[Nexus] Riverside IX

[Gullara]

By Darklord Bright

Riverside, a small, modern city outside the reach of Remnant control. The city has always been known by one defining factor, it's status as a hive of scum and villainy. A number of factions vie for footholds in the city, though they are largely peaceful at the moment. No doubt some would jump at the opportunity to expand their influence. Riverside sits on the edge of the Nexus, so while it's still prone to the strangeness common there, it's far more stable than other parts of the Nexus. Being the hive and scum and villainy that it is, the police are corrupt, the streets can be dangerous, and shady deals and dark alleys are plenty. Welcome to Riverside.


Northside:

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Northside, the richer part of Riverside. If you have money then you can get just about anything in Northside. That is if you know the right people. There is something odd about this part of Riverside though. Hardly a beggar or street urchin to be seen. In fact for a place of scum and villainy this place is too clean. Northside is the one that wears the best mask in Riverside. The best at covering up deaths and drug deals. The best at making everyone think that there is nothing wrong because everybody pays their protectors and rulers of Northside with what they ask for. This is Northside. A rich mask that hides the dirty city for what it is.

Eastside:

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Coming Soon

Southside:

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The territory of the Court of One, Southside is an urban area heavily touched by magic. Based around the metaphorical and geomantic power of the river, the populated areas form a circle a distance around the river and its two tributaries. Within this circle is an area in which the normal laws of reality begin to alter, the changes becoming more profound the further one goes. In the very center is the Court of One itself, in a small region of primordial chaos and raw magical energies.

While the presence of such untamed magic presents danger to those who venture too far into it, the threat of crime in Southside is abnormally low due to the presence of the Devoured Legion. This knightly order has the dual purpose of administering justice and being the Court's punishment for capital crimes. Formed entirely of criminals 'reclaimed' by the magic of the Court, the Devoured Legion protects the populace as atonement for their crimes, using a series of crystalline pyramids to appear where they are needed.

The strangeness of Southside is offset for many by the promise it offers- it is not simply a place to live, but a place to change, and to move forward towards a new life. The Court of One offers power and purpose to those would take them, the ability to overcome the obstacles of poverty and despair, and the ability to let the river wash away the stains of the past.

Westside:

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Westside, where vampires walk openly on the street. Mostly because said vampires govern this part of the city. The city has been cloaked in a field of eternal night allowing the vampires to walk freely. Furthermore, each mortal citizen is required to donate blood to sustain the vampires. In exchange, the streets are kept clean, for the most part. Of course, the cover of darkness does attract criminals as well as less beneficent creatures of the night.

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Factions:

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• The Followers of Scaal: Northside
  
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  The followers of Scaal are spoken of in hushed tones. When a black robed figure goes by people stop talking and give him the space he needs. These are the followers of Scaal. Not much is known about them besides they possess great magic, they protect this part of the city and its inhabitants for the right price, and rumors have it that Scaal is some sort of god or demon perhaps.
  
  Played by ApeofLight.
• Tenebras: Westside
  
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  The vampires of Riverside came to the Nexus from the city of Gul-Thadar, a city where vampires and humans live in harmony. They took up the role of governing Westside after the city's leadership collapsed. Humans and vampires alike fill their ranks. They aren't above unsavory methods or shady deals, but they keep a good public face.
  
  ((All vampire NPCs associated with Tenebras should be assumed to be controlled by Gulaghar unless otherwise stated.))
  
  Played by Gulaghar.
• The Court of One: Southside
  
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  This faction represents the will and power of the fair folk queen, Genesis, each of its main members representing and acting on a facet of her nature. While often inhuman and sometimes fearful, the Court of One strives for the betterment of Riverside and the improvement of lives within its borders, offering power, purpose, and redemption to those who would join in its patterns and work harmoniously with the Court's vision.
  
  Played by Vael.
• The Sacred Order of Cunningham: Citywide
  
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  Purpose: Religious order who runs an orphanage in West Riverside and the Red Zone of Inside. Their Inside presence is much smaller than their presence in Riverside
  Alignment: "Compassion! Courtesy! Let's be really **** polite to everyone!"
  
