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
"Finally found your stupid machines!" Grump 2 exclaimed as he dragged the clockwork doll to the center and unceremoniously dropped it along with the other machines.
"Well, at least we're almost done," sighed Peeved 1 as he and the others followed suit.
"Back to th' booze?" Drunk asked hopefully.
"In just a bit," Amon replied, giving Sayvahn a subtle nod as he turned to the machines in the center. "I just need to fix a couple of things here and there, and you fine gentlemen will be on your way. I just need to get the maximum lighting...could you help hold the lights so I can see better?" he asked as he knelt down to begin his assessment of the machines.
With a few groans, eager to be over, the guards crowded around Amon, helping to hold the lanterns as he directed, their attention focused on him.
"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
Amon’s laugh— it was light, gentle, and it made Sayvahn smile slightly. The sound was a comfort compared to the scowls around them, mixing in with the clank of metal as each bird was taken down. One man even stated to stop their flirting— and that, that made Sayvahn smile as well. Were they flirting? Maybe they had gotten closer than Sayvahn thought. Though, their hushed whispers were more out of planning than love. Tucking back a lose strand of hair, he sighed, stretching slightly as he walked, his motions fairly large but kept himself, a circling motion. Watching Amon, he followed the tall back of the man, how his spine bent as he analyzed something, and how he seemed to lower slightly to appear humble, appear weaker. Silver strands hid his eyes, yet Sayvahn saw the mismatched orbs flicker as the other brutes returned with Amon’s children. Now, the feline skirted along the edges, ushering the men inward to drop the clockwork dolls in the center— waiting, watching the silver man. Their eyes met, and Amon nodded. Sayvahn did not need any other sign. Stepping into the brush, the bushes entangled around him and Sayvahn crouched, moving along the brush like he once had, in the island so long ago. Yet, back then, he had been the predator. Now— now he was the prey, fleeing from the scene. However, even as prey, he would watch, would gather. Slipping into the brush, he did not stop himself from climbing, from hiding amongst the tops of the trees that offered cover for him, thinking his figure as he blurred amongst the brush. Now, he would wait, the smoke pellets heavy in his pocket and the matches itching to be lit in the other.
“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 Lasair Landevier Lupen on Jan 9, 2017 0:13:57 GMT
Lasair was content to keep chatting up the lady as he sat down near her, the smile on his face never wavering. “In a sense, yes. We haven’t been to this side of the city in, oh, how long has it been?” he looked to Edelweiss for an answer but provided one himself. “At least a handful of years methinks. It’s a shame, really. The land here is beautiful and the resident even more so.” It was then that Edel cut in with her request to use the restroom, which he happily played into with a light chuckle. “I warned you that you shouldn’t have drank so much before we started walking. You’ve always had a weak bladder.” If she took him seriously with the light tease, he’d apologize for it later. But hopefully it wouldn’t be seen as more than an in-character jest.
“Do take your time, however. I think I would enjoy some quality time with the madam here.” Glancing towards her, he gave her a quick wink. It was also his way of telling Edelweiss that he planned to keep her occupied while she looked around.
Victoria was aware to some degree that this was going to be a short lived interaction. but was it wrong to pine for company and kind words? She received neither in this house and despite getting the vibe that she was possibly being distracted she chose to ignore that small voice in her head. She could only assume they were here for money or intel. Her husband along with his family were well into the dark underbelly but stayed just above the muck to look clean enough for casual society. Which she gathered was why she'd been pulled in.
So when the other man mentioned heading to the restroom she didn't hesitate to point him in the direction. In fact she nearly asked them if she could assist. But it was silly to bother. It wasn't like they'd come back. This was a one time deal most likely and she was going to full advantage of someone paying attention to only her, even if the reasons were probably dark or muddled. She would take what she could get. She smiled demurely as the handsome young man claimed he wished to stick around. This was fine, it wasn't what she wanted but it was all she'd get. She smiled a little wider and pushed a few stray hairs away from her face as she tried or hide the flicker of pain forming. She wasn't about to let her sorrows ruin a few fun moments of harmless flirting.
Amon paused from his work to look up in mock confusion. Took them long enough to notice Sayvahn was missing; he had pretty much finished his work and had been pretty much pretending to tighten the same bolt for the past couple of minutes.
