Prepare for the #LodanRespawn2024 Existing characters may choose to be displace from/have memories of different timelines, thereby allowing returning members the option to retcon their whole character. These changes are the result of the "Unnatural Fog" plot device that is running between now and the Respawn. The plot is simple: no matter where your character is, that place is shrouded in a thick fog that suspends time, but not thoughts or memories, so even if they're repeating the same day over and over again, they continue to remember, so each time feels like a new day. For those retconning OCs; this is where new versions of themselves have the opportunity to replace the old versions. Official lore and tree updates will be announced asap
"Unbelievable..." Amon thought, letting out a small groan. He was in the middle of trying to form a more coherent thought on the matter when a group of well-dressed, older men entered his shop.
"So these are the esteemed council..." he thought bitterly, recognizing a few of them. Nonetheless...
"A good day to you too gentlemen!" Amon replied in a jovial tone, his position and body language quickly shifting as if he was truly glad to see the group. "And yes, I did summon you here. Let me start off by saying thank you for helping to run the guild while I was gone."
"I was just speaking with Wern here, and with my return, I was hoping to get your input on how to move forward with how to best manage the guild..."
"I will destroy you in the most beautiful way possible! And when I leave, you will finally understand why storms are named after people!" - Taryn, Nerf This
The sudden mood swing in Amon’s persona nearly made Wern defecate in his pants. Oh god. He was doing that thing again. That smile thing. It was one of the reasons why the larger man had been so intimidated by the taller one so long ago. That customers smile that promised anything but friendliness Apparently Wern wasn’t the only one to notice the change as the lead councilmen darkened somewhat, eyes, now, floating to Wern, who, in response, withdrew inwardly. Cogs, this was going to be a horrible day. “A good day to you as well.” The lead council man stated, hands, resting on fairly simple cane, one of which was stained to be akin to greenish black. “And no thanks is needed. We, the council, are extremely happy that you are alive and are well. It is in great fortune that you have returned to us, and the guild. Praise be to the fates for that.”
The rest of the men nodded their hands in agreement, one, even went so far as to mutter a “here, here!” Though, the mirth and congratulations were barely kept as the older man continued. “Well, that depends sir. You are well placed in taking your spot as guild leader. But, before any management can be done, I suggest paper work, first. Since you were disposed, presumed dead, your title of guild leader was passed on to Wern here.” The councilman motioned to the larger mechanic who, at suddenly being the center of the group of nine, squeaked ever so slightly. “Who signed for us to be in charge when he found himself no longer capable, which, according to law, makes us the legal guild leaders of Mingo’s.” The councilmen smiled, lightly laughing as Wern paled some. “B-but—“ Wern began, and the councilmen looked to him, the smile, still on his face, although, everyone paused slightly as a squeal was heard from outside, Polinya, dancing around, chasing after what seemed like a pigeon. “My, Wern, your daughter is extremely beautiful as always. Just like her mother. How is the wife doing, by the way?” The lead councilman asked, and Wern shuffled a bit, bowing his head ever so slightly. “A…Alisa is not my wife, s-sir. A-ah, but she is doing well.” “Ah, not your wife? Shame.” The lead councilmen stated, and Wern shifted again, backing away some, but, sadly, one could only back away so much before hitting a wall.
What is important to me is the experience of making. I leave all my work outside and often return to watch it decay.- Andy Goldsworthy
Amon's eye twitched in annoyance at the group's "enthusiasm," his bangs hiding the the reaction as his eyes slowly following Wern as he tried to make his escape.
"Oh?" Amon replied, keeping up the jovial tone, though seemingly mixed with concern as he began to tap the counter-top with a mechanical finger. "I was not aware...I mean, although the guild is still standing, I did hear that it was not...performing as well as it should..." he continued, staring at Wern.
"That being said (before we get to the paperwork), if you fine gentlemen were deemed to be better, then tell me," Amon said, turning his attention to the lead councilman. "Why hasn't the situation improved."
