Octavian had decided to attempt a better understanding of Judeo-Christian theology, idiocy though he knew it to be. His conversation with Michael had convinced him he ought to know his enemy
( Read more... )
"I refer to style, color, and rank all in one. Pardon my mistake," for clearly it had been a mistake, since the man saw no signification in the color. "It happens that your manner of dress is similar to one of my home city, except that the color is one reserved for the highest ranks and occasions. A single stripe of the Tyrian dye is worn by senators of the Republic. We call it the purple; its appearance may be likelier scarlet, or of the shade of blood, depending on the richness and age of the garment. What you wear, all of it that color, would be reserved for a general in his triumphal procession, or for --"
He paused, a brief but quite perceptible pause, a flicker of inward memory.
"An exceptional personage," he decided, electing to use vague euphemism for the present. A tyrant, a dictator, an emperor ...? How to describe Julius Caesar? There were legalities, and loopholes, and important distinctions to be made if Octavian were to argue the validity of his uncle's bequests; as he indeed had argued. "My uncle wore robes of purple, and that did not sit well with some. As I am his legal heir, such matters are of interest to me. It is politics, not fashion. Nonetheless, this is all far removed from Hogwarts. I asked only because your garments are like none I have seen in this modern time, and put me in mind of Rome."
(( besides the usual wiki'ing here, I'm also using the Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. The visual cues I'm taking from HBO rather than history, and the link to a photo of senators in togas is from HBO's "Rome" [Occy's canon] as well. As a side note, the guy in the picture wearing a black off-the-shoulder number is Cato. He's wearing it because it's for funerals and he is publicly mourning the death of the Republic -- a political statement. Many of the Television Without Pity recaps make snide references to this unfortunate costume, which causes flashes of elderly manboob.))
So apparently this was not a wizarding fashion question, and instead it related to politics. The young mans words confirmed the Baron's suspicions of his nobility, and he not help but be reminded of Feyd looking at this lovely young heir to some position of importance. High importance, he guessed, possibly even Imperial level.
"You guess correctly then, to some degree- I am the equivalent of a senator, but my Imperium is apparently from this world's distant future. I have only recently arrived here. But, we do not have specific codes of dress, although if you are from Rome, our entire system is very much based off yours."
This was truly stunning. Rome? "If you are from Rome, you are from a legendary empire from the dawn of time." He was unable to keep the wonder from his voice. "We of the Imperium still look back to Rome as the start of true civilization. It was the start of everything." The Imperium did look a great deal like Rome, just on an epic, interplanetary scale.
"I am the Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. And whose acquaintance do I have the pleasure of making?" He smiled at Octavian, fascinated. This really was a pleasure- not only was he lovely and well-spoken, he was clearly of exceptional breeding, and possibly a nearly mythical creature. An actual Roman, especially one with a title and power, was a truly amazing thing to someone like Vladimir, who'd looked back to ancient Rome as a mythological example. He wondered if he would recognize the young man's name from any of the ancient histories.
((I expect that if the Baron learns much more about togas, he'll be running around in one soon enough. OMG, wearable sheets! Perfect with suspensors, which sound like a fashion challenge.))
The title itself rang no bells for Octavian, but the translation enchantment left no question as to its significance. A time for full titles, then? "Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, called Octavian. I am indeed a son of Rome. We are as yet a republic, and not an empire, though my readings in history inform me we may soon make progressive changes to our administrative structure."
This was, of course, understatement.
"My time is in the distant past, relative to that of this world. Yours must be in the distant future relative to this; I was born a little over two thousand years ago, hardly 'the dawn of time' from this vantage point. It is a pleasure to meet with you, Baron, and to hear that your Imperium still remembers the Eternal City. Will you join me?"
He wondered whether the hovering man would actually be able to sit, much less sit on the ground; he picked up the bottle of wine, and another goblet from the basket the house-elves had prepared for him, and rose to his feet to pour for his provisional guest. Less awkward, this, than forcing the question of how a grotesquely fat man floating in the air could accommodate himself on a picnic blanket.
