[Nexus] Riverside VI

[Murkus]

Eastside - Hospital Site

"How old are the photos?" Teq asks, since the elevator apparently hasn't reached it's destination yet.

[Jacklu]

[Westside streets]

Where all the action is.

Especially on a wonderful night like tonight. Crickets chirping, NPCs going about their lives, PCs fighting in epic battles to determine the fate of mankind and the size of their coffers. Oh, and Latalla is there too.

Tonight she has on a big poofy frilly pink dress and an oversized parasol with crystals dangling like dew drops around its edge. She is waltzing through the grimy, thief infested streets and humming cheerfully, oblivious to the cut throats and muggers that have formed an orderly queue behind her in the shadows. She is also strolling directly towards a nearby scene already in progress. I don't know which one because she hasn't bothered to figure out what is happening already but figured this was as good an entrance as any.

[ThirdEmperor]

Eastside- River

Eight pinpoints of purple light appear hovering just above the sluggishly flowing river, connected by lines of psychic power so thin they can barely be seen, a luminescent diagram of a gate. Or at least so it appears to mortal eyes, which are hardly designed to comprehend such matters as interdimensional wormholes. Anyone glancing down at the waters above which the gate hovers would see a significantly more accurate representation reflected there, a complex snarl of non-euclidian shapes locked together in a shifting, asymmetrical pattern.

There's a dramatic pause, a shimmering of the air within the gate, and then- Out of the dimensional pathway sails a ship, an ironclad frigate with the symbol of a purple crown emblazoned upon black sails, a single laser cannon mounted on the prow. At the wheel stands Cephar Kalyos, a gray-skinned, yellow eyes, candy-corn horned being of the species known as trolls, who's currently engaged in flipping the freak out.
"Oh gog oh gog oh UNHOLYFRELLINGOGS HOWDAYASTEERTHISTHING!?!"

He spins the wheel wildly, trying to steer against the sudden change of currents, but to no avail; the ironclad is wrenched to the right, slamming side-first into the reinforced guard-rails built on the edges of the river, sparks flying as the frigate is dragged along by the tides to the tune of metal screeching across metal. "DROP ANCHOR! SOMEBODY DROP THE DAMN ANCHOR!"

[Gullara]

((Sorry about forgetting this, Earl.))

[Eastside - Hospital]

I imagine the monkeys will be able to keep track of them both, despite air ducts being terrible ways to be sneaky, padded feet or no.

[Exbourne Manor- Ramiro's Office]

Ramiro explains the same thing he did to Mouse to Mortius. Rot's presence was known only to a handful. "We already discussed the matter of your monkeys. Regardless, I'm glad you're here. Have you seen any sign of Valente or the woman he was with?"

[Westside - Streets]

Where all the action is!

*crickets*

There is far less action here than Latalla was lead to believe!

But look! Right there! There is a mustachioed man standing at the side of the street. He's dressed rather spiffily, with a suit, fancy cape, and a top hat. He seems to be holding a spread out deck of cards to passerbys, but they ignore him.

[Zefir]

[Westside Children's Home]

A kid appears on the doorstep. It's a boy. He may be around 10 or 12, but he is taller than a normal child of that age. His short black hair adheres to his head. His body seems to be well trained, too much for a child. He is bleeding on the nose and his hands, also his clothes are rags. It really seems like he just escaped a big fight. He knocks on the door.

[TechnoScrabble]

Eastside- River

Eight pinpoints of purple light appear hovering just above the sluggishly flowing river, connected by lines of psychic power so thin they can barely be seen, a luminescent diagram of a gate. Or at least so it appears to mortal eyes, which are hardly designed to comprehend such matters as interdimensional wormholes. Anyone glancing down at the waters above which the gate hovers would see a significantly more accurate representation reflected there, a complex snarl of non-euclidian shapes locked together in a shifting, asymmetrical pattern.