"I will destroy you in the most beautiful way possible! And when I leave, you will finally understand why storms are named after people!" - Taryn, Nerf This
At this point, Wern’s place was staring at the ground. He couldn’t escape, and lord knew that he didn’t want to be there either. This was his fault, in part, but, no one told the larger mechanic at home that he would have to be prepared for a battle of wits— or the false smiles of men. Neither did he count on occurring, especially in his first year. The lead councilman looked to the finger, however, his expression did not change, his own smile on his features. “Oh? And whom did you here it from? Our dear Wern?” The leader laughed, gently, his eyes soft as he looked upon Wern as if the younger man was his own blood. “The man has a tendency to worry, though, if you had any cocern Wern, why didn’t you inform the council? We’ve been very receptive of your ideas thus far. The mandate, and so forth.” The man stated, eyes, returning to Amon, confused laced in them “And whatever do you mean, Amo?. What situation, are you referring to? As far as I know, we have been helping the guild. Guild income has been rising steadily over the past few months, and people feel safer then ever. What is this situation you speak of?"
What is important to me is the experience of making. I leave all my work outside and often return to watch it decay.- Andy Goldsworthy
"I dunno..." Amon replied shaking his head, finger still tapping. "I mean, I've been hearing the exact opposite: that the guild is actually going through some financial trouble, that my initial deal with EIRAL was suspended indefinitely, and that 'worry wart' Wern over here had to supplement the guild's funds with his own money."
"But that's not just from him," he continued with a sigh. "My dearest lover noted that the guild is a mess, and I have heard whispers from the other members complaining about 'higher taxes' and having trouble making ends meet, and how my presence is a sign that things will get better. Plus, EIRAL did confirm that they suspended ties, at least until someone competent took charge. But the funny thing is, regardless of Wern's actions or lack thereof, I keep hearing the same thing: 'ever since that council took over...'"
"Care to explain?"
"I will destroy you in the most beautiful way possible! And when I leave, you will finally understand why storms are named after people!" - Taryn, Nerf This
With ease the lead councilmen listened, nodded his head some as the leader spoke, taking the criticism rather well , yet, the pressure on his cane increased some as he sighed. “Well, there is truth in everything, as a wise man once said. In truth, yes, the guild is going through financial trouble, but, it is at the same level of decrease ever since you left, Amon. You were our leader, and changing hands during war time is never easy, especially with the changes being made. The deal with EIRAL was suspended because they found an opening.” Straightening some, the councilmen looked to Wern, who flinched under the grey eyes of the elder. “Legally speaking, the deal was made with you, and, with the lead signature gone, they found that the contract was null. Since the council and both Wern are new, they found little assurance in our capabilities, of which, we sought to change.” “As to Wern supplementing the funds, it is his job as guild leader to make sure the guild is afloat. Costs were made, of which, the money has long been spent doing other tasks. After all, there were damages, insurances, and investigations being placed forward, along with other costs that the guild could not keep up. Wern posed a mandate, of which we allowed, and then, he proposed a warehouse, which we also allowed. Both turned into financial losses rather than gains under his supervision.” Tilting his head, the lead councilmen looked upon Wern, a soft smile, suspended on his features, even as the larger man cowered, fumbling somewhat and knocking into toys as he did so. “As to the complaints of the people, it is most likely because while Wern was proposing all these ideas, we were ensuring the legal side. He became the poster child of Mingo’s. The lovable man who steps in when things are going amuck, who talks to the people, going door to door and offering his services. Yet, while he did that.” Leaning forward on his cane, the councilmen’s features darkened somewhat, his brow furrowing as he continued. “We were handling the financial issues. We were seeing the state of finances, and saw the need to tax. After all, Mingo’s has quite the reputation. Sales are more likely to occur associated with a brand name. However, sales are not being made. No one wants to buy things, Amon. Thus, we need to stimulate the market. Either reduce prices or heighten them, and with dwindling resource, we can only ship out less sturdy goods or risk going bankrupt over perfect ones.” “So perhaps things seemed better before the council, but that is because we were running on a system that was dwindling, and whose prices were only going to skyrocket as things progressed. After all, bullets and guns don’t grow on trees.” The older man smiled, pausing now, to let Amon speak his own share.
