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Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 6:30 pm Post subject: Quest for Katerina
Prelude:
Reading Nook
Neil Tathers, full time biker part time hooligan, was lounging in the Shartak Reading lounge in their bar. It was more like a booth, and dimly lit, and holding just motorcycle magazines, but still counted as a reading lounge in biker standards.
However this particular night, this is Stygia, so it's always night, Neil was reading an old tome. This tome was different. It smelled of smog, made motorcycle noises whenever a page was turned, and when the reader paused, it would honk at them, as if it wanted to move faster. Neil liked this particular book for some reason.
This iteration of the world Neil was dressed more exquisite than the last. He still had biker leathers, but now they weren't covered in blood and grease, but clean and crisp. Instead of having a brute sort of body he possessed a leaner toned body, and instead of having the handsome face this time around, he had more of a roguish charm. This Neil might have not have the brute force the previous Neil did, but he made up for it by being clever.
Much more clever.
He closed the tome, which revved and shook in his hand. Neil casually brought the bottle of greenish liquor to his lips and drank heavily of whatever was inside.
"Well, time to find me Katerina."
He smiled.
The moment was soon broken when Happy Tail proceeded to flounder through the reading lounge of the SMC and start tossing through the magazines.
"Happy, what are you doing?" said Neil.
Happy looked up, "I'm looking for the latest Highlights. I want to complete the maze before one of Mr Scavvy's lads do!"
Neil shook his head and left the nook, heading for his bike.
Last edited by Tathers on Tue Mar 01, 2016 11:51 am; edited 1 time in total
Neil Tathers stepped out in the bright sunlight. He blinked his eyes as they adjusted to the light here, everything was sunny, everything was a pleasing color, and the weather was always pleasant. He scowled, and started up his bike, heading towards the direction of an inn.
As he approached the inn, he parked outside. Before going in he grabbed a potion on his belt. He took a long drink from it, and then threw the bottle against the wall of the inn. It shattered, which made Neil smile, "I got to litter in Heaven. I hope the Police don't get me for that." A tingle of coolness spread through out his body as the invisibility took effect.
In Game
You quaff the potion. As you do so, your body disappears from view. (2016-03-01 14:50:40).
- You step inside Inn. (2016-03-01 14:50:44).
- You feel as though an oppressive weight opposes your actions. You have spent an additional action point to attempt this action. (2016-03-01 14:50:44).
- You emote, " looks around carefully at the assembly of goody two shoes. He chuckles to himself and weaves through the crowd. " (2016-03-01 14:51:27).
- You emote, " bumps into a Judgemaster and looks at the clockwork golem. He carefully chooses a gear and takes it. The golem fails to notice." (2016-03-01 14:52:32).
- Katerina Hasheen ''s breakfast is interrupted by motorcycle noises and diesel fuel! (2016-03-01 14:52:46).
- You emote, " sees Katerina, though she can't see him, he gets up close to her, and whispers in her ear." (2016-03-01 14:53:00).
- You say, "Miss me" (2016-03-01 14:53:11).
- Katerina Hasheen thinks she heard that, anyway. Her sense of hearing is rather better than the rest of the room. (2016-03-01 14:53:18).
- Katerina Hasheen jumps. Her eyes dart over at the newcomer. "Neil!" (2016-03-01 14:53:46).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "I, uh...heard about your messages, what''s going on? It''s been a long time." (2016-03-01 14:55:03).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Let''s go somewhere else." (2016-03-01 14:55:05).
- You emote, " smile, though again she can't see it, "Listen, I'm here to take you on a quest, a mighty fine quest, a noble quest you could say, to get my bike back. You in? " (2016-03-01 14:55:39).
- Katerina Hasheen looks alarmed. This is very sudden. "I..." (2016-03-01 14:57:51).
- You say, "Like you could say no, think of the times we will have, the things we will see! I promise, it's going to be an epic adventure, one that promises I will find what I've been looking for this whole time! And who knows, maybe finding this will finally grant me peace." (2016-03-01 14:59:10).
- You say, "You want me to be happy, don't you?" (2016-03-01 14:59:16).
- Katerina Hasheen recalls how quests have generally gone for her, but it sounds like fun, but it... (2016-03-01 14:59:31).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "I''m sure we could come along, we were just looking for a new place to go!" (2016-03-01 15:00:08).
- Katerina Hasheen smiles. She''s getting better at that! (2016-03-01 15:02:19).
- You say, "We? Yeah, I'm fine with that, the more the merrier I say! Quickly go tell them we are going to Stygia, for the first bit of our quest. We need to find an artifact first." (2016-03-01 15:02:28).
- You say, "This potion I drank is about to wear off and I shudder to think what happens if it does while I'm standing here with all these pets." (2016-03-01 15:03:01).
- Katerina Hasheen is about to say something but feels herself tugged toward the door. She didn''t know he was invisible, but supposes it would make sense. (2016-03-01 15:03:35).
- Katerina Hasheen gulps. She''s really going to need that pin, Esrahil seems to be napping. "Call me!" (2016-03-01 15:05:08).
- You say, "Well then, let's go. It's going to be weird for you driving a bike with an invisibile driver. BYE EVERYONE! Hope to see you come along!" (2016-03-01 15:05:15). [/quote]
In Stygia
- Katerina Hasheen steps off the bike, a bit disoriented. "that was....abrupt." (2016-03-01 15:07:32).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "What''s going on?" (2016-03-01 15:07:39).
- You emote, " parks his bike outside the establishment and heads on in. The building seems to have an eerie glow about it." (2016-03-01 15:08:48).
- Katerina Hasheen dusts off her dress and spreads her wings. The scent of diesel is everywhere. She suspects she had best get used to it. You notice that her "angel" wings are black and far too small to actually fly. (2016-03-01 15:08:48).
- You say, "Here, take a seat." He points to a table that has two glasses of wine on it. "Feel free to drink up if you need too. The ride through portals is kinda disorientating." (2016-03-01 15:09:39).
- You emote, " makes no real notice of the wings, instead he grabs a book from a nearby table. When he opens the book the smell of exhaust fills the room for a brief minute, "While doing research in the library I found something of interest." (2016-03-01 15:10:40).
- You say, "This book mentions Katerina, the bike not you, but mentions where she is. She's stuck, in between the worlds, in something like a void, but not quite, and it mentions that she is in pain." (2016-03-01 15:11:52).
- You say, "We need to gather some items, some will be easy, like a handful of gravedirt for instance, some will be hard, and some I think really only exist conceptual. Like a Void Walker's soul. I dont' think they have one." (2016-03-01 15:12:46).
- You say, "Once we gather these items, I need to find the point where the wall between realities is the weakest, and then using them in conjunction with you, I should be able to drag her back out." (2016-03-01 15:13:33).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "We could give a void walker a soul and steal it..." (2016-03-01 15:13:53).
- You emote, " furiously leaves through the book. The smell of exhaust comes and goes as he does this, "The first item I already got. It's this." (2016-03-01 15:14:05).
- Katerina Hasheen stops her speculation. "Well, I''m not a very good angel but if this needs some sort of holy unholy by your powers combined thing, I can help! (2016-03-01 15:14:38).
- You emote, " walks over to the wall and presses into some stone, and takes out a small ornate box. He brings it over to Katerina. "This is something I can't touch, only one such as yourself can. OPen it." (2016-03-01 15:15:10).
*to be continued*
Last edited by Tathers on Tue Mar 01, 2016 11:52 am; edited 1 time in total
OOC: If people want to get involved with this, it's fine with me. Just PM me which character you want involved and I'll try to figure a way to do it. Like Neil said, the more the merrier.
Katerina Hasheen tuns her fingers over the box. It is perfectly smooth, with no adornments except for spiderweb-thin runes on the surface that her touch cannot make out. There is no seam, yet she senses magic and life from it. (2016-03-01 15:17:54).
- Katerina Hasheen taps on the side and listens. It is hollow. She hisses at it in Hasheen and it rattles. "Perhaps...I could..." (2016-03-01 15:19:19).
- Katerina Hasheen turns. Her eyes swivel toward and at and past you. "Wherever did you find this?" (2016-03-01 15:20:03).
- You emote, " smiled, and took a swig of wine before answering, "I can't say. Not that I won't say, I just can't say. You can say it found me. I was wondering this fine plane looking for a place to spend the night and stumbled in here. Something made me look behind that stone. " (2016-03-01 15:22:28).
- You say, "It sounded like whispers. I went to it and opened it up and found that. But I can't open it. The book mentions something, but it's not making sense to me." (2016-03-01 15:23:08).
- You emote, " opens to a page, and hands it to Katerina to look at." (2016-03-01 15:23:23).
- Katerina Hasheen runs her fingers over the book. It is magical, she can feel it. But the pages are parchment and skin and divulge no secrets to her touch. (2016-03-01 15:31:57).
- Katerina Hasheen shakes her head and returns to the box. Her finger runs over the side. There is no seam, but she hears a squeaking hinge. (2016-03-01 15:34:09).
- Katerina Hasheen focuses her mind and concentrates the death magic of her god. Slowly, a hinge begins to decay and crack along the side. (2016-03-01 15:34:48).
- You emote, " eagerly looks at what is going on. He mutters, "I knew it..."" (2016-03-01 15:38:52).
- Katerina Hasheen raises an eyebrow. The crack spreads slowly but it is there. She follows it with a finger. "Knew what?" (2016-03-01 15:43:52).
- You emote, " looks up at her, his pupils much larger than before. His smile seems infectious, "That you would be able to do this. I knew I could count on you. He lingers looking at her, before looking back down at the box." (2016-03-01 15:45:21).
- Katerina Hasheen seems not to notice your smile, though you see she was already smiling. The box cracks in two, an adamant hinge crumbling to rust before your eyes. A heavy stone key falls to the floor with a thump (2016-03-01 15:52:11).
- You emote, " quickly hugs Katerina, "Thank you," he whispers. Letting go he looks at the key and bends down to study it." (2016-03-01 15:54:15).
- You emote, " studies the key, which is made up of stone is seems. There is lines through it, but they seem to be worn and hardly there. An opening is at the apex of the key, like a gem or something can fit in there. Neil eagerly grabs the key." (2016-03-01 15:55:24).
- You emote, " screams in pain, his horns brighten to an ugly shade of green, his face contorts, still he refuses to let go. " (2016-03-01 15:55:54).
- You emote, " finally lets go, unable to withstand the pain. He falls on the floor, clutching his burning hand. " (2016-03-01 15:56:29).
- You emote, " screams in frustration, slamming his ruined hand into the floor over and over." (2016-03-01 15:56:54).
- Katerina Hasheen hears Neil cry out in pain and smells burnt flesh. She rushes to him and, guessing, runs her hands over his and feels the burns and cracks. She has her medical bag open and is ready to operate when she remembers. (2016-03-01 15:58:57).
- Katerina Hasheen gave you a(n) Stygian Bone Leech. (2016-03-01 15:59:09).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Here...use this. What happened?" (2016-03-01 15:59:22).
- You emote, " takes the leech, and winces as it burrows it way into his flesh. But the burns don't heal, though the pain goes away, "It was pure. It felts like something...holy?" He looks up at her, "Can you grab it?"" (2016-03-01 16:03:37).