There's a dramatic pause, a shimmering of the air within the gate, and then- Out of the dimensional pathway sails a ship, an ironclad frigate with the symbol of a purple crown emblazoned upon black sails, a single laser cannon mounted on the prow. At the wheel stands Cephar Kalyos, a gray-skinned, yellow eyes, candy-corn horned being of the species known as trolls, who's currently engaged in flipping the freak out.
"Oh gog oh gog oh UNHOLYFRELLINGOGS HOWDAYASTEERTHISTHING!?!"

He spins the wheel wildly, trying to steer against the sudden change of currents, but to no avail; the ironclad is wrenched to the right, slamming side-first into the reinforced guard-rails built on the edges of the river, sparks flying as the frigate is dragged along by the tides to the tune of metal screeching across metal. "DROP ANCHOR! SOMEBODY DROP THE DAMN ANCHOR!"

Seiphidis sighs in an utterly irritating way. Ugh! How utterly irritating!
"Shouting is not a prΣrΣquisitΣ."
He slowly shuffles over to the anchor with no sense of purpose and grabs at it, but the combination of his bloodsoaked hands and the shaking ship cause the darned thing to fly right out of his hands and off the ship in an entirely useless tangle. Be FREEEEEEEE, young anchor!
Seiphidis peers at the anchor.
WΣll crap."

[happyturtle]

[Westside Children's Home]

A kid appears on the doorstep. It's a boy. He may be around 10 or 12, but he is taller than a normal child of that age. His short black hair adheres to his head. His body seems to be well trained, too much for a child. He is bleeding on the nose and his hands, also his clothes are rags. It really seems like he just escaped a big fight. He knocks on the door.

The door is opened by an elderly woman wearing a Jedi robe and leaning on a wooden staff. "Oh poor dear. Come in. What happened to you?"

[ThirdEmperor]

Eastside- River

(Oops. Forgot the typing quirks.)

The anchor is heaved over the side, landing on the riverbank in a useless tangle and dragging across the ground in the ship's wake. At least until it snags on the railing, the ship suddenly lurching to one side as it reaches the end of it's tether and is dragged back, turning in the waters.

"YΩU UTTERLY INCΩMPETENT ACCUMULATIΩN OF RANCID WEEK ΩLD SEAHΩRSE FECES SEI! IT WAS IN NΩ WAY A GLU66ING DIFFICULT TASK TΩ WHICH WE ASSIGNED YOU, A TASK WHICH NΩT EVEN THE MΩST INSIPIDLY UNTALENTED RUST-6LΩΩD CΩULD SUCCEEDED IN FAILING AT, AND YET WE ARE PRESENTED WITH A SCENARIO WHERE YΩU HAVE SUCCEEDED AT DΩING JUST THAT! HΩW DID YΩU GLUB UP THRΩWING A GΩG-DARN ANCHΩR ΩVER6ΩARD?" Cephar screams, gripping the wheel so tightly his already gray knuckles lose what little color they have left as he desperately attempts to keep the ship from listing to starboard any more than it already has.

Lamina lumbers over to where the chain hangs over the side, drawing axe from his strife deck. "twould well behoove you to step aside, friend." He mutters, before swinging the axe down at the chain that now tethers them to nearly certain death.

[TechnoScrabble]

Eastside-River

Seiphidis points his fingers at Cephar in a shape reminiscent of a gun. The kind that goes pew pew and kills ****. His laser rings generate a violet bolt of energy aimed not to hit Cephar, but to streak past him.
"Don't shout at me. InsuffΣrablΣ violet bloodΣd prick."

He steps aside for Lamina, shooting at the chain in an attempt to break it and redeem himself, but really only succeeding in hitting whatever poor beings lie below. Poor lower lying beings.

[TechnoScrabble]

Westside Children's Home

At some point or another when nothing important could be interrupted, or precisely when something could be interrupted, depending on Happy's choice, Riley is teleported here due to the event in spoilers below.
He looks rather confused, and all the residual THANKSMAS CHEER has covered him in frost and peppermint shavings.
"Um...what?"

