Riverside 19

[Deathkeeper]

[Southside- Dragon Research]

Bram doesn't need a whole lot of time to think about this. It was recent, after all.
"Well, other than not having four legs and a tail, I didn't use to feel so warm all the time. Or have dreams about metal stuff. I think my eyes and ears are different too, how I see things. I like eating different stuff, too." he tells Ambrosia. There are more subtle behavioral things but he isn't self-conscious enough to notice those.

[Murkus]

[Ilpholin's Residence]

"This is so much responsibility you're thrusting on me," Adir shakes his head, following Ilpholin with a few short steps. He straightens, stretches, and then crouches down, his arms spread wide at his sides with his hands open.

"How about if I win, I get to pick your costume too?" He smirks. "Unless you really had your heart set on something."

[Eastside Streets]

Sticks decides not to interfere. This is getting out of hand, and he can't predict how Vax will react to the situation. If she breaks Eastsides containment measures, or simply steps on that little woman before they reach 'the Station', then that will be that. No reason to risk Eastside's ire, he'd taken this about as far as he could with violence. He won't interfere.

The tall man frowns, but indicates that Bolts should carry him to the street. The bird lands before the hunter, spreading it's magnificent brassy wings. Sticks does not dismount.

"You understand you're sending the woman with the equivalent of a magical bomb into a hospital, yes?" Sticks asks with undisguised contempt. "I mean, it's conceivable I'm not telling the truth, but who can afford such a risk?"

[Shadowcaller]

Northside Tour

Celestel giggles as Jezebel mentions her lack of superhero experience. "I'm sure you would come out looking perfect regardless of the situation you're in. But I'm sure we can think of something regarding this 'hero' eventually. You have given me a lot to think about, lady Jezebel. A lot of information to digest." She nods, smiling back at the other woman. "I really do look forward to working with you, I believe that East- and Northside can gain a lot by working together, and you seem exactly like the person who understand the value of cooperation. Is there anything Eastside is in need of right now that we could provide? We want to be good neighbors after all."

Malechenar Streets - Party

The gates are open for the guests, normally they're closed but today so many people are entering and leaving that there is little sense in closing and opening it constantly. The guards are still keeping an eye on everyone that enters of course, bowing deeply as each invited guest arrive.

"Thank you."
Cessie nods politely at the driver. She have dressed up in a white long sleeved snow-white kimono and her hair appears to have been dyed the same color as her clothes and been applied a great deal of hair extensions as well. She might be wearing lenses too as her eyes are white as well.
She eyes Jezebel skeptically. "You couldn't have done this yourself?" She muses, yet will still ignite Jezebel's costume.
Let her have her flashy moment.

[ThePhantom]

Malechenar Party - Streets

Some distance from the gargoyle that serves as the temporary entrance to Malechenar, a trio of men sit in a van, watching the guests heading into the party with binoculars.

"Got a clear look at the invite yet? I can't pick out what to use as the base without a sample."
"Not yet, as I said before. Just wait and I'll tell you when I do."

[Reinholdt]

[Ilpholin's Residence]

"If you wish," Ilpholin says, finding Adir's choice unusual. "Though when you see what I was thinking of going in, you'll probably want to pick it too." Coiling her muscles, Ilpholin springs forward to strike...

[Malechenar Party - Dance Hall]

... Some time later, Ilpholin arrives at the party, stepping through the gargoyle head portal after showing the guards her invitation and her plus one. The nymph is dressed in a series of carefully placed bandages. It was particularly difficult getting getting the bandages to hold up well and show as much skin as she does, but she had Mister Squiggles help her get dressed and he's an expert at wrapping things up. A fancy headdress, necklace and rod complete the sexy Mummy Queen ensemble.

Spoiler

Show

Slipping the invitation up under her headdress where it should safely remain out of sight, she looks around the room they entered. "How extravagant." The practical side of her wants to consider it all a waste, but it's clear she enjoys the luxury quite a bit.

[Morty]

The Lotus Gardens - Dueling Field

Jezebel's blade is pushed, the heavy weapon sliding over her arm and bringing the chains dangerously close to her own flesh, but a she shoves the blade forward slightly so its own weight can drag it into the ground and dig it in. It leaves her almost defenseless for a moment, but she remains mobile enough to barely skirt herself out of the way of the blade by dropping her entire body down. She uses the Eviscerator as her anchor and pole as she holds onto the grip, kicks her legs out in front of her, and slips around it low to the ground. With her hands off the pressure triggers themselves, the chains stop spinning for the moment, allowing her to safely pull off the move provided she's cautious about how she avoids the chainblades themselves, and as she pivots, Wenomir will have to look out for a snap kick aimed at the outside of his right knee.

Whether she hits him or not, she'll complete the spin until she's back behind her blade, hands on the grip and with her shoulder pressed against the backside of it, ready to defend herself once more.

Wenomir can certainly respect dedication to improbable battlefield acrobatics. Unfortunately, two can play this game, and he's been playing it for a long time. Two nimble steps make Jezebel's leg pass right by him, like a hand trying to catch a drifting leaf. Then, he bounds forward, spinning above Jezebel in a dizzying somersault, the blade slashing at her as he passes by. When he lands behind her, Wenomir spins back, his sword making a diagonal, one-handed slash that seems to start before he even sees her, his other arm thrown behind his back for balance.

[Shadowcaller]

Eastside Streets

"Where are we...?" Zhareen asks weakly as she attempts to turn her head. If Vax looked like that, something nasty was going on...
"We're not dangerous. That man is lying." Nazaan claims.