- Katerina Hasheen kneels slowly to the floor. "I''m not very holy. But I can try." She searches the floor with her fingers until they meet a key. It is rounded on every surface, smooth and slick. It is heavy, heavy than any material should be, but it is small enough that its heaviness is a curio and not a limitation. "It''s warm. There''s something here. It has a....morality, all right." (2016-03-01 16:07:33).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "It is...alive." (2016-03-01 16:07:52).
- You say, "Then..." He quickly stands up, and ignroing the injury on his hand, opens the book roughly. He searches in it's pages until he finds what he's looking for. "It's a vessel, the things we need to find get stored in it. If it's alive, then I guess we need to power it." He takes a step forward and looks at the key while Katerina holds it. He grabs her hand, moving it this way and that as he studies it." (2016-03-01 16:12:39).
- You say, "It doesn't hurt you." (2016-03-01 16:13:08).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Um...is that the part where we need souls?" (2016-03-01 16:13:24).
- You say, "But it hurt me." He chuckles, "Of course it doesn't Barass created this world! The barrier between his realm and the last must be a force of good. Thought, as you stated, are a bad angel, you are still an angel. " (2016-03-01 16:15:03).
- You say, "No, we need to fill it with more than just souls, and that was a conceptual soul, like I said I was a void walker once, I am not sure I had a soul then. " (2016-03-01 16:15:44).
- You say, "But the items we find must coincide with filling that key up with power." (2016-03-01 16:16:02).
- You say, "Allowing us to punch a hole through realities and get her back." (2016-03-01 16:16:51).
- You say, "Been an eventful morning, let's take a break. I'm sure those kitchens have something to eat in them. And if your friend shows up we can inform them of what's going on." (2016-03-01 16:17:30).
- You emote, " smiles, "This just got much more exciting, didn't it?" (2016-03-01 16:17:51).
- Katerina Hasheen grins, though she wonders how Esrahil is feeling. "Very. If you had no soul and got one.... there has to be a way." (2016-03-01 16:19:33).
- Katerina Hasheen starts ransacking the kitchens. Hmm, fermented blood, long pork, actually it''s mostly those two things. She stumbles upon what must be a library of alleged aphrodisiac foods in every culture, but most of it has gone bad. Finally she settles for transmuting some of that blood, but mostly makes a mess before getting some halfway decent muffins. Blood muffins. This place is going to take some getting used to. This quest is going to take some getting used to. (2016-03-01 16:21:39).
- Katerina Hasheen munches on bloodmuffins and walks slowly around the room, feeling around for every bit of furniture, window and fixture. This takes quite some time and she seems to be memorizing the exact dimensions of the place and how many steps it takes to get around. She scrawls in the air with her fingers as she does so. (2016-03-01 18:55:06).
- Katerina Hasheen spoke words of mystic power and traced eldritch shapes into the air. A burst of warmth rushed through the area as they finished the incantation. (2016-03-01 18:56:02).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "You''ll have to excuse this...most possible visitors here would just kill us both. I know it probably tickles being inside of the effect." (2016-03-01 18:57:40).
- Katerina Hasheen welcomes the great eagle Alfarinn, the Wyrm Eater, with a hug. "Hallvardr, you came! This is Neil, he''s an old friend." (2016-03-01 19:47:35).
- Sofia Piscitelli looks around the room. (2016-03-01 19:52:10).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Katerina." (2016-03-01 19:52:17).
- Esrahil ''s wheel, with a crushing sound, suddenly breaks through the wall, leaving a wide, circular hole in the stone construction. Shreds of velvet curtains fly through the air as the ivory creation spins menacingly. "KAT!" Her eyes dance back and forth between the malignous demon and her friend. "What in god''s green earth did you think when you went with... with THAT..." - she looks at the demon. She gestures her brass guardians to freeze, stopping them in their tracks to charge the demon for the time being. (2016-03-01 19:52:34).
- Esrahil said, "How dare you endanger my friend for your selfish means! She''s an angel, she doesn''t belong here!" (2016-03-01 19:53:29).
- Esrahil lifts a wing and shields Sofia from the gaze of the dark oppressor. These bikers can''t be up to no good. (2016-03-01 19:54:25).
- Esrahil smiles. "How I found you? Guess what." She lifts up her amulet for all to see. "This points me to where my friend is. She''s *my* angel friend. You can ask your bikers for help. Why should she trust you? Why should I trust you?" (2016-03-01 19:57:20).
- Esrahil looks at the advocate and is surprised she doesn''t immediately follow. "Come on, what are you waiting for? Don''t tell me you seriously consider helping out that... that demon... thing...?" (2016-03-01 19:59:04).
- Hallvarđr refrains from crushing the puny demon. "Old friend?" He ponders for a moment about how an angel and demon could have ever been friends. "Either way, his people murdered our friends and family at home. If we had been there...we would have been killed as well." (2016-03-01 20:02:49).
- Esrahil looks puzzled. There stands her friend... making food, if you can even call it that, no matter how much transmutation effort has been spent? What exactly is going on here? She was expecting the biker to do bad things to her, and yet here they are. Noone is hurt - if anyone were, the sprites would not stand idle - and no sign of battle either, as far as she is able to tell. Stygian infrastructure isn''t in the very best of conditions by default. (2016-03-01 20:04:20).
- Esrahil spots the insignia on the biker''s jacket as Hallvarđr speaks. "... It is... it is THEM... you''re right, it is just exactly them... just a few days back, they stormed our home to slay our friends... GIVE ME A REASON why I shouldn''t stop holding them back!" She points at her clockwork battalion. "KAT-- how can you be with them... they have slain our friends, how CAN you trust THEM? They''re ALL THE SAME!" (2016-03-01 20:08:24).
- Katerina Hasheen is confused by everyone talking at once, the clash of auras and whirring of robots and shouting. She raises a hand. "Please, no fighting!" (2016-03-01 20:13:02).
- Katerina Hasheen ''s words carry the force of a "blessing" and combat in the room feels slightly less plausible. (2016-03-01 20:13:51).
Introductions
- You emote, " calmly studies the new arrivals, relishing the taste of the wine he was drinking. He stands up, and takes a deep bow, "I'm afriad you have advantage over me. I'm assuming you are the friends Katerina spoke of. She said you would be coming." (2016-03-01 20:13:21).
- You emote, " smiles as the calmness seems to affect him as well. He nods, "I don't think I've met some of you. My name is Neil Tathers, one of the many bikers of the SMC. They claim that I'm their leader, but they really act on their own for the most part." (2016-03-01 20:22:07).
- You say, "You see me and Katerina met in the last breath. We got along very well," he smiles, "She even raided us at that point. But this is the Nexus and no one stays dead for long." (2016-03-01 20:23:00).
- You say, "Back then I use to have this bike, which had it's own sort of personality and life force. I think my bike liked Katerina more than it did me." (2016-03-01 20:23:30).
- You say, "You see my bike went and named itself after her. I'm not sure how a bike goes and does that, but she was a special bike. She was my....our friend." (2016-03-01 20:24:13).
- You say, "When we got remade for this breath, Katerina, the bike, did not make the journey and I have been searching for her ever since." (2016-03-01 20:24:35).
- You emote, " holds up a book, "This book has helped me alot. But Katerina," he reaches out and grabs Katerina hands, "as helped me even more. Come, see what we have found!" (2016-03-01 20:25:14).
- You emote, " excitedly lifts up Katerina's hand to show all the angels an ancient stone key. You can feel it thrum with potential. "This artifact was enclosed in a box I couldn't open but she could. I can't hold it, it's a power of good." (2016-03-01 20:26:07).
- You say, "Now if we can fill it with the correct ingredients, and then our friend, the bike can finally come over to this breath." (2016-03-01 20:26:41).
- You say, " So I did not kidnap her, I enlisted her help to save our friend. I would like your help too, if you are willing." (2016-03-01 20:27:11).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "You might find a holier angel than me here. And by might I mean will." (2016-03-01 20:29:04).
- Katerina Hasheen said, " me smiles and nods, glad for the reprieve or at least befuddlement. She hopes someone else is smiling." (2016-03-01 20:30:56).
- Hallvarđr listens intently. He has heard of angels and demons working together before, and he knows Katerina would have been able to fend for herself against just one demon if she was forced here against her will. "What say you Esrahil? I believe there is truth in his story." (2016-03-01 21:09:01).
- Katerina Hasheen steps away from Neil for a moment and waves to the newcomers. "I may as well introduce my friends to you too so everyone knows each other." (2016-03-01 21:21:32).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Neil, this is Sofia. She''s a young girl who lives in a confusing world." (2016-03-01 21:22:02).
- Esrahil throws Kat a "we will talk about this at home" look. "I''m doing it for Kat, not him. I don''t trust you, Mr. Tathers... my pets will be watching you. But the more people chip in, the faster I can take her back home." (2016-03-01 21:22:18).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "This is Hallvardr, the Avenger of Blood, great champion of angelkind." (2016-03-01 21:23:11).
- Katerina Hasheen seems not to notice that look. "And this is Esrahil, my..." (2016-03-01 21:23:36).
- Katerina Hasheen ums. A host of possible words swim in her mind. Amelie bought "sister". Neil would never believe "sister" and he''s fought her sisters. He''d figure it out. (2016-03-01 21:25:29).
- Katerina Hasheen kisses Esrahil on the cheek. "...significant other. You''ll just have to be understanding, she''s always just trying to keep me safe. It''s a scary world." (2016-03-01 21:26:34).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "But as Sofia said the other day, we don''t know if someone is good or bad except what they do, so let''s all be friends until we have some reason not to."" (2016-03-01 21:27:26).
- Sofia Piscitelli peeks out from behind the wing. (2016-03-01 22:44:54).
- Hallvarđr is slightly taken aback when Kat calls Esrahil her "significant other," but he shakes it off. After the introduction, he extends a large hand to Neil. "Well then, if Esrahil is in, then so am I." (2016-03-01 22:45:00).
- Sofia Piscitelli is surprised by that, too. (2016-03-01 22:46:19).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "A motorcycle from hell, huh." (2016-03-01 22:53:03).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "We''re *in* hell, so technically anything we find is from hell. Ka- I mean, the bike, wasn''t really from hell, she was from a lot of places and things at once. I think." (2016-03-01 23:04:16).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "So, Katerina, tell me about it again." (2016-03-02 00:01:40).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Is it a magic bike?" (2016-03-02 00:01:49).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "I wonder why demons don''t like soft beds." (2016-03-02 01:45:18).
Hallvarđr wakes up, severely hung-over. He blindly grabs a blood muffin Kat left on his bedside for him, and drinks it down with a bottle of fermented blood. Slowly, he becomes aware of his surroundings, and tries to piece together how he got to this place. (2016-03-02 12:36:06).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Good morning." (2016-03-02 14:57:05).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Good morning! Even if it''s still night and always night here." (2016-03-02 15:01:13).
- Katerina Hasheen fidgets with the key in her bag. Esrahil is still asleep and clinging to her. She wonders what the key goes to. (2016-03-02 15:01:42).
- You say, "How did everyone sleep?" (2016-03-02 15:13:45).
- You emote, " munches on a blood muffin, "Nice work on these Katerina." He waits for the angels to wake up before continuing." (2016-03-02 15:14:16).
- Esrahil opens an eye, then the other one. It is cold, how the hell did she end up in... shortly after she realizes that she actually IS in hell. Memories of yesterday flood her mind, and she shivers. (2016-03-02 15:20:09).
- Esrahil wonders how she has gotten herself into this. Well, to get her friend back home, it is only in her best interest to contribute to the search. (2016-03-02 15:21:09).
