kaisou | Network (text); un:tabia

Entry tags:

tabia

Network (text); un:tabia

CONTENT WARNING: Insinuation of hate crimes in the comments

From Tabia, scribe in the service of Thoth, Lord of Hermopolis and god of truth, justice, and victory, to an open forum. I have no prior experience in using this technology, so I beg you to forgive any mistakes of etiquette that follow. I am a stranger to this land, having been brought here from my homeland of Egypt by forces I do not understand. I had not heard of America, nor the city of Kaisou, before I came here. Every aspect of life is completely different from anything I might find familiar that it may as well be a wholly different world. In the few days I have spent here, thanks to Zodiac's generosity, I have done what little I can to immerse myself in this new culture, but I confess I have learned little. The one thing that piques my interest in particular is the prevalence of writing; the streets are full of written signs, even for the simplest of amenities. Is literacy so ubiquitous in America that such signs can be read by anyone who passes by? It suggests a country of great scholars. At the present, my primary concern is in finding a way to repay the kindness I have been paid by those who have helped me find my footing in an unfamiliar land. My chief training is as a scribe, but if the Americans are as broadly literate as I suspect, I am unsure if that training amounts to much in such a society. I'm also proficient at weaving and sewing, and somewhat learned in the use of simple magic with which to ward off sickness and the like. The full measure of my powers once extended to fighting and banishing demons, but much of my magic seems to have left me. However, if any of these other skills seem to you that they could be put to good use, please do not hesitate to call upon me, and I shall respond without hesitation. Thank you for reading all of what I have to say. To he or she who may read this message: I hope that I can someday count you as a friend. I ask Thoth, Osiris, and all of the gods of my homeland to bring you good health, joy, and prosperity for all your days.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It's probably good that this is text because the face he's making behind the screen while reading this is... probably going to be offensive to near everyone.]

The hell are you talking about with this Thoth and Osiris stuff? If I might be making a suggestion, maybe start by cutting that out a little bit because this country ain't much of a fan of that type of thing. Also the friend bit is a little creepy when you've just met someone.

BUT you're right, literacy is something everyone learns from a young age so most got some kind of grasp on it. Whether it's good or not is... subjective???? As for the sickness warding or whatever you're callin' it? If there ain't a clinic or doctors or whatever that specialize in this supernatural shit, I'll eat my own hat.

[What's THIS guy's problem? Is he from a nation at war with Egypt? Or does he simply hate their gods?]

Would you ask of me to deny my dedication to the gods of my homeland? To fear to write, or even speak, their names? I will do no such thing! If you hate Thoth and Osiris, then you hate me! If you are an enemy of my kingdom's gods, then you are my enemy! I have spoken to many people who expressed no distress whatsoever at the mention of Thoth. Is it truly all of America that detests such talk, or is it simply yourself? Despite your arrogant words, I wish you a long life, full of wisdom and good fortune. I shall not do as you ask.

[That didn't go quite as well as he thought it was. Which, you know. Fair.]

What.

I don't give a singular damn about what you do or don't believe in, I'm just saying some people in this country ain't too fond of things that ain't the popular. But also dunno how this city itself takes to all this shit, so take it with a grain of salt.

Uhhh. Thanks? I guess? Not sure how I was arrogant there, but okay then.

If some people in this country aren't fond of the gods that I revere, then they are free to flee from my presence and ignore my words. I will not change my ways for those too ignorant or hateful to accept them. Let them change their ways instead!

Buddy, pal, friend. You do know people own guns here, right?

I do not know this. What is a gun?

[Give him a hot second to internally scream and find the words.]

You really don't...

Uhhh. Basically it's a weapon that shoots bullets. Shit, if you don't know what a gun is, you know what, like, a bow and arrow is? Like that, but replace it with metal.

[It stands to reason that a place as fantastical as America would have fantastical weapons as well.]

Do you mean to say that in this land, there are people who will take up arms against me for so much as speaking the names of the gods of Egypt? Is my home truly hated so?

No, this guy's an idiot.