Spoiler

Show

Wolfy ponders for a moment and if TS decides this to be canon, Riley will find himself transported here. There should be plenty of children for him to be friends with there.

[AmberVael]

Spoiler

Show

[Eastside - River]

Oh. Unfortunately, Johann is an extremely literal-minded man. A while ago, when we spoke, we said that we would need a proof of your good will before we agree to take part in your plans to change Riverside. Since then, most Hunters have come to the conclusion that you can be trusted. And since we too find the situation in Riverside unacceptable and in need of change, we have come to propose an alliance in the name of all Imbued in the city. He means it, too. It's rare when the Hunters agree about anything, but this is one of those cases.

[Wellspring Tower - Throne of Rings]

"I... you have to excuse my sovereign, we are from another culture. Things are different there." The knight replies as polite as she can muster, kneeling in front of the throne. "I am still at your service though if there is anything you wish of me."

[Wellspring Tower - Apartments]

Naethalee, already mentally celebrating her victory, is caught off guard - and sent flying, skidding across the floor with a distinctly surprised look on her face!

[Eastside - Upper River]

"Are there to be any stipulations or particulars about this alliance? Is there a particular goal you wish to work towards, or aid you desire? Or should I simply offer my good will and agreement and leave it at that?" Inquires the fey queen.


[Wellspring Tower - Apartments]

Seizing her opportunity, Hilda attempts to kick away Nae's swords. "Lets see how good you are without those fancy blades." She says, reaching down to grab her by the arm.


[Wellspring Tower - Throne of Rings]

"No, I believe that will be all for now, Sir Cybil." Comes the words of the Genesis. "You are dismissed."

[The Bushranger]

[Wellspring Tower - Apartments]

Naethalee allows her arm to be grabbed - but then reaches up in an attempt to grab Hilda's arm in turn, and toss the other woman off her feet!

It's not elegant, and not quite judo, but...

[Slii Arhem]

Westside Children's Home

Riley may find a pair of suspiciously similar children before him, both grinning madly at a picture on the wall. They both have sandy brown hair, large green eyes, and paint absolutely everywhere on their clothes.

The only real difference between them is one is a boy, and the other a girl.

They don't seem to notice him or the CHEER! he came in with yet though, too busy admiring their work.

[TechnoScrabble]

Westside Children's Home

"Um...Hello?" Riley scoots tentatively towards the children, "I asked for somebody to live with and I got sent here..."

[AmberVael]

[Wellspring Tower - Apartment]

Her footing isn't great, so Hilda is tossed, though she keeps hold of Nae's arm, and therefore isn't tossed far away. Still, this stuns her for a moment, during which Nae can try and get up and retrieve her swords, or take advantage in some other fashion.

[Slii Arhem]

Westside Children's Home

The two turn to the new kid and immediately try to wave him over.

"Lots of people to live with here."

"No parents though. Hey, what do you think of this?" The boy points at the painting. Nothing about it looks off, just a man's portrait. Although the mustache is a bit smudged.

[TechnoScrabble]

Westside Children's Home

Riley peers at the painting cautiously.
"I don't know...what is it?"
You'll have to forgive him, children, he also didn't know what Thanksmas was until today. It's what happens when you're kept for food and not allowed to see the outside world for your formative years and cursed to be somewhere between eight and fourteen for all eternity.

[Slii Arhem]

Westside Children's Home

The grinning pair lift their arms to the frame and turn it around, revealing the exact same picture on the back, only the man is facing the other way.

"This one is the original." the girl points to the one on the back, and Riley should be able to see that the mustache isn't smudged on that side.

"And this one is ours. We swapped it around after painting on the back. Neat huh?"

[TechnoScrabble]

Westside Children's Home

"Why would you put two men on a square and hide one of them?" Riley lifts the picture from the wall a tiny bit to get another view of the original.

((Sorry, my internet died))

[Zefir]

The door is opened by an elderly woman wearing a Jedi robe and leaning on a wooden staff. "Oh poor dear. Come in. What happened to you?"

