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[dreamsoftomorrow]

What makes an Empire evil or bad?

The definition is simply that it's ruled by one person, but nowhere does it state that it's also inherently bad.

So, what makes it bad?

Why are we assuming Sen Devadatta is evil when from what I've read in the history books and from the locals, all they did was shut their doors. We don't know the reason yet either.

It's understandable to be wary and suspicious, but I don't think it's a good idea to go in believing we're going to be arrested or worse.

Comments

[einspine]

I WAS TOLD THAT IT'S BECAUSE EMPIRES CONQUER AND INVADE OTHER TERRITORIES...

BUT I JUST CAN'T FATHOM WHY THIS EMPIRE WOULD BE THE SAME. FROM WHAT I SAW OVER THE MOGNET, THEY WERE THREATENED.

PERSONALLY, I THINK THE LEAST WE CAN DO IS SHOW KINDNESS UNTIL WE'RE GIVEN A PROPER REASON TO FRET.

[dreamsoftomorrow]

That's what I read too. Although, it is a bit concerning that they changed from one type of government to another. But I guess we won't know if that was for the best or not until we meet them.

I'd rarher just keep my eyes and ears open and hope for the best, rather than go in looking for a fight or something. I don't think we have enough information, but it's not a bad thing to be wary.

[einspine]

[Papyrus nods. His smile's a bit weaker than usual, since it's a rather daunting subject, but...]

MAYBE IT WAS BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO KEEP ONE RULER IN CASE OF OUTSIDE ATTACKS? I ADMIT I DON'T KNOW A LOT ABOUT DEMOCRACY, BUT FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN IN HUMAN FILMS, IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING YOU PUT TO VOTE?

WHEREAS KEEPING ONE RULER COULD GUARANTEE STABILITY IN DIRE TIMES.

[Possibly. Granted, he's no politician. But when Toriel left, Undyne basically became the de-facto leader, and that seemed to bring stability to a degree.]

I'M GOING TO TRY AND BE FRIENDLY REGARDLESS, BUT SINCE WE'RE BEING GRANTED A CHANCE TO EXPLORE THIS NEW REGION, THIS COULD BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GATHER INFORMATION.

[dreamsoftomorrow]

I'll be taking notes myself. [He smiles a little, holding up a notebook already filled with notes.] I'd like to think of it as an opportunity too, but it's also fair to be cautious just in case.

I just... don't know enough. But almost everyone here has been helpful since I've asked. You as well.

[einspine]

[Papyrus beams at the sight of the notebook! How exciting. This human's on the right track.]

WELL, PERHAPS WE CAN SWAP NOTES! THE WAY I SEE IT, COLLABORATION IS CRUCIAL IN THE REALM OF FIELD STUDIES, ESPECIALLY ON SUCH A LARGE SCALE.

OH, AND I'M GLAD YOU'VE FOUND MY INPUT HELPFUL! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, PRIDE MYSELF ON HELPFULNESS.

[dreamsoftomorrow]

I'd be more than happy too. It's mostly from the textbooks here and what people are said so far, but I'm hoping to learn more once we go to Sen Devadatta.

[einspine]

OH, LIKEWISE! THAT'S WHY I RECOMMENDED SHARING NOTES, ACTUALLY. THERE COULD BE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF GROUND TO COVER, AND THAT'S HARDLY A TASK FOR JUST ONE PERSON.

[Sure, he'd love to see it all, but he lacks his brother's ability to just teleport wherever the heck he wants. Hover boards, though...

Hmmm, an aerial view could be handy.]