Ken (GM): spoopy so fa rin here with no chat history behind it P.P. A.: It'll fill up quickly enough Joush M.: So who is everybody? Should we introduce these characters and figure out what they speak, who they work for and where they've met? Ken (GM): yes; point of order, do you buggers all speak a common tongue P.P. A.: Native Yangui, Accented Galician Ken (GM): [I downloaded the old logs and it always seems to have to come up] Joush M.: Haven't done lanauages yet, but I'd imagined Galliacian would be the main for the setting Ken (GM): ye, truly the what with the majority of the game lore so far being held in a Galiian territory on that note Rosettsara: Elysia is the daughter of a Galician spymaster, and works as his aide, looking into and dealing with minor issues within the local region Ken (GM): the , for the purposes of naming clarity Rosettsara: She speaks Galician and Romagnanese natively P.P. A.: Romanga or Romagna? Eromanga? Ken (GM): , how horrifying specifically different from the real world Romagna Joush M.: Is it like Romansh being spoken in Switzerland? IE: Sure, you could learn it but seriously they are all bilingual and nobody but the locals speak it? Rosettsara: Venetian I think Ken (GM): kek yeah this is where the italian roman romance pastiche really muddies things et voila; some map explaining shite through the vaulted history of the Holy Empire, romanja remained apart Joush M.: Ahh, makes sense. Ken (GM): I realize now this map has never been in the setting doc the setting doc yet Lizzie Potgieter is a young woman–light brown skin, darkened yet by the sun; wavy brown hair, friendly green eyes peering forth from the shadow of her recognisable slouch hat. The duffel bag slung over her her back and fanny pack on her waist make no secret of her being a traveler. Her riding boots, jeans skirt, and short-sleeved khakhi vest worn open over a black tank top betray her humble rural background. Adelaide Valerian is a young woman. Slender and built lightly in a A-line skirt, neat white blouse and cardigan. Her green eyes bright behind dark framed glasses and thick blonde hair in a proper bun. Quite pretty, enough to draw attention, while her gaze is alert and lively. She's a hunted woman, followed by Le Culte du Roi Cornu.. Worshipers of the Horned God. Sometimes in her company is a skinny teenager, a somewhat wild fourteen year old Duchess Willow Fillian. Ken (GM): For purposes of discussion: Fiss is aiming for an ambassador for Romanga to the greater Empire. A local who jockeyed through the turmoil so far unscathed, and works to mend schisms in the government Lizzie Potgieter: “Excuse me ma'am,” she calls out to a beautiful young woman [whoever feels addressed] passing by her. “I'm lookin' for the… National Museum of Archeology. I'd been told it's 'round the Galéries Ducales, but I can't find those either…” Joush M.: She could have met the ambassador. Could make an interesting link. P.P. A.: in b4 the museum has been looted and closed A description of the place would be nice actually Ken (GM): :p Adelaide Valerian will reply to Lizzie, turning to the dusky skinned woman and nodding to the brunette. Museums and achieves and libraries are her wheelhouse, and she offers a touch of helpful direction. "Easiest to find it by going to the square. There's a fountain and a man on a horse just though there. You should be able to find the museum of archelogy by the stone obelisk out front, but I don't know if it's open." She considers. "There's an elevated rail line nearby." Venito is a city of splendor and squallor; the long history of the place stretches deep into the roots of the canals and high to the vaulted churches of the Vitrusian faith. Long, the city stood as a port to the isle, as a gateway to it's people, and as a bastion of liberty. Since the catclysm, it has begun to rot HIgh above on the southern sky, the mountain of Vulcan sits, a cracked peak once plumed with smoke and vaunted as a holy place for Fabbrico and his adherents. Down the green slopes rivers flow, once thick with rainwater from the gulf about you, now choked and thin. The waters collect at the city now in a thin and shallow lake, once a bay to the greater oceans. The Roil swallows the runoff, what leaves the Grand City of Venito. Canals once bridged the place, the bay once full of ships safe in harbor. Now, the muck runs thick and fetid in the air. The toil of labor is an everpresent sound, the rakers and the masons a constant throbbing beat to the city. When the heat rises and the air swells, the ancient infrastructure chokes and the people are embraced with miasma and rot Joush M.: OOF. It's the Salton Sea of cities Venito was once home to the seat of the Depostate. The man elected by the gods to rule over the court of Roma, and the people of Romanga. The seat of his crown in the court of Castle Brightrock, perched on the bluffs over the city, near the mines of the sparkstone and coal and iron which richened it's barons and counts. Now it is The Keep of the Eternal Flame of the Inquisition, and the seat of it's high Inquisitor. Lizzie Potgieter: “Thank you!” The young girls returns a heartfelt smile. She looks in the direction pointed out to her, tracing the route to take with her eyes… which can't ignore the dilapidated state of everything along the way. “Venito's a bit… different from how I expected it, haha.” She laughs awkwardly. In the city proper, the Prince-Bishophric rules as the hand of the Empire, the Bishop of the three Gods of Vitrus, his court full of flame-tested adherents of the faith. The torch-carts of the Inquisitors are a nightly sight, the terror of the heretic and infedel high in the air from their iron-caged vehicles Adelaide Valerian: "It was a city of water and the water is gone." She observes as she stands there, looking around the place and really considering for a moment, seeing it with fresh eyes at Lizzie's words and nodding sadly. "It's.. not a place many people stay when they have a choice. What brings you here?" A decade of Holy Inquisition has ravaged the people of the land, and the city is the coal-bed of the flames. The central court of the Inquisitor in the Keep, and the indentured, incarcerated, and soon-to-be-executed housed in a slumtown below. The Sludgeworks are manned by these damned, ruled over by a callous taskmaster. If the lifeblood of the city were it's waterways, teh Sludgeworks are the new guts which churn through muck and sppit out the black meat which sustains it. A cathonic crop farm of mold, mega-fauna insects, and near-slavery Lizzie Potgieter: “My… a friend told me about it, before the Cataclysm—waxed about the sunlight dancin' on the water of the canals, the treasures in the museums, all that. So I thought I'd come see it now that I#ve got the chance, but…” Adelaide Valerian: "Oui. 'but'" She agrees as she looks without thinking in the direction of the sludgeworks. There's a horror show element to the steaming city.. and a feel of danger. Like the unstable equilibrium can't last forever. It's also a hard place to find a person that doesn't what to be found though. That suits her needs well. Lizzie Potgieter: “Well, he was a child when he visited. …I guess a lot of time's passed. Was it the Cataclysm that did this?” Adelaide Valerian: "It took the water. It was people that made it this bad though. It was people that made the sludgeworks.. but I should not speak so freely. The inquistors have ears everywhere." In the wake of the cataclysm, the city tremble son the literal precipice over the storm; the rulership of the city has been contested by fringe anarchists and emboldened resistance groups. The Prince-Bishophric is seen as a Tyrant and the High Inquisitor a Zealotous madman. The response from the Empire is one of dispassionate neglect. A token attempt by the triple-popes has been to elect to revive an independent intelligence agency working with the Romanga governence, capable of investigating and punishing crime throughout the county of Roma. The Order Aquilla Romanga, headed by Melchior Lucchesi, an Inquisition-cleansed local who served under the previous Depostate. Lizzie Potgieter: “Ah, sorry,” she puts her hands up and smiles awkwardly. “Didn't wanna touch on anything touchy.” She smiles and tips her hat. “Thanks for the directions, Miss…?” Elysia Lucchesi "Indeed they do." A young woman with hair of snow and eyes of the sea steps out from a corner, narrowly avoiding being pelted by a rotted tomato thrown at her by an upset, scarred old man. In her hands is a local newspaper indicating another recent theft. "Luckily for you though, they've got bigger things to worry about." Adelaide Valerian: "Adelaide Valerian, Archivist. It is quite plesant to meet you." She inclines her head to the dark skinned girl. A touch under five and a half feet in low heels. A frown on her lips at being overheard, but she simply inclines her head to Elysia, agreeing witht he basic assessment. "I'm in town to put records in order." A day job to pay the bills.. and to hunt for information on the mysterous cultist hunting her and Willow. Lizzie Potgieter: “Lizzie Potgieter, but you can call me Lizzie.” She takes the shorter woman's hand and gives it a firm squeeze with a warm grin. “Nice to meet you.” Lizzie Potgieter turns around to the other arrival. “Is it=” Lizzie Potgieter: *? The city not only scoured by cleansing flame, it is pecked at by miscreants and ne'er do wells. A spate of high profile crimes plague the city of late, perpetrated by a rogue using the moniker of a long-vaulted libertarian: the Phantom Thief of Romanga The first directive of the Order Aquilla: finds and apprehend the Phantom Elysia Lucchesi: "We've got our hands full with a certain rogue lately, so just make sure your...observations don't become too loud." Adelaide Valerian: "Oui. I shall be the soul of discretion." She assures the inquisitor, speaking very carefully with Elysia. Lizzie Potgieter: “Shame. Not a lack of those here, nè?” one of those spooky inquisitors, she scratches the back of her head and laughs awkwardly. “Well, good luck catching him.” Lizzie Potgieter rights the duffel back on her back and tips her hat, ready to head off. Adelaide Valerian: "Shall I show you to the museum, Miss Elizabeth?" She offers. "I apologize. Lizzie. A Yanqui name?" Elysia Lucchesi "Have yourselves a blessed and productive day." She continues on her path, ignoring the verbal abuse thrown her way by the locals. Adelaide Valerian: "May the Truth protect you." She replies to Elysia. "Libertas!" the voices often cry, the rally cry of those who would return to independent Romanga rule. Rotten, ill-grown tomatoes a common sight as ammunition, as the red stains well and the shifted weather makes their cultivation easy for all Lizzie Potgieter takes her up on the offer with a beaming smile and an enthusiastic nod. “Yeah, I'm from around Seldalma. …a few days north of Shessur.” [The Confederation's capital, whose name would be known I guess.] Ken (GM): [def. common knowledge] P.P. A.: tomato nationalism the streets will run red with the blood of the oppressors, or with ketchup Ken (GM): everyone grows home-gardens. But since the fall, nothing grows like it used to. Not even eggplant. P.P. A.: :P Ken (GM): it all comes up, blooms and matures, then sluches on the vine P.P. A.: that sounds… gonna require a Gardening roll if it ever comes up Ken (GM): many suspect it's the miasma that coats the place like a fog. Strange energies in the vapors, or maybe spores from the sludgeworks? Many curse the names of dwarves while praising their dilligent mining of the undersides who knows, but it is a darkness to the place Adelaide Valerian moves with Lizzie. Gracefully beside the young woman and her eyes attempt casualness but are a little too sharp as they hunt the shadows around the square. A monument to the glory of a dying city in a dying kingdom. Beautiful museums, libraries and monuments once.. and now in decay. P.P. A.: >travel to Anor Londo >end up in Blighttown Many denizens of the Grand City have taken to cloaks and hoods as their common garb; to ward off he chill of too-cold nights and slow to warm mornings, and to keep off the slime of fog that clings too close. The aristocrats and clergy have taken to masks. Lizzie Potgieter struts rather carefree though the streets, enjoying what conversation they have. She can ignore the muck, dirt, and ugliness somewhat—the descriptions she'd heard of the place never vividly shaped her imagination, so the disappointment isn't crushing—but the stench of the miasma occasionally makes her hold her sensitive nose. Some wear the masks to hide the scars of the inquisition's hunt, the brands of purity clear but forever marring friend from foe. Others plagued with consumption and pox, a spreading sickness throughout that choses those who live and die on whim and fancy of the gods and the darkenss. Fashion though holds true, and even those unmarked by blemish or burn have come to wear porcelain shields over their faces, held on collars wide, or dangling from hats garish and broad Lizzie Potgieter: “Not to be rude, but what's this stench? Like, it's not just— …sewers and stuff, there's something else to it.” Adelaide Valerian: "I don't know if I truly understand it, but it has something to do with the processing in the slugeworks. They use the muck and mud for the slave labor operations" She considers a moment. "We shall have to aqquire mask to fit in, oui?" Ken (GM): [oh no] [ive just normalized covid procedures in shattered World] [JFC] Lizzie Potgieter had noticed the masks as such, but now that they're pointed out to her, she notices the variety and odd fashion around them. “Can you help me pick one out?” Adelaide Valerian considers that a moment and nods, looking around for a shop that sells one. She will need a mask as well, in any case. The Cataclysm gave rise to the world of the Airship and the accoutrements that followed. The standard uniform Airsuit, the high altitude breathing apparatus, the rapacious adventures of unlanded men and women seeking their fortunes and early demise in the wide world. Venito may not be a waypoint for delvers, but their wares are still pervasive. Those who would wear quality air filtration device produced by the SBI manufatuaries need look only as far as the nearest distributor. P.P. A.: [Seems safe to summarise that the two have a nice afternoon together and probably give each other some contact info. Lizzie wanted to see more of the world, and that includes the shittier parts, she guesses.] [So she'll stay here a bit before moving on.] Lizzie Potgieter is going to go for something practical. Black, perhaps, to match her tank-top, or one in the colour of her hat—but otherwise simple, unadorned, and simply fitting and effective. P.P. A.: oh boy, imagine August's mask black, covered in a mesh of fine golden arabesques, flaring out into golden eagle-wings on the sides Ken (GM): With a minaturized fresh air reservoir on a fashionable collar, lightly scented Adelaide Valerian settles on a light and simple mask. Understated elegence to fit with the unassumeing, buisnesslike display she otherwise puts on Ken (GM): practicality is the name of the game the nail that sticks up gets hammered down, after all Elysia Lucchesi had been wearing a basic mask, herself. (Retroactively!) Ken (GM): GASP oh wait phew The city bubbles, a pitch pot of activity. The canal-crews toil in the muggy heat that rises through the day. Sludge scraped to the bayside and manhandled downstream to the sludgeworks. Fire-scrubbers and diggers to follow, cleansing the ancient waterways of garbage, refuse, remains and waste. Then the quarriers stained white with chalk dust and silt, heavy iron-wheeled carts laden with slabs of fresh stone to pave out the lanes of new low-ways and paths. Eternally the scrape of muck, the crack of bone, and the clink of hammer son stone. A chorus that resonates and pervades Joush M.: OOf, that job sounds awful P.P. A.: I'm not sure it makes much sense to vuild new roads at the bottom of the canals, rather than to just fill them in unless there's another purpose behind that The taskmasters are often dwarves of the landed clan Bells. Strange that firey red-haired coal-skinned underworlders would rule over the prisoners of the heresies, but, the auspicious eye graced them with a forward thinking clan leader. Kurgdzt Bells rebelled against his cthonic clan of mongrelfolk, and through pious insight, he came to become a strict adherent to Vitrus and it's war-god Bellator. His horde of underlings migrated to th esun with him, and celebrated his marriage to an unlanded duchess. Bathed in the sacred light of the gods, he now controls the unnamed slumtown below the dams, his populace the outcast branded of the Inquisiton Ken (GM): [oh, thats a point of contention throughout the land PPA! but the hungry sludgeworks needs to be fed, and the dwarves insist on the rich blackness of the canals. And the Inquisition has a mandate of living souls to be cleansed and purified, but heretics by the drove. Lizzie Potgieter: “Wouldn't it be easier to just fill them canals in?” Ken (GM): the contentious deal was struck; some Vitrusians oppose the inclusion of a dwarf lord in the court. Others contest the slave laboring. Some think "How else will we use this rotting space?" Adelaide Valerian: "I don't know. I think some people hope the water will come back." A fool's hope, but the dream that things will go back to how they were always seems to be a powerful lure. Lizzie Potgieter noticed the Dwarven slavedrivers early, but a look of disgust comes to her whenever she looks down at the senseless toil. “Been told that those shorties are hard and honest workers sometimes, but they ain't either here.” Adelaide Valerian nods as she walks with Lizzie into the musium itself. Artifacts of the pre-cataslym past gleam under glass and faintly glowing light, the tick and thrum of the refrigrant and air filtration plant on the building's roof makes it far better inside then it had been outside, the slender woman considering that a moment. "It used to be safe to be a abolitionist. Now I'd keep such thoughts carefully to myself." Lizzie Potgieter hasn't heard that word before [Confeds: just buy out their stakes then lmao], so she just nods politely, and is glad to be able to take off the mask indoors. Lizzie Potgieter 's face lights up a bit as she sees a few of the exhibits she'd been told of. She's not quite as fascinated by them, but they're real fancy alright. The glossy museum is a testament to modernity, and a stylized headstone of the past. The original building was severely damaged each in the inquisition, the war, and the cataclysm. Archives scoured for heritage secrets, prominent heights an easy target for artillery barrage, and a position on the edge of the city close to the harbor had left th eplace haggard and burned out. It was restored almost entirely by the patronage of an SBI officiant who claimed heritage to the Grand City, yet remained anonymous behind the institution. Concrete walls and high glass windows now enshroud the entrance, the long stair leading up to it's doors flanked by restored marble columns and curving arches with a massive forechamber. Original designs inside enshrined behind preservative encasements of clean glassworks and wraught iron. And a bustling staff in black and red uniforms of the SBI, alongside the remaining heritage staff from prewar and precataclysm times Elysia Lucchesi: "It was a lot more magnificent and lively before." Adelaide Valerian nods to the woman. "I never saw it before. I imagine it was quite wonderful." Elysia Lucchesi had just come in after them, newspaper discarded and now observing the interior just the same as everyone else. Elysia Lucchesi: "According to the locals, what stands here now is but a mockery of the past. But you never heard that from me." There is a hullabaloo at the newsstand inside the lobby, with a crowd gathering round the news-ticker and it's paper spool manned by the newsreader Ken (GM): [imagine a stock ticker, but it reads off live headlines from the central news agency] Lizzie Potgieter was briefly started by a familiar voice she couldn't attach to a name, but recognises the woman and smiles at her politely. Adelaide Valerian walks over to the teletype machine and news kiosk. "Something wrong?" Lizzie Potgieter looks up at the news ticker and struggles to keep up with the quickly scrolling text with her Broken Galician literacy The crowd gathered are cloaked citizens, SBI staff, librarians, auxiliaries and even the lunch staff from the cafeteria. The newsman struggles to be heard over their clamor, and rather than fight it direct, he climbs to the desk of his kiosk and brings up a speakerphone to broadcast (usually reserved for emergencies, or fires) Lizzie Potgieter: [nvm, misunderstood] Elysia Lucchesi: "Elysia Lucchesi. Yes, that Lucchesi. At your service." "Isle of Yth no longer under seige or plague; clear skies seen East and disaster averted!" Lizzie Potgieter: “Lizzie Potgieter, nice to meet youl” Lizzie Potgieter 's attention is immediately drawn back to the news. "Local count causing distress with claim to sainthood, forwarded by the Order of Purity" Lizzie Potgieter looks visibly relieved, almost beaming with joy. Adelaide Valerian seems suprised. "That's.. good news." She says with a small nod, glanceing to Elysia and considering where she's heard that name before. Lizzie Potgieter: “Wait, what?” "August von Arnfels and staff transformed with valkyrian features; divine intervention to be investigated" "More details to follow" Lizzie Potgieter: “Eish!” Lizzie Potgieter stands there with wide open mouth & eyes for a few moments. As the announcements end, they turn into laughter. “Mooi, man!” Adelaide Valerian: "We live in strange times. A fantastic story, isn't it?" She ask as if she still finds dobut in that, but nods a little as she considers the very strange tale. "I can't wait to read the full story in the newspaper." Elysia Lucchesi: "A light shining in darkness...if it's true." Lizzie Potgieter calms her laughter and wipes a tear off her eye. “Yeah, I gotta make sure Amélie's got my address here.”She remembers the other woman said something. “I'm sorry, your name was… Lucch…esi?” He struggles to pronounce it. Elysia Lucchesi: "Let's just say my father has quite a lot of pull around here." Adelaide Valerian: "Head of the Order Aquilla, if I'm remembering correctly. An honor to meet you." Lizzie Potgieter: ”Is it? Nice to meet you, in any case.” Elysia Lucchesi: "What brings you here?" Lizzie Potgieter considers what Elysia said before and looks back at the museum. “Has that thief come here as well? There's lots of treasures here.” Lizzie Potgieter: “Me? I'm just travellin' to see the world, or what's left of it.” “Heard that Romanga was a nice place, so I wanted to check it out, but it looks like I'm a bit late, haha.” Around you, the crowd mills and speaks in clandestine excited whispers. The newsman has at least ushered them away from corwding his stands, with promises he will have printings of the evening edition hot off the press at a moments notice. Elysia Lucchesi: "Whatever light was here died already. We're just here to make it more efficient." Many of the conversations milling about you bandy about the notion that this is a sign from the gods. Equal footing for ominous and auspicious Lizzie Potgieter nods politely. Adelaide Valerian looks thoughtful, a frown on her lips as she considers the strange news report.. and the pale woman. The daughter of a major figure in Empire Intel. Lizzie Potgieter breaks the awkward silence: “What does the Order Aquilla do? Elysia Lucchesi: "To put it simply...they root out what they consider blasphemers and the unclean, and then seek to punish them, put them in their place." Elysia Lucchesi frowns lightly. "The scars never heal, and they're never meant to. They want the scars to be seen by all, both on the people and the island itself." Adelaide Valerian: "It's good we have such dedicated guardians of purity and orthodoxy. Incorruptible and pure." Lizzie Potgieter gives a cautious thumbs-up. Elysia Lucchesi: "As for the thief, he doesn't appear to take just anything. A lot of relics stored here are safe." "A weird and specific one. And it's the case I was assigned, too." Adelaide Valerian: "What does he take?" A passerby from the crowd wanders in; a man in waistcoat and derby with rolled up sleeves and pipe clenched in his jaw. Odd: -man-out "Oh he's a bloody hero he is, embarrasin the ne'er do wells and such. I heard he took the sword from the scabbard of the Knight Virtuous, the hour before he met with the Prince Bishophric!" Elysia Lucchesi: "Romanganese relics, treasures, and cultural icons." The man hooks his thumbs into his suspenders over his vest, grinning with ginblossomed nose and eyeballing miss Elysia Elysia Lucchesi: "Quite an embarrassing thorn in the side of the Order. And it gets people like this riled up, too." Elysia Lucchesi gives the man a death glare The Odd-man-out shares the stare a moment, but withers when he realizes hes not in a crowd of shared opinions. He backs away, grimacing Lizzie Potgieter taps the tip of her nose with her finger. “So he's a collector, or… This place was conquered by Galicia, nè? Can't free his country but old treasures?” Elysia Lucchesi: "Something like that. I suspect he does it for fame, and to get back at the Galicians." "It's why i'm on patrol here; any one of those people over there could be him." Lizzie Potgieter: “Nobody knows what he looks like?” Elysia Lucchesi: "Only calling cards have been found so far." "'The Phantom Thief' lives up to his name." Adelaide Valerian considers a moment then speaks softly to Lizzie. "Might be best to move on. That man.. the nationalist is watching us quite curiously. So are his friends." Elysia Lucchesi subtly glances at the group as well. "Yes, you see what we have to deal with on a daily basis." looking at what Adelaide points out; she'll return any angry glares in kind, but nods to her company. “Ja nee, let's go.“ Lizzie Potgieter demonstratively gets out her hand-shotgun and opens it up to check if it's loaded. It is. Rolling 3d6 = 9v11 intimidation) Adelaide Valerian: "Oh.. Well it seems you are well prepared to defend yourself. Yanqui diplomacy at it's fineist?" Lizzie Potgieter pouts it back… in reach. The large-bore Z-lock CLICK CLACKS loudly in the room and the brass casing shines in the electric lamplight Elysia Lucchesi: "...I'll pretend I didn't see that." Accross the plush carpets and polished granite floor, there is a small clatter as a flask falls out of a stunned man's hand to the stone with a bang. There are a few stares and whistles toward you that the commotion shatters, as the group of men begin loudly complaining to each other about the situation, in loud and wild Romanga Elysia Lucchesi: "You'd best get out of here." Lizzie Potgieter: “Been dealin' with the odd wannabe cattle-rustlers since the Cataclysm,” she coolly notes to Adelaide, and apologethically scratches the back of her head at Elysia's comment. ”Oops, hehe.” The security on the floor, a pair of men in white uniforms and silver helmets, march over to the rowdy men with gladii grasped in red-gloved hands. The two justicars having short and cool words with the rowdy men, and indicating it is time for them to leave the Museum Ken (GM): [] Adelaide Valerian: "I'll show you the documents lab. It's out of the way and less public.. good to let things die down a moment." Elysia Lucchesi: "I'll explain your case if the silverheads inquire about you." Lizzie Potgieter nods. “Thanks.” She gladly follows Adelaide to elsewhere. The sounds of the crowd die away in the side galleries, and Adelaide produces a large faced ornate key which allows you through a thick solid oak door embossed with LIBRE ARCHIVE in brass Adelaide Valerian leads the way, slipping away from the brewing fight between the justicars and the nationilst as the words rise. The slender blonde guideing them to a set of steps. "The documents lab is used to restore damaged and aged material, or to create archival copies of important material." She explains as she leads them though the door. Walking to a massive desk she opens a drawer and hunts a moment. Takeing out a light red cardstock with a watermark and setting it on the desk, she uses a ruler and a set of marker pens to begin writeing on it. "We can recreate damaged doccuments too, of course." The passage leads through a thick imposing granite wall, through to more simplified shelves of cardboard boxes, stacks of ledgers, rolls and rolls of tubed paperwork, and rows of shelves stacked high with each and all. The ceiling arches above under thick timbers to fine arched stonework. Throughout the space, other desks are illuminated by single lightbulbs, with quiet archivists in smocks pushing small carts of the delicate work They give Adelaide a wide berth, but nod in respectful acknowledgement of your arrival in the space Adelaide Valerian seems much more at home here, relaxing in the massive place with paperwork and scrolls and tubes. Rolling 3d6 = 10 vs 12 for Forgery. "For example, this is a copy of a Romange Permit for Dangerous Weapons." Lizzie Potgieter follows along and looks up and down the stacked shelves. “Got your—” She remembers to lower the tone of her voice. “Got your work cut out for y'all, nè?” Ken (GM): [] Lizzie Potgieter looks at it and it doesn't take long for her to raise an eyebrow—and lift the side of her mouth in a knowing smirk. Lizzie Potgieter: “Smooth.” Adelaide Valerian carefully picks the right ink for the seal and finishes "LIZZIE POTGIETER" in the name field, offering it to her. "Consider it a sounvier of your visit to the musium." Lizzie Potgieter takes it and puts it carefully into a pocket close to her heart. “Thanks,” said with honest gratitude. Adelaide Valerian: "There's a endless amount of work to do here. It's a battle with time to save the past before it's destroyed by the conditions here, or.. changeling political climate." Lizzie Potgieter nods knowingly; the air here is a good deal wetter than back home. Adelaide Valerian risk a moment to check on Willow. Leading the way down to the end of the stacks and looking in on a teenage girl sitting amid lession books. Being on the run for your life is no excuse not to learn modern history and mathmatics, after all. She relaxes when she sees the girl is safe and sound where she's supposed to be and turns back to the others. Lizzie Potgieter: “With all the ruckus outside, this seems like a good place to store all these books, too.” at the moment P.P. A.: hehehe Elysia Lucchesi finds her way into the lab nearly unnoticed after a few minutes of smoothing over the guards. Ken (GM): [until next week, where we can hook you all right proper?] P.P. A.: Sounds good Hopefully Fiss has made his sandwiches by then Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): what did he get up to, do ya figure? Joush M.: Weird naked adventures? Let's assume that. He got his freak on Rosettsara: Yeah, I didn't want to commit too much today without everyone being present, so I apologize for the awkwardness of Elysia's introduction Ken (GM): bah aloof professionalism P.P. A.: It all worked out Ken (GM): I have this mental image of her tailing the itneresting girls she met on her morning walk out of curiosity and serendipity P.P. A.: interesting means potentially suspicious! something an intelligence officer better keep an eye on Ken (GM): yeah, especially with the city being so polarized. who knows maybe she already has files on you each and earmarked you for such a chance encounter Joush M.: I just thought she was after Lizzie's booty Ken (GM): kek and a half never discount the needs of the booty P.P. A.: Lizzie come to think of it would also make for a useful deniable asset being pretty much ignorant of local laws Ken (GM): "hey, lookit this weird girl from the colonies! " P.P. A.: “Oh, she was just going to shoot the Romangans, nevermind.” Ken (GM): oh on that note, remind me about the silverheads; galician guards likely are a cross between turn of the century british police bobbies and white uniformed romans fuckin silverheads is an awesome moniker P.P. A.: indeed Joush M.: I'm likeing it Ken (GM): can you play benny hill music on traditional roman pan pipes? sfax instead of sax? P.P. A.: where there's a will, there's a way Ken (GM): aight; Ima check on Fiss. You guys take 4 points, and we can lord the sandwich mem over him when he reappears as always, great game, I love you guys P.P. A.: \o Rosettsara: Thanks for session~ Ken (GM): o7 Fiss reading up the chat logs Ken (GM): the madman! He subjects himself to the eldritch cuteness Ken (GM): ho ho he hee hahahahahah okay so Where last we left our heroes... The Grand City, Venito; The Imperial Museum of Archaeology; The desk of Adelaide Valerian Three maiden, each alike in dignity, In fair Venito, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. Aside, enter: One man on Imperial prerogative and personal quest. His duty and his righteous path set before him. His burdens of morality and justice, his skill guided by years of practiced particularity Ian Timmins enters the building, pulling off his mask in a practiced huff, seeming full of righteous indignation after being exposed to the horrors outside, but he takes the time to flash his credentials at security, refusing any pomp but making sure if they need to check his sword they give him a retrieval ticket. Ian Timmins is a tall man, early fifties, fit but leans on an ornate wood-and-metal cane as they check his papers The security see the pass and send him on his business; dealing with rowdy locals is one thing, but interrupting someone with a badge of office is another. Ian breezes past them and then relaxes once he's got a bit of room between him and trained eyes. Ian begins to look around the museum, referring to a paper carefully hidden in a tourist's brochure Adelaide Valerian is slender and graceful. Strong for her size, in the compact way of a dancer or gymnast. Her work clothing consist of dark stockings and pumps, a pencils skirt and white blouse covered partly by a dark cardigan, a pair of black framed glasses perched on her slender nose. Her desk is a study in tidy clutter, the tools and resources of a researcher set out in a senseble order and a current item for cataloging set in the center of the expanse of wood. She's recognizable by the nameplate on the desk, a hand written tag. P.P. A.: (Reminds me I need to adjust Lizzie's sheet a bit) Ian heads to the Libre Archive and stows his papers, hesitating to open the brass-clad doors just a moment as lets himself hear beyond. No cocking of pistols or drawing swords heard, he pushes...then swears....and pulls the door open. Lizzie Potgieter isn't short but not particularly tall. Her posture is a bit timid in this foreign land surrounded by fancy people, which diminishes her relatively broad back. She isn't buff, but her loose jacket hides strong upper arms, her denim skirt muscular thighs. Ken (GM): [kek] [in particular, its the deep tanned skin of Lizzie that sets her apart in the crowd] Ian hides most of himself behind expensive twill and wool...but unlike the hastily dawned 'rich' suits so many politicial slabs wear these days, he looks as if he was born into them...or more accurately, worked his way into them. Even as he walks with a limp, his sword does not bounce uncouthly at his side, nor do his polished shoes make more than a whisper as he walks. Lizzie Potgieter: A light brown natural complexion, further tanned by a lot of time spent outdoors. Ian looks closely as the archive envelops him, checking office tags and people's faces as he moves through. Finally he comes to another door, pauses again, and listens Elysia Lucchesi sports hair of the snow that is now unseen, eyes of the missing sea, and makes no effort to conceal her affiliation with the Order Aquilla. As a Lucchesi, hiding is impossible. Ken (GM): *GM's note; the archive is an open floorplan with rows of shelving. and desks on the exterior wall edges. Ian is likely listening from the edge of lamplight Lizzie Potgieter turns to the young woman, whose insignia mean nothing to her. “Miss Lucchesi—can I call you Elysia?—was you born here?” Adelaide Valerian: "I hope you enjoy the visit to the city." Her voice carries, Ian can hear from the other side of the stacks if he stops to listen out of sight. "I should have time free tomorrow if you'd like to meet for brunch and see some of the sights that remain in the city, despite all the damage." She offers Lizzie, a likeing to the girl despite herself, then tilting her head to the side, considering the question. Lizzie Potgieter starts each sentence in a loud and friendly voice before realising she's in a library-like space and quieting down a bit. P.P. A.: (ah, she was asking Elysia) Elysia Lucchesi: "Since before Galicia took over." Adelaide Valerian: ((ohh, yeah)) P.P. A.: (gonna respond retroactively) Lizzie Potgieter: “Thanks!” Lizzie replies to Adelaide. “I'd love to! I'm gonna be staying at…” She digs out a strip of paper with an address from her fanny pack. “Here. Can't stand hotels, always makes me feel like a hen in a hen house—and then the missus comes every mornin' to steal my eggs, haha, so I rented somethin'.” “I can treat you to some cooking that way, too.” Ken (GM): [so many new names!] Ian listens off to the side, feeling a little out of water, it seems these women have only just met, perhaps he was too hasty.... Lizzie Potgieter after leaving Adelaide to her work picks up that conversation with Elysia. Lizzie Potgieter: “Oh, that… must've been harsh.” Lizzie's flat is an apartment in a large building near the old waterfront. Up off the ground but still dead center in the mucking Lizzie Potgieter scratches the back of her head awkwardly. “Sorry for askin', but which was worse? The war or the Cataclysm?” Elysia Lucchesi: "Two symptoms of the same old problem." Adelaide Valerian inclines her head to Elysia. A sympathetic expression, but thoughtful. She takes the address with a nod Lizzie Potgieter cocks her head. “What do you mean?” Elysia Lucchesi: "The world spiraling into chaos and corruption." Lizzie Potgieter nods. Lizzie Potgieter: “I wonder if the Cataclysm was punishment for the War. The whole world goes to war, and then it literally breaks apart” “Makes ya think.” Elysia Lucchesi: "Such things are rarely a coincidence. Even this place we're in now is full of evidence of that." Adelaide Valerian shakes her head. "I don't think the Trinity would hurt so many to punish the old men in charge for the war." She says as she considers a moment. Lizzie Potgieter: “Could also have been somethin' underground. You've got those briquettes crawling out of the underworld now, who knows what else is goin' on down there.” Elysia Lucchesi: "The Divines work in mysterious ways. But do be careful, as there are some who equate even discussing those possibilities with heresy. And the walls can have ears and eyes sometimes..." Elysia Lucchesi looks directly at Ian Ian lets out a chuckle Ian: "Oh, my dears, not all walls disagree with the ideas of justice." Ian steps a bit into the light Ian: "Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude...though I suppose you're right...this is a library after all, ears here have been trained for whispers." Lizzie Potgieter musters the man for a moment, impressed by his appearance. She tips her hat. “Howzit sir.” Elysia Lucchesi: "To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit by the Ambassador today?" Adelaide Valerian: "Is there some way I can help you, Monsieur?" She ask as she looks to the older man, a faint welcoming smile. " Conversation is permitted, of course. At a reasonable volume." No marks on him from the Cult, but the sword could be dangerous. Ian: "Oh, I'm afraid not...Ambassing...today. Researching, perhaps. It's so rare to find subject experts these days. Everyone scrambling around, hoping to lick the nearest boot, but so few pause and think for themselves." Lizzie Potgieter whispers to Elysia: “You know him?” Ian wanders over to a reading stool to sit down, partially so he can put his sword off to the side and not have it threatening Adelaide Valerian: "A flaw of moveing in such high circles, I'm afraid. You would find yourself surrounded by dedcated experts every day here." She says with a gentle smile. "Adelaide Valerian, Archivist. How may I help you Monsieur?" Elysia Lucchesi takes Lizzie aside for a second. "He's the Ambassador for Romanga to the Empire. Very respected,or very annoying depending on who you ask. Sometimes both at once." Ian grins with badly hidden glee at the description of his station. Ian: "How may you help me? Well, cautiously, I suspect, dear lady. But everything is done with caution these days. I trust that...free thinking and a little leaking out on the tongue isn't adverse here?" Lizzie Potgieter opens her eyes and stiffens up a bit. “O-oh. Alright, thanks.” Elysia Lucchesi: "I have bigger fish to fry lately. Unless you want to come out and unmask yourself as the Phantom Thief." Adelaide Valerian: "When preserving history one must speak honestly and clearly, even about delicate subjects. Such conversations are reserved for the privacy of the archive though, and aren't.. normally shared outside it.." She trails off, looking to Elysia. Ian nods sagely at that Ian: "Well, then...for purely about the state of the world. Lizzie Potgieter realises she's had her hat on, indoors! She takes it off apologetically. Ian: "Alas, history is sometimes messy, and there are those who don't take kindly to those uncovering it, or promoting a return to somewhat more...just and civilized...times." "But, I for one encourage it." Ken (GM): [suddenly, hair, everywhere] Elysia Lucchesi: "...But if it would ease hearts and minds that one of my station is present, I will excuse myself." Ian: [] Ken (GM): [hah] Ian smiles at Elysia Elysia Lucchesi: (not be present*) Ian: "No no, station means nothing to the pursuit of truth. In fact, I find that those with station who maintain their wits long enough to...exploit their role...are some fine and valuable folks." Elysia Lucchesi: "You speak the words of one who has indulged in much adventure fiction." Ian pauses and pulls off his glasses to clean them Ian: "And is that so wrong?" Ian smiles and puts back on his glasses Adelaide Valerian: "Could you explain more about what you need? I admit I can't quite follow what you would like from me or how I could help you." She ask gently. Lizzie Potgieter 's brunette hair doesn't go beyond her shoulders so it isn't too much. Ken (GM): :V Ian: "Where else can the good guys...er...people win and the bad ones be punished with near certain impunity by chapter's end? I'm looking for fellow historians, is all. Maybe those who need a bit of help and to be reminded that we're not alone." Ian shrugs easily under his coat and looks up at the archive Lizzie Potgieter is completely out of her depth and struggles to read the lines, much less between them, so she just listens and looks back and forth. Towering shelves of ancient tomes, leatherbound books, and endless piles of papers loom up out of the lamplights edge Ian: "My end game is perhaps beyond what is useful to share right now...but I want to help anyone who thinks for themselves in these troubled times." Adelaide Valerian: "Well, I'm always happy to find someone else interested in history and it's preservation. But why did she call you the Phantom? A notorious theif?" Ian turns back to the ladies, regarding them kindly Lizzie Potgieter can tell that there's a double meaning to everything and that these high-society folks are establishing a kind of hierarchy though. Ian: "Oh, the only thing I wish to steal is justice for my country...but that's much larger than one old soldier can hope to achieve. So I will seek to steal...and grow...hope in the shadows." Ian pauses Ian: "Though...I must admit, I've been away on conferences of late....what is this shadowy phantom you speak of? Adelaide Valerian is polite and engaged in the conversation, though there is a wariness to the girl like a fawn in the forest that might run in a moment. Her gaze drifting to the shadows around them. She looks to Elysia curiously. She can't answer his question. Elysia Lucchesi: "The Phantom Thief is a criminal who has been stealing Romangan artifacts and tax money. The locals see him as a kind of shadowy heroic figure. All I see is an agitator." Ian 's brow narrows Ian: "I must be very much behind on my newspaper...mmm." "I'd be curious to meet someone like this myself. Depending on what their intentions are with the cultural artifacts of my home, I may be very interested indeed." Elysia Lucchesi: "It's not something you will hear about much in your position. The victims are all Galicians." Ian considers that and nods Ian: "Nobody likes admitting they lost something precious, I suppose." Elysia Lucchesi: "And..well, the way you're talking, don't be surprised if one of them tries to accuse you." Lizzie Potgieter: “You can't sell those stolen artifacts or you'd get caught, right? What's he doing with them?” Ian raises an eyebrow at the suggestion and smiles Ian: "A warning gratefully received, thank you." Elysia Lucchesi: "It's not about the monetary value. It's symbolic." "A shadowy figure avenging the conquering of Romanga by punishing those who looted and now rule over them." "...Or that's how the locals see it." Ian: "The tax money could be an indicator of it being a bit more than symbolism, though. Do you know roughly how...deep...the thief's hands have been in The People's pockets?" Adelaide Valerian rises to her feet and smooths her skirt, walking just a short distance and collecting what looks like a photo negative page, then crossing to a light box. THe blub warms with a soft Click, the woman slipping the microfilm into it's holder then rolling the knobs. Scrolling though the last month's newspapers until stopping on SHADOW THEIF STRIKES AGAIN. Adelaide Valerian: "This would be the best public estmates for the current losses." Elysia Lucchesi looks around to make sure they are truly alone Ian looks on with badly hidden curiosity, though again, he seems able to restrain himself from sudden moves, not wanting to threaten his acquittances. Ian: "May I?" Adelaide Valerian: "Of course. This adjust focus, if needed, These advance the film." Elysia Lucchesi whispers. "The additional taxes levied on the conquered Romangan population, and only those taxes." Adelaide Valerian steps well back. Like fencers danceing, keeping the proper distance. Ian looks over the numbers and article with a nod Ian: "Very interesting indeed. Perhaps a like minded soul...I shall have to keep my ear to the ground I suppose. But until I know where the items and funds are being used, I'll keep my judgement neutral." Elysia Lucchesi: "...Can I count on you as an informant, then?" Ian looks past Adelaide and to Elysia. Ian: "Of course. For... purposes, of course." "And if I can be of any use, again...stations are there for wise works to have leverage." Elysia Lucchesi: "Like is attracted to like. Perhaps you'll be able to really bridge the gap i've been unable to cross." Ian asks if he can have a copy of the related papers, but jots down a few bits in his notepad regardless From accross the archives, there is a commotion. The bang of the heavy door slamming open into the wall carelessly, a shouting voice "everyone come see!" and the echo of the sudden cry in the quiet place bouncing through the occupants with interest Ian sighs and hobbles over to his sword, picking it up Lizzie Potgieter looks between Elysia and Ian with an increasingly puzzled expression. The noise interrupts her as she opens her mouth to ask a question. Ian: "How many terrible deeds begin with 'everyone come see!'" Adelaide Valerian tilts her head to the side and listens thoughtfully. "Humm. An interesting figure." She says of the phantom thief. Copying the article on him for Ian, then pausing to rise to her feet. Sudden loud disruptions require investigation here. Elysia Lucchesi: "And yet we must see." Elysia Lucchesi heads over there Ian moves swiftly with Elysia (and I assume the others) only the occasional tap of his cane betraying his age Lizzie Potgieter puts her hat back on and heads out after the others. The commotion comes from outside; in the gallery, people press against the wide wall to wall windows jockying for a good view, but the view is astounding from wherever you may be Accross the square in front of the museum, on the face of the clocktower and overlooking a broad avenue, a building has been painted in shining black letters as tall as a man THE HORNED KING STANDS WITH THE DIVINE AUGUST VON ARNFELS Lizzie Potgieter: “Who's the Horned King?” The figure of a man in red robes is scrambling along the building side, a bucket and brush in his hand Elysia Lucchesi: "Some pre-Trinity superstitions, perhaps...?" "We don't usually get those types around here." The man's features are hidden in his robe, but his actions are obvious from the distance. He gets to the edge of the words he has painted on the building, throws his bucket and brush aside....and lights a flare Ian turns to the women Ian: "Look away" Lizzie Potgieter shrugs. “August's pretty devout, he wouldn't mess with that stuff.” Adelaide Valerian tries hard to hide her reaction, but there's a tremble in her and her skin is pale, throat working as she considers what to say next.. eyes narrowing, then looking to the man with the flare. "Monsters." Elysia Lucchesi does turn away, and actually leaves the scene. "Guess it's up to me to report this to Father." The man raises the flare over his head, arms lifted in a high V, the points of the peak of his hood now visible And then he touches the 'paint' on the building, and the tar ignites in flaming words Lizzie Potgieter turns away as advised, but still peers back to see what she's not supposed to look at. He bursts into flame alongside. You can hear his scream from accross the square Ian turns back to watch, a hard scowl forming on his brow Lizzie Potgieter winces. “That guy's befok.” Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath and watches a moment as the fanatic immolates himself in a religious sacrafice.. or tragic misunderstanding of how flammable the paint thinner on his robes were. In either case, her expression's hard as she looks at the dying man then turns and starts to stalk away with a click of heels. Lizzie Potgieter: “That kinda thing happen here often?” Chaos erupts in the street. Innocents scream and run in fear. A fire alarm bell is rung. Whistles blow from the silver-capped guard as they scramble to restore order in the street Inside the building, the staff calmly try to keep everyone safe and quiet, and someone is ordered to draw the curtains. People mill and meander in the lobby, astonished at the sight Ian: "I fear that kind of thing will happen more as hope dwindles." Ian turns away after watching the man's end...or at least...the end to his moving. Adelaide Valerian stalks back to a corner of the archive and checks on a teenage girl, examining her and telling her to pack up school work and stay close, where Adelaide can see her. Lizzie Potgieter makes a pained expression and scratches her head. “Shame.” She waves goodbye to Adelaide as the woman disappears back in the archive. “See you tomorrow!” The girl nods along, the oft-prepared bag at the ready Lizzie Potgieter looks at the chaos outside and decides to stay in the museum a bit longer, looking at the exhibits—that's why she came here, anyway. If Elysia makes to leave, she'll see her off though. Elysia Lucchesi is already gone Lizzie Potgieter looks around and finds her missing—and shrugs. Ian: "Well, I suppose that's enough excitement for the day." Ken (GM): [its not even half past ten! Lizzie Potgieter takes a deep breath and holds her hands next to her mouth— but decides that shouting in this space and to a secret service person is not a good idea. Lizzie Potgieter instead just strolls around the museum for a while, and later goes out to buy some groceries and make lunch at her place. Adelaide Valerian returns to work, more or less, but is alert and wary. An eye on Willow. Ian leaves while the crowd is milling about, wanting to listen to the gossip before it disperses Ian: [observation rolls if needed, but he's not trying to be too sneaky, only obtaining what's freely being talked about] The morning is a riot; the strange news on the tickers followed by the fiery message from the Horned King sets the city into a flurry of activity The word on the street as various as it is boistrous; the official channels report that the head of the infamous splinter group The Order of Purity have submitted an official request to the High Holy Court to Canonize the noble August Von Arnfels of Yth. No comment has ye tbeen made by the man himself, but reports indicate during the turmoils the city has seen of late may be related, as well as scattered reports of him recently undergoing radical surgery alongside a small group of people in his employ (to have sharklike teeth, long elf-like ears, paper white skin and bright blue eyes!) Otherwise, conspiracies and whispers abound regarding the Horned King; scuttlebut says there have been weird secluded men in red robes and two-pointed hoods worshipping occult figures since forever. Today, the suspicion is that they are somehow keyed into the noble's transformaiton, and that the Order of Purity has gone mad with heresies of their own. Others point to the famed Illuminati as making overtures to sink the world into chaos and fire. Others think Big Money in Aetherstones and shipping are making moves to bill everyone for tickets to see the shows. P.P. A.: crashing the herstone market with no survivors Hal, get busy *Ætherstone Regardless, Venito boils with fervor in reaction, and in response, the Guard of the Eternal Flame is mobilized. Galician knights and Inquisitorial militias are called to patrol by lunchtime. Citizens hunker down as the order to clear the streets is calle dby megaphone, from men on horseback bearing fire-lances and mecha-suits in silver flame motif Fiss: [ho ho ho] Lizzie Potgieter decides to stay indoors until it's time to meet with Adelaide, but she wouldn't begrudge the woman if she doesn't show up today. Adelaide Valerian stays that night in the Archive to avoid going out on the streets.. and to keep away from any of the cult that might be out hunting. Soothed by the soft thumps of the tubes delivering mail though the huge building. By tomarrow if things are calmer she will risk comeing to see Lizzie, but will have to bring Willow alone. Ian will get back to work, doing a spot of papers before demanding why he wasn't informed about this "Phantom Menace" Ian: [ho ho ho] Adelaide Valerian: ((along, not alone)) Elysia Lucchesi is quite busy working with her father to pursue leads concerning these events Ken (GM): [ho ho ho ho ] Adelaide Valerian can't help but think the city is dying. Water becomes increasingly precious and the miasma over the city speaks of the reprocessing efforts that seem more like butching a corpse then attempts at a sustainable future. From the window of the archive she can see the Empire troops enforce order, but it seems a fragile thing.. so she turns in for the night at last after making sure Willow is well settled in and reading all she can about this Phantom Theif. They aren't quite alone. A few other of the achieve girls didn't want to risk going home on the streets, so there's nearly a gay atmosphere with people 'camping out' inside on the couches and cushions of the offices, and quite a few cots taken from storage rooms. Lizzie Potgieter filled her flat with the hearty smell of her homecooking. She opts out of opening the window, the smell of broth and spices preferable to the ghoulish stench outside. "Its like the blitz, only less shelling this time" they remark, spirits high and secret bottles of Confederate Rum brought out to sip alongside stale biscuits and lunch-tray scraps Ian chews over the heavy thoughts in his head, then begins looking through his archive-obtained papers for clues on what's been taken, why and where. Ken (GM): [Oh god, im trying to imagine what Lizzie could afford to cook with on her budget, and in the local market, during a crazy day like this. I imagine its vegetable broth and dumplings P.P. A.: [Pretty much] [She bought a big bag of potatoes, too.] Ken (GM): [the only red meat is italian style salami and such. The only fresh meat is Black-Meat and she doesnt trust it I gather.] P.P. A.: [Paying a bit extra to get ones grown in Galician soil, not in the local sludge] [Oh yeah, that's going to be depressing coming from a ranch and having fresh beef relatively often] Joush M.: Next morning, Adelaide meeting Lizzie? Or should we skip past brunch if it's going to be polite and sane? Ken (GM): good question P.P. A.: Yeah, unless anything happens that needs to be addressed/discussed, or any important facts are going to be introduced Lizzie Potgieter is just going to let Adelaide show her around, have friendly conversation, and invite her to her flat for lunch—where she's going to apologise for the lack of meat and make some potato pancakes served with apple sauce. Adelaide Valerian comes to the flat in more casual dress and greets Lizzie in a friendly way, bringing over some scones and waveing off any aplogizes, quite understanding how hard it is to entertain with the world gone mad. She introduces WIllow as Katherine and hopes the teenager dosn't make things weird. By the next morning the city has simmered from it's boil. The Guard still patrol and seem to have the city wrestled into a quiet, but otherwise, the landscape is the eternal foggy broken city, the populace wary and nervous Lizzie Potgieter welcomes the girl without any reservations. “Nice to meetcha, you can call me Lizzie. Make yourself at home!” Lizzie Potgieter: ”She your sister?” Adelaide Valerian: "Yes. We are much closer now after all the chaos." She says with a gentle nod, lying to Lizzie but not with any malice. Katherine takes it all in stride, speaking little and smiling as much. She seems to enjoy the exotic food though, and brightens up listening to conversation that isnt a book on calculus Lizzie Potgieter , in her apron, gets back to work, and inquires carefully. “Er, I guess your parents…” Adelaide Valerian gives a gentle little nod and changes the subject instead to the matter of the day. "So you'd never heard of the worshippers of the horned king before?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Nee. If there was any weirdos around, we'd just've chased 'em out.” Adelaide Valerian: "I wish they all looked so easy to identify. Without the robes and helms they can look like anyone else." She says as she happily eats potato pancake. Lizzie Potgieter: “Perhaps he's some kinda figure from the underworld? Some beardy king or heathen god who's found followers on the surface.” Katherine digs in and marvels at the novelty of applesauce as a topping. Lizzie Potgieter: “You've got a lot of those briquettes 'round here after all.” Adelaide Valerian: "The Horned King is a chthonic deity but there is evidence of his worship before the cataclysm." She turns the cup of 'tea' in her hand and takes a sip. 'Briquettes?'" Lizzie Potgieter makes an annoyed face as she glances out of the window. “Those black dwarf slavedrivers out there.” Adelaide Valerian: "Ah, yes. I see what you mean. They are eerie creatures." She says and shakes her head. "I should find a more cheerful subject for us. Something entertaining for our day.." She says, considering how they could spend a day in the city on lockdown. Katherine: "Wheres that new lady work? We could stop by" Lizzie Potgieter: “Perhaps…“ She thinks for a moment. “That woman, Lucchesi.” Katherine smiles at the kismet moment Lizzie Potgieter: “What was up with her? I thought she was working for the Galicians, but the stuff she talked about with that ambassador sounded like, uh…” She scratches her cheek. “…she's got other sympathies?” Adelaide Valerian considers. "She'd be at the Order's.. chapterhouse? Headquarters? I imagine she'd be there. The Order and her Family are.. complicated. She would have the freedom to follow her own goals. You'd like to see more of her?" She ask curiously. Lizzie Potgieter nods. “Sure. She's interesting; bit intimidating though, haha.” Adelaide Valerian nods in agreement and will show Lizzie to Elysia's likely location after they finish their lunch. Elysia Lucchesi would be found either at the Lucchesi estate or at the local HQ. The Order isn't difficult to find, at least. Ken (GM): Lizzie Potgieter asks Adelaide along the way, quietly as she realises this is a sensitive topic: “Ain't ambassadors between two countries, though? I thought this place was Galicia's now.” Adelaide Valerian: "The Kingdom of Romang is part of the Empire. An Imperial Ambassador would be here to smooth things over in the integration into the Empire." She considers. "At least, that's my understanding." Lizzie Potgieter: “Ah, I think I heard about that before…“ /me tries to remember the words used, but fails. “But yeah, I get it. Still its own country but under another country.” Lizzie Potgieter whistles. “An important man, nè? He visit the archive often?” Ian: w Phantom (okay, that works better) P.P. A.: does it really Ken (GM): hahaha funny note worth mentioning; Lizzy has a 10 skill in S.F. high society P.P. A.: A bit rusty, but she'll recognise some terminology and remember some proper manners Ken (GM): she'd probably pick up on "A position like that is politically a weird situation. Anyone holding the position would likely be caught between a rock and a hard place." P.P. A.: yeah The conversation at the archive demonstrated that too Adelaide Valerian heads to the Order HQ, though watching the shadows as ever and keeping an eye on her ward. "I haden't met him before, so I don't think he comes there too often. I imagine he's from a powerful family and quite wealthy." Ken (GM): and Adelaide being versed in the local histories knows its a very recent appointment, with little precedent, and it supercedes the authority of the inquisition as it came from the High Holy court directly Lizzie Potgieter: “Tough job, still. He must be keepin' a lot bottled up.” Adelaide Valerian: "It seems he is determined to do something with it. A lesser man might take advantage of the fact that his duties are ill-defined to do, well, nothing." Katherine: "he was nice. I liked his face" Elysia Lucchesi would indeed be found at the HQ today, buried under a pile of paperwork concerning that cultist incident. Lizzie Potgieter smirks a bit at Katherine's comment. “I getcha. He's refined, but not, like arrogant. Knows who he is and what he is, and does what he must.” Lizzie Potgieter: ”Reminds me of someone.” Adelaide Valerian is about to ask who when they reach the Order HQ and are processed by secureity, takeing off her mask inside the filtered and condtioned air of the building and getting her purse back once it's searched, takeing the GUEST tag offered and clipping it to her dress, then doing the same for the little Grand Duchess. "So her office is upstairs?" The trip to the Order Aquilla Romanga is indeed more procedural than dangerous; once through a checkpoint at the front door, they find the interior...lacking. A secure building with an iron grill gate and posted silver-head security, but once inside the cracked plaster and unwaxed floorboards demonstrate the true value of the authority(at least, to it's funders) The building bears a classic facade of the local architecture; white painted stucco over cut stone frontage and nicely arched high windows on all floors. Inside though, the mask falls short of the reveal. A single new signage of gold leaf over a wooden framed Aquilla sits on the entrance wall. Otherwise, the building is weathered as any other in the city Lizzie Potgieter remembers to take her hat off at the door this time, along with her mask. Lizzie Potgieter: “Eish, talk about deceiving looks,“ she notes the harsh contrast between the exterior and interior. “The Order's job is to watch the guys who run this place and report back to Galicia, nè?” Elysia Lucchesi: "Something like that, yes." Ken (GM): Lizzie Potgieter: “Yeah, they ain't gonna be popular with the bigwigs then.” “Oh, howzit!” Adelaide Valerian looks around a moment thoughtfully then starts heading for Elysia's office. The framed photograph of a old man in a gleaming set of metals with "DIRECTOR" under it makes an almost sad addition to the poor decoration as she starts upstairs, bowing her head to Elysia. "Good afternoon, Mademoiselle Lucchesi." Lizzie Potgieter notices who's talking to her, and greets her happily after a moment of surprise. Elysia Lucchesi sets down a stack of papers on a poor new guy's desk and curtsies. "Good morning. Hopefully you didn't have too much trouble getting in." Adelaide Valerian: "Mister Saint-John was quite efficent at the gate and directed us to your office with no trouble at all." Conveniently, at that moment a familiar face appears at the forechamber behind the three girls. His cane clicking on the hardwood floor Ian: "Dreadful scene out there yesterday. Couldn't tell if the wind was blowing to or from the fires." Elysia Lucchesi: "I assure you, we're working on it as hard as we can." Melchior Lucchesi: "Indeed, we strive for judicious order within our Grand City" Ian: "Of that I have no doubt." Ian smiles politely and bows his head Melchiroe appearing from a side room, dressed in his broad shouldered waistcoat and the long gold trimmed sash of office for the Order Elysia Lucchesi stands up straighter when her father appears. Melchiore Lucchesi: "What an auspicious meeting, this merry band" "Shall we take a meeting room? Have ourselves some privicy?" Adelaide Valerian curtsies properly and inclines her head to the man, considering a moment then agreeable and sweet. "As you wish, Monsieur." Katherine literally hides on Adelaide's waistcoat tail, stepping behind the lady Ian: [] Ken (GM): kek not something from Hugo Boss Ian: [lolol] Lizzie Potgieter: “A pleasure to meet you, sir.” Lizzie courtsies—and blushes as she realises her skirt isn't very long as it is, so this ended up looking rather uncouth. Ian follows leads, but lets the ladies ahead as he's a gent of old. Ken (GM): [hohoho] [fucking, god] [im imagining her accidentially flashing the poor man] ] Lizzie Potgieter holds her skirt, a red tint on her brown cheeks and says nothing now. P.P. A.: Not quite but a glimpse of the thighs could have been had Ken (GM): hahahah ahhhh classic Elysia Lucchesi coughs P.P. A.: (skirt is about knee-length, a bit below that start her riding boots) Lizzie Potgieter: *holds her skirt down The Right Honorable Melchiore leads your band to a side corridor on the upper floor, to a boardroom of sorts. High windows on the wall show an impressive view of a brick wall three feet next door, and the dusty red velvet curtains shed a small cloud of dust as they are drawn for light. The man shoos away the clerks nearby, closes the tall doors, and gestures to the table of rich mahogany(stained with water rings) and mismatched chairs Elysia Lucchesi raises her eyebrows at Ian visiting her place of work, but otherwise doesn't protest as she follows her father and the others. melchiore: "Please excuse the mess. Funding has been something of a pet project of mine, and all the fish in the bowl are floating" Adelaide Valerian nods politely, setting Katherine in a corner unobtrustivly and giveing her a book from her purse to read while the 'adults' have their meeting, turning the the older man and studying him a moment, thinking that the place suggest some other project is absorbing a lot of the Order's funding. Melchiore: "Now, in the privicy of our headquarters, if you would be so kind, as to tell me, what it is you think you are doing flaunting " Lizzie Potgieter looks at Katherine, puzzled. Elysia Lucchesi quizzically follows the point The High Honorable stares down his daughter Melchior: "I assume this was the interesting conversation you were having yesterday with Miss Valerian here? And the Ambassador?" Adelaide Valerian steps closer to him and makes a surprised sound, eyes wide and a pout on her lips, looking innocent and hurt. "Monsieur? I could not know what you are speaking about? Would you accuse my dear sister of something?" One more step and she will be close enough for a lunge. She rehearses the movements in her mind, but they always end the same. She can't possibly kill him and Elysia before they raise an alarm. Elysia Lucchesi: "No sir, I was not aware of anything special about this kid. Is she the thief? Or one of the cultists?" Melchior: "Miss Adelaide, do you know who I am? Who I was previously employed by?" Lizzie Potgieter doesn't know what's going on, but she senses the tension in the air, and puts her hand around Katherine's shoulder. Smiling at her, and ready to shield her. Melchior: "Despite the accusations of the High Inquisitor, I was, in fact, the spymaster of the Depostate of Romanga" "How did you come accross my dear Willow?" Elysia Lucchesi stays quiet Adelaide Valerian: "Oui? You are Lord Lucchesi." She says innocently as she takes a tiny step closer. "But you must be mistaken Sir. Grand Duchess Willow was killed in the chaos. The Cult of the Horned God was hunting her." Melchior stays stiffly still in his chair, the nervous girl inching closer. His moustache twitches, and a small grin curls his lip Melchiore: "Yes, well, please forgive my mistake Miss Valerian. Your sister bears a striking resemblance to someone I used to love and cared for deeply. A failing of a wounded heart, i assure you." "Someone of that stature, a tragic loss to the first crown of these lands. A martyr I am sure for the haggard and war torn people of Romanga" Ian respectfully bows his head in remembrance Adelaide Valerian shifts her hand back. Almost touching the hilt of that hidden knife before she stops. Watching him with those bright eyes, then calling over to Willow. "Do you know him?" She ask her. The question gentle, but poised. Ballanced so gracefully and ready to lunge. The young girl, from the corner of the room, carefully stands and steps closer, clutching the book to her chest as if to hide behind it. She looks to him, and stares a moment, soft faded blue eyes lost in memory. Then she makes a look to Adelaide, a knowing glance, and shakes her head 'no' Katherine: "He looks like someone i used to know, but I do not know this man" Melchior shudders a moment, and you realize he stifled a sad choking cry. A single tear passes to his cheek and he quickly wipes it aside with a gloved hand Rolling 3d6 = 8v10 Body Language Elysia Lucchesi looks increasingly like she wants to get the hell out of this room just to avoid this awkwardness Lizzie Potgieter figures that she wasn't imagining the tension in the room, and figures out what's going on. Ken (GM): ["GASP! Adelaide is a NAZI!"] Lizzie Potgieter: “Anyhow! Sir, thanks for your invitation. Did you have anything to tell us?” Lizzie Potgieter smiles awkwardly as she puts a hand on Adelaide's shoulder and steps slightly between her and Melchior. Adelaide Valerian: "It's no trouble Sir" Her voice soft and sweet. Smiling. Everything to distract from the danger that Melchior could expose them. She's tempted to strike then as the window closes. To act rather then let the window close but 'take him hostage and bluff out of the building, then vanish' was always a bad plan and she finds herself glad to relax. Melchiore: "Yes! Thank you Miss Potgieter, that does bring us to actual business, I suppose." he reaches into his coat, keeping eye contact with Adelaide, and produces four brass cast badges he lets tumble to the table in front of him. Each is an Aquilla, bearing the seal of the Order on its breast "I must ask, would you four please do me the honor, of being inducted into the Order Aquilla Romanga" branch, I might add" Adelaide Valerian feels a fool. She should have known there might be someone here that could identify Willow, but leavening her alone today seemed even more dangerous.. the offer throws her off balance and she pauses, then ask. "Why, Monsieur? What use would you have of a junior librarian?" Adelaide Valerian can think of a few things even her cover identity would be useful for, damn it. And a dozen more if he's tied her to a half dozen dead cultist in the last year. She assumes he is too old fashioned and honorable a type for the uses of 'pretty girl in a dress' in the spy game. Ian does his best to shuffle uncomfortably but dignified in his clothes Ian: "Sir, with the greatest of respect, I only worry that this may be a conflict of interests...or at least...time with my role as Ambassador to the great people of Romanga. Lizzie Potgieter looks baffled. “I, uh÷ Are you sure that's a good idea?” Elysia Lucchesi: "...Huh." Melchiore: "It has been a deep consideration for some time that I might use a secret force of those whom I trust implicitly, to do work in the name of the People of this great land." "I was surprised at the band of fellows who my daughter would choose to associate with, but I took it as a mark of serendipitous fate" Ian raises an eyebrow and reaches out to pick up a card Melchiore: "Ambassador, you find yourself perched in a position of power which I am sure you find a bleeding heart can find little faith in." "And Elysia, who else but my daughter would I trust with this Just responsibility?" Ian raises an eyebrow cautiously. Lizzie Potgieter: “I'm honoured, sir, but uh… I don't know nothing about this place, and I'm not gonna stay here for very long.” “And I don't even know what you're doin' here.” Melchiore: "And Miss Adelaide, , how else will i keep tabs on you and your sister? I have obligations and duties as well" Adelaide Valerian: "I assume this is no idle fancy.. " She frowns thoughtfully. "The cult. You want people you know aren't involved." Lizzie Potgieter: “Oh, so that's it.” The High Honorable Sir turns to Lizzie, and levels her with a gaze Elysia Lucchesi: "Well, it's not like I have much else to do." Adelaide Valerian: "Lizzie is an outsider. She isn't part of it. You've been watching the Ambassador as a matter of course. You know your daughter. You know.. what I am. I can't make allies of them." Melchiore: "I find it utterly unbelievable the lengths you might go to hiding your intentions miss. Knowing who you work with" P.P. A.: (addressing Lizzie?) Melchiore: "But at least, on the surface Miss Valerian, I will have the prime witnesses to the investigation of the Horned King on site and available whenever necessary, after today's interrogaitons" Ken (GM): [yes, miss lizzie] Lizzie Potgieter looks very confused. Sir Lucchesi sits back, and reaches into another coat pocket, and produces a photgraph. A long telescope shot of a man, expanded to show the grain of the distance of the shot taken, through a high window on an estate in some exotic land. He resembles a young man with long pointed ears, sharklike teeth, and a kind of glow about him that scatters photography plates. Melchior: "August Von Arnfels" Joush M.: CLIFFHANGER! Lizzie Potgieter snatches the photo and looks incredulously at the strangely transformed man. Ken (GM): DUN DUN DUNNNNN Lizzie Potgieter: “Huh, wild.” Lizzie Potgieter hands it back. Ian wonders if he gets hazard pay now Fiss: Hehe Joush M.: good game! Tense. I love Lizzie determined to disarm the tension of the moment. Ken (GM): [feel free to add Legal Enforcement Powers: Secret Romanga Police to your sheet] what the DUCK has she gotten tied up in P.P. A.: Adelaide and her sister(?) are nice, Lizzie wouldn't want her to murder some bigwig and get herself in trouble I'll add it when she actually agrees Ken (GM): kek imagine if she turns the man down Joush M.: I mean, I feel like at this point your choice is if the Duity disad has "Unwilling" or not Ken (GM): would be interested P.P. A.: yeah Ken (GM): would be interested in the ex girlfriend of a newly soon to be annointed saint/demon worhsipper of the horned king what better way could Mel keep ya safe? Fiss: lol Ken (GM): pressgangs not just for your grandfather in the royal navy 4 points! P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Fiss: What is up my dawgs Ken (GM): boof Fiss: bork bork P.P. A.: >Iron Age GURPS session >character gets knocked out by a surprise attack taking him from full to 0 HP (actually weathered it and lost consciousness on his turn) >spends the rest of the fight unconscious Ken (GM): and I missed that session myself! P.P. A.: >meanwhile his dog fights another enemy, bits him, repeatedly avoids his knives, and wrestles him to the ground, allowing another PC to finish him off Yep Fiss: noice P.P. A.: He was well-armoured as Orphea found out so ith the help of Radulf's ghost spooking him for -4 on defenses, Eoghania managed to cut his leg then Orphea stabbed his foot from behind Fiss: SHOESTAB! P.P. A.: and as he toppled over from the pain, Eoghania took her axe to his neck Ken (GM): hah nice play I might have just tackled him/shield slammed him myself then did the followup chop P.P. A.: We were in a narrow tunnel, not a lot of space Ken (GM): half of one, six dozen of the other P.P. A.: plus Eoghania was shielding Radulf's body Ken (GM): mm sense of duty im just glad the group is up to somehting in that game, finally the GM has been very very very plodding so far all that worldbuilding, and he's never had ghost ninjas kick in the door on us P.P. A.: In trying to accommodate the players' expectations & wishes he'd been neglecting to create a plot of his own which to rope us into Yeah Since he's put a lot of work in that, he's got to have a lot of ideas in the drawer, so I'm hopeful he's going to start pulling them and it'll be grand Ken (GM): well heres to hoping ROSE do you live Rosettsara: I do Ken (GM): its a tom-hanks-gibbing miracle Rosettsara: Not 100% better by any means, but I can work with it Fiss: Woo! P.P. A. thumbs up Ken (GM): kek huh, wheres joush then? Rosettsara: Good question Ken (GM): well, pickle my dickle Welp, anywho Fiss: dickpickles confirmed Where last we left our heroes... an offer was on the table from an unexpected friend Lizzie Potgieter returns the photo to Elysia's father. "So what's it got to do with me?" For a constellation of reasons, each of you finds yourself sitting with the Head of the Order Aquilla Romanga, with an offer of amnesty and alliance, were you to take up the badge of office of the Secret Police. Melchiore has revealed a tragic and hidden past he may or may not share with the young girl Katherine... as well as an accusation that Lizzi emay have untold alliances with one August von Arnfels! Ian listens intently, though happily has pocketed his card Melchiore: "Miss Potgieter, you must realize the implications of the last turn of the sun. The strange events unfolding in Yth, the Count's connection to it all, and your connection to the count?" "And even if it is all heresay. Even if you have had nothing to do with this man in a long time. Even if his strange situation has nothing to do with you at all..." "Not everyone is as discerning and intuitive as Myself, and the Order" Lizzie Potgieter gets rather angry, and and puffs her chest. "Look, we haven't talked in like five...!" She angrily slams her palms on the desk. "This ain't nobody's business anyway!" Ian politely studies the fine scrollwork on the wall Lizzie Potgieter: "Who gave you permission to stuff your nose in my life?" Melchiore: "The Popes of Triplois, in their seats of office as heads of state of the Imperial majesty of Galicia, and their holy duty to it's people Lizzie Potgieter: "Yeah well, they can go fuck themselves." Lizzie Potgieter huffs and turns to leave. Melchior stifles a laugh, and composes himself in difficulty P.P. A.: (Good thing Ken informed me her hometown's area was settled by Gaulic Orthodox folk) Ken (GM): yeah, no fear of reprisal there "The popes are cunts" "No shit theyre cunts" kekekek P.P. A.: "Bless the Patriarch of Lilygrad tho" Elysia Lucchesi continues pretending to be a statue in the room, one who doesn't have to acknowledge anything going on at the moment, as she tries to process the series of events. Lizzie Potgieter asks Adelaide: "C'mon, let's get out of her." Lizzie Potgieter: *here Ken (GM): hahah Elysia P.P. A.: (Melchiore's implications were too subtle for her in her anger, so this may be a good time for someone to explain what he meant) (or she's just gonna storm out angrily) Adelaide gives Lizzie a look, and risks a glance at her ward for a moment. She remains seated, and gives a little cough Elysia Lucchesi: "Uh..." Ian: "Miss Potgieter, I know it's none of my business, but it may be prudent to learn why others are interested in business they have no right being interested in." "Seems if they are making effort to know about you, you should be prepared." Melchiore: "My point much more succinctly made, thank You Ian." Elysia Lucchesi: "You've certainly outdone yourself this time, Father." Lizzie Potgieter looked betrayed for a moment at Adelaide's subdued response, when Ian catches her attention. "Whatcha mean? Is this guy [Melchiore] blackmailing me, you're sayin'?" Melchiore: "I think of it more as 'preventative measures' against your own past" Ian slowly lapses into a nod. The High Lord Honorable simply glances aside at his daughter, and ruffles his moustache, scars showing through over his lip Lizzie Potgieter: "You're gonna have to worry about your future more than my past, pal." The young woman notes Ian's reaction, and grinds her teeth. Ian: "We all have threads of our past that could be used to build nooses against us. Best to know what threads are visible so one may trim them up." Ian sits down, fiddling with his cane's head. Elysia Lucchesi: "....Indeed." Lizzie Potgieter: "What's even the charge? You tryin' to tie me to those Horned King freaks if I don't work for ya?" Elysia Lucchesi: "...But back to business. I assume you wish us to be on call from now on, when certain matters come up?" The man in his high collar and brass-fitted regalia sits back and leans away from the hot anger radiating from Lizzie. He taps his moustache, over the scar there, and looks at her with a wonder. Melchiore: "Not so much on call, as always on guard. As you should be, such people of interest in this investigation. " "Miss Lizzy, what good would it do to paint you as some sort of esoteric witch of the dark arts? What would there be to gain for anyone to have you trussed up in manacles and brought to the High Inquisitor Conrad von Marburg, eh?" P.P. A.: Are the badges he offered them on the desk? Melchiore: "There are more intricate moving parts to this world, its a wonder priests arent watchmakers" Ken (GM): [yes, Ian took his up, and Adelaide is staring at hers like it might bite her] The badge of office is a leatherette wallet with the badge sealed inside against a metal frame. An eagle Aquilla, beak sharp and claws turned, against a kite shield seal in bright gold. ree Lizzie Potgieter scowls and tries to kill the man with her glare. She stomps back to the desk and snatches the badge lying there. "Gotcha," hisses at Melchiore. Lizzie Potgieter: +she Adelaide dares to put her hand on top of her own badge, if only to cover it up Melchiore: "Good, good. Thank you all for considering my weighty and sudden offer." Elysia Lucchesi keeps looking like she's about to turn to him and say something, but stops herself Lizzie Potgieter stuffs it in a pocket on her shirt and takes a seat. Elysia Lucchesi: "I guess this beats paperwork." Ian: "Regardless, I assume you are hoping for an 'in' to access and speak to the Count? I'm not sure if I'd see an old aquatinted suddenly showing up years later as anything but suspicious myself." "Or has this man's acquaintances been...target in any way?" Elysia Lucchesi braces for it Melchiore: "Nothing so sudden, ambassador. The securing of loose ties to radial elements was on the forefront of my mind" Ian nods Melchiore: "If anything, I don't suspect out wild Count is up to anything nefarious whatsoever. Actually, quite the contrary, he has been observed acting in the interests of the greater good, and quite often" Ian: "Then I will firmly stay out of that line of business, so long as nobody is in danger." Ian nods at that Adelaide Valerian considers the words and reaches out slowly to gentily pat Lizzie's arm. Her voice soft. "I'm sorry. But I think he's got us for now." Ian: "Strange things have followed him, but I agree...I don't think it is his willing and bidding behind them." Ken (GM): [yay its a joush] Joush M.: Sorry about being late! Caught up now Ken (GM): [the creative liberties taken included only looks and pensive actions] Lizzie Potgieter still looks quite upset, head tucked between tense shoulders. She meets Adelaide's encouragement with a softer look though, and nods. She attempts to smile, but a tear forming in the corner of her eye puts a stop to that, and she puts on a more rigid mien once more. Melchiore: "The happenings in Yth have been wondrous and terrible, and surely none of you are ignorant to their comings and goings." "The loss of an entire island of the world to some great forceful weapon, was the primary concern, to The Crowns" Ian harumphs in a 'I sure the fuck hope so' tone Adelaide Valerian nods to encourage him to continue. Wanting as much information from him as she can get to see what he is thinking as much as to hear about Yth. "The publicly avaliable information has been troubleing. I'm sure you know more then I've read in the paper." Melchiore: "Investigating through local resources, some details have been gleaned. The weapon itself has not been recovered, but from what we understand, it was perhaps a fragile resource. Suspicion lies mainly on perhaps an Ætheric device, but the mathematicians put to work deduce the power required would work on an order of magnitude far beyond our means. Far beyond anyones means whatsoever. An inhuman device" Elysia Lucchesi: "It certainly evokes memories of the cataclysm." The man pauses, dips his head a moment, and closes his eyes. Melchiore: "Logically, the next step to deduce where an weapon could be produced led to the investigation of the Von Arnfels holdings, and tertiary relations. It is no secret that the Cathonic races work in tandem very freely with those in Yth, and while the Dwarven clans are a primitive culture, there have been suspicions that it all may actually be a clever ruse" "In the estate, there were scattered and quite disparate reports. The staff are a resolute bunch, but from nearby onlookers we could glean that... often, on the estate." "Strange aether-dust addicted Gnomes making nighttime visits. Eruptive issues with pirate elements in the city proper, on his doorsteps. The rumor of strange walking statues on the grounds. Perhaps even a magcial girl in a tutu...." Lizzie Potgieter listens attentively but suspiciously, legs and arms crossed alike. Elysia Lucchesi: "So even if they weren't necessarily responsible for the bad inhuman things, they still may have connections to the inhuman in general, so they are sure to know things of importance." "Either way, they are at the center of many goings-on that directly concern us." Adelaide Valerian nods, leaning forward a little and her eyes narrowing as she considers the mystery slowly. "They might be a good lead, even if they aren't the source. They are however quite far away from us." Melchiore: "All of this is somewhat tangential, but points to a larger description. Count August is working with Cathonic forces" Elysia Lucchesi: "...Unless you've come across information relating to their people paying Romanga a visit in the near future, which is why you need locals working with you?" Sir r Lucchesi moves the photgraph to the center of the table. A long telescope shot of a man, expanded to show the grain of the distance of the shot taken, through a high window on an estate in some exotic land. He resembles a young man with long pointed ears, sharklike teeth, and a kind of glow about him that scatters photography plates." Lizzie Potgieter 's lips twitch, but she continues to quietly stare at and listen to Melchiore. Melchiore: "Elysia, they are already here" " 'The Horned King stands with August von Arnfels' " "I am highly dubious of the veracity of this man being some sort of cultist, but, there are suspicions I cannot simply ignore." Elysia Lucchesi: "The Count is here? Or just those who purport to work for him?" Adelaide Valerian leans closer and studies the image, lifting it to the light and examinineing it. Checking for normal tricks like double exposures or painted retouching. makeing sure it's real as she considers a moment longer. "This isn't a common goblin, dwarf or gnome. This is the Count?" He nods, watching her inspect the shot expertly Melchiore: "It is unreal, the transformation he has had. Something like radical reconstructive surgery in only a day. It's not even limited to him, his entire inner circle is suspected as being altered. We originally thought it might be related to his handyman, but the head wound was unrelated..." Ian: "I'd like to know what medical professional thought a headwound could create horns and teeth." Elysia Lucchesi: "Sometimes when faced with the unthinkable, the brain has a way of turning itself off." The High Lord Honorable smirks again, and gives Ian a wink. Ian grins at that and nods appreciatively Elysia Lucchesi: "The strength of one's grasp on reality is weaker than we'd all like to think." Ian 's face turns serious though, and he fiddles with his cane a bit Elysia Lucchesi: "The Cataclysm sure saw to that." Ian: "So...I assume there is a nail." "All I see are screws here...but there must be a reason you're asking a hammer to be involved." "Else, why would you be sharing this with us?" Adelaide Valerian: "There's a lot of quasi-mystical rituals that lead back to.. changes. Ritual surgeries that could have injured someone, especially if it was a 'first draft', though I'd suggest not jumping to any conclusions. When you see something impossible, the first thing to do is check your assumptions." Melchiore: "The assumption we had been making, Adelaide, was that this was a limited event. The burning of the desert and the events transpiring in Yth. More close to home, there have been events as well" "In particular, there are photographs" Lizzie Potgieter raises an eyebrow and listens up again. He reaches then to the same pocket on his breast, and extracts another photo to place alongside the one of the Count. The shot is very nicely framed, and shows a couple in full Masquerade regalia. A long staircase rises behind them, a man and woman in tuxedo and gown, their white porcelain masks visages of frightful mirth, with caps and baubles covering their features. The jaunty hats and bells seem to bounce in the still shot All about them in the photograph, is the same halo of light caught round Count August. The distortions are uncannily similar Lizzie Potgieter leans forward on her chair to take a closer look. Melchiore: "This photograph was taken at the grand ball, held by the Duke Deverault. It was a private function, but this photograph was taken by one of our functionaries inside; he works on the staff and takes the shots as a hobby. It was chance, but this shot came accross my desk." Adelaide Valerian considers a moment, curious despite herself. "Aura photography? I've heard of it, but normally it's used around radio sensing equipment." She considers a long moment as she studies it, then ask. "Alright, who are our masqueraders? What do they have to do with our Yanqui count?" Melchiore: "Excellent questions" "I have little to put to you, it seems" "But, it is a simple statement to make. The Duke is a man with a history in this land, and he is not Romanga. He was quick to second the motion to allow the marriage of Kurgdzt Bells, and the anointing of that galician dwarven house. Whatever this connection is, it must be investigated." "There has always been something sinister afoot, behind the actions of the Prince-Bishophric and his court. Something much more than simply the realignment of a house and the imperative of the holy crowns. Something... else" Adelaide Valerian: "What thread do you want me to start pulling, Sir?" She ask. Voice sweet and eyes thoughtful on the man's face. "What resources can you give us for this?" Ian: "Yes...like I said...I see a sea of screws, but not many nails sticking out that need tending to. I'm as curious as anyone else to the mysteries, but surely a more...armed and prepared force would be the better tool for some of it." Adelaide Valerian: "I don't think Lord Lucchesi can authorize an armed response to his.. social superiors." Melchore: "The cult are making overtures. whoever they are, Im sure they can be shaken out of the woodwork. The remains of the man who lit the torch yesterday, his body is sitting secure at the . An autopsy may give us a hint" Ian nods at that, and at the suggestion of a morgue run P.P. A.: getting flashbacks to the Montreal campaign Melchiore: "The actions of the cultists can be deemed wild and unnatural heresies, so you will have carte blanche even as citizenry... " Ian: "Wouldn't be hard to pull a visit for...ahh..last rights from a local dignitary. I could have that arranged tonight if needed." Elysia Lucchesi sighs. "We're to investigate the Duke and his dealings in a quasi-unofficial capacity. With the exception of myself, you all have deniability and Father can act like he doesn't know any of you, should things go badly." Lizzie Potgieter: "What's the point of the badges then?" Adelaide Valerian: "So we aren't killed if we are caught noseing around. They will open some doors too. Like that hospital." Ian: "That's where the tracking devices are hidden," Ian jokes...maybe. Elysia Lucchesi: "Basically, you're working with the Order, until you aren't." Lizzie Potgieter: “Gotcha.” Melchiore: "By the Authority of the High Crowns, bestowed upon me as the High right Honorable Lord of this Order, bestowed upon you" Adelaide Valerian nods at that and listens, then takes a deep breath. "Money? A work space?" Ian harumphs in a "we're about to be told the budget is too tight" kinda way but is still wearing a small smirk Melchiore: "A stipend, as well as an operating budget, certainly. I will ensure you are not left wanting. I would suggest a certain functional distance for safety but also, a headquarters and a trustworthy homestead are always a fine security, arent they." "Someplace to hang your hat" Ian 's face drains of colour He looks wistful a moment out the window, then frowns at the curtains and the brick wall view Ian: "Shit...he's going to fund us. It really is serious." Ian laughs, but only nervously Elysia Lucchesi: "...But this does bring up a question. Won't my involvement with them be a liability for the whole operation?" Adelaide Valerian: "I could lease some lab space at the museium. It's on the train line and enough people come and go to make it hard to track us in and out. Few would question more people comeing into archive and restoration lab space." The man looks to the young woman with a proud and sad look, and he speaks with a kind of heavy regret Melchiore: "Elysia, youre fired" Elysia Lucchesi: "....Okay." Melchiore: "Well, more particularly, due to your ongoing involvement in an investigation pertinent to the safety of the city, youre " Ian chuckles Adelaide Valerian: "Keeps us away from you, but we can contact you.." She considers a moment. "Publicly removing her from the rolls? It will be hard I'm sure. I hope she keeps accuring time in her grade to count for future promtions while she works on this." Lizzie Potgieter: “He's desperate for manpower, nè?” Lizzie whispers to Adelaide, not quietly enough to not be overheard. Melchiore: "You will still have the authority of the order and this office, but you are not currently and actively rostered on any particular duty. And you can keep the paycheque" Elysia Lucchesi: "I understand." Adelaide Valerian speaks softly back. "Yeah. He's reaching for people he can trust outside of the organization. Says bad things about what is going on inside OA Rom." Melchiore: "I will be burdened with the unrelenting task of divining the identity of the Phantom Thief alone...as soon as this imperative of the Cult is finished" Elysia Lucchesi: "It's only natural that different peoples of the Order mingle and discuss current events now and then." Lizzie Potgieter: “Lucky thing he's good at building trust, is it.” Lizzie Potgieter leans back and addresses the boss. “You got any contacts with 'em shorties? Dwarves?” Melchiore: "The church of Bellator has had many newcoming worshippers of late, in the lower city. Workers from all walks, as much as the cathonic parishioners. The works of the church are mighty and generous. A certain priest who grew in the shadow of his clan took to the robes and sword. His Orphanage was hand built by him down there. He's a friend" Adelaide Valerian: "He might know something. That and the autopise are the first things you'd like us to look into?" He nods Ian: "An exciting evening for sure. Morgue and Orphans." Elysia Lucchesi: "Lovely." Lizzie Potgieter: The sound of Lizzie's chair being pushed along the creaking floorboards fills the room. “Let's get on it then.” Lizzie Potgieter puts her hat on. Melchior stands with her then, the honoriffic there with a simple small nod to you Ian stands and nods to Melchior. Melchior: "Angels on your shoulders, everyone" Adelaide Valerian: "Alright, let's go. Tonight I'll arrange for us to get some private space to work in at the museum's back areas. It's likely to be a basement or an attic, but should be fine for our uses." She turns to Melchior and bows her head to him. "I trust you will be in touch. To you too, Sir." She says to the older man. Collecting her badge and her ward. Lizzie Potgieter ignores him and leaves the room, ahead of the others. Her knuckles look rather pale in contrast to her dark skin. Elysia Lucchesi shifts around in place. Melchiore: "Do you need the last word, Elysia?" Elysia Lucchesi: "No, there's something I need to ask." Lizzie Potgieter turns to Adelaide after they're out of the office a bit down the hallway. “Y'know, I don't like being lied to – but I get you got your reasons.” Elysia Lucchesi: "...Privately." Ian heads out Ian: "Shall we meet at the clinic in an hour?" Lizzie Potgieter she gives her and Katherine an exhausted smile. “Better if I don't know the truth. You and your ‘sister’ are always welcome at my place.” Mel ushers you out, then holds the door for Elysia. He stays behind with her for a moment, for her request Lizzie Potgieter grins earnestly. Adelaide Valerian nods to Lizzie. "It's.. hard. There are people after her. And knowing about them makes you a target too. Mister Melchior might not have intended to, but he's put you all into danger." She says gently, then smiles back to the open, friendly grin from Lizzie. Lizzie Potgieter: “Why'd you stay here instead of goin' farther abroad, like Yth or something?” Adelaide Valerian: "Getting out of the city was the first thing they'd expect. Two of them caught me at the airship port the first time I tried." She says with a far away look. "I know the city well enough to vanish here. Fake name, new job. Just another of the thousands of people lost in the chaos." Lizzie Potgieter: “Shame.” Lizzie pats her on the back encouragingly. Adelaide Valerian doesn't elaborate on the two men that caught her. The condition of the bodies kept anyone from realizing they'd been stabbed, or that they'd 'fallen' from the platform after they were already dead. "I'd rather stop the cult then run from it in any case. This could be my chance." Lizzie Potgieter nods. “Where we going first? Getting that cultist's stuff from the hospital?” Elysia Lucchesi leaves the office and returns to the others. "Well, my misgivings aside, you can count on my help, what little skills I can provide." Adelaide Valerian checks her watch. "Sure. We can check in at the hospital first then head down-city to meet this pious dwarf." The day outside that auspicious office is warming but still grey. The mists of the miasma cloy to the lower edges of the buildings as the sky brightens, and the stench of the place fills the air. The Offices of the Order alive with the sound of typewriters, ringing phones, and busywork Ken (GM): [so, exunt, to the Hospital del Rose?] Ian: Yo Homes to del Rose Ken (GM): haha Lizzie Potgieter: “You'd think with all those pencil pushers, they could've sent someone else to get the guy's burnt belongings, not like that's a sensitive thing.” Ian: "That's the thing, though. Some things are recorded in different ways by watching eyes." Elysia Lucchesi: "Everyone's definition of evidence differs." Ian: "A request to examine the body could raise red flags. A request to move the body due to religious rights may not be so tracked." Lizzie Potgieter nods; she gets it. Adelaide Valerian nods at that. Getting on the train and stopping to put her Willow somewhere safe before they get into the investigation itself. No sense in dragging her around all day. Ken (GM): Willow [unequipped] returned to [safe house] headpats [administered] Ian: "Either way, we should settle on the act. What would you believe more? That I'm the poor child's grieving father, or that I'm helping one of his sisters with the paperwork?" P.P. A.: >not turning the entire campaign into an escort mission we've even got the poisonous fog to inflict DoT to make it even more Fun too bad all the water is gone Ken (GM): nothing left but the New Water, as brought to you by the wonderful folks at SBI incorporated! Elysia Lucchesi: "If nothing else, my presence will lend your story more legitimacy." Ken (GM): "Dont mind the brown, its fine!" Lizzie Potgieter: “I'd buy the last one.” Ian: "Oh, thank goodness, I don't think I've had a chance to practice fake crying for a while." Ian reaches into his coat and produces a small folder, looking through it for documents Ian: "I should have something in here...if not I can get it drawn up pretty quick at my office." Ian pauses Ian: "Don't suppose we know the fellow's name, do we? Ian shrugs, mostly to himself Adelaide Valerian: "Humm?" She ask, looking ciruously to Ian. "No, I'm afraid not. You could make one up though. It's unlikely he was carrying ID and it's hard to identify a body burned so badly." Lizzie Potgieter: “Does the hospital?” Ian: "We'll have to play it...a bit loose and open I suspect." Adelaide Valerian: "We could also just say we are journlist that would like to speak to the doctor or sisters of mercy interested in takeing the poor soul to be buried in the potter's field." Ian: "My only concern about that is the moment you flash a reporter's badge, officials get nervous and their ears and eyes sharpen to make sure nobody says anything stupid to the press." Elysia Lucchesi: "Here's a tip: Act like you're supposed to be there. Use some colourful euphemisms and act aggressively until they come up with the victim's location themselves to give to you." Ian looks at Elysia with respect Ian: "I see I'm in good company." Ian chuckles and settles on an official looking certificate with a bunch of hard-to-read church calligraphy Elysia Lucchesi: "It's strictly boring business and they're saving both them and us time by just giving us what we want. It's strictly a typical religious affair and we don't want to be there any longer than they want us to." Ian: "Precisely. The less time we stand out in their minds the better." P.P. A.: (does anyone else in the party speak Yanqui, by the way?) Ian: [I speak fancy, that's all] [though I have the points if it makes sense to have me do it] Elysia Lucchesi: (AFK for a few minutes, need to help with the turkey) Adelaide Valerian dosn't speak Yanqui, only Romanga and Gallican. P.P. A.: glad to hear you're volunteering to fight for Armenia The misty day brightens as you make your way to the grounds of the Hospital del Rose. The facility was established in our more modern times, in the Grand City, as a joint effort by certain well to do beneficiaries and a small band of enlightened doctors, surgeons and scientists. In the times since the Inquisition and the Cataclysm, the function of the Hospital has not changed, but the overt operation of it's halls has. The interest of the operation were purchased by the SBI. The white walls and angular art-deco styling of the place lend it to a brutally beautiful space with a central office and courtyard streets of functional buildings. The investigative sciences morgue is on the grounds inside, and is used to house the heretical dead. Adelaide Valerian nods. "Plan C then. We are buricrats and need to speak to the doctor about the cause of death and the body's condition for official records?" Adelaide Valerian follows signs to the heretical dead. Wondering a moment if she'd count as that when she's gone before shakeing it off to focus on the job. Ken (GM): [Adelaide would certainly have credibility in an SBI institution, for those means] Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't there some official procedures to figure out how the body's to be buried?” She looks at Ian. Ian: "Usually up to the hospital, that's why I'm thinking we hit them with the religious rights angle. Either way, sooner the better." [I assume] lol Ken (GM): not a terrible assumption in the broadest sense, the Empire is a theocracy of the three citizen gods so any citizen who dies has one of three flavorful rites to be buried under if they wish, or the unified Vitrusian rite in the case of those displaying worship of the true gods, but not Galician Citizenship, similar rites follow in the case of Orthodox death, the body is forfeit to the church of whichever bishop lays claim, typically by whichever has an estate nearby. in the case of Terranists, here in the city? Heretical dead Ken (GM): likewise for any other displayed faith Ian: So basically we just have to decide which rights would allow us to either demand an autopsy or to steal the body, bring it back to the archive, and do it there. But I'm not a doctor, so maybe the first option is best...and less smoky Ken (GM): hahah wait you wanna do your own autopsy Adelaide Valerian stops and speaks softly to Ian. "I can claim that I'm a assistant to the department of statistics and records and need to talk to the doctor that conducted the investigation of the body to clear some things up for my boss?" Ian: "Sounds good to me." *[I didn't say doing our own autopsy was the best idea, did I? lol] Ken (GM): [ we have no precedence for the worshippers of the Horned King] Adelaide Valerian looks to the others for opinions, then puts on her glasses and walks to the desk. Hips swinging and one foot before the other as she holds a notebook with a pen. "Hello. I'm sorry to be a bother" Elysia Lucchesi: (Back) P.P. A.: (welcome back) The investigative sciences morgue is manned by a young man in a suitjacket and tie, idly working at a crossword puzzle. When the young woman appears he doesnt notice, then startles, nearly loses his glasses, and recovers graceelessly P.P. A.: (I hope you removed a lot of kebab) The desk bears a title plate "Junior Executor Clark Bitters" Clark: "Oh damn! You're here! and you're a lady!" Adelaide Valerian: "Yes, Mister Bitters." She says with a cheerful smile, looking to him innocently. Elysia Lucchesi puts on her best disinterested, slightly grimacing 'Professional at work but would rather not be here' face Clark flusters, straightens his tie, jams his pencil back into a drawer, catches his thumb in the drawer, and yelps in pain Lizzie Potgieter looks slightly annoyed and impatiently taps her foot. Once his hand is extracted, he stands up, and jams it at Adelaide with a manic fear on his face Adelaide Valerian: "Oh, poor man. Are you okay?" She ask about the hand, then takes it, gentily, and gives a shake. Clark: "I didn't realize the audit was supposed to happen now! I thought it was this afternoon!" Adelaide Valerian: "Things have been confused because of the incident yesterday. I was really hopeing I could speak with the doctor that examined the body of the cultist that arrived yesterday?" Clark reddens, and then tries (badly) to straighten his jacket and then his hair Clark: "OH! oh, I see. The body...of the burned man" CLark WINKS Adelaide Valerian: "Oh yes, please." Clark: "Yes, of course, thats just OBVIOUS why youre here. hahahahah" Clark eventually finds is, chides himself quietly, and offers the paperwork to Adelaide. Adelaide Valerian: "I hope things aren't too rough for you today." She leans across his desk and picks up the sign in sheet, her own pen taken to carefully add her name. Handwriteing neat and tidy.. and reading the other names on the list. Clark: "Just need your SBI credentials alongside your signature there, and my signature alongside" Adelaide Valerian passes it back. "Here you go. Oh, of course." She searches her bag. "Do you need to see my work order or just the identifcation card?" Clark: "Oh! Just the card is fine. work order is for the Doctor, downstairs" The young man sees the credentials, blinks once, and then hands them back with a grin Adelaide Valerian smiles to him. "Thank you for being so understanding. It's downstairs on the left?" Clark rummages in his desk drawer and retrieves four white arm bands with a bright red V on them Clark: "Yes! I'll show you to the waiting area, and then collect the Doctor on site for you post-haste" Lookit you clark, managing to talk to a girl without dying Adelaide Valerian offers her arm out as if to have him put it on her. Putting him off balance a little more. It's not like she needs to at this point, she might just be messing with him. "Thank you, Clark." Clark visibly trembles and tries his damnedest Some short fumblings later, he leads you down a white tiled stair into a very cool basement below Ken (GM): [map magic, please see bottom left] er right derp Ian quietly (when it's safe to do so and not be heard by Clark) mentions that if the 'audit is this afternoon' we won't have much time. Clark: "Right, so i will only be a m-moment. Please excuse the cold." Elysia Lucchesi scopes the place out from where she stands, particularly looking for escape routes Adelaide Valerian shivers. Not fakeing the vunerbleity she draws her cardigan around herself and offers a gentle smile. "It's not your fault. I'll be okay." She says, though it's clear the cold of the place cuts though her as the slender woman stands there. Adelaide Valerian nods to Ian. "We will have to be careful, but the confusion works for us.." She whispers when Clark's gone off to find the doctor. Ian nods The building sit sin the complex as a squat stone walled affair. Small windows show you are a few feet below ground level, and the whole place feels slick and cold. The air does cling with a chill, and stark white tiled walls and concrete trim demonstrate the funcitonality of the place. A small meeting room with a long table in the adjacent area shows the dual nature of the space. Lizzie Potgieter , the girl from the sunny subtropical Confederation, looks around. There are goose bumps all over her bare lower arms and she shakes just a little, but she doesn't let it on. Ian discreetly offers the young woman his coat with a fatherly frown In the next space, past a thin decorative rug, two arches draped with red curtains lead to a space marked "Observatorium". Clark disappears round a corner back there Lizzie Potgieter shows her appreciation with a heartfelt smile. “Thank you, sir.” Ian nods and pulls off his outer cloak to give to her. He's still wearing a suit under it anyway. Lizzie Potgieter puts it on, and her slight shiver slows down and ceases after a few minutes. Ian: "I'm curious to know what this 'audit' is," he says, back to business. From further into the place, you hear Clark's voice off the tile walls "Hello? Doctor? We have a viewing of the Body?" Only moments later, his voice returns, this time with a shriek of terror Elysia Lucchesi: "We're up." AIEEEE Adelaide Valerian smiles thankfully to Ian at the offer of the jacket. Just enjoying being warmer when there's a scream and it's time to go killing again. Clark stumbles back into the hall through a red curtain, beyond, chilly air throws mist about and inside the stark Observatorium is also slick with red streaks of blood P.P. A.: (oh, nevermind) Ian walks forward briskly, hand tightening on his cane. Ian: "What's the matter?" Lizzie Potgieter walks slowly towards the commotion, on guard but not especially alert. Elysia Lucchesi heads to the source, unsure of what difference she can make, but she still has to act the part. Adelaide Valerian follows after, letting Ian take the lead. Clark: "The b-b-b-body.....its...g-g-g-one!" Elysia Lucchesi: "Gone? Don't tell me you let in imposters pretending to be us." P.P. A.: pfff Clark: "N-n-n-o! I mean...it...its....its...." P.P. A.: Were the stairs visible from the desk he was sitting at Clark points, a trembling hand, to the far corner of the room and a fresh pool of gory red Ken (GM): [yeah, theyre just past his desk, above you guys] Lizzie Potgieter: “You seen anyone come or go from your desk?” Ian heads past Clark to look inside From inside the Observatorium, you hear a scrape of something like bone on tile, and a gasping choking cry from someone in great pain Elysia Lucchesi: "Bodies don't move themselves...someone else did." Clark trembles but manages a visible shaking NO of his head Adelaide Valerian gently moves past Clark. "Doctor! Are you hurt?" Clark: "Theres...a lift...b-b-b-ut I have the k-k-key" Ian: "Quickly, let's find him." Lizzie Potgieter: “Get yourself together man, in front of all these pretty ladies.” Lizzie Potgieter pushes past Clark to see what this is all about. Ian looks through the door Elysia Lucchesi: "You're out of your depth here. Stand back." A thick GASP shudders through the air, and a cough like someone hacking up a sack of wet spaghetti Adelaide Valerian stays well back, looking though the doors without getting near them and stopping to stare when she sees.. something? It looks like it started human. Clark manages to blush and blanche at the same time Lizzie Potgieter looks around. The bloodstains and ashes on the tables do indicate there was something here that's gone now. Round the corner in the back room, a body sits against the wall. Meat and tissues bleeding wet red and bones white and black with burns to the marrow along their bleached gore Lizzie Potgieter spots the rather obvious bloody trail Ian moved towards. Ian sees the figure and defensively holds up his cane Ian: "What in the world...?" Then the body shudders, and the breath GASPS again, and you see the chest rise and fall with flailing lungs Elysia Lucchesi: "Shall I go and call the cavalry?" shhhkkkk "COME" it gasps and barks shhhhhhk "COME...AND SEEEEEEE" Adelaide Valerian: "The cultist.. isn't as dead as we had imagined." She says with a horrified expression on her face. "Merceful gods, he should be dead." Lizzie Potgieter loudly exclaims a Yanqui swear. Ian hesitates for a moment, keeping his cane up, but moves closer Lizzie Potgieter doesn't hesitate and whips out her shotgun. Ian: "Young man...you seem to be in a very bad way." He raises his hands, over his head, one a stump and the other all bones. And in his chest, you see a cavity in the bone, like a circle punched through, with a crust of blue all round it "SEE....the coming DARKness.....ss.." Elysia Lucchesi: "Well that's not good!" Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't no doctor gonna fix that.” "The Horned King....stands....with August...." Lizzie Potgieter pre-emptively aims at the muttering corpse. "and the true world....will be revealed....." Ian: "We'd like you to tell us more," he says calmly and soothingly. "Why don't you tell us about this true world?" "When....the true queen....is....found" HACK cough sputter splorch Lizzie Potgieter acknowledges Ian trying to talk to the guy and, turns way. Ian turns briefly to look at the women behind him with a brief bit of panic, then returns to a practiced diplomatic voice Ian: "Who's the Queen-" Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't gonna put him down? Cruel, man.” Ian stops talking when....that happens The body shivers, then the meat falls away, the bones beneath Adelaide Valerian walks closer but dosn't do anything foolish like get in front of Lizzie. Ian's words seem mad, but she realizes after a moment that this rambleing could be useful information. She bites her tonuge to keep from saying anything, then watches the horrible transformation. "Please let him be dead." Ian takes a moment, shudders, and slowly takes another step closer The meat slithers off of him and pools in a heap below the bones. They stare from a dead skull, grinning. Elysia Lucchesi starts jotting all of this down Ian: "Bloody hell..." he whispers to himself, then hates himself for being too on the nose Lizzie Potgieter glances at it once, and has seen enough. Lizzie Potgieter mutters some unpleasant-sounding Yanqui under her breath. Lizzie Potgieter: “Let's go, I don't think that doctor's done his job well.” Ian looks around for something...medically relevent that he might use to not get...cultist...all over himself. Any boxes of gloves he can see? Elysia Lucchesi: "A change of clothes can be a business expense in this case." Ken (GM): yes, there are rubber gloves at hand Elysia Lucchesi returns to Clark. Ken (GM): big vulcanized deals with straps(no disposables yet) Clark is sitting agains tthe wall, mumbling to himself Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath to steady herself, then walks to the doorway and calls out. "Doctor?" She ask. Wondering if this beast could have killed the man somehow, despite it's terrebily degraded state Ian quickly swipes a bunch of gloves....pops one on the end of his cane too, and carefully pokes through the mess, looking for the strange blue bits Lizzie Potgieter catches a glance of something. Clark: "you cant...walk...when youre dead. He didnt move. Cant have seen that" Elysia Lucchesi: "Who all had access to the Observatorium?" Lizzie Potgieter: The same as Adelaide, it seems. “What's that?” “Oh, just a furnace.” Adelaide Valerian looks around the next room, searching a moment. Eyes falling on a strange furnance and a desk. A crematoruom.. "Perhaps we should finish burning that thing.." She says softly, touching a teacup on the desk. "Still hot.".. Ken (GM): [I admit, its emblazoned with demons, but Galicians are weird like that] Adelaide Valerian: "Doctor?" She knocks at the door to the north. Lizzie Potgieter glances over the documents on the table. Lizzie Potgieter has Broken Galician literacy so unless any words jump out at her, she isn't going to spend much time on this. Lizzie Potgieter picks up a piece of paper and shows it to Adelaide. “What do you make of this?” A piece of paper, a ring with a circle of runes inside. Ian prods and pokes, and theres another SCHLORPP noise Elysia Lucchesi: "Get a hold of yourself, and find out who was on Observatorium duty today. Ian transfers the schlorppp into a fresh glove and ties it off carefully, then gathers anything that had touched the mess and kicks it into the trash Elysia Lucchesi returns to the others Clark sniffles and nods, and makes his way up the stairs on unsteady legs Ian clears his throat, tucking something glove-covered into his documents-roll, then looks to see what the others are up to Ian: (discarding the glove on his cane as well) SPLOORP Ian: [bloody handprints wherever he walks might be a bit horrible] Adelaide Valerian studies the paper a moment, considering it. Frowning. "Huhumm.. Seems the good doctor might have been involved in something." Rolling 3d6 = 6 vs 12 for Occultism. Adelaide Valerian examines the paper and the things on the desk. P.P. A.: (after Adelaide is done with it) Adelaide Valerian: "Geometic runic patterns are also used by the cult of the horned god. There could defaintly be a connection." P.P. A.: “Think the doctor was drawing what he saw in the corpse? Well, body.” Lizzie Potgieter: “Think the doctor was drawing what he saw in the corpse? Well, body.” Elysia Lucchesi: "Far too much to just be a coincidence." Ian: "I've...obtained that sample for reference later." Ian tries not to look too sick to his stomach Elysia Lucchesi: "There, there. You did good." Adelaide Valerian: "The report says that the man was defaintly dead. The design was on an item inserted into the chest." "Some kind of horrible ressirectionist device." Lizzie Potgieter: “What the—” “That's befok.” Lizzie Potgieter looks over to Ian. “You found anything like that?” Ian looks Ian: "The...thing....in his body may need a bit of washing off before I can be sure but..." [is it the same?] Ian peeks into the glove, and a dull blue stone catches the light. It's edges are perfectly curved, with no mark Adelaide Valerian nods, then peeks into the next room. Checking for the doctor. Ian ties back up the glove Adelaide Valerian shakes her head as she steps back inside. "The body should be burned to ashes. I don't want it getting up again." Ian: "I suspect it's ability to go for a joyride was part of this object." With more questions than answers, and ominous tidings given by a dead man, the four are left chilled in the dark Until....next time On SHATTERED WORLDS MASQUERADE Ian shivers, resolves to get moar cloak P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Fiss: CLOAKS FOR ALL Hehe, yeah mang Ken (GM): youre all bloody welcome! 4 xp ya gits, before I forget Fiss: Oh, Ken... Ken (GM): yes fiss Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ Fiss: I realized I didn't take a full 50 points of disadvantages Ken (GM): oh HO Fiss: HAL'S LEGACY LIVES ON! BY ME PLAYING SLIGHTLY LESS DAMAGED HEROES! lol P.P. A.: Time for an unfortunate accident traumatising/crippling Ian Ken (GM): WHABOOM -1 legs Adelaide Valerian: Ian gets lecerousness and xenophile. P.P. A.: kek Fiss: The year is 2029 Fiss plays a socially normal accountant who has a well rounded group of normal person hobbies Ken (GM): Fiss: OH NO! lol Joush M.: Speaking of that, Addy needs to light up. It's been that kind of day Ken (GM): :D Fiss: Heh, have a good one folks. Ken (GM): P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): o7 happy turkey day! oh good lord has it only been a week since thanksgicing Joush M.: As 2020 goes on relativiistic effects make each week longer then the last Ken (GM): gadzooks dilation really has become a thing well, I dunno about you guys but I AM READY TO RAWK is fiss ready to perform the rawk? Fiss: time has no meaning....only the dice remain concrete [rawks] Ken (GM): YEAAAAAAAH Where last we left our heroes... the room was dark and cool, but the wet sound of a dissolving body lent the air an electric sense of terror! The mad cultist of the Roi Cornu was found in state, half-dragged accross the examining table, curled in the corner of the back corner, shrieking dark portents on wet-meat lungs! Ian Had extracted a clue form the body, and Adelaide corroborated a snatch of mystery in the autopsy. Elysia dismissed the attendant to find a lurking culprit who may have slipped past, while Lizzie cursed her involvement whatsoever Fiss: toss a coin to RNGesus, oh players of plenty.... Ian turns to the others Lizzie Potgieter: “Can we go now?” Ian: "We have....somewhat of what we need. Shall we exit before this gets complicated?