Ptolemy of Alexandria

One Hundred-Sixteenth Question

2008-03-20T01:43:34Z

While I have observed this curse day several times previously, I have never before experienced it myself. It was something of a surprise to discover upon awaking that my physicalities had changed in the night, but it did not take very long to adjust to my current form. I find myself somewhat bemused that it has been cause for alarm for so many other citizens; it seems to me a curious, but not particularly difficult, experience.

...If nothing else, this curse is a reminder that who we are is not nearly so tied up in our appearances as we believe. They are superficial aspects of one's true being at best, and while there is certainly some value to them, they are not integral.

((OOC: This is the first time I've found an acceptable old Egyptian woman for this curse ~~funny how well googling "old Egyptian woman" worked~~, and so today, Ptolemy is a chick...well, old biddy? As thoroughly not-sexual as always, though--boy's gotta catch a break somewhere.))

One Hundred-Fifteenth Question

2008-03-09T20:19:19Z

I spent all of yesterday, save the time during which I conversed with various temporary citizens, considering the evidence before me, and I can come to only one conclusion:

Kitty has left the City.

It was presumably an unwilling choice. Not only had she ~~reassured~~ told me on multiple occasions in the past that she had no desire to leave, the option would have been very hazardous to her health.

I...I do not think that I will be in attendance at the Library for the next day or two. There are...matters to which I must attend.

I hope she finds some way to safeguard her health. I should not like our next meeting to see her missing her heartbeat.

...Despite myself, I cannot help wishing Rekhyt were here.

((OOC: Sad Ptolemy is saaaaaaaaaaaaad, and a little lost. ._. No more ~~maternal figure~~ Kitty Jones.))

One Hundred-Fourteenth Question

2008-03-08T15:58:52Z

[Filtered from Faye Valentine // hackable]

Have any amongst you seen or heard from Kitty Jones?

It is of the utmost importance that you make as much known to me if you have. ~~This is most worrisome...~~

I will appreciate greatly any information you may have. Thank you.

[End filter]

I would like to extend a welcome to those joining us only for the day. This is a curse I do not mind terribly; it seems to me an excellent opportunity to gain further knowledge of other ways of existence, and the variety of people who come to this place for an afternoon is very interesting.

I hope you all may spend a comfortable day within the City. Should you have any questions, I am happy to answer them.

((OOC: Replies may be slow, but I wanted to make sure I posted this. ^^;;))

One Hundred-Thirteenth Question

2008-03-05T14:40:46Z

[Begin Voice Post]

[The muffled sounds of people passing come through first; their footfalls are louder than their speech. Matches being shook in a box can be heard at regular intervals.]

P-please, sir, do you need some matches? Only pennies for them.

[A thin voice comes through, punctuated with the occasional cough.]

...Ma'am, some matches? They are of highest quality! Please buy my ma...ah. Have a good day.

[A small sigh. His next words are barely audible.]

It seems colder today...

[End Voice Post]

((OOC: The Little Match Boy here will be sitting, ~~as pathetically as possible~~ sans both wheelchair and shoes, propped up against something-or-other in the Square today. Buy his matches or he can't go home, and freezing to death by midnight becomes a high possibility! XD))

One Hundred-Twelfth Question

2008-03-02T14:32:14Z

...The Library seems significantly emptier without Lucien's presence.

I must wonder into whose care it shall fall while he is within his own world of origin (whether it is to be an interim position or a permanent one). I do not believe anyone else would be capable of the level of service that he provided, of course, and it seems naive to assume that within the City, the Library is incapable of taking care of itself...but myself, I am willing to do what I can in his absence.

It seems there have been many departures among those I have known as of late. Lucien and Kurt Wagner, and somewhat earlier, Princess Moanna. It could be an evening out of the City's population, or it could be entirely by chance. It is somewhat unfortunate, in any case, but perhaps amongst these new citizens, there will be faces recognizable to me.

To all those entering the City, I would like to say welcome. Should you have questions, I am willing to answer them.

One Hundred-Eleventh Question

2008-02-12T16:11:45Z

Having tried one of the candies which landed on my windowsill (out of curiosity, as I do not recalling trying any last February), I do not think I should eat any more than that. I now know that someone within the City apparently attempted to kill his father at the age of ten; if the other hearts offer similar knowledge upon consumption, I do not doubt I will be in possession of understandings I should not have.