- You say, "Glad to see we are all awake," says Neil as he finishes his muffin, "Time to begin." He opens the book, and a fresh breeze of exhaust flows through the room." (2016-03-02 15:22:23).
- You emote, " takes out a gem, and focuses a small bit of will into it. A red pentagram highlights the area around his hand, and he touches the book. Suddenly the books pages appear on the wall opposite Neil, as if it's in a projector." (2016-03-02 15:23:18).
- You say, "For those of you that can actually read this script, here's some pictures and explanations on what we are doing." (2016-03-02 15:23:48).
- You emote, " points to a picture of a grave. It could be the spell, or maybe it shows in the book, but the gravestone seems to go on for infinity." (2016-03-02 15:24:28).
- Esrahil decides to not touch the blood muffins yet. She still has some elysian snacks with her. (2016-03-02 15:25:01).
- You say, "We need a handful of gravedirt from the one who dies. Which makes sense, where else would you get grave dirt. But the picture here confuses me." (2016-03-02 15:25:20).
- Esrahil curiously looks up at the sight of the magic. (2016-03-02 15:25:39).
- You say, "Can you see how the graves go on for infinity? Makes me wonder if it's a specific site we need to harvest this dirt from." (2016-03-02 15:26:03).
- You emote, " flips the pages of the book, the picture being shown now is of a clockwork structure. "This might be easy given who is here. We need to find the pysche gear of a Judgemaster. I'm assuming that's the life force of one, though I don't know what will happen if it gets ripped out." (2016-03-02 15:28:15).
- You say, "But that's not all, this gear must be harvest in a land of holiness, so I'm assuming somewhere in Elysium. Though the specific are would still need to be found. Maybe someplace that already has these machines in it?" (2016-03-02 15:29:13).
- You say, "So for now, we need to gather these two things, there will be more, but looking at the number of people we have with us today, I think if we split into teams of two, we should be fine." (2016-03-02 15:29:57).
- You say, "I think Eshrahil and Katerina should be on separate teams, they seem to know where each other are and I suspect be able to communicate easily with each other no matter the difference." (2016-03-02 15:30:38).
- You say, "The distance*" (2016-03-02 15:30:45).
- You say, "Since I know Katerina, I think one team should be me, Katerina and Sofia. While the other should be Eshrahil and Hallvaror. " (2016-03-02 15:32:39).
- Esrahil remembers her alchemy excursions earlier this breath. Elysium had a field dedicated to the heroes of the past, which went on forever and forever, and had a great selection of the finest goods to pick up from the ground. If stygia is remotely the same, such a place must exist here, too... although whether it contains the grave soil they are looking for is questionable. Finding the gear might be easier. (2016-03-02 15:32:47).
- You say, "As for what we go for, Team Esharil should go for the judgemaster gear and Team Neil should go for the dirt." (2016-03-02 15:33:34).
- Esrahil jumps up, alert. "NO. Nice try, demon. You''re not taking her out of my sight that easily again." (2016-03-02 15:33:45).
- You say, "Though we need to figure this out before we depart, so we know what we are going for and where to get it." (2016-03-02 15:34:07).
- Esrahil flings an arm around the advocate and pulls her closer. (2016-03-02 15:34:20).
- You emote, " pauses, "Seriously, this is not about keeping you away from her. And Sofia will be with us, what would be possibly getting into?" (2016-03-02 15:35:26).
- You say, "The two of you obviously have some connection between each other, and it would make for much quicker contact." (2016-03-02 15:36:59).
- You say, "Plus you always know where she is, so where could I take her?" (2016-03-02 15:37:15).
- Esrahil holds up the amulet. "I know where she is and I can talk to her, but vice versa, it does not work. I know you only since yesterday. It would be foolish to think that I am this naive. You wish to separate Hall and me from the other two angels, since you think you could deal with them if it turns out you are acting on behalf of your demonic instincts. One of us two must be watching you." (2016-03-02 15:39:43).
- You say, "You don't trust Katerina? She trusts me enough. That should in theory ne enough for you. But, let's not fight about it, Katerina, who do you think the teams should be?" (2016-03-02 15:43:52).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Esrahil, you can borrow my scarf, you look cold." (2016-03-02 15:56:19).
- Hallvarđr had only been half listening up until the part when Neil mentioned they should split up into teams. He watched Esrahil, as he argued with Neil about being apart from her, and then at Katerina. "I can switch places with Sofia, if it helps. Alfarinn can travel across planes to deliver messages for me, so we can communicate back to the other team. (2016-03-02 16:17:37).
Evil Elvis' Introduction
- Evil Elvis steps from the shadows to the click clack of a butterfly knife in his right hand. He spins it idly as he sizes everyone up in the room before throwing a torn and bloodied Leather Vest with Shartak Motorcycle Club Colours onto the table in front of Neil. "We ''ave sum talkin'' ta do Daddio... Uh Hu! Unfinished business some may say..." He swings a key chain in his fingers, it is metal and shaped in the styled word... Katerina. (2016-03-02 18:54:39).
- Evil Elvis glares at the little girl and cracks a fish hook smile as he slashes at her with the butterfly knife. "Dun get to close lil'' Darlin'', didn''t ya momma tell ya not to get to close to bad men?" Walks behind Neil''s chair and whispers in his ear. "Wonder if she will scream like I screamed hu, Bub! Perhaps I should make her scream now?" He spins behind the young girl and puts the knife to her neck. He smiles his crooked smirk and questions... "Wut now Daddio, or ''ave ya gone SQUARE like these saps Neil? Uh.. Hu.." (2016-03-02 19:06:12).
- Evil Elvis croons There Goes My Everything as he strokes the child''s hair, the knife in his other hand loosely under her neck. (2016-03-02 19:11:38).
- Evil Elvis sniffs her hair and looks up "I don''t have to make it about her... Uh.. Hu.. Dis, dis is between you and me, an'' our ''istory! Understand?!" He tightens his grip on Sofia. (2016-03-02 19:14:52).
- You emote, " scowls at Elvis, and sneers, "What are you doing here Elvis? And threatening little girls. Seems like you've come far. I'm dealing with something else at the moment Elvis, these angels are under my protection, you should be going now. " (2016-03-02 19:17:50).
- You say, "Cause if you don't, we shall have words. Strong enforced words." (2016-03-02 19:18:33).
- Evil Elvis grins... "MAKE ME!" He pushes Sofia aside and dives at Neil with the knife. (2016-03-02 19:19:50).
- Evil Elvis slashes at Neils face. (2016-03-02 19:20:17).
- You emote, " drops the gem he was holding, which hit the table with a loud crack. Two more gems appeared in Neil's hands, one green and one blue. "I've heard you didn't like how we left you behind on a raid. Grow up."" (2016-03-02 19:20:58).
- Evil Elvis said, "You left me to the mercy of demons..." (2016-03-02 19:21:53).
- Evil Elvis throws a vicious one two combo with the knife and his fist, Neil dodges expertly. (2016-03-02 19:22:36).
- You say, "Well, we are demons kid. That sort of stuff happens. You can't hold your own, then we leave you behind." (2016-03-02 19:22:47).
- Evil Elvis scowls "Wut was it you said, oh yerrr, Mercy costs ammo!" (2016-03-02 19:23:49).
- Evil Elvis said, "I ain''t no demon daddio!" (2016-03-02 19:25:17).
- Evil Elvis slashes at Neil and throws a vicious kick "7 YEARS IN A STYGIAN PRISON! Good knows how many under Cleavers care..." He spits with rage as Neil bats away his attacks. (2016-03-02 19:28:32).
- Sofia Piscitelli crawls under a bed. (2016-03-02 19:41:13).
- You say, "Seven years huh? Obviously did nothing for your manners." (2016-03-02 19:43:02).
- Evil Elvis circles Neil and spins his knife in his hand, his left hand makes a come at me gesture. (2016-03-02 19:43:06).
- Evil Elvis said, "Looks like you fell to hell in that time Uh.. Hu.. " (2016-03-02 19:43:50).
- You emote, " blocks a punch, grabs the arm, and shoves an open fist into Elvis' chest. A bright green blast is seen as Elvis is shot at point blank range with an acid spell." (2016-03-02 19:44:00).
- Evil Elvis me slashes across Neils chest as he gets blasted across the bar, he bounces and lands behind it. He pops over and fires wildly with a pistol. (2016-03-02 19:45:44).
- Evil Elvis ducks back down and screams "Just like the o''ll days daddio!" (2016-03-02 19:46:15).
- Evil Elvis throws a steaming chest plate over the bar. (2016-03-02 19:46:51).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Stop." (2016-03-02 19:48:01).
- You emote, " takes the bullet in the shoulder. The other gem glows in his hand, and a frost spread across his arm. The build up of cold blasted out from his outstretched arm, slamming into the bar and knocking Elvis out from around it." (2016-03-02 19:48:30).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "He''s so strong." (2016-03-02 19:48:33).
- You say, "You are upsetting the girl, Let's take this outside." (2016-03-02 19:48:49).
- You emote, " glows faintly green and leaps across the bar, grabbing Elvis and with speed, drags him outside." (2016-03-02 19:49:37).
Inside the bar
The angels hears some muttered whispers, then a loud explosion. Neil shouts, "AND THAT'S THAT!" before walking back inside.
- You emote, " walks back in, his body has a few more scratches in it, and his arm seems to be smoking." (2016-03-02 20:05:34).
- You emote, " grins, "It took an explosion, but now he understands his place. I'm sorry my business affected our talk." (2016-03-02 20:08:00).
- You emote, " shows genuine concern for Sofia, "Little one, you shouldn't have run out there and tried to stop the fight. He wasn't in a real good listening mood. He is now though." (2016-03-02 20:08:44).
- You say, "Are you hurt in any way? " (2016-03-02 20:09:03).
- You emote, " mutters something that only Sofia hears" (2016-03-02 20:09:18).
- You emote, " stands up, ignoring his own wounds from the fight. "Again, I apologize. That was SMC business. And no, I refrained from killing him. I merely told him the errors of his ways." (2016-03-02 20:11:14).
- Sofia Piscitelli nods to Neil Tathers. (2016-03-02 20:11:46).
Esrahil flings a comforting wing around Sofia. This is exactly why she doesn''t trust demons. If Neil''s concern for the young lightspeaker''s health was genuine, not all demons are the same shade of black, but it is too early to tell. (2016-03-02 20:20:23).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "That was..." (2016-03-02 20:32:43).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Is he...stalking you, Neil? Will we run into him again?" (2016-03-02 20:33:06).
- Katerina Hasheen smells the charcoal scent of demon blood and investigates how Neil is wounded. You notice that she is awfully touchy feely for this. She attempt to operate, sighs, and just hands Neil more leeches. (2016-03-02 20:35:24).
- Katerina Hasheen catches a breath and ponders the proposed "teams" earlier. She didn''t see the symbols but Neil explained it well enough. (2016-03-02 20:43:59).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "If we''re looking for Judgemaster parts and pieces, it would make sense to send a good angelic roboticist...like Esrahil and Sofia, preferably both." (2016-03-02 20:45:18).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "And if we''re digging through graves and crypts for special grave dirt from a specific person, it would make sense to send a necromancer. Such as myself." (2016-03-02 20:47:17).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "However, after that stunt...need I remind us that we''re in a post apocalyptic warzone where seemingly everything is trying to kill us?" (2016-03-02 20:48:52).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Let''s not split up, if we can help it." (2016-03-02 20:49:24).
