Cryptic Writings - Part 2

[Seidaku]

Timestamp: 10th of Summer, 509 A.V.

Lying at the bottom of a battered chest, preserved but likely forgotten, several sheets crumpled and ink stained of parchment are covered in thin lines of hastily scrawled words.

Alvadas is a city that is all things for all people. A lifetime of experience and witness has shown that the changes that manifest in the city are largely, if not exclusively in ways that cannot be known by mortals, determined by the mindset and expectations of those within a particular area of the city. For example, the streets may take on a somber, washed out appearance in response to a congregation mourning the passing of a loved one. Or, in the same circumstances, the city may provide sprays of color and lights, responding on a deeper level to the need for levity or distraction in a time of bereavement.

However, is it possible that the illusions descend even deeper than that? Certainly, if is commonly accepted that Ionu's domain extends solely into distorting perception, and not the physical manipulation of the world. Therefore, how is it possible that the physical locations and even structures of the buildings and locations of Alvadas can change from moment to moment?

The simplest answer is likely the correct one: they cannot. Instead, it is simply our perceptions of Alvadas that changes, while the underlying city remains the same.

A question along the same vein then, is this: If the underlying foundation of the city remains unchanged, what need is there for a city at all, save for a select few instances?

The answer to this question is equally simple, there is no need for a city at all. Given Ionu's mastery over all facets of the perceptions of those who enter his city, there is no legitimate need for the existence of a physical Alvadas. Indeed, given the ever shifting nature of the city, a physical shell could possibly hinder the efficiency of an illusion.

Naturally, all of the above hinges on what exactly Illusionism is capable of performing. Exactly what is covered under the blanket of "perception"? There is little doubt that our primary senses; sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch all fall into this category, as there are several decisive examples one could call on from each.

However, what about more abstract sensations? Hunger, physical or mental exhaustion, movement? Will illusory food consumed alleviate the sensation of hunger? Or perhaps the oposite, could Illusion create the sense of hunger after a full meal? What about the alleviation of pain from sickness or injury? Can Illusionism provide for the lack of a sensation as well as its presence?

If the answer to the above questions is yes, there is even less reason for a physical city to ever have been built. Mass use of Illusion could provide for the perception of shelter from the elements, even while our physical bodies are being drenched in rain or beaten with hail. The overall temperate weather of the region would minimize the possibility of death to the elements that we would not be aware of being subject to.

To take the point even further, if Illusion can simulate movement, even the physical geographic area of Alvadas could be much smaller than it appears. One example of this being the case is the Bizarre, a building that is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. If Illusion can fuzz the perception of movement and direction, then the entirety of the space and citizen ever travels could easily be a circle no larger than they are tall.

Additionally, many of the non-life sustaining goods and services that are consumed by the people of Alvadas could be just as Illusory. What of this parchment? If Illusion is capable of fooling the senses so fully, what possible proof could be offered as to the genuine existence of this parchment, this ink, these quills, beyond simply my own fallible perception?

Certainly, there must be some underlying reality, however. Eventually, food must be consumed for nourishment, water to prevent dehydration, and very little else. The merchants who take our trade goods out into the world would argue that the objects that they sell to their patrons are real, but is a permanent illusion outside the realm of possibility of a god?

For that matter, what proof is there that the merchants themselves exist? If our own perceptions are not a reliable judge of reality, there is no reliable method of determining the truth of anything presented.

In the end, the truth is what we choose to believe... whether in Alvadas, or anywhere in Mizahar.

[Fallacy]

XP Award! Name:Seidaku XP Award: Writing- 2 Philosophy- 3 Lore: Questioning the nature of Illusion You believe what you choose to Notes: Nicely done, was a good read and brought up some questions that might not be thought of by other players. Glad that Seidaku has a questioning mind, and maybe some of his questions will be answered in the future. Any questions or concerns about the rewards gained please send a PM