[Nexus] Riverside 11

[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 streets can be dangerous and shady deals and dark alleys are plenty. Welcome to Riverside.

Current Events:

• An artificial sun has been erected in the skies of Westside, lifting the perpetual darkness in the area and restoring a natural day night cycle.
• The Democracy Now movement has taken hold in Eastside and a democratically elected council now governs it.
• The new Westside City Hall and Enforcer HQ have been constructed.
• After the fires wiped out a number of homes, a new residential district in Northside is being constructed.
• A new power generator has been constructed by Evolution Industry. It provides new and extremely inexpensive power to those that choose to use it.

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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Eastside is mostly a middle-to-lower class, densely populated area. It's fairly multicultural, even by Nexus standards, and inhabited by a wide range of species and cultures.
Like the rest of Riverside, Eastside has been in the hands of either criminals or supernatural factions for a long time. Now it has changed - a democratic election organized by the Democracy Now movement led to the creation of the Eastside Parliament and a Mayor. They hold the power in Eastside now, and the Hunters enforce the law within it.

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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• 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 or The Bushranger.
• 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.
  
  As of late, the followers of Scaal have been much less present in Northside. Most think they've gone underground for one reason or another, though nobody knows exactly what the truth is.
  
  Played by ApeofLight.
• Hunters: Eastside
  
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  The Hunters are built around the original organization with this name - a group of supernaturally-endowed human vigilantes. Now they recruit anyone willing to serve the people of Riverside. They act as the general police force in Eastside. Their uniform consists of a long blue coat with a stylized "H" on it. Their leader is Johann Pannewitz, one of the original Imbued Hunters. His title is Hunter Commander.
  
  Played by Morty
• People's Parliament: Eastside
  
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  The result of the Democracy Now movement among some members of Riverside, the People's Parliament is a democratically elected council that governs over Eastside.
  
  Mayor:
  

  Donncha O Donnail, played by Morty

  Council:
  

  Percival Obree-Banton, played by Earl of Purple
  Sedrat Quelg, played by Lost_Deep
  Brody, played by Slii Arhem
  Andrea Infanti, played by Gulaghar
  Vita Octavia, played by Happyturtle
  Trind Calanolius Evenart, played by Wolfbane

  
  The law is is enforced by the Hunters, once supernaturally-endowed vigilanties that have stepped in to serve the people of Eastside as law enforcement.
• Sacred Order of Cunningham: Citywide
  
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  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.
  
  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.
  
  Played by happyturtle.
• 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.

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:
  
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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

• Cosiellio's Temple: Harnel
  
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  There's a small temple here that just finished construction last week. It's a fairly plain thing, more utilitarian than ostentatious, but it's made of marble and granite, giving it a glowing white appearance in the sun, with Cos' holy symbol in a large carved statue above the front door. It's a shield with feathered wings imposed along the front, giving it the impression of a heart. It's carved impeccably; it must have been done with magic.
  
  The temple itself is relatively informal. There's a pair of priests here named Jules and Linette, though they don't wear anything like clergy vestments because Cosiellio doesn't have any sort of clergy vestments he'd prefer they wear. Jules is a half-elven man that appears to be approaching middle-age, while Linette is a teenage human; both were saved during the riverside riots, And Cos provides them with the things they need to live (money, healing, food, and rooms) as long as they maintain their functions as priests.
  
  A few of Cos' faithful are here almost all the time - given the informal nature of the temple, everybody drifts in to say a few prayers whenever they're feeling like they should, or whenever they have the time. Cos himself regularly visits, of course, and answers prayers directly.
• 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.
• Hunter Lodge: Morty
  
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  The main administration building for the Hunter force. The Hunter Commander's office is located there, as well as the rest of the administrative staff.
• 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.
• Parliament: Morty
  
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  Not far from the Town Hall, the small circular new building serves as the meeting place for the People's Parliament. It includes a large hall for meetings as well as offices for all the members.
• Town Hall: Morty
  
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  Converted from several buildings in the middle of the district, it serves as the seat of the administration. The Mayor resides there.

