#given that she fights to subdue first this should tell u something about how they view war

[pacifistcowboy]

Can you rattle off question 16 for your Sol Ocs (whichever ones you have enough development on)?

I imagine theyll be opposite ish their counterparts, but am intrigued!

(16 is biggest strengths)

ooo thank u for askin’!!! sorry this took so long to reply to, i did a lot more than just rattle off jscjsjcj

sol-shadow’s biggest strengths in terms of like, skills are ice-skating, which she can do as fast as blaze can run, n i haven’t really thought about her fighting style, but she’s definitely efficient in using her cryokinesis. i imagine when she first shows up in blaze’s time her go-to would be using icicles to stab enemies, but after goin’ through the whole hullabaloo of self-reflection n whatnot, she decides to learn to use her powers in a way where she just immobilises enemies instead of kill them.

in terms of personality, sol-shadow’s biggest strength is how dedicated she is to other people. she does NOT want to be alone so she will do anything for someone if she thinks that means they’ll stick around. she also cares a lot about honouring what pierce (her brother) wanted for the people of the sol empire, in a very similar manner to the way og-shadow is with maria’s wish. however, sol-shadow’s a little forgetful i guess n doesn’t have a great grasp on what’s right or wrong, so sometimes she’ll already be doing something before she realises it’d be something her brother would’ve probably discouraged her from doing, or she can’t fully tell if it’s a good or bad thing. i guess she’s more of a ‘help this one person’ than a ‘help the greater good’ kinda person which isn’t really a strength or a weakness!

(so uh since writing this ^^^ i have realised i should probably have sol-shadow and sol-rouge swap ‘roles’ because blaze’s ‘role’ is much more like knuckles so it’d make more sense for her rival to be more like rouge than shadow, but i haven’t figured out how much needs to be changed around or how i’ll make it work so i’ll still share what i originally wrote for sol-shadow. i’ll have to figure out why she’d be a thief and possibly an agent or something of that style)

thorn’s (i’ve decided sol-amy’s name is thorn :]) biggest strength in terms of skill is swordsmanship. he’s self-taught so he doesn’t know any like formal ways of sword-fighting, but he knows how to attack and defend effectively n that’s all that matters to him.

in terms of personality i’d say thorn’s biggest strength is that he’s probably very focused and detail-oriented given how much he worries about things going wrong. he has no faith in winging it so he’d make sure everything is thought out and would notice things other people overlooked, but he’d always point them out in a way where it sounds like he’s more calling people dumb for not noticing rather than trying to be helpful. so i guess tldr he’s good at catching problems! but i don’t think he’s good at solving them :/

mittens’ biggest strength skill-wise is her physical strength which she’s much better at using to carry or move objects than to fight, simply because she tries not to use her strength violently. if she had to fight someone using her physical strength she’d probably accidentally kill them ‘cause she doesn’t know exactly how powerful she is. she also figured out how to use her aerokinesis in a way where she can subdue enemies without hurting them, which is her go-to move against people instead of using her physical strength. she can also use her aerokinesis to fly but chooses not to because she simply prefers walking.

personality-wise mittens’ biggest strength is her patience. she will always try to talk things out and find a peaceful solution and pretty much never loses her temper. she likes to give people the benefit of the doubt but she doesn’t just suddenly wholeheartedly trust them, more just has faith that every person can change.

i feel so bad that i cannot think of a single skill sterling has ahdjwjfjwjf. she can see the future but that’s involuntary. i guess she’d eventually have to get good at finding clues and asking the right questions since she’s the only one who can see and interact with the future for a short time to figure out what caused it. she also might eventually learn to control when the visions happen but that’ll take time and be a constant effort. she’s very much a normal person who just accidentally gained a special ability.

again, i can’t really think of what sterling’s biggest strength would be personality-wise fjhfjwhd i SWEAR she’s a good kid and i love her!!! she just spends too much time trying to stay out of the way and doubting herself to really let herself shine :( i guess i could say she’s very modest and you can trust her follow orders since she doesn’t trust her own judgement, but those aren’t exactly strengths, more like positive twists on poor confidence. she also doesn’t know social etiquette so she always skips the unnecessary waffling n stuff when you talk to her, so i guess that’s a good thing! as long as you don’t perceive that as rude n appreciate not having to participate in dumb social rules wndnwnfb sterling doesn’t even do it on purpose, she just never picked up on the stuff you’re “supposed” to do. i know that trait isn’t very opposite to silver, but it was rather difficult to make a character contrast silver since he himself has rather conflicting traits, so i said fuck it and picked one main part of silver to give sterling the opposite personality of, then let the rest of her form on its own

sol-vector’s biggest strength when it comes to skill is probably her orderliness. she is much stronger than the average person, but not freakishly strong like mittens, and she only uses her physical strength when it’s necessary, not like it’s her specialty, which is why i’m sayin’ her work ethic is her best quality. she’s adamant about checking every clue, following every step, and only going after a bad guy once absolutely certain they’re the culprit, not just goin’ off assumptions and vibes. this can be seen as either a strength or a weakness, but sol-vector thinks it’s a strength so ajdjsjc she also tries to refuse when random people ask for the sol-chaotix help since they actually work for the sol empire and are assigned jobs, so to her that’d be like breaking the rules, but if someone is in need of enough help, her compassion outweighs her need to follow the rules.

i guess sol-vector’s skill-strength is also kinda her personality-strength?? she sticks to her guns and doesn’t give up on doing things the ‘right’ way (her version of right, idk if i can say it is The Right Way), and it comes from a place of wanting to make sure the wrong person doesn’t get in trouble and that the sol-chaotix genuinely do a good job at helping people and protecting the world.

sol-espio’s greatest strength skill-wise is her aim. i’ve decided she’s a cowboy n not a sumo wrestler so she uses revolvers to fight and she is absolutely awesome at shootin’. she can handle multiple enemies at once, is a perfect shot, and has the time of her life doin’ it. if she runs out of bullets she resorts to just throwing her guns at enemies which she makes work!