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Ja.” Ian heads for the fuckin door Elysia Lucchesi: "I see no reason to linger." Ken (GM): heheheh Upstairs, Clark the Clerk can be heard having a loud conversation with a man stooped over his cane Elysia Lucchesi takes one last glance at the scene of the crime before heading out Clark: "Sir, Im sorry, but there are....theres something not.....I cant let you down there right now!" Adelaide Valerian considers a moment and looks around, then grabs the autopisy report with the recording of the item and the makes sure they have the evidence bag. She follows after the others and stops, lisening to the louad conversaion. Cornelius Derisius: "BALDERDASH! I am the resident surgeon here and by all means and rights, I OWN this building and your own titelage is bestowed by my office boy! If my name isnt " Lizzie Potgieter has never heard this name before. P.P. A.: :^) Ken (GM): :V Ian makes mental note of the name but sees if they can't waltz out the door while the man is distracted Ian: [is it up the stairs?] Ken (GM): [yeah right up the stairs past those two] Lizzie Potgieter: “'scuse me.” Ken (GM): [there the elevator lift in the back as well] Adelaide Valerian might have looked for another way out, but can hardly help it now. She follows after the others, ready to head out. Lizzie Potgieter briefly takes off her hat greeting the doctor, and tries to shove herself between the two. Ian: [unless everyone rushes the stairs, will go to the lift] Ken (GM): hahaha 50% bum rush so far... P.P. A.: Did we take the lift of the stars coming down here? *or Ian: lift I thought Ken (GM): stairs, actually P.P. A.: Ah, so we wouldn't necessarily know about the lift Ken (GM): you found the remains in front of it P.P. A.: oh …lol Elysia Lucchesi also takes the stairs Ken (GM): kek Your band makes a quick exit straight up the stairs past the two, while the older man hounds the younger Clark: "Sir! Please, theres been a horrible...I cant even say!" Cornelius: "DAMN YOUR EYES BOY! Let me down to the examining tables!....Oh , good morning all, blessed day to you" * and he gives you a side glance as he cornelius give the statement a flat look, then wheels on Clark turning himself red in the face. He raises his cane in an arm clad not only in his topcoat, but a mechanical brass-armored gauntlet that menaces with an internal Ætheric glow Cornelius: "DAMN IT ALL AND DAMN YOUR CHILD MIND, BOY! Escort me downstairs at once before I have your job!" P.P. A.: Imagine all the things you could build out of that thing! Clark withers and blusters, and is bapped in the chest with a cane Elysia Lucchesi takes a second to remember the man's name and face before heading out Ken (GM): hahah "*fuck this guy lets get while the gettin is good" Adelaide Valerian: "Thank you for your assistance, Mister Clark. I'm afraid we will have to return another day to handle the rest of our buisness." She tells him, sticking with the truth and inclineing her head to the young man as she passes. Inclineing her head politely to the stooped doctor in wordless greeting on the way out as she ajust her glasses. Clark blushes at the possibility of a young woman saying his name, and then is wheeled back to reality as the furious old man starts mechanically assisting them both in to the building. They descend, and you seem to be scot-free Ken (GM): [exunt?] Elysia Lucchesi waits until they're out of earshot. "...I don't like him one bit." P.P. A.: yup Ian nods to that Lizzie Potgieter won't speak until they're out of the building and around at least one corner. Fiss: [one day Fiss will create a character who communicates only in nods] Ken (GM): [map magic] fiss thats all your characters Fiss: [ONLY in nods] Ian nods mostly to himself Lizzie Potgieter: “So what the hell was that? The guy was dead, but someone put that thing in him and it moved his corpse?” Ian: "I'm not so sure. I'm not familiar enough with medicine to know if it was bursting in or out or simply...eating....the space within the man's chest." Lizzie Potgieter: “Or was he not dead because that thing kept him barely alive?” Adelaide Valerian: "Humm? His cane was strange, so was the gauntlet. I think it might be something from an SBI lab." She says softly to the pale, pretty girl before turning to Lizzie. "I've seen the cult do.. strange things before, but never that. It's like something from a story about ressurectionist." Elysia Lucchesi: "I'd suggest you lot start studying that thing as soon as possible before any unsavoury types start looking for it. I'll go and make sure Father is briefed on this and return to the hideout later." Lizzie Potgieter: “OK.” Ian nods at that Ian: "I want to at least get a proper image of the item, just in case it...literally or figuratively...walks off." Lizzie Potgieter turns to Adelaide. “You work at that museum, nè? The thing had runes and stuff, think someone there could tell where it's from?” Adelaide Valerian: "Right. It's also a good place to hide.. Back to the musium to fill out some important paperwork and get us a work lab and some equipment." Adelaide Valerian suits actions to words, heading for a suspended train station with the others and keeping an eye out around them as the strange fog of the fallen city curls around her delecate mask. Ken (GM): right so Elysia off to the OAR for a moment, and the rest of you to the safety of the museum? Lizzie Potgieter has also put her mask back on. Elysia Lucchesi waits until the they've left before losing her tension and heading to the OAR Ian: Yep, museum mask back on social distancing Ken (GM): [argh, :V I still cant believe I did that so smoothly, subconsciously The misty day continues to cling ominously; the bright sun behind thinning clouds lends a glowing haze to the city, the gleam of angelic statues and baroque trimming to the buildings up above you. Elysia splits to return immediately to report on her findings, while the three of of secure the autopsy report and evidence bag back at the Museum. The plaza remains half-empty, the building with the blackened burned out message a toothless grimace, nearly succumbing to the flames, burned timbers and broken masonry left testament to the fearsome message. The glistening glass Imperial Museum stands reflecting it's broken shape as you head inside, to your sanctum Adelaide Valerian request a private lab from the museum, signing an agreement to pay for it with funds from a mysterous and fictional grant she knows nobody will look to deeply at. She's more relaxted inside.. and even more when she's able to get The Artifact into a well secured, thick glass case and photographed from several angles. Lizzie Potgieter sits down on whatever seating is available and watches Adelaide do her diligent work, not able to contribute much. Ian watches from afar, trying his best to mentally distance the image of the object with the gruesome way it came into his possession. The room is as she describes: private. A thick oak door with no window and stone walls on all sides. Dust cloths revealing worktables and writing desks secured for just such an occasion as Discovery... The first thing amiss, is the photography Adelaide takes photographs, and with the electric lighting and flashbulb....the disk glows resonantly Adelaide Valerian: "Huh. Unusual reaction.. Lizzie, you see that too?" She ask as she uses the barrowed camera and stops to stare a moment at the disk behind that thick glass in the artifact case. Lizzie Potgieter nods, having been alerted by the thing' reaction and watching it closely since. Under the glass case, the disk on an inert slab seems to glow from inside. Small twinkling bits of golden light mingled with the afterglow of flashbulb phosphors Lizzie Potgieter: “It's not, like, the light, but more like reacting to it.” Ian: Is the object firmly 'purpose' built or are there clear decorations and symbols on it? The disk is a flat surface of blue crystaline stone; the lustrous surface, wiped of grim, shines like polished quartz with a smokey blue interior. No runes or glyphs mark its surface... Lizzie Potgieter: “I wonder what's gonna happen if it's in the sunlight.” Adelaide Valerian carefully loads the undeveloped film from the camera, doing it by touch under a blanket to keep things lightless then walking the potographic catrage over to a table. FIlling out a request for it to be a developed, their department and where to deliver the photographs then putting everything into a brass cylender about as long as her forearm, closeing it neatly then putting it in a pipe that cmes out of a wall. With a soft 'thump' of of suction it speeds off to it's destination as the slender blonde considers that. "It's hard to know. You think it might be phosphorescent or photoreactive?" Lizzie Potgieter blinks. Lizzie Potgieter smiles. “Eh…” Ian: "And what a strange thing to be in the middle of a person...." P.P. A.: How big is it by the way? Ken (GM): about 6 inches (a little larger than Ian's palm) and half an inch thick (the thickness of your thumb) Elysia Lucchesi eventually rejoins the others. "I take it its shown additional unusual properties?" Lizzie Potgieter nods in acknowledgement of Eylsia entering and addresses Ian's comment. “Think someone stuffed in his corpse after he died, or that he had it inside of him already, like through surgery?” Elysia Lucchesi: "I asked about that man. He's SBI." Ian: "Remember that this man basically self immolated. Having this in his chest may have been part of that." Elysia Lucchesi: "Given how he went around acting like he owned the place...I doubt it's a coincidence that he happened to be around the same place that an unusual event took place in." Lizzie Potgieter: “Wait, the dead guy? Or that old man?” Ian: "Dead guy." "The guy I chatted with." Ken (GM): [kek] Lizzie Potgieter: [in response to Elysia] Adelaide Valerian: "Welcome back, Elysia.. humm.. Doctor Cornelius Deterus. Head Surgon." She writes that down and puts it on a cork board. Joush M.: Let's say she remembers his name right.. Ken (GM): hahah Elysia Lucchesi: "The old man. 'Head of Aethero-Mechanical Enchancement Studies.' He's made a reputation for himself already as a very...loud and bombastic man whose actual duties and work are kept under the tightest wraps possible." Adelaide Valerian: "SBI man. Exotic gauntlet. Something about that cane too." Lizzie Potgieter: “Isn't that hospital run by the SBI? I thought that was kinda obvious.” Ian nods Adelaide Valerian: "Right. He develops devices that improve people useing strange powers." She looks at The Artifact, under the glass. Ian: "I wonder how much of this is kept 'in house' and how much of it was kept in house by virtue of them owning half the city." Elysia Lucchesi: "You've a lot to learn about this side of the world, Miss Potgieter." Adelaide Valerian nods in silent approval at her current notes about the doctor. "So he might come looking for this. He might even have created it if he's part of the cult." Lizzie Potgieter throws Elysia a scornful glare and sits back again, looking over to Adelaide's notes. Adelaide Valerian: "It's.. reacting again. Or changeing on it's own. It diden't have these flecks of gold before." She says as she walks over to look at it though the thick glass. "Maybe we should ask for a shield cage. Fine wire mesh that insulates things from energy waves." Elysia Lucchesi looks away with a mumble. "...And I hope you never have to learn a lot of them." Ian: "Couldn't hurt." Lizzie Potgieter: “Can we open it up and look inside? Or do we need a specialist for that?” Ian: "What kind of specialist?" Adelaide Valerian: "We have the tools. I honestly don't know how to do that, however." Lizzie Potgieter: “Engineer, electrician, whatever.” Ian: "I think it may be prudent not to involve too many people." Lizzie Potgieter: “The thing's obviously evil, so if we break it, no big deal. Maybe seein' how its made can tell us where it's from. …and what it's made of.” The golden flecks move on the thing even as you all speak on how to handle it; eventually they settle, in a ring shape, highlighting dwarven-looking rune letters in a ring around the top of the disk Adelaide Valerian: "I'm not opposed, but it could be dangerous.. A device that can move a person around when they are dead has a lot of power." She frowns thoughtfully. Sketching the runes. The symbols. "It seems to reveal more simply letting it sit though." Elysia Lucchesi: "If nothing else, I doubt this is the only specimen." Lizzie Potgieter nods and takes a look at the runes too. Lizzie Potgieter: “What language is that?” The ring of runes look nothing like the original note from the doctor, found in the autopsy report; these are simple block letters in a ring. The original note was of a geometric looking diagram, with small runes in key places Ken (GM): [ree, props] Adelaide Valerian: "Chthonic of some kind. I wish I knew more, but there are experts I could ask to identify it." She frowns thoughtfully, carefully copying the runes, then adding the time and date. "Artifact A. Configuration at 1544, 12.7.01' Joush M.: time/date are placeholders, obviously. Elysia Lucchesi: "Think the dwarves could have some answers?" Lizzie Potgieter: “We could show them to the beardo we were supposed to meet up with.” Ken (GM): [hahahahah oh lawd] Adelaide Valerian: "Well.." She can't help but agree. Ken (GM): [beardo is my new favorite dwarf slang] Ian: [darn racists!] Ken (GM): well, I might say, You are in a research and archive library. There should be a translatable reference guide to dwarven runes in here somewhere Adelaide Valerian looks for exactly that. Resources on Dwarves and their Crazy Moonrunes Rolling 3d6 = 14 vs 12 for Research, plus any relevant bonuses for the quality of the facility/librariay. Ken (GM): hah Adelaide Valerian is tempted to Luck that, but resist it. Adelaide checks the card catalogue and finds it a mess; a master guide to Dwarven-Cthonic Runes and Galician Phrasing is available...somewhere. A good twenty minutes of head scratching finds it eventually on a mis-shelved aisle nearby Ken (GM): "Dewey decimal " Ian: [DON'T YOU KNOW THE DEWIE DECIMAL SYSTEM!? ] Joush M.: "드워프 연구? Well guys, the good news is I found it. the bad news is that it's in Korean." Elysia Lucchesi: (English side ruined! Must use French instructions! La rune!? What the hell is that???) Adelaide Valerian huffs at that, resisting the urge to grind her teeth and carrying her prize back. Satisfying her impluse to wickedness by stealing a snack tray and bringing it back. Coffee and biscuts on the thing rolled in and then setting the heavy book down to work on it. Translateing slowly, doing the best she can. COFFEE BISCUITS RESEARCH Adelaide Valerian eats a tiny sandwich and becomes increasingly unsettled as she builds the translation. "Empress of Horns, Deloth-Ainur." Ian: While the research is taking place, Ian will telegraph his office and make sure there is nothing weird happening in the so-called normal world On the desk, the last section of runes glow bright neon red Adelaide Valerian swears when it begins to glow. Chastizeing herself instantly. She should have known better to talk where it might 'hear' her. The glow fades slowly, like a quick dying fire, but a red remains in those last symbols glowing dully like embers P.P. A.: "That the 'queen' he... it mentioned? " Lizzie Potgieter: ""That the 'queen' he... it mentioned?" Adelaide Valerian: "Yes.. it's also.. " She hestates to share, then admits it. "What the ones I've tanged with have called Kat. They are after her to try and make her this person." Ken (GM): 'tangled with' ? Lizzie Potgieter raises an eyebrow. "'Make her' that person? What do you mean?" Joush M.: A very polite way to describe murdering people. Ken (GM): hahahah true, i was just clarifying the typo Adelaide Valerian fidgets. "I don't know exactly. They said that she would be the horned king's bride. This.. person." She avoids saying the name. She saw how the artifact reacted the first time. The disk sits there, all menacing, under the safety box.... Elysia Lucchesi: "Probably using aether technology, brainwashing." Lizzie Potgieter frowns. “Bastards.” Lizzie Potgieter: “We've got a name now though, maybe there's some history to it down underground.” Adelaide Valerian: "I'd like to check on her before our next meeting.. Then I suppose we meet the chthonic." Elysia Lucchesi: "I'll look into it. And we have some coded language to be on the watch for when we're in other places." "Cults like to use phrases and words with meanings that aren't clear except to those in the know. We may have gained a key into that world." Adelaide Valerian nods to Elysia. "have you met these people before?" Elysia Lucchesi: "Not as such, but many of them operate under the same principles." "But in the interests of your protectorate, perhaps it would be best to only look into that particular manner away from where any relics may be in proximity to her?" The disk....sits there Adelaide Valerian nods and cleans up before covering the aritfact's case with a heavy cloth, locking up the hideout and nodding to Elysia. "I'll keep her away from the disk." Adelaide Valerian: "I should check on her. Should we meet back at the train station then go check on our other lead?" Ian offers to go get the tickets Ken (GM): kek "four for wrong side of the tracks" "steerage or whipping box?" Lizzie Potgieter: “OK.” Lizzie gets up and stretches, happy to get moving again and— well, the air outside isn't fresh. Ken (GM): "...Steerage?" exunt as it were Adelaide takes a side trip to make sure her ward is warded, and you again move to action into the misty city. Brightness tries to punch through the gloom, and a twinkle of direct sunlight appears now and again, but the dread cloys today like a dead man's grasp. Lizzie Potgieter: “Really hard to tell what time it is here.” Truly, the day wanes weirdly; when the aircar rattles home at the tracks, it slips out of a gout of cloying mist that startles you, the sound of the thing lurching out of the air like a phantom Adelaide Valerian catches up to the others a touch subdued, the slender blonde shifting her bag on her sholder and ajusting her mask as she finds them at the station. The city's tram takes you round the bend to the other edge of the world; the dockyards swim past overhanging the remains of the bay, with the tenements of the workers guilds rising up in short waves of red bricks and white stucco. Then on to the end of things, where you find yourselves nearly alone on the trip. Out past the old walls on the boulevard, with a side road breaking away to descend the shore-become-mucky hillside descent to the Lower City. The descent is almost as a trip to the roil; the mists of Venito boiling down over the industrial structures and shanty-like housing of the heretics and branded underworlders who make up the population here. The Lower city sits in a bowl of the land; on one side, the mighty dam which saves the remainder of the collective water of the city behind a bulwark. The rest is a fearsome no-mans land patrolled by Holy Imperial troops and guard dogs. The impressive 'Boulevard Gate' that leads in is three seperate checkpoints of guards through the fence, checking for papers and brands Ken (GM): [Gm's note; each of you shoul dhave no trouble with the guards unless you make it. Lizzie has a valid passport, and either the authority of the OAR or Ian's position can have you pass inside with little quesiton] Lizzie Potgieter: “When was this part of the city built?” the young woman asks at some point, looking out solemnly into the drab darkness outside of the train windows. Adelaide Valerian looks to the place. Her first time here in fact, and she's intimtated a moment by the insutional wickedness of the place before she draws herself up. A rain cape over her clothes, hood drawn up on her blonde hair and mask on as she walks to the guard and offers her papers, then proceeds inside to join the others. "I haden't realized it was so bad." Elysia Lucchesi: "If places like this were more easily seen, something might have been done about it already." Passing into the Lower City, you are again passed a SBI-standard armband similar to the ones at the morgue. A cloth wrap in white with a bright red V emroidered in reflective thread. "Keep your pass visible and exit the rehabilitation zone before nightfall please." the guards say with practiced enuncuation Adelaide Valerian nods in thanks to the man. "Let's see. Where are we to find this man?" The Lower City visibly is seperated into three areas: the Sludgeworks up against the dam, a sprawling farm of cthonic bugs and slurry. The Shanties where the mingled huddled masses live and struggle. And the "SBI-Rehabilitation Reprocessor" which sticks out as an edifice of concrete and glass, hyper-modern, and guarded by not only Galician troops but SBI trained personnel. Kobolds and dwarves in uniform and men and women alongside, busy behind a bright steel wire fence. Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs 11 for Modern Gallican History. Joush M.: Or vs 12 for Politics Elysia Lucchesi looks around the area for any familiar-looking estates and structures Adelaide Valerian: "The SBI's a major corporation, with branches in most post collapse nations.. and they've poured money into the city. Enough to make the inquistion happy to welcom them here." Lizzie Potgieter: “So just money talking, is it?” She shrugs. Ian: "Flash enough money at any faith and suddenly your sins are downgraded to tollerable." Adelaide Valerian: "Money and other things. They have experts in many fields.. like the good Doctor we met earlier.. Aethero-Mechanical Enhancement has military applications, along with medical ones. To refuse the SBI is to risk their resources going to your enemies." Lizzie Potgieter nods. “I see. Better to have 'em on your side, as much as they're on anyone's side other than their own.” You walk, and wander and end up heading toward the edge of the sludgeworks. Pointed hands direct you to what ends up being referred to as "The Orphanarium" Adelaide Valerian is glad to find the child prison at last, approching it with a look around. Ken (GM): [bloody hell, roll20 'upgrading' the lighting effects on me] [y'all can see again?] P.P. A.: again, yes Joush M.: Yep! I can see Elysia Lucchesi: (i can see) Ian: yep! Ken (GM): huzzah Elysia Lucchesi: "Well, don't be afraid of it." Adelaide Valerian looks past the buildings and people to a glimpse of an airship. Trying to tell what might be going on here. the place consists of A small island of buildings on what may have once been a small wet outcropping;several handmade looking buildings made of mud-brick sit on it, and enough machinery to facilitate the small airship docked at the menagerie. Ahead, SBI-uniformed men and women are up on the airship, while on the ground young borys and girls of all types mill. A singular figure of a dwarf in a Vitrusian robe seems to be directing things. He holds a staff with a stylized silver anvil on the cap of the stick Adelaide Valerian walks in direction of the man in the purple stole. "Good afternoon, Sir." Lizzie Potgieter looks at the children, trying to gauge how they are, and smiling at any who look back. (To GM): mainly trying to gauge their health and happiness Elysia Lucchesi brings up the rear, trying not to draw too much attention to herself given who she is to many of these people. Joush M.: Can my character remember his name even if I have the dumb? (To GM): noted, thanks The dwarf wheels on his feet as if on a pivot, and his robe blossoms out as he spins to greet you at the call! "HAIL AND WELL MET! WELCOME to the ORPHANARIUM of PARNASSUS!" Ken (GM): neither Joush nor Adelaide is the dumb Parnassus: "Have you come for a new burly worker for your mill or smithy? A nimble hand at the loom or the cototn gin? Perhaps a bellhop or handmaid?" Lizzie Potgieter politely lifts her hat, and her smile is only polite, too. Lizzie Potgieter: Her smile is also after that line. Lizzie Potgieter stays back and lets Adelaide speak. Ken (GM): [biting her tongue and thumbing the action of her gun?] Adelaide Valerian walks closer and curtsies to him, considering a momen and studying him. "I'd like to talk to you a moment about some of the strange things going on in the city, but as Archivist and Special Research Assistant at the Musium we might have some employment oppertunities to talk about too." She says politely to the man. Parnassus smiles brightly the whole way through that, but a genuine twinkle hits his eye by the end parnassus: "BRILLIANT!" "I would love to wile away the day in tales of oddity, as long as in the end, a fair and glamorous contract is made!" Adelaide Valerian isn't quite lying. A dwarven assistant that can understand their runes and explain chthonic concepts to them could be very useful."I'm Adelaid Valerian. This is Ian Timmins, Elysia Luchesi and Lizzie Potgieter." P.P. A.: >dwarven Adelaide is even more naïve than Lizzie this time well, there may be some Dwarven orphans for sale here too Elysia Lucchesi: "Hello." Parnassus stands about a head shorter than Lizzie; he has on a thick robe of dark cloth, and an open shirt, but a slip of fabric over his shoulders that marks him as a priest of Fabbricco perhaps. The regalia is odd, with dwarven-looking depictions of smiths, hammers and anvils, as well as thread and spool, sickle and scythe, or wrench and hammer. All done in silver thread over deep purple cloth Parnassus looks to each of you as the names roll off, and stare sonly a moment on Elysia at the mention of her name. His smile barely falters Parnassus: "Aha, miss Lucchesi" "I am glad to do fair business with all, but...I wonder at your appearance today" Lizzie Potgieter observes his reaction carefully, trying to discern the relationship he has with her father. Adelaide Valerian nods at that. Elysia's father knows this man. Elysia Lucchesi: "I'm off-duty for the usual things. I'm just tagging along on an errand today." Parnassus: "Might I ask; Is this an errand for the Patriarch? or for the gods?" Elysia Lucchesi: "I don't speak for them. Miss Valerian will tell you everything you need." Ian: "We all do divine work, good sir. In the name of our fathers." Lizzie Potgieter was about to say something, but Ian said the keyword already. Lizzie Potgieter nods to him once. Parnassus: "Ah well, by all means, Miss Valerian, wont you step into my office?" Lizzie Potgieter: ”I'm coming with her.” Lizzie Potgieter steps up beside Adelaide and gives her a brief, reassuring smile. Adelaide Valerian smiles. "Yes, please." She goes to the office. "Shall we all go?" She ask the other three politely, calm and relaxed even as she glances casually to the airship again. The airship hovers, engines idling as it steams and thrums Parnassus hums and steps to a jaunty tune that sounds a bit like "whistle as you work" heading to his office Ian snorts and walks with them Adelaide Valerian ask as she walks inside. "The SBI airship seems like a strange visitor." Elysia Lucchesi steals a glance at the ship. "I think I won't be all that welcome here, anyway. You all go ahead." Parnassus: "Oh not at all! The Orphanarium is one of the only licensed installations in the Lower City to have access to SBI-graded Æthero-electrical storage. They pay a tidy sum for nimble workers and real estate" Lizzie Potgieter lazily raises a hand as a goodbye-gesture Adelaide Valerian nods at that, then ask. "I do have to admit another reason for the visit. Did you hear about the cultist in the upper city yesterday?" Parnassus: "By the allfather, such a sight and sound the city has made. Who knew such evil men lurked in the heart of the city?" Lizzie Potgieter looks at the Dwarf. “You're a buinessdwarf, right?” Parnassus sits behind a desk that nearly hides him, until he perches on a chair high enough to make eye contact with you all. He keeps his anvil-stick in hand Ian: "Seems the evil is far darker than just a few misguided souls." Parnassus: "I am a servant of our good Lords, and of Fabbricco direct. Good business goes hand in hand with good lives, and good citizenship. " Lizzie Potgieter: “Then you should value your time and not waste it with small talk.” “Is that ‘Horned King‘ a known figure down in the underworld, or does ‘Deloth Ainur’ ring a bell? Parnassus gulps Parnassus: "Damnation girl!" "Mind your tongue, lest it strangle us!" Adelaide Valerian: "I was going to come to that subject more delecatly.." She half smiles at Lizzie's bluntness. Parnassus: "Yes, . I trust Adelaide was simply introducing us so you three could... whatever are you here for?" Parnassus flusters a bit, squinting now Lizzie Potgieter: “Ja.” “I don't wanna be here, you don't want us to be here, so just tell us what we want to know.” Parnassus: "" he mutters to himself looking down to the Earth "I can lend whatever assistance is required. I may even pass a message to our mutual friend, the Phantom. And you come to me here, in my business, to speak of the Cult?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Who?” Adelaide Valerian: "It's a danger to everyone. I'd like to stop them." She says gently. "I'm sorry. I diden't mean to create problems for you, but you clearly know more about this then I do. I could use any help you can offer." Lizzie Potgieter nods to Adelaide. Parnassus: "Fine; they are not madmen. There is a true spirit, a dark demon from ancient times, called The Horned King. His wife, mother of devils, Deloth-Ainur. Do not speak these names lightly, they carry a curse about them" Lizzie Potgieter: “Are they a Dwarven thing, or a Kobbel one, or…?“ Adelaide Valerian might have discounted that but the memory of the disk reacting to her name sends a shiver down her spine. Just referring to her did that. She focuses again on the dwarven cleric's lined face. The hard hands on his anvel cane as he speaks to them. Parnassus: "Hah, as if the skinks could come up with a wraith like " he chuckles to himself "No they are creatures of ancient times, long found from the depths. They were here when my people laid the first stones." Lizzie Potgieter remembers “skinks” Parnassus: "The clans struck much of that history from the tablets. None should recount the origins of darkness, so not to tread the same paths." Adelaide Valerian: "The cult seems to have recovered some information about him. Enough to think it's a path to power. Do you know why they might be looking for his 'wife'?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Huh, so even they knew better than to worship a demon. So I figure the cult's a down there too.” Lizzie Potgieter looks at Adelaide as she has a better idea of where to lead the conversation from here. Parnassus: "Whatever they found, whatever it could be, beware that thing. Bloodlines dry up at the hand of . Better you stay up here on the isles than go delving for secrets about 'em" "Last I knew though, was stirrings on the Cracked desert" Adelaide Valerian: "What happend there?" Parnassus: "My clan moved in, sent ourselves up in the world, none were living there and we thought 'might be good, black earth in the middle if we look'. I came here, simple enough" "I should check in on them soon, been a spell of time" It seems, news of Yth and the Cracked desert has not yet made it down here Lizzie Potgieter 's stony expression softens up a little, and she takes her hat off—which she hadn't done when she entered the building. Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath and considers how to put things. Giveing a moment for anyone else to jump on that grenade before she explains gently. "I'm very sorry to say Sir, but there's been an event in the Cracked Desert. Some kind of attack." Parnassus turns in his chair, to her, and stares. The smile has long gone, but now, his face turns down to a grimace Parnassus: "What are you saying? Is it war for men, again?" Ian: "It was a....singular culprit." "We think." Lizzie Potgieter: “Still kinda unclear, really.” “Ain't normal, that's for sure.” Ian nods sadly Parnassus moves with a grave slowness. He steps down from his chair, and to the side of his desk, plugging in the Ætherwave reciver on his desk. He slowly clicks through the broadcast channels... Lizzie Potgieter has pity in her eyes, and the tone of her voice has gotten a bit softer as well. The radio on his desk warms up, and tunes to the Galician Broadcast Network, begins to hear a news reporter introduce the speaker now as "The Golden Count August Von Arnfels, of yth" Lizzie Potgieter perks up. “The pillar of darkness that rose up from the eastern depths was the work of the Horned King,” he begins, getting straight to the point: “a demon, summoned to this world by a cult in the aftermath of the Cataclysm.” He allows the crowd a moment to murmur. “Also summoned had been an angel—or valkyrie—by the name of ‘Lily’ or ‘Uriel’. She was fragmented,” he makes a dismissive hand gesture, as if to pre-empt any questions how that works: “and her power used and abused by various factions. Over the course of my company's investiation into the attack on my fishing vessels, and the sinking of one of them, we uncovered many of these conspiracies, working together with Lily. She was eventually made whole, and departed from this world.” Lizzie Potgieter 's eyes open wide. ”Straight to the point as always.” Parnassus sits down, resting his stick aside, leaning back in the chair and absorbing the words on the news The radio continues in Augusts voice “She decided to forgive this world whose men had treated her so poorly, where her divine powers had been defiled to serve the ambitions of lesser men, and vowed to stand forever guard at the border of this world—to ensure that the summons of occultists and demon-worshippers henceforth go unanswered, and to protect mankind from further incursions from without.” The line is quiet, the small sounds of quiet from the room where the man speaks, flashbulbs snapping in the news conference. He then continues "“What was left to be done by man's hands was to excise the foreign evil yet remaining in this world. Joining forces with the Order of Purity, my men and I confronted the Horned King. We slew him, and put a stop to his machinations, which were the cause of the last few days' disturbances.” “Any questions?” Lizzie Potgieter: “Yeah.” The radio then scrambles in chaotic noise as dozens of voices rise up to speak at once, in an uproar Lizzie Potgieter laughs at that. Adelaide Valerian: "That was.." She says softly, then falls silent. Nothing she could say would add to that. She instead speaks softly to the dwarven man. "I'm so sorry." Ian harumphs The chaos continues until Augusts voice returns again “One after the other, please.” Parnassus: “The burning of the Cracked Desert was the work of the Wraith" there is a pause “The Wraith was a secret project of the SBI, who lost control of it. …as its pilot went rogue. We managed to neutralise it. It is no longer a threat.” [ree] [all still broadcast from his radio, ree] Lizzie Potgieter casts a shy and sorry glance at Parnassus. Parnassus shuts off the radio with a sad little CLICK Parnassus: "th'burning....of the Cracked Desert" Lizzie Potgieter jerked forward a little when he turned off the radio, but lets the man have his peace. “…from what I heard, ja. It kinda fell out of the sky, burining.” Lizzie Potgieter: “Sorry, man.” (From Parnassus): im sure the news will be exploding in a moment, with a full recounting of the whole question period. Heretical redactions aside (From Parnassus): remember; theocratic news network Parnassus has turned a grey sort of color now. no blush to his cheeks or twinkle to his eyes (To GM): Yeah, she doesn't expect to be missing out on the rest for long. Maybe there are some Yanqui newspapers here too. Adelaide Valerian comes around the desk and reaches out to rest a hand gently on his shoulder. A simple reassuring touch. Parnassus: "Why did he say ?" he says, some strength returning to his voice ?" a furious anger, rising now on him Lizzie Potgieter: “Who's that?” Parnassus seethes, his breathing hard but shallow. His gold teeth glint as he answers Parnassus: "Miss Lily is no angel, no divine spirit or Angel. Shes...." Adelaide Valerian lets him talk. Wanting to hear what he has to say. Parnassus: "She's our contact with the !" he says, speaking angrily and crushing his volume Lizzie Potgieter: “‘Lily’ ain#t that uncommon a name.” Parnassus: "Tell me this is some MAD coincidence! Some strange thing!" Adelaide Valerian: "I don't understand. Contact with the underside?" Parnassus: "Ye, I mean, "She is...she is important. To all of us. Bleeding hearts and those scorned by the sun." Adelaide Valerian: "I'd like to know more. Please.. and you don't need to aplogize. You've had a huge shock." Parnassus: "She resides with the Dwarven Duke. Bells. His estate. You should speak with her direct" "I...I must make...preparations. There are rituals to..." Adelaide Valerian: "I'd like that." Parnassus sobs then, weeping openly, collapsing against his desk in tragedy and anger and some strange fear Lizzie Potgieter puts her hat back on so she can cast a shadow over her face as she turns away from the pitiful sight. Adelaide Valerian rubs his shoulder very gently a moment longer and decieds she won't be able to get more now. Stepping very gently away and bowing her head to him before she speaks softly. "Thank you very much for your help. Veretis and Fabbricco with you in this time.. May you meet them again someday in The Light." Until next week, on Shattered Worlds Masquerade P.P. A.: Thanks for the session Fiss resists urge to hug child-labour dwarf Rosettsara: Thanks for session~ Fiss: lol Joush M.: THank you! I'm suprised. I thought Lizzie was going to take our plyers and steal his gold teeth Ken (GM): hahahah cmon now, he's trying his best the way he knows how! P.P. A.: The child-slaves didn't look too healthy but they looked content/happy and relatively well-cared for, so she was 50/50 on the whole thing Ken (GM): best way to pull yourself up by the by the bootstraps is to have some work experience under your belt! Joush M.: Where as Addy was like "huh, got one that reads archaic dwarf and can do some light fileing?" P.P. A.: Yeah, there's some logic to it too Ken (GM): haha P.P. A.: Work is a way for them to potentially get out of this underground shithole which Lizzie also kinda understood Ken (GM): oh come now, its a . its hardly underground up here P.P. A.: ah, true Ken (GM): like a drained swamp or an emptied shitbucket P.P. A.: like a [Demon's/Dark] Souls area where everything poisons you, including the ground Ken (GM): hahaha Joush M.: I mean, the siutation in the city is so fucked that it's hard to say if the orphanage/child labor agency is a bad thing or not Ken (GM): I dont know if I should be flattered to be alluding to Blightown man this guy, all excited to introduce you to his mutual friend in the resitance and youre all like "hey did you hear about the obliteration of your distant clanhold?" P.P. A.: Lizzie wasn't going to stay it (until they'd gotten more information out of him), but Adelaide went ahead Joush M.: Yeah, big oof. Damn it, he'd better still connect us to the Phantom P.P. A.: -t Ken (GM): >dwarf weeping >"Hey can you validate our parking? and maybe hook us up with the Phantom too?" >sad dorf clicking at ticket machine P.P. A.: Phantom was the name of that thief, right? Rosettsara: More specifically, "The Phantom Thief" is just a title There is no official name Some just shorten it out of convenience P.P. A.: If that's the Phantom he's referring to, she's just going to look at Mr. Lucchesi unamused the next time they meet Ken (GM): no relation to Billy Zane Rosettsara: A title much like "The Cat Burglar" Joush M.: I bet it ends up being Ian P.P. A.: asking him if he thinks it's funny to pretend he's looking for a guy that his ‘friend‘ and informant the Dwarf knows how to contact IC, Lizzie thinks the Parnassus is talking BS because he's understandably mad with grief, and that this Lily is just someone who happens to have the same name Rosettsara: Elysia would go "Damnit dad, why have you been sending me after an ally?" P.P. A.: OOC I wonder if this is going to be this timeline's mundane/mortal Lily Ken (GM): Fiss: Sorry for delay. Transporting Fury Pod home Ken (GM): ... what the fuck does he have to be angry about hahah Fiss: Oh, sorry Furry Pod lol Ken (GM): or was this "Driving Pod home; Fury Road edition" Joush M.: Aww, for a moment that was awesome Fiss: Mad Max: FURRY ROAD :3 P.P. A.: I was wondering if that was some kind of endearing nickname of a child wont to tempter tantrums Fiss: lol Ken (GM): hahah yes that is our friend fox boy of Alberta Fiss: Yep. Good guy. Wears a tail. Don't care to know if it's a waist band or a butt plug, not really sure it matters. P.P. A.: what Ken (GM): where once was concern for his social wellbeing, now, there is only lulz Fiss: Yeah, dude turned out to be one of the most adult and responsible people we know. Still wears a tail. P.P. A.: …huh. Fiss shrugs Ian: Ken (GM): and now you know, the rest of the story anywho Where last we left our heroes, they had crept to the deep dank places in the Grand City, and overturned a dwarf's world entirely Ian checks to see if the Dwarf is okay, then realizes that 'no' is pretty normal Lizzie Potgieter turns to respectfully leave the sorry shortling to grieve in silence. The party had sought out a contact in the Lower City, who turned out to be a priestly Orphanarium organizer. In his office, they had heard the broadcast interview with August von Arnfels, and had re-recounted the tale of the destruction of the Cracked Desert. The isle destroyed left the dwarf clanless, and in his tumultuous grief, he wept Ian: "This is the part they will never record in the stories and songs," Ian says quietly. "All the people who have lost and wept while the adventure moves too and fro." Adelaide Valerian gave what comfort she could then started to quietly move out of the man's office. Wanting to give him space to greave and compose himself. She stops and nods in agreement with Ian. "Too real I think." Lizzie Potgieter: ”Poor guy…” A moment is spared for the man Lizzie Potgieter moves a finger through the shadow the hat casts on her face, and lifts her chin up to the light again. In the dank of the Orphanarium, the activity is quietly dilligent. Some smaller children play, but any old enough to have their adult teeth have some sort of trade or tool they practice. Round the side of the building a youth turns a rod of warm steel on an anvil demonstrating to two others. Up a ways, another girl with a booklet runs a small class for a few others, reading passages to them while their attention barely strays. All the while, small forms move about the ship parked nearby, the prominent SBI markings on the uniforms, and a Galician Flag flying free a silvery on the air. Their engines are warming as they appear to plan to depart soon Adelaide Valerian considers the scene a moment. "I wonder if we could find someone able to handle translations." Ian contents himself watching the kids play, but begins to notice the larger picture, back up to the ship Lizzie Potgieter crosses her arms and tilts her head, mulling over all they learned. Lizzie Potgieter: “So the Horned King is dead. Are they just gonna give up now, or focus on De— …-e A. instead?” Ken (GM): [even the GM is puzzled] Ian: "My experiences are that when a king dies, the rabble rarely passes over a chance to make a terrible decision." Adelaide Valerian considers that a moment and shakes her head. "Ever hear the saying 'the king is dead, long live the king'? I fear that the title may go to another if he is dead.. and his cult remains dangerous, even if their focus is false. A cult dosn't need a real god to kill." Ian nods at Adeliade's wise words Lizzie Potgieter sighs. Ian: "So, it should be a simple matter to learn who is impersonating the old King." Lizzie Potgieter: “Well, if that cult's from underground, then we're gonna have to meet that Lily gal to tell us more about the world down there.” Ian: "After all, the supernatural has been vanquished, we hope....that means our target is more mortal in nature." Eventually, the door opens quietly, and the broad faced little man reappears. His smile is gone, and he seems wring out, but he does have himself under some semblance of control. He holds to his staff like a drunkard on a lamppost. Lizzie Potgieter: “We could also look for D.A.. If the Horned King was a demon that could be killed, that stuff about them being… spirits is just a lot of crap, ain't it?” She looks to Ian and Adelaide with some concern in her eyes. Parnassus: "Today the fate is cruel, and the wheel turns. Tomorrow I may be up out of the muck, but still, my duties stand" Ian nods at that Ian: "Our duties are borne of rock sturdier than the world itself." Adelaide Valerian: "I don't know. I wish I understood enough to answer those questions..Ah, Master Parnassus." She inclines her head to him. Lizzie Potgieter briefly lifts her hat. Parnassus: "There are things that need doing now, things in motion that have thrust. Momentum. You will have need to meet with our friends, and you will have the blessing of our Lordly Father upon you" Adelaide Valerian: "Ah?" She ask, curious as she watches as him a moment. "I'd like that. Thank you." Lizzie Potgieter: “That Lily you mentioned?” Ian returns his eye, as amature as he is in the spy game, he appreciates the easier moments Parnassus: "Go to the Grand City, and meet with a butcher, . And they do supply for many of the upper houses their finer cuts." Lizzie Potgieter: “ meat, not this sludge stuff?” Ian: "Never question where the meat comes from, Lizzie." Ian shifts uncomfortably in his overcoat Parnassus: "Sausage loses its appeal when inspected too closely" Ian: "Thank you, master Parnassus." Lizzie Potgieter frowns. Parnassus: "By all means, in the grace of our Overseers, I am but a matchmaker of coinage and curiosity" Ian: "I pray that next we meet, any news shared is...good. Not that any we shared to day could be any worse." Ian hesitates, then pats the dwarf on the shoulder warmly Ian: "I promise, if we learn anything..." Ian leaves the promise open ended Lizzie Potgieter: “Sha— my deepest condolences, sir.” Parnassus: "The wheel turns, and we are either ground flat or lifted up on its rise" Lizzie Potgieter looks around. “Where's that Elysia gone?” Parnassus turns then to his flock of orphans, and sweeps his arms wide, sending them to action Parnassus: "Onward children! Be active! Be productive! Finish the workings required fo rthe ship and send them on their way to the Roil!" Ian turns to his new friends and nods that they should be making their way out while the dwarf is on a high note Ian: "We should go. Much to do." Lizzie Potgieter nods. Adelaide Valerian walks with the others, watching for trouble as they do and considering the butcher shop in the Grand City. Ian: "I guess we're going chop-shopping." "let's hope we don't have to bring the news of current events to anyone else." Ian looks slightly haunted Lizzie Potgieter is quiet and pensive on the way back, sullen by the event. You make your way out of the Lower city back towards the upper reaches, the grey of the day hanging on the air above. The mists have cleared some but the haze remains, even by the time the sun is high and shining Adelaide Valerian: "I agree. It's awful to be the bearer of bad news. But we've got a thread to pull and people to see." She nods to Ian and walks beside Lizzie, reaching out to pat the girl's sholder. The hazey sunlight seeming to turn every street into a maze of god rays. Lizzie Potgieter asks the SBI staff by the train station if that white-haired woman who was with them when they arrived has already gone back to the city. Ian nods to Adelaide Ian: "If the worst sin we see is truth, I will gladly drink it down without hesitation." P.P. A.: (assuming we take the train back again) Ian 's steps get a little longer and bolder Lizzie Potgieter appreciates Adelaide's gesture, and expresses so with a weak but earnest smile. Elysia Lucchesi: (Elysia did in fact excuse herself from the area not long after arrival) P.P. A.: (Would be bad optics if they “lost” the secret police chief's daughter in the ghetto) Ken (GM): hahaha yeah, true Ian: "I need to attend to a quick bit of business, can we plan to meet at the butcher in a few hours?" Ken (GM): luckily checking in with the gate guards? they can confirm your superior passed back through safely to the upper city P.P. A.: (Hence checking if she's gone ahead and returned on their own or if they need to go looking for her) Lizzie Potgieter sighs a breath of relief. Ian leaves 'business' as an open-ended question Adelaide Valerian makes some notes and considers. "Certainly. Shall we meet you at the office in the museum?" She resist the urge to pry on what he makes sounds like a personal matter. Ian nods, but pauses Ian: "We all have our duties. But I will commit to you, if I learn anything that helps...this....quest...I will share it. I despise secrets, and only dabble them out of necessity. Of course, I could be lying." Lizzie Potgieter: “I'll stick with you, I'd just get lost otherwise trying to find that butcher, haha.” The young woman tells Adelaide and awkwardly scratches the back of her head. Ian smiles Ken (GM): hah Ian heads off and back to his office Lizzie Potgieter: “I dunno, lying is worse than keeping a secret if you ask me.” Ian: "I agree." Ken (GM): haha just, mic drop lovely mental image Adelaide Valerian: "I hope I can earn your trust, Ian. I think the best way I can do that is respecting your privicy and trusting you to share information you think I need to know to stay safe." She assures him. Getting off the train at the museum with Lizzie and getting something for lunch, then back to the office. Lizzie Potgieter looks around and speaks quietly to Adelaide: “Any idea what that cult is after Katherine with wanting to crown her D.A.? Why's it gotta be her?” Lizzie Potgieter: *why that cult Adelaide Valerian: "I don't know. Hers was a rather auspicious birth, apparently durning a lunar eclipse. Or it could be because of the relative postion of power, though she's effectively deposed now, so there isn't the temporal power and wealth they might have hoped for. If we knew how they'd picked her we could know more about how to fight them, that's a good point." Lizzie Potgieter nods, and ponders for a moment. Lizzie Potgieter: “That asshole thought she was dead, right? If he's the boss of the secret service here… How did find out?” Adelaide Valerian: "They've been hunting her a while. Her 'death' was an attempt to hide her from them that has mostly worked so far, but it hasn't been able to shake them off.. and now they've got her scent again. I think they take it on faith that she's alive and out their for them to catch." Lizzie Potgieter: “I see. Well, if she was… that important, they could've known about her without knowing her, like, personally.” She crosses her arms. “And if they're just guessing she's still alive, there ain't no connection there either.” “Guess we'll have to see what that contact knows about the cult.” Adelaide Valerian: "Thank you for all your help. You really just got dragged into this and you've been very kind about it." She says as they eat in the office and she looks up what she can about the butcher. Adelaide Valerian looks up The Black Fleet Stores getting Rolling 3d6 = 10 vs 12 Research Lizzie Potgieter: “You got blackmailed into it too after all. I'm still waitin' for a chance to bust their asses, but if your… sister's in danger from that cult too, then I kinda want to see them dealt with too.” She smiles. “You've helped me a lot here—thanks. I hope we can become friends.” The Black Fleet Stores is a company of some repute, operating for nealry a century uninterrupted, even through the troubles of Romanga. They specialized in fishing, and adapted to other meats since the cataclysm. Main suppliers of fine cuts with a history of prestigious culinary relationships. Main office on the canalside (etc address listed here). After a light lunch for the ladies from the cafeteria, Ian reappears on the scene as well at the Museum Ian walks to the Black Fleet, a pensive look on his face, torn between two worlds... Ian: Will he want the porkchops, or will it be the rump cap? Ken (GM): oh ree right After a light lunch for the ladies from the cafeteria, they head to meet with Ian on the scene at the place they said they would meet Cuz the GM totally paid attention adn read that Ian mocks God for not paying attention, promptly gets atomized and replaced with a replicant NYOOM Lizzie Potgieter very suspiciously surveys the “meat” products on display. Ian also looks at the wares on display, not that he's a culinary expert, but hoping to judge at least the truthfulness of their soon-to-be-host Adelaide Valerian seems to find little interest in the racks and shelves. The lovely girl looking around at the people instead as they make their way to the shop. The gallery entrance to the place is alive like any healthy markey; shouting and cussing and bartering by all in attendance. Dried sausages, hocks of meat, and even fish on salt or ice on display Truly though, the main feature in many displays is the Black Meat; cuts of insectoid cured with a blend of mineral salts from the Underworld. Even dwarven staff are in attendance, their red bright hair and black skin in stark display against white uniforms. Alongside those cuts, always on every shelf and stall, are the true black meat. Cheap and plentiful, a homogenous slab of rubbery dark flesh. Sometimes speckled with grey or red, often slightly slick to the touch, and available at a tenth the price of others. There is a quick trade in it, everywhere Ian harumphs approvingly. Adelaide Valerian considers the benifits of a vegetarian diet as she looks around the space. Lizzie Potgieter cannot suppress a look of utter disgust Ian smiles at the lady's looks of disgust, and hopes this is the worst they will see Ian: "I feel like take-out. I've never had giant cockroach before, but if I feel I'll be spoiled if I have some from here." Ian smiles and walks into the shop Lizzie Potgieter: “I mean, we've been able to sell our meat at a really good price since the cataclysm, but I didn't know the food shortage was bad.” Lizzie Potgieter takes a deep breath and follows inside the shop, preparing for the worst in terms of smell—then again, the outside in this city already reeks terribly. P.P. A.: (good setting for +1 acute smell/taste) Adelaide Valerian looks around thoughtfully and walks inside, looking for one of the dwarves that seems in charge then walking closer with a smile. "Excuse me Sir. Mister Parnassus sent me. I'd like to talk to someone about fine cuts?" Lizzie Potgieter looks for someone who looks like a hard-working orphan instead. Ken (GM): hahah "*where do ya keep your downtrodden orphan workers eh?" "Im hungry, and I have fine tastes" Lizzie Potgieter keeps an eye open for the kind of gaunt, ill look the orphans had, but also for a certain dilingence with which they conduct work. Ian scopes out some damn fine beetle-sassage P.P. A.: Alternatively, colourful spiky hair and a really big sword, that's also common with orphans Ken (GM): *the legs make a fine delicacy that way; roasted in their own juices, thick as your own arm just mind the pincers and venom glands! Inside the place, the back end of it all moves like an undulating human and dwarven machine. One end of the place howls machinery, which nealry overwhelms a din of animals and insectles. A few short inquiries around the staff, and they can send you for the young man you seek. He wrangles the beasts, so off to the fouler smelling end of the place you go.... Lizzie Potgieter puts her mask back on. Round back of the place, the chopping and trimming rolls abck to the ill fates of a stockyard. Once it would have been chock full with mooing beasts. Now...it skitters. Elysia Lucchesi wanders in not a moment later, noticing the others going further within. "Oh, there you are!" Adelaide Valerian waves to the OAR woman. "Here we are. I diden't know we were meeting you here." Elysia Lucchesi: "I had to ask around for a bit. Sorry about that, but that dwarf didn't exactly appreciate my being around." A wide space of originally just wooden boards has been fitted with a wire roof and cage. Inside now there is a scuttling of fat rolling things like beetles. Broad bodies in a segmented shell of grey through to black. The TIP TIP TIP of tiny hard feet on stone is their primary noise. Alongside the place, men in white smocks stained to grey at the bottom (and red or green in places) prod at the things with long staves through the cage. One or two walk the top of the cage, prying off some of the beasts to mill in the crowded pen Adelaide Valerian looks for the man they are meeting as she walks masked into the back of the shop. Into the area that seems made for the processing and storage of those strange, massive underworld insects. The men prod the beasts off the walls of the cage, but mostly keep a regular order to the cowed creatures. The beetles trundle on tiptoes in a long milling circle, and they have them in easy control. Eventually, your man is found in the pack, and he strides over on long ropy limbs and a frock of slicked back blonde hair in a ponytail. The young man is lean, a few years short of what youd think of as old, and a few years past what youd think of as young. He has freckles and a weak moustache. He wipes his hands in his smock, tucks his staff in his arm, and addresses the group with a simple "Here for the fresh cuts?" When his eyes fall on Elysia, they narrow a moment Adelaide Valerian: "Yes, that's right. I do hope you can help us. I'm Adelaide." She curtises to save the ritual of shakeing hands. Lizzie Potgieter tips her hat. “Lizzie.” Elysia Lucchesi shuffles around uncomfortably Ian: "Ian" offers, notably not using his ambassador title Butcher: "Right, come on then. Lords work, it dont stay fresh long" and he leads the way aside the building, to the edge of the cage where the beasts are led inside through a hatchway.* There on the periphery of the building, a loading bay with tall doors, and a wide space of sectioned rooms. He steps to the first where a truck unloads. The truck labelled "Bells Meats" The young butcher nods to the men unloading, and he steps on to the back of the truck. He comes back out with a white cloth sack, and he steps over to you folk with it. Elysia Lucchesi looks at the "Bells" and frowns He opens the side string, flashing the items inside; slabs of fresh cut, glistening red meat... Adelaide Valerian follows, looking professional and detached as she considers their surroundings. Mentally mapping the area. Thinking of the exits. Watching what the man does next. Butcher: "Fresh this morning, shes still warm, 'ave a look but pass me your gilt before the foreman sees" Elysia Lucchesi: "...What's that?" Butcher: "Fresh cuts, yeah? Beef tenderloin, plenty to go round from the shindig heading to the dwarf lords place this weekend" "Oversupply and plenty to go round" Elysia Lucchesi points out a glimmer of blue to the others, without saying anything that would attract attention. Ken (GM): kek Lizzie Potgieter keeps an eye out for addresses written inside of the sack or other hints, but more closely inspects the meat itself. She lifts her mark to smell it to see if she recognised the smell without any spices added as being of any animal she knows. Adelaide Valerian lifts a shiney gold coin. Gleaming, glittering as she turns it over her fingers. "I see some blue in the red. Are you sure it's fresh?" Lizzie Potgieter: *mask Lizzie Potgieter 's eyes open wide and she actually takes the mask off, a cheerful smile now revealed underneath. The young butcher presses the sack to Adelaide and reaches for the coin Elysia Lucchesi raises a finger to her lips while looking at Adelaide. Butcher: "Girlie, I don't make the cuts, I just sell them to the folks I get tipped to" Lizzie Potgieter: “We'll take it.” Adelaide Valerian passes over a gold coin. Worth $80, she waits to see if they need more. Gallican. Butcher: "Lords be praised I hope you will" "Now git" and he ducks back to the cages, gesturing to the exit with his stick Adelaide Valerian finds the coin work better with Cthonics then banknotes. Dwarves and kobolds prefer gold to paper. She turns and goes obidently as someone else gets to carry the MEAT SACK. Lizzie Potgieter waggles her fingers to take it off her. Ken (GM): haha P.P. A.: more like a gimme, gimme motion The sack is lined with waxed paper, but jucily squidges as the fresh meat is handled Lizzie Potgieter whispers with a grin: “I have no idea how or what information we traded here, but this is real quality stuff. Let's all eat steak at my place this evening.” Lizzie Potgieter: “Wasn't he supposed to tell us where to meet the contact though?” P.P. A.: >I have no idea how many layers of secrecy and code you just communicated under but I do know what's for dinner tonight Ken (GM): hahahaha Adelaide Valerian: "Maybe we did. Let's get somewhere and.. I suppose, analyze the bag of meat." Ken (GM): >spy shit >overt stuff >MEAT Lizzie Potgieter: “To my flat then!” Lizzie Potgieter insists on stopping by a store on the way fo buy some spices and herbs. Ken (GM): hahahah Adelaide Valerian dosn't mind. Getting back to Kat sounds like a good idea Lizzie Potgieter invites everyone to her small flat, puts on an apron, and invites the others to look over her shoulders as she unpacks the meat. Careful not to touch the frying pan! Lizzie Potgieter: “If we had a grill here, we could have a real braai… what's that?” Lizzie Potgieter has unwrapped one of the cuts, and her knife hits something hard. Elysia Lucchesi: "...Yeah, I don't think that's food." You move along the city back to the seclusion of the flat; Lizzie works in a flurry and the white sack package spills out slabs in wax paper, as well as a wax package that goes CLUNK on the table Blue shimmers from the corner of the round wrapping, where blue stone shines out P.P. A.: (oh, nevermind; misread the whisper) Ken (GM): (roll with it dawg) Katherine is quick to see it, looking up from yet another book, and her eyes sparkle with the sight of the thing (From Ken (GM)): oh and you were asking, today is thursday, so next in game day will be the Friday you were looking for (To GM): good, thanks Katherine: "Oh wow, red meat! And whats the blue thing?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Alright, Adelaide and Katherine inspect the suspicious thing, and the dear Mr. Ambassador gets me the sack of potatoes and the corner please.” Adelaide Valerian: "We don't know yet. Mysterous dwarf stuff, we think." She admits freely as she looks to the blue. Considering a moment and getting it. Washing it off and unwrapping their 'prize' Lizzie Potgieter puts on a pot of water for the potatoes and chops a few herbs; before long, a sizzling sound fills the apartment, as well as a pleasant smell. Lizzie Potgieter: *in the corner “Looks like there's gonna be enough left over for a stew tomorrow.” Dinner's smell quickly rises as the thing is unwrapped and sanitized Elysia Lucchesi watches the unwrapping of the thing with anticipation From the wrapping comes another of the blue disks of stone. This one smells of blood, and brimstone, and sooty ask smears along the edges. Tucked on top in the paper, is a notecard Lizzie Potgieter: A brief conflict over the kitchen sink ensues as both the mysterious artifact and the potatoes demand to be washed, but is quickly resolved. "The wheels of justice can be slow to turn in the light. Sometimes, the night must step in to grease the wheels. I believe this is a large piece to the puzzle you're coming to terms with. The Sludgemaster's dealings with the cult are brazen and you now hold a treasure he held so dear. It will not be the only puzzle piece he holds. Use your new badges to offer him assistance in these trying times of thefts and bad business." Katherine stares at the stone disc with an unhidden wonder on her face. Turned in the light, the golden sparkles of it reflect on her wide eyes Katherine: "?" Lizzie Potgieter looks over her shoulder, a hot potato turning in her hands and quickly being stripped of its loose skin by a knife. “Is it another thing like the one in the de— ugh, the one we found?” Adelaide Valerian: "Fuck" She says softly as she reads that, takeing a slow breath. "It's.. like a magic item from the underworld. They are related somehow to the cult.. humm.. no touching it." She takes it farther from Katherine and puts it aside, covering it with a bit of paper then looking to the note again. "It seems like, yes Lizzie. And now we have another thread to pull.. the Sludgemaster. We should offer him help with all these theifts." Elysia Lucchesi: "You've got to be kidding me." "The Phantom Thief is following me no matter what i'm assigned to!" Lizzie Potgieter: “What's he got to do with this?” Elysia Lucchesi: "...He's the one who wrote that note, Lizzie." Adelaide Valerian: "Humm.." Ken (GM): :v P.P. A.: (retconning the pot of water btw, these potatoes are going in the oven) Ken (GM): () Lizzie Potgieter: “Is it?” The smell of blood and brimstone mingles with that of rosemary as the oven door opens. Ken (GM): (FUCK THE PLOT, FULL POTS AHEAD!) P.P. A.: Can't have a plot on an empty stomach, or let good steaks go to waste Adelaide Valerian: "You know more about him. Tell us, Elysia?" Elysia Lucchesi: "He always leaves notes and calling cards behind, always speaking of justice and other such things." Lizzie Potgieter: “Is it addressed… at us? How'd he know we were gonna—” He pauses for a moment. “Ah right, didn't the shorty say something about a phantom?” Adelaide Valerian: "Yes, it seems that Mister Pernassis is in contact with the Phantom Theif." Lizzie Potgieter: “So this was being smuggled to the, what was it… Bells estate who were the ones who helped those briquettes gain rank— ah!” She interrupts her train of thought to adjust the flame under the frying pan. “…anyway, was it being smuggled to them?” “And Pernassus made sure we'd get it instead… and the thief put a note in there at some point?” Elysia Lucchesi: "I believe the Phantom Thief...obtained this from the Bells' estate itself. That's always his M.O." Adelaide Valerian: "The Bells had this artifact.. but why?" Elysia Lucchesi: "You say that Pernassus was in contact with him? The Thief, that is?" "And now we receive this, addressed to us." "If I had to hazard a guess, perhaps the Bells are involved with the cult?" "Why would the Phantom Thief care though..." Lizzie Potgieter: “They're in cahoots with those shortlings, so they've got ties to the underworld—maybe they're all in that cult, the bells, the darklings.” The oven door opens again, and a scent of rosemary washes over the room as a tablet with baked potatoes is drawn out. Elysia Lucchesi displays an unusual amount of open frustration. "Arrrrgh!" Ken (GM): (now I want skille tsteaks and baked tatos) Ian: om nom nom Lizzie Potgieter: “Now put that artifact away though, dinner's ready!” Katherine pulls herself away from the thing; she was standing an arms length away, tugging at her hair and staring. She gets to putting out plates, dutifully Elysia Lucchesi helps with whatever she can, thankful for the momentary distraction Lizzie Potgieter serves five platters with steak, baked potatoes with rosemary, and a little lettuce salad on the side. Katherine hums as she works, setting glasses and water out Lizzie Potgieter is grateful for all the help! Adelaide Valerian keeps an eye on Kat, but relaxes as things settle and helps with the food as well, though mostly by staying out of the way and opening a bottle of wine to breath a little before dinner. Katherine: "Cooome.... Lizzie Potgieter: “We gotta thank the phantom thief for today's dinner when we catch him,” she proclaims with a smile after the table is set, the glasses filled, and after saying grace. Ian notibly does not thank the coming darkness....shit is dark enough already Adelaide Valerian moves to the young girl. Reaching out and resting a hand on her forehead to test her tempature.. then turning her. Looking into her eyes. "Did something get into you? What is that song?" Katherine comes out of a half daze as Adelaide inspects her; her eyes sparkle in the light, and you swear there was a touch of blue there for a moment Katherine: "Huh? Wha...what song?" Lizzie Potgieter: “You OK?” Ian: [You OK is officially the proper response] Adelaide Valerian: "You were singing. I think seeing that disk effected you somehow.. it's okay though. How do you feel?" Elysia Lucchesi: "...Let's make sure we observe them a safe distance from her from now on, then." Lizzie Potgieter furrows her brows. “Think we were given this thing so it'd reach her?” Katherine shakes her head, and she comes round, a bit more energetic and brighter. "Im fine, sorry. Its very...beautiful. I cant seem to keep my eyes off of it, I guess" Adelaide Valerian: "I don't know. But I do know that maybe we should keep it away from you." She says with a half smile to reassure the girl. Adelaide Valerian does however make sure to put that thing away. Lizzie Potgieter nods. The disc is shut away somewhere... Lizzie Potgieter: “I guess that proves that they've got some connection to that cult. Or how similar is it to the other one we found? Same kinds of runes on it?” Adelaide Valerian considers. "I diden't see any, but that might not mean anything. The runes changed on the last one." Lizzie Potgieter 's knife works the meat. “That happened when you took a picture of it, right?” Lizzie Potgieter nom. (Assuming everyone's seated by now.) Adelaide Valerian: "Right." She says thoughtfully. "On exposure to the flash, I think." Adelaide Valerian touches her purse. "It's warm. Even now." Elysia Lucchesi noms in silence, but with a watchful eye and ear Lizzie Potgieter doesn't speak with a full mouth so her response comes after some thoughtful (and flavourful) chewing. “You could try that again when you get home.” Adelaide Valerian nods. "We will head to the musium tonight." She says thoughtfully, eating none of the meat but enjoying what she does take, nodding thankfully to Lizzie at the meal and makeing sure to pour everyone some wine. The meal satisfies nicely, but there is one distressing moment Adelaide breaks the wax seal and uncorks the wine. When she pours a glass....it is blood Elysia Lucchesi: "If the Thief really did target the Bells estate, then he will likely be looking for people to assist him, people he wouldn't expect to know much about the actual significance of the stolen item." Katherine GASPS and puts her hands over her mouth Adelaide Valerian stops and looks to the thicker liquid, turning it in a glass and watching how it stains. "Humm." Lizzie Potgieter: “…where did you get that?” Elysia Lucchesi: "...What are you doing?" Joush M.: Where did she get the wine? and is it coagulated or flowing freely? The bottle of wine came from the cabinet, a touch of dust on the label as there was no occassion in some time for it. The wax seal on it was firm, from the bottling five years ago. The blood inside slides warm and free as if from the vein not a moment ago Elysia Lucchesi: "This does not bode well..." Adelaide Valerian: "The cupbord there.. and it's fresh. Blood.. well, blood only acts like this a little while. Certanly not bottled for years." "Magic? Maybe the influence of the stone?" Katherine shivers, her hands clutched over her mouth as she stares. Tears on the edges of her eyes drip in her fear Elysia Lucchesi: "i doubt it's all a coincidence. The stones appear to do strange things every time we encounter them." Lizzie Potgieter puts an arm around Katherine and pats her with the other. Elysia Lucchesi: "Um...shall I escort her out of the room?" Adelaide Valerian: "It's okay Kat. We aren't in danger. I'll go to the other room if you'd like to finish dinner? Do you think you could do that?" Katherine shivers under Lizzies touch Lizzie Potgieter twitches as she puts a hand on Katherine… but goes ahead with it. Katherine: "I can't.... there are Lizzie Potgieter: “…are you feeling strange?” (nevermind) Katherine: "What....they're so fast!.....who?" Lizzie Potgieter frowns. “Can someone take that damned thing outside?” Katherine: "No!" "NO I don't want to! I wont be a cons....NO!" Lizzie Potgieter: “Don't listen to 'em!” Elysia Lucchesi grabs the disc and hurries out of the flat. Lizzie Potgieter holds her firmly. Katherine trembles in Lizzie's grip Lizzie Potgieter: “Look at me—look at Adelaide! You're here, you're you.” Adelaide Valerian lets the disk out of her bag so Elysia can steal it away and hestates, then comes to Kat and holds up a hankerchif splashed with a perfume bottle from her purse. "Deep breath" She gently suggest, patting her hair. "Easy.." Katherine shrieks! She cries, tears flowing a sparkling blue! Adelaide Valerian uses 1x Cloriform doses. Lizzie Potgieter freezes up. She looks chilled for a moment, but then… starts singing loudly! Lizzie Potgieter: A pleasant Yanqui folk song. The young girl breathes deeply in a panic, and gasps in the dose. Lizzie fights back against the terror! Focusing her emotions in a cheer! The lullaby of Yanqui tones bouncing along as kat's eyes ggrow blinking heavy and she succumbs In a few short moments of oddly placed music....Kat is out cold, sparkling blue on her cheeks in Lizzie and Adelaides arms.... Adelaide Valerian strokes her hair and stands beside her, looking to Lizzie.. and glad for her there, nodding to her as she stands there tense. Breathing out slowly. "Poor child." Rolling 3d6 = 5v6 , might need luck P.P. A.: Ken (GM): wha tthe shit P.P. A.: no, Singing B220 Ken (GM): HAH holy fucking shit hahahaha Adelaide Valerian puts things away and pretends she diden't just have antisthetic waiting in her purse in a perfume bottle as she smiles. "You sing very well." Ken (GM): [Yeah, , etf] Lizzie Potgieter 's [apparently lovely] song peters out, and she smiles weakly. “Thanks…” She softly strokes the sleeping princess's head. Lizzie Potgieter: “Was… this the first time something like this happened to her?” Adelaide Valerian nods. "I've never seen her like that, but the last stone had an effect on her too. We have to keep them away from her. I think they are exactly what the cult wants to get to her." Rolling 3d6 = 6v11 Adelaide Valerian: "Fuck" She swears pasionatly. A shiver at that. Looking to Katherine with worry and touching her hair to smooth it. "I won't let them have her." Lizzie Potgieter holds a hand to her head. “…there was a large drum, too… and men's voices.” Sparkling blue teardrops slide along the edge of the sleeping girls face, her terror lost to the black darkness of the drug. her breath rises slow and steady now, safe for the moment, from the rising tide of evil. Until next week, on, Shattered Worlds Masquerade Adelaide Valerian: "Tell me anything else you can remember. I'm sorry about dinner everyone." Ken (GM): hah! fuck timing Fiss: In last week: Ian ate some Cockroach sassage. And it was good P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ P.P. A.: Nah, this was real beef from cows with four legs, fed on surface grass Fiss: Next week: Ian eats Angel Steak, made from real angels o_o P.P. A.: Else Lizzie wouldn't have been so cheerful and eager to make good use of it Rosettsara: Yummy Ken (GM): body of my body, flesh of my flesh Joush M.: Next week: Everyone eats spicey fried crickets and protect Best Girl from thristy cultist. Ken (GM): Lizzie "I JUST WANNA GRILL" ah man this game has so many complications already P.P. A.: p.much Ken (GM): double identities; blackmailed motivaitons, turmoil and social ruin, weird meat and strange bloodwine P.P. A.: and doubt if the dwarf and the Phantom Thief aren't also with the cult and purposely passed that artifact to the party to try and get at Katherine Joush M.: I miss Gray. He'd just have drunk it "Nice stuff. Thanks Lizzie" P.P. A.: I miss Bomrek. He'd just have eaten the gold coin and sold us alligator meat. 4 points? Ken (GM): 4 points ye man remember the dwarf crew? protip; the doctor? he was a convenient cannibal but it never got revealed in the story P.P. A.: wew Ken (GM): and the leader, Vulcna? His stutter was PTSD Joush M.: Ah! Not you Stich. you were a people eater? Ken (GM): and Lucky was ironically called that; he had skill incompetence guns he was a kobold/gnome eater and probably a maneater he was against wasting and war is hell P.P. A.: I figure kobold-eating would be like eating dolphins or elephants IRL Ken (GM): I was thinking on it the other day and man, there were a ton of litte details like that P.P. A.: or monkeys or apes Ken (GM): little shit that I realized had piled up in the background Joush M.: They were a great crew. Even when little details don't come up they contribute to NPCs feeling real P.P. A.: I don't remember Vulcan stuttering tbh Ken (GM): every time he had to prrrrrronounce and r I added five Rs every time BONJOOR Fiss: YA CHEESE EATIN SURRENDERMONKEYS! Ken (GM): yes yes this is the mental image of that accent bueno Where last we left our heroes....madness had swept through their sanctuary! The redoubt of Lizzie's flat proved a quiet place to reflec ton the day's conspiracy and skullduggery; a message couriered from the Black Fleet Stores was pondered and debated, and the receipt of a message from the Phantom was weighed and judged. But in the waning hour of the meal, red meat of a hearty feast, the stange came. The witching hour lost for a time returned with an energy. Katherine succumbed to it, the madness coming to her from faraway closeness, whispers over her shoulder chanting in her ear. Lizzie herself breaking the spell with a boast of energy brought in ancient song. Adelaide shuffling off the fearful day with an embrace and a tincture. Katherine thus duped into rest no longer screamed out her fear to the night. Only the blood remained. Hot and ruby, staining wine glass and bottle. Summoned form some dark place, secreted away here. Lizzie Potgieter looks a bit pale (relatively) as the scene quiets down. Adelaide Valerian speaks quietly. "I think it's important to keep these disk away from Kat." Her gaze turns to the girl that is really the Duchess Willow. "There should be heavy boxes for the safe storage of artifacts at the musium. I'd like someone to take the disk there and store them separately in copper shielded boxed, packed in salt." Elysia Lucchesi has thankfully removed the disc from the picture. Ken (GM): ah yes! Elysia Lucchesi grabbed the disc and hurried out of the flat. Lizzie Potgieter: “What's goin' on anyway? I mean, it was that damn thing, but how does some disk make blood our out of a bottle?! Or make people hear cursed songs?” -our Ian: "I feel that answers to those questions may not be worth finding out if we want to be able to sleep properly." Elysia Lucchesi pokes her head in again. "So, I'm going to go ask my father some questions. Wanna come with?" Adelaide Valerian: "Magic." She says stubbornly. "We are clearly past the point of lying to ourselves. The supernatural is afoot." She insist as she takes a deep breath. "I'll come, but we have to make sure Kat is home safe." Lizzie Potgieter sits slouched over in a chair and looks up. “…I'll go with you and Kat first.” Lizzie Potgieter: “I can carry her too.” Ken (GM): [so rolled into a rug? or just draped over somebody?] P.P. A.: On Lizzie's back seems the most logical Adelaide Valerian nods and is okay with Lizzie's idea, the slender blonde watching for trouble. P.P. A.: Might saw attention, but less than a fancy princess carry or stuffed into a rug or large bag Elysia Lucchesi: "I'll keep an eye out for any unwanted guests and curious folk." Elysia Lucchesi heads back outside first to make sure the coast is clear Ken (GM): heheh You collect yourselves, and make to move quickly into the night, disc and girl in tow. Elysia steps ahead, ear cocked to the airs listening Ian 's cane makes only the softest taps as they walk through the night Lizzie Potgieter is slightly hunched forward and supports Katherine's thighs with her hands to make sure the unconscious girl doesn't fall off, and walks in a steady pace—making haste, but not at the expense of care. Elysia Lucchesi takes out her pistol. Adelaide Valerian: "Trouble?" She ask Elysia quitely. Elysia Lucchesi whispers. "We have trouble. Weirdos chanting something i've never heard before. Three of them, just up ahead." The song rises through the fog, a sweeping tone with a regular pace, punctuated with small rapping TOK sounds. The words are indistinct and slurry Lizzie Potgieter looks around for a safe place to dump Katherine. Rolling 3d6 = 10 vs 13 for Stealth Around you, the covered passage of the apartment's entrance leading to the street. The dim light of the evening shrouded in fog, all about you. Lizzie Potgieter stays back and readies her shotgun. SNAP CLACK the gun unfolds Elysia Lucchesi wants to give the impression that she's alone, so she attempts to be the sole one to emerge and keep walking toward the approaching figures. Ken (GM): adelaide! Stealth to approach the entance unseen, scope the route? ah You sklink forward behind Elysia, and she steps up with some intent. The street ahead lit by the canal and the avenue clear but for whisps of mist. Elysia Lucchesi tries to get a good look at the creeps The man's voice rises here, a rough baritone rumbling "...~We seek the crimson concubine.....the witch of red blood, to mingleeeee......the pure azure bluuuueee~" Elysia Lucchesi takes a deep breath, and approaches them as though she were just going for a stroll. She steps into the mist night, and ahead, the song dies off, the coupled voices dropping as she appears A man's voice rising now, a shout of basso tone "You Girl! Come closer!" A heavy CLANK as he strikes the stones in front of him with the butt of his weapon Elysia Lucchesi keeps walking without fear. "Oh, what a strange night for such...heretical activities." Elysia Lucchesi: "Might I inquire as to what you're doing out here? If I like your answer, perhaps I'll not say anything about what you were chanting just now." The man's voice rises again, in a hearty laughter that rumbles out Lizzie Potgieter whispers: “Sir, please keep an eye on Katherine.” Adelaide Valerian peeks from the shadows. "Dark robes. Bladed staff. Cultist.. At least two. Likely more I can't see." He: "Girl, you know nothing of the true faith, the true path. We have had our blood boiled in it. Come to me now, and seek the solace of the " He raps the bladed weapon to the stone He: "" Lizzie Potgieter creeps closer to the corner but stays hidden behind it, shotgun held close. Elysia Lucchesi: "This wouldn't have anything to do with that strange girl who made a scene at the eastern exit of the city today, would it? The one chanting all that nonsense?" Lizzie Potgieter raises an eyebrow but remains silent; her eyes flit back towards Katherine once in a while. The man stands there, breath heaving heavy with clouds of it misting up the air before him. He cocks his head and his hat tips with the motion He: "You saw her? The Crimson Concubine? The bride to be?" Elysia Lucchesi: "If you're interested, that looney left eastward some time ago." The man's head is cowled over his face, but his jaw is exposed. Pale skin set against the dark fabric. He tucks his lip and whistles, sharp, like a sheperd Elysia Lucchesi: "Frankly, we've got our hands full dealing with that self-immolation earlier. Just get out of here and don't give the order any reason to come after you." There is a PUFF and blackness despoils the cobblestones ahead A man steps out that void, clad with horned cap as well but strapped down with leathers and tight boots, thigh high. The void PLIPs out of view as soon as he appears. Elysia Lucchesi: "...You're not really doing yourselves any favours, you know. Get out of here, before i'm forced to submit a report." He: "Send out the call" The shadow-stepper slips something small and brass-gleaming from his pocket. There is a glimmer of blue And a blue flame erupts from the ground around him in a ring Behind, in the apartment entryway, Katherine stirs Lizzie Potgieter doesn't see what's going on. She listens with bated breath, while keeping an eye on Kahterine. and a ring of ethereal azure blue erupts around her! Lizzie Potgieter: …and makes a dash for her. Elysia Lucchesi exhales. "It's my time." She whispers before taking aim at the creature Adelaide Valerian whispers to the others. "That's new." She says, the eerie magic a shock even to this jaded woman. The pale beauty watching from the corner.. then turning at the vivid blue. Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs 10 Ken (GM): yes -5 noice The shot rings out and there is a gout if blue and red from the weird man's chest! Ken (GM): [damorge! Elysia Lucchesi:8 (2) pi Ken (GM): DOOD P.P. A.: noice The man doesnt even see the blow coming; he topples back into the blue flames, the light in his hand winking out Elysia Lucchesi: (Cue the clip with Indiana Jones and the swordsman) Ken (GM): kek absolutely "*not on my watch!" BUT that starts off initiative proper, Elysia, your actual turn after the BLEWIE Elysia Lucchesi smirks and intimidatingly walks forward at them. "I warned you, didn't I? I don't want to do paperwork. Don't make me do more." Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs 11 (Oh well) Ken (GM): nice there are modifiers :P opposed rolls etc adelaide! shes taking the charge to them! Adelaide Valerian draws her gun and steps forward, to back up Elysia, though she spares a look back for poor Kat, the blue flame drawing her gaze. "Is she okay?" Ken (GM): LIZZIE Adelaide Valerian: ((Ready gun and Step)) Ken (GM): is she okay? you just wanna tackle Kat out of the ring? or grab and pull? Lizzie Potgieter: Grab and pull Ken (GM): gotcha; DX+2 roll for me! Adelaide Valerian takes a two handed grip on the heavy Smith-Adams self loader, the dully gleaming thing with a massive .577 bore. Lizzie Potgieter grabbed Katherine's arm, and now jerks her towards here, out of the ring of fire. Rolling 3d6 = 10v14 BORE] Kat is YOINKed out of the leaping flames....which bear no heat. They Form the far side of the canal, the black cloaked tall man flinches away from the gunshot, a whole second too slow. His teeth set in a gleam, catching the light even from here. Elysia Lucchesi: "Sorcery most foul." He: "IMPUDENCE!" Aside him, a tall man in gleaming coppery colored plate steps out. He bears a sword with a hooked tip, and a help sweeping with pointed horns Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs 11 Elysia Lucchesi:4 (2) pi BAM the second shot hits and another gout of blood. The man slumps to the stone, still. His fire dies The men, GASP, aloud. Shocked at the sheer _impudence_ Ken (GM): ADELAIDE Adelaide Valerian moves up after Elysia to back her up, worried about Kat, but she can't just leave the girl to fight the cultist alone. Adelaide Valerian: (Move!) Ken (GM): gotcha LIZZ Lizzie Potgieter: “Stick close to me.” Lizzie Potgieter walks over to the corner and leans around it, still behind cover. P.P. A.: no, not the back button Lizzie Potgieter leans around the corner, shotgun aimed forward. P.P. A.: too far of a move to start aiming at anything I guess Liz hauls Kat forward, and she hobbles on drunken legs, half awake Ken (GM): IAN Ian rushes forward He: "INCOMPETENCE! TREACHERY!" Elysia Lucchesi: "Looks like you bought the wrong friends." Beside him, the orange-armored man clanks up, sword raised defensive, and a blue-black light on his other hand, gathering like ghostly shadow flames Ken (GM): elysia! Elysia Lucchesi strolls closer to the bridge, getting into a good shooting position. Elysia Lucchesi: (Done) "I dare you." Ken (GM): [of note; the short walls are just above hip height, and the torch pillars are about shoulder high] [gas-lamps] ADELAIDE Adelaide Valerian takes Aim at the man in copper armor. "You won't have her! I don't fear you or your master, scum!" Adelaide Valerian Aims and will Step The black cloaked man's rage drops to a savvy grin He: "It's !" Ken (GM): LIZZIE Lizzie Potgieter: “Those are the bad guys alright,” Lizzie quietly notes, crouches, and takes aim at the man with the hooked sword. Kat slumps beside her on the wall, she sounds like shes mumbling to herself Ken (GM): IAN Ian: "Nothin like a bit of swordplay to spruce up the night then Ian stays out of the aiming firearms and readies himself, cane acting like a secondary blade The black cloak stands tall over the body of the fallen man. "Fetch her! She is close!" and he STABS the blade shovel-tip down into the body with a SPLURT He immediately slurrs into a kind of dark-tinged speech, the malice and violence on the incomprehensible utternace, unmistakable The copper knight steps forward, off hand high with dark blue light, Sword back and low in his other (To GM): Lizzie whispers: “Stay calm!” Ken (GM): ELYSIA Elysia Lucchesi takes a step and aims (Aim Maneuver) at the dark one further in the back. Elysia Lucchesi: (Turn done) Ken (GM): gotcha ADELAIDE Adelaide Valerian takes a step forward to fire on the copper knight, aiming at the man's chest. ((14 base, Aim +2, distance -4 so vs 12) Rolling 3d6 = 12v11 (13 +4 ACC -6 from range) Lizzie Potgieter: -ly The shot plays wide over the man's silhouette, but hits the wall of power! Ken (GM): [damage lizzie!] Lizzie Potgieter:9 (2) pi++ The shield flares again where it is struck, black flames sputtering! The shield dims Ken (GM): IAN Ian: All out defense, he'll strike if needed, but for now, he's more worried about delaying the knight so more shots can go off Lizzie Potgieter smirks uneasily as a drop of sweat rolls down her cheek, and with a ‘ka-chack’ she readies another shot. Ken (GM): gotcha; all out for +2 on something? like your main hand parry? Ian: Yeah let's go with that Ken (GM): bueno (you currently have a parry with the main hand, and the off hand as a spare) had to check oh also, as per your fencing weapons, you get +3 for retreats Ian: Noice come in handy lol The body at the end of the blade blackens and slithers into the stonework like an oilstain, and twinkling round the handle goes the little brass charm, up to the cultists hand. His black tongue continuing to intone, darkness seeping in around him like a shade The copper knight lunges for Ian Rolling 3d6 = 10 v9 Adelaide Valerian is shocked by that, looking to the strange sight a moment and Adelaide leaps at him, knife bared! He tries to step and turn but SQUECH the knife tears his ragged neck open and green belches out, foul smelling like bile He stumbles, and falls over the edge of the canal Adelaide Valerian: "To hell with you." Ian makes a sour face and reminds himself to boil any water he uses There is a thick SPLORT as he lands, and the thin water over thick mud sucks him in Ian turns to Valerian and nods at the excellent strike she delivered Lizzie Potgieter lowers her shotgun, but still clutches it tightly—too tightly, really. (Trigger discipline though.) Ian takes a moment to expertly wipe and clean his rapier, then decides the cloth is beyond saving and tosses it in after the villain Lizzie Potgieter 's breath is fast and shallow. The green oily blood stinks vile Ian: "Everyone alright back there?" Adelaide Valerian wipes the blade on a rag and throws it into the canal, then notices Ian doing the same and laughs. A small, bitter sound before she starts jogging back to Kat. "We shouldn't stick around!" Rolling 3d6 = 6v12 (Post-Combat Shakes) Elysia Lucchesi: "I'll go on ahead and brief him as best I can..." Ian pauses, then decides to go back for a sample of the blood and goo Elysia Lucchesi makes a mad dash toward Melchiore's place. Lizzie Potgieter keeps her shotgun in one hand and shakes Katherine's shoulder. “Hey, can you hear me?” Kat is stil lvery heavily drugged Ken (GM): ian! And the sword? im thinking we can retocon you thinking to save your ruined hanky at least Lizzie Potgieter takes a few moments to calm her own breath. Half-done and half-successful, she folds and tucks away her weapon and takes Katherine on her back again. Ian: A clumsy thing, but equally a clue, I'll use my cloak and wrap it up, resolving to get my tailor to order them in bulk Lizzie Potgieter: “Hold on tight if you can.” Ken (GM): The group collects and moves, tensions high and blood pumping! Ken (GM): BRB, someone at the door! Lizzie Potgieter walks much faster than before. P.P. A.: and then the GM was never seen or heard of again… Fiss: Skeletons got him. Adelaide Valerian helps with Katherine. Tender with her, a shock to someone remembering the way she brutally finished off the armored man. The blonde woman reaching out to gently pat Lizzie. "You did good." She whispers to her. Lizzie Potgieter nods faintly, but doesn't say much. She still looks pretty shaken. Fiss returns to the girls, a stinking but wrapped sword in his cloak and his cane making the familiar light tapping as he walks. Ian does too Ian: "Are you ladies alright?" Ian says it a bit too fatherly, then clears his throat Ian: "Anyone hurt?" Lizzie Potgieter shakes her head. “Good job out there.” Lizzie Potgieter: “Katie's still out of it though.” Adelaide Valerian: "I'm good.. thank you. I'd never seen the cult do anything like that before. They possess magic. That was.. magic." Lizzie Potgieter walks while she's walking with her. Ken (GM): [whew, back. Friend james came by with halloween candy for my kids] Ian: "Let's get her safe then." Lizzie Potgieter: “…can we talk about that later?” P.P. A.: >coming with candy for the kids kids these days Fiss: Evil skeleton taking over James' body TOO SPOOPY....THERE'S ALREADY A SKELETON INSIDE YOU! Ken (GM): kek P.P. A.: back in— well, back when I was a kid nobody here knew what halloween was until that concerted effort by retailers and TV channels back in the 2000s but I'm sure back in my day in the US kids still had to go to other people's doors to get their candy, not the other way roudn" Ken (GM): truly, these are weridass times and of course, both small dogs went nuts and both kids and etc The city is shrouded in mists and darkness, gaslamps and electric alike piercing through only a small sliver of it. The roadways are not abandoned, but the few people you see slink away in cloaks and hurried movements Joush M.: reverse trick or treaters. Evil Kat mumbles less and less, the fervor of whatever that was dying away and the drugs pushing her into sleepy land again You move with haste to see Melchiore, the offices of the OAR ahead in the center of the city, the canals leading like veins to the heart of the city Adelaide Valerian feels only slightly bad about drugging Kat insensable for her own safety. Walking with her in the dark city, alert for other cultist. Other hunters in the dark. "Thank you all. I feel like you've been dragged into my trouble." P.P. A.: “…ain't your fault.” Lizzie Potgieter: “…ain't your fault.” Ian: "Trouble is out there. We can choose to meet it head on and stop it, or we can wait for it to come to everyone. No worries, miss." Romanga widen's it's roads and raises its buildings around you, and soon you have returned to the broad space set aside for the Order Aquilla Romanga. The front gate is closed, and two men in long white coats stand guard, silver helmets gleaming in the night. Nearby on the street though, is something else. A squat carriage bristling with menacing ornate decoration. Black wood and red velvet, brocaded spiked wheels and two massive clidesdale horses at it's front. The carriageman is a red haired and bearded dwarf wearing a tailcoat over what looks to be more brocaded armor. Adelaide Valerian looks to the carrage thoughtfully with a thoughtful frown. Lizzie Potgieter looks at it with an annoyed and disgusted frown. The dwarf at the head of it frowns back, and grins wickedly with half-blackened teeth Dwarf: "Oi! You lot, quit yer skulkin' and hold fas'! Milord Bells fast approaches!" The dwarf at the head of the carriage pats a large coachgun handle, protruding from his seat Lizzie Potgieter: “Let's just ignore him and go inside.” Lizzie Potgieter leads by example and heads towards the entrance of the OAR buiding. Adelaide Valerian nods in agreement. "Do any of you know a Belfast?" P.P. A.: X) Ian: do we? Ken (GM): [shit, do I?] [im lost on the reference] P.P. A.: I assume Elysia already informed the guards that we would be coming >Milord Bells fast approaches >Bells fast >Belfast >Milord Belfast approaches Ken (GM): have we gone full cockney hahah Joush M.: Yeah, Adealide was asking if the dwarf had slaughtered a name Ken (GM): oh shit I finally get it christ The dwarf is bewildered at the slight and your band pays him no mind, and simply heads round his carriage to the door as he leers and shoots dark looks. Ken (GM): [oh nad to clarify, was Elysia running ahead at speed first? with the disc?] or am I missing subtext P.P. A.: Yes Ken (GM): ahhh kkk 1 sec Elysia Lucchesi: (She went ahead so Melchiore could be ready for their arrival) P.P. A.: >Elysia Lucchesi makes a mad dash toward Melchiore's place. She ran ahead of us to give her father a Quick Rundown while we were picking up Kat etc. Adelaide Valerian walks in the direction of the doors as well, staying close to her ward. The dwarf coachman raises his voice but the guards, when they see your band, wave him off with white gloved dismissiveness. "Hold your dark tongue" they say, and they ask your business. Adelaide Valerian: "Who is that dwarf? Who is he waiting for?" Lizzie Potgieter: “The dau— Miss Lucchesi shoulda said we were coming. I can't get out my badge—could you, sir…?” he looks to Ian. Lizzie Potgieter indeed cannot get out her badge because she's still carrying Katherine. Ian nods and politely gets it Guard: "Lord Bells, as he said, is inside. Reason for your appearance tonight? Whats all this then with the sleepy girl?" ian flashes a badge and they both promptly shut the fuck up Guard: "Apologies sir, ladies. Here you are" Lizzie Potgieter flashes a polite smile and hurries inside. Adelaide Valerian: "It's nothing you want to know" She assures the man, but gentily. Nodding to him thankfully at his words and turning to step in. "Who is Lord Bells, I wonder?" Ian harumphs Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't that the guy the thief stole that thing from, and the one in bed with the black beardos?” Her voixe is hushed. Inside, the night staff (really, a single clerk) welcomes you and sends you on your way to the boardroom you previously visited. "Miss Lucchesi is making preparations for a briefing for the High Lord. He is momentarily indisposed." As you are are ushered over to the second floor room with the terrible view of the brick wall (again), you can hear from the top floor a door banging open, and a deep gravelly horrible voice spewing vitriol and rage Ian: "Huh, what's this about then?" Adelaide Valerian: "That's him, I suppose." She says and falls silent. Working to overhear the angery voices. Kurgdzt: "DAMN YOU AND YOUR OFFICE MEL-KI-ORE! I will have Justice in this day, and you will KINDLY service your rightful lords with satisfaction! KURGDZT BELLS will have his day! Come, wife!" Lizzie Potgieter nods and leans back, Kat having been seated next to hear, both resting a bit. Lizzie Potgieter: *her Melchiores voice is much lower, and you recognize the lilt, but he speaks quietly back to the outraged dwarf From your vantage point, you can see the procession of the massive dwarf and his clanking suit of ostentatious armor and regalia. His beard twisted with fine golden barbed decorations, and his flaming red hair around him in a huffed blaze of mood. Adelaide Valerian frowns thoughtfully. The man that rules the sludgeworks. His wife strides beside him, a picture of poise and calm, standing nearly twice his height. She is clad in a dark bodice of gleaming black armor, and her long white bleached hair is a shock of difference to her husband's. The Lady Bells slipping downstairs alongside her husband as he fumes, and she steps daintily, her long skirt revealing the tips of solleret high heeled boots P.P. A.: >that token The two pass on the stairs without looking aside to your gathering in the meeting room, Melchiore following a flight behind Adelaide Valerian: "They really are an odd couple." Lizzie Potgieter: “Coalburner.” Melchiore: "Safe travels and the Lords Grace, Lord Bells, Lady Valiant-Bells!" He calls down after them Melchiore quickly steps aside to your boardroom and shuts the door, a kind of relief washing over him as he slumps his shoulders a touch Lizzie Potgieter tenses up again as he enters and eyes him with appropriate suspicion. Elysia Lucchesi: "Nothing went wrong, I hope?" Adelaide Valerian: "You had trouble with the lord?" She ask, frowning thoughtfully. Lizzie's comment makes her tilt her head thoughtfully to the side. Melchiore: "The implicid demands of a dwarven clansmen seem to clash darkly sometimes with simple decorum, I'm sorry to say. I wonder sometimes what posessed Lady Cadence to take his hand" Melchiore turns and takes in the room, and immediately is surprised at the state of Katherine melchiore: "Good lord, whats happened?" Adelaide Valerian: "Magic is real." Ken (GM): Lizzie Potgieter crosses her arms and looks at the floor. To his credit, the Right Honorable High Lord only stiffly raises an eyebrow to Adelaide's little proclamation. He turns a curious look to Elysia Elysia Lucchesi: "Furthermore, it was in response to a cultish object that the Phantom Thief obtained and delivered to us from a certain estate recently." "Your pals who just visited are probably dealing in that dark business on the side." He scoffs, but then considers Melchiore: "You have it then?" Elysia Lucchesi: "This was followed up by a group of cultists attacking us on the street." Ian: "Or, trying to, anyway." Ian harumphs slightly proudly. Adelaide Valerian: "One of them stopped a point fifty seven round at ten yards with a wave of his hand." Ian nods at that, a little less cockily Lizzie Potgieter: “Couldn't that've been a shield like Galician war-armours have?” Elysia Lucchesi: "We can discuss the object once the girl settles." "I fear exposing it around her may lead to more problems." Melchiore: "And to the ends that is appears miss...katherine...is drugged?" Adelaide Valerian: "She was sedated to protect her from the apparently magical influence of the disk." Melchiore: "Influence? What sort of power could it possess?" Adelaide Valerian: "It put her in a trance and seemed to confuse her. I think they are key to the cult's goal of transforming her into.." She shakes her head. "They can change her." Elysia Lucchesi: "Those cultists seemed to be drawn to her, and made reference to that so-called Horned King. What I saw from her specifically was as though she were temporarily possessed by something that was not her." "Chanting a mantra of otherworldly significance without even realizing she was doing it." Melchiore clasps one gloved hand over the tip of his chin, and considers. He pulls from his breast pocket something wrapped in a thick handkerchief, and places it on the table with a dull heavy CLUNK He flicks it open with one hand On the table on the cloth, is a blue disc, much like the other two you have seen. This one however is dark blue, no light reflecting from it's cracked surface. A single large slug is lodged in the middle of it, and a fissure crack extends to either side of the thing edge to edge Adelaide Valerian: "Someone shot it." Lizzie Potgieter: "For the better really." Melchiore: "I did. Years ago, in my first encounter with the . " "They sought to usurp the Kingdom, and throw the land into chaos. Nearly Ten years ago" Elysia Lucchesi: "So what was Bells doing with one of them?" Melchiore: "I shot an assassin. A man I saw walk through a steel gate as if a ghost. He swing a blade made of smoke. He breathed fire. And I shot him in the chest, and found...this" "As he describes it, the Touchstones are of significant religious importance to the clans of the Dwarves in the Underworld. But the similarity is " Adelaide Valerian: "So I suppose you already knew about the magic thing." She teases Elysia's father with a tired smile. Lizzie Potgieter was about to remark something but that report makes her fall silent again. Adelaide Valerian: "Did he know any more about them? How they relate to the cult?" The man returns the tired look with his own grin, turning his scarred lip in his moustache just so that it catches the light Elysia Lucchesi: "Considering what this one did...I doubt it's a benevolent object." "So I guess I should reiterate: What was Bells doing with a Horned King-linked touchstone that he pretends is simply just a religious artifact?" Melchiore: "He is demanding satisfaction; his home was burglarized, with a note from the Phantom" "What he said of the stone, he described a samesuch disk of blue, carved free from an heirloom shield of his clan. Expertly removed" "From what I know from our experts, the stones are only mentioned in hushed circles. Our Dwarven Lord speaking of it in description is the loudest thing said by them outside their Cthonic homes." "came to be in a cultist assassin, years before the Cataclysm" Adelaide Valerian: "That makes sense. These things empower people to do unnatural things. It's hard to imagine something more valuable.. I wonder if we could make any use of it." She sighs at the mystery. "The cult claims to be old. Maybe even related to what caused the cataclsym. People have said it wasn't nateral." Elysia Lucchesi: "While the Cataclysm did change the world as we know it, it's not as though it's impossible that elements which didn't become commonplace and known until afterward didn't already have some presence here even before the disaster." Ian nods at that Lizzie Potgieter nods too. Elysia Lucchesi: "A cult that bides its time and doesn't want to be found...that doesn't even officially exist, it's hard to go looking for one." "You must wait for them to make the first move, or at least make a mistake." Melchiore: "Fortuitous then, that your group seems to have their attention so fixed" Elysia Lucchesi: "Now this Cult is operating openly and without regard for exposure." "Something changed, and it wasn't the Cataclysm." Ian: "Agreed....a new leader? A new influence?" Elysia Lucchesi looks to Lizzie. "I think we'll have to ask you a favour." Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't it that the Horned King appeared, in the flesh, and was killed?” Melchiore: "I fear, it may be more directly related to he actions of the good Count Von Arnfels" Lizzie Potgieter stiffens up and looks uneasily at Elysia. Melchiore: "His proclomation, I hope you have not missed today" Adelaide Valerian: "Perhaps they've found someone else to wear the antler crown. August." Elysia Lucchesi: "We may need to get into contact with him...unofficially, informally." Lizzie Potgieter reacts with hostility: “You really want that?” Melchiore: "Inquiries have been made to the Order of Purity. Regarding the canonizing. Other messages will be passed" Elysia Lucchesi: "Like it or not, he's the only one who has come forward claiming to not only have encountered the Horned King, but also contributed to its defeat personally." melchiore: "And he too, has been transformed. Publically flaunting it even" Elysia Lucchesi: "This lead is not something that should be disregarded." Melchiore: "It wont be." Lizzie Potgieter looks back and forth between the two, suppressed anger in her eyes. Lizzie Potgieter: *barely suppressed Elysia Lucchesi: "You need only tell us how to contact him outside of official channels. You need not personally get involved, unless it is necessary to contacting him." Mlechiore calms stares down the gaze, and speaks aside to Elysia Lizzie Potgieter: “You ever heard of writing letters?” Melchiore: "I have a man you should speak with. He is a wizard of the Esoteric Order." Adelaide Valerian: "I.. I'm not even surprised anymore. Wizard." Elysia Lucchesi: "So be it." Melchiore: "He can get you into contact with a Mister Stanley. Augusts bagman" "and...you can certainly trust him" Melchiore removes a glove, plucking each finger quickly, and slipping off the white leather with a swift motion On the skin of his hand, scars twist and grasp his fingers like briar vines. His fingernails missing and the ugly twists of skin gnurled and broken Lizzie Potgieter clenches her fists in her lap and just looks down. Lizzie Potgieter: at the table but on the back of that hand, a small circle of orange-green flares, and alittle geometric pattern shows for a moment, glinting in the light Melchiore: "I trust him with my life" DUN DUN DUNNNNNNN UNTIL NEXT WEEK ON SHATTERED WORLDS Fiss: DUN DUN DUN P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): :d youre quite welcome! I GOT TO THROW MAGIC CULTISTS AT YA Joush M.: DUN DUN DUN! Ken (GM): AND THERE WAS A KNIFE FIGHT AND BULLETS AND QUIPS SO MANY QUIPS Joush M.: It was a good scene! Brutal! Murder! Dwarves! Ken (GM): Fiss: Also... STAB A BITCH IN THE NECK that might have been one of my favourite combat moments ever lol Parry this you filthy casual! Ken (GM): PTING GOOSH BITCHES Fiss: MOTHA FUKIN BITCHES! Ken (GM): TODAY IS A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY Fiss: Oh dark Darn I wanted to live in Mexico Ken (GM): mexico is still an option Joush M.: Humm.. Sunshine, tacos and sand P.P. A.: pick your favourite cartel and become a warlord for LiveLeak fame Ken (GM): invest in adobe or was it activex? who was that guy... ANYWHO Where last we left our heroes.... Ian has a stinky new sword he's going to get looked at A strange dark undercurrent in the Grand City of Romanga had reared an ugly head. The multifaceted eyes and slithering snakelike skin of this head made it that much more ominous. Your band had fled Lizzies Flat, in search of safety with the O.A.R. On the path there, you were beset by cultist wielding what cna only be described as Magic Powers(with a big M) Lizzie Potgieter protests. “We already know that black Bells is in with the cult, trafficking their artifacts and stuff. Why can't we just investigate him now to find some proof?” Lizzie Potgieter: “I thought that was the plan, sniffing around his place with the excuse of lookin' into the theft.” Joush M. walks closer to the man and looks to the scarred hand, the strange mark branded onto it. "What does it mean?" She ask him, voice calm and nuteral, Curious before she stands back. "I'm certainly willing to meet with this man." Adelaide Valerian walks closer to the man and looks to the scarred hand, the strange mark branded onto it. "What does it mean?" She ask him, voice calm and nuteral, Curious before she stands back. "I'm certainly willing to meet with this man." Melchiore: "It is fortuitous that the Phantom was tipped off to this clue. And it is more than simple coincidence the artifact is yet another of these strange Touchstones." Melchiore holds his hand for scrutiny, long enough to stretch the mangled appendage in the light of the room, but then with a small hiss of pain, he replaces the white glove over the runemark on his skin Adelaide Valerian: "I'm sorry. It clearly hurts you." Melchiore: "This is all some strange game played for years, and we seem to be a small part of it. I would rather we increased our stake instead of lessened it..." Ian nods and harumphs Melchiore: "Think nothing of it Miss Adelaide. The mark itself keeps me moving normally, it is only the exposure to the light really, that hurts them now" Ian: "Exactly my desire, sir." Lizzie Potgieter 's arms remain crossed. Melchiore: "Lizzie makes the best point; we need to move on our only main lead, and that is finding irrefutable evidence against the Dwarf Lord we know is mixed in the middle of this" tonight, that we might stay our strike until morning." Ian glances at his pocket watch and nods appreciatively Adelaide Valerian: "I'd like to get those stones secured and get Kat somewhere safe and secure tonight." Ian asks where vials/swabs can be obtained so he can get a sample from the blade he stole, then wash it so it's not horrible Melchiore: "The most secure place I can think of now, is with the Wizard..." "Ian, leave a sample from the sword with us and I will have my technicians look at it. We'll snap a picture, and send you on your way with it. Elysia? A word" Elysia exchanges a look with the High Right Honorable Lord. They nod at each other, and she seems resolute on what she must do next Elysia: "I must go for now. There are tasks that need doing, and I may be our only agent they will trust to see right now" "Trust my father." Ian nods Ian: "Ladies. Sir. It's been an exciting night for these old bones. I'll bring tea tomorrow." Adelaide Valerian takes out a small cigarette case. Breathing slowly and taking out one, tapping it very gently and frowning at the faint tremble in her hand before she meets Elysia's eyes and nods to her. Elysia nods back, gives a small wink, and slips away into the night Ken (GM): [with Rose's blessing FYI] Lizzie Potgieter gets up and heads out with the others. Adelaide Valerian gets to those task for the night, very glad for the help of the others. Ian heads out, secures samples, takes pictures, then arranges for a bath tub to clean the scum off the blade before calling it a night. Ken (GM): [so, you guys want to lock down in the OAR headquarters for the night?] Ian: Ian will head back to his office to make sure he's caught up with payroll Ken (GM): you have cultists after you dudes with obvious magical powers Adelaide Valerian will spend the night there. Getting sealed cases to lock up those artifacts and all. Ian sighs Ian: "The paperwork...." Ian reluctantly will stay despite knowing Miss Debbie gets antsy Ian: lol Lizzie Potgieter does not at all feel comfortable or safe here, but she's not eager to go home alone to her possibly haunted apartment tonight either. Ken (GM): haha Lizzie Potgieter decides to stay if the others do too. Ken (GM): Im just surprised, I thought the imperative to get to the OAR was about getting to a defensible redoubt P.P. A.: Nah, just to report on things Ken (GM): ah right, okay P.P. A.: as a brief stop, and then to the museum to bring Kathy back home safely and investigate the artifact at least that's how I understood it Ken (GM): ahhhh Melchiore will offer to have some ground-men check in on adelaides place for you first, if thats allright " Lizzie Potgieter: “So he knows about it. …well, his daughter saw it I guess. Lizzie whispers to Adelaide afterwards. Adelaide Valerian nods. "Only nateral for him to check on us. I think we can offer him a little trust, at least with physical safety. If he wanted to take us he's had the chance." Lizzie Potgieter: “Ja nee.” She nods with a furrowed brow. Ken (GM): aight then, so Melchiore will send off his footmen, and for a short while you regroup here at OAR Elysia heads out on her own errand Ian gets the sword checked Lizzie Potgieter talks to Katherine a bit to make sure she's lucid and feeling better now—and to keep her own mind off things. The technician assisting Sir Ian takes a variety of photograph stills; the blade, the handle, some detail on the hilt. As well, swabs of the green bile fluid are taken and sent for analysis. Katherine comes round (in a strange place) but with familiar faces about. Shes momentarially panicked until settled by Lizzie and Adelaide. Katherine: "Oh gods, there were voices in my head! They couldnt have been mine, but I heard them all the same!" She is obviously distraught , but you can still shoot and stab 'em—and that's what we're gonna do.” Adelaide Valerian goes to her and offers a glass of water. Helping prop the girl up with pillows and gentily soothing. "It's okay.. you are safe and we are here. Tell us what you heard?" Lizzie Potgieter: ”Just stay away from weird underworld thingies from now.” Katherine accepts the water, and relaxes a bit, until the question of 'what she heard' comes up. She closes her eyes about it and just shudders, "They said, I would be the Crimson Concubine. The Bride of Blood. She who would lead the dynasty of Horns to fruition. I would be a Vessel for the Bright Bloodline" Lizzie Potgieter: “Probably D.A.. Did they, like, talk to you directly? Knew who you were?” Katherine shakes her head, presses her eyes closed with the heels of her hands. When she finishes rubbing at her face she gasps, as if coming up for air Katherine: "NO! No, they....it was in my mind, clear as my own voice, but they were speaking...in the third person will bring forth the blood..." Katherine hiccoughs Katherine throws up a bit, to the side Lizzie Potgieter sighs with relief. “Maybe that thing is kinda like a radio then, and they're just broadcastin' their creepy chants all the time.” Adelaide Valerian: "Well you aren't going to be anything like that. We will keep you safe." She promises, getting a bucket, then a bottle of water for her to rinse her mouth. Cleaning up Kat and comforting her gently. Lizzie Potgieter offers to help with cleaning up and organises a mop and another bucket with water and soap. katherine sobs lightly into the hug, cleans herself up, and kind of gives up for the moment Adelaide Valerian: "You don't belong to anyone but yourself and anybody that says otherwise is going to answer to me." She tells Katherine, stoking her hair a moment. "We know a little better now. Nobody is going to hurt you." The servantry (really, three people, two of which who got woken up) get roused and organized by Melchiore. The building is at least half awake by the time you go looking for a mop. It takes roughly an hour, long enough to get yourselves relaxed and cleane dup, before the report comes back to Melchiore about your home. Melchiore: "I have reason to believe its compromized" "The men gathering the intel I trust, some in the Wath, others just loyal citizens, but the answer was the same from two sources" "There are strangers nearby your home, in an aircar, and the locals dont recognize them" Lizzie Potgieter looks over to Adelaide, a sorry look on her eyes. Adelaide Valerian: "Hum. Any chance to grab them?" She ask, a hard look in her eyes. Thoughtful. Then reaching out she gently squezes Lizzie's hand. "Not your fault. I'm the one that brought this down on you." Lizzie Potgieter returns the encouraging squeeze and shakes her head. “If anything, it's their fault.” She only briefly glances at Melchiore. Lizzie Potgieter: “You have any other safe places for her?” Melchiore: "I will see that my men carefully try an approach. Considering your description of the you already met tonight....I will have them be very very careful" "I can only stress the idea that of all places, he might be able to secret you all away very well" Adelaide Valerian: "A few" She offers cryptically and considers a moment. "Alright. Let's go meet the Wizard." Lizzie Potgieter: “Good.” Lizzie smiles, and doesn't inquire any further. , is it?” she asks suspiciously. Melchiore makes a short call. The office itself is slightly abuz znow with activity with the pages seeing to duties in the middle of the night, and a few of the clerk staff arriving on foot to man desks on the lowest floor. The sound of typewriters click-clacking rises up from the floorboards In short order, Melchiore has summoned a black sleek looking aircar, and had it pull in behind the building... Ken (GM): [is there anything you want to take along with you, aside from yourselves and Katherine?] Ian has a proper cloth sword bag prepared so he can bring the illbegotten blade with him Joush M.: I can't think of anything they'd need to pick up. P.P. A.: also the glibbegotten Ken (GM): ah good call; get your cloak back to you, fre eup a hand you taking Melchiore's disk? Lizzie Potgieter reloads her shottie with slugs if she hasn't yet Ian: May as well take all the goodies Ken (GM): noted; reloaded Lizzie, and the disk in a box. The thing is wood with steel and lead lining on the interior. Its heavier than it looks, but innocuous enough, and it has a shoulder strap mel himself has been careful with it over the years Adelaide Valerian ask for an extra layer to the box. Rocksalt, packed around the disk. (We've got 2 disk and a broken one now, right?) Ken (GM): you have the new one from the Phantom, and Mel's old broken one both in hand the other is back at your lab Joush M.: Ah, gotcha Ken (GM): rocksalt as well can be arranged. The chef will be confused, 'damn the chef' 'theres fuckery afoot' Adelaide Valerian climbs into the aircar with the others, looking to the heavy case then turning her attention to Kat. Worried she might feel the disk, even now, and watching her reaction. Kat meets her wary gaze...and smiles a small brave smile. She sits down with no idea of the disks being in the bag and box. She just looks through the glass windows with a mousy unease The aircar is a slim black thing, an older 'but in great condition' machine, and it doesnt catch the eye at all. Discrete. The driver is nondescript as well; no Galician silver uniform, but a large pistol in a hip holster, sticking up beside him in his seat at the controls Around you the misty night collects in the eaves and shadows, the streetlights in sight barely punching through the haze. Assuming you stay quiet on your move, you should be sight unseen... Ken (GM): [exunt then?] Adelaide Valerian keeps an alert eye out on the way. ((Yep!)) Ken (GM): [cest bon] You stow yourselves in the little sedan, and Melchiore nods to you as the car lights up it's motors and takes to the airs for your getaway The car moves like oiled shadows; the engines only slightly hum through the carriage, and the sky parts cleanly before it. The driver makes for the main over-city passageway, slipping over the high rising city below. He takes it nice and slow, careful like, flying casually. In the distance, a bell tolls over the city. Faint cracks in the air, muffled, sound perhaps like gunshots. The car remains on it's path, smooth and careful Above you, the sky lightens as the airs clear, and the car punches out of the mists into the sky. The city retreats to one horizon, and the countryside opens up in the other. Low rolling hills leading to the old bay, the mist pooled in it's belly now, and the eerie green glow of the undercity slums below that somewhere. The car skirts the edge of it all, small pinpricks of streetlights and gaslamps below in the mist, and you head for the estates of the outer edge of town. Over the old walls, along the highway, small patches of withered and struggling orchards below. Vinyards without vines. Rocky hillsides that would be dotted with sheep by dawn. Adelaide Valerian watches the night around them as they roll out over low hills and eerie mist. The elegant young woman showing little of the exhaustion from the night's efforts, though she has to fight the urge to smoke. And then the car pulls lower, skims the treetops, lamps off and guided only by starlight. Lizzie Potgieter looks out of the window the whole ride, eyes and thoughts drawn far away as the scenery opens up and greater distances come into view. And then a short dip in a clearing on a hillside, dimly lit but for the moons and the stars, the miasma of the Roil and the City below you at the edge of the world. The car hovering down between a rocky old wall and broken trees. Until he cuts the engines and parks on the earth with a slight thump. "Here" the driver says simply Lizzie Potgieter: “…seems hidden enough.” Adelaide Valerian: "Thank you." She says to the driver. A smile for him for his efforts, and because they might need him to escape if this goes badly wrong. She lets Ian get out first then takes his hand to slip from the car, looking around for trouble as Kat follows and they stand on the cool ground in those long dark hours between midnight and dawn. Ahead in the clearing is the gutted ruin of a church, burned and blackened timbers wreathed with some not-destroyed bits of white stucco, and the lively green of some struggling undergrowth all around. The night air is breezy and cool, and the tall grasses wave in the dim light The driver leans back in the front seat, and lights a small pipe. he rolls down the window Lizzie Potgieter looks around, her mouth slightly agape. She had had one hand on her shotgun when getting out of the car, but it rests on her side now. Lizzie Potgieter: “What a beautiful place.” Ahead in the dim ruin, a figure slips form a shadow of rock, under the eaves of some massive broken tree. He steps into the moonlight, and raises one hand Adelaide Valerian: "Beautiful in it's ruin." She agrees, following Lizzie, then looking back to see if Ian and Kat are joining them. Kat doesnt stray more than arm length from Adelaide Adelaide Valerian smiles and holds her hand. Left side. Got to keep her right hand free. Just in case. Ian: "Well, what a festive decoration...." Your band step free of the car and pass through the threshold of the ruin. The driver is illuminated only by the glow of his pipe, off and on Ahead, the figure with his arm raised calls out softly, his voice carrying easily off the stone walls around you Adelaide Valerian starts walking closer to the man. Looking around them. Rolling 3d6 = 14 vs 13 for Observation to look for trouble. Ian steps forward, waiting for more, tapping his cane gently on the cobble as he looks around the area "I speak of the Cult of the dead darkness, the Horned King. I have been told they are on the move. And after your little charge there" Lizzie Potgieter looks around the area more, and also takes deep breaths without the mask on, smiling as she relishes in the fresh relatively air. Adelaide Valerian pulls the gun from her coat, holding it low on her thigh. The blued steel hidden a touch in her shadow as she walks closer. "You are the Wizard then. Here in a place that used to be holy.. standing over a symbol drawn in blood?" Lizzie Potgieter stops and stands still, looking skywards. She tenses up a bit and looks at Adelaide. “Something's wrong here, be careful.” Ian: "Ahh, so they have a name to match their fairness. And you? What are your stakes in this dark game?" Lizzie Potgieter spots the pentagram on the ground and looks at the Wizard with suspicion—and her hand finds her shotgun in its holster and rests there. The man ahead of you shoves his hand aside in a flat motion, palm down, and there is a small click in the air. Four small sconces on the ground, around the pentagram ahead, alight The crackling of their embers sends sparks up in the air, in a small whirl over the bloody red rune on the ground Wizard: "I am he, who you have been sent to seek shelter with. I am the Wizard of Romanga. I serve the Esoteric Order, those who seek to maintain the balance of Power in the world. The scales of the energies of karma and the Cosmos." Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't that heresy?” Lizzie asks Adelaide in a hushed voice. Ian: "One person's Heresy is another person's bible." Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath and lets it out. In some ways his display of power is soothing. It's honest. She nods, then shrugs. "It seems there are more things in this world then are dreamed of in my philosophy, dear Lizzie. I can't condemn him without understanding more.. so introduction. Adelaide Valerian, sir." She curtsies and puts away the gun. "I am pleased to meet you. I have a lot of questions." The Wizard relaxes, and slips down from the high chunk of stone to the floor, stepping round the edge of the embered braziers and circle. He walks slowly, and keeps his face toward your group. Adelaide Valerian walks around the tree. Comeing closer to the man. Ian paces forward, watching his step over the rubble Wizard: "Come please, you can take some warmth from the fire while we speak as friends. I will need a moment to open the doorway" Lizzie Potgieter puts her head to her chin for a moment and considers. She relaxes a little and drops her readiness to draw her firearm. Ian: "Most folks just build a fire-pit." Ian chuckles and gets close enough to poke the man but stays a respectful distance away The wizard grins at that, scars on his face tracing and reflecting lines of amber red from the lights. Lizzie Potgieter: “I ain't gonna tell you my real name,” or true name, as it were, “don't trust a wizard with it. Nice to meet you though.” Ian: "I was wondering when we could use Code-Names. I mean, all this cloak and dagger's gotta be worth at least a dramatic code-name." The wizard is cloaked with a dark robe over his shoulders, and under is a breastplate of beaten metal from a previous age. Long scars on the metal show it has seen battle. Small dents show it has been shot before. Other places look melted, or burned. Below is a skirt of leather straps, and loose silk pants tucked into soft looking leather boots. His hair is cut away to a short stock of white, criscrossed with more scars Adelaide Valerian follows after Ian at a walk. Studying the Wizard. She haden't noticed the cold until it's mentioned and the tension eases a touch, then it cuts bone deep. A faint tremor running up her spine as her breath mist on the air. Doing her best to ignore the cold. "I shall call you Falcon then, and Lizzie can be our Sparrow." Ian regards the man less as a spooky wizard now that he's seen the signs of battle on him, and his face softens in a show of respect. Ian: "My goodness...you're dressed for a war I've not yet seen, that's for sure." Ian doesn't seem to be talking about the armour, but the scars Wizard: "You are the bleeding hearts of Romanga, or their footsoldiers." "You sir, are Ian. A man betwix'd a rock and a hard place. She is Elizabeth, broken heart of the Lord August. And those two in the back, ready to dart, are Adelaide and Katherine. " Ian bows his head Lizzie Potgieter: “I don't wanna be that guy's prey; make me a hawk or somethin'.” Ian: "Well met then. And you sir?" Wizarxd: "Sorry to be so abrupt, but, I have my sources, and they have reported at least your names." Ian: "Do we name you wizard or can we use something more polite?" Wizard: "Call me Wizard as a title, but truly, it has been long since I was named in a common tongue. Balthazarr would fit as any other" Ian: [omg becky, you can't just say 'wizard', that's THEIR word!] Adelaide Valerian relaxes a touch when the Wizard uses the fake name. Inclining her head to the man. "Another wise man. I'm pleased to meet you, Balthazarr. I hope you can explain what is happening." Lizzie Potgieter raises an eyebrow and frowns slightly, but quietly watches the man for now, apparently mulling over something. Behind him, the embers in the air flourish and twist in the wind, spiralling round the symbol on the ground. The red blood seems to glow, luminescing with red and gold Balthazarr: ,Wizard "Truly, I seek as many answers as you. I have not needed to turn my eye to the Grand City, nor truly, The World in much time. My attention lay elsewhere while darkness stalked." "Now is an auspicious time, and you are auspicious players in a tale foretold to us by a greater power. The Cosmic order ordained as such. But it does not speak lightly, and it does not speak twice." The wizard chuckles to himself Balthazarr: "But who am I to speak so strangely. Come, we shall away to a safe place, so that the dark men in the night do not creep upon you" Ian leaves the "hide from the dark creepy men with the bloody-pentagram-wizardy-boi" comparison unsaid Ian reaches into his cloak and pulls out a thermos Ian: "I brought tea, as promised." Balthazarr: "hah! Brilliant. I hope it has had time to steep." Adelaide Valerian: "Is there a Caspar, as well?" She ask. The tone intentionally playful. Trying to keep things calm and light, though the exhcnage with Ian makes her blink. "So.. Who is the Horned King? How do we stop his cult?" Balthazarr: "The cult of the Horned King are a moral menace, who rode on the coattails of a dark spirit from beyond the ken of this world. He is dead, though somehow his power, I fear, lives on now. Perhaps somehow captured by his cult." Ian pulls a travel carton of small, but serviceable teacups from his cloak and sets up on the rock besides the wizard unless he's motioned not to...don't want tea to spoil a magic circle. balthazarr: "They are mortals, however. You have seen them bleed, that I know" Ian: "If that's what you could call it." Adelaide Valerian: "I.. have, yes. I'd thought them simple fanatics. Madmen obsessed with the Duchess. The things I've seen them done make me think there is more to it." Balthazarr: "There is always something more to it. Never a single edge to a blade." Lizzie Potgieter snaps out of deep thought. “One of 'em just disappeared though, like ‘poof!’” Joush M.: do, not done. Or 'that they've done'. Whatever fix you like for that godawful mess of tense Behind the wizard, the sparks settle from their winding travels, and lay on the ground in the circle. There is a rumbling Adelaide Valerian watches the circle, eyes wide. She still isn't used to magic and feels like she never will be. The stones of the ground around you SNAP and CRACK and shift with grating noises, and a staircase down appears, into the earth below Lizzie Potgieter takes a step closer but sees the glowing circle, and stays a way from it; leaning against a pile of rubble in the narthex. Ian: "I trust that's supposed to happen?" Balthazarr turns, and waves one hand aside like a showman "Here we are; sorry for the wait. Please follow me, to my sanctum" Ian stops prepping the tea so he doesn't need to carry it down Around you, the braziers wink out, as if never lit. Balthazarr: "And yes, please do bring the tea" Ian seems to lead a little further with his cane, as if checking for hidden dangers, but follows with his thermos and teacups ready Balthazarr: "And the two touchstones sealed in your satchel there. Careful you dont open them yet" P.P. A.: Does the magic circle persist over the staircase? Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath and follows. Holding Kat's hand. P.P. A.: or is that magic but not in-universe magic The red smears of the circle and star are present on the stones leading down, as if they slid earthward in a complex mechanism. P.P. A.: ah, okay Balthazarr: "Mind the blood. Little slick" Lizzie Potgieter is the last to follow downstairs, reluctantly. Ian harumphs at that, but uses his cane carefully You descend into darkness, and the stones under your feet tap away the solemn march with little echoes. Once round the bend and under the slip of the dark, a small light ahead signals a passage in the distance. The light of it opens up abruptly as you step lower into the room and then suddenly Here you are, as if the stairs behind you never were, and the walls and ceiling round always were. Adelaide Valerian comes down the steps, holding Kat's hand and following the wizard and Ian into the earth. Shivering just a little as blinking in the light as they find themselves in the strange sanctum. Behind you, the hallway stretches into shadow. Ahead, the light of the library shelves and carved stonework shine cheerfully Balthazarr: "Welcome, to my Sanctum, all." Ian looks up at the ladies to make sure they're not transmogrified into ducks or something, but tries not to look too concerned for their safety. Sometimes just gotta fake it that you know everything's gonna be alright And as he speaks the walls about you seem to grunt assent. As if the invitation carried weight with the obdurate material Ian: "Thank you for the hospitality." Lizzie Potgieter cautiously asks: “…is this underground or…?” Balthazarr: "We are between places, really. Under the Firmament of the land, but not yet in the Æther. A kind of Burrow in the world." Lizzie Potgieter narrows her eyes and looks frustrated. “…is it? Thanks…” Balthazarr chuckles to himself again, softly, and flushes slightly biting at a scar on his lower lip Balthazarr: "Sorry, 'Liz, I know things should be plainer. But here's the thing, thats as plain as it can be really. We're safe here. The walls of this place are sounder than stone and tucked away deep in the world. Nothing to worry bout" Lizzie Potgieter: “Yeah, I get it.,” she says dismissively. Adelaide Valerian relaxes by stages as color returns to her cheeks and her lips look a little less blue, blinking in surprise. "On the way to Agartha, I suppose. I'd imagined that was more the realm of the Chthonic races." She says as she follows the man. "So, tell us about our shared enemy." Lizzie Potgieter still looks annoyed but like she's settled into it now. Rolling 3d6 = 11 Balthazarr: "Im inclined to lean on the side of them having a trick up their sleeve. I would assume they would succumb to their dark pacts and entwined soulbending, considering the player involved. But from as youve seen, and I can corroborate, theyre up to something still, and they still have powers" "Something else is still boiling their blood and lending strength to their magic. i doubt they tapped into the Source, that would zap them like old lightbulbs..." Balthazarr turns then, up the hall, and motions for you to follow with a beckoning hand. Around you, the walls shift and stretch, slithering stone widening from a passage to a hall, to a gallery and then Adelaide Valerian: "So we might be dealing with a pretender god.. a shard of their banished or dead god, or simply their faith that he will return.. and you don't know what might be empowering them. Would it help if I told you the one we fought had a disk like a 'touchstone'? " She walks with them. Looking around the grand sanctum. FOONK The passage ahead becomes a wide garden of white marble, sparkling ponds, and small greeneries. Something like blue sky overhead with soft sunlight Lizzie Potgieter takes a step back. Balthazarr sits on a stairwell, his robe pulled aside, armor softly clanking Adelaide Valerian follows slowly. "..Huh." She ask, curious as she looks up at the impossble sky. Lizzie Potgieter: “This ain't right.” Balthazarr seems lost inthought until Adelaide mentions the disks Ian looks around for a place to continue to set up tea Ian: [priorities, man!] Balthazarr: "Ah yes! You brought Touchstones with you. Please, let us see them then, in the light." The table is as sturdy as the marble about you. The wizard makes a sidelong motion with his other hand to Ian, and a small eager pouring motion Adelaide Valerian looks to Lizzie and nods. "It's strange and different. We find ourselves beyond the looking glass.. I think it is best to take things as they come. But if you'd like to hang back and guard our path out, that could be very useful." Lizzie Potgieter nods at her, and stays back—watching them without setting foot inside that warped space. Adelaide Valerian hestates. The man's casual use of magic to Change his sanctum is impressive, but also midly terrfying. The young woman walking forward to set down that armored relic case. Unlocking it to let the man examine it. Ian makes tea for them all Ian: *he even has a cute little travel cream and sugar container The case comes out of the salt, and then the box is unlatched and opened. Inside the two touhstones glimmer. Nearby, tea steams hot and dark balthazarr rubs his hands together in excitement, looking over the touchstones, as Bwell as the tea The wizard stirs in four sugars to his tea and nods his approval to Ian. He takes a deep sip as he watches the stones unfold from their case Ian serves the ladies if they wish before tucking into a 1-sugar-black Balthazarr: "Ahhh, so, this stone with the crack. Ruined by melchiore when he struck the holder dead. This one, though, still holds the spirit of it's legacy intact. The voices will be clearer here, and likely might even retain some of their will." Lizzie Potgieter is tense, and subtly tugs on Katherine's sleeve to keep her from getting too close. Balthazarr: "The dead stone wont be too much use anymore. Better used as fuel, or focus. Not the priority at the moment" "This one has seen some time in the service of the dwarves, i am sure" Katherine leans against the tug, interested in the discussion, but held in check. Her eyes are wide with interest Ian watches with badly tempered curiosity Adelaide Valerian: "I assume so.. these things hold sprirts?" She ask curiously. Watching. She nods to Ian in thanks and takes the tea to warm up. Balthazarr waves his hand over the second stone, the intact surface seeming to glow slightly from within, and the sooty stains twisting slightly in his passage, like ink stirred on water. The smell of smoke and sulphur intensifies, and you can taste blood in the air Balthazarr: "The Touchstones are gifts from the first peoples, the Precursors. The Eternal guardians of this world and the architects of it as well. These stones were carved from the Firmament, and imparted with knowledge. The dwarves have used them for centuries, to hold the spirits of their forefathers." he waggles his fingers over the lit touchstone, and traces a finger in the air, a short height over the disk. The inky soot swirls more, to the edges Ian breathes from his cup to avoid the sooty smell of heck As he moves his hand over the disk, Balthazarr's face falls into a soft relaxation, and his eyes half close. He stares down into the disk's blue light, and he hovers his hand nearby it, fingers twitching slightly every now and then. Adelaide Valerian drinks her tea and watches. Trying to commit the information to memory. Below, on the disk, the swirls and whorls of blackness move like a swarm of insects over it's surface, and the blackness marches into a ring round the edges, forming sharp looking runes and marks that resembles the dwarven language. Much like your other disk did Balthazarr: "There" "The Veil is lifted and the true shape of the stone is seen" "A cage of souls, and brimming to the lip" Ian smiles up at the women like a kid watching a magic show, before turning back with a self-harumph to his tea once he realizes how silly he's being in such a serious moment. Rolling 3d6 = 9v9 “to hold the spirits of their forefathers.” & “A cage of souls” Ian 's brightness fades at the mention of souls and he listens with renewed sobriety Ian: "A small piece of dwarven heaven I hope...or is this a cage in more than one way?" Lizzie Potgieter controls her breathing and remains tense but calm as she half-listens to the conversation and watches the strange happenings. The wizard leans back on the steps, and sips his tea. A sad smirk creeps in on his face Adelaide Valerian stares, mentally considering the fact that souls are real, dwarves have them, and apparently store them in bits of magic created by a First Race. Ian sips his tea, finishes it, and pours another, this time black as the news he knows he's about to hear racists Balthazarr: "As close a thing to heaven as there is, I'm sure. Spirits tethered to the sphere tend to wander a bit, but they mostly stay intact and nearby until they refold. At least, they did before the Cataclysm." Lizzie Potgieter: (Kobolds and Gnomes can't have souls though) Ian adds a bit of sugar then Ian: "Well, I suppose that's good to hear then." Balthazarr: "I should make a note to check on them. Later, though" The stones around you grunt in acknowledgement to the wizard, somehow Adelaide Valerian shivers at that and it has nothing to do with cold. "So.. why? Where would the cult have gotten these?" Balthazarr: "great question, that" PLOONK Lizzie Potgieter snorts and suppresses laughter. FWOOSH The pool of water collects about the broken thing, and rises up into the air into a sphere of roiling water. It sloshes and swirls in eddies and torrents, the broken disk inside twisted this way and that in the center Lizzie Potgieter quickly stops laughing. Rolling 3d6 = 14v11 PER The red glow twisting into swirling whorls of blood red Lizzie Potgieter doesn't hear the question and can't chime in with “She means D.A.!” Adelaide Valerian looks to the blood red. "The water is.. changing. Is that supposed to happen?" Balthazarr raises an eyebrow, and turns his head. He does a literal double-take, and his armor rattles with the whipcrack motion of his head Balthazarr: "SHIT! No!" The watery weird orb surges, and presses against an unseen edge, the Deep in the space between places, the redoubt of the Wizard Balthazarr gurgles with the strangling noise of boiling blood! We find our heroes, minus miss Elysia, perched on the threshold of genuine Magic (the big-M kind). The aged and war-scarred wizard secluded them away here, and through a conversation on the origins of the Touchstones, he flung the broken disc of Melchiorre into his Water Weird...only to have it bubble in horror! Ian: "Is that...supposed to happen, Balthazarr?" Adelaide Valerian draws her pistol and watches as the strange crimson overtakes the blue in that sphere. Lizzie Potgieter: “Don't need to be a wizard to figure out something's wrong here.” [ka-chack!] Lizzie Potgieter looks at Balthazarr: “Can you fix that?” Balthazarr: "Hold! Do not fire... "I am unsure if it means us harm, or if it is simply....altered" Around you the noise of the thing chokes and scrabbles at the air; the invisible barrier holding it in the sphere has broken and it sloshes this way and that in the air, a globe of bloody waves twisting on themselves And pressing out from the waves of red, bony fingers....a thin arm...and the blood creeping up the limbs of a man stepping out of the orb of wetness... The voice of the thing in the water screams from a mouth without flesh, a bleached boiled skull underneath pressing out of the watery skin Lizzie Potgieter watches the scene in horror, but stays her trigger finger. Adelaide Valerian shivers at the impossble vision. The water fighting for form. Like something from a nightmare as it moves. "What are you?" Balthazarr: "It was a Weird; a spirit of the water, bound to this place as a servant and auger, but now.... I may have tainted it's measure somehow..." Ian glances at the wizard but does nothing except hold his cane at the ready Ian: "Tainted with the stone?" Balthazarr steps back as the body pulls itself from the orb. he holds an arm back, fingers wide, motioning for you all to hold. His other hand weaving intricate movements and small sparks dancing on his fingertips Balthazarr: "Certainly the stone. Melchiorre stated it was pulled from an assassin, some years ago. When he saved..." Ian calms himself and relaxes, resting on his cane. Better not to show hostility until it's time Lizzie Potgieter doesn't relax, a pearl of sweat rolling down her face. Adelaide Valerian: "Who did he save?" She ask. Watching the water in the shape of a man then turning her attention to The Wizard as he weaves his story and spell. The body in front of you breaks free of the orb, finally, and the bloody red furiously sizzles away. Limbs thin and elegant, a chest narrow and then angled, flesh pushing up like frothing seas and receding to white skin. And then she is formed. A woman, in ragged robes and flowing hair, deep down her back and dancing round her like a veil Her: "I...have...returned" Balthazarr slowly lowers his arm, and dismisses whatever sparkling craft he had in his other hand Lizzie Potgieter: “Who are you? are you?” Adelaide Valerian looks to her. Trying to identify her, or at least remember her ghostly features if she sees her again in a different context. Rolling 1d6 = 4 P.P. A. adds Quirk: Uneasy around water Ian isn't so concerned about a ghostly gun, but steps one foot back, presenting a lesser cross-section just in case Ken (GM): hahahah Lizzie visibly trembles, the gun in her arms pitching up and down with her terrified body Kat clutches close to her in a wide-eyed bear hug that holds them both upright Ian: (all out defending while he waits for Balth to do his stuff) The Wizard is awe-struck and just as speechless Ian: "Well met, young lady. I am Ian. May I ask your name?" Lizzie Potgieter 's breathing is shallow and interrupted; it's only Kat's hug that lets her at least appear barely composed. The Specter before you looks with unfocused eyes the same blue-white as her flesh and hair and robes. She turns her head to Ian, and her hair twists in the the air as if underwater. She opens her mouth to speak Adelaide Valerian looks to the woman then to Kat behind her, a dreadful thought at the edge of her mind as she puts away the firearm and watches. This isn't time to shoot, it seems. her: "I am....I was....Betrayed" Ian nods, faining understanding Ian: "Do you remember by whom?" From behind you, in the weird hall entrance of the sanctum, comes pounding singular bootsteps Ian will let the others handle that, trying not to divert his attention Her: " The man....the hood of horns....the prince" Kat wheels on Lizzie back, and turns her as much as she can to put LIzzie in the way of the newcomer... and then she makes a happy squealing noise at the sight of Elysia! Ian nods Ian: "I believe we call this man the Horned King, but it matters not his title, for he was vanquished recently." The Shade looks at Ian, and slowly shakes her head No Adelaide Valerian: "What was your name, sprint?" Her: "The man....the high priest....the great scarred one. He killed me" Lizzie Potgieter swings around and—lucky for Elysia—her uncle drilling her into trigger safety and never pointing her gun at someone she isn't willing to kill overrides her panic. Ken (GM): hahah , good habits very very god habits The Shade looks to Adelaide...and smiles Her: "You.....were a friend....." Lizzie Potgieter slightly lowers her gun. Lizzie Potgieter: “…she ain't evil, at least, like… not haunting…” She mumbles to herself, looking to the floor as the graceful ghost speaks. Adelaide Valerian catches her breath and holds it. Looking at the almost familiar face and staring. Ian: "Well, a friend of a friend is doubly well-met." Adelaide Valerian: "You were.. you are.. a very good friend, Duchess." She whispers in reply. Half hoping Kat doesn't see or recognize the water-ghost. Elysia Lucchesi: "Another weird day for you lot, it looks like." Lizzie Potgieter: “Oh !” she yells at her. The Shade warms, and the pallor to her flesh softens, her robes darken. Her skin becomes more fleshlike, less wet. Her clothing more substantial, regal, velvet and silk Kat recoils from Lizzie and darts to Adelaide's coat-tails... and she is awe-struck at the floating woman Lizzie Potgieter briefly stares at Elysia with an expression of mixed anger and terror. Katherine having left, she feels a bit guilty. Lizzie Potgieter: “I'm gonna catch some fresh air.” Lizzie Potgieter walks out to do just that, out the way Elysia entered. Adelaide Valerian reaches back to hold Kat's small hand as she nods in reply to Lizzie. Barely seeming to hear her as she stares at the ghost. The Shade, this woman returned as a ghost, slowly warms, color returned to her...and then.... RED A gout of deep crimson, a wound opening on the neck of the Ghost, and blood pouring from ear to ear like a crimson necklace... P.P. A.: allahu ackbar Elysia Lucchesi: "...Did I come at a bad time?" Her: "I was....betrayed....by the scarred man....the high priest....of the Horned King" Ian: "I...I see that...my goodness..." The blood flows from her like a stream, and as it falls to the floor it PIT PATs in small pools....that disappear like steaming boiled waters Balthazarr: "She is a host, a specter of her former life. She is caught in the moment of her ending. She was ensnared...." Adelaide Valerian: "Don't look." She says as she catches Kat gently. drawing her in. Turning her back to the ghost at the meeting and holding her as the dark haired woman watches the figure. "We will punish them. We will free you if we can and make sure they don't do the same to anyone else." Balthazarr: 's eyes dart this way and that, and his hands twitch in the air like he is moving pages in books Ian rubs his neck in sympathetic response Her: "I am gone....Take care of her.....take care of them both....." Lightning crackles on her body Power dances from floating hair to hair, and down limbs and graceful fingers. Caged storm dancing Balthazarr ducks to a side hall, and begins skimming book covers Elysia Lucchesi: "...That bodes well." balthazarr: "Blast and damnation, I need the book! Sanctum! Help me!" From a faraway hall, a singular book a hand-thick and the width of a dinner plate flies through the air to the wizard...and THUMPS into him bodily "Ow! Damnit!.....Thank you!" Balthazarr: "Quickly! All of you! surround the Shade! Form a circle, and clasp hands!" The wizard swats a hand, and the Water Weird sloshes back into the poool below the Shade, while she cracles with energies unseen Elysia Lucchesi: "Like in the shape of that magic circle painted in blood?" Balthazarr: "Yes! The universal symbol of Magic, a circle, please! Quickly!" Elysia Lucchesi shrugs and gets into position. The wizard flips through the tome, heavy vellum pages whipping frantically Adelaide Valerian frowns at the wizard.. then goes to do it, though reluctantly. Reaching out to catch Ian's hand. "Eyes closed, Kat.. Elysia, take her other side." Balthazarr: "" he shouts, his voice booming as if he spoke in a megaphone The heavy book slams to the table, dust flying from the pages, as the wizard shouts AHA! He begins to speak in a deep dulcet tone, a kind of drawn out chanting far low in his throat, and a wind begins to whip in the air around him (From Ken (GM)): do you come back to the desperate beckoning? (To GM): Not the wizard's (From Ken (GM)): ;) the Shade crackles with that weird power, and the lighting intensifies, on the far edge of the incomplete circle, it lances out and strikes a nearby shrubbery The green bush bursts into flames Kat screams, ending with LIZZIE (To GM): She hears the call, but, having only barely calmed down, is still paralysed by fear—and in any case not especially motivated to face the source of that fear again for that weirdo heretic's sake. Rolling 3d6 = 6v11 (Will) P.P. A.: such cases Ken (GM): "Hello RNGesus, this is the BASED dept" " P.P. A.: (I had just whispered: >She hears the call, but, having only barely calmed down, is still paralysed by fear—and in any case not especially motivated to face the source of that fear again for that weirdo heretic's sake.) Lizzie Potgieter: Hurried steps and Yanqui curses echo from upstairs, growing louder and nearer by the second. Lizzie Potgieter runs in with her shotgun drawn and pointing forward. The Wizard continues the chant, tones rising and thrumming against a chord of power that sings in the air and twist all around you. The Shade crackles, her bloody form boiling out through her neck, and red gushing from her in rivulets Lizzie Potgieter: “What?!” Lizzie Potgieter aims her gun at the ghost. Ian moves out of the line of fire Elysia Lucchesi: "Take a position so that we may form a circle around the thing, or whatever heretical nonsense this is about." The unformed circle bends further, and another lance of lightning flies from the cage. A marble column explodes into smoking rubble Lizzie Potgieter: “I ain't gonna take part in that crap!” Kat: "Please! Shes my Mother!" Lizzie Potgieter had almost pulled the trigger finger when she hears that. Balthazarr 's voice drones, he sweeps an arm overhead and swirls the winds above him, the power badrely contained Lizzie Potgieter says nothing and shoves Elysia to the side. Ken (GM): GASP Lizzie Potgieter and takes her place in the circle. P.P. A.: She's too angry to walk all the way around to the other side, Ian can take that place. Elysia Lucchesi stifles a chuckle and takes the dangerous open spot. Ken (GM): hahaha As you five jockey for position, the energy of the circle falls into place; hands clasped, a ring of the power coming from the Shade leaps into a bolt that turns, and turns.....and twists into a flowing ring of power riding the winds around the Ghost! You have contained the power! The wizard's voice drops, he points his waving arm, and the wind rushes in a diving gust overhead, pummelling downward over the Ghost Whisps of blue crystal form in the air, twisting and tumbling in the wind and the power of the lighting dancing between them Adelaide Valerian helps hold the circle. Working with the others. Holding hands with the others and worried at Kat. It can't be healthy to see the ghost of your mother trapped in the moment of her murder, reliving her death at the hands of evil cultist over and over again. Elysia's Jacket glows, from her pocket There is a FWOOM and a POP Adelaide Valerian: "May she be at rest. God, please, grant her rest." She says gently. And then floating lightly to the flor, between you all, is a Touchstone Balthazarr blinks Adelaide Valerian walks forward. Staring at the stone a moment then reaching out with a handkerchief to take it without touching it. Balthazarr: "That....was not supposed ot happen" Kat: "...was that....my Mother?....where?" Elysia Lucchesi: "So this is tied to that touchstone the Phantom brought to us." Lizzie Potgieter takes a moment to calm her breath and think things through. Balthazarr: "That...is a new Touchstone..." "Did you bring another?" The wizard stops, pinches his brow with one hand, and rests his chin on his other arm in concentration Balthazarr: " was why the binding changed so much. ...so frustrating...." "And yet, really, quite illuminating" Elysia Lucchesi: "Next time, I'll make sure to keep in mind not to bring things we're researching to places that aren't supposed to exist in case spirits appear suddenly." The wizard waves a hand, a slight frown but a barely hidden grin of inspiration as well Lizzie Potgieter unhooks the lasso from her belt. Balthazarr: "no need for niceties, you couldnt have known. Melchiorre told you nothing, I can assume" Adelaide Valerian slips the stone into her purse and tosses the bag gently to Ian. "Carry that for me, please." She dosn't want to bring it to Kat.. as she goes to the girl. Wrapping her arms around the girl. Holding her close and speaking softly. "A.. recording of her. An echo. I'm sorry you had to see that. I'm here. Do you want to sit down?" Elysia Lucchesi: "What he doesn't tell me couldn't even be contained by a grand library." Balthazarr: "Yes, exactly miss Valerian. It truly is an image of her Shade. The Touchstone forming a snapshot of her energies, and her soulstuff...it really shouldnt be possible." Ian harumphs and walks around the garden, making sure any singed organics aren't still on fire. Balthazarr: "But I believe it means something conclusive about the and their methods. They are powering their magic through foci. Binding the magic from one caster through to others in powered circles. And theyre trapping their own stones!" Ken (GM): [just marking Ian and Elysia as carrying stones, with the blue dots] Ian: [Ominous!] Ken (GM): [other one is on the table, there] Lizzie Potgieter walks up to Balthazarr and nonchalantly throws her lasso over his shoulders. Lizzie Potgieter: “Alright. That's nice and all, but you're under arrest.” The Wizard manages a BWUH? of confusion Lizzie Potgieter: “By the authority of…” She gets out her badge and reads what's written on it: “…the Order Aquilla Romanga.” She turns it around and presents him. “Defacing sacred ground, all kinds of heresy, necro… whatever, bringing back the dead., that thing.” Rolling 3d6 = 10v12 (Knot-Tying) The Wizard looks down at the rawhide rope around him in a cinch, and looks up to Adelaide with a shrug Balthazarr: "I think...I may be indisposed at the moment?" He lets out a small OOF as she tightens the knot in a quick motion Lizzie Potgieter: “You can keep talking on our way back to the boss,” Lizzie says with the faintest of smiles. Adelaide Valerian: "Lizzie, we need to know what this man knows..is that a lasso?" Lizzie Potgieter has had it looped on her belt for a while, though her jacket of a similar colour probably made it less conspicuous. Ken (GM): [it truly is the most inconspicuous thing, until she uses it] Balthazarr: "Miss, do you really think something like..." "a cattle rope will contain me?" Ian comes up the steps and Harumphs most displeased Elysia Lucchesi is more interested in the general area Ian: "Lizzie, what on the shattered Earth are you doing?" Lizzie Potgieter: “You try to flee?” The palm of her hand traces the grip of her sidearm. Ken (GM): [ROLL CREDITS] Lizzie Potgieter looks to Ian. “What's it look like? Ain't we s'pposed to arrest heretics and the like?” Adelaide Valerian frowns and considers. "I consider our job to be dismantling the cult and stopping their plot. I'm not sure trying to arrest this man serves that goal." Lizzie Potgieter tugs on the rope as she walks down the stairs towards the exit. “Well he can continue to tell us what he knows, so we can see about turnin' him over to the inquisition.” The wizard nods to Adelaide, after failing to raise a hand in agreement, and it YOINKed sideways Ian: "Oh for the love of..." As Lizzie pulls the magic man sideways, a large spectral hand thrusts out of the ceiling to block the exit out THOOM Ian: "Young lady, please untie our " balthazarr: "Sanctum, no, shes not a threat....be nice" P.P. A.: Does this count as a ghost? Ken (GM): its more like stone of the ceiling formed in the shape of a hand P.P. A.: odd, but not that spooky Elysia Lucchesi: "Well, anyway. I'm sure the man would like to talk to my father right now anyway. No point in making the journey a negative or uncomfortable one." P.P. A. keeps a nervous hand on her shotgun, which can fortunately be wielded with one hand. Lizzie Potgieter keeps a nervous hand on her shotgun, which can fortunately be wielded with one hand. Adelaide Valerian squeeze Kat's hand then releases. Walking to Lizzie slowly and reaching out very gently for the lasso. "This isn't the way, okay? Trust me." She ask gently. Lizzie Potgieter: “So you're comin' along?“ He asks the wizard. Lizzie Potgieter whispers back to Adelaide, serious but friendly: “Trust me.” Balthazarr: "I must say, Melchiorre must truly be playing the game close at hand again. Has he told her nothing?" "You're sent to my Sanctum for shelter, and she believes he intended me arrested for...what was it Heresey?" Elysia Lucchesi: "He tells you what you want to know, when e wants you to know it." Elysia Lucchesi says this with a touch of bitterness Lizzie Potgieter again tugs on the rope and steps towards the stone hand, wizard in tow. Balthazarr: "Ah" "Miss Lizzie. I'm not going to be arrested tonight. I am not performing Heresies against Vitrus, nor am I working against your interests. I am one of the Bleeding Hearts of Romanga, truly" Lizzie Potgieter: “I don't know what those are, but I want you in the boss's office.” “And you can't tell me all this ain't heresy,” she adds without particular vigour. Elysia Lucchesi: "I think what he means is that he will come along, just not in bondage." Adelaide Valerian: "Lizzie, I don't think that we can arrest him. Physically." She looks to the massive hand that blocks the door. "This is clearly his place of power." Balthazarr: "Whatever the predelictions of Vitrus truly are in this day, that is besides the point. You are being hunted by the Cult this night, and my Sanctum is a " Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't so safe with all those around, is it.” Ian 's hand rubs the side of his forehead, a headache seeming to form, but when it comes down it's resting on the hilt of his sword. Balthazarr: "Oh...I see" Ian: "Lizzie, please untie him. I would hate to have to owe you for a perfectly serviceable rope." Lizzie Potgieter: “I'll untie him if he agrees to follow us without the rope.” Elysia Lucchesi: "Well, i'll see you at father's place." Elysia Lucchesi takes her leave P.P. A.: Through the stone hand? Lizzie Potgieter: “Ja nee.,” she agrees with Elysia. Elysia Lucchesi: (If it lets her through, yeah) Ken (GM): ... the GM is now confused Melchiore sent you to see the Wizard at his Sanctum, for your safety because you were being hunted by magic dudes P.P. A.: (Lizzie's motivation here relates to what I told you a week or so ago) Ken (GM): [] Ian sighs and begins to draw his sword. Not in a threatening manner, but holding it down and stepping forward at the rope between them. Ian: "Lizzie, please untie him. I hate submitting expense reports." Elysia Lucchesi: "On second thought, this is much more entertaining." Ian shoots Elysia a dry look, indicating he is not amused Ken (GM): [the GM may or may not understand now, as well] Lizzie Potgieter takes her shotgun out of her holster, but it hands limply and aims at the ground. “Whose side are you on anyway, sir?” Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath and walks to Lizzie slowly, reaching out to her to touch her shoulder. "Your side. Nobody here is the bad guys, Lizzie. Hey.. look at me. What's wrong?" Elysia Lucchesi: "I'll cover it, don't worry." Ian: "I'd like to think on the side of sanity, but clearly that team is dwindling." Ian holds his blade up, offering to use the limited cutting edge if she doesn't relinquish her hog-tie Balthazarr: "I am on the side of the Light. Those who stand against the creeping darkness infesting this City, and this world. I stood with Melchiorre ten years ago, to help save the life of a young girl. I saved as many people in the days that followed, as I could." Lizzie Potgieter: “Don't gimme that,” she poutily replies to Ian. Her answer to Adelaide is calmer. “I see at leats one bad guy here,” she replies and casts a glance at Elysia. Balthazarr: "I do not wield dark power or evil in my heart, Miss Lizzie. I am on your side" Lizzie Potgieter: “If you stood with Melchiore I'm sure he can tell us why we shouldn't hand you over to the inquisition,” she replies to him. “And if you're on his side, you're not on mine.” “He's blackmailing you with Kat's safety too, ain't he?” she asks Adelaide, and adds in a hushed voice: “This is how we can get back at him!” Balthazarr tilts his head, and raises a finger (bound as it is at his hip) Balthazarr: "Wait a moment" "Blackmail? Against...*her?" The wizard fails to stifle a gregarious laugh Elysia Lucchesi: "Ah...I see now." Ian is on the edge of a mighty harumph Lizzie Potgieter doesn't show particular hostility afainst Balthazarr, if anyhting seems at times reluctant and makes an effort to be as harsh as she tries to be. Lizzie Potgieter thus gives him time to speak. Balthazarr: "Oh stars and stones, that explains a lot too. Oh Mel, you have got to learn to tell people the truth" " Lizzie Potgieter: “Yeah, I kinda got that much.” Elysia Lucchesi bitterly adds. "Yes, yes he does." Kat Gasps "I KNEW IT" Elysia Lucchesi glances at Katherine Kat: "Okay, I thought I was the queen, but I mean,..." Lizzie Potgieter looks at Balthazarr unimpressed and expectantly, waiting for him to follow this up with something that changes the situation. Adelaide Valerian: "He wants to project Kat too.." She takes a deep breath and explains. "Queen isn't a bad way to put it, but your title as properly styled now is Duchess. You are the highest nobility left. and in place to inheret it all." She tells Kat. "I'm sorry. I could have told you more, but.. it was always dangerous." Balthazarr: "Melchiorre was the spymaster of the late line of the Romanga Dynasty. He was not always under that name. He suffered through the inquisition, and the daggers of cult assasins, to save the young girl. He saved many people" kat is stuck between 'star struck' , 'terrified' and 'I KNEW IT' Lizzie Potgieter scratches her head. Rolling 3d6 = 6v10 Savoir-Faire (High Society) Balthazarr: "I saved his hands, barely. We worked together for years" Lizzie Potgieter: “…so he's a, what's it called, a rebel? …loyalist?” She finds the right word. Balthazarr: "A Bleeding Heart" Adelaide Valerian: "Depends who you ask. That's good a name as any other." She says with a faint nod.. then very gently she reaches out and loosens the lasso. Lifting it off the wizard and giveing it back to Lizzie. Lizzie Potgieter doesn't object to that and has also put her shotgun back in its holster. Balthazarr wiggles some life back into his hands, and then shoos away the Sanctum's mighty hand. The stone hand retracts from the hall, hovers over to the book, flips it closed, and hauls it back to its shelf in the other end of the place Ian 's blade finds itself back at his belt, slamming a little louder than usual against the silver and brass fittings before he turns away, muttering. Adelaide Valerian: "Well, that's disturbing.. but this place is safe from the cult?" She frowns. "Can you shield Kat from touchstones here? She's reacted.. badly to them, before." Adelaide Valerian looks to the girl apolgetically. "Your true name is Willow, but it would be bad tradecraft to call you that so everyone is going to keep calling you Katherine. Good tradecraft saves lives. Maybe mine, okay?" Balthazarr: "Hmm Shield her from the stones? Well...'yes' in the idea that the stones themselves likely have no direct power, but are being used by the Cult as the Foci for their own spells" Elysia Lucchesi: "So they're like booby traps." Adelaide Valerian: So they cast a spell to try and connect her with.. something?" Kat settles down, with stars in her eyes, and somberly nods her assent to Adelaide. She gives her a big hug too balthazarr: "Something like. Imagining they have an invisible line conencted to anything they attune to, like these stones. And then imagining they can plug in a phone, or alistening device, or a gun.... to those lines" Balthazarr: "Tonight, the airs were singing with the song of power of the Cult. I heard the chant and the invocation. They were trying to draw her out" Ian: "Is it something about this time or season? Or simply they are putting their plans into force?" Elysia Lucchesi: "Of course... we can't just hide forever and wait for them to die of old age. I presume there's a plan of action for what to do next?" Balthazarr: 'Ive seen the moonrise tonight, and the malaise in the air. I suspect by morning their power will wane and they will need to reattune their workings." "I have seen the two stones, but not the third you have brought, Miss Elysia. Can you bring it out now? My sanctum is tangential to the plane of....were so it can come out without worry" Adelaide Valerian: "If it's like a phone.. can you tell me where they called from? Trace it home like a switchboard operator?" Elysia Lucchesi shrugs and takes it out. He nods to the tracing suggestion "I just might be able to, given the right clues" The first touchstone, a gold band half ringed with red glowing runes, comes out of her pocket. It glows lightly blue in the room The Wizards eyes grow wide at that sight, and he traces a finger round the edge of the runes Balthazarr: "You, spoke half of the true name" Elysia Lucchesi: "Yeah, I did." "I presume that's a bad thing?" Lizzie Potgieter: “D.A.'s?” Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath and wraps her arms around Kat. Holding the pale girl with the very blue eyes and listening as they talk. Balthazarr: "This is an ancient Touchstone. One made by the Dwarves, or even older, by their Makers. This would contain some...very....bad juju I think' Elysia Lucchesi badly attempts to take the sole blame for it Adelaide Valerian: "Did you just stop yourself from a technical explanation and try to put it in a way a child would understand?" Balthazarr: "This is carved in the Dwarven Runes. But the old tongue" "They are nuanced in their translation and harder to pronounce. Im impressed" "This is...a box. Or a jar. It holds a spirit, a person, or a being....but" Lizzie Potgieter: “Her?” He nods, tapping the runes, and meeting your gaze Balthazarr: "You might release yes. The one contained within...Youve translated them at least to know that, yes?" He speaks to himself almost, a soft voice "but why would she be sealed in the stone?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Yeah, we got that. Ancient evil, wife of the Horned King, all that. Why'd they give that—give —to the guy who burned himself?” Balthazarr: "It puzzles me too; they use these as 'batteries' for their power. Like sparkstone in an engine. Why would be used in this way?" Adelaide Valerian: "Pawn sacrafice to draw out our peices? Playing a few moves ahead of Malchior? Maybe they want all the touchstones they can get gathered together and near the Duchess." Balthazarr: "Perhaps. What were the circumstances of the retriveal? How did it come to you, this stone?" Ian clears his throat uncomfortably Lizzie Potgieter makes a disgusted expression as she recalls the scene. Ian: "It was lodged in the chest of the cultist who burnt up" He blinks Lizzie Potgieter nods. Balthazarr: "The one who scrawled the ominous message, regarding August von Arnfels?" Ian: "The very same." Ken (GM): [sorry, afk a sec here. One kid gave the other a bloody nose] Elysia Lucchesi: (oof) P.P. A.: they'll grow up strong and healthy it seems Joush M.: I understand. Balance the scales. Ken (GM): game downstairs was loud, then suddenly very quiet, and dad insticts kicked in I think hell be fine, but no stains on my carpets todday Joush M.: Cram a couple tampons up there, he will be okay Fiss: [Dadskillz] Ken (GM): okay, back assailants jailed and all the tissues used frik The wizard is surprised at the revelation, and his eyes dart side to side as he figures on it Adelaide Valerian: "I wish we knew more. They've clearly got some kind of plan but I can't understand it." Balthazarr: "You retrieved the disk from the body then? or did the thug survive?" Ian: "Something survived....though it was hardly alive." Adelaide Valerian: "You could say that, yes." She says with a nod. "We recovered the disk from a.. creature that seemed animated by it." Lizzie Potgieter: “He was charred mincemeat really, but walked and talked anyway.” Balthazarr: "Intriguing....were the bones etched? Or perhaps his skin tattooed in sigils?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't nothing much left of it.” Lizzie Potgieter looks to Adelaide: “Anything in the report?” referring to the auztopsy Adelaide Valerian tries to remember the report. "I think so. I'll get you the records we have.." Adelaide Valerian nods. "They were copied into a journal we captured, but it's at the office." Balthazarr: "Usually the binding of a focus involves an entanglement of the bodies energies with the device. A mirrored tattoo or some kind of circle made in line with the focus" "Did he carry the stone? or wear it? as jewelry?" Adelaide Valerian describes the surgical insertion into the chest and what she can remember of the symbols on the body. The Wizards face blanches at the description and his curious interest falls slack with fear Balthazarr: "By the makers....it was ?" "That...well thats horrifying." Ian harumphs at both statements Balthazarr 's eyes dart more, and his fingers move back and forth at an invisible abacus Balthazarr: "Superseding the body-spirit barrier, and implanting the disk would mean.... harmonizing auras of....but then you would need to compensate with some form of medium...." "The bones. Were they burned? cut?...crusty?" Adelaide Valerian nods at that. "We have some photographs and drawings you can see later, but yes. It's essetially horrfying. The other wore a touchstone as a man might a amulet. Used it to power.. well, magic." Adelaide Valerian shudders and describes the condtion of the body. (It dissolved, right?) Ken (GM): [the wound in the bones was carved in a perfect circle, and the edges were indeed crusty with excess blue crystal throughout] The wizard considers the description, and is horrified by the description Balthazarr: "Without a buffer medium the powers are bleeding out unfocused! They truly have gone mad with power! Using touchstones in this way, its like...like...hammering in nails with an aircraft engine! Such waste and...." "As if they have an excess...of...stones" Ian 's gloved hand squeaks as he messes with his cane-head Ian: "Wonderful..." Balthazarr: "Indeed. The implications are very far reaching and entirely too elusive. And impossible to ignore." "Curses" Adelaide Valerian: "Fuck." Elysia Lucchesi: "Hmm. That just means that we have a lot of them to take and/or destroy." Balthazrr: "Well, the night can pass, you will be safe here at least. I will...check on some things in the library and I will keep you posted I suppose." "I will have Sanctum see to your comforts, as you desire" Balthazarr: "I cannot think of anything to do yet, so in earnest, I suggest rest at least" Adelaide Valerian nods in agreement at that. She has questions to ask that need to wait until Kat isn't around. Adelaide Valerian: "Keeping Kat safe and away from them is already a major step. Let's get her settled in and consider ways we can strike at them." Lizzie Potgieter awkwardly stratches her head and looks at Balthazarr apologethically. Elysia Lucchesi takes another glance at Katherine before looking at the ground. "A belated thanks for your hospitality." Lizzie Potgieter: “…sorry for treating you like that. I could tell you didn't mean any harm, but I still… wanted to use you like a bargaining chip, just like that Melchiore guy.” “That was wrong. I apologise.” balthazarr: "Oh! no thats...it really doesnt matter, in the larger sceme of things, I dont think...you" Balthazarr: "I wouldnt think of you....using anything like tha tin that way ofcourse, i barely know you all yet, just ...." The wizard seems utterly disarmed by the situation :/ Adelaide Valerian wonders for a moment how long he's been alone down here in the magic sanctum. Ken (GM): ten points to gryffndor Lizzie Potgieter: “I still don't trust all this magic stuff though, so I'm gonna camp outside. Got a blanket or a sleeping bag?” The Wizard stops his rambling verbal diarrhea and focuses on the question, and wisens up balthazarr: "I would insist on not..." "Please, You will find what you would require on the shelf by the stair, but do not stray from the edge of the church above. And please dont light a fire" Lizzie Potgieter: “Thanks!” She returns a grateful smile, grateful too for him forgiving her. The wizard looks over his shoulder to the hall, and says to the ceiling "Oh quit showing off" Lizzie Potgieter laughs. Balthazarr: "It is near enough the Sanctum will have power to shield her, but I also do not believe the Cult has her blood in their snare...." "She will be safe, at least" Lizzie Potgieter is going to sleep in a cosy corner of the ruins (away from the magic circle), and watch the stars, breathe the fresh air, and quickly fall asleep. Elysia Lucchesi: "There's something I must ask you about, Balthazarr. About what Melchiore...my father refused to tell me earlier." Sections of the Sanctum reconfigure, click-clacking into place and rebuilding themselves into...a facsimile of a hotel space with soft beds and warm wooden walls. Adelaide Valerian gets Kat settled in. Finding her somewhere safe to sleep and makeing sure she knows the way out. A quick check on her weapons and a kiss goodnight for the girl before she goes to find the wizard again. Not before being shocked by the way new rooms seem to fold out of the walls as if the place is some elaborate clockwork. The wizards ear is bent Whispering intensifies, between Elysia and the Wizard. The night passes with solemn quiet. above, the wind passes quietly high above, the stars eventually coming free of the misty clouds. Warmth returns for Lizzie on the grounds, and below in the Sanctum the rooms are furnished with comforts abound. Some softspoken words aside to the Wizard, he spends the night slipping between shelves of tomes and scrolls, searching for answers to troubling omens Adelaide Valerian comes at last to the pair. Rejoining them in the archive and looking to Balthazzarr. "How do I kill people that can use magic?" Elysia Lucchesi: "Um...I shot one a couple of times, especially in their magicky parts." Balthazarr: "Oh! Well, I'd imagine any bullet or blade would do." "Magicky parts?" Adelaide Valerian: "The cult has people with touchstones, at least one of them has come back from the dead. I need to be more powerful and I want to know how." Ian snorts at the 'magicky parts' phrase, then goes back to his tea Elysia Lucchesi: "Something glowed, so I shot it until it stopped. That's about all I figured out so far." Balthazarr: "Ah, well, that's a solid approach. Glowing emanations from artifacts usually mean they're inefficiently bleeding power as they do their workings. A sound strategy to break the connection between foci and casters." . What do you seek from the craft?" Adelaide Valerian: "I want to keep Kat safe. I want to kill the cult. All of them." Elysia Lucchesi: "I like how you think." Balthazarr considers the statement, and frowns at you both Balthazarr: "Magic is a tool, certainly, and it responds best to Will and Intent. Purpose gives it a channel to work, and it flows freely through conviction as much as virtuous splendor...." "But that means that the vile and the wicked and the corrupt are just as adept at channeling the Æther as the rightrous" Ken (GM): *righteous Balthazarr: "I can show you how to ward the girl. Keep her blood quiet and her mind secure. There are simple rituals anyone can perform that muddy the waters." Adelaide Valerian: "The Duchess's tochstone. Can you teach me to use it? To kill them with a shard of the woman they murdered?" He sighs heavily, but nods Ian sips his tea to cover up the 'bloody hell' he emits, but he walks off without any more critique of the request balthazarr: "That is certainly a path back to them. Their workings. And your connection to the working is intense. That could backfire though, so do not give in to the wrathful thoughts. Do not let the darkness in..." Adelaide Valerian: "Good. We will start with Kat's protection." She glances after Ian and knows what he means. Her idea is bloody mined and feels like they are taking up the devil's tools. Still.. seeing the Duchess hurt. "There's a very fine line between wrath and justice. And nothing cuts like a mother." Balthazarr: "I will focus my efforts, find a ritual we can use to fuel this justice. I also suspect...this may all tie back into the underworld eventually. I cannot fathom otherwise how they could have come to such a fortune of Touchstones" Rolling 3d6 = 10v8 Observational Astronomy Ken (GM): [THATS NO MOON] Elysia Lucchesi: "Bells." Lizzie Potgieter tries to figure out how the stars shifted during the Cataclysm and where everything is now, but she's struggling. It helps distract and lull her into sleep though. Elysia Lucchesi: "The stone I carry came from him." Adelaide Valerian nods to the wizard and reaches out to touch his arm. "Right." Elysia Lucchesi steps away, though, to give them space. Balthazarr: "The dwarf lord? Intriguing. I hadn't considered....based on his lineage and the tales...." The Wizard shuffles a few aisles over, and shifts a lead tablet out of a dusty pile of scrolls A noticable cloud of dust lifts from the item as he brushes a hand over beated metal runes and pictograms. On the surface, a furious battle of fire, spears, armored figures and unmistakable red-haired black skinned dwarves going to war with some sort of mob of lizardlike figures. He runs his hands over the plate, and mutters to himself as he traces the litany of the carnage. Then, his hand passing over the lowest rune, an obvious and pronounced figure of cuneforms. He stops, and stares The wizard stares, wide eyed and curious "This has...changed" What in the stars and stones, was the War in Heaven? Dun DUn duNNnnnnNnnnNn Ian sips tea dramatically Elysia Lucchesi mysteriously pretends to be shuffling through books Adelaide Valerian watches as Lizzie runs in and lassos the wizard again. Balthazarr suddenly explodes into catgirls P.P. A.: :P Thousands of them Fiss: mow mowwing Ken (GM): COMMUNIST CATGIRLS Fiss: intensifies GAY SPACE COMMUNIST CATGIRLS Joush M.: "Help! They seized my means of production!" Ken (GM): next; they go for the 11s UNTIL NEXT WEEK ON SOME KIND OF SHATTERD WORLDS P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): YW my wife is deep frying indian foods I can smell the sweet breads they call to me oh me oh my Ken (GM): what a day Joush M.: Rough time? Fiss: Mwhahahahaa Ken (GM): legs of doom, yet again a janky sprained toe section, and on the opposite side of the foot, a cracked heel meaning damne dif I do, dmaned if I dont P.P. A.: >cracked heel Ken (GM): and a long windup time in the morning while anti inflammatories kick in P.P. A.: that sounds bad Ken (GM): the skin, not the bone Rosettsara: Oof, my sympathies Ken (GM): dry skin crack P.P. A.: oh phew Joush M.: OOf, fuck I'm sorry. That's rough Ken (GM): the burden of my life, summed up in a foot I have no gout flaring up right no ....imma drink a bunch of water today to head that off at the pass oh, and FISS IS A ROCKSTAR Fiss: I have never rocked. I do occasionally roll though, depending on how much I drank the night before. lol Ken (GM): kek thanks to his suggestion of xmas exchange, my wife spent two hours on Hero Forge, making a centaur, playing dressup I can only fathom how getting the kids in there is gonna go Fiss: "I WANT THE GIANT SKELETON WINGS!" lol Joush M.: That is adorable Ken (GM): I highly suspect my son will be all over a robot my daughter? God only knows perhaps a mermaiden with a scythe Fiss: Yeah, Hero Forge is having a sale right now, so if you want a custom mini let me know, it's like 4 bucks for a 3d-printable file Ken (GM): HOKAY SO Where last we left our heroes.... The Sanctum of the Wizard Balthazarr hummed with the quiet contained power of Magic. All around, the walls glowed softly with warmth and the shelves of ancient lore shifted slightly on their ranks. Dust rose and fell from tomes and tablets, and the night turned slowly to day around you Ian spends a moment finishing up his tea, then begins to explore the Sanctum. Not touching anything, but poking nose Ian: "It's been a while since I've walked through a library...I feel like a wee lad again." KAt was safe, tucked into accommodations summoned by the magic space. Adelaide, nearby, schemed with the Mage on harnessing power. She was a quick study, and by morning is adorned with both new hope, and armament. Almost as an aside, Balthazarr delves into ancient tomes seeking some answer to a new question in the air... Balthazarr: "Ian, relive your youth, come and see this with me and check mine eyes." Ian gladly walks over to assist/check out what the Wizard wants Balthazarr: "Elysia! You as well. No rest for the wicked, or the just!" The wizard is troubled. He seems to skim a tome, find a passage that cause shim grief, which causes him to check another scroll, which leads to a tablet... the problem persists Joush M. spent much of the night with the wizard. Talking him into an unwise exchange and hearing his warnings before at last, almost reluctantly, getting The Device. A long dark glove. A gauntlet, silvery wires and brass.. and under a cover, the Touchstone. She touches it thoughtfully, mind far away, then shakes off her thoughts and turns to Ian and the wizard. "I've always felt most at peace in libraries." Elysia Lucchesi paces around impatiently until she hears the suggestion and quickly arrives. Ian: "I'd like to imagine that, when the Trumpets sound and the Angels reap up the world, the Wicked and Just will share a big, comfy room for a few seconds of eternity to rest." Balthazarr mutters to himself sounding like "...religious overt logical fallacies HARRUPMF.." Ian: "And what a motley crew would that be..." *Ian chuckles at Balthazarr's harumph" Balthazarr: "My fellows I am puzzled. Look here, am I mad? Do these passages not all refer to a 'War in Heaven'? " Lizzie Potgieter knocks on the nearest wooden surface to the entrance. Her hair is a bit unkempt and her clothes a bit wrinkled, but she looks well-rested and not nearly as shaken as last night. Ian harumphs in agreement Elysia Lucchesi looks them over Ian looks over the books Lizzie Potgieter: “Today's liturgy, so I'm gonna go ahead and head back to own, OK? Are we gonna meet up at the Bells estate later?” Ian: Do the passages seem written with poetry or with first-hand accountance? Spread on the workspace are at least a dozen different books, vellums, scrolls, lead tablets and chunks of ancient stone carved with runes. Many of them are inscribed in oddly-written but mostly legible Galician, Visigard and dwarven runes looks up at her, scoffs, and gestures to the pile. Balthazarr: "A moment before services, Lizzie. Here, have a look yourself" Lizzie Potgieter laughs. “I can't really read Galician anyway.” She humours her host and walks over anyway,despite her Written (Broken). Balthazarr: "I am baffled and perplexed...I have never in my memory seen or heard reference to this 'War in Heaven'. Yet here, plain as daylight, scripture, song, parable and even here, on that very subject" Adelaide Valerian blinks to Lizzie and frowns thoughtfully. "Careful if you go. We've made dangerous enemies.." She studies the passages thoughtfully. Ian: "Conversely....our enemies have made a serious tactical error by pissing us all off." Elysia Lucchesi: "And these weren't altered or replaced as far as you can tell?" Lizzie Potgieter tries to remember if she's ever heard of such a thing, and meanwhile idly muses: “Maybe it's some event here on the surface that the underworlders heard of and spun into their own kinda story?” Ian begins looking for canonical words and phrases...if coming from the same source, even after translations and different POVs, there would be certain things overlapping in the narrative. Balthazarr: "I cannot fathom anyone but myself accessing the library without.... no there is no way this many items could be altered without my knowledge. It boggles the mind" "There IS something that happened recently" "just the other day, in fact" "to your good friend" "I hae heard scuttlebutt on the subject, on how the Horned King was exorcized...what other details have come of the Count August's exploits?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Sounds like that Horned King and that Wraith sunk attacked his fishing ships, so he took revenge on 'em.” “Ah, and that thing he mentioned with that Valkyrie, lily.” Adelaide Valerian: "So either the world entire has been altered or you'd remembered incorrectly?" She reads thoughtfully. "Could be a shared metaphorical construct. Like the defeat of evil and it's banishment as a common thread in creation myths." Lizzie Potgieter: “Something about her being… broken up, put back together, and then going back to guard the heavens' gates or something?” “You mean that's about her?” Balthazarr nods along at your description, clutching his chin in a dour fearful looking way. Balthazarr steps aside and retrieves a short but weighty book, bound with leather and wire, pages densely packed. He drops it on the table with some weight, and taps a finger to the title The Words of Vitrus An original printing of the holy book Balthazarr opens the tome to the first chapter and verse, and reads it aloud from the original old-Galician Elysia Lucchesi continues looking them over Balthazarr: "In the beginning, the God-Kings stood on the precipice of the Gates of Heaven, and stepped forth into the world" " Adelaide Valerian frowns. "That's not how I remember hearing The Truth." Lizzie Potgieter: “Me neither.” Ian nods and closes the book he was combing over Balthazarr: "Stars and stone, what has happened?" Ian: "We have a severe reality schism here..." "Or a LOT of fanfiction." Lizzie Potgieter looks over to Elysia. “You found somethin?” Ian: "It's like reading a holy book for a different reality. I'm no bible-study choir boy, but I remember what I was taught growing up and this isn't it." Balthazarr: "Indeed. I have seen much in my years, and this is...unfathomable" Adelaide Valerian shakes off her own distractions and does her best to focus on the words. Studying the passages. "So it's not anything you are familair with Balthazarr?" Lizzie Potgieter: “I ain't no theologian, but if a valkyrie—or an angel as you call 'em—comes to Airth, things happen, and then she goes back to Heaven, that seems like it could change things big time.” Balthazarr: "I am intimately fmailiar with this library. I set each tome like a brick in a fortress of the mind. it's...uncanny how I don't recognize these passages Elysia Lucchesi: "A white-haired valkyrie behind the gates of the heavens, and small white flowers keep appearing in these images." Balthazarr: "Its as if...as if someone came through and redacted history to their liking!" Elysia Lucchesi: "I'm going to pretend that I think that's possible for a moment." "What does this mean for our future plans?" Ian snaps another book closed and shrugs Ian: "I suspect we have either outdated or insider knowledge then." "And we'll soon learn if there's any value to that." Balthazarr: "It means I will need to certify certain...things. Cornerstones of the craft, as it were. I will need to away for a time." "The darkness the cult summoned last night, their veil of power will have lifted by dawn. Today will be only as weird as you make it" Adelaide Valerian bows her head to him in return. "Well. I'm glad for the help Balthazarr: "I might suggest you pursue the nature of the Bells Estate and their Cthonic history. The true tale of the Touchstone retrieved from their bloodline might indicate....something" Ian harumphs at the weirdness Balthazarr: "When you leave here today, retain in your mind the idea that you must observe the surroundings not only for your enemies, but for the familiar to be altered somehow. There is a weirdness afoot, in Romanga" Lizzie Potgieter: “Ja nee.” Elysia Lucchesi: "Wouldn't be the first time." Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath and nods. "The world may change but our duty does not. But.." She hesitates. "I don't know if I like the idea of leavening Kat here." Katherine rounds the corner then, wiping sleep from her eyes and yawning deeply Kat: "leave me here...?" Elysia Lucchesi glances at Kat. "Good morning." The girl waves and grins sleepily but seems fully awake by the time she wanders over to you at the table Lizzie Potgieter waves back with a warn smile. Kat: "What do you mean Adelaide?" Balthazarr also raises an eyebrow Balthazarr: "Yes, what ?" Adelaide Valerian: "For the day, while we investgate." She explains. "This is a relativly safe place is all.. Don't look at me like that. I'm not abandoning you." She promises with a small smile. Balthazarr: "Hmm, well, I suppose time can be made to check things out in the Sanctum before I sally forth into the wider places. And I bet Sanctum would love for someone to wallop at chess" The sanctum grunts approval Elysia Lucchesi: "If nothing else, she'll be kept away from any further touchstones we may find." "But don't worry, we won't be gone for long." Kat beams at the prospect of exploring a magical library and playing chess against a magic being Adelaide Valerian moves to her and wraps up the girl with the impossbily blue eyes in a hug, holding her close and leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Be good today. Have fun." Balthazarr: "She will be safe here. I promise that" Ian spends a moment writing down specific passages and examples of common books to see if books in the wild are also changed As the bedrooms retract, a room with a checkerboard pattern slips into existence in its plac.e Balthazarr: [good clal ian; references to check against!] Ian: Time to question everything if reality isn't matching our memories, finding where the changes end and things sync up will be important Adelaide Valerian gives the wizard a firm look and nods. Trying not to be overwhelmed by the way the magic place Changes before them. "Sorry to hold you up, everyone. I think I'm ready to go." Lizzie Potgieter nods enthusiastically. Ian: "Thank you again for the hospitality," Ian says to both Balth and the Sanctum. Elysia Lucchesi: "Much appreciated, Old Man Bal." Ian: [old man bal lol] Lizzie Potgieter: “Thanks for the hospitality.” Balthazarr nods his happy assent to Ian and then dies a little when Elysia thanks him" Adelaide Valerian nods to The Wizard in wordless thanks. Elysia Lucchesi: (I had to) Balthazarr ushers you out to the spiral stairs that lead to the surface, and the morning light has begun streaming out of the clouds to dapple the hills around you. A cool wind blows lightly, and the Grand City is spread out below you with only a light cloying miasma from the Roil. Elysia Lucchesi: "It's probably not reasonable to expect that Bells' attitude changed to the polar opposite?" P.P. A.: Is the car that brought us still there? Elysia Lucchesi: "In any case, I'll hide that touchstone away before we go there." Ken (GM): [the car is still parked outside the ruin, yes. Behind some trees out of sight from afar, but you find it easily enough] Adelaide Valerian: "I don't know if we can trust any expectations at this point, but I'm glad to have you with us Elysia. Ready for anything?" She climbs into the aircar. Elysia Lucchesi: "I don't know what I can really do, but one more head is better than one less, right?" Ian nods at that Ian: "We'll have to pick our allies carefully, but it is nice to have them." Lizzie Potgieter: “Do we have an appointment? We ain't gonna head straight to them, nè?” Elysia Lucchesi: "We could follow the Phantom Thief's advice and use our authority to offer our services to him in investigating the theft." Elysia Lucchesi shudders a little as she says that Ian: "I can ask my office to arrange a diplomatic meeting." Lizzie Potgieter: “Yeah, I thought that was the plan—we show up to investigate the theft and use that to ask 'em about all kinds of things.” Ian nods and points to a [phone booth / telegraph office / radio pub???] to pass along orders to the office. Adelaide Valerian: "Good plan, Elysia. No need to complicate things, even if it plays into the Phantom's hands." Ian: "I long for the days I can carry a personal radio device and not look like a fool playing army cadet." Ken (GM): [Ian would need to send word by a telegraph office, should be one available all over the city] P.P. A.: (diplomatic meeting doesn't really make sense unless Ian personally needs an excuse to be there other than flashing hsi badge) Elysia Lucchesi: (It can probably get us a foot in the door to then be able to make that offer of our services) Ken (GM): well, thats a good point really form each of you Ian telegraphs ahead and waits for the response to see if they can confirm a time P.P. A.: could actually be combined some of us show up as ivnestigators Ian is there to smooth relations over, as the ambassador Adelaide Valerian: "I've seen some personal secretaries carrying satchel radios, and a few built into cars." She says thoughtfully. "I can't imagine a worse job then following someone carrying a radio for them all day." Ken (GM): oh HO a bit of acting there P.P. A.: since this incident could reflect poorly on Galician–Romangan relations in our favour as a “neutral third party” Ken (GM): might not want everyone to arrive in the same car, but yeah that could work Ian works it into the meeting plans Lizzie Potgieter: “Can you drop me off near my flat?” Lizzie asks the driver. Elysia Lucchesi will need to deposit the touchstone in a safe place beforehand Lizzie Potgieter: “Where we gonna meet up again?” P.P. A.: The three women could meet separately and arrive separately from Ian Ken (GM): [also of note, the driver is long gone. Just you four] P.P. A.: oh Lizzie Potgieter still addresses the driver, whichever party member that is Joush M.: Was that planned or did they get like.. ate? Ian: lol Elysia Lucchesi: "I can make my own way. I'm a Lucchesi, so my presence will indicate that my father is cooperating with his case." Ian: "We're gonna need another driver!" Ken (GM): okay so a rough plan drop off some things, each of you, and then meet up at the Bells Estate, with Ian arriving seperately as an attache to the situation P.P. A.: sounds good Ken (GM): youll have the story that your 'two' groups are there for the breakin, for seperat ereasons Adelaide Valerian is down with that Ken (GM): and play that up to the estate, for your cover P.P. A.: in something around two or three in-universe hours? Ken (GM): yeah, thanks to an air car and public transport. Call it just after tea by the time everythign is stowed and tray tables in their full upright positions P.P. A.: nice Lizzie Potgieter attends church services in the meantime. Lizzie Potgieter isn't sure whether to pray FOR Lily or TO Lily but she'll include her in her prayers either way—it sounded like the Valkyrie deserves it. Elysia Lucchesi drops off the touchstone in a hidden compartment at home Ken (GM): [loose brick in the edge of the coal chute, and the touchstone is ferreted away] Ian spends an hour just having a bath, shaving, sprucing up, making sure he looks less like a naredowell and properly like the ambassador he is. Ken (GM): Lizzie attends service at a locla Vitrusian service? P.P. A.: Yeah Ken (GM): gotcha Adelaide Valerian gets cleaned up and turns up ready to go. Fresh clothes, fresh makeup, all of that. Lizzie Potgieter: When Lizzie rejoins with the group, she's also refreshed—and dressed in her ~~Sunday~~ Friday(IIRC?) clothes. The morning warms and the air is soon full of sunlight, birdsong, and chapel bells signalling services throughout the Grand City. By and Large, the city still holds grand services in castle Brightrock to those with the inclination to tread the road to the far end of the city. many however still take to the services offered in local distance. Priests of the Three available within the throw of a stone, and in the traditional Romangan, Galician, Old-Galician or even Orthodoxy varieties. Ken (GM): Lizzie's worship-day best being a blouse and skirt adorned with lace sleeve cuffs and edging, and and sensible shoes Lizzie Potgieter wears a long dress with a bodice over it—predominantly black, brightened up by rich and colourful floral embroideries—and a white mantilla on her head. The materials are modest (no shiny silk here), but the fine handicraft hides this from first and second glances. Elysia Lucchesi shows up a cleaner version of the official uniform. Adelaide Valerian isn't among the faithful, but respects the delay. Lizzie Potgieter: “Sorry, I didn't have time to change anymore!” Lizzie Potgieter says, a little embarassed. Ken (GM): [gasp; a cute little hat too] Adelaide Valerian inclines her head to Lizzie. "It's of no concern. You look wonderful." P.P. A.: (which, I guess, also settles how far she and August went, or did not go) Lizzie Potgieter blushes a bit. “Thank you.” Ken (GM): [hah!] [I love it] Ian arrives in a new cloak with a lot more silver and gold threaded finery. Despite the ornaments it seems to match his sword well. Ian: "Looking very spiffy, ladies." Elysia Lucchesi: "As do you, sir." Lizzie Potgieter nods. “Looks grand.” Lizzie Potgieter: “We have to pretend we don't know you, right?” Ian: "At least initially. We'll read the room and see how things go." Lizzie Potgieter: ”Gotcha.” Adelaide Valerian nods. "As you wish, I shall follow your lead there." Ken (GM): [so the three ladies, a nd then Ian directly after, yeah?] Adelaide Valerian is good with that. Ian harumphs in agreement Ken (GM): [] The Day is now warming and lively; the city is out in force with citizens enjoyig the weather only half-cloaked against the possibility of miasma and mists. Ian opts for a official driver dropoff, while the three ladies arrive to the Bells Estate in the OAR aircar. Coincidentially arriving within moments of each other; we find them now at the Gates to the Bells Estate, where the personal guard of the Count inspect credentials before allowing entry. Three dwarves standing between you and whatever secrets are hidden away The Estate of house Bells rises up from a level green like an edifice, the rising steep slopes and cliffs of the mountain starting directly behind on the East edge. A central dome of glass shines in the light over the main hall. A wing to the North end adorned with a smaller glass dome, and a wing to the South unadorned and housing the estate groundsmen and staff. Before you, in royal purple hues and brass ornate armor, stands the Dwarven Guard Captain, and two Halbred-bearing dwarves of his staff. Lizzie Potgieter lets the Lucchesi daughter handle the formalities, and just has her badge ready to be flashed. Elysia Lucchesi takes the lead, given her poker face. "OAR Officers, responding to the request for an investigation into a recent theft." The guard captain's brow is hidden behind a high helmet decorated with peacocks feathers in a ruffle. He still manages to raise his eyebrows in visible disbelief at your arrival Captain: "Three ? Here to investigate? Do you carry the bags of the Investigators? Or...?" Ian: [oh he ded] Lizzie Potgieter just quietly holds up her badge. Adelaide Valerian takes the chance to look around for trouble and to study the dwarven guards. "I understand your confusion Sir, but I'm trained to conduct interviews and I take very good notes." She says honestly. It's also a story he can understand. Elysia Lucchesi holds up her own as well. "I am Officer Lucchesi, here to investigate a recent theft." The dwarf scoffs, and steps forward with one hand cocked on his hip, the other on the handle of his sword. He scrunches up his face to inspect the proffered badges Captain: "Unbeleivable. The Lord of this house has suffered a horrible tragedy of his personal fortune, and all that can be offered for the justice system is three clerk-girls the day after?" Lizzie Potgieter can't decide for a moment whether to be offended to be called a clerk or not, but decides against it since her father is one. Adelaide Valerian: "It's not like we are going to get into a battle with the Phantom Thief here, Sir Dwarf. We will need to collect all the information we can. Were you on duty when the theft occurred?" Elysia Lucchesi: "You can rest assured that your boss's confidentiality will remain undisturbed throughout." The captain again, scoffs, at Adelaide's assertion Ken (GM): as Captain "I must say, if the Phantom Thief does appear again, we will not want to busy ourselves with the defence of three hapless girl-childs at our doors." ree Captain: "I must say, if the Phantom Thief does appear again, we will not want to busy ourselves with the defence of three hapless girl-childs at our doors." Adelaide Valerian: "I'd heard his previous thefts had been nonviolent. Did he hurt someone when he was here?" She ask, wide eyed. The captain raises his hands, and tut-tuts to Adelaide Elysia Lucchesi takes out a notepad and writes something every time the Dwarves speak. Captain: "Worry not sweet girl thing, no blood was shed yesterday" The guards to the side AHEM to their captain, and nod to Elysia. The Captain notices her note-taking Captain: "Taking notes for your handler there, girl?" Ian approaches after a reasonable moment Ian waits in line Ian: "busy morning, it seems." Adelaide Valerian: "In any case, we really do need to go inside to complete our duties, and it seems a line is forming. May we proceed, Sir?" Ken (GM): Captain "Ladies! Please, step aside, so we might receive a guest while you wait for your Inquisitives from your office to arrive" "Sir! Master Diplomat, i assume. From the Imperial Offices? We heard word you might be round immediately sir" Lizzie Potgieter: “Look, just because you waistlings can't do your job doesn't mean you gotta prevent us from doing ours.” Ian raises an eyebrow and looks over the ladies as if seeing them for the first time Lizzie Potgieter leaves it at that and turns to greet Ian. “Good morning sir.” She curtises; the Dwarves may or ma ynot catch a glimpse of her shotgun holster under her dress. Adelaide Valerian: "Oh my" She says innocently as Lizzie plays Bad Cop to her ingenue. Ian: "Captain, Chivalry demands that you satisfy these ladies' requests before my own." Ian taps his cane on the cobble, showing his willingness to wait The captain visibly reddens at Lizzie's words Elysia Lucchesi: "....Uncooperative...turning down the order's best operatives after requesting aid...insulting officers with the following phrases...in a hurry to dismiss officers and actively preventing their own case from being investigated. Possible inside job, a prank against the Order, either way, since officers were barred from entry despite the client filing a report, they will be billed for all expenses." He blusters further, at Elysia's noted report Captain: "I will not be accounted as a prank, nor as a spender of the Lord's accounts!" "Your spurious account of your appearance will need to be cleared by an actual official of the Order Aquilla Romanga! This is outrageous!" "Who is your handler, girl-child? Who is your Taskmaster?" Adelaide Valerian: "We really do have to go inside to do our jobs, Sir Dwarf. Adelaide Valerian, OAR Archivist. I'm official. See?" She offers him her warrant card. It's very nice. Shiny seal. She made it herself. Elysia Lucchesi writes some more. "...Accusing officers of impersonating officers..." Adelaide Valerian: Technically speaking she could have gotten one from doccuments at the office, but frankly this was faster and easier. Ken (GM): [kek] Ian harumphs Ian: "My goodness...I had no idea security was so...zealous. Should I have brought three of my office staff to vouch for me? Or will a blood sample do?" Elysia Lucchesi: "It's a common over-defensive response to a breach of security, Sir." Ian harumphs again, shooting the Captain a critical eye The guard captain, red in the face, scrunches up behind his beard and helmet, utterly unable to form words at the moment As he meets Ian's eye, however, he deflates some. His temper cooling in the shade of authority Captain: "Sir, I truly must apologize for these ladies behavior. Their inability to provide a supervisor's identification, or even the authority of a corroborating detective is truly impeachable." Lizzie Potgieter: “August told me about this once. When someone's incompetent they're afraid of people showing them their mistakes. They never wanna face up to their failures and improve, so they just dig their hole deeper 'n deeper until their boss's got enough,” Lizzy muses idly to Adelaide. Ian: "Captain, if it will put your at ease, I would be happy to vouch for them if I can confirm their credentials myself." "Though I must admit, I was not planning on seeing such a circus at your gate this morning. Surely this is not your typical hospitality." The dwarven man is stock still at the suggestion. He stifles something like a cough, or a laugh Adelaide Valerian curtsies neatly to Ian, touching the hem of the pencil skirt and inclining her head to him thankfully. "May I go inside now, please?" She ask the guard. Ian: [Ian is about to demand speaking to his manager] He: is caught off guard at the jibe, and fails to find words. He nods to you to proceed, motioning to the ladies OAR-identificaitons Ian: [] Ian waits politely to be shown them, he makes a brief show to ensure the paperwork is legit to the touch and nods Ian: "Captain, I'm afraid I have bad news." The dwarven face brightens for a moment, at the glimmer of hope Hope that he might truly be proven right Ian: "You've wasted the time of myself and these extremely generous ladies. My office has dealt with the OAR office over the years and I will gladly vouch for them on the highest professional level." He is now crestfallen Ian crosses his fingers over his cane, looking at him expectantly Captain: "I see....very well then." Ian softens his glare a bit The Guard captain looks to each of you, with a mix of rage and shame on his face. He turns aside, and raises a hand to motion you forward into the grounds Ian: "It's alright, Captain. But please, I'm sure the OAR officials have much to do. As do I later today." Captain: "If you would please, you have our leave of the grounds to your investigation. Please make your way to the entry hall, and Lord Bells will be summoned to with you shortly" Elysia Lucchesi "Confidentiality guaranteed, Captain. None shall know of what happened today, unless you would like them to." She tears the note into pieces before turning to Ian. "Father spoke highly of you. It's nice to meet you." Adelaide Valerian nods. "Thank you." She says while staying in character as she walks inside. Ian: Me makes a show to bow to her oops Lizzie Potgieter: “To think someone who needs to look up to people thinks he can talk down on 'em.” Ian: "It takes all kinds, Miss. All kinds." Ken (GM): [kek] [nice insult from the high horse there] Adelaide Valerian thanks Ian too, of course, and if he bows will curtisy to him again. "I'm Adelaide, this is Miss Potgieter and Miss Lucchesi. Thank you Sir." P.P. A.: gotta earn that -5 for Intolerance Ian follows after the ladies, muttering just loud enough that chivalry must truly be on it's deathbed these days The guard send you through, and a short walk over the grounds leads to the front door. The antechamber opens on a short man, himself bearing a short sword on one hip and a pistol holstered on the other. His bald pate is wrinkled, his jacket and cape somewhat weathered, but he stands with a kind of pride held by professional soldiers. He waves a greeting as you arrive with something like a smile that doesnt touch his eyes. He has gold eye teeth that sparkle. Elysia Lucchesi never drops her poker face even once. Ian bows his head at the guard. At least the bluster has stopped and the professionals are in charge here Domo: "Greetings Investigators, and Master Diplomat. I am Franz, the Domo of the house. I am your intermediary between the staff and the grounds." Franz: "I must apologize for the zealotous defense provided by the Captain of the Guard. He has cthonic habits not yet fully integrated into polite society, I fear" Ian harumphs, but it's closer to a chuckle Franz: "Lord Master Bells will be available shortly. He returned from services at the Keep just this hour, and is momentarily indisposed" Elysia Lucchesi: "Piasser de conosserte. I am Officer Elysia Lucchesi." Adelaide Valerian curtises to Franz. "I understand. Adelaide Valerian, OAR." Lizzie Potgieter curtsies slightly. “Lizzie…” she hesitates a moment. Should she use her real name? …whatever. “Potgieter, nice to meet you. OAR as well.” Ian: "Well met, Domo Franz, thank you. Ambassador Timmins. Do you require me to safe my blade to your care? " Adelaide Valerian would use her real name, but it's forgotten along with 'how to sleep soundly' and 'my original hair color'. Franz, Domo: " Ian follows his lead The inside is a masterwork of rough stone walls of the local black rock, and polished sections of bright marble floor decorated with thick carpet and spartan sconces. Electric lights shine from the chandeliers and most of the soot-stains of previous years are scrubbed clean. Adelaide Valerian goes obidently along. Studying the place and thoughtful as she mutely catalogs her observations. Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs 13 for Observation Joush M.: Ah! No problem. Elysia Lucchesi goes along, keeping an eye open as well, particularly on the ceiling Franz happily nods your group to the table in the room, and steps away up the hall, his boots KLACK CLACKing on the stone. A pair of maids arrive with a teacart, shortly, and serve coffee, tea, small cakes, and charcoutrie (including freshly shaved red and white meats) The small room is soon full of the smells of teatime and extravegance Adelaide Valerian eats a little and has coffee when she can. It's nice, really. Relaxing even. And she hasn't spotted a single mark of the cult here. Elysia Lucchesi sips some tea. Ian: "Four out of five stars. Very nice. Would do tea again." Ian sips tea happily Lizzie Potgieter looked at the delicious food and held herself back, not sure when it was appropriate to eat any, but when Adelaide went ahead, she helped herself to a polite amount of charcoutrie—especially the meat. Lizzie Potgieter and to a small piece of cake. The serving girls pointedly serve tea and coffee immediately, offer the run of the food, and then make themselves scarce. One indicates to a servants bell on the cart, with a silent look to Ian as she leaves. Ian bows his head politely to the servants Adelaide Valerian: "Have you heard anything of the phantom theif?" She ask Ian for the benefit of anyone listening as she drinks her coffee. Ian: "Myself? Only what I've seen with frustrated citizens reporting cultural treasures. Quite honestly, I question if they're even real." Elysia Lucchesi: "Sounds about right." Adelaide Valerian: "The papers have gotten a little exicted about it." She admits as she sits primly in the chair. Ian: "Better news than the usual gloom I suppose" From up the halls, comes the sound of a clomping, harrumphing, unruly gait making its way towards you The feet tromp hard on the stone, metal clacking into the fine hard material in a rythm. An ungainly breathing can be heard as well, almost a snorting, as if the man holding the breaths struggled to overtake some meaty part of himself as he exerted. Then, with a clearly audible BRAP of flatulence, and a short number of steps until he appears, comes the dwarf Lord, Kurgdzt Bells, Sludgemaster Adelaide Valerian sits there with a sigh as the man even -sounds- replusive. The very aura of him seems to polute the room and she sets down the coffee. Pondering for a moment smokeing simply so she won't smell him as she sits at the table. The dwarf arrives somewhat out of breath, adorned in solloret armor boots, a skirt of leather studded with hooked metal barbs, a flowing silk shirt open to his red-haired and sweating chest framed by his prodigious woven beard studded with more hooked brass. He labors to breathe like a man run a marathon, and eyes you all with red-edged orbs and a nervous frown He stomps two more steps forward, one-hand adjusting his skirt, and the other taking the hunk of cheese (meant to be shaved to crackers) in one pudgy blackened fist. He takes a greasy-toothed bite, chews with his mouth half open, and sweeps the room with his gaze, considering you all Lizzie Potgieter relaxes a bit. She'd been self-conscious of her boorish manners in this fine mansion, but seeing this… Ian: "Good morning, Sir Bells, thank you for...slotting me in at such late notice." Ian stood briefly, and was about to offer a hand, but thought better of it, not wanting to have to clean cheese out of his gloves for the next week Kurgdzt grunts to the statement, turns, and slides closed a pocket door of heavy wood with a BAM. He trundles over to the other doorway, grunting and choking down his cheese, and closes the other Kurgdzt: "Fine lot you are, taking the low road to get here. Spent nearly a full day waiting" He wipes crumbs of the half pound of sharp parmesan from his white moustache, and trundles round the table to the windows Adelaide Valerian: "If I'd realized what charming company awaited me I'd have rushed, Sir." Ian harumphs in order to stop himself from laughing The dwarf laughs like a braying ass, and happily points one greasy hand to Adelaide with a wide grin Kurgdzt: "I struggle each day in the sunlight, you know. The brightness, the penetrating heat of it. The lances of fire you call sunlight, BAH." The dwarf lord shutters and draws curtains over the windows, until you are in the room only by electric lights from the candelabras. Kurgdzt finally sits, with a short struggle to fit between seat-arms Elysia Lucchesi: "Life is full of struggle as always. I only hope we can relieve you of at least one of them today." Adelaide Valerian nods to him. Riseing to help with the curtans when she understands what he's doing. "I can imagine. I hope you are well today." The dwarf settles in the chair, and purses his lips, the flesh sticking out pink and black between his red beard jammed against the table, and his white moustache draped overtop. He scratches idly at one ear, digs something loose with a pop, and flicks it into the wall where it splats Kurgdzt: "I want, the head of the Phantom thief, on a fucking stick" "I know I wont get that, but I am prepared to wait" "The knife edge of things though; I need you to kill that fucking monster, Cornelius Derisius" Lizzie Potgieter: “What's he got to do with the theft?” Elysia Lucchesi: "Are you at war with the SBI? Or has he crossed a line he should not have crossed?" Adelaide Valerian is suprised. Enough it shows on a face that generally only shows what she wants to reveal. She lets Lizzy and Elysia ask the questions for now. Kurgdzt: "Fucking prick is trying to kill me. Him and his mechanical goons" Elysia Lucchesi: "Well, it may help to know the context of these attempted...murders? Assassinations? Confidentiality is guaranteed, of course." Kurgdzt: "I invite that rat bastard fink into my home, and what does he do? He tells me 'dont worry master dwarf, your men wont see any ill effects from the enhancement surgeries' " Adelaide Valerian is suprised again. Things should shock her less, but this seems mad even in the mad world she finds herself in. "Can you tell me about the surgeries and the effect they had?" Elysia Lucchesi: "So he was abducting your people, and performing these surgeries on them against their will, and is plotting to do the same to you?" Kurgdzt: "I swear, you godly humans and your three fucking noncy boy robe wearing fuckboys arent worth the smear on a knife sometimes, with the promises and the reassurances, and the little treaties on paper! GRAH!" "That crooked bastard, Derisius, mark my words, will have his weird mechanical leg shoved SO FAR UP HIS OWN ARSE" Elysia Lucchesi: "..And is there reason to suspect that the Phantom Thief is working for him?" Adelaide Valerian: "Not abducting. You gave them to him, didn't you Kurgdzt? You turned them over for the Doctor to change them." Kurgdzt sputters, and chokes on his words, and tamps it all down for a moment. He visibly deflates as he releases a long breath Kurgdzt: "My men...my ....no you dont have a word for it. You dont know the bond. The grip between..." "The dwarves that surrendered their services to the Doctor have not been heard of since. And I know he plans to do the same to me. Whatever it is" "The Fan'om theef is jus a goddamn ficher. Came in yesterday, desecrated my family crest and fucked off into the goddamn sky" Lizzie Potgieter: “Where was it?” Adelaide Valerian considers that, nodding to him and a thoughtful frown on her lips. "Was there a Touchstone in your crest? It seems like they are at the heart of many things." Kurdzt: "Wah..?" Lizzie Potgieter: “I mean, if the crest was somewhere deep inside the building, how'd the thief know where to look?” Kurgdzt: "Yes girlie, a touchstone. Blue bit of shine righ' in the middle" of the littl ebastard needs to be punished though, amirite?" The dwarf grinds his fist into the table as he speaks, fine curls of walnut shredded by the wicked ring on the edge of his hand Elysia Lucchesi: "Would you mind if we had a look around?" Adelaide Valerian thinks hard on that. Mind turning things over. "The doctor.. what is his interest in the sludgeworks? Or is he simply after dwarves?" Kurgdzt: "Please!" "Git yer little tittites bouncin up the fuckin stairs and lookit the place! Inspect! Detect! Do the fuckin needful please!" Lizzie Potgieter: “Thieves if they know what they're doin' usually scout out the area first. You gotta tell us who you had over, guests, visitors.” Kurgdzt: "I ain't had none over in the last weeks ah' di'nt trust missie. Friends, countrymen, priests of the court n such. Even the High Inquisitior 'imself, in his red robe and pointy fookin hats" Ian chuckles at the hats The dawrf lord struggles out of his chair, farts as he steps to the floor, and waddles and clanks over to Adelaide's side of the table as he answers her Kurgdzt: "Miss, if'n he wanted to take up some of the souls from the sludgeworks, fine by me. Those bastards I can spend by the pound. It's me brethren I need justice fer. And besides, fucker works out of the basement in the sludgery after all" Lizzie Potgieter nods. ”Is it?” She also makes to get up and take a look around. The flatulent manthing heads with intent to the door, slams it home, and kicks the serving cart out of his way with a BANG. Tea cakes tumble wildly and meat goes plap Kurgdzt: "Lit fookin GOOO" Lizzie Potgieter cringes. “Wastin' good food like that…” Adelaide Valerian nods to the man as she rises from the table. "Thank you" She says.. then watches as things crash and clatter. Patting Lizzie on the shoulder. Elysia Lucchesi: "I'm sure he can afford it." Lizzie Potgieter: “It just ain't right.” Ian: "I suspect that's the least of his wastes." Kurgdzt: "ROIGHT lets see the fucking crime scene, eh?" Elysia Lucchesi follows, maintaining poker face as usual Adelaide Valerian stays well clear of the blast area. Ian wonders if social faux pa allows him to put on his gas mask The small man-thing leads you upstairs, and the floor is scraped in his passing. Up to the gallery level, where seating and an open drop to the floo rbelow command a view up to the shining glass cases of artifacts and weapons on display. He points up with a grunt, and to another stair well ahead that leads to the highest floor Elysia Lucchesi keeps an eye out for any mysterious people along the way Lizzie Potgieter looks at the artifacts on display on the way up, The walk round the floor shows several games rooms, foyers to guest suites, and other side rooms unused. The entire level appears to have a small layer of dust coating the surfaces, implying its disuse From below, the displays above gleam under the glass dome, and twinkle with telltale blues of Ætherite stone workmanship. Racks of spears on one shelf, a suit of armor on a rack, and a glass case holding a massive rifle in another Adelaide Valerian: "The guards don't patrol here much?" She ask as she walks with the others. "Interesting collection." From above, the sky darkens suddenly, as something blots out the sun in the clear sky Lizzie Potgieter looks up. The gleam of an airship, silvery and bright, a baloon holding the weight of it and Ætheric engines hot and blue as well. And a darkness opening on the belly of the craft There is suddenly a tremendous crash from above Ian raises an eyebrow and harumphs in air traffic controlling sounds Joush M.: Ah! Well that's the cliffhanger for today isn't it? The air is filled with noise of shattering steel and glass, and the triumphant sounds of a trumpet playing a battle charge, as several figures in mecha-armor crash into the ceiling above! Dun dun dunnnnn P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Rosettsara: Thanks for session~ Fiss: Sometimes I worry about you, Ken....you really write smelly dwarves well. TOO well lol Ken (GM): hahahah Joush M.: Thank you! Ah.. that dwarf is terreble, but awesome Ken (GM): i must admit the descriptions came very freely and with much color and evocative smell P.P. A.: He's really very vividly written, I like it Rosettsara: He's some kind of disgust elemental Joush M.: Got to love vivid characters broadly drawn. P.P. A.: He's Wario Ken (GM): such wario WHERE LAST WE LEFT OUR HEROES Ian craves tea....violently Lizzie Potgieter holds up her arms to shield her face from the glass shards raining from the ceiling. Lizzie Potgieter: “Eish!” Kurgdzt Bells lef tnothing to the imagination, and laid out his woes to you on a greasy silver platter: He believed his life was under threat, and demanded you at the OAR take action. He detailed the myriad strange things going on with the mechanical man, Cornelius Derisius, including the vague degredation of dwarven men in his employ. Satisfied you would take action, he then led you to investigate the break in at the estate on the third floor....however, fate has dealt you an odder hand today Triumphantly, from the ceiling, the sound of a bugle rings out high and tinny, as a squad of soldiers dynamically enter the building from above! As they repell on cable lines and a soft blue glow from above, the air in the gallery is sent to twinkling with shard of deadly glass The Men from above descend on thin black lines, but also Ætheric repellers; as the roof above detonates downward, they skim in after in two groups; one to the East side, another to the West, on the flanking The men above quickly slip down through the spray of twinkling shards, and land with professional precision. The man in the red hat, to the east, shouts out over a loudspeaker "We have come for the Infernal Dwarf, in the name of the Bleeding Hearts of Romanga!" Ian: Well....this is awkward. On the other side of the gallery, the two men descend and land, but the fellow with the hat points his rifle upward to the roof again Ken (GM): IAN Elysia Lucchesi: "...Dammit Dad." Lizzie Potgieter: “The Bleeding Hearts of Romanga?” Ken (GM): :D Lizzie Potgieter: “The wi— …se man mentioned that too. What that?” (From Ken (GM)): hah, nic ecatch Ian: Who seems to be in charge of the whole entrance team? Ken (GM): fella shouting has a red beret Ian: Well, I'm not going toe to toe with a bloody rapier to an extraction team, so I'm playing my diplomatic card. Ken (GM): [hes 15 yards over thataway, which made me realize the measurement settings were out of whack] Ian: "And WHO'S bloody idea was it to smash in with civilians and government non-combatants in the line of fire?! I demand to see your credentials!" Rolling 3d6 = 11 vs 10 for Slight of Hand to keep her gun out of view as she draws it and backs up a step. "Careful, his guards will be here in a moment. We don't want to be caught in the crossifre." Adelaide Valerian ends her turn there. Ken (GM): LIZZIE Lizzie Potgieter musters the men while Ian addresses them. (What race/ethnicity are they, do they look scummy or not, do they look fanatical?) P.P. A.: (gonna decide a course of action based on that) also are they masked or not The men are dressed in military looking clothes, but no insignia or obvious rank on display; each of them is geared up with belts for the descent (with obvious life-ring powered descenders they dropped from above with) but strapped with their guns and magazines in reach. They appear romangan/galician, but the longarmed fellow on the right wears a Confederate/boer style hat The only man you can't see the face of is on the left, with the man in charge. He has a sleek steel helmet, and is in a light powered armor suit Lizzie Potgieter crosses her arms, huffs, and looks the lot of them disapprovingly straight in the eyes, especially the Confederate member. Rolling 3d6 = 9 Liz stares daggers Kurgdzt ROARS with a deep bellied noise you wouldnt think possible from only a small dwarfman Lizzie Potgieter pouts. (All-Out, Determined) Ken (GM): bwahahah OH BALLS elysia! dont mind the man behind the curtain; the GM is absolutely paying attention Elysia Lucchesi dares not startle anyone in this standoff, so she covertly eyes the area for an escape route Elysia Lucchesi: (Turn over unless there's a check involved?) The men around you sweep their guns through the gallery, except the one rifleman who loads a long rifle grenade to the end of his long gun and point it at the ceiling. The red beret man points to your group, and Ian, and bellows! Redberet: "You all! Halt! We're here only for the dwarf!" Ian shrugs, unable to really argue with a rocket-propelled grenade aimed anywhere Ken (GM): hah adelaide? Lizzie Potgieter: “I ain't dyin' for no Downy, but you can't expect decent people to just accept a kidnappin' or murder takin' place right in front of our eyes!” Lizzie Potgieter protests in reply to the leader! Ken (GM): Adelaide Valerian keeps her head low and moves away. "I don't think there's any need to fight here!" Ken (GM): elysia? Adelaide Valerian moves 6 and ends turn Ken (GM): Elysia Lucchesi: "Indeed; i'm sure we can talk things over. I would very much like to speak to the one in charge here." "I'll even offer myself as a hostage if that will get you to stand down." Beside you Kurgdzt chokes out his bellow, and stares at you all in bugeyed amazement. His furious face is ashen despite the deep black of his skin Kurgdzt: "you WHAT?!" Elysia Lucchesi: "Notice how you stay safe throughout all of this, so do shut up." The men trained on you refocus on Elysia, and the Beret laughs a small chuckle of genuine amusement Redberet: "Ma'am, he's going to answer for injustices too long to numerate" And punctuating his sentence, the rifleman launches his grenade into the ceiling, blowing out the remains of the dome'd roof with a massive explosion Elysia Lucchesi winces. "There is something critically important you should know, though." RedBeret: "Oh? And whatever could that be?" Elysia Lucchesi: "Not something to be discussed so openly. Do you understand?" Ian nods, hoping to lend credence to her statement. Elysia Lucchesi: "For one thing, i'm a highly important hostage. You'll get a lot more clout. And also..." Adelaide Valerian: "Miss Lucchesi.. These gentlemen seem to have quite a lot of business to discuss. I'm not sure we have time for being taken captive by the Bleeding Heart, even if we sympthize with their aims." Elysia Lucchesi: "Like you, Amo i miei dei, ma il mio prete è solo umano." The invaders collectively gasp/get wide eyed Lizzie Potgieter tapes her foot impatiently. Ian turns to Elysia, impressed at her language skills Lizzie Potgieter: *taps Kurgdzt fumes and trembles From above, the screeching destruction of the dome is punctuated with a flurry of motion, as something large dives into the space and lands on the marble floor below WHAM A mechsuit, full armor and thrumming with Ætheric motors, armed with a flamethrower Ian: "Seems a bit excessive...." Elysia Lucchesi: "...So again, I'll offer myself for the moment, if only to tell you something that cannot be said aloud." Adelaide Valerian shakes off the concussion of the last grenade just in time for the roar and wham of the landing. Ian looks around quickly, expecting the Domo to come out with a flying dragon suit or something The man in the Red Beret holds up an arm, and bellows through the gallery "HOLD!" The men freeze. The mechsuit pauses, and only the putter of his motors, and the small oily plume of his weapon, makes a noise Redberet: "You....are Elysia Lucchesi" Elysia Lucchesi: "Indeed. Then you should know the importance I carry." The man in the Red Beret smirks... RedBeret: "Change of plans Boys! Secure the woman and her crew." Elysia Lucchesi: "Er. Just me." (To GM): She's slow to acknowledge it, but the intensity of her gaze is going to relax slowly, at the same pace as he relaxes his weapon arm. RedBeret: "Oh no, we are not leaving today" Elysia Lucchesi: "The others know nothing about it. It's fine." P.P. A.: (whose turn is it?) Ken (GM): [pretty much everyone is just in a mexican standoff here atm] Lizzie Potgieter hears that line and dives for cover. P.P. A.: (doesn't actually dive) Ken (GM): ducks? Ian: Geese? Adelaide Valerian: "Elysia.." She ask as the Red Beret says that. Gun at her side, hidden behind her leg as she stands there with a deep frown. Lizzie Potgieter just runs behind the pillar, really. Lizzie Potgieter also draws her shotgun and unfolds it, if the flow of time allows. Ken (GM): fast draw? P.P. A.: She doesn't have that but I'm just gonna buy it Ken (GM): well jfc Elysia Lucchesi: "The options here are: I go with you willingly, or you antagonize me and my friends and everything gets messy, overly being witnesses to something they don't even understand. Let them go, and I go with you without a fuss." Rolling 3d6 = 8 v13 From the other side of the gallery, the grenade-man calls out "NO! Sir, we can't!" and he raises his rifle against the man with the Red Beret! Grenadier: "This isnt what I signed up for!" Ian fiddles with his cane head nervously, but otherwise has an air of calm, waiting to see if he should start diving or fighting Ken (GM): adelaide? Adelaide Valerian stays cool for the moment, but starts moveing to the stairs. "Come on. Let's get out of the line of fire." The bald gunman (green dot) see's Adelaide move, but curses to himself, and drops his aim Ken (GM): lizzie! armed for bear? Lizzie Potgieter from behind the pillar aims at the leader with the red beret, but her fingers is not yet on the trigger and she does not radiate killing intent. Ken (GM): bueno, gun up, hand open palm on the side ELYSIA (To GM): She also throws another judging but not hateful look at the terrorist she'd maintained eye contact with prior (To GM): oh, that was the one, noice (To GM): No judging look but a slightly sad one then, that it has gotten to this point Elysia Lucchesi gives an apologetic look to Adelaide and the rest of the party before taking a deep breath and bellowing out for all to hear: Elysia Lucchesi: "I, Elysia de Romanga, Crown Princess of Romanga, command you all to stand down at once!" Everyone in the room stares Lizzie Potgieter swings her gun at Elysia in confusion. Lizzie Potgieter lowers it though. Lizzie Potgieter steps out from behind cover and shouts! Lizzie Potgieter: ”I've had it with this bullshit!” “Whose side all you all on anyway?!” Lizzie Potgieter points at her party memebrs: “Are you Galician police? Are you Romanga resistance?” Galician? Are you a Horned-Order cultist? Or just some upstart Dwarf?!” Adelaide Valerian: "I'm loyal to one mistress, Lizzie. You've met her." The dwarf blusters in rage and confusion Lizzie Potgieter points at the terrorists: “And what are you about? I don't know no Bleein' heart, Idon't care about Romagna or Galicia or whatever! I just wanna go home!” Lizzie Potgieter is equally at the verge of tears, shaking with anger, and visibly confused. A single pane of glass from above drops, and shatters on the floor, loudly RedBeret: "Well, this....just got a whole lot more interesting" Kurgdzt screams, and his voice travelles up from a baritone bellow to a high pitched whine of squealing steam as he bursts into flames Ian gasps and looks at the fireball Ian: (and takes a step back)( Ken (GM): P.P. A.: So he's either a cultist or a angry upstart Dwarf The armed men swivel on point, and all turn to face the dwarf Lizzie Potgieter: “So a cultist? Is that it?!” she damnds to know from the screaming fireball. *demands Ken (GM): hahaha Adelaide Valerian knows that could either mean he's been attacked or is activating a hidden magical power. Inside the burst of heat, the outline of the black-skinned dwarf stands like a shadow of ash in the flames. His mouth is revealed as a blue-green line in the red Elysia Lucchesi acrobatically leaps away from the heat Rolling 3d6 = 7 vs SL 14 -2 for range to shoot a fire dwarf in the back with a pistol held in two hands. Ken (GM): BLAM pistol go SHOOT Adelaide Valerian:Dealing 12 pi+ on hit Ken (GM): this was the yeah the fuckoff huger jfc The shot slaps into the Dwarf, and a little gout of something catches on the other end, like a grease-flash The fire immediately extinguishes in a little whump And a very wide hole in his silk shirt squirts green glowing blood Adelaide Valerian finds the Smith-Adams self loader quite reliable. .577 round and all.. but she's never used it on a monster before Rolling 3d6 = 10 vs 14 Ken (GM): clicker clack Elysia Lucchesi trains it on Bells, but does not fire until needed Kurgdzt sputters, green on his lips, and falls to his knees...and then collapses on the floor in a wet SPLAT Elysia Lucchesi: "Well, there goes a lead..." Adelaide Valerian: "Basement of the Sludgeworks. The madman's lab." She tells Elysia where their next lead is as she walks forward, aims and puts five more rounds into the body. Two in the head, three in the back. The men drop their aim, surprised at the sudden turn of events BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM The wetness erupts from him, green and flourescent, and the dwarf's body twitches with the holes punched into him at high speed. Some of the floor below him even cracks from the fusillade Elysia Lucchesi: "He's paid for his crimes now. Go away, and tell nobody of what you've seen and heard here today. They'll be coming after you for his death, most likely." And from inside his body, there is a blue gleaming light Lizzie Potgieter winces a little. The insurgents look at each other and shrug, nodding to that assertion from Elysia Adelaide Valerian flicks the wrist, turning the gun to press the ejection rod and extract the spent brass. Half inch little cylenders clattering on the ground with a merry sound like a little bell. She takes bullets from her purse and reloads carefully, closes the gun, then puts it back away. Adelaide Valerian: "I don't suppose I could prevail on a gentlemen with gloves on to recover the touchstone from the body?" From above, the hovering airship drops lower, dropping heavy cables to the floor from above The downdraft shakes the air in the room, and sends tapestries on the walls spinning. Elysia Lucchesi: "We won't have long until the guards appear. We should get out of here too." RedBeret: "Oh, not to worry miss; we've already taken care of that" And from all around you, the sudden riot of noise from explosions tearing at the air, takes hold Elysia Lucchesi: "...Ah." "Well, I suppose we can take our time a little before other authorities arrive to find out how we were no match for this attack and barely managed to escape." Adelaide Valerian sighs. "I suppose not." The knife seems to appear in her hand like a magic trick before she leans down carefully to cut the body. To expose that touchstone for removal. Horrible stone-wrenching noises erupt on the far ends of the estate, as some massive firebombs erupt on the grounds; down the hallways on either gallery, the hellish light crawls along the ceilings on all floors Adelaide Valerian: "God, it's like cutting into a greasy overcooked pork roast" Ken (GM): oh gawd that yeah, i was just about to say Lizzie Potgieter sticks to the pillar for cover, still only having half of an idea what's going on. Adelaide Valerian shivers at the exploison. Even she isn't immune to the horrors of war and winces as her ears ache. "Sounds like we should leave soon anyway." She thinks of the bracer and wonders if it's time to use it CHAOS reigns for the next few moments; above, the airship hauls up the five men to the waiting gantry above, and the great thrumming beast of a ship's engines downdraft into the room, pushing the flames on the outside higher and as Adelaide cuts out a disc of blue, the thing coming free form the meaty dwarf's breast with a wet SHUCK Elysia Lucchesi: "Let's make sure Kat doesn't get exposed to it." Ian sits down on the seat, watching the chaos Ken (GM): GM's note; the building is on fire, and is not 100% stone now would be the time to leave and not sit on a sofa, in shock Adelaide Valerian stands and looks around, trying to see if there's a way out that isn't blocked by rubble, fire, or burning rubble and smoke. Elysia Lucchesi looks to the escape routes she planned out earlier, to see which ones currently aren't on fire Ken (GM): the main gallery is still open; below the shouting of the staff can be heard, about the fire Lizzie Potgieter looks down to see if their entrance route is still open. Ken (GM): [seems the firebombing was strategic] glass aside, the main doors are still accessible exunt? Elysia Lucchesi points to the exit. "Let's go! Main door's still good!" Elysia Lucchesi says this so the staff can hear too Lizzie Potgieter doesn't think twice and heads for the door, making sure Adelaide comes along instead of digging around in molten Dwarf entails while the building collapses around her Adelaide Valerian escapes with the booty Elysia Lucchesi gets the hell out of there like she's done this a million times Ian: "Well, that was....exciting." You flee; dragging each other to the entrance past the dome of the gallery, the staff around you screaming in horror and terror....out to the grounds and the green grass, the cold air a shock and the wind beginning to pull at the fires on the ends of the building Adelaide Valerian wipes green blood from the disk and carries it wrapped in the fabric of a bandage at her side. "Well. That could have gone better, your highness." She says to Elysia. The manor is in chaos; the guards are swiftly running to action, moving toward the building with purpose and sword and halberds ready; they run right past you to action Lizzie Potgieter doesn't take long to catch her breath, but needs a moment to reorganise her thoughts and process all that happened. From the South end, the fire is erupting among the topo floor and roof, pieces of the place scattered to the lawn as scattershot burning debris On the north end, the entire turret tower of the residence is aflame Elysia Lucchesi: "Out here i'm just Melchiore Luchessi's daughter." And in the sky, a silver ship, baloon gleaming silver in the sun, lifting away Lizzie Potgieter: “Was that a lie then?” And then WOMP the ship in the air folds in on itself, and disappears in a small whuff of clouds Adelaide Valerian: "If that's how you like to play it." She assures Elysia. the secret is important enough to the girl she lets it go with that. Elysia Lucchesi: "No, Lizzie. It's..complicated. I'll explain it to you when we're afforded some privacy." "I owe you all that much." Ken (GM): [on that note; slipping away in the chaos? or sticking around?] Adelaide Valerian plans to get out of there before authorties arrive. Elysia Lucchesi slips away in the chaos Ken (GM): Lizzie Potgieter pouts, but has more pressing questions: “Adelaide, you got a Touchstone from that… ugh. Dwarf purée?” Adelaide Valerian wants to get the new Stone in a lockbox and back to Malchoir. The Sanctum should be able to store it safely.. and offer a shower she really needs Ian: Carrr! Lizzie Potgieter follows along P.P. A.: Melchior was the spymaster, the wizard was Balthazarr Adelaide Valerian nods at that. "Yeah. Inside the body like the last one. I diden't want to wait and see if it would try to bring him back." Joush M.: Ah! Sorry, correct that Lizzie Potgieter: “Is it? Guess that means he really was a cultist.” “What about his wife?” Elysia Lucchesi: "She will make an appearance again soon, I feel." Adelaide Valerian: "I honestly don't know. She might have been a trophy, bought with his filthy money like that house and it's servents. Or she could be the real power behind him." Lizzie Potgieter is just relieved she didn't see Adelaide murder a relatively innocent unarmed guy (if a corrupt scumbag) in front of her eyes Adelaide Valerian: "After I'm clean do you want to go to the sludgeworks? He said there was a lab for Cornelious in the basement." Lizzie Potgieter: “What's that got to do with the cult? Sounds like SBI business.” Elysia Lucchesi: "We should prepare for the worst, so after cleaning off we should gear up." "The SBI was also involved with the first...creature and blue stone we encountered. This is far more than just a coincidence at this point." Adelaide Valerian risk unwrapping the stone in the car. Rings on it, like clockwork that could drive each other in vivid green. She whispers softly. "What can you see here, my love? Does it mean anything to you?" As she pushes up the sleeve. Revealing her own Touchstone, worked into the leather and brass of a lovely bracer on her left arm. Rolling 3d6 = 11 Lizzie Potgieter: “I see.” The girl sits back in the seat and relaxes… but un-relaxes suddenly and checks if her dress took any damage from all that chaos. Ken (GM): haha! luck In the car, suddenly, is another figure. She glows a dull blue but firmly between the four of you she crouches in the car, over the stone Adelaide holds for her The Duchess faintly flickers, but then solidifies Adelaide Valerian wonders if the others can see her. She likely should aplogize if so. OH THEY CAN Rolling 3d6 = 6 v9 The Duchess' voice warbles and flows like water in a basin, her hair dancing about her as the ghost's final moments are replayed, her neck leaking a red ichor into the air like she was underwater Lizzie Potgieter recognises the Duchess, who, last she knows, was still alive; so after all the other spooky shit, this doesn't elicit much of a response other than some wary looks. P.P. A.: oh wait the old Duchess not the young heir one Ken (GM): hahahah wrong spoop Lizzie Potgieter is definitely concerned and uncomfortable, but sees that Adelaide has things under control, at least. Ken (GM): this is the same woman you saw yesterdya apparently in Adelaide's grasp now Lizzie Potgieter: “…what's doin' here?” Adelaide Valerian grinds her teeth and tenses visbily. Eyes so bright like she might cry a moment before she ask. "He did it.. to his own son?" She explains to the others. "I'm sorry. I asked her here.. she.." She touches the stone at her arm. "She's within here until we can free her." Ken (GM): GM point of order; who is driving le air-car Adelaide Valerian explains more. "But she told me that it's Kurgdzt's son inside the stone. It's his soul that powers it, sacraficed in flame. Rolling 3d6 = 13 (Luck!) P.P. A.: laughing IRL How did we even get here?! Ian: lolol Ken (GM): driving very carefully but just DAMN okay Adelaide Valerian makes a mental note to get a point in aircar operation The aircar lifted off from the Bells estate in the hullabaloo, and made its way back to the nearby misty city. Slipping into the airways between belltowers and along the grand canal, driving was fine. Then suddenly, a bloody blue bitch arrived in the sideseat and Elysia found herself with her eye off the road at speed, for justa little bit too long Lizzie Potgieter feels vindicated in her frequent saying that “You don't need no seatbelt in the saddle.” There is a bangSQUEEEEEEEEEAL as the car clips a building, and tears of a good portion of roof tiles, as sparks fly from the egde of the windows Elysia Lucchesi: "The Elysiamobile isn't as easy to control as I thought it'd be..." The inside of the car is jostled, and youre all a bit startled, but the ghost in the middle of the room simply floats there Lizzie Potgieter mutters Yanqui complaints, not as rude as they could be. Outside, half a dozen firetrucks snake their way up the road to the estate behind you, and a barge sounding a firebell is laborous pursuit. The nearby traffic parts around you or just gives you a wide berth Elysia Lucchesi tries to get everyone back to safety in one piece Adelaide Valerian winces. "I'm sorry, Elysia" Ken (GM): driving casually then eh? "lucky it was only a drainpipe, and not someones window?" Adelaide Valerian listens a moment longer, then reaches out. Hand almost touching the ghost's floating hair and speaking softly. "Thank you. That's enough. You can rest now." The duchess shimmers and disappears, as suddenly as she appeared Elysia Lucchesi drives casually indeed Adelaide Valerian: "Clarion. He was the son of Kurgdzt." She says with a frown. "He died in horror to power that stone. I killed Kurgdzt too quickly." Elysia Lucchesi: "It's not like you could have known..." Lizzie Potgieter is going to bill any damage to her dress during either the operation or Elysia's driving to the Order as job expenses Ken (GM): >Lizzie is still in her sunday best this mental image gets better and better The aircar flies on, albeit scraped up and dented now, but with full motive power. Elysia shifts it back into H and you fly casually back into the greater Grand City of Romanga Ken (GM): Where to first? Elysia Lucchesi: "To the sanctuary?