On the other hand...it is difficult to record the appearances and printed words of each heart without also taking down what information the heart offers. I do not want to discard what would be valid observations about the curse day; for instance, do all of these hearts reading 'FEAR' reveal the same facts, or are they each different? My notes will lose some validity if I deny myself information that is so easily at hand...

...Perhaps just enough to determine something of an idea of what the range is of personal facts circulating. And I cannot help but wonder if there are any regarding me.

((OOC: Yeah, so. He's torn. XD If you feel like LOLing at Ptolemy's expense, here are his sekrits in easy-to-find form! They're all signed.
BITTER CRIPPLE (he's an eensy bit jealous that he's stuck with his weakness in the City, while ~~Kitty~~ others are not)
INCLUDED (Being called Ptolemy Jones made him feel like he was part of a proper family)
LIBIDO (he has more of one than he'll ever admit)))

One Hundred-Tenth Question

2008-02-09T00:00:11Z

The festivities of yesterday were fascinating to observe, though they felt very much out of season to me. It still strikes me as odd to think of the New Year occurring at this point in the calendar; in my home, this time would be considered as the middle of the year, if anything. There are six months or so until the holiday that marks the end of one cycle and the beginning of the next.

All the same, while awaking to the sound of fireworks was most disconcerting, that was a very agreeable curse. I am sorry to see the end of it.

In the mean time, I would like to extend a welcome to all those new citizens of the City. There have been none recognizable to me, but that is of little surprise. I offer my hope that you may be happy here, or alternatively, that you may find an exit quickly.

...Ah, and I request an explanation as promised, Faye.

One Hundred-Ninth Question

2008-02-03T19:18:01Z

[Begin Voice Post]

...It is very cold today. In this particular form, it feels significantly more so than usual. [Muttered.] Normally, I may put on additional clothing if necessary.

I am beginning to envy Tameri her fur.

[Meow!]

[End Voice Post]

((OOC: What else is as appropriately wrinkled as a Sphynx cat? XD))

One Hundred-Eighth Question

2008-02-02T18:33:31Z

I have resided within the City for just over a year now; I did not think to mark the day itself, but it was the nineteenth of January.

In a year, I have learned much and accomplished more...and now, I believe I find myself, for lack of a better term, 'stuck'. It has been nearly half a year since the completion of my life's work, and in the time since, I have not found anything to take its place. I have lived as I never had before...but I have lost too much of my scholastic drive to this place.

...I am not sure how to proceed. My previous plans to conduct a great study of the City itself do not interest me as I should like such a project to do, but I have yet to find an alternative subject to write upon.

Perhaps I shall simply have to content myself with the learning of new disciplines and leave the question of further writings to a later date. Of course, such education will require instruction, and I shall thus have to find a willing teacher. And given that I have not been particularly social as of late, that could be a troublesome task.

I suspect I will have to question my fellow citizens more formally later, but for the moment, I shall ask informally. Would any of you be willing to offer formal instruction on a subject you know well? I will be happy to repay you in kind, whether in coin or in the offering of my own knowledge.

((OOC: AKA, give Ptolly something to do. Please. ;-; The poor boy is starting to go a bit stir-crazy, and his mun is at her wit's end. ^_-))

One Hundred-Seventh Question

2008-01-18T16:30:51Z

[Begin Voice Post]

I am not sure the deities' purpose in cursing us so, but I do not care for it. Tameri has already made two attempts to drag me places by my arm, and she does not notice that she is pulling my arm from my body, bit by bit. Besides that, her teeth are quite sharp, and it seems it would be a painful form of transportation were she to succeed in pulling me from my bed.

It seems I am a 'teddy bear' today. However, from my knowledge of such things (which is minuscule, to say the least), I believe I am in a state of much disrepair. I am lucky that I left my laptop open and on my bed when I went to sleep last night, for I would otherwise be unable to contact anyone; this body is without even the small amount of strength my human form is granted. I have no hope of standing, let alone lifting my computer or even opening it.

...Today, I shall have to remain useless. This is most frustrating...and perhaps that is the purpose the deities have in this curse.

[A rustle of sheets, meowing.]

Tameri, no! Please do not attempt to bite me aga...[A small groan, muttered words growing more and more faint.] I spent a good half-hour attempting to return to my place last time, please let go my ear...