sol-espio’s greatest strength personality-wise is her enthusiasm. she’s full of energy so she never loses steam, and she’s always in the mood for action. she’s constantly looking for someone to fight but she won’t hurt innocent people. she keeps situations lighthearted and banters with absolutely everyone…she just sounds like sonic doesn’t she :/ i’ll say i think she’s a lot more intentionally irritating than sonic, and has much less patience when listening to people. ig she doesn’t mind not being friends with ppl while i think sonic tries to befriend everyone he meets at least once

sol-charmy’s biggest skill-strength is her attention to detail. she’s very quiet and observant, and always wanders away from the group just looking at everything. most people gravitate towards the big, obvious things, but her brain doesn’t work like that, so she notices the little details and usually ends up finding the important clues first. being a spider, she can also climb and stick to walls n ceilings, and given her size and natural quietness, she’s good at going unnoticed. she’s also a good artist and poet, but idk how well i can show that given that i’d be the one writing her poetry lol (she can also probably shoot webs out her butt ‘cause y’know; spider, n could also maybe use it like rope? but i haven’t explored that yet)

sol-charmy’s biggest personality-strength is how insightful and a deep thinker she is. she doesn’t take things at face value, and she really cares about truly understanding someone or something. she’s very introspective, constantly writing and drawing how she feels, and although she’s very shy, if she sees someone is struggling she’ll try to support them, albeit by just kinda silently being near them and giving them a face of “i understand and i’m here for you.”

so i hadn’t written about sol-rouge before deciding i’m gonna change it so he’ll have og-shadow’s ‘role’ more than og-rouge, but his personality would still be a contrast to og-rouge, so i now don’t really have a grasp of sol-rouge anymore. i’m probably gonna have to skip him for this ‘cause i need to figure out how he’ll have skills like og-rouge but not identical, how they’ll be useful for someone not a thief, how he’ll still have og-rouge’s core selfishness(??) while no longer being a thief, what exactly og-shadow’s “role” is and how to apply it to sol-rouge, and how to make sure he’s actually different to og-shadow ‘cause i think they’re a bit too similar at the moment. this character’s a tough one D:

i haven’t developed my sol-cream, sol-big, or shelly organik enough to answer for them, but i do know that sol-big is a very good birdwatcher :] if that’s a thing one can be good at

thank u again for being interested in my funky characters and i am SO sorry that this was not remotely succinct

[twitchesandstitches]

crossthicc wonder woman ideas

to round out these DC thoughts i need to collect and work out some of my thoughts on Wonder Woman. not sure i have a solid read on where I want her to go in my AUs but here are a few vauge ideas:

she’s a goddess here. not a demi-goddess but a full on actual goddess; she is worshiped by the Fleet and everything. The Wonder Woman seen in-story is an avatar; special clay statues dedicated to liberty and utopian ideas are carved in her image (not easy, given her curves tend to make the statues break under their own bustiness), and she takes over them, bringing them to life in a parallel to her ‘made from clay’ origin story!

the goddess of WHAT, exactly, i don’t know; possibly she is a benign war goddess with connections to heroism, truth, and justice. she’s likely more of a goddess of heroism

she is big. REALLY BIG. absolutely ludicrously big. like imagine someone as big as you possibly can and multiply it by ‘wow that’s a lot’. she is even bigger than that. planet-sized scale is easy-peasy for her. this is her avatar form powers, too; in her truly godly might, she definies all reality as being JUST big enough to accomodate her. Her hips, breasts and butt are equally gigantic, too, and she usually has a huge amazonian body; big muscles, broad shoulders, a motherly frame, and a winning grin. she’s not an amazon for nothing!

secret societies of utopian warrior woman of gigantic size are all over the place and the result of her empowering mortals in a process similar to Endowment; imagine the canonical island of the Amazons but its just one of many similar places, made in her image and working to uphold her vision of absolute unity and freedom for all beings.

absolutely a sweetheart; this version of Wonder Woman is a good-hearted, gentle heroine. very boisterous, dramatic. she tends to be huggy and delighted by small things. has no capacity for ennui or NOT being surprised by things. sometimes this is fun; she never gets bored. sometimes it’s bad; she can’t really move on from things, emotionally.

she’s not particularly kill-happy; she is WILLING to do so, if it is absolutely necessary, but she sees it as a measure of last resort and a sign of personal failure if she cannot resolve it otherwise. Her goal is to save others, even if its from their own destructive urges or short-sighted impulses. her weapons are all built for non-lethal options; her blades cut away the resolve to hurt, for example. legend claims that her belly is an eternal prison for the most wicked of monsters, where they shall be perpetually digested and sealed away, their power used to make her strong and feed the cause of Justice throughout all reality. Others believe that they will be reborn, in time, within her and given a new chance, so its a temporary state.

just as fertile as she is incredibly massive, which is to say a Lot. a mother goddess of incredible fecundity, she has entire legions of warrior women of every species, more monstrous but equally heroic offspring, and mundane god-touched children. She also tends to adopt beings of divine origin who have been abandoned by their pantheons or had connections to them severed, and is the adoptive mother of countless demigods. Her best god-buddy is Thor. he’s a rowdy farmer with anger management issues but a lot of heart and immortal goats. She’s a buxom amazon with a mandate for peace and THE WORLDS BEST GUNSHOW. together, they fight god-crimes! given that the greek gods are A-okay for use, she is nominally a member of the pantheon, but she is understood to be fated to eventually overthrow Zeus as his most powerful child. some religious cults believe, though, that he is HER child, and she will one day take the throne from him when she can no longer stomach his behavior. She’s got a friendly rivalry with a younger war god, Kratos, who is presently hanging around the Norse God Loki for unknown reasons.

[high-and-away]

Numbers Stations

The gaps between standard Imperial vox frequencies hide ghosts that call out forever. They're not proper stations, not really. There is no natural cadence to them, just indecipherable strings of numbers spoken in monotone with the silence between sequences broken by an endless loop of an old folk song. It never varies, though the numbers themselves change with each reading. All they do is call out, playing into the void until they reach whoever is meant to hear them. Fishing for a response is pointless; no matter the question, the voice that reads the numbers never answers, just mechanically recites its cryptic numerical lines exactly on schedule. Most assume they're simply coded orders for frumentarii. The dead air that rippled out as the towers rose from nowhere did not distinguish between the clandestine and the clarified. One by one, all transmissions from the Empire fell eerily silent, and only then did the towers begin to broadcast identically on every frequency with no hint as to who or what could be on the other end. The message is a simple one: Glory be to Garlemald, over and over and over. If the numbers were mechanical, then the towers are mindless.  The lights are on, but there's no one home. Unease weighs heavy on Victoria at the thought.

