[Nexus] Inside 42

[UncleWolf]

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq40/happyturtle-avs/avatars/insideflag2.png
Flag of Inside, flown over all Remnant and Government Installations

Current Events:
____________________

The title is a misnomer, of course. No doubt the moniker of this place was settled on after a brief conversation that started with, 'Wouldn't it be funny if...?'. But now the name has stuck.

But what is this place, you ask?

Inside is everything within the City Walls. As opposed to Outside, which is everything without. This strange, whimsical city seems to be the center of a planar Nexus, a crossing point between all possible worlds. One can find just about anything in this wondrous place, dreams that defy imagination and terrors that freeze the soul. People and whole places are regularly drawn into the Nexus, added to the chaotic melting pot of all possible realities.

And more than a few realities that aren't possible.

The city is surrounded by defensive walls, with an artificially and accidentally created moat outside the walls, a moat that has been diverted into a river-channel for one many bodies of water flowing through Inside. A gap in the walls and a bridge allow for entrance into the city proper, the main gate opening up to welcome newcomers Inside.

Welcome, traveler, to the City of Inside. The only boundaries you find within are the bounds of your own imagination.


Rules, Zones, Streets, and Locations


Rules


1:Please Spoiler any Fanservice in this thread! It is accepted that there will of course be some, and that romance and curtains happen. However, please be courteous to others and spoiler any scene that goes on for a little while, and if it reaches the point, curtain. This is so you can stay within forum rules, as well as letting those uninterested in the scene, pass by. Thank you. :smallsmile:

2:Godmodding is not permissible! As stated in the rules in the FFRP Central Thread, (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166066), godmodding is generally not allowed without permission. If you're shaky on what might be, and what might not be godmodding, please follow the above link.

3:The DOOM-Shield. Inside is currently equipped with a techno-magic shield that mitigates "global" effects to a survivable level. This is to prevent anyone from simply killing all the NPCs, or affecting the entire city. For example, a plot that envelops the entire city in sub-arctic temperatures, will find that the cold isn't as bad as it should be, and survivable.

4:Remnant. Please remember when doing any plots or large events, that even though it has it's own thread, Remnant (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211872), the Inside Police Force and Army, is located in Inside, and may respond to events, or may be asked to respond to them. More information on them will be provided later.

4:All Inside-Wide/Nexus-Wide plots need to be brought up in OOC first! We all want to have the entire city be cast into a frozen wasteland from time to time, but such things need to be brought up in OOC first, to allow players plenty of warning, and so people don't feel like anything is being forced upon them that they don't want to RP.

5:Inside is not Space! Anything involving massive spaceships, meteors, satellites, Lasers From Space, and the like, do not belong in this thread. Few PCs have the ability to fight off an orbital bombardment, so it is considered unfair to be able to call down such things inside Inside. It can be assumed that the Doom Shield prevents such things from occurring. The place for these sorts of things should be in Outside, or another thread all together.



Zones, Streets, and Locations


Please PM Wolfbane to have a new location placed in this registry.

Zones:

In the Zone(s): The City of Inside is separated into three socioeconomic zones color-coded for your convenience.

The Blue Zone is upper-class, well to do portions of Inside.

The Grey Zone is the portion of the City that is middle-class. It also includes many commercial and industrial portions of the City.

The Red Zone is the of the City that is degenerate, destitute, or downright dangerous. Sometimes all of the above.

Streets:

Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Generic Street? The City of Inside also has a number of Streets. The Streets aren't a street in the literal sense, but rather portions of the City with a particular theme. While one can find anything anywhere in the City there are none the less areas were certain settings predominate.

If you have an idea for a Street feel free to suggest it in the OOC thread. :smallsmile:

Known Streets:

Generic Street: The generically modern setting! Generic Street is perhaps the most plastic of the Streets, displaying a decent mix of all settings, though modern predominates. Generally speaking most locations without a Street name will be found here. The most commonly seen locations here are the Streets and the Slums. Occasionally The Rooftops if someone is feeling daring.

Arkham Street: Spanning 1920s-1940s style sci-fi and horror, Arkham Street is home of such spooky locations as Philip Memorial Library, the haunted Carter House, and Dunwich Park. The more upscale portion of Arkham Street is known as Metropolis Square, a metropolitan area sporting Diesel Punk style robots and rayguns and mad scientists oh my!

Cirrus Street: Cirrus Street is the FUTURE! sci-fi portion of Inside. Most commonly seen are the post-apocalyptic Bombed Out Zone with its never-ending zombie vs Martian vs killbot vs mutant war and the hopeless squalor of the Underhive. In addition to these areas there's also the chrome and glass clad Skyway. Think Jetsons with more foot-paths. Repulser Trams connect the Skyway to other portions of Inside for those not blessed with flying cars.

Market Street: Market Street is the ye olde portion of Inside, complete with bards, fools, open market places, and the occasional damsel in distress. While products of any age can be found in the sprawling street booths everything is done ye olde style-e. If you need a chase scene to crash through a fruit-cart this is the place to do it.

Yellow Dog

At the edge of the city of Inside, a unique street marks the border between the wilderness and the world of men. Two rows of wooden buildings stare at one another from across the sides of a dusty, unpaved street. The dark brown wood is bare, held in place with rough nails, only the occasional brightly painted sign relieving the earth tone monotony. This street is called Yellow Dog, and it is a little mining town right out of the Old West.

Well, not quite right out of the Old West. You see, anything and anyone that has even a little to do with the West comes to Yellow Dog. It doesn't matter what kind of West you're from; a Fantasy West with dragons and demons, a Steampunk West with stompy mechs powered by cloud benching coal furnaces, a Samurai West were a man's sword is as trusted as his six-gun, a post apocalyptic or futuristic West were revolvers come in laser form and the horses are robots; heck, even folks from just the plain old regular West are welcome here, and they don't mind strangers round these parts. This is a place were a gaggle of fur trappers and buffalo hunters haggle with a squid faced merchant about the worth of their haul. This is a street where dwarf and gnome gold miners walk into town, comparing the size of the nuggets they've panned from the rivers as they head towards the saloon. This is a place where you can pass a man dressed like a Union Cavalry Officer talking with a robot cowboy on a steel horse. You can walk down the way and pass a mysterious man who greets you with a "Konnichiwa, pardner.", as his samurai sword rattles lightly against his holstered pistol. Gunslingers, cowpokes, gamblers, bandits, prospectors, pioneers, profiteers, preachers, snake oil salesmen, trappers, hunters, townsfolk, wildmen, and things much weirder all mingle along this dusty lane.

Welcome to Yellow Dog, pilgrim. Enjoy your stay.


Locations:
Azik's Enchantments(Player: Harnel, Grey Zone)

Those in the area will hear a rumbling as the Nexus begins pulling in something larger than just a single person. Reality bends, and the shape of portal opens above a certain street corner. For a sickening moment, nothing happens, but then things start coming out of the portal - all of them are bricks, building up finally to a door and a roof, with tiny windows built in. There's even a large chimney sticking out of the center of this strange, conical building that begins puffing rainbow smoke almost immediately.

A creature steps out the front door, though many wouldn't consider it a creature - He is a warforged, a living golem. Covered in what appears to be adamantine plates, he looks up and down the street, his longcoat catching in the breeze. as it flutters, one can see a multitude of wands, schema, and scrolls all attached to several belts around his waist and upper legs. On his eyes he wears a pair of blue tinted shades, despite his lack of ears, and the metal orbs that serve as his eyes glow green behind these spectacles. He looks up and down the street. He doesn't seem to be particularly disturbed by the change in location, but he does take the time to call out, in a metallic voice:

"Azik's Enchantments is open for business! Come find a potion, a wand, a scroll to fit any need! We have spellbooks for beginners and experts! Weapons of all shapes and sizes, and armor unlike anything you've ever seen! Come find what you're looking for here!"

And then he heads back inside. So much work, so little time. Inside is as strange as outside, with magic trinkets lining the walls on shelves, but all behind the counter, to keep any stupid kid with the idea to steal something from doing so. You can find just about anything magical here, and that which you can't find, Azik the Warforged can make within a more than reasonable timeframe.

Emergency Bunkers

Eight bunker-like structures in a ring-like arrangement at about the midpoint between the walls (or the docks) and the center of the city have been completed.

The interior of each is rather dull, rather befitting a bunker, but there are underground areas beneath the visible bunkers. These are similarly dull and military-styled, but they also act as hospitals.

These are mostly designed with emergencies such as shelling in mind, and are usually closed.

Emergency Clinics
Like the bunkers the clinics are spread through-out the City and are equipped with technology akin to a modern emergency room. Since there's no magical healing available the speed of recovery is going to be noticeably lower than what is available at one of Inside's many temples. However their availability makes them absolutely vital in the application of life-saving care.

Erin's Emporium (Player: The Bushranger, Grey Zone)

Construction Gnomes have been hard at work renovating a small store along one of the various merchantile roads. Well, it was small. Now it's bigger on the inside.

And filled with every sort of weaponry imaginable, from across the multiverse. From blaster carbines to P-90s, surface-to-air missiles to ballistas, zats to nunchucks, they're all here.

Is that a siege crossbow sitting in the corner?

Evolution Industries Headquarters + Factories (Player: Darkcomet, Blue Zone)
The headquarters of the company known as Evolution Electronics and Power is a fairly standard-looking modern-day tower in appearance, not quite reaching the level of skyscraper.

The company owns a large factory nearby, used in production of its MACE units, and potentially other products, should it be desired.

The company also possesses a number of other factories around the city, used for production of weaponry and other military materiel.

Retail outlets for Evolution's products are scattered around the city.

Finders Keepers (Player: Reinholdt)

[Gray Zone]

Sitting right near the edge of the Red Zone, a new shop has opened up. It's a basic looking office, part of a larger building. Out front is a sign,


FINDERS KEEPERS*
We find missing people, kidnapees, deadtime victims and more.

*And no we don't actually keep them. It's just a name.

Inside, is a secretary typing away at a typewriter. She directs customers to wait until their turn, at which point she sends them back to meet the shop owner, one Heinrik Hurtz. He is most clearly not related to any superheroes whatsoever. This is a fact in and of itself, proven clearly by the fact that Heinrik wears glasses.

http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq276/Reinholdt9000/Gaia/HeinrikHurtz.png


Hastings and Sons Mortuary (player: Kid Kris, Grey Zone)
Near one of the older parts of the city sits a large and somewhat dour building of brick and mortar, built in the traditional sense, with a metal plaque by the door that reads (predictably enough):

Hastings and Sons
MORTUARY
For the preparation of the dearly departed.
And indeed, should one go in one should find all the trappings of a conventional mortuary, including several large visitation rooms, run by this guy:

http://public5.tektek.org/img/av/1008/d05/2213/715a669.png (http://tektek.org/avatar/38746382)
Though of course, usually without the zombie there.
In recent times however, the true business of the resident Mortician has branched into a more heretical bent, offering certain services to the living impaired (more commonly known as the foul Undead). These start at simple healings and flesh grafts (the flesh occasionally obtained 'legitimately', when a body comes in for cremation and the Mortician gives them an urn full of wood-ash, but usually corpses are obtained through donations from customers or good old fashioned grave-robbing). But services can also range into body part replacement and augmentation for the undead who wishes his creator had seen fight to give him a giant lobster claw or retractable venomous spines, or even full body/flesh reconstruction for the self-conscious lich (or lich in disguise, though making your new flesh look like someone else usually costs extra) or the zombie in his golden years. These customers usually come in through the back door, where there is a plaque listing the full list of services. Though of course some are brazen enough to come through the front door anyway.

((PM if you wish to interact with the Mortician, as Kid Kris may not always check the thread.))

MagMart (Player: Lord Magtok, Blue Zone)
An absurd mash-up of K-Mart, Wall-Mart, Target, and every other vile retail chain, MagMart is staffed by an unswervingly loyal Magbots, lobotomized talking cats that are too brain-dead to know any better, several voodoo spirits, and a pickle jar that everyone insists is a sentient being that only communes with those who truly believe in it.

Here you can find everything from curtains to carpets, macaroni to monkeys on motorcycles, groceries to zombies. The staff is always happy to help (or else), and if you aren't entirely satisfied with your shopping experience, you can pay a small fee to watch the MagMart employee of your choosing get fired out the MagMart complimentary employee morale cannon.

The Misspelled Cemetary (Grey Zone)
It's the rain that makes for the perfect atmosphere.

Since the party left the well lit cobbles lanes of the Market Streets the sky has opened up upon our intrepid band of adventurers with a vengeance. The wind howls through barren trees as the rain descends in sheets. The heavens are split by a ribbon of lightning and a roar of thunder.

A massive cast iron gate surrounds this place of once hallowed ground. Yes, hallowed once but no longer. The earth appears dead. Rotten. A phosphorescent green fog creeping along the ground. Misshapen fungus and molds clinging to crumbling monuments. Corpses exposed on the surface, half-eaten with decay.

The gate creeks open of its own accord as the party nears.

And above the gate, in rusted iron letters, reads:


The Misspelled Cemetary

Needle and Thread (Blue Zone, Player: Artemis97)
On one side of a wide cobblestoned street is a small shop. The sign hanging over the door depicts a simple spool of thread, pierced by a needle. No words were included, as a courtesy to those who could not read, nor were they needed. It was clear from the merchandise displayed in the two large windows on either side of the door that this was a clothing boutique. The right side displayed the latest in women's fashions, dresses and skirts in unique designs, all detailed by hand with beading and embroidery. The left window showed men's clothing, from a beautifully tailored three piece suit, cut from expensive fabrics, to the very best in adventuring style, rugged and sturdy, clearly built to last.

Inside, racks and manequins display more clothing, split down the middle between men's and women's fashions. The back wall held rolls of fabric, some plain, others with obviously magical properties. A large, three-sided mirror sits in the back corner, next to a small changing stall. On the other side is a small counter holding a cash register, behind that the door that led to a small workroom.

The Needle and Thread is a clothing shop specializing in custom tailoring and specialty designs. It is owned and operated by Lillith Rock, and the kindly fiendish woman can usually be found behind the counter, or working on orders in the back workroom.

Pontius' Custom Constructs (Player: Earl of Purple, Grey Zone)
The caravan of 6 wagons (I never said 3! Well, I did, but still.) arrives at a warehouse, previously for sale. The gnomes lead the golems and other constructs inside, and get to work. The warehouse has an open yard at the main entrance, and several golems, like crude figures of worked stone or wood, stand in the yard. A gnome wearing an apron over smart-yet-practical artesan's clothes and puts a sign up.


Pontius's Custom Constructs
Golems of Any Material* at Unbelievably Low Prices!!!**
You Won't Find a Golem, Gargoyle, Guardian or Homonculus Cheaper!!***
Come Now and Buy 1 Get 1 Full Price!!!****



*Flesh has an additional charge. **Define 'low'. ***Except at our competitors. ****Terms and conditions apply.

Sanctuary Fortress of Zoemaytare (Player: Rebonack, Red Zone)

Like so many other prominent buildings in Town, or not so prominent buildings for that matter, this place seemed to pop up out of nowhere over night.

Buildings are like mushrooms in Town. Probably spread via spores, too.

Regardless, here it is. A rather sizable campus marble hewn from the mountains some distance away. Carved and hauled here near the edge of the slums where they were no doubt assembled. Though... no one can quite place a finger on when this happened.

Though the buildings aren't of only cold hard stone, no. There are timbers as well. Not what one might expect, however. They seem almost organic. As though they had grown into place rather than being hewn.

Oddness aside, the temple is arranged in a rather interesting fashion. Several concentric wall and courtyards ending in a central temple.

The outer wall is lower than the rest, each tier of the temple built onto higher ground like a wedding cake. Each wall is topped with a roof supported on the inside by pillars, creating a sheltered walkway. The exact use of these porches depends on the section of the temple one happens to be in.

Anyone is allowed entry through the first wall and into the first court, the Court of Meeting. Beyond the second wall only worshipers of Zoemaytare are allowed admittance to the second court, the Court of the Blessed. Beyond the third wall only the priests are allowed, where they carry out holy rituals within the temple itself.

The Court of Meeting is dedicated to service of those the worshipers of Zoemaytare dwell among. Food is prepared for the hungry here and given out without expectation of recompense. Those without a place to lay their head are allowed to sleep within the porch. The grounds beyond the porch are devoted to a wondrous garden boasting vibrancy and spectacular color. This are is always comfortably warm and brimming with life. Wounds heal faster as the body is refreshed. Undead creatures will find that remaining here is decidedly uncomfortable.

The sky above the temple seems to be perpetually clear, filled with pleasant sunlight in the day and cloaked with gossamer stars at night. Benches are set up here and there, under trees with hanging branches and above fragrant shrubbery. A lively stream flows endlessly in a circuit about the Court, spilling into several larger pools and meandering up a small outcrop of stone before cascading back down the other side.

This section of the temple is tended by members of the faith. Not priests, though devote. They can be found tending the garden and serving warm food. When in service to the temple these devotees wear a white linen ephod bearing the symbol of a willow tree, ornately rendered in blue thread. They'll be more than happen to answer any questions. Priests tend to have stricter ceremonial garb, including a blue tunic and white robe in addition to the ephod.

Welcome, traveler. May you be more blessed when you leave than when you came.

New information that isn't readily noticeable at first glance at the temple will be added here.

The temple grounds are protected by a dampening field that blocks unauthorized teleporation and dimensional shifting. The place is something of a fortress after all. Being able to pop in and out at will would defeat the purpose.

Zoemaytare isn't a god of (fill in the black) but rather the patron and protector of her people. As such, her domain, if she even has one, is over all that her people do. The people in question are collectively known as the Zoeos, and this particular temple is their first major venture into Town. At present their stated goal is to set up trade relations and aid the city. This is ministered through the temple on account of the Zoeos government being a theocracy.

It just so happens that there's a dungeon under the temple, though the entrance to it is well hidden.

NPCs thus far:

Potentate of the temple: the head priest and administrator. He has yet to be seen 'on screen' though he has been referred to.

Regent Zachius: And elderly human with a coppery complexion and deep-set wrinkles, the sort of face one expects of a person who has spent a great deal of time in the sun smiling. He's a kind old fellow who is in charge of the Court of Meeting.

Regent Stephen: A younger human who smells rather distinctly of wolf. He's in charge of the dungeons of the temple and seems to be a rather caring and compassionate fellow. It's his job to bring the cases of prisoners before the Potentate.

Regent Thadeus: One of the priests who aids in minor upkeep in the temple proper. He usually isn't seen outside the temple and since his position doesn't put him in much contact with the common folk he tends to be somewhat aloof and judgmental. Also happens to be an elf. Those snooty elves!

Bognus Thundershield: a lay dwarf that operates the temple's teleporter, primarily from Trog's. Though people can be 'ported in from elsewhere as well. While it isn't commonly known, this device can send people over rather long distances, though it's somewhat inaccurate when doing so. Bognus is a bit gruff, though generally good natured. He speaks with a thick Scottish Dwarven accent.

St. Guinevere's Sanatorium for Lunatics and Object Seekers (Player: Anyone, Gray Zone)
This insane asylum exists for people questing after Objects from the Holders Mythos. Anyone can run an Object quest, but please look at the community agreed guidelines first (http://tinyurl.com/5w42x5c) as it helps keep things consistent.

If you want to use the Sanatorium for other uses, feel free, but expect it to be a house of unspeakable horrors. :smalltongue:

The Temple of Dalachrech (Player: Earl of Purple, Grey Zone)
The first room entered is a foyer. On the walls are red drapes with silver, two-tailed scorpions embroidered on to them, and next to the door is an ornate font. The granite font stands about waist height, and is a plinth with a bowl of unholy water. Winding around the font are carved centipedes. A door away from this chamber leads to the main prayer hall. This room also has drapes with the two-tailed scorpion device on the walls, and a red velvet carpet flanked by wooden pews leads to an altar at the far end. The altar is covered with red velvet, with a gold statue and red candles placed upon it. The statue depicts a demon with a centipede's body, a scorpion's tail with spinnerets next to the sting, a stag beetle's head and the claws of a praying mantis.

This is a hidden location in the Grey Zone. Please PM Earl of Purple if you wish to interract there. The Temple is now open to the public.

Trollfinger, Ironpick & Greencheek, Mining & Engineering (Player: Morty, Blue Zone)
A run-down building near Trog's Tavern was bought by three goblin enterpreneurs with a large crew and now houses their mining and engineering company. Everyone who needs something dug, built, repaired or blown up is welcome.