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

• Blood Donation Clinic:
  
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  A small clinic has been established in Westside for the purpose of collecting blood from those willing to donate. The blood is then distributed to those that require it. This is primarily Tenebras vampires, but any being that requires blood for sustenance can get it here. Some blood can be given to the hospital when needed as well.
  
  The clinic itself is a small building. Inside there is a reception area, and a few different rooms for the actual procedure. There is usually one person on site twentyfour seven.
• 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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• 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.
• Enforcer HQ: Gulaghar
  
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  On the outside, this building almost looks like a bunker. It's a low, squat building constructed of stone. The only windows are on the front of the building and they are small. There is a fenced off area in the back that contains a number of vehicles.
  
  The lobby area is fairly bare. There are a few different clearly labeled desks to approach, depending on the reason for being there. One is for general business with the Enforcers. The wall opposite the desks is lined with chairs.
  
  Off to the left is a hallway that goes deeper into the building. An Enforcer guard stands at the entrance to this hallway at all times. At the end of the hall is a heavy steel door with a card based lock. Behind this door is an armoury that contains the Enforcer's weapons and armour.
  
  On the opposite side of the lobby, there is a similar hallway, though it's not guarded on the lobby side. At the far end there is a door that leads to an area with a few holding cells and a desk for a guard to work at.
  
  Halfway down the same hall is another hall intersecting it. This hall is lined with doors to a number of offices and other rooms.
• 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.
• Evolution Industries Power Plant: Darkcomet
  
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  The Class 3 MACE unit offered by Evolution Industries is a large, static installation capable of generating enough power to supply all of Riverside with electricity, and it was Tenebras that commissioned the first of these installations from EI.
  
  The installation is housed inside a large, reinforced building. The interior has multiple levels linked by elevators and stairs, all surrounding the roughly cylindrical silver crystalline structure that is the actual Class 3 unit. It's quite the view at the top for EI's employees and the occasional tourist, and naturally there are plenty of guard rails. Naturally, office space, bathrooms, and the like are all present in the building, though obviously away from the main spiral surrounding the installation itself. Many computers and other such pieces of equipment are present in the areas around the installation, perpetually monitoring and controlling its output.
  
  The building itself is guarded and patrolled by Evolution Industries' corporate security division.
  
  All that is known to the public, but given what Evolution Industries used to do, and the identity of its head, it's possible the place is far more guarded than it immediately seems...
• 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.
• Light of Evolution/Control Center: Darkcomet
  
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  Once the Class 3 Installation was completed, the head of Evolution Industries approached the leader of Tenebras with an answer to a question that had been asked of him before-that of bringing light back to Westside.
  
  The building at ground level is fairly normal-looking, wide but not overly tall. It is marked with Evolution Industries logos, and serves as the control and maintenance center for the site's true purpose.
  
  The crystalline sphere that serves as Westside's artificial sun, known as the Light of Evolution, floats in the air far above the building, a bright blue beam linking it and the structure. This serves to power the Light. This beam is surrounded by a translucent, shimmering blue forcefield, to prevent anyone from interrupting it.
  
  The beam is projected from a system usually at the roof of the building, and is taken in by a receiver panel at the bottom of the Light, which is how it powers it.
  
  The Light brightens and dims as appropriate to simulate a natural day-night cycle, and the beam that powers it dims with it. After all, when it is dimmer, it requires less power. In the darkest times of the night, the beam projector deactivates and the forcefield drops. The former lowers itself down into the building, and the Light floats down on anti-gravity systems with their own onboard power. The Control Center's roof contains a hatch that, at this time, opens and allows the Light to land for maintenance. During the day, this hatch is normally sealed around the energy projector that powers the Light, preventing it from being used as a secondary entrance during this time as well.
  
  Naturally, the site is heavily guarded by Evolution Security, and no tourists or civilians are allowed inside.
  