[End Voice Post]

One Hundred-Sixth Question

2008-01-17T00:38:08Z

It seems I shall be able to go out walking at length, should I be careful to shield myself from direct light. I am most pleased with this development. Are there any who would care to join me? I am not yet sure where I will go, but I believe it will be a most interesting evening.

I am beginning to grow hungry, however, and it seems...different from anything I have felt before. I am not sure what to make of it.

One Hundred-Fifth Question

2008-01-16T00:32:02Z

Yesterday's curse was quite fascinating, though I only just escaped mummification at one point. I believe I learned much from the experience, however, particularly in observing the construction of the pyramid, for I did not see the pyramids, in progress or complete, whilst alive.

I wish I could call it reminiscent of my experiences of home, but what the deities offered us yesterday would have been considered a history lesson in my time just as it was for most of you. The building of the pyramids, for instance, occurred over a thousand years before I was born. Many of the customs that occurred in the City were still practiced in my lifetime, and the same gods were still known, but much was different, as well.

Thus, I believe it is important to note that what is apparently the popular understanding of 'ancient' Egypt is not representative of the society throughout its existence. One's life in what is called the Nile Delta was very different from that of a person living in Mut. This curse offered an understanding of the time of the Old Kingdom, I believe, and given the number of people believing themselves to be Pharaoh, of Memphis. It was not so typical of later kingdoms, nor of the time of the Ptolemaic dynasty.

~~All that said, it was...'comforting' is not the right word, but in retrospect, I am glad that the City chose such a curse.~~

((OOC: Translation: NOT ACTUALLY ALL THAT MUCH LIKE HOME FOR ME.))

One Hundred-Fourth Question

2008-01-14T13:39:41Z

Citizens of ~~Alexandria~~ The City,

It has been repeatedly asked of me whether I will continue to advise the people, given the long period I have gone without doing so. ~~Much as I have rejoiced in the freedom of using the morning hours to my satisfaction in the ways of scholarly pursuits,~~ I have decided to offer my mornings to the people once more. Should you find yourself with a difficulty that seems insurmountable, I will be...happy to advise to any who seeks advice.

There is, as always, no charge save the time you take to seek me out. You will find me in Building 7, Flat 24, or you may pose your question in writing. Should you choose to make use of whatever sagacity I may offer, please remain aware that, as previously, I will be available for counsel only until half past eleven.

Thank you for your time in reading this; I pray the gods have seen you well through today.

Sincerely yours,

Ptolemaeus

I do not begrudge the people their desire for someone to turn to, but how I wish it was not me. This will impede the progression of my studies once more; what was it Rekhyt once said? 'Crawling at a snail's pace', I believe. It was an apt description, in truth. I cannot deny some responsibility toward my fellow citizens, but it is most frustrating to be expected to solve issues of crops and mediate disputes when I could be writing.

...I also do not care to see how ~~my cousin~~ those in power choose to regard this entire business. The assasins some weeks before were a fair indication of the general disfavour, but I have no desire to beg forgiveness of those who care not for my existence in general. If they dislike my advising the people so much, they may feel free to take on the mantle themselves.

As well, I must be sure that my afternoon break includes the city as a whole rather than simply the marketplace. For all I am fond of the spice stalls, ~~Alexandria~~ the City seems inexplicably changed to me, and I am most curious to witness some of the building of the pyramid.

((OOC: Explanation: Back when Ptolly was alive, the people of Alexandria would come to him with problems and he'd give advice, the use of one of his djinn, and/or the occasional verbal bitchslap ~~without the bitch~~. So here we have vaguelyroyal!Ptolemy (he couldn't care less about all you other "pharaohs", though, he just wants to work in peace!), exasperated sage of the people. XD Also, as far as the until 11:30 thing goes...liiiiiiies, in this case, though he'll probably want to go out on a constitutional later. ^_-))

One Hundred-Third Question

2008-01-11T16:39:18Z

...The deities have seen fit to bring to me the notes I lost just before my death.

That was...very thoughtful of them. They have no great scholarly importance to me now, of course, since I have completed that book, but... I should have taken the time to obtain a 'cosmopolitan' as asked.

I am pleased to be able to return to the surface, and I believe Tameri is, too. She is not so used to remaining in one place as I am and thus found confinement within the Underground somewhat distressing, but I worried she would become lost if I allowed her far from my person. My notes have remained intact (the filing cabinet is an invention deserving much praise), and while there is mess yet to be dealt with, I do not believe it will take overly long to quell the mayhem remaining.

