fandomhigh | Destiny & Free Will, Week VII [Monday, Period 2]

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destiny and free will

Destiny & Free Will, Week VII [Monday, Period 2]

The students should have gotten a ~~handwaved~~ notice to dress nicely and meet at the Danger Shop, where they were met by a Ghanima waiting just outside the door.

"Right." Reaching inside her coat, Ghanima retrieved a deck of the Dune Tarot and fanned the cards at them. "Step right up, and ask me what today holds for you. Through there -" she gestured at the portal with the cards, " - is Monaco. Home to some of the most wonderful casinos this Earth holds. Your mission is to take the future I forsee, and try to beat it. If I tell you that you are destined to win big, sit outside and give away money. If I say you fail, go cheat the casino by whatever means you choose. The one rule is not to get caught, because I am not paying for bail. I want to see how many of you manage to flaunt destiny."

"After all," she grinned humorlessly, flipping up the Hanged Man with ease. "Navigating the future is a family talent. Who wants to try and beat the oracular Atreides?"

[ooc: ocd up!]

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As foretold!

Wesley Wyndam-Pryce

Cassidy

Kate Daniels

Jason Todd

Gabrielle

Nico di Angelo

Simon Bellamy

Faramir

Jim Hawkins

Dana Scully

Jocelyn Fairchild

Spock

It's short, so don't get distracted!

Ask Ghanima for a prediction before you enter the Danger Shop and the glitz and glamour of Monaco!

Wesley had to say, this was amon the more interesting activities he'd had to do in class.

"All right," he said, coming up to Ghanima. "What do you predict?"

"We will give you two paths today," Ghanima said, shuffling the cards between her fingers before flicking them out before him. "The top left card represents the first possible outcome. The Moon: Cyclic transformation covering the mysterious forces of the night. Feminine beauty and the intoxicating vitality of youth. The metamorphosis from beauty to beast and vice versa. Occult forces, sensitivities and intense dreams. Dangerous situations and perilous times."

"The top right card represents the second possible outcome. Two of Pentacles - Change. Balance and harmony achieved in a time of upheaval and transformation. Taking two steps forward for every one step back. Shifting the importance of projects and priorities to keep everything on track. A change in occupation or location."

"It is the Justice which pulls you to the first outcome," she said, touching the middle left card. "The achievement of balance and inner harmony after a great trial. Agreements, contracts, or treaties concluded justly. Things set to rights. Karma restored. While the Page of Rods," a tap to the middle right card, "pulls you towards the second. The essence of fire behaving as earth, such as wood or coal: The surprising appearance of a new passion. An adventurer who blazes through life, acting as a catalyst that others may harness. Inner fire that can drive away fear and replace it with fury."

Ghanima didn't need to be an oracle to translate that, and she gave the cards a critical look. "You are supposed to be giving them futures for today," she scolded quietly. "Behave."

"Finally, the bottom card represents the critical factor that decides what will come to pass. Temperance: Calm and restraint. Self-control, patience and tact in handling situations. The act of applying balanced spiritual and psychic forces to physical life."

[OOC: Not rigged! So speaks the internet!]

Wesley nodded, processing all of that. "Thank you, Lady Ghanima," he said politely, and he set off for the casino floors.

"Lady Ghanima," Cassidy greeted her with a smile. "What do the cards say for me, today?"

"Good morning, Cassidy," Ghanima replied as she let the cards flow through her hands. "Why don't we find out together?"

"Your first possible outcome is the card Strength. Raw power. Health and physical fortitude. A surge of tremendous force and victory after apprehension and fear. The ability to face and overcome opposition brings the inner qualities of strength and forbearance. Delays and setbacks will be overcome, which is quite positive.

"The second possible outcome is the Page of Wands, reversed. The dark essence of fire behaving as earth, such as dry wood: The surprising appearance of a new passion or inflammatory news. A trickster who can unexpectedly ignite a dangerous situation, it can also represent a person outwardly timid, but harboring unexpected inner fury."

Ghanima pointed to the middle left card." The Queen of Wands pulls you to the first outcome. The essence of fire behaving as water, such as a rainbow. A person who reflects the desires and needs of others, and ignites them. A radiantly vital person, who sees what she wants and goes after it. Drawing you to the second outcome is the Wheel of Fortune, reversed. An unexpected turn of bad luck and a broken sequence of events. Outside influences for the worse. Great changes taking place as a result of earlier actions that cannot be taken back. Misfortune, failure and reluctance to use free will."

"The bottom card represents the critical factor that decides what will come to pass. The Tower: Unforeseen catastrophe. An abrupt change, perhaps leading to a new lifestyle and enlightenment. May indicate a broken relationship, divorce, or failure in business or career."

