Realis 22 - The Death Procession Pt 4 (Patreon)

Ambiguity is the strength of words. Red. Scarlet. Crimson. Cerise. Ruby. Vermillion. Cherry. These are all akind—the color of an apple or the tinct of blood on any moon but grey Sapryc. Yet are all apart, too, with difference in connotation and texture, timbre and duration. They feel different on the tongue and in the ear. Red, a brief stabbing hue. Vermillion, a royal, rolling shade.

To the novice, such variation may seem frustrating (‘How does one know when the sunset is Crimson or when it is Scarlet?’) or liberating (‘What a joy to have such a buffet at once’s fingertips!’). But to the master, the power of the synonym is neither something to be dismissed or celebrated: It is to be feared, as the gods are.

Case in point: Will you listen to the story I tell? Do I have your guarantee? Do you promise? Will you swear it? Will you vow? Would you take an oath, no matter the circumstance? Can we enter into covenant as teller and listener?

Do you feel it tightening around you yet?

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austinwalker on bluesky)

Featuring Andrew Lee Swan, Jack de Quidt, Janine Hawkins and Sylvi Bullet

Produced by Ali Acampora

Music by Jack de Quidt (available on bandcamp)

Cover Art by by Oddesque

With thanks to Amelia Renee, Arthur B., Aster Maragos, Bill Kaszubski, Cassie Jones, Clark, DB, Daniel Laloggia, Diana Crowley, Edwin Adelsberger, Emrys, Greg Cobb, Ian O'Dea, Ian Urbina, Irina A., Jack Shirai, Jake Strang, Katie Diekhaus, Ken George, Konisforce, Kristina Harris Esq, L Tantivy, Lawson Coleman, Mark Conner, Mike & Ruby, Muna A, Nat Knight, Olive Perry, Quinn Pollock, Robert Lasica, Shawn Drape, Shawn Hall, Summer Rose, TeganEden, Thomas Whitney, Voi, chocoube, deepFlaw, fen, & weakmint