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  1. - Top - End - #1
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Gullara's Avatar

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    Default Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster


    Riverside, a smaller, modern city, some ways away from the sprawl of Inside. The city has always been in a state of flux since it came to be a part of the Nexus. Powers have risen and fallen, disasters have struck, and the climate has always been unstable. Because of all this, the people of Riverside are a hardy lot. They know what it takes to survive, and it's not always pleasant. 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. A city like this is not a safe and stable place, but for many it's home and for some it's even opportunity.

    Welcome to Riverside.

    Current Events
    • There's currently a rat infestation in all parts of the city. A number of groups and individuals are trying to control the problem.
    • Once again, Riverside has weathered another disaster. The invasion has been stopped, if not sounded defeated, and one more time life has to return to normal. Eastside was hit with the brunt of the attack, while South and North side were not spared either. Only Westside is mostly unscathed. The leadership structures in the city remain intact, if thoroughly battered. The city itself has a long process of rebuilding before it will be its old self again.

    The Districts
    Spoiler
    Show
    Northside
    Northside is the most prosperous part of the city. Many of the city's wealthiest live there, especially toward the center of the district. There a castle floats in the sky, housing the government of most of the entire city, Malechenar. Northside benefits from the careful eye of its rulers. There have been great strides taken toward making it the safest and most attractive part of the city.

    Eastside
    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. It has been a poorer area for most of its existence, but fairly recently they have rallied under a democratic government and, as a result, their lot has improved.

    Southside
    Southside has fallen far behind the development of the rest of the city. First it was emptied by it's queen's parting, and then claimed by villains. Now, however, the remaining major powers of the city have begun to lay their claim to the once empty territory. New construction has sprung up and people are gradually moving back in. It isn't free from turmoil, but progress is being made.

    Westside
    Westside is unique compared to the rest of the districts because it is covered by a cloak of darkness. During the day the Light of Evolution, an artificial sun suspended in the sky, provides light. However, it is still home to a higher density of people that are adverse to the light for a number of reasons.

    The district has fallen on hard times since its government was absorbed into Malechenar. While the peace is being maintained, to an extent, it isn't given the same level of attention that Northside is despite security being hired out to MERC. As a result, it can be quite unstable there at times.

    Wildside
    Though not a district in the traditional sense, Wildside is a distinct and relevant part of the city. Along the city's border, the cityscape gives way to forest. Sometimes it's a gradual blending, in other places it's a sharp cut separated by fences and small walls. Though roads and trails do cut through it, it's not recommended to travel through the trees at risk of provoking Wildside's guardian.

    Previously there have been failed attempts to break through Wildside to allow the city proper to expand. They were largely unsuccessful. As a result, the city has been trending toward growing upward, rather than outward.



    Places Within
    Riverside is a very modern city, and thus a person can find most of the expected amenities. All manner of stores, a hospital, parks and playgrounds, churches, you name it. Most of these places are run and attended to by the residents of the city, regular people without players to guide them most of the time. Players are free to invent and discard these places and the people in them as suits the needs of their roleplaying. Some have been named already, Moth Park, the Golden Flagon Tavern, Sawyer's Inn, but many more are out there.

    There are a number of places that have been defined by players, and can be observed and interacted with. Some of these have been listed below for reference.
    Spoiler: Location List
    Show
    Northside
    • Eventide Manor Shadowcaller
      Spoiler
      Show
      After the departure of Malechenar castle, the remaining leadership in Northside needed a new base of operations. An old noble mansion has been retrofitted for the task. It's an old and suitably grand structure, adorned with gargoyles very similar to their past home.
    • Third Circle LordDeathkeeper
      Spoiler
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      The Third Circle is a small, unassuming building, its sign over the door in bold red paint and its front window mostly kept clear to prevent the sunlight from fading any colors. It advertises all written words at affordable prices, and for adventurers to inquire within about jobs.

      The interior is a soft wooden-brown with reds, and smells like a library full of old books. Most of the furniture is as you'd expect, save for the counter, which is normal height but has only minimal space behind it, likely due to the fact that the clerk is a two-foot-tall imp. Next to the counter is a large bulletin board covered in paper slips.