Octavian's title did mean something to the Baron. A great deal, in fact. This young man was a literal legend, the first of the mythical Roman emperors! Perhaps they weren't mythical in a magical sense, but, this was far more meaningful for Vladimir. He was in fact awed to be in the presence of Octavian, but luckily had a great deal of practice at remaining calm and casual despite surprises.
Vladimir nodded affirmatively to Octavian. "From what we recall of your history, yes, there will be changes. And impressive ones." He smiled at Octavian, attempting to not sound too amazed that the future Augustus Caesar was offering him a goblet of wine. "The pleasure is entirely mine, and I would be very pleased to join you, Octavian. It's remarkable to meet someone from Rome- in fact, your name is remembered in our books, even though a far greater span separates this time, and mine, than this time, and your own."
He appreciated that Octavian rose- although he would have put up with the discomfort of sitting on the ground again to spend any time at all with a Caesar, especially such a young and enchanting Caesar, he was grateful to not have to. He was of course very capable of sitting, as it was merely a matter of reducing the strength of the null-grav field produced by his suspensors to leave sitting as the only available option.
That pleased Octavian greatly indeed. That his name should be remembered in the books of the far, far future, not only his city but his name, as eternal as Rome itself -- his pale eyes shone with the fierce satisfaction of it. "And my uncle's name? Gaius Julius Caesar? He is legally my father, by his will." Octavian had not yet punished his uncle's betrayers, and the repute of Caesar lay close to his heart. Alone of all the Julii, Caesar had seen Octavian's potential.
The will had proven that. To Octavian went everything; to Antony, nothing. Thus proof of Caesar's love, and not for the reasons Octavian's mother would suppose, either, but truly earned.
"Let us drink to that," he proposed to the Baron, suddenly happier than he could remember having been in a long time.
He'd had heard of Octavian's uncle too, of course, another legend. An inspirational one, considering his own plans for his nephew and the Imperial throne.
I have no idea if the Baron ever did find that inspirational in canon, heh, but, they did remember ancient history, and, his ambitions were in a similar vein. *g*
"We of course remember your uncle's name as well. He was an inspirational man, a brilliant politician. I would be honored to drink to that, Octavian." He accepted his wine and raised it to Octavian in a definitively-noble toast, and smiled, drinking from the goblet without bothering with a poison snooper. This was Augustus Caesar, and he was not about to be insulting him with such behavior. And he was so lovely, with his eyes shining like that. He wasn't sure if it was entirely appropriate to be ogling a Caeasar, but, he was a beauty, and made of flesh and blood, which made it near impossible to avoid.
Vladimir wasn't entirely sure what one said to a legend. Asking how long he'd been there would seem rather trite.
Knowing nothing of poison snoopers, and therefore insensible of the honor done him, Octavian drank as deeply as befit a toast of such gravity. When he lowered the cup, he was smiling.
"You're a bearer of good news." Even the color of the man's robes were a favorable augury, did Octavian believe in augury (and, as a pontiff himself, he did not). "Come, I'd invite you to sit with me, if it were possible. I have no great skill at magic, or I would conjure a chair. Perhaps your levitation spell can permit you a more comfortable configuration? I have been reading what passes for a religious text in these days, and the whole of it is miserable, excepting the poetry."
Vladimir drifted closer to Octavian, although he kept a polite, respectful distance, considering this was a Caesar. Such a charming smile- really, this young emperor-to-be was charming in every way. It was refreshing to see such cultivated behavior, as Vladimir did think that Hogwarts was somewhat too relaxed in its manners.
"Unfortunately, it is not a levitation spell, but rather a device from the future. But, I suppose it might be possible to summon a chair, the magic is a good thought, and I appreciate it." He returned Octavian's smile, considering an attempt at the summoning magic, but, he wasn't so sure he'd manage to summon something so large as a chair from the castle. He made a note to see what happened when one attempted to summon things through walls later. "I am not sure if it would go through a wall, however, so it might be best to experiment with that later."
