finalgambit | evocate inbox.

I don't answer the question and you must ask something else.

Alright then. [ he finishes off his drink, setting it aside, and scooting forward. ] At your leisure, Obverse. [ he makes a motion at the deck. ]

[he gives the deck a few more shuffles, then places it down and draws the first card, placing it between them on the table]

5 of hearts.

Ask your question, then choose higher or lower and we will see what the next card is.

Higher.

And if you take it away... what?

[he draws a card, smiles, then lays it down: 9 of Clubs]

And if you take it away, then there is nothing holding you together.

Perhaps a more apt description would be that one's name is more like a lock. It's in place to keep everything about you safe - your spirit, your essence, your memories . . . while it can't keep everything out, the more the lock is bypassed or opened by someone else, the stronger it becomes.

In taking your names, that lock has been removed entirely.

... [ he had a feeling obverse would tell him something like that. names are powerful, but he still has more questions. he considers pushing his luck a little, but this is just the first ( of many ) round(s). ] I see. [ he hums, nodding as his eyes flicker to the deck for the barest of moments. ] Shall we continue~ I'm sure you realize I now have more questions than answers~ [ but, nevertheless, he's thankful he's getting to have this conversation at all. ]

Oh, of course. I'd be very surprised if you didn't have even more questions.

[he taps the 9 of clubs]

Higher or lower?

Good, I'm glad. [ shhh. i can read, i swear. ] Lower.

And your question?

[as he's drawing the next card]

I thought I might keep it a surprise~ [ he smirks. ] But if that's against the rules, then why me? And I don't mean as far as this place is concerned. I mean you.

[he places it down.

5 of diamonds]

You were the first to accept when I asked.

And I had a feeling we would get along.

And who else did you ask? Or was I the first.

"Who" I asked I can't answer. But I can tell you that I had you and someone else picked out, and the other person was scooped up before I knew it.

Consider that a freebie. ♥

…can you tell me who, or can I make a silly little guess and you simply nod or shake your head~?

[taps the deck of cards]

Higher or lower?

Higher.

[he draws a card and places it down.

3 of hearts]

Ahh, looks like I can't answer that one.

Next question?

[ cant win ‘em all. ]

What do you want with us? There has to be a reason we’re all here. You generally don’t kidnap somebody or, in this case, somebodies for fun~

Higher or lower~.

Higher. [ he finishes off his drink and sets it down on the table beside the deck. ] How about you tell me a little bit about yourself while we play. And I can certainly reciprocate. We don’t have to be *all* business. I’d like to get to know my gracious host

Edited 2025-12-05 16:29 (UTC)

There isn't much to tell about myself, I'm afraid. You know my name and that I'm a Paragon, and I would hope it would be somewhat obvious, but I enjoy gambling. Games of chance are my favorites.

[Jack of diamonds]

As for your question, the Evocated wants to eat your memories. Why? I couldn't tell you, but I can tell you I've lost interest in doing her bidding.

…so this has been going on for a while then, and you used to help them, but have since decided to help ‘us’ or, at the very least, me?

Lower.

And if you do then I have a proposition for you. I want my cornerstone back, and I’m willing to play the most dangerous game of chance to get it back.

[draws a card, it's a Jack of hearts]

Hmm~ [a considering little look] I didn't help them per say. As a Paragon, my part is to assist the Evocated - mainly, finding and choosing the memories it will eat through my Ceremonies. I've always remained neutral, because in the grand scheme, that has the better odds. I'm taking a chance choosing a side.

[he flicks his fingers; a coin appears first, then followed by a key. He places both of those on the table]

As long as you help me, I'll get you what you want. No dangerous games of chance necessary.

And what kind of help do you want from me? [ he's not sure if he has to answer for this kind of question, since it's more related to business, but... ] Lower, again. If needed. [ but he wanted a dangerous game of chance. maybe. ]

Heh, this will be another freebie, as it's more business talk.

The key will give you access to my realm here, and there is a room you can use as your own if you so choose. The coin is lucky, so don't lose it~.

As for help, we're going to create positive memories. The Evocated likes the negative ones, so we're going to spite her by doing the opposite. Simple enough, right?

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