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Let me change into something more practical first.” Adelaide Valerian: "Yes, please. We could all use to clean up." She nods to Lizzie. "We should pick up clothes. With this job we are going to need plenty of spairs." Lizzie Potgieter: “Adelaide, please recommend me a tailor. And Miss Lucchesi, I'm sendin' the bill to your organisation!” She's angry. Elysia Lucchesi takes it where needed, then. "No problem." Elysia Lucchesi: "...Ian, you okay?" Ian quietly looks back into the car as he watches the city go by Ian: "Yeah, I guess I just wasn't expecting....any of this." Adelaide Valerian suggest a shop. "I'm sorry, Sir. I know it's hard to take." Ian: "I can handle the political bullshit. Supernatural twistings are a bit out of my wheelhouse." Ian harumphs and shrugs Ian: "But I suppose a bleedin heart has to keep beating even when the ghosts and ghouls appear." Ian turns to Lizzie, anticipating her Lizzie Potgieter: “What these ‘Bleedin' Hearts’ anyway? Everyone keeps bringin' that up!” she easily takes the bait Ian: "As for what a Bleeding Heart is, young lady, and why it's important, it's more or less the label of the anyone who is less than satisfied about how things are in the occupation and want to do something to fix it." "I started by pushing pencils and harassing the officials, but I learned it wasn't going to be enough." Elysia Lucchesi: "Holdouts, rebels whose loyalties are to Romanga and not Galicia. Most are smart enough to operate from the shadows without making brazen moves like this." Ian nods Adelaide Valerian reaches out to touch Ian's arm, then gently touching his hand. A reassureing, human gesture. Ian: "That exactly." "but I suppose with cults appearing and islands sinking, we all realized hoping and nudging things wouldn't be enough. A lot of 'Bleedin Hearts' figure it's time for blood." Elysia Lucchesi: "Those damned fools risked it all for one dwarf. They didn't even think of the position they were putting others in." Ian smiles at the kind gestures and pats her hand warmly Ian nods Ian: "Yes. There's not much of a centralized command with the Bleeding Hearts, just a banner to wave when we are brave enough." "A few folks, though, like our dear director, are trying to take the reins." Lizzie Potgieter: “And y'all are with those Bleedin' Hearts? …and the boss too?” Ian nods at Lizzie's putting it all together Elysia Lucchesi: "I guess it's time I told you what I know." Lizzie Potgieter stares blankly. Ken (GM): >dawning realization Lizzie Potgieter: “So lemme get this straight, the head of the—” She gets out her badge and looks at it for two seconds. , a Galician secret police, hired a bunch of Bleedin' Hearts to go after some cultists and a Romangan rebel thief, while they work with wizards?” Elysia Lucchesi: "Melchiore is what you'd call a double agent. A Galician spymaster who was actually a Romangan spymaster." Adelaide Valerian: "I'm a royalist.. or used to bed. Technically I suppose my goals and the bleeding hearts alinge well, as I'm loyal to a noble that the Bleeding Hearts could rally around." Ian laughs and nods at that Elysia Lucchesi: "He earned considerable trust within Galician intelligence, so much so that it was not deemed suspicious that he announced he had a daughter at the same time as the Romangan Princess was declaed dead." Ian: "Yeah...I don't think many people actually go out and seek to be 'Bleedin Hearts', but you just kinda learn how many people are mad and want to change things when you put yourself out there." Elysia Lucchesi: "When the Galician takeover became inevitable, his orders were to raise the Princess as his own, and outwardly be a 'traitor' to his fellow Romangans, who sold them out for a position within the new regime." Ian nods fiddling with his cane head (in a totally not sexual way) Elysia Lucchesi: "And yet, lots of Bleeding Hearts keep thriving, and barely escaping under his watch." "I'm also just Elysia Luchhesi, a traitor's daughter." Elysia Lucchesi parks Three of you recall long dark nights in Romanga, with the heat of the Inquisition's flames carried by knights in silver cloaks and hoods, the screams of the innocent and guilty alike in the street The car slowly descends, carefully, in the street beside Lizzie's flat, and lands gently. With the ruined side of the car facing a wall Adelaide Valerian: "News might spread. Even the rumor could be dangerous." She says to Slysia but gently. Looking out the windows a moment and takeing a deep breath. "Bad night to be out." Elysia Lucchesi: "...And that's just all of what he told me. I was as surprised as you to hear of Kat's heritage." "Never even knew I still had living blood relatives around at all until the other day. He's quite the keeper of secrets." Lizzie Potgieter: “Thanks for the ride,” Lizzie notes as she gets out of the car, without really commenting on the rest. She mostly nodded to the explanation but didn't react strongly to it either way. Elysia Lucchesi: "Needless to say, it's a bad idea to let the world know the Romangan Princess still lives, or any other nobility." Adelaide Valerian nods and waits. Letting Lizzie go collect her things as the pale woman sits in the battered aircar. Ian sighs and leans back in the seat (To GM): She gets out her shotgun and approaches the door slowly, listening for anyone's presence. Elysia Lucchesi: "...So i've told you all I know. If you'd rather not work with me anymore, knowing my true identity, I understand." Outside, the day has warmed a touch, but the chill air blows over the rooftops; whisps of chimneys and the mists both mingle to disappear above you. Lizzie's end of town, near to the muck canals, reeks Rolling 3d6 = 6v7 Ian: "Fools running around in power armour and flame throwers...snakey knights and wizards... dastardly cat burglars.... I want to reach out and smack my old colleague who informed me being an ambassador would be boring." Ian 's face sours at a memory, and he shakes his head for a moment, returning to a resting stoic-face Adelaide Valerian: "It's okay, Elysia. I won't hold your secret agiest you." She promises. "There's a shop on high street we should hit. Get spare clothes. Enough to fit in anywhere we might have to infiltratate." She chuckles. "Well, at least you aren't bored Ian." Ian winks at her and nods Ian: "Never a dull moment." (To GM): straight staircase, or winding? Ken (GM): [map magic] (To GM): any cover near the bottom of the staircase? (From Ken (GM)): just the door frame itself, really Elysia Lucchesi: "Even though I didn't even know she existed until very recently, thank you for looking after my cousin." (From Ken (GM)): walls here are thin too, bad cover for a shootout Adelaide Valerian: "It's my pleasure." She waits, looking around the street for trouble. "She shouden't take much longer. I'll check on her if she isn't back soon." (To GM): From the layout it looks like the only way out is down the stairs, and there aren't any internal windows or anything through which one could see the staircase from inside/upstairs? The wind picks up for a moment, the howl of it against a nearby wall bringing noise and a coolness that promises a change in the weather. High above, thick clouds gather against the edge of th esky (From Ken (GM)): right. Its an enclosed hallway/stair with two bedrooms with doors, and the kitchen/living space with no door. (To GM): good (From Ken (GM)): whats your plan? Elysia Lucchesi: "...We should all go. Given how things have been going lately." (To GM): Lizzie aims up the staircase for a few seconds, listening more to the footsteps. She levels her sights at the doorway (west, south, or east) from which she hears noises. Rolling 3d6 = 4v11 Ian: "A bit of extra caution certainly isn't unwelcome." (To GM): so it's one source of footsteps? In that case (To GM): She shouts upstairs: “Come out, hands up! No weapons!” Elysia Lucchesi pries the driver's side door open (To GM): She's aiming at the living room door. If whoever leaves it does not have his hands up or is armed, she's going to shoot immediately. You three exit and lock up the car, and act casual, the street quiet at midday on the sabbath. Then, at the front porch you hear Lizzie shout to the world, inside “Come out, hands up! No weapons!” Adelaide Valerian climbs out and look around a moment. Then sighing, she starts quickly closer. 14 Sidearm (-4 distance, +4 acc, +1 from aiming for so long) A Gunshot rings out! BLAM Elysia Lucchesi: "Lizzie!? We're coming to help!" P.P. A.: Does he dodge? (To GM): noice, but not having to roll damage m— (To GM): ah well, the pool of blood is reassuring Lizzie Potgieter ka-tchak. Lizzie Potgieter slowly proceeds up the stairs, her muzzle aimed at the top from which blood is rinsing down. Lizzie Potgieter is wary of the figure getting up again. (To GM): I assumed he didn't have his hands up and/or still had the shovel-sword in his hand (To GM): *-spear Ian: "Lizzie! Are you alright?" Adelaide Valerian looks around for trouble and draws a pistol again. Following up the stairs, she peeks around corners before going around them. Lizzie Potgieter: “Ja,” she says calmly without taking her eyes off the top of the stairs. You three reach her as she has loaded a new round into her Z-lock, and stands at the bottom of the stair which blood drips down; above, the heap of familiar black silk and leather, and a spade-spear resting agains tthe wall now Elysia Lucchesi: "So they've tracked us down even to our homes..." Lizzie Potgieter keeps the gun pointed at the body in case it comes back to life. Happens often 'round these parts, you never know. A long moment passes; the wind outside whistles against the building...no neighbors come to investigate the shot, but then again, this isnt a great end of town... The body is still, blood flowing out like a stuck pig. The spade-spear knocked loose of him resting against the wall with the razor edge lodged in the wallpaper, a guillotine weapon. And then....a soft sussurus rises from the body, like a slow rattling breath of cracked paper and crusted sand Adelaide Valerian walks upstairs. "Easy.. what the hell is that?" She ask, watching it a moment. Following after Lizzie. "Kick the spear away from it and cover it. I don't think you've quite killed it" Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't clear yet, something's happening,” she calls back to the others without turning back. Lizzie Potgieter had intended to do just that, and kicks the spear as far from the body as she can. The breath rises slowly, like a dead wind pushed through grave earth. A smell of rot and decay heavy in the air, much more pungent than just the canal could provide, even indoors. The sharp tang of it rises the bile in your throat The body hisses short words, though it doesnt move to speak "We... will.... have... our..... briiiiide" it hisses Lizzie Potgieter: “Shit, I think it's comin' back.” Lizzie Potgieter fires another shot into it—right into either the head or the heart, or whatever part of the body seems to be bubbling up unnaturally. Rolling 3d6 = 16v12 (Post-Combat Shakes) 13 Ken (GM): ohhhh thats sad P.P. A.: oh boy, another quirk Adelaide Valerian kicks the spear away from the body gently and looks it over. Rolling it onto it's back with the tip of a boot. Ian: "Ahh...Lizzie...I think we should wait outside...." P.P. A.: Let's see… Uneasy in places that aren't home perhaps? Elysia Lucchesi: "I'll go get the car started again." Lizzie Potgieter quietly walks into another room to fetch her change of clothes, not putting it on though, and walks outside. Ken (GM): yeah thats a good'n not quite agoraphobia Adelaide Valerian examines the body. Cutting away clothes as needed. Seeing if there's a stone there. Lizzie Potgieter reloads her shotgun in silence, her eyes wet. Elysia Lucchesi helps walk Lizzie outside, depending on her Lizzie's comfort level Ian will provide guard as Adelaide works, but makes sure it doesn't start until the other young lady is outside Lizzie Potgieter steps are stable and she's lucid, just… not feeling very well. Adelaide makes perfunctory work of the man; the robe slips away easily with the knife and underneath he is wrapped like a mummy, the cloth thick and hand-woven, and stippled with fearsome looking runes in sharp angular script, all over his body Adelaide Valerian pauses at Ian's touch. Stopping. Letting Lizzie get away as she realizes. "I'm sorry. I forget sometime people aren't.. like me." P.P. A.: (Went with “Wary returning to places not her or a friend's home”) Underneath, his flesh is like a snake, dead for an age. Dessicated and scaly, fingers tipped with claws, flesh armored with scales that interlock like a great snake The gunshot still seeps some blood, and the blow hit dead center in the chest. There, another disk of blue stone, shattered into a dozen fragments, crumbling like ancient dust now... Ian smiles softly and nods at Adelaide's comments, then raises a cloth to mask the inevitable stink as the thing is opened up Ian: "Seems there's a theme here." Another detail in the room proper, revealed past the stair, there is an obvious scorch mark in the middle of the living room floor.... Adelaide Valerian is a bloodthirsty woman that might be a psychopath. She looks at it thoughtfully. "Cithonian. Dead.. for a while, too. What was animating you?" She considers. "The stone is ruined. I think it's power was truely spent when she killed it. Just in case.." SHe cuts away the shards and throws the dust away from the body, then cuts the throat down to the bone to let out the little blood that remains in the corpse before standing and walking into Lizzie's apartment. Looking at the sorch mark. Walkign to the sink to wash her hands. Adelaide Valerian: "Help grab whatever clothes you see of hers. I don't think we are coming back here." She tries to collect Lizzie's personal things. Living out of a suitcase means tipping the laundry back into it, and zipping it closed. Other than the salami in the kitchen, not much else left to grab Ian relinquishes that task to Valerian, but will check out the mark on the floor Lizzie Potgieter has reloaded her shotgun and looks at the clothes in her hands. She calls upstairs: “See if you can find my duffel bag… please.” Ian: "For lack of a better word, a gate or a teleport mark?" Adelaide Valerian considers. "Let's copy it down. Balthazar might know more." Ian pulls out a hanky and drops it on the symbol to test its reactivity The hanky disturbs the ring...and nothing happens. The dust cloys like funeral ashes, white and catching to the air in a swirl that doesnt settle Ken (GM): [you copy the ring and it's geometry, and note the markings in the corners of the star. Runes, again] [the copy does not explode] Ian uses his cane and the hanky to wipe it up after gleaming details from it (not copying exactly, not wanting to summon any demons today) Ken (GM): haha kk Ian will check her kitchen to see if he can figure out Lizzie's comfort food / bring some along since Adelaide is handling the more delicate task of rummaging through the other woman's private things. Ken (GM): nice P.P. A.: The kitchen hasn't been touched much since she only visited the flat briefly this morning and was in a hurry Ian: Figure she'd prefer the old man not touch her panties like a frat party-goer and just settle for tea Adelaide Valerian gets the duffle bag and any personal items and gets ready to go. Picking up that wicked spear to study it a moment, then driving it though the body into the floor to make sure the damn thing stays dead. P.P. A.: some of last night's dishes are still there undone, including an empty bottle with some blood residue in it A short while later, the body is split from it's source of power; Lizzie's effects brought to her with little fanfare and simple scrounging. The girl mostly has herself back inorder when everyone has their loose endds tied up Ken (GM): oh yeah, the bottle wait a sec; did yall have dinner at Adelaide's flat last night not Lizzies P.P. A.: Nah, here Joush M.: no, we were here Ken (GM): gotcha gotcha yeah so remnants of the cooking Lizzie Potgieter receives her belongings with a tired but sincere smile. “Thanks.” Ken (GM): and then the exodus from the cultist s P.P. A.: yeah then we slept at the wizard's place so since the rude interruption of that dinner, she only came back briefly and was in a hurry to wash herself and get dressed for church not much time to do the dishes Ken (GM): righto had a moment there where I forgot who lived with waht where so back to the sanctum then, was the plan? Joush M.: Yep. Shopping will have to wait Ken (GM): well, this guy knew where she lived/was at the beck and call of the Roi after last nights encounter, so perhaps out in public isnt out of the question but yeah your call Ian: "I can have my office do some shopping if it's menial stuff we need and do a pickup. Then again, I do enjoy the markets myself... [bad lockdown reference] in her good clothes, whose hem is probably marred by dry blood now, on top of whatever glass shares and ashes cling to it. She's kind of resigned thatthey're going to need some substantial tailorwork to repair so she's in less of a hurry to change now. P.P. A.: Just at the next opportunity basically. Adelaide Valerian: "I'd hate for them to get this tochstone back. Let's get it secured before we do anything else." Lizzie Potgieter nods. “They saw us getting out of my place last night, nè?” Adelaide Valerian: "I'm sorry, Lizzie." Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't your fault,” she replies with a smile. “We gotta be more careful though.” Lizzie Potgieter is going to forward any repair and cleanup bills from the landlord to the OAR though, as well as the remaining rend. Lizzie Potgieter: *t Elysia Lucchesi: (Unfortunately rather out of it at the moment, so apologies for the quiet) Ken (GM): bah P.P. A.: no worries Ian: "Lizzie, when you found the nare-do-well in your place, did you notice any flashes or the smell of smoke? Or was he already there?" The aircar ascends on the shilling day; on he eastern horizon of the city, a malaise of greasy smoke sits over the Bells Estate. The mists cling to the low bowl of the undercity, and the edges of the streets, even a chill wind unable to fully remove them. And on the horizon, a storm brews, black clouds gathering from the Roil and rising quickly. Until next time, on Shattered Worlds: Masquerade Fiss: WILL IAN'S INSATIABLE LUST FOR TEA DRIVE HIM MAD? P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Fiss: Hehe, yeah, thanks for not putting my old man diplomat into a mech-suit fight just yet. Ken (GM): yeah no worries, fun day on this end too; The mexican standoff was awesome was neat and then bam wrench in the works and tied up loyalties Lizzie eyefucking a guy into feeling shitty for fucking with a good girl in her sunday clothes Ken (GM): and then Adelaide fucking EXECUTING the guy just Joush M.: I'm sort of suprised nobody called out Addy for shooting a man in the back. Six times. Ken (GM): I mean I was prepared for flanking with big gun and then SIX SHOTS JOUSH Fiss: We live in exciting times lol Ken (GM): SIX P.P. A.: Well, as Lizzie put it, she wasn't going to die for an evil Dwarven cultist nouveau-riche Ken (GM): EVEN THE GRIM REVOLUTIONARIES WERE PUT OFF P.P. A.: but neither was the party going to let the terrorists assassinate or kidnap him so that put the pressure on them to figure out what to do now without involving and potentially killing civilians Joush M.: "He has to pay for his crimes!" He gets his green blood spattered everywhere. "Well, ah, I suppose we will be off then. Good day. Bleeding Hearts, Away!" Ken (GM): also Rosettsara: Elysia doesn't mind since the guy was scum anyway, and showed hostile intent to the party, and also was a witness to her true heritage Ken (GM): "so shes in with the duchess here?" "yeah lets just leave her to her own murder of the dwarf" P.P. A.: Yeah, him dying at the end due to going cultist was very convenient Fiss: "convenient"mwhaaha P.P. A.: resolved the situation in the least complicated way Ken (GM): dude, he had some magic bullet DR in there and Joush just HAD to roll a leathal amount on top just P.P. A.: hahaha Ken (GM): fucked his shit up "no NPC survives contact with the Party" P.P. A.: I thought he died so easily because it was meant to leave us in some doubt as to who/what he actually was intended and he died more to max rolls than “easily” I see Rosettsara: Instead he got hit by the wombo combo Ken (GM): oh I really wanted him to kick shit off in a three way combat that was gonna be mad fun AND THEN SHE SUPER EXECUTED THE BODY Joush M.: He might have just been stunned by a major wound with the first bullet. The 60-ish extra damage from the next five would be a personal escort to Dwarf Hell though P.P. A.: :DDDD Ken (GM): SUPER hell lik Joush M.: Well, I mean, if Dwarf Hell wasn't being put in a touchstone by your own father Ken (GM): "paid for dark magic with my first born son" hell Joush M.: Ian is going to have to take Addy aside and give her a stern talking to about being less evil P.P. A.: Yeah, that bit really alleviated Lizzie's concerns about murder There's degrees of “he had it coming”/“he deserved it” Ken (GM): shes got one hell of a hair trigger OFF > High with nothing inbetween P.P. A.: and he definitely went past “deserves a fair trial/fight” Ken (GM): like kneecaps need to be in there just straight to eleven might be problematic in the future Joush M.: She honestly feels bad about summoning a specter of the dead in the car though. That's a dick thing to do when Elysia is driveing Ken (GM): hahahah today was a grand day P.P. A.: 4 points? Ken (GM): ye! 4 points! AND SPEND THEM please P.P. A.: also that moment was gold Ken (GM): gold P.P. A.: “who's driving?” “none of you have the driving skill” 17 Ken (GM): up there with Darnel rolling solid 00's on a demolitions check just a story shaping encounter with RNGesus aight, im being summoned to do food pickup and remote beer prchasing GOOD NIGHT FELLOWS Joush M.: Goodnight! Have fun! P.P. A.: \o Rosettsara: Thanks for session~ Ken (GM): o7 oh goodness look at us, all prompt and on time, and not cancelling at the last minute due to cold medicine highs.... -_- Fiss: NyQuil, we love you, you giant fuclking Q! Joush M.: What's that? Time to shotgun Dexedrine? Ken (GM): mmmmmmmmmmmmmmMMMMMMMMMMMMM DEX but I DIGRESS and thus, the insanity began Where last we left our heroes.... Ian spits out his tea comically The sanctity of their safety was breached by the cult, and they were changed for it. Lizzie's flat had been infiltrated by the strange sorcerous assassins, and after clearing it of hostiles, was now defiled past the damage deposit's capabilities. The party had done well that day duelling down in a desperate standoff with the Bleeding Hearts of Romanga, but now in their (slightly damaged) aircar, they make for another Sanctum not yet breached by their assailants. Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs 11 for Pilot Countergrav, but takes it slow and easy for a bonus if she can. No need to go fancy. Ken (GM): hahah Ian: [crashes into side of a building. Game over. ] Adelaide gets the aircar back into gear, and only hitches the transmission twice when switching to thrust from park. Nobody dies, but the bumper has a new ding Lizzie Potgieter , after looking out of the window for a while and calming down looks over to Elysia. “What was it like being a princess?” Elysia Lucchesi: "Never got to find out. I was barely up to my father's knee when I had to be sent away." Adelaide Valerian drives them like a secret agent. Quitely and peacefully and without drawing any attention if she can help it. Lizzie Potgieter: “Ah, I see.” Elysia Lucchesi: "I had to find out later all the details. Of course by then, Melchiore's spy business had rubbed off on me far more than any princessy traits." The strange day is at least somewhat mitigated by pleasant weather; the Roil has been at bay, far to the edge of the ruined isle, the boiling clouds on the periphery of the precipice. The misty edge of the city sits only on the undertown, and there the fog only comes from the dam and the remainders of the bay waters. The smell isnt even that bad, with the wind clearing the air coldly. Ian: "It's a bit addicting, I admit. This spy business... I don't think you're missing out anything from the princess side you couldn't have through a bit of finery." As the aircar flies, you're making goodly time crossing the city, back toward the cliffsides (and on your way to the Sanctum of Balthazarr the Wizard, and Kat) When the comms radio lights up, on the Private Channel indicator Elysia Lucchesi: "Now if only I could drop the mask and be myself..." Adelaide Valerian speaks softly. "A call..humm.." She switches it on. "Valerian. Go ahead." The voice incoming is crisp and professional, a young man "Valerian, this is OAR home office, we have a priority channel request coming in for the Diplomat, Master Timmins. Is he available?" "Priority call from his offices." Elysia Lucchesi: "Looks like you're up, Ian." Ian leans forward and clears his throat Ian: "Ian here." "Right, patching them in then, Sir." and the radio line shudders and click-clacks, as the call is routed to you direct Adelaide Valerian was going to adjust the radio but remembers that this character didn't take EO/Coms and simply leaves it on automatic as she focuses on driving and listens to the patching being done with literal short cables plugged into a switchboard. The: womans voice on the other side comes in with a slight tremble and the quality is high enough you can tell, its more from fright than static "Hello Master Toimmins, Sir, theres been an incident. A....few incidents. That require your attention, sir" Ian: "Of course, I can be there within the hour. Am I coming in guns blazing or is it more of a paperwork avalanche?" She mutters half to herself without pausing, on the line "Really I should have called you sooner" but she perks up when Ian responds "Oh Sir, its utterly dreadful. We've received letters sir....ungodly things, Declarations of...independence? Assays of wartime status? Another here" she shuffles a paper near the mic "A statement of syndicalist intent for the organized militia of the Puritan Order of Bellator's Blades" She reads the line off with trembling trepidation Lizzie Potgieter whispers to whoever sits next to her, if it isn't Ian: “That sounds bad.” Ian nods to Lizzie Ken (GM): lol Elysia Lucchesi: "Almost assuredly." Ian: "Very well. If it's not much of an inconvenience, can you set up a fresh pot of coffee and tea? I'll be bringing some guests." Ian whispers some directions then returns his attention to the radio The womans voice somewhat rambles on the other side, as if shes talking in a running dialogue with others in the office around her "No perkins, get that case study out of here we need to send of channel requests with the Military leadership as soon as possible, and keep this tightly wound!" Adelaide Valerian changes direction and slips into the traffic flow over the city as Ian directs them. A frown on her lips at the unrest in the city. "Sir, Im unsure but there seems to be a pattern emerging with these statements. it looks like....every martial enclave in the city, every sword club, and every duelists school has....stated their insurrection or independence, or a Syndicate...this morning" Ian: "Lovely....I'll be there soon, thank you Miss Debbie." Lizzie Potgieter crosses her arms and has a mixed expression on her face. Your car twists back into the city proper, toward the townhouses and offices of the higher quarter, the shiny copper rooftops and glass windows catching the afternoon light. Elysia Lucchesi: "Odd..." Ian signs off politely, pondering quietly as he looks out over the city Adelaide Valerian opens the circut and considers a moment. "Any thoughts for what is stirring people up so much? Most of those dueling clubs are boys in nose guards trying to earn a scar. Not exactly revolutionaries." The radio clicks off without preamble Rolling 3d6 = 7v10 Ian: "There's enough...firm opinions....left in this city that it wouldn't take much for people to take up arms. Clearly, someone is using that to their advantage." "What worries me is that this may be enough for a firmer hand to come down." Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't those duelling and fencing clubs where all the nobles, well-to-dos, and upstarts go?” Elysia Lucchesi: "The cultists wield extraordinary powers, and history itself is changing in front of our eyes." Lizzie Potgieter: “If they're all Romangans with a history like Miss Lucchesi… seems like a good place to find partners for a rebellion.” Adelaide Valerian: "Partly, but they are also just very popular. In a survey five years ago 3 out of 5 young men had either been part of or were part of a group that taught fencing. It's something of a national sport." Ian: "Aye. With no active wars happening, those of a certain mindset are going to have places they gather." Adelaide Valerian: "Especially in Romanga." She says thoughtfully. "It might be like coffee shops. Hotbeds of revolution simply because it's where people gather sober." Ian smiles at that Elysia Lucchesi: "What do you intend to do?" Ian: "No greater danger to the rule of the land than the humble coffee bean" Lizzie Potgieter ponders. “Ah, so it ain't like in Gallicia where bour— …middle class boys go to pretend to be aristocrats?” Ian: "Well, first thing will be to see the scope of this uprising tide. Seems suspect that this is happening along side the cult's resurgence." Ken (GM): [Hungarian coffee shops, Romangan Fencing clubs. The true parallells of history] Elysia Lucchesi: "Divide and conquer. And it's also harder for us to move and act if chaos fills the streets." Ian nods Elysia Lucchesi: "While I support independence, I can't help but feel the timing and scope are all wrong." Ian: "That exactly." Adelaide Valerian nods. "It would be a fun problem to tackle if it wasn't for everything else. Under cover at a dueling club could be a pleasant change of pace from the horrors." She says as she drives. Elysia Lucchesi: "What good is a Romanga who trades an oppressive ruler for a demonic one that offers them false promises?" Ian: "Furthermore, I do worry about a kneejerk reaction from our current...benevolent...rulers." Ian smirks at the phrase Elysia Lucchesi: "...And if it's as bad as I think it is, the cultists will be effectively using all the pro-independence Romangans as shields." Adelaide Valerian: "Let's hope we can stop this before it gets to that then." Ian harumphs cautiously Elysia Lucchesi offers him a lozenge Ian gladly takes the honey and mint candy The Aircar descends into the High Quarter through reaching eaves and swooping crenelations; the area a restored grand opulence of the past, coupled with tthe modern fashions of reconstruciton after the First Purge by the Inquisition. The embassy itself a fine building grafted to a utilitarian one, with the secure landing pad for the Aircar on the squat concrete area marked out for you clearly The groundcrew and serving staff only raise concerned eyebrows to Master Ian on his arrival, at the state of the transport he arrives in Lizzie Potgieter isn't quite sure what to say or what to think of the situation, so she just follows along for the time being. Ian: "Let me show you ladies around." Adelaide Valerian climbs from the aircar and checks herself in the mirror to make sure she isn't smudged by broken glass, blood or dwarf exploded bits. While the brocade and decoration of the building seems to make traditional sweeping gestures to the Empire, the inside of the office is a simple and elegant office of organized clerks and officiants of the Diplomats retinue. A well oiled machine of staffers facilitating noble requests and Imperial decrees, and housing Master Ians offices in a nice corner suite with a view of the eternally misty streets below Ian shows the ladies around, makes introductions to the lower staffers, then finds Miss Debbie, his office admin and brings everyone into the big conference room after taking a moment to hang up his cloak Adelaide Valerian catches Lizzie but gently. A little alcohol on a hankerchif used to gently wipe her cheek and neck. Discreetly putting the bloodstained rag away after. Miss Debbie is your usual matronly type, but sharp as a whip with her staffers, who orbit her in groups at task with their paperwork. A flurry of calls ring out near constantly with the sounds of perfectly placating voices on this end in response. The place is a hulabaloo wearing her Sunday dress, small shards of glass twinkling in the fabric, blood staining its hem. Her duffel bag on her back. She's resigned to it, and gives the staff a friendly smile and greeting. Lizzie Potgieter quietly thanks Adelaide. MissDebbie: "Master Ian, by the Three, so glad you're safe and sound!" Ian: "Always safe. Rarely sound. My apologies, it's been a very interesting week, Miss." MissDebbie: "These are the officers of the OAR youve been coordinating with, Sir?" "The primary copies of the letters are in the conference room sir, for your perusal. I dont like the stink of this, one bit sir." Ian pours coffee for himself, adding a few cubes of sugar but keeping it black. Ian introduces her to the ladies and nods Adelaide Valerian steals a roll of tape and rolls some out, inverting it to create a sticky side out roll around her hand as an impromptu lint brush. Patting down Lizzie's dress lightly to remove glass as she inclines her head to the woman politely. Ian: "We've been on the tail of a bit of a conspiracy, and it looks like you've been seeing the other side of it." Lizzie Potgieter blushes but smiles, appreciating Adelaide's care and help. Lizzie Potgieter: “Are they already fighting?” Miss Debbie rolls her eyes in a 'good lord what a day' kind of way, and gets you settled in Ian's office with the work. The Clerks about you remain in a flurry Ian: The first thing Ian's going to do is see the numbers involved. Do we have a peppering of edgy youth or a true Arab Spring Uprising here? Elysia Lucchesi: "A what?" Adelaide Valerian winks to Lizzie and walks into the office as things stir in the office. She helps, as needed, with collating information comeing in and trying to give Ian the picture he needs. P.P. A.: Aren't the CIA? MissDebbie: "The city watch reports things have been quite civil so far, but the whole situation is getting hotter. The Watch Master made the threat of invoking the Right of Oversight from the Iquisition proper, but so far, they got the addresses of all those clubs? Should be pretty easy to shut 'em down, 'specially if they're just usin' swords.” Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't they got the addresses of all those clubs? Should be pretty easy to shut 'em down, 'specially if they're just usin' swords.” Ian: "I think we need to visit a few of these locations and find who's been stirring the pot, so to speak." Elysia Lucchesi is more skilled at sneaking around than politics, so she just kind of stands in a corner trying not get in the way. At Lizzies suggesiton, a map of the city is located, being worke don by several clerks nearby. They have laid out the events of the day with pin-points, and started demonstrating just such information for you Ken (GM): haha Adelaide Valerian: "I don't mind the idea, but I'd still like to store the Relic before we do other things." She says softly to Ian. "Then.. new clothes. Something to go unremarked in a club." Ken (GM): oh thats right, Ian sending out for a change of clothes for some folks? Lizzie Potgieter: “Is it a good idea to get involved in this…? I mean, ain't y'all—” she catches herself before revealing that the others are, in fact, all complicit in treason. “…I mean, it wouldn't do good to get caught up in all that is what I'm sayin'.” “Unless there's a lead there to those cultists.” Adelaide Valerian marks things on a map and frown. "There's a worrying pattern. Minor noble houses of Romangan tradtionists are linked to the clubs that are hotbeds, and each of them is on property.. either these old estates or club buildings on grounds. These places aren't fortresses, but it wouden't take much work to barracade them and make them hard points. Maybe it's nothing, but it seems worrying." Adelaide Valerian plots the locations on the map for Ian. Adelaide Valerian nods to Lizzie. "I do have other commitments, that's true, but Ian's helped me at risk to himself. If it's important to him I'll do what I can." Ian: "I think that it would be foolish to ignore the cult's activity and this happening the same week," "There's no way so many 'bleeding hearts' have started pumping blood all on their own at the same time." "We should visit one of the clubs as soon as possible and determine if they were inspired by someone or something happening through their doors." Adelaide Valerian: "You want to go in quietly or officially? We might get more information as a sympathetic ear then in uniform." Elysia Lucchesi: "I can handle quietly." Adelaide notices something in the paperwork... Ian: "Quietly. I simply want to remind rebellious hearts that painting a target on themselves is unwise, and there is a fine line between freedom fighting and true lunacy." Adelaide Valerian: "Bleeding heart seems to be a repeated metaphore in here. Over and over.. bloody hearts, red hearts. Bleeding hearts.." She highlights the mentions and spreads them out on the table. Ian harumphs angrily Ian: "Seems subtlety is lost on this generation." Elysia Lucchesi flings him another lozenge Ian: [catches it mid-air like a trained puppy] Lizzie Potgieter meanwhile asks the staff for a room where she can change. Adelaide Valerian: "We could have a common author. There's a common ancestor, at least, to these ideas. A 'grandfather' that started this movement and liked that metaphore Miss Debbie sees the state of Lizzie's fine clothes and takes a moment to guide her to her own office to change. "Oh le tme know if you need anything dear, ill have it sent for " Ian: "Yes, I suspect we may learn a name or two if we ask around" Joush M.: Is there a common uniform of these clubs? Like a dueling mask, chest guard and blade? Ian checks into it Joush M.: Well, not uniform, but a look you'd have if you went there? Lizzie Potgieter still has two changes of clothes in her bag, and for the time being changes back into kakhi shirt, boots, and hat, this time with a blue overall rather than her skirt i case there's a lot of mobility needed later. The office remains abuzz; the letters began to appear this morning, but flooded in en masse after morning services concluded in the Grand City. Many of the martial institutions taking advantage of worship today, and some local congregations of Bellator worshipers declaring their church now sacred romangan grounds... Ian: "Some of the clubs run with old timey military code, but I suspect it's less in the uniform," Lizzie Potgieter asks Miss Debbie if she knows a good tailor who can fix the dress. Ian scans over the reports as they come in, brow increasing its creases (To GM): Lizzie blushes a bit. “I'm from the countryside, y'know; don't want these to get ruined even worse.” (To GM): “Might also be better to not look like those noble rebels if we're there and the police shows up too.” (To GM): Lizzie beams with gratitude. “Thanks so much!” Lizzie Potgieter comes back out dressed for action, fanny pack around her waist, holster barely concealed under her loose shirt. “So, we going?” P.P. A.: (black shirt < overalls < holster < loose khaki shirt, for the record) *loose/open Ken (GM): [noted; gun strapped and capped, but still, its a Zlock, its obvious] P.P. A.: Yeah It wouldn't jump out on the first look but on the second The office noise level dips sharply, and you each notice it. The flurry of calls remaining unanswered for a moment, while Miss Debbie approaches your conference room ashen faced, and with another Letter of some kind in her hands. She appears, to offer it to Ian, with a grave look. Elysia Lucchesi: "I have some other possible leads to check out. Stuff only my...father would also know." "Sir, you should see this" Ian takes the letter and opens it Ian: "What fresh hell is it now?" P.P. A.: “Stay safe out there,” she acknowledges Elysia and tips her hat her way. Adelaide Valerian gets dressed too. considering a moment the choice between dressing as a duelist and a sword bunny, she sighs and grabs a tight sweater and pencil skirt with dark stockings and shiny shoes, a chunky handbag. She pauses as she returns, frowning at the grim mood. Something's wrong. "Penned by the Hand of the Bleeding Hearts of Romanga, seeking the independance of the State from Imperial Opressors, we stake claim to the attack on the Bells Estate on this morning, the Holy day of Vitrus" Lizzie Potgieter: ”Awkward.” Ian sits down in his chair, looking over the paper in his hand "Our brothers and sisters of the Grand City will no longer remain the vassals of a tresspassing force of zealots and heretics, firebrands and malcontents. Ours is a noble line of heritage, staking claim to this isle, shattered as it may be on the winds of change in a world gone mad with power hungry warmongers" P.P. A.: (actually, if the letter is in Romangan rather than Gallician, Lizzie can't read any of it :DDDD so retcon that comment) Elysia Lucchesi takes advantage of the letter's arrival to slip out of the building Lizzie Potgieter: “What's it say?” "This missive has been duplicated, and sent to the offices of the unjust Empire of Galicia, the Diplomatic lackey of their same house, and the free press news sources about the Grand City of romanga" Ian laughs and puts down the letter, then spends a moment rubbing his temples Lizzie Potgieter: “Stay safe out there,” Lizzie acknowledged Elysia and tipped her hat her way. "Arise! Throw off your Masks, oh great Duchy, oh great Despotate! Bring back the glories of the independant Kingdom of Romanga!" Adelaide Valerian: "Throwing off your mask in Venito could get you a respiratory disease." Ian: "We've got a few hours before all hell breaks loose." "Miss Debbie...please send non-essential staff home. Make sure the cars are checked." Ian stands and looks out of the window Lizzie Potgieter also looks out of the window to gauge the traffic. P.P. A.: car and foot traffic Lizzie Potgieter also takes a look at the map to see where the marked targets are—wider avenues or behind smaller alleys? The city about you is cast in stark cold light, as afternoon wanes on. In the distance, though the stark wind, chimney smoke is pushed aside effortlessly, but thicker plumes come up from the distance in small bunches. Perhaps more nefarious sources....hopefully Ian turns to the group Ken (GM): *hopefully not ree typos Ian: "I would have thought this day would have brought me more happiness...but I can't believe this is anything more than a distraction. Bigger things are at play here." Adelaide Valerian: "Someone is pulling the strings. With more time and information we could find them. Stop the person stirring this up.." Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't they all ready to go already? If they're all their own little groups, I dunno if we could find a leader who could tell 'em all to stop.” “Especially if it looks like we forced him, which we'd have done then.” Ian: "Announcing the revolution so openly....I don't think there's any way to un-do what has been done. My immediate concern is that this is an invitation to bring down martial law on the isle." "With enough people up in arms, it will be chaos, regardless of who ends up quelling who." The office begins to quiet as Miss Debbie does as Ian advises, and gets all non-essentials out to their homes and away from the building. The phones quiet as the switchboard is rerouted, and the obvious din of the room leaves you in a mosoleum like quiet (by comparison) Adelaide Valerian nods. "I'm not really worried about the revolution. I'm worried about who put this in motion and why. It's likely some plot by a cultist with a very dark aim, given the timeing." Ian nods at that Ian: "Exactly. I fear the cultists have seen an opportunity to use the bleeding hearts as sacrificial lambs in whatever power play they are working on." Lizzie Potgieter shudders. “Maybe it's some wird kinda blood sacrifice?” Ian 's face sours at that Ian: "I hate that you may be right, Lizzie." "Who knows what kind of terrible magic could be inacted on the back of a revolution, failed or righteous as it is." Lizzie Potgieter: “Me too.” Adelaide Valerian frowns thoughtfully. "So many leads to chase. I'm not sure if we should stay with this or try to get to the SBI facility at the sludgeworks. They might be running a damn factory for these touchstones." Ian: "We have a few hours before any official response from the empire occurs. From there, we'll see how deeply in shit we'll have to wade." Ian sighs Ian: "I suppose my office will have to make a statement...." Lizzie Potgieter: “So we go and pick one of those ringleaders and squeeze 'em to learn who made this happen?” Ian: "Swinging by the SBI facility might still be our best use of time...is there any of these clubs near the Sludgeworks? Checking the board; the majority of the rebel houses appear to be limited to the Upper city. None of them are in the Lower or near the sludgeworks Adelaide Valerian: "It's out of the way, but I understand. If we drive fast we can cross the city pretty quickly." Lizzie Potgieter IS WORRIED Ken (GM): [whispers intensify :P] [such whispers] Ian: "Then let's make sure we know what kind of shit storm is happening before it crashes down on us. SBI first. Miss Debbie, please reach out to one of the fencing clubs and see if any are willing to have visitors. Make sure you stress our office exists to support our countrymen above all else." Miss Debbie does her due diligence Ian: "And for the love of all that is good...make sure the doors are locked and anyone comfortable to do so is armed. I will not have my embassy on anyone's list of executions." Miss Debbie nods, and double-checks her sawed off shotgun at her desk is primed with 00 Buck Adelaide Valerian nods in approval at that. Ian: "Shall we?" Lizzie Potgieter nods confidently. "Sir one last thing before you go?" A mail clerk stops by, a stack of letters distributed about the office "We have your chess game postcard here sir" Adelaide Valerian nods and heads for the door, but pauses at the man's request. Ian nods and takes the card The man passe sit to him, tips his hat to the lady, and winks at Lizzie, and heads out dropping off mail at desks as he goes Lizzie Potgieter returns a polite smile, but heads for the door. “Playing chess by mail?” she asks Ian. Ian: "Well, checkers by mail was too confusing." Ian chuckles Adelaide Valerian is 100% sure that's a code, but politely dosn't ask. Ken (GM): hahaha Adelaide Valerian heads back to the aircar to spin it up and get ready for a trip Ian: "Seems like I've got a meeting request. Might be related to all of this insanity. Do you ladies mind giving me a lift?" Adelaide Valerian shakes her head. "Not at all." Lizzie Potgieter vaguely remembers chess moves being described with letters and numbers, maybe or maybe not remembering that the chess board can be labelled with coordinates. She assumes that's how you'd play chess by mail. A very slow game. Rolling 3d6 = 16 P.P. A.: we'll take the 16 You tuck in and get to the Aircar; Ian gets you directions to a pub not far away in a posh and comfy looking end of the neighborhood. Despite the cold and the atmosphere of chaos, people still manage to nod happy greetings and such. Adelaide even parks in a good spot without incident P.P. A.: Let's see how much this car can take Ken (GM): Ian: "The chess moves are just a not-so-subtle way for me to stay in contact with the more...active...members of the Bleeding Hearts. Clearly, they want to touch base with me before all hell breaks loose." 22 damage to car Ian: * Assuming we're in the car now * as it explodes around us Ken (GM): [clandestine speaking in the car is bueno] Ian: "I don't know if it's....polite....to have you ladies join me, but honestly, maybe it's for the best if you do. We're in this together, whatever this is." Adelaide Valerian: "Emergency meeting by your contact. I understand. Slag!" She jerks the yoke and twist the cyclic hard, avoiding an accident by half skill, half luck, then twist them back into the traffic pattern to drive fast. "Got it." Ken (GM): [yeah by the way Lizzie, ians in on this whole revolution power structure] Lizzie Potgieter ponders. “Is it OK if I stay in the car?” Ian: "Of course. In fact, maybe I'll meet with them alone first. If I start screaming then you can come and save my old ass." Lizzie Potgieter: “I honestly don't wanna get involved in that whole revolution business and give that Lucchesi bastard more to blackmail me with.” Lizzie Potgieter nods. “Ja nee.” Ian smiles and fidgets with his cane a bit as they drive The Aircar makes it to the bar quickly, and safely, by the grace of the Gods. A curse of incidents with other moving objects at high speed narrowly avoided by Adeliade. Your destination, for Ians information exchange, is a bar set into the basement level of the place; the smell of dinner meals wafting out on the cold air Ian jumps out and heads in to get the info Ian: He does not stop for tea Ken (GM): GASP Lizzie Potgieter makes sure her shotgun is locked & loaded and listens closely for any screams, shots, or unidentifiable noises that sound like they don't belong in this world. Adelaide Valerian considers a moment. "I'll wait ten then follow you, but stay well away like we aren't together." She promises Ian Ian comes back with an envelope in his pocket, ass still intact, not murdered. Lizzie Potgieter lets out a sigh of relief. Probably with his leftover meal in a to-go wax-paper Adelaide Valerian nods to him and starts the car. "Everything good?" Ian: "Turns out we won't need to go out of our way to meet the leader of this revolution...they want to meet with me at sunset." Lizzie Potgieter: “Why?” Ian: "Not entirely sure." Ian shrugs Lizzie Potgieter looks out onto the sky, looking for the sun. “Do we still got time to go to that SBI place before that?” Ian gives the directions to the meeting/safe-house to our driver....once he's sure the traffic is light enough not to get us all killed by distracting her. Ian: "SBI first. The cloak and daggery can wait until sunset." Adelaide Valerian nods and heads for The Sludgeworks Ken (GM): [death by aircar, the new meta] but GM aside here sunset is imminent, and the safehouse meeting should happen directly. Your excursion to the Sludgeworks looking for the SBI base should likely happen after Adelaide Valerian: Ah! Gotcha Ken (GM): not to meta anything here, but I was being too vague Adelaide Valerian: Off to the safehouse then Or unsafe house Ian: Okay strike that, reverse that Safehouse Meeting Ken (GM): kek, bien Adelaide Valerian drives Ian to be murdered by his tratorous contact. Ken (GM): sorry, I was playing coy badly there Ian keeps a firm eye on the city as they drive, watching if the fires start to come closer The Grand City is wrapped in a cold wind as night approaches, and the Western sky is set to a bloody red as you make for your clandestine meeting. West lies the Empire, Galicia in full, and a certain cosmic irony hangs in the air as that land is ablaze in the setting sunlight. Your aircar makes for the address; a building in a more downturned section of the city, an abandoned hotel seen better days, in a sparsely occupied section of the city, one marked by the Inquisitions most fiery days... Adeliade gets the car parked out of the way and in easy reach, as the sky is a furious ruby above you Lizzie Potgieter notes to Ian along the way: “Miss Debbie is a nice woman.” Adelaide Valerian keeps an eye out as they come in, watching for anyone waiting to ambush them and speaking softly. "Good place for a secret meeting. Or an attack." Ian: "She's a phenomenal woman. I'd say I'm worried for her safety but I'd suspect I should be more worried for anyone attacking the embassy." You make your way inside the place, a hotel burned out halfway, the interior a shambles, and to the stair of the second floor landing. around you, gaping half-boarded windows, and brands of the inquisition from years past, mark the place as empty and haunting. The red sundown light bleeding in from all corners in the creaking empty husk of a place Lizzie Potgieter giggles. “Things are gonna be fine then.” Ian: "Well then. What a cozy place..." Lizzie Potgieter puts on a more serious mien and has her shotgun out, safety off, stock unfolded. Adelaide Valerian moves carefully, feeling slightly silly in the outfit she'd picked for seduction as she makes her careful way though the half ruined building. The bloody sunset provideing enough light to make their way inside. Lizzie Potgieter carefully eyes the area. Ian: "Let me go in first. Keep the guns out of sight, but couldn't hurt to be ready." On the second floor, accross the gaping hole of the old ruin of the building, is a figure who steps out of shadow, also armed like you all but hands up in a sign of peace (To GM): Lizzie's eyes and the muzzle of her shotgun follow that path keenly. Ian shrugs He is wearing a familiar red beret Ian: "Nevermind." "Evening." Adelaide Valerian lets Ian talk first. It's his show and she steps back to put him in charge. (To GM): nevermind I guess Lizzie Potgieter lowers her gun as well, but still holds it firmly. She doesn't have much to say or really cares, so she also just lets Ian talk—not taking her eye off the man though. Lizzie Potgieter also makes sure she's close to cover. Dropping out from the shadowy ceiling to the meeting is another figure cloaked and masked as the Phantom Ian waits politely for introductions, trying not to give away that he might be impressed by the shadowy cloakyness Phantom Thief: "So you're here. More blood for the Bleeding Hearts of Romanga? I guess we'll find out where your true loyalties lie." Ian raises an eyebrow at that Ian: "If you'd like to skip the insults to one's honour, I thought this was an urgent meeting, and wouldn't mind getting to the point." The Red Beret scoffs, and looks through the room to the Phantom, and to you three. "To imagine, we were at such odds this morning...and now?" He spreads his hands to the ruin around you Adelaide Valerian slowly blinks at the phantom thief. "Oh. Hello." RedBeret: "I was called to this meeting too, by the Phantom" *he cocks an eyebrow to the corner Ian rests on his cane Lizzie Potgieter notes the thief's presence, and that she's a woman. She stays put for now. RedBeret: "You brought these interlopers here? They nearly botched our work this morning!" Phantom Thief: "Relax. While they might be rough on the edges, they are no allies to the Oppressors." The man nods to that, and tips his chin in Adelaides direction "Yeah, that one there put down Kurgdzt with a fury I havent seen outside the Inquisitors..." RedBeret: "So you might have apoint..." Lizzie Potgieter looks over to Adelaide with a puzzled look, not sure if that's true or not. P.P. A.: (Them not being allies to the Oppressors.) Ken (GM): [yeah you were there for the put down, took me a sec to catch up] Adelaide Valerian curtsies, touching the cute pencil skirt and bowing her head. "I'd have made a poor inquisitor. I don't make people suffer." Ian harumphs at that....at pops a lozenge Adelaide Valerian: If there's anything that you can say for her treatment of Kurdzt, it's that it was relativly painless. Or at least fast. P.P. A.: (No, she's not 100% sure who the actual oppressors are, and which of their three layers of official and inofficial allegiances make them allies to whom) Ken (GM): [kek] Phantom Thief: "Now, to business." Ian: "Yes, please." P.P. A.: >lights out Ken (GM): [whew just realized lighting is a thing] P.P. A.: in b4 the building gets surrounded Ken (GM): [:P] Ian: [yay! Now we can't see the ambush about to happen!] Ken (GM): [:P:P] [everyone can see correctly, right? in the building, with walls in the places? P.P. A.: [yes] Ian: [yeah, looks good] Adelaide Valerian can see out some windows/cracks, but it looks good. Phantom Thief: "I understand that Romanga has been crying out for many a year now, for liberation from the shackles of oppression. And that now may be a time to strike back." RedBeret: "Ah good. We had hoped the shining star of the revolution would join us now, in our time" The man relaxes, a broad self-sure smile on his face Ian says nothing yet, regarding both the phantom and Mr Beret with a steely eye Lizzie Potgieter does likewise. Phantom Thief: "Indeed. But I must know the source of what has accelerated the clock so sharply. I pride myself on my connections, but even this is something I never saw coming." Adelaide Valerian: "There are darker things in the night then your revolution. There are people, a cult, looking to do terreble things to bring about a dark god." The man in the Red Beret takes pause. His smile and optimism...gone P.P. A.: now he knows that we know Ian: "Yes...this happy uprising seems to be happening at a most suspect time. I was going to ask if you knew who was behind this sudden push." P.P. A.: (although I guess Lizzie already mentioned the cult at the Dwarf's manor) RedBeret: "Phantom, these newcomers give me pause. I suspected we were meeting now, from the revelations at our meeting this morning? These three "" Phantom Thief: "Is that so?" RedBeret: "I was there! I swear it! The girl, Elysia Lucchesi spoke the name herself! She is the missing heir to the throne!" The man speaks with a kind of heated conviction, and you see his intense eyes fix on the Phantom as his hands gesticulate his excitement. His gun bobs on it's lanyard Phantom Thief: "It's hard to believe that a single person could spark such energy in but a single day." Lizzie Potgieter continues to observe quietly until it becomes obvious if anyone needs to be shot, and who needs to be shot. Adelaide Valerian: "But is it wise to move ahead when things are already so chaotic? You create shadows and space for evil men to work their dark designs, Sir." RedBeret: "We have been poised for weeks, and only just dared to take swift justice upon the cursed dwarf! But fortune rests on us now! Our preparations have come to fruition! You are with us, and with the support of the rebel houses, and the insiders with Brightrock castle!" "We cannot lose!" Phantom Thief: "For weeks, huh? How was I not briefed on this?" Ian nods at that Ian: "I know I am far from the highest rungs on the ladder, but today was quite a surprise." Lizzie Potgieter still doesn't understand the web of relations here, but figures as much that this whole thing was a rushjob. Ian: "Who pulled the proverbial trigger?" The man gathers himself up proudly, and presses a fist to his chest "My inner circle disseminated the plan, and struck while the iron was hot." but her turns to the Phantom with a sidelong look Lizzie Potgieter asks Adelaide: “So the cult wasn't behind any of this?” Ian relaxes a bit, daring to hope RedBeret: "I know nothing of a cult, girl. Our inside sources, our assitance from those on the inside of the machine, have been the true workers of the revolution." "Doctor Cornelius has been instrumental in the casue" Lizzie Potgieter scratches her head. Phantom Thief points to Ian. "I believe he knows something about Doctor Cornelius and the Heir." Phantom Thief launches a wire-hook on Red Beret to get him tied up. The man steps forward, leaning both hands on the railing in interest PHOONT Adelaide Valerian is suprised by that but lets it play out. Watching to see what will come of this. Ian steps back, surprised by the sudden hook-shot Lizzie Potgieter looks on with a mixture of confusion and resignation. The Phaontom snaps out a large bore gun, and unloads a thin wire net that explodes around mister Red Beret and entangles him neatly with a mech netting in a moment He sputters in surprise, entangled to the railing totally unawares Phantom Thief: "My gift to you. I'm sure he knows a lot of interesting things about Doctor Cornelius." Lizzie Potgieter whispers to Adelaide and Ian: “So are we supposed to catch her like Lucchesi said, or was that just another kinda lie because she's in on the Bleeding Hearts thing?” The man in the Red Beret struggles against the wire, but it twists tighter as he moves "Bloody Hell! What treachery is this!?" Phantom Thief: "Terribly sorry, Mr Red. But as Romanga's shining star, I can't let your darkness cover the land." Adelaide Valerian: "Cornelius is part of the cult. Neck deep in it, we think, in provideing touchstones created from suffering to power their dark arts." "He didn't give you one, did he?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Is he?” Throughout the room, the red sunlight setting in the West is overshadowed by the Green light that burns out from the man's chest, through his jacket Ian sighs The man in the red beret begins to scream Ian: "And yes, we have our answer." Lizzie Potgieter: “That coulda been what he did to those Dwarves, but the briquette bigshot was a cultist too, right? So why he wanted that guy dead?” Adelaide Valerian pulls her gun Phantom Thief: "You'll need him alive, right? Let's pry that abominable thing out of him." He struggles in a tormented looking pain, as you hear a sizzling in the air. A green plume wafts out from the edges of his clothes, as something begins to drip out from the bottom of his jacket. He makes anguised gurgling noises Ian curses and runs for the man Ian: "I don't think we're going to have time...it seems to want to exit him." Adelaide Valerian runs closer and aims for the man's head. "Right. No reason to make him suffer." Ken (GM): :o Lizzie Potgieter aims at the man from farther away, taking an aim maneuvre until he goes berserk or something emerges. Ian skids to a stop, realizing he's in no position to do much to help the man Ian: "Who else is with the Doctor?" He struggles, staggered off his legs, hanging from the railing by the net that has him entangled. His skin has a bright red, flush from the pain, but also a boiling green light behind the edges as if he is lit from Adelaide snaps of a shot, then a flurry of more, and the man is peppered with large bore holes that spurt green on both sides, entry and exit. His body jerks wildly, trapped as it is against the railing, and the wood shidders and cracks beneath him as he dies. The man's struggled cries die off as he does, and his last words hang in the gunsmoke with him The putrescent bright green boils out of him under high pressure, and an acrid hideous burning smell hits the cool air hotly, sending up steam as his body ejects a bright lime green fluid from his carcass It drips to the wooden floor below and pools at under him in a torrent. The stench is like a physical thing Adelaide Valerian shakes her head. "Poor man. So eager for justice for his people he made a deal with the devil." Brass bell sounds as she opens the gun, pressing the ejector and casting shellcases onto the ground. Reloading. Ian raises a kercheif to his mouth to avoid openly gagging Lizzie Potgieter: “So that Doc Cornelius is involved in all this, huh?” Lizzie Potgieter looks away. Ian: "It seems so...and this all but confirms the revolution's timing is ill." Ian turns to the Phantom Adelaide Valerian swears softly. "Slag.. keep an eye on that. I don't know if it's dead." Ian: "He invited us both here.. I wonder if it was a suggestion from Cornelius as well?" The boddy hisses and bubbles, flesh and clothing and net melting together in a burbling heap...with a blue lump slowly emerging from the middle of it, glowing through the mess 15 Ken (GM): WHEW shit, even with size Lizzie Potgieter:11 (2) pi++ damage unless it dodges Phantom Thief: "Both light and dark are needed to uncover the true form this abyss takes. I will continue supporting you from the shadows..." The gunshot rings out, barely larger than Adelaides fusillade, and the blue disk is struck hard with a CRACK of shatterd stone. Some bright green power flashes and dies in the blow, and the sizzling in the air stops quiet too. Ian waits for the shot to stop echoing then nods Phantom Thief suddenly bursts into action and leaps out the nearby window Ian sighs, feeling his old bones creak just watching the young woman ninja her way out Phantom Thief flees into the night Ian: "Well, that was....enlightening." Lizzie Potgieter: “Is it?” Ian nods at Lizzie Ian: "We have a firm target now. This Doctor is playing the Bleeding Hearts for whatever ends, and the Cultists are no doubt about to reap the benefit." Adelaide Valerian blinks in shock at the exit.. then considers a moment. Finishing reloading and putting the gun away, she turns to start out. "What a horror.. We need to move fast. Cornelius has to be stopped before his plot to use the rebels gets them all killed." Next Time on Shattered Worlds: Masquerade! Confrontation with Cornelius? or DOOM IN A DARK ROOM?! Lizzie Potgieter: “Or he's playing the cultists too.” FIND OUT NEXT TIME Rosettsara: Thanks for session~ P.P. A.: Thanks for the session Fiss: Ho ho ho! Very cool stuff mang Ken (GM): I MUST DRIVE MY WIFE P.P. A.: though tbh people turning into touchstone goo seems to be becoming a get-out-of-jail card Joush M.: Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): SHE SENDS ME ON THE ERRANDS P.P. A.: to conveniently resolve a situation that has become awkward and intractable Joush M.: That's a hell of a way to get out of an akward conversaion! Fiss: lol Ken (GM): yeah magically Joush M.: "Well, I'm embrassed now, so I'm going to melt into a body horror." Ken (GM): getting out of awkwardness like, through magic Fiss: "Have you ever been in a situation so uncomfortable that you just spontaneously grow an eldrich evil artifact in your own chest and use it to self combust?" You know, that ol chestnut. ;p GO AND DRIVE YOUR WIFE, KEN! With your FOOORRRD Ken (GM): yeah, couldnt possibly be related to the dudes using magic to make a corpse speak a dark prophecy to you when you arrive etc etc :P Joush M.: Good luck! Fiss: And now I have 20 points saved up...do I want to be less old and brittle, or just more of a smartass? P.P. A.: \o Fiss: o/ Ken (GM): \0/ goodness were all gathered WHERE LAST WE LEFT OUR HEROES Ian pokes at the goo pile The vile pustulent leftovers of a man dripped down the broken railing of the clandestine meeting room, and he was no longer recognizable as the agent of the Bleeding Hearts you once knew as Red Beret The green slime quivers when prodded, and a large slough of flesh slides free from the broken blue disk in the heap The Phantom thief has made a rendezvous and a dynamic exit, leaving you with yet again, more questions than answers. Ian: "We should head out in case this fool told more of the cult we were meeting up." Adelaide Valerian shudders a little. Nodding in agreement and turning to follow Lizzie. "I'll be very glad never to see that again. Poor man." She says of the person she put six rounds into as she heads outside. "What do you think? The Sludgeworks and Cornelius? He's running a damn factory for those touchstones." Lizzie Potgieter nods and heads for the exit. “I wonder about the connection between Doc Cornelius and the Cult now. All the cultists got those Touchstones, but he put them in others too without them wanting to.” Ian: "Distributing them at the least, I'd suspect." Adelaide Valerian: "He could either be a cultist or using them for power and concealment of his research. Either way, he needs to be stopped." P.P. A.: (no idea where the exit is on the map, just move me there) Ken (GM): hahah kk P.P. A.: (the door is probably hidden under the staircase) You scramble out of the mess of gore, and to your Aircar; with haste you take to the sky once again Ian begins to laugh, a thought coming to him that is perhaps a little too meta to share Ken (GM): ruh roh Ian: "You know...I just discovered a way we might win this whole debacle....anyone we meet that has iron to our heads, we just need to let them know we know they have a disk in their chest. The cultists will self destruct instantly." Rosettsara: (Ian makes a good point) Ken (GM): hahah :P this isnt detect magic cube reveals stupidit Lizzie Potgieter: “Is it? Feels that way, ain't it.” Adelaide Valerian: "I'm not sure it was self destruction. He could have been Becoming something else." She warns, remembering the way the touchstone woke as the man died or changed. She drives them though the gathering dusk. The misty city again regains its title as the waning winds of the day give rise to wisps of fog and mist coming from the bay and undercity. The miasmic tinge of the roil visible even now on the thick fog rising as the sun sets in glorious red Ken (GM): [so, whats next?] [youve got most of a charge of power cells, night is descending, and none of you are wearing sunglasses] Ian: "Did we want to check out SBI next?" Lizzie Potgieter nods. “Looks like our best lead.” Lizzie Potgieter: “Anyone got an excuse to meet the doc?” Ian: "Killing him?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't the SBI pretty big here? They ain't gonna let—” she remembers Adelaide's forgeries, and looks at her with a slight smirk. “Nevermind.” Ian: "Oh, I'm sorry, that wasn't very diplomatic....charging him with sedition sounds much more legit." Ken (GM): [hahah, im imagining a certified stamped and approvel license to kill Cornelius now "from the office of Fuck this Guy" Ian: That's my fave office! Rosettsara: (On charges not limited to: Being a smug prick) Ken (GM): kek you met him like, one time and he was sassing off the clerk at a mortuary Adelaide Valerian nods thoughtfully and considers. "Investgative and arrest warrents. I can do that. We will stop a few miniutes to get ready." She drives them to OAR office, risking a stop to get the things they might need. The Air car sweeps along the city, with the quiet chaos that is the descent of night and the rise of the mists. The aircar shudders along, a small hitch in the flight that gives the frame of the vehicle a trembling rumble, but it soldiers on and delivers you to your destination. The O.A.R. Elysia Lucchesi is found leaving the O.A.R. as they arrive. "Oh, that was quick." The men standing at attention at the front gate give you passing nods from behind wrapped scarf masks in the imperial Silver color. Lizzie Potgieter tips her hat. “The Phantom's one of your father's people too, nè?” Lizzie Potgieter doesn't say this in front of the guarts. Ken (GM): [perish the thought] Adelaide Valerian inclines her head to Elysia. "It's good to see you. We just stopped in for some paperwork." Elysia Lucchesi: "Excellent. I've sent out some inquiries of my own, but they will take time to pan out, i'm afraid." Adelaide Valerian: curses the lack of a chance to do the shopping she'd intended today, but instead gets to work creating the documentation they need. Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs 12 Forgery for warrants to inspect and investigate the SBI reprocessor and separate documents permitting them to detain Doc Cornelius. Elysia Lucchesi (Once they're out of earshot) , she answers Lizzie. "Apparently so. I wouldn't put it past him." Adelaide Valerian also fakes some evidence. A letter from the late Kurgdzt to Cornelius about dwarven sacrifices to his research, implicating the Doctor in the death of Kurgdzt son. She writes it in blocky, dwarven looking letters and stains it with cheap wine and a dab of gravy. She seals it in an evidence bag. Ken (GM): hahaha Lizzie Potgieter grumbles, but not directed at Elysia. “Wizards, thieves… Next he's part of the cult himself.” Lizzie Potgieter: “Can we, what'cha call it, ‘requisition’ some bullet-proof vests?” P.P. A.: (ebin) Ken (GM): [we only have our word so far, quick, get me some vellum , a bottle of port, and a roast beef sandwich!] Ian: The evidence is in the Damnwich! Elysia Lucchesi: "Expecting a war, huh?" Adelaide Valerian considers that and looks around, then nods. "Do you have an example of the armory paperwork here, Elysia?" Adelaide Valerian: "I wouden't be suprised if we have to make our point with some of the SBI guards.. or if the Doctor's inner circle perfer death to arrest." "They will be far more dangerous then normal people. Expect them all to have attuned touchstones." Elysia Lucchesi goes to see if such a thing is even fetchable Lizzie Potgieter: “Far as I know, the SBI use guns and not magic swords and glowing circles.” “Maybe magic guns,” she half-jokes uncomfortably. The offices of the OAR teem with activity; the clerks madly still at work despite the hour, the staff not having changed shifts entirely as the evening watch arrived. The hulabaloo of the day being the main entertainment, giving everyone a need to back check their files and bring forth what they can to Melchiore. You step into an organized maelstrom of people, and find you are overlooked almost entirely as you work on your 'evidence' and 'warrants'. Ian will spend a moment to reach out to the Office and see how Mrs Debbie and the crew is Ken (GM): [protip; its half the diplomatic office's fault the OAR is in an uproar :P] Regular contact between the offices; Mrs Debbie is in fact quite glad to hear you checked in Adelaide Valerian takes advantage of the fact that in truth illegality falsifying documents and filling them out in proper legal way looks pretty much exactly the same until someone notices you signing, stamping and sealing things yourself. Adelaide Valerian fills out the armory acesses request and signs it herself so their supervisor isn't bothered by petty details. Adding special priority so they can jump the line if needed. Ken (GM): hah The requisition, being broad in scope but signed in all the right places and stamped with fresh ink, opens the heavy Ironbound Oak door to the armory with only a trifle of raised eyebrows. The guard on duty salutes smartly under his silver cap. "Glad to see something is happening today with all this ruckus. Crack some skulls for me" he sends you through with a wink to get kitted out Ken (GM): so. arming for bear? Ian: [Great, we have to fight BEARS too?] Lizzie Potgieter is going to get a bulletproof vest and poorly hide it under her jacket and a steel helmet, the latter carried under her arm. Adelaide Valerian nods firmly to him and walks inside. Replacing her expended ammo first then considering what else to take. "I'm not acutely very familiar with weapons, beyond my pistol. Is there anything you could suggest?" She ask the others. Elysia Lucchesi shrugs. "I only really know how to operate my own pistol, and I can fence a little." Adelaide Valerian: (Assumeing they have +P .577 Smith-Addams) Lizzie Potgieter: “Shotties are easy to use and hit hard in close quarters, never gone wrong with 'em.” “They're good for huntin' birds too, but I don't s'ppose we're gonna do that tonight.” Elysia Lucchesi: "I don't feel too good being weighed down by armour either. I'll bring what I already have." The basement is stocked like a bank vault for the military; organized rows of ammunition, spare rifles, truncheons and padded riot-gear, and quite a bit of of battered looking but servicable Galician military armor and helmets. Adelaide Valerian takes a Falkenarith Revolver Rifle from the wall and examines it a moment, then collects two boxes of ammunition, one marked SLUGS, 12 GAUGE while the other is marked 00 SHOT, 12 GAUGE. Lizzie Potgieter whistles at the sight. ”Boss.” Lizzie Potgieter also restocks on ammo, only taking as much as she used over the last few days. Ken (GM): you easily find boxes of fresh ammunition for your arms, a helmet for liz that fits (its a bit unpolished but has the deep pointed peak and sallet sides Adelaide Valerian ignores the box of slightly-less lethal rubber puck ammunition, and tilts her head to the side thoughtfully at the incendiary rounds. "These say they are for starting fires at a distance. Would this be of any use?" Lizzie Potgieter thinks back for a second to all the fleshy gooey monsters. “Yes.” Ken (GM): "warning: volatile" Elysia Lucchesi: "A fire can be very helpful. As can its smoke." Ken (GM): "keep away from dependant NPCs" Adelaide Valerian gives Lizzie one of the boxes of 12 gauge incindiary and takes the other herself. Ken (GM): dont blow your hands off Ian looks through the armoury at the rifle section, then decides to look at the pistols instead Elysia Lucchesi fiddles with her rapier and checks the ammunition of her pistol Ian: "I trust you ladies will handle anything requiring a long-gun, but I don't want to be the only one using a sword." Ken (GM): @ian; two sizes; fuckoff .577s and the small elegant Smith Self-loading automatic pistol, 7.75X25mm Lizzie Potgieter carefully (and slowly) reads the instructions, and accordingly puts some of the ammo in her fannypack. She also replaces the third round in her shotgun with an incendiary one—the logic being that if she's still fighting after she's fired two shots, starting a fire is probably the way to go at that point. Elysia Lucchesi just stares at Ian Ian picks up the self loading pistol, deciding it suitably elegant for his tastes. Ken (GM): hahahah Ian looks at Elysia Elysia Lucchesi: "Might want to get your eyes checked." Ian: "Oh, by all means, if they want to play with swords, I'd much rather embarrass them again with our skills." Ian chuckles Adelaide Valerian helps Ian with a leather shoulder holster that ballances the weight of the gun with a pair of magazines in pouches. "Wouldn't want to spoil the lines of your suit with a gunbelt." Outside in the guard check, you hear the guard on duty smartly salute (with the whack of metal gauntlet on helmet) and then his summary dismissal by Melchiore "Go get a coffee soldier, cant have you fall asleep on the job" Ian harumphs appreciatively as he gets fussed over, trying not to let on he's having fun playing with guns again Melchiore Strides into the room with purpose, his boots click-clacking on the old stone floor, and his black suit clinking softly with his golden sash and badge of office on his breast. He stretches his arms, and folds his white gloved hands behind his back, regarding you all with a curious look Ian offers a casual salute as he slides back into his suitcoat Melchiore: "I take it there has been a lead in the case?" Elysia Lucchesi: "Apparently. Perhaps better than the one that got away." Adelaide Valerian nods. "A horror show of them. Several leads lead to Doctor Cornelius at the SBI Reprocessor near the Sludgeworks." Adelaide Valerian: "We plan to serve a warrent for his arrest. We don't expect it to go smoothly." Melchiore Nods, takes a few steps, and peers into a barrel of truncheons Melchiore: "The Duke of Romanga is dead. They found his half charred body in his estate this morning" "The Duchess is missing" Lizzie Potgieter looks at her shotgun and ponders, melancholy in her eyes. Ian: "Oh bloody hell...." Lizzie Potgieter is unfazed by the news because she doesn't know who the current Duke of Romanga is. P.P. A.: “Wasn't that Elysia's father? Or Katie's?” Ian sits down on a nearby crate of 556 and shakes his head Ken (GM): [it was Kurgdzt] Lizzie Potgieter: “What happened to that Lily contact? Didn't she work at his place?” Adelaide Valerian considers a moment. Eyes downcast and taking a slow, deep breath. "Well, yes. He's connected to this. He'd been provideing expermental subjects to the SBI. I don't know how she is connected. She's likely either captured by the cult or part of it as a source of noble blood." Melchiore: "Lily escaped with the rest of the staff; our shutterbug as well. Neither of them breached cover from what I can tell. The Bleeding Hearts have acted...loud and clear today" "I don't understand their motives, whoever these fringe militant elements are. I am glad to know, for certain, you managed to escape the chaos unharmed and uncompromised" Lizzie Potgieter: “So who one of your Bleedin' Hearts in this city?” Ian: "We have firm and real reason to believe that the cultists have a stake in this revolution happening now. Whatever is happening behind the scenes is the real danger." Melchiore smirks at that, and he raises his scarred moustached lip which catches the bare-bulb light down here Adelaide Valerian: "The bleeding hearts, I'm afraid, are infiltrated by the cult. At least one contact had a touchstone that.. well, killed him, when he gave us information." Ian shrugs to Lizzy Lizzie Potgieter stands up to Melchior and glares at him: “If you've got people everywhere and every wizard and thief and stuff is on your side, why we riskin' our lives out there?” Elysia Lucchesi: "You found someone with a touchstone from the bleeding hearts?" Ian: "Yeah. One of the red barrettes we met earlier in the day." Lizzie Potgieter answers Elysia: “Yeah, that terrorist guy from the Dwarf's place, the one with the red beret.” Adelaide Valerian: "Red Beret. He.." She considers, then shakes her head. "He had one." Melchiore: "There is only the one wizard, Miss Lizzie. The fact he is my friend is the sole reason we have use of his Aid." "A man with a Red Beret, and a Touchstone?" Ian: "Well, to his defense, I don't think he was aware he had a Touchstone...." "I would hope not, because the alternative means people are willingly becoming...modifided." *modified even Elysia Lucchesi: "So Red Beret was one of them, huh..." Lizzie Potgieter casts a hateful glare at Melchior and goes back to outfitting herself. Adelaide Valerian takes a breath. "Time to go to work." Elysia Lucchesi: "Sometimes people can be known as 'Utile idiota.' Never even knowing who or what they're even working for. Maybe he was one of them." Melchiore: "Ive given your warrant a look-over, and I'm prepared to overlook the administrative liberties, but tell me, you're certain that Derisius is to blame and needs to be dealt with?" Ian nods, glancing around the room Adelaide Valerian takes a leather bandolier and fills it with shiney brass shells. "No. But I think we need to pull that thread hard." The man smiles broadly at that, his smirk melting into something almost happy Elysia Lucchesi: "Well, I'm coming with you this time. I don't know how much use i'll be, but I can't have you dying and then having to deal with all the paperwork that comes with it." Melchiore: "Good idea Elysia." "And the girl, Kat, is safe with our friend?" Elysia Lucchesi: "So, Father...you fill it out for us." Melchiore rolls his eyes at Elysia's morbid joke Melchiore: "" Elysia Lucchesi: "Danger is what I do best." Ian: [Shattered World: Masqurade OST, stealing from Into the Spiderverse with "What's up Danger" suddenly playing in the background] Ken (GM): [hah] Adelaide Valerian nods to Melchiore on her way out of the room. Melchiore: "Before you go, theres one last bit of news: Are you aware, the Inquisition has made no move today? No response to the declarations, no word on the fire at the Duchy?" Lizzie Potgieter glares bitterly at both of the Lucchesis but says nothing, and follows Adelaide out. Melchiore: "It is very unlike them to act so...conservatively" Elysia Lucchesi: "When one is hesitating, it means they're conflicted." "That alone says enough." Ian: "My office should provide a response before the day is out." Adelaide Valerian: "If they are infiltrated they might be stopped by internal debate. Or combat." Elysia Lucchesi: "Or they're waiting for something or someone..." Melchiore: "All they've broadcast on the channels has been 'we will respond to your inquiry when possible' no matter the station behind the request. Ive spent most of my day filtering noble requests for information through that infuriating phrase" Elysia Lucchesi: "Well, lest we hesitate as well, no point in dwelling on it until it becomes important." Mlechiore: "I assumed some sort of paralysis with Kurgdzt, possibly due to your actions, but to see no guarcd changes with the uprising..." Lizzie Potgieter: “Maybe the Inquisition are Bleeding Hearts too,” said with audible sarcasm. Melchiore: "Perish the though. To think our benefactors were in bed with my greatest...." Ian: "You'd be surprised, Lizzie. I think many would love to see a freed island, for it would mean the Inquisition's hold was loosening." Melchiore: "well, nemesis is too grandiose" Ian: "Ahh, to have a proper Nemesis...isn't that the goal of every politician?" Ian harumps with a grin Adelaide Valerian chuckles. "Move fast and strike hard, lest their confusion turn into organized opposition to our plans. Right?" Melchiore nods to the wise words, and backs out of your way, bowing slightly and scooping his hands to guide you up the stiars Melchiore: "With wisdom and celerity upon your brow, my Bellator guide your sturdy hands" Elysia Lucchesi: "If this goes about as well as I expect, our faces will become quite notorious. Let's at least make that count." Lizzie Potgieter: “Speaking of, won't you be in trouble?” Lizzie asks Elysia. Elysia Lucchesi: "Pardon?" Ian bows his head appreciating the prayer and stands, making sure the lines of his coat and the pistol work together Lizzie Potgieter: “The terrorist said they were risin' up because of Princess Elysia's return, which got 'em all fired up.” Elysia Lucchesi goes pale Ian: [Ken, what pistol stats should I use? GCA still doesn't load that book for me] Elysia Lucchesi: "That's the reason they're riled up...?" Joush M.: It's up in the Discord Ian: [domo] Lizzie Potgieter: “I dunno, he had a Touchstone in him and turned into goo so he probably ain't trustworthy, but that's what he said.” Ian: "I suspect they were planning this before that knowledge became public, but it may have been a triggering point." Lizzie Potgieter: “It'd make sense though.” Melchiore watches this with great interest, and curls a gloved hand round his chin Melchiore: "Their letter said nothing about finding the the Princess" Ian: "They haven't found her, but I suspect word travels fast that she DOES live." "Maybe that was enough." Melchiore: "Perhaps. As you've said though, they appear deeply compromised by the Roi Cornu." Lizzie Potgieter looks to Adelaide: “I forgot, did he mention ‘Elysia Lucchesi’'s name?” Adelaide Valerian shakes her head. "No. That's still a secret.. I hope." Lizzie Potgieter nods. Elysia Lucchesi: "Well, if he didn't say that much, it should be fine." Ian: "Ahh, Optimism" Ken (GM): [exunt then, off to the Lower city and the Sludgeworks?] Elysia Lucchesi: (Indeed) Joush M.: Yep! P.P. A.: (yup) Lizzie Potgieter is rather quiet in the car, until she turns to Elysia: “Please be honest: are you just keepin' an eye on us for your dad?” You lock and load, give Melchiorea nod, and head up to the Aircar. The engages with a whine and a roar, but starts up all the same. As full night rises and white fog grips the city, you make your way down to the stench of the city, and the SBI sludgeworks Elysia Lucchesi: "No. I have my own reasons for being with you guys." Adelaide Valerian ask as she drives. "Who wants to play good cop and do the talking?" Ian: "Unless anyone wants a turn, I never mind a good introduction with an intent to serve paperwork." Lizzie Potgieter doesn't seem quire satisfied with the answer: “And those are?” Elysia Lucchesi: "You're the only ones who seem willing to get to the bottom of what's going on in Romanga." Adelaide Valerian nods. "I'll do my best to stand beside you like an attentive secretary then, Ian. Let's keep things sanguine." Elysia Lucchesi: "That man raised me, but still kept my true parentage a secret from me for quite some time. And I only found out about Kat at the same time you brought her in. I don't even know who his contacts are, or if there are other family members he has in hiding. I'm not about to go out doing his dirty work for him by spying on you." Lizzie Potgieter nods and manages to smile again, however faintly but genuinely. “Alright; I'm glad.” Elysia Lucchesi: "Shall Lizzie and I be your backup when things go loud?" Adelaide Valerian: "Let's all stick together. Four is about right for an inspection." Lizzie Potgieter: “I've learned a lot that I could use to blackmail him back—like his connections with the rebels and that wizard, or you being the princess. But you shared that secret with us, and I ain't gonna disappoint that kinda trust, or throw…” she sotps herself from saying ’innoccent’: “decent people under the bus, or hold anyone hostage.” “I ain't got your back but I ain't gonna put a knife in it either.” She scratches her head awkwardly. “I dunno, I just wanted you to know that.” “I hate that guy, but that's all the more reason not to be like him.” Elysia Lucchesi: "I'm sorry you've gotten caught up in Romangan affairs like this." "Ready to go when you are." Lizzie Potgieter: “Well, the cult's evil and needs to be stopped anyway…” Lizzie Potgieter is ready. Ian: [BONESAW IS ] Foggy night creeps round the city, and the blanket of white grips the Lower quarter in it's clutches. The SBI reprocessor facility juts up it's squat roof, and nearby you see the vague shapes of the Sludgeworks and the workhouses in the mists. The undeniably weird Ætheric glow of green seeps in to the fog like witchlights Lizzie Potgieter has two slugs and an incendiary round in her shotgun, a bulletproof vest under her jacket… and her hat hangs on her back, as it would have looked silly to wear that on top of the helmet. Ken (GM): so, high speed battering ram crash into the side of the building? Adelaide Valerian: "Do you want to land outside the gate or right by the front door?" She ask Ian. Letting him take the lead on this one. Ian: "By the front door unless you spot any anti...ahem...air-car batteries." Ken (GM): hahaha The mists shroud the buildings on your approach; as you are not immediately swept with searchlights.... youre likely not also trained on by AA batteries Lizzie Potgieter puts her badge on her jacket (if it has a pin) Ian: "The less time we give them to prepare the better. We are serving warrants not here for a tour." Adelaide Valerian nods and sets them down, cutting the fans and settleing them onto the ground outside the doors. The aircar slips in on Adelaide's steady hand, the tremble in the engine lowering to an unsteady whine in the background. Once down in the mists proper, you receive a call on the broadband radio channel Ian readies his badge and papers Ken (GM): [the car has not yet landed :P] "Incoming aircar, this is SBI ground control, please signal and guide for landing toward the rear bays? And have your documents ready for inspection on landing" Rolling 3d6 = 11 vs 11 to Not Crash (Pilot countergrav) Elysia Lucchesi: "War it is." "I hope you know what you're doing." Adelaide slips to the squat building, wheels round over the frontage, and puts it down with purpose at the front doors. The radio chirrups with some scattered excited language, but shuts off quickly. There may have been barking? Ian: "Me too" Lizzie Potgieter: “That wise? We got all the needed papers after all.” The mists slice away in front of the squat building, revealing a thin but tall curtain wall, a gatehouse, and the property itself looming in it's concrete magesty. The aircar doesnt clip anything on the way down, and lands in front of the doors in the only pool of light available Adelaide Valerian nods. "Sets the tone when the inspection team isn't interested in talking." Ian nods to Lizzie and Adelaide The car lands with a thwump Lizzie Potgieter nods. “Don't play by your enemy's rules,” August often said. And then is struck by something heavy that rings the car like a small gong, rocking it on it's feet Ian: "I'm willing to play the fuddled old man as well." P.P. A.: *(“” around the whole thing ‘’ within) Ian waits for the car to stop rocking, wondering indeed if perhaps this was a good idea Outside, an amplified voice shouts "Step out of the car! hands up!" Scattered growling yaps chirrup in the air after, like a chorus Ian does so, but has his papers in his hand Ian does his best not to look at all concerned, more of a confused and angry tone Lizzie Potgieter: “ put your hands up! We're O.A.R.,” Lizzie counters. Elysia Lucchesi: "Ah, such coordination." Adelaide Valerian climbs from the car and stands by Ian. Letting him take the lead. Ian: "I have a search and [whatever other terminology we faked] Warrant for immediate access to this facility." Outside the car, the mists cloy to the edges of the world, leaving you alone in the small courtyard of stone and concrete in front of the building. Two small red-skinned uniformed kobolds stand at attention with guns half raised, Nearby a man in a suit of powered armor brandishes something like a rifle, with a long cable dangling out of it toward your car. Lizzie Potgieter has her hands on her weapon and doesn't come forth from the car yet, staying behind it as cover. …in a way that doesn't place Elysia in the line of fire. Ian does not advance, but he waits expectantly, with the papers fluttering in his hand Ian: [cool idea, though, tag any potentially hostile cars with a TOW system] Lizzie Potgieter has the door open but still half-sits in her seat, ready to duck for cover and her weapon concealed from the SBI mech on her right side. Adelaide Valerian: "You are bound by law to stand down and do nothing to obstruct the course of our duties, pursuant to your operating charter and local law." The kobolds chirrup and click at each other, and then the mech-suit barks "SILENCE" and steps closer. A steel helm obscures his face, but a glass visor slit shows movement and dim light of a face inside Mech: "Who the hell do you think you are landing here!? Hands up where we can see them!" The mechsuit bellows with a megaphone voice; the kobolds at the gate tremble and lean away from it as it shouts over your own voices Ian: [I've been trying not to do the creepy laughing "DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY!" thing from the 80's movie but this might be a good time to use it lol] Elysia Lucchesi: (Do it) Ian takes a careful step towards the mech, arms and papers raised Ian: "To be perfectly clear, we are not here for a guided tour. If you have a problem with our parking job, you can take it up with the OAR office." The mechsuit takes a reactive step aside, brandishing the harpoon gun and it's trailing cable, ineffectively. The suit points at you and the voice barks again Lizzie Potgieter is in All-Out Defense (Dodge) mode. Mech: "Stop! Hold it right there!" Ian stops and holds Ian: "Are you going to continue to play soldier or are you going to verify my diplomatic immunity and let me get on with my job today, sonny?" round the corner, another suit stomps up halting a short run, the man's bare-head wild eyed and excited, a maus-autogun in his hand OtherMech: "Saunderson! Stop this instant! Check his papers" Ian mouths "Saunderson" as if making a point to remember it openly The first mech stops, and taps the side of this helmet with his hand. He unlatches his face-mask and the youngish cherubian face of a man with little training and much bravado appears Ian: "If you'd like us to come back with the military to enforce this warrant, please, let me know so I can make the appropriate calls." Saunderson: " "Wait, what was that?" Ian is secretly wondering if letting them boss them around and parking in the back would have been faster The kobolds sweep the courtyard with their comically large blocky guns, between the mechsuits Saunderson: "Mikkles, what the hell? Who are these guys?" Mikkles: "Thats the Adelaide Valerian: "Should I summon the national police now, Sir? We can have them establish a parameter and detain the SBI security detail. Of course, if any evidence is destroyed by the people inside during the delay poor Officer Sandierson may be charged." Saunderson steps up quickly in his suit, and leans in to look at the gold and silver seal on Ian's paperwork he's brandishing. He pales when he sees the OAR office badge Daunderson: "Bloody hell" Ian: "I am ambassador Ian Timmings on special request of the O.A.R. Office here to execute a warrant. And if it's all the same to you, I'm an old man, and would like to put my arms down now." Mikkles: "Bloody hell is right mate, go ahead sir, at ease" Ian does so and smiles politely at Mikkles, offering the papers to him to inspect The SBI offices wave down the guns from the kobolds, who relent with hissing clicks like deflating ballons with submachine guns. Saunderson looks aghast, and then realizes hes holding a harpoon gun latched to the car. Ian: "I hope you understand that due to the nature of our arrival that we are in control of the time-table here. If there are any objections I would like to know now, so my team is not threatened needlessly again." Mikkles: "Welcome, officers, to the SBI reprocessing facility, also locally known as the Sludgeworks. Please, accept my apologies and Saunderson's, for the surprise" Ian: "You know how these things go, Mikkles, surprise is sometimes the only way things get done in the corporate and government world." The helmetless Mikkles nods his knowing apprehensive assent, and tries to restore order. he hooks his gun on his hip by the lanyard, and takes your papers gingerly n his over-large mechanical hands. Saunderson does his best to look like an idiot, and settles for yanking his harpoon out of your car with a shriek of metal. The kobolds chitter between each other Mikkles: "So, a warrant for the Arrest and Capture of.... Cornelius?" He says with some surprise Lizzie Potgieter gets up and out of the car at last, hands on her weapon with the muzzle pointed safely towards the floor. She says little and just musters everyone present. Ian: "I'm 'fraid so. Are you able to take us to him now?" Elysia Lucchesi steps out as well, appearing relatively under-equipped compared to everyone else. Adelaide Valerian nods and stands supportively by Ian, watching Sanderson and Mikkles thoughtfully as they stand in the foggy night. Her black mask decorated with white lace and hair pinned neatly up, but a shotgun racked between the aircar seats and her eyes bright. The men in armor exchange a look. Saunderson slaps down his helmet visor, and turns away, stepping round the corner, re-cocking his harpoon gun Ian looks between the men, patience dwindling. Mikkles: "Sir, Ma'am, ladies..." "I'm at a loss, but your papers seem to be in order. I would suggest we step inside and defer to the higher authority, who at this moment, would " (From Ken (GM)): dancing in excitement? Ian: "Your kindness to us elderly gents is a boon, good sir." (To GM): no, wrangling with the hexagon grid Mikkles manages a small tired looking laugh at that Ian unhooks his cane from his belt and readies the trek inside Ian: "Then, with your guidance, please, let's go." Adelaide Valerian can't help but smile a touch at Sanderson's retreat, then walks with her 'boss', neat careful steps. Ian nods to the women, hoping that the sudden act of enfeeblement makes sense to them. He leans more on his cane than regularly, and is a few heartbeats slower as he walks than usual Ian: [Patrick Stewart: "ACTING!!"] Mikkles gives the Kobolds short orders to lockdown the entrance and put the base on white alert Alpha. They snap sharp salutes and get on a small telephone set into the wall as the big man directs you inside through the front door you parked your car in Ian: [lol oh shit, we parked ON the front door.... oopsy Elysia Lucchesi quietly follows along Lizzie Potgieter does likewise, keeping an eye on people and the surroundings. The front door of the place is a heavy wooden windowless gateway that unlocks by Mikkles hand with a large key, and groans wetly as it swings into the hallway beyond. The front entrance a long wide hall, simple polished concrete on the floor, and a snakes nest of piping and conduit along the walls. He opens the gateway, steps inside, and gestures for you to follow. He swings a switch on the wall and heavy lights set in the ceiling CHUNK CHUNK into brightness of sterile whit elight. Ahead, you see the cage of an elevator bank, on the far end of the hall Mikkles: "Excuse the mess, the facility is mostly just machinery behind the facade and piping until you get to the labs in the basements. Follow me" A Ian nods and follows Adelaide Valerian: "Do you know much about the labs in the basement?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Thanks for handling this so professionally,” Lizzie compliments the guard with an exhausted smile, relieved by his rational sanity after all the madness of the last few days. Mikkles: "Im not at liberty to speak much on them ma'am, but to be frank, this place give sme the willies. And its not just because of the black meat." Narrow gaps in the walls reveal crawlspaces and thin hallways between the piping and cables into the rest of the building around you. The hiss of steam and glug of sloshing water marks the place as a throbbing active industrial mystery machine Ian says nothing but the heebie jeebies definitely seem to resonate The mechsuit walks with a plodding careful gait, as it seems Mikkles is trying to keep apace of ian who is faking it (as previously stated) Lizzie Potgieter: “Did Cornelius ever, like… operate on you or his staff? ‘Enhancements’ or something like that?” Mikkles: "Hah! No not me, im not a medical volunteer. Hell, Im not even signed off to donate after death with the company." "The doctor definitely does his share of enhancement though. Have you seen his leg? His arm?" Mikkles shudders underneath his armored shell Reaching the far end of the hallway, the bank of elevators lit by stark electric lights, Mikkles rolls open the middle cage, steps inside, and slides a key off his belt into the control box. There is a mechanical DING from the controls Lizzie Potgieter lets out a sigh of relief. “Good.” The man gets a curious look at that response, and pans between each of you. He seems to become more worried with what he sees there Adelaide Valerian: "You understand that you are legally required not to interfere with our work, even if he choses to resist arrest?" She ask Mikkles. Ian: "Come now, I'm sure the director will come along peacefully. The law bends for no man." Mikkles: "Yes Ma'am, er...no ma'am you won't have any problems from me" Elysia Lucchesi looks around as they walk and talk, mentally mapping the place, noting possible escape routes, ambush points. Mikkles: "All aboard, next stop, the private laboratory of Cornelius Derisius..." He manages a weak and impotent chuckle a this own bad joke Adelaide Valerian nods at that. "I trust you to do so. We may see terrible things. here." Ian doesn't say anything but reminds himself that he should speak to the women about 'not leading witnesses' You load into the elevator, and Mikkles steps to the wall and reaches over you to operate the controls. Once the gate it shuttered, and latched, he turns his key and the lights wake up beside the large toggle control. He pulls it down to the bottom ratchet, and the elevator jerks to life, slipping down into the facility below Ian: "What a ...curiously...decorated lab." The elevator hums and slides down on cables with some deliberation. Once it moves slowly down five floors, then continues on past to an area that alights on the controls as "Research control levels" At the bottom, with the [vision adjusted] the elevator doors open to a dimly red-light lit hallway and the distant sound of hissing pipes P.P. A.: now I don't see anything Ken (GM): [fuck you roll20, forgetting token settings] [and lighting settings] P.P. A.: (now everything works) The brass and steel doors open to a concrete floored hallway and stark red emergency lighting. The air is hot and fetid, like old laundry left to rot in the furnace for a summer. Mikkles steps out to the hall and his face drops "Oh shit, why is the floor on lockdown?" Ian: "bloody hell, this is exactly why we wished to arrive unannounced. Who controls the lockdown?" Greasy stains mar the floor and drip tray style grating sets apart the wet smears from the drier dirty concrete. Beside you on both walls, banks of humming machinery thrum with Ætheric battery banks Lizzie Potgieter looks back at him: “Mind if I raise my gun?” Mikkles: "Sorry sir, but its local control. Its not security its...something to do with the research" Adelaide Valerian bites her lip to keep from a wicked reply as she looks into the shadows. Taking her pistol from her coat. "There's danger here." Lizzie Potgieter keeps an eye out towards the ominous red darkness and the dirty floor. Ian: "Alright. Let's continue, see if we can make contact with the Director." Mikkles: "The base is secure above, I'm sure. This is the main exit, aside from the loading halls, and that will be shut up tight as a drum by now" In the middle distance, echoing wickedly, something howls Elysia Lucchesi: "Will be, or should be?" The braying cry undulates and warbles, and ends wetly. Lizzie Potgieter: “I… s'ppose you won't mind.” Ian resists the urge to reveal his sidearm. Mikkles slips round Lizzie, shuffling along the wall as he pulls out his blocky maus autopistol. "Please, everyone, remain calm. Stay behind me and we will... get this done" Ian: "Let's be quick about this." Mikkles: "Whatever that was, Im sure...we will be " Lizzie Potgieter raises her shotgun into the direction of the sound, stock against her shoulder, and slowly advances alongside the guard. Adelaide Valerian: "This is the fate of the vonteers." Ian stays behind a few steps, not tapping his cane anymore as he goes The man hisses a small curse to himself and keeps apace with Lizzie Lizzie Potgieter will match her pace with the man's, staying a little behind him but also urging him forward that way. Ian: [well, at least he seems to be on the same page as us] Mikkles steps up, and leans out to check the hall corner. His eyes darting every which way but his head keeping still and steady Again, from the darkness, echoing ahead, somehting howls and then a rattling hiss follows. Like a massive rattling snake Adelaide Valerian stays with Lizzie and watches for trouble. The darkness stretches out, lit by red emergency bulbs at the far corners of the halls, and the bright white of the elevator behind you. On the wall in front, there is a large steel door on roller track, marked "Control" Rolling 3d6 = 12vNaturalist 9, or Tracking 10, or Veterinary 11 (To GM): or Failure 12 Lizzie Potgieter: “Well whatever came through here, it ain't on the far side of that door anymore,” Lizzie notes, looking at the floor where clawmarks adorn greasy strains in the concrete. “A footprint too, is it?” Adelaide Valerian swallows. "The marks on the floor.. like.. claws." She murmurs softly and nods to Lizzie. Lizzie Potgieter approaches the nearest corridor and sticks to the wall, leaning around the corner to peer down the hallway. Elysia Lucchesi: "I've got your back, old man." Mikkles keeps you to his back, and faces down the dim hall. He slips his key into the socket in the wall and tries the latch. It doesnt budge. He hisses "Damnit" Lizzie Potgieter calls over to Mikkles: “Sir, does this wide corridor lead go in a circle all the way round?” Lizzie Potgieter suddenly turns back around and aims down the hall; nothing happens, and he relaxes a little after a few seconds, still alert. Mikkles: "Yeah, it loops about the three labs. Other door is round the other side." Lizzie Potgieter: “Well there's definitely somethin' here.” “And this means it can come 'round our backs from wherever, these small corridors here too.” BOOM BOOM BOOM the heavy thump of metal on metal echoes from the big door And then a frantic muffled voice Hello?! Are you out there? is that security?!: !" Adelaide Valerian nods to Lizzie and turns to the door, walking back to Ian. Mikkles turns and backs into the wall with his suit, and raps back on the door twice with his metal hand Quiet! don't! *It will hear you*!: u*!" Ken (GM): [pardon my roll20, that looks like a mess] The voice hisses through the thick door, half-shouting and half whispering Adelaide Valerian calls out. "Armed agents! We are here to help and with Officer Mikkles. Open the door." Lizzie Potgieter walks backwards towards the elevator; if they're going to open the door and something comes out, they don't need to get flanked from one of the side corridors. Lizzie Potgieter: “Who are you?” she asks, loud enough to penetrate the door but no louder. The concrete walls of the place echo your voices hollowly, but from the other side, there is muffled excitement, and then a CLANK whirrr from some hidden machinery as the door shudders to life As it slips a gap open, the voice on the other side resolves to a shouting old man "...and another thing! Why can't we have some sort of manageable input into the guard's brains yet? We have the devices to lock them down emotionally and cognitatively!" Lizzie Potgieter aims down the southern corridors, eyeing both the corner of the wide one and the exit of the narrow alley. The door slowly gearing along, revealing the contorl room inside and....several dessicated and deceased looking folks beside Derisius Lizzie Potgieter only glances at what's behind the door from the corner of her eyes. Mikkles: "Sir, finally, these people are here to...escort us...to safety" The man pauses; he was half stuck watching the corridor with Lizzie, but does a wide eyed doubletake as the door fully retracts Ian: "Director Derisius, I presume?" Adelaide Valerian aims the gun at the nearest corpse creature. Cornelius: "FINALLY! Blast these blast doors, they were such a waste of budget!" Lizzie Potgieter: “It's coming!” Lizzie alerts the party, relatively calmly. Cornelius: "Yeeees! Helooo there!" Lizzie Potgieter calmly, but, well, still alert. At Lizzies warning, cornelius goes wide eyed, and dives sideways to the wall near the door, reaching for the controls! Up the hall, something rattles a hiss, and several other voices rattle in answer Elysia Lucchesi: "I guess we're dealing with this now." The strange dessicate dmen beside cornelius move in a lurch, alongside him, with a raspy moan Ian: Does Ian have enough time to move in or are they in the way? Lizzie Potgieter: “A bit timid.” She decides to ignore the doctor for now and to continue aiming down the hallway. And at that moment, the lights go out Ian hisses a curse Ian: "Oh bloody hell..." DUN DUN DUNNNNNN Adelaide Valerian summons her Touchstone light.. Next Week, when Shattered Worlds Returns with the Nightmare Factory of Doctor Cornelius Lizzie Potgieter takes her hands off the barrel and fumbles around to get her flashlight out… next time. Lizzie Potgieter: *hand TUNE IN, TO SEE OUR VALIANT HEROES FIND LIGHTS AND SHOOT WILDLY INTO THE DARKNESS! Ian fiddles with his cane, ready to whak at things that bump in the night Fiss: Heh, really good session man Ken (GM): dohohoho scandalous! P.P. A.: Thanks for the session Rosettsara: Thanks for session~ Ken (GM): yeah, sorry for the hiccups with roll20; it ate a bunch of the map on the ground level hence why things kinda fell into place like that Fiss: Haha, no worries man Adelaide Valerian: it was great! Thanks man Ken (GM): well, apologies in advance when the lighting gets wonky next week but I LOOK FORWARD TO EET POST CHRISTMAS GAME BOXING DAY HOWLERS IN THE DARK Adelaide Valerian: Woo! P.P. A.: \o Fiss: Boxing day! Ken (GM): o7 happy holidays follks! stay saf eout there Fiss: o/ Yeah, stay safe folks! Ken (GM): GASP A FULL HOUSE as I enter the room Fiss: 2021 man. It's a whole new world. Even if it devolves into shit, at least Australia is not actively on fire. (yet) so that's a win already! Ken (GM): we'd just be going round full circle at that point is all settled? all peoples present and accounted? imagination: engaged? Ian Harumphs Rosettsara: Indeed Joush M. is READY. Also, we have soft shadows now? Ken (GM): kek P.P. A.: A bit too engaged after I accidentally shore my sheepgirl in Minecraft, but yes Ken (GM): O.o Where last we left our heroes... The lights had gone dark In the depths of the SBI basement, below the reprocessing center in the Sludgeworks Something growled, and several other hidden voices answered Ian: Ahh, yes, I believe we were about to meet the Imminent Badness Lizzie Potgieter keeps holding her shotgun but with the other hand reaches into her fannypack to get out her flashlight Lizzie Potgieter immediately flicks it on, and moves the hand with the flashlight to support the barrel of her shotgun Many things had happened in quick succession; Doctor Cornelius Derisius had hauled open the control room door, only to immediately leap for the controls to slam them shut, after hearing a cry from Lizzie of the imminent threat. The lights had dropped at that same moment, something clunking in the now-darkness. Hunched and slithering forms slipped free from hiding places out of sight illuminated in greasy tableau by red emergency lights at the end of the hallway Ian draws his sword and readies his cane for filthy casuals to parry TSING The mech-ed up soldier Mikkles clicks something on his suit, and bright light floods from his shoulders Adelaide Valerian: "Lux." She says as she channels a trickle of power from the Touchstone into the runs on the surface. Calling up a vivid glow to light the area around them . "Blast and damn." She mutters, gun in hand as the lights push back the darkness. Lizzie Potgieter: “Looked like some kinda cat-human… monster. Be careful.” Ian: "Lovely, perhaps we can calm it with Pss-pss-pss-pssing" In the depths of the hallway, a shuddering mass slides round the corner, and a chorus of not-word voices rise in a undulating harmonized cry Elysia Lucchesi: "Some of your pets?" Doctor Cornelius scrambles at the controls in his room, hands CLICK CLACKing switches loudly. The motor on the sliding metal door whines to life The strange dessicated looking men shamble to him, lurching in response to his leap, and the moan pathetically Cornelius: "Everyone! quickly! Get in here or die!" he howls, terrified Ian: "Ladies first" Elysia Lucchesi shrugs and steps inside Lizzie Potgieter glances suspiciously at the zombies, wondering if those are really better company than whatever stalks these halls, but appreciates that the mad doctor didn't leave them to die here as it first seemed. Ian: "I assume this is a new-ish development, Sir?" Lizzie Potgieter slowly steps sideways towards the open door, sparing few glances so as to not take her eyes off the corridor. Adelaide Valerian huffs. "Step back!" She commands the dead men that fill the doorway. Cornelius: "The program is out of control, parameters breached! Theyve started self-replicaiton!" Lizzie Potgieter sees hands alight at the edge of her vision and lightcone. Lizzie Potgieter aims hard Adelaide Valerian steps into the room with him, near advancing on the man. "You have a lot to answer for." The door shudders forward, and lurches to movement. It slides closed a foot and begins dragging into the rail Lizzie Potgieter waits until Elysia and Ian are inside. Mikkles: "Sir! these people, they've come to bring you in on charges!...." Ian: without stopping, Ian will try to push his way past some of the creatures to make room "Mikkles! We can bitch about the legalese later!" Lizzie Potgieter: “You come inside too!” The dry-skinned men are jostled, and seem to bounce on rubbery legs, backing away from the press of bodies into the room Lizzie Potgieter doesn't step fully inside but remains on the threshold while the guard remains outside. Would be a stupid rather than heroic death since they'd be trapped inside either way. They seem to shudder and moan slightly, hissing dead air from their gaping toothless mouths Up the hall, under the sweeping light of Lizzie and Mikkles, They advance Ian: (I don't manhandle them, but I do deftly push through them like a man dancing through a crowded mail-room on tax day) (and I will make to flank the 'Good Doctor') The mech armor slips in and he gingerly steps between the ladies as the door rattles and pushes closer to home Adelaide Valerian: "Is there another way into this room?" Lizzie Potgieter doesn't point her gun at the doctor the moment the door is closed, but it rests pointing downward in his direction. Lizzie Potgieter: “Does this place have a self-destruction button? Somethin' to turn it all into a big fireball?” “Not that bein' burned to a crisp finishes these things off for good, nè?” The doctor backs away from the door, hand clutching his cane, mechanical arm whirring and whizzing clutched to his chest, as the steel slab slides inexoriably forward DOOM It lands shut Cornelius: "Miss, if I had the foresight to have included some form of thermobaric charge to the experiment....i would have used it by now" The doctor deflates, leaning heavily on his cane now, the door shut. His shambling men shuffle and bumble over to him in a quiet dance of useless meandering Elysia Lucchesi: "Probably too busy with the whole revolution business to have time to have such things installed, huh?" Lizzie Potgieter leans into a corner of the room and quietly swaps out her slugs for incendiary rounds. Outside, something slams into the door like a hammerblow. And then a half dozen more follow in quick succession Muted howling and scrabbling, and the winging sound of bone scraping on metal trembles in the air The door barely moves in its frame Ian waits for a beat, letting the straining metal and flesh punctuate the moment Adelaide Valerian: "What have you done, director? Do they remember how you tortured them to make the touchstones that animate them?" Cornelius backs up another step from the door Cornelius: "Poppycock! Torture indeed!" Ian: "Doctor Cornelius, I understand this is not a very diplomatic-focused moment, but we're going to need answers rapidly. Before, and I cannot stress this enough, lives...or a life...are lost." Cornelius: "Those miscreants out there were elevated to a nearly post-human existence before everything unravelled!" Ian holds his rapier in a ready point, as if further adding punctuation Mikkles busies himself with latching the bolt on the doorframe, sinking it into place with a heavy THUNK Mikkles eyes the standoff at swordpoint, and keeps his own gun pointed at the floor...for now Ian: (Ian is also making sure the Doctor has no getaways) Cornelius takes the point, and sneers down the tip of Ians sword Ian: "Let's pretend we can regain a moment of calm. First: Will that door hold, or are there other immediate dangers we need to address?" Cornelius: ", I assure you, at this moment we are safe from their scrabbling, and simply trapped. This room is fortified concrete, hermetic ducting to a purified air source, and armored against even explosive forces" Adelaide Valerian lifts the gun a moment, then lowers it and takes command of her temper. The slender young woman shakeing her head. "You are trapped. We can leave any time." Ian nods at that, letting her have the proverbial floor The doctor raises a curious fluffy eyebrow, and then stares at the girl with the fuckoff huge gun Lizzie Potgieter steps closer to Elysia and whispers: “Hey, ain't interrogations supposed to be more, like… indirect? Subtle? I mean, I like it better this way, but…” (From Ken (GM)): incindiary slugs in the zlock then? (To GM): Yeah, what with all those zombies around Adelaide Valerian: "What is your connection to the cult of the horned god?" The banging on the door subsides to distant thumping, the fervor of the enemy exhausted. Elysia Lucchesi whispers back. "Sometimes getting to the point straight off is needed to avoid needless deflections and politicking that would waste everyone's time." Lizzie Potgieter nods. “I like that.” Cornelius: "What, those weird mystics tied up with worshipping ghosts in the shadows of touchstones? PAH!" "means to an end my dear, simple trade and exchanges of materiel" "They served their purpose getting me the resources I needed to get the Elevation project off the ground, but now they do little but bore me with their posturing and politiking" Ian: "what exactly?" my good man" Cornelius: "Do you realize, the dwarven civilization and their constructions are but a capstone on the beings who came before them?" "Vast untapped resources of Ætherite, indestructible armors of adamant metals. Why, even pools of essence of life force!" Adelaide Valerian: "What did you give them in return?" She demands of him as she glares at the man. "You've given monsters the tools to murder innocent people, to steal the treasures of people long dead." Elysia Lucchesi: "Great, so they get to take over Romanga and the world itself and in exchange you get some glowing rocks to surgically implant in people." COrnelius: "See here girl!" Lizzie Potgieter looks at the nearest zombie. “And what do you make of that?” The man, stares back at lizzie with milky-dead eyes like boiled eggs. It shudders a rasp at her from a dusty mouth. Ian bristles slightly, looking as if he might not move the tip of his blade in time for Cornelius to run into it Lizzie Potgieter: “…yeah, ain't lookin' like this is all that great.” Adelaide Valerian: "I asked you a question, Director. I'd like an answer." She thumbs back the hammer and aims it at the zombie's touch stone. "The only reason I haven't shot this thing already is I hate to imagine the noise in a closed cement room." Lizzie Potgieter: “You're just forcin' cadavers to move around all gross. Couldn't you at least build some machine-people?” Cornelius takes the point of the massive gun brandished at his creation Cornelius: "Madam, do not brandish that lightly. The elevated kilojoules of force required to animate this body has fortified with with a substantial Ætheric charge, and we wouldnt want to ground that out haphazardly..." Adelaide Valerian stands there, rage keeping her warm enough despite the underground lab's chill as she looks at Cornelius as if she'd like to tear him apart. "Tell me what you know of the cult and there plans. Make yourself useful, or I'll bring you to justice here and now." Cornelius: "My work for the Cult was an exchange. They supplied me with the materiel, and I supplied them with any of my surplus test subjects that no longer suited scientific needs. A workforce for the infinite knowledge of those who came before" "Those mad mystics happily took any cadaver I had half-succeeded with, smiles on their faces and handed me the keys to the kingdom of the GODS!" Lizzie Potgieter: “Devils, more like.” The doctor shrugs, but nods a smirking point to LI=izzie Elysia Lucchesi: "Those people are now inflicting untold misery and death on the population." Adelaide Valerian: "Were you the one that made the touchstones? The one that put the Duchess inside this one?" Lizzie Potgieter: “The Gods made life 'n' beauty, the blue sky 'n sea, the sun, the stars. All I see here is disgusting molesting of dead bodies.” Elysia Lucchesi: "If that's the kingdom of the gods you envision, then perhaps it's time we shatter that illusion of yours." Lizzie Potgieter: “By some freak who's now holed up in this shitty place 'cos his own monsters are gonna tear him up otherwise.” “At least they've got a better sense of right and wrong than you.” Cornelius squints, then nudges his spectacles to look closer at Adelaide's bracer, and the blue stone there. He rears though on the ladies as they speak vitriol and spite Cornelius: "You speak to me that way?" *he trembles with anger as his skin flushes red Outside, the howling rises in a chorus after him Lizzie Potgieter: “I'd rather shoot your head off really.” Mikkles holds up an open mech-palm, and simply says "Whoa now" Lizzie Potgieter: “Well, I ain't gonna,.” Adelaide Valerian puts her gun away carefully and instead draws a knife from a sheath cleverly worked into the inside of the bracer. Holding it lightly and smileing to Cornelius. "Please sir, Focus." Cornelius turns back to her, and indeed, his eyes focus on the hige knife Ian nods and slides his cane down along his elbow to pull out some paperwork Ken (GM): *huge even Lizzie Potgieter has a disgusted scowl on her face, but she's seen too much shit at this point to be passionately angry anymore. She's just full of spite. Ian: "Director Cornelius, you are bound by law to stand down and relinquish your arms and ill will, under penalty of possible injury or death in this hostile situation." "We have heard more than enough to link you with supporting terrorist and subversive, as well as not-so-arguably unnatural and vile acts." Adelaide Valerian glares at Ian, her anger born of her understanding that by arresting him he extends the prisoner his protection. She wants blood and vengeance more then justice or even a warm sweater and a cigarette right now. Cornelius hears the words, and seems to deflate some Cornelius: "Oh bother, the bureaucracy again rears it's ugly head, to stymie progress. A choking weed on the vine of knowledge" Elysia Lucchesi: "You're cutting deals with psychotic lunatics and using them to animate corpses and then donating those corpses to serve in the psychotic army, who are now wreaking havoc above us while you cower away from your own creations in a dirty basement insisting that everything is actually fine and good and comparable to a utopia. When we question this, you devolve into angry megalomanical rambling. Considering that despite all of that, we're willing to just have you arrested and made to explain yourself, you should be grateful to Ian." Lizzie Potgieter: “Yeah. Back home we'd just bring you out to the back of the shed.” Lizzie Potgieter looks at him dispassionately, with cold killing intent but trigger discipline and a down-pointed shotgun. He sneers, and derisively grumbles "indeed" Cornelius: "I take it then, that the Roi Cornu has made headway in disrupting the Grand City? Sowing chaos and dissent in the ranks of the Imperial forces?" Adelaide Valerian: "Who are your contacts with them? Who is there commander?