- Katerina Hasheen kneels and starts scratching marks in the earth around her, invoking safety upon this unholy place. (2016-03-02 23:33:09).
- Katerina Hasheen spoke words of mystic power and traced eldritch shapes into the air. A burst of warmth rushed through the area as they finished the incantation. (2016-03-02 23:33:25).
- You emote, " nods at what Katerina says, "It might take a bit longer, but I'm fine with that as long as Esrahil is." (2016-03-03 01:45:33).
- You say, "While she digests the idea of having to work with me, I think we should go after the Judgemaster's Psyche Gear first. Since we know what plane that is in." (2016-03-03 01:47:53).
- You say, "After that we can try to figure out the Infinity Gravestone. " (2016-03-03 01:51:56).
- You emote, " thanks Katerina, a soft smile crossing his face, and he puts the leech on his skin. He winces as it burrows inside, healing his flesh from the attack." (2016-03-03 01:53:52).
- You say, "There's is a an old battlefield up there, isn't there? " (2016-03-03 01:59:13).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Maybe we can summon it by itself?" (2016-03-03 02:02:34).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "The gear" (2016-03-03 02:03:05).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "If there''s something called the "Infinity Gravestone" I''m pretty sure I''m contractually obligated to find it and get control of it anyway, what with the whole death-god thing." (2016-03-03 03:17:28).
- Katerina Hasheen gets back to the topic at hand. "Yes, the Silent Battlefield. The Iron Wastes of this plane, from another perspective. (2016-03-03 03:18:18).
- Katerina Hasheen thinks of what she''s heard of it. "Long before the Judgemasters we know and love, Namm and Baraas created a massive army of great silver machines upon the plains of Elysium. (2016-03-03 03:21:08).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Unfortunately for them, Tlacolotl had the same idea and had also created a massive army of Iron Juggernauts and a massive fleet of Stygian Ironclads to invade Elysium just as they were trying to invade Stygia." (2016-03-03 03:21:54).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "You can imagine how awkward it was when the two met. The ruins litter the Argentium Remnants of Elysium and the Iron Wastes of Stygia to this day." (2016-03-03 03:24:27).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Afterwards, Baraas refined his models to the judgemasters we know and love today, but there were quite a lot of valuable prototypes in that army, and some usable parts might still be out there." (2016-03-03 03:25:40).
- Katerina Hasheen sounds entirely earnest but you also remember that she tends to speak in extended metaphors and got most of what she knows about planar history from the aforementioned death-god who *also* likes speaking in extended metaphors, so this raises questions about how literally true this story is. (2016-03-03 03:26:59).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Katerina, you are so smart." (2016-03-03 05:09:33).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "I hope Hotblack isn''t lonely. He was busy doing something back in Elysium." (2016-03-03 05:09:56).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "So are we going to go to this junkyard first?" (2016-03-03 05:14:25).
- Esrahil nods. "Lets do it right, even if it takes a bit longer. There''s less of a risk of any of us falling victim to a passerby this way, too." (2016-03-03 08:57:32).
- Esrahil can''t hide some excitement in her voice. Learning more about baraasi constructs will prove to be interesting. (2016-03-03 08:58:01).
- Esrahil summoned 3 Aethersprites. (2016-03-03 08:58:05).
- Esrahil summoned 2 Aethersprites. (2016-03-03 08:58:06).
- Ljerka Istarn-gialle has maxxed out! (2016-03-03 10:36:56).
- You say, "I say we get to that battlefield then, and see what we can find out there. " (2016-03-03 14:46:50).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "It''s a big battlefield, the more eyes on it the better." (2016-03-03 14:47:21).
- You say, "Whose riding on the bike with me?" (2016-03-03 14:48:19).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "I...think I''m the only one who''s used to your bike riding, and we''ll get there faster." (2016-03-03 14:49:53).
- You say, "Okay, we will meet you guys there then. Safe travels!" (2016-03-03 14:50:20).
- Katerina Hasheen sounds a little hesitant to soothe her friends. Actually she likes bike riding. (2016-03-03 14:50:35).
- You emote, " puts on his motorcycle helmet and walks outside." (2016-03-03 14:50:36).
- Katerina Hasheen unhooks her arms from Neil and steps off the bike. She''s worse at remembering to wear a helmet than he is, probably due to that death cultist thing. (2016-03-03 14:52:37).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "So...Elysium. Chirping birds that no one around here ate - trust me, I''ve searched their larders - fields of daisies, warm sun. It''s probably not your cup of tea, but there''s power here to be found." (2016-03-03 14:53:44).
- You say, "Thanks for coming with me on this quest. I don't think it's going to be a quick one. Especially if more people catch wind of what I'm doing." (2016-03-03 14:54:03).
- Katerina Hasheen ironically *gave* Neil his helmet last breath, so she did think about it, which just makes her poor safety record worse. (2016-03-03 14:54:28).
- Katerina Hasheen nods. "Where there''s power there are people who crave power. And there are many forces in this world that would like to use your quest for one thing or another. (2016-03-03 14:55:17).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "But...it''s nice to be here, and see you again." (2016-03-03 14:55:36).
- You say, "I'm going to rest now. I'll feel safer if you could keep an eye on me." (2016-03-03 14:56:34).
- You say, "Your friend Esharil, she seems very protective of you. Too protective." (2016-03-03 14:57:01).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "I brewed up some of this before we went. The food around here probably bugs you as much as bloodmuffins bother real angels." (2016-03-03 14:57:03).
- Katerina Hasheen hesitates to speak for a while at that comment, feeling around for Esrahil''s moral aura in the area. "I...can''t deny that." (2016-03-03 14:58:13).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "But she''s seen me go through a lot. Carried me through a lot. She''s seen a ton of bad things happen to me and wants to stop more. We''ve always... been there for each other. Taken care of each other." (2016-03-03 14:59:15).
- You emote, " nods, "I understand. Some people fight for what they love" (2016-03-03 14:59:40).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Even if that means looking pretty silly doing so." (2016-03-03 15:00:03).
- Katerina Hasheen spoke words of mystic power and traced eldritch shapes into the air. A burst of warmth rushed through the area as they finished the incantation. (2016-03-03 15:00:14).
- You emote, " lays down in front of a fireplace, quickly snoozing. You think the fight in Stygia took a bit more out of him than first believed." (2016-03-03 15:01:01).
Esrahil flings a comforting wing around Sofia. This is exactly why she doesn''t trust demons. If Neil''s concern for the young lightspeaker''s health was genuine, not all demons are the same shade of black, but it is too early to tell. (2016-03-02 20:20:23).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "That was..." (2016-03-02 20:32:43).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Is he...stalking you, Neil? Will we run into him again?" (2016-03-02 20:33:06).
- Katerina Hasheen smells the charcoal scent of demon blood and investigates how Neil is wounded. You notice that she is awfully touchy feely for this. She attempt to operate, sighs, and just hands Neil more leeches. (2016-03-02 20:35:24).
- Katerina Hasheen catches a breath and ponders the proposed "teams" earlier. She didn''t see the symbols but Neil explained it well enough. (2016-03-02 20:43:59).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "If we''re looking for Judgemaster parts and pieces, it would make sense to send a good angelic roboticist...like Esrahil and Sofia, preferably both." (2016-03-02 20:45:18).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "And if we''re digging through graves and crypts for special grave dirt from a specific person, it would make sense to send a necromancer. Such as myself." (2016-03-02 20:47:17).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "However, after that stunt...need I remind us that we''re in a post apocalyptic warzone where seemingly everything is trying to kill us?" (2016-03-02 20:48:52).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Let''s not split up, if we can help it." (2016-03-02 20:49:24).
- Katerina Hasheen kneels and starts scratching marks in the earth around her, invoking safety upon this unholy place. (2016-03-02 23:33:09).
- Katerina Hasheen spoke words of mystic power and traced eldritch shapes into the air. A burst of warmth rushed through the area as they finished the incantation. (2016-03-02 23:33:25).
- You emote, " nods at what Katerina says, "It might take a bit longer, but I'm fine with that as long as Esrahil is." (2016-03-03 01:45:33).
- You say, "While she digests the idea of having to work with me, I think we should go after the Judgemaster's Psyche Gear first. Since we know what plane that is in." (2016-03-03 01:47:53).
- You say, "After that we can try to figure out the Infinity Gravestone. " (2016-03-03 01:51:56).
- You emote, " thanks Katerina, a soft smile crossing his face, and he puts the leech on his skin. He winces as it burrows inside, healing his flesh from the attack." (2016-03-03 01:53:52).
- You say, "There's is a an old battlefield up there, isn't there? " (2016-03-03 01:59:13).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Maybe we can summon it by itself?" (2016-03-03 02:02:34).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "The gear" (2016-03-03 02:03:05).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "If there''s something called the "Infinity Gravestone" I''m pretty sure I''m contractually obligated to find it and get control of it anyway, what with the whole death-god thing." (2016-03-03 03:17:28).
- Katerina Hasheen gets back to the topic at hand. "Yes, the Silent Battlefield. The Iron Wastes of this plane, from another perspective. (2016-03-03 03:18:18).
- Katerina Hasheen thinks of what she''s heard of it. "Long before the Judgemasters we know and love, Namm and Baraas created a massive army of great silver machines upon the plains of Elysium. (2016-03-03 03:21:08).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Unfortunately for them, Tlacolotl had the same idea and had also created a massive army of Iron Juggernauts and a massive fleet of Stygian Ironclads to invade Elysium just as they were trying to invade Stygia." (2016-03-03 03:21:54).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "You can imagine how awkward it was when the two met. The ruins litter the Argentium Remnants of Elysium and the Iron Wastes of Stygia to this day." (2016-03-03 03:24:27).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Afterwards, Baraas refined his models to the judgemasters we know and love today, but there were quite a lot of valuable prototypes in that army, and some usable parts might still be out there." (2016-03-03 03:25:40).
- Katerina Hasheen sounds entirely earnest but you also remember that she tends to speak in extended metaphors and got most of what she knows about planar history from the aforementioned death-god who *also* likes speaking in extended metaphors, so this raises questions about how literally true this story is. (2016-03-03 03:26:59).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Katerina, you are so smart." (2016-03-03 05:09:33).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "I hope Hotblack isn''t lonely. He was busy doing something back in Elysium." (2016-03-03 05:09:56).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "So are we going to go to this junkyard first?" (2016-03-03 05:14:25).
- Esrahil nods. "Lets do it right, even if it takes a bit longer. There''s less of a risk of any of us falling victim to a passerby this way, too." (2016-03-03 08:57:32).
- Esrahil can''t hide some excitement in her voice. Learning more about baraasi constructs will prove to be interesting. (2016-03-03 08:58:01).
- You say, "I say we get to that battlefield then, and see what we can find out there. " (2016-03-03 14:46:50).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "It''s a big battlefield, the more eyes on it the better." (2016-03-03 14:47:21).
- You say, "Whose riding on the bike with me?" (2016-03-03 14:48:19).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "I...think I''m the only one who''s used to your bike riding, and we''ll get there faster." (2016-03-03 14:49:53).
- You say, "Okay, we will meet you guys there then. Safe travels!" (2016-03-03 14:50:20).
- Katerina Hasheen sounds a little hesitant to soothe her friends. Actually she likes bike riding. (2016-03-03 14:50:35).
