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
Post by Lasair Landevier Lupen on Nov 8, 2016 23:09:59 GMT
Not seeing much to say, Lasair shrugged and stepped back, leaning against the wall and pausing to crack his neck for a moment. “Just say the word,” he said plainly. His weapon was his magic. He didn’t need to exactly do anything to prepare that; just well, get in range and cast. In the meantime he ran some scenarios for what to say to this wifey upon meeting her. He didn’t exactly practice his charming ways everyday anymore, so running through the lines in his head would help. And when he got bored with that, he’d just let his mind wander until the time to depart arrived.
A moment later, the back door opened and Abby and Abe came through, carrying a plain, but fairly large box with a odd cylinder sticking out the front. After setting it down on the counter, they rushed back into the back room and returned with a projector screen. With a nod, the twins dimmed the lights, plunging the room into darkness.
"Now then, since we have a plan, let's see what we have to work with," Amon said with a small hint of a smile as he turned on the projector, light flooding the room as a moving, aerial image of the property was shown on the screen.
All that was left to do was to study the battleground, tie any loose ends, and make their final preparations...
"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 Jackson R. Willbert on Nov 9, 2016 3:32:49 GMT
It had taken a lot longer than he expected, even with the number of shortcuts he used. But he eventually made it to estate, just hours before the workers would be done for the day.
"Bl'ody 'ell, why not put it furth'r back," Jackson thought bitterly as he made his way to the mansion itself, passing the workers and slaves toiling at the fields and the guards keeping a close eye on them. After a quick knock on the door, he strode past the doorman with a "Gonna see the boss!" and quickly made his way to the study.
"Oi, boss!" he said as he entered the study, closing the door behind him. "Gud news an' bad news: the gud news is that ah found the bird."
"Bad news," he continued as he plopped himself down into a chair, catching his breath a bit. "Darn thing's still kickin' and some'un found 'im first."
Clarence had been on edge all day since his prisoner had released her feathered companion. His mind was everywhere all at once and he knew if he didn't settle down he'd be worse by the time he went to bed tonight. And as he waited anxiously for word from his men on the creature he thought back to how his perfect day had gone so sour and just what had led to today's gross miscalculation.
Everything had gone smoothly that morning, no upsets, no problems and no surprises. he hated surprises the most. Nothing was worse than unplanned happenings. But that had not been today, it had gone well, just business as usual. He'd woken up, had a light breakfast and surveyed the grounds and other things he needed to keep in order. It wasn't hard by any means but it could be exhausting dealing with everyday problems like his parents and family matters. All in all he'd had a splendid first half and as usual in the afternoons he retired to his study with lunch.
He'd been in a good mood all day so he'd been pleasant for a change when he'd come to see his lovely black bird. He'd been leading her along nicely, allowing her to find small, items and details she might think to escape with. It was fun, he enjoyed seeing that small glimmer of hope in her eyes and knowing he'd get to crush it each time to arose from the ashes of her despair. Normally he'd take out his frustrations with her, but not this time, he was in too good of a mood to be awful.
Whistling he opened the door to the room he'd had made purposely to house her and strolled in with two plates of food which he set down. All smiles he beamed at the woman who was seated on a small pile of pillows looking beautiful with her bright, sharp eyes and lips turned down into a frown. He never did tire of looking at her and wondered how possible it would be to have her preserved somehow if she were to die. Not that eh planned on killing her but sometimes accidents happened.
The captured woman didn't smile back, only frowned deeper as he closed the door, securing them behind two walls of closure, two wall so thick no one ever heard her scream. Clarence had moved in to tussle her hair fondly and she quickly scampered away, moving as far as her shackles would allow. he only smiled more but had been hurt to see she still refused to accept him. And he’d gotten the idea to allow her outside. It was beautiful out today and so he’d promised her some time with her bird.
It was the only time she was happy which had always made him sick to his stomach but in the end it was nice to see her smile genuinely for a little while. And so outdoors they had gone into the secluded garden space he’d made for her to enjoy her friend.