"...Must've just gone further ahead to take care of 'business,'" he said as he stood up. "Couldn't have gone that far...I'll go get h-"
"Oh no," Suspect exclaimed, holding his arm out in front of Amon ("Huh...so he can talk..."). "You're staying here. We'll go get him."
"...You mean you'd be fine with someone you don't know just coming up to you while you're trying to take a pi-"
"Oh just go grab your boyfriend already so we can get out of here!" exclaimed Grump 2.
Rolling his eyes, Amon made his way past the guards and deeper into the forest, the darkness quickly obscuring his figure. As soon as he was sure he was far enough, he backtracked to Sayvahn's location.
"Wait for my signal, then cut the lights," he hissed, keeping focused on the guards.
===
"H-Hey...there's supposed to be five of 'em...right?" stammered Drunk.
"Yeah, why?" asked Peeved 1.
"T-then what is t-that?"
The group turned to look where Drunk was pointing, in the exact opposite direction of Amon and Sayvahn's position. Just barely hidden in the darkness, its glowing, blue eyes and the light of the lanterns reflecting off its metallic body giving it away, stood a six clockwork doll, motionlessly staring at the group.
"What the-"
===
"Now!" hissed Amon.
"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 Jan 18, 2017 19:55:29 GMT
As a matter of facts, the CAEsAL leader had no interest in Victoria's money. Intel, sure, but only if it was the kind og information that could make Sienna's rescue and the whole group's motion and exit smoother. With things as they were right then, the lady of the house had already fulfilled her role by letting Edelweiss and Lasair inside the premises, and now Edelweiss would trust her ginger fellow to keep their hostess busy by being the charming little flame he naturally is. Thankfully the actual distraction team outside hadn't set things on fire... yet. It might be useful later on though.
Giving a brief 'Thank you' Edelweiss followed Victoria's directions to the restroom until the point where she knew for sure she'd be out of sight, and then switched to follow the directions instructed in Sienna's request letter instead, making sure to step silently and stay out of sight of the house staff - and as an extra precaution locking a couple of the doors she passed through (and some random ones she just passed by) and took the keys along; just in case, because that could buy a few extra minutes in a pinch. Finding the right room and even the switch wasn't all that hard thanks to Sienna's letter. The hard part would be accessing whoever might be with her and what is her condition, then fetching her and getting her out without being seen.
"Well, let's go the literal route then..." As soon as she had flipped the switch and/or knew the passage was open, she took a step back and flared her aura at the switch box in the wall. Hopefully that'd be enough to fry the thing and keep the door from closing. With some luck, it could make the whole house dark. With some extra luck, the diversion team boys would be doing a great job pinning it on themselves by wreaking havoc outside. Though she'd only be counting with the first for now.
"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 Jan 19, 2017 7:19:42 GMT
As Edelweiss walked off, Lasair leaned in a little closer to Victoria and smiled a little brighter to her. “So tell me about yourself. What’s it like living in such a grand place?” He intended it as nothing more than a light way to start conversation. After all, he could only compliment her beauty for so long. He’d need some other material to work with if he were to keep this going; and what better way to do that than to get her talking?
It was almost sad how long it took for the thugs to notice that Sayvahn had slithered away. Although, not too sad. That had been his intention, after all. Their words were a bit muddled for Sayvahn to hear from his roost. Though, he did catch the boyfriend part. The older man chuckled, wishing that Edelweiss or some other could have heard the exclamation. Oh well. Idly, Sayvahn watched Amon walk away, disappearing into the trees to eventually stumble upon the feline’s hiding place. Cutting the lights? That was not going to be a problem. After all, what good was a light in a fog? From his cloak, Sayvahn grabbed his smoke pellets, the green purple magic flowing from his fingertips as threw each one, using telekinesis to thrust them into the throng of people, throwing as many as he could before his concentration broke. Yet, the deed had been done. Smoke curled around the individuals feet, the smoke rising quickly and engulfing the group.
“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 Jackson R. Willbert on Jan 23, 2017 7:54:26 GMT
"Whew..." Jackson sighed with relief as he exited the bathroom, an unholy stench wafting out behind him, just in time to see a brief flash of red enter the boss' study.