  Locations: Riverside Cathedral of the Sacred Order of Cunningham (Westside)
  Sacred Order of Cunningham Westside Children's Home
  Sacred Order of Cunningham Inside Children's Home
  Inside Temple of the Sacred Order of Cunningham
  
  
  The Sisters and Elders of the Sacred Order of Cunningham have a perspective based religion with a hodge-podge of beliefs pulled from science fiction and popular culture. They are not a celibate order, and in fact strongly promote marriage and sex (in that order) with the goal of having large families.
  
  All of their abilities are based on their faith, which means their symbols, holy water, etc are completely mundane if there is no one of the Order there to believe in it. Their 'do bad stuff to evil people' or 'do good stuff to good people' powers are completely based on their perspective. It's possible they could 'Turn Undead' a living creature who they believed was undead or 'Smite Evil' a good person that they believed to be evil, and their healing magic will generally not harm anyone that they are trying to help*. They are unable to raise the dead.
  
  Except for the orphans and their caretakers, the members of the Order do not live in one location. Families have their own homes, and go to the Cathedral for holy services or group events. You know, sort of like people treat their RL churches.
  Because it is a subjective religion, vampires and other undead can enter holy grounds if the vampire in questions believes they can and believes their motives to be pure.
  
  (*within godmodding rules, of course)
  
  Played by happyturtle.

Places Within:

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Northside

• Moth Park:
  
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  About 100 acres, the moth park is approximately rectangular in shape, with a bandshell/performance stage at the north end, a soccer (football) field and softball diamond at the south and a forested area in the center.
  
  It also holds two playgrounds (swing sets, slides, monkey bars) several fountains (most of which are nonfunctional) various statues and a network of walking paths.
  
  Since the re-opening, Moth park is pretty popular with the local residents as well as those who come into the area to work or visit.
• Police Station: ApeofLight and Gulaghar
  
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  The police station is a large but simple brick building. All police activity is based out of this building. It's outfitted with interrogation rooms, a few offices, and other rooms that a police station would have.
• Riverside Hospital:
  
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  This hospital is the only one currently in Riverside. It was built after the old hospital burned down some years ago. As a result, it's of fairly modern design. It works just like a normal, modern hospital would with the exception of magic being used along normal medical procedures to achieve better results.
• Sawyer's Inn:
  
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  The inside of Sawyer's is beautiful, though humble. Whoever keeps the place, keeps it in fine condition.
  
  The dark wooden floors are waxed and shiny. There are four wooden pillars that reach up to the ceiling. The four walls are painted in a brick red, with light grey accents.
  
  Along the left wall there is a large hearth fire burning, with a dog and cat sleeping together. The dog raises it's head slightly to observe the newcomers, but doesn't rush to sniff them out.
  
  Along the right wall is the customer service area, with a dining hall just past it. The smell of freshly baked bread and some kind of meat can be smelled eminating from beyond.
  
  And then there is the back wall. There is a set of stairs leading up and another leading down. Both sets are made of the same wood as the pillars and floor.
• Temple of Dalachrech: Earl of Purple
  
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  This building closely resembles all the other semi-detached houses along this road. The temple takes up both halves of the house, however; although the building has been designed such that the halves don't match to maintain the illusion of seperate owners. It has a red tile roof and is constructed from red brick, although the left half has been painted white. There's a pair of garages and two front doors, both of which work.
  
  The temple is a private location. Please PM Earl of Purple before visiting.

Eastside

• Fallow’s Furry & Feathered Friends: Earl of Purple
  
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  The shop is lit up with bright lights and neon advertising. Around the store is a secure, electrified fence and there's four watch towers in the corners. The gate is near a large, secure-looking building within which are three ogre guards. Inside lie four warehouses, a large collection of aquariums and gigantic tanks, a squat and ugly toilet block and three seperate bunkers for customers to evacuate into should something more dangerous escape, such as a smilodon from the Mammal House, a wyvern from the Reptile House, a giant carnivorous slug from the Invertebrate House or something worse. Patrolling the wide, open spaces are the occasional group of six uniformed humans armed with net-guns. Slaves can be bought here if one asks the right questions.
• Golden Flagon Tavern:
  
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  The Golden Flagon Tavern was once the main hideout of the local mafia. It was destroyed, but recently it has been fully restored. It still tends to attract the unsavory sort, but the owner keeps things civil.
  