Warwick Works (player: happyturtle, Grey Zone)
In the industrial area, a building is rented and has a new sign put out front.


W
Warwick Works

The building itself consists of a small office area in front and warehouses in back. There is no indication of what sort of business this is, but a certain cyborg with a satellite might recognize the logo and name.

Witch Which's Wish Shop (Grey, Player: Haruki-kun)

Welcome. If you have stepped into this store, it is because you have a wish.

The store is big, ancient and beautiful. It has a large garden with colorful flowers, a pond with fish and running water, and chirping birds. This is the outside of the store. The inside, however, is, to put it simply, gloomy. There’s burning candles and incense everywhere. From the hall where you enter you are led off into a side room with a low table and cushions around it. A tall, masked and unnamed stranger brings tea and snacks to the guests. The Witch sits opposite and rarely ever moves.

RULES (OOC):
This is a Wish shop. Your character will only enter this shop if he has a wish. Whether the wish is granted or not is a different issue.
Witch Which is in charge of the shop and will grant wishes to everyone who asks, regardless of intent or alignment, as long as the appropriate price is paid. Under certain conditions:

Condition one: Witch Which will not haggle. She couldn’t lower a price or overcharge even if she wanted to. A balance must be kept in order for the wish to be granted.

Condition two: When a Wish directly affects another player’s character in a way that would be considered godmodding, the other player must agree first.

Condition three: The Witch may not reject any wish unless the price is too high to be paid. Wishes to take a life or to destroy the world, for example, carry a price higher than anyone can pay. ANYONE.

Condition Four: The Witch will never engage in battle. Be glad. The Witch is the very definition of True Neutral.

Condition Five: The store is not hard to access; in fact, there’s a big sign outside and everything. However, the store’s grounds exist in a special separate dimension, protecting it from anything that could destroy it, up to and including plot.

Condition Six: Haruki-kun reserves the right to alter the conditions if he feels they’re causing problems such as godmodding or similar issues.

(Haruki-Kun wishes for a PM to be sent to him upon someone entering the shop so he knows about it.)



Inside's Defenses, Remnant, and The Council


Defenses

As stated above, the city of Inside is defended by the Walls, Moat and DOOM-Shield, but it is also defended by a more "mundane" force field that can be called upon in times of need, as well as a number of more conventional defensive capabilities, nearly all of which are manned and controlled by Remnant(Controlled for the most part by Wolfbane). These include things from Emergency Bunkers, Relief Stations, Anti-Aircraft Cannon, and the like.

Remnant

As stated before, Remnant is Inside's police force, army, and main defensive body. It is made up of the remains of what was once the Acronymian Empire, and consists of hundreds of men, women, and machines, both soldier and civilian, sacrificing their daily lives and time to make sure the city of Inside is relatively safe for it's citizens. There are Remnant Outposts all throughout the city, with the main HQ in Blue Zone, and less Outposts in Red Zone. These can be reached fairly easily, and allow people to report crimes, turn in criminals, collect bounties, and even ask to be recruited. Remnant controls most of Inside's defenses, but also controls Rapid Response Units capable of stopping fires, providing emergency medical aide, and even disaster relief to clean up debris and fix buildings and roads damaged by the day to day events of Inside.

Squads of Remnants patrol the streets "every so often" and should anyone need one, can interact with them(Please PM Wolfbane upon doing so, however).

As a note, Low-Level Remnants can be Godmodded! They can be assumed to fight the fires that pop up, but can also be asked to provide basic information. This also means that they can be bribed for less well-known information such as someone's name and rank, or to look the other way for a small crime, such as theft. Anything more, please PM Wolfbane to let him know, in case there is something that needs clarified. The Remnants can be godmodded to be killed on occasion, but if it happens too fast, too often, Wolfbane may step in and RP it out. Once again, please PM Wolfbane if you plan on killing a Remnant NPC.

What is NOT Godmoddable:

-Getting Security Codes
-Accessing Secure Areas
-Killing off more than one or two NPCs at a time, or killing a Named Remnant NPC/PC
-Stealing Identities
-Destroying Remnant facilities

It is not impossible for these to happen, but with proper warning provided to Wolfbane, it can be RP'd out and attempted. However, it should be noted that only Low-Ranking Remnants can be Godmodded in this way.

Council

The Council (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=195380) is the "ruling" body of Inside. A small group of individuals reside on it, and decide Inside Policy. People can go here for diplomatic relations, trials, or other activities that may concern dealing with an actual government instead of a police force or army.

[VampireRot]

Haley will happily sign her first name to a bunch of paperwork, before inquiring after some food for her new cat. The thing can't last on human food, presumably.

[Animal Shelter]

Chione will show Haley to a storeroom and gives her a small bag of cat food. It's good and healthy, though it probably won't last long. The black and white cat then describes the locations of a couple of stores in Inside that would sell things she'd need, pet stores and Magmart and such. And now proper instructions on how to actually care for the cat! By the time Chione is done with her lecturing, Haley will hopefully be ready to be a doting cat slave owner. Following her instructions will pamper the kitty quite a bit, and Chione doesn't say the word "pet" once. :smalltongue:

[Reinholdt]

She stays silent as well. There were some things words couldn't accomplish. When she does finally break the hug, she only does so long enough to raise a hand to touch his face, then to kiss him. The kiss will go on a long time if he'll allow it.

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Neme Hat Reinholdt's the well adjusted one. He's not going to interrupt romantic make-up kisses until he needs air. :smalltongue:

He feels the tingly relief of happiness and relief. Almost giddiness in a way, the weight from the last few days dissipating. Of course, during the kiss he keeps his hands on her waist like an appropriate gentleman.
*nod nod*

[Hattish Thing]

Market Street


A mystery trio looks around for a magic shop.

[Shadowcaller]

The Council member? Dorota exclaims, impressed at meeting such a persona. I'm honored. My name is Dorota Brońska. I work at Erin's Emporium. In response to Nadas' question, she explains: According to the most commonly accepted alchemical theory, Divine Fire is the spark of life and inspiration. It's the difference between a lump of flesh and a living being... or between a clay sculpture and an animated construct. It can't be distilled or produced, so each way of imbuing such a being with it is different. Unlike creating the golem's shell, it's a personal and somewhat spiritual process.

[Public Library]

"You flatter me Dorota." Cessie replies with a smile. "My position is not as important as it might sound however, the council haven't had a meeting in gods know how long. In any case, I actually came here since I was interested in creating a golem of my own, when I got a bit distracted by Nadas here." She smiles at the drow. "While our methods of creation might be different, I think I'm interested in whatever you will find."


"I could introduce you to him. After I've talked to him though." It's very important they have their talk as soon as possible. It's been long enough already.

[Public Library - Astrana and Arel]

"Sure, I'd love to meet him." Astrana replies. "Anytime you're ready."

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Then the kiss goes the full length. When they do stop, she moves back just enough that she can look at him. Her relief and happiness mirrors Rein's own. That went so much better than she'd dared to hope. "I love you, Reinholdt." She says it with no hesitation or reservations.

[Public Library - Astrana and Arel]

"Alright, great. Do you have some way that I can contact you? A phone maybe?" Presumably there animal shelter has a phone she can use. *nodnod*

[Reinholdt]

[Public Library]

Nadas smiles back and gives Cessie a nod.
"I suppose I should show you both the section in this situation. This way." Nadas says, going to lead the way when they're both ready. Of course, the information in a public library will probably be less in depth than that of a private, musty, eldritch filled doom library. But there's less chance of shoggoth on your head.

"So each way of creating Divine Fire is unique then? How in particular did you create yours?" Nadas asks, ready to take notes! Lots of notes!

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Reinholdt smiles. He knows that she believes she loves him. But that she's also never been in relationships before and this is probably more akin to an early teenage thing. Still... it's a very nice thing to hear. But... it was too early to out and out say it was love and he doesn't want to mislead her either.

So he goes to give her a kiss in response, not too long. "Let's just take things a little slower, ok?" :smallsmile:

[The Alexandrian]

Grey Zone - Ruined Office

Demon Queen had smelled the gas, but thought nothing of it, as she couldn't produce flames. If she weren't in her demon form, she might have remembered Percilia's fire. But she didn't.

As such, the explosion caught her off-guard. She let go of Percilia's arm as shrapnel flew towards her. Had she been prepared for it, she would have been fine. Instead, the first wave of shrapnel gets to her, cutting into her scales, and several pieces get lodged in place. The rest, however, does not reach her. She easily deflects them.

Then come the sounds warning that the building might go. Demon Queen considers her options. Satisfied that the collapse is likely to crush Percilia, she decides to head back to the roof and wait it out there. She leaves a trail of blood as she goes, choosing to worry about the shrapnel in her later.

[Grey Zone - Ruined Office]

Unless the Demon Queen has continued to restrain Percilia via psychic power, she should be able to escape the structure as it collapses. She won't have much time to spare at all. In fact, she won't be able to sprint out of the building.

The supports of the building groan and sag, breaking and weakening constantly. In a matter of seconds, the complex begins to crash down to the ground, smashing into the storage area beside it, shattering glass and rending steel.

Meanwhile, within the structure...

Focus.
Percilia waits. She must be exact. Her movements must be measured. She doesn't have time to call in a large teleportation portal. With her back pressed against the floor, she waits, eyes closed, biding her energy. The strained building shudders. Dust spills down into her nostrils. Still she waits, channeling energy through her body. Down the roof comes, a steel bar tumbling toward her, point aimed at her heart.

An instant before it strikes its mark, Percilia vanishes in a shower of bright light.

She reappears outside of the building, dropping onto the hood of a parked, red, aerodynamic convertible car nearby. How banal! Smashing into the hood of a car happens in way too many action movies for that to be even mildly impressive.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Collapsed Building

Demon Queen stands on a roof across the street, watching with her red eyes, a smirk on her black face. The demon within was pleased with destruction. The Abyssal part of her wondered how many people would die in this.

What part of her that remained herself regarded the incident with grim content.

Demon Queen was about to leave when some movement caught her attention. Looking to the source, she saw Percilia on the hood of a car. She snarled, then leapt down to the street and stalked towards the woman.

[Morty]

[Public Library]

"You flatter me Dorota." Cessie replies with a smile. "My position is not as important as it might sound however, the council haven't had a meeting in gods know how long. In any case, I actually came here since I was interested in creating a golem of my own, when I got a bit distracted by Nadas here." She smiles at the drow. "While our methods of creation might be different, I think I'm interested in whatever you will find."



[Public Library]

Nadas smiles back and gives Cessie a nod.
"I suppose I should show you both the section in this situation. This way." Nadas says, going to lead the way when they're both ready. Of course, the information in a public library will probably be less in depth than that of a private, musty, eldritch filled doom library. But there's less chance of shoggoth on your head.

"So each way of creating Divine Fire is unique then? How in particular did you create yours?" Nadas asks, ready to take notes! Lots of notes!


I'll be glad to help, Dorota answers Cessie. In response to Nadas, she says: First, we used a certain herb to expand our consciousness and percieve the Divine Fire in our souls. Then each of us drew a little of her blood and smeared it on the golem. This way, he was imbued with our Divine Fire.

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Collapsed Building]

The death toll resulting from this combat would likely be quite trivial, actually. The wreckage of a building was evacuated long before it fell, after all.

Percilia rolls off of the hood of the convertible as the Demon Queen approaches. As she sights the Demon Queen's advance, she lifts herself to her feet, hand clasped around the profusely bleeding gash in her arm. In a flash, she raises her hands parallel to the ground three feet away from her chest. Her feet spread out in stance where they are approximately shoulder distance from one another. She bends her knees and grinds her teeth. She knows she isn't stable enough to take no damage from this assault.

Her hands cup together. A charge of fire, arcing to the left and then to the right in oscillations faintly resembling a graph of a sine function rushes out of her palms, possibly bound for the Demon Queen.

And just as Percilia predicted, Percilia is blasted into the glass front of a small electronics store situated on this street. The glass does nothing good to her back. Those chems better not fail her now!

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Reinholdt smiles. He knows that she believes she loves him. But that she's also never been in relationships before and this is probably more akin to an early teenage thing. Still... it's a very nice thing to hear. But... it was too early to out and out say it was love and he doesn't want to mislead her either.

So he goes to give her a kiss in response, not too long. "Let's just take things a little slower, ok?" :smallsmile:

Arel looks disappointed, but she nods in understanding. "Slower. Okay. I can do slower." She smiles and gives him a kiss on the cheek. She steps further back, but slides her hands down his arms until she's holding Rein's hands.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Collapsed Building

Demon Queen crouched when Percilia takes her stance, ready to pounce.

Then comes the fire.

Demon Queen leaps to the side. Because she dodged it instead of deflecting it with her abilities, Percilia could assume that she can't move non-physical objects. That is, if the window attacking Percilia's back doesn't distract her too much.

When Demon Queen lands, she snarls again, then rushes to Percilia, looking to pounce on her before she can get another shot off.

[ThirdEmperor]

The Sapphire Lagoon

"Greetings." Prometheus says to the disabled botanist, giving him a slight bow of respect. He doesn't seem all that more at ease though, knowing full well that being handicapped doesn't necessarily make one harmless, especially in the Nexus. Still, he holds his hand out to shake, doing his best to ignore the countless ways this could go wrong, the countless scenarios he can concoct off the top of his head that end with him and Juppie and everyone dead.

Deserted Generic Street

"Yes, yes thank you, you'll never see me again, no siree." Magnio turns to leave, almost starts running, but that nagging little voice in his head stops him. "Ah... You wouldn't happen to be interested in purchasing a synthetic skin, would you? It's just that I happen to sell such oddities, and, and it would allow you to blend in better... For only a small fee."

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Collapsed Building]

If only that window were tempered! Having itty-bitty glass shards protrude from one's back is no fun, believe you me. I don't think Percilia is in much of a condition to fight anymore. The stims motivate her to keep going at it, but her magic reserves are quickly draining away. Had she brought all of her equipment, that wouldn't be a problem, and she would have brought her equipment, if she had anticipated that she might encounter heavy resistance.

The incredibly mangled Percilia is pounced on again. She expects to be psychically pinned again, but she might be able to inflict crippling damage on the Demon Queen before her magic reserves fizzle out. After that point, she's going to need time to cast spells. In close combat scenarios, that, frankly, won't cut it.

The Demon Queen might find Percilia attempting to hammer the shrapnel which was previously sticking out of the Demon Queen's back deep into it using localized explosions of psychic energy.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Collapsed Building

Demon Queen was trying to pin Percilia down.

The she let's out a roar as Percilia counters, the shrapnel that was left driving itself further into her body. She leaps off of Percilia, her more animalistic demon instincts kicking in. After a moment of thrashing, Demon Queen uses her powers to try and pull the rest of the shrapnel out.

[Reinholdt]

Arel looks disappointed, but she nods in understanding. "Slower. Okay. I can do slower." She smiles and gives him a kiss on the cheek. She steps further back, but slides her hands down his arms until she's holding Rein's hands.

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Reinholdt knew she would be a little. Shame. But better a pinprick now than a stab later. He's not sure if she can do slower though. We'll see. :smalltongue:

He does, however, squeeze her hands and smile at her affectionately.
"So I left the room the way you left it, so if you're interested in staying here again, I wouldn't mind..."

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Arel's smile widens just a bit as she squeezes his hands in return. "Yes, definitely." Going slowly or not, they definitely got to the living together phase rather quickly. :smalltongue: "I know it wasn't long, but I missed staying here."

[The Alexandrian]

The Sapphire Lagoon

"Greetings." Prometheus says to the disabled botanist, giving him a slight bow of respect. He doesn't seem all that more at ease though, knowing full well that being handicapped doesn't necessarily make one harmless, especially in the Nexus. Still, he holds his hand out to shake, doing his best to ignore the countless ways this could go wrong, the countless scenarios he can concoct off the top of his head that end with him and Juppie and everyone dead.

[The Sapphire Lagoon]

Prometheus seems on edge. Juppy had hoped that introducing him to the botanist would disarm that feeling. Sigh. Tonight is going to be hell in a ballroom, isn't it? The botanist reaches out to warmly shake Prometheus's hand.

The botanist moves to slide his hand into an interior pocket of his jacket and pull out a gun bomb personalized, paper business card!

"If you ever have a need of an old botanist like me, just call. As I said, Juppy's friends are my friends as well."

Of course, considering just how paranoid Prometheus is, the handicapped botanist might not have the opportunity to utter the above sentence...

-------

Grey Zone - Collapsed Building

Demon Queen was trying to pin Percilia down.

The she let's out a roar as Percilia counters, the shrapnel that was left driving itself further into her body. She leaps off of Percilia, her more animalistic demon instincts kicking in. After a moment of thrashing, Demon Queen uses her powers to try and pull the rest of the shrapnel out.

[Grey Zone - Collapsed Building]

While the Demon Queen is thus distracted, Percilia attempts to break herself out of the hopefully weakened/temporarily nonexistent psychic hold and half-sprint half-shamble over to her .45 Magnum which is likely somewhere nearby. She'll attempt to roll forward, trying her hand at picking it up as she goes, before continuing to flee down the street, attempting to shoot at the Demon Queen as she runs, clearly interested in doing her best to cover her retreat.

I get the overwhelming feeling that she isn't yet finished...

[RandomPoster]

Deserted Generic Street

"Yes, yes thank you, you'll never see me again, no siree." Magnio turns to leave, almost starts running, but that nagging little voice in his head stops him. "Ah... You wouldn't happen to be interested in purchasing a synthetic skin, would you? It's just that I happen to sell such oddities, and, and it would allow you to blend in better... For only a small fee."

The Cylon does not seem interested. In fact, he lifts his gun a fires briefly to the right of Magnio in an attempt to scare him off.

[Reinholdt]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

:smalltongue:

"Great. You'd think growing up on a world with nothing but cats, I wouldn't get tired of them. But man, they can be demanding." Reinholdt says, shaking his head. "Be good to have someone else here." For that purpose and that one alone, clearly.
>>
<<

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Collapsed Building

At this point, it's not so much Demon Queen's mind controlling her actions as it is the demon within her.

She sees Percilia taking off and she gives Chase. The bullets get deflected by her powers.

She runs like a predator chasing her food.

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Clearly. :smalltongue:

Arel laughs. "Yeah, I noticed that. They're cute at least." She glances toward the door, just remembering something. "So that woman is here to take one of the cats home?" She caught that much.

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Collapsed Building]

Bingo.

Percilia has been patiently waiting for this moment. Now, as the Demon Queen's mind is most tainted by her demonic alter-ego, Percilia will play her ace of spades. She must. There is no other way.

A lure. A net. Such things are generally used to capture wild animals. Percilia, in this case, is both the bait and the trap.

As the Demon Queen draws near Percilia's heels, Percilia's body is abruptly charged with an abundant supply of holy energy, even though a demon is possessing her. She wasn't kidding about the whole "this is my path to righteousness" thing, evidently. Just as the demon within Percilia had been sensed by the Demon Queen, Percilia had sensed the malevolent demon chained within the Demon Queen. And now, she deploys her greatest weapon against conventional demons. It scalds her "ally" (demon) as well, liberating her from its grasp for a time, but that is a small price to pay for survival.

[VampireRot]

[The Tub Shoppe]

It's the dead of night! Sneaking around on the streets are two figures: Ermine and (hopefully) Reinholdt. A certain flaming pirate ship is circling the city at a good height; it doesn't stick around the area so as to not arouse suspicion but is also ready to pick up the two thieves and any loot. The pirate on the ground glances at Reinholdt.

"Okay, how do ye want ta do dis?"

Unless Reinholdt wants to do some sort of mission impossible drop onto the roof from the airship, or anything similar. Then they'd still be on the Crimson Tempest. His decision.

[The Bushranger]

Erin's Emporium

The moment the droidekas roll into view they're met by a deluge of AP rounds, although only half the eight soldiers who open fire remember to switch from full-auto to single fire, with the superior armor piercing power and deadly accuracy afforded by such. However many survive long enough to switch into shield mode will be met by another nasty barrage, a wave of force coming at them from the flank, aimed to knock them over onto their side and exploit the obvious flaw in their design;

There's no way something built like that can easily get back up.:smalltongue:

The telekinesis was originally meant for snatching up as many weapons as possible before porting away, but hey, plans change.