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Not really, those freaks die to bullets just fine.” Ian: "Regardless of who believed they were getting the better deal, it seems the cultists played you easily, Director. They seem to have planted this seed to their own benefit." Elysia Lucchesi: "If by that you mean they're going around murdering and assaulting people in public and making no effort to disguise their intentions or affiliations, and then make enough of a scene to attract attention and get shot to death after telling everyone about your alliance with them, sure. They're 'Sowing dissent'." Ian: "Any information...useful information...you can share with us immediately will be...looked favourably upon your case." Ian times his words to dance between the more visceral and threatening phrases. Cornelius takes in the varied responses, eyes ever watchful on Adeliades knifepoint. A soft smile settles on his old weathered face Cornelius: "I wonder then, with the bumbling of occult fools up there..." "What has been done to secure the masses, down here?" Lizzie Potgieter: “You did stuff with the Romangan rebels, right? Experimented on some of 'em.” “You used 'em to bring you stuff from the underworld too?” Cornelius: "Why no, dear girl. The Bleeding Hearts weren't a supply line. They were a distribution network. Unbeknownst to them, of course, but all the same" "The elevation project, after all, couldn't flourish unless it had a final population to inhabit" Lizzie Potgieter raises an eyebow and looks at Elysia. Cornelius: "And out of a poetic sense of justice, who else deserved to be risen from the muck, more than the downtrodden and heretical subjects of the lower city?" Adelaide Valerian grinds her teeth and waits for the man to explain as she puts the knife away and takes out a silver case. Tapping on a cancer stick and lightning it. Ian 's 'good cop' face fades as he hears the truth come from the old man's lips untethered by guilt and the astute observer might notice he grips his blade a little tighter Cornelius: "The cough and the sickness, it still spreads in the lower city, yes? The telltale signs of infection on the grey skin, the whorls of black twisting up in bristling sores?" "Not enough to kill a man, perhaps enough to kill a babe, but a sickness nonetheless. Spreading rampant through the huddled masses. The choice selected subjects of the city, and of Romanga?" "Where do you think something like that came from? Chance? The design of Terra, and her whims of fancy for the world? Some dark strain summoned up from the miasma of the underworld?" Ian turns to Mikkles to see what his reaction to all this madness is, mostly out of curiosity Mikkles is ashen faced, and sweating. His gun hand is steady Adelaide Valerian: "What have you done, Director?" Lizzie Potgieter: “So didcha spread an illness, or are those sludgeworks pumpin' out undead-smoke?” Elysia Lucchesi: "Oh, you poor thing. You've been sick yourself, haven't you?" Cornelius stands up straight, his harness and mechanicals creaking a bit as he rises P.P. A.: (who, the doctor or the guard?) Cornelius: "I have engineered the most sophisticated germ in human history, and it is only Mikkles looks to Elysia, and back to the doctor, a wide look of terror on his face now Elysia Lucchesi: "You are very ill, Doctor." Lizzie Potgieter: “What's the other half?” The doctor's self-satisfied smirk widens to a broad smile of pride Cornelius: "Why, the simple elevation of humanity to a greater being, little miss! The transformaiton of simple inelegant cells into a delicately and beautifully crystallized form of Ætheric power! Capable of channeling the waves of force idling throughout the world, as simplyas you or I might inhale and exhale!" Lizzie Potgieter: “Ah, I thought there was somethin' else needed to make the transformation happen.” Cornelius: "Oh, my yes, the transformation is simply idle for now. But when subjected to sufficiently focused Ætheric powers, the body undergoes the change" *he gesticulates to the zombies with his cane "These subjects were test cases, lower forms, brought out through the same processes. Variable siphoning and filtering of contingencies!" " Lizzie Potgieter: “And what's that?” Cornelius: "Diffused Ætheric concentrate agitated into the stored water supply of the city, unleashed in a deluge that will sweep away the midden heap of the lower city. Once immersed in the fluid, the reaction will be immediate and exponential, and likely, highly explosive as well." Adelaide Valerian: "How do we stop it?" Cornelius: "Arising from the sludge of the lower city will come an army of Ascendant peoples" Adelaide Valerian: "Yes. That's insane and will not be permitted." Doctor Cornelius Derisius turns to her, and has a look of utter confusion on his face "Eh?" he manages to sneer Lizzie Potgieter: “Alright, so we gotta evacuate the lower city, take control of the floodgates and drain the water slowly, and then find someone to look into a cute for that disease.” Lizzie Potgieter looks at Mikkles: “You gonna be a witness at his trial?” Adelaide Valerian: "That is a very bad plan and would murder innocent people." She smokes. "You have surrendered to Sir Ian and will be comeing with the Ambassador as his prisoner?" Ian rustles his paperwork Mikkles looks away from Elysia, to Lizzie, and back to Cornelius several times. He's sweating profusely Mikkles: "I...I..." Ian: "I would hope the realizes his mad desire blinded him to how many people will be harmed....and how a very real enemy has outfoxed him. For your sake, Doctor, I hope you cooperate if you want any semblance of a life beyond today." Elysia Lucchesi: "It's OK. You won't be harmed or held responsible for what he did." Cornelius: "Now wait just a moment..." Ian pauses and turns to Mikkles, worry covering his face Lizzie Potgieter pats him on the back with a metallic clang as she smacks the armor. “I ain't got no idea how the law works here, but I'm sure you ain't gonna be punished for havin' worked under this guy without knoiwn' what he was up to.” Mikkles looks down to her, and back to the mad doctor. He clicks his gun safety loudly, and jams it into his hip holster Mikkles: "Youre right. This bastard needs to see justice" Ian breathes a moment of relief, glad that a crystal shard was not bursting through the young man's chest Ian: [kek] [* yet!] P.P. A.: (He did say he hasn't been experimented on last time) Cornelius: "But don't you see? The only creatures that will be altered will be the dregs that the inquisition already stripped of legal status! My work will elevate them to a post-human form!" In the hall, the cacophony rises in a caterwauling wail The dead men in the room shuffle together, and rattle a hiss Lizzie Potgieter: “Look at these,” she sweeps her shotgun casually at the zombies, “you really think anyone wants to be that? Do wanna look like that or have that done to your corpse?” Ian holds his tongue before mentioning anything about it being an improvement for the old mad doctor Cornelius: "I'M NOT MAKING MORE OF THESE REJECTS! I'M MAKING GODS!" JUST LIKE AUGUST VON ARNFELS!*" Elysia Lucchesi: "I don't want to hear his voice anymore today." Ian nods Lizzie Potgieter: “So you made those two folks at the Dwarf's estate?” “Hold on a minute“ she extends a hand to Elysia and Ian. “You still got that photo?” Lizzie Potgieter asks Elysia that Ken (GM): :O :D Adelaide Valerian: "Yes. I'm sure he is also an ugly old man trapped in a tomb waiting to die. Have we gotten what we need here?" Elysia Lucchesi reaches into a pocket and produces the photo. Lizzie Potgieter borrows it and shows it to Cornelius. “These two? Who are they?” Elysia Lucchesi looks bewildered that she even still had i Elysia Lucchesi: it* The photo gleams in the harsh flashlights, but is still the same glossy shot given to you by Melchiore Lucchesi. The suspected guests in brilliant attire, on the broad stairs of the Bells Estate, a halo of bright lines and damage to the film about their forms Cornelius , in his rage, sees the phot and alights with a glorious joy "YES! My greatest works! The first of their Ascendant Generation!" Lizzie Potgieter: “What are their names?” Cornelius: "Why obviously, Cornelius von Marburg, and his wife Julia. But not so obviously, as they had mastered the manipulation of their Ætherial forms, and had taken on new forms to attend the ball!" "Don't you see? The body becomes immaterial in the new form! The transformation is so complete, that even the the physical body can be molded and formed like an opinion or thought!" He grins madly, pointing with his cane "You'd never know their first bodies had foot long ears and sawtooth jaws!" The name Conrad von Marburg ringing out in the room, as the name of the Head Inquisitor Lizzie Potgieter looks at him with curiosity, and considers for a moment. Rolling 3d6 = 11v9 (nothing in particular, just need to make a decision here) Ken (GM): [kek] Adelaide Valerian tilts her head to the side. Thoughtful and frowning. "Him tied up in this too. Another monster." Lizzie Potgieter: “How did they do that? Change form and stuff, I mean.” (To GM): She was going to knock him out after he had revealed their names, but hearing that she wants to learn a bit more instead so she can pass that knowledge on to August. Cornelius: "It's , I could show you more if I had access to my lab next door, but it involves something on the sub-microscopic scale, altering the alignment, charge, and position of the cells of their bodies using subtle Ætheric foces" Cornelius jabs at the zombie men, jabbing one in the chest Adelaide Valerian walks around the man. Away from the others. Checking the controll room as she finishes her smoke. Cornelius: "These malformed aborted creations only partially transformed thei rbodies toward the Ascendant path; the flesh is charged with the particulate, and is still subject to he forces, but the malleability is gone after the initial genesis.." "The process they were subjected to as well, was not all encompassing and unfortunately vectored through the body. A central distribution of energies and matter, as opposed to the total immersion method we finally devised" His cane raps again on something hard on the chest, and blue sparkles up from the ragged body Lizzie Potgieter waves her hand dismissively. “Can't really understand anything, I meant more in practical terms—learning to control their form and all that.” Cornelius: "Oh! Then child its simple; they think of what they want to look like, and their body transforms about them!" The old man gesticulates to himself, and his mechanical arm rattles and waggles Lizzie Potgieter: “Oh, neat.” Adelaide Valerian finishes her walk, then begins to run a finger over the touchstone. Wakeing it, drawing vivid blue runes in the air as she slowly starts a spell. Ian harumphs at the unnatural absurdity of it all. Ken (GM): ruh roh Lizzie Potgieter returns the photo to Elysia. The four shambling bodies turn as one, toward the new blue light. Their voices shudder out something in chorus that sounds like "The Duchess speaks" Adelaide Valerian frowns. "She.. I don't want to make her see this place." She says as she draws the symbols and looks to the stone, but she can't stop the ghost in the touchstone when she is calling on it's power. On her power. Adelaide sweeps her hands, and a ring of blue flickers and shudders in the air in response. She murmurs in a voice, speaking in low tones, to herself, and then gaining volume as she continues. She paces a ring of steps, repeating the sounds of her intent, and forcing them into relaity, and then POOM Adelaide steps a final step into a crackling void, a shimmering ring of blue seeming to press into the space around her. You can see her, standing on the courtyard sotnes outside the building, soft rain falling in a pitterpat on the ground and in her hair, through the hole in the world she opened Cornelius ' description of his experiments meanders and wanes in the chorus of her magic, and then he simply stares as she opens the hole in the world Lizzie Potgieter: “What?” Cornelius: "I say..." Adelaide Valerian: "It only remains open about a minute. If you'd care to leave." She says to the others in the play of light from the gate. Cornelius: "She's bridged the vector gap by hand? Marvelous!" Cornelius wanders over directly, oblivious to his captors Lizzie Potgieter: “Alright, come along everyone.” “Anyone got handcuffs?” Mikkles tosses Lizzie a pair; chromed and new Lizzie Potgieter winks. “Thanks.” Lizzie Potgieter puts them on Cornelius after forcing his hands behind his back. Lizzie Potgieter: “And off we go.” Ian follows close behind the Doctor, watching his shambling-les peeps for activity Elysia Lucchesi throws her hands up and goes through the portal Cornelius manages a "yaaaaAAAArgh' and gets manhandled The shamblers remain stock still Mikkels makes an excited noise, and jumps through after Elyzia Lizzie Potgieter drags and pushes him through the portal, without particular police abuse Cornelius is ineffectually outraged Ken (GM): exunt? P.P. A.: yup The ring in the air crackles and snaps as you step back out to the stone steps of the SBI building and your car. Mikkles has bounced off the bumper and gone off the edge of the steps, but recovered from the transit. Sparks fly in the air where water crackles against the ring gate Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath and lets it out. "Good to be out of there. I feel drained though.. It will take a while before I can do that again." She covers the touchstone again and stares at the gate. "It really works." Some ten-count after you drag cornelius through, it closes again, with a PHUMP At the edge of the gatehouse, the kobolds stand at attention and stare openly One realizes he sees the Director, and snaps-to with a salute Elysia Lucchesi: "Can you still fight, Adelaide?" Saunderson wanders back into view through the thin rain and mist, and is nonplussed to see you all Saunderson: "Mind the Car Mikkles, these are OAR folks and Diplomat, fer Lordsakes" Adelaide Valerian: "Sure. If I have to." Adelaide Valerian almost laughs when Saunderson talks to Mikkles like that for scuffing the car. Ian: "Not at all, garage expenses can be written off....Justice is what is of value here, today." Accross the periphery of the base, floodlights are scanning the area and you hear the distant sound of a slow pulse alarm bell ringing. The echoes of thopters call from the loudcover and mists above and shouts of alert and search are underway all around you at the SBI base Mikkles: "The investigators have... ready to depart. Call ahead for them to get clearance, immediately, and make sure the undersecretary is alerted to the change of command in his absence" Saunderson salutes smartly, and gets over to the radio Ian heads to Mikkles Ian: "Thank you for all your help today." "Please, telegraph my office when things are safe and settled here, we'll arrange for your recorded testimony. Unless you have leave now? I'd be happy to arrange for secure transport and lodgings for you and your family if needed." The man looks down at the card, shielding it from the rain in his hand, and gives Ian a sad grimace. Mikkles: "Should I be worried? Am I...in danger now?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Only from those monsters underground. Make sure to keep those floors sealed off.” “Or, better, just blow the whole place up and burn it down, but you probably need permission for that.” Ian: "The.... has admitted to some substantially terrible crimes against us all...but I don't believe he has any want or need to target you, if that's what you mean." "But...it may be a turbulent few days." "So...if you need, I am willing to assist." Mikkles shoots Cornelius a look, of betrayed hurt, and nods Mikkles: "Thank you Sir Ian. Go, i will secure the base. Take him to justice" Adelaide Valerian: "What you've heard could be very, very dangerous. You should talk of it with no one." She assures Mikkles. THe last thing the man needs is to speak of the cult around the wrong ears. Ian nods, folds away his papers, and offers a heartfelt handshake to the man Mikkles nods to her, and salutes smartly The hand coming down to offer Sir Ian a fist-bump Ken (GM): [what with the mech-suit oversized gauntlets] Ian: "Justice is rarely easy, but it does seem to find extraordinary people of value. I'll instruct my office to await your contact." Ian salutes and heads to the car Lizzie Potgieter lifts her hat and sees the man off with a grateful smile. Rolling 3d6 = 17 Ian: o_o Joush M.: Well, that's just funny Ian jumps out Ian: better to die quickly lol P.P. A.: :DDDDD Elysia Lucchesi puts her seatbelt on Lizzie Potgieter does too. Ken (GM): son of goddamn Ian seatbelts it up Ian rolls up his cloak like an extra airbag Ken (GM): well, driving up and out is relatively easy, but theres a thick mist, light rain, and fog You strap into the car, belts on, and head up and out. Adelaide manages to clip the car into the iron railing of the fence as you leave, a howling scratch in the side of the thing again. The Doctor cries out in surprise and muttered curses Ken (GM): this poor fucking car P.P. A.: women at the wheel, typical Ken (GM): at least she didnt hit the patrol bike coming in for a landing! Adelaide Valerian shakes her head. "It's fine. Still have pressure to the drive..hum." She taps a dial until it twitches and settles on a better reading. "Let's drop off this trash." Cornelius is surprised to deduce, eventually, you mean him Elysia Lucchesi: "Garbage day!" (From Ken (GM)): oh no, shes joking about the sabbath Lizzie Potgieter raises a furrowed eyebrow at Elysia's remark, not 100% sure what she was referring to The car plies on through the mist and rain, pinpoints of light on high buildings guiding Adelaide through the night and rain. In the distance, thunder rumbled from the mountainside and reverberates over the city Lizzie Potgieter: “…right after dropping off the Doc, we need to visit the dam.” Ian: "Damn." Lizzie Potgieter: “Adelaide, can you fo— make sure we got permission to access the floodgates?” Suddenly, lightning flashes, and the windscreen glass is splattered with deep red; in the darness that follows thunder rolls in a near deafening closeness Rolling 3d6 = 13 to drive. Luck is currently depleated! Adelaide throttles down in the shock of things, and the car shudders. Something in the undercarraige goes BANG in response The car does not slow down, and the spattering red on the windshield spreads throughout the exterior of the car Lizzie Potgieter: “Stop, let's all get out.” “This ain't normal.” Cornelius: "Oh no" "They've come for me" Elysia Lucchesi: "Tell me who 'they' are." The old man speaks with a dread and certainty Cornelius: "You know who they are!" LIGHTNING FLASHES AGAIN Elysia Lucchesi: "Do they want you dead or alive?" Cornelius: "I can only assume they require my further genius, but our past negotiations have not been amicable!" KATHOOM thunder rumbles and roars! The wind rises up screeching in a howl that tears at the car! Adelaide Valerian swears and fights the car. She resist the urge to land in zero visability, instead tryign to ride out the storm that tears at them. Rolling 3d6 = 14 vs 11 for Pilot (Countergrav) Joush M.: Dice are not with us today Ken (GM): omfg The aircar swerves and pushes against the wind, and oversteers! The vehicle spins wildly, careening off course! Elysia Lucchesi: "So you'd better be candid with me about what they want with you----" Lizzie Potgieter prays in Yanqui. Elysia Lucchesi is thrown around and rattled The lightning crackles again, and this time, lime green splits the air and a hissing rattle fills the noisy storm! Ken (GM): ADELAIDE WHAT DO Lizzie Potgieter: “Slow down, stop, slowly descend!” Cornelius screams at the car flies out of control! Lizzie Potgieter: “Please!” (To GM): can Lizzie see out of her window? Adelaide Valerian tries to recover from the spin and get them flying level again while watching for a chance to land without crashing in the lower city. Adelaide Valerian gets Rolling 3d6 = 5 to do that Lizzie Potgieter: “Elysia, open your door!” Ken (GM): WHEW Lizzie Potgieter: “We're gonna use 'em to slow the car!” Lizzie Potgieter looks at her and grabs the handle of her door, intending to sync with Elysia so they don't send the car spinning. Elysia Lucchesi does so P.P. A.: basically using them like a parachute on a racecar, increasing wind resistance and thereby slowing the car down Elysia Lucchesi: (Better hope the seatbelts hold then) Adelaide hauls on the stick, and leans back with her bodyweight to right it; the car groans and something goes PWANG in the undercarriage as she does so, but it stops your wild spin. The girls slap open the doors, and you are drenched with a sideways spray of hot fresh blood Doctor Cornelius screams Ian swears uncouthly Ian: "My WORD what was THAT!?!" Ken (GM): :O Elysia Lucchesi maintains her poker face despite being covered in blood Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't that the usual here?” She lowers her head so the brim of her hat shields her face from all the blood. The red seeps into EVERYTHING immediately! Lizzie Potgieter curses loudly in Yanqui. Ken (GM): Adelaide, a pilot roll at +2 to level off and get down, as you intended Adelaide Valerian tries to get the lights back on, to claw back some visbility and ability to fly beyond the little horizon lit on the dashboard.. before it's sprayed with blood. Adelaide Valerian gets Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs 13 The car sinks, level but fast, and plows into a flat open area you discover is a muddy road track; as the battered and beaten car suddenly lurches to a stop, it bangs into a horsecart sending the beast sideways with a CRUNCH and bystanders screaming into the eaves Youve stopped, and landed, and nobody died.... Ian: [] The stench of the undercity blossoms on the air, mingled with the wet sticky red blood Elysia Lucchesi waits until they've come to a stop before taking a deep breath Elysia Lucchesi: "WHAT THE FUCK!?" Adelaide Valerian kills the drive and fuel pumps in case of fuel leak. Spattered with crimson blood like something from a horror movie as she neatly flips switches and reaches out. Grabbing her pretty, lace front mask and pulling it on before grabbing the door and opening it. "Out. This thing could catch fire at any moment." Ken (GM): kek Lizzie Potgieter undoes her seatbelt and Cornelius's, and drags the old man out of the car after her. Ian pops out, hurridly wiping off his glasses and face the moment he can Elysia Lucchesi spills out onto the muddy and bloody ground Above, the rain falls in a cool spatter, and distant thunder echoes above. Below, the stench of the cesspool waters of the sludgeworks, and around you, the hiss and bob of machinery Elysia Lucchesi: "I've just about had it with all of this....nonsense." P.P. A.: (can't find the party on the map) Lizzie Potgieter: “Me too.” Lizzie wipes off the blood from her chin. The machinery and modern buildings about you, coupled with the stink, put you in the workyard of the sludgeworks, somewhere. Lizzie Potgieter notices the horse P.P. A.: Is it dead? Adelaide Valerian looks around. "Anyone know why it's raining blood?" She ask with a grim sort of hopefulness as she climbs from the ruined aircar. Ken (GM): [editors note; copy paste forgets token vision sometime] Ian: [NEGATIVE HORSE POINTS!] [I'm telling Darnel] In the stinking muck, the horse is dead still and bleeding into the green-black sludge you stand knee deep in Lizzie Potgieter sheds a few tears at that sight. “Poor horsie…” Ian: "My Word...I do believe we'll need to arrange for the mechanic...something's terribly wrong." The car is stained a vivied red that is slowly bleeding off into the light rain. You are also each drenched in the red, and splattered with the stinking green From behind you, in a warehouse, three men step out into the wet and raise their voices in a chorus Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs 14 (Fast Talk) Ian: Certain the Doctor is going nowhere, Ian presents himself as a final line should the bullets start bounding away like before. The trio exchange looks, and turn about, looking down the street behind Elysia Lucchesi gives a hand signal to Lizzie And something in the building they cam out of crashes apart, and something meaty and metallic howls a screech into the air and bounds up the road on all fours Lizzie Potgieter fires her incendiary round into the middle of the group Ken (GM): :D P.P. A.: how much is 100 ft in yd Adelaide Valerian tells the Doctor. "Stay there." And goes to join the others. The area is lit with gaslamps, Ætheric electric torches, and some starlight. The rian drops in a drizzle around you [ call it another -2 in visibility penalties] Rolling 2d6 = 8 P.P. A.: yeah that's still nice damage The grenade goes off in their midst and they fly in three directions. Some of them in pieces, and in more directions than the others Rolling 3d6 = 14v13 Lizzie Potgieter not so fast Ken (GM): WHEW gotcha Ian: [( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Pump dem guns] Ken (GM): ADELAIDE THERE IS A BEAST Joush M.: can I have grabbed the revolver shotgun from the car on the way out? Ken (GM): yes! im assuming the OAR car, stowing shotguns witht he passengers and not in the trunk Adelaide Valerian climbs up to the edge of the pool they'd crashed in and lifts the weapon. "What is that?" She ask, seemingly just the air around them. Ken (GM): IAN Lizzie Potgieter: “Better off dead.” Ian: Going to move up, knowing the ladies with the guns will do fine around me so long as I'm not in the line of fire. Ken (GM): gotcha P.P. A.: If we had enough time she'd order a custom-made double-barelled Z-lock, but there's not enough downtime for that Ian: *okay looks good, my drag and move was acting weird The vaguely man-like thing rears back on over-sized haunches and howls into the rainy night; it leaps and bounds on all four limbs, one of them an oversized drill/claw throwing sparks off the cobblestones) and barrels back down the street at you all It pounds the ground like some malformed stallion, picking up speed, limbs flying wildly Elysia Lucchesi: "I'll make sure our sick friend doesn't get taken or leave." Lizzie Potgieter nods and keeps an eye on him while reloading Ken (GM): ELYSIA Elysia Lucchesi takes up a defensive position, defending the car. Ken (GM): lizzie! open gun, shell ejects? Lizzie Potgieter pops open the gun and ejects the shell, yeah ping clatter clatter Ken (GM): adelaideADELAIDE Adelaide Valerian: She aims the shotgun and walks very slowly forward. Joush M.: At the monster, that is. End turn Ian: [Ian feels sights on the back of his head and begins sweating] Ken (GM): BIEN IAN Ian: Step, all out Defend, and shouting: " [Ian is hoping his latent TK shield powers have come in...but if not, he'll just have to use sass] The horrible creature pounds into the stones, ripping them up in it's travel, throwing them behind with force as it barrels down on Ian directly now! Turning to his voice like a moth to the flame! GM note: the beast moving at a high speed enough to cause a -1 speed/range penalty FYI, cancelling out it's SM+1 Rolling 1d6 = 6 cutting fragmentation Ken (GM): oh lawd Joush M.: wait, no armor divisor, it diden't travel that far P.P. A.: The dice just needed a good nudge Adelaide Valerian winces at the blinding flare of the rocket motor of the round lighting in front of her and hopes the creature's body shielded Ian from the fragments. Rolling 3d6 = 7 for let's go for 11 LEG Adelaide Valerian: ((r. leg)) Ian: [Well, if it isn't my old friend Mr McGregg!] The shot flies and ZZZZZZZZIP into the beast's nethers, slapping into wet flesh and then BANG an eruption of green and red as the whole thing The thing flying along loses control as it's leg is obliterated, and rolls into ahard tumble, sending sparks and squeals up into the rain It lands on it's back beside Lizzie Four mismatched eyes swivel to her, a solid plate of metal riveted to a double-stacked skull, and the mouth unfolds into a triple-wedge maw with a reaching knobby hook barbed tongue Rolling 3d6 = 7 hit location Ken (GM): GASP Joush M.: do you reroll for hitting an amputated area or does that damage the side torso like battletech? the thing is struck, having tossed itself from the first shot Ken (GM): TO THE TORSO IT IS WHUMP SIZZLE FWOOM Adelaide deadeyes a shot into the thing's gut as it lands, and the percussion of the explosive makes a wet slap in the air that sends rain and sizzling gore in all directions The gore literally stings where it lands, and hisses like angry cats in the air a smell like boiled acid hits the wind Adelaide Valerian stands in a silent world beyond the faint distance sound like a phone ringing. She hopes that won't last long as gore rains down, but does like the revolver shotgun's work so far as smoke trails from the cylender gap Ian: [meowmeowmeowmeowmeowmeowmeowmeow] UNTIL NEXT WEEK ON SHATTERED WORLDS WHERE THE SHOWDOWN WITH DOCTOR CORNELIUS UNFOLDS Ken (GM): BECAUS EMY WIFE JUST REMINDED ME OF THE TIME, AND TOLD ME TO ORDER THE PIZZA ALREADY Joush M.: THanks for the game! It was a lot of fun Fiss: Damn you, Doctor Cornelius.....I PROMISED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THOSE HANDCUFFS SO YOU HAD BEETTER NON-DESTRUCTIVELY-TAKEN THEM OFF Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ Fiss: Heheh, yeah man, thanks! Great 2021 start. :D P.P. A.: thanks for the session Ken (GM): o7 saludos mi amigos I now do battle with the pizza hut login page 4 points! BON JOO BON JOO Ken (GM): ALLO ALLO Fiss: BUN-JAR ! P.P. A.: HEI— …! Ken (GM): okay we gotta focus gotta channel the minds together jooooooooush JOOOOOOOOSH Joush M.: Good Morning! I'm awake, I'm awake Ken (GM): IT FUKKIN WORKED YAASS SO ME BOYOS DUDETTES KICKERIE DOS Ian: HARUMPH MODE ACTIVATE Ken (GM): giigity goo ga harruphatoo WHERE LAST WE LEFT OUR HEROES, IN MEDIA RES Ian: [Swiggity Swootie, I'm Drinkin that Earl'grey Tea] The party had stolen away the mad doctor Cornelius Derisius, from his SBI bunker hideaway, and with a hop through ~The Ways~ ended up in the aircar headed for justice and righteous prosecution UNTIL A mad zephy of blood and thunder tore at their craft as it tried to leave the undercity, bathing them in the hot blood of some unknown origin, and depositing them in the sludgeworks facility, car crashed against the ruins of a horse and cart. P.P. A.: (Sara here?) Imemdiately beset upon by a trio of cultists and some mad meat-hound, they dispatched the cloaked fools and fusilladed the monster until it's death throes ejected viscera and gore.... Lizzie Potgieter in the meantime, post-combat shakes: Rolling 3d6 = 4v15 but now, Cornelius stands free of the car, azure blazing on his mechanical hand, feeble form defiant P.P. A.: (Lizzie had dragged him out of the car after they had crashed, actually) (Since it seemed unsafe and at risk of sinking) Cornelius having melted his handcuff restraints... Adelaide Valerian stands there in that silent world for a m oment before other noises that aren't a distant ringing phone and her own heart intrudes. Shaking her head to clear it and turning. "Lizzie, this would be better in your hands." She offers out the revolver shotgun. "Director.. are you really going to do this now?" Lizzie Potgieter just finished reloading hers. “I'm good.” Lizzie Potgieter holds up her hand towards Elysia. Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs 12 Ian walks up, satisfied the battle has now shifted to making sure the Director is contained Lizzie Potgieter: “Y'know, the point of handcuffs ain't just to restrain someone, it's also so his guards is free to not point their guns at him.” Elysia Lucchesi looks curiously at the hand that got high-fived as she awaits an answer. Ian: "The young miss makes an excellent point, Director....you'd do best to keep in cuffs for now. Less lead aimed at you then." Beside Adelaide, a ghostly form shimmers into her presence, hair flowing and dress billowing as if she were underwater Elysia Lucchesi looks at the Duchess The Duchess appears, eyes fixed upon Cornelius, but she lifts her head to match eyes with Elysia a moment. A calm smile crosses her face, with a small nod to the lady Lizzie Potgieter still isn't comfortable around ghosts. Rolling 3d6 = 10 v12 Lizzie Potgieter keeps her eyes on Cornelius in case he makes any suspicious movements. The whisps of blue that make up the woman's form shimmer and quiver slightly, and she raises her voice, distorted and shaken like through water Duchess: "Why have I returned to see this crumpled man?" Lizzie Potgieter whispers to Elysia: “She one of your kin? Like an aunt or so?” Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath. "The things in his lab.. they. could feel you in the touchstone. They were afraid. I'm trying to understand." Elysia Lucchesi: "Something like that. I'm not exactly up to date on my family tree specifics, since Melchiore has done such a good job concealing it." Lizzie Potgieter nods. Cornelius stares openly, mouth agape, and he forgets his hand clutched in defiant rage, which fizzles out as he drops his arms. Ian will take the initiative to re-bind the man Elysia Lucchesi: "Concealed well, too..." Duchess: "The beasts hungered for me, I could hear their gnashing and wailing, like hungry ghosts." "They spoke to me in the Æther, and they rose in a chorus. For hatred, and justice. They hungered for this man, this mad surgeoin. The butcher" Cornelius seems to come to his wits when Ian grabs him bodily, but in his amazement he simply crumples in defeat, struggling against Ian only to maintain a view of the ghost Cornelius: "Do you see it man? This conjured spectre?!" Ian doesn't get in the way of the spectre and the doctor, the more docile he is the better Ian: "Of course. Far stranger things are afoot lately, ser Director." "I hope you will cooperate, even if so you are privy to these events, versus in a grave." Elysia Lucchesi: "Well, well. Turns out you can't silence the truth even if you try to turn the witnesses into horrors." Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath and gazes at the ghostly figure with some expression on her face. Speaking very softly. "I'm sorry I failed you.." Then she shakes her head, clearing it and focusing on the matter at hand. "He's done awful things, hasn't he?" She carefully aims her pistol at him. The shotgun might hurt Ian when he's that close. Lizzie Potgieter: “Do we got another pair of shackles?” Ken (GM): [ye, Ian had a spare pair. Not chromed tho] P.P. A.: [didn't do much here either] Ian: [so sub-standard! bah!] Cornelius: "I will not stand here and...be subject to such...brazenly mystical judgement!" "This ghastly creature cannot possibly hold any true power here, no court would admit her testimony against me!" Ian: "Then it's a good thing no ghastly judgement is necessary." Ian punctuates his point with a sharp tug on the manacles Cornelius: "Eh whats that then? Yeowch!" Adelaide Valerian: "Power is a funny thing. I plan to excuite you based on her testimony and no one here cares to stop me. Make your peace, Doctor." She thumbs back the hammer. CLACK Ian: "We are here by rule of earthly and mortal laws, Director. Any judgement you face beyond that will not be ours to deal out, but we will ensure judgement regardless." Above, thunder rolls distantly, and the rain spatters down thicker Lizzie Potgieter pushes down the barrel of Adelaide's gun. “Guy deserves death, but I ain't for executing an unarmed prisoner.” Elysia Lucchesi: "Romanga...no, the world, needs to learn of his crimes." Ian doesn't look at Adelaide, trusting the ladies to decide for themselves how to proceed. He's suspiciously not in her line of fire, though Ken (GM): conspicuously even! Ian: [if he dies...he dies. Comrade] [he DID escape custody, technically. Putting him down is not without legal precedent] Cornelius: "Miss Elysia, please! Your father, his justice, I would beseech you to ask his clemency! His aid in this judgement!" Elysia Lucchesi: "Too bad for you, Cornelius." Adelaide Valerian nearly pulls the trigger. There was time, there, between aiming and Lizzie's intervention. She wonders if it means something that she waited long enough to be stopped as she puts the gun away and nods to Lizzie. Elysia's words seem right, but are so far away. Elysia Lucchesi: "But as the sovereign of Romanga, I won't let you run and hide away anymore." Lizzie Potgieter mumbles: “'sides, you use a noose for that kinda thing.” Ian nods approval to the group, then leans in to whisper to the Doctor/Director: Ian: well if I were you." Ian backs away with a firm smile Cornelius: barely even hears Ian Ian makes sure the cuffs look good, then turns to the ladies Ian: "Shall we continue?" Rain splatters is a small wave, rivulets running down the confused man Elysia Lucchesi: "Ian, I believe you're well-acquainted with the media and publishers?" Ian nods Lizzie Potgieter: “Can we call for a ride to the jail? From HQ mabye?” Elysia Lucchesi: "We're going to publish his confession for the public to see." Ian: "I have a few media contacts, yes. In both print and radio." Ian nods with a smirk Ian: "I have no doubt they'll want to hear it. Adelaide Valerian begins to shiver and nods to Ian. Hair dark and wet as she stands there by the ruined car. "The sparkstone might be ruptured and grounded. If it's not the radio might work.. Or we can find a tavern with a phone." Ian nods and ducks behind the Director to poke at the radio to see if it's active The car is quiet and still, save for the pinging of rain of it's metal hull. Fiddling with the internal controls, the main battery store does respond, after a few swings of the main reset BZZT BZZT wrrrrrrummmmmmmm Ian: "Ahh, here we go...." Elysia Lucchesi takes a look around at the horrible sights around them Ian: [Do I need any rolls or are we suitably familiar with the CB Radio?] [intent is to call for a secure transport from HQ, any codes/funny biz needed?] Elysia Lucchesi: "This place...is really a mess, huh?" The radio powers up too, and doesnt explode...so you can probably assume its good to go. Toggling to the secure channel even picks up! Ian: [I don't trust it...it's a mimic ....] Ken (GM): the radio does not lick your hand Ian relaxes somewhat Lizzie Potgieter nods and looks for things to look at that aren't dead horses, piles of gore, or gored cultists. Adelaide Valerian gazes at the duchess. Watching her ghostly form in the rain and almost speaking a few times before she falls silent. A thousand things she might say, so instead she says nothing as they stand beside the ruined car in the cold rain. At last she speaks softly. "Do you want me to.. let you go? To break the touchstone? Would that help?" Elysia Lucchesi: "All this time, so much of a mess is still here, and growing." The duchess also regards her surroundings, gaze falling on the far edges of the space, lingering on the weird creature, and returning to adeliade Duchess: "No...for now I am safe, secure...and I gather strength from closeness to...my dearest" Adelaide Valerian smiles a little and breathes a little easier, even as the cold seems to cut though her thin form rather quickly. Shivering a bit as she stands beside the ghost. Ian returns from the interior of the car Elysia Lucchesi: "It's OK, Adelaide. Cornelius will be made to answer for his role in what happened to her and her family." Lizzie Potgieter idly plays with and looks at her necklace. Ian: "Backup is on route. We should make sure the area is secure." Lizzie Potgieter: “By the way, is there anywhere I can send a telegram?” Cornelis: "I say, girl, I had nothing to do with this poor woman's demise!" !" Ian raises an eyebrow and reaches into his cloak for a fountain pen and paper pad Adelaide Valerian: "It's not, but the cultist haven't gathered the courage to attack again after the monster was killed.." She says with a thoughtful frown. "You can radio an office to send one, Lizzie. Or we can send one from the OAR headquarters." Ian: "If you'd like to give us your confession and statement now, I am all for it. Or we can wait until we are safe at OAR." Cornelius regards your suggestion with a sneering disdain, but shrugs Adelaide Valerian turns to Corneilus. "That fact is why you continue to be alive. That and her mercy." She gestures to Lizzie. "Thank her. Worship her. She's between you and me." Lizzie Potgieter nods to Adelaide. “OK.” Cornelius: "I will...wait until I cna be warm and dry, so that your penmanship is not stained by rainwater" The old man shirks away from Adelaide as far as his restraints allow, hands raised as high as he can Ian: "I appreciate the concern, sir. And I agree. We are not on the front lines...let's conduct ourselves as gentlemen." The small curved old man manages to bravely reveal his face to Lizzie and You sweep the local area, checking with sword out and guns raised, and make sure nothing is lurking in the recesses. Most of the area is locked tight under chains, dark windows reveal many thrumming pumps and steamy machines, but no more overt signs of the cultists Until Ian: [if the radio licks Ian I'm going to be mad] In the room proper where they emerged from, a sigil is burned into the wooden beam floor here. Crates of cargo and material for the place stand in piles all around, many with SBI or REoG on the sides. But in the floor there, an inch deep into the wood, is a sigil like the one found in Lizzies apartment, smelling of burned cedar and brimstone, and a hot smell too like seared meat...or something worse Lizzie Potgieter gets a +1 to the check then Lizzie Potgieter: “You smell that?” “There's another of those circles there.” Elysia Lucchesi: "Think that could be where they're coming in from?" Adelaide Valerian says goodbye to the sprirt for the moment. Letting her return as they wait for their ride and search the area. Lizzie Potgieter: “I guess. Question is if these just appear or if someone needs to draw 'em on the ground first.” Ian: "That might be a question for our...sanctuary dwelling friend." Adelaide Valerian: "Doctor?" She gestures. "You have a chance to be useful. Explain this?" Lizzie Potgieter: “And if you can go the other way, not that I'd do that.” Cornelius lifts his head, hair thin and wet and stuck to him inelegantly, but tries to put on a brave face Ian acts as his chauffer but doesn't put too much of a leash on him unless he needs to The cargo barn smells deeply of sawdust and mildly of rat piss. The sound of the rain thumping into the roof reverberates softly through thick wooden shingles and a tin false ceiling, where dim lights leave electric haze in the air. Cornelius leads the way, on Ian's leash, and steps into the place. His metal foot thumps thickly on the beam-wooden floor. He stops an arms length from the circle, and stares down to it, bending at the waist to look closer Ian keeps the slack ready, in case Cornelius somehow dives into a portal...otherwise he does not interfere Cornelius: "Fascinating...this geometry and the... deep scoring of the timber. I would have to say the energies involved in this are elementarily deduced at..." "In a scale I dare not fathom" Ian: "On some level, I suspect this all might fascinate you as it does me. It's a shame we do not have time to meet this mystery on kinder footing." Adelaide Valerian follows, the warehouse at least out of the rain. The cold still bothering her, but she focuses on the work and looks around. "What does it do?" Cornelius: "I would fathom some sort of residue after creating a puncture into the higher planar dimensions...but thats entirely theoretical at this point. Our waveform generators havent been able to pierce the veil yes and...I doubt..." Adelaide Valerian swallows and catches herself. Staggering and then letting out a breath and spitting on the floor as if to get a taste out of her mouth. "There's something here. Something poisoned and sick and wrong with the magic here." Cornelius scoffs Elysia Lucchesi lingers outside, deep in thought as she continues to look at the deterioration of Romanga around her. Cornelius: "First, a lost heir to the throne of Romanga" "And now, magic again? Bah!" Lizzie Potgieter doesn't have anything to say and doesn't like meddling with magic, so she sticks close to the door—inside and out of the rain, at least. Ian: "Interesting times to live in, Director. Interesting times..." Adelaide Valerian: "You.. you were trying to artificially pierce a veil to another universe? To create a doorway to bring something though? Like the Horned King?" Cornelius: "Well, no not another universe, but rather the substrate dimension that lives resonating within tangential waveform resolution of our universe" "Blasted...Hells" Adelaide Valerian: "Yes. That's what you've called up." Cornelius: "What? No! Certainly not. The limitations of my experiemtns have been within the bounds of mortal coils and earthly bodies, not some aforethought infernal residence." "But the work done at say, Outpost Seven in the far reaches? They have made leaps and bounds in gaining access to the upper reaches. In fact, I have colleages working at this very moment to pierce the veil using concentrated Ætherform emenators! The fact they have not yet succeeded is only a limitation of resources and manpower, which i endeavored to solve, of course" He babbles readily when prodded Ian makes mental note about this Outpost Seven Elysia Lucchesi looks at the blood soaked surroundings, and then even her own bloody hands. She closes them into fists. Cornelius: "My work should have originally simply provided a workforce suitable for constant economic destitution and sociological upheaval. Immune to the rigors of syndicalist uprising or defiance of imperial decree" P.P. A.: ho-hum Cornelius: "The fact that I uncovered a route to the godlike bodily transformaitons is nothing short of astounding!" "I should imagine my superiors would have granted me full Directorship of this entire ridiculous backwater, had yo unot intervened so roughly tonight" Ian: "No offense, ser Cornelius, but I think living in a society perpetuated by rotting flesh-automatons ruled by a few elven god-beasts may negitively impact tourism." Adelaide Valerian listens to the mad rant and shakes her head. "You've meddled with powers you don't understand and created roads for darkness unimagined to be unleashed on the world. But you don't care.. I can't judge only because earlier when I was pointing a gun at a broken old man in the rain ready to kill him I felt nothing at all at the idea of killing you." Cornelius turns to regard the woman, Adelaide, and stares Cornelius: "Oh to have such a dissident, crusted heart as yours, miss" Ian tugs on his leash Ian: "I think that's enough for now" Cornelius: "These Romangan rebels, this whole state of delirious rebellious unchecked anarchy" Ian spins at that He is cut short, but Ian, and steadies himself Ian: "Anarchy?" or it will not be the young ladies that have to clean up the blood." "Anarchy indeed." Ian pulls the man back to the car. Ian harumphs as he yanks Lizzie Potgieter: “When's the transport coming?” Ian: "They said soon.": P.P. A.: oh, there it is Adelaide Valerian walks back out. The rain has her shivering again in a moment, but she's still glad to leave that sick, dark place where they summoned the creature. P.P. A.: just teleported in Kismet; within moments, another aircar descends from the gloom and rain, a small floodlight held out by the driver, the electric beam shining to the cobblestone below From inside, a large man in a sharp uniform of the Imperial Guard, and a Silver helm on head. He waves to your group from the dry car interior Elysia Lucchesi: "I take it this man has succeeded in making you want him dead even more in the span of those few moments." The newcomer car is a longer sedan style vehicle with heavy dark windows and thick angular shell of design; it looks to be a finely appointed armored car Ian heads to the armoured car with the prisoner in toe Adelaide Valerian greatfully climbs inside, pulling off the lace front mask and dripping. Looking young and rather like a cat saved from drowning at this point as she shivers in the corner. Elysia Lucchesi shrugs and gets inside as well Ian glances to Elysia P.P. A. also gets inside, soaked with rain and clutching the goosebumps on her arms under her relatively thin jacket Ian: "I don't wish anyone dead. Sadly, some people's idea of self preservation is counterintuitive." Lizzie Potgieter also gets inside, soaked with rain and clutching the goosebumps on her arms under her relatively thin jacket The man waves you all inside, and the toasty dry interior squeaks with plush leather bucket seats for each of you, as well as a clinking wetbar on one side, and a tobacco humidor on the other. The sharp uniformed man inside nods his helm to you all and welcomes you "To the most secure limousine in the city, ready to get the hells out of the undercity stench, ladies, gentlemen" Ian: [was there anything of value left in the old car? any touchstones/items?] Ken (GM): [good call; the driver waits for you guys to doublecheck but as GM; I think it was all in-hand gear, as well as your extra armaments? lost of ammo bandoliers hanging of your regular suits, from when you armed up at the OAR basement P.P. A.: and a lot of dents and scratches Ken (GM): ALL the incidental damages Ian: [yeah I believe so]. Ian gets into the car with the Director, while not holding any weapons on him, he does keep the rope attached to the manacles in hand. Driver: "Right, whereto Sir? Home office or otherwise?" Ian: "Home office, unless we have further pressing business, we need to secure our guest, and allow him time to assist in our investigations." Adelaide Valerian ask them to send a wrecker to recover the car from the pond when they can, and took what she thought she needed.. a shotgun, ammuntion and her personal effects. She's glad to get out of there, but watches for trouble. Driver: "Very good sir" and he engages the drive and rises into the night slowly and carefully in the foggy rain. One arm draped out with his spotlight to guide his passage Elysia Lucchesi: "Once you get the media prepared, there's another announcement i'd like to make." Ian: "Of course. Let's plan our next twenty-four hours once we're back at base, but I'm sure we can accommodate." Elysia Lucchesi: "I'm sorry for the increase in work it will bring." The armored limo rises into the rising night; a small privacy guard between the driver and the passengers is closed for your convenience as he pilots the vehicle out "to keep the draft off you" he says Above the gloom of the Undercity, the fog pools in the recesses of the low buildings, creeping into the canalways like probing fingers into the Grand City. The rain drapes the place with a thick darkness, and the pinpoins of the guidelights are followed with care by the driver Ian says nothing, but watches the city go by, occasionally checking on the Director, but not hassling him unless needed. Adelaide Valerian is worried a moment that another storm might strike, but relaxes when her fears prove unfounded Cornelius , the mad doctor, simply sits and stares out the window. He doesnt pout, but he looks rumpled and ugly now. All wrinkled skin and defeat Within the tolling of bells, you reach the higher end of the city, and the gothic revival designs of the Empires diplomatic offices In the night, with the anarchy of the uprising around the city, the staff have almost entirely been sent home save for the security staff and a light patrol for the grounds. Your valet escorts you from the Limo to the interior, his hand butted on his sidearm pistol as he marches sharply, but you enter unmolested. The dripping of rain and it's spatter against the windows are the only chorus in the background. The offfices bare save for ready fresh reams of paper and inkpots closed overnight. Distant faraway lightning from the Roil gives the occasional purple sheen to the area, a light from below, illuminating the quiet offices Ken (GM): Securing the director under guard with security? or On your own? P.P. A.: Does the OAR have a jail? or is this at the embassy? Ken (GM): this is Ian's embassy and they have a small cell for 'political prisoners' P.P. A.: I thought we were hearding to the OAR's offices Ian: Me too lol Ken (GM): BUGGER and DERP haha Ian: I didn't think the embassy had armoured cars lol Ken (GM): but recoverable mild retcon the driver is an OAR agent, not a silverhead Ian: cool Ken (GM): same kind of fellow, different hat and Joush M.: Ah! That makes sense. Diplomatic protective services Melchiore stands in the alleyway waiting to receive you as you arrive Of note, he's in uniform still, but the big gold sash is gone, and he's got a pistol on his belt now Ken (GM): [after all, it was an OAR car you had, so the secure radio channel would big old derp on me there] Ian: [nah, we all derp] Melchiore stands in the recess of the back door of the OAR offices, shielded from the rain and scowling into the dark as you emerge with the mad doctor in tow Melchiore: "It was happy hunting tonight, I see" He nods to Elysia Ian: "Nothing happy about it, Sir, but I'm sure we appreciate the comment." Lizzie Potgieter turn to Elysia, pretty much ignoring Melchiore: “Where can I send a telegram?” Elysia Lucchesi: "Once this monster has confessed, there is something I wish to do." Elysia Lucchesi directs Lizzie to the appropriate office/room for that Lizzie Potgieter thanks her and disappears in it. (To GM): To August von Arnfels, Yth: “IN ROMANGA - HORNED KING CULT - PEOPLE TRANSFORMED VALKYRIAN FEATURES - PLEASE COME - LIZ” Adelaide Valerian heads inside dripping and catches the first hapless low ranked person she passes. "I need hot coffee, a pack of ciggerettes, two towels and a fresh uniform, women's size two. Quickly please." She says, then looks to Melchiore. "Let's get this into containment. Watch out, he has a lot of tricks hidden in those prosthetics." Melchiore ushers you inside, and sends his driver on his way. The entrance is flanked by two men sitting at alert with automatic rifles nearby, and inside the building, the halls are abuzz with staff, even at this hour Ian nods at Adelaide's advice, then shoots the Director a warning scowl. The staff mill like a kicked anthill; the staffer Adeliade ropes moves off in a hurry, and when Lizzie steps in and heads for the secure telegraph, Melchiore waves off the armed guards on the floor and ensures she has private access to send her missives. Melchiore waves four men over who usher the Doctor into a cell in the basement, behind an iron door with a rebar grill. Melchiore: "We are at full staff and then some, until this all susses out. I take it he came quietly?" Adelaide Valerian makes sure they are alone for that. Going with the high ranked officer and waiting for the delivery of the things she'd sent for. "In a way. He was more terrifed of his own monsters then us and we had the only way out." Ian: "I wouldn't say entirely, but well enough. We have multiple witnesses in his own staff that will be happy to collaborate on a case against him." Melchiore brings you to the third floor meeting room again, and ushers out the staff who had taken it up for a napping room between urgent shenanigains. He gives it a quick walkabout closing the drapes and righting the chairs, and makes sure you all have a quiet place to conspire Melchiore: "The SBI has turncoats? Their indoctrination techniques must be lacking this far out into Galicia. Good work Ian" "Elysia, what is this you need to see to now we have the madman in custody?" (To GM): He takes a glance at it. “We are departing for Romanga immediately,” he informs Stanley, and makes the necessary preparations on his part—informing his secretary to cancel any scheduled meetings for the next one or two days, to tell Hal not to explode the mansion in the meantime when he comes to work the next morning, etc. Ian: "No turncoats, just people with a sense of duty bigger than themselves I suspect." Elysia Lucchesi: "First, I have a confession of my own to make." Lizzie Potgieter eventually rejoins the others, and mills around with a towel over her shoulders and probably sipping some hot tea. Ian excuses himself briefly for tea as well Ian comes back, sipping happily, looking much more like himself Elysia Lucchesi brought out a 'dead drop' box by the time they returned Lizzie Potgieter just looks tired. Elysia Lucchesi: "I'm the one who broke into Bells' estate and found that Touchstone." Ian raises an eyebrow Melchiore stonefaces Ian: "I'd spit out my tea for dramatic effect, but at this point I don't think I'm actually surprised." Lizzie Potgieter looks up. Ian sips calmly, waiting for the rest of the confession/story/question-time Adelaide Valerian looks thoughtful at that, then when things arrive that she'd ordered the young woman walks to the side of the room and gets out of her soaking clothes. The meeting too important to interrupt and Adelaide caring little for modesty after the night she's had she throws the wet clothes into a bag, drying with the towels with her naked back to the room as she considers Rose's words. Dry she pulls on the clean uniform, then comes to the table and takes up the coffee in both hands. Elysia Lucchesi opens up the box, revealing the Phantom Thief's mask, outfit, and gear. "For years, this was the only way I could think to help my people. Taking back the things stolen from them, giving them some folk hero they could look up to, even if it meant officially being a traitor's daughter they despised as my day job." Melchiore: "Elysia.." Lizzie Potgieter nods politely. Adelaide Valerian: "I understand. You do what you must and become what you must so other people won't suffer for your weakness." Adelaide Valerian taps the pack of cancer sticks and looks around, trying to tell if anyone will be bothered if she smokes here. Melchiore steps over, and pulls one out for himself, offering Adelaide a brass lighter from his pocket Lizzie Potgieter eyes them with annoyed disapproval but is too tired to speak up. Elysia Lucchesi: "But in these short few days, I've gotten a closer look at Romanga than ever before. The place is sick and its people suffering as a result. The cat's out of the bag about my royal lineage too." Melchiore: stops, mid lighter, at that Melchiore stops, mid lighter, at that Ken (GM): [ree] Ian: "You did what you thought was best....I suppose no different than many of us. Though I do admit I think your outfit much more interesting than mine." Melchiore: "We are... compromised?" Adelaide Valerian gives Lizze an apologetic nod as she breathes in smoke there at the table. Her makeup no longer running, but gone after the ordeal. The result is she looks quite a bit younger then before. When Melchiore is frozen she reaches out and closes it to snuff the flame for him. Elysia Lucchesi: "What good does it do to keep hiding away, only staying in the shadows while the cult and people like Cornelius keep corrupting and sickening Romanga firther?" Lizzie Potgieter nods along, agreeing with the sentiment in principle. Elysia Lucchesi: "And to top it off, they're after my cousin while I continue to remain hidden and safe from them." "So, from here I will have to give up the mask of the Phantom Thief, and the mask that was known as Elysia Lucchesi." "Big things are going on, and I can't just stay hidden away while people die." Adelaide Valerian: "This war is in the shadows. You've been doing good work hidden." Melchiore: "You do realize what this means? All the safety we have built up, all the backdrops between you and the enemy, all the veils of secrecy unfurled" Elysia Lucchesi: "Yes. I will face them head on." Melchiore: "You must know, you are choosing imminent danger, at a time of nearly chaos. The city is in an uproar. Half of our agents havent checked in, and I can only assume their death" "Or worse, now" Ian nods at that Elysia Lucchesi: "So effective immediately, I will be retiring from the OAR." "And will be announcing my claim to the Romangan throne, and intend to start my own resistance against the cult and other enemy forces, in order to counter and de legitimize the sham of a revolution currently taking place in my name." Adelaide Valerian nods to Elysia. "I see. You've made up your mind and clearly are determined to see this though." Melchiore stands there, hand raised with his cigarette, ash half burned through it waiting and listening, nearly forgotten A wide low smile spreads through his face, and he seems to relax, somehow. Elysia Lucchesi: "The cult, for their part, will have no choice but to focus on me instead of Kat. And the truly loyal, uncompromised revolutionaries will have the option of switching away from the cult-sponsored groups and joining me instead." Ian: "As the duty of the Embassy, I feel I can offer you an official platform to speak from. It certainly would make for a more interesting statement than the usual doublespeak and buzz-word." Lizzie Potgieter 's hands are wrapped around her cup to warm them, the tips of her hair drying on the towel around her shoulders. Lizzie Potgieter was about to ask about the cult, but that answers it. Melchiore: "The fringe Bleeding Hearts will be put into place; I doubt there could be any subterfuge capable of shading their intentions from a true heir to the throne" Ian nods at that. Melchiore: "Whatever influence the cult will have there, this will significantly weaken it" Elysia Lucchesi: "So I would like to request that Melchiore, as the head of Romangan Intellgence Bureau, assist me in these efforts." (From Ken (GM)): Major thing to note. Lily could certainly get August up and away to Romanga with the use of her gates in The Ways melchiore: "Well dear, you wont have it" (To GM): Lily is gone though A pin drops (To GM): unless you mean Artemis (From Ken (GM)): blast; I meant (To GM): How long would a normal flight by the fastest ship available take? (From Ken (GM)): two or three days, under ideal tack and sail on the Ætherstreams. Artemis could get him there by morning or less Ian 's tea slurps Melchiore: "However, as the head of the local Bleeding Hearts, you will have my utmost support, love, and adoration." "After all, I still have a cover story to attend to" Elysia Lucchesi: "Well answered." Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath and nods to the man, a thoughtful frown on her lips. "A hard line to walk, but it should be effective for a while." Melchiore: "Until the time also suits to cast it off. Plenty enough to weed out any Galician hardliners under the OAR, if any. Or cultist interlopers" (To GM): The GM is suggesting that Artemis use her portal-powers to warp-tunnel August to Romanga, since the flight would otherwise take a few days Elysia Lucchesi winks to Ian. "I appreciate the assistance. I'm not so good at the administrative stuff." (To GM): wrong person Ian bows his head graciously (To Rosettsara): The GM is suggesting that Artemis use her portal-powers to warp-tunnel August to Romanga, since the flight would otherwise take a few days. (To GM): [22:45] Rosettsara: Granted Ian: "It does nothing to keep the Embassy aligned with the Galician crown. I suspect they are already pissed to high Heaven that I haven't sent a dozen statements decrying this rebellion. So I say let's use it for the intended purpose: For the people of this great land to see they have hope." Elysia Lucchesi: "Of course, I won't demand that anyone help me or anything like that. You're free agents of the OAR. I won't drag you into my mess unless you want to be there as allies and friends." Ian: "Your mess is our people's mess, young lady." Ian smiles Ian: "Of course I'm with you." Lizzie Potgieter: “ agents of the O.A.R., huh?” Lizzie Potgieter comments sarcastically. Adelaide Valerian: "Speaking of that, how likely are we to have the Empire try to restore order by force? I wouldn't want to add Galliacan Marines to the mix of things rampaging in the city." Ian turns to Lizzie and taps her tea cup with his own Melchiore: poorly stifles a small grin at Lizzie's expense Ian: "Why, Miss Lizzie, you have anything else more pressing than defeating an evil trying to suck the soul out of good folks?" Lizzie Potgieter: “I'm on board with fighting that cult since those guys are evil, but I ain't gonna get involved in some rebellion, sorry.” Ian shrugs and smiled at that Ian: "Fair enough." Melchiore: "The Empire has seen fit, so far, to the overseeing of their authority through the Inquisitor and his forces at Brightrock. I'd imagine, until their own failures come to light, this will continue" Lizzie Potgieter: “That other Cornelius guy and his wife, the ones who is transformed like August?” “They were the masked folks on the photo,” she explains to Melchiore. Melchiore: "Grand Inquisitor Conrad might have some explaining to do if he doesnt bring us all to heel, immediately, as well" Ian looks like he has a bad sip of tea as that name is let out Ian: "Yes, I'm sure he'll be one of the first I'll hear from." Ken (GM): [oh point of order, Lizzie has the names backwards, but this is the first time youve mentioned the Mad doctors arrest details, etc, and the revelations] P.P. A.: nah, when the doc first mentioned him, he said “Cornelius von Marburg” I had overlooked the immediate correction in the narration though (see Discord) Ken (GM): ... hahah my delivery, as of late, has been severely compromised P.P. A.: noted though Ken (GM): :V right, so Elysia Lucchesi: "He is an enemy agent one way or the other, so conflict is inevitable." Adelaide Valerian considers that thoughtfully and sits there quitely as she warms up and smokes and drinks her coffee. Ken (GM): thank god for hot coffee on cold nights Elysia Lucchesi: "However, at least for the moment we have the element of surprise against him." "We know things about him that he doesn't know we know." Ken (GM): y'all gonna get Melchiore up to speed? He wasnt there tonight, arresting cornelius Ian: Yeah Ken (GM): so, the man and the woman in the photograph he gave you, are in fact, the high inquisitor Conrad von Marburg, and his wife Julia on the confession of doc cornelius, who explains that the high inquisitor (and his lady) were changed by himself to be of the 'elevated-men' Ian: [fuckin Elevator People!] Ken (GM): and that they have each been working with the Roi Cornu, variously, vis a vis the weirdo ghouls in the SBI basement, and the conspiracy of the doctor to transform the Undercity residents sick with the plague, into also transofrming, through the waters of the dam and sludgeworks Ian: Yeah, making sure Melchiore knows about the waters/sludgeworks is on the bill ASAP Ken (GM): righto he is of course, horrified of the prospect Adelaide Valerian nods grimly. "I assume at this point is is overrun with monsters." Melchiore: "I had heard scattered reports of a security breach and some scuffles with the ground forces on deploy, but I'll be sure to recheck those reports" Adelaide Valerian: "At least, the lower levels." Melchiore: "Fingers crossed, Mikkles keeps his head on his shoulders tonight" Ian finishes his tea, places the cup in the serving tray recovery area, then straightens his suit Ian: "Shall we go poke at an empire and the cult nibbling at it then?" Outside, thunder crackles purple on the horizon, from the Roil itself. A weird azure tinge to it alongside that lingers and rolls through the clouds Ian: [Moooood lighting!] Melchiore: "I would imagine you each require rest for the moment. Perhaps a regroup before you dive along headfirst. TIme enough for a hot meal and a power nap at least Elysia Lucchesi: "That is definitely in order." P.P. A.: [hoho] Ian chuckles and nods at that Lizzie Potgieter was already nodding off in her seat during the lengthier parts of the conversation. Ian: "Not a bad suggestion." (From Ken (GM)): stalls ever so slightly for you as well, August Stanley and Artemis on their way" (To GM): convenient, thanks (From Ken (GM)): sensible mostly, but convenient Adelaide Valerian nods. "Right. A few hours of sleep and a chance to check on my girl would be good." Ian will spend a moment to arrange air-time/a press conference Lizzie Potgieter rubs her eyes and looks at Elysia. “What's your real name, by the way?” Melchiore: "Yes, our friend should be informed. I have channels, come, miss Adeliade. I have his direct line if you'd like. We can ring him up" Elysia Lucchesi: "I'll need some time to clean off and get ready for my new life." "I'm Elysia de Romanga, Lizzie. But you can just call me Elysia like before." Melchiore: "Don't go doing something drastic, like cutting your hair" Lizzie Potgieter smiles a tired smile and nods. P.P. A.: the worst anime meme Ken (GM): 'best to hide in plain sight' and dont change your anime blue hair or first name or anything. its like Cloud in FF7, crossdressing Elysia Lucchesi does undo her braid, though. Ken (GM): :P SCANDALOUS Lizzie Potgieter mentions to Elysia: “I should let you know, I sent a telegram to August, asking him to come here. Since he's been transformed same as the Inquisitor, I figured it'd be good to talk to him.” Adelaide Valerian goes to make the calls and all that, off to the office with Melchore. Lizzie Potgieter: “Woe, you're lekker with your hair down.” *Wow Ken (GM): AVERT THINE GAZE, IAN THE HARLOTS ARE AMONG US Elysia Lucchesi: "Thank you, Lizzie. He will hopefully be a good ally in these trying times." Ian averts nothing! Ian EXCPT INJUSTICE Ken (GM): kek Night falls deep and dark, and restless. Outside, the wind rises and falls in unsteady rhythms, rain and cold slashing at the windows and thundering ominously at the roof. A full storm never arrives, but threatens menacingly all night. Sleep comes easily for you all, thanks to the torpor of adrenaline crashes, and the embrace of warm bedding and secure walls. However, the dawn doe snot break to rise you from your beds, but rather, the warning sound of an air raid klaxxon barking into the halls of the office, and the stampede of response from the staff around you. The sky outside is a steely gray of predawn, weird illumination in all directions like a haunting of the stars jamme dinto the foggy sky. And then, with a crackle of unchained electric power on the air that sends your short hairs on end, and an azure halo on the air over the building, the windows of the office glow with some Ætheric light as the droning roar of a great airship arrives suddenly, mystically, overtop the OAR Elysia Lucchesi: "So they're the ones to make the first move after all." Ian sips on a fresh tea, in a particularly fetching teal-grey overcoat as he watches the sky and nods Over a shouting internal speaker somewhere, a voice rises over the chaos in the building "SUmmon High Lord Melchiore at once! A ship named Hammerhead has arrived!" Lizzie Potgieter wakes up and quickly puts on the clothes she's left to dry over the night. (From Ken (GM)): Artemis homed in her passage through The Ways, directly to Lizzie. Hence the dynamic entrance over the building. It felt like the roar of the ship overhead was centered upon Lizzie (To GM): August would have preferred an incognito docking at the airport, but this is preferable to arriving a few days later, so he's content with the outcome. Adelaide Valerian meets the others. Makeup on, dressed and fed she's shed the drowned rat look and looks buisnesslike and ready again. Lizzie Potgieter: “What was that?” Ken (GM): plus, shes armed for bear, as usual always helps the stylish look Lizzie Potgieter also comes out, hat under her arm, fumbling with her Z-lock. Elysia Lucchesi: "What is the meaning of this?" (To GM): A place to land would be good though Ian: "Yep. Definitely royalty." (From Ken (GM)): its a big roof... The previously chaotic mess of the OAR is now instead in total bedlam as the staff try to secure the building. Men with guns run upstairs while clerks with sensitive papers scramble for the bomb-proofed basement levels. In short moments however, the threat of open warfare on high is averted as the building creaks and settles with a THOOM as something massive parks on top of the centuries old roof Small bits of masonry rain down from the tiled upper floors, past the windows, as the place settles into relative silence. The azure light dies away and the gray skies remain, a large shadow upon the OAR office Lizzie Potgieter: “That the rebels?” Elysia de Romanga takes her gun and rapier and goes to see what's happening. Melchiore appears, buttoning his jacket, sword on his hip by his pitol and bright gold sash and badge of office on his breast. he stalks for the roof and collects you all. "Miss Lizzie, your invited guest has arrived, with some fanfare, it seems" Adelaide Valerian: "Well, they certainly know how to make an entrance. Very dramatic." Lizzie Potgieter looks surprised, and quickly hurries after Elysia—weapon still in hand, just in case, because that flight should have taken longer from her experience. Elysia de Romanga: "Are there ships that can actually sneak up on us like that?" P.P. A. August calmly apologises for the sudden and rough entry to any alarmed guards pointing guns at him, and inquires politely about the presence of a certain Miss Potgieter. P.P. A.: er (To GM): that P.P. A.: note to self: /me is not /w gm Ken (GM): hahah Ian: lol meta time! (From Ken (GM)): you should have renewed access to August's name (To GM): yes, thanks (To GM): just tell me whether the guards let him come down into the building or the party gets to the roof first Adelaide Valerian streaches. "Well, apparently yes." The stairs to the roof are crowded with half-uniformed men summoned at the noise, and the guards on staff unprepared for the event; they part like the sea for Melchiore and your band, as you come up to greet the guests Under the grey veil of a nearly-dawn light, in the chill of the passing rain and wind, sits a long and shining ship in bright new steel, half mated to a beaten and scarred rear half flush with scoremarks and bullet holes. The name HAMMERHEAD brightly painted on the hull From the opening bank of the ship, you know its an armored troop carrier and dropship. From the two figures standing behind the gangway, you realize this is not a typical ship. Ian: "Shiny rust bucket, isn't it?" A well dressed blonde man and a long cloaked grim faced fellow are the only arrivals Lizzie Potgieter squeezes past the guards and her face l brightens up as she sees the figures, and she stops to wave at them. Elysia de Romanga: "That was quick." The man is August von arnfels; his skin is a luminous marble white, with long ears and sparkling blue eyes. He has been greatly exaggerated by the media though August Von Arnfels smiles in turn, revealing oddly serrated teeth in his pale face, and steps down from the ship (ignoring any demands by any guards to the contrary). Adelaide Valerian: "I don't really know ships, but this one does seem to have seen quite a lot of battle." She says thoughtfully as she looks it over, then to the figures coming down the ramp. (From Ken (GM)): the whole new body thing has toned down some, with a slightly more humanlike set of features asserting over the last few days, FYI. Still elfy (To GM): was going to have the insights Lizzie got from Cornelius help him gain more control over his form and revert to basically normal (From Ken (GM)): yeah, nearly human again, but still transformed Lizzie Potgieter runs up to August, who raises his hand with a soft smile as she draws close—and she high-fives it. Ian: [lol] Lizzie Potgieter exchanges a few words with him unheard over the chatter of the guards and the noise of weather and machinery, and the two of them approach the rest of the party together. Lizzie Potgieter introduces them in turn: “This is Elysia de Romanga” she says the latter in a hushed voice so third parties don't overhear, “Adelaide—ain't her real name but she's got good reasons—, and Sir Timmins.” August Von Arnfels nods to them as introduced. “August, Count of Arnfels. Pleased to meet you.” Elysia de Romanga: "A pleasure, Count Arnfels." Adelaide Valerian: "Adelaide Valerian, Royal Archivist. It's very good to meet you Count Arnfels." She curtsies politely. Artemis Crowninshield eventually descends as well, nearly tripping over herself trying to catch up. "H-Hello! I'm Artemis Crowinshield." Melchiore stands and waits patiently, barely miffed at being looked over in rank Ken (GM): [this is a visiting dignitary after all] P.P. A.: oh,he'll get his attention, no worries Lizzie Potgieter: “Lizzie Potgieter, nice to meetcha.” She's already said hello to Stanley, whom she's seen before. Artemis Crowninshield: "Sorry about that, it's a bit hard to calculate precisely where we'll end up when making a jump like that." August Von Arnfels: “The sound of urgency justified it. What was that about a cult of the Horned King, and people with Valkyrian features?” Adelaide Valerian: "Hello.. Humm, We have a lot to talk about. Shall we do so inside with some breakfast?" Melchiore: "Its all been quite the whirlwind of events, these last few days, Count, and I must say, we thought they were all your fault a tthe start" Mister Stnaley brightens up visibly at the mention of breakfast Elysia de Romanga does too August Von Arnfels nods to accept the invitation, and assures Melchiore: “Understandable, given the nature of these events. And you are?” Melchiore: "High Lord Melchiore Lucchesi, of the Order Aquilla Romanga; inquisitorial aide and investigative force for the Empire of Galicia" August Von Arnfels shakes it. “My pleasure.” Lizzie Potgieter says nothing for now. The hands grip, the marble white and pale velvet glove meeting. And in that space, an Azure blue dances wildly, with a ring of bright neon red circling Melchiore's palm. A small flash of arcane light, and then, it sputters and leaves Melchiore lets go, and looks at his outstretched hand with a sudden surprise. His palm alight with the red of the sigils you saw so many days ago P.P. A.: (The same as the one Stanley used to have?) Melchiore: "Balthazarr shall need to make an appearance as well, it would seem" Adelaide Valerian stops and stares curiously at the sigils. "What a curious thing." Stanley: "Sir, we have a Big M problem, I think, already" "I recognize those sigils" DUN DUN DUNNNNNN August Von Arnfels looks at them intently before they fade. “The same ones which you bore?” P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): :D so my wife appeared half an hour ago Fiss: 7 Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ Fiss: out of 10 Ken (GM): and asked why I was cackling to myself Fiss: needs more tea ;p Ken (GM): and I had to explain how much recursion had just happened Joush M.: Jack is drunk and asleep on the hammerhead, I assume Ken (GM): [as if shed let stanley go on his own P.P. A.: Hal had best be with his family Ken (GM): if he slipped away, she would fly on the power of her own boty-call NAGER Fiss: I guess we'll see lol Ken (GM): *anger Fiss: Nanger! Ken (GM): booty call, anger christsake okay so THAT im gonna call the end of the prologue Ken (GM): so we can like get shit organized Fiss: Heh Ken (GM): cuz man I think at this point the GM and the players would benefit from a plot and schme summary I might need a flowchart P.P. A.: Actually that was part of the reason I wanted August to appear in explaining the events so far to him, the party has a chance to recall the information they've gathered and revisit the things that happened Joush M.: Charts are good Ken (GM): YES PPA P.P. A.: and he can ask questions if something needs clarification Ken (GM): oh thats smart we keep you around kill you last Fiss: P.P. A.: remember me Fiss: lol P.P. A.: so yeah, next session might be a recap episode 90 % reused footage with a hazy filter on it Fiss: NEXT TIME ON DRAGON BALL Z...er....SHATTERED WORLD Z! P.P. A.: and narration played over it Ken (GM): ARE WE STILL ON NAMEK Joush M.: Beach episode with recap Ken (GM): IS THIS STILL THE ANSIBLE KEEP WHEN DID GRAY KILL THAT OGRE Fiss: Ken (GM): AN HOUR AGO?! P.P. A.: THE HOW MANIETH FLOOR IS THIS Ken (GM): HEH hahahaha JFC Joush M.: Oh man, that keep was a marathon, but also amazeing Ken (GM): WEEKS of game 24 hours later P.P. A.: yeah, I really didn't mind how long it took Ken (GM): double point totals P.P. A.: things were happening Ken (GM): CONSTANT FIREFIGHTS Joush M.: I think that day was like a month and a half of weekly seessons Ken (GM): dude, more P.P. A.: yeah, more Ken (GM): but, i digress, im being shoved out the door to go get random free shit about the city, and then come home with cheeseburgers P.P. A.: Until (Tuesday) next week \o Ken (GM): NEXT TIME ON SHATTERED WORLDS CROSS CAMPAIGN SHENANIGAINS MEAT POPSCICLES Ken (GM): COME TO ME LEND ME YOUR EARS Fiss: What's up Chooms? Ken (GM): some kind of Ian 's harumphing intensifies The Grand City of Romanga bleeds red as a ruby sunrise pierces the clouds of the Roil Lizzie Potgieter: “August—before all else, we heard some stuff about your transformation.” August Von Arnfels: “Hm?” Lizzie Potgieter: “The High Inquisitor here's like you, but he can hide it better. That SBI prof said something like… He looked like you, fangs 'n all, but he learned to control his body. Somethin' 'bout him not really bein' physical…?” August Von Arnfels stops in his steps and ponders—looking back to his experiences with Lily, and the battle with the Horned King and his minions. Lizzie Potgieter: “I forgot how he put it… Æther, manipulatin' his form or somethin'?” August Von Arnfels …something clicks. He recalls some manifestations of Lily, the Hammerhead's ride through the Ways, and the sensation of his transformation and of his blade cutting the Horned King's shadow-form. Elysia de Romanga: "Indeed! The country is under siege by those who wish to make powerful puppets out of the citizens. Loyal to the Horned King and his alleged 'Queen'. The High Inquisitor may be only the tip of the aetherstone." August Von Arnfels closes his eyes and concentrates: he imagines himself as an entity of pure ego, floating in an Ætheric void—his body a manifestation of his will, an act of assuming locality in the world. (To GM): Warm? Warmer? Hot? P.P. A.: (sorry for the monologue here but I wanted to get this out of the way) (From Ken (GM)): yeah thats 90% of how the transformation worked. And yes, with a few moments of concentration, you melt yourself back into a more human form Artemis Crowninshield ponders these events quietly as August does his thing. (From Ken (GM)): and, so can Stanley, and Jack, etc. Youve likely been subconsciously changing appearance each night as you slept Adelaide Valerian frowns at that and looks critically to the pale girl with the dark hair. "Grim. But how do you know? Where do you come in?" August Von Arnfels emanates a faint intangible something. His outlines blur a little… and the tipsof his ears round into human shape again, as do his eyes. His pale face also regains some of its natural golden tint. August Von Arnfels opens his eyes and smirks. Ian raises an eyebrow at the sudden shifts August Von Arnfels: “ fascinating.” August Von Arnfels smiles warmly at Lizzie. “Thank you. I feel much better now.” Lizzie Potgieter smiles back, happy and a little proud. Stanley takes a step back, and looks concerned "Please tell me sir, this is a good Big M moment?" August Von Arnfels: “I wouldn't quite call it Big M, but I can explain it to you later.” He turns his attention to the others: “What of the High Inquisitor anyway, and of the SBI? I know only that Romanga was subjected to quite a harsh inquisiton after it conquest, but there is more to it by the sound of it?” Ian: "To say the least...it turns out we may be the epicenter for...inhuman experimentation and cultist activities." Melchiore: "As Miss Elysia has said, its all very deeply ingrained in the fabric of the area; a dark spot that needs brushing out. If we could adjourn inside, we could privately discuss it all further?" August Von Arnfels nods. Ian nods at Melchiore's suggestion The sharp suited man gestures about the rooftop with his white gloves, and shakes off the magical sparks of his handshake with August Melchiore: "your reputation precedes you Master August, if you and your entourage can trust the...docking of your ship here with my guard, we can see about having a spot of breakfast served as the day breaks, mm?" I'm sure you can elucidate us with answers to" Steel gray skies break way with the dawn as it plunges through the clouds with a brilliant display of light and beauty. Romanga rises from the depths of the night with a haze of red, and the chaos of the previous night still hanging from it like cheap jewelrey. Here and there the defiant rise of the courts of nobles are marked with bonfires, watch-wary lights, and thick oiled smoke of some unknown combat overnight. The occasional sound of a watch-whistle pierces the air, or the clatter of an alarm bell, as the city still groans and shifts under the weight of the new changes. Artemis Crowninshield sees to it that the Hammerhead is treated nicely. Melchiore leads you back to the privacy of the upper boardroom, wood panelled walls and thick curtains, brickwork smeared with soot from the fireplace, and the everpresent scent of ink, gunoil, and paper on the air P.P. A.: The one from when we first came here? Ken (GM): the eternal boardroom the sanctum of Melchiore the one with your laundry hanging in the corner Ian: [] Lizzie Potgieter does not like the smell of the room. Elysia de Romanga: "...Anyway, correct me if i'm making any mistaken assumptions here, but from what I understand, the Cult and the SBI, or at least elements of the SBI, have been experimenting on Romangans and others in order to forcefully transform them into...something different. I suspect this is an attempt at creating more beings like yourself, Count. However, the difference I notice in them is their lack of free will and apparent connection to this Horned King." Ian nods at that, a grave frown on his face Elysia de Romanga: "Doing this at the same time as encouraging a rebellion would indicate that they wish to have an army. But what would this army be put up against? And who does it serve?" Adelaide Valerian collects a cart on the way to the board room with a coffee carafe, breakfast pasteries and fruit. Rolling it in and starting to set cups out at the table as she thinks about Elysia's words. Lizzie Potgieter nods along. “Walkin' corpses, eyeless, hoarse…” Ian: "Hardly the model citizen of our great land." Ian says it with dry humour, but there's a hitch of worry under his voice August Von Arnfels raises an eyebrow. “Let's start at the beginning. What is that ‘Cult of the Horned King,’ other than what the name already reveals?” Elysia de Romanga "That is a very good question. They're short on words, but tall in rhetoric." She produces the touchstone she stole from the Bells' estate. "They are distributing these, and they are the cause of much trouble. Certain key words are connected to them as well." Elysia de Romanga looks to Ian and Adelaide for elaboration. August Von Arnfels picks it up and looks at it. “Touchstones, I see.” Adelaide Valerian: "A secret collection of powerful nobles and fanatics. They belive they can gain power by swearing service to the cult and the 'horned king', a mythical figure that has a 'promised bride' in the form of a mortal girl, or one they expect to put the soul of his promised bride into. Either way, it's vital to keep her away from them." Ken (GM): [just labelling the touchstones, sorry, don know why I didnt before now] Adelaide Valerian: "It would be a mistake to assume they all have the same agenda. If you put five nobles in a room you have six murder plots, three seductions and two usurpations going on behind the scenes. They are united in their desire for power and dominance. They think 'he' can give them that." Adelaide Valerian pours coffee for anyone that wants some and otherwise serves breakfast from the cart. Melchiore: "There have been altercations in the last few days, starting the day of Count Von Arnfels broadcast, that escalated violence against the agents preset, and a ward of theirs. A young girl" Ian gladly obtains caffeine August Von Arnfels looks at Adelaide: “To get this out of the way: the Horned King is annihilated. We destroyed his physical body and then rent his spirit with a magic sword. He is assuredly gone.” Stanley has a sweet tooth, and is quite absorbed in the pastries August Von Arnfels: “A promised bride, though…?” Stanley nods his assent to the testimony and adds over a mouthful "We were all there. Target eliminated" Ian: "With all due respect, sir, I don't think the cult got the memo that they were defeated." Elysia de Romanga: "In fact, for a short time they appeared to regard you as an ally of theirs." August Von Arnfels scoffs at the notion. Melchiore produces a small manilla folder, spreads it on the table before August, and indicates the photographs of the cult's fiery declaration In the background, after getting the small woman a cup of liquid breakfast, Stanley and Miss Artemis take turns concentrating like their Count, and in the short while, they also seem to revert their overt valkyrian features to a more normal human-shape August Von Arnfels ponders the thing Adelaide mentioned and looks at Artemis: “There was his consort, the one you got your staff from… What was her name again?” Elysia de Romanga: "There's also the whole 'Lily' business that still eludes us..." Artemis Crowninshield frowns. "Deloth." Lizzie Potgieter speaks up, worried: “…Deloth Ainur?” In the background, one of the Touchstone disks pulses an eerie red Elysia de Romanga: "...Yeah, they do that when the name or key word is spoken." August Von Arnfels: “That was her name. …after Jack took away her staff, Hal short her through the heart, and she vanished into smoke.” August Von Arnfels frowns, crosses his arms, and leans back in his chair. “From what we learned after, killing her physical form ought to have done little, and her spirit must still be in this world.” Adelaide Valerian stands frowning, scowling thoughtfully as she holds her cup, then sits there with them. "Yes..Ah." She looks to the plusing stone. "The name seems to bother this one." August Von Arnfels turns to Adelaide: “You said they wanted to resurrect her, or incarnate?” August Von Arnfels: +her? Adelaide Valerian: "The girl they've picked was to become her, somehow. I don't understand the exact details.." She looks to August a moment, but then looks to Artemis. Looking over her thoughtfully. Artemis Crowninshield looks curiously at Adelaide. "Hey, where did you get that bracer?" August Von Arnfels grins sheepishly at Artemis: “Do you think she would like the ribbons?” Melchiore: "Yes, the ward I mentioned, a young miss in the wing of our Adelaide." "She is secure at the moment, but was the subject of the Cults interest for some time now" Adelaide Valerian: "It's the Touchstone of an old friend. The wizard crafted it for me." She says softly as she touches the dark tooled leather. Artemis Crowninshield: "It's very similar to what I carry. I obtained it from...her." Artemis Crowninshield smirks at August. "I've got a whole drawer full of new designs and accessories now." August Von Arnfels chuckles. “Well, under these circumstances we shouldn't let her get far enough to see it.” Adelaide Valerian: "Who is in it, I wonder.." She ask of the touchstone, then shakes her head and focused again on the matter at hand. August Von Arnfels notices that Lizzie has been looking at Adelaide and him with deep concern. He stops joking. Lizzie Potgieter: “They really been after Kat— the girl they're tryin' to turn into D.A..” Melchiore nods along soberly to the thought, and sips his drink thoughtfully. Lizzie Potgieter: “She started hearin' voices in her head from bein' near those Touchstones, and afterwards they started comin' after her.” Melchiore: "Some sort of transformation? A ritual of possession or perhaps...her body becomes a vessel for the defeated spirit?" Elysia de Romanga: "If beings are inside the stones, and that particular one reacts visibly to that name..." "Count, I believe we may have in our possession that villain who got away from you." Lizzie Potgieter ponders that thought. He lays a hand on the hilt of the Ogre Blade…but abstains from drawing it. The room is a bit small for the Touchstone to explode into butthurt. P.P. A.: er August Von Arnfels ponders that thought. He lays a hand on the hilt of the Ogre Blade…but abstains from drawing it. The room is a bit small for the Touchstone to explode into butthurt. Adelaide Valerian: "That would explain how they expect to return the high priestess or bride. Contained within a stone, then.. transferred to a host. It's obscene, but makes sense." August Von Arnfels: “…so you are in possession of the vessel of her soul, and the girl they're after is safely cloistered?” Elysia de Romanga: "Presuming no other tricks have been kept up their sleeve." Ken (GM): [KEK] [sorry, looked away, looke dback, lizzie was august] [solid kek P.P. A.: x) Lizzie Potgieter: “They been attckin' us with their monsters, wizards, and magic, but, uh…” Ian: "I pilfered one of their blades if that may help anyone." Melchiore sends for a clerk to retrieve the item for Sir Ian, from where it was analyzed by the staff Ken (GM): [nearly forgot about the snake-sword] Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't lookin' like they really have a strategy.” Ian: "None that we've seen, though admittedly they had been many steps into whatever plan by the time we were set upon them." August Von Arnfels: “…it sounds to me as if you've already foiled their plans, and now they are lashing out in desperation.” Ian: "Optimism..." Ian smiles, though it's not without the usual undercurrent of worry Adelaide Valerian: "It might be better to say they have a dozen. Remember, the cult is united in their desire of power and perhaps some secret plans, but there are also indivual actors. The 'lord of the sludge works' had different ideas then some of the others I've met." August Von Arnfels: “Lord of the Sludge Works?” Lizzie Potgieter: “King Briquette. That slob of a black dwarf.” “…also Duke of Romanga? I thought he was just some minor noble and was runnin' the Sludge Works, like, as a business.” August Von Arnfels feels little wiser now. Ian peruses the blade for a moment, swinging it with expertise betraying his usual act as a simple old man, then places it on the table with distain for the balance Adelaide Valerian: "Kurgdzt Bells. Sacrificed his own son for power. A truly hidious man." Elysia de Romanga: "Given their support of the rebellion, and their openly causing terror in the streets, I would reckon that they're buying time for someone to appear, or for something to happen." "Troops told to hold the line until their commander or hero arrives to save the day." Melchiore: "Yes, the dwarf Kurgdzt Bells, Married to a local nobleowman Lady Cadence Valliant, and took the Duchy of Romanga...until his recent demise" Lizzie Potgieter: “They ain't very good at holdin' the line then.” August Von Arnfels looks at Lizzie with open ears. Lizzie Potgieter: “They just show up randomly in the streets, call some… flesh-mounds they got from the SBI… The one with the spear was waitin' in my flat when we came back.” Ian: "Portals, specifically" Lizzie Potgieter shudders. “Got him though…” Artemis Crowninshield perks up. "Portals?" Ian: "Magic circles, or whatever hoodoou they are using. Stanley: "Portals? As in, rings of shiny.... on the floor?" The man kind of tries to work his way around the word Ian nods, though he smiles appreciatively at the 'M' word being used like a curseword Adelaide Valerian: "They can be drawn in the air as well. Pathways though the Ways. The Duchess understands it better then I do, but yes, magic." August Von Arnfels 's eyes rest on Lizzie's tired account, his own expression troubled. Elysia de Romanga: "That reminds me...wasn't there talk of a 'Lily' being under Bells' care? Both times I was at the estate, there was no such person fitting that description." August Von Arnfels: “The one we know went away. She is still with us, in a way, but no longer the world.” August Von Arnfels realises something, stops and ponders. Melchiore: "I'm sorry, Lily?" August Von Arnfels turns to Artemis: “A coincidence aside, what if she's the mortal Lily of this time?” Elysia de Romanga: "Something was said about her being important for some kind of purpose." Lizzie Potgieter: “She was the contact between that shorty orphanage-priest and the underworld, nè?” “Or between the Bleedin' Hearts or the underworld or whatever.” *Hearts and August Von Arnfels looks at the others who have not chimed in yet to clear up the confusion. Melchiore: "i'm sorry, I am at a loss to who this Lily could be...but does it remark as odd that I feel, perhaps, I know who she is?" Elysia de Romanga: "I didn't think much about it until now, but her absence is starting to bother me." Melchiore: "Yes, much of this is bothersome" Lizzie Potgieter: “The Dwarf never told you about her?” August Von Arnfels asks what Dwarf and Lizzie briefly explains that it was a contact of Melchiore's which he had the party visit. Melchiore listens with rapt interest Melchiore: "I am astounded. I have no idea who you are referring to!" August Von Arnfels: “Ordered you?” he asks as a follow-up to Lizzie's explanation. “How did you get involved in all this anyway?” Lizzie Potgieter looks uncomfortable for a moment, but forgoes her Truthfulness roll, looks August in the eye, and looks her thumb at Melchiore. “This guy blackmailed me and said I'd have to join the O.A.R..” August Von Arnfels: “” Melchiore: "Really, such an ugly word." Lizzie Potgieter looks down, embarassed. “He had photos of you an' said he'd hand me to the inqusition as a witch.” Melchiore: "At the time, Count Von Arnfels was under suspicion of colluding with the Roi Cornu, and in the interest of keeping one of his known associates under supervision by my agents, I had her folded into our directive with the implied threat of prosecution through aiding and abetting" Lizzie Potgieter smiles wearkly at August as a tear rolls down her cheek. “I guess you were right, I'm not… made for this kinda stuff.” August Von Arnfels Rolling 3d6 = 7 vs 15 (Diplomacy) August Von Arnfels , bot being 100% in control of his Valkyrian form, may actually have some subtle fiery lighting effects going on in his irises P.P. A.: (now that's a erk I'd buy if I was still playing him full-time) Ken (GM): oh yeah def a bonus feature The spymaster regards the furious count with a cool stare, and a level look. Melchiore: "Really, Master August" Elysia de Romanga: "...And as his superior, I will take responsibility for his decision and free Lizzie from her service to the OAR. She will be compensated for her forced labor, lost property, and damage to her mental health. It will come directly out of the royal treasury." Melchiore immediately dips his head to Elysia in her proclamation, and presses his hand to his badge of office. Melchiore: "By her Magesty's will" Ian chews on the side of his cheek but stays quiet, letting the heavier hitters in the room hash it out. August Von Arnfels acknowledges Elysia's intervention, and the diversion calms him slightly. “Then you will be present when I have a word with him.” Elysia de Romanga: "If it is only words, I will be happy to oblige." Adelaide Valerian: "Thank you for everything, Lizzie. I know it wasn't what you would have chosen, but I'm very grateful you were here." Lizzie Potgieter wipes a tear away and looks at Adelaide somewhat panicked: “But we still gotta stop Cornelius's plan!” Lizzie Potgieter: “If the dam bursts…” August Von Arnfels: “Hm?” Melchiore: "The SBI Director of operations for their local base in the lower city, Cornelius Derisius" Lizzie Potgieter: “The SBI's planned to turn everyone undead in the lower city with a flood.” Melchiore: "he was arrested last night, for his various crimes against humanity, and is locked in the basement some fifty yards from the table" Lizzie Potgieter: “But his plan is still in motion, I take it?” P.P. A.: FUG August Von Arnfels: “But his plan is still in motion, I take it?” Adelaide Valerian: "Right, we can't stop now.. I should have known you'd want to see it though." She nods to Lizzie with a smile. Melchiore: "From his testimony and deposition last night, he has agents in place, loyal SBI staff and various operatives, ready to detonate charges in key positions in the SBI water retention dam, on the bay" Elysia de Romanga: "Lizzie, we would welcome your assistance should you wish to provide it. Despite earlier...overzealous mistakes, we really do consider you a friend and effective ally. If you would rather not, then I will arrange you passage home." Lizzie Potgieter: “I can't just leave everyone here and then read in the papers that half of Romanga turned into walkin' dead.” August Von Arnfels takes a long look at her. He extends a hand towards her back… but stops himself, and gets up instead. “Very well. Do you need anything for this operation that I can provide?” August Von Arnfels looks at Elysia. Melchiore: "It might be seen, from an outside observer, that the sudden appearance of a rogue noble of the Confederate powers in an uprising of Romangan resistance against the empire, to be a false flag against the Holy Empire's power" Elysia de Romanga: "Indeed. We're going to be ruffling more feathers than just the cult when we get going. Your offer of assistance is much appreciated, but I can't put you in such a position if you do not wish to be in it, Count." August Von Arnfels nods. “You mentioned that the Cult, the SBI, and the High Inquisitor were all entwined. Have you followed the paper trail yet?” Elysia de Romanga: "We have evidence that makes sense only to those at this table, and to those who are in on the conspiracy in the first place." Adelaide Valerian: "No. We've been running after leads to exhaustion. Haven't had a chance." Elysia de Romanga: "Any more would have to be...forced." Melchiore: "The new estate of Romanga would need to rely on much more solid evidence than anything fabricated" Elysia de Romanga: "A photograph showcasing the High Inquisitor's cult ties and transformative powers would not be seen as such by the lay Judge." Ian nods Elysia de Romanga glances at Artemis. "You said you could make 'jumps'....how is that?" August Von Arnfels: “Even if most of the exchange was in favours and goods, there will have been kickbacks, and some of them will have been documented somewhere.” He turns to Melchiore first: “Send out your agents to raid the offices of the Sludge Works' and the Inqusition's accountants, the financial advisors of the Duke, whatever SBi facilities were involved. Confiscate all contracts, invoices, bank statements.” Artemis Crowninshield: "It is a little unreliable, but I can transport people and things through far distances very quickly." " and then casts a rueful look to the soon to be queen. "A fine plan, if you approve?" August Von Arnfels turns to Ian next: “If you have any capable accountants and lawyers working under you—and you do—send them over to comb through these documents.” And to Adelaide: “You work at the museum's archives, right? Your co-workers should be patient and have an eye for detail. Whomever you trust, recruit them.” Elysia de Romanga: "Approved." Ian: "Not only are they capable, but viciously efficient." August Von Arnfels: “Good.” Elysia de Romanga: "This is the first time we've been able to sit down and process anything, so it's a good plan now that we have the time to do such things." Adelaide Valerian: "I'll do what I can. That's a lot of documents to process and will require lots of skilled labor." Melchiore: "Im sure the steady pay guaranteed by the office of the OAR will be an incentive to dilligence, in these chaotic times" "An island of work in a sea of troubles, really" August Von Arnfels nods. ”Stanley and I will contribute our experience while we are here.” Melchiore frowns at that, softly, but catches Elysia's eye Ian: "I think you overestimate the draw of a paycheque over justice. 'Bleeding Hearts' is not just a colourfully grim symbol, Sir." August Von Arnfels quietly turns to Artemis—who he fired, after all: “You're free to do as you wish.” Artemis Crowninshield: "I am concerned about what's going on here...and besides, I don't plan to go back home and then have to fly or jump back to get you." August Von Arnfels smiles. Elysia de Romanga: "Count, if you don't mind my speaking frankly...why do you wish to help us?" August Von Arnfels: “Because Lizzie is risking her life for this matter.” Elysia de Romanga: "She wouldn't be in this position at all if not for me." Lizzie Potgieter shakes her head. “I'd have wanted to help Adelaide and Kat even if he hadn't blackmailed me.” Lizzie Potgieter: “The cultists and the SBI are evil, and they need to be stopped.” August Von Arnfels: “And that's good enough for me.” Melchiore takes his turn to harruph Ken (GM): [bunch of dont-like-blackmail folks in here] Ian: [You can't use that word...that's MY word!] Elysia de Romanga: "Very well." Ian harumphs to assert dominance Elysia de Romanga: "Only a fool would turn down help that is available to them, so I will welcome your assistance in these trying times." Melchiore locks eyes with Ian, a clear s how of dominance, and drops a sugarcube into his tea! He stirs! WITHOUT CLINKING THE CUP WITH HIS SPOON! P.P. A.: Oooh! Now it's on! Ian: [swords are drawn] lol Elysia de Romanga: "There is some extra context you must know, though." Ken (GM): Ian: [FATALI-TEA!] Elysia de Romanga: "I am the Princess of Romanga. This fight is not only against the Cult, the SBI, and the forces of darkness, but it will inevitably lead to conflict with Galicia as well." Ian sips his tea, ignoring the over-sweetness Ian: "Then we had better be sure and ready." "For all three battles." August Von Arnfels exchanges a look with Lizzie and they wordlessly agree. “That third battle is yours to fight, Your Highness; not mine or Lizzie's.” Lizzie Potgieter nods. Elysia de Romanga: "We would not ask you to oppose Galicia on our behalf, but do know that your working with us now may be recalled when questions are asked about who is associated with the group opposing Galician occupation." Adelaide Valerian: "Let's fight one war at a time." Melchiore: "We should get to the press release as well, your magesty, if we are to proceed on that front. A formal open declaration, in line with your claim. Call the attention of all parties involved" Ian: "We may be able to delay the Galicia conflict with a bit of diplomacy, but they won't wait for long to act." August Von Arnfels: “Uncovering the involvement of the High Inquisitor with the Cult and the SBI will provide legal cover for Lizzie, as she and your actions will, that far, have been in the interest of the common good and aimed at stamping out corruption in the Galician administration, as is the O.A.R.'s purpose.” Lizzie Potgieter looks a bit surprised. August Von Arnfels: “Whatever happens after that is not our business, nor what else you do with the information thus gained.” *her and your actions Elysia de Romanga: "Very well. So long as you understand what you're getting into. Hearsay and speculation about one's allegiances is a common hobby these days." "Who knows what we will find once we open the lid on the SBI, as well." August Von Arnfels: “I am the subject of many rumours already.” August Von Arnfels says, matter-of-factly, and only subtly boastfully. Melchiore: "I gather this off the record meeting will unfortunately only help for those to gather more frayed edges, but at least your appearance will no longer be entirely in doubt" Elysia de Romanga looks to Ian. "I have an idea." Melchiore: "They called you a devil, in the High Court, of late. Many Cardinals will be quite calmed by this reversal of fortune" Ian puts down his tea Ian: "I'm all ears." Elysia de Romanga: "When it comes time to announce my return to Romanga, I want to be seen as terrifying, someone to be feared by the Cult, Galicia, and SBI alike." Melchiore raises an eyebrow, but stays at attention August Von Arnfels talks to Lizzie in the meantime: “I see that you are sure you want to do this.” His serious mien lapses into a gentle smile. “Please come back safely.” Elysia de Romanga: "Do you think you can help cultivate this image with me?" Lizzie Potgieter smiles back and nods. “I promise. You still got that sapling?” August Von Arnfels: “Yes.” Lizzie Potgieter: “I wanna see how it's grown.” August Von Arnfels: “You will.” Ian: "I think it will be quite easy with some of the theatrics we plan on stopping...and starting...very shortly." Lizzie Potgieter and august nod at each other, a little awkwardly, but sincerely. Elysia de Romanga: (Fun note: I got the Propaganda skill, which should go nicely with this) "I think it should go like this: We stop the cult's plan at the dam, expose as many people as possible to the wider world, and then proclaim my return at the same time." "Telling the world that only the true rebellion has exposed and punished injustice in Romanga." Melchiore: " could certainly add quite a bit of weight to your claim" Elysia de Romanga: "The evildoers, the corrupt, the enablers...they will be found and destroyed just like those they have already witnessed." Ian: "Might be...fortuitous....to have press nearby. I could always announce the embassy's official statements regarding the Bleeding Heart's rebellion Melchiore: "I can think of more dangerous positions the press could be in, they had volunteered to enter" Ian picks back up his tea and finishes it Ian: "Well, it will be fine. After all, we'll stop the disaster." Ian smiles, putting back on a confident sheen Ominous swell in the episode's background music August Von Arnfels: “And in the meantime, High Lord Melchiore Mucchesi of the Order Aquila Romanga, you and I are going to have a productive talk.” Ian returns his cup to his saucer Ian: "I believe that's cue to exit...we have a lot to plan anyway." August Von Arnfels: “Not to worry Your Highness, I will choose such words that I would dare employ if a noble lady were present.” P.P. A.: (assuming this is where the party disperses) actually nevermind retcon the last line Elysia de Romanga: "Indeed. Rest, see your loved ones...cherish the time." P.P. A.: since Ian and Adelaide would go to their respective places first before the party as a whole heads out to the dam so Elysia would be around to be present for that convo Ken (GM): [and they're still ekeing informaiton out of cornelius, confirming records, doublechecking the operation as a whole] [lots of ducks to get in a row yet] Ian: Ian will sent telegrams to the press and to the Galician officials... "Official Embassy Response to Bleeding Hearts Rebellion: (noon?) tomorrow, Lower Dam Gangway" And prep his accountants, making sure the coffee is ready to flow Ken (GM): "catering status: IMMINENT" P.P. A.: (Play out the exchange between August and Melchiore in public, if Elysia is there too? Otherwise I'd start whsipering here) Elysia de Romanga will be present in these productive talks. Ken (GM): [melchiore begins sweating profusely, and pasta falls from his open pockets] Lizzie Potgieter is going to try and talk to Artemis offscreen in the meantime. Lizzie Potgieter or Artemis and Stanley both. Ian: [Mom's spaghetti wilts under the fury of Anger Ravioli] August Von Arnfels sits down in the eventually-empty office, across from Melchiore and Elysia. Ken (GM): Adelaide and Ian mustering the bureaucratic forces of their offices? Ian: Indeedy Adelaide Valerian gets back with Balthazarr, for magic and talking to Kat. She is almost worried that the cult has been quite for a few hours, the danger that they could come at them from a new direction. Otherwise, she brings the full terrfying weight of a document preservation and processing office to bear. August Von Arnfels: “I will lay out the facts: you took an innocent young girl, a tourist, confronted her with her private history from years ago, threatened to falsely indict her as a witch to be tortured and executed, and thus gang-pressed her to fight unholy abominations and your political enemies for you.” Melchiore absorbs the statement with a calm stare, with only a small flicker of reaction on his moustache and lip raising at 'gang press'. August Von Arnfels: “She came here to see the shimmering canals and stately façades of old, the Romanga of my childhood memories. Instead, she was subjected, by you, to a living nightmare of blood, guts, violence, and horrors.” Elysia de Romanga sips tea August Von Arnfels: “That damage cannot be undone. I have thought of a means by which you can make amends, however.” see Romanga's beauty—the great canal in the morning, the gilded dome of St. Fabricco's.” Adelaide Valerian considers that for a moment and ask, almost afraid. "What are the.. limits? It feels like I could push a little farther. That every time I use it that it gets a little easier. That new paths open." Joush M.: Dropped whisper, don't worry about that. IGNORE ME! Ken (GM): WOOP WOOP WOOP WOOP August Von Arnfels: “Do you know the painting ‘San Fabricco's Past Dawn’ by Vincenzo di Formosa?” Melchiore scoffs slightly "The canals havent shone with morning light in years" and and then catches in his throat a moment after August Von Arnfels: “One of the masterpieces of Romanga's golden age and one of its most famed national artists.” “I believe it would be appropriate as compensation to Miss Potgieter.” Elysia de Romanga: "I planned on scrubbing out the filth anyway, so it will be done. However, if I may..." "...This man raised me when he had every reason to give me up to Galicia in exchange for favours or power. He sacrificed his own future to protect mine. He's gone out of his way to make sure old Royalist allies weren't found and tortured, even if it made the Galicians that much more suspicious of him." August Von Arnfels: “I don't care.” Ken (GM): :O The bloody dawn has faded now to a glorious golden morning; birdsong can be heard outside the windows, and a soft breeze is the only remainder of the previous chill. A pin could be heard in the pause in the meeting room, if it dropped Elysia de Romanga: "So while I will not defend his actions, characterizing him as entirely without redeeming qualities and motivated purely by maliciousness is not something I can let slide, even if he did do something wrong to someone you care about." August Von Arnfels: “I am not characterising him as entirely without redeeming qualities or motivated purely by maliciousness, Your Highness; I characterise him only as someone who has earned my deepest hatred.” Elysia de Romanga turns to Melchiore next. "And I understand that we live in a harsh world, where sometimes we think that we have to do the worst things just to survive, or to get even with the bad guys. However, I won't have any more of it." August Von Arnfels: “But I am satisfied that we have a deal, then.” Melchiore: "I may require the assistance of one of the bleeding hearts agents, with a daunting task such as this. It would be some feat to remove the painting from it's rest at the Castle BrightRock" August Von Arnfels: “How you acquire it is your problem.” Elysia de Romanga: "From now on, we don't play that game. If someone is willing to die for a cause, then that's one thing...but the moment we decide someone has to die, or be otherwise sacrificed in some way or another, simply because it would be useful...that turns us into the enemies we despise." August Von Arnfels acknowledges the sentiment by not staring daggers at everyone present for a brief spell. Melchiore: "Goodness" "Master Von Arnfels, your reputation for a shrewd and ruthless businessman precedes you for good reason" August Von Arnfels 's locks and golden embroidery sparkle in the morning light. Ken (GM): kek ! in another universe P.P. A.: :P escaped otome character August Von Arnfels: “That should be all. I will get to preparing the investigation into Von Marburg's network now.” Ken (GM): well, allrighty so, certain that Cornelius' plan needs to be stopped, the agency is interrogating him and working towards an action plan of saving the dam, and the lower city. August Von Arnfels gets up and looks at Elysia: “I care little for your cause and will not support it, but the people of Romanga would do well to be ruled by you.” August Von Arnfels exeunt. Ken (GM): as well, you have available personnel in the various offices linking a full paper trail of the inquisition, the cult, and the SBI through their various payment schemes and city contacts ooh sassy seems the new regime at least has the blessing of the new elevate dhumanity, at least :D safe to say, next week, y'all gonna have some action against the jackbooted soldiers of the SBI :D Joush M.: Woo! P.P. A.: Thanks for the session? Ken (GM): I think so, not to say I dont have anything else for ya right now but uhhh i dont P.P. A.: Thanks for the session, then! Fiss: Unless Ian decides to Tea Battle with Melchiore, that is but...he's busy lol Ken (GM): kek Joush M.: Tea battle! Ken (GM): KEK yeah so 4 points battle plans to be drawn and next week Ken (GM): political embroglio! perhaps without inviting open war between Yth/the confederation/the empire/romanga Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ Fiss: Teeeeeaaaaaaaaa! I mean, BATTLE! Ken (GM): YW hit me up on discord Rosettsara: "If we're still alive after this...I still have to beat you in Tea." Ken (GM): yoho P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): what have you done ppa have you consumed them P.P. A.: we went through a portal to come here but at the other end, I found myself alone no idea what happened back there, I think I caught glimpses of something… hard to grasp Ken (GM): i wonder were you in P.P. A.: either that or the place thw two NPC wizards from GrimWyrd used to travel from the capital to the party Ken (GM): oh they used a shortcut through the space between places where....IT dwelt P.P. A.: and now IT dwells in the Ways Ken (GM): oh man this beer is only good ice cold any warmer and you start getting like, flavor oh man so i got to shuffling about the art in my desktop pile you know, where you drag funny shit from 4chan, or like, tumblr or whatever Ken (GM): and I found all the fucking stuff, forever i may have overloaded my goddamn Drive account Joush M.: Oh no. The shameful digital junk drawer Ken (GM): but! I got it sorted at least Grimwyrd next, Shattered Worlds, fallout, Frazetta, Az-tech, Sexy Witches and ETC im rather impressed with myself it kept me busy long enough that i did NOTHING of value in the S.W. setting doc this week Joush M.: I'm going to need a tall vampire lady from the RE village videos folder soon Ken (GM): yeah shes on par with mitten bernie right now just all over the places hmm, fiss is mysteriously absent was chatting with him last night about resin printing minis and such so I dont think his end of town is on fire Joush M.: Maybe he slept in? Or he's had to kill a man and finds himself on the run with only what he could throw into a duffle bag and a stolen car, one step ahead of the law until he washes up in a few months in New Mexico, working as a motorcycle mechanic for a meth running MC that won't ask hard questions about his past? Ken (GM): yeah i dunno that he'd be able to hotwire any car made past 1980 Joush M.: You think he'd have to resort to grabbing someone's keys? Always a lot more risky Ken (GM): he does have katana scars if it came to a murder-ghost situaiton he could get ahold of something at swordpoint mayhaps Joush M.: Well I think we can all wish him luck and speed on his flight from the law Rosettsara: Indeed Ken (GM): hmm, well considering brain-melt and absenteeism wanna give the week a miss and regroup? P.P. A.: Wouldn't this session be pretty action-oriented with few major developments? Ken (GM): yes yes it very well might as in y'all might want to all be present P.P. A.: ah (personally I'd rather miss an action session than a story development session, but I dunno about him) (well unless I happen to miss the session where my character cuts off a dragon's head, that would suck) Ken (GM): DOOD P.P. A.: (For Rose: this happened during the like single session I missed of GrimWyrd 1) Ken (GM): oh man it was gnarly too there was acid breath and a cannon and Joush was wrecking house as Grey but like, up the line out of the way so PPa's dwarf charged in Ken (GM): solo P.P. A.: (anyway, I'd be okay with skipping this week) Joush M.: PPA's grimwyrd dwarf was a bright eyed and kind young man that did a lot of badass shit Ken (GM): BARDICHE OF WAR he was a hairs breadth from saying "oopes' Oops, when killing folk Rosettsara: Heh, i would have felt...things if I missed something like that too P.P. A.: fortunately it happened very early in the campaign, so it was only the climax of the prologue basically Rosettsara: Hm, yeah, going back to bed feels mighty tempting, so if everyone else is willing, we can skip this week Ken (GM): ALLRIGHTY we break, we rest, and return next week so Rose can shank a dragon right proper in person Joush M.: Sleep well everyone! I'll see you next week Ken (GM): EXUNT SLEEP THE SLEEP OF AGES Rosettsara: See you all next week, and with plenty of energy and awareness to spare! Ken (GM): BONJOORNO P.P. A.: Hi Ken (GM): seem I dunno how to feel about that HI is energetic and hi has its own vbe but when the start is capitalized and the end isnt man I dont even Fiss: oh lawd is dat some greetings? Ken (GM): kek Fiss: madness! Ken (GM): FUCK spook joush is a spoopy boi Joush M.: Right? Random whispers are creepy Ken (GM): im certainly now hey hey guys Rosettsara: A bit sore and groggy but otherwise OK P.P. A.: Ready for action Fiss: My liver is mad at me for not being a pirate and yet, drinking all the rum, otherwise I am good fuk u liver! Metabolize like a pirate! Yaaar! Ken (GM): haha i feel likewise fiss, but about doritos and fried chicken I no longer have the guts of a teenager and eating past 7pm fucks me right up rose who beat you up? Rosettsara: Bad charley horse the other day, still limping around from that P.P. A.: How long does that take to recover? Fiss: oh, btw, if you haven't played it yet Ken, Dyson Sphere Program is fucking crack and amazing. It's like Satisfactory and Kerbal Space Program mashed together Rosettsara: Usually resolves in a few hours for me, so this is an outlier Ken (GM): I absolutely hate leg muscles and anything resembling cramps; you have my feeels what with the not-walking-correct for thirty years bullshit I endured fiss I have seen much scuttlebutt I may pirate we shall see joush, you live? Joush M.: This is why I think everyone should see a physical therapist and a sports therapist every decade or so. Mistakes in your 20s can mess you up for a long time P.P. A.: just go to the gym instead …when it isn't closed for months due to lockdowns Ken (GM): hey HEY P.P. A.: Listen? Ken (GM): stop being correct Fiss: lies! P.P. A.: No. Fiss: and fibbs! Ken (GM): frik Joush M.: Gym can't tell you if you are carrying your weight wrong or need to train out a limp after an injury Ken (GM): ^THIS^ walk all you want, if your toes are pointed away from each other at 90degrees, youre gonna have a bad time Fiss: unless you go to a sentient Gym who is also a doctor Ken (GM): DOCTOR GYM Fiss: DR JIM GYM SNAP INTO A SLIM GYM P.P. A.: If you lift with proper form your overall posture corrects itself, actually It used to be that I needed to make a conscious effort to stand straighter and go more upright Once I started lifting my body started doing it automatically Ken (GM): yeah but you started wrong and got corrected, and it went good folks need the corrections thats the gap FRIK hokay, so Joush M.: So we were about to go to the hot springs right? Where last we left our heroes, Elysia had enough of everything and everyone A blood dawn had risen over Romanga, the city draped in the color of revolution, violence, passion and fury. You had met with the interloping Count from Yth, and his entourage of changed fellows. Many ideas had been exchanged Whatever had changed August and his fellows, had also changed the High Inquisitor and his Wife. The visitors used this to discover they too could pass as normal human shapes again. Melchiore now laid out much of his hand to the table; the wizard and his sanctuary, the aged secret of Elysia and the girl 'Kat'. P.P. A.: (August is willing to answer some questions about his new form, as little as he can give, whenever the party sets its target on the High Inquisitor) Now with Doctor Derisius' plans laid bare, the Undercity at risk and the vast potential for them to Ascend looming, plans were laid to thwart the remaining loyal SBI of his in the Dam. Joush M.: In the case of Jack, perhaps 'as normal as ever'. 