  The tavern is very old fashioned. It's a stone building with polished, wooden supports. A fire always warms it's large hearth and the drinks always good. It makes for a comfortable atmosphere.
• Light's Heart: Shadowcaller
  
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  The citadel rises up like something taken from a sci-fi movie. The walls are golden colored, untainted by age and dirt. Like something that was just build just recently.
  Five towers have been built into the wall, standing no less then 40 feet tall, looking like they have been cut out from the same stone.
  
  Above the towers rises the citadel itself, completely square in form and made of the same golden stone it have numerous arrow slits carved out at the upper floors.
  
  Leading around it's form is a wooden staircase going from the top of the citadel to the courtyard below.The only visible entrance is the massive gate made of obsidian colored wood which stands wide open, inviting anyone inside.

Southside

• Court of One: Vael
  
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  In the center of Southside is a clearing, its shape a perfect circle. It is relatively small in size, and the chaotic powers that surround the clearing and converge on it mean that it sees few visitors. Yet, here it is that the heart of the Court of One is found. Imbued with all the geomantic power of Southside, charged with the symbol power of the river, the Court of One has transcended a true form of shape, and so how it appears depends on the viewer. Some see it as a floating castle, flying above the clearing, while others see it as a pool of clear water.
  
  One might assume that this area is the physical court, a place in which the members of the court meet- and while true, it is also the court itself. While its members may rove outward and touch other areas of Riverside, or even leave the city, the will of Genesis is always manifest there. As much as her body contains her, so too does the Court of One- yet here, she is not fettered by the laws of reality, here the world is raw and unshaped, and her power is at its highest.
  
  So those few visitors who find their way here will find the power and presence of Genesis and the Court of One at their strongest. Here, the greatest and most improbable pleas can be answered, should they prove persuasive to the fey ruler.
• Maelstrom Castle: Vael
  
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  Formed of circling, twisting walls and a labyrinth of gates, this proud and fae castle stands in the middle of a twist in a river, the currents of which churn and race around it, rising impossibly into the air to form new layers of the fort's walls out of running water.
  
  Winding to the center of the structure, the river's flow partially hardens into mirror-like ice, forming a garrison in which the Devoured Legion resides. The polished ice that line the walls give views out of the crystalline pyramids in the centers of the most populated areas of Southside, and for the knights themselves, act as portals.
• Radiant Ocean: Vael
  
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  Do not the waters of the river pour into the ocean? Though each comes from a different path, they join and merge, each mingling and sharing in the same world. Though some are vast and mighty, some weak and small, their nature is the same, and in coming together, their strength is as one. All are of the same family, each deserves the same kindness and share as another.
  Let this court be an ocean. None who need its power will be turned away.
  
  Radiant Ocean is a place of generosity and wealth, entertainment and exchange.
  
  Home to the most populous portion of Southside, Radiant Ocean itself is a luxurious housing complex, its four petal-like wings of apartments separated by glass covered gardens. The central portion of the building is a market, in which imported goods and the products of the garden are sold and exchanged. The housing in Radiant Ocean is divided between those who most need it, and those willing to pay notable sums of money for a place in it, money which is then put into expanding the markets and buildings that have sprung up around Radiant Ocean.
• Solemn Depths: Vael
  
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  At the city walls, where the river first passes into Riverside, there is a deep reserve. Carved deep into stone, it first appears as just a man-made lake, but once one enters the water, they will find that it is so much more. Buildings lost to time and the changes of Riverside reappear within beside more fantastic ones born from alien imagination, the lake's depths easily holding countless tall structures that glow eerily in the darkened water, while careful currents of water create an upwards clockwise gyre but leave the center of the reserve untouched.
  
  At the still eye of the gyre and the bottom of the lake is a well lit with soft blue and green lights every so often, giving it a muted glow. Small streams of bubbles spiral out of it, their source a large number of spiraling side passages that lead into circular caverns with apparently self sustaining air pockets, and enough rocky surfaces for a human to draw themselves out of the water. Yet, going even deeper, one will encounter something even stranger- the water is easily breathable. Yet, at this depth there are also strange energies like those from the mists, capable of altering mortal form and reality around it. Still, they seem more constructed, more directed, manifesting in structured ways. From this point, however, what one encounters is no longer certain, changing readily for each new visitor.
• Wellspring Tower: Vael
  
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  A tower of stone and glass with limbs that branch out like those of a tree, Wellspring Tower is positioned in nearly the center of Riverside, twisting the water of the river up into its hollow glass tubing in a manner that produces a quiet and beautiful song. Fountains, statues of ice and topiary, and small pools of water fill its courtyard, a vibrant and natural environment in the midst of the city.
  