What is important to me is the experience of making. I leave all my work outside and often return to watch it decay.- Andy Goldsworthy
"Oh? Well, when you put it that way..." Amon replied, leaning over a bit. "...it makes even less sense."
"While I do understand that there was a sharp decline after my supposed demise, I trust that it should have at least restabilized back to its previous state. You see, I already had a budgeting plan all set up prior to leaving, and considering the lack of operating instructions my predecessors left for me, I took it upon myself to write up said instructions for whoever was unlucky to take my place. It was because of that plan, along with some funds that I had been saving in case of hard times such as these, Mingo's could stay afloat for a very long time, without the need for further taxing. It was a slow death, yes, but slow enough that such a decline would not be readily seen by the public, and that a solution could be found before ultimately dying. So let me ask you: what happened to those funds?"
"And while we are at it: where exactly are these funds going to? I mean, if our member are already having difficulty making ends meet, it doesn't make sense to increase the burden..."
"Speaking of, if Wern is 'supplimenting' the guild as his 'duty' as guild leader, I am inclined to think that you gentlemen should be in the same position as your 'duty' as 'councilmen.' However, judging by how prim and proper your appearance is, I cannot help but think that you gentlemen are not facing similar financial issues. Because what it seems like to me is that poor Wern here is merely a figurehead to take blame while you are here to profit at his expense. Surely it isn't so..."
"I will destroy you in the most beautiful way possible! And when I leave, you will finally understand why storms are named after people!" - Taryn, Nerf This
Stillness— yet, a rustling as curtails were adjusted, and weight, placed even more so on canes and on hunched backs. One of the councilmen coughed, but Wern, Wern stepped forward, confusion etched into his face. “Wait. What?” The larger man spoke, stepping forward again as if to get a better look at the taller man, only to look upon the councilmen. “W-what is he talking about? D-do you know what he is talking about?” The councilmen were silent, and, stepping forward again, Wern’s brow furrowed, fists, clenched as the larger man looked at each one of their faces. “A-are you telling me that there were instructions, that there were funds, that you were keeping from me?” “We gave you the information that you needed to know.” The lead councilman stated, but Wern shook his head, hands fumbling as there hands transferred imaginary piles from one part of the air to the other. “No, no, you didn’t. I would have needed to know this— that Amon left >this<! Why didn’t you tell me? Why would you keep this from me?” The lead councilmen looked upon Wern, eyes, glazed over some, as if he was looking down upon some variant of filth— a variant that would not go away even with his best efforts. And perhaps, that is what the council men saw in Wern. Just a spec of filth— though, grey eyes traveled from the lesser guild leader to the current one as the older man spoke.
“Amon, if I didn’t know any better, it seems that you are insinuating that we stole from Mingo’s.” Straightening, the lead founder continued. “The funds have been distributed; some, to your funeral, the maintaining of your shop, and to other projects, including the ones that Wern set forth as well. After all, one man can’t fund a whole guild.” “As to our share, we pay our dues as well. But, it was not the task of the council to take over the guild leaders job, or responsibility. We are advisors. As far as guild rules state at the time of your departure, we did not exist, but now, we very much do. After all, Wern did sign such rights over to us.” The older man nodded his head to the side some. “And as for a figurehead— I would not go so far as saying he is the figurehead of the guilds troubles." “But that is what you said.” Wern spat, taking another step forward. “Besides, you threatened me. You made me sign those papers!” “As far as I saw it, you chose to sign those papers out of your own free will, Wern.” And with that, the councilmen straightened up on his cane and Wern, he backed away some, looking for Amon for guidance, for the next step, because as far as the larger man knew, he was trapped.
What is important to me is the experience of making. I leave all my work outside and often return to watch it decay.- Andy Goldsworthy
"Well then, allow me to clarify: I'm not insinuating you stole, I'm flat out accusing you. Because unless you made me a casket of pure gold or a tombstone of pure diamond, I highly doubt that whatever 'projects' you funded were enough to completely wipe out those funds and put Mingo's in the state it currently is in," Amon replied, completely dropping the act, though continuing to tap his mechanical finger.