While she relaxed in the small sanctuary with her birdy friend he sat in the shade nearby pouring over some actual work. The bird was shackled of course and all was well. And then it wasn’t. His crafty victim had proven to be craftier than he’d ever expected and in a blink of an eye the flamingo was flying off and away as fast as it could while his captive screamed for him to fly.
He managed to hold it together and tossed her into her room to be dealt with later. He called on his men, obviously enraged and demanded they spread out and find the bird. He wanted it back, dead or alive. Preferably dead. Had he mentioned he hated surprises. The next thing he remembered thinking was that he needed to punish his prisoner but he didn’t quite recall how he’d gotten back into her room or when but he came too eventually and found himself draped over the now viciously beaten woman, her dress he’d just had made for her a few days prior was ripped asunder and in shreds around them. Not the first time he’d taken her in a flying rage and from her breathing he could tell she was still very much awake and probably afraid to move.
But he was still mad despite having vented his frustrations on her in every way imaginable he still wasn’t sated. Normally he allowed her to move freely during the day and only shackled her up in the evenings but after that stunt he made sure she couldn’t move, leaving her with only sheets and pillows to cover herself in. After that he left her and went out to distract himself while waiting for word of his men’s success.
And that was how Jackson found him, stewing in a repressed rage, tucked away in his study, a bottle of empty scotch beside him and obviously still livid. So when he got the news that the bird was alive and not in his hands it took everything he had not to strangle him but he did grasp the empty glass bottle and chucked it at the nearest wall.
“WHAT do you mean someone found it first?!” he drawled, his voice low and smooth but angry. “WHO was it with?” he asked enraged and seething underneath his fragile calm exterior. Suddenly an idea dawned on him. One he didn't like. She had friends before... surely she hadn't planned this. If that was the case she'd been playing him for a fool. And now he was just that much more livid.
Last Edit: Nov 11, 2016 3:17:22 GMT by Sienna Black
Post by Jackson R. Willbert on Nov 11, 2016 2:59:14 GMT
"...Wat a waste of a gud bottle..." Jackson said shaking his head. "I dunno; bar'ly saw the thing insid a toy shop before some'un closed the curtins...Amos Automotivs...?" he said, thoughtfully.
"Ah-ne-hoo, not gunna cause a ruckus in broad daylight...beh-sides, that's one heck offa walk," he continued, making himself comfortable.
"'Course...I could go back t'morrow an' retr've the bird...maybe even off the 'uns that found 'im...if ur willin to cough up more coin..." Jackson said with a smile, greed shimmering in his eyes.
Clarence grumbled as Jackson related the details to him. Sadly he hadn't paid that much attention to who and where Sienna's friends had been or worked. He'd spent his time with her near her home after all. But he did know she'd been in one of the guilds. A technician guild he assumed due to her knowledge on mechanics. But save for the Amos Automotivs being a mechanic shop he guessed there wasn't much to go on. Surely she hadn't managed to get anything to them. The outing had been spur of the moment, random. Even if she'd freed the bird there was no way she'd have found the time to do much else. Sighing he breathed deeply, releasing the remnants of his rage and finally calmed down.
"Fine, but at first light I want you out there and finding out what's going on and you had better not come back without that miserable bird this time. If you have to take help with you then do!" He demanded as he turned to head in to deal with Sienna once more. Now that he'd had some time to blow off more steam he realized he'd been in a rage earlier and was afraid of what he'd find waiting for him. His tempter was atrocious.
"Just don't sully the furniture." He snapped before slipping away and out of sight.
"Oh yeah, why not put it further back?!" Amon exclaimed, looking at the estate in the distance. Even with Edel's shortcuts, it was still a trip and a half. It didn't help that the estate seemed further from the front of the property than what they saw from the footage. But at least they made it.
"...Well...the Albatrosses should be on schedule," Amon said, looking at his watch, noting the time when he last saw the large steamwork birds carrying the cargo, so high up that they looked like normal-sized birds. He needed them to "crash" at the a reasonable time, so that they would be in position by the time the group arrived.
"So far, so good..." he noted. "You guys good to go?"