    Eastside
    • New Hope Hospital Shadowcaller
      Spoiler
      Show
      The once abandoned hospital in Eastside is in the process of being refurbished. It's been recently acquired after the invasion, and it's been restored along with the rebuilding in the city. It's not ready to take patients yet, but it's only a matter of time.
    • Cosiellio's Temple Halae
      Spoiler
      Show
      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.

      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.
    • Light's Heart Shadowcaller
      Spoiler
      Show
      The site that was once Light's Heart has been reduced to little more than a crater after the invasion.
    • Lotus Gardens UncleWolf
      Spoiler
      Show
      The Lotus Gardens are a veritable Eden, a paradise in the middle of an otherwise fairly "normal" city. The entire section appears carved of white marble and smells of sweets, a hint of sweat, and exotic flowers, inviting all to come and stay in the Lotus Garden's Embrace.

      Home to the Slaanesh Cult "The Masks", the population is full of exotic and beautiful appearing people who are always welcoming. Though many just live around the area, actual cultists seem few and far between, wearing their Masks as they patrol the streets as guards.

      In the very center is the Mask Temple, a cathedral of white marble and stained glass windows, surrounded by paired statues of lovers locked in eternal embrace.
    • Parliament Buildings UncleWolf
      Spoiler
      Show
      Converted from several buildings in the middle of the district, it serves as the seat of the administration. The Mayor resides there.

      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.

      The Hunter's hall once stood here, but it was destroyed in the invasion.


    Southside
    • DMside Zefir
      Spoiler
      Show
      DMside is a small district located in the east of Southside, close to the city's edge. It's main building is an iron cathedral of Deus Mechanicus. Around the cathedral are a number of factories, labs, and shops that work on robotics. A shield generator in front of the cathedral serves as its main defense against attacks.
    • Xar'cha Residence Reinholdt
      Spoiler
      Show
      Home to the demon hunter Ilpholin Xar'cha, this large building appears more like a fortress than a residence. The entire thing being shaped like a spider where it expects you to enter through its mouth may be off-putting, but if one makes it up to the front door they will be warmly greeted by the local AI.

      The immediate inside is much more welcoming with carefully arranged furniture designed around receiving guests. The majority of the rooms past this point serve a variety of purposes as they stretch deeper and deeper underground.


    Westside
    • Cathedral of the Sacred Order of Cunningham happyturtle
      Spoiler
      Show
      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.
      Spoiler
      Show
      [IMG][/IMG]
    • Club Pulse Shadowcaller
      Spoiler
      Show
      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.
    • Evolution Industries Darkcomet
      Spoiler
      Show
      Three main buildings make up Evolution Industries' holdings in Riverside. The first is the main administrative building. A nondescript office building bearing the EI logo.

      Next there is the Evolution Industries power plant. It is a heavily reinforced building that houses a Class 3 MACE unit. It is an incredibly potent power source that provides power to most of Riverside.

      Lastly there is the Light of Evolution's control center. The artificial sun that lights up Westside's days is maintained by EI and powered by it's power plant. A bright blue beam of energy links the structure and the sun above.

      Posts for EI's property should occur in this thread.
    • MagMart Lord Magtok
      Spoiler
      Show
      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.
    • Toy Tinker Murkus
      Spoiler
      Show
      Here stands the Toy Tinker, a rich, ancient wooden building styled after the sort of boardwalk shop you might've found on Earth in the early American twentieth century. It's a crude blocky affair dominated by sweeping, simple architecture, built in two stories with a basement beneath. The front of the shop is covered by two long, shiny windows, behind which waits a plethora of playthings. Mostly metal work, plus some plastic or wood worked in. The various creatures move about with a life of their own, eyes aglow by some strange inner light. Dragons with clockwork guts waddle alongside tin soldiers run on batteries and copper wire. You can find just about any sort of toy here.

      The Tinker supplies the most lifelike toys anywhere, guaranteed. Just don't ask how the proprietor makes them - unless you're looking for business of a different sort.