"Oh, but let me guess: it's Wern's fault? Then allow me to fling your own words back at you. Who authorized his 'mistakes?' You did. Who's supposed to 'advise' him on how to properly run this guild? You are. Hell, who actually owned this guild and signed a now defunct contract? You. As far as I am aware of, as the then owners of the guild, you gentlemen are ultimately responsible for any muck ups that your workers make."
"Or does the guild not matter, so long as your pockets are filled and some one else takes the fall? Queens, I know that our guild could be considered greed incarnate, but you take it to the extreme, stealing from your own companions."
"Oh, but, innocent until proven guilty, right? Then please, do tell me how this is all some sort of misunderstanding," Amon continued with a smile, sitting back and bringing up the facade again.
"I will destroy you in the most beautiful way possible! And when I leave, you will finally understand why storms are named after people!" - Taryn, Nerf This
A harsh bark and an equal harsh bite from the guild leader sent many of the councilmen into whispers— eyes flickering back and forth in caution, in suspicion. The lead man furrowed his brow, fingers, tightening around the cane as he hushed them to be quiet before he turned upon the guild leader once more. “You are more than welcome to search the records, sir, but I assure you that we have been filing the money back into the guild, and not into our own pockets. But, if you really wish to accuse us, I rather it be with harsh evidence rather than claims” Straightening, the elder man looked upon Wern. “And you are correct, our role as advisors is to advise, to guide. But, it is Wern’s ultimate decision to deicide. Upon recently, we deemed that his ability to decide was not proper for the guild. Of which, it seems like you agree. Although, it also appears you rather us handle the burden of this fault, when you are also neglecting yourself in these matters. By your logic, our failure is also your responsibility as well, or is that not the case, sir Amon?” The lead councilmen placed more weight on his cane as Wern shifted, eyes, flickering between the two. “T-that isn’t true.” Wern stuttered, and once the words fell form his lips, the councilmen glared at him. “I’m certain that Amon can defend himself without your interference, Wern.” “But…. It isn’t true!” “Indeed? But is it not? The man who disappears for months critiquing those who were here? If he didn’t like the way things developed, then why did he not elect someone else to step into his place when he himself was not here, hmmm? Isn’t it wise to have a second in command? Though, I suppose with the rate we lose second in commands here, I could understand his reluctance.” The councilmen stated, knuckles white as he turned to the guild leader.
What is important to me is the experience of making. I leave all my work outside and often return to watch it decay.- Andy Goldsworthy
The only sound that could be heard was Amon's constant tapping as a bored smirk formed on his face.
"...That's all you have to say? Yeesh, you guys are boring," he scoffed.
"Alas, I'm not as stupid as you think, and in the same vein, to your credit, I do not believe that you would be stupid enough to put it in the records. The smartest thing would be to put the stolen funds in a personal safe, though I'd imagine there would be some of you who would make the mistake in putting your funds in the bank. Nonetheless, I already have an investigator all lined up, so I do thank you for your concern...though judging by your body language, I already have an idea of the verdict..."
"As for who is ultimately to blame for this whole mess...well, I have to admit, as much as I would have loved to blame the seven assassins that went after me, I will take some fault for not officially choosing a successor...though something tells me that you would've still manipulated the poor soul regardless of whoever chose them. As it stands however, you assumed direct command at one point, and thus assume all responsibilities for this guild."
"And I mean, we could play the blame game all afternoon, but the outcome is gonna be the same, so let's just skip to the end, shall we? Though we will have to await official word from the investigation, I do believe my first order of business is to disband this little group of your's. Thanks again for your service (or lack thereof); I can take it over from here."
