[ Usually Sharpe goes for video, but he chooses otherwise this time. He would've gone for text, but writing's difficult enough when he doesn't have to try to press keys in a board that makes no sense whatsoever.

Strong Yorkshire accent. There's a background noise of shaah, shaah, shaah, of knife going through wood. If anyone can recognise it, Sharpe is whittling. ]

They've been telling us this is the future. [ Pause. A quiet snort. ] Or at least, one version of it.

[ There's a longer pause. ]

What'd you do - any of you - if you realise that what you've been doing all yer life don't mean nowt? That yer not remembered at all? Things happened as they should, without you, and there ain't a single thing you did that meant anything?

[ Shorter pause, as if he's going to say something else. Then a heavy sigh, and he switches off the feed.

Over a month ago, Sharpe found the records of the Napoleonic Wars. Practically everyone he knows and everyone who means something to him are not there.

Welp. ]

[The video cuts in on a redheaded girl with one shock of green hair grinning at the camera]

So is it just me or does that [air quotes] "orientation" thing need a little spicing up? Seriously. I didn't know whether I was going to the grand inquisitor's office or if I was back in the... uh... [She cringes, realizing what she almost just said. Grinning suddenly she waves it off] in bed having some weird-ass dream or something.

I do feel kinda gypped, though. [She mocks the woman's voice] "your housing companions will assist you in becoming ready." Yeah well I don't have any "housing companions" so I guess I'm on my own. [beat] Again.

[Yeah this is so familiar. Left alone in an unfamiliar place. Groovy. Yeah. She's done it before and she can do it again. She shrugs, shooting the camera a lopsided grin]

So I guess what I'm really saying is: Is there any place a girl can get a burger around here? I'm starving.

[Sitting at a desk, pen in hand and twirling it in a seemingly unconscious gesture.]

This may seem an odd question to many of you, I won't deny that, but to those of you that have been to the Outlands, what types of animals are out there? Any details you could give me would be appreciated. Appearances, temperament, diets, anything you may have observed.

[It's a completely innocent query. Hush Bella.]

Otherwise, I believe I've neglected introducing myself to many of you. I'm Doctor Carlisle Cullen.

i have question
what are people's weak spots
other than eyes
i already know about eyes
unless you can do something else to eyes other than stab them

[ ANONYMOUS POSTER. TOTALLY INNOCENT QUESTION.

and a few minutes later, an edit: ]

i was also told to ask for "many many diagrams"

[ A WHILE LATER. ANOTHER EDIT. the previous edit is deleted, and the following is added. ]

disregard previous edit if seen

[ aaaaaand a little later ]

i have already heard about balls i do not need to hear about them again
thank you

So am I really understanding this right? Is my world really the only world where people know how to furycraft? It's hard even imagining life without it. Much less building all of...

[He gestures around him, vaguely trying to point out all of Exsilium.]

All of this.

Maybe you just call it something else. Does anyone out there have the ability to manipulate the elements with their mind? Fly with wind? Throw fireballs? Shape stone, steel, or wood? Heal with water?