  Interestingly, Evolution Industries has issued an official warning that it is not responsible for the results of anyone flying into the forcefield around the power beam, or the beam itself should those be somehow disabled. It is noted that death or serious injury is likely to occur.
• 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.
• Westside City Hall: Gulaghar
  
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  The newly constructed city hall is a towering, impressive building. It is crafted primarily out of a light stone. There is an old feel to it's design, but it is very much a modern building on the inside.
  
  It opens up to a wide open lobby. The floor is a clean white and the room is brightly lit by florescent lights. Immediately to the right of the door is a reception desk where a receptionist can be found for direction during business hours. On the left of the entrance is a security desk where an Enforcer can be found. In the middle of the room is a small fountain with several chairs around it. On the far side of the room is an elevator and there are a number of other doors that lead out of the room.
  
  On the second and third floor there are a number of offices. The mayor's office is on the third floor and there is an office for the Enforcer chief here as well.

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.

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Riverside X: Take a Walk on the Wildside
Riverside IX
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

[Slii Arhem]

Wildside

Jeanne grins. Now she has the information her boss asked for, even if she gets booted out of the forest now. But hopefully she can stay long enough to learn more. She stands and takes a bow. "The Celebrated Lenai, I presume." When she rises, that cheeky grin is still there. "I do not recall asking for your protection, nor would I since it seems to involve submission to your orders. I merely wished shelter in the forest, where I could be safe from humans. This is the first time I have encountered a forest that was considered the property of another. These poor trees..."

Jeanne as fey:

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Wildside

Jeanne's grin is met with that same impassive stare, "If I was celebrated I wouldn't have such louts spreading such bile about with my name. And asking to take shelter here is asking for my protection, as I protect all that would stay here from those that would harm them. These trees, my daughters, are owned by me as a mother owns its suckling babe and in no other way. I own them because I protect them from the greedy hands of men with axes, and they own me because they need my protection and I am the only one who can provide it."

The rest of Lenai's perpetually earth-covered form sinks out of the tree, arms crossed before her chest but the rest of her body bare, "So why should I bother with you, mm? Why extend you the same courtesy when you would judge me so readily before hearing one word from my mouth? What have you done to earn your place among my honored children?"

[Lost_Deep]

Eadelain's Mindscape

The tiefling attempts to move over to Eadelain and touch her forehead to see if anything happens. Trying to see if there is anything peculiar she can pick out in the room beyond the tendrils.

Not really. If she looks, the shadows are a bit deeper than normal, and a bit more prominent than normal, but beyond that the odd black veins are the main oddity. Closer examination will reveal that the deep shadows are only cosmetic, probably indicative of something that doesn't have to strong an effect on this level of the psyche.

[ThirdEmperor]

Northside- Atop an Old Warehouse

Don't play dumb with us! Three guns are leveled in Emshadu's direction, a less verbal reminder that the soldiers are in no mood for games. If you knew the signal, you know why we're here, what we want and what we're offering!

So, yea or nay? Have you got what we asked for or haven't you?

[Gullara]

[The Rusty Dagger]

"Besides the northerners and us? There are a few Wenrath in the gardens and a then the Yu. Oh and a few of those devil-people. Now that I think about it, there are all sorts of minorities running around in that fourth tower cult. I never really see any of them though. They mostly keep to themselves." That's a lot of names that probably needs explaining.

[The Rusty Dagger]

"Fourth Tower cult? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with them. Please, tell me more." Samona says. Maybe she'd get more information out of this woman yet.

[Suncrest Manor]

"Are you kidding? We could change color every day if we wanted to." Irena replies at a moment of not stuffing food in her mouth. "I mean we could even make you a real redhead. The combination looks so fake, if you know what I mean?" I'm afraid to ask what she means. >.<

[Suncrest Manor]

It takes Nadia a few seconds to realize what Irena is talking about, and when she does she bursts out laughing. "You could try it on me if you want, if it'd put your mind at ease." She says somewhat jokingly. She does kinda want to see it at work, and might as well, right?

[Mysterious Cavern]

If Valente turns around he might be able to see a portal similar to the one in Malechenar that probably leads back to the containment cell. So he got a choice in this.