- You emote, " puts on his motorcycle helmet and walks outside." (2016-03-03 14:50:36).
- Katerina Hasheen unhooks her arms from Neil and steps off the bike. She''s worse at remembering to wear a helmet than he is, probably due to that death cultist thing. (2016-03-03 14:52:37).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "So...Elysium. Chirping birds that no one around here ate - trust me, I''ve searched their larders - fields of daisies, warm sun. It''s probably not your cup of tea, but there''s power here to be found." (2016-03-03 14:53:44).
- You say, "Thanks for coming with me on this quest. I don't think it's going to be a quick one. Especially if more people catch wind of what I'm doing." (2016-03-03 14:54:03).
- Katerina Hasheen ironically *gave* Neil his helmet last breath, so she did think about it, which just makes her poor safety record worse. (2016-03-03 14:54:28).
- Katerina Hasheen nods. "Where there''s power there are people who crave power. And there are many forces in this world that would like to use your quest for one thing or another. (2016-03-03 14:55:17).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "But...it''s nice to be here, and see you again." (2016-03-03 14:55:36).
- You say, "I'm going to rest now. I'll feel safer if you could keep an eye on me." (2016-03-03 14:56:34).
- You say, "Your friend Esharil, she seems very protective of you. Too protective." (2016-03-03 14:57:01).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "I brewed up some of this before we went. The food around here probably bugs you as much as bloodmuffins bother real angels." (2016-03-03 14:57:03).
- Katerina Hasheen hesitates to speak for a while at that comment, feeling around for Esrahil''s moral aura in the area. "I...can''t deny that." (2016-03-03 14:58:13).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "But she''s seen me go through a lot. Carried me through a lot. She''s seen a ton of bad things happen to me and wants to stop more. We''ve always... been there for each other. Taken care of each other." (2016-03-03 14:59:15).
- You emote, " nods, "I understand. Some people fight for what they love" (2016-03-03 14:59:40).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "Even if that means looking pretty silly doing so." (2016-03-03 15:00:03).
- Katerina Hasheen spoke words of mystic power and traced eldritch shapes into the air. A burst of warmth rushed through the area as they finished the incantation. (2016-03-03 15:00:14).
- You emote, " lays down in front of a fireplace, quickly snoozing. You think the fight in Stygia took a bit more out of him than first believed." (2016-03-03 15:01:01).
End of chapter 1
Last edited by Tathers on Thu Mar 03, 2016 8:13 am; edited 1 time in total
OOC: I'm going to be writing little blurbs which I'm calling interludes. They give the reader more background on the story, but are not common knowledge to the characters unless specifically mentioned but will help flesh out the story more
Nathaniel was enjoying the sunny day. He had got out of work early today, which was surprising, and the sunny day, combined with driving on his bike, made for one hell of an afternoon. He had surprised his daughter at school and picked her up, and she right now clung to his back.
The two of them pulled into the driveway of his house, a simple two story affair, the typical 3 bedroom 2 bath of a house, cookie cutter version of all the others on the street. His smile on his face got even bigger when his daughter shouted with excitement at the end of the ride. The door of the house opened up and his wife shouted out to the two of them.
"Why did you get her with the bike? There's no seatbelt on that thing," said his wife.
"Katherine you are always worried," said Nathaniel, "I'm a pro at riding this thing."
"That's what I'm afraid of," she said back, giving Nathaniel a quick kiss on the cheek. The daughter ran up to her and Katherine picked her up with ease.
"Have fun at school today?"
"Yeah mommy! Dad picked me up!"
"I saw," said Katherine putting the daughter back on the ground, "Now go wash up."
The daughter ran inside, Katherine looked at her husband.
"You hungry?"
Nathaniel smiled, "Sure, I'd like some fried angel wings and possibly some fermented blood if you have it."
Katherine gave him a hard look, "You okay Nate?"
Nathaniel looked around and everything flashed. The fancy suburbia neighborhood was replaced by a hellish landscape, and his house was a destroyed bar. He blinked, the image was gone.
"Uh..." he started to say before he blacked out. The last thing he heard was Katherine screaming his name.
- Presto crawls in through a chimney and plops down on an arm chair. He sure looks tired! He begins snoring immediately. (2016-03-03 15:13:26).
- Katerina Hasheen hears a newcomer, only to discover that he (she thinks it''s a he) begins snoring immediately. (2016-03-03 16:00:39).
- Katerina Hasheen finds a flock of Aethersprites gathered around her, chittering worriedly and cleaning Stygian soot off her. She did promise to stay awake and stand guard, but greets Esrahil with a hug, hoping to dispel her worries. (2016-03-03 16:02:26).
- Katerina Hasheen makes a "shh" expression with her fingers and smiles at Esrahil, trying to dispel the Lightspeaker''s worries. (2016-03-03 16:03:15).
- Katerina Hasheen is repeating herself (and others) a whole lot this morning! A sudden planar shift can do that to a person! (2016-03-03 16:03:59).
- Katerina Hasheen makes few noises but fills the room with the wafting smell of Elysian berry tarts. Even after one day in hell she is sure the angels missed the food here. (2016-03-03 16:06:48).
- Esrahil is visibly relieved to be back in elysium. Looks like she won''t have to try blood muffins after all - she quickly dumps some more food into her surprisingly spacious purse, in order to not have to try the products of hell''s kitchen in the future, too. (2016-03-03 16:29:56).
- Presto stirs upon intercepting the thick aroma of Berry Tart that hangs in the air. He stumbles over to a table and slams his face into one, eating without the use of his hands. He abruptly stops, raises a finger while tart filling drips from his face, reaches into a bag and pulls out a pumpkin pie! He walks over to Katerina Hasheen from behind and smears it on her face while patting her on the back. (2016-03-03 17:42:42).
- Presto bumbles on back to his tart and proceeds to bob for the bottom. He is taking his time. (2016-03-03 17:43:30).
- Sofia Piscitelli repaired the door! (2016-03-03 18:52:18).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Hello." (2016-03-03 18:52:40).
- Presto destroyed the door! (2016-03-03 18:52:59).
- Katerina Hasheen ''s senses are overwhelmed by sound and fury. The soft pie hits her face with a loud thwack. It is warm and freshly baked, probably from that pumpkin patch in Zion. She attempts to dig her way out of the pie with her tongue before remembering that she needs to breath and putting her hands to her face to remove the pie. (2016-03-03 18:53:00).
- Presto jumps around after destroying the door. (2016-03-03 18:53:13).
- Presto nods excessively. (2016-03-03 18:53:47).
- Presto repaired the door! (2016-03-03 18:54:02).
- Presto patches up the door and folds his arms. He looks very pleased with himself. He winks at Sofia. (2016-03-03 18:54:53).
- Katerina Hasheen smells the delicious scent of fresh pumpkins punctuated rudely by fresh blood. She puts down the pie and rushes around the room checking on people, finally finding Sofia badly wounded. (2016-03-03 18:56:24).
- Katerina Hasheen does not see the wink, but treats Sofia''s injuries carefully. She turns suspiciously to the newcomer. "Did you do this?" (2016-03-03 18:57:04).
- Katerina Hasheen listens to the newcomer''s moral aura; it is one of innocent, genuine laughter and mirth, though in several voices, not just one. It''s clear that he is Good. "Never mind." (2016-03-03 19:04:54).
- Presto yanks at his collar and shakes his hands back and forth, gets on his knees and clasps his hands together, pleading his case. He slowly crawls to Katerina Hasheen and clings to her leg. (2016-03-03 19:08:12).
- Esrahil does not possess the ability to see the taint on people''s souls. She eyes Presto, then turns to Sofia. "Oh dear, what hurt you? please tell me, so i can keep you safe..." (2016-03-03 19:17:29).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "It was so cold there." (2016-03-03 19:18:41).
- Presto closes his eyes, throws his nose to the sky and nods. (2016-03-03 19:18:53).
- Presto jumps up from Katerina Hasheen''s leg and nods at Sofia, motions his march throughout the plain and falls flat on his back, wiping sweat from his forehead. (2016-03-03 19:19:39).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "I don''t like Stygia." (2016-03-03 19:20:34).
- Sofia Piscitelli watches Presto. (2016-03-03 19:20:43).
- Presto watches Sofia Piscitelli (2016-03-03 19:21:11).
- Katerina Hasheen feels a tug on her leg and reaches down, running her fingers over the newcomer''s face and inadvertently mussing his paint. She recalls Sofia''s injuries- frostbite, which could have been caused by a spell...or by Stygia. "Sorry to suspect you." She feeds the newcomer a chunk of pie. "What''s your name?" (2016-03-03 19:21:13).
- Presto eats the pie and drools on Katerina Hasheen''s hand quite a bit. He doesn''t reply, but simply watches her face. (2016-03-03 19:23:21).
- Esrahil relaxes. The frozen wastes did this, it makes sense. She''s a bit amazed at how the newcomer hasn''t said a word yet. Maybe he is unable to speak? (2016-03-03 19:23:57).
- Presto looks at Esrahil, smiles, and simply shrugs. (2016-03-03 19:25:45).
- Presto makes a quixotic face and points at Esrahil. (2016-03-03 19:27:25).
- Esrahil approaches him. "If you don''t wish to tell us your name, that is fine, you don''t have to. I''m Esrahil. I am glad to meet you, you seem nice, even if a bit odd." (2016-03-03 19:27:56).
- Esrahil suddenly feels like her tongue got a bit lighter. Sofia has done something similar in the past. She recognizes the newcomer as a follower of Baraas. He must be of good heart. (2016-03-03 19:28:43).
- Presto sticks out his hand and quickly approaches Esrahil, grabs her hand, and starts shaking it vigorously, nodding in excess. (2016-03-03 19:28:52).
- Presto cocks his head, shrugs, and plops down on a couch somewhere to take a nap. (2016-03-03 19:29:36).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "He''s a mime! They are, like, performers who don''t talk." (2016-03-03 19:35:26).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "I saw one on a cartoon on Earth." (2016-03-03 19:35:52).
- Esrahil is pleasantly surprised by how knowledgeable the young lightspeaker is. (2016-03-03 19:38:53).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "It''s so nice and warm here." (2016-03-03 19:53:43).
- Katerina Hasheen is glad for Sofia''s explanation. "It''s nice to meet you, Mr. Mime! I''m Katerina. The person, not the bike." (2016-03-03 20:18:56).
- Katerina Hasheen feels a rush of ease of speech from Hallvardr and is pleased to learn that Baraas has many followers here. (2016-03-03 20:19:37).
- Katerina Hasheen senses that the mime is one as well. There''s a certain feeling of warmth and joviality about him that she felt from Sofia...and Hallvardr...and another, long ago. Too long. "It''s sweet of you to give all your words away to others. But I hope you get to have some for yourself." (2016-03-03 20:21:05).
- You emote, " groans in his sleep, fitfully tossing and turning. Beads of sweat have appeared on his forehead." (2016-03-03 20:27:17).
- Presto rises and sees Hallvarđr. He jumps up and down, pointing at him and motioning what looks like a book. He then places his hands together at his chest and bows to Hallvarđr. He tips his hat at him and does a courtesy. (2016-03-03 20:41:53).
- Presto comes back from a short trip to the nearby library and hands Hallvarđr a book. He winks and gives him a thumbs up. (2016-03-03 20:43:19).
- Sofia Piscitelli looks around for food. (2016-03-03 22:01:22).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "I found some firewood." (2016-03-03 22:01:48).