"If you want your guard-dog outside to live, call off the tinkertoys and we shall talk. I would honestly prefer to end this with as little bloodshed as possible, although, as I an sure you've noticed, I won't shy away from it if neccessary." Prometheus says, snapping his fingers to activate the Mjolnir gauntlet he wears.

The AP bullets ping and pang off the Droidekas' chassis, two of the six incoming turrets bursting in remarkably subdued pops of fire.

Well, you don't want explosions in a weapoins shop, right?

The TK blast knocks over two more!

The reamining two hummmmm ommminously, but hold their fire.
"Then talk and talk quickly, for my paitence grows short, and your life shortens in direct - nay, expoential - proportion to the shortening of my paitence."

Meanwhile, in a back room, a group of DRDs chitter and prepare to bring out the last line of defense!
The Pun Cannon.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Collapsed Building

Demon Queen feels the energy building within Percilia. Both the demon in her and her Abyssal attributes react to it, causing her pain. In anger, she uses her powers to try to send Percilia flying hard and fast into the nearest wall.

She keeps her distance from Percilia, wary of the holy energy.

[Reinholdt]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

"Ah yes. She's named Haley and she's not a stage magician, believe it or not. Chione should be able to handle it, but I suppose we should go check?" Reinholdt asks, leaving the option open for Arel to decide.

[The Tubbe Shop]

"Well... we can size up the alarm system, try to disable it, realize we can't cause we don't have the magic and/or know-how, trip it by accident instead, bust in, grab, and run."

"Personally I just prefer to go in through the vents or during the day and as a kitty find a little nook to hide in until the place closes and everyone leaves. It's usually easy pickings from there."

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Collapsed Building]

Percilia is slammed through the nearest brick wall! Her back likely absorbs most of the impact! Ouch! She's bleeding like crazy! She won't be walking anywhere without assistance now! Too many of her bones are broken for that! None of the holy energy dissipates in the least, however. Concrement. This event shall make Percilia more reliant upon her own demonic assistant in later battles. Percilia does her best to retaliate magically. Kinetic attacks aren't working at all, so that's her only shot. Percilia begins to attempt to launch a series of powerful fireballs at the Demon Queen. It is all that can be done.

[VampireRot]

[The Tubbe Shop]

"Sounds complicated. Why don' we just do tha first ting, 'cept skip straight ta the bustin' in and grabbin'?"

Ermine is a fan of simple plans. And this one sounds foolproof!

[Reinholdt]

[The Tubbe Shop]

Reinholdt facepaws.
"Because it lacks no subtlety of a master thief! Besides, there's a high likelihood of getting arrested doing that." Getting arrested would be bad.

[VampireRot]

[The Tubbe Shop]

"What be a 'subtlety'?"

Ermine is a pirate! An uneducated one. She literally doesn't know what it means! She shrugs.

"I don' know much about dis sort o' thievin' '. Usually we jus' break stuff, threaten people, and den take stuff. I'll do whatever ye want to."

Reinholdt has the most experience, after all.

[Reinholdt]

[The Tubbe Shop]

Reinholdt glances upwards and sighs.

"Yeah... but if we do it my way, it could take days and your crew will get rather grumpy. Maybe it be best to do it your way this time. I guess."

[Hattish Thing]

The Tubbe Shop

Javert has gotten lost and stumbles in.

[VampireRot]

[The Tubbe Shop]

"Great! Let's go, den!"

Ermine reaches into her hat! And takes out a shotgun. The pirate makes her way to the door to the tub shop and attempts to open the door! It's probably locked at this time of night, but it doesn't hurt to try.

[Hattish Thing]

If its locked Javert doesn't get in and the pirate will probably run into him.

[Reinholdt]

[The Tubbe Shop]

Reinholdt sighs and shakes his head. Clearly Ermine was supposed to blow off her crew and do it the right way!

Oh well. Reinholdt unslings his rifle and follows after her.

[Slii Arhem]

The Tubbe Shop

The heavy wooden door swings open with nary a creak, revealing a darkened open floor just beyond. The layout is somewhat similar to what Ermine and Reinholdt may remember, but there's something extremely different just up ahead.

On the wall opposite the door is a giant neon flashing sign, the only source of light in the entire shop. It bathes a small circle around it in greens and blues, highlighting suspicious looking smears on the floor and nearby tubs.


NOW OPEN!
24/7!

[VampireRot]

[The Tubbe Shop]

"Eh?"

Ermine hesitates in the doorway, staring at the neon sign like a deer in headlights. She leans over to Reinholdt.

"What tha 'ell does that mean?" :smalleek:

She can't read much normally and the neon sign isn't helping.

[billtodamax]

[Animal Shelter]

Chione will show Haley to a storeroom and gives her a small bag of cat food. It's good and healthy, though it probably won't last long. The black and white cat then describes the locations of a couple of stores in Inside that would sell things she'd need, pet stores and Magmart and such. And now proper instructions on how to actually care for the cat! By the time Chione is done with her lecturing, Haley will hopefully be ready to be a doting cat slave owner. Following her instructions will pamper the kitty quite a bit, and Chione doesn't say the word "pet" once. :smalltongue:

Haley nods along, the bag of cat food disappearing as it's handed to her. She
listens attentively to Chione's instructions, petting her new kitty as she does.

At the end of Chione's lecture Haley will say: So that's it? Cool, I can do that. I'll come back here if I have any questions. She promises.

[Reinholdt]

[The Tubbe Shop]

Reinholdt slings his rifle again, to appear more casual.
"It means the store is open all day long, every day."
Reinholdt explains.

[VampireRot]

[The Tubbe Shop]

"Oh."

Ermine also puts her weapon away. Back into the hat!

"Let's change tha plan a bit den. We can find tha loot wit'out gettin' any'un suspicious, then we knockout tha salesman and run off with it. Maybe we could grab a tub too. Ya savvy?" :smallconfused:


[Animal Shelter]

"Excellent."

Chione stretches her neck to touch noses with Haley's new cat, a farewell, and then dips her head to Haley. She may go!

"Have a good day, and take care of her."

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

"Ah yes. She's named Haley and she's not a stage magician, believe it or not. Chione should be able to handle it, but I suppose we should go check?" Reinholdt asks, leaving the option open for Arel to decide.

"Well... Chione is handling it." Arel says, smiling deviously. She steps a little closer to Rein. "And I'd much rather stay here with you." She runs her hand up his arm and leans forward to whisper in his ear. "What do you think?" She follows up by gently kissing the base of his ear.
>.>

[billtodamax]

Thanks, bye! Haley says, before disappearing. Probably back to Trogs, she practically lives there.

[Reinholdt]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Reinholdt shivers, clearly. He obviously likes ear stimulation. Makes sense considering they're supposed to be sensitive. His tail twitches.
"I think I like your idea better."

[The Tubbe Shop]

"Yeah, that works for me." Reinholdt whispers, giving a quick glance around to case the joint for the no doubt solid gold tub. Or diamonds. That's good too.

[Slii Arhem]

The Tubbe Shop

Well, it's a bit too dark to tell what the tubs are made of... but Reinholdt is a cat, so that probably won't stop him any. There's one made of white gold and rubies over in that corner back there that looks rather expensive, and just out of the harsh circle of light from the sign there's a cash register on a counter just asking to be looted.

Despite its promise to always be open, there is no sign of the creepy salesmen from earlier. Must keep the place on a skeleton crew at night to avoid paying all that overtime...

"Heh."

What was that?

[VampireRot]

[Animal Shelter]

Chione watches Haley disappear with vague interest. Then the cat turns and pads off to an out-of-the-way corner of the temple, with a statue of Bast occupying most of the space. The black and white feline glances around and, confident she isn't being watched, sidles around the base of the statue and climbs into a secret entrance in the back of it. To report to her sisters...

[The Tubbe Shop]

Ermine looks around, eyes wide and ears up.

"What was dat?"

She starts slowly edging toward the counter. And cash register.

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Arel laughs and bends down a little to kiss him on the lips. Maneuvering to the edge of the bed probably happens a moment later. She's markedly less... eager to push things in the curtainous direction like she was last time, but she's still fairly passionate. She keeps the ear thing in mind as well. >.>

[Reinholdt]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Reinholdt is a bit surprised at her passion, but probably shouldn't be given past experience. All the same he sits on the bed and proceeds with passionate make-outs, teaching her little tips when he can, though mostly just enjoying himself.

[The Tubbe Shop]

Reinholdt facepaws.
"That... was a reminder to me that shops open every day, all day, and even ones that aren't are always light." I don't know how his player missed that the first time around.

"Also, trouble." Reinholdt bounds over towards the light, readying his weapon and glancing upwards to make sure there's nothing up there.

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Tips? Arel certainly enjoys the lessons at the very least. Probably learns a few things too. Presumably they need to come up for air sometime, despite how tempting it might be to continue. Willpower!

"You're such a good kisser." She says with a grin. One arm rests along his shoulders and her hand is gently stroking his ear.

No doubt Chione and the others have been up to evil stuff while Arel has Rein distracted. :smalleek:

[Slii Arhem]

The Tubbe Shop

The cash register is covered in dried lavender scented shampoo, encrusted over everything. It will still open, but I'm not sure Ermine knows how to work such a thing.

On her way to it, she may see a hunched over shape in each of the tubs she passes. They too are covered in various body care products, and lay unmoving in pools of stagnant water.

"Now who's going to be dog food..."

A barely audible voice streams out from a door behind the counter left slightly ajar. It seems awfully familiar...

[VampireRot]

[The Tubbe Shop]

"Aye..."

Ermine slows down, looking around with fear. She takes out her gun again and goes to prod one of the hunched over shapes. Is that... :smalleek:

[Reinholdt]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

He's definitely a better kisser than Rein-Prime. But that's on the basis of actually having experience. Can't hope to compete with Butler. He can't help but purr just a little.

"You're improving drastically." :smallbiggrin:
Reinholdt certainly seems happy with her performance.

[The Tubbe Shop]

"Look... I'll cut you a deal. You just let us take the money from the cash register and I don't out crazy you? K? Cause I can do it. Totally. I mean... you've got a good gig going on and everything, but I mean... GRAB AND RUN!" Reinholdt says, firing a few shots in the random direction he thought he heard the voice from, hoping his talking was a decent enough distraction. He actually doesn't believe everything he just said, even if it is true. :smalltongue:

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Arel laughs and plants a kiss on his cheek. "I'm glad you think so. I have a great teacher. I have many more lessons planned with him." She leans forward to kiss the base of his ear again. This is one thing she learned that she's going to keep in mind. <.<

[Slii Arhem]

The Tubbe Shop

"Yeah! Grind me up will you!? Well you can all go hu- Oh, customers!"

As Ermine pokes the drowned salesman corpse (because really, what else could it be?) a familiar face pokes out of the back room. It's the creepy and slightly unhelpful sales clerk from last time. He limps out from behind the back door, one of his legs not quite as long as the other.

Most likely because it ends in a stump. That's new. He waves around a similarly stump arm at the merchandise.

"Is there anything I can help the lovely couple with? Perhaps you wish to buy another luxury relaxo-tub? Or a pound of freshly ground kibble?"

There's a manic look in his eyes, and he doesn't seem to notice the guns, or the gunhots Reinholdt just fired.

[Reinholdt]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Reinholdt shivers again. As pleasurable as that is, it sure makes it harder to control oneself. Drives him crazy with desire.

"W-w-wellllll I think that's enough for today at least." Reinholdt manages to squeak out.

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Arel giggles, not really understanding at all the effect it has on him. "Does that really feel so good?" She asks, keeping her fingers away from his ears now. He did say that that's enough after all.

[Reinholdt]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Reinholdt rubs the back of his neck, mildly embarrassed.
"Well... you know how humans ears are sensitive to that sort of thing? Imagine that, times five."

[VampireRot]

[The Tubbe Shop]

"AVAST, IT BE RUNIN' TIME!" :smalleek:

Ermine, at the revelation of the corpse, Reinholdt's shout and gunshots, and the crazy sales clerk showing up, panics! The pirate runs forward to try to grab the cash register and shove it in her hat. It'll fit and won't weigh her down if she can actually get it in there. Whether or not she gets the loot, Ermine will then try to flee to the door.

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

"I actually didn't know that." Arel raises a hand up to her own ear. Huh... that's interesting to know. So many things she doesn't know. "I'll be more careful then." She says, just the tiniest bit amused.

[Reinholdt]

[The Tubbe Shop]

Reinholdt will go to guard Ermine's attempt, shooting at visible salesman kneecaps if need be. Once she starts heading for the door, Rein's swift to follow.

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

"Oh. Yeah. That'll be something I'll have to show you some time then." :smallamused:

Neme Hat Reinholdt can't help but smirk a little.

[Slii Arhem]

The Tub Shoppe

When Ermine grabs the cash register it probably slips somewhat in her grip, but if she keeps a good hold then the sales clerk won't stop her from absconding with it. When she and her lovely friend attempt to leave, he kicks into high gear.

"But wait, you haven't seen our fall lineup yet! 10% off our special mercury and lead bubblers, and if you sign a ten year lease we'll throw in a pool boy, absolutely free of charge!"

He hobbles forward, his instincts not letting them go until he makes a sale. Then Reinholdt shoots him in the knee (possibly) and he collapses into a nearby coffin shaped tub.

[VampireRot]

[The Tubbe Shop]

Ermine absconds with the register safely in her hat. She yelps on the way out and quickly gets out her phone to call the ship over. They're leaving! Right now! This is the creepiest store ever!

Once they get out safely, the pirate has a few choice words to shout at the Tubbe Shop, most of them not safe for the ears of children. :smalleek:

[Chaotic Bob]

[Not-So-Abandoned Apartment Complex]

Most of the workers have cleared out by now, their weeks of hard work completed.

Feia once again stands outside, looking onwards at the newly remodeled building with one hand holding a clipboard at her side and the other gently settled over her stomach.
There is the faintest trace of rounding in her abdomen, revealed only in that her hand is compressing her somewhat loose coat.

"Nadya?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Send the invitation to our friend, if you would. I suspect she has left him waiting long enough."
"Of course, ma'am."

Behind her, a woman in could pass very easily as a typical lawyer inclines her head into a faint bow and trots off.
The spike-tipped tail sliding out from her skirt somewhat ruins the illusion, however.

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Arel flushes red and giggles again. "That sounds like a good plan to me." This is not angel behaviour! She should be ashamed!
...Nope, shame is the furthest thing from what she's feeling. Lust is closer. Simple happiness is even closer than that.

[Reinholdt]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

"Mmmm... I think I'll let you stew in anticipation of that day." :smallamused:

Reinholdt grins and stands with a stretch. It's generally all that more exciting with anticipation.

[Outside The Tubbe Shop]

Reinholdt stops with Ermine and catches his breath, letting her do the talking in this situation. After letting her get it out for a little while, he goes to put a reassuring paw on her shoulder. "Ok. I think we've made the point clear."

[VampireRot]

[Outside The Tubbe Shop]

"Aye..."

Ermine shudders and glares at the shop.

"I ain't takin' a bath ever again." ._.

Corpses in the tubs! On the bright side, the pirate ship passes over them now, lowering the rope ladder so they can come aboard. Ermine will hurriedly scurry up it, as if the sales clerk might still pursue them.

[Halae]

Red Zone - Rooftop

Seems to be a pretty massive lake beyond that wall. Can't see the other side of it from here, but it looks like there's some primitive fishing going on.

Essaila only knows of lakes from the surface resevoirs on the Hiveworld, but this one looks far too large to be manmade. No one needs that much water in one place, especially for a city this small.

Of course, to a hiver, any city that doesn't take up an entire planet seems pretty tiny.

Not much more to tell you west. The habs look a bit less dingy, but they're still pretty awful this far out. We might be walking a couple days before we reach the center, it's hard to tell. Best guess is we'll find somewhere alright to set up shop within a day, but it could be another half day before we're among the ritzies.

After her report is done, she goes back down the fire escape, dropping the ladder so she doesn't have to risk going back over the rotten ledge. The last few feet she just falls, landing silently.

The look on her face shows Astra she's eager to get moving. She isn't sending him any thoughts, but he can pick up on her mood well enough.

Excitement, adventure and good food![Red Zone - Street]

"Come on, let's go," Astra says, Essy's good mood being infectious. He'll hand her the pan if she wants him to, of course.

I suppose it's at that point that they head towards Blue Zone. As they do, Astra speaks, "Hey, why don't we check out some of the places in the rich area of this place? Maybe we could find something valuable there."

[Chaotic Bob]

[The Corner Cafe]

At some point, Feia strode into the establishment, spending a moment to confirm the person she was meeting hadn't arrived yet, before arranging to be seated at a table outside.

It was cold out, perhaps, but in her coat she doesn't seem to mind as much.
The tea she procures does well to help warm her as well.

There she sits, lightly sipping her tea, eyes part closed in a relaxed state as she waits.

[UncleWolf]

The Corner Cafe

Feia might see Edijar making his way into the cafe, taking a seat in front of her. He's wearing his normal hand-cannon sidearm in full view over his Remnant uniform. He's being subtle about it, but he's keeping a very watchful eye out on his surroundings. When he takes a seat, he keeps his hands folded in his lap. "You "called"? I assume this isn't about you turning yourself in."

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

Arel stands and smooths out her dress and tosses her hair a bit. Makeouts are disheveling! "Oh yeah, there was someone that wanted to talk to you. It's about, uh, Bast."

[Chaotic Bob]

[The Corner Cafe]

Unlike Edijar, Feia seems rather entirely unconcerned about their surroundings, simply continuing to enjoy her tea for another moment or two before addressing the Remnant man.
She keeps her relaxed look fairly easily, though she directs her gaze to his face, politely, as opposed to continuing to look off into space.

"I'm glad you deigned to meet me at all. Please, relax.
How fairs Miss Vasquez?"
She has either decided to completely side-step Edijar's question, or set aside some other formalities first.

[Slii Arhem]

[Red Zone - Street]

"Come on, let's go," Astra says, Essy's good mood being infectious. He'll hand her the pan if she wants him to, of course.

I suppose it's at that point that they head towards Blue Zone. As they do, Astra speaks, "Hey, why don't we check out some of the places in the rich area of this place? Maybe we could find something valuable there."

Red Zone - Street

She takes the pan back, again careful to keep from burning herself. They really need a thermal bag or something for that.

You know I'm always up for that. We pick something easy first, and scout the place out a night beforehand and it should be an easy take. Still, lets let that be a fallback plan.

Essaila will keep pace with her brother, resisting the urge to clamber over all the inviting tall buildings just to get another peek at the sky.

Eventually they may reach the grey zone, and unless they stop will probably head through there to the blue zone without much trouble. They probably look pretty out of place there, in rough clothes and with dirty faces.

[Reinholdt]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

"Huh? Oh. Ok. I'll try to help them out if I can." Reinholdt responds to Arel. She's never showed a remote interest in his job before! I'm not sure this actually qualifies either, but there you go.

[Crimson Tempest]

"No baths ever again?!" D=
Reinholdt dislikes this plan a lot.

He follows Ermine up though.
"Did we at least get a good haul?"

[UncleWolf]

Corner Cafe

Edijar waves off the waitress, not wishing any tea, coffee, or even water. "Her condition is none of your concern. Not once you went AWOL." As Edijar talks, his watch beeps, signalling that its finally 1:00pm. His tone is polite even if he's annoyed slightly. "Now that you asked your question, I can ask mine. What is this about?"

[VampireRot]

[Crimson Tempest]

"Dere were bodies in dose tubs! Dead ones!"

Ermine is relatively inexperienced with this sort of thing. She hasn't even fought any zombies!

She takes the cash register out of her hat and tries to open it.

"Let's see..."

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

It probably doesn't. She's still rather uncomfortable about his job. "Her name's Astrana. She's a friend. Apparently having some troubles, but she didn't want to talk about it much." She's only mentioning it to Rein since she thinks that it's connected to why she wants to talk to him.

[Reinholdt]

[Crimson Tempest]

"Tell me you've seen bodies before..." Pirate and all.

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

"Well, I'll do what I can. Are we supposed to meet her somewhere or something?"

[VampireRot]

[Crimson Tempest]

"Well, o' course. But dat wasn't no chap lyin' face down in the sea 'r an attacker killed in tha heat o' tha moment. Dat was... just horrible."

Ermine shakes her head. She'd describe it better if she had a larger vocabulary. Macabre and grisly.