Now the gorgon slithers forward and gestures at Sticks. "I can confirm everything thiss man claimsss. Malechenar huntss them for a good reasson." She lies, she didn't have any clue about what happened or what these people had done, but it seemed like a thing like she was being paid.

[Southside- Dragon Research]

"So your diet has changed, and you are having dreams." Ambrosia notes down. "Can you tell me a bit more about how you see things differently though?"

[Zefir]

Spoiler

Show

[DMside]

Alice gets a bit of a stern look to her face, amused at the same time. Maybe the machine god can judge her forges and exocortices and repair cells for how well they performed their functions, but to judge her? She insists that only one deity could do that.
"It's good that you're here in our world." is what she says. "Your own must be a difficult place."
She's quiet for a moment as a thought strikes her and her machinery grinds through possibilities.
"Does your church have anything to say about the end of the world?"

[Malechenar Party - Streets]

The General of southside arrives at the meeting place she arrived with Mia, not quite at the gates yet. Two mostly ceremonial guards have come this far with her, an orc and a black-scaled nephil.
Skye herself is nearly unrecognizable in her costume: she wears a cloak of feathers in all the colors of the sunrise, a fierce beaked mask, and is surrounded by traces of floating whispering flame. A phoenix. She also seems to have found a few extra inches of height - very high-heeled talon-shoes? Or perhaps those are her feathers, and her talons, and for Halloween she really is a sort of bird.

The Lotus Gardens - Mia

"I can do you better than simply writing something down." Jezebel says as she pulls a small silver ring from her finger to hold out to Mia. She'll see that it is a signet ring with a lotus blossom inside of a diamond. "This doesn't grant any sort of real power within the Lotus Gardens, but it will allow free trade and respect that you may not get otherwise. Take it, with my blessing, and perhaps we'll see each other again soon." Jezebel says.

Once the ring is taken, unless Mia has something else to add, Jezebel will let her leave to return to her own people.

[DMside]

"Not so much." Mia replies. "It's just more work as a priestress."

Mia thinks about the question. it's hard to say. the end of the world normaly means all your worshipers die and that's the source of the gods power?

"How do you mean that?" she asks. "Our church is not seeking the end of the world, neither does Deus mechanicus. It would kill all worshipers"

[Malechenar Party - Streets]

Mia is here as well and it seems she took an opposit kind of Monster. Mia is dressed like a mermaid. No not the ordinary one with human upper body and lower fish body. It's more like a a fish wth head and arms. There is a hole down so she can use her feet while the fin bows upwards behind her and her version has less neckline. Even thought this is a body suit costum.

Spoiler: Costum

Show

She greets the General as she arrives. "Hello, nice costum."

The Lotus Gardens - Mia

Mia will take the ring and nod.

"Thank you, it's really kind from you." she says. "I should go now. You sure got other tasks. If there is anything I could help you just ask me. The priests in DMside will help you find me."

She will nod and slightly bow as she leaves, taking her guards with her.

[Murkus]

[Ilpholin's Residence]

"If you wish," Ilpholin says, finding Adir's choice unusual. "Though when you see what I was thinking of going in, you'll probably want to pick it too." Coiling her muscles, Ilpholin springs forward to strike...

[Malechenar Party - Dance Hall]

... Some time later, Ilpholin arrives at the party, stepping through the gargoyle head portal after showing the guards her invitation and her plus one. The nymph is dressed in a series of carefully placed bandages. It was particularly difficult getting getting the bandages to hold up well and show as much skin as she does, but she had Mister Squiggles help her get dressed and he's an expert at wrapping things up. A fancy headdress, necklace and rod complete the sexy Mummy Queen ensemble.

Spoiler

Show

Slipping the invitation up under her headdress where it should safely remain out of sight, she looks around the room they entered. "How extravagant." The practical side of her wants to consider it all a waste, but it's clear she enjoys the luxury quite a bit.

[Malechenar Party - Dance Hall]

Escorting the queen of the pharaohs is a tall and scary beast, with hair fading from blue to bloody red. He has a pair of blackened antlers, a mouth full of sharp teeth, and boots made up to look like taloned hawk's feet. His body is wreathed in patches feathers, thickest around his neck where a puffy mane of them sticks out. They also only cover about fifty percent of the bare, 'normal-person' skin underneath.

He's all painted up with fake blood, and a pair of wings on a wire frame protrude from a well-concealed harness on his back. He grins, saying, "So all you then, right?" He looks around. "Who needs all this for a party? You can get by with two people and a bottle of wine in a pinch. This is just..."

[Recaiden]

[DMside]

"Not so much." Mia replies. "It's just more work as a priestess."

Mia thinks about the question. it's hard to say. the end of the world normally means all your worshipers die and that's the source of the gods power?

"How do you mean that?" she asks. "Our church is not seeking the end of the world, neither does Deus Mechanicus. It would kill all worshipers"

"I mean some people have predictions about it. Some religions think it important to make it happen, or prevent it from happening." Alice picks her words carefully.
"Comforting that Deus Mechanicus prefers something like the status quo. But there are more important things than our lives, in theory."
"I was only curious."


[Malechenar Party - Streets]

Mia is here as well and it seems she took an opposite kind of Monster. Mia is dressed like a mermaid. No not the ordinary one with human upper body and lower fish body. It's more like a a fish with head and arms. There is a hole down so she can use her feet while the fin bows upwards behind her and her version has less neckline. Even thought this is a body suit costume.

Spoiler: Costum

Show

She greets the General as she arrives. "Hello, nice costume."

Fire and water. How neat.

The General returns the greeting, gaze dancing over the fish suit.
"Hello Mia. Yours is pretty too." At the sound of the priestess's name, the flickering flames that dot Skye's costume brighten and flare up, torches instead of candles, casting light all around the street.
"Let's head up to the castle." She extends a hand to Mia; for once her skin is not icy cold to the touch.

