An old pub that nobody much visits. An owner who is always in a drugged-out stupor. Background music that never changes. A pub that has remained throughout war and revolution, and a single brick-wall that has not changed all that time. You are supposed to be investigating a murder. A gunshot in a distant land, far away from Revachol.

YOU – Run your fingers through your greasy hair, finish your eighth beer.

SHIVERS [Challenging: Success] – People pass in through here occasionally, and tap a pattern out on the wall. Then they aren't in the pub.

What is the pattern?
Where are they?
What's the owner taking? Could I get some?

SHIVERS – Not in this city any longer.

What is the pattern?
Where are they?
What's the owner taking? Could I get some?

SHIVERS – A man in a tall hat and a long coat taps the top brick, the bottom brick, then beside it to the left then the right 10 times.

INLAND EMPIRE – An ominous, foreboding feeling fills you, as you look at the wall.

I want to know what happens to them. (Walk over to the wall.)
I don't know that [...]

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First published:
November 29th, 2025

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/Gvoh9ztGbiwEDhngs/a-harried-meeting

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

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Images from the article:

Young wizard with wand sitting across from bearded man in magical tavern.

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“A Harried Meeting” by Ben Pace

LessWrong (30+ Karma)