  On the inside, Wellspring Tower is much larger than it is without, its stretching limbs opening out into other planes of existence, containing entire worlds within its mighty arms.

Westside

• Club Pulse: Shadowcaller
  
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  The club is quite easily noticed by the huge neon sign outside, Pulse was easily recognized as Riversides largest nightclub. Beyond the line and the bouncer outside is a classic club layout with a large dance floor with loud music and flashing lights.
  
  In a slightly more calm area of the club is the bar run by an one-eyed bartender called Ryo.
  
  There are two stairs leading up to the upper floor where it's easier to talk and drink.
  
  The atmosphere is pretty heavy as you walk inside with techno music playing very loud.
• Doctor Stroffelnburg's Psychiatric Clinic: Reinholdt
  
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  This rather unassuming white building contains the world's finest psychiatric doctor. After the setback at his hospital that caused the loss of the use of his legs, Doctor Stroffelnburg took his savings and set up a smaller clinic here in Riverside. Walk-ins are encouraged.
• Evolution Industries: Darkcomet
  
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  The Westside branch of EI. The main building is a fairly nondescript, tall (not a skyscraper or anything, but still with several floors) modern one, with a large Evolution Industries logo on it.
• Exbourne Manor: Gulaghar
  
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  Exbourne manor is rather old, though kept in excellent condition since it was restored when Tenebras moved in. The rooms are large and spacious, and most of the public areas have been painted in bright pastels and decorated with vases of flowers.
  
  The ground floor largely consists of the lofty entrance hall, a comfortable living room, and the kitchen. Ramiro's office is also on the ground floor for easy access. The second and third floor have mostly bedrooms and attached washrooms. The basement serves as rooms for the servants primarily. In a separate part of the basement is a large vault as well as an Evolution Industries Class 2 MACE Unit which provides the building with electricity. Finally, the attic contains whatever it is that creates the darkness field within Westside.
  
  The manor is surrounded by a courtyard. An iron fence surrounds it, and a number of trees provide privacy along the sides and behind the building. The courtyard is grassy and has a cobblestone trail leading to the front door. Behind the manor is a private garden. The courtyard's gate is almost always left open.
• MagMart: Lord Magtok
  
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  If the individual entering has any sort of familiarity with the other MagMart, back when it was its own building apart from Mallside, they'll probably notice that this Riverside one doesn't look anywhere near as glamorous as its predecessor. It's a modest purple brick building, the glass display windows aren't even properly bulletproof, and the smelly homeless people usually employed to wander around about the front of the store in a wacky MagMascot costume with an enormous cyborg head are mysteriously absent.
  
  That said, you can still find just about everything here that you can at the Mallside store. Curtains to carpets, macaroni to monkeys on motorcycles, groceries to zombies garlic. 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. Except in this store, the 'morale cannon' is really more of a morale bazooka, and while it's still fun to watch, it's nowhere near as charming.
• The Cathedral of the Sacred Order of Cunningham: happyturtle
  
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  The Westside Cathedral is large enough to house people for emergency purposes, but in general, only the family of the pastor and the groundskeeper live there.
  
  Pastor Rockwell is the Pastor
  Sister Janice is the Pastor's wife, and a skilled hippiemancer.
  

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History: by Lex-kat

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Long, long ago, Riverside was a simple fishing village.

It was able to blossom into a city once trade begun, because of it's placement not only on the river, but between most of the other small villages within this area of the Nexus.

Of course, this means that the Merchants were able to take over the government of the city. But other than that, it remained quite peaceful.

Very few other cities attack Riverside, and it would remain neutral in conflicts. Though, due to the few that did try to attack it, the citizens of Riverside did develop a small military force. For protection purposes only, of course.

For years, Riverside grew in power, yet never exerted it over any of the other villages. That is, until a man named Johnny Duluth came to power.

At first, the people loved him. He was fair and just. And soon, he brought even more prosperity to Riverside.

Then a change. A small force of unknown marauders besieged the city. Mayor Johnny declared a state of emergency, reorganized the military, and with the help of some of his aides, transformed them into a offensive unit.

After a long 4 month battle, Riverside won a decisive victory. But they didn't stop there. Mayor Johnny declared that a nearby village was responsible for the attack.