Surprisingly, despite it being a culture from tens of thousands of years down some future timeline, the mainstream religion of the Imperium was the Orange Catholic church, which was partially based upon Christianity, along with a few other influences, in a very watered-down format. So, Vladimir knew quite well how miserable the text probably was, although it was probably more interesting than the versions of his day.
"I expect that it's a rather tedious text, but it's good to be educated in such matters. Religion's important to the masses, and, even if it's not fascinating, it's important to understand its influence. That can be a very interesting thing." He hadn't learned just how interesting it could be, as his future schemes had not yet been surprised by a troublesome Messiah. "I still have not had much opportunity to read about the politics of this age."
"Theoretically one could transfigure another object into a chair." Theoretically, he said, because for him it was not practicable. Like swordsmanship, magic was a discipline in which he readily accepted he'd never excel. It was not necessary to excel in all things, especially those which could be fatal. It was necessary to delegate dangerous tasks, and to develop the ability to command the persons so delegated.
This was not to say he had not tried magic. He had tried, in the same way he had given swordsmanship reasonable attention, and he would not be caught completely off-guard by a stray hex or a stray dagger. To this his skill extended, and not much further.
"You're right, though, there are spells to simply summon the object as well." And why not demonstrate? "The very basic one is this. Accio Bible," he said -- in a purely conversational tone, as though the Bible were a person he was bidding to draw nearer; no showy abracadabra for Octavian -- and the book floated to his hand. "I understand even children can do it. It's for this reason I thought your floating was magical. I won't say it displeases me to learn science can make such effects possible in the future."
He felt science more reliable than magic, all things considered.
Vladimir indulged Octavian with an appreciative smile, as if he had demonstrated something new and impressive. It wasn't difficult, considering how impressed he was with meeting this iconic ruler. And at such a pretty age. The Accio spell was one of the few he'd been obsessively practicing during his many hours he spent shut in his room, and he was getting pretty good with it. It hadn't yet occurred to him to try summoning something without a direct path, however, as things did seem to move via actual space. Octavian's transfiguration idea did sound like the better alternative to potential property damage, but he had only been attempting some basic, practical charms so far. He'd only read a bit about transfiguration, and wasn't going to try it at the moment.
"Amazingly useful, many of these magical tricks- even if it's considered a basic spell by this culture's standards, it's a useful one. I haven't learned much yet, but, it seems that magic may save some time hollering for servants, if nothing else."
He did share the sentiment that science was more reliable than magic, but, was beginning to wonder what the line between the two was. "We call the knowledge that makes suspensor technology possible science. But it's interesting that the effect that allows it also enables a great deal of other applications, such as shields and space travel. The flexibility of what we call scientific forces does make me wonder if magic is one that's been overlooked. It does appear to work, and although I have noticed little in the way of a scientific approach here, it is very difficult to believe that magic derives from absolutely nothing."
It was only by believing that it was based on some obscure scientific foundation that Vladimir was getting magic to work at all.
"Magic can save a good deal of time in many ways. A servant can only do so much, within the limitations of his physique and his intellect. Likewise, a soldier has his limitations. Magic, used judiciously, can expand those potentialities. Unfortunately, this is not always to the wielder's benefit, contrary to what intuition tells us."
Octavian decided this was not a conversation to have while standing, and sat on his blanket with his wine. No disrespect was thus tendered, since Octavian had invited the Baron to sit, whether or not the position were possible. Sitting upright and setting his goblet atop the flat surface of a book to free both hands for illustrative gestures (of a restrained and curt sort, when employed), he expanded upon his statement regarding magic.