Luckily, she is distracted from the fear by greed! There's money in the register! She smiles and divides it up between them. It's not an extremely large amount, but still a good deal. It was more about the principal of robbing the store than getting money anyway.

[Chaotic Bob]

[The Corner Cafe]

Feia becomes pensive for a moment, taking another small sip of her tea, while her free hand traces a spot on her stomach, below the table.

"This city is maddening.
Pushed and pulled by wills seldom imagined. It breaks and creates, events sometimes appearing random just as often as if intended.

Powers and desires aplenty. Something that could be easily abused, don't you think?
This must be how you view me, an abuser of power to bring about my own desires. The bounty would suggest something of the sort."

[Gullara]

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

"I said I'd call her and let her know. I could probably just let you talk to her and set something up." Mostly she wanted to make sure making up with Rein would go well first. >.>

Probably have to let continuity catch up, however.

[Reinholdt]

[Crimson Tempest]

Reinholdt looks over the haul.
"Enough to pay the crew with a little left over I suppose."

[Animal Shelter - Bedroom]

"Well then, I'll work something out." Rein says. They'll just have to figure out something to do in the meantime, while continuity takes its time...

[Hattish Thing]

[Crimson Tempest]

"Well, o' course. But dat wasn't no chap lyin' face down in the sea 'r an attacker killed in tha heat o' tha moment. Dat was... just horrible."

Ermine shakes her head. She'd describe it better if she had a larger vocabulary. Macabre and grisly.

Luckily, she is distracted from the fear by greed! There's money in the register! She smiles and divides it up between them. It's not an extremely large amount, but still a good deal. It was more about the principal of robbing the store than getting money anyway.

A peice of paper falls from the sky and lands nearby

[UncleWolf]

Corner Cafe

"Only an outsider would think that way. It shows just how little you know of this place." Edijar snorts. "As for how I view you, I would say it is as a naive and foolish little woman who thought she could control this place and all within and expect little resistance. And is only now learning otherwise." After he says this, a small smile comes to his lips. "Such a harsh lesson for a soon-to-be-mother to learn, don't you think? It'd make things rather difficult on the child." He tells her as he props one leg on top of the other to allow him to wipe a bit of a smudge off his leather dress boot.

[Halae]

Red Zone - Street

She takes the pan back, again careful to keep from burning herself. They really need a thermal bag or something for that.

You know I'm always up for that. We pick something easy first, and scout the place out a night beforehand and it should be an easy take. Still, lets let that be a fallback plan.

Essaila will keep pace with her brother, resisting the urge to clamber over all the inviting tall buildings just to get another peek at the sky.

Eventually they may reach the grey zone, and unless they stop will probably head through there to the blue zone without much trouble. They probably look pretty out of place there, in rough clothes and with dirty faces.[Streets]

After a while, Astra elbows Essaila in the side and then hooks a thumb towards a certain building.

It's a single massive complex, with people going in and out through the doors, and above the door, it says, "Mallside"

"You don't see high concentrations of people unless they're running through a market, I think, here. This must be the sort of place we were looking for."

[Slii Arhem]

Streets

Essaila looks interested, and passes the pan off to Astra if he'll take it.

Bit sooner than I expected. Give me a sec to find you some bottles you can throw and we can head inside alright?"

Unless he objects she'll do just that, coming back quickly with a salvaged plastic bag full of old beer bottles.

Found a crate of these behind a dumpster in that alley. Think they'll do? They seem heavy enough, and if we give them a wash they might not stink so bad.

Oh yes, and the smell of stale beer and cigarettes is all over them. It wouldn't be all that noticeable if they weren't in a cleaner part of the city. As it is Essaila's nose crinkles, and she holds the bag at arm's length.

[Chaotic Bob]

[The Corner Cafe]

Feia seems largely at peace with Edijar's bluntness, even procuring a small smile as he comments on the impending child.
It altogether seems she has become a significantly more tranquil person than when they had last met.

Her calculating gaze has been tucked aside and her perhaps less-than-polite tones are no where to be found.
"Children are hardy creatures, more than people suspect. They should not be looked down upon so.
She smiles slightly, with that, something she has perhaps thought of before.
It seems uncharacteristic.

"Naive and foolish are traits that I could be accused of, I suppose. Domination of the city was never a goal, however, so I'm afraid I must disappoint you."

[UncleWolf]

Corner Cafe

Edijar doesn't rise to the bait of asking what her goal was. He doesn't want to know and he doesn't particularly care. "You have yet to answer my question, Feia. Personally, I'd much rather get past all these formalities. Either the Aces you're stalling for are in effect already, or they aren't. Same with mine. The least you can do before the **** hits the proverbial fan is just tell me why you called me here. Other than trying to negotiate to get the Bounty and crimes taken off your record." Edijar adds hastily. "I'm not saying you can't try of course, it might even succeed, but you're just playing games at the moment and you know as well as I that you wouldn't have called me here if there wasn't an actual reason to this visit." The entire time he speaks calmly and in an even neutral tone.

[Chaotic Bob]

[The Corner Cafe]

Feia places her tea cup down, finally, and rests her hand on top of its partner.
"There are no aces today, Edijar."
She finally looks somewhat more serious, although still relaxed.
But she has definitely veered more towards the purpose of this meeting, now.

"Allow me just one more musing.
I am clearly aware of the bounty, and perhaps the reasoning.
You think me powerful enough to warrant care and a rather significant sum, to whet the appetites of hunters.

If that was their purpose, surely I could simply pay them off and cast the matter aside. I imagine it would be all the same to them.
Why then, do you suppose, that I bled on the ground as the world rejected the magic I brought forth to combat those same hunters?"
Perhaps an odd question, that might seem entirely without purpose.
But Edijar must be well informed, with his status, enough so to know of the event with Ghoul.

Feia appears troubled by the subject, ever so faintly.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Grey Zone - Collapsed Building]

Percilia is slammed through the nearest brick wall! Her back likely absorbs most of the impact! Ouch! She's bleeding like crazy! She won't be walking anywhere without assistance now! Too many of her bones are broken for that! None of the holy energy dissipates in the least, however. Concrement. This event shall make Percilia more reliant upon her own demonic assistant in later battles. Percilia does her best to retaliate magically. Kinetic attacks aren't working at all, so that's her only shot. Percilia begins to attempt to launch a series of powerful fireballs at the Demon Queen. It is all that can be done.

Demon Queen snarls again as the holy energy continues. She sees the fireballs coming, and brings over a piece of wall to help block them. Though, she dies still get some damage from them.

While behind the chunk of wall, her demon decides to recede for now, so that he takes less from the holy damage. As such, Demon Queen shifts back to her normal form. It takes her a moment to regain her bearings.

[Shadowcaller]

[Public Library - Astrana and Arel]

"Alright, great. Do you have some way that I can contact you? A phone maybe?" Presumably there animal shelter has a phone she can use. *nodnod*

[Public Library - Astrana and Arel]

"Oh, right. One of those things. Yeah, I got one." She hadn't really tired figured out what it did yet. It was so similar to the dimension cube with all it's strange runes.
"Think I wrote down the number somewhere..." She takes up the cellphone and with a few clicks she brought up her number on the screen.
"There... I think."


[Public Library]

Nadas smiles back and gives Cessie a nod.
"I suppose I should show you both the section in this situation. This way." Nadas says, going to lead the way when they're both ready. Of course, the information in a public library will probably be less in depth than that of a private, musty, eldritch filled doom library. But there's less chance of shoggoth on your head.

"So each way of creating Divine Fire is unique then? How in particular did you create yours?" Nadas asks, ready to take notes! Lots of notes!


I'll be glad to help, Dorota answers Cessie. In response to Nadas, she says: First, we used a certain herb to expand our consciousness and percieve the Divine Fire in our souls. Then each of us drew a little of her blood and smeared it on the golem. This way, he was imbued with our Divine Fire.

[Public Library]

"So basically the creator gives the creation a piece of herself? Like to symbolize the spark of life?" Cessie asks as she stares at the golem before turning to Dorota. "How intelligent is he?"

[Reinholdt]

[Public Library]

"Which herb?" Nadas inquires. The details can be handwaved into being given if they don't exist, but Nadas is going to ask for a lot of details. :smalltongue:

[Morty]

[Public Library]

"So basically the creator gives the creation a piece of herself? Like to symbolize the spark of life?" Cessie asks as she stares at the golem before turning to Dorota. "How intelligent is he?"


[Public Library]

"Which herb?" Nadas inquires. The details can be handwaved into being given if they don't exist, but Nadas is going to ask for a lot of details. :smalltongue:

Dorota will give Nadas as much details as she's able, although she doesn't know much herself, having obtained the herb after a lengthy quest in a fae realm.
In response to Cessie's questions, she says: I suppose you could say that, yes. However, it's not always as literal as in our case. I know of at least one instance of a golem being animated by a thunderstorm. As for how intelligent he is... I don't know yet. That's what I came here to find out. He can, however, speak. Say hello, Sizewell, she adds, adressing the golem.
Hellooooo... rumbles the clay automaton, nodding.

[Gullara]

[Public Library - Astrana and Arel]

"Oh, right. One of those things. Yeah, I got one." She hadn't really tired figured out what it did yet. It was so similar to the dimension cube with all it's strange runes.
"Think I wrote down the number somewhere..." She takes up the cellphone and with a few clicks she brought up her number on the screen.
"There... I think."

Arel looks at the number. "I think that looks right. I do't really know much about them either." She grabs a pad of paper and a pen from her bag to write it down. "Okay, I'll call you as soon as I can. I think I'll get going now, actually. There's no use delaying anymore. Thanks again for talking with me."

[OrchestraHc]

The Corner of Dis Street and Dat Street

By a stoop is a cardboard box. The front of the box is decorated by a makeshift sign, written in pink crayon: kitties to a good home Beneath that, written in what appears to be scorch marks: +Free Minion

In the box itself is are the promised kittens along with an unusual guest. Sitting in the back of the box, leaving little room for the kittens is a skeleton in singed robes. On his forehead is a red glowing rune, giving off heat for the kittens to be comfortable rather than pull heat in and making things even colder for them. He's actually playing with a few of kittens as well.

((Any not immediately violent interaction welcome.))

[Shadowcaller]

[Public Library - Astrana and Arel]

"No problem, just doing what I can." The tiefling replies. "Just give me your number and we're done." And once Arel gives her it, I think they're done here.

[Public Library]

The mage smiles at the golem, "Hello Sizewell." She says briefly before turning to Dorota again. "I wonder if I can make anything like that. The intelligence will be the hardest part of course, otherwise I might as well just use a a earth elemental."

[Fourth Tower Compound]

"So the girls were called Eva and Samantha, correct?"

"Yes,those are the two who made a deal with the wolf-like overgod, yes."

"Overgod... yes, yes. Considering he won't actually be useful for us just keep me informed what they are doing, they have a permission to leave anytime they want."

"I will tell them so master."

And later at wolfy's night club two girls will slowly approach, one of them accompanied by an young handsome elven male.

[Public Library]

Irena and Nadia finally enters the library after having been lost a little while. Inside was a huge freaking city. It's have been raining outside so Irena clothes are nearly ruined, as is her mood.

"I'm going to kill someone." She silently declares to her girlfriend, and considering all things, she probably would. "I hate this freaking city, every time I go here something bad happens. After walking in ******* hours I feel like burning it down." She rants while going straight towards the shelves with anger-fueled determination.

[LadyOfWar]

It is Tuesday, one day and one night since the late-night snowshower that sparked a snowball fight not far away in the streets. Now the snow is melting under the sun of a new morning, though the wind is still vicious and raw.

A creature walks through the streets of the red district. It is roughly humanoid in shape, so far as one can tell under the voluminous jet-black hood and cape it is wearing. It has a pair of enormous wings on its back. They are feathered, dusty coal black, and stretch from two feet above the figure's head down to the ground behind it when folded.

It stays in the shadows of the run down buildings as it walks along, trying to avoid the mid-morning sun.

As it rounds the corner of Dis Street, it encounters the box.

The mention of kittens does not interest it, but the free minion part, written in scorch marks, that causes it to venture forth from its shadow into the sun so it can investigate the box. The figure nudges the box with the toe of its shiny leather shoe so that the flap will fall open giving it a view of the skeleton and kittens inside.

Should the skeleton possess the powers of sight and look up from the box it will see the face of a man with black eyes and a week's worth of scraggly beard looking down at it. His cheeks are sunken and his expression is a mixture of slight interest and disdain.

[OrchestraHc]

Dis Street

The box was always open and the skeleton was particularly visible, being much larger than the box itself. Looking up to see what was blocking his sun, he sees the man and offers him a small black kitten. "Want a free cat?" There's no movement of his jaw to indicate speech but the sound most definitely came from the skull. Had a bit of a smart mouth tone to it as well.

[Gullara]

[Public Library - Astrana and Arel]

Arel writes down the animal shelter's number for her. "Thanks again. See you." And then she leaves, giving Astrana a parting smile.

[Public Library - Irena and Nadia]

"Hey, Irena, wait up." Nadia moves quickly to catch up to Irena and tries to catch her hand and spin her around so she's facing the vampire. If she can manage that, Nadia will take Irena's other hand and look into her eyes. "It's not all bad." She focuses for a second and suddenly all the water will flow out of their clothes and fly out the door. The vampire grins. "See? Better already."

[LadyOfWar]

The winged fellow takes a step back, puts his hands on his hips and just takes in the sight of the big skeleton in the box of little kittens for a moment.

"Nope." he replies to the skeleton's offer. Not a particularly garrulous fellow, and he's surprisingly immune to the extreme CUTE! effect of the fluffy little felines.

[OrchestraHc]

Dis Street

"Sorry buddy," the skeleton apologizes to the cat, setting him back down. "So, you're here about the other half of the sign then?" There's just a tiny bit of hope in his voice. It's been a while since he's had a boss.

[The Alexandrian]

Demon Queen snarls again as the holy energy continues. She sees the fireballs coming, and brings over a piece of wall to help block them. Though, she dies still get some damage from them.

While behind the chunk of wall, her demon decides to recede for now, so that he takes less from the holy damage. As such, Demon Queen shifts back to her normal form. It takes her a moment to regain her bearings.

[Grey Zone - Collapsed Building]

There's not much to do now. Not for her, anyway... Or rather, there isn't much that she can do in this state, no matter how many spirits arise, floating out of their corporeal vessels crying out for her attention.

Ignorant wench. She spoiled everything. She tipped the cards in his favor. She gave him an easy target.

No. She won't stop now. She must finish what she started. That man must die, by any means. It is the lesser of two evils. That moronic beast can't impede her progress. Her mission is pure! Her mission is pure.

The gravely, but not mortally, wounded Percilia inches toward her .45 Magnum, leveraging her good arm so as to force herself to commit locomotion. Her other arm limply trails behind her, sliding across the ground ever so slowly.

Broken... Her body may be broken, but her mind is indomitable! Her goal, her victory isn't gone! It'll be more of a challenge now. Cat and mouse. She'll expose it to the world. She'll show them that they won't get away with it anymore.

It hurts. Every ounce of flesh feels like it is afire. Every muscle movement, every meter she gains is fought for. Pain takes its toll.

Everything had a role to play. Her role wasn't to be stopped. She was so close to her objective! She could have spared countless lives from the cruel strokes of his knife! But no. She... It robbed her of the opportunity. It stole away her chance to set things right.

Every life that he claimed from now on rested squarely on her shoulders.

"Filth."

The persistent Percilia half-screams, half-whimpers as she drags her battered body through the glass, inflicting even more damage to herself as she crawls toward her signature weapon. Her body may give out on her, but she'll be sentenced to hell and the realms which lie beyond before her fortitude does!

"You brainless, little psychopath."

It hurts to breathe. It hurts to blink. It all hurts so much, but she won't stop 'til it is finished. She may be coughing up blood, but her life isn't the most important thing being gambled with now. Her life for their's. A fair trade. This has always been. This shall always be.

[UncleWolf]

Corner Cafe

Edijar shrugs at her comment and waits for the point. He wasn't some child she could just question at a whim, and she definitely didn't hold an upper hand over him. Because of that, he wasn't inclined to answer.

Counting Basie

Wolfy's dressed in a red suit, waiting with a mild frown settled upon his muzzle. When the three approach, sound seems to die off, cancelled by his mere presence for the moment. "I believe you two have something to explain to me." He says.

[Gullara]

[Dis Street]

Suddenly, there is an eight foot tall ork behind the winged person. And I mean suddenly. I have no idea how he managed to get there so quietly. I mean... he's an ork... Best not to think about it. The point is, he's there now.

The ork in question is clad in armour made of leather and metal plate dyed/painted purple. Strapped on his back is a rather large axe. Oddly enough, on his head is a pristine black top hat with a purple band.

He says nothing for now. Just standing there... Watching.

[LadyOfWar]

[DIS STREET]

"Hmmm..." he responds, putting one black leather gloved hand up to his chin and squinting his eyes at the skeleton. "What would a free minion do?"

His voice has an edge to it, the kind of edge one would expect from the sort of self-serving jerk that would dump a box of kittens by the side of the road.

[EDIT]

Then an orc appears behind him. Perhaps it was the orc's shadow blocking out the sun, perhaps it was a sixth sense, perhaps it was the orc's smell (hey, let's face it, orcs don't necessarily have the best personal hygiene), whatever alerted him the winged man literally jumps into motion. He whips around to face the orc, has his hand on his sword, and backs away quickly. His eyes are filled with a mixture of suspicion and fury.

[END EDIT]

((a ninja posted ninja orc :P))

[FireFox]

Nearby EE- Rooftop

True to their word, the soldiers don't shoot. The battlecaster even releases the spell, causing the toxin cloud to quickly break down into far less deadly compounds. While the first of the two keeps an eye and a rifle trained on Samantha, the second walks over, grabbing the pistol and attempting to quickly frisk her for weapons, confiscating any he can find. The teleport unit too, if that's not very well hidden, as that the soldiers know to look for.

"You will be released once we no longer need fear your interference in this operation, until then no harm shall come to you unless you give us cause."

Samantha's assault rifle was left in the alley where the grenade went off, so her only weapons to seize are the Glock, the MP7 holstered on her right thigh, and a combat knife on the front of her harness. The soldier will have to turn Sam onto her back to take the knife and the teleport unit on her belt, but he'll be able to do so without resistance. Oh, and she has two flashbangs clipped to the front of her harness that he might want to take as well.

After she is disarmed, the soldier relaxes and stares up at the sky, trying to block out the pain her various injuries are causing her now that the adrenaline is starting to ware off. That sounds surprisingly good to me. Rather generous of you chaps, as a matter of fact. Highly skilled and trained and reasonable? There's no way you lot are really AMEN.

[Chaotic Bob]

[Corner Cafe]

Feia waits a moment, to confirm that Edijar won't be responding, staring off towards the street as she does.
If she seems disappointed at the lack of answer, it is more easily concealed in her troubled look.
"You must be aware of some of the more intrinsic problems to people hunting in this region. Doubles, time slips, disappearances."

[VampireRot]

[Crimson Tempest]

Reinholdt looks over the haul.
"Enough to pay the crew with a little left over I suppose."

[Crimson Tempest]

"Aye. Worked out good in tha end, I guess. Dat guy was crazy though..."

Ermine sets aside the money for the crew and then gives Reinholdt his cut as well. He's practically a crewmember himself! He's got the rum part down, now he just needs an accent.

[Shadowcaller]

[Public Library - Irena and Nadia]

The witch stares at Nadia for a moment, "...I guess." She mutters. "I wanted to be angry again for once though, it felt nice." She seems to be trying to hide a smile creeping into her features.
"I feel way too happy right now, it's unnatural." She claims, turning to the books once again, looking for something about friendly ones which could help.

Counting Basie

"Eeep!" Eva exclaims as she see wolfy.

Samantha, who now got a elven guy hanging after her stares openly at the deity and rubes her arm awkwardly, "What do you mean? We done as you said."

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Collapsed Building

Demon Queen cringed as she fights to regain control of herself. The demon within did not want to be put away again. For now, Demon Queen's will stays stronger than the demon's, and she resumes control of herself.

Panting, Demon Queen straightened back up. Then she cries out in pain, the shrapnel-induced injuries still present. She grits her teeth and forces the pain out of her mind. There was something she still had to do.

Slowly, she turns and starts walking towards Percilia. If the battered woman looks, she may notice that Demon Queen is back to her normal form. With more damage, of course. The sunburst on her forehead bleeds, though there doesn't seem to be a wound.