If he chooses the path of madness however and follow the light coming from Sylvia's wand he will find that the cavern actually isn't that large. He might also realize there doesn't seem to be any exit or any external sources of light here. So if he hadn't had his nightvision, he had been perfectly blind, he can hear something echo through the cavern though sounding like a gigantic air pump.

Soon enough he can also see something reflecting the light though. The source of the reflections looking to be about the same size or even larger that the last creature they encountered. As they wander closer through the shallow water he can see that the creature appears to be some sort of reptilian, it's scales looking like miniature solar-panels, reflecting all light aimed at them.

Sylvia suddenly stops and just stands there staring at the creature which appears to have been chained down to the rock floor with chains the size of footballs. Furthermore there appears to be a ring of crystals of the creature which now Valente can probably can guess is some sort of dragon.

It looks far more snake-like then the European dragon however, coiled up on the ground with not only one but six pairs of wings that are spread out over it's body. The sound of the 'airpump' seems to have been the creatures heartbeats, echoing loudly through the cavern.

[Mysterious Cavern]

Valente's eyes go wide as he looks at the dragon. Holy crap! "What is that thing?" He has about several dozen other questions to ask, because holy crap what is that and what is it doing here and etc etc.

[Hattish Thing]

On A Building

Enshadu's face is a bolted metal mask, and his mouth slot is jagged, looking like he speaks through a respirator/garbage disposal. His voice is gutteral, and mechanical. His hands shift into a five fingered mass of electricity each. A silent warning. Shh...boys, calm. You reek of stupidity and testosterone. I have money, machines. Take me to your leader.

[ThirdEmperor]

Northside- Atop an Old Warehouse

Not happening. The group formation shifts slightly, trying not to draw too much attention to the movement as they spread out to keep from presenting a clustered target. We're a hivemind. We know each others thoughts and, today, I'm speaking for all of us.

You can meet our leader when you cease prattling about disections and prove yourself a trustworthy ally.

[Hattish Thing]

On A Roof

Enshadu nods. His hands switch into a vast array of surgeical instruments, one tool to each finger. Ah. Nice to meet you. Vivisection, different. Well...to prove my skill...I'll need a volunteer. Money-wise, there's a check in my coat for you to take to your masters, a good will gift. Any volunteers?

[ThirdEmperor]

Northside- Atop an Old Warehouse

There's a lull in the negotiations, seconds ticking away without comment by the soldiers as they argue, debate and finally reach consensus.

Not a chance we're going up there. You can climb down here. And this negotiations moving to somewhere a little more secure. The leader gestures at the flock circling them, clearly finding the prospect of standing on an open roof unattractive when the skies are controlled by a potential enemy. Then we can do business.

[Hattish Thing]

Warehouse Roof--> Below!

Enshadu nods slowly. The two robotic machines teleport off into space with a buzz. Enshadu's hands switch to normal metal hands, with normal metal fingers. He clacks and whirs as he moves and speaks, heavy breathing heard over the respirator's static. He speaks slowly. Fine. Perfect. I'll be down in a second, where shall we meet? Your headquarters? If so...I'll need an...expendable volunteer. I was once a doctor...though the metamorphosis is a...difficult procedure. The cyborg creature slowly walks down off the building, walking down on transparent stairs that appear brick by see-through brick. Soon he arrives at the bottom, and tips his hat. Shall we go, gentlemen?

[ThirdEmperor]

No Longer Atop an Old Warehouse

You're not getting near our base and we're not here to be guinea pigs. Looking around, Argon picks out a bar at random from the three on this street alone. We're going there. Anywhere's better than out in the open like this.

[Hattish Thing]

Warehouse Alley --> Some Bar

Enshadunwill follow Argon. Fine then, though I tend to attract attention. Nowhere near? Why? I'm not a bad man... He snickers coldly, it soundsncreepy and mechanical. What shall I prove then? Hm? I need a subject to show you.