"At present, my strength is numbered in legions: if I command four, and Marcus Brutus Junius commands eleven, conventional wisdom bids me retreat. Brutus is no slouch as a strategist, but it's no self-flattery that I am far his superior. It's still an uneven match, but it's not entirely impossible for me to defeat him given those numbers and my intellectual advantage. My same four legions under different command would fare far worse than under mine. All this is common sense, nay? Now -- to this scenario, add elephants."
The Baron was half-tempted to turn down his null-grav field and join Octavian on the ground, as he was an exceptionally distracting conversational partner. Of course, it was very unlikely that he'd manage to fit on the blanket with Octavian, and, was wearing a brand new robe, which encouraged him to remain hovering, although barely so. He took no offense that Octavian sat, as he had invited him to sit, and besides, he didn't even have to do that. He was going to be Augustus Caesar. As young as Octavian was, Vladimir was feeling somewhat outranked. This was a legend, and a successful one. It didn't matter that Vladimir ruled many times the subjects and territory, as it was all a matter of perspective- there was only one planet in the time this young man's empire controlled a major portion of it. And that was power he could respect, even if Octavian didn't have it yet.
He smiled at Octavian's illustration, which he thought was very apt. The Baron agreed that magic was no replacement for other skills and proper delegation, but that it could very well enhance what was already available. No wonder this young man was destined to be an emperor, he already had the mindset for it, and appeared to enjoy making use of it.
"I think that is an excellent comparison, Octavian. Magic is no replacement for other qualities, it appears best used in conjunction with one's other strengths. To rely on magic alone would be foolish, just like relying on firepower alone- I'd say that the intellectual advantage is the most strengthening component of that equation." This had always been the issue with his nephew Rabban, unfortunately, and a major component of why he chose Feyd as his heir, despite being the younger and prettier of the two. He had the intellectual advantage. "Learning as much about it as possible would still seem wise, as, there are likely to be people here who'll toss it around frivolously. And as you described it, it appears to be an elephant. Powerful, but, potentially devastating if it gets out of control. It's the theory that's interested me the most so far- the spells appear useful, but knowing the concepts behind it would seem helpful for keeping things in line. Both your own magic, and that of others."
"Exactly so." Gratified that the older man had grasped the concept at once -- gratified that he'd bothered listening, as too many of Octavian's elders seemed unwilling to do -- the young patrician continued. "Magic is an elephant. As you say, it has the power to wreak havoc if uncontrolled. The comparison works on that level. Yet that aspect would not be my primary concern. Skilled elephant handlers, and skilled magicians, can be found; specialists whose livelihoods and very lives have depended on their mastery, in the same way a soldier's has depended on his sword. Presume that there is a high likelihood that, even in the chaos of battle, the elephant handlers can keep the elephants under control, just as cavalry must keep their horses under control. A greater problem still remains."
Octavian seemed to have forgotten his wine, or perhaps was ignoring it. It was the flask of water he reached for now.
"The commander has invested resources and manpower into the conveyance of these elephants, the planning of their maneuvers, and so forth. The elephants must surely be a major factor in his strategy, for why else would he take such trouble? They are huge; they can trample his enemies; they are an advantage, nay? But if he thinks so, he's a fool. All it takes is a legion of men armed with axes to cut down war elephants. My uncle did it at Thapsus. I'm only sorry I wasn't there to see that day personally." He did take great pride in his uncle. "Likewise, to rely on a corps of magicians would introduce a vulnerability it may be best not to accept. It would be too easy to grow lazy and overconfident, expecting magic to do everything -- expecting a clear advantage."
Impressive- he nodded and smiled appreciatively at Octavian's display of strategic wisdom. Octavian was living up to his legendary reputation. He already understood concept that countless leaders never had, and, was still so young. His future genius would be unquestionable. This of course made him seem all the more attractive, especially since the brilliance was underlaid with drive and enthusiasm. He would surely take delight in subtleties, and watching his plans play out to satisfaction, just for the sake of seeing them succeed. Even if he hadn't known about Octavian's future, he'd have assessed him the same.