He paused for a second; there was nobody on the premises with that color hair...
Then he remembered the shop where he saw that pink bird...
Carefully and quietly, Jackson reached into his coat pulled out a gun (not exactly he favorite; he liked knives more, but firearms have their uses) and cocked it before going to the door of the study. He waited a moment, listening to the sounds from inside, before entering the room.
Empty. Nothing out of place.
Well...except for the large, no-longer hidden entry in the wall.
After a quick sweep of the rest of the room to be sure their visitor wasn't hiding, he quietly crept next to the entrance, giving the presumed intruder some time to descend into the hidden cellar, before quietly making his way down the stairs.
It didn't take long for Sayvahn's smoke bombs to cover the group in a thick cloud, the lanterns just barely making out their silhouettes, the voices clearly showing signs of panic. A single gunshot was heard, causing Amon to instinctively duck. Thankfully, the only other sound came from Suspect.
"I SAID HOLD YOUR FIRE!"
"But-"
"NO! As much as I would love to 'accidentally' hit those bastards, I'd rather not risk hitting each other in the crossfire," Suspect continued. "Just...be...still..."
Sure enough, the clearing became quiet, save for some subtle clicking as the guards adjusted their guns. And even that ceased after a moment. Let's add some noise shall we?
Amon quickly clicked his mechanical fingers, loud enough for the machines in the area to receive their orders.
"I thought I told you to be still!"
"It's not coming from us!"
"Then where-" Suspect stopped and pointed his gun in the direction of where he thought he heard the clicking. It was fortunate that he slowly began to advance forward, as the dolls on the ground slowly began to rise, unnoticed by the rest. Drunk just happen to glance behind to see what everyone was doing when he saw extra silhouettes rising from the ground, faintly glowing blue eyes piercing the veil of smoke. He was about to scream when he felt something move behind him. He turned, just in time to be face to face with the sixth clockwork doll.
A terror-filled second later, the doll screamed. The man's scream of terror quickly turned to pain before he was ultimately silenced with a swift strike to the neck. As the man collapsed, the doll administered a paralyzing shot from a hidden compartment in its arm.
The others did not fair any better; due to the loud noise, the guards ended up dropping their guns as they moved to cover their ears. The lucky ones who closed their eyes as they cringed missed out on the sight of shadowy figures striking their comrades down and being administered their own injections before ultimately succumbing to the same fate. A few seconds later, all was still.
“Well…” Amon exclaimed as soon as the deafening effects wore off. “That went better than expected…”
"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 fogs of oncoming night and smoke whispered between the guards feet, threatening to topple them over. The gunshot let out a mild spark and it made Sayvahn breath deeply, as if hoping to catch a wisp of the fire. Yet, the gunshot rang of different times. The last time he heard a gunshot— was it at Castamere? He didn’t linger on the thought, but his side ached where a similar wound had at one point buried itself into his rib. Then, the symphony— the clicking, a weary orchestra of metal, not unfamiliar to Sayvahn’s ears but different. Something he could never touch, that he could never wield. The movement of tech as it ached across the expanse seemed to shake the fog-world of the guards. Although Sayvahn knew their task was to distract, it almost seemed too elaborate— too many steps for a simple task of lure and conquer. Though, perhaps it was because unlike Anderswleters, a human was limited, and needed all those steps. Anders on the other hand, well, could work with less. Yet, some foreign scream filled the air. It rocked Sayvahn ever so slightly, startling him. He glanced at Amon, wondering if the tin man would have the answer for what that scream was. Though, judging by his enthused (was enthused the right word? The taller man did seem quite content with himself) expression, it had been a part of Amon’s plan anyway. To think, such a scream from machine. It seemed fitting. An unearthly scream for an unearthly thing.