Garlemald may be many things - martial, inflexible, merciless - but one thing it is not is quiet. This blankly passive, nearly inert position is one it would never allow itself to be forced into; its world-spanning ambition was first fueled by a determination to never be subdued again, and a drive so deeply ingrained is not one that fades without a fight. In the heart of the Empire, something is deeply, deeply wrong. The dissonance that roars through her brain if she looks through Garlemald-that-is at the Garlemald she knows to be real is what finally kicks Victoria out of her paralyzing spiral of apprehension. She hadn't let herself stop and consider reasons to stay when faced with Laelia loading the Delphinus for the long haul to Ilsabard and back and Max loitering suspiciously nearby. If anyone else had asked her to do something so reckless, she would've offered only a flat no. But this is Lee, and Max is hell-bent on going with her, and Victoria cannot find it in herself to stand by and watch two of the only people who've ever given a shit about her take off and potentially never come back. Losing them would break her; knowing that she wasn't there when she should have been would tear her apart. She volunteered before Laelia could draw breath to invite her. The plan is a glorified u-turn; just a quick sweep, if flying halfway across the world could ever be considered quick. Do not engage. Do not land. Above all, do not get out. There's no telling what awaits them on the ground, and no sense in courting its attention. There are whispered stories coming out of Thanalan, carried on the shoulders of the wounded and the haunted. They paint a picture of dragons swarming like locusts in the colors of rumor and recollection, and with a fine brush they cover the earth below them with an endless army as mindless and relentless as marching ants. Above them all looms the tower, and the way its suffocating presence sends chills up men's spines even in the inferno of desert heat and dragonfire. And in every linkpearl in every ear, the same mantra of blind devotion: Glory be to Garlemald. Unchanging, unthinking, unceasing. In every linkpearl in every ear, over and over and over. Men like ants. The thought keeps bleeding through no matter how many others she tries to pile on top of it. Men like ants and an Empire whose iron heart might have disintegrated into a smoke-palled anthill swarming with blind thralls when she looked away. Men like ants and her father moving in unnatural lockstep with them. Try as she might to focus on preparation, her thoughts inevitably stray to a place she does not want to go. Not that there's much to focus on. She's shoving a change of clothes into a rucksack and stuffing extra ammunition in every available pouch, not packing for a holiday on the fucking seaside. At the most, she might briefly stretch her legs at the refueling station during their only stop, and even then that's only if whoever's manning it looks the other way; Lee assured her that no one will care out in the barren arse end of Yanxia, but who knows. Men like ants. The thought keeps bleeding through. Ilsabard sits cloaked in shadow and silence, and the thought of what she might find if she pulls back the shroud eats corroded holes in her while the voice plays on and on, calling endlessly out into the dark. Glory be to Garlemald. Glory be to Garlemald. Glory be to Garlemald. The silence on every station was ominous. Somehow this is worse. Glory be to Garlemald. Glory be to Garlemald. Glory be to Garlemald. She shouldn't go. Glory be to Garlemald. Glory be to Garlemald. Glory be to Garlemald. She knows she will.

[solarwindandcosmicash]

priority: the nova

Absent: Kate’s player

prev | start | next

The party, accompanied by Kara’Lisan, is sent to investigate the Nova, a ship containing a small group of quarian agents performing illegal experimentation on geth, while another strike team hits the Avalon, a similar ship that is apparently owned by the same researcher: Hiri’Nimit. They meet a geth unit named Dawn looking for its lost brethren, and soon discover that Kara is both familiar with the ship and the people in it. They eventually find Hiri’Nimit and decide to expose her crimes, fating Kara to be running from authorities for the rest of her life and putting Vasir’s life in constant danger.

summary

Annos and Tris brief the team about a quarian reseacher named Hiri’Nimit - who had been receiving funding from the white raider rebel group, according to the Shadow Broker. There are two ships to be investigated, and the party has been assigned the Nova with Annos’s strike team taking on the Avalon. Kara is also coming along with the party because of her familiarity with quarian vessels, and Telissa drops all of them off soon afterwards.

Upon entering the Nova, it becomes apparent that Kara is intricately familiar with specifically the Nova, though she doesn’t disclose why when asked. Instead, the party finds themselves in an empty atrium of sorts - a pristine and untouched office space, and though it’s in perfect shape, it looks like it’s never been used for its intended purpose, or any purpose at all. Phos checks out the only desk in the place and finds a datapad, which reads as follows:

D Rannoch

E Citadel

I Rannoch

J Ilium

K.N MIA

K.R MIA

L MIA

P Rannoch

Kara takes the datapad from Phos and informs the party that it can be decrypted. Once Vekar and Beetle have done so, its contents are thus:

Drenema'Quivne nar Lestiak vas Rayya - RANNOCH - assisting in liveship transition efforts

Efoh'Suele nar Iktomi vas Defranhz - NOVA - leaving in 1 galactic day to begin hunting

Irina'Renille nar Qwib Qwib vas Shellen - RANNOCH - assisting in liveship transition efforts

Jek'Ava nar Shellen vas Bavea - ILIUM - hunting

Kara'Lisan nar Rayya vas Moreh - DESERTED - last known location: Nova, 4 and a half standard galactic months

Krivu'Nyjon nar Shellen vas Rayya - DESERTED [CITADEL] - last known location: met with Efoh in Zakera factory ward, 4 galactic months

Lachnim'Urah nar Moreh vas Shellen - DESERTED [CITADEL] - last known location: met with Efoh in Zakera factory ward, 4 galactic months

Pliyet'Ololan nar Ulesa vas Tonbay - TONBAY - agent in Admiral Shala'Raan's advisor circle

Phos picks up on Kara’s name being on the list, though when questioned, Kara answers only tersely and doesn’t reveal anything of use. Instead, she advises the party to move out of sight of the hallway and deactivates the camera up ahead upon opening the door to it; after a brief argument with Phos, who insists on leading, Kara leads the party forward through the corridor and, eventually, she enters a small room on their right under tactical cloak and alone.