[ThirdEmperor]

Northside Streets -> The Gutted Fish

Too bad. We're not interested in whether you can take someone apart or put them back together. All we want is for you to cough up money and gear. That's it. The bar's a dingy little grotto, the floorboards underfoot rotten from years of steeping in spilled ale and vomit, the few patrons there-in giving E. and the brothers distinctly inhospitable glares. And you can prove yourself in that department right now. Go convince the bartender he should get rid of all these losers. Two of Argon's brothers break from the group here, flanking the doorway as a guard.

[Hattish Thing]

Dingy Inn

Enshadu's form shifts quickly in shadow until he assumes the guise of a beautiful young woman. She wears a daring red top with a short skirt. Her short blonde hair reaches her shoulders and her voice is silky smooth. Excuse me, Mr. Barman, how much would it cost for me to get this joint privately tonight? Me and my friends over there.

[happyturtle]

Wildside

"I'm not here to hurt the trees." Jeanne says. "I came here to escape humans trying to control me. It's no shelter here if I am to be controlled by another. But I did not come here to hurt the trees, nd have no reason to do such a vile thing."

[Shadowcaller]

[Eastside - Ghoul]

Once the muse noted that the apparent conversation had ended with one of the participants vanishing entirely, she was of the mind to leave soon but the fact that the one that remained appeared to be exiting the house quickly changed that to 'finding a place to hide just in case.' Already up against the wall, the fledgeling called upon the enhancements in her legs and lept upwards a few solid meters before reaching out and 'sticking' to the wall. It was an odd ability she had picked up during her time here but being able to stick to and climb sheer surfaces without assistance was quite useful. With a number of complex movements designed to soften the impact, and thus the noise made, of her suddenly hanging off the side of the house, what would follow would be a cautious but quick scramble up towards the roof. Once there, Ghoul would simply keep an eye out for this person from her vantage point while making sure to stay low so as to avoid presenting much of a profile.

Of course, the muse was completely aware of how paranoid she was acting if this all turned out to be for nothing.

Cow Hunting

"Of course." New stuff is always nice.
Admittedly, just a change of clothes would suffice really after today's adventures. Should probably go home and get cleaned up.

[Eastside - Ghoul]

There is a dark-skinned man exiting the building, dressed in jeans, a short and a dark blue jacket that all appear slightly too large for him. He stops for a moment as if he heard something and turns to look back at the house with a paranoid look at his face.

Cow Hunting

"I have no idea how we could get this cow anywhere though. We can't have it follow us back to the hotel can we?" She asks while looking at the cow. "Disposing of it here would just spoil the meat. Perhaps we should just tie it up in the forest and come back tomorrow? I doubt there are any predators around here whose up to the task of taking it down."

[The Rusty Dagger]

"They're crazy cultists, I heard they sell their souls to ancient gods, demons and spirits for power. Things that I really don't know anything about. They consists of all kinds of minorities like the devil-men and the Yu. Not exactly anyone I can relate to, I just try to stay away and let them do their dark work on their own." Jana explains. "Could I get some coffee by the way? I'm getting awfully drowsy."

[Suncrest Manor]

That would have to be done offscreen though.

"You got it, but what do you say we ask the shadows first huh? I figure your safety is more important then your *censored*"

[Mysterious Cavern]

"It's... it's a dragon! Here, hold this!" Sylvia replies, handing over the wand to Valente, if he doesn't accept it, the cultist will simply drop it in the air, expecting him to take it.
She then rushes towards the dragon to take a closer look at it.

Northside

The gargoyles follow the two parties until they enter the inn, then they sit perched upon the buildings just outside completely motionless, a person that never been here before easily mistaking them for statues.

They will sit there until the two comes out of the main door again, two of them flying see if there is some sort of backdoor.

[Gullara]

[The Rusty Dagger]

"I'm afraid we don't have any coffee." Samona said. She pauses a moment to consider everything that's been said. Perhaps now she should work on being sure this woman isn't trying to deceive her.

Samona tries to meet her eye. She'll find they have an almost hypnotic quality. "You haven't tried to deceive me, have you?" She asks, her voice compelling the woman to speak honestly.