"I will destroy you in the most beautiful way possible! And when I leave, you will finally understand why storms are named after people!" - Taryn, Nerf This
The bored smirk was met by an innocent one as the lead councilmen smiled, a laugh, on his lips. “So sorry, Amon, that we can’t be more entertaining for you. But, as far as we see it, you have already taken command of the guild long before we even came here, so, in theory, everything in a sense has been your responsibility. But, I suppose there is another problem that lies in that fact.” The older man hummed, rocking somewhat in his place. “Because if I remember correctly, we found a body. One with a missing arm. Tell me, sir, if it was not your body, then, whose body was it? And for that matter, why is it, and how is it, that this unidentified body is dead? After all, that could mean trouble when the truth comes to light.” Taking a step forward, the older man continued to smile, malice, missing from his eyes. “Because, that’s what you are concerned about, correct? The endgame.” Reaching out a the council men continued stopped the tapping of the finger, holding it down as he continued. “And Amon, I think hiring a lawyer alongside your investigator is in order if you still value your endgame, because I think manslaughter is a much more intolerable thing then fraud, or, am I mistaken in that too?” Patting the mechanic’s hand, the councilmen turned to his comrades and continued. “Alright, men, I think it’s about time we head out. After all. Our services are no longer needed.” Glancing to Wern, the older men smiled still. “Good day, Wern.” “G-good day lead councilmen.”
What is important to me is the experience of making. I leave all my work outside and often return to watch it decay.- Andy Goldsworthy
Just as the lead councilman turned his back and was beginning to usher the others out, a strange sound pierced the air; at first, it seemed like Amon was crying in frustration, but that image was suddenly broken as he through his head back, a mad laughter filling the air. As suddenly as it started, it stopped, and he slowly turned to face the councilmen, a part in his bangs revealing his clockwork doll eye in its cold glory.
"Tell me gentlemen: you're not threatening me...are you?" he asked, with a final forceful tap of his finger.
At that last tap, a subtle shift on the shelves occurred, as every single toy, as well as Abby and Abe, turned to face the councilmen in the center of the room. "Allow me to remind you, that that is a very bad idea," Amon continued, bloodlust dripping from every word as the temperature dropped a few degrees under his icy stare. "But then again, you should be used to making bad ideas, right?" he asked. A quick series of taps later, and the pressure in the room vanished as it returned to normal, the toys and the Twins moving back to their original positions as if nothing happened.
"Alas, you are quite correct that in the end, it's the endgame that I'm concerned about," Amon continued, also returning to normal as if nothing happened, his bangs now covering both of his eyes again. "And well, spoiler alert: I've already been acquitted of all charges. Quite the long story to be honest, but you should be able to get the full scoop in tomorrow's paper...or directly from EIRAL personnel, whichever comes first. Speaking of..." he started, as a clockwork squirrel suddenly ran up from behind the counter top. After making a quick series of clicks, it scurried back behind the counter top and disappeared. "...it seems as though you'll be meeting with them shortly. In the interim, I suggest that you be the one to find yourself a good lawyer. Also, allow me to remind you that any petty thoughts of revenge won't get you anywhere. It certainly didn't help the other six I killed. Again, you should be able to hear more about it by tomorrow at the latest," he concluded with a mirthful smile.
"Good day~"
---
Just outside, a small group of EIRAL soldiers made their way towards Amon's store. At the lead was a man of above average height, about 178 centimeters, sporting slicked back, dirty blonde hair, and three long scars on the left side of his face...
"I will destroy you in the most beautiful way possible! And when I leave, you will finally understand why storms are named after people!" - Taryn, Nerf This
Post by Edelweiss Fjäril on Aug 16, 2016 4:52:29 GMT
"So, Polinya, do you like icecream?" The redhead asked with a soft smile, watching the young girl running around and chasing a butterfly nearby. The talk inside Amon's shop had been going on back and forth for a while and, to speak the truth, Edelweiss was already struggling to not yawn out of boredom while just standing against the door and listening as well. Besides, there was only so much that could keep a little child with far too much energy entertained while in front of a toyshop without being able to get in, and she had promised Wern that she'd be keeping Polinya safe and happy until Amon is done with traumatizing everyone they finish their talk. There was an icecream shop just across the street, so in theory Wern would still be able to spot them when he exits.
Theory isn't a perfect thing though. Right when she had finished offering the cold treats there was that bolt of mad laughter followed by... well, cold threats. That H came to party uninvited.