You may not...believe me...but I don't exactly...like doing this stuff. Her voice sounds weary, and her breath is short. Both from exhaustion and pain.

Just...just stop...I don't want this...I'll get somebody...to come heal you...

[UncleWolf]

Corner Cafe

"If you're saying there's a double or more of you, then they'll be found as well." Edijar says, meaning every word of it. He'd find her, and quickly too.

Counting Basie

"Priestesses are generally assumed to serve just a single being." Wolfy says with a tone of annoyance. "Care to explain?"

[Gullara]

[Public Library - Irena and Nadia]

Nadia laughs and stands along side Irena, to look at the books as well. "Should I apologize? I can bring the water back if that would help." She suggests, a wry grin spreading across her face.

[OrchestraHc]

Dis Street

"Anything you'd expect of a well trained dog or a college intern. Fetch me my slippers! Coffee, black with two sugars! Pull that lever! All that pluuuuuus..." He raises his hand to the air and a spurt of fire shoots up from his hand. "All that for nothing more than a warm place to stay. Emphasis on warm, by the way." he points at the Rune in his forehead, Glowing less red than before he made the fire.

When he sees the orc, he's nonchalant about it. "Want a kitty-cat, big guy?" He pulls out a brown kitty. He then pills the kitten back. "You're not gonna eat him are you?"

[Chaotic Bob]

[Corner Cafe]

Feia gives a small nod, picking her cup back up again.
"Of course."
A moment is taken to sip her tea, calmly, her troubled look fading.
"Just one. You need to kill her."

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Collapsed Building]

No! A resolute no! The tenacious Percilia doesn't want the healing the Demon Queen's could grant her! The last time she was healed by those brutes at NO, who were blinded by their own unforgivable avarice during the whole escapade (in her opinion), the color of her sight, her sense of smell, and sense of touch were forfeit, along with many of her memories! That's all the information on her various, fresh handicaps that they disclosed to her, anyway! She'd have been better off dead! It would have been more merciful than reducing her to this. She was collateral! She'd never accept anyone's "medical" help ever again! She could do this by herself. And if she couldn't? Well then, so be it.

"You will tell me where you sent her and then- *Hack!* *Choke!*"

That sounds nasty. Percilia might not be around much longer to protest or defend anything.

The coughing doesn't hamper Percilia's efforts at slowly creeping toward her revolver, though. If the Demon Queen wanted, she could kick it out of Percilia's conceivable reach long before she pulls herself over to it. She could also simply kick Percilia a couple more times and be done with it. Percilia might bleed out soon anyway. Keeping her alive would be far more troubling than discarding her, probably.

[Gullara]

[Dis Street]

Actually, this particular greenskin is an ork (http://images.wikia.com/warhammer40k/images/e/e3/Ork_Boyz.JPG), not and orc. From Warhammer 40k. Comparing them to orcs doesn't do them justice. :smalltongue:

The ork seems entirely unconcerned about the hostile reaction to his presence. Puny oomies don't frighten him. "I 'ave squigs fer eatin'. 'E will be fightin' kitty-cat." Yes, this is clearly the best plan.

[Shadowcaller]

Counting Basie

"But you didn't say-" Eva starts before Samantha covers her mouth, "We did it to serve you better okay? Or at least that was the idea. But we don't have any other ideals then yours, I swear. I was a different kind of deal."

Eva looks rather annoyed at Samantha while the still un-introduced elf just look confused at wolfy and the girls.

[Public Library - Irena and Nadia]

"Uh, no. That's alright " Irena replies nervously. "Just keep the water away from me, I hate getting wet." She continues while pulling out a book about greek mythology.

[Reinholdt]

[Crimson Tempest]

"Aye. Worked out good in tha end, I guess. Dat guy was crazy though..."

Ermine sets aside the money for the crew and then gives Reinholdt his cut as well. He's practically a crewmember himself! He's got the rum part down, now he just needs an accent.

[Crimson Tempest]

I'm certain Ermine can get Reinholdt to say 'Y'arrrrr' at times. >>
<<

"Have to wonder about the entire employment system of that company to be honest."

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

Time for Arel to make a phone call?

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Collapsed Building

Demon Queen chuckles. With a groan, she sits on the ground, out of Percilia's reach. She sees the revolver, and with a flick of her hand, sends it flying.

You know...why? Why her? He killed the people. So kill him. That's all you had to do.

[VampireRot]

[Crimson Tempest]

"Works about tha same as any other place in tha Nexus, except every'un's craaazy."

Not much difference really. Ermine shrugs.

"It be late. Ye wanna get ta bed now? We can go do more piraty stuff tomorrow."

Wait, where'd she get that bottle of rum? :smalltongue:

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Collapsed Building]

"She was his reason for-"

Percilia inhales sharply in debilitating amounts of pain. Even through all of the meds, everything hurt.

It won't be long now...

"She demanded, and he delivered."

Her heart rate begins to gradually plummet. Her breath is fought for with every fiber of her being.

"I'm-I'm..."

[UncleWolf]

Counting Basie

Wolfy holds up a paw to keep them silent for just a moment. "No, I didn't say, and perhaps this is my fault then. But I won't say anything more until you explain." The god tells them before looking at the elf. "Apologies, but the two girls and I have a bit of unfinished business. I'm Wolfy, a god."

Corner Cafe

"And why should I kill this double instead of you? Or arrest one of you?" Edijar asks with a neutral expression. "Or both?"

[Chaotic Bob]

[Corner Cafe]

Again with the patient, kinder look from Feia.
"You could arrest me, if you so desired. I have a vague idea of the charges."
She wears small smile, as she lightly polishes off the rest of her tea.

"You would be hard pressed to do the same with her."
A falter in the smile, as her lips fall to a thinly pressed line.
"The world will burn first."

[Reinholdt]

[Crimson Tempest]

Reinholdt yawns. Sleep is nice.
"Yeah, bed sounds nice." He says, heading for the Captain's Cabin.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Collapsed Building

Demon Queen sighs and swears at herself. She closes her eyes and leans her head back.

Heh...you ever wish somebody would just shoot you in the face and finally end it? She looks back at Percilia, an odd look in her eyes. I'm kinda having one of those moments.

Look...if I help you...promise you'll just kill those responsible? None of that torture stuff...just stab them and move on.

[UncleWolf]

Corner Cafe

"You have still yet to give me a reason." Edijar states, looking unamused about her apparent constant sidestepping and general unwillingness to answer questions.

[VampireRot]

[Crimson Tempest]

Ermine grins and follows Reinholdt! To the captain's cabin. And bed. Possibly curtaining, I dunno. Depends on how tired Reinholdt really is.

[Reinholdt]

[Crimson Tempest]

Well that's the most non-romantic way to lead into that. :smalltongue:

Reinholdt's probably not so tired he's falling down, or he wouldn't have tried robbing the place. He's used to late night sneakery and he's had his fix today so whatever happens won't be cause for complaint.

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Collapsed Building]

Percilia would respond with something equally grim, something along the lines of, "Everyday." if she could. At the moment, however, she cannot. She's anything but a rationale creature right now. That holy aura previously enveloping her is slipping away faster than any instrument could possibly measure. Her heart rate is falling, falling, gone. The gallons of blood which flowed through her veins have been reduced to a trickle powered by a few ounces of extremely diluted fluid. She reaches out for something, there's no indication as to what, before an expression of sheer panic takes over. She slumps to the ground. Dead.

...

And that is when the defibrillator kicks in and restarts her heart. It doesn't help that she's basically out of blood for the heart to pump. The mechanical unit attempts to compensate for that insurmountable obstacle by doubling the rate at which Percilia's heart was beating. I'm not sure how long her system can take that, especially taking her open wounds into account.

At least she's alive. Well, she's more semi-alive than anything else. She isn't blinking or moving, as her circulation has rerouted itself to protect her vital organ systems. While this wouldn't usually happen, her brain is being maintained through it all. The electronics wired into her won't let her body shut itself down naturally.

Her suffering won't be brought to a close. Not that easily.

[Gullara]

[Public Library - Irena and Nadia]

Nadia giggles and slides up closer to to Irena to peer over her shoulder, while at the same time putting her hand on the small of Irena's back. "Greek myth? Something tells me it's not really myth, whatever it is."

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

Indeed!

"We can probably just call her any time." Arel then proceeds to take Rein's hand and lead him to wherever the phone is. Phone picking up and slow dialing happens.

[VampireRot]

[Crimson Tempest]

They just robbed a store full of corpses. Romance isn't really appropriate. Curtaining wouldn't be either if Ermine wasn't a half-drunk pirate. :smalltongue:

Curtains! And then a nice good night's sleep on the airship. They'll wake up tied up hanging over a volcano, betrayed by the crew.

[Reinholdt]

[Crimson Tempest]

Romance is perfectly appropriate after a decent robbing! Although, I'm not sure if what they have is actually romance... :smalltongue:

Curse those infidels!

Reinholdt sleeps. Peacefully even.

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

Neme Hat Reinholdt waits by the phone with Arel! Ring ring!

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Collapsed Building

Demon Queen frowns slightly when Percilia grows still. Concerned, she reaches out to check the woman's pulse. And finds it twice as fast as normal.

Demon Queen swears loudly. She stands as fast as her batteted body lets her. Alright, don't know if you can hear me, but I'm getting you healed.

Grimacing slightly, she uses her powers to gently lift Percilia a couple of feet into the air. Then she'll start walking, obviously having a set destination in mind. She'll keep Percilia floating next to her.

[VampireRot]

[Crimson Tempest]

Yeah. Probably not. Pirates don't really do romance. :smalltongue:

Ermine sleeps peacefully as well. The pirate wakes up with a satisfied weasel yawn.

[Chaotic Bob]

[Corner Cafe]

Soldiers, always so blunt.
A person could b convinced that they just hate to think.

Feia withholds a little sigh, idly tracing the bottom of her cup.
Must continue to be patient.
"I think that you could do whatever you so pleased, my arguments irrelevant.
But I can assure you, that hers is a problem that would not go away with an arrest. You are an intelligent man, you know the risk posed by an uninhibited mage.
Particularly if she decides there is nothing left to lose."

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Collapsed Building]

Well, Percilia won't object to that. That's not to imply that she wouldn't if she could, but currently her body has been bereft of the most essential resources humans require to sustain life. She doesn't have the energy to blink. She certainly doesn't have the mental capacity to think. This is where her demonic possessor would have come in handy, if she wasn't already the subject of some sort of...rescue?

Either way, it'll end the same way, probably. She'll be tormented for her failures in due time.

This is the third time she's been ripped out of death's grasp. The first was by Tom. The second by CB.

She really needs to mellow out and not be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

She can pretty much be godmodded to the destination the Demon Queen has in mind. Best take care not to shake her too much, though. I'm pretty sure that one or two of her ribs are busted. Those bones puncture internal organs fairly well.

They also don't grow back.

...

That's no good.

[Reinholdt]

[Crimson Tempest]

Reinholdt is still sleeping quite peacefully. Even though one eye seems to be half-open. No doubt sensing the movement and responding via trying not to wake up.

[UncleWolf]

[Corner Cafe]

Soldiers, always so blunt.
A person could b convinced that they just hate to think.

Feia withholds a little sigh, idly tracing the bottom of her cup.
Must continue to be patient.
"I think that you could do whatever you so pleased, my arguments irrelevant.
But I can assure you, that hers is a problem that would not go away with an arrest. You are an intelligent man, you know the risk posed by an uninhibited mage.
Particularly if she decides there is nothing left to lose."

Corner Cafe

"Here's the thing, Feia. This is all merely conjecture from my point of view. For all I know, there is no double and this is all a scam." Edijar states.

[VampireRot]

[Crimson Tempest]

Ermine smiles at Reinholdt. Then she goes to get up and get some rum or something. Maybe order her crew around a bit. Getting dressed first, of course. If Reinholdt manages to stay asleep.

[Reinholdt]

[Crimson Tempest]

Reinholdt is actually surprisingly good at sleeping! You'd think someone like him wouldn't be, but it's a source of comfort in a way.

But mostly, he's just a lazy cat sometimes and today seems to be that day.
Zzzzz...

[VampireRot]

[Crimson Tempest]

Reinholdt gets to sleep in, then!

In the meantime, the Crimson Tempest is being piloted to... er, I dunno. Ermine isn't quite sure about where Reinholdt might want to go. Probably to GLoG! So that's where they'll wind up. Maybe. <.<

[Chaotic Bob]

[Corner Cafe]

There's the thinking she knows he can do.

It draws out another little smile to Feia's face.
Probably a stretch to say she's proud, or pleased, but approving would be accurate.
"Always a risk, perhaps. My reputation isn't one you would trust, even if we have never met.
What scam could I produce, by telling you to kill myself, if there was no double?
You could act on that advise right now, I'm sure. You're certainly close enough to manage it."

She glances down at her stomach, a finger tracing a line down it.
"Not a move I would be particularly intelligent to encourage."

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Grey Zone - 658 West 12th Street]

((Okay, kind of using this as a way to introduce a new character idea that just came to me tonight.))

As quickly as she can, Demon Queen will take Percilia to this address. It's a small house, nothing fancy about it. Demon Queen ignored any odd looks that people along the way gave her.

She goes to the door and knocks hard several times. After a moment, footsteps are heard, followed by the sound of locks being opened. The door gets opened, and there stands a young woman wearing a long t-shirt and pajama bottoms. She has a thin frame, with close-cut red hair and bright blue eyes behind a pair of black rimmed glasses.

She takes in the sight before her, then gasps. Ze-

No time, Demon Queen cuts her off. Heal her first. We'll talk later.

The woman looks to Percilia. Damn...Okay, bring her in. Set her on the couch. She retreats from the door and points to the couch. Demon Queen follows the instructions, then takes a seat in a chair off to the side, obviously tired.

The woman kneels next to couch. Been a while since I've done somebody this bad.

Don't tell me you've lost your touch, Trace.

Trace flips off Demon Queen. Shut it, you. At that, she spreads out her hands and holds them above Percilia's torso. She closes her eyes, and starts using her healing abilities.

Because of how badly she is beat up, it may take a while. But, Trace should be able to heal all of the major damage done to Percilia. She'll leave minor cuts and bruises and stuff, cause those will heal on their own just fine, so she doesn't want to waste energy on them.

[UncleWolf]

Corner Cafe

"Feia, listen." He warns her. "I'm going to warn you one last time. Maybe I was too subtle before, but stop playing games and cut to the meat of it. You've called me all the way out here, claim there's a double, that I should kill her instead of merely arresting one or the other of you, and yet you've offered no details proving it. You're wasting my time, and the small amount of liberty this meeting has provided you."

[Reinholdt]

[Crimson Tempest]

Well she's steering. :smalltongue:

To GLoG!

[Chaotic Bob]

[Corner Cafe]

There's finally the first trace of frustration on Feia's face, more in her eyes than anywhere else.
Perhaps there was a detail or two she had failed to properly consider.

Or an idea she had hoped to skip.
"Place me under arrest."

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - 658 West 12th Street]

That'll probably work, then! I doubt Percilia will be even half consciousness at the conclusion of the procedure. It likely took awhile to extract that jar's worth of shrapnel and pointy slivers of glass (and quite possibly a couple of Percilia's fractured ribs, depending on whether or not the magic relies on the human body's natural regenerative properties). All the while, Percilia's eyes shall likely be open, unless someone closes them. They're sort of creepy and oddly alluring, so that's not exactly out of the question. Percilia likely shall not be walking for a day or two while she readjusts to being alive and well again.

Dumping ice water on her face would wake her from her slumber in any case, depending on when the Demon Queen or Trace want to verbally communicate with her. Doubly so if her eyes are open.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Grey Zone - 658 West 12th Street]

Once done, Trace leans back a little, so she's sitting on her feet. She takes off her glasses and closes her eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply.

She good now?

Trace nods. Good enough. Man, I am out of practice.

Demon Queen gives a short laugh. Trace looks to her for a moment. So? Wanna explain?

Demon Queen sits there for a moment. Then she'll get up, go to Percilia, and try to shake her shoulder to wake her.

Hey. Get up. We gotta talk.

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - 658 West 12th Street]

No splash of water to rouse Percilia? That's too bad. That might have been entertaining. It'd probably drench the couch and turn it soggy, though.

Percilia is successfully nudged awake! She hasn't a clue as to where she is, but she does have a rudimentary understanding of what just happened to her. Her head is throbbing still. The world's kind of blurry and out of color once more, as per usual. Her cybernetics are offline, and not arbitrarily either. They've been knocked out, basically. She glances around, blinking more than she would normally, dazed. The trauma of fleeting death did dramatically tax her mind, spirit, and body.

As Percilia struggles in vain to gain her bearings, she begins sweeping her hands across the couch methodically. Her eyes aren't functioning correctly yet, so she's exploring her environment using other means.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Grey Zone - 658 West 12th Street]

I just did some massive healing to you. Take it easy for now. Trace sounds exhausted. She looks to Demon Queen obviously confused.

Demon Queen watches Percilia for a moment before speaking. If you can hear me, say so.

[UncleWolf]

Corner Cafe

Edijar reaches down to pull out a pair of heavily ornate bracelets swarming with layers of enchantments. "Put those on. They will tighten around your wrists, sap you of magic, physically weaken you, and lock in any magical changes to your body for the time being." He states. "I will accept your arrest provided you put on those cuffs."

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - 658 West 12th Street]

"So."

Percilia curtly replies, not yet recognizing the voice conversing with her. Her voice is somewhat dry and raspy now. Saying she is bewildered and mildly frightened would be an understatement. It appears as though she is trying to shrink away from the general direction the Demon Queen's voice sounded like it might be from.

"And what might my punishment for failure be today?"

Percilia obviously doesn't know who she's speaking to. She likely supposes she's in the presence of someone or something else. She doesn't look like she's keen on that whole "punishment" concept either.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Trace raises an eyebrow at Demon Queen, who shrugs.

I...really have no idea what you're talking about. I already kicked your ass, remember?

So, first things first. What's your name?

[Chaotic Bob]

[Corner Cafe]

Feia reaches for the cuffs, but pauses a bit at the "physically weaken" part.
"How would this affect the child?"
That sounds suspiciously like the woman being legitimately concerned for something that isn't her.

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Hmm? That's funny. Where's the boiling oil? No fire? Percilia must be lost and among strangers.

"My name? My name is Alexa, but nobody knows me by that tag anymore. Everyone calls me General or Gen these days."

What? Percilia, you do know that your name is Percilia, don't you?
... She's not kidding, surprisingly enough. That's a change. She truthfully believes that her name is Alexa. The aftereffects of brainwashing, perhaps?

"More importantly, who are you? You're not it. You're clearly not him either. I don't know you."

[UncleWolf]

Corner Cafe

"The health of you and your child will remain unaffected." Edijar tells her.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Well, I'm Trace, and you're on my couch. And the woman that brought you here is Ze-

Demon Queen.

...what?

I'll explain it later.

So, you don't remember anything recent? Like, within the past half-hour or so? Big fight? Blowing up a building? Nothing?

What in the world did you do?

Demon Queen just waves her hand.

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

"Oh."

"Alexa's" voice grows cold as she stumbles upon this undesirable revelation. The fear drains from her posture as she moves to pat her leather holster, checking it to ensure that her weapon is indeed missing. She'd be shooting it at Demon Queen if that were at all possible. "Lamentably," it isn't.

"It's you."

Seething anger defines her tone. She's pretty cross right now.

"You're not planning on eating anymore of me, I take it."

Percilia wouldn't appreciate that. The humiliation and anguish of that event might have postponed or lessened the penalty, though.

[Chaotic Bob]

[Corner Cafe]

Feia peers at the bracelets for another moment, brooding over the statement.
There are perhaps other risks here, but Remnant can be held responsible these, if the unlikely comes to pass.

With that thought, she will pluck them from Edijar, to be applied over the sleeves of her coat.
A small measure of comfort/protection for her wrists.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Trace's House

Demon Queen gives a short laugh. Not unless you start it.

Okay, seriously, what the hell is going on?

Demon Queen holds up a hand. Don't worry, Trace, I'll get to that.

Angela...you remember what I asked before I brought you here?

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

"Alexa" forces herself to stiffly nod. She must behave herself...for now. She can't slash and bash her way out of this situation. The Demon Queen is good. "Alexa" will give her that.

"Yeah. I recall...somewhat. The last words I heard had something to do with 'shooting in the head'."