America has freedom of religion. There are people who might disagree with your religious beliefs, but acting violently over them is definitely a crime.

Oh, what a relief! For a moment, I was afraid I ihad been captured by one of Egypt's enemies, and would have to hide my identity. Your words have put me at ease.

Mm, no. As far as I know, the US and the Egypt that exists today have pretty good relations.

That said, it's been a long time since most people have worshipped gods like Thoth and Osiris. So you might get some strange looks and questions, but they might assume you're part of one of those pagan groups that pop up sometimes who worship old gods.

Edited 2022-02-24 03:22 (UTC)

It saddens me to learn that the gods of my homeland have fallen from favor. However, even if I were to be the only one living to speak their names, I would do so with pride.

Well it has been a few thousand years....
[Stuff changes!]

But I'm sure they appreciate having such a devoted follower!

I do have to admit I'm curious about warding off sickness.

["Caught everything going around the school as a kid" life eyooooo]

What's working as a scribe like?

The scribe is the greatest of professions! There is no need to toil in the fields. Instead, I am tasked with spreading wisdom and knowledge, not only across Egypt, but into the future! By my hand, a man's thoughts and feelings are communicated over vast distances. By my wisdom, the greed of corrupt magistrates is thwarted as they try to steal unfair tax payments from the peasantry. The great works of pharaohs are immortalized for future generations to recall only as they are carved into stone!

Don't worry too much about mistakes of etiquette, this is social media and America is a melting pot of cultures from around the world, on top of being a big enough place to have several versions of its own culture.

Yes, literacy is ubiquitous. Most of the population learns to read and write by age seven or eight, though how well anyone nurtures and takes to those skills varies considerably, and you can't really use social media to judge because a lot of people can write better than they do in casual writing. It's not so much that America is a country of scholars, either, our education system needs a lot of improvement.

Sewing and weaving are much rarer skills than reading and writing, so I think you'll have better luck there... I'm afraid I can't tell you how much your magic will be good for, I'm very new to the supernatural. I can try to help you adjust to the cultural differences in the future, if you'd like?

So it's true, then! I've always dreamed of such a world! It have always been certain that a society where literacy was available to all would be an enlightened utopia! Thank you for telling me this. I can't wait to explore a world where reading and writing are available to all!

A utopia it's not, but a lot of people are working toward it. Education and literacy are a major piece in that goal. Knowledge is power, in more ways than one.

Have you been to a library yet?

I have not been to a library in this city! I have read about the collections of writing in Thebes, but in a world like this, where anyone can write, I expect that the scale of the libraries here are beyond anything I can imagine.

Libraries don't quite match the internet in terms of breadth, depth, or specificity of information, but if this city is so amazing to you the libraries will probably be a bit less daunting and easier to approach. I don't know how easy it'll be for you to get a library card, under the circumstances, but if you can't there are workarounds.

Whatever steps are necessary in order to gain permission to peruse the library, I will happily undertake. If my status as a foreigner prevents entry, I hope that I will be able to come to you for assistance.

Oh, it's not to enter. They'll let you go in and read as much as you like while the library is open, as long as you aren't loud or destructive or anything like that. Common sense things. A library card is for taking books out of the library, to read anywhere.

What a generous system! If a library card is needed only to take books with me, then I will happily spend as much of my free time as I can within the library's halls, reading to my heart's content.

[First thought; UGH THE POST IS BIG,

Second thought, after reading; crap, she has answers for these. That's about how it goes isn't it!]

First point; literacy is a modern deal for plenty of countries. America isn't unique there. Modern Egypt has a rate of 71% checking with google.

[Check it out Tabia! That's more than half your country, reading and writing. Wow!

Tragically, Kate's verbal tic does not translate to text it seems. Oh well.]

Here's your second answer though.

Ever heard of 'dictation'?

[So about the primary skill of the scribe...]

I have heard of dictation. In fact a great deal of my work from day to day involves taking down letters dictated by the illiterate. In this land where everyone can read, is there still a demand for such a skill?

Not quite. There is however, a need for people who can write down legal discussions.

