactured]

The ways that allow me to keep my life, usually.

[So, like. Same, buddy.]

I like taking on people and entities that I have no business fighting - sometimes for personal gain, sometimes for the betterment of the world. Sometimes simply because I can.

[liberaltus]

They do say that all is fair in love and war, I suspect I'd exhaust all of my resources and magical expertise to keep my life if it came down to it.

[Though would he use blood magic? He wasn't entirely certain.]

You sound like the sort of man who pushes the boundaries, you also sound as though you might be incredibly intelligent.

[Because only incredibly intelligent men find themselves in places of boredom or monotony where they push boundaries and take on the things they ought not to.]

[manufactured]

Good to see that you're still fond of flattery. Not that you're incorrect - and seeing as humility isn't one of my virtues, I see no problem with saying as much. Ambition is one of my better traits, I suppose. There's no sense in living with nothing to challenge you.

[liberaltus]

Flattery is the gift that keeps on giving [much like Dorian himself, truth be told] and it seems we have a thing or two in common [intelligence and little aptitude for humility].

[Dorian looks thoughtful for a moment before posing his next question.]

What is it that challenges all of that ambition and intellect in this world?

[manufactured]

Bluntly put? Not much. There are admittedly some things I find fascinating about this place as a whole, but it's nothing like what I'm accustomed to.

[liberaltus]

Well if the lack of challenges becomes too underwhelming for you, I might have a cure for what ails thee...depending on how you like your challenges.

[manufactured]

I'll hear it.

[liberaltus]

I've a magic mirror, it's a portal of sorts and as of this moment is the only door I can open that lets me step into a part of my home, a crossroads. There are other mirrors, but whether by the power of this place or by my own knowledge they are inoperable. I am always looking for a fresh perspective.

Outside of that, I've got impressive potioning skills I could pass on.

[manufactured]

Consider me interested. In both possibilities, really.

What sort of potions are we talking?

[liberaltus]

Potions are varied, there are those that heal and regenerate, there are potions for offense, defense, and resistance, and then there are potions that we think of as grenades...though not the explosive sort.

[manufactured]

[...Mm.]

...Some of those may be useful to me. For reasons I'm not willing to state in front of everyone.

[liberaltus]

I've no interest in exposing you so feel free to call on me as you wish.

[manufactured]

I'll bear that in mind.

[...]

Consider it greatly appreciated.

[liberaltus]

And you can consider me intrigued.

[He's always fascinated by intelligence, and more than that, by a good mystery.

Speaking of.]

Belatedly, my name is Dorian Pavus.

[manufactured]

...That does seem to have fallen a bit by the wayside, doesn't it. Albert Wesker. It's a pleasure.