"This is so very true, Octavian. You do live up to your family's reputation. I believe you have hit on what seems to be an an extremely important aspect of magic- reliance equating to a potential vulnerability. One of the things I have learned in my time here is that the wizards appear to have a fear or concern about what they call 'muggles', due to their technologies. So this weakness has already had an effect here, to all appearances. I don't know enough about the detailed situation of this world yet to know exactly what this means."
He'd almost forgotten his wine as well in listening to his new acquaintance, but he remedied that with a drink, and again briefly considered attempting to sit himself down. But perhaps he could arrange to meet with him again in more comfortable surroundings. Where he'd probably have to struggle between his urge to find out of this young man also had a properly Roman lack of inhibitions, and his sense of being strangely outranked.
The praise, Octavian took as primarily directed toward the house of the Julii -- your family's reputation -- , and only secondarily to himself. He acknowledged it only with a brief nod: he already knew how clever he was; he was more interested to hear what else this Baron, his peer from a future time, would have to say about magic and technology.
He listened attentively and without expression, save another brief nod when the Baron spoke of weakness. When he was sure the other had finished speaking, Octavian replied: "It's a situation they have needlessly complicated for themselves. You may know that they've had recent wars over just this problem. Should the wizards make themselves known, or should they continue to live in hiding, and so on and so forth." Octavian tended to pose interrogatives in a declarative tone, to ask questions without really asking. Usually this meant either that he felt he already knew the answer, or that he felt the answer was immaterial. "They've an internationally binding agreement to remain in hiding, and if any 'muggle' should witness an act of magic, his mind is unscrupulously wiped clean of the offending knowledge. It's been this way for hundreds of years. Their own fault, for not keeping up with technology, and relying wholly on magic. I dare say they could rejoin the world at any point of their choosing, now, if they handled it correctly. They don't know how, because of the same willful ignorance."
Octavian's answer matched the situation as the Baron had been able to perceive it thus far. It was extremely enjoyable to listen to him expound on situations, and he soon found himself neglecting his wine again. The mention of recent wars over the issue was news to him, and interesting news. As was the wizarding method of dealing with breaches of their secrecy.
"I appreciate your assessment of the situation. It both matches and enhances the understanding I've come to on the situation thus far. I admit I can't understand the motivation not to rejoin he rest of the world, but have not actually seen any of it yet. The only places I have been apart from the castle were other wizard's communities. It could very well be that this mentality explains why in the distant future, there is no indication that this wizarding culture ever existed- the weakness may be one that could prove fatal eventually." Especially if the muggles had thinking machines, which they apparently did. Reliance on them would eventually prove a near-fatal problem for all of humanity in his own timestream.
"I'm interested to see the muggle sectors of this world, which I've interpreted are the majority of it. But, have also been advised not to for some reason. Something about how they would take offense to my suspensors, but they are technological, so perhaps it was misunderstood advice. Or they are a technology advanced enough to offend." Or perhaps muggles were like Fremen, and just easily offended by everything.
He paused, a brief but quite perceptible pause, a flicker of inward memory.
"An exceptional personage," he decided, electing to use vague euphemism for the present. A tyrant, a dictator, an emperor ...? How to describe Julius Caesar? There were legalities, and loopholes, and important distinctions to be made if Octavian were to argue the validity of his uncle's bequests; as he indeed had argued. "My uncle wore robes of purple, and that did not sit well with some. As I am his legal heir, such matters are of interest to me. It is politics, not fashion. Nonetheless, this is all far removed from Hogwarts. I asked only because your garments are like none I have seen in this modern time, and put me in mind of Rome."
(( besides the usual wiki'ing here, I'm also using the Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. The visual cues I'm taking from HBO rather than history, and the link to a photo of senators in togas is from HBO's "Rome" [Occy's canon] as well. As a side note, the guy in the picture wearing a black off-the-shoulder number is Cato. He's wearing it because it's for funerals and he is publicly mourning the death of the Republic -- a political statement. Many of the Television Without Pity recaps make snide references to this unfortunate costume, which causes flashes of elderly manboob.))