When the party follows her in, they discover she is talking to a geth unit, who she introduces as Dawn. They also encounter two hostile quarians in the next room over, who attempt to escape via tactical cloak but are killed by Kara and Beetle when they do. Dawn explains it is looking for the distress signals of several geth units, and when it finds two in the room beyond, it informs the party that there are eleven more units to find. With this in mind, the party leaves the room and continues down the hallway.

Kara deactivates a camera further down the hallway and triggers the alarm protocols of two hacked geth units, which, when subdued, Dawn does not recognize. Here, Kara also finds a datapad, which reads as follows:

From: K---l'---a To: -a-'-e--- Subject: l-t--- -e-s

--m--r--,

Tak- - -o-- wh-- y-u can.

Re--r-s, K

Attached to this message: --j-- i----fs

It took far too long to decrypt the data packets, and the information was useless - but given its nature, it could lead to something that will be valuable to my research. Will have to examine it further.

No one is able to decrypt the message further; Kara determines it must be corrupted. The party then moves on to the closest door on their right, where she and Beetle quickly subdue a geth hunter. After briefly reporting back to Annos about their findings, the party finds another datapad, which reads:

J lost his target. I've called him back. Intel is already hassling me enough, and I can't give them what they want without more information. I can't afford more failures like this if I want to keep Intel from cleaning.

Hopefully E and K will be able to get him back up to speed. Keelah knows I could use more agents like them.

The party returns to the hallway soon after, checking first the door at the far end of the hall and ducking back to go to the branching hallway after Kara surmises Hiri’Nimit would be beyond it. There they find another door and subdue the two geth hunters inside, though they set off a ship-wide alarm in the process as they failed to notice and deactivate a camera and report to Annos as such. Inside the room are two deactivated geth and a datapad that reads as follows:

E managed to nab one of KL's data packets. It's a wealth of information. With this, I should be finally able to make progress on my research. K was also able to get intel from the Alarei. I would ask how, but I feel I'm better off not knowing.

E tells me the agent who provided the data packet is in the field; I've sent them and a few others to see what they can learn about them. My life - and my agents' lives - depends on my work's success.

The party leaves the room and continues down the hallway back to the far door and hack it to go inside. Beetle is stabbed by a quarian, who the party promptly locks out of the room, and once assured that the assaulter was not with them, Vasir goes to investigate the datapads at the far end of the room while Dawn busies itself with the four deactivated geth. The first datapad reads:

My appeal to my superiors was blocked. I'll have to find another way to get the information I need from her. Having another one of my agents break in is too risky without E or K around.

There must be a way. If I don't hurry, Intel will start cleaning up. I need to have something to show them soon.

The second one reads:

I was contacted by some kind of organization today. I don't know how they heard about our problems, and normally I wouldn't dare think to accept help outside of Intel. But these are desperate times, and they have the funding we need to survive.

I have an idea, now that there is money to go around. It's a very risky one. But there's no choice. It's us or them. Finding the medicinal records wasn't as easy, but I have them, and J was able to get the images I need.

I've called for K. She's never failed a job. Ancestors, let her succeed on this one.

Kara is unable to speak of what these messages mean (though perhaps she was merely unwilling). The party sets up a few countermeasures to let them know when the qurian who had stabbed Beetle hacks through the door, and they move onto the next room, where they find more deactivated geth and another datapad that reads as follows:

E got a list of KL's agents. So far, so good - Intel has been fooled, and information is coming in. No one seems suspicious, as of yet.

The data packets I've received have been immeasurably useful in my research. It's a little alarming how much information KL's been amassing, if I'm being honest. I wonder if she had ulterior motives? Regardless, J worked with I to get me some live platforms to tinker with. I'm confident I'll be able to present something useful to Intel soon.

Keelah, we're saved.

Following a fight with Efoh’Suele, and after subduing Pliyet’Ololan, and after reporting to Annos again, the party discovers yet more datapads. The first reads:

Thankfully, Intel was impressed with my research. They've given us more funding - and less supervision and more space. It's been tough going, but finally, we can all relax a bit.

K.R and L have gone missing. I sent one of Kalal's agents to see if he could do any better, but he hasn't reported in for a number of days.

The next one is documentation about Kara herself:

KARA'LISAN NAR RAYYA VAS MOREH - cannot shoot with her right hand due to injury during Pilgrimage - currently stationed on the Moreh - years of operation: 7

Ops: 14 1. Dexa'Lorisse [NEEMA] 2. Elume'Frery [RAYYA] 3. Whivrim'Toor [SHELLEN] 4. Nomyrha'Gosin [ULESA] 5. Orele'Mulep [ABANDONED] 6. Bhevra'Seekko [SHELLEN] 7. Tilalu'Meva [IDENNA] 8. Rora'Kelan [SHELLEN] 9. Vasir'Rama [FAILED] 10. Casotto'Ilek [MOREH] 11. Yan'Coeur [ABANDONED] 12. Ailiz'Norfinsch [RAYYA] 13. Isoi'Treon [NEEMA] 14. Jupai'Yvun [QWIB QWIB] 15. Kalal'Vena [MOREH]

Questioning Kara allows the party to learn that this is her record, though it isn’t until the party has found Hiri’Nimit - and restrained Kara to prevent her from killing her - that Annos informs the party that she was a spy for quarian Intel. Eventually the party decides to expose Nimit’s crimes, letting Efoh and Pliyet go and bringing Nimit to Rannoch to face justice.

Nimit plays her final card, however: she releases Kara’s assassination record and publicizes every single agent that that Vasir works with and knows. Kara is willing to live with that consequence; Vasir is as well.

notable lines + interactions

DM: You kind of gather around Annos, and he quickly pulls out his omni-tool and tap out something, and a minute or so later you see Tris come down the stairs, actually. And, um, they both turn to you, and I closed my fucking doc because I’m an idiot - Phos, OOC: Oh my god. DM: - so give me oooone second.