"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
"As I was saying, I think it would be best to attack later in the evening," Amon had spoken, and Sayvahn tilted his head. Later? It made sense, but it still proved to be a bit daunting. Still, it would give the feline a chance to get dressed for the occasion. Plus, he still needed to open up various portals to grab his supplies. Though, darkness was not going to be the best thing for his eyes. Perhaps, it would be better to wear a veil? He would work it out hopefully by then. Frankly, Sayvahn should have left at that point, should have run back to his house, but he was caught by the projector the robotic twins conjured. The light that spewed from the contraption flickered on the wall, it’s body, shaking under the grinding of the gears. Sayvahn stepped away, yet he was awed by the image. That and the smile that Amon wore. Huh. So the tin man could smile. That was nice to note. It made Sayvahn smile as well as he backed away, leaning against the wall next to Lasair. Under the blanket of the flickering darkness, Sayvahn lowered his hand to brush Lasair’s ever so gently, entwining his fingers between the redhead’s. “Onto another adventure it seems,” Sayvahn hummed, lowering his eyes slightly so that the white light of the projector blurred. They had spoken much, nor had they had time, and it was nice to feel a familiar warmth— especially since Sayvahn had not planned to see him that day. Though, pleasantries could not linger. Soon, Sayvahn would leave. Would run to his house and grab supplies, but right then— they were in a lull. Who knows what the future had in store for them? Hopefully, nothing too grim, but that seemed like a too far off wish as Savyahn sighed, looking to the projector to memorize the layout of the manor. After all, he had to be somewhat helpful to the tin man— even if it was just to be a map.
Time had passed, the day edging into night. Edgar had been too busy to pay much heed to Sayvahn, and swiftly the feline put on his coat, loading his satchel and his pockets with various supplies. Meeting back with the others wasn’t difficult— though it was interesting to discover one of the “tunnels” Edelweiss had mentioned. He remembered faintly that Lasair knew of them— the firefox had told him to retreat into them when they had rescued Ratna, however, they had never put it to use— nor did Savyahn see a reason for them to since. Yet, the journey had been long, and Sayvahn’s bones were beginning to ache ever so slightly. Though, he would be a fool to let any of the younger ones know about that, especially Lasair. Yet, Amon apparently felt something similar at he cursed at the mansion’s distance. Sayvahn chuckled at that, tilting his head to muse slightly at the eccentric man. “Doing alright I suppose— pulling up the rear does has its advantages, you know.” Sayvahn hummed, motioning toward everyone’s said “rears,” even though that wasn’t truly why he was lagging behind. It was a nice excuse though. That, and also the goggles he had bought from Edgar rendered things a bit… weird for him to see. Although his vision wasn’t particularly bad, some things were a bit blurry without his glasses, which meant that it was probably better to hold up the rear. Also, being older did have its limitations.
“In a closed society where everybody's guilty, the only crime is getting caught." ― Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Post by Edelweiss Fjäril on Nov 12, 2016 7:00:44 GMT
Considering how calculatedly risky and potentially dangerous that evening was going to get soon, Edelweiss' afternoon was by all means strange.
The first part after their initial reunion at Amon's shop after receiving Sienna's request for help consisted of going (alone, sorry curious boys) to the old storage and training room at the CS Stars and try to not revel too much in the nostalgia while looking for her spare equipment and any gear Amon would be able to use or grow used to within a couple hours. Her own equipment was easy: the standard wire spools and needle sets hidden under her suit, plus a dark grey overcoat on top the suit and a black hat (with her red locks tied into a knotted bun beneath) that gave the impression of instant short hair. Pretty much her usual for non-entertaining work. Then for Amon's-supposed-to-be euipment it really ended up being part of someone's old training gear: a set of 35 throwing darts coated in apitoxin (yes that one that makes bee stings hurt particularly bad). Those were were heavier and had a comparatively shorter sharp tip and longer holding area than her needles, which made them easier for using in close combat, also hardly lethal unless the target is stabbed in very specific vital spots but could effectively blind or hinder someone from fighting from the pain alone, and should fit nicely in that pouch he carried around everywhere. So she figured they were the best she was going to find and stuck with them. No wire for him.