40-34-38 are hardly normal measurements to start, before a person puts them on a six foot frame. At least her ears aren't pointy now. Adelaide Valerian has been nervous. So much honesty and truth feels dangerous, but there is little time to worry about it when work is to be done. Elysia de Romanga consults with Artemis about strategies for taking the dam by surprise, including the use of her warping Ken (GM): righto, that really would so, Melchiore and the OAR are in the process of digging into the trail of the SBI and Inquisition, alongside the Diplomatic offices. You have a confession from the mad doctor, regarding his plans for the city. Lizzie Potgieter caught up with August on the tumultuous events of the recent past until he has to supervise and instruct the weaponised bookkeeping. Ken (GM): hahah Card Captor sakura comes to mind Ian: "The Pen is mightier than the sword....but it never hurts to have both." Elysia de Romanga also plots to turn such a surprise attack on the dam into a propaganda project. Imagine striking fear into the hearts of the evil and corrupt by demonstrating the ability to be anywhere at a moment's notice to punish them! Adelaide Valerian has begin The Hunt. Working to find useful information among the great wealth of data they have. To organize and index what they know so they can find corrlations. It's fun work. Well, for her anyway. Artemis Crowninshield isn't so keen on doing anything more than one trip to the Dam itself and back, since it will save the city. Rolling 3d6 = 10 vs 12 Ken (GM): Im imagining some sort of A-team style montage, with plenty of machinegun like typing, as well as lots of stylish gloves being pulled tight, and guns being locked and loaded Joush M.: IA is a good idea though. Have to pick that up. August Von Arnfels notes that in-kind trades (like Touchstones for zombies) are hard to track, and he expects most of the benefits exchanged between Kurgdzt and the High Inquisitor to have been non-monetary but invitations to lavish dinners, balls, etc. (today this is called “lobbying”) but that by the sound of their greed and the Dwarf having been so poorly civilised, they slipped up and left proof of more obvious embezzlement, direct bribes, etc. August Von Arnfels expects the SBI's lawyers to have been very careful, but the Kurgdzt estate to have paid much less attention to legal sophistication, and left traces elsewhere of things any official contracts drafted by the SBI would have been careful to cover up. P.P. A.: And potentially stuff like “Why did they order this many body bags but then return them empty/used with no corresponding bills for crematories or funerals?” Ken (GM): hah Adelaide Valerian quickly has a wall covered in a corkboard. Pins with thread connect figures. Cornellius near the heart, surrounded by a web that connects him to money moving in the city. Tying him to the inquisition, to the ledgers and construction contracts (all neatly cited) to a list of people. High Inquisitors and nobles in charge of accounts. P.P. A.: or “How come unspecificed medical expenses are billed for someone who, in this other document dated from a few months ago, was said to have died already?” The office is a flurry of papers, foot-thick ledgers, and manpower. The smell of coffee and the stink of excited work fills the air August Von Arnfels occasionally confirms to Stanley that, yes, he's got permission to share this totally legal trick August uses to save on taxes. August Von Arnfels Rolling 3d6 = 10v13 Criminology Ken (GM): hahaha Plans begin to unfold as the evidence mounts P.P. A.: (This can go on in the bacjground while the party takes aciton at the dam imo The ledgers reveal a list of signatories, as well as multiple instances of Corenlius' name used officially. Amounts and totals are compared and processed, and numbers add up. The clerks are directed like an orchestra. The fine print of the letter of the law is analyzed. Melchiore authorizes a warrant for "Seditious forces in place on the premises of the SBI Water Entrapment facility, under the direct signed employ of one Doctor Cornelius Derisius. Full authority given for arrest, seizure and investigation of the grounds" etc et al Ken (GM): [Long and short, youve corroborated his confession re: his plan to flood the undercity, and youll have free reign to stop anyone on sight with the force of the law behind you] The police forces of the city are on the ground throughout the city, ensuring the safety of the populace and managing the uprisings (which are thankfully quietly contained for the moment) So the majority of the OAR bodies can keep the Dam isolated while you plan a central arrest maneuver Adelaide Valerian can't hang anyone with the evidence she found, but it's enough to keep the lawyers very busy writing warrants of search and seizure for other records, subpoenas and even the rare arrest for investigation. It's hours later that she finds the others by getting the scent of good tea and following it. Ian: Sure enough: Tea is being had as Ian checks his armoured under-vest and ammo fresh cloak and sword-shined ready to rock Lizzie Potgieter is psyching herself up and also traded added a multi-shot revolver from the armoury to her loadout. She's keeping the Z-lock on her because she's more familiar with it and doesn't want to heave to deal with a new weapon malfunctioning in unknown ways and being left without a backup. Ian: "Ahhh, excellent, do we have all the paperwork ready? Hopefully it will be all the shielding we need as we storm the dam, but I figure best be safe versus sorry." Adelaide Valerian: "We should be in a solid legal postion. Not to say we won't be sued or face an inquest, of course, but should it happen we have as good a foundation as someone could hope for." Ian: "Perfect!" Ian is clearly in a good mood with the caffeine hit Elysia de Romanga: "Somehow I think they'll be more preoccupied with the return of the Princess and our taking credit for exposing the misdeeds of the High Inquisitor." Melchiore: "Truly, we are exploiting the chaos they have sown." Ian: "It's only fair." Adelaide Valerian: "Well, that's the fun part done. I think next we've got the hard part." Elysia de Romanga: "So we'll have to be loud and grand and make an impression today." Ian laughs Ian: "Hardly an issue." Melchiore: "Considering your record so far, I doubt you will have any difficulty" Ken (GM): [so Minus an actual blueprint for the facility in total, there is basic enough reconnisance on the dam to know there is an access road on the top leading from one end to the other. And perched dead center on the span of the place is the control room for the locks and passages. OAR can handle storming the exterior and locking that down, with your party taking the central hub] [there shouldnt be any major means of escape for those inside; there are three access elevators, one level of the facility] Adelaide Valerian: "Can we get into the control room from the outside via an aircar?" Elysia de Romanga looks everything over just in case she might be able to gleam any additional insights into the lay of the land. Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs 14 (Tactics) Ken (GM): well, the main control room has an overhang design on the dam; the window is about six feet high and ten wide.... Adelaide Valerian: "Point of enterance there? Secure it first, before they can get ideas?" Melchiore: "Perhaps, whatever security forces they would have would be designed around the existing entrances, not....the window" Artemis Crowninshield: "If I can get a clear line of vision to the control room, I can warp all of you there." Adelaide Valerian: "Useful. Maybe we need a telescope, not an aircar?" "My thinking mostly runs to the danger that the longer they have the control room the more likely they are to try and use it." She admits to Melchiore. Lizzie Potgieter: “Or we fly you up in an aircar and use a telescope from there?” “If the fog 'n' smog ain't too bad today.” Lizzie Potgieter pauses at “WE fly you up in an aircar” P.P. A.: well, gets hung up on it after the fact and above lines Artemis Crowninshield: "If you can provide that, I can do it. " Elysia de Romanga: "Yes...that may be necessary. Once they spot us coming, they'd still have some time to do plenty of things before we actually arrive...so long as we're traveling normally." Adelaide Valerian checks sight lines to the dam. Looking for a rooftop where a telescope could theoretically see into the windows. Adelaide Valerian also checks the Smog Report to see what the longest visbility distance is likely to be. Lizzie Potgieter: ”A-actually, maybe have Stanley or someone drive you up there.” Adelaide Valerian: "I'm getting better.." She half smiles, teasing Lizzie. "But yeah, we could use a driver that isn't going in with us. I can't just leave it hovering there. Ken (GM): hahah so, lucky as hell, Artemis is a great pilot as well as a magical girl Adelaide Valerian: "Here. There's a few good places at the edge of the city." She points out some places. "If you really can do it, the weather should coperate and give you a view of the inside of the control room. I'll find us a telescope?" Artemis Crowninshield: "Yes, I think this should do fine." Ken (GM): so, your band gets into position with Artemis, and she opens a hole through for you to get to the control room, and BAM surprise right in their midst Rosettsara: (Yup, that's the plan) Ken (GM): kino otherwise, geared up for bear like the last arrest and seizure? plus Lizzie's fuckoff gun yeah Joush M.: Yep! Let's do this Ian finishes his tea, calls up his office and advises them to route any inquiries to the upcoming press conference Ian: (assuming they live) Ken (GM): hahaha "we will be taking questions and addressing the press directly, once our livlihoods have been secured" Elysia de Romanga: "And once the day is won, we will announce ourselves and strike fear into the hearts of those evil ones who remain and watch their latest plans fail." Ian: "A fine plan. Shall we tally-ho then?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Is the route back from the dam gonna be secure?” Adelaide Valerian collects what supplies they require for the plan and considers Lizzie's question. "We should have Stanley in the aircar ready for pickup." Elysia de Romanga: "Let's plunge forward and bring the fight to them for a change!" Melchiore: "Our men will secure the exterior of the dam and work inward, while you take out the leadership. Your exit will be secure" Lizzie Potgieter nods confidently. Stanley can certainly be on call with the car. He wonders aloud if he is authorized to protect his person with deadly force? Elysia de Romanga: (Also I see nothing but black) P.P. A.: same but selecting a large area I can select and move my tokens around Ken (GM): ah weird P.P. A.: I hope this confuses the GM Ian: THE BLACKNESS CONSUMES US Ken (GM): weird; youre just on the homepage i have vision switche don for all your token now, better? Ian: Yeah, now I see ze homepage P.P. A.: I see my token now Ken (GM): wtf wait a sec P.P. A.: and Cornelius in prison everything else is still black Ken (GM): ? P.P. A.: Now i see the homepage again Elysia de Romanga: I see it again now too Ken (GM): goddamn, roll20, what the hell have you guys, been able to see it beofre? or is this another session of "me not realizing you cant see shit" Elysia de Romanga: I saw the homepage for most of the session so far Ken (GM): oh okay, WHEW fuckin roll20 ANYWAY Joush M.: It's been working so far. Let's toss some bitches off a dam Ian: daaaaaaym You prepare; the office continues to dig deeply as you muster the disparate forces to bear upon the SBI, and strike before Cornelius' plan comes to fruition The aircars howl to the ends of the dam to secure the SBI security stationed there, while your own group slips aside the city proper, Artemis positioned to setup a little passage for you, the control room to be taken unawares Ken (GM): Artemis! A little magic, if you please Artemis Crowninshield skips the usual incantations, as they were mostly for show anyway...and conjures up a hole in reality to send the party through! The low thick wall of cement holds back a murky and still lake, the former bay of Romanga. The arms of the structure hold back the collected pool while the head of the place is your target. A squat blocky structure in the middle, thin streams of overflowing water leading down to the undercity and the sludgeworks below. The gateway splits the air with a crackle, and through a hazy tunnel of shadows another hole appears a short jaunt away... Ken (GM): you jaunt? hell what am I saying, youre all jaunting [map magic] P.P. A.: worked this time The tunnel leads through a place that sets the hairs on your skin on points; faraway vistas of deep omber and shimmering violet show a starscape of wonder and the looming edifice of the infinite above. But dead ahead, a window back to your own world shows the control room of the dam Adelaide Valerian braces herself for someone else's path and follows the others into the control room. She's tempted, but lets someone else say the fun lines. The startled and confused shouting of the staff inside rise up as you step through Elysia de Romanga brandishes her rapier dramatically. "Nobody move! This is a raid by the Romangan authorities!" Lizzie Potgieter immediately looks for cover and points her gun at whomever she sees is armed. The building is formed of raw concrete walls, slabs of polished concrete floors, and form-fit low seated protrusions housing readouts of the valves and controls of the dam set in the floor. Four men in various forms of disbelief shout over each other about what is happening as you appear Lizzie Potgieter: “Ain't no-one gonna be harmed, stay calm.” The men are alarmed and seem quite terrified, and only a guard by a large door (wearing his blue uniform) seems aggressive. He has a pistol drawn but pointed at the ceiling Guard: "Interlopers! Notify the Director at once!" Adelaide Valerian emphsizes the choice offered by pointing a gun at the man. "Set it down very slowly. I'll tell him myself." Captain: "Stand down men! Cooperate!" Elysia de Romanga: "Anyone does that, and they will be branded traitors!" Tech: "What is this? magic?! Madness!" Lizzie Potgieter: “Yeah.” The guard holds still, anger on his face, but his pistol in his hand still. The man in front, in a neat hat, speaks for the group as he shouts down his compatirots Elysia de Romanga: "We have warrants. We suggest that you listen to the voice of reason among you and stand down and you will not be harmed." Captain: "STAND DOWN MEN!" Lizzie Potgieter flashes her O.A.R. badge, her other arm still aiming at the armed guard. Ian raises his documents and clears his throat Adelaide Valerian looks thoughtfully to the Captain from the corner of her eye. The teleportation shocked her, but he's cool and collected.. or at least, pretending to be very, very well. She puts her gun away in it's holster and holds a hand out to the armed guard. Guard: "This is SBI property! You are tresspassing! And you cant....!" Ian: "By order of the OAR office, everyone on the premise is hereby bound by law to stand down and allow an immediate investigation into seditious activities against the people of this city. Your full cooperation is not a request, but an order." Ian looks to the guard Ian: "I trust we will not need to escalate?" The guard bristles at the declaration, backed to the wall....and he lets his gun fall to his finger and spreads his hands in a surrender Guard: "This is...MOST irregular" Adelaide Valerian: "You've done your job. Just set the gun down now and it will be recorded you did so under protest and made every effort to do your duty." Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs 12 Acting to convince him this is in his best interest. She collects the weapon and nods to him. "The world has gone mad. I'm glad you haven't." Ian: "That it is. Irregular response for most heinous irregular plots." The guard stays still, and lets Adelaide disarm him Adelaide Valerian: "I would like you please to all step away from the controls. We can't have anything happen to the dam or the undercity." The two men aside step up to the windows, hands raised, and looking quite starteld Lizzie Potgieter lowers her aim as the guard is disarmed, and lets out a breath of relief. Elysia de Romanga: "Good, good, reason has prevailed, for now!" The Captain steps up to Ian from his desk, hands out and open. He has a somewhat self-satisfied gin on his face as you take them under control Ian looks the man over Captain: "I must say, officers of the OAR seem to have some neat tricks in their arsenal these days" Ian: "Yes, a few tricks, but I see you're privy to some of your own." Elysia de Romanga paces around the room, looking for anything like schematics, floorplans, indications of silent alarms, or people listening in. Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs 14 (per) Ken (GM): Adelaide, holding guard at gunpoint? cuffing him? Ian: "You seem to have some interesting modifications, Captain....perhaps you know exactly why we are here today." Adelaide Valerian tries to judge if the controls are set to a nuteral, safe postion where the dam won't flood the undercity or anything. She breifly wishes she had a Learning Annex course in dam management.. She also points the guard to the window. "Stand there with the others, please. Away from the controls." Lizzie Potgieter: “So I suppose we gonna open the floodgate a little to let off pressure and make sure the dam don't burst, and then search the place for explosives and the like?” The guard moves at her direction, and steps aside Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs IQ 12 and ? modifiers. What the hell is a sluice anyway? Lizzie Potgieter: “If you know where they are, you better tell us. I don't think the doctor didn't leave some here to make sure his plan's gonna work no matter what.” Captain: "Plan? What A phone on the wall begins to ring, with a red light above flashing The one beside it also rings immediatley afterward, and flashes Both are marked "Security" Lizzie Potgieter: “Do the rest of your men know about it?” She looks to the ones huddling in the corners of the room. Adelaide Valerian walks to the phone and lifts the headset. "Dam control, Adelaide speaking. How may I direct your call?" Lizzie Potgieter: ”Right, I'm gonna cuff 'em before reinforcements arrive.” Elysia de Romanga keeps an eye on the monitors and machines for any suspicious signs Lizzie Potgieter gets out any handcuffs she brought or asks the others to lend them theirs—assuming we came thus equipped. Adelaide Valerian tosses Lizzie her cuffs from that little leather belt pouch. Lizzie Potgieter: “Hands on the back, please.” Lizzie Potgieter click click click click if there's no resistance The man is cuffed by lizzie, hands behind his back Ken (GM): [we are assuming you came with cuffs to arrest folks, on this raid, yes] Adelaide Valerian: "Remain calm and obey orders from the OAR please. Their warrents are valid and if there is any problem it is a matter for lawyers, not securety." She informs the man on the phone. "You sound busy. I'll let you get back to it." Ken (GM): kek Ian listens to the convo but doesn't take his attention off of the Captain The phone disconnects from the other end, and the second phone stops ringing Lizzie Potgieter: “I suppose we shoulda picked that up and said that everything's fine, but I don't think that would've worked.” The two techs and the guard are cuffed by lizzie in short order, each of them complying, one red faced about it, and each of them denying any involvement in the master plan Lizzie Potgieter looks at the guard: “Can your comrades be talked out of fighting? I don't wanna hafta shoot anyone.” The e Guard remains tight lipped to Lizzie, and simply shakes his head negative Captain: "An assault from all side, astounding." Elysia de Romanga: "I expect we'll meet true resistance sooner or later. Especially from those who expected to flee and be out of here in time for our arrival." Elysia de Romanga ponders. "...Hm. Are any of you wearing recording or broadcasting devices?" She looks to the Captain, the Guard, and the other workers. From the heavy door in the wall, a knock comes, and a muffled voice "Hans? Her gut? Bien, ja?" Ian: "Anything you'd like to say? You seem awfully calm for a man who may be meeting The heavy door swinging open on gimbals, and a small motor kicking off in the wall to swing it wide in response. A small alert sounds as it The man on the other side retreats out of it's way as it nearly knocks him over; a second man in the hall has turned aside, and looks with alarm at the situation! Ken (GM): elysia, did you want to close with them as the door rushes open? youve got enough to get into bum-rush on the man in blue Elysia de Romanga grins as her rapier draws close to the men.. "O.A.R. Business. Your dear Captain has decided to play traitor and create chaos in the hopes of impeding our investigation...I will ask you to stand down, or be treated as accomplices!" Rosettsara: (Sec, have to remember which maneuvers I can do here) Ken (GM): the door opened automatically, so really, you could shank a bitch if you can reach him, the man in back is armed with an axe and shield and blue guys is hands free atm Elysia de Romanga settles on a ready maneuver. If either of them bolt or even charge, she'll strike. Ken (GM): gotcha Elysia de Romanga: (With a step to get into range) Ken (GM): ADELAIDE [and just touching up the edges of the airlock/doorway] for line of sight etc Adelaide Valerian takes a step and looks to the man with the axe behind the other guard. "Please, come inside. Hans is right there beside the window, I think." Adelaide Valerian Readies (Redacted) if he attacks Ken (GM): pistol on them, gotcha Liz? LIZZIE P.P. A.: the half-circle in the centre is a desk, right? What about the block of thing Adelaide stands netx to? Adelaide is gesturing hands open and free, fyi Ken (GM): [the concrete floor rises up a bit once into piping, and then again in the center block into something about man-tall. [the GM shall draw a line through it realizing how it blocks line of sight and cover but yeah, its solid enough to provide cover Lizzie Potgieter takes cover behind the block and aims down the corridor at The blow scrapes along his temple, and he flinches...barely. Sparks alight on the shiny chrome section of his hairline where his hat has been knocked askew. Ian raises an eyebrow, legit surprised Ian: "What on Earth...." Captain: "The Collective will not be stopped. ATTACK!" Ian swears Adelaide Valerian: ((KNew that guy was up to no good)) The captain shouts, and as he speaks, he folds his arms over his head impossibly. The fabric of his shirt tears as his sleeves move a full 360 On the corners of the rooms, the other men turn about from the walls. Their eyes flash a bright green as if lit from within Rolling 3d6 = 7 vs 12 to grab the axe and shield armed man as she lifts a hand and the touchstone glows vividly blue, light reaching out like spreading vines Blueguard in the hall retreats from Elysia and draws out a pistol, while Axeguard is seized up by Adelaide. Axeguard tries to escape from Valerian is gently outlined by blue flames, her hand lifted, closing The guard snaps open his handcuffs with a creaking of metal, while the one on the west side of the room continues to struggle with his own. The Valerian has a lot of bad going on and growls frustration at the man above her. Releasing the axeman, she turns the power on the one grabbing Valerian wraps his throat and limbs in bonds of magic, dragging him The guard, incensed and red faced, dives for Lizzie, only to misstep and fly headfirst into a concrete corner. The blow is deadly The third tech continues to wrench at his own limbs. You hear cracking and popping in his his joints meanwhile, the other is in a fight on the ground with Adelaide, and tries to go for her face with a swinging arm! Rolling 3d6 = 15 vs 12 Ken (GM): CHRIST Adelaide Valerian is stunned by the blow to the face Ken (GM): also, bloody nose my wife has reminded me of the time Fiss: Curse you, Linear Spacetime! Adelaide Valerian got punched into next week The melee continues, blood flying, hammerblows swinging, and mechanical men showing the true unflinching face of teh Collective to our Heroes. Tune in next week for our (deadly) conclusion to Shattered Worlds: Masquerade! P.P. A.: A hard reset of roll20 till next week may reset the rng too Fiss: Yeah....holy shit P.P. A.: Thanks for the session Fiss: Yeah, lots of fun man. :D Ken (GM): goodLORD Fiss: painful, painful fun.... Rosettsara: Thanks for session~ Adelaide Valerian: Yep! We had awful luck, but it was a lot of fun Ken (GM): what dice gods Fiss: any XP or we holding off to see if we live next week? lol Ken (GM): hahah, 4xp yall def Fiss: Kewl. [Ian grows a magical 3rd arm with guns] P.P. A.: Might get a good time for me to actually spend some of them Ken (GM): DOOD Fiss: No doubt lol Ken (GM): buy up gun holy shit what a fight so far and only two dudes are 'armed' Adelaide Valerian: Ooh yeah. I'm putting 8 more points into TK ST Someone is getting defenserated Fiss: they're armed with arms. that's all the excuse we need to murderhobo them Ken (GM): yeah half-robot dudes yelling in digital is like throwdown shorthand Fiss: Fuckin synths Adelaide Valerian: GODDAMN MODEM NOISES! Fiss: TIME TO PLAY SOME DOOR GAMES! Ken (GM): oh man that kick into the window might have been cool Fiss: haha, yeah, that was pretty rad, even despite the immanent yeeting anyway, o/ Ken (GM): DUN DUN DUNNNN We return to Shattered Worlds; the party in a vicious fight for their lives against metal men with mental machinations! A fiendish fight for free people, against the fearsome foe with enfeebling plans! WHO WILL REIGN VICTORIOUS?! Ian harumphs....FOR THE PEOPLE! Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs 12 HT to recover from Stunning. Adelaide Valerian shakes off the painful blow. Sound returning from the world and the room coming back into focus. A productive turn (end) The man in the hall with the axe swirls it up into a ready, locking eyes with the madwoman with the rapier. He grimaces while she grins Ken (GM): LIZZIE One of the men lays at your feet, his head bashed open by fickle fate P.P. A.: Wait, he knocked himself out instead of just stumbling? Ken (GM): yeah man P.P. A.: lmao Ken (GM): head first crit fail P.P. A.: Saves me the decision of whether or not to prioritise helping out Ian Lizzie Potgieter glances briefly at the lifeless—however much life he'd had in him in the first place—man next to her. “Shame.” Ian looks quite lively, but will never say no to help from his teammates Lizzie Potgieter 's barrel had been tracking the movements of the other guy bearing down on Ian though, and follows up on that. (+1 ACC from Gunslinger now!) Rolling 3d6 = 10 Crit effect if he can't dodge that Ken (GM): oh he cant he all-outed ian sooo P.P. A.: normal damage only, but Ken (GM): it is a sign Fiss: Okay, everyone, remember that scene in Tron: Legacy where Kevin Flynn appears at the club and all the bad-guys suddenly stop being awesome and all the good guys start getting fucked?] Rolling 3d6 = 13 vs 12 Ken (GM): [yeah no posture issues there] FECK Joush M.: and.. nope. End turn, I suppose. The magic hands scrabble, but fail to catch hold! The axeman in the hall flashes a sparkle in his eye, and hefts his axe in a hand whips round, and SLIPS as the greasy black blood slicked the man just so, he loses his grip on the weapon! He is unsteady (-2 def) in his man over Adelaide, holed, seems to discover some sense of fearsome anger, and grabs for Adelaide's glowing arm and bracer (where her magic visibly appears!) Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs 8 Joush M.: I'mma grappled They squirm as he lunges, and his hands clamp down over her arm, Knockdown and stun are the same roll. If you failed you are knocked prone, drop anything you were holding and are stunned until you recover Ken (GM): aha Joush M.: Page 420 blaze it Ken (GM): okay, that made me LOL hard Ian: lol love it Ken (GM): right they wrap them together Ian is knocked on his ass and his sword/cane go clattering Ken (GM): okay, so ian tumbles to his butt and props for his tools and man thats gonna hurt tomorrow Ian is too stunnned to give the man a nod of appreciation, but may do so in a moment Ken (GM): [thanks joush for the help; I was all over the hit locaiton table and of Potgieter counted her shots and realises she only has one round left. She takes aim… but fires straight away, since with his hands free again, there's no telling how he's going to attack Adelaide next. “Get off I de Romanga punishes the axe-man's mistake by using her weapon's exceptional reach to stab him from where he can't retaliate. Rolling 3d6 = 12v13 Fast-Draw P.P. A.: I forgot the turning rules, does this cound for a move action? Ken (GM): [Dies Irae just kicked off, this is epic timing] Ian: [ain't even mad] Ken (GM): if you remain in place and just spin, youre good to shoot -0. moving and changing facing that far calls for a shot -bulk in your case, half bulk, cuz Gunslinger P.P. A.: >bulk -5 so -3, but +4 ACC. Well, I have Luck. Ken (GM): 'foont' Lizzie Potgieter sees the blade in her foe's hand, and doesn't waste time pulling the trigger—her weapon's stock snapping into place at her Where the previous foe was shot point blank with a shell just over a half inch wide, this time, Lizzie drops something even wider into this thank god this isnt a harsh relaism gunplay game; the concrete bunker style room would have you all half dea fby now, with all the big revolver shots going off] Joush M.: "WHAT?" Ken (GM): [let alone the short barrel] MWAP MWAP Lizzie Potgieter grins. Ian: [bah, it's not like we're ALL using supersonic rounds! What do you think this is?] Elysia de Romanga finds that shield most troublesome, and so she's poised to strike once more...but she drops the rapier instead, drawing her pistol. Valerian gathers herself. Blood on her lips as she kneels and reaches out to the man that struggles to evade Elysia's attacks. Her left hand Valerian holds him restrained, blue light on her face as her hand closes more tightly and his armor starts to groan under the strain. Ian: The big magic leafy things twist like ensnaring vines, and seize him up de Romanga cinematically moves forward and shifts her center around slightly so that the somehow still-falling rapier lands perfectly in its hilt attached to her uniform. Ken (GM): hahah Ian: fuckin legendary lol Ken (GM): Im getting strong catherine zeta jones vibes, a la mask of zorro Fiss: I ain't gonna complain Adelaide Valerian puts him down roughly. Slamming him into the floor and then focusing on herself rather then the currents of aether around them. It reminds her that she's in a considerble amount of pain, her cheek throbbing where she will have a vivid bruise and her knee hurts. She pushes herself to her feet slowly and looks around the room. "Right. Make sure they are all dead." Joush M.: With less clothing damage, but yeah, that works Ian turns to Lizzie then back to Adelaide Ian: "She already made sure." "And I'm VERY grateful" Lizzie Potgieter finishes reloading her shotgun. Her adrenaline rush wears off as she's able to pick up the revolver she dropped. That she can do this calmly now means combat is over. Rolling 3d6 = 11 v15 (Post-Combat Shakes) Elysia de Romanga holsters her gun and makes sure to deliver a stab through the gun and axe men's heads or necks when checking on them Lizzie Potgieter sighs. “Eish, what a battle.” Elysia de Romanga: "I think it's safe to say that a large part of the dam, if not all of it, is already compromised." The deadly countermeasures elicit small sparkling reactions as something electrically critical shorts to the blows. The downed men short out Lizzie Potgieter: “Who or what are these guys? These ain't undead—well, maybe, but not of the fleshy sort. Machine-people?!” “Anyone heard of that Collective before?” Adelaide Valerian checks the controls. Trying to see if there is anything that can be done from here to keep the dam from failing. "I don't know.. It sounds like something I've heard of in a dream." She glances at the bodies. "Not a good dream." Ian: "That's a new one for me too. But it seems aligned with what we've been fighting.....maybe just we've learned the name they use." The downed men are in fact, somewhat visibly mechanical. Up long sleeved uniforms, stitched scars crisscross limbs, and here and there wires protrude from a limb to the torso, or up the back of the neck in a hairline. Under their wounds, you find a layer of segmented metal...like scales of armor udner the skin Elysia de Romanga: "I'm reminded of dear old Cornelius." Lizzie Potgieter: “More of his experiments, but different ones?” Ian takes a moment to check the man who decked him so completely, not only to know his demise, but also his name Ken (GM): kek Ian: "Shame they lure in such fine folk...in another life I'd gladly give this man my weekly wage for that shot he made on my chin." Ken (GM): "Malte Keiner" SBI technician, second class Ian makes note of him, then turns his attention....as always...to his real passion. THE PEOPLE Adelaide Valerian: "Right. It looks like the resevoir is filled to maximum. How do we safely drain it? There are controls for sluce gates, flood gates and turbine gates here." Lizzie Potgieter scratches her head. ”I ain't no engineer.” Ken (GM): [and also "Water reclamation intake" numbered 1-20] Elysia de Romanga: "There's bound to be manuals here." Ian: [stops himself as he's watched WAY too much Mega-Engineering to be valid in character knowledge] Ken (GM): hah Ian nods and looks for the emergency manuals Adelaide Valerian considers a moment and takes a deep breath. "We need to make sure they aren't mining the rest of the dam though. I'm not sure we have time to read. Open the water reclimation intakes and the flood door?" Lizzie Potgieter: “If you can open 'em slowly so the water can… doesn't flood the lower city like Cornelius planned, yeah.” Skimming the room, half-ready for another fight from the bodies on the floor, you eventually come accross an operational manual tucked in the desk of the office behind you. There, it lays out in somewhat straightforward terms, the indicated uses of the various gates Rolling 3d6 = 6v8 (Diagnosis) Ken (GM): tender, but it doesnt crackle Ian reads the manual as Lizzie checks his jaw Ian: "Honestly, in another life I would have bough that man some drinks." P.P. A.: He lost HP, right? Ken (GM): yeah, only concussed Ian: "Okay, according to this, the flood gates are our control. If we want to drain things, that's our key." "But, we have to make sure it's controlled." Lizzie Potgieter gets out a few band-airs and bandages and patches him up a bit, mainly to make sure he can't worsen the injuries. “In another life you shoulda socked him before he got you. Now hold still…” Rolling 3d6 = 10v12 First Aid Lizzie Potgieter: *band-aids Elysia de Romanga makes her way down the corridor, eyes and ears peeled Ian allows himself to be fussed over without complaints but blushing slightly Adelaide Valerian carefully follows the instructions on the flood control measures. nodding a touch and glanceing to Lizzie and Ian thoughtfully as they work together before she goes back to minding her own work. Rolling 3d6 = 14 vs 16 Ken (GM): O.O DICE Joush M.: So.. Damn, good thing about that +4 Ken (GM): BEHAVE Lizzie Potgieter packs up again, satisfied. She smiles, and goes to look outside the window—sue to the teleportation and everything, she doesn't really have a good idea of where they are. Through her own mild concussion, Adelaide steps through several lever pulls, switch toggles and games of 'find the indicator light the manual doesnt have color-coded'. In a few moments, a small bell dings pleasantly in the control room, and the water trickling past the windows begins to pour out in a steady stream Ian turns to Adelaide Ian: "Let's see if there's an emergency diversion....this water, for all intents and purposes, is tainted." Ian looks through the systems Adelaide Valerian: "Right." She says and tries to figure out where the water goes from there. Ian: Basically: Priority 1: Okay, nothing's going to explode Priority 2: OKay, things are working normally Priority 3: "Okay, now how do we un-fuck the world? Ken (GM): [the main flow should bypass the undercity and the sludgeworks. Theres a basic exit-diagram with indicators for the sludgeworks, and its currently flashing red on "main egress"] Elysia de Romanga takes the key and opens up the core maintenance access door. Perhaps there are signs of sabotage within? Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath and nods. "Crisis averted for the moment. Let's see if we can secure the rest of this dam." Lizzie Potgieter follows, wary. Ian: "True, let's make sure things are....what they seem." Ian follows Lizzie, backing her up The key CLUNKS deeply in the mechanism, and the door hisses as hydraulics release it and it slides into the wall. A second door behind it automatically doing the same Inside the room, a strange thrumming device sits prominently in the center of the console, a large green glass tank glowing with neon red magic-looing light that seems to bleed off the glass of the tank rather than any bulb Elysia de Romanga leads the charge, examining the strange object from a safe distance In response, something inside the green tank stirs, then THUMPS into the glass Lizzie Potgieter aims down the hallways on the sides and proceeds closer to the weird thing if nothing approaches from them. A skittering, swirling alien looking creature, all tentacles and carapace, and swirling with black ichor leaking from various orifices Elysia de Romanga: "I take it this isn't normal." CLUNK CLUNK It presses against the glass toward you but is contained Adelaide Valerian follows after Ian, then stops at the alien horror, eyes wide. "Ugh!" Elysia de Romanga: "Anything in the manuals?" Lizzie Potgieter: “Eeuw! What's that?” “And why's it in a dam?” Ian: "A very, VERY good question...." Underneath the tank, in a foot-thick pipe marked "Main Freshwater supply" in bright colors, is an obviously welded add-on from the container that seems an unsightly addition. The vessel is connected to flow Rolling 3d6 = 14v12 Fear of Ghosts Adelaide Valerian: "It's.. hungery. Toxic. It's like cancer with a mind." She goes pale. Looking sick as she stares at it." Even this far away I can feel how much it wants to break free and infect everything." Lizzie Potgieter is not used to her. Elysia de Romanga: "An Airth Cancer." In the narrow space round the tank, the thing wheels and stirs in the waters, black spores and bits of itself leaking into the water as it twists and stares at you with eyeless prodding tentacles. Ian: "Like so many cancers come to flesh...." P.P. A.: (well, if lizzie sees the Duchess or hears her) On the back wall, there is a device that is plainly apart from the other mechanical controls in this room. A kind of board of rune-covered keys glowing softly with a green acid light from underneath. It has snaking cables leading to the container Elysia de Romanga shakes with anger as she approaches the controls and the thing Adelaide Valerian: "Don't do anything to damage the tank.. the glass is some kind of prison for it. I don't think they had it as a ally or servent.. it's not supposed so sorry, Lizzie.." She says. The blood thirsty bitch sounding honestly apologetic that she pushed her to say she'd be okay when she wasn't. The pale girl then turning to the horror. Duchess: "I do not know this creature...but the vessel, it has the stench of the cult. Their work is all about it, their fingers worked the marks of the cage" "The waters I was drowned in...are in there" Ian 's mirth and smile fade as he hears the horror Ian: "How do we fix this?" "How do we make sure nobody can use this evil?" The body of the duchess shifts and shimmers, and she steps forward along the grated floor, feet an inch above the surface and dripping with flowing blood black as night. Ian watches, but is tense, ready to act as needed She steps through the space, flickering and glowing softly of the Azure brilliance of the gauntlet. A hand raised to rest against the vessels glass Elysia de Romanga: "If I can smash it, just give me the word." Adelaide Valerian: "..Humm.. I can open a path though the ways. Duchess.. could I open a path that leads to oblivion? Could we hurl this thing into the void?" She ask as she reaches out for the duchess's ghostly hand. Trailing after her. Adelaide is focused enough she doesn't realize she is crying. Duchess: "Cast it to the furthest reaches, and let it be here no more. It is a vile thing, but only with the grasp of meat and flesh." The mewling plump beast presses against the vessel toward the duchess, and recoils, scrabbling at her words, like a caged rat Ian: "I think it knows. Good. I hate to fight something unawares." Ian steels himself and turns to the Duchess Ian: "What do we need to do?" Eyes black as night stare to the man, and she smiles softly, blood emptying silently from her neck and lips as she speaks unimpeded "Release it, then send it away. It is only flesh" She turns to Adelaide, pressing an ethereal hand to a cheek and failing to wipe away a tear. She nods Rolling 3d6 = 9v12 HT Elysia de Romanga: "For its crimes against the Romangan people, I will kill it myself if need be." Adelaide Valerian: me hestates a moment.. then nods. "I'm sure I can throw it away when the cult's ward is gone" Elysia de Romanga draws her gun. Ian helps Lizzie up to her steady dignity, then readies his hand on the Big Ol Button Adelaide Valerian takes a deep breath. "I'll be ready when you are." She nods bravely. Only for a moment leaning her hand into the ghostly touch. Lizzie Potgieter wakes up. The ghost is sitll there, and she's still shaken, but she also senses the mood. “…we fightin'?” Ian nods to Lizzie Ian: "Oh, we fightin. Ready?" Lizzie Potgieter also notices that she isn't sprawled out on the floor or anything, and smiles to Ian. “Thanks.” Lizzie Potgieter gets up and gets out her revolver. Ian nods and waits for her to be ready, then readies his cane CLICK CLACK of weapon actions being set in place rebound in the tight space Lizzie Potgieter actually puts it away and gets out her Z-Lock again. This is pretty close range and its shell is thick. Ian breaths, readies his cane, and hits the buttons Lizzie Potgieter aims. Adelaide Valerian tries to DO THE THING. If it works, there shouden't be a fight. Elysia de Romanga aims as well The controls shudder and then the glow dies on the pad. Lime winking out In response, the red of the tube dies, and blackens to nothingness. The hum and tingle of something hot and strong disappears and the room is left thrumming with only the rush of water on pressure and machinery deep in the walls Inside, the thing reacts instantly and presses agains the glass with a SHRIEK The glass bursts Ken (GM): [adelaide does the thing] Ian: "So....you have chosen....death." Elysia de Romanga pew pew In an instant the air is full of the sound of crackling glass, rushing water, and something monstrous and trilling, and then BAM BAM BAM OF GUNFIRE Rolling 3d6 = 11 vs 17 The thing SHRIEKS in surprise and pain, and then WHOOOOOSH The water, gone, the thing? gone. Only small chunks of broken glass, and crumpled machinery remain. The weird device folded over in it's guts with some sort of iris-shaped lens and quickly receding flowing water in its mechanical entrails. Adelaide Valerian lifts her hands and might have screamed herself. It's hard to tell over the gunfire. There are paths in the Ways that lead to parts of the world. Paths that lead nowhere.. and paths that lead to Nothing. Nothing so overwhelming and total that it seems to hate being distrubed by antyhing. Malichor had told her to never, ever risk going close to them and in that moment she can feel why as that Nothing reaches back and for a heartbeat seems like it might not stop at the creature. It wants her too. The control room. The city. The entirety of Romanage. She stares at the place the creature was and speaks in a very small voice. "I don't think I should do that again." Duchess: "It is gone though. So there is that" She smiles, and blood flows beneath brackish waters Below, the water supply presses on, barely hissing through the thick pipe, unchanged and now, unmolested Elysia de Romanga: "You saved Romanga. You have my gratitude." Lizzie Potgieter: “With that the pollution's gonna stop now?” Ian looks between Elysia and Lizzie hopefully Adelaide Valerian nods at that.. then takes a deep breath, feeling drained but pleased as she looks to the Duchess. "Thank you." She whispers and stand quitely by, then nods to Elysia. The duchess nods back, turns to stare at the surrounding room. Her black eyes hollow and playing over the myriad pipes and alves, checks and flows of the room Lizzie Potgieter reloads hr shotgun with her back to the Duchess and her hands tense and uneasy. Ian: "So...." "anything else we need to make sure isn't going to ruin that high?" Ian chuckles as Lizzie reloads Elysia de Romanga: "I'll keep checking around." "Make sure the dam controls haven't decided to do something stupid now that that thing is gone." Ian: "Agreed." Adelaide Valerian: "I can't feel any more power. That fucking thing is gone, at least." She says as she takes a deep breath, then shakes her head hard and gives herself a little slap. "Okay, back in it. Let's get to work." Ken (GM): [hol don to your butts a sec] Ian holds on to his butt Adelaide Valerian gets a little freaked out at fog of war. you sweep the control room and recheck the controls; everything that has a lit bulb is still lit, and the main water flow reads probably the same as when you saw it earlier. Nothing is on fire or screaming a klaxxon Ian: "I believe we can assume if anything explodes, it won't be due to us." The bit of facility you can sweep and clear is industrial hellscape, but free of anyone with a gun or a chip on their shoulder; the back rooms hum with the machinery and the floodgates continue to pour. You find nobody hiding in any shadows, and the place is secure Rolling 3d6 = 11v12 First Aid duct tape stretches, nail is hammed in, car hood slams shut Ken (GM): [crap, where did I put those first aid sound effects] Elysia de Romanga heads towards the places they haven't been to yet Ken (GM): rose, thats what I did there. You gave the place a cautious walkabout and discovered all that, give or take did you wanna dig into any of the weird ones Adelaide Valerian: "Right, phone.. we should call and report this area secure. And thank you Lizzie. I'm sorry about.." She nods a little, not waiting to say ghost, or embrass her. Elysia de Romanga: (Sorry baout that, i'm pretty faded into near-sleep) Ken (GM): bah Elysia de Romanga keeps an eye and ear out for any signs of new people appearing from outside, but otherwise keeps quiet Adelaide Valerian: "No more magic. I haven't gotten anything like the feeling from the tank." Lizzie Potgieter: ”Don't worry about it.” Lizzie Potgieter helps scouting the place afterwards Eventually, from the far ends of the Dam you see all-clear flares fired off. Your men secured the security there Outside, An aircar hovers over to the big window, and Stanley gives you a wave and salute Elysia de Romanga: "That's our cue." Ian chuckles Ian: "cues? How nice...." Stanley gives a big elaborate 'pointing up' and then spins the aircar up to the roof where you hear it land Ian shrugs, sheaths his rapier, and leans on his cane as he walks Lizzie Potgieter smiles, visibly relieved. ”It's really over now, thank the gods.” Ian turns to Lizzie Elysia de Romanga: "You'll be able to spin this into a propaganda victory against the cult, to make them afraid of us and the rise of the princess, yes?" Adelaide Valerian goes to the roof. A bandage on her cheek and glad to be done with that strange dam and the collective. "But what were those people?" Ian: "It's never really over....only in waves. Only in waves my dear." Ian turns to Adelaide Ian: "They gave up being people "Isn't obvious?" Lizzie Potgieter: ”No surprise Cornelius got along with 'em.” Ian: "Power entices many... what power looks to some depends largely on how low they are." Ian straightens his jacket Lizzie Potgieter: “Well, at the end of the day, power usually looks like the end of a barrel.” She laughs. Ian: "Power to me is privilage. Nothing more or less....but where I suspect many would desire power as a means to an end, or a muzzle, like you say, for me...power is changing of fate." Ian smiles at Lizzie Adelaide Valerian: He could be the bridge between the cult and the.. collective." Her brows draw together. "He was just using them I imagine. Not really a belivier." Ian: "What better way to show power than to upset random happenstance?" Ian nods to Adelaide as he checks the corpses Ken (GM): okay so moving to broader strokes here; the SBI here a tthe dam are down and the OAR have taken control of the facility definitely checking the bodies is a good call at the same time you guys did. There was some kind of tipoff at least between them all Ian swears and makes note Ken (GM): Elysia wants to get this all rolled up into her overall plan of building up the resistance, and well, as the place is secured the press seem to have been tipped off to the event, and there is a group of reporters and such and a crowd of citizens at the city-side edge of the dam ready to be grandstanded to [map magic, but youre still broadly at the dam] does Elysia have some sort of prepared statement? :P Adelaide Valerian attempts to dodge the press, and being identified closely, as she tries to say in the shadows Elysia de Romanga: (OOCly no, but ICly, yes. I'll manage it on the fly) Lizzie Potgieter follows August's advice of minimising her presence, avoids cameras &c. and draws her hat low into her face. August Von Arnfels: “Do as I say, not as I do,” he said, since it'd be bad for Lizzie to get identified as involved with this rebellion or otherwise. Ian helps the group look photogenic Rolling 3d6 = 6 vs 12 makeup to style Ian gives each of the girls a smile, pat on the shoulder, and proud nod before passing Flashbulbs snap and pop as the place is milling behind the security forces of the OAR; for your sake, they seem collected and not too banged up, with Melchiore's men putting on a stern but calm face to the crowd. Ian: [dayum Adelaide lookin on fleek] Your own band, at Adeliades deft hand, manage to keep the worst of their bloody fight hidden. And then you end up quite presentable as well Ken (GM): adelaide a tone point, just rolls up her bloody jacket into a wad and stows it Valerian just hopes she was able to do a tiny bit of foundation and eyeliner on Ian to get him a really stern kichiku megane look. Ken (GM): hahaha Ian: lol Adelaide dotes and Lizzie simply melts into the crowd. Ian stands firm and while the questions fly, Ian holds firm and assures the crowd in non-committal terms that they should wait for the lady of the hour to speak first Ian glares down any particularly sassy comments but leaves things open for the Lady The reporters mill and gape; many shots of the guard posts with OAR staff in their posts, and SBI staff under bodybag sheets Elysia de Romanga solemnly looks up at the camera once it's rolling. "People of Romanga, and those who are also watching: Today we have struck down a vile plot to destroy our beloved land and capital, orchestrated by a certain Cult, as well as a group calling itself the Collective." Adelaide Valerian stays ready in case assassins take the chance to attack now. Ian tries not to look too happy Snap pop pop, wide eyed wonder, and microphones pressed forward The cool wind blows and the mists of the lower city twirl below you, the dam stretching against the shallow waves of the reservoir bay on the othe rside Elysia de Romanga raises a hand and turns it into a fist dramatically. "We crushed their efforts with ease! Such cowardly actions will never escape our notice! The dam runs black with their blood, as our foes are as blackhearted as they come." Elysia de Romanga places her hand over her own chest. "But us, we bleed red. Our red hearts beat as one, but for too long it has been caged! Starting today, we will break free of our shackles and remove the blindfolds placed over us!" "Who has us shackled?" voices jockey and thrust forward "Who has us blindfolded?" Elysia de Romanga smirks. "News of the Princess's return lately have been spread by those who wish to lead you to a different cage, spill your blood to power their own twisted machinations. I could stand this no longer! I am Princess Elysia de Romanga, and I am two declarations to make." Elysia de Romanga: (have*, darn sleepiness) Ken (GM): kek Ian bristles, but says nothing unless needed Elysia de Romanga: "First! To the people of Romanga, I would tell you that the High Inquisitor has conspired with the Cult, as have these other imposter rebellion groups, to mislead and divide us, not to mention the pain and misery inflicted upon us by the brutal occupation regime before the emergence of the cult. I am leading the real rebellion myself." Collective GASP. Flashbulbs pop. Wide stares of disbelief and wonder Elysia de Romanga: "Second! To our enemies...you will never escape us. We will find you, hunt you down to the ends of the airth. Your blackened blood will flow down into the depths and will never see the light of day again. We are coming for you." The whirr of a recorder, the small eddy of wind, and a lot of surprised faces staring back Elysia de Romanga: "For those doubting my claims, there will be more than enough evidence to pour through as the days pass. Decide for yourself if you wish to follow me against our enemies. I will welcome you with open arms." Ian bristles, proudly this time The crowd breaks into a smattering of small whoops and shouts, and some applause, in response to the bloody call to arms By the time she finishes, its risen up into a bright cascade of applause picked up by much of the crowd, and the OAR guard forces beam brightly by her side Adelaide Valerian listens to the speech and breathes in deep. The die is cast now but the worst of this fight still seems bound to be fought in the shadows. There are things they can't fight with an army.. She prowls the crowed space, hunting among them. Making sure nobody is after Elysia's blood then at last getting back to the aircar. Ian worries about the public space, knowing his fellows below will handle the rest.....but, if one is particularly sly and quick on the camera, one might see him smirking A chill wind still blows, but the bright sunlight also shines in from above. The Grand city of Romanga, cast in stark relief, hidden here and there with cloying mists, rising up in view as the Lost Princess of the independent realm reveals herself to the world. The crowd raises voices of relief and joyous rebellion. Song rising in chorus from men and women worn thin from inquisition but still untarnished by the tide of woe. Here, the people will rise up and claim their homeland, in her name, perhaps as well Next time On Shattered Worlds; Masquerade Fiss "OH YOU WANT TO PROTECT YOUR NATION?!" Fiss: "oh...NO....NOT LIKE THAT." P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Fiss: hehe love it man Rosettsara: Thanks for session~ Fiss: good stuff Ken (GM): :D Joush M.: Thank you for the game! We got the revolution started and nobody had to get their tits out and climb a barracade lwith a flag Fiss: You understand that, despite failing hard at taking an epic punch, Ian is on top of the world atm lol omg Lizzie was a saviour this session so fucking awesome P.P. A.: Spending some of all those stockpiled points really paid off Fiss: yeah she's rad P.P. A.: Gunslinger, another SL in Guns, a few that ddidn't matter as much Rosettsara: Some awesomeness to counter the jinxed dice P.P. A.: A nice finale for her too, saving the way during her final encounter *day Fiss: 10/10 would invite to Random Dignitary Party P.P. A.: so now she can go home in good conscience (I guess next session wikll be the fareells) Ken (GM): def lizzie has her chance to get her tits out Fiss: yeah, guess we'll see what the empire sends......either to quell us or confirm us Ken (GM): storm a barricade stab a guy with a flag Fiss: dem tiddies lol Ken (GM): [4 points yaal] Fiss invests 4 points in Anime Tiddies Fiss: Moohahahaha Ken (GM): yes yes, feel the bovine flow through you Fiss: "Don't do it, Annie....I have the High Ground....the grass is very delicious up here." Ken (GM): so I dove back into civ V Fiss: It's like putting on a cozy pair of pants (I just finished a game....I never took those pants off) Ken (GM): full of centurions and EMPIRE Fiss: Now, I know I leave it on in the background quite a bit.... But I'm clocking on at 8.8 thousand hours on it. o_o Ken (GM): you just dont stop, do you Fiss: Well, for the last few years at Telus I basically used it as my "Stay awake during night shift" game. Just leave it on in the background and do some turns It was glorious Ken (GM): I must admit, I may have done the same while I was working for that jerky company OH HELLO EVERYONE WELCOME TO MY PLACE LET ME JUST GET THESE DORITOS OFF THE TABLE AND SWEEP THE CANS UNDER THE RUG P.P. A.: \o Fiss: Hey hey! Rosettsara: Hello~ Fiss: On a scale of 1 to Macho Man Randy Savage, how ready for Madness are we today?! Ken (GM): macho man, randy savage, Fiss: Sweet Jesus.... Fiss readies the hamsters Ken (GM): joush died? Rosettsara: Barely slept, but heavily caffeinated so things should be interesting Ken (GM): oh boy oh boy we have NO IDEA what that feels like DO WE FISS Fiss sips his cup of FUCKIN GO JUICE Fiss: No idea. Just because I can vibrate through walls means nothing. I'm sure lots of folks do that Ken (GM): just hitting the proper phase harmonization utterlynatural just you know energetic Fiss gives you a thumbs up, then eats his breakfast of the Colour Murple with extra Air Guitar Ken (GM): hah all right Fiss: SO WE REVOLUTIONING OR WHAT? Ken (GM): all right LETS GET DOWN TO BUSINESS TO DEFEAT SOME SUNS Ian sips tea, sprays it out, then begins aiming at the sun. Where last we left the Heroes of Romanga, they had begun to stoke the fires of Revolution. Disabling the plot of the mad Doctor Cornelius of the SBI, they turned the event into a broad stroke against the empire, Elysia Denouncing them openly in a press conference backing against the battle wearied dam. Shouts of excited encouragement rang out in response immediately from those in attendance Attention must be paid though, to the flames already openly burning in the Grand City: the defiance of the manors, and their varied calls to independence, a smarting blow against the Inquisition already in the city. The OAR already tasked with quelling dissident factions must decide how to proceed in this new day, laid bare to the gaze of the Holy Galician Empire Ian spends a portion of the morning drafting up a few responses....but cannot commit to one over another. Some of them read like diplomatic doublespeak, saying nothing, but others take on very quick tones of 'rise brothers and sisters!' Ian decides he better conference with the heiress before sending anything Ian: "Does this 'Fuck your Empire' sound pretty enough or should I add some more flowery language around the accusations?" Elysia de Romanga makes very clear that those movements not directly taking orders from her are false and possibly even working with the enemies of Romanga...unless they pledge allegiance to her and her alone and abandon their association with other groups. P.P. A.: (Are we back at the base?) MissDebbie: "Oh sir it's a triumph of sass, but we might lean on listing the affronts to Romangan independence in a more open light." Ken (GM): [oh right, assuming the press conference at the dam went well, youve re-collected yourselves safely back at the OAR offices, yes] [small timeskip] Ian nods and crumples it up, putting it in the mechanical shredder Rolling 3d6 = 5 vs 13 (Propaganda, if it will help) August Von Arnfels is mostly done with his investigative aid, and is speaking with Lizzie now: “Do you want to go straight home, or would you like to visit my sister while you're already on the continent?” Ken (GM): hohohoh Lizzie Potgieter: “Amélie?” Her face lights up for a moment, but she hesitates: “…I ain't sure.” Ken (GM): August Von Arnfels: “You're pen pals, right? I know she thinks highly of you, and she'll be happy to have you over and hear your story.” His motive being that while Lizzie may find comfort back home, he's not so sure people would believe her magic horror stories, which wouldn't be conductive to her healing process. (From Ken (GM)): gotta say, wasnt totally awake yet, and totally blanked for a sec August Von Arnfels: “It would… probably inconvenience her if I showed up, given how controversial a figure I am at the moment—and immediately after having aided a rebellion in a Galician client-state,” he smirks a bit awkwardly, “but I can drop you off somewhere close and inconspicuous.” Lizzie Potgieter ponders. August Von Arnfels: “You could also relay to her my story, since I won't be able to see her in person for a while.” Melchiore: "We can spin quite a bit of the story as you and your working in concert to remove her from dangerous situations, rather than aiding and abetting." Lizzie Potgieter smiles softly and nods. “Alright. I wanted to see her children too, she's written me a lot about them.” August Von Arnfels glances at Melchiore. “Lizzie's involvement should not be talked about at all. My presence here may be harder to conceal, but if you try to cover it up, leave her out of it.” August Von Arnfels: “I had undisclosed business here or came at the request of a personal friend. That will be enough of me, and already too much of her.” August Von Arnfels was assuming a worst case scenario here of the whole of his activities being leaked to Galician authorities or the public. As it is, he's never left the O.A.R. building. The Hammerhead's presence may be harder to dismiss as a mere rumour than his coming though. Melchiore: "The sooner you magic yourself away again, the better, I'm sure. The fancifal nature of the whole incident may obscure everything in the haze of public discourse, but... being here complicates everyone's lives, Sir" Ian pauses his typing to look at the two men, then continues thwacking away Elysia de Romanga has now (officially) changed into her very flamboyant and over the top uniform for good Ian smiles, unable to hide a bit of patriotic excitement Ken (GM): [these are overtures, you all realize, of PPA making an exit for the next while, right?] August Von Arnfels nods. Rosettsara: (Yup) Elysia de Romanga approaches Lizzie once everything is sorted out diplomatically, propaganda-lly, and all. "As troubled as it all was, I'm glad to have met you. And i'm sorry once more about what you were forced into." Elysia de Romanga also addresses August if he's within earshot. "And you can rest assured that her involvement will be concealed, and that the high-priority item will be found." Lizzie Potgieter shakes her head. “It ain't your fault. You was fighting evil and saving many lives, and I'm glad I could help and that I could meet y'all.” August Von Arnfels looks at her and nods a silent acknowledgement. Lizzie Potgieter holds up her hand to Elysia. “Keep fightin the good fight. I better hear of your victory later.” Melchiore: "If it had been any other time in the world, I am sure, it would have been just as splendid to know you then" Lizzie Potgieter: “I didn't mean you.” “But I understand you had your reasons.” Ken (GM): oof Elysia de Romanga gives her a spirited high-five. "There's a lot of work to do, but...maybe the next time you come and visit, the rivers will be flowing with something other than muck, and there will be a lot less blood and chaos. You will be a guest of honour." Ken (GM): right in the NPC August Von Arnfels: “Did ever apologise to you?” August asks Lizzie, and raises an eyebrow. Melchiore 's moustache twitches Lizzie Potgieter smiles hearily at Elysia. “I'm lookin' forward to visit again then.” Lizzie Potgieter exchanges looks with August and shakes her head. Melchiore , the upright and uptight man at the head of the OAR, bristles and tightens like a grip on a very defensively held sword....and then, a glimmer of humanity peeks through Melchiore: "Miss Potgieter. Lizzie. I must say, your transparently virtuous actions, and absolute moral standing here in these last few days has been welcome. And enlightening" Melchiore stops and bows his head to her, hand on his breast as he speaks Ian stands up from his desk, pretends to creek his ol' bones and back as Melchiore gives the young lady her due, then smiles Melchiore: "I apologize. For my actions in ensnaring you in my subterfuge, in blackmailing your involvement, and in forcing your hand against foes I should have faced openly myself. I am humbled, and seek your forgiveness" The surrounding mill of staffers shuffle to an unsteady halt, at the scene. The head of their Order in deference to this common girl? Lizzie Potgieter looks on with a stoic expression; at the end of his address, she smiles. “I accep—” …her voice breaks, and a few tears roll down her cheeks. “I accept… your… apology.” Tears streaming and lips quivering, she tries her best to smile brightly at him. August Von Arnfels forgoes any Will rolls for proper decorum, puts her arm around her, and pushes her head to his chest. Melchiore: "Thank you" *he speaks before rising, and then resumes his natural posture. He gives the crowd a look, and they each keep a solemn look on the scene before resuming their activities August Von Arnfels glances at Melchore, and speaks quietly: August Von Arnfels: “ don't forgive you yet, however, so I hope you remember her compensation we talked about.” Melchiore matches the look, and nods solemnly. Melchiore: "But of course, Sir" August Von Arnfels: “Good.” August Von Arnfels offers Lizzie a richly embroidered handkerchief. Lizzie Potgieter dries her tears and blows her nose. ”I'll wash it and give it b—” August Von Arnfels: “Don't worry about it.” Ken (GM): kek August Von Arnfels: “Well then, good luck, Your Royal Highness.” Lizzie Potgieter also turns to Elysia and nods. “Best of luck to y'all. If you lose, we can use some more hands on our farm,” she laughs, light-hearted again: “but I'm sure that ain't gonna be needed.” Elysia de Romanga: "And to you, Count. Vile plots are still being spun. If we should come across anything relating to your situation, we will find a way to get it to you." Lizzie Potgieter addresses Adelaide in particular: “When you win you ain't gonna have to flee with Kat anymore, but still: you're always welcome to visit me and stay a while.” Lizzie Potgieter: “And give her my regards!” August Von Arnfels: “Thanks. Feel free to ask for information if any more unusual elements reveal themselves.” Melchiore: "Yth will always be a friend to Romanga and her people. You can expect overtures from our official offices, to speak with your Council on recognition of our state." P.P. A.: (I assume in the meantime he briefed the party—brief as it would be—on the Collective after Lizzie told him about them.) Adelaide , of course, happy cries and hugs where she can Ken (GM): oh ball yes, August and troupe would know of the Collective by name. That particular fly in the ointment could easily be rubbed Lizzie Potgieter hugs back. Ian will wait for hug-o-clock as well Lizzie Potgieter hugs Ian as well if he wants, but a bit more awkwardly. Ian: "You saved my life quite a few times, young lady. If you can think of anything I can do to repay you, please ask anytime." Ken (GM): [of all the days for Joush to sleep in] Lizzie Potgieter: “Just donner those cultists real good for me, and don't go dyin' now just 'cos I ain't around to save you,” she jokes. Ian nods and salutes Ian: "I'll do my best." Lizzie Potgieter salutes back, and waves her hat at everyone as she runs after August who's already gone ahead towards the hammerhead. Ken (GM): hah thats cute Artemis Crowninshield waves goodbye from the bridge as well as the ship roars to life August Von Arnfels wanted to give her space for personal goodbyes really. Ken (GM): of course. Shes still gonna give him hell :P mental image: set in stone The hammerhead thrums with a roaring life that rattles windowpanes and sets roof tiles to dancing. The office of the building rattles for a short while, until the unnatural stillness appears, as the Hammerhead slips through The Ways at Artemis' hand. And so, the short spell of their visit is marked with the mysterious disappearance as well. Elysia de Romanga: "...Well, she sure made things a bit more lively. We'll have to work extra hard to make up for it." Ken (GM): >asking for chaos >in this game world oh NO P.P. A.: She's the one with Weirdness Magnet after all Fiss: Ken (GM): Ian takes a big line of Romangan Marching Powder and finishes off some paperwork Ken (GM): hahaha so PPA, what are we gonna do without you for 6 weeks P.P. A.: Roll low, I hope! Ken (GM): hah [nobody shoot anyone] Rosettsara: We'd better, given that last encounter Ian: lol Ken (GM): the dice gods owe you one, certainly we'll see how that debt i spaid so then, sallying forth into political imbroglio then? >then, then. Ey wot wot [I swear, I read what I type] , im kinda at a loss atm P.P. A.: Without Joush it might be best to just end the session—unless Elysia and Adelaide have anything to talk about that they hadn't had occasion to address before Rosettsara: Yeah, maybe a good place to end on today if Joush isn't here Ken (GM): nothing on the backburner here. No assassination plots to send her on a good excuse to force the GM to consider things carefully, instead of the usual off the cuff reactions in realtime. Im sure Joush has Elysia on her priorities, but the whole revolution thing is a touch above her punching weight until necks get exposed Rosettsara: While I could pursue a few things with Elysia, it would make more sense to include those things as part of a main plot/narrative Ken (GM): ye PPA ive still got you tuesday before ash wednesday mass? P.P. A.: Sure Ken (GM): kino; Bildr can step aside into the eaves with all the other PC>NPCs... or go out in as big a blaze of glory as he likes :D P.P. A.: He works well as an NPC imo and is in good company there Ken (GM): alrighty, well go enjoy the rest of your saturday afternoons (and evening) folks. I wont keep you but know this The Masquerade plays on, and Romanga is center stage now. What lurks in the shadows the of the curtains is yet to be seen Rosettsara: Muahaha Fiss: Muahaha indeed! P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Rosettsara: Thanks for session~ Fiss: Madness was minimal, but enjoyable. ;p Rosettsara: 1 point, or no? Ken (GM): yeah take a point, at least :) Fiss: Where last we left our heroes... Romanga was unsteady and quiet, perched on the edge of revolution. A rallying cry had been shouted out into the depths of her people, and now was the time to wait to hear the echoes back. Joush M. finds this the odd part. News doesn't move instantly. Telegraph wires are alive. A thousand basement printing presses running off copies of statements and underground news. The massive sparkstone powered presses of the papers are alive and turning out special editions, and people are gathering in little groups. A thousand things are happening, but they are quite things. A burning fuse on the way to a pile of powder. "I hope Lizzie's okay." Joush M.: Addy says that, of course Ian spends a lot of time looking out the window, as if he's waiting to see what will happen next. Elysia de Romanga: "We've gone to lengths to ensure her involvement isn't known. And in case something still got through, August will make sure that they regret trying to do anything with that information." Ian: OOC: if you want the full 'statement' he sent out I can whip one up, but basically the official embassy statement is "We support the people of Romanga, and while we will be happy to provide a neutral platform for non-violent diplomacy, make no mistake we serve the people of the isle." A very polite: F you empire! Ken (GM): noice Adelaide Valerian nods. "It should be enough." She says hopefully. The slender young woman looking to Elysia. "How about you? How are you holding up?" Elysia de Romanga: "Itching for some action, honestly. The Empire and other forces are likely biding their time, waiting to see what we can do." Melchiore has seen to it the office of his Order is set to the official task of working in concert with the Diplomatic Offices. All possible members in place to support the smooth transition to the appropriate regime Rolling 3d6 = 11 vs 14 (Tactics?) The first news that trickles in from the street is surprising; an orderly retreat of forces from the Inquisitorial order, back to Brightrock Keep. All ordained knights in service to report back, and to leave stationhouses and police forces in place to sustain the public order. No overtures toward the rebellious clubs and houses who broke free just a few days ago, and no official response to the Elysia Proclomaiton Elysia de Romanga: "Melchiore, let's pay a a visit to those rebels who have yet to swear loyalty to the real Romanga." The rebel houses have not gone quiet or still, but have made no overtures, seeking assistance from outside; the new Syndikats seeking help from the PVUT if its coming, and the other various clubs just waiting for something to come... Adelaide Valerian offers another option, though reluctantly. "The inquisitors aren't in play yet. If you could stop them from getting moving.. it's easier to stop a rock before it begins rolling, yes?" Elysia de Romanga: "That would also secure more loyalty, though also exponentially more risky, and unexpected...so that may be our best bet." Melchiore: "Between the two, I would advise seeking the rebel houses first. We have made a few small overtures to their bastions, we have a few agents already in place with rapport. Brightrock, we have scant new information and no boots on the ground" Adelaide Valerian nods to Elysia. "I tend to take risk though. I've gotten in trouble before trying to go for the throat and end things fast." Melchiore: "In this case, we might find there are far too many to open in short time. Best to play a long game, at least, for the moment" Elysia de Romanga: "What do you think, Ian?" Ian: "How sure are we that we have nipped the cultists?" "Seeing if some of the factions are still influenced by them could be fruitful, but I don't think this is the time to be running our own....inquisition nececessarily." Elysia de Romanga: "They're aware of us now that we've made a bold move against them. Much like the Empire, they're trying to figure us out." Melchiore: "I have been in touch with Balthazarr; while he assures me he is quite consumed with his research into this odd shift in reality, and the War in Heaven, he also speaks well of the signs. Nothing on the horizon, for the moment" Ian ponders for a moment, fidgeting with his cane Melchiore: "He has their number now though, and if anything like that night of mists and chanting happens again, Kat will be his highest consideration" Adelaide Valerian nods and relaxes at those words, tucking a stray strand of hair back behind her ear then nodding fast. "Thank you." Elysia de Romanga: "...Which is why i'm wary of taking a slower, safer, more predictable course of action they can easily respond to." Ian: "Then let's turn our attentions to unifying the isle. Instead of worrying about what the Empire will say, let's extend an invite to any vocal factions and make sure everyone is on the same page and under Elysia's banner." Melchiore: "True, they may have any number of agents and ploys mingled into the city. We are limited in response, but, they can't get the public on their side" Ian nods at that Melchiore nods in return Melchiore: "You are a rightful heir to a throne, and they are a mob of madmen and occultists. Honor versus Fear" Ian: "That's the one strength we have, is that, despite different voices and songs being called out....the people are speaking, and they won't be quieted easily." Adelaide Valerian: "So let's try to keep things calm. Seize the radio station, newspapers and the transit hub. Make sure the food, water and power keeps flowing and our message goes out." Ian smiles at that and nods Elysia de Romanga: "It's a long shot, but given the capture of Cornelius, and witnesses to his works that have testified against him, could we have work started on any device or other means to detect cult infiltration?" Ian: "A full belly and canteen makes revolution happy work compared to the alternative." Adelaide Valerian: "Huhumm.. some kind of.. collective detector?" Melchiore: "Ive had the remains from the operation at the dam analyzed, and the findings from the coroners have been very illuminating." "Incredibly complex surgeries. Whole limb structures underneath the skin replaced or built up with flexible armor. They even found evidence of buried radio devices in the skulls." Elysia de Romanga: "If we're going to be having people swear loyalty to Romanga, then I'm the perfect bait to draw all kinds of factions out. True rebels, cult infiltrators, imperial spies...they have the chance to meet and greet with the Princess. An opportunity they can't afford to not take." Ian: "Enough to do in house or should we find a replacement for the 'Docktor' director who isn't plotting evil?" Elysia de Romanga: "So we might as well have this happen on our terms and in our turf." "I'm liking this idea already." Melchiore looks a bit pained at Elysia's cavalier attitude to baiting evil personally. He looks a bit sad, too Adelaide Valerian: "That is interesting.. also horrfying." She admits to the wizard, then ask Melchiore. "Radios can be tracked when they work." Ian: [if only we had someone with a radio in their head lol] melchiore: "I have every relevant technician available to investigate, but, its utterly arcane work " Melchiore: "As soon as they break into that network, you will know" Adelaide Valerian: "Let me know if you make progress on it. Even if they can't decode the transmissions the ability to detect them and warn us they are near would be wonderful." Elysia de Romanga: "We live in strange times, and face strange problems, so strange solutions are to be expected, no?" Adelaide Valerian nods to Elysia. "It's up to you, in the end. How do you want to spend these quite moments before the chaos?" Melchiore Lucchesi: "So far, the SBI have been at least passively helpful. Operations at the Dam are normalized with supervisory agents of the OAR on loan. The interim operating Director has assured me he will be personally overseeing an investigaiton into the doings of our Prisoner. Otherwise they have scaled back work in the area for the time to employing the Sludgeworks and pumping water. Overseeing the Lower city." Melchiore: "Yes, turly, in the end of this all, it is your decision on what happens next, my Queen" Elysia de Romanga ponders Adelaide's question. "We'll seize the media and ensure Romangans have food, water, and a free voice., ensure the fresh flow of information, words, and supplies. Then we will issue an ultimatum for the other rebels and set the trap." Elysia de Romanga: "While we're doing what we can to seize things ahead of the trap, that time can be spent by friendlies to make a means of detecting cult infiltration." Melchiore: "Buying time for us to work, while still making public overtures. A neat solution, if a bit untidy" Elysia de Romanga: "We've all got to get our hands dirty sometimes." Melchiore: "As you command My Lady, I will have the relevant information made available immediately" Ian: "Imagine, a tidy revolution..." Melchiore bows out, and summons his clerks to retrieve all the information possible on the Radio Relay ten minutes ago when it would have been helpful Adelaide Valerian nods and takes a deep breath. "I'm with you. You showing up to personally assure the workers that you are stationing troops there for their safety should go a long way to preventing misunderstandings." Elysia de Romanga: "However, given all that's happened so far in the last number of hours, please visit your family, loved ones, friends, spend time with them, should you find the opportunity of some quiet moments. Once things get started, those chances may slip away.." Ken (GM): >everyone, make peace with your gods RACK CHAK >cuz I wont Elysia de Romanga: "I'm not so self-centered as to believe or expect any of you to follow me just because I say so. You have your own reasons for fighting, people you want to protect." Adelaide Valerian nods and does spend some time to make a call to Kat.. but mostly, she gets ready. Checking weapons and makeing sure she will be on her toes. Her jaw still aches from the fight at the dam and the cult is out there. Working on their own plans. Ian will head back to the embassy. It may not be family, but it's close Ian: "Send a wire when we are ready, otherwise, I think I owe my staff some updates, and some very expensive wine." Ken (GM): Ian is probably looking at half of his staff on unexpected vacation time requests and the rest asking when they need to bring their personal firearms to the office Ian: Will do my best to accommodate both. Ammo is now a tax write-off/biz expense And will discuss with Ms Debbie on minimum safe staffing levels, and try to at least get people a few days off....with no questions asked if they don't want to come back until they are certain things are 'safe' ish Ken (GM): gotcha Ian: The role of the Embassy is in flux...until we are needed to preform a new role, we are in station keeping Elysia de Romanga grins. "I'll make sure to include a generous supply of the Royal label to your offices once this is done." Joush M.: Ian's off to hire local street gangs to protect the embassy, out on barricades made of furniture with black arm bands. Elysia de Romanga for her part, stays where she is, going over maps and documentation about the local houses in order to understand their motivations and history. Adelaide Valerian makes sure they've got a map of every powful radio station, armory and newspaper, along with the local police stations The office is abuzz, reports delivered promptly and the map on the wall becomes pinpricked with flagged importance as the ideas strike your fancy The good news is, the Radio transmissions are mostly centralized through a Hub, with incoming receivers slaved to the master transmitters in one securable place. The bad news is, it's an independant operation of the SBI, who you note, did not report in to the new operating Director yet. At least publically. The Transmitters Office operating on a somewhat secluded hillside just outside of town, overlooking the old port. Adelaide Valerian: "Shall we go remind him who rules here, then? He hasn't returned our call." Ken (GM): [whispers a flurry with ian here, sorry] Elysia de Romanga: (No rush) "The SBI is an international group, so it's no surprise that they're sitting on the fence. They never have to take a side unless they have to." Ken (GM): [as well, the SBI tends to be quite cellular, with individual directors and managers given free reign in their small circles. If anything the operator at the station might just not be friends with either Cornelius or the new guy] Joush M.: So we shouden't just run in and shoot him? Ken (GM): hah Elysia de Romanga: (A good talk and deal will probably suffice...unless Elysia is rubbed the wrong way) Ken (GM): or if they have the place powered with like, puppy-souls or somehting Elysia de Romanga: (Pretty much) "After all, it's not like we're asking them to leave or disband...just to update their protocols about who is in charge and what should be considered local government announcements." Adelaide Valerian: "Not going to offer them some securety? Some loyal troops to make sure their work isn't innterupted and they aren't.. influenced by the cult or your other enemies?" Elysia de Romanga: "And as the government, we have the right to station security forces in the area for their protection during these trying times." Elysia de Romanga grins Adelaide Valerian ask. "The implicit threat of stationing men with guns at their station aside, it does help remind people what side they are on." Elysia de Romanga: "By the way, how was Kat doing?" Adelaide Valerian: "She's so brave and putting on a good face. She's safe, and holding out. That's enough for now." Elysia de Romanga: "Once we make Romanga safer, I hope she doesn't have to stay cooped up anymore." After a morning of sad goodbyes, and a flurry of genuine work, Ian reappears back at the OAR with the Embassy in ship shape (mostly) Adelaide Valerian: "That would be good. She could use friends her age and school.. Balthazar has kept her busy with games, puzzles and riddles. Also a suspiciously specific denial that he wasn't teaching her magic." Ken (GM): kek >hangs up crystal ball >"okay kid, let sget back to the necromancy" Ian: "We should be getting an official statement back from the Empire's diplomats...shortly. Other than that, there seems to be some hesitation to recognize the official return of royalty to Romanga from the more...clandestine movers and shakers. A bit of PR with the people seems to be the right track for sure. Adelaide Valerian: "Lose and you lose alone. Victory and we will have a thousand friends." Ian chuckles at that, and helps himself to tea Elysia de Romanga: "They got used to the idea of my family being gone for a long time now. Some hesitance or even skepticism is natural..to a degree." A delightful afternoon blend of black and cinnamon hits the air from the pot Ian: "The desire for change is there, but you're right....they've spent the last lifetime not knowing you were you." Ken (GM): [they spent ten years supporting a man who burned out opposition with literal firebrands] [they might have trepidations about changing their support immediately] Elysia de Romanga: "That's why we must win people over with our deeds. Proving we're more than just talk." "While our success at the dam was noteworthy, it still only one deed, after all." Adelaide Valerian nods. "Let's start by seizeing the machines of power. To the car?" Ian: [Well, the car's pretty powerful but I think it's only 300bhp and-] Ian finishes ze tea, and claps his hands together in readiness Ken (GM): kek Ian gasps and with a flourish, will pull out a sealed security bag from his cloak Ian: "Almost forgot!' Ian clears off space on his desk then opens stuff (or attempts to) Adelaide Valerian stops and looks to the older gentlemen, nodding to him. Elysia de Romanga: "What's this?" The items is a PVUT security bag; heavy canvas sealed with steel stitching, a zippered mouth with a combination lock, and an emblazoned marker PVUT-HIGH-security-clearance in block-gothick Visigard script Ian: "Some of my contacts I work with are...well...they're a bit in the middle of all this...off to the side maybe, if that makes sense." "Stand back in case it's anthrax, I wouldn't want anyone else smelling pig-virus-particles." Ian smiles, only slightly joking Elysia de Romanga: "If it's meant to be, it's meant to be." Ian pops on a pair of spare gloves just in case Ian: "Let's see what goodies they wanted to share with me." The satchel is roughly a foot by two, and tightly bound, the contents secured. It weighs a few pounds, but feels like most of that is the lock on the zippered mouth Ian: [no ticking?] ;p Adelaide Valerian nods and considers a moment as she steps back. "Well.. okay. Do you need heavy shears, or do you have a combination for the lock? That might be better. These pouches can be rigged to self-destruct if forced open." Putting an ear to it, the bag doe snot tick, but it has an electric hum from inside Ian pauses then shrugs and sees if he can open it with his known security combos Ian: "Electronics inside...interesting." The mechanism twirls under his hands. The lock requires a five digit number and after a moment of tinkering CLICK CLACK The lock springs free on the third try Ian 's face steels to something far more serious Ian: "Mmm. Well, that's not good." Elysia de Romanga: "Are we dead?" Ian removes the lock The lock opened, the zipper comes open easily. The internal failsafe disarmed. Ian: "Just a....quirk....of the combinations. Serious business afoot." Adelaide Valerian waits to see what is inside the envlope. Watching curiously, eagerly to see what might be in the mysterous pouch. Ian: Inside, is a manilla paper envelope thats seen some hard times. its smeared with what smells like engine grease, and it appears to have been singed or burned lightly. It seems lightly packed with papers Ian looks through it all with deliberate urgency The envelope unseals with a slightly frayed red twine latch; inside is a series of large glossy photographs, and a typed report in Visigard, the blocky angular rune-like letters hammered out in an elaborate looking report. Emblazoned on the head of the letter is a seal of the Navy; sword, shield and sickle in bold red ink on the paper, stark on the paper and black letters The photographs at least, dont require immediate translation. A woman in an aviators jumpsuit, climbing aboard what looks like a light high speed aircraft, her face framed by goggles and a helmet. Almond shaped eyes, and angular features, somewhat poorly disguised A name on the back is scrawled in greasepen "Justine Justice" Ian frowns, looking at the photos and the name Ian: [would he know this woman? Would anyone here?] Adelaide Valerian looks curiously to it. Walking closer and studying the photographs, then tilting her head to the side. "Who could that be, I wonder?" She ask, then looks to Ian. "Anyone you know?" The photos show the woman climbing into the craft, strapping in with assitance from crew in PVUT uniforms, and then the craft in flight with the vehicle serial and callsign visible Elysia de Romanga: "I take it this is someone of importance." "An enemy?" Ken (GM): [damn, I wish I knew how to read Visigardian] Adelaide Valerian: ((Would we know Jasmin Justice? Wasn't she a minor celebrety?)) Ian: [yeah, just touching base so I'm not reacting OOC, what's her deal? Would we know how she was wrapped up in the whole 'other group' debockle?] Elysia de Romanga: (I think we may know possibly from when August explained some stuff, but the details of what he shared weren't made entirely clear, at least not to my memory) Ken (GM): technically? i dont think so. August did make sure you ended up with a copy of his internal reporting, from Stanley, but thats still incoming Adelaide Valerian: "Should I call in someone for a translation?" Ian: "Seems we're to know the name and the face....as bad as she's disguised anyway..." "Yeah....we need this translated as soon as possible....this is a lot of effort put in for a paparazzi pic." Ken (GM): secure snail mail from Yth, for now though the letter in Visigard type is your only bit so translating: melchiore? one of his staff in house? someone small you can overpower and dispose of after he's done? Ian: May as well get Melchiore to do it if he can, obviously he's trustworthy... Joush M.: Don't be absurd. Two small prisoners, isolated from eachother. And god help them, their translations had better match Ken (GM): hahahah Joush M.: "You didn't translate this idiom the same as your friend. I guess that means you don't want to have fingernails anymore? Do I need to get the plyers?" Elysia de Romanga: "Another person in league with the High Inquisitor, perhaps." Ian looks through for any other pictures barring revelations in other notes The manilla envelope turned out on the table only deposits a smattering of dusty debris from the bottom of the envelope, and the smell of mechanicals and oil. And something like burned gunfire. The letter and the pictures were all that was inside Adelaide Valerian ask Malichor to join them and translate, or summons a OAR translator they can trust. Melchiore appears Ian: [Ian throws a pokeball at him] The man joins you in the private boardroom, exchanging pleasantries with passerby until the door is closed and latched from your side. He is all business when the lock closes, and he regards the package, envelope, and smattering of documents with a severe gaze Ken (GM): "What is this then, that the Syndicalists are involved? Something between the rogue houses already?" Adelaide Valerian: "You tell me." Ken (GM): "Ah..." Elysia de Romanga: "Everyone wants a slice of the Romangan pie, but I think this is a unique case." Melchiore: "Field report from PVUT vessel Ominous Presence. Known person of interest Justine Justice seen making rendezvous with local authority. Spoke in meeting with first office and captain at length (one hour forty minutes) in closed doors" "seen then in air cavalry pilots quarters, then on flight deck boarding craft Ætherbound on flight for possibly Galicia Majora or Romanga from Yth local airspace" "Report dated and timestamped as of... a few days ago, when our compatriot August was having his encounters with his flying saucer" Ian: "So she's part of that....whole bloody genocide?" Adelaide Valerian: "Interesting." She says, frowning thoughtfully. Elysia de Romanga: "So this person may already be here in Romanga." Melchiore: "Yes, as the cracked desert burned, she was apparently at the helm of the craft that fired the shot, so he says" "And she just might be here already, yes" Elysia de Romanga: "While we're at it, we may as well have flight arrivals and departures logs checked." "We don't want any...unforeseen surprises lying in wait for us while we're trying to liberate Romanga." Ian ponders the picture intently, making sure to burn the details into memory Adelaide Valerian: "Troubing. I wonder what her game is." Melchiore: "A scout craft like that, she won't have a good place to land without killing herself, outside of a very small few landing strips" "They will be watched, carefully" Melchiore strokes his moustache with a white gloved finger, straightening it as he ponders, regarding the photograph with intense eyes Elysia de Romanga: "What was the approximate size of the devastation of the cracked desert?" Melchiore: "Total. Whatever was keeping the isle aloft was destroyed, and fell into the Roil. A smattering of Ætheroids survived, but the cataloguing has only just begun, really" Elysia de Romanga compares the size of that island with the island currently hosting Romanga Melchiore: >oh shit Melchiore scoffs, visibly, wide eyed and a bit startled Melchiore: "You don't mean to suggest..." and the participle hangs Adelaide Valerian: "I think we have to consider it may be a possbility" Elysia de Romanga: "One must consider all the possibilities." "One extra thing to keep tabs on: If there's suddenly a mass exodus of Galicians or other populations from Romanga that aren't tied to our revolutionary activities, like they appear to be aware of something we're not, we must be informed immediately." Melchiore: "Of course, My Lady. This....this is..." Elysia de Romanga: "If this Justine Justice is indeed here, we must find her. But given that the only information available as to her whereabouts comes from a top-secret foreign surveillance operation, she must not want to be found, or even seen." Adelaide Valerian: "Have your men watch for her, in any case." Elysia de Romanga: "Someone with that appearance and notoriety would make the news pretty fast around here, especially at this time. So we can assume she's still in hiding or being hidden at the moment." "...But we won't get anywhere without first securing allies and expanding our degree of territorial control. So while this matter is of critical importance, we must still proceed with the original plan for now." Elysia de Romanga looks between everyone present. "...Are we all ready?" Melchiore: "Certainly. Home will be safe for you, on your victorious return" Ian: "Just another war-criminal to keep an eyeball peeled for I suppose.... Something about a tidy revolution, right sir?" Melchiore ahem-hems his agreement with Ian Ken (GM): so then, exunt, and an official visit to the SBI Transmissions Office of Galicia-Romanga ? Joush M.: Yep. Remind 'em who is boss Ian: [me exunts like a wild man] Elysia de Romanga: "Our first target is the SBI-controlled Master Transmission station. Let's hope we can do this bloodlessly, but we will prepare for an army of fleshy and/or metallic beasts all the same anwyay." Ken (GM): right, so OAR driver and the aircar. Taking the armored-limo? or just a regular operation car? and whats your thoughts on entourage? Ian: A second car couldn't hurt - we want to exude In charge but not Replacing one Evil Ruler for Another don't need the full Imperial Storm Trooper fleet to walk with us (OR DO WE?) Elysia de Romanga would be in favour of the party traveling in a normal car, so as to make the visit a bit more along the lines of a surprise inspection they can't be prepared for Elysia de Romanga: (With a second car filled with security forces in case things go badly, or to station there if the SBI agrees to our terms) Ken (GM): gotcha, riflemen on call, but not in forcfe just, in the wings and you three; suited up? Ian: yuppp. Elysia de Romanga is in full flamboyant royal uniform, with her very fine rapier attached to her belt, pistol in its hip holster, and ready to rock Adelaide Valerian is suited up, but dosn't have power armor. She regrets this breifly as she brushes her hands over the pencle skirt, white blouse and cardigan she is wearing into battle. Ken (GM): of all the times to fondly remember, but not Jack The aircar lifts off with your party, and a second truck follows in tow from a distance Ken (GM): [ree, fighting roll20 here] argh, sorry Fiss: np man Elysia de Romanga: (It happens) The flight to the radio tower is direct and clear; the city falling behind you, the hillside of the harbor clinging with mist, overlooking the drop to the Roil below. The radio tower is a massive iron structure behind a relatively squat building, with a narrow trail leading to the hilltop. Small burned out structures dot the hillside on the climb upward, marking the trail of the inquisition in the last few years. The modern-looking building itself was likely built in short order by the Institute, all concrete walls and narrow windows, with a low slung ceiling and utilitarian design. A small outbuilding nearby leads direct back to the facility, with a fenced off cordon marking the trail between, a fat steel pipe between the two marked with yellow 'high voltage' placards at regular intervals Ken (GM): [hahah oh god figured it out] [the files I was trying to use are TOO BIG] [roll20 10 MB limit] Adelaide Valerian: ((Ah! It gets ya)) Fiss: [Friggin Megabytes....] Adelaide Valerian watches out the windows. Looking out at the now familair sight of the roil then ahead of them to the tinker-toy construction of the tower itself then the squat, ugly buildings around. "It can't cost that much more to put in a few arches and give a building some beauty." Fiss smiles and leans back, reminiscing a bit Ian does too Elysia de Romanga scowls at the sight of the inquisition's twisted monuments Ian: "I believe the architecture will substantially improve with the freedom people are hoping to have." On approach, the aircar radio chirps in with a signal from the facility "This is SBI Transmission Tower, Security control here. Please call off and state your business?" Elysia de Romanga puts her game face back on. Ian: "Would you like to do the honours, Your Highness?" Ian hands her the radio fob Elysia de Romanga smirks and takes the radio. "Yes, hello. This is the Romangan Princess, Elysia de Romanga, here on an official tour. It's my understanding that this facility is the finest in the area." The radio ruffles a bit, as if still connected but covered by a hand, as voices on the other side excitedly speak to each other. A snivelly voice appears, and muffled protests recede in the background "Ah yes! Hello, this is the operational Director speaking, Belan Moreson, Hello!" "Please, welcome, we ah....we're glad to have you arrive. Please set down out front and I will be out to meet with you indubitably!" The driver checks with you "Sounds all right to me ma'am, space enough out front and looks like only one man on the roof in security. Seems welcome" Elysia de Romanga: "Thank you, Director. We will speak soon." Ian suppresses his chuckle until the line is clear Ian: "Oh my, pulling out the fancy words...." Elysia de Romanga turns to the others. "They appear eager to please...but keep your eyes and ears and..." she glances at Adelaide. "...Other senses open just in case." The driver takes your leave, and sets to put the car down, right out front Ken (GM): [everyone can see this time round?] Ian: [Yeah looks good] Adelaide Valerian can see and it's beautiful. Ian smooths out his cloak and outfit and ensures to put his ol' diplomat face on Adelaide Valerian nods and climbs from the car slowly as they settle on the ground. Looking around a moment and reaching out with every sense to try to get a feel for the place. Her eyes also search the men she can see for supicious surglical scars Elysia de Romanga can see! Ian will walk briskly ahead to make quick work of greetings, and to allow a bit of pomp to creep in as an announcer to the Princess Ian: "Good morning, Ambassador Timmings here, and you must be Director Moreson?" Outside, a man in a sharp black uniform of the SBI stands, with another wary-looking fellow in an armored vest. A third stands on the rooftop, with a rifle slung, smoking a cigarette and watching from above Ian: (morning, right? or we hittin lunch) Ken (GM): midday-ish. Lizzie left with the morning and then you guys milled about getting shit done, up to now Moreson throws a sharp salute with his fist to his heart, before awkwardly realizing thats the wrong thing for the wrong people, and then flusteredly takes Ian's hand to shake as it's offered. he has a doofy grin on his face and he's staring a bit openly at the Princess at the car. Ian smiles kindly at the man and offers to bring him over to meet the Princess Ian: "Exciting days ahead, we hope, Director." Moreson: "Hahah, yes yes, please, though. I am only Operating Director for the moment. Until this mess with the Order Aquilla Romanga is straightened out, and Derisius can be reinstated in full.." Elysia de Romanga: "So you're a friend of Me. Derisius, I take it?" The man, Moreson, genuinely laughs happily at the sight of the woman striding out of the car in her uniform coat and saber on her hip. Like a kid at a parade Adelaide Valerian frowns and walks closer to the guard out front. "Worried about the revolution and the developing siutation? You seem a little tense, Sir." Moreson: "Oh! Please, no Princess, I am not Derisius. Operating director, Belan moreson, at your service" Elysia de Romanga: (Mr. Derisius*) Ian does his due diligence and uses his practiced observation on the armed folks Elysia de Romanga: "Relax, Operating Director. I know times are tough." Moreson: "Hah! Oh! yes, I see, I see! yes, a good friend, I assure you, he's been quite the benefactor these few years, with the setup of the facility and ..." Elysia de Romanga: "Would you show us the magnificent things has has built, designed, and donated to this office?" Moreson: "Of course! Of course, my Lady, but of course! please, come inside, and see the facility, and I will do my best to show you what i can of our work here" he fumbles and preens for attention, and leads the way inside, waving down his security men visibly, who roll their eyes at his enthusiasm Ian chuckles with diplomatic immunity Elysia de Romanga smirks as she follows Moreson into what may end up being an unexpected treasure trove... Adelaide Valerian looks around a moment then back to the others. "I don't know. There's something.. off here. Shall we remain careful, Ambassador Timmins?" Ian nods to Adelaide Ian: "Always." Begrudgingly, the security man waves you three in as he starts up the stairs to the door, and the sniveling Moreson beckons you inside behind him... Elysia de Romanga: (What horrors await us, I wonder.) Fiss: The horrors....OF DUN DUN DUN! You ascend the steps into the squat building, and through a thick door to humming electrics, the smell of ozone, and the tickle of static in the air UNTIL NEXT WEEK ON SHATTERD WORLDS Fiss: The horrors.... Ken (GM): :d Fiss: ;p Ken (GM): so yeah, sometimes as it absolutely murders my momentum fighting maps Joush M.: Thank you for the game man! It was good. Fiss: Yeah, always fun :D Considering how much effort you put into whipping Roll 20 a few pauses and lighting issues are absolutely nothing to feel bad doing it more Victorian gothic and the players started by nearly killing themselves with the adventerer's most deadly foe: A coal gas lamp Ken (GM): its just baffling hahahaha oh to have been a fly on the wall thats up there then, with the Kobold grenade of "oh shit" moments? Joush M.: They turn it up to high when it's cold and out, stand in the stream of gas figureing out what it is, then one of them lights it with a huge fwomp. I told them exactly what it was! There characters would have been familair with them! Oh, and ready to go Rosettsara: (All ready here too, just needed a caffeine hit) Ken (GM): yeah sorry had to afk a sec myself Ian finishes the tea he was hiding in Teaspace Ken (GM): derp pupper chewed her fresh nails, started bleedin Joush M.: Poor doggo. Ken (GM): poor *idiot. She'll be fine if she stops licking at herself but dog instinct is dog hasnt had a firmware update in ten thousand years SO Where last we left our Heroes, they had endeavored to stabilize the region by forming a presence for the revolution at the broadcast headquarters of the SBI telecommunications hub. After a small snivelling meet and greet, they stepped inside, and Adelaide was hammered with a blow from an invisible assailant Ken (GM): first point of order, how does she respond? Adelaide Valerian would try to roll away from the blow, moving with it to rob it of energy and find her attacker.. while pulling a knife. Rolling 3d6 = 13 for fast draw 13 The security man drops to a ready crouch, and draws his own pistol at Adelaide's flourish. The Operating Director, Moreson, half-realizes something is happening Security: "What the devils?" Adelaide Valerian looks wild. Eyes bright and swallowing hard.. then tilting her head to the side. Hearing someone nobody else can, then ask the director. "What horrors have been done here?" She reaches out. Feeling the magic of the place Rolling 3d6 = 13 vs 13 for Detect Magic Elysia de Romanga allows Adelaide to have as much space as she needs, looking intensely at the guard and director. "She is attuned to the energies of the place. Most likely something Cornelius did is interfering with something. Could you show us?" Moreson recoils at the sight of the knife, and the words equally "Horrors? Here? She's gone mad!" Rolling 3d6 = 13 vs 14 (Fast Talk?) Ken (GM): ah! The man Moreson puts a hand to his security, touching his shoulder, to wait. The security man looks incredulous, but holds a moment Moreson: "Energies, you say? Cornelius?" He licks his lips, like a hungry man, seeming to think of something Adelaide Valerian flicks her wrist. Putting away the knife and seeming to calm before she looks to the pair. "Let's go then. Show us.. " She points. Following invisible currents. "There.. Show us what you have there." The flourish half-startles Moreson, and his security man grimaces, but a small pat on his shoulder convinces the guard to holster his gun again Security: "Sir, I dont like this" Moreson: "nonsense, this is the Princess of Romanga. Her troupe are simply, " The Guard continues to stare down on Adelaide Elysia de Romanga: "I trust her instincts unquestioningly." Moreson: "Certainly madame, certainly. Please, this way. She insists and I m ust follow, as you command" The security man stares daggers, but remains holstered and alert Security: "By your leave, ma'am. Sir" He nods to Elysia and Ian, while keeping an eye on Adelaide Ian goes first, curiosity now piqued The interrrior of the building is a muffled concrete bunker with swooping arches of structure built about cramped spaces. A small empty hall with narrow windows set in arched ducts in the wall, leading to the room the Director ambulates to. The man waits for you at the door to a room marked "Main Transmission Annex" Elysia de Romanga follows along, bringing up the rear and noting possible escape routes on the way Adelaide Valerian comes with them. Alert as a cat, eyes searching the shadows they pass. Every alcove looked into. The place is awash with narrow corners and cubbies, the construction looking to be entirely defensible as much as it is sparse. Alcoves abound, with blind deep places to step into and be hidden from view, though only the security man and director seem to be present The far room is packed with piping, ducting, cabling and a deep electric hum that is barely muted. The doorway itself seems a portal to an industrial realm Moreson: "I must admit that much of the work done here was before my personal oversight, and there are certainly remnants of the other Directors work here distributed in the infrastructure. The building itself had foundations poured within the first year of occupation by the Inquisition, but that would have been before my personal onboarding to the SBI as it had not yet been formed until..." Adelaide Valerian ducks though the narrow space into the room. Looking around it. Working to tell the infastructure from the horror until her eyes fall on a five sided object marked with runes. "That's it, isn't it? Sir!.. What is that supposed to do?" Moreson: "...which was the year I decided to specialize in transmission politics, you see...er...what?!" "What? Runes?" Adelaide Valerian points it out there amid the complex machines. "Behind that.. what, transformer? Whatever that machine is. The pentigram" Ian turns to the man to see if he reacts to Adelaide's direction Moreson sweats, and looks bewildered Ian nods and heads over to the 'item Ian: "Curious....Do you not see this item here, sir?" Ian carefully readies his cane as he approaches the runed thing Moreson: "Hah! Oh yes, that, just a redundant relay in the transmission circuits! Buffers signals and stores a short loop of transmission, nothing critical, i'm sure!" Adelaide Valerian looks to the terrfied man and reaches out to him with magic. Grabbing him. Dragging him closer. "So it won't matter if we rip it out and open it." Elysia de Romanga leans over to the Director. "You'd better come clean. We already know what that is." Ian rolls his eyes at the bad explaination Moreson squeaks as the bright magic hands appear and drag him into the air! Adelaide Valerian pulls him. Walking closer to the device. Makeing him come with her. Ian: "Come on, sir. I woke up late today, but not so late I was born yesterday." Outside in the hall, the security man shouts! "HEY!" and draws his gun! Moreson: "P-p-p-please! No! You can't touch that! " Ian: "Who?" Moreson: " Security: "Don't move miss Elysia! Director! whats going on?!" Adelaide Valerian snarls and crushes him, just a little. Arms pressed to his sides and suit rumpled. Ribs creaking out and eyes wild. "The cult." thing seems to be a weirdly shaped box, about the size of a small appliance (like a dishwasher). A fat black cable leads out one side into the machinery and electrical around you. [on the faces on top, in the metal faces of it's "lid" there are five runes that glow faintly red. They lookto have bene welded into the surface] Ian pokes at the cable to see if it's metal-shielded or if it's something he can cut The cable is prodded, and then slithers aside, like a living thing. It stretches away from Ian like a cat's tail It remains connected to the box and machinery, but wriggle Ken (GM): *s Elysia, youre blocking the entrance? Facing down the guard on his way? Moreson half retches, then gags, from the pain Elysia de Romanga: (Yup.) Ian turns to the man and waits until his mouth is free Ian: "Who installed it? Did you get a name?" Elysia de Romanga: "Cooperate and you will continue to live relatively freely. Disavow the cult now, and you will be protected." Adelaide Valerian finds herself shocked when she feels pity for the man. A cultist stooge is indefensable, but when the blood isn't rushing in her head she can tell she went too far. Embrassed, she reaches down with her hands instead of magic and at last shifts his weight off his broken arm. Moreson writches on the floor, flopping off his mangled arm to his back, a ripe smell coming off him now. The security man gets to the entrance, but halts, ducking in his head and then bracing in the door, gun high in both hands. "Stop! Now! All of you!" He shouts as he appears Elysia de Romanga: "We've discovered cult activity here, sir. It's under control." Moreson: "The...the men came from... the keep. Told me not to mention it, but....they...they scared me." Elysia de Romanga: "The director was being threatened, and now he is helping us undo their works." The security man sweats, stares down the scene what he can see through the machinery, and holds before Elysia Moreson: "I saw, a ring. An ring" Ian drops to his knee and looks the man in the eye Adelaide Valerian: "Fuck" Elysia de Romanga remains in the way, but allows the security guard to hear the truth with his own ears Ian still looks him over....he was a bad liar but he wants to make sure Moreson is trembling, likely from shock, but he meets Ian's eyes Moreson: "I saw it. Ruby face, silver band. The mark of Flame." Ian nods then stands, turning to Adelaide with a serious frown of his own The guard stares, gun up but his hands shaking a bit now. He looks to Elysia, a pleading look on his face, no longer stony Ian: "Help him up and get him away from this thing, I'm going to try cutting the cable." Ian offers a hand but if the man's in pain he may need...gentler TK From upstairs, a door slides open and a voice calls down the spiral (likley the other guard from the roof) "Director sir? We have three incoming sir. Looks like from the Keep" Adelaide Valerian does so. Lifting him up to his feet carefully and helping him along. Calling over to the guard. "Summon a doctor for Mister Moreson." From the front door, your driver's voice bellows out, echoing up the hallway "CONTACT! WE'VE GOT CONTACTS FROM 3 OCLOCK HIGH!" Ian draws his blade and readies a strike once the man is safely out of immediate snek-cable range Ian swears Ian: "Shit...." Elysia de Romanga: "They're onto us." Elysia de Romanga looks at the guard. "You. Go home to your family right now. You were given the day off, if anyone asks." Ian slashes at the cable, figuring any jigs are up anyway Moreson stands on unsteady legs as the shouts of alarms come out Elysia de Romanga: "You saw and heard nothing." The cable screams Ian: "Why can't these sick bastards just hire a tradesperson! Plug in your damn lights like a sane cultist!" Blood flows from the thing as it is bisected; horrible bile-smelling green bubbles out from each end and hiss against the wooden floor like battery acids. The device shudders and wails like a dying dog Ian watches it for signs of critical reaction, but otherwise lets it die Driver: "Miss Elysia! We have three Knights on route, flying in! Mechsuit armor!" Elysia de Romanga gets onto the radio. "One guard will be leaving the facility. Ignore him unless he sticks around instead of leaving. Buy us a few minutes to finish up here, and be ready for an extraction." Adelaide Valerian stares at the horror, then swallows hard and draws her gun. "Sounds like we've got killing to do.. Shall we Ian?" There is dead static from Elysia's radio Ian nods, slashes his blade through the air to clean the bulk of the green 'blood', then wipes the blade clean before sheathing it ritually Ian then pulls out the auto pistol Elysia de Romanga gets in the guard's face. "HEY! Snap out of it! Or do you feel like dying here today?" Ian: "We need to alert HQ to this link. If the inquisitors and cult are in bed together, I can expect only vile offspring." Elysia de Romanga: "Radio seems to be dead, unfortunately." Ian nods, leaving the rest unsaid. The security man seems half-frozen in startled surprise, but Elysia get shis attention. He dips his gun out of the way Elysia de Romanga: "You saw and heard nothing. You have the day off." Security: "Ma'am. Get an alcove, and into cover." Adelaide Valerian moves back with Ian. Elysia de Romanga: "Right. We're gonna have to fight our way outta here." Elysia de Romanga gets into an alcove, gun drawn. Through the floor, you feel and hear the THUMP THUMP THUMP of three heavy things landing nearby Elysia de Romanga: "All right ramblers, let's get rambling." Thump thump thump heavy mechanical steps come up to the front entrance Ian rushes forward and readies himself, reaching into his pockets to put on his gas-mask for added protection The door unlatches, and a silver-shrouded frame the height of the doorway side-steps into the building Ian: (and to hopefully mask his breathing) Joush M.: That is a big bitch Fiss: [the bigger the bitch, the bigger the grave....I hope] Ken (GM): [oh god, all I can hear is the voice from Deuce Bigalow Ian: [godddamn...] The silver-suit mech steps in and turns, a tabard of the Inquisition hanging draped over it's front. Empty hands clench to fists as the helmet dips a touch, stooping to see forward in the comparably low ceiling above Outside, there is a small WHUMP CRACK of a half distant explosion Adelaide Valerian calls over. "Here to surrender, Sir?" Over loudspeaker you hear from outside "Area secured, Madame" The overloud projected voice is feminine "I am no Sir" "I am Lady Cadence Valliant-Bells, and I am here to speak with the Usurper" Her mech-hand slams the front door shut behind her Your driver crouches in an alcove, small pistol drawn and leaning into the wall, resolution on his face Adelaide Valerian laughs. "Alright, Lady Candence. What do you have to say to her Elysia?" Cadence: "I would...parley" Elysia de Romanga: "If you are true to your word, you will leave your suit, and disengage all weapons." "And we will...parley outside the reach of your own people's weapons as well." The mech reaches up and unhooks the helmet, the hiss of compression leaking into the open air, and the Lady's face revealed, flowing blonde hair spilling out Cadence: "Best you get is me here and now, and them outside. We don't have time to nitpick, Lady Elysia." "There is something rotten at the Heart of Romanga, and I think you know what it is" Ian moves to view/backup Adelaide but doesn't raise his gun yet Adelaide Valerian walks closer, rather then yell down the lenth of the gallery. "Men with inquistion rings put a device into the transmission tower. To.. filter the broadcast, or to add something to them. The device was powered by forsaken souls and blead when it was cut away." Elysia de Romanga ponders everything for a split second. (Tactics: Rolling 3d6 = 14 vs 14) Elysia de Romanga then steps out into the open rather brazenly, owing to her Daredevilishness. Ken (GM): :o Oooooo whatcha saaaaaay - Campaign over] lady Cadence looks over each of you with an unsmiling grimace, helm in her hands, towering in her suit of armor Elysia de Romanga stares her down. "Then you can forgive our hesitance to speak with you, given you are wearing the colours of those who at best openly allow the corruption to rot Romanga." The lady's grimace widens, and she closes her eyes in a remorseful looking shame. Cadence: "I think it time I abandoned those who would swear their divine purity, and instead simply trust my own eyes. That is why I am here today. Ignore my raiment's and hear only my voice" "There is something wrong with what the Inquisition is doing here" Adelaide Valerian: "Go on. Please." Elysia de Romanga crosses her arms, allowing her to continue. Cadence: "I was a tool of the court, I allowed my royal line to be...sullied, with a marriage to that , Kurgdzt. And ever since then, I have seen those in the Inquisitors ranks acting without heed for the people or lands of Romanga. Exploitation by the SBI, work camps of the inquisition's victims. Enslavement of my people, people" Elysia de Romanga: "We just finished dealing with one such abomination that was lying in wait here. So your story checks out so far." Ian eases himself up pistol down but still in hand Elysia de Romanga: "You have but one thing to say for me to accept you as an ally, however." Adelaide Valerian: "What was waiting here?" She frowns faintly. "Your alliance with the late unlemented Kurgdzt hardly does you credit." Adelaide Valerian doesn't mention she killed Kurgdzt. Maybe it won't come up. Ken (GM): [she shot the guy five times, and then went to reload after] [shit dood] Elysia de Romanga: "The Inquisition responded to our being here...unnaturally quickly, for being an excursion we embarked on on a whim, and as quietly and concealed as possible. Who leaked that information?" Cadence: "You are secure for the moment. I came with honor guard at your notice, and I did not relay the report to any other. You have eyes on you that are not all devious, my Lady" "I must admit, yours is not the only heart that bleed for