It's easier to search and reference text than audio; and in legal matters every word counts. [For that matter one could argue a transcriber can go under oath...but regardless.

...

Wait she has skipped an important step.] Hold on.

How old are you?

I'm sixteen years old; while I am still a scribe in training, I do already handle a fair amount of a scribe's work. I don't think I'd find myself unequal to the task.

Being frank, the experience only partly matters. They wouldn't hire you at this age; kids your age are supposed to be in high school. That probably isn't a bad idea, you're in an unknown country from what I read.

[And also like, thousands of years behind, but eh. Details.

...

Still, a thought occurs...]

Tell you what.

Right now, I can't tell who I can trust with documentation regarding less than mundane.

If you want a look at what transcription and dictation is here, I can do that and see about part time work.

But go to school.

[And what can she say, she has a soft spot for smart kids with their eyes on less than popular fields.]

You may rest assured that I am quite eager to attend school! If the local customs say that I should focus on my education rather than seeking out work, I have no qualms about spending my time accordingly. However, I still wish to take you up on your offer, if possible. While I am depending on the charity of Zodiac, I suspect that I will need money in order to live comfortably in the city. I ask all of the gods to bring you prosperity and good fortune for your wisdom and kindness.

Good, good.

[She can't help but wonder if this kid sounds like this offline...]

From what I've found out so far? It's not a bad idea, I don't trust that charity won't have strings attached.

Though I'll have to find some way to contact you privately then.

[Excuse her while she fumbles with this app. There Has to be an inbox feature on this thing. She can't be expected to risk giving out addresses on a public forum!]

heyyyyyyyy tabia! here's the really cool thing about the modern world (or at least america, not sure about other countries): school is open to pretty much everybody, at least before you get into super advanced stuff like college and have to spend the rest of your student debt lmao

but public school for cool teens like us is free if you want to learn! a bunch of useful stuff like, uh, history and culture and a bunch of other things that might interest you, is taught there

It is good to hear from you again, Pasqualo! I remain ever thankful for the assistance you offered when I was lost within the labyrinth. I ask every god I pass to grant you health, prosperity and happiness. I have heard much about American schools from Tyra the art teacher. While I am uncertain what steps are required to allow me to join, and I don't know if I have the knowledge required to keep up with their studies, I am eager to become a student once again.

america wants its kids in schools REAL BAD so it should be pretty easy for you! i'm not exactly a whiz at paperwork and i got in no problem, but if you do want help i'll be glad to lend a hand

speaking of help... do you know what going to school together means?

we can be STUDY BUDDIES!!!

What a delightful idea! I am certain that there are many things I don't understand; in the school of a country as advanced as this, I would no doubt seem like a fool. It would be much easier to face such a situation with a friend at my side.

[ Wow that really is a lot. She has to read through it a couple more times just to make sure she's getting it all. ]

Wow, you are write so elegantly. Are all scribes where you're from like that?

I'm actually not really used to a city like this either, so I'm still learning about this place too. Maybe we can try learning together? If you want, I mean.

[ This is how you make friends, right? ]

I am pleased by your kind words! Thoth shares his gift with all scribes, and I can hope only to carry that wisdom through my work. I still have so much to learn, if I'm going to write anything truly special. Regarding the possibility of learning about this city together: Nothing would make me happier! One of the most frightening things about being this far from home is being separated from all of my friends. In the meantime, I wish for nothing more than to make as many new friends as I can.

There's definitely plenty to learn! What would you write, if you were just writing something for yourself?

It can feel pretty lonely in a big place like this, right? [ And this is coming from someone who already had family members here. ] I'm trying to make new friends too. How much of the city have you had a chance to see?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Network (text); un:tabia

[Text]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

text

no subject

text; un: northerncross

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

UN: LOCKANDKEY | it hit me like a brick to the face...

no subject

Me googling: oh its called transcription now ok, well,

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

text, un: #1kattengrabfan

no subject

no subject

no subject

Text | un: pequeña_montaña

Re: Text | un: pequeña_montaña

no subject