[Shadowcaller]

[Malechenar Party - Dance Hall]

"Pompous? Pretentious?" Suggests a squeaky voice behind the two.

If they turn around, they will be face to face with a woman covered in a layer of black and white body-paint that gives her the appearance of a skeleton. Considering the thick layer of paint, it is actually hard tell if she is actually wearing a top or not. If she is, it has to be a a very small one. However, she is also wearing several necklaces made out of bone and a short tattered green skirt with several long metal pins attached to it that both provide some coverage.
However, she is not talking to them. That would be the little rag-man standing in the palm of her outstretched hand. "Don't worry, guests. Think this as a party with a lot of guests, and even more bottles of wine." It waves its little stuffed hand at their surroundings. "All this is just to make everyone believe they're drinking a fancy wine."

Suddenly, the strawman bows. "But where are my manners? I am Lord Ryhe, and this is Lady Celestel." He gestures at the woman holding him who gives them a curt nod. "A pleasure." The doll waves his arms. "We're going to be your hosts this evening, so be sure to take advantage of us. Tonight, we leave the restrictions of the everyday behind and embrace our vices. Or so they would say back home." The doll, whose apparently Ryhe, 'smiles'. "But don't let my cryptic words unsettle you, just a vampire habit. We're all really just here for free booze and the lovely company, am I right?"

Ilpholin would at least know that Ryhe is one of the two vampire lords controlling Malechenar. He is usually taller though, and if you can believe it, scarier.

[Deathkeeper]

[Southside- Dragon Research]

"I mean, like, literally. I think my colors have gotten different. It's hard to explain. And I think I can see a little better when it's dark?" Bram tries his best to explain, but it's difficult to pick out what's true and what's wishful thinking. He's only a child, after all.

[Gullara]

[The Lotus Gardens - Sleepover]

Conveniently Cessie planned head and the children are already wearing their swimsuits beneath their clothes. Jillian is eager to play in the water, but Bastion grabs her hand. "Jillian, you can't swim. Put on your floaties." Bastion came out with those and helps her put them on.

"Okay Bastin! Hurry!" She holds out her arms, wriggling with excitement as she waits for him to finish.

But even when he's done, Bastion still grabs her hand. "Sergei... We can't go swimming with no adult." He looks around uncertainly. Shouldn't mommy be here..?


Cora doesn't make the connection immediately. Partially because of the strange animal that's come to see her. Cora looks at the slime with some confusion at first. She reaches her hand out uncertainly and touches one of its ears.

[Malechenar Party - Streets]

A sports car pulls up with a pair of guests. Out of the passenger side emerged a woman. Most striking is her hair, a deep red nest of cords writhing on her head. Are they snakes? They seem so real. Otherwise she wears a greco roman inspired dress with a swooping top. She waits for her partner to come out the other side and says with a nervous smile. "I'm having second thoughts."

[Eastside Streets]

"Be still, love. You were hurt." Vax seeks to comfort her wife as she takes the opportunity to depart from the situation. However, when she noticed the gorgon's approach her whole body reacts. "Gorgon." It's half a statement, half a warning. "Kindly lead the way." Vax says to the new hunter. She's rather eager to be away now.

[Shadowcaller]

[Malechenar Party - Streets]

The guards all nod respectfully at Mia and the General as they pass. "Have a pleasant evening, madame's."

From the sports car another woman steps one. She is dressed in a tight grey catsuit which is also covering her rat-like tail. In addition to that, there are "wings" on her back and "horns" on her head. She appears to have dressed up as a gargoyle. She giggles at her wife. "Bit too late to back out now, isn't it? Come on, let's go and do this. Besides, you look really great in that dress." Irena grins confidentially.

[The Lotus Gardens - Sleepover]

Cessie looks around a moment before looking back at Jezebel. She certainly couldn't complain about the rooming. "Things have been just fine." She replies. "Just some argument with Adir regarding the whole 'kami-deal'. We both lashed out against one another and hurtful things were said when additional children were discussed." She pauses. "Shouldn't we join the children though?"

[Southside- Dragon Research]

Ambrosia considers. He was so young that he might not be able to tell if things were all that different before. Perhaps it would be better to ask those around him? "I understand, but do you mind just one more question, Bram? I was wondering if you could tell me a bit more about your dreams. Metal stuff, you said? Is that the only thing you can recall about them?" Likely gold, a common trait for dragons. Ambrosia like to hoard different things however.

[Gullara]

[MERC Office]

Koshal sputters. "You just said, two minutes ago, that Jezebel sent you to spy. And now you're saying it was totally an accident." he says, flabbergasted, and he turns to the others.
"Please tell me you're not buying this. She just wants you to untie her so she can turn invisible and run away."

[MERC Office]

Hekta frowns. These people were so slow!
"It doesn't just go to a well! It goes deeper!" She first tells Iknika. "And yeah, Jezebel wants me to tell her what I see, but she didn't send me here. I go where I want, and I tell her what I want! She's not the boss of me." She sticks out her tongue as if the mere use of the word was disgusting to her. "Come on! I dun't lie!"

[MERC Office]

Iknika "Hmph"s with great scepticism.

"Every liar says they don't lie. I don't think I trust you. We captured you fair and square and you're trying to weasel out of it."

[MERC Office]

"Who cares if she runs away? What, you looking for snake hair to praise you or something?" Talk about lame. He'd rather go explore some random tunnel then keep doing this.

[Malechenar Party - Streets]

"That's half the problem." Nadia laughs. "You would say that. This was your plan all along." Nadia takes Irena's arm while they start walking.