He personally led the military and crushed the village with no resistance.

Some Merchants balked at this, and tried to warn the citizens of the dangers of allowing Mayor Johnny to take this power.

They were all silenced, one way or the other. Bought off, murdered, or their families kidnapped and held hostage.

By the time the residents realized what was happening, it was too late. They found themselves over run by the same marauders that they had "defeated" before.

Soon, the city was run by a Mafia-dictatorship, and Johnny Duluth was it's mayor.

What the citizens didn't know, was that Johnny Duluth was just a puppet. There was another man pulling his strings.

Ezekial Von Hookes, a prominent member of the Merchant class had employed Johnny for just this. He even arranged for his own daughter, Patricia, to be kidnapped, tortured, and finally returned to him a gibbering mess.

Mayor Johnny ruled Riverside for thirty years, before dying of a sudden heart attack at the age of 78.

A kinder, gentler man took his place, returning Riverside to a peaceful, defensive center of commerce it was before Johnny Duluth took over.

The citizens were happy. But deep within the dark corners, and under the city foundations, the Mafia still ruled. Ezekial passed his hidden empire to his son-in-law, Cameron.

Cameron and Patricia (yes that Patricia) had a son, Frederick Von Hookes. Cameron raised his son to be his successor. Slowly the citizens of Riverside became aware, yet intentionally ignorant, of the criminals that were truly in charge.

People would disappear, and the police did nothing. There were rumors of daughters from surrounding villages being kidnapped and sold to wealthy men, or held under the bar for the local prostitution ring.

By the time Frederick "retired", and Jonah took over, everyone in the city knew that the city was run by a mostly hidden group of men, maybe some women.

When Reinholdt came to town, and murdered Johan, and set the prostitutes free, business came to a screeching halt.

The Green Flagon Bar, where Johan ran his business out of, shut down for repairs. But has only just recently reopened.

There is rumors that Frederick has returned. ASnd people are afraid. Where Johan was cunning, Frederick was brutal.

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The police are owned by the Mafia. Unless you wish to die, you turn a blind eye to any crime you see.

For the most part, the citizens are protected. Only those who try to reform or change the current system find themselves on the wrong end of the "law".

Otherwise, the victims are from the more rural villages surrounding Riverside.

The Mafia has dealings with people in other large cities, including the Empire run Inside. Though most of those are in deep hiding since the Empire took over.

More recently, SAINT, the Assassins guild has sprung up in the cities underworld. Since there has been no fighting between the guild and the Mafia, it is assumed that they have a peaceful agreement with each other.

Of course, in the most recent happenings, the Golden Flagon has been shot up recently when a human female and some blue girl came asking questions.

Soon after they disappeared, an earthquake struck the twon, felling many buildings. A strange man named Riv is reported to have been to blame. How that can be, the citizens do not know.

They are currently rebuilding.

Previous Threads:

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Riverside VIII: A New Side
Riverside VII
Riverside VI
Riverside V
Riverside IV: Offside, 10 Yard Penalty
Riverside III
Riverside II
Riverside I: The Beginning

[UncleWolf]

"My people have four words for love, developed by the philosopher kings that came before us.

"First is storge, which is natural affection. This can be the love between family members or the love of country. It speaks of a love that comes from duty first, as you might love people out of duty though you do not actually like them as persons.

"Second is philia, brotherly love as it's called. This is a stronger tie, and comes from a deep fondness for the other which is reciprocated. It can form between family members, friends, comrades in arms, or lovers. In philia, the good of the other brings joy to yourself.

"Eros is passionate love, sometimes called "madness from the gods", when desire and longing can overcloud reason. It allows for the appreciation of beauty and pleasure. It has the potential to become destructive, if the lover becomes too obsessed with the fulfilment of their desire. In such cases, they may not care at all for the good of the object of their love, which is why eros is best when combined with storge or philia."

"The final type is agape, which is selfless love, unconditional and voluntary, given with no expectation of return. This is the highest form of love, and not everyone ever achieves it. I believe Felis may have reached this level of love, but I have not."

Vita is unaware that she has fallen into the cadence of her teachers as she speaks, and Felis chuckles in her mind, amused at the picture.

House of Virtues

"Is it possible to feel all four towards someone?" Razorfang asks, sounding not just uncertain, but somewhat embarrassed as well. It sounded different when someone laid it all out for her like that.