Lucien, does the Library share in the wreckage found throughout the rest of the City, or has it been lucky enough to escape this destruction? In any case, I am anxious to return to work sometime in the coming days.

I hope all my friends and acquaintances are well.

One hundred-second question

2008-01-03T22:21:06Z

...I do not know what to think of these 'Stewards'. Their offer is benevolent, but it is also suspect. I am inclined to trust rather than mistrust, but I think that this is a case which requires a great deal of prudence.

What they promise is of no value to me, in any case. It seems to imply that I would arise from the dead, but as tempting as a return to my home is, I believe I must accept my time to die and take heart in what I have found in the Afterlife. I would encourage those others among the City dead to see the matter similarly.

Kitty, Nathaniel, I am curious as to your opinions of this situation. Given the widespread reports of ill feeling, I suspect that these 'Stewards' have more interest in the City than simply freeing its citizens.

One Hundred-First Question

2007-12-31T20:28:08Z

Another day spent quietly alone does not suit my tastes today.

I am told this is the final day of the year, and knowing that, I could not think to let it pass without the tender comfort of another close to me.

I seek a worthy companion for this evening. Are there any so interested?

((OOC: ...Seriously, can anyone think of worse times than lusty!Ptolemy? Because I can't. ._.))

One Hundreth Question

2007-12-25T16:41:21Z

I have learned that "Merry Christmas" is the phrase used to greet others on this day. Thus, Merry Christmas to all my fellow citizens. The importance placed on feelings of good will towards one's comrades is a commendable aspect of this holiday, and so I hope this morning finds all in good spirits.

I myself have thoroughly enjoyed the day thus far.

Kitty: I have written more pages for you. I hope that you enjoy them.

Nathaniel: It is a rather battered copy, but I have found for you one of my favourite texts. I hope you find it similarly illuminating.

Lucien: It is difficult to give you a gift, for offering you a book you have not known seems something of an impossible endeavor, and yet I can think of nothing more appropriate. Thus, you will have to fill this one yourself.

Bakura: I was not sure what you might like best, but I find these works most interesting myself and thought you might enjoy them as well.

Cal: This struck me as sounding very interesting. I hope you have not read it.

Faye: I was entirely unsure of what to give to you, but I hope this will be acceptable. I found it most curious when I viewed it, myself.

Rekhyt: You have my hope that you are whole and well within the Other Place.

((OOC: If I've missed somebody important, please tell me--I'm feeling a bit scatterbrained today. ^^;;;))

Ninety-Ninth Question

2007-12-24T19:05:41Z

I have a series of questions related to the Christmas holiday which have not been satisfactorily answered in my personal research. I must entreat those with more experience with the holiday to explain where books have failed.

1. Is Santa Claus widely considered lecherous?

The lyrics of the song "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" seem to imply that Santa Claus is, in essence, making a cuckold of the singer's father. It seems possible, perhaps even probable, that this is a common enough occurrence, considering that a song has been written regarding it. However, I have not seen this theme occur elsewhere. What is to be made of this? Is it simply so well-known that it need not be written down, or has Santa Claus' character been severely maligned by this particular song?

2. Is bioluminescence the cause of Rudolph's glowing nose? Is he an example of the concept of evolution?

Bioluminescence, as implied by its name, living light, is the production and emission of light by a living being. It is normally found in creatures of the sea and fungi. However, Rudolph's nose seems to echo the appearance of other bioluminescent creatures. Is it possible that this glowing is the result of similar chemical reactions? Would he then be a creature with a mutation, and should it be viable within his offspring, is it possible that Rudolph would be the beginning of a new link in the evolutionary chain?

3. What causes hallucinations in the form of dancing sugar plums?

To quote from the textual source:

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

The descriptor is reminiscent of what I have found referred to as a 'drug trip'.

Any insight my fellow citizens may have will be most appreciated.

((OOC: I blame question two on Cal's influence. XD;; Tags later?))

Ninety-Eighth Question

2007-12-21T01:50:27Z

...Another opportunity to revisit familial relationships. This strikes me as entirely unnecessary.

Where's that dish of a girl you had about here last time? Perhaps I can make this day go by more quickly with her.