The second part after that was making sure she had something that could be used to help her operate minor tech devices - like lights switches and such - without touching them directly and causing them to break. At her office she had a cane for it, and at home she could use anything from a cane to a spoon, but it'd be better to choose something inconspicuous to carry along her clothes, so a pen it is (also one for Lasair and Sayvahn each, just in case).
Third part, go back into Amon's shop, give him a quick crash course on how to use throwing darts to painfully stab the anatomical charts in his backroom, and then and watch a home theather version of surveiling Clarence's residence while sitting on a chair and petting Mingo on her lap, which made her feel like those little villains in newpaper comics.
Fourth part, take Mingo home (Sienna's old home, to be more precise). Then head for the checkpoint to meet the others and take the tunnel. And then walk on the vanguard servind as a living lamp because an andersweltler aura didn't waste any cast or batteries of any sort but Lasair's was completely transparent and Sayvahn was walking on the rear appreciating everyone's rear - she's never going to hear the end of it, will she...
"I wish I had anything to say about those comments, but I really don't." She squinted her eyes slightly at the 'it's so far away' and 'your bottom looks niiiice' implications, but only turned to glance back at them when Amon asked if they were good to go. "As ready as I can be."
"All power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." - John Dalberg-Acton
Post by Lasair Landevier Lupen on Nov 14, 2016 7:03:12 GMT
Pros of traveling light: it didn’t take long to get ready. Cons of traveling light: having to wait while everybody else got ready.
But before it was time for everybody to depart, Lasair did have a moment to regard the map of the property, trying to take in the details of it as quickly as he could. As Sayvahn slipped his hand into his for the moment, Lasair merely gave it a squeeze and allowed it to rest there before releasing the hand as Sayvahn and Edelweiss departed.
While left Lasair and Amon along, but the ginger quickly discovered that he didn’t want to interfere with the mechanic’s preparations, so instead he left the shop and went to a nice diner, sat down, had a generous lunch, a few cups of coffee, and gave the waitress a nice tip before heading back out to take a nice stroll through the city. He didn’t want to walk too much, to save energy for later, so he sat down and watched the birds and squirrels around, watched the people walk by, and did other various things before the sun finally began to set. Then he made his way back to Amon’s shop, stopping to buy a bag of peanuts on the way, and munched on them casually as he walked in, before turning around to head back out.
He continued to snack on them as they walked to the estate, thankful that Edelweiss was supplying the light. While he could bring his aura to have a color, it felt slightly draining if he kept it up too long, not to mention the fact his hands were busy cracking peanut shells open. Chuckling slightly at Sayvahn’s comment, he nodded to the group when they did finally arrive, the bag of peanuts nearly empty now. “Ready when you are.” It was a simple fact, spoken between the chewing of nuts. He’d been ready since he arrived at the shop hours ago, after all.
Amon could not help but quickly observe their little ragtag rescue team.
He had no words.
"...Alright then..." he said, turning towards the estate. "Here we go..."
===
It was rapidly getting dark, seemingly with each step they took to the estate, as if the building was devouring all of the light. The sheer vastness and stillness, save for the guards that turned to lazily observe them, gave the property an eerie feel.
Perfect.
When they (finally!) reached the door, Amon rang the doorbell, and after a few moments of waiting, a poised butler answered the door.
"Uh, hi, good evening!" Amon greeted in a cheerful and somewhat embarrassed manner. "Um...heh...this is a bit embarrassing, but...I was performing some experiments in shipping some clockwork dolls when the steamwork birds carrying them sort of...crash landed in area behind the house...could I get permission to explore and get help retrieving my products? Sorry, but I was hoping to send them out as soon as possible...all I have to do is fix them on site and we should be out of your way..." Amon explained nervously.
"...I shall inform the master. Wait here," the butler replied, eyeing Amon suspiciously, before retreating further into the house.