- Hallvarđr said, "Ahh, Presto, we meet again! I hope you have been well. It seems you have kept your reading up." (2016-03-03 22:29:58).
- Hallvarđr said, "I seem to have arrived last to the party, what is wrong with Neil? The endless day in Paradise seems to be bothering him." (2016-03-03 22:30:59).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "I was thinking next time we go to Stygia, we should make a big fire to stay warm." (2016-03-03 23:03:04).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "But we have to find the gear first." (2016-03-03 23:03:15).
- Katerina Hasheen hears Neil murmur something in his sleep and sits next to him, feeling his forehead. She wipes away sweat. She will have to ask about this later (2016-03-03 23:04:30).
- Katerina Hasheen hopes she didn''t screw something up when making Stygian coffee earlier. (2016-03-03 23:05:30).
- Presto thinks for a moment before gasping into a smile; an idea! He hands Sofia a grenade to help her with the fire. (2016-03-03 23:19:00).
- Hallvarđr takes the grenade from Sofia. "This is definitely not something for little girls to play with." (2016-03-03 23:55:03).
- Presto bats his eyes and shrugs before reaching up his sleeve and pulling out another grenade to hand to Sophia when no one is looking. He pats her head enthusiastically. (2016-03-04 00:16:53).
- Katerina Hasheen still sits next to Neil, playing with Esrahil''s sprites as she does so though they shy away from the demon. She hates to find anyone in pain. (2016-03-04 00:18:35).
- Sofia Piscitelli wonders why Presto has so many grenades (2016-03-04 00:57:41).
- You emote, " wakes upright. He looks around, unsure of his surroundings. Taking a hard look at Katerina, he whispers something only she can hear." (2016-03-04 02:07:36).
- You emote, " shakes his head to clear it, and looks around, "Well, it seems everyone got here just fine. " (2016-03-04 02:08:40).
- You say, "And we have a new guest. And it's a mime. Ever considered being a biker?" (2016-03-04 02:09:17).
- You emote, " looks at Katerina, "I figure a mime would be a good biker. Let me gather my wits, then we can search for this artifact. " (2016-03-04 02:10:23).
- You say, "That fight must have taken more out of me than I thought. Phew." (2016-03-04 02:10:41).
- You emote, " glances at Sofia and shakes his head sadly, "Sorry you had to see that fight from before child." (2016-03-04 02:11:22).
- You emote, " grasps a SMC badge on his coat for a minute. He seems lost in thought." (2016-03-04 02:11:58).
- You emote, " manages a weak smile, most of the sweat that beaded on his forehead is gone now. And his horns have started to glow a healthy green color. " (2016-03-04 02:14:13).
- Katerina Hasheen is taken aback by Neil''s whispering. For every question it answers it creates ten more. (2016-03-04 03:03:25).
- Katerina Hasheen resolves to ask later. In private. If that''s a thing that can happen. (2016-03-04 03:12:01).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Who was that guy anyway? You belong to to the same motorcycle club?" (2016-03-04 03:19:47).
- Presto sits in a pretend motorcycle, revs the engine, and scoots around with his knees bent. (2016-03-04 03:25:03).
- Katerina Hasheen finds Presto''s motorcycle sound impressions awfully convincing. (2016-03-04 03:55:56).
- You say, "Yes, he blames us for things that are his own fault. he allowed himself to be caught, wasn't fast enough and got sent to a strange horrible place. We never could find where it was." (2016-03-04 04:03:00).
- You say, "And the facts got twisted in his head and he now thinks we did it on purpose." (2016-03-04 04:04:24).
- Katerina Hasheen thinks of what she knows of Dr. Cleaver and his asylum. "Wasn''t he working in that terrible place, not imprisoned there?" (2016-03-04 04:08:13).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "I suppose everyone there was a prisoner of one sort or another. Do you think he''ll risk visiting Elysium?" (2016-03-04 04:08:46).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "I hope he isn''t angry any more." (2016-03-04 05:59:06).
- Esrahil wakes up. Good thing she missed Sofia playing with a grenade *again*. (2016-03-04 09:35:02).
- Esrahil is greeted by familiar, warm sunlight. She has almost forgotten about the journey, until her eyes open wide enough to see the varied company and remember. (2016-03-04 09:36:01).
- Esrahil looks over to one of her judgemasters. They''re quality models, yes, but ordinary ones, and complex already. That gear makes her wonder. (2016-03-04 09:36:39).
- Katerina Hasheen wakes up and half-clings to Esrahil until she gets up and goes to check on her judgemasters. Katerina yawns and gets up (for restful sleep is astonishingly easy when you are an angel in Elysium) and goes to make breakfast. (2016-03-04 14:14:33).
- Katerina Hasheen transmutes paradise nectar into muffins this time. (2016-03-04 14:14:50).
Joined: Jan 19, 2010 Posts: 2278 Location: Charlotte's Bakery University
Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2016 9:38 pm Post subject:
Interlude: The Void
Resting in the calm at the end of the day, Katerina Hasheen lay half-asleep and reflected on the events that had transpired.
No, she corrected herself, there was no day here, or night, nor had there been in Elysium and Stygia. And she wasn't lying anywhere. Well, technically she was, or the last body she'd worn was, but it wasn't exactly in very good shape, or recognizable as her anymore, and it was smoldering, not sleeping. And without a body, she couldn't sleep anyhow. She snapped out of that train of thought and did the rest of her thinking in Hasheen.
The void was a restful place. It always was, and always had been, despite the ineffable and inevitable tug back to the Nexus that always eventually came. The void was Hashaa's peace, a calm without the sound and fury of the mortal world. Sometimes she felt or heard or smelled something here, of course. Lots of people did, particularly if they spent much time around her. Sometimes she even had company here, usually Esrahil, though truly speaking that was Alonai's work mingling with Hashaa's. But all those things were because as a living soul she expected to experience things, expected to feel and hear and smell things. The very words she thought in and the ideas she comprehended trained her to expect those things. So too it was with her friends - angels and demons and the rest expected heavens and hells and limbos, and so they experienced them, especially around her.
There was none of that when her bodiless mind thought in Hasheen. Many Nexals, even scholars of the cult languages, thought of Hasheen as the language of the undead, the hissing language of Liches' commands to their shamblers and Revenants' martial challenges. That assumption made a certain amount of sense: the spoken form did not require a tongue or working vocal cords. It was also wrong. Hasheen was the language not of the undead but of the dead. At the core of its grammar and structure lay the few absolutes that a soul had without a body, the things a soul needed to know when trapped in a silent emptiness prone to unawareness of whether it even existed anymore. It was very good at parsing out trivialities like all the little things that had transpired between birth and death.
No one who had ever met Katerina Hasheen had ever accused her of being rational or logical. She was, as her brother had once said, not good at long-term plans. But in this void, in this framework of thought, she could calmly think as she would not and all too often did not otherwise.
In these circumstances, Katerina finally began to resemble the thought process of her deity.
Earlier That Day
Quote:
- Esrahil follows the scent to Kat''s alchemy table and happily devours the blood-less muffins!
- Neil Tathers has been awake all night staring at the window. He is fidgeting with his SMC Badge, until he notices the angels are waking up. He quickly puts it back in his leather jacket.
- Neil Tathers said, "Morning." He says stiffly. He takes out the book again, and the red gem. The pentagram appears once more, and the image from the book about the Judgemaster''s pysche gear."
- You emote, " hears the hefty book thump open. She suspects it is not really demonic and hopes she can examine it eventually."
- You say, "So...to the hunt!"
- Neil Tathers said, "So today I plan on looking through that battlefield. I figure we can use this as a base of operations if no one minds."
- Neil Tathers said, "See what we find. Maybe one of us will get a hint on what is out there."
- You say, "I don't think we're likely to get evicted by the angelic landlords. Squatters rights and all that. Or maybe we ARE the angelic landlords now."
- Neil Tathers said, "That''s good to know. The gear we are looking for supposingly resides someone in the middle of the judgemaster. It''s size is not listed here, nor how we would actually know what it is. I''m hoping that the key Katerina holds will give us some clue."
- Neil Tathers said, "Those with wings might want to take an aerial view and see what we find."
- You emote, " stretches her wings. They are far too small to fly and it is clear she should comb the ground."
- You emote, " tosses the key from one hand to the other. It feels heavier, somehow, than it was in Stygia."
- Esrahil is curious and takes a look at Kat''s palm. She hopes that the key will yield some help, since she hasn''t actually ever assembled a judgemaster by herself... Baraas has a hand in construction of these things. And there are alot of gears involved. A huge lot.
- Presto watches everyone from a small pile of blankets. He hasn''t made a sound since he awoke.
- Hallvarđr said, "Alfarinn, see what you can find." The great eagle glides down from the rafters before awkwardly hopping through the door. "A strange creature, absolutely miserable being cooped up inside these small buildings, yet even when I let him stay out, he insists on following me in."
- Neil Tathers said, "Crap...I forgot about the mime. Are we cool with him? Or am I going to have to take him for a long walk off a short pier?"
- You say, "I don't think we have any piers here. In any case, I think he's smarter than he sounds. He'll be good to bring along."
- Presto shoots up out of the blankets and salutes the room!
- Neil Tathers said, "Sounds good with me. Can''t wait to see what you bring to the party Mime. Alright, I''m going to see what I can find out there."
- You step outside of [REDACTED].
- You emote, " climbs on Neil's bike and follows him out."
Splitting up had been her first mistake. It would have been better to keep the party together. She'd even said so. But she did so miss riding bikes.
Quote:
- Neil Tathers looks at a silver ingot he pulls out of the ground. He puts it in a pocket, who knows, could be useful later on
- Neil Tathers blinks in the endless sun, "It all looks the same to me.
- You emote, " kneels down and thoughtfully runs her hands over the rubble. Nothing feels warm or functional."
- You say, "I'm not feeling a morality from any of this."
- You search and find a Chunk of Steel.
- (2 times) You search and find nothing.
- Neil Tathers said, "I feel like I''m missing something in this passage."
- Neil Tathers opens the book and sits down on a piece of rubble and begins reading again.
- You say, "It's all machine parts, like this one. Heavy metal, but no motive power."
- You give your Large Clockwork Gear, a(n) Chunk of Steel to Neil Tathers.
- You say, "If there's more, it may have been...looted. But it'd be valuable. Someone would have it."
- Neil Tathers said, "Ah, something will come to us. I know it."
- You emote, " continues digging slowly through the wreckage with her little angel fingers, finding little. Much of the rubble is too heavy for her and she moves slowly and carefully; much of it is sharp, after all."
Searching the rubble was useless, but perhaps the real treasure was the people one finds, not the things. That said, Katerina noted that they shouldn't have been surprised by a visitor so easily, and not glyphing was another mistake. Not that it would have helped, perhaps.
Quote:
- Jountax Virmlaine wanders about the area, occasionally stooping down to get a closer look at a relatively intact machine.
- Jountax Virmlaine stops at a particularly large model. He glances over his shoulder as if he''s trying not to be seen, and finally notices the angel and demon standing here.
- You emote, " senses a new moral aura nearby, one of energy and dynamism and wonder, that smells like electric arcs and sounds like the whirr of a great turbine."
- You emote, " nudges Neil. "It seems we're not the only ones combing this place.""
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "Um, yes, hello. Please forgive my silence, I haven''t seen many others wandering these ruins."
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "A pity really, there is so much we could learn from this place, if only we looked for it."