Ghanima ran her fingers along the edge of the Tower. "Don't get discouraged today if you start loosing, I should think. It looks like if you stick it out and refuse to give up, then things will end in your favor."

"Anything good in store for me?"

With her luck, Kate was going to hazard a 'no', but it was worth asking. She could do hopeful... Or could try it, anyway.

"That remains to be seen," Ghanima replied, the cards moving rapidly between her hands, over and under fingers before flipping them out into the five-card spread. "Two paths I show you today. It is up to you to pick which one - if any - to embrace, and which to shun."

"The first road before you is the High Priestess, reversed. Being confused and led astray from the true path. Spiritual deception. Overzealous and shallow-minded pursuit of the esoteric. Insecurity, conceit and self-destructiveness. The forces of nature unleashed. It is the middle left card represents the force drawing you towards the first possible outcome. Judgement, also reversed: Procrastination and indecision. Disillusionment and the inability bring a matter to conclusion."

"The second possible path is that of Justice: The achievement of balance and inner harmony after a great trial. Agreements, contracts, or treaties concluded justly. Things set to rights. Karma restored. The Ace of Wands, again, reversed, leads you this way. The seed of a new crisis - perhaps as yet unseen. The start of an explosive situation threatening to consume all who get too close or an innate and primal force unleashed. May suggest a surge of vitality or creativity that can set dangerous events in motion."

"The bottom card represents the critical factor that decides what will come to pass. The Empress. Creativity, productivity, and the foundation of civilization. Initiative and practical actions," she finished. "If you stay positive and focused, you should easily avoid the first future in favor of the second. The road won't be easy, but you could have a very productive day at the casino if you so choose."

"Yeah, neither of those fall solidly in the 'good' category," she noted, mouth twisting. She was resigned to a horrible fate, but thought perhaps fake gambling might be one area things might be simple and happy. "I guess the world doesn't like to do that."

Jason looked a little wary, but it wasn't like the cards could hurt, right?

"What do you predict for me?" he asked, totally not worried at all, really.

"The cards will show two different options," Ghanima replied, swiftly dealing them out. "It's up to you to chose which one to embrace today, and which one to deny."

"The top left card represents the first possible outcome. The Judgment: A swift and conclusive decision. The resolution of a matter long unanswered. A change in point of view, most frequently towards greater enlightenment, and a final balancing of karma. Pulling you in this direction is the Knight of Artifacts, or The Hound Amulet, reversed: The dark essence of air behaving as fire, such as a tornado. A merciless and skillful warrior, unfettered by emotion or conscience, and a nihilist who can refuse not even the most insurmountable of challenges. Speaking without tact or tolerance, in a sarcastic manner. This person may portend the swift initiation or conclusion of conflict, through the calamitous invocation of force."

"The top right card represents the second possible outcome. Seven of Rods - or Valor - reversed. Failure to stand up for your beliefs in the face of a hostile majority. A self-fulfilling fear of failure or embarrassment. Quarrels, perplexity, and indecision at a crucial moment."

"The middle right card represents the force drawing you towards the second possible destiny. Six of Wands - Victory - reversed." All these reversed cards showing up for her students today did not sit well with Ghanima. "Arrogance and dangerous overconfidence as the result of a past success, and/or Fear of failure coupled with false hopes. Frustration over indefinite delays and motion without progress."

"Now, the bottom card represents the critical factor that decides what will come to pass. Queen of Rods, reversed. The dark essence of fire behaving as water, such as steam. The natural embodiment of passion and sensuality, who will do anything to the be the center of attention. A seducer who calculatingly dons the guise of what others desire. A cocky and domineering person, who pushes anyone or anything aside to get what she wants. One who is vengeful and quick to take offense."

"If I were you, I would watch out for pretty girls at the card tables."

That sounded even more intriguing than Jason had expected, and he found himself laughing. "I'll keep an eye out for them," he said. "I think I can resist being seduced."

Trying to beat destiny was something Nico enjoyed doing and he was feeling good when he stepped up to get his fortune. "I admit, I'm really interested to hear how your cards might differ from the sorts of predictions I've heard in the past. Please, tell me what you see, Lady."

"Do you think you have it in you to thwart one destiny today, or perhaps two?" Ghanima asked with a smile as she quickly laid out the cards. "There's always more than one path, I'm simply giving you a few of the options for today."

