Q: Why does a mirror flip your reflection horizontally but not vertically?

A: It doesn’t; it flips it across the Z-axis. Well, that’s what Science Girl says, and who am I to disagree?

Q: Why do they not have the System in Tagata?

A: Even before the System’s onset, Tagata secured its geographical borders by ultra-large-scale mana siphoning effects (not natural ones, to be clear; they made ‘em) that were originally a means of draining magical weather back down to mundane weather, and in the post-Theurgist millennium, those effects treat the System as just another invasive mana source to be drained. The side effect of them becoming unassailable in their home territory because nobody can afford to project force into their domain was extremely welcome. For reasons ranging from internal disunity (whatever almost 100% of outsiders may think) to a lack of access to metal deposits to not enough population density to compete on industry, their Grand Pelagic Siphon is the only thing maintaining their independence from the large number of other nations who would otherwise conquer them one bite at a time, Payazh being probably number one on the list.

Q: Please post a super spoilery answer without saying what question it's an answer to (I can't figure out a good way to word this as a question)

A: In no particular order: no-sold a series of attempted warcrimes, became an avatar of an aspect of (a subculture of) the Shemmai way of life, killed an incredible variety of things way stronger than them, threw double deuces to everything and refused to apologize, is the "colonialist revolutionizes backwards society" trope but it was logistics, and there were always a bunch of reasons why Sudh/Deshanna don't invade or raid Shem but a few hundred years ago the number of reasons went up by one.

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Q: What spice mix is most popular for dumpling fillings?

A: Depends on the kind of filling, obviously! You don’t do the same spice mix for minced shoat as you do for “three daggers” cheese (three different ultra-sharp cheeses). Commonalities: there’s usually anise in the dough and black pepper, but for the mants that Sophie had on her arrival, you’re also looking at cloves, fennel, sesame oil, and vinegar.

Q: My question is how walkable is the community in Q&S

A: Kibosh has no intra-village transportation other than walking (medical necessity is out of scope here but handled), but Kibosh is big relative to what people think of as a village, so that only works due to the slow pace of village life. A town is fully walkable but bigger enough that there’s pedal-powered transit that sees substantial use. A city is a city even by our standards. That said, you’re never outside of walking distance from food, green spaces, education, childcare, or a place where you can practice your profession.

Q: What's your favorite potato recipe?

A: Pick basically any latke recipe.

Q: Still is obvious, but where is the Quill?

A: Gosh, I hadn’t noticed! I’d better get on that. (Sorry, this question is not getting an answer.)