    Wildside
    • Underground Hive Slii Arhem
      Spoiler
      Show
      Beneath the massive network of roots that bind the trees together are deep, winding tunnels that serve as a home to the bee colonies being kept by the orchard's guardian. These megalithic hives have even extended slightly under the city limits, and complaints about deep, sonorous buzzing in those sections of the city have increased substantially.
    • Riftline Station
      Spoiler
      Show
      Not in Wildside proper, but on the fringes of the city is the bustling Riftline station. This huge station facilitates a lot of transportation in and out of the city, making commutes to Inside and other locations very quick.


    Archive

    This thread is managed by Gulaghar. He will create the new thread when this one reached 50 pages. Please contact him for updates to the OP.
    Last edited by Gullara; 2020-08-30 at 12:04 PM.

  2. - Top - End - #2
    Titan in the Playground
     
    Morty's Avatar

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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Lotus Gardens]

    "We do need to interrogate her," Wenomir says. "So we'll take whatever way of holding her you have."
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Terrific Elf Relief Shelter]

    Stabby Plot of Stabbing

    Sure enough, the tree hut is presently unoccupied.

    But not anymore, now there's an elf and an elve in there. Probably up to perverse elfy things. Like showing off her gross black bones.

    The elf immediately recoils from the sight, taking a few steps back as disgust plays across her features. That probably wasn't quiet the reaction the resident knife-murderer was hoping for. "Your limb stinks with the rot of abominations," the elf hisses. "You would do well to have it amputated before the decay spreads further and begins festering your soul."

    Eew.

    Soul rot sounds pretty gross.

    Probably don't want to catch that.

    "I will not touch such defiled flesh. No elf here would," they insist. They're keeping some distance, as if worried that they might get tainted from mere proximity.

    That probably had the opposite effect our stabby antagonist was hoping for.

    [Diesel Punk]

    The shower stall door is thrown back and-!

    ...

    It's a shower stall.

    There's a shower head that looks like it's made of wood. Wood walls. Wood slats on the floor. There's even a large wooden box full of rocks over there with a dipping pan to pour water on them. The rocks are VERY hot.

    Nothing nefarious appears to be lurking in here.
    Warning! Random Encounter™ detected!
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    Bugbear in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Lotus Gardens]

    The bear growls in agreement. Holding cells were great!

    Or alternatively, the bear growls in disagreement. Holding cells were bad!

    There was no easy way to tell but in most situations with a bear you would dearly hoped you guessed right. Thankfully, this wasn't one of those situations.
    Last edited by Shadowcaller; 2018-12-09 at 07:34 PM.

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    Troll in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    Terrific elf relief shelter - Diesel punk

    Not finding anything amiss, the woman steps into the stall, closes the door, and steps so that she's out of the line of fire of the faucet. She pulls a small device, it looks like a light bulb attached to a test tube with pipes connected inside it, and turns the handle, reaching out to collect some of the resulting water in the device.

    the circumstance the device is built to detect is almost entirely impossible, unless the elves are collecting mysterious meteorites, extracting alien fluids from within, and spiking their water supply with them. Don't feel the need to write a response for it.
    Last edited by bc56; 2018-12-09 at 09:42 PM.
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    Quote Originally Posted by UncleWolf View Post
    Lotus Gardens

    The Receptionist looks around, making sure she was the one being spoken to, but she frowns at the implication that she was part of the Eastside government. "I wouldn't really say I'm part of the government, and with the Lady having removed herself from office I doubt I have any link to it at all now. But I don't think Eastside has much of a jail left for prisoners regardless with the Hunter's Hall being crushed and all." She points out before peering down at the pixie. "...but we have something that can hold her here for questioning. Or are you looking for judgement rather than interrogation?"
    Quote Originally Posted by Morty View Post
    [Lotus Gardens]

    "We do need to interrogate her," Wenomir says. "So we'll take whatever way of holding her you have."
    Quote Originally Posted by Shadowcaller View Post
    [Lotus Gardens]

    The bear growls in agreement. Holding cells were great!

    Or alternatively, the bear growls in disagreement. Holding cells were bad!