[Reinholdt]

[Malechenar Party - Dance Hall]

Escorting the queen of the pharaohs is a tall and scary beast, with hair fading from blue to bloody red. He has a pair of blackened antlers, a mouth full of sharp teeth, and boots made up to look like taloned hawk's feet. His body is wreathed in patches feathers, thickest around his neck where a puffy mane of them sticks out. They also only cover about fifty percent of the bare, 'normal-person' skin underneath.

He's all painted up with fake blood, and a pair of wings on a wire frame protrude from a well-concealed harness on his back. He grins, saying, "So all you then, right?" He looks around. "Who needs all this for a party? You can get by with two people and a bottle of wine in a pinch. This is just..."

[Malechenar Party - Dance Hall]

"Pompous? Pretentious?" Suggests a squeaky voice behind the two.

If they turn around, they will be face to face with a woman covered in a layer of black and white body-paint that gives her the appearance of a skeleton. Considering the thick layer of paint, it is actually hard tell if she is actually wearing a top or not. If she is, it has to be a a very small one. However, she is also wearing several necklaces made out of bone and a short tattered green skirt with several long metal pins attached to it that both provide some coverage.
However, she is not talking to them. That would be the little rag-man standing in the palm of her outstretched hand. "Don't worry, guests. Think this as a party with a lot of guests, and even more bottles of wine." It waves its little stuffed hand at their surroundings. "All this is just to make everyone believe they're drinking a fancy wine."

Suddenly, the strawman bows. "But where are my manners? I am Lord Ryhe, and this is Lady Celestel." He gestures at the woman holding him who gives them a curt nod. "A pleasure." The doll waves his arms. "We're going to be your hosts this evening, so be sure to take advantage of us. Tonight, we leave the restrictions of the everyday behind and embrace our vices. Or so they would say back home." The doll, whose apparently Ryhe, 'smiles'. "But don't let my cryptic words unsettle you, just a vampire habit. We're all really just here for free booze and the lovely company, am I right?"

Ilpholin would at least know that Ryhe is one of the two vampire lords controlling Malechenar. He is usually taller though, and if you can believe it, scarier.

[Malechenar Party - Dance Hall]

Ilpholin turns around to face the Lord and Lady of the party. At least if that's actually the Lord and not a mouthpiece fitting the decor and costumes. It can be tricky to tell with dolls, especially one as creepy as that one. "Ah, forgive any offense. I believe he was simply offering suggestions for a personal private party. Something I might take him up on later," Ilpholin says, shooting Adir a little smirk.

"But it would be rude to deprive you of the pleasure of our company so quickly. What with so much free booze out here after all." Ilpholin offers the vampires a thin smile of her own and an accompanying bow. "The pleasure is all mine. I am Ilpholin Xar'cha and this is my companion Adir Frescot." The mummy gestures to the vulture-like monster beside her.

"I must say I was flattered to receive your invitation." And surprised. More surprised than flattered really, considering her relation to Riverside, and her history with vampires in particular. The possibility of some overly elaborate and highly complex trap continues to plague the back of her mind with worry and doubt. Though if it were truly guiding her actions she wouldn't have attended at all. Adir's presence makes her more comfortable than she would be otherwise. "Flattered and not disappointed. Your costumes look quite good. May I ask who did your body paint?"

[Zefir]

[DMside]


"I mean some people have predictions about it. Some religions think it important to make it happen, or prevent it from happening." Alice picks her words carefully.
"Comforting that Deus Mechanicus prefers something like the status quo. But there are more important things than our lives, in theory."
"I was only curious."


[Malechenar Party - Streets]


Fire and water. How neat.

The General returns the greeting, gaze dancing over the fish suit.
"Hello Mia. Yours is pretty too." At the sound of the priestess's name, the flickering flames that dot Skye's costume brighten and flare up, torches instead of candles, casting light all around the street.
"Let's head up to the castle." She extends a hand to Mia; for once her skin is not icy cold to the touch.

[DMside]

"I have to admit, I never asked myself such a question." Mia says. Her mind slips over the books she read and the words she got from Deus Mechanicus.
"Our world was in a constant fight and none assumed this as an outcome. I will have to research this" she says.

"Is there anything else I could help you?"

[Malechenar Party - Streets]

And not on prupose, I saw her a while back in LoL and thought. Hmm that may work.

Hmm the lights rise at the mention of her name. Strange effekt. Mia nods and follows along. I don't think Mia ever knew if her skin is usually icy cold and on top her costume covers her full and also has some hightech in it like a small network over her skin able to protect her. safty first.^^

"May I ask how you came to the idea to ask me to accompany you?"

[Recaiden]

[DMside]

Alice shakes her head. "You've given me plenty to think about, and I've seen for myself that you won't go hungry. The other priests and people of your district were very helpful."
"I should probably be heading home before too long."

[Malechenar Party - Streets => Dance Hall]

"I asked myself two things: 'who deserves to be at the party?', and 'who do I want there with me?' You have changed the course of this city more than most. You were brave and strong, a leader of your temple and a shrewd negotiator. And, you were the only worthy opponent I had encountered in a very long time."

Skye heads up to the gargoyle, displays their invitation to the guards, and heads inside. She has to admit, this place is impressive.

"May I ask how you came to agree to attend?" she asks in turn, eyes sparkling.

[UncleWolf]

Eastside Streets => Hospital

Officer Joan will guide the pair to the closest infirmary, which is just a couple blocks away where nurses and doctors will go over them both magically and technologically to make sure the pair are at least somewhat healthy. They want to do an MRI on Zhareen though, which will require taking her inside where the hulking plant monster can't go. Officer Joan doesn't ask questions, at least not for now, but she's writing down everything she sees and hears as well as the condition of the two involved.