Percilia's "Alexa's" mind appears to have distorted the event a tad...

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Trace's House

Demon Queen gives a short nod. Close. I told you that if I got you healed, you'd stop torturing the murderers and just kill them.

Trace raises an eyebrow, but stays silent for now.

[UncleWolf]

Corner Cafe

The bracelets shrink down to a snug fit, tight enough that she won't be able to slide them back off, and if all goes according to plan, they'll blink green when they work, draining away most of her magic and making her feel physically weakened. "Ready to leave?"

[Morty]

[Public Library]

The mage smiles at the golem, "Hello Sizewell." She says briefly before turning to Dorota again. "I wonder if I can make anything like that. The intelligence will be the hardest part of course, otherwise I might as well just use a a earth elemental."


I'm not sure, Dorota says. From what I've heard, you're a sorcress, not an alchemist, and using a form of sorcery unknown to my homeworld. So I don't know if the Divine Fire would work for you.

[Reinholdt]

[Public Library]

"Ah yes. What would be your form of sorcery?" Nadas inquires to Dorota.

[Shadowcaller]

[Public Library - Irena and Nadia]

Nadia giggles and slides up closer to to Irena to peer over her shoulder, while at the same time putting her hand on the small of Irena's back. "Greek myth? Something tells me it's not really myth, whatever it is."


Counting Basie

Wolfy holds up a paw to keep them silent for just a moment. "No, I didn't say, and perhaps this is my fault then. But I won't say anything more until you explain." The god tells them before looking at the elf. "Apologies, but the two girls and I have a bit of unfinished business. I'm Wolfy, a god."

[Public Library - Irena and Nadia]

"Of course not, otherwise I wouldn't be looking at it right?" It might also be noteworthy it's one of the few illustrated books in the collection. "Look, that's the kind of gods we want helping us." She says, pointing out a practically naked (male) greek god.

Counting Basie

"Oh... uh." He suddenly look rather worried.

"It's okay. I'll be alright Gabriel." Samantha reassures him with a faint smile. "It's wolfy, I told you about him."

"...right." He gives the god a blank expression before turning to Samantha again. "Do you like me to leave while you're at work?"

"No, no. I can deal with this." She turns to Wolfy once again. "Look, we meant no disrespect. I have only had two other arrangements and neither of them have interfered with my service of you."

"And I only had one and that's since I needed more money." Eva adds a tad more nervously. "And I could cancel that if you want." She almost sound afraid.

[Public Library]

"Sorceress? I'd prefer mage considering what I have heard that title is associated with." Very lightly dressed women.
"But alchemy is something we have in my world as well. It isn't used to make golems however so I'm interested in what your answer to Nadas is."

[Morty]

[Public Library]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean any offense. Dorota straightens her glasses on her nose and when she speaks, it's in a somewhat dry, academic tone. I wouldn't really call what I do "sorcery". It's alchemy, which is, basically, about transmutation of substances. An alchemist knows esoteric, complicated processed in which substances can be transmuted into higher forms. It takes much longer than magic, but it's safer and more reliable. Also, it produces items which people with no magical talent may use.

[Gullara]

[Public Library - Irena and Nadia]

"Are you sure about that?" She asks, only glancing at the picture. Any nearly naked god wouldn't really appeal to Nadia. The fact that this one is a man doesn't make her any more keen on it. "Why do you think so?"


*pokes SC upward* Astrana is getting a phone call.

[Reinholdt]

[Public Library]

"Ah. I more meant the sorcery on your world. You mentioned it in passing. Are they all alchemists there or is there more traditional magicks?" Nadas says. He doesn't take notes on the description of alchemy. He knows what it is! :smalltongue:

[UncleWolf]

Counting Basie

"I gave you both two weeks to get acclimated to the changes I made to you." Wolfy tells them, calming somewhat. "That, and some homework to do. Instead, you've made three deals between the two of you. One for money." He says with distaste. "Neither of you thought that maybe you could have simply asked me? As for the other deals, are you going to tell me what they were, or should I say instead? Keep in mind that unlike many gods, I do know what all happens."

[Shadowcaller]

[Public Library]

Samantha sigh, "Look, I can cancel the deals if you want me to. It's just the thing you do in the fourth tower okay? They call us up and we need to make new deals with whatever new deity they found. If we don't do that, they'll throw us out."

"Yeah, it's not like we had much of a choice." Eva chimes in. "And I could cancel my deal. I hate gambling, I might get addicted."

Gabriel watches the three in stoic silence, not showing any signs of what he could be thinking of.

[Public Library - Irena and Nadia]

Irena shakes her head, "Nevermind, I just got a good feeling about this okay? These guys are fun, they do all sort of crazy things according to these books." She points at a picture of Hera, "This chick is called Hera, she's hardcore, anyone that her husband had sex with, she destroyed." She grins to herself and flips over to the next page, showing Zeus.
"This is her husband Zeus. He was like the most cheating bastard in the world. He had children with everyone. People could like only look at him and get pregnant. Now that's a god we don't want to meet right?" She smiles again, teasing Nadia by bumping her hips into her. "His children were pretty awesome though, Heracles, Hermes, Artemis, Dionysus... some of them were even gods themselves."

[Public Library]

"Oh, I took none. Your alchemy sounds very much like the enchanting my brother use though. What else can you make with it?" Cessie asks.

[Public Library - Astrana]

It takes two rings before Astrana answers, "...yes? Who is this?"

[The Alexandrian]

Grey Zone - Trace's House

Demon Queen gives a short nod. Close. I told you that if I got you healed, you'd stop torturing the murderers and just kill them.

Trace raises an eyebrow, but stays silent for now.

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Percilia scowls at where she guesses Demon Queen is located, which is a few inches to the left of where Demon Queen probably really is. She never agreed to such a deal. She'd remember something as crucial as that.

"You don't know the first thing about deterring criminals, do you? Law enforcement is severely understaffed, and I'd prefer if you didn't vilify me in the presence of others. I'm not engulfed by stark insanity, I'll have you know."

[Morty]

[Public Library]

"Ah. I more meant the sorcery on your world. You mentioned it in passing. Are they all alchemists there or is there more traditional magicks?" Nadas says. He doesn't take notes on the description of alchemy. He knows what it is! :smalltongue:



[Public Library]

"Oh, I took none. Your alchemy sounds very much like the enchanting my brother use though. What else can you make with it?" Cessie asks.

Yes, there's also arcane magic, mysticism and elementalism. The first is about warping reality with one's will, the relies on faith overcoming boundraries of probability and the third one calls upon natural elements. As for what I can make with alchemy... well, lots of things, so long as I have a formula that I can understand and apply and of course the necessary components. The most basic and common products of alchemy are various potions and elixirs. Some of them are simple concoctions that can be bought in stores, but they can also be complicated mixtures that take months to distill. Finally, I can alter the properties of metals and minerals to bring out their hidden abilities, thus creating magic items. That's just the general overview, obviously

[Reinholdt]

[Public Library]

"I see. Can you detail out which metals have which properties? As examples?" Pfft. Examples. Nadas wants an entire detailed listing.

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

Neme Hat Reinholdt waits for Arel to take care of introductions and such.

[Slii Arhem]

Library - Irena and Nadia

A nearby table begins to writhe and jerk about, rooting itself to the floor and sprouting leafy green vines everywhere that quickly coat the entire thing in a carpet of foliage. Atop this odd happenstance lounges a regal golden lion, a crown of ivy laying gently over its ears and tangled in its mane.

In the background the airy sounds of flutes being piped fills the air in a formless melody. The lion's head bobs back and forth gently as the music begins, eyes never leaving Irena, Nadia, and the book they hold.

Delighted whispers soon join the music, a chorus of low chanting and lyrical feminine giggles that seem to be coming from behind the book shelves.

The lion yawns imperiously, waiting for them to speak.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Trace's House

Demon Queen gives a snort of laughter. You do a good impression, then.

She falls silent for a moment. You need to rest for a couple days. She looks to Trace. Where's the shower?

Trace points to the hallway. Second door on the right. Demon Queen nods and heads to it.

When the door closes, Trace looks to Percilia, eyebrow raised. Mind explaining?

[Gullara]

[Public Library - Irena and Nadia]

Nadia giggles a little. A spontaneously pregnant either of them would be most strange, especially since Naia can't have kids. ._. "Probably not, no matter how cool super babies would be." She says, obviously joking. ._.

"Do you think you want to s-" The vampire breaks off and looks around. Things just got pretty loud in here. She spots the lion on the table and just dort of stares blankly. "Um, Irena..." She tries to get her girlfriend to look as well.

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

"Hi Astrana. It's Arel. I'm calling like I said I would." Arel's tone is significantly happier than it was when the two met. Sounds like things went well with Rein.

[Halae]

[Library - Irena and Nadia]

Next to the lion is a young man
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b283/pyranack/Godling.png
It's doubtful either of the ladies recognize him, but he's been speaking with a certain someone about how to conduct his business. As he does, he glances over towards the lion curiously. Why are they here, exactly?

[UncleWolf]

Counting Basie

"Then right now, I'm giving you a choice. Either you take this very seriously as I implied when I first made this deal, or you're out. For the first, I'll speak with your superiors and the other Beings, showing that this is all just a big misunderstanding, and I'll continue teaching you as long as you follow me. For the latter, I strip you of the power I gave you before sending you home. Decide." Wolfy states. He didn't like ultimatums, but sometimes they were necessary. "I had wanted to believe you were fairly serious about the deal we made, and I was sincere when I said I'd give you what you wished. Just not all at once. This is partly my fault, which is why I'm giving a choice in the matter."

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

"What is there to explain?"

Percilia wearily inquires. There's no point in telling Trace about anything which recently transpired, or so "Alexa" believes. It wouldn't change a darn thing. Her lack of good fortune wouldn't be dismissed. Her station couldn't ever be restored.

Then again, Trace did supposedly heal her...

"I was in the middle of a public execution when your bosom buddy burst in, set the killer loose to resume murdering people, and beat the living daylights out of me. She even tried eating my arm. *****."

Percilia loathes Demon Queen. Her tone clearly demonstrates this detrimental reality.

[Earl of Purple]

The two bikers in front make another dodging manuever, which prevents them from doing more. The two to the left speed up and drive to the right side of the tortoise, trying to draw the fire off the final two bikers, who try to get to cover. They'll need the sniper and the heavy weapon specialist to neutralize this thing.

Generic Street

One of the chicken-people crewing the mini-trebuchet dashes to the dead chicken-person's machine gun, and starts firing off at any bikers on that side. The other chicken-person crewing the trebuchet loads and preps it for firing, though with half the crew the rate of fire has slowed down. There's no egg being lobbed this post.

The machine gunner on the right continues firing at the bikers, aiming at the two trying to draw its fire. It's not leading the shots, so the chances of hitting the Remnant Fast Response Team is poor.

The one on the left has no Remnant targets, so shoots at windows and anything that moves. Most people have fled, so there's not much to shoot at. The gun can't be moved; it's mounted on the rampart.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Trace's House

Still sitting the floor, Trace listens to Percilia with some disbelief.

Okay...that doesn't sound like something Zel would do.

Then again, it's been a couple years since I've seen her. Who knows what's happened to her since. She was already kind of a wreck back then.

Trace's tone holds some sadness when she brings up the past.

You sure she knew what you were doing? And on that note, what the hell were you doing executing somebody?

[Shadowcaller]

Library - Irena and Nadia

"Wha- oh ****, crap." Irena states as she looks at the lion. "Uh..." She starts. "Who or what are you?" She asks the two gods who don't appear threatening at the very least.

[Public Library]

"Sounds like we in our world called aether, the ability to communicate with the kami. The concepts of the world." Cessie comments as she listens to Dorota, she doesn't seem to mind knowing more about it either though.

They might be here all day. <.<

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

"Oh, hey Arel. I trust you talked with your boyfriend then?" The tiefling asks.

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

"I was simply being efficient. I was coping with tragedy and saving various lives with the same method."

"Alexa" retorts without delay. She won't stand for being incriminated without just cause and trial. Her muscles tense up a bit as her good arm moves her chest, attempting to count her ribs to determine whether or not any are missing. To be honest, I'm not sure how many ribs are missing or present anymore. That statistic relies on how Percilia's most recent medical operation was carried out.

"We can't bring an end to all crime, but we surely can make wannabe felons think twice before they act. The costs of their crimes must be enumerated, as they are often so daft and misguided that they neglectfully skip over them."

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Trace's House

Trace watches Percilia count her ribs. They're all there. At least, whatever you had before you came in. I could tell you've had something done to you. You had a bunch of non-living things in you.

I know what you mean. I went through something similar a while ago. But, that got ended abruptly. You should be careful. That stuff will come back and bite you in the ass real fast.

[Slii Arhem]

Library - Incoming Party!

The lion stretches languidly, then reaches out to place its forepaws on the floor just before the mass of vines. The paws quickly change shape, fur rippling out of the way to reveal deft fingers and thin bronze arms that seem to glow gently of their own accord.

The change moves up as the lion frontflips off the table, landing on a pair of human feet and straightening.

"I'm a ripe vine on a winter morn. A son of many mothers and a father of many more. You have called and I have answered, beating gently at your door. Now what may I do for you lovely things? Before pipes are tuned and minstrels sing?" The lion, now completely a man, stands before them almost completely nude.

Thankfully, a tasteful grape leaf censors anything they might wish to avoid looking at. The music and chanting builds slowly louder, anticipation causing the hushed voices to strain under their excitement.

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

"Not necessarily. If you cover your tracks right and don't run into anyone like your...friend, you have the potential to be flawless. If you are flawless, you cannot be traced. If you cannot be traced, nobody can lift so much as a finger against you."

Just like Batman!

Percilia grunts softly as she shifts her weight around on the couch and closes her eyes.

"Backup plans, like collaborating with a demon or two, don't hurt either."

Contrary to what "Alexa" claims, collaborating with a demon does hurt her immensely. She doesn't work with the demon by choice either. She is an enslaved bounty hunter, for all intents and purposes.

[OrchestraHc]

[Dis Street]

Actually, this particular greenskin is an ork (http://images.wikia.com/warhammer40k/images/e/e3/Ork_Boyz.JPG), not and orc. From Warhammer 40k. Comparing them to orcs doesn't do them justice. :smalltongue:

The ork seems entirely unconcerned about the hostile reaction to his presence. Puny oomies don't frighten him. "I 'ave squigs fer eatin'. 'E will be fightin' kitty-cat." Yes, this is clearly the best plan.

"Lovely profession. I'm sure he'll have a wonderful future." He holds out the kitty for the ork. "Here he is handsome. Have a nice day."

[Gullara]

[Dis Street]

*waits before posting here* The ork doesn't need to be anywhere at this time.

[A Thankfully Dark Street]

Kirk goes walking down the streets. He's oh so grateful that it's dark and thus his currently female body isn't quite so noticeable. Not that there's any chance of keeping it hidden now. His exploits while thinking he was female are still fresh in his mind. ._.

Anyway, he's currently walking hurriedly... anywhere away from the Black Dragon's Den, which means this is the Red Zone. First thing's first, he needs to find a way to get his proper male body back, and fast.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Grey Zone - Trace's House

Trace sighs. Sounds to me like you've bit off more than you can chew. I'd still love to know what made her do that.

Bad communication, it seems.

Trace looks to the hall where Demon Queen stands. She's changed into a pair of pajamas, probably belonging to Trace. She has a towel hanging from her neck. Though the blood has been cleaned away, from the way she moves, it's easy to see that her wounds are still there.

The way you were describing it at first, I didn't think that the woman had anything to do with the murders.

[Lost_Deep]

A Thankfully Dark Street

A few invisible eyes watch Kirk. A little signal, and two disappear.

Kirk may feel a small thing land on his shoulder. If he looks, he will see a six-inch-tall elvish woman with the lower half of a spider. She's wearing a scrap of a shirt, and stretches her arms above her head. For a fay, she's fairly... non-elfin.
ifyaknowwhatImean

"Heya! What's a fine girl like you doing in a dark alley like this? I think you would be much more comfortable someplace where people could notice you! There's no business like show business, they say, and I think a bombshell like you could make it big, even without any acting skill."

[Gullara]

[A Thankfully Dark Street]

Kirk starts a bit. Gah, random mini drider thing. If he was in a better mood he'd probably take a moment to eye her assets (:smallwink:), but for now he's just disgruntled.

"As tempting as that is, how about not. I'll be perfectly happy in this dark alley alone." Take the hint little fey lady! He shrugs his shoulders, to make it more awkward to stand where she is.

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

"Yeah, it went really well." Arel pauses to beam at Rein. "He's right here, so you can talk to him yourself." She'll hand the phone to Rein provided Astrana agrees.

[Lost_Deep]

A Thankfully Dark Street

"Aww..."

The Grig jumps up onto Kirk's head.

"I don't believe you! I think that you're just down 'cause something happened. Lose a guy? You got dumped, didn't you? Come on, all you need to do is let those bits of reality drift away for a while! Come on! Forgetting parties are the BEST parties!"

She bends over to look Kirk in the eye.

"Noooo?"

She pouts a bit.

"Then we'll just bring the party to YOU!"

Suddenly, four pulses of fairy magic come from the rooftops, and if they hit Kirk he will be outlined in sparking, glowing orange!

"And sudden parties ARE THE BEST PARTIES!"

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

"Alexa" flinches out of habit as she hears Demon Queen's voice. She doesn't classify the voice as harsh or pugnacious, but she does categorize the person the voice belongs to as such. It doesn't help that her perception is malfunctioning on top of the rest of her stresses and disabilities. That'll vanish after a short while, mind you, so it isn't lasting damage that anyone should be prone to feel concern or worry over.

"I informed you multiple times of the relationship between the serial killer and the woman. I said that she accepted and instigated the killings. If the woman wasn't directly tied to the murders and I took steps toward skewering her, why wouldn't I have slit that one hostage I took open too?"

"Look, we needn't be so bellicose in our treatment of one another now that you've taken me captive and thoroughly bested me, but let's get one thing straight here. I don't like you."

"Alexa," to be honest, you were being entirely ambiguous and rude during that whole pre-battle conversation. You can't hold Zel to your own standards here and now. She's no mind reader.

"So, how'd my flesh taste?" :smallannoyed:

Oh! That's alright then! Sources and contextual allusions indicate that "Alexa" is using her whole "I don't want to be your friend and I owe you nothing" spiel on Demon Queen in order to build a tenser environment in the hopes that it might alienate Demon Queen. She's trying (and failing) to disarm her volatile and open fear of Demon Queen. She feels imperiled around Demon Queen. Her mind is screaming at her to fall back asap. Not to mention that she's extremely sore about being chomped on too.

[Reinholdt]

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

Reinholdt gives Arel a small smile before taking the phone.
"Hello?"

[Gullara]

[A Thankfully Dark Street]

"Please, don't imply I'm into men. Just don't." This is bad enough for Kirk as is. Women only! DX

But anyway, the grig goes on. Forgetting parties... Maybe it's a good time to ditch this grig. "Wait, bringing the party to m-" He's suddenly hit by glowy magic...

...Oh Hells. He tries to brush the grig roughly off his hat then make a run for it. This can't be anything but bad.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Excuse me? Trace looks to Percilia, then to Demon Queen.

Demon Queen sighs, walks to the chair she was previously in, and sits down.

Since I've come here...I've had some stuff happen to me. One of which is getting possessed by a demon. Trace starts to say something, but Demon Queen cuts her off with a look. It's held in place by this stone here. She taps the onyx stone in her chest, which Percilia likely saw when they first met. When I transform like that, that's the demon taking over. Try as I might, I usually can't control it, and it does what it likes. I really am sorry for all that, whether you believe me or not.

[Shadowcaller]

Counting Basie

"Okay." Eva replies as if it was the easiest thing in the world. "I'm sorry if you got offended..." She says sheepishly, looking down on the ground.

Samantha looks less enthusiastic however, "I dunno. I mean, I could try, but I'm not sure I could cancel all my deals. And we could get kicked out too." She tells Wolfy.

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

"Am I talking to Arel's boyfriend?" Astrnaa asks. "I'm Astrana, I'm sure Arel mentioned me... right?"

[Reinholdt]

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

"Yes. I'm Reinholdt. She said you wanted to speak to me. Something about Bast?" He's not sure on the specifics.

[Slii Arhem]

A no Longer Dark Street

The glowing orange Kirk makes a break for it! She He might make it to the end of the street before he sees what's wrong with his plan of escape.