Annos: So you four will be going in one, and my strike team will be going in the other. Beetle: Oh, so the capable one is yours, then, I see. Annos: I - okay. Anyway.

Phos: Should we be expecting, um, what do you call it, to be received with gunfire? Annos: Most likely, I mean, we’re not entering by invitation, obviously. The idea is that we should be stealthy about this so we don’t get caught, but, um. Knowing you guys, I am not optimistic. Phos: Yeah, Annos - Annos, we have an issue here. Annos: I’m sure you’ll all be fine. Beetle: We’re not exactly the singing candygrams. DM, under her breath and laughing: Oh my god. Vasir, OOC, laughing: What does that even mean? DM: Don’t worry about it, don’t worry about it.

Telissa: Everyone ready? Vasir: Yep. Vekar: Yes. Beetle: Born ready.

DM, laughing: Do you disembark or do you just stand there? Beetle, OOC: Beetle holds her hand out for a high five. Beetle: One more to remember you by. Telissa: I can’t get off of this seat, so come a little bit closer. Also bend down. Good luck! Beetle: We won’t need it. Vekar: Famous last words. Phos: Haha, um.

Kara: I hate this place. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it. Stay close to me. Beetle, OOC: Oh, like McMansion hell, huh?

Beetle: Kara, I just want you to know, I don’t like the interior design either.

Phos, OOC: Phos was almost driven mad by all the time loops. Vekar, OOC: Almost?

Party minus Vekar: [rolls terrible perception] DM: Well, let’s wait for Vekar’s roll. Phos, OOC: Vekar, please. Save us. Beetle, OOC: Please, Vekar. DM: Kate’s not here to carry you. Vekar, OOC: [rolls a -1]

in discord Beetle: [DM]: don’t worry your pretty little heads about anything.

Kara: I’m surprised we haven’t met anyone yet, actually. - Though I suppose it... no, it doesn’t matter. Beetle: That’s very mysterious, but okay.

Phos, OOC: Phos’s fursona is a chicken. Vasir, OOC: Oh, no. Beetle, OOC: [laughter]

Phos: [rolls a 0] Beetle, OOC: [hysterical laughter] DM, between hysterical laughter: Oh my god. Oh, my god. Vasir, OOC: I come back to screaming.

Beetle: Qwib Qwib. Phos: Kara? Kara, you’re - you’re on this list. Beetle: Oh! I honestly was too distracted by Qwib Qwib. I didn’t notice. Vasir: Just be glad you’re not a quarian. That’s all I have to say about Qwib Qwib. Beetle: You know... I’ll carry that with me.

in discord Phos: Everyone but Vasir and Kara: Practices how to pronounce those names and fails miserably

DM: You pick the lock with, uh, a great flourish, and you’re like, “Look at me! I’m so sick - ” Beetle: I am so sick! DM: - but there’s nothing in it. Beetle: Goddammit!

in discord Phos: Beetle unlocks the whole desk - the top pops open and in there are numerous pictures of frogs

Beetle: I hide under the desk.

Beetle: Tactical cloak buddies.

DM: Kara activates her tactical cloak and walks through the door - and the door closes behind her. Vasir and Phos, OOC: Hmmmm.

DM: And the geth says, um... I have to pull up my doc real quick. Beetle, OOC: Okay. That was a weird thing for a geth to say.

Dawn: This is an Intel ship. There’s no telling what would happen if we were to be captured. Beetle: Um, this is a spoiler alert, but here’s what I think, this is my hot take - I think we would die. Dawn: You are not wrong.

DM: [describes the interior of a room including fake plants] Vasir, OOC: You can’t escape fake plant decorations, even in space. DM, quietly: Never.

in discord Beetle: so i dont forget later Beetle: 13 distress signals Vasir: ye Phos: no killing Beetle: pwease no steppy Phos: nO

DM: [. . .] [Kara] activates her tactical cloak. Do you do that as well? Beetle, OOC: Yeah. I mean, me and Kara are leaving the rest of y’all to be clear and visible.

Phos: [posts this in discord]

Phos: Appreciate my dog

DM: Is that your dog? Phos: Yes. Vasir, OOC: Is that how Phos is hiding? Party: [laughter]

in discord Beetle: kara and beetle, watching everyone except vekar absolutely bomb hiding: ok Vasir: PLEASE DONT RUB IT IN Vasir: THE NUMBERS HATE ME

DM: Roll a perception check to see what you saw. [quieter] “See what you saw.” Goddammit.

Phos, OOC: I feel bad. Beetle, OOC: Vekar cannot get a break with perception. Vekar, OOC: It’s fiiiiiine. Vasir, OOC: It’s fine. DM: Everything’s fine.

Phos: Kara, I’m gonna ask you real quick. How - do we have to be careful with the quarians on this space, considering what they’re doing to the geth? Kara: They’re not the ones directly involved in experimentation. Phos: So do you want them pacified the same way as aggressive geth? Kara: What I want doesn’t matter. Lethal force is authorized. Beetle: Okay. Let’s just roll with this Philosophy 101 class. Give me a real answer. Phos: Lethal force - okay, sure. Let’s see what happens. Phos, OOC: And she walks to the door and NOPE, she can’t, it’s locked, never mind.

Phos, OOC: Phos tries to hack the door. DM: Phos, you make an attempt to hack the door, even though you know from the start that it isn’t going to work. And, sure enough, it doesn’t. Phos, OOC: I’m just a little frustrated at this point.

Beetle: I volunteer myself for sniping. Vasir: Are you sure? Beetle: As sure as I am about anything in my life. Vasir: Uh-huh, okay.

Beetle: Looks like this door is just, uh - looks like we’ll have to leave them in there forever. Vekar: I don’t think it works that way, Beetle.

DM: [. . .] And when the door opens, you see two deactivated geth and nothing else. Roll a perception check. Vasir, OOC: Oh boy. Phos, OOC: Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy.