“If you say so, my dear.” Sayvahn grumbled, jumping down from his perch. “That was a bit excessive for our purpose, and not excessive enough to draw attention away from the stronghold.” It was a simple matter of fact. The smoke bomb barely trickled to the sky, and the scream— along unworldly, could be put off as a fox or some other creature. No, what they needed was something bigger. Something really big. Looking at the group, Sayvahn scanned the trees around them. Tilting his head, the older man pondered slightly, rubbing his fingers together as he thought. “You know what would be really distracting….” His voice trailed as Sayvahn approached a tall tree, hands brushing against the wooden surface. Then, he turned to the taller man, giving him a half smile. “Hey, if you want to tie up the crew, I think I could set up a little show of my own.” The feline smiled, pointing to the tree, then to the still lit lanterns. “One that would really draw the crowds, if you catch my drift.” The feline smirked, flourishing his hand and letting the purple green magic emit from his fingertips, almost akin to a flame.
“In a closed society where everybody's guilty, the only crime is getting caught." ― Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Clarence had returned to Sienna to find her looking better than he’d imagined but worse than he’d hoped. He hadn’t been that violent with her in a long while and as he made his way towards her she flinched away, curling in on herself. Too wounded to run or make any effort to escape. He frowned, mad at himself for losing control as he had once more. Everytime he did so he was reminded of her cold, but true words. Shoving those thoughts aside he sat down beside the shaking form of his beloved and pulled her into a tight embrace, attempting to console her by running his fingers through her hair, some of which had become matted with blood from his earlier raging.
Her lovely dress was ripped and soiled, by his own hands. He loved to see her dressed finely, like a dark porcelain doll. But alas he would need to clean her up and bandage her wounds. He stood up, gently laying her back down and gathered up the supplies he'd need to do so. While the goings on happened just upstairs he was very preoccupied with cleaning up his lovely victim.
Halfway through the process though the lights flickered off and then the backup generator hummed to life leaving only a few faintly lit bulbs to see by which wasn't much at all. It had been a system he was still getting into working order and thus it wasn't of much help right now.
Immediately he assumed this was the work of her friends. He didn't know how she had managed to get anything to them but he didn't have time to ponder this. His commutation devices were fried as well as he attempted and failed to hail his hired guardsman.
Sighing he turned to Sienna who was cleverly showing no signs of realization that she knew what was going on. But he knew better now, of course she knew, this was her doing. She was trying to leave him. Again this wasn't a surprise but the part of him that genuinely loved her was hurt by this fact. He would just kill her then. Better to do that then allow her to be free, for her to have a life that didn't include him.
______________________
Sienna couldn't hear the commotion just over her head. But she knew, she knew that if her friends had gotten her letter they'd come tonight. There was a shred of hope, so small but she clung to it like one would a cliff face, dangling hundreds of feet over their doom. She just knew Mingo had made it once Clarence returned. She could see it on his face, hear it in his voice as he cooed at her, his tone full of remorse and apprehension.
She had wisely remained silent, listless and unresponsive to his actions. Not only because she didn't want him to know she was hoping, but also also as not to rouse his anger. He had ravaged her earlier. It had not been pleasant. Even now she wanted to cry at the memory.
When the lights suddenly shut off she knew. It was over, this nightmare was going to end one way or another. Either she was going to escape or she was going to die in the process. Seeing her host freeze up at his own realization the words he said next were not a surprise.
“If I can not have you Sienna, no one can.” He muttered hollowly in that broken voice that never failed to make Sienna’s insides curdle in guilt and disgust. He was gripping the door handle tightly. She had probably imparted all the secrets her friends would need to free her. They'd be here soon. He had precious little time.
Sienna didn't back away though and simply sat up to look at him which in the darkened room was a challenge. She hadn't the strength to fight him off. But she knew if she played along, if she let him have what he wanted that it would buy enough time for her to find an opening or for her friends to come save her.
Closing her eyes she was prepared for another beating, maybe an attempt on her life. Anything she’d have to fight. But what she got was a teary kiss. Her eye snapped open at the muffled whimper he was holding back as he pulled her into a too tight embrace. It was so unexpected that she couldn’t even find the willpower to shove him away. Probably because a small part of her, after all this time, still had feelings for him. A very small part mind you but it was there nonetheless. She had gotten so used to his verbal and physical abuse as of late that this soft encounter felt strange, like it wasn’t actually happening. Maybe she’d been mortally wounded earlier and this was her mind slowly fading out.