[Westside Children's Home]

"Parents dead. Assassin dead. Home crushed" he doesn't bring out any other words just repeating them, allways in this order like the szene happens again in front of his mental eye.

[happyturtle]

Westside Children's Home

"Shh... it's okay. You're safe now," Sister Gertrude says, and tries to put a hand on the boys head. She will try to give him some healing for his physical wounds and some calming for his mind. "Come inside. We'll take care of you."

[Zefir]

[Westside Children's Home]

The kid rise his hands in defense protecting his face against her. She still succed in her healing, whicht should clear that the blood on his hand isn't his own. The nose is healed and he could be dragged inside, slowly.

[Morty]

[Eastside - Upper River]

"Are there to be any stipulations or particulars about this alliance? Is there a particular goal you wish to work towards, or aid you desire? Or should I simply offer my good will and agreement and leave it at that?" Inquires the fey queen.

Our primary goal is to keep the common citizenry or Riverside safe and make sure the supernaturals and mundanes live together in peace, Elizabeth responds. The two things we need most are information and secrecy - we will be much more effective if we know as much as possible about dangerous supernatural occurences and if we remain hidden from other powers of Riverside. The vampires already know more about them than it's comfortable. In return, we can lend help your servants in their tasks and missions.

[Slii Arhem]

Westside Children's Home

"Why would you put two men on a square and hide one of them?" Riley lifts the picture from the wall a tiny bit to get another view of the original.

((Sorry, my internet died))

Westside Children's Home

The twins look between each other, then back to Riley.

"It's a picture, silly. The men aren't real."

"We flipped it around and painted it backwards to see if anyone would notice."

"Now come on, if you're new here the sisters will want to meet you and give you a scrubbing. Us too" The girl taps a finger on her paint laden clothes.

[happyturtle]

[Westside Children's Home]

The kid rise his hands in defense protecting his face against her. She still succed in her healing, whicht should clear that the blood on his hand isn't his own. The nose is healed and he could be dragged inside, slowly.

Sister Gertrude is in her 80s and leans heavily on her staff. She will only take him by the hand and walk inside, but if he does not walk along with her, she is far too feeble to drag him. "What is your name, dear?"

[Zefir]

[Westside Children's Home]

He will follow since it doesn't need to much strength to get him moving.

"Eon."

[TechnoScrabble]

Westside Children's Home

The twins look between each other, then back to Riley.

"It's a picture, silly. The men aren't real."

"We flipped it around and painted it backwards to see if anyone would notice."

"Now come on, if you're new here the sisters will want to meet you and give you a scrubbing. Us too" The girl taps a finger on her paint laden clothes.

"I don't understand..." Riley looks at the picture, and then the twins, "It's really good, though. Not like the paintings Father Face had...they were scary."

[Slii Arhem]

Westside Children's Home

"She means a washing. The caretakers always wash us all when someone new comes. They say it keeps us from catching colds. I think they just like to torment us." the boy explains, but his sister is oddly silent.

((Of course, how much of this is true and how much is just playful fibbing is left to be decided by Shadowcaller and happyturtle.))

She looks at Riley askew, then takes a few short steps and attempts to give him a hug. When she gets closer, Riley will be able to see the her bright green eyes don't exactly focus on him, just staring wherever her head points.

"You really like it? Thank you!" the apparently blind little girl chirps cheerfully. She's obviously very proud of her accomplishment.

[TechnoScrabble]

Westside Children's Home

"I heard in Trog's that baths are good for y-" Riley gets hugged!

"Yeah, I...Are your eyes okay? They don't move..."

[Slii Arhem]

Westside Children's Home

She pulls back, shaking her head at Riley and giggling a bit, "Nope, I'm blind. The sisters say they aren't connected at the back, so I can't use them. That's why it's so hard for me to paint. But Michael tells me what things look like."

"Yuhuh." the boy, Michael, nods, "They call me her spotter, because I get to be her eyes."

"And I'm his hearer, because my ears are better than his."