Phos, OOC: Wait, did I also get that? DM: No, you didn’t. Phos, OOC: Me and Vekar are just chillin’. Vekar: We have no idea what’s going on.

DM: As you do this, you don’t even see Kara move. You can’t see who it - hits, but you hear it, and it’s really quite gnarly. Vasir, OOC: You hear the thud and stuff? DM: Yeah, it’s really gross.

Beetle, OOC: 30. DM: That’s just enough to fucking kill this kid. [. . .] This is the one who had said ‘oh, shit!’ before, and she drops down, dead. Beetle: Who’s saying ‘oh, shit’ now? Kara: I - could you not?

Beetle, OOC: Can I roll to loot? DM: Ye - uh - um. You bend down to do this, and Kara immediately slaps your hand away, and she says, “Have some respect.” Beetle, OOC: Okay. Can I roll to loot, but secretly? DM: Uh, yeah, you’ll be going against her perception check, but go ahead. Beetle, OOC: [rolls a 15] Ha ha ha ha. DM: [rolls a 16] Beetle, OOC: Dammit! DM: Uh, yeah, so you bend down to go loot them, and Kara’s like - she doesn’t even turn around, she’s just like - Kara: I know. I know what you’re doing. Don’t do it. Beetle: ... Fine. But I want you to teach me how to do that. Kara: It - all it takes is watching. Beetle: Well, no shit about watching.

in discord Vasir: I JUST REMEMBERED WHY DAWN THE GETH IS FAMILIAR HOLY FUCK

Phos, OOC: Why’s the name ‘Dawn’ familiar? Vekar, OOC: I am not sure. DM: I wrote a fic once with a geth named Dawn that was mentioned in one sentence. I’m not sure if you’ve even read it, though, so there’s that. Vekar, OOC: Well, [Vasir’s player] must have read it, she remembers. DM: Maybe.

in discord Beetle: mcmansion critique: long hallway with 1 door at the end of one bend and then 1 other door at the end of the hallway Beetle: when will the excess of the bourgouise overwhelm them? DM: links or it didn't happen

Vasir, OOC: Has anyone let Annos know about this, or should I go do that? Beetle, OOC: Oh, shit! We have communications! We can call Assman!

Beetle: Here’s my proposal: why don’t we just lock the door behind us? Dawn: You realize that geth can open locked doors pretty easily, right? Beetle: ... Yep! But it’ll give us, you know, a millisecond advantage. Vekar: We could just leave them a note!

DM: Roll a perception check. Phos, OOC: All of us? DM: All of you. Beetle, OOC: All of us? DM: All of you.

Dawn: Those are geth units. Phos: What kind? Dawn: The kind that try to kill us.

Beetle, OOC: Is there some kind of terminal we could access that could help us disconnect them? DM: This is not Legion’s loyalty mission. No. Beetle, OOC: Oh, well, I thought I would try asking, but you know.

Phos, OOC: I also put a piece of tape over [the geth’s] eye thingy, just in case. DM: Okay. Vekar, OOC: Sleep well, sweet prince. Party: [laughter] Vasir, OOC: Ooooh my god. DM: God, that was such a good joke, fuck.

in discord Vasir: holy shit Vekar: SPACE TAPE RODEO SHOW Vasir: space tape™ never fails Vekar: a neatly wrapped geth trooper Beetle: tape them together Phos: this is the friendship tape

in discord Beetle: this ship

Vasir, OOC: C’mon, Beetle, this isn’t the temple on Eden Prime.

Vasir, OOC: We’re all just passing the datapad around like a hot potato, trying to decrypt shit. Beetle, OOC: We’re passing it around asking each other, like, “Do you know what this is?” and everyone’s like “Hm, nope, don’t know shit.” Phos, OOC: Phos taps on it and is like, “Yep, this sure is a datapad,” before passing it along. Beetle, OOC: Does Phos even know it’s a datapad with that -1?

Beetle, OOC: You should know I’m never straight. I vote right. Phos, OOC: I just said “I vote straight, unlike myself.”

Beetle, OOC: Beetle turns to everyone and says, “I have magic powers!” and then turns invisible. Vasir, OOC: You have a tactical cloak, Beetle. Beetle, OOC: She doesn’t respond.

DM: Okay, um - wow, that is the fastest I’ve ever eaten food, oof. Anyway.

Kara: We could use some space tape over here, Phos. Phos: Yes! I’m always ready to space tape! Beetle: Come here, you giant space tape dispenser. I love you.

DM: Okay, what do you guys do now, after this fraught discussion.

Beetle, OOC: So it’s a hallway with two branches? DM: It’s - ehh - I don’t want to show you my shitty map because a) it’s a shitty map and b) spoilers - Beetle, OOC: Fair. DM: Let me try to explain this. [proceeds to fuck up her explanation] Does that - [laughter] does that make sense? Vasir, OOC: It really doesn’t, but okay. DM: I’m so sorry.

Vasir, OOC: I’m just asking the party that. DM: Okay, yeah. Discuss amongst yourselves. [silence] DM: Or - or don’t, yeah.

Beetle, OOC: Don’t worry, you guys, I have vastly improved since the last time I tried this. [rolls a 10]

DM: So similar to last time - with flawless execution, since you had one shot to practice this -

Phos, OOC: Ooh, that’s not gonna do it. Beetle, OOC: It’s a sporty boy. DM: Why.

in discord Vekar: we should name this manuever Vasir: omg Beetle: the hit & run cryoblast Vekar: we have hacks, ice beams, charging krogan and space tape™ Vasir: The Icy Dicey Tackle Tape Beetle: Freeze & Wrap Vasir: FUCK Vekar: [Vasir's player] i cant believe you actually made a suggestion Vasir: i was inspired by a tumblr post about watergate

DM: Yeah, you nod at Dawn; Dawn doesn’t acknowledge you. What do you do about the - Phos, OOC: Dammit, Dawn! I did the bro nod, why you do this to me? Vasir, OOC: It’s a geth.

Beetle: Oh, shit, the fire alarm’s going off! Put it out!