Eastside Streets

"If that is the case, then you two can follow me to the local station where I'll interview you two separately." Officer Jones states, gesturing with his empty hand towards the opposite direction from where the other Hunter lead the two suspects. "You can come with me entirely of your own free will. I'm not going to detain you as all I want are details as to what happened and why. Hunter Joan will get statements from the others in time and we'll decide on what to do from there. As for now, what are your names and do you have any forms of identification?" He asks

The Lotus Gardens - Sleepover

"Oh, Christine is watching though." Sergei points out before pointing right to corner of the yard. In the shadows, on a lawnchair under an umbrella, is a pale woman wearing a one-piece black bathing suit. She appears to be trying to catch a tan despite being in the dark shadows, but she leans up a bit when she hears her name and gives the kids a wave after looking at them from behind her sunglasses. Next to her is a holstered laspistol and a sheathed saber, but that's "just in case". She took her role as a guardian quite seriously. Even when catching a tan in an erroneous manner.

The slime vibrates as it purrs, more than happy to be petted, and after a bit tries to squirm up onto Cora's lap by stretching itself and then settling in. "Mom found her in a box on the side of the street a couple weeks ago." Ariel explains, reaching over to pet the cat-slime. "Someone wrote that it was free and I got her to let me have her. Her name is Cuddles!" She says with a grin.

When Cessie mentions what the argument was about, Jezebel visibly winces. "That...couldn't have gone well. Do you want to talk about it?" She asks, looking a little concerned before smiling a little. "I can always go rough him up a little if that'll cheer you up." She jokes before shaking her head. "But really, if you feel like you need to talk about it, I'm here. If not, well, the children are out back by now I think." She explains, gesturing in the direction of the small courtyard.

The Lotus Gardens - Dueling Grounds

Jezebel barely twists her head and shoulder out of the way of the initial strike, taken a little by surprise at Wenomir's agility, but when she realizes where he was going to land, she goes into action. She grunts as she rams her shoulder into the back of her weapon while she squeezes the grip with both hands to bring the blades to life. The blades help drag it out of the ground with a mechanical scream as she rises up and begins to swing it in a heavy overhand that leaves her right open for Wenomir's second blow.

The field on Jezebel turns bright scarlet where the blade runs across her chest, but the force isn't enough to slow the pummeling overhead strike that's going right for Wenomir's new position. Sometimes, no matter one's grace, swinging a weapon like a maul or axe might be one's best bet.

Northside Tour

"Officially? Eastside is doing well on it's own." Jezebel says after a few moments of quiet rumination. "Unofficially? Our Hunters need some training so perhaps we can organize something so our security forces can do some joint exercises or training." She says with a sigh. "Under the last administration they got a little too headstrong and power hungry in some ways and while I've been doing restructuring, it hasn't proven too effective except for getting some of the better officers in leadership position and some of the worse ones kicked to the curb. It certainly hasn't won me any favors though." She explains with a small shrug. "Too many individuals within it I think. Warrior mentality compared to a true force. It helps when they're alone on the streets, but as an organization they need to pull together more. What about Northside? Is there anything we can help you with in return?"

Malechenar Streets - Gate

"Of course I could, but where's the fun in that?" Jezebel asks with a cheeky grin as her body is washed over by magic flame. She gives off some warmth, but not as much as a real fire should. "After all, now I can say you light my fire." She whispers with a small snicker as she adjusts her clothing slightly. "Really though, thank you for the inspiration on the costume. If I hadn't seen those elementals of yours, I'd have never have thought of this." She says, holding up a hand to stare at the soft orange-red flames that curl between her fingers. "Ready to head on in?" She asks, pulling the invitations out of thin air.

[Morty]

[The Lotus Gardens - Dueling Grounds]

Wenomir's quick, but not quite quick enough. Not after performing an elaborate stunt like that. He barely has time to lean back when the chainsword descends, causing it to rake across his chest rather than fall on his shoulder. The duelling field absorbs the blow, but the impact still sends him back, sprawling.

"This looks like a draw," he remarks from the ground.

[Shadowcaller]

Malechenar Streets - Gate

"As if I were smart enough to plan that, we both know that you're the mastermind of this family." Irena claims as she gives Nadia's rear a quick squeeze. However, then her attention is briefly diverted to Jezebel as her costume ignites. Huh, those two seemed vaguely familiar for some reason...

Meanwhile, Cessie shakes her head at Jezebel's joke, she knew all too well that the former daemon couldn't resist a joke. "I don't think I can be thanked for that." She muses. "But yes, we should head inside. I'm afraid you're going to steal everyone's attention away from me though." Cessie smiles as they move past the guards.

Northside Tour

"I'm afraid we don't know enough about these hunters of yours besides their supernatural ability to counter supernatural threats. Therefore, while our force is a professional one, they lack supernatural abilities. Something which have rendered them increasingly toothless against the threats of the nexus. While they are loyal and well-equipped, they simply cannot handle these magical threats, not like your hunters can." Celestel admits. "So if anything, your hunters are more effective."

[Murkus]

[Malechenar Party - Dance Hall]

Adir is more than a little wigged out by the too-skinny woman and the talking voodoo doll. He doesn't quite understand when Ryhe - or Ryhe's simulacrum, rather - calls itself a vampire. Oh well. Nexus.

The stag in the vicious-monster costume decides he should probably bow as well, and does so right after Ilpholin's. He can't help from smirking at her flirting and the witty dialogue as he does. "This, uh, Knight of the Empress' court bids you hullo, Lord Ryhe." He lifts his head, then nods it again before he comes out of his bow. "Lady Celestel."