There's a forest there, swaying gently in the breeze. There most certainly should not be a forest there, but then again, logical impossibilties are the least of his problems now.

From between the trees, teleporting in from flashing circles of mushrooms at the edge of the forest, comes a looping, giggling, hysterical mass of pixies. They immediately home in on Kirk and dive as one, attempting to zoom past his head and fly tight circles around his body in a dizzying arial display.

Every one of them seems to be sizing him up for something, but it isn't long before they've reached a verdict.

"She'll do. Aim..." The pixies arm themselves with handfuls of dust, still hovering near Kirk and now grinning viciously in the orange light.

The lead pixie raises her flute to her lips and pauses, waiting to see what Kirk will do next.

[Gullara]

[A No Longer Dark Street]

...

By the Nine Hells... Pixies... Kirk tries to dive through the wall of pixies and make his escape. He doesn't have a lot of hope for this strategy, unfortunately. Pixies are fast. It's worth a shot, though. Better than standing there and looking dumb.

[UncleWolf]

Counting Basie

"I will speak to the Beings and the leaders of Fourth Tower in person to settle this." Wolfy says. "And now that that's out of the way, who is our guest?"

[Lost_Deep]

A No Longer Dark Street

The psychotic grig girl is knocked off, but follows closely behind Kirk as he flees.

"Whee! Look at that! See, there are plenty of people around willing to have a good time if you know where to look! Oh, boy, we are going to have a great time! It's going to be SO MUCH FUN!"

Suprise! A team of grigs on either side of the path pull a cord tight, bringing the small cord up to the height of Kirk's ankles. The cord itself is magically enchanted to trip people, so there isn't much risk of the grigs getting pulled over by Kirk.

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Percilia chuckles rhythmically and balefully.

"You're not the only one, sis."

She rolls over so that her body faces the area in front of the couch. Her eyelids crack open a few centimeters. She lazily stares up at Demon Queen and Trace. She smiles half-heartedly. She can see clearly now! It's no miracle, but it is a huge improvement over her previous state.

"You were just plain unlucky. Your demon doesn't seem to value your health much. It's a very droll supernatural parasite."

"..."

"You can't spontaneously turn into that thing during the dull moments of everyday life, can you?"

The unrepressed fear stitching itself into Percilia's tone peaks as she asks that question. Oh gods. She doesn't want to be eaten by that thing. She'd rather freeze to death slowly than be condemned to that fate.

[Slii Arhem]

A No Longer Dark Street

The pixies take a moment to adjust their aim when Kirk faceplants (godmod approved) and unload the dust at Kirk even before their leader can say the word.

Each handful of pixie dust will eat at every shred of clothing it touches, some of the pixies accidently hitting others and demonstrating this effect. Still, for all the tiny handfuls that miss, there is more than a bucket worth headed straight for Kirk, so if he's hit he'll soon be naked entirely.

From the trees another group of pixies flash in, holding a silken bundle above their heads and flitting over as quick as possible. The silk is held by an edge and unraveled, revealing an extremely slinky silk dress, slit all the way up over the hip on one side and cut so low it should be a crime. Two more pairs come in right behind them, bearing more silky darlings. A matched set of underwear, lacy and black, bearing a spiderweb pattern.

"Commence dressing!" The lead pixie squeeks, then raises the flute and begins to play. This magical tune is designed to enrapture, focusing all attention on just listening to the music and not caring a thing about what's going on around you.

[Shadowcaller]

Counting Basie

"I'm Samantha's boyfriend Gabriel ." Gabriel introduces himself. "And I assume you're wolfy?" He raises an eyebrow, offering his hand to shake.

The two girls looks rather relived even if Samantha still have a hint of worry in her features.

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

"Yeah, you're her high priest right? I might need some help if that's okay." She explains.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Demon Queen chuckles. It may not value my health, but it values my life. I'm pretty sure if I died, it would, too. Or it'd go back to whatever hell it came from.

She shakes her head for the second question. Nah, not yet. Mostly cause I don't let it. But, sometimes, it gets stronger, and I can't hold it any longer. Most common triggers are getting into fights, and other demons being around.

Trace looks at Demon Queen with a kind of sad expression now. Like she feels sorry for the woman. Demon Queen doesn't acknowledge it, though.

[Gullara]

[A No Longer Dark Street]

I don't know how he does it, but as soon as he realizes that the dust is eating his clothes he puts his hat in his extra dimensional pocket. Of course, as soon as his jacket is destroyed he loses access to it, but at least it's safe. :smalltongue:

He gets to his feet fairly quickly to his credit, but not faster than many thrown handfuls of pixie dust. And the music... Well, Kirk has never been particularly resistant to such effects. He should invest in some magic item, but I never have him just buy stuff. >.> He starts to flee... then music. Kirk is suddenly not fleeing and instead very intent on the source of the music.

[UncleWolf]

Counting Basie

Wolfy looks the elf over, scrutinizing him. When he's done, he smiles softly and tries to shake the man's hand before stepping back. "I'm sorry for being angry earlier. That said, Samantha, I don't think it'd be a good idea if you Followed me specifically any more." He holds up a paw to keep them from speaking for a moment. "When I asked for you two, I asked for someone without a relationship because I need to know that you can handle the emotional stress of the job as individuals as this progresses. I didn't plan on stopping any relationships you got after a while, but early on it was necessary you didn't form anything lasting. Right now though, I don't wish to break up anything so am choosing to let you go instead." He explains before looking at her apologetically.

"I'll still be willing to give you the occasional gift if you choose to summon me again, and certainly won't take away that I've already given, but I believe this is the end for now. If you still wish, I can speak to the other Beings on your behalf to get rid of your pacts, but only if you want."

After a moment he turns to Eva. "You're fine on the other hand. If you wish to continue, I'll take you inside and start the teachings."

[Lost_Deep]

A No Longer Dark Street

Grigs will jump onto Kirk, and whisper in his ears little directions, aided by a bit of magic. If successful, Kirk will unknowingly cooperate with the pixies to put on the lacy things. The psycho will tie knots or hook hooks or whatever is needed to finish the dressing up. She's humming along with the music, bouncing in rhythm with it when she can.

[Reinholdt]

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

"Yes, that's correct. I'd be happy to try and help. Do you need help with a pet you have, help getting a kitty, help understanding Bast better?" Reinholdt asks. Those are about the only reasons he can think of.

[Slii Arhem]

A No Longer Dark Street

The pixies quickly attempt to slip the silky and lacy clothing onto Kirk, undergarments first obviously. The pink flute player keeps up her tune throughout the dressing, although she's quickly running out of breath and magic to keep the song going.

When they're finished, a familiar cyan haired sprite flies over and gets close to Kirk's cheek. She'll try to give him a quick smooch with her magical lips, a tasteful coating of magic makeup spreading from where they touch if it's successful. The makeup tries to keep Kirk from frowning or otherwise expressing anger until it's completely removed. It's a more powerful effect than normal pixie dust, but still resistable.

"There, now you look hawt!"

The dressing pixies, not knowing what else to do now, head down to Kirk's fingers and try to paint his nails with bright red sparkly pixie dust.

Looks like their guest is almost ready to party!

At about this time the music cuts out and the pink pixie takes a deep breath, breaking the spell on Kirk.

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Percilia solemnly (and stiffly) shakes her head from left to right. It's such a shame. This woman promised so much untapped potential. If she could regulate her inner demon, she would be a powerful ally. She could be tempered into a superb dark jedi.. She's already a top-of-the-line warrior.

A test is in order. Percilia must be the one to administer it.

"How much combat can you take in one sitting before that monster kicks in? I only ask because I'm in a real bind. This is, as I see it, the only way out."

Percilia pauses. She's reluctant to enter into a "verbal contract" with the thing that sampled her blood. But alas! The benefit of the doubt doesn't factor into this urgent mission.

"It is imperitave that the killer I'm after is strung up for all he's done."

Percilia's gaze drops to rest on the floor. Oh how humbling all this is!

"Will you assist me in this task?"

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Demon Queen bows her head down for a moment, thinking.

You can't be serious.

Demon Queen looks to Trace. The woman has a steely look in her eyes. Obviously, this doesn't sit right with her.

Zel...I thought you were done with this kind of stuff. I mean, with what happened after Selvik di-

Stop. Demon Queen raises a hand. Just...no, don't.

Look, it's not like I wanted to get back into that. But...well, you see this? She taps the black sunburst on her forehead. The is a special mark. Called an Abyssal Exaltation. Another unfortunate thing I got here. I voluntarily took it, but...it was a moment of weakness.

With it, I am a lot more powerful than I was. But...I can't help it. I get these...these urges. To kill. Doesn't matter what. It's like...it's like I don't want anything to live. So, since I can't completely control myself, I direct it. I roam the city, looking for murderers and rapists...and I kill them.

She looks back to Percilia. So, to answer your question, yes. I will help you. On the condition that we just find them and kill them. No torturing or anything.

[Lost_Deep]

Due to the special qualitys of the dress, I will post first and explain it.

Fairy Dress Up!

The lacy bits are notable because they are made of silk... specifically harvested and enchanted to be as soft and smooth as possible. It would make a grandmaster silk weaver cry, half in marveling at it's quality and half in the sorrow of the knowledge that they would never be able to approach such splendor.

I'm not kidding. That's not even hyperbole, it was tested on three different grandmaster silk weavers.

The underthings in particular are lined with Grig silk (quite possibly from the psycho, but some other spider grigs are around, too.) that will change Kirk's proportions if he (or someone else) adjusts them. They are also difficult to take off, and will have to be removed with quite a bit of force. It won't HURT, it'll just be difficult.

The Dress is another fine example of Grig magic. Any attacks made in the dress are almost doomed to failure, and even trained veterans will be all but useless offensively. Besides that, the dress cooperates with the wearer completely, not limiting movement in any way... in fact, it improves flexibility to a downright creepy place.

And that's only the things that the dress does passively... who knows what on command things the grigs have woven in.

The psycho hops to look Kirk in the face. "HE HE HE! You are now in the perfect party dress! NOW WE CAN HAVE ALL SORTS OF FUN! Yeah! A party with the pixies! And pixie parties ARE THE BEST PARTIES!"

[Gullara]

[Fairy Dress Up!]

Kirk... just stands there a moment. His face is completely blank. In the absence of anger there is only nothingness. He is truly anger incarnate right now, and only the fragile pixie magic is holding back his rage.

His eye twitches. The dam's breaking. Twitch, twitch. His hands clench and unclench. Twitch. Any moment now he's going to explode. Knives are gone like his hat, he will have to improvise. He's shaking no- LUNGE! He tries to grab the nearest pixie and that damnable grig. :smallfurious:

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Percilia considers Demon Queen's proposition for a moment. She looks as though she might decline for a split second. She is hesitant to relinquish her right to make an example of this serial killer. Sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good.

Next time.

This time, Percilia will abide by Demon Queen's rules. Percilia doesn't merely want Demon Queen's aid. She needs it. Without it, all of this would be for nothing. Zilch. Zero.

Percilia sighs.

"We'll...It'll be some time before I fully recover. You won't have to be party to any torture. You win, this time."

"We'll be breaking into a lab to start. They're not open to the public. They manufacture the items that the pushers vend. They're bound to employ lightly armed guards and the whole shebang. We're going to track the killers down using their own addictions and vices against them."

That's supposed to be a cunning plan? It'd be suicide if the two who might be undertaking it weren't both PCs with common motivations.

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Yay PCs and motivations!

Demon Queen nods. Well, I'm gonna go pass out then. I'm taking your floor, Trace. Without waiting for confirmation, she'll get up and head for what is presumed to be Trace's bedroom.

Trace watches her go, then hangs her head with a loud sigh. Haven't seen her in two years, and nothing's changed.

Percilia might see this as an opportunity to get some info on Demon Queen, if she feels up to talking to Trace some more.

[Slii Arhem]

Fairy Dress Up!

The pixie nearest Kirk's right hand is grabbed after putting the finishing touches on the drow's nails. She looks panicked, but not frightened. The others fly off very quickly out of range and seem confused. They aren't really sure what to do about this. The cyan-haired one seems to be handling it better, but still doesn't have any ideas.

The flute player has almost caught her breath. She'll probably have another song ready soon.

From the spontaneous forest a rustling starts, still distant but getting closer. This does not bode well.

[The Alexandrian]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Time to glean some info not on Demon Queen but on Trace! After all, Trace is the reason why Percilia's penalty has been put off. Maybe Trace's actions have gone so far as to grant Percilia impunity! Wouldn't that be something? Plus, Trace would probably be more easily persuaded to tell her tale to a complete stranger, not that of her old friend.

Percilia flips over so that her weight is distributed evenly along the length of her spine. It's easier for her to relax that way.

"What's your story, Trace? Sounds like you and Zel share a noteworthy history."

[Chaotic Bob]

Corner Cafe

The bracelets shrink down to a snug fit, tight enough that she won't be able to slide them back off, and if all goes according to plan, they'll blink green when they work, draining away most of her magic and making her feel physically weakened. "Ready to leave?"

Feia adjusts the positioning of her hands a little so she can hold them comfortably in front of her, before nodding to Edijar.
She felt a faint desire for another tea, but perhaps can request one later if she acts agreeable enough.
"Lead on."

[KerfuffleMach2]

[Grey Zone - Trace's House]

Trace puts her right hand on her left shoulder and smirks a little. Heh...yeah. We go a ways back. We're both from the same place. A world called Wen Rateh. We met through a military program.

And by military program, I mean very cruel experiments done on people.

Her eyes stare at the wall, but she isn't really looking at it. She rubs her shoulder a little.

Me and my brother were picked up off the streets. I was fifteen, he was seventeen. They told us they'd give us a place to live and food. We had been on the streets for so long, we jumped at the chance. Heh. Big mistake there.

They were trying to see if they could advance Base Abilities. Or combine them. Or whatever else. She snaps her fingers. Oh, wait, that's right. Most people here don't know about those. Where I'm from, everybody has abilities tied to one of ten Bases. Mine's Life. Zel's is Kinetic. She was there, too. They picked her up when she was only twelve.

Anyways, the military wanted better soldiers and stuff. So, they experimented. About two years go by like that. Then one day, there was some accident or something, and there's a huge break out. I get separated from Selvik, my brother, in the process. So, I'm out on my own, on the streets again, with more power than before. I make it by. Didn't get killed at least.

Almost a year after that, there's this huge news about how the Base Spirits were saved by a group of five people. Wouldn't you know it, Zel and Selvik were both in that group. Needless to say, I'm going through a bunch of emotions at finding my brother again.

While they were doing whatever it was they did, Zel and Selvik grew close, and got into a relationship. My brother got it in his head to make the military and stuff pay for what they did. Apparently, they were kinda behind the stuff with the Spirits. So, Selvik and Zel form a resistance group called the Kuroko. I joined, of course.

She lets out a sigh. We did some good work. Really. I mean, yeah, we killed a bunch of soldiers and stuff. I'm not proud of that. But when I think of all the people we helped...it was worth it.

That lasted about a year. Our last fight...our last fight didn't go so well. We had lost people before, but... She cuts off for a moment before continuing. We were raiding a weapons depot. They had to have known about us before had. Somebody snitched or something. It was a massacre. We tried to get out, but they cut us off fast. We were completely surrounded.

So...Selvik...that freaking idiot...He decides to be a hero... She sniffs and lowers her head a little, trying to hide the tears forming. His plan worked. Those of us left got out. Except him...

She wipes her eyes and takes a breath. That completely wrecked Zel. I mean, after he died, she felt like she had nobody left. She was an orphan. No family. Selvik and I were it, and he died.

I tried to help her. But, something in her head snapped. She started going all vigilante. It wasn't good at all. And then, she just disappears! Gone! So, I go looking for her. I mean, she was all I had left, too. And I wind up in this place. And wouldn't you know it, two years after she drops off the face of the planet, two years after I wind up in some world that completely blows my mind, when I finally start to realize that my old life is completely gone...She shows up. At my door. Bloody and wounded, with those crazed red eyes now. Keeping your body in the air behind her.

Trace sighs. I don't know what's going on anymore.

[Morty]

[Public Library]

"I see. Can you detail out which metals have which properties? As examples?" Pfft. Examples. Nadas wants an entire detailed listing.




[Public Library]

"Sounds like we in our world called aether, the ability to communicate with the kami. The concepts of the world." Cessie comments as she listens to Dorota, she doesn't seem to mind knowing more about it either though.

They might be here all day. <.<


Yes, there might.
Well, the list is long, and I can't recall everything off the top of my head... Dorota will proceed to list some examples, which her player hasn't defined since he wasn't expecting such detailed question about the alchemical theory. Much of what we know about alchemy is guesswork, but the theory has progressed in recent decades.


Generic Street

One of the chicken-people crewing the mini-trebuchet dashes to the dead chicken-person's machine gun, and starts firing off at any bikers on that side. The other chicken-person crewing the trebuchet loads and preps it for firing, though with half the crew the rate of fire has slowed down. There's no egg being lobbed this post.

The machine gunner on the right continues firing at the bikers, aiming at the two trying to draw its fire. It's not leading the shots, so the chances of hitting the Remnant Fast Response Team is poor.

The one on the left has no Remnant targets, so shoots at windows and anything that moves. Most people have fled, so there's not much to shoot at. The gun can't be moved; it's mounted on the rampart.

The two bikers on the right continue evasive manuevers. The two who dismounted - Stanisław the sniper and Ognian the heavy weapons specialist - enter one of the nearby buildings and emerge from a window. Stanisław takes a while to set up a sniping position, but Ognian immediately launches a grenade from his RPG, aming for the tortoise's legs.
Anatolij and Dragan, the two bikers at the front, turn around and retreat to get ouf of the grenade's blast radius.

[Halae]

Library - Incoming Party!

The lion stretches languidly, then reaches out to place its forepaws on the floor just before the mass of vines. The paws quickly change shape, fur rippling out of the way to reveal deft fingers and thin bronze arms that seem to glow gently of their own accord.

The change moves up as the lion frontflips off the table, landing on a pair of human feet and straightening.

"I'm a ripe vine on a winter morn. A son of many mothers and a father of many more. You have called and I have answered, beating gently at your door. Now what may I do for you lovely things? Before pipes are tuned and minstrels sing?" The lion, now completely a man, stands before them almost completely nude.

Thankfully, a tasteful grape leaf censors anything they might wish to avoid looking at. The music and chanting builds slowly louder, anticipation causing the hushed voices to strain under their excitement.[Library - Party Time]

The young man with white hair simply leans against the table the lion was on, smiling towards Irena. He should look surprisingly attractive, having taken pains to appear as such on suggestion from his friend. He hasn't taken to being nearly nude, but it is noticable compared to the more average appearance he had before.

"And I am the new breeze, here to enjoy the revelry of my friends here. I was just speaking with my friend here when he heard your summons." he doesn't speak in rhyme, but his voice is soft and attractive, as well as deep.

[Shadowcaller]

[Library - Incoming Party!]

Irena blinks in confusion, trying not to look at the two men who suddenly appears. "Uh, what the hell does that mean? I didn't summon anyone, I was just browsing through books when you appeared." They might notice a perfectly black katana have appeared in her hand.

"But... now that you're here. What can you do for me?"

[Gullara]

[Library - Incoming Party!]

That'd have to be a very large grape leaf to hide everything Nadia doesn't want to see. No matter how attractive they are, they aren't even a little bit to Nadia. :smalltongue:

The vampire is very awkwardly trying to not look at the two men who don't have enough clothes between them for one. "I don't need anything really." She says.

[Slii Arhem]

Library - Incoming Party

"You spake my name and so I came. I am Dionysius, lord of loose lips and master of moving hips. I give not what you need but what you want, and ask but little in return. Shall you join us in our merriment, before the hour's candle burns?" Dionysius reaches back and thumps the table he was lounging on thrice, the vines parting to allow his hand to strike the wood.

From below the curtain of green a grey furred satyr crawls, his flute still playing cheerily as he stands. Silenus, father of all satyr, smiles around his instrument as his student has brought him to yet another fantastic romp.

"Summon the dancers and stoke the flames. Tonight we shall begin the games!" In response to this command a cadre of wild looking women stream out from behind the bookshelves, clad in flimsy dresses that only barely hide their forms from sight. The clothes are little more than rags, and don't really do the job proper clothing might.

Some of them bear pitchers of wine, taking deep sniffs of the contents in anticipation of the party just moments away.