Romanga" Rolling 3d6 = 7 vs13 (Detect Lies) Elysia de Romanga: "Very well, i'll trust you for now. If your heart beats for Romanga, then that will make itself apparent enough in time to make that trust more permanent." (Assuming she doesn't pick up on anything from the Detect Lies) Ken (GM): kek Lady Cadence's bow allows her little space to nod Cadence: "I am relieved to hear it My lady. I must fearfully admit a truth as well; I disabled your troop truck on our approach, my men destroyed it's engine. i suspect their rescue would be our next priority, after your secure escape" Elysia de Romanga: "Are the ones outside with you, with ? Cadence: "My two men, certainly. The man entrusted to my upbringing, and his son. I trust them with my life, and always have" "Their release from the Inquisitor's service will surely be a stinging thorn in his side" Elysia de Romanga: "So you intend to openly take a stand against the Inquisition? Has your coming here today removed the chance at working from within?" The lady looks with a sadness at you all Adelaide Valerian: "Well, I suppose we could shush the witnesses and she could arrest us and deliver us to the inquisition. Then we could all walk around inside their facility explaining the new management to them in person." Cadence: "My home is a ruin. The home built by the infernal Kurgdzt is burned. My estate is already forefiet in the Prince-Bishophric. I kneel before you humbled and ready to serve as you would have me do, My Lady" The driver and the Security man each give Adeliade a nervous sideways glance Elysia de Romanga: "Are you aware of the Head Inquisitor's role in all of these events?" Elysia de Romanga realizes something though, and shakes her head. "The longer we stay here, the more chance that someone not friendly shows up. Shall we discuss our next steps at a safehouse?" Cadence: "He is the head of the serpent, certainly. All Inquisitors report to Conrad Von Marburg, directly." The Dame stands, and secures her helmet with a quick practiced motion. Her suit click clacks in response, securing the helm Adelaide Valerian: "Right. We will assign some men to hold this place and dispose of the screaming box." Cadence: "Screaming box?" Elysia de Romanga: "The Inquisition had been here previously, installed something." "Also a hangout of a certain SBI Director, if you catch my drift." The mechsuit's hands clench in a reflexive hard grip, and the voice speaks simply Cadence: "" Ian pulls off his gas mask Cadence: "Master Timmins! An honor" Ian blushes slightly Ian: "Good heavens...I hope I'm not well known among the inquisition, but I suppose that's to be expected with all the mail I've been sending recently...." Cadence: "Sir, you stand at the forefront of the Revolution, arm in arm with My Lady. I have seen dart boards with your photograph on it, in the guardhouse" "But as my lady speaks we must act; we should away and with haste" Ian laughs at that and straightens his collar Adelaide Valerian nods. "Alright. Let's go." Ian: "Yeah, let's." lady Cadence opens the door, and signals an all clear to her man out there. He nods, salutes the lady Elysia and steps away from his position Elysia de Romanga keeps an eye out anyway, knowing one can never be too careful in these times. Cadence: "Your men should have landed safely, we tried to give them some grace when disabling their truck" "Shall we form a troupe, or do I rendezvous?" Adelaide Valerian lets Elysia pick how to handle this. Elysia de Romanga: "if we all move in one group, unfriendly eyes will follow us to the safehouse with ease." "Let's set a meeting time and arrive in at least two groups at different times." Cadence: "As you wish, my lady. Send word and we shall heed it" Lady Cadence and her man take flight, and meet up with the third as they lift off, away from the hillside and the SBI tower on the hill. They swoop down to the mists below, of the bay and Lower city Elysia de Romanga: "The royal treasury'll cover it." Adelaide Valerian uses the radio in the car to call the other car. "You all okay? The inquistion says they shot your engines out." The radio clicks on and off haphazardly when trying to connect with the other vehicle. Eventually a voice comes in on response, a bit excited and shouting "Ma'am! Youre alive! We have three knights, made our position and ambushed us out of the sky. Disabled the engine and sent us into the trees!" Radio: "Are you okay? Is the Lady secure?" Adelaide Valerian: "We are fine. Can you make your way to the station and secure the area outside? I'm glad you are unharmed." Radio: "Understood, moving out with haste" Ken (GM): waiting for the men? Elysia de Romanga considers which safehouse to use Elysia de Romanga does wait for the men to secure the area before heading out though, yes Ian: "We absolutely need to alert our offices to the development. Under no circumstance must this conspiracy be knowledge to only us poor sods who've witnessed it." Elysia de Romanga: "Of course. All of their misdeeds will be shown for the world to see." Adelaide Valerian nods to Ian. "Just try not to create a panic" Elysia de Romanga: "Make as many calls as you can, have the men snap photographs and give eyewitness testimonies as to what they've seen." Ian: "It will help solidify some of the bleeding hearts still uncertain, that's for sure....but I'll make sure to be tactful" Ken (GM): [so is the magic thing inside staying put, or comign with you, for evidence purposes?] Ian: It seemed a bit big Elysia de Romanga: (I believe the plan was for the men to destroy it at least.) Ian: Can we fit it in the trunk? Elysia de Romanga: (If anything remains, they can present them to our office) Joush M.: Addy wanted the men to secure it for transport later, and / or burning with fire until fucking gone Ken (GM): gotcha gotcha secure the site, interview and catalogue, and then secure transport after hokay Your men eventually turn up, hiking up the hill at double pace and weapons at the ready. Their truck was shot through the main motivator and dropped from the sky on the charge left in it as it fell. The driver marvels "If they had the shot to take it out, why not hit me? or explode the battery?" Otherwise, they set to your orders and send you home on your way, with only the raised concern of 'wheres the silvercaps that took us out, and why arent you concerned for them?" Adelaide Valerian: "They wanted to put you down gentle. Needed you out of the way for some secret shit but knew Elisya would put them on the list to kill 'em later if they wasted you." Adelaide Valerian offers a half smile. "Sorry mate, you got wrapped up in politics. Glad you are okay." Elysia de Romanga: "You will be compensated." The men are astounded, but enlightened The driver is chided for not spotting the shooter sooner, and his men laugh at silver eagles in the sky. Ken (GM): etc etc so! exunt? The operating director is 'persuaded' and the weird thing inside is dispatched at Ian's hands Adelaide Valerian is okay with heading out Elysia de Romanga picks out a safehouse once they're mobile Ken (GM): for meeting with the Dame? or just for escaping to? Elysia de Romanga: (A little of both, really. Getting out of the public, and having a place to meet with her) Ken (GM): gotcha Elysia de Romanga: (Unless anyone has to stop anywhere along the way?) Ken (GM): kek so much decorum Ian: Just to the Brown Pants store lol Ken (GM): hah The driver lifts off with your men milling to secure the station behind you, and the Aircar makes for the Grand city again, keeping low to cover and flying as casually as possible. Ian watches the city but instead of whistfully, he looks worried Adelaide Valerian: .me buckles up and watches for trouble. Elysia de Romanga allows her fiery spirit to keep cool for now, also keeping watch over the city. "I hope she can at least provide some insight as to how deep the roots of corruption have gotten into this land. I only hope that some good, some hope exists." The aircar flies, the driver shifting to glide, and easing into the upper mists of the bay now, down from the hills driver: "Seemed a grace, your grace, that they spared the men" Ian chuckles Adelaide Valerian frowns and reaches out with her senses, magical and otherwise. Trying to place an uneasy feeling Elysia de Romanga: "What's wrong?" Ian: "Something feels off...maybe something got said on the radio?" Adelaide does a thing, and there is a flash of magical power shocking blue, as she lashes out at something outside the car! There is a small WHUMP from outside her window, and the distinct smell of bile and brimstone in the aftermath Clutched in her magic hand, is the smoldering remains of something vile. The driver retains control of the car, with only a surprised YELP Elysia de Romanga: "Are we under attack?" Adelaide Valerian speaks softly. "An eye wreathed in flame, invisble. Watching for us.. spying on Ian's sword and the blood on it. Fuck! I'm sorry. I have to stop doing this shit without telling the driver first." Adelaide Valerian: "It's a spy, not an assault." She looks around. "I killed it, I think. I'm not exactly an expert or subtile here." Ian swears Ian: "I thought I wiped it enough...." "Going to have to bleach the whole thing...." Elysia de Romanga: "So these...mostly invisible spies are able to be attracted by the blood of other abominations. Interesting." Elysia de Romanga grins. "That means we can control, with some degree, where these things may appear." Adelaide Valerian: "That's what it looked like to me." Ian raises an eyebrow and nods The driver, bless his heart, remains composed enough to downshift the car over the Lower city, and fly even and level back to the towers ahead Ian: "Can they hear also or is this mostly a sense of where we are? Can you tell?" Ken (GM): [the GM will note at this point, Adelaide crushed the thing in her magic hand's grasp, and she has the remains clutched, still] perhaps it could be dissected? you could consult with your wizard friend? Adelaide Valerian swallows and looks at the thing wrapped up in the magic, then holds it up. Maniuplating it with the magical threads to let the others have a better look at it. "I'll ask the wizard." Elysia de Romanga: "It may be prudent to ask for training so we can all at least detect these things." Ken (GM): tucking it away? the remains are about the size of say, a duck? a small housecat? Adelaide Valerian nods and folds it away. Putting away the ruined thing but keeping an eye on it. "I think I'll be able to sense them now." Ken (GM): that handbag will never be the same Your driver slips the car back into the traffic about the city. Meandering a bit for safety, you eventually set down in a small courtyard in a nondescript building for the sake of your safety and meeting Ken (GM): inviting the Dame over? Adelaide Valerian sends her a picture of two glasses of wine and a pair of handcuffs with a text 'U up? :) ' Elysia de Romanga does indeed Ken (GM): hahah oh gawd lovely okay, so overtures sent within the clandestine network, and y'all use an agent to drop them a line of 'meet us here' Joush M.: What? We know she's single now. Someone shot her husband like six times. Ken (GM): who could have done that i wonder its a mystery Adelaide Valerian instead gets out of the car and does a magical sweep for bugs, or eyes, around the safehouse Ken (GM): aha, Ian will take a moment to clean his sword properly Elysia de Romanga makes sure her weapons are ready, and that her uniform is properly flamboyant and imposing. The sowrd smells when Ian draws it out, like regretful shame and bile. There is a spot smeared to the length of it, bright green and stinking Ken (GM): sword, even Adelaide Valerian: "Everything seems fine.. except for that." She looks at the sword. "Ugh." Ian frowns, fussing over it for a bit Ian: "Any recommendation for anti-magic bleach?" Adelaide Valerian gives ripping it off with magic a try to help as Ian cleans it. "That's.. working. Like your maintance is a spell itself. Something you've done thousands of times before. The mark resonantes with some emotions. I'm sorry if that makes little sense." Ian: "It makes sense." To her credit, it shows results too. Ian cleans the blade, long slow passes with the cloth, and oils it after, inspecting for dings and scratches. The vileness fades into nothing, and Adelaide confirms the homing mark, whatever it was, is gone Ken (GM): and now, the site appears secure Adelaide Valerian ask Elysia. "How do you want to deal with Lady Candence?" Elysia de Romanga: "First, i'll spring something on her, and see if certain stories match." Ken (GM): :o :v Elysia de Romanga: "If nothing else, we can try and see what the Inquisition knows and doesn't know, and if we can come out ahead in intelligence, all the better." "If she can't really return to the Inquisition now, then we'll have to figure out what best position she can be placed in that isn't as a mole in their ranks." Adelaide Valerian nods. "I'll follow your lead then." Ian: "Yeah, anything you need we'll back you up. I'd prefer to have more allies versus backstabbing." "As much as we can be certain of anything or anyone these days...that is." Elysia de Romanga: "There's always the possibility of people working for the enemy and not even knowing it themselves." The appointed hour comes, and the visitors appear; the lady and her two followers come in plainclothes on foot, cowled hood drawn down with masks scarved over their faces. They knock appropriately Adelaide Valerian lets them in.. and takes the chance to check them out for magic spies. Elysia de Romanga is seated at the end of a table, hands steepled Adelaide Valerian gives a tiny nod of approval as she leads them to the table and starts to set out some tea. Lady Cadence bows immediately when she comes within sight of Elysia. Her men do as well. The older, a grizzled looking fellow with scars up his hands and neck, short stubble of silver on his chin and peeking out from under his hat. His son, easily also a middle aged man, with significantly less scars and a look of quiet disdain on his face. Cadence: "My Lady, thank you again. Daern my swordmaster and teacher of my life. His son, Daern. I trust these men with my life. Elysia de Romanga: "I welcome you to the true beating hearts of Romanga." Elysia de Romanga waits until all are welcomed and seated before throwing them a curveball. "I'd like to ask you about the location of Justine Justice." The trio sit when in vited, and when the question is asked, Lady Cadence is first to react; with a fist into the table and a flash of anger! Cadence: "That spiteful little crow! I thought I had seen the last of her in Yth!" Elysia de Romanga: "I take it then that you were unaware of her presence here in Romanga?" Cadence: "My Lady, I have only just returned myself from Yth. I was in the service of the Pilum, a Puritan craft, and upon hearing of the turmoil of the Citystate, I made flight" Adelaide Valerian considers the reaction thoughtfully, listening and watching. Cadence: "The events in Yth were...madness, to say the least. My tour of service under the Pilum saw the land cast down to the Roil by an ancient craft, piloted by that Visigardian harlot!" Ian lowers his head out of subconscious respect for the dead, but doesn't say anything Cadence: "The Isle would have fallen, surely, if not for the actions of a Golden Noble and his entourage. Count August von arnfels" "Strange things were afoot the entire time we struggled against that demonic force. Justine awoke something horrible in the depths of the Underworld. Some Cthonic thing that worked with powers beyond that of even science. Dark Powers, surely" Ken (GM): oh balls, lookit the time (my wife says) Adelaide Valerian nods and listens with a deep frown on her lips. what strange stories.. Ian quickly steals some tea Ken (GM): BEFORE THE PORTAL CLOSES! EARL GRAAAAAAAAY Joush M.: Next Week on Shattered World: The rest of this conversation! Elysia de Romanga: "So then, we'll need to find this woman and have her explain what she has in mind for our Romanga." Fiss: Cool dude, awesome stuff. Glad I didn't have to drop any fools.... Joush M.: Thank you for the game! Sorry I squezed the mostly innocent director too hard Fiss: Ken (GM): HAHAH man that really was a reminder Adelaide still carries bloodlust and it is not Sparky's or Toztres interpretation Joush M.: She is objectivly a terreble person and now she can kill people with a brain Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ Ken (GM): she has become death destroyer of worlds Fiss: Heh Later Chooms Ken (GM): 4 points yo Fiss: Oh, 4 pts or we holding post convo? Cool Rosettsara: 21 unspent points now, hm.. Fiss: I CAN BUY....PROBABLY NOTHING! Ken (GM): my god im last to arrive and first to fuck! (fuck) Fiss: Oh shit! I forgot my Fuckpants! Ken (GM): scandalous but where we're going, you don't need pants! Fiss: Or ? Narrator: "He did not forget his Fuck Pants." Joush M.: A fuck battle, is it? Time to bust out the automated ERP generator. Ken (GM): truly a weapon to surpass metal gear automatic FUCK rose, feelin lively? hows the headcold? Rosettsara: Seems to be settled down for now Ken (GM): the irony of headcolds during the plague Rosettsara: Of course, given how some of the symptoms of said plague can be very similar to that of a basic cold, there's always that worry Ken (GM): fuck today is truly the day of automatic fuck well Where last we left our heroes Joush M.: Ah, get better soon! I hope it's not covid. Ken (GM): [well shit, yeah, fuckin coof!] [shakes fist in scottish] Where last we left Romanga, the tables were still turning. At the head, Elysia sits with knights of the Puritan order, speaking of Yth and the mysterious comings and goings there. Behind them, the transmission tower lay secured byu skullduggery and swift swordplay, some arcane device disabled. Ahead of them now, the unknown drifts ever forward. They face it, stalwart and steady, as always Ian: I believe first and foremost was the investigation on where our Most Wanted Lady Justice was / clues to where she might be going Elysia de Romanga: (Indeed!) Ken (GM): yes, and Cadence is just as furious she evaded capture as well Cadence: "Justine Justice must face her crimes before a noble blade!" "Her meddling, her...horrifying deeds saw the destruction of the Cracked Desert! untold damage!" Elysia de Romanga: "If she triggers some cataclysmic event here, then all of our hard work, and the people's suffering, will have been for nothing." Adelaide Valerian nods, a troubled frown on her lips as the young woman takes a deep breath. "How? Do we have any leads on her location?" Ian harumphs obviously Elysia de Romanga ponders for a moment. "But she seems content staying in hiding for now. Whether she's with the cult or just an independent actor, she prefers to not act in a way that openly marches in lockstep with the cult. And it hasn't been proven yet what she seeks from this island specifically." Elysia de Romanga: "So we'll likely not find her by just looking for her until she makes a mistake. Rather, it may be more fruitful to find out what she may be after in the first place. If we can find what she's seeking, then she has to be the one to come to us." Lady Cadence visibly calms herself, listening to the words as a salve, soothing the rage and letting it simmer. She nods her assent Cadence: "My lady, forgive my outburst. Your wisdom..." Elysia de Romanga turns to Adelaide. "You're able to sense that which cannot be seen, right?" Adelaide Valerian: She speaks gently to Candence. "You've done well for the situation. How long has it been since you ate something? Or rested?" Elysia's question gives her pause and she thinks it over a moment. "Yes, in broad strokes. I can feel some kinds of magic, the distrubance it causes. I can't see radio transmissions or anything." Ian: [How oddly specific not to mention radio transmissions.... ;p] Cadence: "" Elysia de Romanga: "It's a start. Now that the transmission tower is under our control, and it's been established that dear Cornelius was using it for some purpose, there may be paperwork there that we can use to look into other figures and installations that may be connected." Adelaide Valerian: "Your people have the police stations and transport hubs?" She ask, the mention of secureing the radio tower reminding her of the revolution in progress. Ken (GM): [kek, oh yeah] [riiight, sticking it to the overlord] [cuz the inquisition is wroooong] [that is fucking hilarious] [god how long has it been, too many missed sessions. momentum is kicked sideways] Elysia de Romanga looks to Ian next. "I only hope your office hasn't been too overwhelmed by all of the changes the revolution has brought." Ian: "Me too, but no matter, we'll rise to the occasion as we do." [Just a quick recap: did the Empire finally send any official response or was it "LOL CULT TIME!?] Ken (GM): [they have not yet, but youre in still the same day. You expect something imminently] Ian: [got it just making sure] Ken (GM): [the High Inquisitor recalled all his knights to the keep, and only left the stationed men in guardhouses and police] [thats been the major response. He hasnt made a move for the rebel houses yet] Cadence: "So, my Lady. You have my forsworn blade, and those of my brothers here. We bring our armor, and we slip form the grasp of Von Marburg. Where would you have our steel strike first?" Elysia de Romanga: "We do need to capture more territory, bring fence sitters over to our side if possible, root out the cult and this collective, and on top of all that, we still need to find that woman and why she's here..." The man, Daern, lays a hand to Cadence's shoulder, and simply states "Patience" and she nods, a small blush of shame on her cheeks again Adelaide Valerian nods and takes a deep breath. "We need to know that there are no more Collective nightmare machines attached to vital infastrcuture. We had them at the dam and the radio station." Cadence: "Collective...damn them, they infest Romanga too?!" Cadence 's temper flares Elysia de Romanga: "That is a troubling pattern. There could be further infiltration we have yet to uncover, and if what Cornelius said was true, the goal was to do something to the people of Romanga as a whole. We've taken care of their operations in the Dam, as well as the transmission tower. Have we looked into the food supply?" Cadence: "I must admit, I have a personal issue with these Collective...people. I had a lady in my service, she was believed to have gone rogue due to their meddling. I think as well...they led directly to her demise." "I cannot believe August Von Arnfels or his people cut her down, but their report exonerates their actions...strangely" "I must admit the tale seems impossibly tall. They claimed...she had a device, infesting her mind. A literal spider erupting from her brow, her thoughts compromised by Collective deeds" Adelaide Valerian: "That's.. acutely close to what we've observed. People made into puppets by electronic devices inside them." Elysia de Romanga: "Definitely...not out of the ordinary for us." Cadence stares, a bit floored by the little impact her tale tells Cadence: "Good gods" Ian: "Speaking of devices," "Is there any way we could use the metals or properties of the device we yanked from the radio station to find more of these things?" "I'm afraid it's just a spitballed idea, but....I'm still getting used to the ideas of these unseen forces and magics...." Elysia de Romanga: "If they were contacting or sending signals to...something, or receiving signals from...something, it may be prudent to hijack them and find out where the other point or points are." Ian: "If they're being used as listening posts themselves, it seems only fitting we use their vile devices against them." case Adelaide Valerian concentrates, a frown on her face as she considers Ian's idea. running her fingers across the touchstone. Elysia de Romanga: "And thankfully, we have someone who can see through any hasty lies the owners of said other devices may have." Adelaide Valerian: "I think I can do that. I'll need some time and to isolate it in a circle, but tracking should be possble. Or even disrupting them." Cadence: "You work in magic? And this is acceptable, My Lady? I thought...I couldn't imagine..." Lady Cadence blushes, and seems younger now. Small repeated failures in quick succession. Her mask of nobility cracking Adelaide Valerian: "That those that use the devil's tools will be brought by degree to serve him? In truth, I worry the same but.. I trust the person that made this touchstone very much." She says to Candence with a gentle nod. "I'll go see what I can do about the Collective devices." Adelaide Valerian rises from the table, nodding to the others. Elysia de Romanga: "Tools are only as good or evil as the ones who wield them, in the end. At least, the ones that don't possess the user." Cadence: "The world changes, so much, so fast. In days I have seen the silver tabbar stained with blood by both hidden machines and ancient horrors from below the plates. My mettle is obviously tested, My Lady. I will and the harbour may be part of that supply chain - no doubt the revolutionary stomachs know they may have to go hungry for a day or two, but long term is dangerous to any civil movement. Elysia de Romanga: (Indeed, the harbour it is then!) Ken (GM): huzzah! Ian: "Weather or not the ports stay open or get locked down, control of said harbour will be important." Elysia de Romanga: "It's where just about everything and everyone goes if they want to come in or out of Romanga." Ken (GM): [true, moreso than ever before, what with the isle no longer in an ocean Elysia de Romanga rises, brandishing her rapier, having the point stop a hair away from the dot indicating the harbour on a convenient nearby map. "This is our next target!" Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs 12 Ken (GM): right so you know youre going to need to use a Circle to get best results tapping into the device; either make one or use one Balthazarr can provide. As well, to turn the device in on itself will mean adding reagents to the mix, ammunition for your magic. In this case, silver would be a good bet to tune into the emotional charge of the Galician regalia and knightly orders. first steps at least, broad strokes Adelaide Valerian draws the circle herself. Not wanting to depend on Balthazarr for all the magic, she carefully draws it on the floor of a spare room. Tracing it in aregent paint for a touch of silver then collecting more of the silver coins to use for it. Literally symbols of the Empire, and though it of holy pureity. Saints are stamped on the damn things. She works carefully, trying to get it ready for the others. Ken (GM): [oh dang, well, I was implying again wasnt I] Elysia de Romanga makes preparations for the approach they'll take to get into the harbour. Unmarked vehicles again of course, but perhaps they could be tracked by distant agents to ensure nobody has compromised their backup. Ken (GM): [I suspect youd wanna perform the full ritual with the weird device from the Transmission tower too, that your men were securing for you, to take back to base] Joush M.: Ah! Damn it. Looks like she needs to use gold Gallican coins. Addy's silver coins are PVUT. So she's got the EVIL BOX contained in the circle And the silver she has on hand is dirty communist Ken (GM): syndicalist :P Elysia de Romanga sees if the takeover of the transmission tower is complete enough so as to maybe tap into the transmissions around the time of their operation, maybe root out some bad actors and spies that way. Joush M.: It has like, factory workers and farmers on it Ken (GM): right, so scene setting here You slip out of the safehouse meeting, secure in the knowledge your new ally can direct her youthful energies into securing some of the rebel houses in the city. You slip back to base, to regroup, check in on your staff, and take in a short respite. Sandwiches all round of course. And tea Ian: Of course! Your men, despite the loss of their truck, secure the Transmission tower and see to staffing it securely alongside the SBI onsite. The pentagonal device is shipped back to you, coinciding nicely with your schedule, no mishaps to be seen The status of things shows; The inquisitorial troops, silver caps seen throughout the city, are retreating as directed. The stationhouses of the police forces remain manned, and order is being held in place by the people, but many small entourages of fancy aristocratic cars have been seen gathering to Brightrock and the High Inquisitor's manor At your order, the staff have been listening for word from the Empire; none yet received. The Embassy notes they have received word that a statement is coming, but no call to action or deed yet issued As to securing the harbor, your people set out to provide you with as much information as possible, quickly Elysia de Romanga plans to lead the charge quite visibly once on site, but again making their initial arrival a surprise like last time. The Harbormaster's offices are a small compound of a city block, near the old waterline; one section is a guardhouse with a complement of men loyal to the office. Another is a storehouse opposite, and the other half dedicated to the operation of the maintenence of vehicles docked in the main towers nearby, but with the harbormaster's offices available, ground level Intelligence indicates the office has remained mostly impartial to the operation of the city as a priority, but some reports indicate that the Inquisition has received favorable odds in most disputes. The man himself, the harbormaster, is a veteran of service in the great war, having inherited the title from his father. Elysia de Romanga: "How do you think we should handle the harbourmaster? We could see to it that his job remains secure so long as he doesn't get in the way of the revolution...but who knows how loyal he really is to the Inquisition." Ian: "Good question." Any chance I'd know a bit of the man's background? Or at least know if he's originally from the empire side? and/or would I have had time to check with the office to see if they knew?> Elysia de Romanga: "Melchiore would be able to tell us whose side he's on...or at least, whose side his father was on." Adelaide Valerian considers. "Just give him an assistant to help him in these trying times. and a few guards to help secure the vital area." Adelaide Valerian: "If you have the guns around him and keep his pay coming, it's likely he will do his job for you. It's likely he'd do the same for your enemies, consults his own stores of knowledge on your behalf, and comes up with no real dirt or blackmail material. The man works a prominent station, but without notice or merit. The daily operation seems the only testament to his existence Ian: "The man is purely career driven from what I know of him....perhaps the other crises currently on the stove can help us.... Surely, if he learns of an island-destroying fugitive on the island, any ire will be directed at that, and if we are the ones hunting her down, I don't think loyalty, at least in the short-term, is an issue." Ian shakes his head and shrugs Melchiore: "His father served on the Romangan Flagship that set out from home port, the converted Man-o-war armor plated and set to air just a year after the beginning of the Inquisition. They were lost in the Cataclysm, serving on the skirmish lines of Galicia-Visigard" Elysia de Romanga: "So at the very least he's unlikely to be overly concerned with who is running things, so long as his job remains. But just in case...Adelaide, do you think you'd be able to tell if he has one of those...things in him, or if any strange devices or creatures are in the vicinity?" Adelaide Valerian: "I think so. This is still very new, but I'll try." Elysia de Romanga: "Is everyone ready?" Ian shuffles fancy paperwork Elysia de Romanga: "Very well. Let's get going!" Adelaide Valerian is ready to go murder that harbormaster. Ken (GM): kek aircar, and another entourage? more or lesS? Joush M.: grav tank and 3 APCs? Elysia de Romanga: (Unmarked aircar, surprise visit, backup, and some people to watch the backup in case another thing like with Cadence happens again) Joush M.: That works too Ken (GM): hahaha im imagining you guys just, Steel Rain into the building from the upper floors emerge from the drop pods and Ian just sniffs and turns his nose up at the show of force adelaide just cackling the whole way down elysia copying her tone Ian: Paperwork first...stabby if needed Joush M.: Elysia. "Look at me! I'm the harbormaster now!" Ken (GM): hahah Elysia de Romanga does need to develop a nice cackle... You slip through the city on cat's paws, staying innocuous, unmentionable, barely there. heading for the Old Bay and the Harbormaster's office, the shorter buildings giving way to storehouses and manufactuaries, and the spires of the Airship towers rising from the mists There, ahead, the squat building at the base of the main tower stands firm. Some marks on the walls indicate some sort of fighting took place here lately, but the lost stones and brickwork from a wall have been swept aside, and a work detail are busy repairing the street where something tore up the old canal Your car parks, the man at the front nodding a small salute and readying his pistol in his lap. The truck nearby with your backup team nod their readiness as well, hidden away in an alley, ready to charge to your rescue or command to charge Elysia de Romanga notes the signs of battle Adelaide Valerian dismounts and looks around. Eyes searching around them and reaching out with esoteric senses. Adelaide Valerian gets Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs 12 for Detect Magic. The main entrance to the place is like a barn door, revealing a cavernous space with rigging, chains and various mechanical bits used to maintain airship engines and retrofit scows to airworthiness. Above you, the building is steeped in shadows through the eaves. The mighty hum of fans and pumps rumble throughout the area Ian: "Want me to run the introductions or you wanna do the Booming Royalty Intro?" Elysia de Romanga: "I can always count on you to pick up the pieces of any mess I make, either way." Ian chuckles and nods, taking a the lead to find the foreman Inside, two men stand guard on the far door, watching with weapons stowed behind shoulders but eyes watchful. They bear the seal of the harbormaster visibly on tabards over their coats, sharp V shapes and brass buttons on display Adelaide Valerian walks with the others. "There's something tainted here. THe damage to that building seems to ooze. Like it's bleeding.. there's a more general feeling of darkness around too." Down in the guts of the machines, two men toil, a pale creasy fellow with visible painful looking sores, and a Dwarf with a shaved head and prominent rune marks tattooed on his pate Ian harumphs quietly at Adelaide's comment, but doesn't make any other show as he approaches the guards to arrange a greeting Ian: "Good day, (Gentlemen?) Ambassador Timmins, wondering if I might arrange an emergency meeting with the Harbour Master?" The guards share a look, and then one steps up and gives you a quick top to bottom glance He swings his rifle in one motion to his hands, ready but aside, in a parade flourish. He stops before you with a stare into your eyes Adelaide Valerian walks with him. Examining the guards a moment. Guard: "Sir! The Harbormaster is not to be disturbed, Ian raises an eyebrow Ian: "I don't mean to question your orders, young sir, but I do believe the nature of this emergency trumps certain elements of a morning routine." Elysia de Romanga makes sure to stand out. "I'm sure he can find a few minutes to talk to the Princess of Romanga." The Guard again stares flatly at you with his eyes tucked under the brim of his had, his eyes steeled and readied against you Guard: "Sir, Ma'am, as I stated, no guests, no distractions, and no visitors. The Harbormaster declares it so and we are his guard" Off to the corner of the warehouse floor, a door slams closed; above it, the deal of the Harbormaster rattles against the wall, nearly falling from where it is hung Ian steps forward, not aggressively but doesn't shy away from the rifle Ian: "I'm sure you can explain to him you were following orders when the entire landmass is falling like the one over yonder." [please tell me there's still a smoke-trail from the sunken isle for dramatic effect lol] Ken (GM): kek Ian: [intimidation roll?] The two guards share a look, and the one by the wall spares a nervous Valerian speaks softly to Elysia. "There's something wrong with that man. The one with the scars and boils is crowned in crimson." She looks de Romanga curiously examines the aforementioned man and whispers back. "Does it feel the same as anything else you've felt?" Ian speaks, and something beneath the mask of duty cracks. The guard casts his eyes aside, and down, and he wonders aloud Guard: "Another burned isle, gods..." "Sir, I must say, this highly irregular, but if you will wait here, i will bring you to the harbormaster's attention" Ian bows my head. Ian: "With haste, please, sir." He bows, steps back, and swings a leg out, marching perfunctially to the office Ian glances at the other guard, and notices the ladies whispering. Ian: "All well?" Adelaide Valerian shakes her head. "No.. it's new. Different. But I've only been doing this a couple days." Ian smiles, but he stops himself fidgeting with his cane only after he notices it rattling against the paving stones Elysia de Romanga whispers to Ian. "We may have to assume there's some infiltration present. The harbour appears to already be compromised in some way. One worker has shown up on our...detector." Ian: the gentle tapping stops, and he looks up at the buildings around, not looking at the workers "Very well. As always, I'll trust your senses in that regard...there's definitely something happening here, even without the supernatural. A lot of strange tension." "The source...I suppose we'll learn soon." [will use observation if it's deemed something useful] Around you the place hums with activity as workers mill above and nearby. Building ring with hammers and steam whistles from piping Adelaide Valerian: "We've captured plenty of touchstones. You could see this nightmare stuff too.. " She teases Ian. "Of course, you might not want to partner with Kurdez's son. His impluse here would be to burn it all away." In the galley below, the man and dwarf work mechanisms and tools together, bringing a small quiet piece of machinery to rumbling life with bangs and squeals Ian looks over at the squeals as he has an excuse to now then back at the guard. Ian: "Might I bother you to ask what they're working on? Something doesn't sound healthy over there.' Boils: "You the regulator's then? You don't look like second shift comin' in early" Ian chuckles on his own Adelaide Valerian resist the urge to attack the man but watches him with a scowl. "You look unwell, Sir. Are you sick?" Ian: "On my second shift already, fraid I wouldn't be a very steady hand to help." Ian leans on his cane, watching Adelaide and the man chat Boils: "Oh, me, nah, ship shape and ready to work" "Would'nt mind a day hazard pay but you get what you get 'ere" Ian: "Indeed," Boils: "Saaaya now, you folk, you ain't with the inquisitors, is ya?" Adelaide Valerian: "What's with the crimson crown, anyway?" She ask him directly, tilting her head to the side. Boils: "Don't have the look, maybe this one" "But she looks more liable to bite than burns, eh?" Boils looks at Adelaide, half startled, and sneers a bit in response Boils: "Whazzat then, whadyu say? Crimson Crown?!" Elysia de Romanga stands by, listening and watching, ready to jump in with her rapier if the situation calls for it Adelaide Valerian: "Yeah. It's not a cult symbol I recognize, or collective. Have you infiltrated this place too?" Boils: "The FUCK you say about me MUM?!" *the man sudenly bellows enraged! As Boils erupts, the guard returning with what looks to be the Harbormaster in tow Boils: "SHE WAS A FOOKIN SAINT, YOU WITCH!" behind you, the spare guard readies his gun from his lanyard, professional motions precise. Likewise, the fearsome guard you spoke with halts his The man explodes emotionally, then literally; black spews up from his boil-ridden head as he charges up the stairs. He seems unfazed by the display even as his skull disappears under amass of writhing black eldritch horror The guards, to their credit, have so far stood their ground and drawn their guns to their hands, in a startled grim dutious stare Ken (GM): *dutiful dutious doesnt existius The mans angry words boil away into a wordless cry of hatred and pain as the magic blossoms, and his head opens up into the horror you see Valerian grabs him, grappled with ghostly light as she reaches out to him. "Stand down, guards! He's.. fucking look at him!" The hands seize up the boiling man Elysia de Romanga: "Oh good. Another pest control problem to take care of." In the next moment, theh boiling mass of writhing eels trills a shriek that shakes the very Æther around you.... and a strange glow suffuses the air Ken (GM): Elysia! Elysia de Romanga figures it's best to not get into melee range with the thing emitting gas and glowy crap, and tries to fast-draw her pistol. Rolling 3d6 = 10 vs 14 (Man underneath) the shot cracks off, and strikes the blow! Ken (GM): 2d-1! Elysia de Romanga: (Make that vs 12, forgot about distance) 5 (2) pi damage! Ken (GM): bah Blood flies and the man clutches at the blow, his feet falling out from under him....but now, the tendrils seem to hold the limp body, dangled by the neck like a vestigal limb! Ken (GM): IAN Ian: Going to do a draw Pistol, Step and Aim, or everything up to Aiming if that's too much, I don't have Fast Draw Pistol Ken (GM): gotcha, gun is up and pointed Ian: Pew is Pointed If no aiming, then I'm going to watch what the guard to my back left is doing The guards move with authority; the one behind you steps up to line with you, gun raised on the thing and BELLOWING "STAND DOWN STAND DOWN!" Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs 20 ST Quick contest for Wrench 'Limb'vs higher of ST or HT Ian: daayum Adelaide Valerian closes her hand, the ghostly mass around the gas-leaking THING There is a crumpling of flesh and a pulping of resisting tubular mass, and then the hands are holding only a smear of black bile that bleeds vile green 19 crushing damage if she wins. Ken (GM): yeah there was... yeah Adelaide Valerian pants in rage like she'd sprinted, asking in a husky voice. "Is there somwerhe I can put this?" The vile remains rain down on the headless mans body, and he quickly begins to sizzle and melt Ken (GM): ELYSIA Elysia de Romanga turns to the Harbourmaster. "You know what's what around here. Where can she dump this monstrosity?" Ken (GM): kek glib nice IAN Ian lowers my firearm, cane hanging off my arm, but turns to the guard Ian: "Is that rumbling normal?" Guard: "Sir, NO sir!" he says somewhat more forcefully than might be required Otherguard: "What the fuck was that!?" Harbormaster: "What the hell is going on?!" Fiss: [can we just appreciate that Ken took the time to name Guard and Otherguard?] And thats when the walls exploded Fiss: [ XD ] Ian looks at the walls, concerned they may be flanking him A shimmering red unreality ripples out from the stone walls, and timbers creak in arcane runic sigils bursting forth from the infrastructure! The whole building shudders from the blow in a half a dozen spots, as something wicked this way comes from the 8ther Ken (GM): *Æther ADELAIDE Adelaide Valerian drops the remains with a groan. She wants to wash her hands even if she only grasp the ruined thing with magic and turns to the breach. "Watch for trouble! Something is coming!" Joush M.: Move to there, drop the dead gross thing Ken (GM): hands of course, retracting muppetly Ian: [mental image of the hands retracting like Kermit's wavy-arms] Ken (GM): wiggle iggle iggle Ian: ["] Ken (GM): ELYSIA Elysia de Romanga gets on the radio. "Backup requested! Use ranged weaponry if you come across an aetheric enemy!" The box on her belt squeals, and tinny voices shout back, barely heard "YESSMAAM MOVEMOVEMOVE" Ken (GM): IAN Ian: Assuming the red are areas of breach, I will aim at the one to my left and hold action for targets Ken (GM): gotcha Ian: (and take a step to cover Mr Guard) Ken (GM): you assume correctomundo Ian: (assuming he's on our side, may as well, he was nice enough to aim at the tentacles too) On adelaide's shout and Ians motion, the two guards sweep their guns to face nearby swatches of red, as the walls ripple like disturbed pools of blood Ian: "Steady, Ladies and Gents....something's coming!" Down below in the bay, the dwarf shrieks a wordless cry as somethign snatches him up and drags him into the nearby wall of pipes and steam channels there is a distinct PLORP in the air Elysia de Romanga: "Well this isn't good..." Ian just laughs as shapes materialize in tune to her optimistic assessment With a sickening SQUELCH noise, the figures of robed men and women and....other things step forth from the other side of the disturbances, and into the warehouse with you. A shower of sparks flies from neaby generators, wiring, anything with a live current. Lights flicker and blacken, then return with a limelight glow. From the body of the man with boils, one figure stands apart, black clad and shovel-spear held high. The Cult of the Horned King, La Roi Cornu, have made their presence known THAT IS, UNTIL, NEXT WEEK ON SHATTERED WORLDS MASQUERADE Joush M.: Well, that's not good. That's a WHOLE lot of assholes. Fiss: noice Yeah, but we for once don't have the ENTIRE map against us....so that's a bonus. :D Ken (GM): (DUN(DUN(DUN))) Elysia de Romanga grins. "I've always loved a challenge." Fiss: Jesus Christ, that BEDMAS dramatic Dunnage! XD Ken (GM): hahahah Fiss: As always, Ken, your maps and prepwork = mwaaah! Ken (GM): thanks! i got a similar reaction on the mecha day on tuesday magic chains, runes, bits of debris and such Fiss: I'm building some shit for our family game, so I am reminded how fucking hard it is for awesome maps Ken (GM): "Where does he keep finding all these effects?" thetrove.net Fiss: Ken (GM): gabriel Pickard Fiss: Oh...yeah... Ken (GM): its just cheating Fiss: XD Ken (GM): i am a bad mbad man, and a pirate Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ Ken (GM): but he just makes it so easy to make a good map for roll20 YW rose tuck in, feel better, have a rapid response quarantine test, and you know Fiss: Ken (GM): we love ya, please dont have the coof Fiss: Yeah, no Danger Coof Rosettsara: Will do! Fiss: Woo! Ken (GM): 4 xp yaal catch me in the discord Fiss: cheers, will probably up one or two thangs and send you updated Iansheet Ken (GM): bien Fiss: Mwhahaaha How goes mon frère? Ken (GM): Ian wipes the tea from his cravat and readies himself for maximum overviolence From the depths of darkness they step, out into the burning limelight of impossibility. A ruined corpse consumed in the ritual, the body a malfeasant sacrifice to dark powers. Elysia, Ian and Adeliade now stand surrounded by long robed figures clutching Ætherite topped wands and staves, peaked hoods and medieval weaponry clutched in clawed hands Adelaide Valerian should be afraid, but she's not. She's angary and so eager as she sees a chance to make them pay, even as she faces the terribly powerful beast she may have accidently helped unleash by ruining that corpse. Elysia de Romanga: "Let's not give them a chance to use their fancy tricks. Rush them!" Elysia de Romanga invokes her Daredevil for the first time, might as well! The black hooded man, his spear held high shouts as well! "The trap is sprung! DONT LET HER GET AWAY THIS TIME!" Ken (GM): ADELAIDE YOURE UP Adelaide Valerian advances forward and draws her pistol. "Come on then! Come and face me and die, damn you!" She yells at them in Galician. Rolling 3d6 = 13 vs 14 TSING Elysia de Romanga does a Move and Attack maneuver at the guy in front of her! Not likely to hit, but the goal is just to get in its personal space anyway, so nothing will be lost. The dark hood shall taste steel! Rolling 3d6 = 13 vs 9 Ken (GM): that was only half your move yeah? Elysia de Romanga: (Yup) Joush M.: Could do a Committed Attack if you are willing to take a defense penalty. Thrust with the rapier and move that far. Elysia de Romanga: (i'm good, I plan to sort of dodge-tank this guy) Ken (GM): ah cool cool Elysia recklessley charges in, but the blow swings short of the hooded man, and he chuckles darkly Outside, the roar of your backup is heard! The truck of men approaching loudly as the engine bears down on the building Ken (GM): IAN Ian: I shall assist my fellow man here with dispatching the left pointy The guard cracks off a shot, his rifle bucks, and the shot lands true. Green flies in a pressurized gout, and the man screams as the second A lithe looking lady witch scrambles over the machinery in the back corner, like a cat ont he prowl, hooked claw hands raking metal drums with a screech The draconic-looking hulk of a thing spreads a hand and a wall of hideous twisted bone springs out of the walls and floor, blockading the doorway to the North Ian: [Cowabunga it is then....] The other wizards spring to action, leaping the spaces of the room in single bounds on black shadowy booted feet, hoods trailing behind like ghost-trails And the hooded man raises his spear high in one clutched hand, the other raised with crooked fingers gathering night itself into his palm. "Come to me, crimson bride! We shall entreat you well as you ascend to de Romanga strikes with her very fine rapier! She briefly thinks about disarming its weapon, but wants to see if there's anything to hit in its his hand is still moving, magic dissipating into the Æther around you, and his stump of a wrist neatly severed finishes the downstroke of the blow Elysia de Romanga smirks. "Not so tough now!" the meat lands with a PLOP and erupts like an old bag full of flies and bile Black hood stops laughing Outside, the roar of the truck is emboldened! On Rose's hip, the men shout "Ma'am! We're coming in through the doors!" Ken (GM): IAN Elysia de Romanga does give her rapier an odd look though for a split second. harbormaster backs into the wall of bones, and screams, as a dozen clutching hads of blackened burne dbone leap out to grab him! skitter skitter click clak Ian: [fuckin magic hands....stay in the bedroom where you belong!] Wizards move veriously through the room around you, leaping on shadow-clad feet and pounding hobnailed boot to stone, one of them DIVING FOR ADELAIDE FROM THE SIDE! Rolling 3d6 = 10 Joush M.: I'll take that first one. Ken (GM): SKABOOP where she get to Adelaide Valerian vanishes as ghostly hands draw her though a portal into the Ways, reappearing.. somewhere. Within 30 feet and on solid ground, but The black cloaked wizard rolls out of the tackle on all four limbs, and comes up in a crouch, hissing and clawed hands raking the concrete floor, sending up dust and pebbles! Ian: [+1 to Pocket Sand] Black hood gapes at his severed limb as bright bile-green vitriol dances on the end of his stumped limb. The cloak a mess of shadows underneath, white flesh bare and glaring in the light He swings a backhanded blow with his shovel-spear, down to Elysia's legs! Rolling 3d6 = 13 vs 16 Ian: [okay, RNGesus is just fucking with us at this point....amen] A short hop, and the blade swings under her without issue The dragon-headed man turns toward his attacker, Ian, and trills a throaty growl! He swings his staff again, and a wall of bone springs up from Screaming rends of metal twist in a furious display from the armored man who approaches the harbormaster, and he is SHREDDED TO RIBBONS as the tornado of blows rend the floor and the man alike Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs 13 Ken (GM): NICE Ian: Noice! The furious dark wizard mewls like a demonic cat as a slashing hand passes within inches of her face! His contortions twisting unnaturally Ken (GM): [also, he all out-attacked, fyi, you can tell] The pouncing witch in her red rags swings her arms in a flourish, and a blast of streaming wind flies forward, howling faces in the clouds like dying men! Rolling 3d6 = 13 vs 16 Ken (GM): .... Ian: ffs lol Ken (GM): but still thats a success The howling wind presses in all directions, out and away, and narrowly comes short of Elysia! The Dragon-man, emboldened, speaks words that have the shape of Valerian yells, but it's lost. Whatever she would have said swallowed up with the thunder of the pistol roaring at a range so close powder burns ruin the strange man's shirt and blood spatters away from him as the neat little time-sized entery wounds become gristily exit wounds on dragonman roars, and snaps his face down into the guard, teeth flashing red and white. There are crunching noises, and screaming On the far wall, the swordsman iunterposes himself between you and your backup, sword in high guard The little red witch scrambles up to the Black Hood on all fours, one arm reaching in a motion of assistance. Black hood shakes off her help with a disdainful wordless grunt, and flourishes his shovel-spear, held high poised to throw, a point of black on the tip like a dark star Rolling 3d6 = 14 vs 10 Ken (GM): everyones a staunch resister, until theres a spear in their gut Elysia de Romanga: (Whew, not 13) Ken (GM): dood Ian: [lol] The blade flies true as the Black Hood dives out of the way of the blow; Elysia's breath is cut short as the thing slides into her gut and through to the floor on the other side Rolling 3d6 = 10 vs 10 Ken (GM): oh yes! maths ELYSIA your turn Elysia de Romanga tries to wear a grin anyway as she attempts to stand up in defiance of the assault she's facing (Change Posture to Kneeling) Metal scrapes on the floor of concrete, and she slips a leg underneath herself. Gun and sword clutched tight, holding her upright. The weight of the spear dips and blood drains to the floor Ken (GM): MADNESS Elysia de Romanga wordlessly conveys "That's all you got? I'm disappointed in you." "You would waste your life in defiance?!" The men at the truck shout as Elysia is struck! They open fire as a unit at the man in armor, and RATATATATATATATA thunders from the other dragon-wizard CRONCHes his last MONCH and a bloody muzzle rises from the recessed floor he stands on. The red rune on the floor gapes and thrums with power, and a small darkness spreads from it's center, a hole in the world Drake: "Come human flesh, join with us and be saved. Do not throw away your little mortal lives over a trifle of conflict and spite" The red witch perches, hands raised, over the Black hood like a snake poised to strike. she hisses and bares fangs that flash from the bottom of her ragged hood Black hood rises on one stumped arm, and stretches out his remaining hand to little red witch's hands move fast, nearly too fast, and she rips at the Black Hood, tossing him aside with a furious twist and spin, he is thrown clear over the room on a whisp of grey, howling him through the air Rolling 3d6 = 7 vs 10 (HT check) Ken (GM): shes still conscious! Elysia de Romanga probably won't be going anywhere anytime soon, so she does an all-out attack with her pistol on the distracted 'Sigrun' as one final act before possibly falling unconscious! Rolling 3d6 = 7 vs 18 Ken (GM): kek Ian: I do believe that counts as a beat by 10 crit, huh? Or is that still a rule? Ken (GM): ONLY if she rolled under 6 Ian: Damn lol Ken (GM): but ye gods Elysia de Romanga: (Does Sigrun get a defense, or should I roll damage?) The bullet cracks off, the gun held up by sheer will, and the blow lands square on her. Green flies through the air! Ken (GM): DAMAGE Elysia de Romanga:7 (2) pi! Ken (GM): DAMN The red witch staggers from the blow, blood flying in a stream that sizzles on the concrete, red bursting out alongside! The men of your backup scramble, clutching a tthe grapsing skeletal wall in surprise and alarm, one of them scrambling over the hood of the truck to reach the other side! Ken (GM): IAN Ian: Step and all out defend Ken (GM): GASP SO NOBLE Ian harumphs defiantly The Red Witch, Sigurn is staggered, half dropped to the floor in wretched pain, she grasps as her wound with one hand to stem the blood as the other reaches for the tall draconic wizard He in turn spits a word of vile malice to her, and then "Die for your weakness, your compassion!" he spits the words The dragonman steps through the hole in the world, and disappears The magic unfolds from itself and WHUMP thunders away in a small display of Ætheric sparks Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs 13 to TK grab by the neck on Sigrun. Adelaide Valerian steps forward. "Elysia's going to need medical attention." Struggling to breathe, she is hoisted bodily by the neck, strugling limply to pry off the iron bands of magic hands Elysia de Romanga: "i...gladly bleed for Romanga. It's....nothing compared to the pain our people have endured." The skeletal walls shudder and then melt away like sand in wind, the white flourishing around the faces of the men it ensnared befor edisappearing Adelaide Valerian wraps the ghostly power around her neck like a slave's collar but forces herself to ease it enough to keep from strangleing her. "You aren't going anywhere.".. Then to Elysia. "You've got too much to do to spend time bleeding.. Medic! I need a physican here!" Your bewildered squad of Order Men appear in a hustle, guns up and trained in all directions on the gore wizards and witches around you Ian turns to the men Rolling 3d6 = 15 vs 13, spreading out supplies from her purse. "Strip the witch. No magic token or device is to remain on her." Ian: "And you....be VERY very still, or your compassion will not be enough to save you." The men nod grimly and make to the fallen foes. Their guns chatter loudly in the space and rattle your ears as they clear each foe, one by one, ensuring their dispatch Rolling 3d6 = 8 for first aid Ken (GM): YEAH versus Elysia de Romanga exhales as her adrenaline begins to wear off, and the loss of blood makes itself more known Adelaide steadies Elysia and makes sure she doesnt rupture anything. She then very very very very carefully considers the wound and realizes its punctured the lung if not destroyed it. Hospital time! Adelaide Valerian worries as she listens at Elysia's chest and stabalizes her for transport to the hospital for surgery. Ian doesn't ask but see's Adelaide's face. The men secure the red witch while she works. They yank off her hood and reveal a young woman with short cropped hair and Visigardian features. She has a necklace of brass and black iron under the hood, makes the motions robotically, clearly taking no joy in saving one of their attackers, but the value of a hostage/informant is too high The blood remains; Ian applies pressure and ties down the wound with a belt. Ready to transport as roughly as decorum demands WEEEEOOOOOOOWWWWWEEEEEEOOOOOOOOO Outside, the rain begins and thunder rolls through Romanga Joush M.: Elyssia and Red Witch should eatch get back 1 HP from bandageing. An ambulance appears, summoned by radio by the O.A.R. Melchiore is quick on the horn, demanding an explanation as to HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED?! Even as the red lamplight of the vehicle appears, his voice howls from the radio into the poor bastard speaking to him Adelaide Valerian hopes they don't have the 20 minitues they'd need for more detailed First Aid treatment. She lets Ian ride with the princess, instead getting in the other ambuliance with the witch to keep her from acting up on the way to the hospital. A flurry of action happens very quickly. The ambulances lift you off to the Hospital del Rose and admit the patients immediately without question. Melchiore sends a squad of men to attend the place for security, both for the rebel princess and for the captured witch Ian says very little....he is simultaneously swelling with pride and fearful for the princess' life. Rolling 3d6 = 6 vs 12 for Perception, Observation or Body Language Joush M.: ignore the second one. I can't luck yet Ken (GM): gotcha The next few hours are a darkening sky, thundering zephyr of rain, and troublingly quiet work The doctors at the hospital work tirelessly for the benefit of the Lady Elysia Adelaide Valerian uses Detect Magic to examin the witch as whatever doctor was determined to be not good enough to work on the VIP lazily attempts to keep her from dying so she can be hung later. Within an hour of her admitting, Melchiore is on site as well, stalking the halls and scouring the place with a nervous twitch of his moustache Joush M.: Kidding!.. Mostly Ken (GM): mostly Ian meets Melchiore's frustration with a quiet nod, and waits for him to ask for a debrief before saying anything Elysia de Romanga dreams of her time chasing after cats to learn the phantom thief trade Ken (GM): :V Melchiore: "Our entire focus is currently on securing this site and locking down this wing. Nobody in or out. I have turned as many resources as I can to falsifying reports and misinformation. Nobody can know she is here, or she is wounded so mortally Ian: "Of course, Sir." Either way, I'd suggest alerting any other clinics or hospitals....the cult may be interested in finishing off one job or the other. I don't think it would be too demoralizing by saying we captured a hostage." "Or rather, implying it." Melchiore: "The whole city is turned half upside down against the Empire, and here I am stamping out rumors about my d....the Queen of Romanga" Melchiore blushes in anger, and makes busy his idle hands Ian waits a beat before saying anything, but musters a smile Ken (GM): [adelaide reappears, the prisoner secure, sedated, and adequately investigated] Ian: "She fought with all the heart and soul of our people....I think even the cult realizes there will be no turning her now." Melchiore: "Small blessings for small men with big dreams." *he manages a small By a stroke of luck, the surgeons wheel Elysia out of the theater into her room with small cheers and a bottle of port being shared in triumph! Saving the lung by re-directing arterial flow! A stroke of genius!" is heard remarked in the halls. Adelaide Valerian relaxes and smiles at the news. The lovely young woman going to see Elysia and reassure herself as she's taken to recovery. "Thank god." Ken (GM): spooky whispers Elysia de Romanga catches the cat finally Ian dawns a rain cloak and moves to one of the side doors, a grim look on his face. Ian: He finds Adelaide and quietly informs her he's checking something outside. "Just...keep an ear out....I'll send out a shot if I need help, but I don't want guns blazing. There's a man outside that doesn't seem to belong." Adelaide Valerian speaks softly to Ian. "is it the man with the insence?" Ian blinks, then nods Ian: "I forget I'm not the only one with keen eyes... Adelaide Valerian points to a small man and nods. "There's something odd about his aura. Something familair. Go check him out. I'll keep an eye out and if anything happens I'll.. smash this window, I suppose, and jump down to join you." Ian chuckles and nods Ian: "Let's hope tonight's smashing is over." From the side hall, the man strides in through the supposed exit door Ian sighs and hangs up his cloak as he sees this Ian: "Well, I suppose you know I'm going to ask what you're doing here then." Water drips from his robe onto the polished stone floor as rain cascades down the windows outside. He shakes some from his sleeves as he pulls back his hood Balthazarr the Wizard pulls back his hood, as the nondescript face of an acolyte cleric disappears and is replaced with his own grim countenance Balthazarr: "Really, now. Here I thought I was being obvious" Ian relaxes a bit, but doesn't smile. Ian: "It's been....a night. To be sure." Ian will go up to him but radiates an air of caution regardless Balthazarr: "Truly, hounds at your heels. Melchiore summoned me to help, and I had to oblidge" "So, she has decided to cast off the cloak and dagger, and now she stands to be a Queen? Fascinating really" Ian: "She's not the only one who wants her to be queen...unfortunately, the ones who attacked us had a different throne in mind for her." Balthazarr: "Good show that, I hear through the stone you sent them running, tails between legs after dispatching more than half the coven! And with a prisoner no less!" "It boggles the mind what a new witch and her friends can do" "But I must say, this all did interrupt some very very productive work, back at my sanctum. Kat is still safe as houses there but her fascinaitons with my work grow a bit...tiresome. She is young and curious." Ian: "They had a much better trap laid this time around. I worry we were one or two magical circle-bullshits away from disaster, not that it wasn't already disastrous." "And I have some vengance to enact on the lizard-wizard we met. Any thoughts to that kind of beasty?" balthazarr: "Just that in fact. I suspect you might be able to strike an entirely deadly blow to the Cult and their upper echelon in one fell swoop, if I'm right. And of course Im right, Im a wizard The man smirks to himself Ian offers a diplomatic grin, but clearly the loss of McDude is weighing heavy on his soul Ken (GM): kek and a half Ian: "I look forward to repaying them in such a descriptive way." Adelaide Valerian returns the look and huffs, then comes down to join them outside. Walking to the pair and nodding to the men. "Elysia's going to be okay. She needs rest, but she will be fine." She assures the man. "We have a captive. A witch with these markings." Adelaide Valerian offers Balthazar some naked pictures. Balthazarr takes the images with only half a startle, but then a curious bent as he examines them and holds them to the light Balthazarr: "I suspect, this witch used a vessel bound in chain with gemstones throughout?" The wizar dnods to himself, as if answering his own question Ian nods Balthazarr: "Yes it could only be them, their coven an power betwized the blood and the bile, the Horned King's Horde" Ken (GM): betwixed Adelaide Valerian: "Exactly. I have her focus under guard and stored in salt. It's a vessel?" Balthazarr: "This only reconfirms my suspicions. Their power is not their own, but channeled forcefully through the Æther from a higher being, another such as the Horned King if not he himself. A spirit of Earth and Air, a demon. An Eternal" "And I believe I know the exact resting place of this being, and it's place of power, so we might sever it's connection to them from the root of the tree" Ian nods, assuming he knows some of the words being used Ian: "Ahh...of course." Balthazarr: "This is all still very troubling but it is entwined with the War in Heaven. The servants of the precursors weilding power penultimate, dashing each other from pillar of power to grave dust below, again and again, rewriting reality as they went." Adelaide Valerian: "We could stop the entire cult's magic, all at once. All of them that don't have a never-dammned enough touchstone, anyway." Adelaide Valerian nods to Balthazzar. "So we can shut them down?" Balthazarr: "The War in Heaven, though we did not remember it, is chronicled in a dozen places under a dozen more names. It is as if reality was undone and redone, over and over, with messy and half finished results" "One of those participants, an Eternal, still dwells in the Underworld in a keep of stone held by the dwarves. Pages of lead beaten a millenium ago speak of it's stirrings, it's comings and going. It's name, whispered only by those who dared bow and scrape in it's presence" "The Lord of Acid" "You kill him, you sever his connection to the Æther, and the whole chain becomes unmade. Every link broken" Adelaide Valerian: "So we go there, drop a few thousand tons of bombs out of an airship, then call it done?" She ask wistfully, sure it won't be that easy. Balthazarr: " Of course it can't be that easy" Ian: "But you've thought of a way....or you'd be unlikely to bring it up." Balthazarr: "But, you have a key to his castle now. So getting close enough to stab him is a possibility. Or to throw whatever man-portable explosives you have on hand, really" Ian harumphs, but it's a hope-growing harumph Ian: "We may be able to assume that they thought we would have just murdered the witch, but would they know her key would still work in our hands?" Balthazarr: "Oh, you misunderstand me. Translation error, I assume. The girl doesnt have a key" Adelaide Valerian: "She seemed attached to another. She threw him into a portal.. despite his anger at it. Humm." balthazarr: "The girl the Key" Ian nods, not surprised Ken (GM): BUM BUM BUMMMMMMM Ian: "What of her necklace?, just out of curiosity?" Balthazarr simply gestures with a twirled hand to Adelaide's gauntlet, and the touchstone carved there Ken (GM): oh shit, lookit the time I gotta get dinner in the oven 4 points! ya gits! Fiss: Wooot! Joush M.: Good game! Thanks. Take care and have a good dinner Fiss: Damn .... Spicy Dice wanted some serious drama today Ken (GM): I mean, can you blame them? crit fails! big stabs! all sorts of THIRTEEN Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ Fiss: fuckin 13.... hehe, yeah man, super fun session Ken (GM): YW! thank you for the shenanigains! as always! never a dull damn moment with you guys [ITS A FISS] Fiss: ZUPKEN?! Ken (GM): I cannot reccomend leg injuries Fiss: Remember who you're talking to? lol Rosettsara: There was one time a few years ago when I popped something in mine and couldn't walk on it at all for a week, wasn't fun Fiss: 2 months of leg cast + blood clots.... yeah....Gravity Stems = important. Ken (GM): oh god right, clots rose what the hell, moved a tendon? goddamn thats scary Fiss: Yeah, keep them piggies wigglin if you can. Tendons I'd almost say are worse cuz they don't heal the same way if you're unlucky Ken (GM): yeah I lucked out with not snapping anything Fiss: Rolled good on your health check at least Rosettsara: I was doing some jogging, pivoted slightly on it, heard and felt a pop Fiss: oowww Ken (GM): ooooooof its always the little motions Joush M.: Ouch. I'm sorry to hear that Ken (GM): bastards Rosettsara: Said leg now regularly gets really bad charley horses every few weeks, exclusively in that spot Fiss: Yeah. = fine. Tripping over a crack in the sidewalk, though = FIBULA SNAP! Ken (GM): oh god that was just the weirdest coincidence fuckin sidewalk kumpe dup and bit ya Fiss: Yeah, I REALLY have to make sure I have enough potassium in my diet or my left leg (the one with all the bone-breaky-blood-clotty) likes to Charley Horse. Ken (GM): HOKYA Rosettsara: ...huh, same leg too Ken (GM): SO Where last we left our heroes... Fiss: my leg is made of Leg Elementals! Ian: Ian is made out of Tea Elementals Joush M.: Gotta feed 'em those potassium salts The trio had rallied against the dark wizards, and through luck and fierce daredevil determination, they prevailed. The Black Hood is maimed, and retreated with only his draconic ally. The hedge-witch Sigrun is captured and the rest of the assaulting mages destroyed where they stood with impunity. Now, in the recovering arms of the Hospital del Rose, Elysia recovers with a miraculous surgery from her devastating wound. The wizard Balthazarr brings ominous yet auspicious portents. Outside, the weather rages a dreary dread. Ken (GM): [fookin leg made out of leg] A bit of time has passed. ELysia is in recovery, rested a bit but stubbornly awake for the moment. Night has crept in and with the building secured by the OAR, men in nice jackets with large guns stand guard throughout the place. The general feeling is one of the gathering storm, and the onset of night Ian will contend with chatting with the wizard on any specifics of the growing plan. We have a rough idea where to go, how to get there and how to unlock the door....but the rest is still open. Adelaide Valerian hunts for somewhere to smoke in the hospital and looks worn. The stress of the last few days wearing away the clever masquerade that leaves her an easily overlooked functionary and revealing what is underneath. Adelaide Valerian: Tonight she looks hard and lean and dangerous, a leather holster and a pistol glimpsed under her arm and her eyes fintly and cold. She still thinks she should have killed Sigrun even as she smokes and waits to hear more about Elyssia's recovery. Elysia de Romanga still feels rather sore, but dedicates the downtime to handling some paperwork, such as going over reports of what Lady Cadence accomplished during the time of their excursion and then this hospital stay. Elysia de Romanga also ponders means which they can use to succeed at their new task: Rolling 3d6 = 14 vs 14 (Tactics) Several houses of the rebel knights bent their knee today to the Dame and her men; they inspired a bright star of old patriotism to Romanga at their appearance, and her stern demands were often seen with a generous light. She focused on the more traditional martial clubs and small priesthoods, leaving out the odd syndicalist houses. Adelaide Valerian checks in on the dam, radio station and transport hubs. The places they'd secured personally.. and encountered horrors every time. Ken (GM): good choice in upkeep; pardon the whispers As the night creeps in...Kat appears wandering the halls, looking for Adelaide Elysia de Romanga: "I just wonder if we should continue taking territory and securing loyalties before going off into the unknown, or if we're so pressed for time that we must abandon it all to go stop a demon." Ian arranges for his office to send official word of support to any groups pledging alliance to the Romanga Rebellion. Diplomatically treading carefully, but making sure to give each an air of legitimacy whenever they join our side Ian: "It's entirely up to you, your grace. But it's clear the demon and cult involved have been planning on preying on this rebellion for a while." "The success and health of the rebellion may indeed be tied to how many parasites are feeding off of it." Ian is clearly happy it's happening, but there's an undertone of cautiousness in his optimisms....he still doesn't like where the spark of this fire came from, even if it warms all the same Elysia de Romanga: "Bringing the entirety of Romanga with us to stop it would be a good way to unite us, as well as make the prospect of our defeat slimmer, but then we must consider forces like Justine, who can fell an entire landmass in an instant at will." Ian nods, not needing to say anything, he hopes, as an island may as well be next..... Elysia de Romanga: "That said...this stay has given me some ideas about the future of Romanga." Adelaide Valerian goes to the others and smiles a touch to Elysia. Reaching out to gentily pat her shoulder. "You look better. I'm glad." Elysia de Romanga: "Thanks. Sorry to worry you all. Are you two doing okay?" Ian laughs at Adelaide's compliment. Ian: "I dare say 'better' than a few hours before is rather easy to achieve so long as she isn't in the morgue." Adelaide Valerian: "I'm alright.. And.. " She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "He's right. You took a bad hit. There's no shame if you need extra time to recover." Ian nods at that Kat: "Uncle Bal told me a bit of whats been happening; you defeated a cult wizard?" Ian: [awwwwww] Katherine enters the room with childlike enthusiasm, slipping right up to Adelaide in a crushing hug, even as shes gushing to Elysia kat: "And you're a now! Thats amazing!" Kat: "Am I a princess now?" Elysia de Romanga: "Ah, uh...thanks. Nice to see you." Ian smiles at the young girl's enthusiasm and makes a mental note to get the girl some fancy official princess documentation once things calm down Elysia de Romanga: "We've got more cult wizards to go, but it's definitely a start." Kat: "Wooooooow!" "I am soooooo sick of playing chess with Sanctum. He plays silly. Once you learn his tell its always checkmate in three..." Elysia de Romanga: "This really has been an eye-opener though... I may be a symbol to unite the country, but having such a single point of failure will only ensure that our Romanga will inevitably fall again eventually. I have some ideas about what to do about that. But that's not important right now." Elysia de Romanga smiles. "You're outmaneuvering old wizards already? You're going to be a fine Princess." Kat: "Also, did you know, wizards can eat whatever they want and not get ?! Ive been having steak and pudding for days and Uncle Bal tells me its no worse than porridge and greens!" Kat bubbles with an energy youve never really seen. Her defensive mousy quiet is gone Ian pats his stomach in jealousy, but goes to get more tea Adelaide Valerian turns, shocked at that. Eyes wide, blinking to her.. then caught, stareing a moment before she stares at her with magic sight.. then makes a sound like oof and hugs her back. Embracing the girl very carefully. "That's.. you were having fun then. And safe there. THere's still people out here after you.. and you are a Duchess, it's like a princess but better. How did you get here?" Adelaide Valerian tries to keep up with her wild energy even as worry and pleasure at seeing the girl fight. Her embrace as protective as it is tender. Kat: "Oh, Uncle Bal showed me the portal room right away. I followed him over when he slipped out" a tiara!" Elysia de Romanga: "Well, once we fix Romanga, I don't see why you couldn't have a crown or tiara. Whether your guardian would like you to wear one in public though is up to her." Adelaide Valerian would question anyone else. Examine them. Poke and prod until she was satisfied it's the real thing. Kat's a weakness to her however, and she just sighs and smiles and tries to keep up. "Don't just.. portal places. Magic is dangerous. You get a ductal crown. Your mother thought it was very pretty and good to display because it's also about six and a half pounds. You have several nice, pretty tiaria that weigh less then five ounces too. Much more pratical." Elysia de Romanga takes this time to write something down, and seals it in an envelope, intending it for Ian when he returns. Kat is beaming in the conversation, even with the chide against freely revealing herself. She smiles warmly between her Queen and her Protector. Ian knocks as he passes by the room Ian: "Ladies, just a heads up, I'm investigating a gathering outside. Adelaide, if you hear shots, I wouldn't mind some assistance." Elysia de Romanga: "Ah...here we go again." Ian: "Could be nothing, could even be excited faithful citizens. Will let you know." Ian 's smile is easy, but he hurries with his coat nonetheless Adelaide Valerian nods after a moment and very slowly draws from Kat. Leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Duchess Willow Katherine FIllian, I want you to stay here and keep guard of Elysia. Make sure she follows doctor's orders. I'm going to go with Ian. I'll be right back. I promise." Elysia de Romanga starts to rise out of bed, coughing a little Outside in the murk and gloom of the thick rain, an obvious and overt gathering of people in rain slick cloaks and red scarves have made their way accross the square before the Hospital. Their shapes are muddled in the night and rain, but they each carry a light of some kind tinted red; lamps with scarves, torches or candles, and flashlights with lenses. Each held to the breast with concern for the deluge of rain Kat looks shocked and elated, and tries to put a hand on Elysia's shoulders when she tries to rise "Oh god, you've been hurt!" Ian meets up with the guards and reintroduces Miss Valerian to them, advising them to stay as backup only, otherwise their top priority is the hospital Elysia de Romanga ceases when Kat jumps into action, however Elysia de Romanga: "Guess it's not time for me to get back into action yet." Adelaide Valerian goes with Ian, pulling on a wool overcoat on the way and the lacey mask. "Gentlemen." She greets the guard, then looks to Ian. "How do you want to play this?" Kat is stuck between pride at doing exactly what she was told, and blushing fearful shame at having stopped 'her queen' Ian regards the crowd for a moment Ian: How many are there, roughly? Elysia de Romanga: "The cult wizards were pretty sneaky, and I don't have powers other than my willpower to fend them off with." The guards nod their assent and look grimly out the windows at the night with uncertain gazes. "Sir, they havent made any move, but we can't tell why they're here. Some of them could be armed, Sir, Ma'am" Rolling 3d6 = 13 vs 13 Ian: eh, fail tactics by 1 rough common sense guesses only I guess The crowd seems to ring the square, tucked in doorframes, alleyways and streets alike in a perimeter round the place. In the windows of nearby buildings, onlookers sense the activity and here and there, more candles reach windowsills Adelaide Valerian speaks softly. "I don't see anything out of the ordinary. They seem calm enough that in the old days I'd think this was a normal vigil for the injured." Ian: Candles and worry for the rain give me the general impression of a non-hostile group, so he'll nod at Adelaide's observation. "Let's go meet them then. Even if they're here in good spirits it's dangerous to be such a target for....well....anyone who might not want this revolution to continue." Ian tucks his collar and walks out into the rain Ian also is curious who blabbed that Royalty is here.... Adelaide Valerian goes to meet them. Breathing. Schooling her features back into something calm. Trying to release enough tension in her body to again seem a harmless libararian. Ian: "One of these days, dear lady, you'll have to give me some acting tips....I thought myself rather good but you clearly could teach me something." Ian puts on his best 'fuddled old man' look Ken (GM): [sorry, back, had a pot boil over for a sec there] hah, nice Ian: [dang it ain't even 4:20 yet] Ken (GM): 'fuddled old man look' Ian will lean into the act long before they get to the crowd Ian: "I say, this rain...this rain! I'm too old for this...." Adelaide Valerian: "Give people a story they can figure out easily and they will imagine they've uncovered the truth." The night is crisply cool with the diving down off the high hills and the lonely mountain with a shock of rain plowing in a heavy charge. Water runs off you in rivulets and exposes your breachable defenses in seconds. Outside, your breath mists where is isnt washed out by the wind and rain. Ahead, the vigil goers ripple as you appear, a visible excitment moving out through the crowd, even without distinct faces Ian will look for any front-line leaders Adelaide Valerian looks for little old ladies with a kettle or thermos bottle of tea. They always seem to know what is going on at these things. Ian: [gasp, of course...follow the tea....obtain leader] ;p As you stride out, a man strides to meet you from the crowd. He is met by three others, each carrying a torch or lantern of a kind, all red. Each of them wear red scarves over their lower faces, and as they cross the open square the dreary forms materialize into men in suitjackets and uniforms of the rebel houses. One wearing a red sash adorned with a bright golden cog The four men seem to jockey a bit for position as they walk up to you, and a small hurrying of movement between them, punctuated with a hushing motion from the first man, seems to settle the childish commotion Ian looks over the men and smiles with a shiver Ian: "Interesting night for a stroll, gents and ladies..." The lead man raises his head and speaks "Hail, milord! We represent the combined Syndicalists of Romanga, and we are here to negoti-" and he is immediatley cutoff by one man, the sash and gold cog man, shouting "THE WORKERS SHALL THROW OFF THE INQUISITOR TYRANTS!" All three other men back off a step. One shakes his head and mutters "Damnit Steve" Ian shoots the man shouting a look. Not entirely unkind, but a look of disapproval nonetheless A murmuring rumbles through the crowd around you Ian: "Steve, is it? Might I remind you that you are an...ear shot....away from a hospital where many people are resting. Perhaps even mortally so." Adelaide Valerian nods in agreement with Ian and stands supportively at the diplomat's elbow. "I understand, it's a time of upheaval and you want to make sure your voices are heard, but please. This is a time and place for peace and rest." The man, Steve, stares at Ian and then Adelaide with a fearful zeal in his eyes, his lower face obscured in a fine silk mask. Through the murk, you see him blush childishly, and step back, muttering "Sorry" Ian smiles politely, then turns to the lead Syndicalist Ian: "The support, of course, is quite vital....but I must ask why you're all out here tonight?" The men shuffle and stand a bit taller, staring with what might look like brave faces in the rain. One of them even dares to eyeball Adelaide a bit. LeadSyndie: "We stand here tonight in support of the Queen, and in petition to find her support in these trying times. The wheel of fate turns and we wish to be the rising cog, not the downturned muck" LaedSyndie: "We represent the primary workers guilds of the lands of Romanga. The former Smith-Adams firearms company" "The steel workers union of fellows, the combined bookers, beekepers and vintners of romanga, and Steve here leads the Transport Union and Bicycling club of lower Silisia" Ian blinks, his look becoming brighter and brighter Adelaide Valerian: "Of course. If you have a statement of position by the Syndicates, we'd be happy to deliver it. I can't speak for the Queen of course, but I promise she understands the vitally important work of syndicates and the courage it takes for them to keep the infrastructure of the city we all depend on working in such hard times. Thank you." She stops and looks to Ian. "I mean.. if that's okay with you, Sir?" Ian nods quickly Rolling 3d6 = 10 vs 12 on Politics to remember if the Bicycling club is important. Each of the other syndicalist leaders just stare at Steve. There is a quiet cough in the silence that follows Ian smiles at Steve and nods Ian: "Indeed. And the Queen is proud of all true citizens coming to her now. I don't mean to be a ..... wet blanket, but she is resting at the moment, though. But I would demand nothing less than to ensure we can satisfy your trek to pledge yourselves to her side." Ian pauses and shrugs at Adelaide Ken (GM): kek wet blanket Ian: "The Queen would, I'm sure, be very happy to know of the events here. Perhaps we can arrange something for the morning?" Adelaide Valerian is honestly glad that the teamster leader is a bicycle loving werido. A sharp operator in Steve's position could be a pain. "Nothing moves without the Transport Union. We are very thankful for your work. If there is anything you need.." She has to cudgel her tired brain a moment, but manages to take out a notepad and write down a name and number. "The current office of infrastructure and transport is an ad-hoc affair, but should be able to work with you." She nods to the others. "Do you have a public statement or letter for the queen we could take to her?" Smith: -Adams "We would venture to stand by her side, at this moment. We respect the need for the Lady's recouperation, but we must insist . It is not just her need, but the need of Romanga. Von Marburg's hesitation is enough evidence a this loosening grasp of the country now. We can stand firm with the true Queen, and spit in his eye this night" Ian steps over to Adelaide Ian: (quietly to her) "I know....she's....recovering. But I think she might have our heads if we don't tell her about this and give her a chance to rally the masses." Ken (GM): [to clarify, SMith-Adams being the Lead Syndicalist who stepped up. Fucking text parsing in Roll20] Ian: Does the hospital have a place where she might address a small crowd Pope-Style? Ken (GM): [oh there is definitley a marble column hall in the main entrance, with beautiful paintings and polished floors. Traditional Galician empire design here] Adelaide Valerian is tempted to shoot the man and ask if anyone else wants to insist on things. She breathes deep and nods. "We could bring them inside and she could speak to them a moment, but she really does need her sleep. I'm not sure if she is up to a speach.. but I suppose it's her choice." Ian nods Ian: "I'll collect the names and unions and whatever else...you speak to the Queen and at least get a statement for them." Ian offers to take the notepad The leader beams happily, and helps you take down the flourishing titles of the four syndicalist guilds-cum-unions Ian chats up the union/guild/syndicalst leaders, promising nothing but ensuring that he gives each of them a card for the embassy as well, ensuring follow up info is exchanged for beyond the night Adelaide Valerian gives Ian the notepad and goes inside to speak with the little queen. She grumps. "It's the Syndi. They want to talk to you. Get a picture for the papers too, I'm sure. They are important, but I can tell them to fuck off until you summon them if you like." Ken (GM): DIPLOMACY or FAST TALK IAN Ian: oh it be some Fast Talk tonight: I'm not trying to fuck with them, just temper their expectations about literally meeting royalty immediately Ian stalls the demanding visitors while Adelaide relays the message and gets the situation to include the Queen. There are four of them and one of him. Nobody is insulted, yet, but time wane son Ken (GM): wanes on [jesus, my typing today] Adelaide Valerian nods to Elysia. "I'm okay. I'll do my best." Elysia de Romanga: "Without showing yourself to danger, could you get me upright without rupturing my organs, Kat?" Ken (GM): [oh lawd] Kat beams, then falters, then uneasily steps up to help her Queen, nervously but quickly Adelaide Valerian blinks. "Wait, what? That's your plan?" Elysia de Romanga turns to Adelaide next. "And could I ask you to place...some kind of protective force in front of me, so that any would-be snipers or other agents provocateurs are deterred?" Elysia de Romanga: "Just so long as I can get into a wheelchair or something, I want to show my face to the crowds for a few minutes. Can the both of you manage that?" Adelaide Valerian shakes her head at the girl and wants to strangle her a moment, but takes a breath and nods. "Alright, I'll keep guard and you can talk for a few minutes. You need your rest though. Let's show them they still have a queen." Kat beams and snaps her fingers "I can do that!" Elysia de Romanga: "i'm not going anywhere except a short distance from this bed, unless another cataclysm forces me to." She gets Elysia into a wheelchair, and then flourishes her hands; a wheel of blue appears in the air before her, that quickly shimmers and twists, turning gold and spinning rapidly Kat: "Watch this!" and she shoves the magic at Elysia Around you, lights dim and flicker, and various electrical items throw sparks into the air Elysia de Romanga: "Huh..." Out in the hall, someone's radio squeals then sounds like it exploded Adelaide Valerian gasp at the raw amount of magic in the room. Eyes wide as she waits to see what it will do. From outside, the spectacle of the display showers the square in a flourish of sparking electrical displays as exterior lights burst. The crowd notices, and murmurs Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs 10 The magic slip of light disappears into Elysia, and she immediately is wracked with something like a spastic seizure The stapled stitches in her gut alight with sparks and a burst of small blue flame and shoot out of her skin like little darts of light Her sutured wound, a foot long on her stomach, sears with a golden light that emanates from underneath her skin like a watchtower beam And then SNAP Adelaide Valerian gasp and steps forward then stops herself before she risk innterupting or damaging the spell. It's still a shock. It all dies away and a sizzling noise is in the air. Elysia is left gasping for air in the wheelchair, her shirt burned away from where her wound looks to have disappeared hurt, werent you?" All around, the lights come back up outside, the crowd mutters loudly, and the men up front with Ian are uneasy "What is the meaning of this?" and "Oh no the Queen!" is thrown around Ian tries to mitigate the worries Ian: "Sadly, the hospital had a bit of a lightning issue earlier. Not to worry, the Queen is in a safe location." Adelaide Valerian lets Ian handle that as she goes to check on Elysia, checking her pluse and examining her wound. "Kat, get her another shirt." What wound? Elysia de Romanga blinks and feels around where the wounds had been Adelaide Valerian trails her fingers over Elysia's skin. Testing, feeling for any tenderness or tight areas where there might be internal bleeding or bad swelling. "Well.. it seems you aren't hurt. How do you feel?" Elysia de Romanga: "More alive than i've ever been." Elysia de Romanga is still in shock Kat gives her a shirt while wearing a coy smirk herself. She inspects her nails on one hand and nails the corny line "You're welcom, my Queen. Gald I could help" She winks at Adelaide Elysia de Romanga: "What the...so those powers can be used for healing rather than just destruction?" Elysia de Romanga looks at Kat in disbelief before trying to stand up Adelaide Valerian: "That was remarkable. I would have never imagined such a thing is possble.. but are you okay Kat? That was a LOT of power." Kat: "Oh, me? I'm fine, just fine. I've been reading up in the Library, back in the Sanctum? You can use all sort of powers by tapping into something called The Firmament, and just step around that whole conservation of energy requirement in the spells." Elysia de Romanga would then try to take Kat's hand. "You are...incredible. I owe you a lot. More than I can ever hope to repay, but...I will try!" Kat: "I mean, the field is all around us, why not just tap into it and use whats there, right?" There is a genuine tingle and spark as their hands connect. Kat is taken up in Elysia's excited hands and is startled at her grip Kat: "Of course! Elysia, you're the rightful Queen, I would do anything to help!" Elysia de Romanga just keeps looking back and forth between her former wound site and Kat. "Uh..er...huh..." Kat: "Yeha here, shirt. Get dressed, and you can go see the visitors yeah?" Elysia de Romanga: "Y-yeah. That's true." Adelaide Valerian tilts her head. "You are.. drawing power from -somewhere-. Something with a lot of energy. I don't understand where though.." Adelaide Valerian pats Kat's hair. "You have to explain this to me. I imagine Balthazar can help. For now, let's get the queen ready and do her makeup." Elysia de Romanga regains her composure somewhat as her pending speech still looms Kat: "Yeah its called the Firmament or something" she makes a gesture in the air, and a little symbol alights on the back of her hand. A pyramid and some elaborate swirls on the base of it Ian: [Balthazar = best babysitter: "Here's your kid back, now she knows magic! Oh and a tattoo!"] Elysia de Romanga get re-dressed and looking at least a little respectable Ken (GM): ["yeah I just left her to her own devices. I kept the big guns under lock and key tho, she's just taught herself how to unlock the door of SOlomon, I think" Elysia dresses and is prepared. She stands tall, energized by something unseen. Everything falls into place, and outside, the rain thunders... Ken (GM): so, downstairs and a meeting? Ian: [completely not knowing the dramatic health improvements] Elysia de Romanga does indeed head down to address the people Ian begins to talk to the leaders of the group and pretty much threatens them to behave or he will personally see to it that they are physically removed Adelaide Valerian bites her tonuge and reminds herself to kill a wizard later as she escorts Elysia. Getting her ready the best she can. Outside, the air is electric with more than just the storm. Above, the clouds stir and rumble, lightning flashing between clouds in colors seen mostly in the Roil. The rain lessens and the deluge slows, but is still icy cold water Ian: "We spent the evening ridding the city of a particularly vile group of cultists. I won't go into the gorey details, but needless to say your Queen may not be able to meet with you for long, and I want you all to have as smooth of a time as possible. I will not accept rabble." Adelaide Valerian gets Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs 13 on Makeup, then holds the umbrella for her. Ken (GM): kek, NICE rouge, lipstick, and touchups to accentuate the bad lighting. Amazing what a minute of prep can translate to Elysia steps out of the building into the open air of the square like a goddess descending from olympus. The crowd dies down to a hush around you, and the leaders stare with naked fascination. Above, the wind dies and stirs the clouds in a swirl through the sky of black. Purple and green flash in the distance as she shows her face Steve: "Whoa" Ian looks back and has to do a double take, then wonders if there's illusionary magics at play Elysia de Romanga clears her throat. "Thank you for coming here today! Your dedication to Romanga is astounding, and very welcome indeed. I understand that what I, a Monarch, represent is not the most ideal figure. However, I would only ask that you fight for Romanga and I do, so that we may build something better once we are all freed from the oppression of the Galicians, as well as the dangers posed by dark forces conspiring to destroy us entirely." Thunder above crackles in coincidental punctuation of her words! Elysia de Romanga looks more self-assured. "Our hearts beat and bleed as one people, so I will ensure your voice is heard, as no Romangan should be without a voice, no Romangan should be deafened or silenced by the cacophony of war and darkness!" The crowd steps forward almost in unison, torches held high and a shout on their lips impossibly coordinated "Romanga! Romanga!" Thunder rolls, and Elysia is echoed by the storm! Elysia de Romanga hands Ian the letter she wrote earlier, whispering to him. "Make sure to read it when things are a bit more quiet." Ian tucks it away with practiced fingers, making sure to stay out of her limelight Adelaide Valerian stands at her shoulder holding the umbrella and respectfully listens to the speach, just a shadow as Elysia takes center stage. "You did well." Elysia de Romanga blushes a little. "I try." Elysia de Romanga addresses the crowd again. "There's a lot of work ahead, but we Romangans can handle it. We've endured so much at the hands of so many bad actors, who else but we are able to conquer the darkness that has been trying to consume every last bit of our hearts and soul? We understand it better than anyone. Please lend me your power so that we may bring some light to this troubled land." In an ominous show, the crowd gathered here, the people in their open windows ignoring the rain, the guard sin the grounds and halls nearby all shout out in unison "We lend you our power! Oh Queen! Oh Elysia!" Thunder crackles Lightning sparks Adelaide Valerian feels.. something. Like there's magic in the air. Watching the power they lend them and feeling it's literal power. Watching with bright eyes. The lightning slams down into the square, crackling overhead in a display through the air just over your heads, through the rooftops and the rain, dancing on umbrella tops and licking at lampposts! Violet, green, bright azure blue! SNAP, CRACKLE! KAshoom! The crowd is unfazed, and CHEERS Adelaide Valerian shakes off the stunning concussion and stares at the storm, the crouad, the wild energy before she speaks to Elyssia. "We should end this before someone gets hurt." Ian shoots a nod at Adelaide Kat giggle sin childlike glee, and gives little yelps of surprise when the lightning strikes Ian turns to the Queen Ian: "With your permission, your Majesty, I think we should retire the crowd before the storm continues." Elysia de Romanga: "Now, is a good time to rest, and get out of the rain. I wouldn't want any of you to end up ill." The crackling display dissipates as quickly as it appeareed. The crowd grumbles, in a reticent way, unhappy to be deprived of their glorious queen. In a telling way, the four leaders of the unions loudly bemoan at the word of her leave, but at the gaze of her eye, they step back and bow, bending at the hip in unison. LIke dancers in a show. "My queen" they say together, and even Steve gracefully have your leave Ken (GM): spoopy Elysia de Romanga lowers her voice so the crowd cannot hear. "How eerie...was someone manipulating this?" Ian smirks, but it is short lived. Ian: "That's what the Cult wants." "Your power plus theirs would be beyond terrifying." Elysia de Romanga: "Too bad for them." Elysia de Romanga smirks at him. "Let me know what you think." Elysia de Romanga goes back inside for the time being. Ian supervises the crowd, following up with the leaders and making sure everyone leaves safely, then before he heads back in will take a peek at the letter Like a curtain closed over a dark stage, with her exit, the weather resumes it's downpour of cold rain. The thunder and lightning dissipate and fly off for darker skies. The crowd disperses into the streets in all directions Adelaide Valerian considers a moment and nods. "I think.. something was happening. LIke it was a show put on. I don't like how little I know or understand about it. I need to talk to Balthazar." Elysia de Romanga "Thank you, Adelaide. I think it's probably time for Kat to go back to the sanctuary now anyways." Kat wilts, and sullenly follows inside with a pout on her lips Elysia de Romanga: "You've done great tonight, hold your head high and proud." Like a switch flipped, she smiles and a bounce hits her step Adelaide Valerian reaches out to Kat and pats her hair. "I'm happy to see you. I missed you.. it's just the cult. They are still active, and seem able to show up anywhere." Elysia de Romanga: "I will make sure your gift does not go to waste." Ken (GM): [ominous whispers FYI] Adelaide Valerian pales and frowns as she looks at Kat, then leans in closer. Feeling her forehead as if examineing for a feaver and speaking softly. "huhhmm.." Adelaide stops in the hall with Kat, and examines her closely. Brow to brow, scrutinizing. Her Gauntlet flares with small flashes of blue and the spectre of the duchess speaks in her ear as her attention is called Something is happening Adelaide Valerian releases and swallows hard. Hand closing, drawing the Duchess back from the mark on Kat's hand and speaking softly. "We need to talk to Balthazar and Malchior. Now." Ian spends a moment staring at the paper, then folds it away as he watches the rain fall for a while Elysia de Romanga: "Very well; let's get going." Ian comes back inside to dry off....I assume he sees commotion? Ken (GM): [oh yeah, the crowd shuffles off, everyone in a surprisingly compliant mood, but youre there with the others in moments distracting letters aside Elysia de Romanga gets a car prepared and gets a working phone as well, if she can Inside is quiet now, the rain outside reduced to white noise that patters at the sills but loans a muffled cottony din to the world. The hall you stand in, dark for the night but lit functionally so you can be alone in the shadows with the guard at a distance. Ken (GM): kek, describe the room, get the motive to leave GM timing The OAR men can summon whatever you require at your word "My Lady, are you sure, you have just come out of surgery..." and the man addressing the silly question sees the woman before him dressed to kill. Ken (GM): car back to the OAR office and Melchiore right away? Elysia de Romanga leaves it up to Adelaide to decide whether they go to the OAR or the Sanctuary first Adelaide Valerian: "OAR office, no questions. This is priority one right now." She tells the man, keeping close to Kat. Ken (GM): [Melchiore at the OR has a direct line to the man with his Crystal ball, I will remind] well thats that Elysia de Romanga stays close to Kat as well, trusting in Adelaide's judgement and hunches The aircar is summoned, and the general order is sent through the ranks. Red Eagle is on the move Ken (GM): point of order from the guard; the prisoner, maintain her at the hospital, or does she move with the queen to OAR HQ? Elysia de Romanga: Kept isolated, hidden, and sedated if possible until our return. Ian: "Did you want me to stay with the....witch?" Joush M.: it's best Elysia makes that choice. Asked right now Adelaid would likely have her sent for cremation Ken (GM): "Just down the fucking garbage chute to the furnace, sir" kek Ian: [lol] Elysia de Romanga: Guards making sure that if anything even slightly suspicious happens anywhere near her vicinity, it will be known. Rather than risking radios going out, the plan is to make regular radio check-ins with code/pass phrases. If a regular check-in is missed, that in itself will be taken as a sign that something is wrong and the prisoner is compromised. Ken (GM): gotcha alpha black priority Elysia de Romanga: (So a lack of radio contact will be a signal, rather than someone radioing in to tell us something went wrong) Elysia de Romanga looks to Ian. "Are you sire you want to?" Adelaide Valerian: "She's not important. Come with us. You might be able to help with.. this." Ian nods Ian: "Then I'm with you. I'll advise the guards." Ian does so Ken (GM): guards are 1005 on your orders, and the transport is summoned. the hospital mills like a kicked anthill within five minutes, youre in the air and the rain on your way in the sleek black OAR vehicle, and one of your best men is at the stick. Kat is agog at the activity and happy to go The aircar slips through the rain like a greased otter downstream in rapids; the driver is an old hand at speed and preciscion and is happy to oblidge the order of "at utmost haste" to return to the office. Outside the storm still rumbles, but the weirdness of it is gone now, only mundane grumbles in the sky The OAR office looms ahead, a bright eagle of the office on the door, and it shines like a beacon in teh gloom with white walls and sharp dressed uniforms at the doors Landing on the roof, the guard ushers at the door motion you in through the rain "Master Melchiore is waiting your return, my Lady, in the main boardroom." He half-shouts over the rain Ken (GM): [straight to?] Elysia de Romanga: (indeed!) A final flash of lightning streaks on the sky as you step quickly down from the roof to the boardroom. Inside, the familiar scent of old wood and smoke hits the air as your wet cloaks drip to the floorboards. Melchiore sits with his hands steepled at the head of the table. Standing aside him is Balthazarr in his beaten breastplate and ancient cloak, his disguise gone. Balthazarr: "What have you done, this night? There has been a working done in my leave" Elysia de Romanga: "I asked her to heal my wounds. I assume there is a drawback to this request?" Adelaide Valerian goes back and looks to Balthazarr, suprised to see him there and studying him. "You were supposed to be watching Kat. Do you recongize this mark?" She ask. "Kat, show him." Balthazarr: "Is that she did? The entirety of her spell? I would think not, the stirrings in the weave of things are too prominent, too thick in the air" The wizard and Adelaide speak over each other a moment, but then he stops and simply stares at the girls ahnd, and the golden mark on her skin there Balthazar: "I....was.... she was watched, and then, when she appeared with you I assumed her safety. I am sorry, my lady, for the lapse in my judgement" Balthazarr: "That mark is auspicious...." Adelaide Valerian: "It's a binding to -something-. She calls it the Ferminent.. I'm sorry Kat. I'm not mad at you." Melchiore is still as a statue. When the Wizard speaks, you see his hands grip tighter in a steeple... Balthazarr: "The Firmament is not something that can eb bound and leashed like a demon or imp...it's..." " Elysia de Romanga listens, leaning against a nearby wall Adelaide Valerian briefly considers shooting Balthazar. Not in the head. She still needs him. But he has so many toes and the loss of one might focus his mind. Ian watches the tensions shifting in the room, otherwise staying out of clearly magical weirdness he has no say in Kat is standing very still, and very quiet. Aside from Adelaide holding up her hand, she is as small and unnoticible as possible right now Kat: "I found an old book. The Fundamentals of Artifice. It was in Galician, and it was easy to read. I just, followed the diagrams, used the stencils and the stylus you left out. I took some of the blue ink, and it all just....worked....so easily" "And then I taught myself the Dwarven runes, with the spell. And I could read the tablets" "And the tablets made more sense...once I looked into the obelisk...." "And then I spoke with the Caretakers" Balthazarr starts, and takes a step back at that name. he audibly gasps Balthazarr: "I....I...." he stammers, looking to Elysia and Adelaide each, unable to form a sentence that could explain the magnitude of what he has to say Elysia de Romanga: "out with it while Adelaide still feels like letting you keep your tongue." Balthazarr: "She...is bound...to the service of the Eternals. The Caretakers. Demons of immense power over the Firmament of our world. She has opened a door into their kingdom and now....they have a conduit into our world" Adelaide Valerian: "Okay. How do you fix that?" Adelaide Valerian seems to be considering if they'd accecpt a gift-wrapped Balthazarr in return for releasing Kat. Balthazarr: "She is bound to their service, until the time when they restore the Grand Order to the Universe. Or until they release her from their service. She is " Adelaide Valerian: "And you just left that book where she could find it." Elysia de Romanga: "And...how does one get released from their service?" Balthazarr: "Death, My Lady... the only other option would be her death" Thunder rolls, and light dances in the faraway sky. The little girl trembles, and stares at the mark on her hand, the gravity of her power, and the full weight of the fate before her Dun Dun DUNNNNNNNNN Joush M.: Next time, we open with everyone else pulling Addy off of Balthazar. Fiss: Still, not the WORST babysitter ever.... Ken (GM): right? Fiss: .... barely lol Ken (GM): I am impressed she hasnt drawn down on him yet! Fiss: Why use a gun when she has MIND BULLETS?! Rosettsara: What's worse? Knowing someone wants you dead but predictably does it immediately....or someone who wants you dead but you have no idea when or where it's going to happen? Fiss: lol Ken (GM): :O ooooooooh Joush M.: Malichor : "Oh, no. She didn't sell her soul to satan. This is more like.. 7th dimensional hyper satan." Ken (GM): thats COLD and I love it allrighty thats 4xp easy next week, some kind of deadly cold retribution from miracle healed Elysia and the FURIOSA of Adelaide I love it Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ Joush M.: Thank you! Good game and can't wait for next time Ken (GM): YW of course! thank you for playing along with the madness Fiss: Well, I mean, if you gotta sell your soul, may as well make sure you're getting the BEST Satans ;p "MEGA SATAN 9001" Hehe, yeah, fun session man. Ken (GM): "downloading sins" "all sins downloaded" brothers and sisters are you Rosettsara: Indeed Ken (GM): well shit I suppose I should PREPARE MY BUTTS Fiss: Ian: Ken (GM): oh please this is port CITY city emPHASis on the right syLAble Ian: Ken (GM): kek Fiss: P.P. A.: Looks like the new script isn't even needed unless the map is not supposed to be black Also, hello Ian: 'Ello! Joush M.: Welcome back P.P. A.: \o Rosettsara: Welcome~ Ken (GM): PPA, can you see shit now? P.P. A.: Yes Ken (GM): huzzah, yeah, visibility was al SO WITHOUT P.P. A.: Fancy tricorne Ken (GM): FURTHER ADO, WE WELCOME OUR OLD GOOD FRIEND AND ONCE AGAIN Where last we left our heroes The night was thick with rain and the occasional receding rumble of thunder, as the collected leadership of Romanga stood witness in the OAR conference room, to a litany of dark portents The day was a flurry of activity. Allied solidified for the foundling Queen, knights sworn fealty from distant shores, Dames returned and plans laid best...and yet it nearly ended in terrible tragedy. The woman, Elysia, nearly struck down in a terrible battle, and now healed miraculously by magics not yet seen in this world or another. Powers invested by a girl, her blood, her kin...and the inherent betrayal of their purpose brought to light by their once-ally the Wizard Balthazarr. Rain still drips from your cloaks, not yet fully shed from the weather in this quiet and smoke-scented place. The patter of droplets on wooden floors and furniture the only punctuation to pregnant silence. A ballooning dread rising from the fearful utterances of the Wizard, and the baleful stares of Melchiore. Elysia de Romanga: "...And what is the relationship between these...Caretakers and the Cult we're dealing with? And the Collective?" Melchiore: "The Collective, it seems, are some sort of machine-men headed by our prisoner downstairs. Some sort of horrible science secreting away devices in bodies." Balthazarr: "Yes, and the Caretakers, the Eternals, are much more than men. Demons, elemental spirits of the bones of the world. I doubt highly they were in league...." Melchiore is a rigid statue of anger, the flush of it on his neck and highlighting crisscrossing scars below his collar. Balthazarr is a withered shell of fear. His naked anguish on his face as he stares blankly to the girl who was in his care Elysia de Romanga: "Can ownership of this...contract be transferred to another, freeing the original from that haunting obligation?" Adelaide Valerian scrambles onto the table as they explain, moving across it to grab Balthazar by the collar and punch him in the face. Hot, wild, and likely pointless anger demanding action. "You were watching her! I trusted you!" The room's silcence shattered in an explosion of aciton! Adelaide Valerian: From where she kneels on the table she speaks to Elysia. "Yes! Let's see if they'd take a used wizard instead." Elysia de Romanga does nothing to stop it The wizard lifts his hands, as she strikes, but doesnt bend to defend himself. He first blow lands openly and HARD with a resounding SMAK in the muffled room Ian watches on. He's out of mercy tonight, and instead just grips the head of his cane with badly hidden fury. Balthazarr takes the hit openly, and shame casts a dark cloud on his face. He simply says "please" in a weak voice P.P. A.: [Somewhere off the stage, Lizzie's shout of “I told you about wizards!” is met with nods and cheers from GrimWyrd's party and some of GW2's] Adelaide Valerian nearly bloodies her hand striking him. Kneeling on the table over him and pulling his collar hard. "Tell me some way to fix this! Some sacrifice to make!" Ken (GM): [Bomreks even more distant voice shouting "fekkin wizarrrrrrds!"] Balthazarr 's still body simply dips its head, averting his gaze Fiss: [fuckin elve....I mean....Wizards!] Elysia de Romanga: "You'd better answer her." Melchiore: "Enough, Miss Adelaide. Or I will have you restrained" "There will be no quick thoughtless revenge, here or now." Ian harumphs, mostly to himself Adelaide Valerian doesn't look away from the grief-stricken face of Balthazzar as she lifts her other hand. Blindly gesturing behind her to grab a heavy cabinet and drag it into the air with ghostly light, then smash it into splinters on the wall with a sound like the thunder outside. "If I'd lost control I'd have shot him. Wizards are tough, but they die like anyone else when you put six into them at point blank range." Fine ancient wood splinters and crumbles in the magic grip. Melchiore grimaces Ian makes a quiet mental note to reimburse the hospital with a donation from his personal accounts Ken (GM): *OAR offices. Y'all lef tthe hospital behind Ian: * oops Ken (GM): unless thats subtle shade against Mel :V Ian lets Mel pick up the tab Ian: XD Adelaide Valerian hopes it was expensive Elysia de Romanga: "Right. Enough sniveling, Balthazzar. Let's hear some answers, no matter how unpleasant it may be." Balthazarr: "I... do not have...a ready answer. I see the transgression but not the weight of scales required to reverse it..." "I would consult the archives, seek the tablet she worked, the space she did her Doing" Elysia de Romanga: "Should be easy enough since they were lying around in the open." The verbal barb stinks like an open handed slap Adelaide Valerian scrubs at her face with the back of one hand as mascara runs a little and draws sooty lines on her face before she pulls herself back. Sitting on the table and nodding at last. "Do it. Tell me the moment you know more." The wizard doesnt dare meet her gaze. He nods at the floor Elysia de Romanga looks to her adoptive father. "Ensure that he doesn't trip over himself and accidentally sink our island while he's at it." Ian harumphs with a bit of dark humour at that Melchiore meets her gaze levelly, but nods as he speaks "My Queen" Elysia de Romanga turns to Kat and then the others. "I think her hiding spot is now no longer safe. And the Cult now seems to think i'm their 'Dark Queen' instead of her. Shall we bring her with us, or keep her safe someplace else?" The young girl, Kat-or-willow, looks up from her clutched hands to her Queen. She has a sadness there that belies her magic subterfuge. Something more defeated Ian: "Safety is a very...fluid concept...at the moment, but of course there is the OAR offices or the Embassy if you feel it wise." Adelaide Valerian climbs off the table. There is no graceful way to do it so she just gathers herself and moves to Kat. Reaching out to collect her close. Just holding her a moment. "Right. Embassy." Ian nods and smiles at Kat Ian: "I think you'll like Miss Debbie. She makes the most amazing snacks." Kat: "But...but....I don't Ian 's smile sputters out and he stands Elysia de Romanga: "You did nothing wrong." Adelaide Valerian: "It's not forever. We will figure things out." She promises softly. "Things are going to be okay." Elysia de Romanga: "A certain buffoon left out a powder keg out in the open after giving you some lit matches." Kat: "I SOLD MY SOUL!.... The room is filled with the anguished cries of a confused and betrayed little girl. He facade of bravado dying way to the childish fear and terror gripping her Balthazarr , in the eaves, pauses and looks with a sorrow Elysia de Romanga: "And we're gonna save you from it. The new lease on life you gave me wasn't for nothing." Ian nods at that Kat: "y-y-y-you dont KNOW that! You cant know that, none of you are wizards, or withces, or sorcerers or ANTHING" Adelaide Valerian: "We won't stop until we've fixed it. I promise. I'm here. You know I won't let them hurt you." She promises weakly as she holds the girl. Elysia de Romanga grins confidently."Who the hell do you think we are? We've already fought off 'impossible' things by the dozen. What's another?" Ian chuckles Kat chokes down the sobs, with a small attempt at smiling at the show of Elysia's bravado. She hugs Adeliade back in that as-strong-as-I-can way Ian: "We may not be wizards, but we know firmly of the soul. None of us would be daring any of this if we thought each soul wasn't worth fighting for." Balthazarr: "You have my word, child. I will rectify this. It is my duty, and my purpose from this day forth" Ian smiles brightly at that, mostly for show but nods to Balthazarr Ian: "Yes. Yes he will." From the dark of the far of the room, he lifts his head, meeting Kats teary face, and levelling brave eyes to Adelaide and Elysia each as well. The wizard places a hand on the mantlepiece of the fireplace on the wall, and like ink to water, you see him slip into the stones of it. A shadow amongst the bones of earth, up and away without a sound Elysia de Romanga: "I'll arrange us transport to the Embassy." Adelaide Valerian gives the wizard a hard look.. then turning her attention back to Willow, she speaks softly. "Let's get you to the embassy, yeah." Ian bows his head and heads to the telegraph to let Miss Debbie know the plan Melchiore: "I would ask, what is your plan now, your Magesty? You've survived the day and now?" Elysia de Romanga takes the opportunity to get a little space from the situation, not having allowed her own anger and frustration to boil over while in plain sight. Once the door closes behind her, she loudly pounds the nearby wall before heading off to make the call. Ken (GM): Elysia de Romanga tries to get an unmarked car and a driver for the party and Kat. Ian eventually meets up with Elysia and says nothing for a moment, just tries to judge how she's doing before saying anything Ian: "She'll be safe. The worst trouble she'll get into is a jar of cookies." Ken (GM): [preparations being made in the background. A call sent out for a discrete driver and vehicle, immediately] Elysia de Romanga: "I...really hope so. I don't think we can take many more surprises and scares." Adelaide Valerian does her best at caretaker. Trying to hide the amount of worry she feels and take care of Willow tonight. Elysia de Romanga: "The Cult and Collective are festering everywhere in Romanga, Justine Justice is still nowhere to be found. And now yet another mysterious magical and demonic party is getting involved." Ian places a bold hand on her shoulder, willing to risk it for the emotional support Ian: "I would gladly bleed all of this over again for her and for the island. We'll make things right." Elysia de Romanga allows it. "I don't know why this little island is at the center of everything wrong, but...I will bleed again for it too, as much as it takes." P.P. A.: [The island of Yth coughs pronounced] Ian nods curtly, retracting his hand and bowing with a smile Ian: "My Queen." Ian heads off back to the offices Elysia de Romanga glances skyward as she waits for the transport to arrive. Ken (GM): [ominous portentous whispers] The night gathers murky and swirling outside. Your group gathered round back of the offices to make the jaunt in confidence to the Embassy, and secure a place for Kat unseen. The staff have been shifted, and only Melchiore's security detail have eyes upon you as you gather in the rain to enter the waiting car Andre Morgan: An umbrella unfolds suddenly next to the party, as a man in a dark blue changpao/cheonsam (that long Qing robe) and with a ponytail almost as long… has been standing next to the backdoor for a while? He offers it to the ladies as they are about to step out of the building and towards the car. “Ghastly weather, is it not?” …” he muses. Elysia de Romanga: "Identify yourself." Andre Morgan takes a step back so he an bow deeply and with a flourish. The man is very tall, his slender clothes and long hair emphasising his height further. Inside, Melchiore's guard doesa doubletake and Mel himself bristles at the appearance of the man. The driver of the waiting car stares in surprise Elysia de Romanga glances briefly at Adelaide and nods. Andre Morgan gets back up; his face is long and handsome , his cheekbones high, his eyes hidden behind round sunglasses. Andre Morgan: “André Morgan, it's my pleasure. And you are…?” Adelaide Valerian studies the man in return. Watching him with those bright eyes and considering him a moment before she focuses again on Kat, an arm gentile around her. "Please forgive my lack of normal manners, but it's been a long night. Adelaide Valerian. This is Katherine.." Rolling 3d6 = 10v12 Acting (To GM): He notes to himself: have a STERN WORD with Balthazar after this is over) Ian: "If you'd like to get to any points now, it would be wise, Mister Morgan." Ian taps his cane on the cobbles impatiently In the eaves, the guard have guns drawn, but Melchiore stays their hand, himself intrigued Elysia de Romanga: "Yes, your appearance here has a purpose, and all eyes currently on you are friendlies to us. You might as well come clean." Andre Morgan pouts. “Where's the mysqitue in that? You people are no fun.” His expression changes to a sly smile and he stands up straight, arms buried in his flowing sleeves—and he looks at Elysia: “That you get straight to the point and accept no vague answers speaks for your wisdom, and bodes well for your uprising's fortunes.” Adelaide Valerian considers a moment and shakes her head. "I'm too tired for masqurades today." Ken (GM): :V YEAH CAMPAIGN TITLE MOMENT Andre Morgan: “A straight answer, then: I am here because your