[Suncrest Manor]

Nadia giggles a little, but nods. Time to figure this out. "Okay, so I guess the first obvious thing to ask would be what they want with me. Then we can go from there."

[Mysterious Cavern]

Valente grabs the wand, but his other hand darts to grab Sylvia and pull her back a bit harder than he'd intended. "Are you insane? You're just going to walk right up to that thing?"

[Reinholdt]

Cow Hunting

"Oh no way am I leaving that big thing to just be walked off by the first person who feels like taking it. We're just going to have to walk it wherever we're going to go with it, then eat it and give the rest away." Harnel says. Gotta do it today and mostly now too.

[ThirdEmperor]

The Gutted Fish

The barkeeper is a thin man, looking as if he'd been stretched out by some torturous device into a stick figure, a permanent, insincere smile plastered on his face. "Five hundred gold, no less." He doesn't even bother to look at Enshadu's new female form before naming the extorbitant sum.

Meanwhile, the brothers are casing the bar. The bulletproofed glass of the windows seems solid, at least enough to give them some warning before the gargoyles break through, assuming they try. Better yet there's a set of stairs descending to a basement room, with no windows at all. One way in, one way out. Perfect.

[Shadowcaller]

[Mysterious Cavern]

Sylvia is easy enough to drag back with her robe, but she doesn't not approve. "Whu-" She turns to look at Valente, "But it's chained down. It won't hurt me. I thought you would think it was as cool as I did..."

[Suncrest Manor]

"Okay, I don't think we need to write that one down. Now all we needs is some darkness and boom we'll get some answers! I can just do this like once every half-year though since shadows... well, they quickly grow bored with you." Irena explains.

[The Rusty Dagger]

"I... n-no. Of course not." Jane replies, suddenly sounding very nervous again.

Cow Hunting

The dragon sigh, "So should we go to GloG and kill it there then? I can't see us walking back to the hotel with it, or into the city for that matter."

[Reinholdt]

Cow Hunting

"That or we could take it back to my cave if you'd prefer." Harnel offers with a shrug. Whichever's closer.

[Gullara]

[Mysterious Cavern]

"Are you sure it can't hurt you?" Valente asks seriously. "Because it sure looks dangerous to me."

[Suncrest Manor]

"Ah, I was wondering why I'd never heard about this before." It seemed like it was too useful for her to not have mentioned it, but this makes sense. "Should we do it now then?" Nadia hasn't quite finished her food, but she's almost there.

[The Rusty Dagger]

"Why so nervous, Jane?" Samona smiles a cruel little smile. She tries to put her hand under Jane's chin. "You wouldn't lie to me, would you? Don't you trust me?" Jane should be having a very hard time looking away if she wanted to.

[Wildside]

Scora decides to make herself scarce. She climbs up into the tree silently and lurks behind some leaves so she's mostly out of sight. She still wants to see what happens of course.

[Slii Arhem]

Wildside

"I'm not here to hurt the trees." Jeanne says. "I came here to escape humans trying to control me. It's no shelter here if I am to be controlled by another. But I did not come here to hurt the trees, and have no reason to do such a vile thing."

Wildside

"There is a difference between control and contribution. The trees suffer my presence because they love me and need me, and I shoulder their needs because I love and care for them. You have no family bond to me, and I've asked no loyalty from you despite your small attacks and constant assumptions. What I've asked is what you can contribute to them besides a promise that you won't harm them. Neither they nor I would care much for another layabout doing nothing to help." Lenai finally moves from where she's standing against the tree, her impassive stare darkening into a glower.

"So, tell me what you would do to help around here, and if your words include another untrue slight against me then I swear I'll toss you over the wall and into the city myself so you can deal with those humans you detest so much. If you can't think of any way to help then the smartest thing you could do is turn around and walk silently back the way you came before your mouth runs off again and takes my patience with it."

[Hattish Thing]

The Gutted Fish

The barkeeper is a thin man, looking as if he'd been stretched out by some torturous device into a stick figure, a permanent, insincere smile plastered on his face. "Five hundred gold, no less." He doesn't even bother to look at Enshadu's new female form before naming the extorbitant sum.