[happyturtle]

House of Virtues

"I believe it is, though you would know more about this topic than I do," Vita says. "If you tell me, after you have time to think on it, that you and Pet share all four kinds of love, I would have no reason to doubt it."

[UncleWolf]

House of Virtues

Razorfang sits in silence for a few long moments, staring down at the countertop as she thinks it through. After a little while, she gives a small nod before setting her paws on the counter. "It...it must be nice to be so sure of everything." She tells Vita quietly. "I don't think you've faltered once here."

[happyturtle]

House of Virtues

Vita starts to say something, then chokes and coughs, as Felis suddenly bursts out laughing in her head. It takes her a few moments to regain her composure. Finally she says, "I think you're only seeing my temple training. I don't feel sure of anything, except for Felis's love."

[The Bushranger]

(reposting from old thread)

[The Way Between]

Nae tries to think carefully, but finds it hard to keep her mind on the subject at hand, as Verdant's teasing hands prove a distraction - but, as it happens, one she isn't going to refuse...

...but it's still almost a relief as she's pulled along. And she can't help but giggle a bit. "Sometimes it's almost as if you know me better than I know myself. But I think I'll want to see everything before I choose," the half-drowess observes with a grin.

[UncleWolf]

House of Virtues

Vita starts to say something, then chokes and coughs, as Felis suddenly bursts out laughing in her head. It takes her a few moments to regain her composure. Finally she says, "I think you're only seeing my temple training. I don't feel sure of anything, except for Felis's love."

House of Virtues

"Well, I can smell the uncertainty and fear you give off, but you don't show it." Razorfang explains. "Even if it's just your training, it's good."

[Shadowcaller]

[Cybil and Ilpholin]

"Ah, I see. My mistake. Afraid I hadn't heard of Eraduin before. What makes them different from other vampires?" Besides seemingly being few and in positions of power.

[Cairn Hotel]

"Oh we still eat maidens, but they don't have to be virgins." Harnel jokes.

"But actually anything will do. Meat preferably. The hotter the better though, so maybe I should just come with." He says, sitting up. Nothing like a hot meal.

[Cybil and Ilpholin]

"We feed on memories." Lavthos replies curtly. "Our way of feeding is what allows us to control others and that's all you need to know. I unlike others don't feed on my servants though, isn't that right Cybil?"

"Yes master, you have never feed upon my memories." She replies dutifully.

"Poor girl can't trust her own memories anymore. Most of them, if not all of them, are probably false after all. The same is true for pretty much every servant within the castle wall." He shakes his head and take another sip of coffee.

[Cairn Hotel]

"Glad to hear your weariness haven't effected your humor at least." The sorceress replies with a grin. "I was only planning to buy a simple meal in the hotel though, but you're free to join me if you like. It shouldn't take long." Hopefully the ghosts still served food.

[Slii Arhem]

[Hospital Raid]

The demon is summoned while the footsteps slowly grow fainter until they can't hear them anymore. The only sound they hear now is the hospital settling in around them, small scratching noises in the walls, and the sound of ravens outside.

Hospital Raid

(Somehow missed this)

Shayan nods at Becky's suggestion, and gestures with a vine for her to direct the somewhat adorable little demon onwards.

Well, Shayan thinks it's adorable anyway. No accounting for taste I suppose.

"Let's keep going. If specters and ephemeral noises are all it is going to muster against us, then we should take advantage of its kindness." Assuming the demon goes onwards, Shayan will follow on her vines.

[Reinholdt]

[Cybil and Ilpholin]

Dangerous foes indeed. Probably better to avoid a direct confrontation if possible, rather than go for the bonus prize and get Lavthos in charge of the flying castle.

Memories, blood, fat. She wonders what else vampires ate.
Still, Lavthos didn't seem to be fond of this line of questioning, so it's time to change gears.
"Is there a particular time or date that my team would need to infiltrate the castle to get the earth vampires?"

[Cairn Hotel]

"Well I have to admit, I wonder what ghosts put on the menu." Kinda creepy to have your food prepared by the next world over, but also a once in a lifetime experience.

Probably just tastes the same though.

"I'll join you." And indeed, he'll follow Cessie.

[happyturtle]

House of Virtues

About an hour later, Felis returns to the penthouse carrying several shopping bags. Vita, of course, knew he was on his way, and had withdrawn to her own room to meditate.