Reply
"You guess correctly then, to some degree- I am the equivalent of a senator, but my Imperium is apparently from this world's distant future. I have only recently arrived here. But, we do not have specific codes of dress, although if you are from Rome, our entire system is very much based off yours."
This was truly stunning. Rome? "If you are from Rome, you are from a legendary empire from the dawn of time." He was unable to keep the wonder from his voice. "We of the Imperium still look back to Rome as the start of true civilization. It was the start of everything." The Imperium did look a great deal like Rome, just on an epic, interplanetary scale.
"I am the Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. And whose acquaintance do I have the pleasure of making?" He smiled at Octavian, fascinated. This really was a pleasure- not only was he lovely and well-spoken, he was clearly of exceptional breeding, and possibly a nearly mythical creature. An actual Roman, especially one with a title and power, was a truly amazing thing to someone like Vladimir, who'd looked back to ancient Rome as a mythological example. He wondered if he would recognize the young man's name from any of the ancient histories.
((I expect that if the Baron learns much more about togas, he'll be running around in one soon enough. OMG, wearable sheets! Perfect with suspensors, which sound like a fashion challenge.))
Reply
This was, of course, understatement.
"My time is in the distant past, relative to that of this world. Yours must be in the distant future relative to this; I was born a little over two thousand years ago, hardly 'the dawn of time' from this vantage point. It is a pleasure to meet with you, Baron, and to hear that your Imperium still remembers the Eternal City. Will you join me?"
He wondered whether the hovering man would actually be able to sit, much less sit on the ground; he picked up the bottle of wine, and another goblet from the basket the house-elves had prepared for him, and rose to his feet to pour for his provisional guest. Less awkward, this, than forcing the question of how a grotesquely fat man floating in the air could accommodate himself on a picnic blanket.
Reply
Vladimir nodded affirmatively to Octavian. "From what we recall of your history, yes, there will be changes. And impressive ones." He smiled at Octavian, attempting to not sound too amazed that the future Augustus Caesar was offering him a goblet of wine. "The pleasure is entirely mine, and I would be very pleased to join you, Octavian. It's remarkable to meet someone from Rome- in fact, your name is remembered in our books, even though a far greater span separates this time, and mine, than this time, and your own."
He appreciated that Octavian rose- although he would have put up with the discomfort of sitting on the ground again to spend any time at all with a Caesar, especially such a young and enchanting Caesar, he was grateful to not have to. He was of course very capable of sitting, as it was merely a matter of reducing the strength of the null-grav field produced by his suspensors to leave sitting as the only available option.
Reply
The will had proven that. To Octavian went everything; to Antony, nothing. Thus proof of Caesar's love, and not for the reasons Octavian's mother would suppose, either, but truly earned.
"Let us drink to that," he proposed to the Baron, suddenly happier than he could remember having been in a long time.
Reply
I have no idea if the Baron ever did find that inspirational in canon, heh, but, they did remember ancient history, and, his ambitions were in a similar vein. *g*
"We of course remember your uncle's name as well. He was an inspirational man, a brilliant politician. I would be honored to drink to that, Octavian." He accepted his wine and raised it to Octavian in a definitively-noble toast, and smiled, drinking from the goblet without bothering with a poison snooper. This was Augustus Caesar, and he was not about to be insulting him with such behavior. And he was so lovely, with his eyes shining like that. He wasn't sure if it was entirely appropriate to be ogling a Caeasar, but, he was a beauty, and made of flesh and blood, which made it near impossible to avoid.
Vladimir wasn't entirely sure what one said to a legend. Asking how long he'd been there would seem rather trite.
Reply
"You're a bearer of good news." Even the color of the man's robes were a favorable augury, did Octavian believe in augury (and, as a pontiff himself, he did not). "Come, I'd invite you to sit with me, if it were possible. I have no great skill at magic, or I would conjure a chair. Perhaps your levitation spell can permit you a more comfortable configuration? I have been reading what passes for a religious text in these days, and the whole of it is miserable, excepting the poetry."