"That didn't seem too cryptic to me. Though I do already have some lovely company," he drops Ilpholin a wink. "And she's right. Your costumes are downright spooky. I wish I'd thought of yours, Lord Ryhe. Though it might look a little small on me..."


[Eastside Streets]

Oh, now, this is just getting silly. And Sticks is getting angry. "Are you... are you deaf? Are you well? Is my speech sufficiently clear? My accent too thick? If 'that is the case', you have much more pressing concerns than pulling me down to your post of pedants and asking me as many foolish questions as you can conjure up." He wipes his face with his hands, sagging in his saddle. "Were it only that you had even the faintest hope of detaining me. Or any of us, for that matter. If I hear word that Vax and her cohort have broken out of the hospital and escaped, or fled the city, I'll make sure they know who to blame, boy. Have a delightful night worrying about that."

"Come on, Bolts," he says to his bird. "There isn't anything else we can do from here." And with that, he'll take off into the night, having no care at all to direct the gust of wind from Bolts' wings away from the Hunter Jones.

He'll probably fly back to the Fourth Tower from here. Hopefully Ryhe has arrived, or he can be directed to the vampire lord.

[Gullara]

[Hospital]

Vax is relieved when they're separated from their pursuers. Now they just have to deal with these Hunters... As much as she'd prefer to leave them right now, it'd be best not to burn any bridges she doesn't need to.

"...Very well." She says, agreeing to be separated from Zhareen. "Do not leave me waiting long." She looks at Zhareen, ensuring that her wife is fine with this. "Nazaan will accompany her."

[The Lotus Gardens - Sleepover]

"Oh, okay." That relieves Bastion's worries. He guides Jillian by the hand to the shallowest part of the pool and gets her to sit at the side. "Okay, slide in careful, Jillian." He'll help her slip into the water.

"Come in too, Bastin!" Jillian giggles and splashes her big brother. She kicks her feet, bobbing up and down with her floaties.

Bastion does so, carefully slipping in himself and holding onto the edge. He suddenly splashes Jillian back, and she squeals gleefully.


Cora startles a little when the animal hops onto her. "What is she?" Cora pets the slime and scrunches up her nose. "She feels weeeird."

[Malechenar Streets - Gate]

Nadia jumps just a little. "Hey, control yourself." Nadia admonishes, though not too seriously. She's distracted for a moment by the sudden flare of light as well. "Well, someone's flashy, huh? Think it's real fire?"

[Halae]

[The Lotus Gardens - Duelling Ground]

"Hell of a lot faster than our last spar, Wenomir." Harnetta took up a seat near the edge of the arena where she could sit and watch, "Nice moves, both of you."

[Deathkeeper]

[Southside- Dragon Research]

"Gold. Steel. Some other things. It's not really visible. It's a lot more smells, tastes, and feelings. Usually good, but some a little painful, I think?" Bram is clearly trying his best, but dreams aren't exactly known for being easily understood.

[MERC Office]

Koshal sighs, picks up the saliva-covered phone (or rather, half of it) and waves it in front of him.
"She can make whatever excuses she wants. She can say she bit Faye in self-defense, or accidentally came in here. But no one forced her to sneak around the place instead of leaving, steal from us, and eat my phone. She's a thief. You don't throw kids in prison, but you can't trust someone who stole your stuff five minutes ago."
the squire insists. He thinks Eliseo might be projecting a little bit, though he doesn't actually know that expression.

[Shadowcaller]

Spoiler: Quotes

Show

Eastside Streets => Hospital

Officer Joan will guide the pair to the closest infirmary, which is just a couple blocks away where nurses and doctors will go over them both magically and technologically to make sure the pair are at least somewhat healthy. They want to do an MRI on Zhareen though, which will require taking her inside where the hulking plant monster can't go. Officer Joan doesn't ask questions, at least not for now, but she's writing down everything she sees and hears as well as the condition of the two involved.

Eastside Streets

"If that is the case, then you two can follow me to the local station where I'll interview you two separately." Officer Jones states, gesturing with his empty hand towards the opposite direction from where the other Hunter lead the two suspects. "You can come with me entirely of your own free will. I'm not going to detain you as all I want are details as to what happened and why. Hunter Joan will get statements from the others in time and we'll decide on what to do from there. As for now, what are your names and do you have any forms of identification?" He asks

The Lotus Gardens - Sleepover

"Oh, Christine is watching though." Sergei points out before pointing right to corner of the yard. In the shadows, on a lawnchair under an umbrella, is a pale woman wearing a one-piece black bathing suit. She appears to be trying to catch a tan despite being in the dark shadows, but she leans up a bit when she hears her name and gives the kids a wave after looking at them from behind her sunglasses. Next to her is a holstered laspistol and a sheathed saber, but that's "just in case". She took her role as a guardian quite seriously. Even when catching a tan in an erroneous manner.

The slime vibrates as it purrs, more than happy to be petted, and after a bit tries to squirm up onto Cora's lap by stretching itself and then settling in. "Mom found her in a box on the side of the street a couple weeks ago." Ariel explains, reaching over to pet the cat-slime. "Someone wrote that it was free and I got her to let me have her. Her name is Cuddles!" She says with a grin.

When Cessie mentions what the argument was about, Jezebel visibly winces. "That...couldn't have gone well. Do you want to talk about it?" She asks, looking a little concerned before smiling a little. "I can always go rough him up a little if that'll cheer you up." She jokes before shaking her head. "But really, if you feel like you need to talk about it, I'm here. If not, well, the children are out back by now I think." She explains, gesturing in the direction of the small courtyard.