As soon as he sees Razorfang, he offers her a bouquet of flowers. "My lady, might I have the honour of dining with you this evening?"

[The Bushranger]

Hospital Raid

(Somehow missed this)

Shayan nods at Becky's suggestion, and gestures with a vine for her to direct the somewhat adorable little demon onwards.

Well, Shayan thinks it's adorable anyway. No accounting for taste I suppose.

"Let's keep going. If specters and ephemeral noises are all it is going to muster against us, then we should take advantage of its kindness." Assuming the demon goes onwards, Shayan will follow on her vines.

Becky nods, and sends the little shadowdemon critter onwards to scout! Narrowing her eyes as she sees what it sees.

[Gullara]

[Suncrest Manor - Vineyard]

Nadia heads out to the little vineyard out back to meet Lenai. She feels kind of bad for neglecting the nymph. And besides, she needs to get to work making sure that wine is good.

And for that reason, she has some company. Since she's no longer a vampire, she needs someone to help her out. That someone happens to be Dacio Inaudi. It's kind of awkward having someone over that she knows but doesn't really talk to. Oh well, she wouldn't have this problem if she was a more social person.

"Lenai?" She calls. "I'm ready to help you out with that wine." She peers around for the nymph. Dacio just stands a bit back. He's been busy looking around at the house and grounds.

[Slii Arhem]

Suncrest Manor - Vineyard

Lenai's head pops up out of the ground, crumbly earthen hair spilling around her face before settling.

Oddly enough, she seems to be chewing on the knuckle bone of... something, "Took you long enough. Hey, this guy came through here a few days ago and tossed an arm at me. I figured if he wasn't using it, I could have it. Who's this?" Not one for subtleties it seems. She seems to be completely content with staying in the ground though, which makes the conversation somewhat awkward.

[UncleWolf]

House of Virtues

Razorfang blinks at the flowers, finding them quite the surprise. She never particularly cared for them, but she understood the gesture well enough to appreciate that at least. She takes them with a small smile and takes in their scent before looking up at the young man. "I am obliged to warn you that you have no idea what you're getting into, but I promise you'll enjoy it." She tells him teasingly before standing. "Yes, I'd like to go with you."

Hospital Raid

Cin will keep his flashlight ready in case of any sudden monsters or power outages as they continue on their way through the hospital. He hoped nothing would leap out, but there was always the chance.

[Gullara]

[Suncrest Manor - Vineyard]

Nadia jumps a little when the nymph pops out of the ground. "Oh there you are. An arm..?" It takes her a moment to figure out the implications of that. She decides it'd be better if she just didn't think about it too much. Or at all really. "Never mind."

But, uh, sorry about taking so long. Things have been... Well, I've been a bit occupied." Awkward pause. "Anyway, this is Dacio. Since I can't really test if the wine is good for vampires anymore, he's helping out too."

The vampire in question has been giving Lenai a funny look since she popped out of the ground. "Hey." He raises his hand in a small wave.

[happyturtle]

House of Virtues

"I didn't say we were going anywhere." Felis says with a saucy grin. "I have a picnic planned. Would you prefer to have it on the balcony, or in your bedroom?"

[Slii Arhem]

Suncrest Manor - Vineyard

Lenai gives Nadia a flat look, "Riiiiiight, okay. Have you at least read up on how to /make/ the wine then? That part's still your job." She's rather unimpressed with Nadia, and it's leaking through into her voice. Shirking your responsibilities to your god didn't really sit well with her.

That's probably why she stuck around here without anyone to talk to, just growing abominations against agriculture in the name of her god.

[UncleWolf]

House of Virtues

Razorfang growls in amusement at the question before setting her arms around his neck and leaning in to whisper. "While I appreciate the coyness, I think you know exactly what my answer will be."

[happyturtle]

House of Virtues

Felis shivers, but soon regains control of himself enough to squirm out of her arms. "Oh no, I couldn't possibly have my wicked way with you before I've even done you the honour of wooing you. My Lady, I gravely apologize for allowing you to think that I could be such a cad." He scoops up the bags and heads for the bedroom, where he spreads a blanket on the floor and begins setting out the food and drinks.