"Seems like they're having fun, huh... Should we bring them some icecream too?" Her voice came out a bit like a sigh, but still smiling at Polinya. No worth in scaring her with that, and she was probably too young and not-mentally-and-emotionally-scarred to understand what was going on inside from that far. So the redhead just opened the door slightly to be able to make herself visible, but kept the child at her back and didn't bother getting in. "Polinya and me are going to have some icecream, do you want any?" Sparkly-sparkly friendly smile, not. Polinya couldn't see her face right then, so Edelweiss just stared at them all one by one (except Wern) with this completely unimpressed, chilly inexpressive look. Starting with the 'Council', "Whoever of you thought it was a good idea to tickle his loose screws, stop. Right now." and then Amon "And if you keep that grating laughter coming, you won't even get a glimpse of my sheets for a long, looong time." and then all of them "So have fun but behave, boys. We'll be back in a few moments." And let the little EIRAL group be traumatized next if they so wish. None of that group was worth even a finger lifted from her.
Maniacal laugher shook the group, making them shiver and pause, all except the lead councilmen, who turned to the guild leader, grimness locked in his eye. “To threaten a mad man would be foolish, would it not?” And then, the shop itself turned, all eyes, living and not, being upon the councilmen, an army of miniatures staring emotionlessly. The toy army did little to faze the councilmen, as his eyes were on Amon, and only Amon. Even as his comrades shrieked, with Wern, too, joining in that gasp, the larger man jumping in fear. A toy at his side had shifted, its cute eyes and innocent smile, burning into the councilmen with an unnaturally weird aura that it made Wern shrink away. Perhaps if it was frowning, things would have been better. Or worse. The tinkier couldn’t tell, nor wanted to. Since Wern was in front of it, it was more like it was staring at him. A-and was its eyes following him? Oh god, it was. Swallowing, Wern whimpered some as he hugged the non toy infested counter in an attempt to get out of the way of the unholy glances, but, well, he didn’t want to be near Amon either, as he was well, a-acting weird. Yes, that’s r-right. Acting. J-just acting. Crouching, Wern ducked out of the way of everyone, holding his hands over his head in an attempt to eradicate any thought of the possessed toys, and what they could, or would do, to anyone near them. Though, w-what scared him wasn’t as much the t-toys but, their, um, master. Just what was Amon planning to do?
Even when the toys stopped, their threat still lingered. It lingered so much that when the squirrel appeared, many of the group jumped again, and Wern let out a squeak. Oh god. He was terrified. Of a squirrel. But with Amon, the squirrel could be rigged with explosives or some sort of poision. Was it carrying a nut? Could that be a grenade. Oh Cogs, was his guild leader always this terrifying? Despite Wern’s fear, the councilmen was calm, and poised, lacking the fear of explosive nuts as the larger man was having.
“If you think your little toys can scare me, you are wrong, sir. If anything, I think it’s you, Amon, who should be concerned the most.” “After all. A man who can get away with murder is quite a force indeed, and one who can get away with six is well...” Tilting his head, the councilmen grunted, shaking his head. “I wonder how your liaisons with Miss Edelweiss will continue when she finds out about all this. Though, as you said, the papers will cover it up.” Waving his hand, the Councilmen continued. “Though, metal and ink can only cover up so much. Out of self defense is one thing, but, I wonder how Miss Fijaril would feel knowing you not only took their lives, but are gloating them? Doesn’t sound like a very attractive trait, especially from one who does it so easily. So, I do applaud you for “winning” this, if that is what you consider this to be. A win.” Stretching out his hand, the lead councilmen motioned to the group before returning his hand to the cane. “Though, what you may have sacrificed in its process is much stronger of a blow then any I could give.” A ring from the door signaled another guest, and to that, the group turned to see the CAEsAL guild leader peering in, a rather hyper Polinya jumping about at her side, groaning about “Miss Fiddles, I want Ice Creammmmmm” between cold words and subtle threats. After delivering her message, the council men laughed, turning to Amon and chuckling as he held onto his cane, slamming it once one the ground as he moved to walk to the door. “It seems that you are already in a lot of trouble Amon as it is.”
What is important to me is the experience of making. I leave all my work outside and often return to watch it decay.- Andy Goldsworthy
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