    There was no easy way to tell but in most situations with a bear you would dearly hoped you guessed right. Thankfully, this wasn't one of those situations.
    [Lotus Gardens]

    Archera looks between the receptionist and Wenomir. "All I want to do is drop her off with the authorities so she can be punished for her crimes. I brought her here because I knew Jezebel was here, but if she's not running things in Eastside anymore, then I maybe this isn't the place I should be."

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    Ogre in the Playground
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Northside Hospital - Pre-Invasion]

    Victoria frowns when Nigel starts coughing up smoke. "Oh dear, are you going to be alright? What happened?"
    ~Amor Vincit Omnia~
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [DMside]
    Quote Originally Posted by Zefir View Post
    Mia will shake the hand, but more like a lady.

    "Any resources for rebuilding would be preferable." she says. "We can provide more workers if we got the materials to build them and if we got the materials for the rebuilding. As you can guess our own resources are limited due to our size."
    Mia seems to have more to say, but the just shakes it away. Nothing that can't wait.
    Are you calling the Commandant unladylike?!?
    ...
    That's fair. Ruby is a soldier first, a failed genetic experiment second, 'lady' is pretty far down the list. Firm handshakes with tough scaly hands, that's the way of it.

    "Materials we have and will provide - the opening up of Wildside has really helped with that."
    The precise arrangement of which building materials and where to deliver them can probably happen offscreen.
    "Was there something else?"

    [Southside]
    Quote Originally Posted by Morty View Post
    "I have come to fulfil my part of the pledge," the King in Rags says, getting straight to the point. "For the gift of fire, a monster. Tell me what you need, and I will make it so."
    "You have interesting timing." The King is welcomed with a wry smile.
    "How closely did you follow the demons' raid the night after we struck our deal?"
    How much context do they share, or lack?
    The Commandant is nervous. Hard to help, in the presence of the King in Rags. He's just...creepy.
    ~Inner Circle~
    Quote Originally Posted by Raz_Fox View Post
    He takes normality and reason and turns them UP TO 11!
    Quote Originally Posted by Anarion View Post
    Recaiden, stop using your mastery of the English language to confuse the issue.
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Southside]

    "This conflict interested me little and I saw no reason to engage in it," the King says. What he won't say is that he knew he's still too weak to influence it or even survive if the demons turn their attention towards him. "But the fear, despair and anguish were delectable and will let me make your monster all the more impressive."
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    Default [Southside]

    That gets a raised eyebrow and a twitch of the false-wings. ... Whatever.
    "The demonic golems could smash through our shields, ignore conventional weaponry, and throw people around like dolls. But for all that, they were defeated by being hit very hard. I won't ask you to make something to match them. That would be fighting the last battle over, to no gain."

    "Have you recovered enough power from the turmoil to make a dragon?" the nephil asks.
    ~Inner Circle~
    Quote Originally Posted by Raz_Fox View Post
    He takes normality and reason and turns them UP TO 11!
    Quote Originally Posted by Anarion View Post
    Recaiden, stop using your mastery of the English language to confuse the issue.
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Southside]

    "A true dragon? No... not yet," the King in Rags admits. "But something like a dragon is within my reach. A flying, ferocious and quick beast, if that is what you wish."
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    Quote Originally Posted by billtodamax View Post
    Eastside - A Quiet Little Park

    That's friggin' right. Violet says, backing down a little herself. She looks around for a bit to make sure she's still exuding her aura of menace (check!) before turning back to the girl. So what, you like... busk for a living or somethin' She spits on the ground next to her in an automatic motion. Not like she's deriding busking, more like she had spit in her mouth and wanted it out.
    The girl looks a little confused for a second - as that's how long it takes for her to recall the meaning of the term - before shaking her head. "n-no, I... I-Ive been really rattled lately... playing j - just helps... helps me relax...." She attempts to explain. The tension in her petite form eases somewhat, but she's far from calm, still guarding her instrument with a close hold.
    "Are we living a life that is safe from harm? Of course not, we never are. But that's not the right question. The question is: are we living a life that is worth the harm?"
    ~Welcome to Night Vale

    Spoiler: Quotes from Friends <3
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    Quote Originally Posted by SliiArhem
    Arkh I may be slightly delirious but I don't think that would make sense even if I was coherent.