DM: Vekar has been rolling so poorly on perception checks, I feel like I should stop explaining what happens when he does. Beetle, OOC, crosstalk: Just have him roll 1d4 and don’t even explain how he got hurt. Phos, OOC, crosstalk: Vekar just turns and runs into a wall. DM: Vekar, you go to check out the room and walk out the door instead into the hallway. Vasir, OOC: Can he even tell us if anything’s coming with a -2?

in discord Vekar: THE ALAREI Vekar: RED FLAGS WHEEOOO WHEEOO Vasir: THATS RIGHT

DM: Okay. Roll to de-hack - de-hack? Roll to hack the door. Beetle, OOC: De-hack. Vekar, OOC: De-hack: we’re out.

Beetle, OOC: As I’m [rolling a dex save], I’m yelling, “I’m going to die!”

DM: And you are stabbed. Beetle: I’m dying! DM: Take 15 points of damage. Beetle: I’m dead! Vasir, OOC: Factor in your shields before you kill yourself. Beetle: I’m alive!

DM: And they kind of give you a cheeky little wave before they disappear again. Beetle: Oh, fuck you! You don’t get to steal my thing!

Beetle: This is my lifeblood coming out of me! Do you see what is happening? Vasir: I can see that! I think Vekar needs to help you, and then we can deal with whoever stabbed you. Beetle: They need to die. Vasir: Was it a quarian? A geth? Beetle: Quarian. Kara: That was probably Pliyet. Beetle: They gave me this cheeky-ass wave - Kara: Yep, that was definitely Pliyet. Okay, um. Lock the door behind you?

in discord Beetle: beetle perception roll 4 her new nemesis: 16 +1 = 17

Beetle, OOC: Beetle bangs on the door and yells, “Get fucked!”

Vasir, OOC: I’m assuming we’re all crowded around, reading these datapads? Phos, OOC: Well...

in discord Phos: Phos, trying to read these messages: 5 - 3 = 2 Vekar: "It sure is a datapaad!" Phos, probably before, now, and in the future.

Phos, OOC: ... some of us are trying to. Vasir, OOC: I can blow up the text for you. Phos, OOC: It takes her like four minutes to figure out that it’s a datapad with text on it. And then she hands it to Kara with a shrug.

Kara: Everything makes a lot more sense now. Vekar: Does it, now, because I think we’re all still in the dark.

Vasir, OOC: Did Vekar ever heal Beetle or anything? DM: I mean, she’s fine. Vekar, OOC: She lost like, what, 5 health? Vasir, OOC: I suppose the morale was hurt more than anything, huh? Beetle, OOC: [laughter]

in discord Phos: Phos trying to read anything ever again: 6 - 3 = 3

DM: Oh no. Phos, OOC: I can’t do this anymore. Vekar, OOC: Welcome to my life when it comes to perception checks.

in discord Vekar: Vasir doing nice things for phos: nat20's always Vasir: ... omg

Phos, OOC: Aw. Phos appreciates this. Now it’s only Kara that’s in her bad books. Vasir: She said she’d explain more later. It can’t be easy coming back to a place like this and seeing all of this garbage happening.

in discord Beetle: the floor is supporting and loving ur teammates Beetle: beetle: (goes prone)

DM: [laughter] Vasir, OOC: Aww, Beetle.

Beetle, OOC: Five mystery geth. Vasir, OOC: They’re wearing trench coats and hats and stuff.

Phos, OOC: Before they go, Phos kicks down the table. DM: Uh, okay, uh - hold - hold on, there are geth on those tables, do you still want to do that? Phos, OOC: Oh, nope, Phos doesn’t do that, then.

Kara: If we manage to subdue him, I can talk to him, maybe. But he’s hard to catch. Beetle, OOC: Hm! Slippery boy.

in discord Vekar: hard to ketch

DM: [. . .] and there’s a couple of datapads strewn about, some magazines - Beetle, OOC: Oh! Do they have Teen Vogue? DM: Space, uh, space Teen Vogue, yes, they do.

Phos, OOC: I want to pick him up, like, under the arms, so he can’t - actually, no, around the throat, around the throat, so his feet don’t touch the ground. Stick with my usual pattern here. DM: Roll a dexterity saving throw. Phos, OOC: A - what? DM: Roll a dex saving throw. Phos, OOC and uncertain: ... Okay.

Phos, OOC: Phos, when she sees him disappear, is like, “Fuck!” Beetle: Yeah, me too! Smug asshole! Phos: I hate these!

DM: It looks like he can’t activate his tactical cloak just yet - Beetle: Ha! Loser.

DM: I hate to say it, but - summoning call for fiskerinos. [pause] Nyello.

in discord Vasir: ny'all Vasir: the summoning call for fiskerinos Vasir: or maybe sahweeet Vekar: YEET DM: YEET Phos: Yeet Beetle, 3 minutes later: YEET

DM: Can’t believe that worked. Beetle, OOC: Yeet!

DM: So you nail this quarian right in the back. Or maybe the front, I - I don’t know where you are. You just take your shotgun, pump it a few times, and shoot him. Phos, OOC: Pew pew! DM: He just takes it. He looks completely fine. Phos, OOC: Oh, god. Beetle, OOC: Cool. Phos: Just give up, asshole! DM: Uh... he does not answer that.

in discord Beetle: beetle's cold shoulder redemption arc: 16 +1 + 4 = 21

Vasir, OOC: Dawn’s with me. DM: Dawn’s, uh - Dawn’s in the corner of the room, with its sniper rifle.

in discord Vekar: dawn is here Vekar: in our thoughts

Beetle, OOC: Maybe the place that Dawn was the whole time was our hearts. DM, deadpan: Wow.

in discord Vekar: Phos this is the time for space tape tm Phos: Phos Space taping it outta there: 15 + 4 = 19 Beetle: [posts this]

Vasir: oh m ygod Vekar: Actual size of Phos's space tape roll Vasir: what a sculpture Vasir: i love it Vasir: giant roll of masking tape

Pliyet: I can tell when I cannot win. Phos, OOC: Time to space taaaape! Beetle: Submit yourself to the space tape. Pliyet: Uh, okay.