[Halae]

[Library]

"And I am Cosiellio, new to this world. What can I do? We'll just have to wait and see, won't we? regardless, should be great amounts of fun."

Cos gives a smile to Nadia, mistaking her not watching the *cough* bits Dio is showing off to be shyness. "Make yourselves at home; be merry. That's what we're going to be bout here, after all."

He simply continues to lean against the table, for now. Not bothering to move.

[Shadowcaller]

Library - Incoming Party

"Whoa, slow down!" Irena says in a panicked voice as the dancers start to appear out of nowhere. It was like she was having some kind of strange dream.

She puts her protectively in front of Nadia and try to wave to the two gods to stop. "Can we take this some place else?!" She asks loudly as the music starts to drown out her voice.


[Public Library]

"Yes, it's hard science figuring out all the mysterious of the world." Cessie agrees as music starts flowing in another part of the building. She barely pays any attention to it right now however. But the song do sound rather familiar... fey. :smalleek:

Oh crap.

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

"Lost pet? Not exactly..." Astrana replies, suddenly sounding rather nevous. Had she been mistaken? "I mean, like magical aid. You do that?"

[Gullara]

[Library - Incoming Party]

Oh dear, a bunch of barely clad women? Nadia's face goes bright red as soon as she catches sight of them. There's nowhere that's safe to look. :smalleek: She settles for looking at her feet.

[Reinholdt]

[Public Library]

Nadas takes little note of the music, being rather engrossed at the time. If he did, he'd just figure it's someone playing one of those CD things without the headphones they have.

"Yes, yes of course. Are there any particular theories and/or myths about alchemy which have been disproven over the decades? Nadas inquires, ready to take more notes!

Oh hey. Cessie mentioned Kami. "You said Kami are the concepts of your world?" :smallconfused:

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

"Magical aid? Well... umm... most of the rituals I perform are ceremonial and mundane, but I know someone I suppose I could talk to about that. Is there somewhere where you wanted to meet to discuss it?"

[Slii Arhem]

Library - Incoming Party

"A simple thing, a change of place. To set a more exciting pace?" The nearest bookshelf twists itself into living columns, the wood and pulp returning to its natural state, forming a thin wall of trees. The library beyond reshapes as well, opening up as walls crumble to sand and grass sprouts from the floor in a thick carpet. Soon this entire end of the library has been turned into a shoreline, waves gently lapping at the sparkling white sand. The rest of the building, including the areas Nadas, Cessie, and Dorota are in, is untouched. Of course, that doesn't mean they won't see an entire wall of the library suddenly become somewhere else.

Whether or not Astrana and Cynthia are caught in it depends on how close they were to begin with.

"A lovely scene to begin our play, free from worry for the day. And as the party draws so near, I have a thought, why call me here? What could you want, this pair so bright, to say my name on eve of night?"

[Morty]

[Public Library]

"Yes, it's hard science figuring out all the mysterious of the world." Cessie agrees as music starts flowing in another part of the building. She barely pays any attention to it right now however. But the song do sound rather familiar... fey. :smalleek:



[Public Library]

Nadas takes little note of the music, being rather engrossed at the time. If he did, he'd just figure it's someone playing one of those CD things without the headphones they have.

"Yes, yes of course. Are there any particular theories and/or myths about alchemy which have been disproven over the decades? Nadas inquires, ready to take more notes!

Oh hey. Cessie mentioned Kami. "You said Kami are the concepts of your world?" :smallconfused:

I believe alchemy used to be seen as a form of arcane magic, which has since been disproven. However, alchemy is still tied to some religious beliefs, although not in my homeland... oh dear, what is going on? she asks as the library begins to change.

[Lord Magtok]

Earlier, in the MagCave

MagNet Chat

[12:40:03] Polyjester has joined the chat

[12:40:03] Polyjester: Can we talk about it, TH?
[12:40:03] TinmanHitman: I’d rather not, Poly.
[12:40:03] Polyjester: Please? I think it’d be good for you to talk about it.
[12:40:03] Polyjester: I had a big long chat with the IAin'tFraidOfNoGhosts clone about Missy. [12:40:03] Polyjester: Y’know, before Julie killed him and stuff.
[12:40:04] Polyjester: Before that I was seriously thinking about just…ending things, y’know? Cutting off ties with Missy, breaking out of this high-stress relationship junk to become a science clone, or maybe find a nice easy job like replacing the Reelshka clone.
[12:40:04] TinmanHitman: Eww.
[12:40:04] Polyjester: Yeah, I know. But that clone reminded me that we don’t just quit when things aren't going our way, though. No matter how many times life punches us in the face, or throws us at a wall, or kicks us in the shins, or any of the other things Gus did to me, we don’t back down.
[12:40:04] TinmanHitman: It’s not like that, Poly. I hurt her, badly. I just need some time alone for a while, I need-
[12:40:04] Polyjester: What you need is to stop blubbering like a goddamn pansy. Accidents happen, and while you could’ve done things differently, hindsight is twenty-twenty, and you know full well what happened the last time we played with time travel.
[12:40:04] TinmanHitman: We accidentally wound up telling everyone about the lady underwear thing and it changed the entire course of Hoover’s career, I know.
[12:40:04] Polyjester: Exactly. What’s done is done, and there’s no use whining about it, because even if you were authorized to try to fix it, the laws of time travel shenanigans would pretty much ensure that you goof something up and prompt someone powerful to hate us forever.
[12:40:05] TinmanHitman: …So basically, if I went back in time and stopped myself from exposing Pat to the fungi, somehow the Remnant ladies calendar would be full of handlebar mustaches?
[12:40:05] Polyjester: Yes, that is precisely what I’m saying.
[12:40:05] Polyjester: …
[12:40:05] Polyjester: TH, you KNOW what Vasquez would do to us if that happened. Don’t even fudging think about it.
[12:40:05] TinmanHitman: Awww! D=
[12:40:05] Polyjester: Look, we’re getting off-topic. My point is, you need to stop crying and go get revenge, kay?
[12:40:05] Polyjester: Or at least do something productive with your time.

[12:40:05] Cyberfunk has joined the chat

[12:40:05] TinmanHitman: Like getting killed by Gordon?
[12:40:05] Polyjester: Yeah, like totally getting killed by Gordon. While being outclassed by Calublufiok’s daughter, too.
[12:40:05] Cyberfunk: HEY! D=<
[12:40:05] Cyberfunk: I am NOT being outclassed!
[12:40:05] Cyberfunk: AND I’M NOT DYING, EITHER!
[12:40:05] TinmanHitman: Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Funk.
[12:40:05] Polyjester: And it’s totally not an excuse to get out of your date with Libby, too. Right?
[12:40:05] Cyberfunk: What?! I’m not trying to…
[12:40:05] Cyberfunk: That doesn’t even make sense! If I died, I’d just be getting thrown right at her!
[12:40:05] TinmanHitman: So you do want to go on that date, then. =O
[12:40:06] Polyjester: Nah, if he was going for the date he’d pick a less dangerous job to take right before seeing her. Our buddy Cyberfunk wants to see her, alright, but he wants to see her from beyoooooond the graaaaaave. *spookyfingerwaving*
[12:40:06] TinmanHitman: ?
[12:40:06] Polyjester: Because then we can’t watch them curtain like zebras.
[12:40:06] TinmanHitman: Oh, right.
[12:40:06] Cyberfunk: You…fudge you guys! D=< Just you watch, I’m going to kick that overgrown komodo’s scaly ass, and then you’ll see!
[12:40:06] TinmanHitman: See if Ilpholin does spontaneous victory snogging?
[12:40:06] Polyjester: Making out right in front of a crowd when she knows it's going on Nextube? Nah, not her style.
[12:40:07] Polyjester: But she’s going to want someone to help her find out if Gordon’s old desk can support the weigh of two grown adults in the inverse HALO-style troglodyte rocketship position, and you know it’s not gonna be Becky. ;-P
[12:40:07] Cyberfunk: SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP! YOU’RE BOTH WRONG ABOUT EVERYTHING!

[12:40:07] Cyberfunk has RAGEQUIT from MagNet.

[12:40:07] TinmanHitman: Hehe. Thanks, Poly. That was fun. =D
[12:40:07] Polyjester: Any time, Ant-boy. Now get out there and get investigating, would you? Pat’s going to want to know who to kill when she comes back, and if you don’t have an answer by then, I’m totally gonna get everyone to agree to have you take over Libby’s next date.
[12:40:07] TinmanHitman: Assuming that there is another date, you mean.
[12:40:07] Polyjester: Pfft. She’s a reaper. Even if Cyberfunk didn’t think she’s sorta cute (and he totally does), there’s just too much political strength from having her around to just throw that all away.
[12:40:07] Polyjester: Trust me, there’ll be a second date. So long as Libby doesn’t like, grow a third eyeball, or start trying on wedding gowns, she's in the clear.
[12:40:07] TinmanHitman: I wouldn’t bet money on either of those things not happening, though.
[12:40:07] Polyjester: *Snerk* Yeah, me neither. Anyways, I’ve got to get back to Missy, so I’ll see you later.
[12:40:07] TinmanHitman: Later, Poly.

[12:40:07] Polyjester has signed off MagNet.

[12:40:07] TinmanHitman has signed off MagNet.

Later, in the Skies Over Inside

Magtok wanders across Inside, waving an odd, chitin-covered organic gun thingy about in the air, trying to catch some sort of particular scent and track it down. Every now and then, if the trail is entirely cold, he'll telewarp to a different district and start anew. He figures the couriers that sent the package probably still have a little bit of the ratty stench about them, and given the nature of that sort of business, they'd probably be based in Inside. Red Zone, to be even more precise, due to the illicit nature of that last package they dealt with.

[Shadowcaller]

Library - Incoming Party

Oh geez, she had to explain?

This deal was unsure to begin with, no planning, just naked men and women suddenly showing up. This guy might as well be another Nabrius seeking to enslave her.

"Look pal, I... just want to be happy. And not the mindless kind of happiness either." How the heck was she going to explain this to this probably insane god? Dionysius was not the kind of god you wanted to piss off, none of the greek gods were.

"I just like to be more social but not to your levels. Talkative, not completely frivolous... honored one." Man, that last part sounded extremely awkward but she had no idea what to say to avoid insulting the god.

[Public Library]

Cessie coughs, "Kami are..." But before she can explain she's interrupted by the library reshaping itself. Artaris sword, she knew where this was going. "For example, you could tell the wall kami to shape themselves to beach kami. Like that. It requires an extremely powerful spirit however, likely not anyone we'd like to meet." She explains a tad nervously.

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

Astrana looks in surprise as the walls start to reform themselves. This was the work of something extremely powerful. "Uh... could we meet in your shelter? I really need to go."

[Reinholdt]

[Public Library]

Nadas glances over a bit. Shrugs. Goes back to his notes.
"Probably a holographic movie."
Scribble scribble.

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

"Yes, certainly. We're at [location]. See you here." Reinholdt says.

[Gullara]

[Library - Incoming Party]

"I'm just here with her." Nadia replies, still not daring to look up. She's moral support for Irena and not much else. She has the sneaking suspicion that Dionysius isn't just going to give them what they want and leave, however.

[Slii Arhem]

Library - Holy Crap Beach Party!

The maenads, Dionysius' wild worshippers all, skip through the trees to begin frolicing along the beach, Silenus joining them to bring music to their frenzied dance. The chanting begins again, and Dionysius ponders the simple request.

"Happiness is transient, and something I give freely for it costs me nothing. My followers are happy, and it makes me happy to see them that way. Permanent happiness is beyond your reach, for with it comes the vapid guise of the dimwit and fool." Dionysius takes such dealings seriously, it seems. He's dropped his lilting rhymes for a much more somber tone.

"I have a compromise. Join us this day and share our joyful romp. Drink some wine, share a dance. If you still find my manner displeases you, you may plead with another to grant you this favor. If, however, you find yourself wanting for nothing in our company, I ask that you join my followers and spread word of my worship to this land. For that I will loosen your tongue, and give whatever happiness you may ask for." A fair and reasonable deal, and one he wouldn't offer unless he had much to gain. Two free agents in this land would bring him much more than whatever he could stand to lose by being at their disposal.

Of course, the majority of his attention isn't even on Irena or Nadia, his eyes roving over the dancing girls briefly before he pulls himself back to the conversation.

A pair of simple wooden cups appear in his hands, wine almost overflowing from them as he holds them out to the two women.

Red Zone - Streets

The courier service is not easily found, but the gun does lead him there eventually despite how cold the trail is after he catches a lucky break. There is a fairly high concentration of the rat smell and spores, but there is also an even fresher trail leading away from the mail office, heading towards the city walls.

[Halae]

[Library of the Beach Party!]

Cosiellio will receive a glass of wine from one of the maenads as well, smiling charmingly to her as he takes it, and then drinks it slowly. For the most part he's interested in how Dionysius works with these two women to get their cooperation. Maybe he could do something similar some time?

[Lost_Deep]

Fairy Dress Up!

Psycho is caught, but her arms are free. "Come on, toots! Relax." She will begin to massage Kirk's hand... and a bit of magic should relieve all the stress and tension in Kirk's body, especially his muscles. This should serve to weaken his grip and keep him from crushing the two.

"Yeah!" another grig hops onto Kirk's shoulder, this one is part cricket. "Come on! Be happy!"

Those words, Be happy, said with a bit of magic underlying the voice, activate one of the more insidious enchantments of the dress: all of Kirk's negative emotions should suddenly be turned into positive emotions. All that rage? It should now be joy.

Psycho Jumps out of Kirk's hand, trying to land on his... ah, shelf.

"Haven't you ever been to a party before? Is this-" She gasps "-your FIRST one? Oh, boy! First parties should be the Best Parties!"

And with her two back legs, she tweaks Kirk's lacys twice. Once makes him grow to six feet tall... the second time makes his shoulders much narrower.

[Shadowcaller]

Library - Holy Crap Beach Party!

That was quite worrying offer, she had an idea what could be in that wine though and technically they weren't really getting anything in exchange, apart from being drunk of course.

"I'm... not sure. What do you think Nadia?" She looks at her girlfriend, "This is my choice, I don't want to drag you into it."

[Public Library]

"A holographic movie?" Cessie says with a raised eyebrow. "Sorry Nadas but I don't think that theory holds up, the music we hear suggests fey are involved. They are capable of such things. Not to mention the fact I can feel a breeze and the temperature seems to have increased." She states as she takes a look around the newly formed beach.

[Public Library - Astrana]

"Alright! I'll see you there in a hour or so. Bye." And with that she finishes the call and takes a good look around.

Well this was interesting.

As she wanders around a bit and suddenly hears the music she smiles to herself.

Fey.

Interesting.

She looks around for some sort of door to the outside first before going in the direction of the fey, it was always good to have a good exit plan in case she needed to escape.

She also tries to find that demon girl while she's at it.

[Gullara]

[Library - Holy Crap Beach Party!]

"Hey, if it'll make you happy, I'll get dragged into anything." Nadia smiles warmly, and she reaches out to take Irena's hand and give it a squeeze. "Besides, it doesn't sound all that bad, and we still have a chance to change our minds."

[Public Library - Astrana]

Cynthia is around. She's currently hanging off the top of a bookshelf. She's on one of the last ones before they are replaced by the party, and is peering over the top at the fun. She makes no move to leave or join in, however.

[Fairy Dress Up!]

Kirk's grip loosens, but he's still determined to do the fey harm. He might of managed it too, if it weren't for the new magic. All the rage suddenly fades away, and he's suddenly very happy. It's inexplicable, but he is. "A party sounds like a great idea." Even the dress doesn't seem so bad. Just a joke that they'll all laugh about later, surely.

[LadyOfWar]

[Corner of Dis Street and Dat Street]

The winged man takes another step back from the ork and looks at it with haughty suspicion.

He waits for the ork to gather its kitten and go.

The skeleton will have to wait for an answer until then. The man is not giving any attention to the fleshless creature at the moment.

[Shadowcaller]

[Library - Holy Crap Beach Party!]

"You think?" Nadia really wanted to go through all that again? She had been taking it slow these past weeks after their first meeting. Nadia had seem so uncomfortable at first she guessed it was for the best.

But if she wanted to go wild now, and Irena loved see Nadia going wild, she couldn't miss such an opportunity.

She turns to the god, "Okay, if those are the terms, I accept." She was pretty sure Chasity would have facepalmed at this point but she didn't care. Instead she will accept the cup and drink from it, providing Nadia does the same of course.

And somewhere in Riverside Chasity facepalms.

[Public Library - Astrana]

"How in the depths did you get up there?" Astrana asks as she looks up at Cynthia. "And for that matter, do you know what's going on here?"

[Gullara]

"Lovely profession. I'm sure he'll have a wonderful future." He holds out the kitty for the ork. "Here he is handsome. Have a nice day."


[Corner of Dis Street and Dat Street]

The winged man takes another step back from the ork and looks at it with haughty suspicion.

He waits for the ork to gather its kitten and go.

The skeleton will have to wait for an answer until then. The man is not giving any attention to the fleshless creature at the moment.

The ork takes the kitten by the scruff of his neck and deposits him on the brim of his hat. Without another word the ork departs. How odd.

[Public Library - Astrana]

"I climbed." Cynthia says matter of factly. She doesn't look at Astrana, her curiosity not yet sated. "Some naked and almost naked people are dancing around. Except for this guy with some cups and some other people."

[Earl of Purple]

Generic Street

The rocket-propelled grenade hits the shell of the tortoise, and blows the tortoise to one side. He couldn't aim for the legs; the tortoise retreated into its shell several posts ago. The rampart on that side is destroyed, and the chicken-person behind it is killed. There's only two left, and the shell was between them and most of the blast. One is down, but breathing, and the other has stuck its feathered arms into the air. It hopes its surrender is accepted.

[Slii Arhem]

Fairy Dress Up!

The pink haired pixie raises the flute back to her lips, playing a cheerful melody that's peppy and perfect to dance to. All non-fey will find it extremely hard to do anything but dance, and dance a lot.

And what's a dance without a dance partner? From the forest emerges a centaur filly, blushing and stepping out nervously.

"Would you care to dance?" The centaur is very tall, but Kirk's new increase in height should make up for the discrepancy.

Meanwhile, the cyan pixie is back with a new plan! She darts down to Kirk's head and tries to kiss him just at the hairline. If it works, fragrant flowers will start weaving themselves throughout his hair, sprouting harmlessly from his scalp and growing rapidly until they are the same length as the rest of his hair.

Library Party

The wine is good, intoxicatingly so. In fact, the moment it touches their lips both of them will find themselves pleasantly drunk, although without most of the negative effects that such a state leaves you in. There's no dizziness or slurring, only a cloudy feeling and a loosening of inhibitions.

Of course, that isn't all. Dionysius must prepare them for the oddness that comes with being one of his flock, as well as the benefits. A change is brewing in each of them now, one that will last as long as the party does.

"For Irena, a forked tongue is her prize, and a startling pair of slitted eyes. For Nadia a pelt of thick black fur instead, and feline ears atop her head." Indeed, they should begin to take on the features of a serpent and a panther. Irena and Nadia may also acquire tails, at their players' discretion.

Cosiellio will feel the power of another god encroaching on his own, and if he lets it slip by the same feeling of drunkeness will overcome him, as well as a small set of curved goat's horns that will push their way out of his head.

[Morty]

[Public Library]

Dorota scowls. Someone must be playing with magic around here. Highly irresponsible.

[Generic Street]

Come out of the vehicle with your hands above your head! Anatolij shouts through the loudspeaker. You are hereby placed under arrest for lethal assault on citizens of Inside, property damage and resisting arrest.

[Lost_Deep]

Fairy Dress Up!

The grigs jump off Kirk, landing near the other grigs on the ground. There are a few hi fives, and then Psycho sweeps one into a dance. Other dances start up, and soon there is a ring of dancing grigs around Kirk and the centaur. The circle is big enough that the two can dance without worrying about stepping on any of them, even considering the Centaur's size.

[Reinholdt]

[Public Library]

Nadas doesn't know what to make of it and would just rather deny it's existence. Thanks a lot Cessie. :smalltongue:

He just takes note quietly instead. This is different from taking notes. But not by much.

[Bast's Animal Shelter]

"She's coming here." Reinholdt tells Arel. "Wants to know about magic and such. I better see if the cat sisters can help." He starts to look around for Chione and her sisters, not spotting them immediately.