[Malechenar Party - Dance Hall]

Ilpholin turns around to face the Lord and Lady of the party. At least if that's actually the Lord and not a mouthpiece fitting the decor and costumes. It can be tricky to tell with dolls, especially one as creepy as that one. "Ah, forgive any offense. I believe he was simply offering suggestions for a personal private party. Something I might take him up on later," Ilpholin says, shooting Adir a little smirk.

"But it would be rude to deprive you of the pleasure of our company so quickly. What with so much free booze out here after all." Ilpholin offers the vampires a thin smile of her own and an accompanying bow. "The pleasure is all mine. I am Ilpholin Xar'cha and this is my companion Adir Frescot." The mummy gestures to the vulture-like monster beside her.

"I must say I was flattered to receive your invitation." And surprised. More surprised than flattered really, considering her relation to Riverside, and her history with vampires in particular. The possibility of some overly elaborate and highly complex trap continues to plague the back of her mind with worry and doubt. Though if it were truly guiding her actions she wouldn't have attended at all. Adir's presence makes her more comfortable than she would be otherwise. "Flattered and not disappointed. Your costumes look quite good. May I ask who did your body paint?"

[Malechenar Party - Dance Hall]

Adir is more than a little wigged out by the too-skinny woman and the talking voodoo doll. He doesn't quite understand when Ryhe - or Ryhe's simulacrum, rather - calls itself a vampire. Oh well. Nexus.

The stag in the vicious-monster costume decides he should probably bow as well, and does so right after Ilpholin's. He can't help from smirking at her flirting and the witty dialogue as he does. "This, uh, Knight of the Empress' court bids you hullo, Lord Ryhe." He lifts his head, then nods it again before he comes out of his bow. "Lady Celestel."

"That didn't seem too cryptic to me. Though I do already have some lovely company," he drops Ilpholin a wink. "And she's right. Your costumes are downright spooky. I wish I'd thought of yours, Lord Ryhe. Though it might look a little small on me..."


[Eastside Streets]

Oh, now, this is just getting silly. And Sticks is getting angry. "Are you... are you deaf? Are you well? Is my speech sufficiently clear? My accent too thick? If 'that is the case', you have much more pressing concerns than pulling me down to your post of pedants and asking me as many foolish questions as you can conjure up." He wipes his face with his hands, sagging in his saddle. "Were it only that you had even the faintest hope of detaining me. Or any of us, for that matter. If I hear word that Vax and her cohort have broken out of the hospital and escaped, or fled the city, I'll make sure they know who to blame, boy. Have a delightful night worrying about that."

"Come on, Bolts," he says to his bird. "There isn't anything else we can do from here." And with that, he'll take off into the night, having no care at all to direct the gust of wind from Bolts' wings away from the Hunter Jones.

He'll probably fly back to the Fourth Tower from here. Hopefully Ryhe has arrived, or he can be directed to the vampire lord.

[Hospital]

Vax is relieved when they're separated from their pursuers. Now they just have to deal with these Hunters... As much as she'd prefer to leave them right now, it'd be best not to burn any bridges she doesn't need to.

"...Very well." She says, agreeing to be separated from Zhareen. "Do not leave me waiting long." She looks at Zhareen, ensuring that her wife is fine with this. "Nazaan will accompany her."

[The Lotus Gardens - Sleepover]

"Oh, okay." That relieves Bastion's worries. He guides Jillian by the hand to the shallowest part of the pool and gets her to sit at the side. "Okay, slide in careful, Jillian." He'll help her slip into the water.

"Come in too, Bastin!" Jillian giggles and splashes her big brother. She kicks her feet, bobbing up and down with her floaties.

Bastion does so, carefully slipping in himself and holding onto the edge. He suddenly splashes Jillian back, and she squeals gleefully.


Cora startles a little when the animal hops onto her. "What is she?" Cora pets the slime and scrunches up her nose. "She feels weeeird."

[Malechenar Streets - Gate]

Nadia jumps just a little. "Hey, control yourself." Nadia admonishes, though not too seriously. She's distracted for a moment by the sudden flare of light as well. "Well, someone's flashy, huh? Think it's real fire?"

Eastside Streets => Hospital

Nazaan doesn't say another word, just glad to be out of the sight of that gorgon. The less attention he drew to himself now, the better.
Zhareen nods. "It's okay, Vax. I'm gonna be fine." She declares. She doesn't have any internal injuries, just head trauma which probably should be looked at as fast as possible. This is probably for the best as even if the hospital happened to be in the nexus, they probably wouldn't have been able to treat her merfolk parts as her kind rarely visited Riverside. Magic is always an option though, even if it is cheating.

[Malechenar Streets - Gate]

"I am controlling myself." Irena says with a smirk. "And there is no way. That'll cause incidents. It must be magic fire or something." She winks. "Pretty sexy outfit she's wearing though, right?"

[The Lotus Gardens - Sleepover]

Cessie seems to hesitate. "I'm not sure it is wise to discuss that now, since if I start, I'm not sure I'll be able to stop myself. Trust me, I have quite a few things to say about Mister Frescot, and none of them are polite." She frowns, sometimes just the mere thought of him and what he had said put her in a bad mood.

[Eastside Streets]

The gorgon looks at the hunters in disbelief as well. Couldn't she just kill them all and be over with it? Being force to obey the rules of civilization was exceedingly difficult. All these people with their rules and restrictions was giving her a headache.
She waits until Sticks is finished, only to see him leave. This was just getting better and better, wasn't it? "What foolisssness is thiss? There are going to be police here ssoon, they can explain what I ssaw, how they forced their way through our toll ssstation."