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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    Terrific Elf Relief Shelter- Stabby Plot of Stabbing

    Elimnae moves so she's between the elf and the door, drawing the athame and moving her arm up and grinning evilly as the burnt and blackened fingers twitch and move, "Oh, it's too late for my soul. I'd be more worried about yours." She motions with the dagger, her own life-magic gathering and collecting as she attempts to bind the elf with vines and plants she's growing from the living wood of the tree-hut, including a gag in the bindings.

    If that works, she's going to stab the elf in the belly, angling the blade up, aiming to pierce the heart from beneath the ribs.
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Northside Hospital - Pre-Invasion]

    "The conjuring can have some side effects, though nothing lasting I assure you." Vax explains simply. The average head isn't used to having two residents after all. Of course she keeps that part to herself.

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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Northside Hospital - Pre-Invasion]

    "I pray not. Good work. The administrator nods at Vax before she turns to Nigel. "I again apologizing for having you going through this, I also applaud you for you. I don't usually hire someone on the spot but you've definitely earned it, and more." Nike says, yet let's him rest a moment before she offers her hand to shake. "When can you start?"

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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    Faction HQ - Ithuriel

    Spoiler
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gnrlshrimp View Post
    [Faction HQ]

    "Serious business, huh?" There's definitely some doubt in Ithuriel's voice. Can you really blame her after Magtok's little outburst in Trog's? Not outright disbelief though, so that's something. Probably because of all that whining about Libby. That sounds very Magtok-esque too, to get all wound up about some girl like that. Wait, would Wings get like this if something happened to her? Ambriel coming in to save the day, tears streaming down his face as he cries for his beloved Ithuriel - that's an amusing image.

    ...

    Wait, did she just imagine herself as a damsel in distress? A hint of red comes to Ithuriel's cheeks at that realisation. Hopefully no one picks up on it.

    "O-oh, yeah, storage room c. Very important. If you can get him in and out of there safely" She leans in close to fix Magtok with a withering stare to make sure it's clear exactly what would happen to him if Ambriel isn't kept safe, "I'm sure that'd go a long way towards earning Ambriel's support at least. And if y'got Wings backing you, then you get me too."


    Ithuriel gets an exceptionally tired look from Magtok. He knew negotiations were going to be difficult, but dear lord, these people are the worst. What's he got in Storage Room C that's so important to these two, anyway? Ambriel's baby pictures? Some souvenir from the Halloween party where they met? A big stupid Thanksmas present he's been waiting half a decade to give to her? I'll bet it's something stupid like that. They know he's talking about the fate of the world, right? This is bigger than whatever ridiculous promise ring or friendship bracelet they're trying to bully out of him.

    "Fine, sure, whatever. Storage Room C, deal. You can have whatever dumb trinket you want out of there no problem. In fact, you can have the entire storage room and everything in it if that's what it takes, because what I want-" Magtok pauses dramatically here, opening his can of soda and taking a quick swig.

    "I want the Mystery Meat team back," he announces, in a calculated display that seems to backfire as the color drains right out of the room. Even the clones who weren't following along with the conversation suddenly drop whatever distractions were occupying their attention and glare icy daggers at the intruder.

    "**** off," Haz practically growls, only keeping himself from hitting Magtok again because Flyboy's new waifu isn't a big fan of his interrogation philosophy. Mystery Meat, really? He's seriously going to mention the slave labor special ops team that cleaned up all his horrible lab accidents and haywire scientific abominations like it's totally okay? He's going to propose bringing it back like Haz doesn't wake up in cold sweats in the middle of the night, clutching his throat for fear that flesh-eating deer are going to come back and try to tear it out?

    "No no, it's true! The lower levels of the MagCave are a mess," Mag insists, nominating himself for the 2019 Understatement of the Year Award. "There's like six floors of hell-monsters and haywire murder machines between me and the cloning labs and all the other really cool apocalypse-fighting toys. The Faction is the only mercenary company in the world that can be trusted with fighting through all those monsters, because you all grew up with them. Listen, I can pay. I'll pay whatever it takes. MERC's paying me a decent amount for this anti-slavery op they're running, and if that's not enough, I already gave you a freebie. You've got all sorts of potential connections with Riverside now, thanks to me pointing Harley your way."