It's mostly fingerfoods, chosen mostly at random as he went through the best of the market stalls and delis, and trusting his luck to pick the best of everything. He places a few cushions on the floor and takes Razorfang's paw to help her to them, before sitting down to join her. He lifts a stuffed mushroom to her mouth, a clear invitation to eat from his fingers.

One bag is left tucked away for now, to be opened after the meal.

[Gullara]

[Suncrest Manor - Vineyard]

"Yeah, I got some books on it and looked up a little. By the time you're ready with the grapes I'll be ready to make the wine." Nadia probably deserves the attitude she's getting, so she'll tolerate it for now at least. "And, could you get out of the ground? It's a bit hard to talk to you like that."

Dacio chuckles as if all this is funny. "So I guess I'm sampling some grapes today?"

[UncleWolf]

House of Virtues

Razorfang follows along with a smirk the entire way before shutting the door behind her. Once she's seated though, she eyes the mushroom warily. "Hm, I better make sure it doesn't stain anything." She says, looking him in the eyes before removing the silk from around herself. Once that's gone, she leans forward to take it from his hand, taking just enough extra to give his fingers a small teasing nip.

It's obvious she's going to make him suffer through his own plans.

About the same time however, Vita will hear a light knocking on her door. "Vita, you in there?" Charlotte asks quietly, back from her trip.

[Slii Arhem]

Suncrest Manor - Vineyard

"I've been ready for weeks now, just waiting on someone to check on them. So, you're the taste tester then? Have a taste." Lenai rises up out of the ground, revealing herself to be completely nude, although she has sense enough to censor herself with a crust of dirt around her hips and chest.

She reaches back, and one of the grape vines, heavy with fruit, deposits a massive grape into her palm like a faithful puppy. Then she holds it out to Dacio with a shrug.

"Go ahead, they don't bite. Not unless I tell them to anyway."

[Gullara]

[Suncrest Manor - Vineyard]

Dacio tactfully keeps his eyes on her face, careful not to look lower. Nadia blushes and looks away from Lenai entirely. How did she forget about that? Ugh, this is awkward.

The vampire plucks the grape out of her hand and gives it a doubtful look. He pops it in his mouth and bites down without further hesitation. "Whoa, that's actual blood. How'd you do that?"

[happyturtle]

House of Virtues

The lady plays dirty, does she?

Felis places the rest of the mushroom on her tongue, then runs his finger along her muzzle. "You're very wise. Stains would be distressing." He removes his clothing as well, then continues on with the meal as if nothing were out of the ordinary.

Despite the temptation, he refuses to reach for the curtain.

Vita's Room

Vita is slow to come out of meditation, but after two or three minutes, opens her door.

[Slii Arhem]

[Suncrest Manor - Vineyard]

Dacio tactfully keeps his eyes on her face, careful not to look lower. Nadia blushes and looks away from Lenai entirely. How did she forget about that? Ugh, this is awkward.

The vampire plucks the grape out of her hand and gives it a doubtful look. He pops it in his mouth and bites down without further hesitation. "Whoa, that's actual blood. How'd you do that?"

Suncrest Manor

And rather sweet blood at that, with all the glucose the plant produces normally, "I just taught the plants how to have veins, by showing them mine. It was a pretty long process, and since they didn't supply any outside blood, I had to make due with my own, but it worked." Lenai shrugs, as if she'd just explained anything. How does one teach a plant to grow veins?

[Gullara]

[Suncrest Manor - Vineyard]

Dacio raises an eyebrow at Lenai. Odd, but this is the Nexus after all. "How much of this wine is going to be made then?"

"This is just a test batch for now. To see how it turns out." Nadia says. She really doesn't want to have to explain Dio and all that, so she keeps it vague. "Can I try a grape?" She asks Lenai.

[Slii Arhem]

Suncrest Manor - Vineyard

Lenai shrugs and hands one over, "Mind the coppery tang. I think it pairs well with the grape's sweetness, but it's a bit odd if you aren't expecting it." Of course, that's because Lenai is a carnivore by nature, but she's a fairly good judge of taste.

[Gullara]

[Suncrest Manor - Vineyard]

Nadia takes the grape, trying to not look at anything but the hand offering it to her. "That's not bad. Tastes a bit strange, but not bad." She says after she's bitten into it.

[Slii Arhem]

Suncrest Manor - Vineyard

Lenai nods, not really looking for approval, "So, was there anything else, or should I just get to work gathering up the grapes for your first batch?"