Reply
"Unfortunately, it is not a levitation spell, but rather a device from the future. But, I suppose it might be possible to summon a chair, the magic is a good thought, and I appreciate it." He returned Octavian's smile, considering an attempt at the summoning magic, but, he wasn't so sure he'd manage to summon something so large as a chair from the castle. He made a note to see what happened when one attempted to summon things through walls later. "I am not sure if it would go through a wall, however, so it might be best to experiment with that later."
Surprisingly, despite it being a culture from tens of thousands of years down some future timeline, the mainstream religion of the Imperium was the Orange Catholic church, which was partially based upon Christianity, along with a few other influences, in a very watered-down format. So, Vladimir knew quite well how miserable the text probably was, although it was probably more interesting than the versions of his day.
"I expect that it's a rather tedious text, but it's good to be educated in such matters. Religion's important to the masses, and, even if it's not fascinating, it's important to understand its influence. That can be a very interesting thing." He hadn't learned just how interesting it could be, as his future schemes had not yet been surprised by a troublesome Messiah. "I still have not had much opportunity to read about the politics of this age."
Reply
This was not to say he had not tried magic. He had tried, in the same way he had given swordsmanship reasonable attention, and he would not be caught completely off-guard by a stray hex or a stray dagger. To this his skill extended, and not much further.
"You're right, though, there are spells to simply summon the object as well." And why not demonstrate? "The very basic one is this. Accio Bible," he said -- in a purely conversational tone, as though the Bible were a person he was bidding to draw nearer; no showy abracadabra for Octavian -- and the book floated to his hand. "I understand even children can do it. It's for this reason I thought your floating was magical. I won't say it displeases me to learn science can make such effects possible in the future."
He felt science more reliable than magic, all things considered.
Reply
"Amazingly useful, many of these magical tricks- even if it's considered a basic spell by this culture's standards, it's a useful one. I haven't learned much yet, but, it seems that magic may save some time hollering for servants, if nothing else."
He did share the sentiment that science was more reliable than magic, but, was beginning to wonder what the line between the two was. "We call the knowledge that makes suspensor technology possible science. But it's interesting that the effect that allows it also enables a great deal of other applications, such as shields and space travel. The flexibility of what we call scientific forces does make me wonder if magic is one that's been overlooked. It does appear to work, and although I have noticed little in the way of a scientific approach here, it is very difficult to believe that magic derives from absolutely nothing."
It was only by believing that it was based on some obscure scientific foundation that Vladimir was getting magic to work at all.
Reply
Octavian decided this was not a conversation to have while standing, and sat on his blanket with his wine. No disrespect was thus tendered, since Octavian had invited the Baron to sit, whether or not the position were possible. Sitting upright and setting his goblet atop the flat surface of a book to free both hands for illustrative gestures (of a restrained and curt sort, when employed), he expanded upon his statement regarding magic.
"At present, my strength is numbered in legions: if I command four, and Marcus Brutus Junius commands eleven, conventional wisdom bids me retreat. Brutus is no slouch as a strategist, but it's no self-flattery that I am far his superior. It's still an uneven match, but it's not entirely impossible for me to defeat him given those numbers and my intellectual advantage. My same four legions under different command would fare far worse than under mine. All this is common sense, nay? Now -- to this scenario, add elephants."
He looked up at the Baron, expectantly.
Reply
He smiled at Octavian's illustration, which he thought was very apt. The Baron agreed that magic was no replacement for other skills and proper delegation, but that it could very well enhance what was already available. No wonder this young man was destined to be an emperor, he already had the mindset for it, and appeared to enjoy making use of it.