    "We've got plenty of money stashed away. What's to stop us from just killing you here, strolling on home to the MagCave, cleaning house, and saving the world ourselves?" Haz mimes shooting Magtok with his hand. The flesh-and-bone hand, since the other could actually shoot and kill someone, and he doesn't want anyone to think he's reaching for a weapon yet.

    "Common decency, Haz. We're better than the Magtoks, remember?" Maybe, maybe not, but it's a core part of The Faction's overarching philosophy, and one that Ambriel believes wholeheartedly, even if the group's had to make a few morally questionable choices here and there. "He's right though, we've got plenty of money." Could've fooled me. Ithuriel certainly doesn't seem to believe it either.

    "What we could use, though, is official, public recognition of our sovereignty. Can you do that? A guarantee that when MagCorp is up and running again, you guys don't come gunning for us to tie up some loose ends?" Wings asks, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. Crap. Should've known one of them would ask something like that. Magtok's expression sours, and he pauses to sip his drink again as he tries to figure out some clever lie that will get him out of this situation. He's only one little scout; he can't make that kind of a decision on behalf of the MagCollective. Hell, he'll be in enough hot water as it is for focusing on this Libitina situation and asking Faction for help with cleaning out the MagCave. The Admiral explicitly forbade him from chasing the former, and the latter is all kinds of verboten. There was a war and everything; these guys are outlaws.

    "Well I can talk to the MagCollective, put in a good wor-" Magtok doesn't even get to finish his nonsense; an entire chorus of groans, declarations of bull feces, and heads shaking in disgust cut him off before he can go any further. They've lived with Magtoks their whole lives; they know this game, they know how this works. You're going to have to try a little harder than that to fool any of these guys.
    Last edited by Lord Magtok; 2018-12-11 at 02:05 AM.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Morty View Post
    "A true dragon? No... not yet," the King in Rags admits. "But something like a dragon is within my reach. A flying, ferocious and quick beast, if that is what you wish."
    "Fast and flying? That will do." The Commandant nods to the King. "Make that happen."
    ~Inner Circle~
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    He takes normality and reason and turns them UP TO 11!
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Terrific Elf Relief Shelter]

    Diesel Punk

    Nope!

    No crazy mutagenic alien meteors. Just normal clean water.

    It would appear as though everything going on here is completely safe and most certainly not a trap!

    Stabby Plot

    The living wood of the hut-!

    Well. Not springs to life. It starts sprouting and wriggling a bit, as if it isn't quite sure how to respond. There's a whispered word of encouragement from the elf (but why?) and the vines lash around them, binding them in place. As the vines take their hold, the elf seems to lose almost all of their otherworldly radiance, slumping in defeat. Apparently that worked?

    Elimnae moves up and stabs into the elf's heart, flesh parting before the blade, drawing from them only a muffled cry as they fall still. That is, however, the only thing drawn from them. No soul. Something's wrong. Glamour sloughs from the elf until all that remains is an effigy of vines in the rough shape of an elf. Duplicity!

    The actual elf, having moved with invisible swiftness, aims to bring a cudgel of bone down heavily upon Elimnae's head.

    It would appear as though these elfs are rather tricksy.
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    Terrific Elf Relief Shelter - Diesel Punk

    Since the device reports negative, the woman shrugs and begins removing her armor, a laborious process of unzipping and unbuckling the numerous sections, gently setting the suit on the ground, out of the way of the shower. Underneath, she's wearing a pair of simple, black pants and a red, button-down shirt with long sleeves and a slight v-neck. Without the armor, her physique is also more visible. She's not bad looking, but no succubus. She removes her other clothes, tossing them haphazardly onto the armor, then takes a long, hot shower.
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Faction HQ]

    Goodness! Is this what happens when you put a bunch of Magtoks (or one Magtok and many NOT-Magtoks) together? They're all squabbling like children! The angel sighs, giving Ambriel a little look to say "Really? This is what you guys are like?" She wasn't sure what she was expecting. She wasn't expecting to encounter an elite, organised fighting force or anything like that, but she had been hoping for a little more than this.