"First. The top left card represents the first possible outcome. King of Swords: The essence of air, such as a clear blue sky: A mature leader of unwavering ethics and indisputable authority. An incorruptible judge, whose devotion to the law cannot be swayed by emotion or material concerns. It is a perfect clarity of thought, directness of action, and eloquence of speech. One who, like a great general, inspires not love or devotion, but absolute trust and loyalty. Pulling you to this destiny is The Tower, reversed. Unexpected upheaval leading to a positive change in life. Catastrophe survived or narrowly avoided. A new lifestyle and enlightenment."

"Now for the second possible outcome; Six of Pentacles - the card of Success - reversed. Insolence and conceit with material things. Overconfidence, bad investments, and imprudent handing of acquired wealth. Contempt for those less fortunate. Deception and petty disputes driven by greed and envy. The force drawing you towards this second possible outcome is Death, also reversed," she informed him, touching the card. "Stagnation or petrifaction. The refusal to let go of the past, or resistance to change because of fear."

"The bottom card represents the critical factor that decides what will come to pass. For you, this is the Five of Cups, a card of disappointment. Suffering a loss and wishing for what might have been, or being crippled by sadness, grief, and vain regret. Indecision brought on by the feeling that you made the wrong choice. Ignoring what you still have. May suggest a broken relationship or tragedy."

Ghanima let the cards lay there for a moment before moving to scoop them up again. "If you wish to win big, do not hesitate to break free and start again. Getting in a rut is dangerous, and you may end up losing much more than winning if you try to beat the dealer and do not look elsewhere. The cards may suggest someone is going to try and run a scam on you today. If I may, I would suggest looking for a game where the others are slightly more impartial than invested in any particular outcome. It won't go easy, but the payoff will be better in the long run."

Simon looked a little uncomfortable, not that that was out of the ordinary. Predictions just made him jumpy for personal reasons, even if the reasons were the very same ones that had made him pick this class.

"Professor Atreides," he said with a nod as he approached Ghanima.

"Mr. Bellamy," she replied, inclining her head slightly. "Let us see if the cards are willing to hint at two of your possible futures, shall we?"

She quickly flipped out the five cards. "The top left card represents the first possible outcome," she explained. "Knight of Swords: The essence of air behaving as fire, such as a tornado: A fearless and skillful warrior, unfettered by emotion or material concerns. One able to boldly take on challenges that others consider terrifying or insurmountable. A person who inspires fear and awe through the purity of their purpose and the intensity of their intellect. Speaking frankly, in an outspoken manner, and with great influence. May portend the swift initiation or conclusion of a conflict, through the decisive invocation of force. What pulls you toward this end is the card beneath it."

"Death," she continued, touching the card. "Although not necessarily the grim reaper your Western culture often pictures. For us, it is a major change or transformation, possibly traumatic and unexpected. Freedom from the shackles of the past. A new beginning. Death coupled with rebirth, usually related to consciousness and lifestyle."

"Now, the top right card represents the second possible outcome. Ten of Wands, the card of Oppression." Not Ghanima's favorite card, but one she was familiar with. "Success and gain, leading you to take on a burden greater than you can carry. Noble leadership transformed, through lack of restraint, into tyranny. The crushing weight of ultimate responsibility. Pulling you there is the King of Swords, reversed. Excessive use of force, and mastery of language as a tool for deception. One who, like a great tyrant, inspires not love or devotion, but fear, respect, and obedience."

"Finally, the bottom card represents the critical factor that decides what will come to pass. Page of Pentacles, also reversed, Irrationality and failure to recognize obvious facts. Wastefulness, lack of focus, and loss." She let the cards linger there for a moment before starting to collect them. "If you maintain your composure, and keep your eyes open, you should be able to choose the direction in which you walk."

Jim was maybe slightly antsy as he stepped up to Ghanima to get his fortune. He'd learned a thing or two about cheating at cards from the occasional spacer to stop by the Benbow, but he wasn't entirely certain how that was going to hold up in the Danger Shop.

And, so help him, he was kind of starting to believe there might be something to this 'destiny' thing.

"So," casual, Jim. Totally casual. "Is there anything interesting in the cards for me?"

"Why don't we find out?" Ghanima asked, picking up her deck and shuffling again before laying out the cards for him. "Now. The top left card is one possible outcome. The Star, reversed, which symbolizes unfulfilled hopes. Disappointment. Pessimism. Bad luck. Lack of opportunity and stubbornness. Oddly, it is the Seven of Swords which draws you there. New plans, wishes, fortitude. Perseverance. Hope, confidence, fantasy. The more cynical call it the card of futility."