battle intrigues me, and wish to lend my modest aid to your cause.” Andre Morgan speaks seriously, though still a bit of a frown on his lips. Elysia de Romanga: "I take it your interest lies more in who we're up against, given your timing, and what Kat mentioned but I will cautiously take it." Elysia de Romanga motions to the waiting car. "Let's drive and talk." Kat steps over to the car, and shoots the new man a thumbs up with her runed-hand Andre Morgan: “No, not at all,” he waves a hand dismissively. “But your cause seems just and your triumph a fitter ending to this chapter in your country's history.” Andre Morgan skips over that and bows. “I appreciate it.” Ian walks between Kat and the man, and he keeps an eye on both, but lets the queen call the shots. Clearly this is beyond his pay-grade Andre Morgan waits until the others have gotten in the car and will sit down last. Elysia de Romanga didn't hear any warnings or signs from Adelaide that this person may have Cult or Collective readings, so doesn't consider him a threat yet Adelaide Valerian looks to Kat again and gets in too. Staying near her. (To GM): He has never seen a flying car and is observing what they're doing so he can imitate them and pretend he knows what he's sitting down in. Ian: [Is demanding he ride shotgun too obvious? lol ] Ken (GM): haha "Get on the hood, and hold on tight" Ian: ["You gotta EARN the right to sit IN the car. Kill 2 or 3 cultist monster-demons and we'll talk seatbelts."] Ken (GM): kek You slip out of the weather into a warm sedan. The driver in front takes your leave, and keeps the privacy screen closed in his space up front. The seating in back rings the outer shell and space becomes tight while not quite at a premium With everyone inside, the vehicle lifts off for the short jaunt to the upper neighborhood of the political district and The Embassy Rolling 3d6 = 11v12 Acting to pretend he's comfortable in this cramped flying tin can Elysia de Romanga: "I take it that storm that followed my grand appearance at the hospital was more than just bad weather?" Andre Morgan , sitting quite still, answers: “You are acquainted with that bookworm, aren't you? It looks like he put up that show for your sake to disperse the crowd.” Elysia de Romanga: "Well, it appeared to have the opposite effect. It riled them up and excited them more." Andre Morgan: “I only know him superficially, but he does not seem a very social man, so that does not surprise me.” Kat: "He spends a lot of time in books, or libraries. Or with Sanctum" Elysia de Romanga: "Kind of unaware of the reality around him, huh." Andre Morgan nods. Elysia de Romanga: "So, what's your story?" Adelaide Valerian looks to Kat, an arm around her and murmuring. "So how did you meet him? This Andre?" Andre Morgan 's head turns towards Kat, and despite his sunglasses it's obvious that he's staring at her hand. “Whatever forces you go up against go so far as to bind young girls to the Eternals… Is that why he got involved, and took you in?” Kat: "Oh I can see his Soul. The Circle he and Balthazarr share. Ive never met him" :3 Adelaide Valerian: "Ask your brother how that happened." She tells Andre with a noteicbly cold tone. Frost nearly forms on the windows. The driver knocks on the electric heater and the coils thrum Elysia de Romanga: "...Let's just say that Old Man Bal went ahead and left sensitive forbidden texts around for all to see and read from." Andre Morgan: After a few moments of awkward silence, the man slightly lifts his sunglasses to massage the bridge of his nose with closed eyes. Elysia de Romanga: "And then became shocked and awed that someone in fact did see and read from them." Ken (GM): ["God balthazarr"] Andre Morgan: “With such friends you may not need any, but who are your then?” Ian harumphs appreciatively Elysia de Romanga: "Dark Armoured Wizards who can conjure walls of corpses who seek a Dark Queen and the restoration of a certain recently deceased dark figure. Biomechanical Collectives. A fugitive who is wanted for the sinking of an island. The Empire of Galicia, if they so choose." Adelaide Valerian: "Sounds like a lot when you say it like that." Andre Morgan: “An illustrious cast.” “If the armoured wizards who can summon hordes of undead are not in control of this city yet and it is still the Galicians who are nominally in power, they must be the lesser threat.” Elysia de Romanga: "We sent 'em packing for now." Ian: "let's not forget that the ties between some of those enemies may not be entirely coincidental." Andre Morgan laughs. “Very well. What of the Collectives?” (To GM): the Dark Figure or the Fugitive? Elysia de Romanga: "We have their primary regional collaborator in custody as we speak. Several of their installations attached to critical infrastructure have been dismantled by us already. They have yet to reach out to communicate with us." (From Ken (GM)): Well as you heard the tale, the rogue spirit had a following and met its end by a magic sword returned from the past. Wielded by a true heir. There were anscillary moments to the tale, involving science and such figures Elysia de Romanga: "As for these Eternals...we became aware of them only tonight, and you appear to already be familiar. Can you elaborate?" Andre Morgan sits up straight and whistles. “Your priority now, then, is to oust Galicia and to take the throne?” (To GM): Oh, I overread the “dark figure” in Elysia's line, sorry Adelaide Valerian: "She's asserting her postion and inviting Galicia to the table. Nobody wants a war with the silver helmets on top of everything else." Kat: "Hehe " Elysia de Romanga: "We have reason to believe their head inquisitor is in league with the enemy. Getting rid of him for them and sparing their reputation a bit will surely be something they will consider during negotiations." Kat blushes at the car Ian chuckles at Kat's comment Andre Morgan nods. “Wise.” He turns to answer Elysia: “The Eternals, Your Highness, are best thought of as something between primordial spirits, who beget and rule the lesser spirits of the land and the elements.” Andre Morgan: “They are not of the world but older than it, but not gods either.” Elysia de Romanga: "I guess that's why they're also referred to as 'Caretakers.'" Adelaide Valerian pats Kat's slender hand and sits there next to the girl. Andre Morgan: He tilts back his head. “Indeed. It would appear that they have stirred lately—quite unusual, as historically they could simply be ignored as something that just , well outside of man's domain and concern.” Andre Morgan 's head turns again to Kat and her mark. “To get to know those who define the meaning of ‘knowing’ is a tall order. If this was an accident…” He grimaces and smiles awkwardly. “it might be best to just sweep this under the rug and deal with it in private after everything else is over—and hope the Cataclysm was not the beginning of them taking a more active role in their domain.” Elysia de Romanga: "Are you able to help us, should even these Eternals place themselves in front of us as enemies?" Ian makes a note to get Miss Debbie to order stronger port Ken (GM): ["But sir, it doesnt come in plaid!" Ian: [it does now!] Andre Morgan considers that question. He opens his mouth, but thinks longer yet. Andre Morgan: “…it could be that something has thrown them out of balance, or robbed them of the means to maintain the world according to the Makers' Order.” “If they face us as enemies, they have lost their quasi-divine powers to simply cease our existence.” Adelaide Valerian: "Wait, what order? What is their agenda?" Andre Morgan smiles. “A novel situation.” Andre Morgan turns to Adelaide. “Order of the sort that keeps the stars in the sky, the water in the sea, and the mountains rooted in the ground.” The flying car slips through the rainy skies over the city, floating on an island in the air... Andre Morgan purposely chose the examples. Andre Morgan: *these Elysia de Romanga: "Yeah, they're doing a great job so far." Ken (GM): :V Ian chuckles Andre Morgan: “Little is known about what the Eternals are like—whether they think and feel, and what. But… if they feel and think anything, and it's in any way analogous to the minds of men, they might well panic after the Cataclysm.” “…become overzealous in their attempts to put the land and sea back where they belong, or feud over what to do.” Andre Morgan laughs. “Interesting times. And scary!” Ian: "I hope you don't believe me rude, Mister Morgan as you've answered some pretty large questions already, and knowledge has always been something we've needed - but since you offered your services, so to speak, what exactly do you do? And for what do you usually bleed for when not tagging along with foolish people trying to change the world?" Adelaide Valerian frowns deeply and thinks hard as the car cuts though the storm. Andre Morgan smiles and hesitates to answer: “I give counsel to those in need, to achieve ends which are good and beautiful.” Elysia de Romanga: "Ian wasn't asking for the stuff you write down on paper." Ian: "Paperwork is vital, I'm just curious if you plan on needing a desk...or an ammunition voucher." Ian pauses, then smirks Ian: "Or whatever wizards use...." Andre Morgan: “I prefer to stay in the background in an informal role.” He shrugs. Ian: "That's more than fair. Just planning the logistics, 'tis all. And again, I don't mean to say your information isn't valuable. It's nice to have less riddles and more plain answers." Adelaide Valerian is brooding about wizards. Scowling a touch and looking to Kat sometimes with worry written on her features. Kat: "No, I'm really sure, he's fine. I saw..." Andre Morgan nods. Andre Morgan also looks at Kat, wondering what she all saw, but he won't dwell on that. Elysia de Romanga: "Welcome to the party. We don't issue refunds." Adelaide Valerian pats Kat's slender hand. Trying to reassure her, whatever she'd stopped with. Andre Morgan looks relatively young—perhaps late 20s. His face is a man's and mature, but his features are soft, his skin smooth, and his long hair dense and rich—black with a shimmer of blue, depending on the light. Outside, the black sky is lit form below by the city. The white facade of the Embassy bright with delicately lit lanterns and facade of polished stone. The rooftop entrance flashing a small landing light for your vehicle as the driver brings you to level The air outside greets you with a chill on the wind, and a still electric tingle from the storms passing Ian strides out into his domain with pride, but glances at the storm as if it brings worse than just rain Ian: "Let me check in with the guards first. I don't want Jimmy from accounting to blow anyone's heads off by accident. Kid hasn't held a gun in a while." Andre Morgan stands and looks skywards. Elysia de Romanga looks to Andre. "We have another prisoner who appears to be from the cult, and rather magically inclined. Think you could discern anything from talking to her?" Kat slows to a stop beside Adelaide as you exit the car. Her own curious look up and about Adelaide Valerian looks around, ears seeming to perk up. She glances at her arm then focuses her senses. Andre Morgan: He answer Elysia's answer with a bit of delay. “…perhaps.” Adelaide Valerian: "There's an.. ambident magic. You know anyting about it Morgan?" She ask as she flexes her hand and test the air, passing her fingers though it then looking around. "Let's get inside solid walls and check on that prisoner." Rolling 3d6 = 7 Ian: [velociraptors eat Ian as he opens the door] Joush M.: Clever girl Ken (GM): kek Ian: but yeah, barring any wiz-biz I'll check in and make sure we have a secure building before bringing in the ladies/wizard Andre Morgan: “You familiar with this building?” Elysia de Romanga: "Let's just say that it pays very well to be extra careful lately." The guards nod to Sir Ian as he checks you in, and they share a brief moment of introduction about the 'New Notable' Andre. The light staffing in the middl eof the night leaves the building quiet and echoing your boots Ian: "we're an embassy in the middle of a revolution. I worry not so much about cultists as I do angry inquisitors wanting to make a point at my staff's expense." Andre Morgan notes quietly. “Something is not quite right, be on your guard.” Ian raises an eyebrow but nods, walking with what appears to be haste but his cane is tapping too evenly on the ground as he steps, clearly the combat spring in his steps is showing Elysia de Romanga unsheathes her Rapier. TSING Adelaide Valerian: "Let's keep our eyes open then." She says softly as she walks though nearly familiar hallways. Ian: [remember....they hunt in packs.... ] Andre Morgan keeps his hands buried in his sleeves. (To GM): one of them holding a knife ready to throw Inside the doors unlock on greased hinges and the hallways thump your feet softly over carpets. In the ever-paper scented office of the Ambassador, the clerks desks sit empty and dark, and only a light in the Secretaries office betrays anyone's presence. A small tray of steeped tea and tinned shortbread set out for five beside the door to Ian's office Ian taps his cane on the secretary door Ian: "Evening?" Andre Morgan follows closely behind him and stands a bit besides, looking over Ian's shoulder. The happy dozing face of Ian's secretary pops open in a surprised "WHOOP" as he wakes her up. She scrambles up from her desk in a flurry. A cot nearby on the wall half-made. Ian smiles and gives her some privacy with a turn away Andre Morgan smiles and turns away to not embarass the dutiful bureaucrat. Ian: "Sorry, just making sure we're all still alive in here." "Oh bless my stars sir, I was just waiting for you to return and must have dozed off!" Kat: "So, what closet do I get to live in now?" Ian: "Not at all, miss. It's pretty late. Anything to report?" Ian looks at Kat and laughs Adelaide Valerian stands in the hallway with Kat, looking around for trouble. She looks to the tray with tea and bread, then nodding she takes it up and test to see if the tea is still warm enough to serve. "The best closet. I could see if the utility vault is free though. Remember the one off the old subway line?" Ian: "My dear, I'm afraid all our closets are jam packed full of paperwork. I'm afraid you'll have to have a proper guest room." Ian glances at the ladies Ian: "Unless you'd prefer she have something more hidden. We do have a few... well, I mean, during the war, bombs were a concern, so we do have some shelters." Kat pouts in a sullen way, and digs one foot toe into the carpet in a roll of the ankle Kat: "I dont...I dont want to be put away. I wanted to help" "I know I can help now. Its magic" Ian smiles and kneels down to be on Kat's eye-level Ian: "My dear, you've saved quite a few lives already tonight. And trust me, you have just as much say and agency in your soul's security as we hope to have. I promise you, this is not a prison, just a base of operations where you can rest." Adelaide Valerian almost says something sharp before she looks sympathetically to Kat and squeeze her hand. Ian: "And you can save my life by making my promise to keep you at least a bit safe true to my Queen." Ian chuckles and winks Andre Morgan looks at Kat: “To help is to do good, and to do good is to do what is needed at the right time.” Andre Morgan: “And, sometimes, that means to wait and let others do what must first.” Ian looks to Andre with a raised brow Ian: "Ahh, a bit of a philosopher I see." Andre Morgan: “Whatever powers you have you must use prudently and wisely.” Elysia de Romanga: "You've saved my life already, so i'd say you've done enough good for multiple people. Even if I wasn't in the position i'm in now, I want to fight to protect what remains of my family." Andre Morgan: “See it as practice, then, to sacrifice your eagerness to help so that those who care about you may know you safe and rest soundly.” Ian harumphs appreciatively and stands to go discuss things with Miss Debbie Kat takes this all in with teary eyed childish wonder, and then punctuates her complete overwhelmed moment by hugging Ian really fuckin tight Kat: "This sucks, but you guys dont suck" Adelaide Valerian nods and smiles a touch at that. Ian hugs her back gladly, then playfully bops her nose. Despite not being a father, it seems he does have a spot of parental, or at least uncle-instinct in him Miss Debbie happily looks down on all this with a matronly warmth. She certainly helps gets things prepared for a very special very important very hidden guest Elysia de Romanga sheathes her weapon and fights back a tear of her own as she turns away. Ian turns to Miss Debbie and smiles then follows her over to help with the prep Andre Morgan faintly smiles, satisfied that he picked a good side to support. Ken (GM): [so the plan is to secret the other heiress into the embassy, in the VIP safe quarters down below yes? Bomb shelter with nice furniture an dall the old action comics she can digest?] Adelaide Valerian: ((Sounds good for now, yeah)) Ian: Sounds sound to me. The big thing is making sure the young girl isn't going to feel so anxious that she starts magicking things without supervision, too - Miss Debbie will be her chaperone but not her guard/overseer Rosettsara: (Pretty much, yeah) Ken (GM): just a big sign painted on the wall "NO MAGICK" fingers crossed, no harry pottering Ian hides the paint-marker Ian: "NO WIZ BIZ" Ken (GM): kek aight then good news abounds Ian: We only get attacked by 1 Velociraptor? * that would be very bad news....there are always more Ken (GM): The Embassy received nearly ALL THE PAPERWORK today, during the fight and recovery and etc. Nearly all the rebel houses officially on paper declared their allegiance to the New Queen's reign. Theres been a bunch of work copying each officially to record here, at the OAR and another offsite secure locaiton by Melchiore Melchiore's office between a trio of Mecha knights knicking on doors, and some sort of zealous fervor coming into the city as the storm did, they all appeared so thats cool right? Ian: Better than having a bunch of factions say: "FUK U QUEEN!" and us having to bring the Bohemian Rhapsody to them. Though at the back of Ian's mind, he's still aware of the suspicious timing of things Well meaning or ill, there is magic tugging at both sides of this revolution. Elysia de Romanga is troubled and perplexed by things as well Ken (GM): "Oh shit, we got what we wanted" "BUT WHY" Ian: Ian will meet with the Adults after Kat is off with Miss Debbie and mention so Ian: "I don't think it counts, but nobody else sold any souls, sacrifices or favours to any particularly political demons lately, have they?" Ken (GM): [kat is secure in a box] Adelaide Valerian at last meets with the others. Her face scrubbed clean and Kat in bed. She looks composed, at least. "Very droll, Mister Timmins." Ian heads to the liquor storage and pulls out a bottle, offering a snifter to anyone who wants some port (yes, port, not whisky, Ken!) Ken (GM): [yeehaw! Immersion!] Ian: "Sorry, I know it's in sore taste, but we have a lot of hidden powers working at the moment. Some against us, some likely trying to help us, but....I hate the subterfuge either way." Ian distributes glasses to anyone who needs, then takes a long drink before sighing and deflating slightly Adelaide Valerian: "I've got no head for wine at all." she refuses with a shake of her head. "I understand. That.. I don't know. I can't handle what happened to Kat, so I have to compartmentalize it for now. I'll deal with it later." Ian nods at that and sips, a bit more moderately this time Ian: "That was an unexpected horror....if I didn't witness that man completely understand his fuckup I would have been happy to help you run him through." Ian turns to the new Wizard and offers an apologetic bow of his head Ian: "Of course, my apologies of talking ill of the man in the company of his friend." " Elysia de Romanga: "Yes...yes it has." Andre Morgan dismisses it. “We've only talked a few times.” Ian: "Well, either way...no need to threaten the man while he works to figure out what happened. Hopefully he learns something useful soon." Elysia de Romanga: "My main concern is the captive we took from the battle that nearly sent me to the grave." Ian turns to Elysia and nods Ken (GM): [the witch, Sigrun, in the Hospital del Rose under guard] Ian: "How soon do we want to move on this? If the cultists learn she lives they may try to retrieve her alive or dead." Andre Morgan: “When was that? Your cheeks are flush and you stride with determination, you recovered well.” Ken (GM): :V Ian: [] [save game? yes/no] Elysia de Romanga: "So far, word hasn't come in that she's been compromised, so we may as well get her before that changes." Elysia de Romanga smirks. "I have the power of the Firmament to thank for that." Adelaide Valerian nods at that. "Okay. We can collect her." Andre Morgan: “…how badly injured were you, and how many people saw you in that state?” Elysia de Romanga: "Just the ones present here now, the driver who got me to the hospital, and the surgeons." Elysia de Romanga feels around where her wound was. "I had a big spear through my torso, lungs, and out the other end. Something like that. I was a bit hazy." Andre Morgan frowns: “Ah, what a waste. A miraculous recovery from near-certain death would have bolstered the morale of your followers.” Ken (GM): :v Adelaide Valerian: "It was.. chaotic. Several saw her, but few knew exactly how badly injured she was. We were more focused on keeping her from dying then exploting it." Andre Morgan: “As was right and proper; this sort of thing cannot be staged or engineered, but it is fortunate when it happens to happen.” “As the rebellion's figurehead and Romagna's rightful heir, their hopes rest on the Princess, but also their fears—if she were to be injured or die, their movement would surely falter.” Elysia de Romanga: "I've already got plans about that sort of thing. But even then, I don't plan on dying just yet." Andre Morgan: “To be confronted with that fear, to see her at the door of death, only to overcome it and take up the sword a day after would have been a cathartic experience.” Andre Morgan smiles. “I hope so.” Ian chuckles into his cup Ken (GM): Elysia de Romanga takes a good chug of whatever's available and exhales. "...Let's go see what the witch has to say." Ian: [what's the time o the night anyway? Are we flying around after midnight or is there still a few hours left?] Ken (GM): oh its late-early. Youve passed into the wee hours. Perhaps a break until actual morning might make sense] [tracking those of you who spent time at the hospital to now, excluding miss magic exhuberance] adelaide could have one of those sleeping curled up over Kat with a knife in close reach moments Ian: "We do have a number of apartments on the premises. Unless you have beds you'd rather occupy, I can assure you they are dusted and suitable for a good night's rest." Ian stretches and finishes his cup Andre Morgan slowly savoured the tea. Elysia de Romanga can't bring herself to actually get up, though, despite her suggestion Adelaide Valerian nods and takes a breath. "I'll keep an eye on Kat tonight. We can go in six hours or so. Once we've had some sleep and a chance to get a shower." Ian nods at that And so the night wanes int othe wee hours, and the song of silence floats through the city. PAtter of rain on rooftops and windows, the soft sigh of wind chilled but unable to breach the defenses of the hearth. Blood warmed by wine. Beds warmed by exhaustion and desperate need to relax. Good omens mixed with bad. Wizards. Magic bullshit. All of it washed away, ready to be reborn again with the dawn Until tomorrow On Shattered Worlds P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): morning rises and BLOWS UP THE FUCKING OCEAN Ian: [Velociraptors quietly munch on the remaining cookies/tea/port] Rosettsara: Thanks for session~ Joush M.: It was fun, thank you! Also evil Fiss: Woot! Ken (GM): YW all wait evil how? all the sad-kat? Joush M.: Oh yeah Ken (GM): well My work here is done Fiss: o/ Joush M.: "But you didn't do anything!" Okay Ken, take your 4 points! Thank you. Can't wait to see you next week Ken (GM): When you GM for real, its like youve done Nothing at all! HEY THATS MY LINE P.P. A.: The wu wei of GMing Joush M.: Ha! Stole it! Ken (GM): I have bene BAMBOOZLED Fiss: TOPOFTHEMORNIN TO YA LADDIES Rosettsara: Good meow~ Fiss: I am high on caffeine and Dogecoins. XD Ken (GM): leftover easter and halloween candy here Fiss: noice mmmm, fermented low-grade sugar Ken (GM): im gonna level up to type 3 diabetes by nightfall gotta grind those exp Fiss: rookie numbers SPACE DIABETUS X 9001 Ken (GM): kek right well, sorry I was tardy LETS ROCK THIS JOINT Ian: Ian summons Earl Grey Elemental, 30HD Where last we left our heroes...they were sleeping soundly through the wee hours at the Galician Romangan Embassy. The magic-moribund girl Kat safe and sound in a secure bomb-shelter in the basement, and the rest of you distributed through private quarters and visiting diplomats rooms. The night was fraught with fervent dreams of wild energies and mad movement. You wake with the time having passed in a laborious quickness that leaves you mechancially rested but also somehow less awake than when you went to sleep And the morning has risen...strangely Ian takes solace in the tea, but watches out over his city with passionate care, not idle joy Ian: "Let's get to it, then. What's on the docket today?" The air is electric, and the lighting is responding in kind. Teakettles fit to bursting in seconds, and lights sizzling on high power despite the low end of a dial. The walls seem to hum with caged wiring and the stove is roiling away with eager licking flames with only a stick and a prayer in the belly of it. Elysia de Romanga: "The prisoner. She must know something...or at least our new friend can hopefully get something out of her." Andre Morgan slowly drinks his tea standing by the window, overlooking the cityscape. There is an energy to the world that was not there last night Ian nods, takes a moment to make sure Andre Morgan actually is drinking tea.... a silly, but necessary test to make sure he's actually human Andre Morgan is indeed drinking and savouring it. Ian: "Agreed. Regardless of our other plans, we've been given a key. It would be a shame to lose it." Andre Morgan: “There appears to be something off about…” He looks at the party: “Please tell me more about the prisoner.” Ian tops off Andre's tea Outside the windows low hanging cloud twist and churn against sill air that seems pressing and hot, despite a misty chill to the air. Strange colors dance in the depths of the wind and the sky is black and violet. The suns pierce overhead like a baleful twisted eye through overcast sky, and are occulded as the still air sees clouds dance and churn. Elysia de Romanga static shocks herself for the fifth time since waking, and finally has had enough. "OK, whats going on?" Ian: "What is energy, really? We have one force on one side, another force on another side....clearly, things are meaning to mix. Rapidly. Normally, I'd call that an explosion." Adelaide Valerian drinks tea and is dressed in a freshly pressed suit, ready for the morning at last and composing herself for the day. "She is a member of the cult of the horned god, a high preistess of such. She's suffered serious injuries and is deeply scarred across much of her body.. humm. It seems like some kind of charge. Like someone scattered sparkstone over everything." Andre Morgan: “Did she, when you captured her, use any magic that seemed to manipulate energy or lightning?” Ian: "Lightning in particular seemed to be yesternight's theme." (To GM): Occultism check to see if there's an obvious magic cause for these disturbances, or if it has anything to do with Kat and her pact Rolling 3d6 = 6v12 Elysia de Romanga: "Unfortunately, I was unconscious at the time of her capture, but I first noticed the unusual weather after my surgery and Kat's healing." Ian nods at that Ian: "The weather change was definitely post battle." Adelaide Valerian: "She manipulated space. Dragged another to herself, threw him into a gateway to the ways to save him. I didn't see her use electricity." Ian nods Ian: "She seemed more worried about saving the people involved, somewhat against the do-or-die mentality of most of the monsters." "Valiant....if not particularly in line with whatever evil the cult had planed." Ian sips Ian: "It will be interesting to hear her reasoning....hopefully from her own lips once we visit her and explain she has but two choices....cooperation or death. Adelaide Valerian: "She was as fanatical as any of them. Even cultist can love someone" She says as she finishes her tea. "It's a weakness to exploit. You can't threaten a fanatic with death, but she cares about that man." Ian sips but the worry on his brow shows he's worried the witch might choose death over giving information Ian nods Ian: "We'll have to tread....delicately" "If we give her an option to dive into fanaticism she'll be useless to us." The tea remains piping hot, despite the long discussion Elysia de Romanga: "She may have something she fears more than death itself. She wouldn't have submitted to capture if putting herself at risk of death wasn't something she already considered and accepted." Ian will give Miss Debbie a raise for her upgrading the tea system Ian nods to the Queen Andre Morgan: “…can we look after the young lady we came with, in the basement? I confess, I do not know what is causing this disturbance,” he draws his hand over his hair to demonstrate it sticking to it due to alkl the static electricity, “so we should try and understand that beofre… it gets worse.” Ian: "Do you think there's a time limit on the salvation of her soul, dear Wizard?" Ian lets his tea linger at that, unsipped Andre Morgan stops and ponders: “Although… there was already something odd about the building before we arrived.” Ian: "I'd like to know right away if that's the case...." Elysia de Romanga does look a little concerned at the prospect of their biggest expert on magic not even knowing what's going on Ian nods at the mention of the building Elysia de Romanga: "You did say that something wasn't right as we came in...what did you feel?" Andre Morgan shakes his head to that question. “Time is of little meaning to the Eternals, for better or worse.” Ian: "Alright. Good to know at least time is not a big factor for Kat. As for the rest....I know every brick and tile of the Embassy, but yes, even I feel a little on edge of late. Can you explain exactly what you're feeling?" Andre Morgan answers the princess/queen: “Energy, simply.” Ian nods at that, then wanders to the windows to gaze out and finish his tea Ian: "Energy...." "Heat, really....in one place....move it to another...." Andre Morgan: “Last night it was faint, and I thought it the remnants of the thunderstorm, but it has only waxed overnight.” Ian: "move too fast....and it explodes. Move slow, and it's no different than entropy." Ian sips his tea, contemplatively Adelaide Valerian takes time to compose herself and looks critically to Andre, measureing him then speaking softly. "Duchess Willow, though her name around here is Katherine. As to seeing her, I suppose, but she's had a very hard time lately." Adelaide Valerian: "I supposed all this electricity has to find ground eventually." Ian gazes out the window but listens intently to the conversations behind him Elysia de Romanga looks between Adelaide and Andre. "Can either of you...narrow down the feeling? Show us where it might be emanating from?" Andre Morgan turns to Adelaide: “Yes—young lady, you seem to have some sense forf the ethereal. What do you feel?” Adelaide Valerian detects magic! (with precise) Rolling 3d6 = 4 vs 13 Ken (GM): holy well RNG says yes Adelaide Valerian draws back the sleeve of her suit jacket and looks at the device on her arm. Leather and brass and wire holding a lovely Touchstone, her fingers passing over the deeply carved marks on it. Andre Morgan observes this closely. The air about the gauntlet alights as she focuses her power, and a literal glowing third eye in azure blue burns on her brow as she looks about you Neon intense light, shades of it washing through the room, cascading of fher gauntlet as she draws on it's caged power. And climbing alongside it, a rising scream of anguish and human terror on a womans voice The Duchess appears, unbidden, into the space near you, and her body shudders as it becomes real Ian almost drops his tea as he turns....but manages to salvage it from gravity's surprise She appears, standing, arms and legs splayed out as if she were leaping, and then WHUMP collapsing to the floor Andre Morgan 's brow above his sunglasses furrow, but he stays quiet. Elysia de Romanga: "That's....different." Adelaide Valerian: "Brightrock Keep. It's the source of this." She explains, wincing as the power gathers around her, looking to the ghost with pain in her own eyes at her, reaching out to her instinctively, forgetting the work and moving to the ghostly figure. "I'm sorry. I ask so much of you." Duchess: "I....am....not....supposed to.... here" Elysia de Romanga cautiously approaches to try and help her up. Her hands grasp at the carpeted floor, and her nails rake into the loops with a solid squelching noise. Ian looks to Adelaide but waits for her to do what she needs to do, completely at a loss on what to contribute otherwise Elysia 's hand presses to the Duchess' shoulder...and rests there. Solidly. Small jolts of static whirl and there is a squelch of something...wetly drippping Andre Morgan: “No, you are not.” “…enough energy to make manifest a ghost…” “What direction is Brightrock Keep?” Ian: Does Ian know? or is this Keep a unknown element? (To GM): He's trying to figure out if the energy is being projected at the embassy from there or if something creates a local energy well… also if someone opened a hole to the Ways or something. Rolling 3d6 = 7v10 if that's ok Ian points appropriately if it helps Elysia de Romanga: "I'd say the Head Inquisitor is making his move." Ken (GM): kek Adelaide Valerian points at the keep with an off hand and kneels beside the Duchess, touching her very carefully as her solid ectoplasm squelches. "I'm so sorry." She says again, gentily. Andre Morgan opens the window and stares intently. A light wind gently moves his hair and sleeves. Ken (GM): Ian points, (To GM): Yeah, I figured as much Ken (GM): :V Ian sets down his tea with that information and his hands rest defiantly on his cane, holding it like a stoic painting Ian: "Good." (To GM): Hence: either someone opened a hole to a much more energy-dense plane like the Ways in the basement; or someone is gathering and beaming energy at the building, perhaps by benidng Ætherways to channel it here. (To GM): Oh, the embassy isn't the locus Andre Morgan takes a step back from the window. “This is insane…” he utters in composed bewilderment. Elysia and Adelaide notice immediately; she is not ectoplasmic, or even Ætherplasmic...Shes solid. Meat and flesh and bones....and blood Ian turns to the wizard and smirks Ian: "Yes, yes it is." The duchess is made manifest before you, and the body bleeds from a long ragged line over her collar Andre Morgan: “I suggest we head to the locus immediately, if we can reach it.” The duchess SCREAMS Adelaide Valerian stares just a moment, then grabs her purse, taking out a bandage to hold i tto the long cut. "Who.. how?"" And it burbles out in a gargle of blood Accross the Duchess' body, the wounds of her death reappear; a long deep gouge through the neck, nearly severing the head. Blood black as riverwater at night fountains from the wound to the carpet Andre Morgan looks at her quietly. His eyes are hidden, but his posture betrays some pity. Ian bristles with the energy in the room, letting the more magical folks deal with the magic. He looks ready to draw his blade at a moment's notice. Elysia de Romanga tries to keep her cool in the heat of the moment. "I'll...make it quick, if you wish it." Andre Morgan: “You should not have lingered here,” he quietly comments. The body shudders quickly to stillness...a last choking gasp of red Behind you , up the aisle of the room, Miss Debbie drops a tray of scones to the floor, aghast Adelaide Valerian does her best. Again. Obivously she can't stop anything that happens there and holds the bloodsoaked rag, then screams in frustration and rage and pain. "Why?" Debbie: "Sweet merciful Lords!" Elysia de Romanga shakes her head and lets go of her distant relative. "We...we have a choice. The Keep is the most urgent threat right now. But there's no telling what may become of the prisoner in that time." Ian moves to Miss Debbie (To GM): The duchess dying again or all the energy in the air? Ian: "Exciting times," he warns her Debbie: "That be the woman....shes been dead for a decade!" Ian pauses Ian: "You....know her?" Andre Morgan: “She was dead, but the absurd energy in the air made her manifest again in flesh and blood—but as she was not supposed to be alive, it re-enacted her death.” Andre Morgan turns to the secretary with a patient smile: “This woman has indeed long been dead, but her spirit lingered and an anomaly reconstituted her body.” Adelaide Valerian frowns at Debbie. "You knew her?" She strokes the guntlet with her off hand. Trying to reassure, trying to offer some confort for the ghost inside that just had to die again. Debbie: ", please. The Romangan Royal line?" Ian looks back to the Duchess' and nods Andre Morgan: “This cause for great concern, but for different reasons.” Elysia de Romanga: "There are plenty of others the cult was trying to bring back." Debbie: "I've been old hat at this office, long before the troubles and turmoil. The office's history stood before the time when Von Marburg arrived." "She disappeared, in the night, in the first weeks of it all." Ian swears under his breath Debbie: "But this woman does not look a decade older..." Ian: "I don't think she's aged, Miss Debbie. I don't think the dead age like us." Ian lets her shoulders go and approaches the ghostly form in the room P.P. A.: Isn#t she a corpse right now Ken (GM): ye: Ian approaches the fresh corpse Ian: (ian is not poking her to make sure) lol Ken (GM): died in the arms of Elysia and Adelaide, what with the massive hemmoragic wound Adelaide Valerian stands at last. Shocky and pale. The duchess is dead, it takes no expert to tell that. Ian glances up at Adelaide, not questioning, just.....wondering. Andre Morgan looks at Elysia: “Your Highness, shall we take the prisoner along to the Keep? Leaving her alone with such abundant energy may be dangerous; we can question her along the way, and dispose of her if necessary.” Ian nods at Andre's comment Ian: "I think we should no longer assume anywhere is safe Elysia de Romanga: "Very well. Better that she is in our sights than somewhere unseen. Walls seem to no longer matter to those we're dealing with." Ian snaps to attention at that unsent order and brings Miss Debbie along whispering orders to her as he walks to the front of the room Elysia de Romanga smirks, as Ian appeared to have read her mind. "Any last minute preparations, make them now." Ian gives Miss Debby a gentle hug, then sends her off with a glare, then he returns to the group, prepping his suit/cloak for battle Ian: "I'll signal for a ride to the hospital. Let's secure assets while we have them." Elysia de Romanga: "Unlike the last few places we've visited, we don't have the luxury of pretending this is a diplomatic visit. When we hit the Keep, we're going into battle." Ian nods at that and clacks his cane angrily at the tile in agreemnet Adelaide Valerian rips down a drape in the room with the help of her trusty knife and covers the body on the floor tenderly, then walks out of the room to be away from it. Ian nods at Adelaide Elysia de Romanga tries to get Lady Cadence and Melchiore on the phone. The telephone line whines as the receiver is lifted, and dialling seems to tune it from channel to channel of mad wailing and gnashing voices swarming the cables. Either the line is haunted....or just plain useless right now Ian swears under his breath Ian: "Of course....the Empire waits until a literal haunting and time-traveling deaththrow to attack." Elysia de Romanga: "...Well then. While you're making preparations, perhaps I'll rally the Romangan people the old fashioned way." Ian looks briefly at Elysia and then turns to the telegraph lines to check them Static grounds as he traces the rubber sheathed cables. Ian swears and returns Ian: "Noise. Nothing but noise. This storm is in the wires as well." Elysia de Romanga sighs but grins. "Chances are we won't be able to use a car either. Hurry; go get the prisoner. I've got some rallying to do." Ian turns to Adelaide Ian: "I'll go. You guard here." Elysia de Romanga makes preparations to head outside on foot and attract as much attention as possible and get a march going. Adelaide Valerian shakes her head and tries to clear it. To focus and get moving. "Right. Right.." She looks back to Ian. "I.. I can work. We collect the cultist and head to brightrock before this gets any worse." Ian nods 14 Stealth to scout ahead on the rooftops for enemies on the street or any other suspicious thing, silent and wreathed in mist, unseen and unheard. PUBLIC TRANSIT if needed Ken (GM): sweet jesus HOW BRAVE Ian gets peed on Ian considers it only the 3rd worst time on the bus Adelaide Valerian checks to see if they've got ground transport that can work under these condtions without random uncontrollable accleration or something You burst on the scene from your various points, and the wild world rises up to meet you Ian: [] Its quickly apparent that Ætheric devices are wildly responsive, and flight would be a deadly game of chance. Ground vehicles while also sputtering and jumpy, are that much less fearsome. Adelaide manages to get an older truck parked at the back of the garage to roar to life, even tho the batteries read as dead Ken (GM): so is Ian heading to the Hospital for the prisoner aside, while the rest of you began a rally-march for Brightrock? [youre right, i was distracted with the kiddos for a moment there] Adelaide Valerian brings it around for them and offers sardonically. "This thing couldn't uncontrollably accelerate if you pushed it off the edge of the world and let it fall into Tartarus. It should be safe enough." She says, though she's still pale and distracted after the horrors. (Anyone going to brightrock is welcome to ride with her of course) P.P. A.: André scouts ahead on fleet foot also if Lizzie as here this would be time for her Riding skill to shine Ken (GM): sad-trombone for lizzy Ian arrives at the clinic I'm sure.... Adelaide Valerian: ((I'm sure she is going to ride up on a terror bird for the last fight. Save the day)) The air is throbbing with excitement, and the sounds of the city pulse around you in waves. Ian dashes off ahead, one man unimpeded by entourage, as he slips down to the Hospital Del Rose and the Prisoner. Behind him, the rally cry of the city rises up almost immediatley; Elysia de Romanga, the new Queen of the old Blood, has stepped up into view thrusting a flag of the Grand City on one arm, while rallying the public about her like a stirred wave. Her voice carries, and the crowd absorbs it like flowers to sunlight. "WE MARCH! TO BRIGHTROCK!" And the thunder of gathering crowds begins to pulse into the cobblestones below you Elysia de Romanga: (Gotta love unexpected crits on checks like these) Ian: gawddamn ;p Elysia de Romanga continues to leader the march on Brightrock, hoping Lady Cadence will eventually show herself. If so, she does hope that she can use her insider knowledge to guide the party right to the Head Inquisitor, maybe even have insiders open the way for them. (To GM): Any enemy troops or beings along the way, ambushes set up, other forces in motion, etc.? The crowd that gathers immediately to Elysia's call press into a steady stream from every side street as Adelaide trundels the old truck forward, Elysia at it's head and banner waving. The fervor on the eyes and faces of the crowd is astounding. Emotion drips from the scene like a liquid starlight, and the red banners and scarves of the populace wave brightly in the strange light A not-small amount of time passes as the crowd gains momentum and surges through town; the march proceeds, and wherever the public meets it, they join and gather. Much of the speed is eaten up with the milling and gathering itself Elysia de Romanga is not about to let the Head Inquisitor, the Cult, the Collective, or anyone else continue toying with their Romanga. "It may not be as glorious as stories tell it, but today we reclaim Romanga, in exchange for all the blood spilled for it! We take back our home from the claws of the evil and destructive!" The crowd responds to each thrust of emotion like a tamed bear or lion; uproariously Andre Morgan suddenly appears from a side alley next to Elysia and joins her march, close to her side. Andre Morgan: “A word of warning: the excitement and emotion you build in the crowd mingle with the energy around us.” Adelaide Valerian heads to the keep with a frown on her face. She's worried about what this means, beyond the simple dangers of meeting the inquisitors. Andre Morgan: “Be careful not to break loose a storm.” Elysia de Romanga: "If it is to be, I would rather it be unleashed on the enemy." Andre Morgan nods. Andre Morgan quietly separates again (and makes for the rooftops once more.) The March proceeds. Hot dry lightning crackles in the black clouds above, even as the suns burn a white ball in the sky behind their overcast glare Elysia de Romanga is careful to direct the crowd's ire toward the Head Inquisitor and Brightrock. Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs 16 (Public Speaking!) Ken (GM): [a solid result; the sway of the crowd barely needs to shift from liberty to justice] Elysia turns them then, on the heel of Justice! For those lost in the purges! Vengance! For the maimed, the wounded, the downtrodden many! The Fear and terror wielded by the Inquisitor is only a false sword! Rolling 3d6 = 11v14 (12+2) Ken (GM): [whispers get SERIOUS] (To GM): He watches quietly for a short while to consider the best course of action. (To GM): How many troops, roughly? (To GM): Just a few guards easily overrun, or a larger detachment that could effectively fight the crowd? Ken (GM): desc Ian dashes through the city in reverse, with a new fair weather friend in tow... ree Ian dashes through the city in reverse, with a new fair weather friend in tow... Ian ree's through the city, fair weather friend in tow Ian stops at Timmies for a double double for his guest Elysia de Romanga continues to lead the people toward their enemy in the meanwhile (To GM): He wants to avoid a bloodshed here so he tries one of two ideas first… (To GM): He drops down somewhere out of view down the road and approaches the gates of the castle, undisguised and hands up! Ian returns from the throng of the crowd, with a wild-looking woman in tow. Her dressed only in medical garments, they strike a visible pair as the crowd allows them to mee tup with Adelaide and Elysia at the truck as it heads up the Avenue (To GM): He speaks loudly and clearly, with his pleasant Voice (+2) and Innocent face: Adelaide Valerian gives the woman a look. Considering the cultist cooly as she stops the truck for Ian. Ken (GM): [Sigrun and Ian can easily meet with Elysia and adelaide in the back of the covred truck, while the thing heads up the street] (To GM): “O soldiers of Galicia-Romanga—the city is in turmoil: fires rage, traffic stands still, and the injured struggle to reach the hospitals!” (To GM): “You who are sworn to guard the Three Pope's domains and the three Gods' flock, I beseech you: help the citizens!” Elysia de Romanga makes preparations for interrogation! Ken (GM): :V Sigrun climbs into the truck with Ian, even as the crowd gives the vehicle a respectful distance. Her eyes glow red in the dim of the back of the wagon (To GM): He stops still, but doesn't turn around—he looks the mech-suits into where the eyes should be. He speaks: “With time, all troubles pass, but time is callous, and her solutions harsh and bitter. It is better for man to take action, to quell trouble with his own hand, guided by his heart and wisdom.” Ian: "Sigrun here," Ian explains. "Is a lover of sorts. We've...discussed our desires, and I think she understands the gravity of the situation." "I've explained we hold no necessary ill will against her love. But with no illusions that we are fighting for ours." (To GM): He gets more assertive: “I do not know to what, to whom you have sworn your vows—but it makes no difference here: the Gods have entrusted to you the safety of their mortal followers; the Inquisition serves to enlighten the souls of men, and there is no darkness greater than despair; the arms of Galicia gleams brightly because the grace of the Gods and the soul of nobility—” Ian pulls out a kerchief and makes a dramatic dab of imaginary sweat from his brow Ian: "Truth be told, I don't think anyone wants anyone dead, but we're all stubborn foolish lovers. (To GM): …he directs his speech at the men instead, hoping that THOSE are not of the Collective instead. Adelaide Valerian: "It's not complex. Give us what we want and I won't kill your boyfriend when I see him next. Defy us and I'll make absoloutly sure he's very dead." Ian smirks at that, puts away the cloth and lets Adelaide do her magic (To GM): “…reflect in its polish. You are men who have chosen to serve all these things, to live up to them—now is the hour! The hour that cries for relief, for heroes to step up, and step forth, and relieve the evils that have fallen upon your wards and domain!” (To GM): No Public Speech roll then, I figure. (To GM): “Alas.” Andre Morgan bows, and slinks back, imperceptibly into the mist. P.P. A.: oops Ian: [dang misty folks!] Elysia de Romanga: "So let's hear your story." Sirgun smiles wickedly at the open threat from Adelaide, and simply meets her gaze. "I would rather he lived. Conrad is mine alone" (To GM): He quickly makes his way back towards the others, figuring the best bet would be to follow in reverse the road to the castle and to head towards the vanguard of the crowd. (To GM): tell me if/when he makes it there. Ian laughs, though it's a dry one. "Oh good, see? We can work off of this common goal of not murdering everything eachother holds dear." Ian keeps his hand on his rapier, though Elysia de Romanga: "What is the Head Inquisitor doing in the Keep?" Ken (GM): [one sec, brb] Fiss makes elevator music....possibly with his butt Ken (GM): fucking tired wife, skipthedishes, wrong address shenanigains chrissake Fiss: Elysia de Romanga: (wb) P.P. A.: wb Ken (GM): okay, sufficed to say, Andre makes a flourishing entrance as well, all time considered. Adelaide Valerian: ((Gotcha)) Andre Morgan probably lands on the engine bonnet or something looking at the car before getting in. Andre Morgan doesn't waste time: “You spoke of machine-men, didn't you?” Elysia de Romanga: "We've had some run-ins in the past. I take it some of them compose the frontline defensive lines?" Sigrun: "The Collective? Impossible, they confounded us at every turn these last weeks" Andre Morgan: “The armoured suits with machine guns with nigh-certainty; the soldiers manning the casemates probably, too.” “They know what is happening, too, and are likely behind it.” Adelaide Valerian: "Well, I'm glad you and the collective don't get along." "Your people have infiltrated the inquistion?" Andre Morgan: “They are well-entrenched and well-armed. If the crowd approaches, it will get massacred, unless it leads with an artillery bombardment or armoured units of its own.” Andre Morgan addresses that last bit at Elysia. Elysia de Romanga: "What a time for Lady Cadence to be absent." Sigrun: "Infiltrated...? Girl, do you suspect our ranks were not formed from their own?" Andre Morgan: “Pardon, who?” Elysia de Romanga: "Our insider from the Inquisition. Someone who could easily procure heavier armaments." Sigrun: "She was wise not to return to the inner circle. They would remove her head so fast as hear her speak" Andre Morgan nods. “A much-needed asset, if she is not a double agent.” Andre Morgan looks at Sigrun: “Which she is not, by the sound of it. André Morgan, I don't think we've had the pleasure before.” Andre Morgan smiles. She smiles back, her fanged teeth prominent Sigrun: "Charmed. I am Sigrun, formerly of the Roi Cornu. Liberated by your removal of my Hex" Elysia de Romanga: "So, with her absence, we will need some other means of breaking through. Communications are down. Any ideas?" Adelaide Valerian: "I can bypass the fortress's outer defenses. It's though the ways, sort of.. a pathway though elsewhere." She explains in the old truck. Elysia de Romanga: "And is this a path we can take with the crowds in tow?" Sigrun: "You would lead that many bright little souls through The Place Between Places?" Ian: "Might be best to have them as a force to witness once we go around back." Elysia de Romanga: "i'll make the arrangements." Elysia de Romanga goes to tell the crowds to begin their attack once they get a signal from the inside! Adelaide Valerian: "Not many. I can't be sure we'd arrive somewhere that would be able to use numbers either." Andre Morgan perks up at Adelaide's suggestion: “The Ways?” Adelaide Valerian: "I open a doorway and it's other end is a place inside the fortress. Like.. a tunnel though another world." Sigrun: " is the mighty witch the Red Queen has used against Marburg? Conrad's thorn in his side has been one who does not even speak the true name of those who guard the ?" Sigurun: "I am appalled and astounded at the allotted luck of fools" Elysia de Romanga: "The Red Queen, huh?" Adelaide Valerian: "Not really. I'm barely trained and an amature. The real thorn has been the Duchess you people fucking murdered and put into a Touchstone. She's made me, whom is just a damn secretary, able to kill your friends and laugh about it. You panicked and threw Conrad into the Ways to get him away from me." Andre Morgan: “Do we have explosives? If we can ‘tunnel’ behind the enemy fortifications and throw them into their rears, that should clear the path for the… militias.” Adelaide Valerian: "It's an inquistorial fortress. If you want explosives you can find plenty inside the clearly marked 'no smoking' areas with the big steel doors." Elysia de Romanga: "Most likely we can procure armaments on site, if their weaponry is any indication." Andre Morgan 's hands are buried in his sleeves. “A straightforward plan.” Ian chuckles at that Ian: "Best laid plans of mice and men...." Adelaide Valerian: "Alright. So we should get into view and finalize our plan." Ken (GM): [shit, sorry guys. Somethings come up over here and I need to step away to deal] Elysia de Romanga checks to make sure the crowd listened to her before about waiting for a signal before advancing Elysia de Romanga: (Okie dokie) Ken (GM): gonna need to adjourn here. take 3 xp, hit me up on discord] Fiss: np man cheers, hope it all works out P.P. A.: Thanks for the session Ken (GM): WOO we are Rosettsara: Half--asleep, but present Ken (GM): I mean coffee Fiss: Sup homies? Joush M.: Good morning everyone. I'm okay. P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): suspicious Joush almost as if well, excusing the fact that ive certainly spent the four hours waking up, drinking coffee and eating leftover pizza, staring at tiktok until my phone melted.... Where last we left our heroes! The banner of revolution has dropped, and red flags of the Bleeding Hearts fly free in the weird winds of Romanga! Our heroes have assembled a grand procession of rabble toward the Brightrock Keep, the seat of power of the Inquisition, as the epicenter of the strange magical turbulence that floats freely on the Æther all around them! In the rear of an old ground truck, with the meandering shuffle of the masses shielded from their conversation,. they conspire with the witch Sigrun on her former comrades, and interpret the best approach considering the report of Andre's scouting of the guard Ian: "Just another day in paradise." - Ian, quoting P. Collins Andre Morgan: “To recapitulate, then: we tunnel into the castle, use whatever stationary guns and explosives we find to weaken the defenders and open the gates, and then we advance deeper to confront the Head Inqusititor while the mob cleans up the defenders?” Elysia de Romanga: "More or less." Adelaide Valerian checks her gun and knife and takes a deep, slow breath. "We might not be able to get out easily once we go in. If there's anything you have unfinished you may wish to do it before I open the gate." She warns them, then nods to Andre. "I realize it's a very loose plan. We don't know the situation or layout well enough to develop anything more detailed. Best to stay flexible in any case." Andre Morgan smiles. “The more elaborate a plan, the more wont it is to collapse.” Rolling 3d6 = 12 Joush M.: Well, that's ominious, but is a sucess Adelaide concentrates on the device on her arm, and channels the power, visualizing her passage through the Ways to the interior of the Keep ahead. A short jaunt, a passage not impossible....but Something is amiss When the circle is complete, the ring snaps open, and the hole in the world opens as it has so many times before, it does not simply stop where it was drawn It swells, and blooms, and an inky darkness on the other side falls into sharp focus. Swirling blackness sinks into the edges of the ragged hole, and on the other side, there is a rumbling The edge of it crackles with lightning; jolts of sparkling power not subsiding into nothingness bot grasping like tendril claws of some unknown creature, shoving their way into your side of the hole, invading your place like interloping soldiers marching forward to ignominious victory There is a SHRNK as they clasp to the edges of the rear of the truck, holding firm against metal and canvas and wire, the floor of the vehicle bending slightly in the burden And from the other side of the hole, a whisper... Ian swears under his breath, but it's not entirely in surprise Rolling 3d6 = 13v14 P.P. A.: (plus/minus modifiers) Ken (GM): uh at the whisper? P.P. A.: Yes. well no wait from whatever SHRNKed at the truck Ken (GM): thats...the magic portal Adelaide snapped open Joush M.: That's the lightning power P.P. A.: At the whisper only if it's coming from the Ways, not if it's coming from ahead in the real world oh nevermind then, this never happened :DDDD Ken (GM): [ive spooped the poor boy] P.P. A.: (I didn't realise it was a special effect rather than The Darkness or something waiting in the Ways) Ken (GM): gotcha The whisper is a shuddering and shifting thing, a noise like a voice heard in chorus but indistinct through layers of nothingness. A thing at the edge of your hearing that nonetheless grips at the edge of your hearing You hear, however, clear in your mind the words "WHO DARES TREAD IN MY REALM UNINVITED" Adelaide Valerian: She scowls and calls out. "I don't even want to go to your realm. I'm going somewhere else and you've gotten in my way." Andre Morgan sits quiet and still with a polite smile. HAHAHAHAHAHA THESE ARE MY WAYS DARE YOU TREAD HERE, MORTALS P.P. A.: One sec: which direction are we travelling into (on the map, nevermind how many dimensions in-universe), right or left? Ken (GM): [right now, the truck itself is stationary. Outside before the vehicle is your side of the world; the avenue, and the....crowd I failed to render [out the back, where the magic gate opened and did wacky stuff, is The Ways, and the voice and the now face [tell me everyone can see on the map rn] P.P. A.: I see Elysia de Romanga stares at the thing. "We wish only to travel a short distance, and then you will never see nor hear from us again. Consider this but an amusing momentary interruption before you return to your rest." Andre Morgan looks at it from behind his sunglasses and tries to identify it. Rolling 3d6 = 6v12 Occultism or 10 Thaumatology Adelaide Valerian: "Well. That's unsettling." She says with a scowl as she takes a deep breath. "We could go in, or try and find another way.." HAHAHA the voice rumbles like thunder and the words appear in your mind in bright neon sound I AM THE ONLY WAY (To GM): So it's another Eternal who gained a manic personality recently Andre Morgan speaks to it: “What do you know of the turmoil that has thrown the world in disorder?” ELYSIA, MORTAL WHO WOULD BECOME QUEEN OF MORTALS, I AM AMUSED BUT ONLY BY YOUR AUDACITY. PETTY MAGICS NO LONGER ARE BELOW MY NOTICE, AS PETTY MAGICS ARE NO LONGER SO SMALL OUR WORLDS DRAW CLOSER BY THE HOUR, ANDRE, DO YOU NOT FEEL IT THE SPHERES OVERLAP AND ENTWINE NOW Andre Morgan nods. Andre Morgan: “A sage ruler does that he must, for no other can, and discerns other things to be properly beneath his notice .” “If you know of the Princess, you must see that she is traveling to a greater disturbance to quell it.” “What order is to be gained from revealing yourself to obstruct her in her quest to return order—social and metaphysical—to her realm?” I KNOW OF HER, AS HER PASSAGE HAS LEFT ITS IMPRINT UPON ME. JUST AS I KNOW IAN, MAN OF TWO HOUSES. AND ADELAIDE, WOMAN OF RIGHTEOUS FURIES. AND SIGRUN, WITCH OF REVENGE AND BLEEDING HEART Ian raises an eyebrow at the mention of houses, but otherwise lets the magical adults speak AND I KNOW THIS. THE ORDER IS IMPROVED NOW, AND SOON, THE POWER WILL NOT BE CONTRAINED YOUR REALM AND THE OTHERS CONJOINED WILL BE GREATER THAN THE SUM OF THEIR PARTS. THEY WILL MULTIPLY AND BE FRUITFUL, AS THE CREATORS INTENDED Andre Morgan raises an eyebrow. Andre Morgan: “Was it overzealous Eternals who sowed the seeds of all this confusion, or are you just grasping at straws to try and right—or rearrange—the disorder introduced by mortal machinations?” ZEAL IS ONLY THE PURSUIT OF THE TRUTH WITHOUT DOUBT AND WITH UNYEILDING INSIGHT. THE SEEDS WERE SOWN A MILLENIA AGO WHEN YOUR KIND ESCAPED THE CAVERNS OF SLUMBER INTO THE STARLIGHT. MORTAL MACHINATIONS ARE THE TURNING OF THE GEARS OF FATE, TOOTH ON TOOTH, TURNING TIME FORWARD ON ITS INEVITABLE PATH Adelaide Valerian: "I don't think I understand what it's saying. There is madness in this.. but.." She sighs. "It's like it's shouting in my head! Can you not control your volume, Sir?" She says to the voice crossly, then nods. "We should go if we are to go, yes?" From the black mist earth around his visage, the Gatekeeper's hands slide upward into view, clutching and grasping with titanic size Adelaide Valerian: .."Those are very big hands." Elysia de Romanga: "Then what do you care of us doing anything here if it is all preordained anyway? Are you just a complainer?" Andre Morgan turns and explains to the party: “Picture the ocean boasting that it conspired with the rain to flood all the land, because the gods had told it to be wet.” Andre Morgan: “And that they're both in league with a mortal mountian king who attacked and broke a dam upstream.” Gatekeeper: "I am given FORM after all these cycles! Child, your insights into Mortal life are a gift given to me and readily accepted." Adelaide Valerian gathers her courage and risk going though the portal. Stepping across the threshold and taking flight rather then touch the.. ground? Un-Ground? It seems a mad place, and she trust instead the magic. Power faint on her with ghostly radiance as it supports her in the air. (TK Flight in use)) The Eternal's voice drops, given a more tangible source, the mouth chewing the words like a gravel pit of smoke Adelaide Valerian: "Where is the other end of the tunnel? We are quite busy and must be on the way to do mortal things." Gatekeeper: "Are yo uexcited Mortal girl, to tarry off to your destiny? Your Fate meeting you like a star crossed lover?" Elysia de Romanga: "Indeed. It's been fun Gatey, but we can't stay around staving off your loneliness forever." Gatekeeper: " I too am excited, for my Mortal form will be as Awesome and Terrible as the Night!" Andre Morgan covers his grin with his sleeve. Adelaide Valerian: "I'm acutely terrified and lost. I'm hiding it with bravado and trying not to think too deeply on what you are." Gatekeeper: "You know who I AM" Andre Morgan: “Oh, so the machinemen are gathering all this power to manifest the Gatekeeper on the mortal plane.” “…why?” Andre Morgan turns around to look at the Gatekeeper and tilts his head quizzically. Elysia de Romanga: "It's a spoiled child trying to make its mark on the world." "Cut off from its parents, simultaneously rebelling against them and trying to get their attention." Ian harumphs at that Gatekeeper: "The Spheres were collected by the Collective, barter for squandered souls. The children of the Horned King gathered them to align with the shattered world. Now, they bridge the gap and merge them." Elysia de Romanga boldly goes forward after Adelaide's lead gatekeeper: "Your world will no longer be so mundane as to only contain Mortals. And mine will not be so haughty to only contain ME" Ian: "So he's a couch crasher...." Andre Morgan lifts his head at the grotesque visage: “So let us through. The princess's failure would only glorify your triumph.” Adelaide hovers just over the surface of the misty ground, stirred like ashes rising from a campfire with no spark or flame to light them. Elysia's boots step firmly down from the truck bed to them, and wafts of the smoke curl round her like snakes Gatekeeper: "Failure? Triumph? You speak as if the inevitable has not already progressed!" "Your Gate did not malfunction at my bidding, only adapted to the newfound rules of the entwined worlds. Reality is unravelling and reforming at your demands now! Magic seeps it's lifeblood into your streams, the air itself entangled with the firmament!" Andre Morgan: “You are preventing it from playing out as it must with this holdup” The laughter that rolls out from the maw is thick and smothering like thunder Elysia de Romanga: "Yes, yes, Gatey is very tough, very scary, and Mom and Dad would do well to fear." Andre Morgan raises an eyebrow. Gatekeeper: "You are welcome to travel my domain, but know this, my fearsome visage is not one to be feared, but respected. I warn, and watch, but I do not interfere" Sigrun: *leaning over to Ian "Ready Lover?" Andre Morgan doesn't say anything then, since it's moving on. Adelaide Valerian: "I've only been doing this for a few days. Please show me the way out?.. and.. Alright. I'm greatful for safe passage in your lands and the warning of the danger to our very reaility." Andre Morgan notes to Adelaide: “Try visualising the courtyard of the castle, the destination of our journey.” Adelaide Valerian does so. Repeating the process when she had tried to open the gate in the first place. Over Adelaide, a small blossom of azure light emerges from the crown of her brow. it curls off of her, and twist away like a light trailing serpent, alive and seeking a path through the mists Sigrun steps through the hole to the smokey lands of the Ways Adelaide Valerian follows the light. Ian readies himself with a prayer, then a harumph Elysia de Romanga awaits the next step Andre Morgan follows Adelaide at a steady pace, The land on the other side of the gateway is formless and also shaped with shadows of your own land. In the distance, away to the horizon, something crackles with purple lightning, and a shape like a clifftop rises from the edge of the world. Perched there, shadowed by the sudden flashes of intermittent lightning, is a dark castle Gatekeeper: "Go Mortals! Take my blessing if you would heed it, and my warning if you would welcome it! THESE ARE THE END OF DAYS AND THE DAWN OF NEW TIME!" The Gatekeeper's amused chuckling disappears into the smokey not-earth as he slips from view along with them Andre Morgan summarises his takeaways again: “So their aim, in process of being achieved, is to merge the mortal world with the realms of the Eternals, repealing the laws that govern both, making manifest the Eternals and giving mortals access to powers beyond history's ken.” Sigrun: "Do you see now, Queen, your new Kindom? laid out before you. This is the plan my Conrad has in store for you" Andre Morgan: “By the sound of it, the Cataclysm was a step towards this goal.” Elysia de Romanga: "We won't be able to fight against it while we're still small and facing other enemies which work with them and against us." Adelaide Valerian: "I don't like you, Sigrun." She informs the witchy girl as she drifts though the air, feet above the ground and a frown on her lips as she follows the light though the mist. Andre Morgan nods. “Let us focus on what is at hand. We may be able to prevent the plan coming to fruition; if we cannot, be ready to hijack it.” Sigrun sneers at the comment from Adelaide, and quiets up (To GM): So right now, all the concentrated magic energy in the air would greatly amplify any magic cast, right? (From Ken (GM)): yes, definitely. Thats probably why adelaides gate got jammed open out of her control (To GM): Except some additions to my character sheet before the next session, hohoho Sigrun: dares to speak "What would you do, Andre? Spheres of power are ancient and terrible. Globes of pure essence, deposited in our world like lodestones." Andre Morgan asks Sigrun: “Woman, is that your end, or is it a means to an end—to bring back your Horned King?” Sigrun holds a scarred hand to her neck, and absently rubs at the place you removed her chain necklace from. Sigrun: "I was beholden to his power, ensnared to it and chained by it. Now...I am free of His embrace yet I still live. I feel Conrads plan has already drawn out the Magic where that compact is no longer valid." Andre Morgan smiles. “That is good.” Sigrun: "It is different." The smokey trail continues, lit by Adelaides concentration and illuminated by the azure light. The world underfoot winds away in animation Andre Morgan turns to Elysia: “The Spheres mentioned, Your Highness, are sources of great energy but also… worlds unto themselves.” Andre Morgan: “We would go good unto many if we prevented them from being abused.” Elysia de Romanga: "A troubling prospect, but one which I do not believe we are personally equipped to handle." Andre Morgan: “If they have set up magic circles or advanced machinery to harvest them, we can break those; that would be best.” *harness them Ken (GM): [ominous when eithe rword works] P.P. A.: :DDDDD Andre Morgan turns again to Sigrun: “How many are still in the Horned King's thrall, and present at this operation?” Sigrun: "The Drake designed the constructs. Magic circles and ancient designs plied from Touchstones in his collection. He escaped with Conrad...when you nearly destroyed him" Adelaide Valerian: "What sort of.. " She starts to ask a question and shakes her head. Focusing instead on the path. Concentrating on leading the people though the ghostly landscape. Elysia de Romanga: "So this Collective is in league with the Cult of the Horned King. I guess that makes the job of sorting out who is who among the ghastly horrors has been made moot." Sigrun: "They were pawns. They knew not what they had. What they beleived to be malfuncitoning tangential null-space energy sources were simply misaligned Spheres of Power" "The rubes traded them for the manuscripts of the Touchstones, and the ancient lore of their manufacture. A copy, still, but altogether a cheap exchange" Andre Morgan: “Are many of them still in the castle?” Sigrun: "Their kind were unwelcome in Conrad's inner circle. We expelled them back to their domain as soon as the deal was struck and done. Only the Roi Cornu live in the demense now" "Laymen, simple adherents, but still, men sworn to the cause. Perhaps not liberated from the Compact as I am though" Andre Morgan: “Hm~!” André smiles slyly. “Not as good as I had hoped, but maybe good enough.” Adelaide Valerian scowls a touch at that and considers what that means as she fights her way to the castle following the light. Andre Morgan bends sideways to grin at Elysia: “Know that I am adept at illusions, Your Highness. If there is a balcony or prominent terrace… you will know what to do, I'm sure.” (To GM): This thing I'm planning todesn't even need changes to my sheet Sigrun: "How...was I liberated from my chains?" Elysia de Romanga: "Good question. At what time did you notice?" Sigrun: "I was struck by that one" "and I was laid low by her. I saw the infinite blackness, and a star in the distance. A light far above me. When I awoke, in the hospital....I think I realized then I had been unchained. Were the rites to remove my bond difficult to unhex?" Elysia de Romanga: "Interesting." Adelaide Valerian shakes her head. "We didn't find it overly difficult to break them, but again we were childing playing with metaphorical guns left carelessly scattered about. I imagine we could just as easily have killed you." Sigrun: "I see. I am...very lucky" Ian: "Aren't we all...." Adelaide Valerian: "Maybe. I'll reserve judgement on your luck for when I find the other blasted gate out of this place." She says with a hint of frustration, flying a little higher and looking in the direction of the castle, then chasing after the light that bobs ahead of them like a whisp. The passage of time feels flawed here, as if it never proceeds without hesitation, feverently dashing from shadow to shadow around you like a startled thing Elysia de Romanga fully trusts Adelaide here. Features of the landscape shift and rise from the smoke like artifacts from another age and another world, and you begin to recognize distinctly familiar bits among them Adelaide Valerian: "Better" She says as the world takes shape, seeming to form itself from mist and fog as she drifts forward like a ghost herself, wreathed in that eerie radiance. Eventually, the radiant light Adelaide has been following, rests on the broken crumbling ash of the shadow of a gateway Elysia de Romanga follows along confidently. Ian: "All things considered, you have to admire the architecture...." Sigrun strides in on light steps, eyes turned in all directions as she steps past the guesswork of another age. She grimaces at the non-horizon like it is distasteful Andre Morgan really appreciates the æsthetics of it all and seems in a good mood. Sigrun: "I dont like this. The Ways were never this material when I traversed them" Ian: "So the giant mouth wasn't lying when it said things were getting...closer." "I suppose it had little reason to lie anyway....I wouldn't bother lying to an ant, I suppose." Adelaide Valerian: "How long have you been traveling them?" She ask Sigrun. She still doesn't trust her but the information could be useful. Sigrun: "Years, though I never dared to use the mindscape of a spirit to map my passage. Mine was a trail blazed by the Raven, his own passage vital to mine." In the distance, as much as that matters here, something CAWs Adelaide Valerian: "Right. So you don't find your own path either.." She says thoughtfully, then looks in the distance. "Bird." She says darkly of the sprit before she looks to the fallen gate. "Open" She says demandingly. The orb of light that is her concentration made manifest, bends to Adelaides command and inverts, pressing into the shadowstuff of this realm and forces a change... In response, a flurry of CAW CAW and answering CAW CAW CAW beckons back and forth throughout the expanse of this place And in the shadows cast by the light of the working, something rises up to drop darker raking cuts in the world The sharp retorts of the birdcalls now issue from their mouths, and the shadow things slither and jostle in the flickring light of Adelaides Working Rolling 3d6 = 7 vs 12 Adelaide concentrates, forms her destination in mind, and the ground cracks and deforms. Lit from within like Lodestone, the runes that press out from the earth are arcane and yet familiar. Bidden, they turn and twist, unlocking the passage through to your own world And from the other side, something resists The shades slither and lurk. They step on the edge of your vision from one shadow to the next The shades hold still a moment. And then... Adelaide Valerian swears, dropping to the ground as she stops concentrating on anything but the working. "Ward. Gimmie.. just a few seconds. Then be ready to go fast. No idea how long the door will stay open." Demon: "Stop! Mortals!" Ian draws my sword Ian: *his even tshing! Elysia de Romanga has her trusty rapier out too Andre Morgan has his hands in a suspicious pose, ready to reach either to the scabbard on his hip or into his sleeve. Ian specifically places himself between the demon and Adelaide Ian: "Take your time, let's do it right. We'll hold off the beasties." Demon: "You would breach the Way, before the Auspicious time? The Convergence proceeds! Our worlds will join in only a few mortal hours!" Ian: "Of course not. We simply got lost on the way to the cafe." "You know how it is....street kids vandalize signs all the time." The demon, shabby and unkempt, pieces of it shedding away like old pages from a dead mans book. It steps on long limbs like frogs legs, tipped with curved and weathered claws Adelaide Valerian can appreciate the logic. The longer the demons are talking the less time they are attacking. She focuses on the gate. Demon: "Are you changed too, Mortals? You tarry like vagabonds in streetlamps, and linger with malcontent?" flesh before" Elysia de Romanga: "You would dare stand before the might of Romanga on the eve of our greatest hope being realized?" CLICK CHITTER CAW a cycle of noise issues from the chorus of Shades around you Demon: "Mortal Kingdoms. Mortal World. Soon to become more than a world" Andre Morgan looks at the demon inscrutably through his shades as a white mist—immediately turning the smokey grey of the surrounding void—imperceptibly creeps up around the party. Ken (GM): ANDRE [no activation roll, yeah?] P.P. A.: (just checked, there isn't any,y eah) (To GM): using Obscure (Vision) obv Ian: [ - Todd Howard] A thick curtain of the world around you thrusts up into existence and everything without disappears As the floor of the world falls away and Adelaide clicks something into place... Sigrun: "Move!" Sigrun tips over, and pushes off from her feet to dive headfirst through the hole as she shouts Adelaide Valerian waits for the others to jump into the hole before she follows, makeing sure it stays open and stable. Andre Morgan goes second to last. Elysia de Romanga heads in Ian will head in with a nod to Adelaide Ken (GM): Ian, quick! Where do you fit in the marching order! lol You proceed, the slippage of steps and the murky shadows of the Ways lit by Magic runes and obvious effects as the savage noises of enrqaged denizens follow on your bootheels only inches away Adelaide Valerian falls into the gate, trying not to get disoriented and dropping back into the normal, safe world of flying continents and fel magic. The floor rises to greet you, and the firm unshakable solidity of it slams into each of you as gravity and reality return Ian helps her up, hiding his sigh of relief well, but not entirely Elysia de Romanga does a double take and wipes her eyes as she beholds this colourful.....thing that appears before them. The flor drops in four tiered rings down to a burbling and sloshing...swirl of color and energy, orbiting round a massive mishapen chunk of what looks like Ætherite crystal, but boils a lime green color Elysia de Romanga: "Right. First thing: Explosives and heavy armaments." All over the dark stone of the floor and walls, violently colored neon light bleeds through to shine on the air Adelaide Valerian looks down into the pit with it's eerie green crystal, then around at the odd, circular markings on the ground. Like glyphs but different, and glowing like garsh signs. "Uh.. Anyone know what that is?" Behind you, a gnashing and wailing seems to echo and trill into the distance as a foggy swirl of energy turns on the air Elysia de Romanga: "Probably what's responsible for everything going haywire in Romanga right now." Andre Morgan: “I would love to study it in detail, but disabling it as soon as possible might be better.” Sigrun: "This is the chamber where a Sphere was contained. It seems the wards have a life of their own now?" Elysia de Romanga: "Let's secure the area, get access to armaments, and open the gates and lay waste to this infernal plot!" Adelaide Valerian: "I don't see any off button. "She admits, looking around the chamber. "There's ways out to the west and north, but the door we entered by seems.. misty." Andre Morgan indeed heads north instead. Rolling 3d6 = 10v12 Occultism or 10 Thaumatology to glean some informaiton on the setup here as he walks across the lines. Adelaide Valerian: "That can't be good" Andre Morgan walks with haste, though his head's motions scan the patterns on the ground. Ian slows down a bit, guarding the group's rear Elysia de Romanga: "We've no time to waste." Sigrun moves alongside your group, hands up and fingers twiddling (To GM): do the lines draw that power from elsewhere to the thing in the middle? Ian: "Any idea what the inky blotch over there is, Sigrun?" "Or is that more of a 'tell you after all this is over" kind of thing?" (From Ken (GM)): perhaps, though they are either carved into the stone or bleeding up from through it Sigrun: "The drake!" (To GM): so “under it” as in under the crystal or under the floor below the crystal? Adelaide Valerian ask "What is a drake?" as she follows after Andre. Andre Morgan leaps down a floor. The draconic-man steps through the inkblot in the floor even as she speaks his name His skin luminesces with gold and a red tabard drapes from his armored chest Andre Morgan: “Just that,” he calmly notes and gestures towards it. Drake: "Sigrun! You invite interlopers! Your betrayal was inevitable it seems!" Sigrun: "Not what, but " *she shouts accross the space "DRAKE! I am only here for Conrad! Your schemes mean nothing to me!" Drake: "Elysia! Begone! You are no longer required for the Rite!" The draconic man's voice rises over the space. He points an accusing finger through to the queen Elysia de Romanga: "I do not follow your orders." Adelaide Valerian draws her pistol and thumbs back the hammer. (From Ken (GM)): sorry, thats one of those distinctions lost in the minutiae of "quick glances at glowing runes you didnt carve yourself" (From Ken (GM)): not to leave you hanging (To GM): Fair. (To GM): He's conjuring a fog again here btw Drake: "Look upon our works! Ye children of Mortal form!" Elysia de Romanga: "He's just going to delay us until it's too late. Just go on." Drake: "This working will be the undoing of centuries of misstep!" Andre Morgan has walked behind a pillar blocking the line of sight to Drake Ken (GM): [sneaky] Andre Morgan and just as Drake rose from the ground in black smoke, so does the area around that pillar slowly but surely get wrapped into a dense fog—black too at times, but also diffusing the green flow of the lines on the ground. Stepping from behind the Drake, comes the black hooded man and a large shovel-shaped spear Adelaide Valerian walks around the upper ledge. "Right. Go north. I'm right 8 the fog might momentarily clear a little just enough for Drake and the other guy to see nobody in it because he's hiding behind the next pillar Elysia de Romanga: "Well there goes our chance of just leaving them here." Conrad von Marburg, the black hooded cultist of the Roi Cornu, and High Inquisitor shouts back Conrad: "ENOUGH!" "Stop this! Elysia!" Joush M.: Is the fog blocking Addy's shot? (To GM): he draws his saber somewhere along the way P.P. A.: it shouldn't Elysia de Romanga: "Change of plans: We quickly dispatch these ones. Remember that they can stop bullets, so we'll distract them and you can get some shots off." P.P. A.: basically the fog slowly trails André Ken (GM): ah right, youre the point of origin P.P. A.: so it should have dissipated enough there to the left for a clear enough line of sight between her and the Drake Ken (GM): [] P.P. A.: also I imagine it spreading and lingering just enough that it's impossible to see where excatly the middle is Elysia de Romanga brandishes her rapier. "I will not! Romanga may still live, despite your attempts to make it cease!" Adelaide Valerian shoots Conrad for old time's sake, and because that jerk stabbed Elysia. Conrad: "Keep it! Your -" Conrad is cut short by a bullet cracking through the air! Elysia de Romanga leaps forward, intending to charge the two head-on! (Also Again a small shade of black leaps to the defense of Conrad, but it is too slow to the stop and the bullet slaps home in his breast! Adelaide Valerian has bloodlust. This might have counted as 'evading a sentry, ect'. Saves her a roll. Ken (GM): kek Blood dashes to the floor, and sizzles on the stone of the place like is the portal directly behind Drake? Also I expect more things to jump out of there but eliminating the leader takes precedence over caution here Adelaide Valerian winces at how very louad the gun was. Painfully, despite the space being so large. Rolling 3d6 = 12 seconds from Blessed/Heroic Feats) Ken (GM): :v massive dick kick from behind? or has he just snuck up Andre Morgan performs a Telegraphed +4 attack with Extra Effort (+4, -1 FP) aimed at the neck (-5) of Drake. (-4 for Move and Attack.) Rolling 3d6 = 12 P.P. A.: … oof. Elysia de Romanga: (At least you didn't roll a 13) Ian: [Huey Lewis and the News intensifies] Ken (GM): :V P.P. A.: wait a moment Ken (GM): HOL UP P.P. A.: I got my calcs wrong Ken (GM): MATHS P.P. A.: why does my sheet show Saber Lv 11 when the skill says 12 Adelaide Valerian: you wearing two layers of armor anywhere? P.P. A.: No Elysia de Romanga: (Though doesn't a move and attack maneuver cap the skill at 9 as well?) Ken (GM): fencing weapon, encumbrence P.P. A.: I have a perk that reduces encumberance by 1 though which doesn't seem to be accounted for Ken (GM): ah, well, I believe you over the sheet P.P. A.:in any case, even that'd still be only a 11 not accounting for that maneuver skill cap which I forgot about so it's still a miss Ken (GM): 8actually* ive done it before and Ill do it again it was a miss by 1, versus neck or head P.P. A.: phew Ken (GM): WHICH MEANS DONT LEAVE US IN SUSPENCE *SE DAMAGE ROOOLLLLLL 6 cut The blade shiines with pearlescent light in his hand, and GLIMMERCLANK it rakes the back of his eight foot tall scaly shoulders down to his flesh underneath Green blood hisses into the air and sizzles on the blade! The cry of surprise and pain on Drake screams with animal ferocity! Ken (GM): ELYSIA Elysia de Romanga keeps moving forward! Ken (GM): just keep swimmin! Drake wheels on his clawed feet, and snarls a rumbling growl as he faces his attacker. Green bubbles on his clenched toothy maw as his eyes swivel onto his assailant! Ken (GM): ADELAIDE Adelaide Valerian walks forward and Aims at Conrad again Ken (GM): gun up, eyes up, angry pointed IAN with his queen Ian: Running with a dash Sigrun makes a swirl of magical gestures with her hands, and light trails in the air behind them, boiling lime green Conrad reels a step from the gunshot, but stands tall, and his words continue "KEEP IT ALL , Elysia! MY CRIMSON BRIDE WILL SUSTAIN ME!" And echoing through the walls, following the mighty clapping gunshot, de Romanga pressed forward still. "I don't care! You still hurt Romangans, pissed us all off, and that's not something you can buy your finishes her swooping hands motions, and POOF a shimmering raven of ghostly light surrounds her, diving through the air on silent wings Conrad , back another step with another gunshot, slams his spear down into the floor, and the head alights with a crackling angry color The dwarf shuffles forward on armored boots, and slaps against the cover of the thick stone pillar, gun raised and eyes wary P.P. A.: How deep is the drop down to the next level? Two more figures slip out of the inky hole, men like Drake, lizardlike features and long scaled limbs and tails Ken (GM): [drop down is about eight feet? two hexes The draconic men screech an animalistic battle cry AND NEXT WEEK WE DISCOVER THE RESULT OF THE MAD MELEE MATHEMATICS Fiss: YAY! ON SHATTERED WORLDS P.P. A.: Wondering if it's worth rolling off the ledge and doing an acrobatics roll to land on his feet (1 maneuvre instead of 2 ready to get back up) or if that just leaves him at a height advantage Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): [oh rolling to safety will be a great plan] Rosettsara: Thanks for session~ Ken (GM): and can be comically funny if he flubs Fiss: We lived again! :C P.P. A.: Speaking of Ready maneuvres, I just read that you need one to activate/deactivate Abilities :DDDDD Adelaide Valerian: Ah! Got to wait a whole week to find out what that weird bird thing does Ken (GM): BAH Fiss: Ken (GM): [whats a level of reduced time between friends] SHES A BIRB CAW CAW MOTHAFUCKAS 4xp i gotta go get pizza, and all sorts of kijiji pickups accross the city Ken (GM): including half a gutted piano [wish me much luck] Fiss: Cool, stay safe man! Rosettsara: Take care~ P.P. A.: and I need to go to bed ASAP because I have to do stuff early tomorrow Fiss: Don't lick any surfaces! P.P. A.: Good night \o Ken (GM): GOOD NIGHT Fiss: I herd u liek d6 kips Ken (GM): dood fate smile dupon us last weekend I got the kids happy meals comes with 4 card pokemon boosters my boy has a mudkip Fiss: JOY SUSTENANCE POLYGONS YES It has been ordained. Ken (GM): genuinely made me smile Fiss: Mudkips have blessed your family Ken (GM): thought to myself "Man fiss will laugh on that one" Fiss: XD Absolutely. :D Rosettsara: Ahaha, nice Ken (GM): wheeeeere is joush hiding offline on discord adelaide is what, two shots deep on her bigass revolver JOOSH I SUMMON THEEEEE P.P. A.: It worked! Joush M.: I.. Live.. Again! Joush M. grabs pitchfork and flare gun Ken (GM): >power rangers music cranks WHERE LAST WE LEF TOUR HEROES, IN MEDIA RES The world was changing round them, and not entirely for the better. The city teemed with revolution, and boiled with banner waving proletariat! The dark dimension of The Ways now held the Gatekeeper itself in person! Demons stalked the shadows and they just needed a way into the castle, so the princess could rescue herself! Adelaide Valerian shot Conrad and it was pretty funny But, once inside, the magical machinations of the Roi Cornu became self evident. Bile colored crystals protrude from a dozen collections, and the black hood himself, Conrad von Marburg, former and current High Inquisitor is in fervent battle! Ian: Ahhh, good times.... Ken (GM): such good times got him TWICE P.P. A.: (my turn?) Ken (GM): yes of course; last round saw the witch sigrun taking flight in her bird form, Ian and Elysia charging in on to the fray, adeliade wrecking house with her pistol and strange inhuman reinforcements coming in by portal to assist Drake and Conrad andre ha djust dove out of the way of acidic bile to the nearby floor last turn Andre Morgan sees that he's in a disadvantageous position to say the least, whistles, and rolls off the ledge… trying to elegantly land on his feet using Rolling 3d6 = 8v12 Acrobatics Ken (GM): skadoosh, he lands nicely any more tricks up his butt? P.P. A.: Either trying to fast-draw a throwing knife or immediately preparing a jump, but I'll have to look up how the latter works Ian: [butt tricks] P.P. A.: Feel free to go on, I'll either figure out the jumping mechanics or throw some dice for the Fast-Draw if I don't Ken (GM): gotcha ELYSIA runs? Elysia de Romanga indicates to Ian through hand gestures that they should converge on the nearest villain at once, as she continues running to the The beam blasts, and as Drake gathers his power to block in a sphere of his own power around him...it gathers too slow, and actually seems to day, Ken puts a giant token on the map. We all nervously wait for him to make it smaller....I say: Oh, you forgot to resize it, Ken! Ken says: "Ooops! You're right!" and makes it bigger.....] Ken (GM): the leg golem Elysia de Romanga: (Just...think of it as an extra challenge!) Joush M.: "MAKE MY MONSTER GROW!" Ken (GM): from the leg dimension P.P. A.: How high is this ledge again? Ian: [us Murderhobos would probably just look at it and say: YAY! BONUS SIZE TO HIT!] Ken (GM): about 8 feet P.P. A.: oh yeah, unless the ambient magic super-boosts super-jump, I'm 4-feet-something short The enemy here dropped down next to him? Ken (GM): hopped down yeah Elysia de Romanga: (There's always climbing) Ken (GM): whippy tail, and rangy legs but yeah, he can always jump-climb too P.P. A.: You jump up halfway and then climb the rest of the way? Ken (GM): yeah I dodged a truck like tha tonce long story short, adrenaline P.P. A.: Isekai averted Well for now he'll just strike the mook here. Ken (GM): [i tried jaywalking, didnt check my 3oclock, and truck was incoming. Sprinted, grabbed fence and kicked legs up one side together like a steeplevault MOOKSTAB P.P. A.: actually lemme buy up Saber by 1 Ken (GM): kek P.P. A.: :V +1 pts for SL 13 Ken (GM): >ingame paus emenu music as PPA redistributes points mid combat Andre Morgan: “The Horned King is dead, and your side has lost the initiative; don't waste your mortality,” he announces to the summonés as he swings his saber at voice rises in a horror and exultation, pain but also some sort of energy. Like pain is not so much a burden to him, as a distraction. He crackles, his limbs boiling and spitting, as he tries once more to collect his power, and he points it now, at the massive crystal in the middle of the room Rolling 3d6 = 11 v10 Thaumatology or 12 Occultism to figure out what he's doing and how to , from the ground, chuckles, madly, with green hideous blood pouring from many gunshot wounds. You can see his white teeth stained a glowing green behind his black hood Ken (GM): [well, elysia can] Elysia de Romanga returns her own fiery grin Conrad: "Betrayed by my own love! My last hope!" The dwarven gunner curses, jumping down to the stairs from the oncoming big bird, and bumps into the stone wall of the stairs The menagerie of troops scuttle and move, beasts of war, blades drawn and spears high! They move as bidden by their dark masters, scrambling down after you each to meet the fray. The small goblinlike one screeches, standing on the bile of the drake, howling and clutching at it's feet The one facing Andre rattles a clucking noise in it's warbling throat, flapping wildly and tongue darting, as it raises its sword in a high guard and swings to face him, shield ready and marked with dark red blood (To GM): as in any deaths from here on are going to be counted as sacrifices to whatever ritual is in progress? Around you, the room trembles, and creaks, stone cracking and hissing under tremendous pressure. The runes seem to flex and pull together like a clenching fist, at the corner of your eye. The crystals in the middle of the room, lit up by five red marks, begin to hum Rolling 3d6 = 10v12 Acrobatics P.P. A.: (what does this translate to in practice?) Ken (GM): it beats by the margin you failed [sorry, wife distracted at critical juncture] Andre flourishes, flips himself half upside down by the power of his wind, and then tumbles to land on his feet...exactly where he planned to, but way less stylishly There may have been muffled cursing involved something something 'ambient magic' Rolling 3d6 = 13 Critical Hit Effect! ("If any damage penetrates DR, treat it as if it were a major wound, regardless of the actual injury inflicted." ) Ken (GM): MAJOR WOUND Elysia de Romanga:7 Imp damage! Ian: noice! Ken (GM): JESUS Elysia de Romanga: (Not counting any momentum bonuses if any apply) P.P. A.: noice She dives from the bird sword slung out and thrust into her foe with all the momentum of her rage and energy SHNNNK PING The blade thrusts into him top down, through something vital that scrapes along the trembling metal saber, and then the sword jams point down into the stone floor under him! Something crumples to the floor, falling with an iron weight and a glasslike tinkling sound, as it breaks Conrad , the black hood, gasps in shock choking over bile covered teeth and choking on the noise meanwhile, behind them, the Drake continues to scream and burn, blackening Ken (GM): ADELAIDE Adelaide Valerian kicks off the ledge and rushes forward, carried by a lumonous, ghostly blue power that gathers around her (TK flight, forward yo) (To GM): can he just step in front of him to absorb the life energy so it doesn't go to the crystal, or would that just result in singed clothes shimmers and reappears from her bird body, landing in a crouch on the stone floor. A look of aghast horror on her face at her love, skewered by Elysia, as she high fives her bro over pwning noobs Conrad coughs up red and green blood, and chokes on his breath, at the mighty blow. The magic on his weapon fades as it clatters to the floor beside him He slumps back against the pillar, gasping, revealing a black iron and brass chain, with a bright green stone in a pendant, shattered on the floor around you the minion creatures take heed. They hesitate, and shiffle awkwardly. Barking to each other in their strange tongues Elysia de Romanga: "No matter your otherworldly assistance, demonic alliances... you still lost to humanity." "i hope it was all worth giving up your own." Conrad: "Lost? All....Ive lost....is this body." "The afterlife....is now.....secure" P.P. A.: uh, is Drake still …there? since he's off the initiative list Ken (GM): oh, his body is burning and screamingf ye one sec t'was 9.5? P.P. A.: should be Ken (GM): kk ty P.P. A.: Is he sending out the beam from any particular… well, not a lot of organs left, but The bourning body of Drake is still perched, clutching the staff in one hand, and limbs poised in the position of channelling magic. Skin and gristle burning over fingers clenched in painful display of magic Ken (GM): so in short, ye the beam comes from his root chakra in the guts P.P. A.: Vitals, then? Ian: When in doubt....vitals Andre Morgan: “ claim your breath, lesser dragon.” Andre swings his word at the Drake's guts, or what's left of it on this side of material reality. Rolling 3d6 = 6v10 Ken (GM): kek P.P. A.: check out my trips The intonation, and the several pounds of metal, carry similar weight here Drake does not defend! Ken (GM): Damage! Andre Morgan:5 cut! P.P. A.: (could also throw Luck at it for a proper finisher if that's not enough) The blade slides through, and snaps a chunk of vital meat and bone! Burning body flies out the back side in a gristly display on the blow The body itself shudders and crumples The grinning skull of the dragon, long and toothy, widens as the bubbling pitch eyes swivel to Andre Drake: "Mortal Coil spent, I am undone, but my magic is not!" (To GM): figured that robbing him of his life energy would make his projection run out too And in a snap of the air, the body of the Drake folds into the beam of vile light and is consumed like so much oily pitch, in the flames of the would giving him the proper funeral rites (perhaps as Exorcism) banish him wholly to the afterlife and leave his magic fizzling out?) (From Ken (GM)): so he worked something that 'cost enough HP to kill him' at least Elysia de Romanga: "...Can you do something, Sigrun?" Adelaide Valerian flies over a little unsteadily and drops onto the stone with a thump, eyes bright and looking to the beam with a deep frown. Trying to think of a way to turn it off. (To GM): He's dead physically but may not be dead metaphysically/spiritually until properly buried or at least given proper rites (To GM): Uh, so to undo it we'd have accumulate enough HP otherwise? Like sacrificing all the mooks hgere? Sigrun stops at Elysias words, perched on her haunches and hands reaching for Conrad. She scowls at Elysia Sigrun: "To stop the drake, would require equal measure of sacrifice or offering. Life for life, and one strong enough to oppose him. I do not offer my " (From Ken (GM)): roll another thaumatolgy? Andre Morgan mulls over the sight before him. He hastily speaks a short funeral prayer over the Drake's ashes—whether or not it helps, it's just proper. Rolling 3d6 = 8v10 Elysia de Romanga chuckles. "I guess it's a good thing you already read my letter, Ian." Ian looks over Adelaide Valerian: "Is there enough of Conrad left to be of any use?" She ask as she looks to the bleeding man, blue magic wrapping him. Lifting him. Andre Morgan turns to Adelaide: “You could reopen the door to the Ways, we grab the nearest now-mortal demon, and sacrifice him to stop the ritual,” he suggests seriously but lacking confidence in his proposal. Sigrun hisses, angrily, and clutches at Conrad bodily as Adelaide lifts him, (and likely her too into the air) Andre Morgan ponders how strong Drake was and how a random average devil would measure up to him. Andre Morgan looks over to Conrad's remains. Ken (GM): conrad senses how much of the 'right ' choice he is Andre Morgan: “It might also more be a matter of than power.” Conrad: "Would you, Queen of Romanga? Am I to be the bloody mortal settling your footstone?" Sigrun: "NO! I wont let them!" Adelaide Valerian wraps Sigrun up with the same power and for a moment she seems ready to hurl them together into the beam. (anybody want to stop Addy from.. uh.. Addy-ing this?) Andre Morgan: “The Drake sacrificed himself willingly for his cause; so a sacrifice with a strong will contrary would counteract it, the power or energy of the sacrifice secondary.” Elysia de Romanga: "Let go of him. He betrayed you, betrayed the world, and now seeks to end everything. He made his choice, and you did not matter to him." The floor creaks and groans. Stone shifts and ripples. The magic here flexes and presses out against it's constraints Andre Morgan: “His self-sacrifice is the capstone to a greater ritual,” he muses as he surveys the area. Elysia de Romanga: "So what you're saying is that someone who really wants to die if it means breaking the spell is needed, and Conrad really wouldn't fit the criteria since he wants the spell to succeed?" Ian lowers his blade and joins the others (To GM): He'd sacrifice himself for a sufficiently good cause but he wouldn't exactly mind the kind of outcome intended here, Ways, Æther, and Airth intermingling. (To GM): However, would the ritual also consume the Sphere being used? Adelaide Valerian swears and releases them slowly, lowering them to the ground and nodding. "Straws then?" Ian: "No straws needed." Adelaide Valerian: "That's very noble of you, Mister Timmins. But.. "She shakes her head and instead of trying to stop him touches his shoulder tenderly. "Thank you." Rolling 3d6 = 11 (To GM): Elysia de Romanga: "Are you sure about this, Prime Minister?" Ian winks at her and nods Ian: "It would have been a pay cut anyway." Andre Morgan asks the others: “Can any of you read the runes cats upon that crystal?” Andre Morgan: Sigrun too. Sigrun: "Promise me, you will not use our lives to your ends, Andre" Elysia de Romanga sheathes her sword and approaches Ian to give him a powerful hug. Andre Morgan: “You have my .” Andre Morgan embues the word “word” with a magical tingle to make clear that it's an oath Sigrun: "The runes speak of the language of the world inside that sphere. The magic used is their spell, not ours. Drake reincarnates himself there, as a new god." "Stopping this spell will not stop what we've already done" Andre Morgan raises an eyebrow: “Within that sphere, local cultists are summoning him as their new god?” Conrad: "Sigrun! No!" Conrad tries struggling, but only bleeds and coughs Sigrun: "I care little for your plots now. We must simply live. Together if we can" Andre Morgan: “I see—so any one who would sacrifice himself here would not stop the workings, but apotheosise into that Sphere as a god to rival Drake.” The woman is grim Sigrun: stares "Anyone who interrupts the working will either extinguish you both, or climb into the wreckage of that world as their new Starlord" Adelaide Valerian: "Well, fuck." Sigrun: "Our world is to theirs, as stories are to men. We are made of firmer stuff, and they are but whispers in the musings of the Eternals" Ian pauses, waiting for further details before flinging self into magic-beam-death Sigrun: "The Crimson bride was their life-story, their tale of exigence." Conrad: "And Justine proved to be a worthy Bride" Elysia de Romanga still keeps hugging him. "If you do find yourself fighting some more somewhere else...you'd damn well better not give up, okay?" Ian smiles at Elysia Ian: "I wouldn't dream of it." Elysia de Romanga: "Or else i'll come there and show you how it's done myself." The boiling essence of the drake grows thin and whispy in the magical emenation Andre Morgan tilts his head. “Is it not for the people of that sphere to stop this, then, for theirs have summoned the Drake?” Elysia de Romanga raises her voice toward the culty couple. "Can someone take items with them when they go over?" Sigrun: "As much as the Jarls take axes with them to Valhalla in their graves" Ian nods, then hands his cane to Elysia, but keeps his sword Andre Morgan calls over to the minions wandering off: “You—are you from that Sphere, that world?” Elysia de Romanga hands Ian her personal Rapier (Very Fine quality). "Use it well. I saw you eying it before." Ian: "There's a trick to the handle...I'll let you figure it out. Never had a chance to use it, so watch where you point the end" From the galleries, their are a series of barking hisses and gutteral tongue Andre Morgan: “I suppose that is a ‘yes’.” Elysia de Romanga: "i understand. I'll keep it in top shape for you." Andre Morgan musters them, and finds them to be of all kinds of races and peoples. Ken (GM): musters them? like, there skulking away into the dark halls of the castle here P.P. A.: Squints through his sunglasses to take a closer look at them. Adelaide Valerian watches and takes a deep breath and stands by. Watching and listening without knowing what to say in such a charged moment. Ken (GM): kek Ian smiles to Adelaide Ian: "It's been an honour serving with you." Ian clears his throat and walks to the beam Ian: "Wizard. Tell me what I must do." Andre Morgan quietly figures that with Dwarves, lizardmen, goblins, etc. all working together, the faction on the inside of that Sphere summoning their Horned King—Drake—must have widespread support or at least be a considerable alliance. Ken (GM): the wizard stares off into the distance, figuring Andre Morgan looks at Ian: “I suppose one would have to step into the beam—but are you sure you wish to do this? Your intentions are noble, as your sacrifice would be, but your—our—world may not be at threat. The people of that sphere summoned their Crimson Queen, and their Horned King, and that Drake has heeded their summon and is becoming that which they prayed for.” Andre Morgan: “I suspect he would be a tyrant, but look there,” he points at the brave Dwarf's corpse, “and yonder at the brave warriors who crossed worlds to protect their horned lord.” “He did not strike me as a dragon of noble character, and your sacrifice may well save that world from his tyranny, but it may be an unthankful victory.” Ian nods at that, closing his eyes for a moment. Ian: "That's the prize for a servant of the people, Wizard. If you do your job well....you'll have a thankless victory." Ian turns to the others one last time. P.P. A.: Now I'm not sure if Drake was a megalomaniac who wanted to become a god of his own world, or a bro who agreed to play that role because the real Horned King who had come to our world was dead and would never return to theirs. Adelaide Valerian: "I think the damage done to the Ways is a threat to the world, even if it's not intended." Elysia de Romanga: "I'll make sure it's not thankless. Romanga will never forget." (To GM): The damage to the Ways is done and this thing is just about whether or not Drake incarnates in that sphere, right?” Conrad: "Damage?" Ian: "For Romanga, then." Ian readies his sword and steps inside the beam There is a conflagration Elysia de Romanga: "...And i'll come and drag you back home once you're victorious." The man Ian, is lit from within, and something inside him alights upon not his flesh and bone, but his essence and his self. his spirit Ian, serenely, burns away a flash and smoke....and then only gold and light The beam tears, snaps, and whips itself hard into the crystals Andre Morgan quietly watches as the light dissipates. Ian: [AND NAME A HOLIDAY AFTER ME! WHERE EVERYONE DRINKS GREAT TEA!!!.....] The quiet light is anything but, as the remaining green protrusions crumble and fall away, revealing the swirling mass beneath and the golden orb at the center. Elysia de Romanga strikes something nearby with all her might as she curses The echoes of it all die away, and stillness follows. The ragged sound of desperate breathing, and sad quiet sobs from Sigrun Andre Morgan walks around. Joush M.: It's a day of rememberance where we make an effegy of tweed and wicker then shoot it with a high power laser)) Andre Morgan makes haste in his steps–echoing at first, then whispering, then falling silent—to catch up with the otherworlders. Ken (GM): someone in a hat with two horns is then pummelled with the ashy remains Adelaide Valerian watches a moment, then lets out a breath. Looking to where Ian had stood then to the strange crystal before she walks to Elysia. Patting her slender shoulder. "Come on. We can't stop now." Andre Morgan: (me can be heard calling out to them in the distance. “You, warriors!” Elysia de Romanga composes herself and remembers to let the doors open so that the masses can be let inside and take over this facility Andre Morgan: “You have no place in this world, which, when you step outside this building, will be as strange to you as you are to it.” Something happens Andre Morgan doesn't care if they can't understand him; he takes off his sunglasses, his back to the party in this room, and makes full use of body language. Something imminent, and pervading. Something powerful and rushing, and invading throughout your senses P.P. A.: (ok that has priority) Each of you sense this power. Adelaide though her Amulet, and the spirit of the Duchess. Andre through his own talent, and all throughout his person. Elysia though her heart, a connection secure and secret, but now blossoming and proud. The world shifts. Power rushes throughout, bursting outward from the Sphere nearby, and echoing in the high places of the world. You hear its song. You feel the tingle of the electricity. The pressure of it's presence immutable and all encompassing. The taste of the Firmament lingers A strangeness and a powerful shift, a gathering and an encroaching slithering of truth. Something different. But something whole, and true The world faded from view, from earshot, and from each of your senses but this new one.... and now it returns with a suddenness that leaves you shook You ar eback, the cavernous room, the bubbling acidic waters, the scent of sulphur and slime, and water. The sound of gasping breath and fearful excitement. From yourself, and from each other. Sigrun weeps. Conrad is still beneath her curled form, his hood pulled back and his face exalted Humming quietly in the middle of the room, the Sphere hovers Adelaide Valerian: "You felt that too, right?" She ask Elyssia as she catches her breath. Looking to the sphere then around the room. Elysia de Romanga: "...I felt something, and heard a sound." Andre Morgan acknowledges what happened, and is intrigued by it, but continues his speech to the foreign creatures: “Join me, and I will give you a place in this world—whether it is a battlefield you seek, whereon to die a brave and noble death; or a shelter, a home, and peace.” Adelaide Valerian: "Me too. There's magic everywhere around us. A miasma of it.. I hope that it hasn't caused damage." She inclines her head to Elysa. "We should.. humm" She frowns suddenly and pulls back her sleeve as if to check for something, searching for that familair bracer. The wary creatures who slunk away consider the odd man and his strange words, and bicker between each other quietly For the moment, they nod to him, and follow, casting aside their weapons together in a show of peace The bracer is gone In place of it, where her arm would bear it, is blue flesh like carved stone, glowing softly as Touchstone. Elbow to fingertips Andre Morgan smiles. “I am…” There is a ‘pop’ sound, and his words do not reach the rest of the party, strangely enough. Adelaide Valerian: "Well. Fuck." however talking to them, presumably asking their names in turn, and from the floor rises up a faint mist which coalesces into a miniature landscape at his feet. Elysia de Romanga rises and shakes off any leftover sensory shock as she turns to look at everyone who is left P.P. A.: (This will take however long it needs to be narratively until he rejoins the others if they want him around) Elysia de Romanga points to Conrad and Sigrun. "You will live, but you have a lot to make up for. You will serve Romanga." Ken (GM): [the lizardmen and orc loiter] [s'cool] ["Hey this guy doesnt seem to want our lives for his own" "Yeah and he hasnt hit me once" Adelaide Valerian flexes her fingers and shakes her head to clear it. A problem for later. She turns to Elysa. "You are sure?" She ask, though she doesn't stop her. Scatting brass cases as she opens her gun and reloads it. Elysia de Romanga: "We're entering the dawn of a new world. Their expertise and knowledge will be useful. And they want to keep living, right?" Sigrun: "I will serve. Surely. You will obviously need instruction in the arts, to serve a good queen to your people." Andre Morgan eventually returns to the party (his new recruits loitering until he takes them home), having put his sunglasses back on. Elysia de Romanga: "Killing them now would bring nobody back, and do nothing but rob them of the chance to do some good to make up for the evils they did." Ken (GM): [FYI, conrad is dead] [if that was not clear] Elysia de Romanga: "I was afraid you too had saw fit to disappear." (Then yeah, retcon that to be just Sigrun.) Adelaide Valerian closes the revolver with a flick of the wrist and considers Sigrun. "She's yours." She tells Elysia. Andre Morgan turns to Sigrun: “Would you be able to convince the remainders of the Roi Cornu to submit to the Princess?” Sigrun chuckles, and shakes her head Adelaide Valerian: "I'll find them then." She offers grimly. Sigrun: "I would be hard pressed to find them. What few who remained here in Airth have likely scattered to the winds. Those of any note are likely in their new seats of power" Elysia de Romanga: "They will be crushed." "For today, we liberate Romanga. We can worry about...other worlds later." Andre Morgan looks to Eylsia: “Know, Your Highness, that this man has flung open many gates to many places and powers,” he gestures towards Conrad. The body of Conrad lays smiling and still Andre Morgan: “It may take some time for the consequences to become clear, but be prepared for the unknown.” Elysia de Romanga: "I will look forward to meeting them as I always have. With your assistance, we will at least be armed with a little chance." Adelaide Valerian shakes her head. "Even dead he looks smug." Andre Morgan: “Consider leniency with any cultists whom you capture, who may hold valuable knowledge of the full extent of his plans, and knowledge of the things he invited, and the places he linked.” Sigrun: "She should be. This world is now more than it was with the Spheres realigned. She should be instructed on the magic, whatever means she can aquire" Andre Morgan: “Well, not leniency so much as making them redeem themselves through service to your country, away from the public's eye.” Elysia de Romanga wearily heads towards the exit so as to finalize her conquering of Romanga. "They will make that choice, ultimately." Andre Morgan nods. Adelaide Valerian puts the gun away in it's well worn leather holster with a sigh and squares her shoulders. "Right. Still a lot to do." Andre Morgan looks at Adelaide: “Speaking of leniency… I ask for patience with that fool.” Ken (GM): [exunt, out of the dungeon into the castle above?] Elysia de Romanga: (indeed!) Joush M.: Yep! Unless anyone wants to kill Sigryn Andre Morgan: “He intended no harm, and his carelessness may be excused by his reclusive life—he rarely has guests over.” “I have seen in his eyes his guilt, for he knows what damage his neglect has done; I ask that you allow him to mend it, and you will find him earnestly willing to do so.” P.P. A.: (regarding Balthazar) Ken (GM): ye sneaky wizardses doing stupids getting caught [mpa magic, half a sec here] Adelaide Valerian: "I don't hate him. I hate my own weakness of forgetting and trusting a stranger, and I hate what's happened. I won't shoot him." Andre Morgan smiles softly. “Thank you.” Andre Morgan shrouds his new recruits in mist and guides them out of a backdoor where they won't be gunned down by machine-men or beset by an angry mob immediately. Ken (GM): [ooh solid call on the sneaky approach] Elysia de Romanga: In case it doesn't come up, Elysia wrote a letter to Ian earlier indicating her plans for the new Romanga. The system will be reformed into having a council comprising of representatives from all groups of Romanga society, with a Prime Minister leading them (A job she hoped Ian would accept), and the Monarch having the tie-breaking vote. If circumstances would allow for it, her own position of monarch would be up for grabs by Willow/Kat if she wants to take it. Moving from the massive Sphere chamber, up into the other dungeons of the Castle BrightRock, you exit from a side stairwell through a door likely secreted (as the facing side is made to look like the surrounding panelled walls). You enter into sunlight and the yard of the inner curtain wall, to the sounds of the city around you and the view below you of the environs P.P. A.: gay Ken (GM): :O two queens? Fiss: Adelaide Valerian streaches out her senses, magical and otherwise, to watch for trouble. The city is different, and likely, the world In the air, birds and fowl compete, squabbling with orbs made up of floating eyes, and screeching batlike things that are almost all mouths, squabbling for rooftops and ledges. The crowds you see in the street are mad, not just with revolution and fervor, but changed people. Andre Morgan adjusts his sunglasses with as much dignity as he can muster. Some have fur, horns, claws and teeth protruding obviously. Others, skin like scales or green flesh. Clothes of Romangan citizen alike, they dont seem to be interlopers, but the people themselves, changed. Confusion and fear run rampant Adelaide Valerian looks out over the changed world. She'd braced herself for the conquences but even now seeing them hits like a hammer and she's left leaning on a rampart. "God" Soldiers of the Inquisition and Impereal Army mill and crowd with the citizens, at the gates of the Keep. Where your mob would have met them in virtuous revolutionary battle, now they simply mob in confusion as much of them seem to be inhuman now, shifted into something else. Uniforms of silver and banners of red held by both men and beast-men alike Sigrun: "Which ones? Vitrus' holy Lords? Or whatever sculted these orcs, these Ibixians and dragonborn?" Lizzie Potgieter has to invent SO MANY new slurs. Sigrun: "The alignment hasnt just unlocked the rivers of magic. Its poured out the other spheres into ours" Ken (GM): [hahahahaha oh gawd] Elysia de Romanga raises the Romangan banner regardless. Down in the street, eyes turn and hands point. The cry is raised, wary at first, but then louder in chorus The Queen has returned to her people, and they still sing her praises Adelaide Valerian applauds Elysia as she rases the banner over the ramparts at the Inquistorial Fortress. Sufficed to say Dun Dun Dunnnnn Fiss: Woo! Until the Next Saga in....Shattered Worlds! Ken (GM): this is certainly, chapter end P.P. A.: Thanks for the session/campaign Fiss: Awesome stuff man. :D Rosettsara: Thank you for the session and campaign! Ken (GM): so I gotta say this kinda went Adelaide Valerian: Damn, hell of a twist there. It was very good Ken (GM): Necromancer kingdom, Gay marriage, if'n you know the meme Adelaide Valerian: RIP Ian. He sacraficed himself. Or highjacked an Apothosis Ritual to become the god of a different world Ken (GM): oh he ascended fer sure Andre Morgan will soon big Adelaide and Elysia farewell. “I hope for good relations between our two kingdoms,” are his last words before he slinks away into the mist. Ken (GM): woe be unto those who do not TEA Fiss: The God of Tea..... Joush M.: He is now Hyper Ambassador EX Fiss: Knowing his luck, he will have been brought to a world without tea leaves. HE WILL FORCE TEA INTO EXISTENCE WITH HIS WILL ALONE Ken (GM): >goku noises Fiss: Ken (GM): >PING Fiss: P.P. A.: Will there be a battle between the gods, the Horned King dragon-god and the other one, making the oceans boil (and after his victory, the other one throws trees into the boiling ocean and then scoops up a cup of it?) Joush M.: He comes back as a five year old girl. It's ascendance of a bookworm but with tea Fiss: I like it. who stabs people in the neck with a nerf sword Ken (GM): without spoiling too much, ians sacrifice, noble intent, and will essentially just shattered what Drake had goin on P.P. A.: So how many of the Horned King cultists were actually from that other sphere? Rosettsara: So you could say Ian Shattered Drake's World? Ken (GM): OOOOOOH P.P. A.: heh. Fiss: Joush M.: Nice. I'm glad we at least stopped Drake's plan. Title Drop Ken (GM): @ppa: anything with scales Fiss: lol P.P. A.: Hard to see under those robes Ken (GM): the gist Sigrun can tell ya: they got a sphere from Cornelius after striking a deal. Cornelius used the Collective to give them one. The two groups worked together to keep things on the down low for Conrad mostly Then the cult just needed someone for the ritual, and elysia seemed to fit the thaumatological bill Ken (GM): ree exposition reflexes have me /desc P.P. A.: x) Ken (GM): so anyway, Fiss: Well, hopefully they'll be less obsessed with one person in the future and just sacrifice nearby handy people....wait...no...that's bad. XD Ken (GM): they have essentially realigned the alignment of the spheres throughout the world, opening up the same flow that the Æther uses Romanga was just one of many Fiss: Bastards putting their hands all over our spheres.... Ken (GM): in short, they just opened up capital-P Power to anyone and everyone Fiss: Ken (GM): and some people are using it like rune-cast, circle swept, bonafide magic Fiss: Sooo, you're saying next campaign go nuts with spells? lol Ken (GM): I just looked at discord wheew Fiss: lol Ken (GM): whew Fiss: well, thanks again man super fun. Glad Ian got some last minute epic combat and an Iron Man moment. ;p He was a lot of fun to play Rosettsara: Well, as mentioned before, my own character concept is pretty much already done, if anyone wants to collaborate or tie some backstory together August Von Arnfels gives Stanley a day off and asks someone to brew the poor man a strong herbal tea with a shot of alcohol. P.P. A.: Big M everywhere! Fiss: I'll have to roll on the Table of Awesoments to get a sense of my next character, but sure, I'll let you know if there's anything that ties it with yours Rosettsara: Yeah, just let me know if you're interested Ken (GM): The long and short of the new pitch is: The Spheres have intersected with Airth, in new and wondrous ways. Strange portals to other realms now exist, hanging like holes in reality, punched between this land and other stranger ones. Some gape like grand archways wide as bridges. Other are small as doorways. None are marked, or signposted. and otherwise, man has changed Rosettsara: Awesome P.P. A.: strong Berserk Fantasia arc vibes Ken (GM): ye Fiss: Ken (GM): beastmen, Stonetouched, and other racial templates are now unlocked @joush: Gray 2, electric boogaloo Rosettsara: If anyone needs details again or anything, just feel free to ask whenever P.P. A.: I already settled on my concept Ken (GM): the return of the scorned! Fiss: Ken (GM): [oh shit, we lose joush?] Fiss: JUST BECAUSE Ken (GM): [whats the new PPA?] [cuz man, Rose's new concept has been like, excessively fleshed out] [girl has hopes and dreams] [yeeting myself over to discord