Meanwhile, the brothers are casing the bar. The bulletproofed glass of the windows seems solid, at least enough to give them some warning before the gargoyles break through, assuming they try. Better yet there's a set of stairs descending to a basement room, with no windows at all. One way in, one way out. Perfect.

At the man's sum, Enshadu simply takes out the envelope in his coat and hands it to the barkeep. Then, his form shifts back to his normal, far more intimidating form. Now his mask, bolted into his flesh, is showing, covered only by the tall hat. His purple, ripped, and somewhat burnt leather trenchcoat covers most of his body. However, it is evident both of his legs are mechanical, and his nanobot hands float beyond the metal stumps. Five hundred gold pieces here. You can open t if you want. Alright, you four. What was the point of that? He grins, underneath the mask. Care for drinks?

[Shadowcaller]

[The Rusty Dagger]

((Waiting for Teru now.))

[Suncrest Manor]

"Let's wait until we have eaten up. Have you thought at all about the adoption by the way?" Irena asks, while turning her attention back to the food.

[Mysterious Cavern]

"But it's a dragon, can you believe that?! Is there anything more awesome?!" She asks, seemingly not understanding Valente's hesitation at all.

Cow Hunting

"Ah, I like that idea. Let's head to your cave then, just up on my back and I will lead try to get the cow to follow us. " Probably by trying to pull it after them. That will likely not work if the cow decides to stay where it is.

[Gullara]

[Suncrest Manor]

"Mmhm. I think I'll call the orphanage and see if they have some people that are interested that we can meet with." Nadia says.

[Mysterious Cavern]

"Yeah, I know, it's pretty amazing." Valente admits. "But at the same time, it's a dragon. We can't just go marching up to it." He's seen a dragon once before, and that was Gordon fighting Maggy and Ilpholin. It was an intimidating sight.

[ThirdEmperor]

The Gutted Fish

Again, the barkeep's far more interested in his money than Enshadu's shapeshifting tricks. Picking up a letter opener he checks the envelopes contents, nodding to Enshadu if it's the proper sum. "A'right, bar's yours for the evening. E'erybody else- OUT!"

The bars patrons file out one by one, grumbling angrily and shooting dirty looks at E and the quintets go, some even snapping threats at them. But grumble as they might, no-one's drunk or crazy enough to actually try anything.

C'mon, down here. Argon says, descending the basement stairs. If those things or whoever's behind them wants in, they'll have to come single file. And that suits the soldiers just fine.

[Hattish Thing]

The Gutted Fish

The correct sum is indeed in the envelope, all five hundred dollars, crisp and flat. Enshadu simply stares at the patrons as they leave, scoffing at a few of the threats, but not appearing overly hostile. Enshadu tips his hat to the barkeep and follows the quintets. Thank you for your business, sir. He stares at the quintets each, analyzing their facial movements and posture. Lead the way sirs...I look forward to negotiations. Enshadu, before he walks down the stairs, hands the barkeep an extra ten dollar bill. Here, a tip. He'll then walk down the stairs.

[Shadowcaller]

[Suncrest Manor]

"I could call them right now so we get that done." Irena offers, picking up her cellphone. "No sense of waiting after all since you give birth in, what? Like a month?"

[Mysterious Cavern]

Sylvia opens her mouth to say something when she suddenly pauses. "...did you see something?" Valente can probably see it the instance the cultist saw it, a light being lit at the island they came from. Uh-oh.

[Eastside - Hunter Headquarters]

A familiar sight comes wandering towards the hunter headquarter, Tarim the pitlord dressed in his usual gold-colored armor. Somehow he looks even more upset then normal though. He is looking for the first hunter he can see, wherever they are outside or inside the building.

[Morty]

[Eastside - Hunter Headquarters]

There's a lot of Hunters in their HQ - entering, leaving and watching over the place. Tarim is stopped by two Hunters on guard duty - one of them is an Imbued human (although it's impossible to tell of course) and the other one is an orc.
"State your business, please," the orc asks politely.