The top right card represents a second possible outcome. The card known as Justice, which heralds harmony. This is a card of equity, honor, and sincere desire. The eventual outcome, whether favorable or unfavorable, will truly be fair for the person concerned. The Nine of Cups is what will draw you there. A card that often brings success, well-being, and abundance with difficulties surmounted."

"The critical factor that is the turning point is the Fool. He is the beginning of adventure and unlimited possibilities. While he is the card of pleasure and passion, he also represents rashness and obsession. Immaturity against spontaneity. A tendency to start a project without carefully considering all the details and reluctance to listen to advice. The Fool is a powerful card, but one that must be held in tension, least one side overwhelm the other."

"So...." Jim pursed his lips a little while he puzzled all of that out. "The cards say that I'm going to lose, but at least I'll lose fairly, because I jumped in without thinking with my eye on nothing but the money? Right?"

So... to turn it upside-down, he'd have to keep his head in the game, kick serious gambling butt, and cheat. Possibly a lot.

Scully was sufficiently curious to wonder what she'd get here.

"Just tell me what to do here."

"I cannot tell you what to do, Miss Scully. That defeats the point of the exercise," Ghanima replied as she dealt the cards. "I can only give you two roads out of countless pathways. And while I can offer advice, the final act is up to you."

"Is it destiny, fate, or free will? That is for you to decide."

"Now, for the reading." Ghainma laid the last card down, and looked them over quickly. "Two roads.

"The first holds the Star. A good omen, this is the card of hope, faith, and insight. It is a mixing of the past and present, and the proper balance of desire and work, hope and effort. Leading you there is the Empress: The essence of femininity and matriarchy. Creativity, productivity, and the foundation of civilization. Initiative and practical actions that promote prosperity."

"The second possible outcome. Two of Pentacles. The card of Change heralds difficulty in launching new projects. Difficult situations arising. New troubles. Embarrassment. Worry. Concern. Calling you there is the Knight of Pentacles, reversed. A force of nature that cannot be diverted from the wrong path and the voice of duty and honor utterly divorced from reality. Lack of imagination and the complete unwillingness to try a different approach, even if the face of complete failure."

"The deciding factor between these two particular paths lies the Judgement: A swift and conclusive decision. The resolution of a matter long unanswered. A change in point of view, most frequently towards greater enlightenment. Final balancing of karma."

Faith. That had always been a huge part of Scully's life, in different ways; her Catholic faith, belief in Science, in rational reasons... it had fallen away somewhat through time in Fandom, but she still clung to it.

"Change. And..." Scully gave Ghanima a wry look. "I know they're not meant to be people, but that Knight. Could be a friend of mine. Or me." Which she hated to admit.

She sighed, and traced the Judgement card. "Something to hope for, this."

Spock approached Ghanima with a polite nod. "Professor Atreides."

"Spock," she replied agreeably, nodding in return.

"One path is represented by the Two of Pentacles, the card of change. Balance and harmony achieved in a time of upheaval and transformation. Taking two steps forward for every one step back and shifting the importance of projects and priorities to keep everything on track. Sometimes it fortells a change in occupation or location. Leading you there is the Two of Wands, the dominion card. Attainment of goals and needs, boldness when required and courage in undertakings. Possibly someone with a dominant personality."

"A second possible outcome is the Seven of Wands, valor, reversed. It is a failure to stand up for your beliefs in the face of a hostile majority. A self-fulfilling fear of failure or embarrassment. Quarrels, perplexity, and indecision at a crucial moment. What brings you to that point is the Knight of Pentacles, also reversed. It is often seen as the essence of earth behaving as fire, such as molten magma. Someone slow to action, even in the most urgent circumstances, if it is a person. A force of nature that cannot be diverted from the wrong path, or the voice of duty and honor utterly divorced from reality. The complete unwillingness to try a different approach, even in the face of complete failure."

"The critical factor that decides what will come to pass is the Star, the card of hope and inspiration. It is a mixing of the past and present. Satisfaction, and the proper balance of joy and work."

Mod thy fate and your adventures at-will! If the NPC security holograms throw you out, she'll laugh.

It seemed that Ghanima's prediction for Wesley indicated that he would have success at the casino, at least so far as his negotiation skills were concerned. So once on the floor, he did his best to counter that prediction, even managing to offend people and get himself berated by security.

Well. That settled that.

She's around, before and after class.

As usual, your fate will be decided by Facade, or one of my decks depending on where I am when you ping in. If you need a particular rigged fate for plotty/development purposes, just shoot me an email and I shall try to oblige!

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Destiny & Free Will, Week VII [Monday, Period 2]

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During the Lecture

Activity: Get Your Future!

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Activity: The Floors of the Casino

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Talk to Ghanima

OOC