[MERC Office]

Hekta frowns. "What you think will happen when they get me, huh?" She asks. "They'll let those vampire people take me! Those in the big castle! Then they'll make me their slave or experiment on me! Is that what you want, huh?"

[Malechenar Party - Dance Hall]

Celestel's figure isn't skeleton-like! She is just body-painted as a skeleton.
She smiles as she runs her hand across her chest and stomach, nodding at Ilpholin. "Thank you, Lakobi worked quite hard on this. He's one of my servants, but I'd gladly lend him to you, or your invitee." She nods to Adir in turn. "And a compliment to whoever have made your costumes as well. Very well done."

The Ryhe-doll smiles. "Indeed, mummies and Peryton's are majestic beings, though I'm afraid they can't quite match your appearance. Indeed, last year there were two guests, who you remind me of, that came as me, and true to form, they outmatched the old monster himself." He gestures at himself. "I would never be able to get into one of those slinky dresses, quite a feat I must say." He pauses, looking between them. "But Xar'cha and Frescot, never thought I'd see those two families being on such familiar terms, and in the same introduction as the empress as well. I always enjoy seeing so many noteworthy people coming together. You've must have met through VIGIL I'm guessing?"

[Southside- Dragon Research]

"Do you know if others like you have similar dreams, or feel similar things as you do? Or anything else noteworthy about your friends?" Ambrosia asks, deciding that she would likely have to ask similar questions to others like Bram.

[Fourth Tower Compound]

Sticks will notice that Ryhe isn't there, but if he does request seeing him, one of the lieutenants will show him a small device that apparently lets him contact the vampire lord. Soon enough, a tiny illusion of Ryhe appears from the lighter-like device. Most of the tall vampire is as always hidden behind a metal mask. "Mister Sticks. I heard about the disaster, I hope you haven't sustained any injuries?"

[Slii Arhem]

[Wildside]

Sticks arrives here! And looking more alive than he has in some time. His eyes are twinkling faerie lights. His metal limbs and the replicated portions of his face are startling polished gold instead of worn iron. His previously pneumonia-blue skin is pale now, supple-seeming, almost alive again. He relishes looking like a proper elf after centuries as something else, even if there's still so much metal.

Sticks is carrying his new staff, and wearing his wizard's vestments. His scarlet hair is combed and neat. His deliberately shabby patchwork cloak hangs from his shoulders to his bare feet. He figures if he goes in a little ways, Lenai will find him rather than the other way around.

Wildside

Indeed, not even a step into the forest and already he can feel Lenai's presence. The wilds have grown thicker in the time leading up to the planned move, as Lenai grows trees in preparation for the much thinner woods they will become once the ring encircling Riverside moves another kilometer out.

It makes them look even more foreboding, despite the many paths into and out of the city remaining clear and free to travel.

Despite Lenai's presence being around, he doesn't get the usual intruder's welcome of a personal visit from the nymph. Instead he feels her hand invisibly brush against his shoulder, no more than a stirring of air and a rustling of leaves around him. He gets the sense that she's as present as she's going to get, and can hear him, but her attention is elsewhere.

[TheRedFox201]

[DMside - NEW lady]

"As far as I know, they have abonded the area. There has been some change in leadership, but I'm not sure what their current status is." the man says. "A woman has taken the place over as far as we could see."

"Well that is beneficial, but there is still a new governing force that seems to have decided it likes being here?" The woman shifts her legs a bit,
noticeably uncomfortable.

[Reinholdt]

[Malechenar Party - Dance Hall]

"I might take you up on that offer. Thanksmas is coming after all." And Ilpholin's outfits tend to get skimpier each year. Body paint is the logical next step. "Mister Squiggles put in most of the work on mine. He has a love for the crafts."

Ilpholin grins at Lord Rhye. "You may think you're not able to fit into a slinky dress, but I'm sure Lady Celestel would be delighted to watch you try." A suggestion worth investigating. She then nods. "That's correct. I've known Adir for... Hmm, I want to say seven years at least?" She looks to Adir for some guess or confirmation. It's been quite a long time. "I met both the Frescots before they were married back when Vigil was Watch."

[Zefir]

[DMside]

Alice shakes her head. "You've given me plenty to think about, and I've seen for myself that you won't go hungry. The other priests and people of your district were very helpful."
"I should probably be heading home before too long."

[Malechenar Party - Streets => Dance Hall]

"I asked myself two things: 'who deserves to be at the party?', and 'who do I want there with me?' You have changed the course of this city more than most. You were brave and strong, a leader of your temple and a shrewd negotiator. And, you were the only worthy opponent I had encountered in a very long time."

Skye heads up to the gargoyle, displays their invitation to the guards, and heads inside. She has to admit, this place is impressive.

"May I ask how you came to agree to attend?" she asks in turn, eyes sparkling.

[DMside]

Mia nods.
"If you want I can give you a ride." she says. "Do you stay on the island or do you have a home somewhere else?"

[Malechenar Party - Streets => Dance Hall]

"Hmm." Mia repleis. "That raise another question. Why didn't I got invited by them."
Maybe Skye just wants to schmooze her?

"I was just curious of your reasons. And a bit of Malchanar. It's a first time for me here."

Mia follows along to the dancing hall.

"Well that is beneficial, but there is still a new governing force that seems to have decided it likes being here?" The woman shifts her legs a bit,
noticeably uncomfortable.

"Yes," the man nods. "We have DMside, where we currently are. It's small but mostly independent. The other area is taken by the empire. They forced the other fractions away in order to get the are under their controll. I would assume they could even be on par with AMEn if they didn't left."