    Haz's temper is particularly concerning, so Ithuriel quietly and nonchalantly lets her aura start building up a little in effect, waves of golden light very slowly and gently building in volume and washing out over the room. Just something to take the edge off the room and hopefully calm them all down just a little bit.

    "I think you should cut the excuses and be honest with them, Magtok. Can you guarantee their safety from you or not? And I mean all of you. I think we've pretty clearly established that one of you is a bit meek and helpless, haven't we? No weaseling out of it. Just give them a straight answer."
    Before you criticise someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticise them, you'll be a mile away and you'll have their shoes.

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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Southside]

    The King in Rags stands perfectly still, but the branch-tendrils on his back extend and spread out. A wind picks up... no, not wind. A breath, slipping through the cracks. Behind him, the fabric of the world seems to thin and tatter, revealing glimpses of another one. It seems to be a forest without end, filled with trees that reach higher than mountains and wandered by deer the size of churches and centipedes as long as roads. Then it's a boundless expanse of red-hot desert, with flying serpents floating on the ever-rising heat. This is replaced by a garden made of glass-like crystals, tended to by hummingbirds on six long legs. But they're just flashing images, that disappear as quickly as they appeared.

    The King's form also shifts and blurs, showing more clearly than usual that it's just a shell and a mask. As he stands, motionless, the breath slipping through the cracks forms a small vortex, which then begins to take shape as motes of mortal dust float towards it.

    They join together into the shape of an ashen-grey beast with wide wings, a pair of legs and no arms. It's roughly the size of a large car, with a long, stretching neck and a long, thin tail. Its head has no eyes, but an impressive array of teeth. The tail and wings sweep around in the ground as the beast turns its head around, hissing.

    "Not quite a dragon," the King says. "But it is what some dragons became when the world became too thin for them. I think the mortals call them slyzards. The name will do. It can't breathe fire like a dragon, nor command the elements like one, but it will fly. Its shriek can freeze mortals with fear or, if focused, crack stone and metal."
    Last edited by Morty; 2018-12-11 at 04:02 PM.
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    But whose breath?

    The deer look delicious, the flying serpents so elegant, the hummingbirds -well- just baffling. But what a sight, that other world!
    And unsettling, to be reminded so clearly that the King in Rags is not just a particularly spooky person, but the face of something bigger and stranger. The Commandant is chilled. The thing behind the Commandant is intrigued; doesn't see that so often.

    "It doesn't have the tail to be a wyvern, does it?" she asks, extending a hand towards the monster. "Don't worry, slyzard. I'll provide the fire. But go on. Show us you can fly."
    Last edited by Recaiden; 2018-12-11 at 04:12 PM.
    ~Inner Circle~
    Quote Originally Posted by Raz_Fox View Post
    He takes normality and reason and turns them UP TO 11!
    Quote Originally Posted by Anarion View Post
    Recaiden, stop using your mastery of the English language to confuse the issue.
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    Northside Hospital - Pre-Invasion

    Well my head hurt like hell, then I remembered a bunch of stuff about surgery, and now I still have a little headache for what I'm gonna assume are magical reasons. He says to Tori, rubbing his face wearily. Magic sucks nuts. And I can probably start like... whenever, I guess. He says to Nike, before checking his phone. Probably not today, but whenever. Just as long as I can use one of the rooms to help out Tori during like... a weekend or something. He says, pointing back to her.

    Eastside - A Quiet Little Park

    What you weren't even working? Violet asks incredulously. What were you riding my ass for then! You got problems, girl. She adds, apparently without any self awareness at all.
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    Terrific Elf Relief Shelter- Stabbity Plot of Stabbing

    The moment her magic struggles, Elimnae focuses more on it, trying to brute force the magic into working- she assumes her plant-magic is struggling because of her steps along the path to necromancy, and also because she rarely practices any more. So she doesn't immediately note the trickery from the elf, but she's expecting something after the athame feels no different in her hand after she appears to have killed it. She's turning as the cudgel falls, so the blow hits her shoulder not her head. She grunts and drops the dagger, lashing out with her black arm in the direction she thinks the elf is in. Since she can't see said elf, it's unlikely she'll connect, but if she does it'll drain the elf's strength and vitality, as its life- but not its soul- is dragged from his body and into Elimnae.
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Southside]

    The slyzard walks awkwardly for a few paces before beating its wings, taking a running start and taking off, beginning to circle around Southside.