- Neil Tathers looks up from his book, "It seems not." The book is quickly closed and disappeared about his person. "My name is Neil, a biker of some renown, this here is Katerina, and angel, and you might be?"
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "Oh! Right, where are my manners. I''m Jountax."
- Neil Tathers holds out his hand for a shake, "Nice to meet you Jountax."
- Neil Tathers said, "So what is it you are looking for out here?"
- You say, "Nice to meet you, Jountax!"
- You emote, " extends a hand. "It's a small world! Aren't you a Mage? You're our next door neighbors. Normally."
- Jountax Virmlaine takes Katerina''s hand, shaking it."Indeed I am. I believe I''ve seen you in that library a few times, actually."
- Jountax Virmlaine faces Neil, taking his hand in turn, making sure it''s the bionic one first.
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "As for what I''m doing out here, well look around you! Broken down automotons as far as the eye can see. How could I not have come to take a look at them?"
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "Every last one a triumph of engineering. Silently calling out for someone to awaken them, or, perhaps, to replicate them."
- Jountax Virmlaine suddenly falls silent, realizing that an angel just heard him say that.
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "Er... I mean, in theory anyway."
- You emote, " smiles deviously. "Or in practice.""
- You say, "What would you make of them, if you could?"
Some time earlier, Katerina had made a special item for her special friend Esrahil. Katerina was always making special items, of course. It was what she did. Most necromancers, of course, put their death magic into zombies, or skeletons, or the like. Since such constructs were beyond the reach of the "angel" that she allegedly was, Katerina contented herself with pouring death magic into items special to people who were special to her, items that would protect them and harm anyone who harmed them. Someone had to pay for all the work that she did loading the universe's dice in her friends' favor with the "blessings" that her "angelic" powers let her bestow. That someone might as well be the enemy.
But in Esrahil's case, the friend was a very special friend. And so she had made a very special item, pouring so much of her soul into it that, she believed, Esrahil would be able to contact Katerina all the time. Any time. Even if she was dead. And on this day, in what she now suspected was a spectacular mistake for reasons that would become evident, she had decided to try sending some contact back.
Quote:
- You have sent 1 credits to Esrahil along with the message: The hairpin flickers darker and less dark. It simultaneously becomes warmer and less warm, as if Katerina is trying to manipulate the connection.
- You have sent 1 credits to Esrahil along with the message: You hold it and look at it for a while. It changes temperature and by connection darkness in short bursts and long bursts. Dot dot dash. Dot dot dash. It seems familiar somehow.
- Esrahil sent you 1 credits with this message:(Before more than the first few flickers make their way across the connection, you can already hear a familiar voice, and before it even starts, you know what it is going to say)
- Esrahil sent you 1 credits with this message:("Please tell me you are just out for a few ingredients. You're missing and so is the demon. Should I be worried?")
- You have sent 1 credits to Esrahil along with the message: The dots and dashes continue.
- You have sent 1 credits to Esrahil along with the message: You need to brush up on Morse code but you do catch "Not danger."
It wasn't the best communication effort she had ever done, but to be fair she was trying to pay attention to Jountax as well at the time.
Quote:
- You say, "Or...what have you made of them already?"
- Jountax Virmlaine rubs his chin thoughtfully. "You know, I hadn''t really thought of that."
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "Just discovering how is a goal in its own right, I hadn''t considered any beyond that."
- Jountax Virmlaine grins. "Though I suppose at the least I could give the liches a run for their money."
- Neil Tathers said, "Well then Jountax, have you''ve seen anything in particular that''s exicting here? Katerina found this is the wreckage."
- Neil Tathers hands over a large clockwork gear, "You think it''s from current machines, or ones made eons ago?"
- Jountax Virmlaine looks cloesly at the gear. "I definitely feel something to this, and it''s not like any enchantment I''ve ever seen before."
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "Oh, right, silly me. I lost my manners again in all that talk of machinery. I never did ask what you were doing out here."
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "Though I trust it has something to do with this gear. A rather interesting find, I''m quite sure it contains a fair share of its own secrets."
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "Hold on a tick..."
- Neil Tathers said, "We like to look at old things. I''m opening up an artifact shop in Stygia, looking for things to sell. Katerina here is going to be the cashier."
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "If this is what I think it is, you''ve found yourself the motherload in that case. I didn''t think there even were any of these still intact."
- Jountax Virmlaine hands the gear back. "Were I the one to find it, I might have tried to probe more deeply. But that tends to be rather ruinous to the matter serving as an ontological lynchpin for the magic."
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "I may have to stop by that shop sometime..."
- Jountax Virmlaine reaches for a flask. "Right then, I think it''s about time I got going. Lots of old battlefield left to cover."
- You say, "Hey, tell us if you find anything interesting! We could help identify it...or trade for it.""
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "I''ll be sure to do that."
- Neil Tathers said, "Well that was a truly random encounter, don''t you think?"
- You say, "We should find a way to contact him. He's quite the tinker and scholar, and maybe he'll find something we don't."
And at that point, her previous message to Esrahil had been proven wrong.
Quote:
- Quarrel drifts out of the mechanical desert. He narrows his eyes and spits a cigar butt onto the ground. He growls, "Go for your guns!"
- Quarrel attacked Neil Tathers with a Sub-Machine Gun , killing him!
- Quarrel looks aghast, "I guess that boy wasn''t an angel after all. He should keep better company."
- Quarrel said, "What about you, little lady? You sure are a strange one."
- Quarrel raises his flamers, "Wings tonight!"
- Quarrel attacked you with a Flamethrower and hit for 12 points of fire damage. This attack was laced with waves of lethargy that sap the strength of its target!
- Jountax Virmlaine suddenly appeared out of thin air.
- Quarrel attacked you with a Flamethrower and hit for 13 points of fire damage.
- Quarrel attacked you with a Flamethrower and missed!
- Quarrel attacked you with a Flamethrower and hit for 13 points of fire damage.
- (2 times) Quarrel attacked you with a Flamethrower and hit for 14 points of fire damage.
- Quarrel attacked you with a Flamethrower and hit for 15 points of fire damage. This was enough to kill you!
In the senselessness of the void, Katerina Hasheen reflected on the events that had transpired. And at that point, her thoughts snapped back from Hasheen to living language. There was a thing she could do here, a message she could send. Normally when they were both killed it took her an immense amount of concentration to find another soul - usually Esrahil - in the void, but there was no need in this case. She'd already practiced earlier.
Quote:
- You have sent 1 credits to Esrahil along with the message: The pin begins frantically dotting and dashing.
- You have sent 1 credits to Esrahil along with the message: The message is slow but clear. "Attacked by other demons and have died. I am fine and feel all right. Will return shortly."
Katerina thought she heard a clink. A pawn on a chessboard, falling over. Then the giggle of one divine being having bested her sister, however slightly. But that was because she expected to experience things, wasn't it? And at once, she felt a need to experience things once more.
Quote:
- Your spirit feels drawn to a new body and you quickly enter it. You have respawned.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
Quote:
- You step inside [REDACTED].
- You emote, " steps inside the [REDACTED], looking no worse for wear. "That was...inconclusive?""
- You emote, " wing-hugs Esrahil reassuringly. "I hope Neil makes it back all right.""
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "What happened?"
- Esrahil puts Kat''s head between both her palms and tries to look her into the eye. "You''re killing me, Kat. Why do you do this all the time. You''re not safe out there alone without my guardians watching over you. There''s evil even in paradise and you know it."
- Esrahil hulls Kat into her wings and turns to Sofia. "They got attacked out there. We should watch each other''s backs while looking for the gear."
- You say, "In retrospect I really should have used glyphs."
- You say, "What's important is that I'm back here with you now."
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Let''s all look together."
- Neil Tathers said, "Ah, death happens in the Nexus. Knew that would occur if we stayed out for too long."
- Neil Tathers said, "But it gave me an idea. If we can get an aerial view of the battlefield, maybe it would match up with my books drawing of the Judgemaster, and maybe it where the book says the gear is would match it."
- Neil Tathers said, "Worth a shot I think."
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "I bet one of us could carry you in the air."
- Hotblack Desiato said, "Why hello."
- (2 times) Hotblack Desiato summoned a Judgemaster.
- Hotblack Desiato said, "Whats everyone up to?"
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Hotblack!"
- Sofia Piscitelli prepares a plate of ambrosia for Hotblack.
- Hotblack Desiato gobbles the Ambrosia down, seems he hadnt eaten in quite a while.
- Hotblack Desiato said, "Good food and good spirits? What is this, heaven?"
- You emote, " hmms. "It's probably against your principles (motorcycles) but you could grow wings.""
- You say, "Hotblack and Hallvardr don't have wings and Sofia is a little small. And my wings aren't good for anything more than a sort of hummingbird hover at best. Esrahil could probably do it, admittedly."
- Presto holds up a potion of water-breathing.
- Sofia Piscitelli is happy Hotblack is done and can spend time with her.
‘This eternal sun is extremely irritating’, thought Neil as him and the party stepped outside. He kept the smile and his energy up however, he needed these angels help whether he liked to admit it or not. The five of them looked at the empty expanse of the field and the massive amount of gears that littered the ground. The cry of Hallvarđr’s eagle, Alfarinn, was the only sound that greeted them.
Esrahil bristled at the idea of having to carry Neil, but she was the only one strong enough to lift him. Neil smiled his cocky smile, “Don’t drop me,” he said outloud, and when Esrahil got close, he said in a more guarded voice, “Cause your girlfriend would get a tad upset, wouldn’t she?”
Esrahil glared, “Don’t tempt me demon.”
“You keep calling me demon, and I’m just going to start to call you Twinkle Toes.” Neil said chuckling. “Now neither of us is going to enjoy this, so let’s just get it over with.”
“Be nice,” said Sofia, her Judgemasters not straying too far from her side.
“Always dear,” replied Neil smiling at the child angel, “and you be good while I’m gone.”
Esrahil, without warning, grabbed Neil about the waist and flew straight up. Her Aethersprites and Judgemasters followed her, silently and easily making pace with her into the blue sky. The sun was worse up here.
“Alright then,” said Neil, “Slow down, we need to make the picture line up with the edges of the battlefield.
“Why do you act that way around Sofia?” said Esrahil.
Neil cocked an eyebrow, “Like how?”
“Like a father.”
“Cause not all demons are assholes, that’s why.” Neil took out the book, and steadied it with one hand, while casting the projection spell with another. The two of them got situated and lined up the edges of the picture to the edges of the battlefield. “Makes one wonder, how a book this old gets published and corresponds to something in this breath when these things didn’t exist a short while ago.”
“It was Barass’ will,” said Esrahil, “Now hurry up you aren’t exactly light.”
“Yeah yeah yeah,” Neil spoke looking at the where the gear was in relation to the battlefield. A beam of yellow projected to the spot about 10 meters wide. “Tell Katerina to go there, and we will meet her at that point.”
Esarhil concentrated for a moment, and then the two of them descended, Neil secreting the book about his person on the descent. They landed well ahead of the others, and Neil, who loved to relish in awkward conversation, was about to say something when the ground started to rumble.
“Another trick demon!” screamed Esrahil, her pets swarming about her in agitation. Neil scowled.
“Ain’t me Twinkle Toes!” shouted Neil as the ground exploded upward sending the two of them backwards.