As his hand slid down her inner thigh she felt her own body quiver in some kind of twisted anticipation. This had been going on for years but never had she wanted it, ever. Something about that snapped her out of her trance like state and she pulled away. And just like that the magic was over, his gaze hardened and he yanked her back, taking her savagely rather than how he’d planned.
The deed done he pulled out a small dagger, fully planning to end her, before her friends could come. He wanted to kill that hope he seen in her eyes. He thought he had already done so, but it had returned, all because she'd released that bird. Well no more, her friends would be rescuing a corpse. Though he might very well end his own right after. She had consumed his thoughts, his dreams his every breath and every step for years now. She hadn't broken yet and he feared she never would. He refused to let her go and she refused to stay so this was the only logical choice for his very disturbed mind.
They could go together, yes he liked that idea indeed.
________________
Victoria looked pleased as punch to have someone's undivided attention, and for so long. As he moved on to her life her smile faltered a little but she brought it right back with a laugh. “Well it is a grand estate is it not? The house has all the best styles and furniture that's in right now.” She'd taken over the decor of the building some time ago. It seemed the only thing Clarence trusted her to do was interior decorating.
“As for how I spend my time, I enjoy taking leisurely strolls around the grounds and I have a small garden that is just mine to use. Of course I pick out all the garments our house slaves wear.” It wasn't much really but she spoke proudly of it. She wished she could do much more and was capable of it but Clarence was a power hungry sort and the only reason she had anything to do at all was so he didn't have to deal with her.
“What about you sir? What does someone of your stature do to keep busy?” She might have added some more to her question but the lights suddenly went out leaving only a faint glow from the hall.
Post by Edelweiss Fjäril on Jan 30, 2017 20:26:27 GMT
Edelweiss could still hear the sound of footsteps. Faint, almost ignorable as they approached, but she knew better than to ignore it. She was no longer alone. Her goal was the door ahead, at the far end of the room, and where Sienna supposedly was kep. But she had a shadow trailing her now. One of the house staff who noticed something odd, perhaps, or one of the hired watchman? Either way she promptly flattened herself against the wall, proceeding to mingle in with the shadows of furniture in the dimly lit place - and advancing towards the door while trying to keep an eye on whoever was climbing down the stairs.
"All power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." - John Dalberg-Acton
"Hrmm..." Amon grunted begrudgingly. He had hoped to raise enough noise; unfortunately, his methods were a bit too efficient.
Ah well. Got six guards down at least.
At the feline's suggestion, Amon merely raised an eyebrow. "..Well..." he said as ordered the machines to get to work, some to tie up the guards to separate trees, others to help gather more kindling for Sayvahn's plan. "So long as you don't accidentally burn the whole forest down and us with it, knock yourself out."
He paused, picking up one of the rifles. Not too shabby...pretty decent.
But not up to his own standards.
He aimed away from the house, then fired the remaining shots into the night, repeating the same action with the remaining rifles before depositing them into the kindling pile.
"Dang...still gotta work on that..." Amon muttered, rubbing a sore spot on his shoulder from the rifles' recoil. He tried practicing before, but he was nowhere near ready to wield these things at a proficient level. Least he could do was add more noise and kindling.
"Well..." he announced, testing the sore spot. A might annoying, but nothing that needed immediate treatment; best save those spells. "When you're ready, just let me know and we'll storm the castle..."
He looked towards the house, which suddenly became dark. Looks like Edel and Lasair were on the move.
"Don't want to miss out on the main course now..." Amon said with a slight crazed grin.
"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 Jan 31, 2017 4:21:24 GMT
And it was dark. What exactly did this intruder do? They couldn't just completely mess up the electricity of the house without being some sort of tech wizard or...
Jackson's eyes widened, a crazed smile forming on his lips.
Being a real wizard.
Witch.
Ander.
Doesn't matter what you called the beasts, magic was magic. Which meant he needed to be careful.
He paused, straining his ears, concentrating on the sounds in front of him. Sounds like the curious kitten was being cautious. No matter. He waited until he could determine the approximate patter of their footsteps, before advancing forward, doing his best to remain as quiet as ever.
No need to spook this kitty.
Not now anyways...
I love my job! I make quite a killing you know~
Shoutbox
Welcome to the Shoutbox - If You Have Discord, Ask to Join the Discord Server