http://nohattrick.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] nohattrick.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2012-05-31 01:46 am
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Cryptozoology 101, Thursday, Period One

Back in the classroom today, no Fae servants or flesh-eating horses in sight. You're welcome students. This week was something of a break for you. Yes, Trick was still going to tell you about a sinister type of Fae that looked completely normal and yet could do horrible things to many of you without reprisal, but at least you weren't going to have to deal with any of them, either before or after class?

Maybe he was feeling a bit sorry for the last two weeks. Or maybe he was saving up for something extra-special next week. Who knew?

"Mesmers are a type of Fae that gain control over others by manipulating their locomotive systems," Trick began, as he enjoyed starting class on a cheerful note. "Using hand gestures, Mesmers control victims like marionettes; with a simple twirl of their hands, they can force their victims to do any physical action they choose. While this can be as simple as forcing someone to make a fool of themselves in public, it can also be used for much darker purposes, using catspaws to commit acts of robbery, treason, and murder. Once a Mesmer has gained control over someone, it is almost impossible to break free without significant outside help. This is true whether the victim in question is a human or another Fae; even the most powerful Fae can be held by a Mesmer in full control of his or her powers. There are some items that can offer a measure of protection, but these items are incredibly rare and powerful."

In other words, he wasn't even going to bother talking about them, because the odds of anyone who had one voluntarily giving that item up were astronomically small. Well, that and because he wasn't keen on sharing all Fae secrets.

"As dangerous as Mesmers are, there are a few way in which you can keep them from using their powers against you. The first and most important option is to keep a Mesmer's hands bound. If they cannot move their hands, they cannot use their abilities." There was a more gruesome way to keep Mesmers from using their powers, but that was a conclusion he'd let unless the students draw for themselves if they wished. "Mesmers also must remain close to their victims; they cannot send them away to carry out their orders elsewhere. At the very least, they seem to require line of sight, which means that if someone is bound by a Mesmer, that Fae is relatively close by. Furthermore, some Mesmers can be convinced to let go of a victim, if offered something for their trouble. However, Fae are just as varied in their needs and desires as humans, so finding the price for their cooperation may be difficult--or possibly too high for you to meet.

There was a reason many Mesmers joined the Dark Fae.

"The last option is to distract them. Mesmers must concentrate to keep their victims ensnared, and breaking that concentration will halt their magic. Furthermore, Mesmers are not effective against groups. An incredibly powerful and competent Mesmer may be able to ensnare a group of two or three people, either by controlling them all at once or, more likely, switching their concentrate from person to person at will. More than four or so will make it too hard for the Mesmer to focus long enough to do real harm."

"So, today, we have a discussion class. Sadly, if you find yourself being controlled by a Mesmer, there is little you personally can do about it. However, if someone you know is being controlled, you have a few more options. How would you handle that situation? Are there any times you can imagine a Mesmer's powers being used for good?"
abitlowkey: (Default)

Re: Discussion: Bonus Morality Question!

[personal profile] abitlowkey 2012-05-31 08:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"What is short term? Who shall be in charge of this force? How shall they themselves be controlled? In a perfect world such plans may hold merit, but we do not live in one as such."

Not even Asgard. Especially not Asgard.

Re: Discussion: Bonus Morality Question!

[identity profile] godgavemecable.livejournal.com 2012-05-31 08:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"If the world were perfect, we wouldn't really need to have rules ofr that sort of thing, since it wouldn't happen in the first place," Toby pointed out. "But most worlds already have rules that are sort of like that- that decide who can place someone under arrest, or where and how they're incarcerated, stuff like that. I think they'd need to be tweaked a little, sure, but they could work."
abitlowkey: (Oh. Oh dear)

Re: Discussion: Bonus Morality Question!

[personal profile] abitlowkey 2012-05-31 09:08 pm (UTC)(link)
"Could they? We apply this with the guilty in mind, not the innocent," the god of lies and mischief said. Lies. And mischief. "And would we only place those with such abilities as guardians of justice? What if they are less than inclined toward such activities? What of those who remain uncomfortable in a situation where they work with someone capable of playing with them as a puppet."

A beat.

"Oh dear, I believe this conversation is about the Superhuman Registration Act. How strange."

Loki, don't be a dick.

Re: Discussion: Bonus Morality Question!

[identity profile] godscrankshaft.livejournal.com 2012-05-31 09:19 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm sorry, but which act would that be?" Thomasina asked, instantly curious. "I am unfamiliar with it -- perhaps it's something from your own world that you could explain further for us?"
abitlowkey: (Default)

Re: Discussion: Bonus Morality Question!

[personal profile] abitlowkey 2012-05-31 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
"The Superhuman Registration Act? Where superhumans were asked to register with the government?"

Look, he assumed it was self explanatory. "It did not end well, I have heard. It was when my elder self still lived."

Re: Discussion: Bonus Morality Question!

[identity profile] godgavemecable.livejournal.com 2012-05-31 09:19 pm (UTC)(link)
That last bit was gonna get a confused look from Toby, because he had no idea what the hell that even was.

"No, I don't think you'd have to have powers to be a cop, or be a cop just because you have powers," he shrugged. "As for people who are uncomfortable... I can understand why they might be," people didn't even know he had powers and he still managed to creep most everyone he'd come across back home out, "but that's their problem, not that of the person with the power."
abitlowkey: (name's Loki you losers)

Re: Discussion: Bonus Morality Question!

[personal profile] abitlowkey 2012-05-31 11:12 pm (UTC)(link)
"Many would claim that it is merely prudent as a power could be like a loaded gun in the hands of a child." A beat. "Many would also claim that there is only one god. They would, of course, be terribly misinformed."