    "It does not. Wyverns are too far removed from fae for me to make. And given what you said, it felt that a piercing shriek is more useful than a venomous tail," the King in Rags explains. He is back to his usual look, with the skeletal form of black branches hidden under a cloak and adorned with an antlered rat's skull.
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    "It's terrible. I love it. You have fulfilled your part of the bargain."
    The Commandant says, whistling. Here slyzard! Come on down!
    "Use the fire well. And consider getting a bigger skull. It'd be scarier."
    ~Inner Circle~
    Quote Originally Posted by Raz_Fox View Post
    He takes normality and reason and turns them UP TO 11!
    Quote Originally Posted by Anarion View Post
    Recaiden, stop using your mastery of the English language to confuse the issue.
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    Quote Originally Posted by billtodamax View Post
    Eastside - A Quiet Little Park

    What you weren't even working? Violet asks incredulously. What were you riding my ass for then! You got problems, girl. She adds, apparently without any self awareness at all.
    The girl visibly flinches away, as if Violet's stern reprimand was a physical blow. "I-I don't... I don't see h-how that invalidates what I said..." she weakly protests, fairly confused.
    "Are we living a life that is safe from harm? Of course not, we never are. But that's not the right question. The question is: are we living a life that is worth the harm?"
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    Quote Originally Posted by SliiArhem
    Arkh I may be slightly delirious but I don't think that would make sense even if I was coherent.

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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    Eastside - A Quiet Little Park

    Oh, you're slow too, right. Well you - this is punctuated with a sharp jab toward the torso - start yammering on about people having jobs or whatever like I'm interrupting yours, when you're just sitting on a sword fiddling with a guitar for like... no reason. Violet notices the sword and tries to kick the handle up into her hands, where she'll take one or two practice swings at the tree. What's with the sword anyway? You look too chickenpoop to use it. Violet said something very similar to chickenpoop. We'll roll with it.
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    [Terrific Elf Relief Shelter]

    Diesel Punk

    A shower is acquired!

    Wow. That's pretty great. Nothing quite beats a shower when you've grungy and tired.

    Though... a bit of a problem will eventually become apparent. There aren't any towels! How is she going to get-

    "Do you require one of these?" comes a musical voice from the outside of the stall. Huh. It would appear as though an elf is offering a towel over the top of the shower stall to the gal.

    How terrific!

    Stabbity Plot of Stabbing

    The elf's invisibility actually ended as soon as they attacked. But! It looks like Elimnae managed to avoid the worst of the attack. Her slash manages to catch the elf across their midriff, causing them to give a rather cat-like hiss as they step away several paces. The area around the wound looks almost... cloth-like? Weird. Like fine silks that have been shredded by the dagger.

    Fire in their eyes, the elf grips the cudgel with both hands and causes it to grow. Bigger and bigger and yet somehow more elegant in appearance with each passing moment until it looks like it would more properly be sized for an ogre rather than a lithe elf. And in spite of its size the elf wields the weapon as if it were nothing more than a small bone.

    "I applaud your deception," the elf purrs as they heft the oversized weapon at Elimnae. "You speak with the tongue of a true liar."
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    Default Re: Riverside 20: Another day, another disaster

    Terrific Elf Relief Shelter- Stabby Plot of Stabbing

    She'd actually dropped the dagger; she was slashing with her other, necromancy-infused hand.

    "They say it takes one to know one. You say you applaud my mastery of deceit; why, therefore, should I believe anything you say?" Although it is a compliment, Elimnae refuses to let the elf see its words have pleased her. Her blackened hand stays up, pointing towards the elf with its bony digits, as her other, living hand darts to her waist, pulling the hand-crossbow free and launching a steel-tipped bolt at the elf's head. It's a single-shot weapon, so if the elf evades this attack Elimnae will have to either reload with her necromantic hand, or draw her sabre instead.
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