What I understand least about this entire day is the question of why the City felt it suitable to give him the gift of English this time.

((OOC: "What was in the pot?" "A cousin."))

Ninety-Seventh Question

2007-12-17T05:32:29Z

Though this weather is on the hot side even for me, I do not mind it. I find it far preferable to the cold. The fact that it remains light out is also pleasing; as of late, I have ~~had difficulty sleeping~~ found myself awake at odd hours of the night, and it is less troublesome when the sun is out.

In searching for more information about the upcoming Christmas holiday at the library today, I stumbled across a film which looked relevant to the subject.

It appears to be set during winter as I have come to understand it here, the titular character seems to be one of the creatures Alice had mentioned as relevant to the season, and the text on the back of the box makes reference to the man called 'Santa Claus'.

I have yet to ascertain which figure on the front of the box, if any, is Santa Claus. Since it does not appear that the sun will set any time soon, I think I will view the film tonight, in hopes of better understanding these aspects of Christmas (and what 'Destiny's Child' has to do with the holiday, since it has not been previously mentioned to me).

Ninety-Sixth Question

2007-12-14T00:54:15Z

Because after thousands of years of ill treatment at the hands of magicians, I felt it was time for djinn to be seen as equal in value to people. Visiting their realm as a guest seemed to me a way to begin the process.

Because having experienced a place firsthand is a great aid in writing on its principles.

Because it was possible, because no human had been there before, and because I wished to see it myself.

~~Because I hoped leaving my home might help me find my place within it.~~

He did not belong here. It is, in the end, for the best.

...I shall miss him, though.

((OOC: Why Ptolemy went to the Other Place, take one.))

Ninety-Fifth Question

2007-12-03T20:43:24Z

I am more interested in the possibility of someday (in no way necessarily soon, but perhaps at some point in the future) experiencing a relationship beyond friendship than I would ever care to admit.

And I find myself utterly unable to compel myself to erase the previous sentence. This must be a curse.

...Please disregard the above.

((OOC: I'm sorry, I just can't think of anything else he'd find awkward to admit ~~well, maybe that he wouldn't mind being Ptolemy Jones ferreals~~. He's got a bit too much comportment, you guys. >.>))

Ninety-Fourth Question

2007-11-22T21:32:21Z

Thank you, fellow citizens of the City, for answering my questions. I am aware that I have many, and I appreciate your willingness to impart your knowledge.

In particular, thank you, Cal, for teaching me about science. Thank you, Lucien, for assisting me in the library and offering me work there. Thank you, Faye, for your own rather colourful understanding of the world. Thank you, Moanna, for your friendship, and the same to Kurt, Zhang He, Lucien, and all those others with whom I have shared comfortable conversation.

And Nathaniel, Kitty, Rekhyt...thank you.

Ninety-Third Question

2007-11-21T15:54:10Z

The City seems to have granted its citizens a reprieve for the moment. These past few days have seemed to me very quiet, particularly in comparison to the last curse. I do not mind it; a city concerned merely with the flow of daily life is, in my opinion, far preferable to one up in arms over the latest strange happening ~~fascinating though that can be~~.

...However, I am intrigued by the approaching holiday 'Thanksgiving'. Its purpose is evident from its name (or seems to be), and from what I have been able to gather, food is involved. I thus presume it is a holiday in celebration of the harvest? To my mind, it is out of season, as the harvest in Egypt will not occur yet for some time. In other lands, though, it is certainly possible that it occurs this early in the year. Where is this holiday celebrated?

I believe I will have to look into this further while at the library today. If it is celebrated here, I would like to take part, at least as an observer.

Ninety-Second Question - Accidental Voice Post

2007-11-14T14:42:04Z

[Begin Voice Post]

[A little bang, as though someone's hit the computer entirely by accident. Various shuffling noises and a few meows from the cat, who doesn't seem to be pleased by the change in her master.]

...Fuck. Where am I?

[His voice is lower pitched than usual, and a good deal coarser.]

Slave, where are you? Dress me, that I may go and meet Ptolemy in the marketplace.

[End Voice Post]

((OOC: So, um. What if Ptolemy was the very picture of what his ~~murderer~~ cousin ~~also a Ptolemy~~ thought he should be? Brawny and athletic and into drinking and women rather than studying and so forth? And, you know. Kind of an asshole. On the upside, he's alive? >.> ~~...I feel dirty.~~))