Seconds earlier
Katerina, Presto, Sofia and Hallvarđr watched as the two transcended did their thing. Esrahil’s voice spoke into Katerina’s head, “Follow the yellow beam.”
Katerina smiled, “They found something, and they want us to follow the beam.” She was glad to see her two friends working together, and hoped that they would find some friendship soon enough. Then they heard the warning cry of Alfarinn and Hallvarđr quickly brought his shield around and in the ready position.
“Trouble,” he warned. The four of them saw the ground around Neil and Esrahil explode, sending old gears rocketing towards them. Presto quickly mimed a box shape around him and ducked, while Sofia and Katerina hid behind the bulk of Hallvarđr and his shield.
“NEIL!” shouted Katerina, “ESRAHIL!” Sofia peeked out from behind Hallvarđr and looked into the dust cloud. Not much could be seen from inside of it. She glanced at the Mime and found him surprisingly unscathed. Sofia then noticed something in the sky. “Katerina, I see someone above us,” Esrahil floated down and landed next to Katerina relatively unscathed, though missing all of her pets now..
“Neil okay?” asked Katerina.
Esrahil scowled at the mention of the demon, “No idea. One moment we were together, and then the ground exploded. My pets saved me, speaking of which.” She concentrated and three more Judgemasters assembled behind her. A couple Aethersprites joined them, “You okay my dear.”
“Of course,” said Katerina shooing off the Aethersprites as they checked her body for wounds, “Hallvarđr protected me.”
“Thank you Hallvarđr,” said Esrahil, but before she could continue, the eagle let go another warning cry. Everyone turned to see a clockwork golem coming out of the ground. It was at least 12 meters tall, and most of the gears around it where rusted. Katerina felt the stone key tug, as if it wanted to be part of that golem.
“I think what we need is in there,” she said, somewhat mystified. The golem let out a metal screech, and began to run towards them. Hallvarđr steadied his shield and was ready to take the brunt of the attack, but before he had too, Neil rushed out from the side, slipping out of an invisibility spell and slamming into the creature’s leg with his fist. It tumbled as its own leg disintegrated under the might of Neil’s blow. Turning around by its midsection, the thing let out a punch directed at the Dark Oppressor, who grabbed it. Unholy waves of energy emanated from Neil’s body, but it seemed not to affect the golem. It grabbed on to Neil and flung him straight at the group. Presto quickly mimed a pillow on the ground and smiled. Neil landed about five feet away from it and rolled on the ground. Presto made an apologetic gesture, and Neil glared at him before addressing Katerina, “Did you see it? The gear we are looking for, it’s in the middle of that thing.”
“How can you be sure,” asked Katerina as the others watched the clockwork golem repair its own leg.
Neil smiled, “It’s a part of the key to get my bike, I just know. And Agony curse didn’t work.”
Sofia shouted and suddenly Hallvarđr’s shield came down and protected the group from another round of thrown gears. The golem was moving again, and the Judgemasters started to move to block the thing.
“All right listen, Hallvarđr and me take the front and work on chipping this thing down, Katerina you are on support, Esrahil your pets will be our shields, Sofia you stay in the back and don’t get hurt,” shouted Neil. He glanced at the mime, “And you protect the girl.” Presto saluted and mimed building a flamethrower.
Sofia spoke up, “Why does it always resort to fighting,” she said.
“It’s not alive Sofia, if it was my curse would have slowed it down. Everyone move!”
Hallvarđr shouted and charged the clockwork golem, expertly dodging a strike and smashing his shield into the creature’s leg followed by blocking its other arm as it came around. Neil ran up the back of the angel, using the extra height he gained to fire a spell of cold into the creatures face. It swung and smashed Neil once more into the ground. He rolled into a heap in front of Katerina.
“Why are you constantly getting hurt? I can’t heal you,” said Katerina. She tossed him another leech before getting back under cover. Neil smashed the leech into his arm and rolled into cover himself. Hallvarđr continued pressing the golem, blocking its attacks and getting some of his own. His eagle came down from the sky, thrashing wings into the face of the golem, trying to distract it.
Presto meanwhile finished his mime act in building the flamethrower. And suddenly a flamethrower was in his hands. He mimed putting on some goggles and he let it fly towards the creature. Too bad he never put gas into the device. Nothing came out of the flamethrower. Presto panicked and ran around the battlefield, miming hysterics.
‘Stupid mime,’ thought Neil, ‘Hallvarđr is not going to last long. I need to think of something.’
He saw a potion roll towards him. Knowing who did that he chuckled, “Taking a chance,” Said Neil. He chugged the potion, and felt a pair of leather bat like wings spring out of his back. He took off into the air.
The clockwork golem ripped apart a Judgemaster and ran full tilt at Hallvarđr, who finally buckled under the attack. Suddenly a wave of calm spread throughout the battlefield. The angels felt stronger, calmer, and more in control. The golem was unaffected, but Hallvarđr was able to roll out of the way of an attack cause of it. Katerina stood behind them, blessing the area. Esrahil smiled at her lover, before commanded her creatures to get in the way of the golem, which slowed it down. Presto recovered from his hysterics and reached into his pants, pulling out a pumpkin pie. He made a fist at the creature and threw the pie at it, throwing it way too high.
Neil plummeted from the height he flew up too. The horns on his head glowed green, and a glow surrounded his body his body. Those corrosive horns slammed into the golem, the sting of acid ate away at the metal that was holding the golem together. Neil rolled away as the golem as it fell apart, holding a small glowing gear. He tossed it to Katerina, which hit her chest before falling into her hand clumsily. She pressed the key up against the gear. The gear seemed to melt into the key, creating something more. Neil smiled and looked at the key, “Well that was interesting.” The golem crumbled to dust behind them. And a pumpkin pie fell from the sky, hitting Neil in the face.
Everyone stared at him while Katerina was still fussing with the new key. Sofia suddenly broke out in laughter, which made Neil laugh as well. Smiles even crossed the face of the other angels.
“What happened?” said Katerina, looking in the direction of Neil.
“I got creamed,” he said, wiping some pie off his face and flinging it at Katerina, which hit her chest. “Now let’s get back inside and see where we go next.”
Katerina Hasheen is still licking pie off her face. She turns from the distraction and runs her hands over the new "key". (2016-03-08 19:08:40).
- You emote, " gets closer and takes a hard look at it. It's evident he wants to touch it, but he holds back. He pours a bottle of water over head to try to wash off the pumpkin pie." (2016-03-08 19:12:09).
- Katerina Hasheen examines every crack and seam curiously. It is an unfamiliar shape and parts of it are either very hot or very cold. She nudges Jountax. "I''ve never found anything like it...what do you think of it?" (2016-03-08 19:16:43).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Maybe it''s like a spellgem." (2016-03-08 19:22:15).
- You emote, " looks around helplessly for a towel. "Towel anyone?" " (2016-03-08 19:34:49).
- Esrahil has never been able to make peace with the necessity to do battle at times. But her ways have their merits, too. For instance, she always has a few blankets close, which can double as a towel if needed. (2016-03-08 19:38:54).
- Katerina Hasheen has had a towel with her for the past year...just in case. (2016-03-08 19:41:52).
- Presto gives Neil Tathers a vial of angel tears to help clean off the pie. (2016-03-08 19:49:43).
- Jountax Virmlaine is dumbfounded at the mention of his name. "How long did you know?" (2016-03-08 21:26:45).
- Sofia Piscitelli points to her aethersprite friend. (2016-03-08 22:16:58).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "I''m Sofia." (2016-03-08 22:55:51).
- Katerina Hasheen is actually a bit fuzzy on the Mage's name, but heard him come in. (2016-03-09 00:14:16).
- Katerina Hasheen realizes everyone is tense after a fearsome battle and sets out drinks. (2016-03-09 00:15:10).
- You say, "She does that Jountax. Don't mind her. Listen, as much as I love the fact you followed us around, this next part is a mite sensitive. Let me show you out." (2016-03-09 01:04:36).
- You emote, " escorts the mage to the door." (2016-03-09 01:05:06).
- Sofia Piscitelli waves goodbye. (2016-03-09 03:30:49).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "It's sad we can't talk more." (2016-03-09 03:30:58).
- Katerina Hasheen listens as Neil and the mage step away. "He may still be helpful." (2016-03-09 03:40:10).
- Sofia Piscitelli thinks so too (2016-03-09 03:42:25).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "This is going to be quite the world-spanning challenge, and sometimes you can find the talents you need in the most unexpected people." (2016-03-09 03:46:00).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "But if you do go, a blessing for your journey." (2016-03-09 03:51:21).
- Katerina Hasheen raises her hands and whispers something in Hasheen. Your vision distorts for a second and you see the room get darker. Nevertheless you feel safer. (2016-03-09 04:03:46).
- Jountax Virmlaine said, "As much as I might like to, I have some rather important business to attend to." (2016-03-09 04:05:25).
- Jountax Virmlaine waves, then closes his eyes in concentration for a moment. He suddenly starts to look a bit... transparent. He then floats out the door. (2016-03-09 04:07:01).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "What a nice person." (2016-03-09 04:14:00).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "I hope we'll find him again." (2016-03-09 04:14:12).
- Sofia Piscitelli said, "Neil do you want to talk about stuff?" (2016-03-09 04:23:20).
- Sofia Piscitelli hopes to learn more about the demon. (2016-03-09 04:23:40).
- Katerina Hasheen also hopes to learn something, though perhaps she must ask in private - somehow. (2016-03-09 04:35:21).
- Katerina Hasheen steps out for a brief walk and returns looking more rested and reinvigorated. (2016-03-09 05:21:35).
- Sofia Piscitelli doesn''t really like all the secrecy. (2016-03-09 05:46:07).
- You say, "Now that we have the gear we should move on to the second item the book mentioned, the dirt from the infinity gravestone " (2016-03-09 11:41:09).
- You emote, " opens the old book again. "Here is the passage about it."" (2016-03-09 11:42:12).
- You emote, " does the projection spell on emote showing everyone the book's contents. "It marks the grave of the Nexus' greatest contributor. Whatever that means. " (2016-03-09 11:44:14).
- You say, "I was hoping Katerina would be able to" (2016-03-09 11:44:41).
- You say, "Shed more light on this. From what I can gather it's possible that the gravestone is on Laurentia " (2016-03-09 11:46:00).
- Presto squats on the ground, puts his hand to his ear, and listens. (2016-03-09 13:12:37).
- Esrahil looks puzzled. "The nexus'' greatest contributor... to what?" (2016-03-09 13:16:23).
- Esrahil plays with Sofia's sprite. She has only seen her call for judgemasters so far, this is new. (2016-03-09 13:16:50).
- Presto jumps on one of Sofia's Aethersprites. He hovers in the air for a moment before losing his grip and falling onto the floor. (2016-03-09 13:48:53).
- Katerina Hasheen said, "I imagine each of the Elder Powers would imagine a different Greatest Contributor...was this passage written in a cult language, by any chance?" (2016-03-09 14:02:46).
- Esrahil thinks this is a good call. She is only proficient in liavan, the "tongue" of Alonai that attributes great importance to nonverbal forms of communication. She doubts it will be of use in this case, though. (2016-03-09 14:10:35).
- Katerina Hasheen returns to the book. "If it's in Hasheen it'd be whoever died the most. But I'm afraid I only ever learnt spoken Hasheen, not the written form." (2016-03-09 15:23:37).
Last edited by Tathers on Thu Mar 10, 2016 1:31 pm; edited 1 time in total
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