The First Death: Hello, how are you, where am I?

[hasnobinky]

[A very unusual-looking young woman frowns on the video feed. Her hair is almost pure white, except for one pitch black streak running through it, but her clothes are gray, and almost boring. She's decided this odd device is the most unusual feature of her surroundings, right this moment, trying to figure it out. Not an easy task, for someone who

Comments

[vile_queen]

The disc? I can think of no country that refers to their locale as a disc.

This city is Adstringendum. Several scientists failed at an attempt to... learn more about their world, and as a result created this, a merging point for worlds, if you will.

[hasnobinky]

[The thing, it speaks! Alright, she'll reassess this as...] ...a message relaying device?

Ah, no, the Discworld. It has countries on it. Sto Lat, for example?

...oh, dear. And has no one tried fixing it?

[vile_queen]

Yes. A PCD.

Fascinating. I have never heard of Sto Lat, though I would care to. That is your country?

Several have. Few right away enjoy the place when they come, all struggle with it. A way out has not yet been found.

[hasnobinky]

I see. And that stands for...?

Yes. I'm... from a duchy there, called Sto Helit. It's a lovely place, if you don't mind cabbages.

I see. That makes things problematic, though I do believe I've been in worse situations before.

[vile_queen]

Personal Communications Device.

Every country must have its export, if it is to survive. Though I am not sure how well cabbages travel far.

As have I. And I am Carmen, speaking of myself.

[hasnobinky]

Ah. That makes sense.

Surprisingly well, apparently. Especially the fall and spring harvests.

And I'm Susan. You've been quite helpful already, thank you.

[vile_queen]

So Sto Lat is mostly rural?

You are welcome, Susan.

[hasnobinky]

It has its cities, but yes, the vast majority is dedicated to agricultural production.

[vile_queen]

One hallmark of a well-run country is exportation, whatever it may be. Does it have any significant monuments or landmarks? History is a particular interest of mine.

[hasnobinky]

[Well, Susan figures, it's not as if they're on the Discworld anyway. Time to show off that Education]

Sto Helit itself is the established capital, and boasts, among other things, a fine agricultural museum, a castle that is still occupied, and is generally a center of art and learning on the plains. [Okay, there's room for a little exaggeration, right?] The plains themselves are a watershed area, at that, run-off from the mountains and high country of Überwald, hubward, making it so fertile. Ankh-Morpork is rimward a ways, and the river Ankh, while still a proper river, cuts its way down through the plains from the mountains until it reaches the city.

There haven't been many battles on the plain, though an interesting succession of princesses and dukes have had residence there.

[vile_queen]

A fine agricultural museum? I am not certain if you are speaking from the heart or a travel brochure. We have not talked enough for me to know. But you sound like you know the place well, or are at least well-informed.

Tell me, do you care for tea?