"I think that is an excellent comparison, Octavian. Magic is no replacement for other qualities, it appears best used in conjunction with one's other strengths. To rely on magic alone would be foolish, just like relying on firepower alone- I'd say that the intellectual advantage is the most strengthening component of that equation." This had always been the issue with his nephew Rabban, unfortunately, and a major component of why he chose Feyd as his heir, despite being the younger and prettier of the two. He had the intellectual advantage. "Learning as much about it as possible would still seem wise, as, there are likely to be people here who'll toss it around frivolously. And as you described it, it appears to be an elephant. Powerful, but, potentially devastating if it gets out of control. It's the theory that's interested me the most so far- the spells appear useful, but knowing the concepts behind it would seem helpful for keeping things in line. Both your own magic, and that of others."
Reply
Octavian seemed to have forgotten his wine, or perhaps was ignoring it. It was the flask of water he reached for now.
"The commander has invested resources and manpower into the conveyance of these elephants, the planning of their maneuvers, and so forth. The elephants must surely be a major factor in his strategy, for why else would he take such trouble? They are huge; they can trample his enemies; they are an advantage, nay? But if he thinks so, he's a fool. All it takes is a legion of men armed with axes to cut down war elephants. My uncle did it at Thapsus. I'm only sorry I wasn't there to see that day personally." He did take great pride in his uncle. "Likewise, to rely on a corps of magicians would introduce a vulnerability it may be best not to accept. It would be too easy to grow lazy and overconfident, expecting magic to do everything -- expecting a clear advantage."
Reply
"This is so very true, Octavian. You do live up to your family's reputation. I believe you have hit on what seems to be an an extremely important aspect of magic- reliance equating to a potential vulnerability. One of the things I have learned in my time here is that the wizards appear to have a fear or concern about what they call 'muggles', due to their technologies. So this weakness has already had an effect here, to all appearances. I don't know enough about the detailed situation of this world yet to know exactly what this means."
He'd almost forgotten his wine as well in listening to his new acquaintance, but he remedied that with a drink, and again briefly considered attempting to sit himself down. But perhaps he could arrange to meet with him again in more comfortable surroundings. Where he'd probably have to struggle between his urge to find out of this young man also had a properly Roman lack of inhibitions, and his sense of being strangely outranked.
Reply
He listened attentively and without expression, save another brief nod when the Baron spoke of weakness. When he was sure the other had finished speaking, Octavian replied: "It's a situation they have needlessly complicated for themselves. You may know that they've had recent wars over just this problem. Should the wizards make themselves known, or should they continue to live in hiding, and so on and so forth." Octavian tended to pose interrogatives in a declarative tone, to ask questions without really asking. Usually this meant either that he felt he already knew the answer, or that he felt the answer was immaterial. "They've an internationally binding agreement to remain in hiding, and if any 'muggle' should witness an act of magic, his mind is unscrupulously wiped clean of the offending knowledge. It's been this way for hundreds of years. Their own fault, for not keeping up with technology, and relying wholly on magic. I dare say they could rejoin the world at any point of their choosing, now, if they handled it correctly. They don't know how, because of the same willful ignorance."
Octavian thought he had an answer, it would seem.
Reply
"I appreciate your assessment of the situation. It both matches and enhances the understanding I've come to on the situation thus far. I admit I can't understand the motivation not to rejoin he rest of the world, but have not actually seen any of it yet. The only places I have been apart from the castle were other wizard's communities. It could very well be that this mentality explains why in the distant future, there is no indication that this wizarding culture ever existed- the weakness may be one that could prove fatal eventually." Especially if the muggles had thinking machines, which they apparently did. Reliance on them would eventually prove a near-fatal problem for all of humanity in his own timestream.
"I'm interested to see the muggle sectors of this world, which I've interpreted are the majority of it. But, have also been advised not to for some reason. Something about how they would take offense to my suspensors, but they are technological, so perhaps it was misunderstood advice. Or they are a technology advanced enough to offend." Or perhaps muggles were like Fremen, and just easily offended by everything.
Reply
Leave a comment