"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
It didn’t seem that their “leader” had much faith in them, Sayvahn noted. Or, he did have faith, just perhaps not in regards to the plausibility of them all working in tandem together. Though, Sayvhan had to admit, he was a bit surprised overall as well. One, how nonchalant everyone was— Lasair to the point that he brought snacks—Sayvahn was tempted to ask if he had brought water as well. If the feline knew this was going to be a picnic, he would have brought some wine— or frankly anything to help with his thirst. The eerie house wasn’t that too eerie— at least not for Sayvahn. After spending numerous nights in MI’s headquarters, “cold, dark, and creepy” had a new meaning. Actually, the house itself paled in comparison to Amon’s (fake) meekness. Sayvahn twitched at the action, and tried to suppress a laugh. Don’t break character, Sayvahn, come on now. Breathe, breathe.
Though, he did the opposite— he held his breath— at least until the butler was gone. Then, he let out a giant sigh, chuckling slightly as he leaned against Amon for support. “Oh my god. I can’t believe what I just witnessed,“ the elder man chuckled, draping an arm around Amon’s shoulder (or at least trying to— curse the tin man and his height). “Never thought I ever see you nervous around me, dearie,” Sayvahn hummed, fingers walking up Amon’s arm before he patted him on the shoulder. “Maybe you should retire and become an actor, hmmm?” The dancer purred, winking at the man and returning to his "station" before the butler returned.
“In a closed society where everybody's guilty, the only crime is getting caught." ― Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Post by Edelweiss Fjäril on Nov 20, 2016 19:25:40 GMT
Perhaps it was strange for Edelweiss to not be surprised by how patchworked their team seemed to be, but honestly it would be even stranger for her to be. Skye's rescue team had been even more clashing in both personality, outfits and areas of expertise, and even her own assassin workers rarely matched perfectly in style when they worked in groups. Variety is a fact of life, and she'd welcome it as long as it doesn't spoil the task at hand.
That being said, she stopped providing light as they reached the end of the tunnel and had started walking in the open road, and as the duos split she made sure to keep a pace that would ensure Lasair would have finished his peanuts before they approached the estate. Leaving a trail of little peanut shells in Hansel&Gretel style and making crunchy chewing noises were not very subtle ways of sneaking in. And then, just take a detour away from the path Amon and Sayvahn took, circling the area. Looking for a back entrance or the property owner's wife, whichever they can find first.
"All power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." - John Dalberg-Acton
Amon merely shook his head and rolled his eyes. A few moments later, the butler returned.
"This way please," he informed the duo, leading them into the manor. As they followed the man, Amon quickly scanned the place: large and spacious, comparably to that of Stephen Leland's place, fairly decorated, high ceilings, and with many hallways and doors. Typical of the wealthy to splurge on their homes, but there seemed to be something...lacking. As if there could have been so much more done, but someone stopped partway. If Amon didn't know any better, he would've thought that as seemingly large and expensive the place was, the owners probably over payed.
Of course, this would be the theory if he didn't know about the secret dungeon somewhere in this place.
And from his quick glances, Edel and Lasair have their work cut out for them.
"Here we are," the butler said as they finally reached the back patio area, and were greeted by an unruly group: two subtly irate men, two presumably buzzed and visibly irate men, one quite drunk but still oddly functional man, and one stoic and very cautious man. All equipped with lanterns.
And guns.
...Fun...
"These guards will assist you in your endeavors. I will remind you gentlemen that the master is not the only one who wishes for a speedy operation," the butler explained to the duo with a slight nod towards the guards.
...FFFFFFFFFFun...
"Well, let's get to it shall we," Amon said as he grabbed an extra lantern and led the guards towards the woods.
"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 Lasair Landevier Lupen on Nov 23, 2016 2:54:45 GMT
Lasair nodded to Sayvahn and Amon as they parted, walking with Edelweiss towards the destination, only assuming that they were heading the right way. He (unfortunately) finished his snacks somewhere in the middle of their walk and discarded the bag before they reached the destination. “This should be fun,” Lasair commented lightly, taking a moment to crack his knuckles and stretch his wrists. He had found that it made casting easier but it was still only a theory right now. “Should we try to find an open window or just keep stalking around?” he asked then. Not that he didn’t enjoy the stalking. It was just, well. Boring. And he had expected at least a little bit of action when Edelweiss had written him that note of emergency. But no, instead he had gotten up and rushed over in order to simply wait around. Eat snacks and wait around. Gods he was getting bored out of his mind now at least let a guard notice them or something.