Beetle, OOC: [rolls a 2 to investigate Pliyet’s motives] Vasir, OOC: You see a quarian tied up with space tape. Phos, OOC: No, no, you only see the space tape. Vasir, OOC: Floating space tape! Vekar, OOC: You don’t even know that this is the quarian who stabbed you, you’re just like, who is this? DM, amused at the backseat DM-ing: You look at this quarian and you think she’s lying. You think she’s hiding something. Beetle: She’s hiding something. Pliyet: Dude. I’m - I am restrained. What exactly do you expect me to do, like, blow myself up? That’s not my style. Beetle: I know you’re hiding something. Vekar, OOC: Can we pat her down for explosives? DM, tiredly: If you really want to search her for explosives, go right ahead. Beetle: Okay, I know you’re hiding something, but I’m not going to go that far. Bye.

Beetle, OOC: Can I briefly hit up Assman? DM: ... You can briefly hit up Annos. Vasir, OOC: [laughter] Beetle, OOC: I bring him up on the comm, and I’m like - Beetle: Yo, so, a bunch of shit happened. Annos: Uh-huh. Beetle: You know? Annos: Uh-huh. Beetle: Lots of shit, I got stabbed! I got stabbed. Annos: Yeah, okay, what else? Anything important? Beetle: Found people. They hurt me. Annos: Beetle. Can you pass this off to someone else, please?

Pliyet: Listen, I know this wasn’t the best introduction, and, uh - I’m sorry for stabbing you, by the way, that was kind of a, uh, misstep, we’ll say. But you do have us taped up, like, we can’t do shit. Beetle: You know what? That’s fair. And your kind of, like, asshole style? Something I can get behind. Pliyet: Gee, thanks. Beetle: No problem. I try to compliment my ENEMIES.

backstory interactions

Kara: I don’t expect you to understand.

Vekar: So what are these names, Kara? Kara: They’re names. It’s not important. Let’s just keep moving. Beetle: You were here. Kara: Yes. Beetle: Four and a half standard galactic months ago. Kara: Yes. Beetle: ... Okay. Kara: We should keep moving.

Phos, OOC: Phos leads the group. Kara: No. Let me lead. I know this ship. Phos: Kara, I can literally take twice as many bullets as you. I kind of don’t want you to die. Kara: I don’t think you understand the nature of this ship. Let me lead. Beetle: It does seem very camera-heavy. Phos, OOC: Phos is very skeptical because this is not a good idea, what with her being a quarian in a ship full of hostiles - Vasir: Just listen to her. Kara: I need you to trust me, okay? I know what I’m doing. Phos: Okay, fine. Fine.

Beetle: So, Kara? It seems like... Eefoh. Eifoh. [continuous mispronunciations of the name] Kara: Efoh. Beetle: Efoh. Thank you. Uh, Efoh stole one of your data packets? Kara: I’m sorry, what? Data packets? Beetle: Yes, uh - Kata: Wh - what? Can I see this? Beetle: Yeah, check it out! “E managed to nab one of KL’s data packets.” DM: She starts laughing. Kara: No. [pause] Oh, god. That’s not me, but I think I know who it is. Beetle, OOC: Hmm. Juicy! Vasir: Would it be someone on this ship? Kara: It would be someone you know, Vasir. Let’s just keep moving.

Vasir: Quarians - ever since we lost the homeworld, there’ve always been quarians who wanted to take back the geth as servants and weapons. This isn’t that surprising to find. It just looks worst because ever since Rannoch and Legion uploaded the Reaper code and allowed them to reach true AI status where they have will and don’t have to be networked, they are individuals now. It takes on different connotations. Phos: They had four months to fix this. They could’ve shut this down the moment that everything was okay and the geth were bargained with. Kara: Why fix something that’s working? Phos, OOC: Phos just kind of sneers disgustedly at Kara. Phos: They’re doing the same things as slavers. Kara: Look, you’re not telling me anything I don’t already know. I’m just telling you why this is happening. Phos: Then why do I get the feeling you’re not - you’re not - Phos, OOC: She, like, sighs - Phos: You’re making this a lot harder since we don’t - who are these people involved, first of all, and I know it’s Intel, and I know that’s important for you, but the people involved - are they still getting funds for this, are they still getting support, do you know anything more about this, these two ships, these - Kara: Phos, I haven’t been here for four and a half months, what do you expect from me, I don’t know anything. Beetle: Um, sorry, a little bit of a tangential question. What does it mean when they refer to hunting? Kara: Chasing down runaways, usually. Beetle: Runaways as in geth runaways, or... deserters. Kara: No. It’s complicated. Um... I really. Shouldn’t. Tell you about that, actually. It - might... Phos: It seems like this intel - your help isn’t as needed as Annos apparently thinks since you’re withholding intel. If it’s regarding this mission, you need to tell us, now. Kara: It’s not regarding this mission and my life depends on whether I tell you or not. Can you stop, please. Phos: Whatever. Beetle: Would hunting be relevant to this mission? Kara: I am being hunted, if that helps. Beetle: Oh. I presume... deserting? Kara: Something like that. Beetle: Hm. Thank you.

in discord Phos: Vasir and Kara both just lost points with Phos

DM, amused: Friendship points. Buh-bye! Vasir, OOC: We never had a stat for that anyway. It’s up in the air.

DM: Kara gets to her feet, and she says - Kara: Efoh, stop. There’s no way you can win. This is it. DM: And Efoh kind of just, uh, stares at her. Efoh: You realize that because of you, two of our agents haven’t reported in. Kara: That wasn’t my fault. That wasn’t my fault, I wasn’t - I wasn’t there when - Efoh: We’re fucked because of you. Because you left. Kara: That’s - not something I can do anything about.

Efoh: If you’re going to kill me, just do it. Kara: No. I’m not going to do that.

Phos: Figure this situation out. Now. Kara: What do you want me to do? Phos: Are we keeping this guy? Kara: He’s restrained. That’s all we really need, isn’t it? Phos: Yeah. But are we keeping him? Are we gonna kill him later? What are we using him for? Kara: I don’t know. Phos: Why am I wasting good space tape on this dude? Kara: Because he might know more. More of the answers to the questions you’ve been asking me.

Pliyet: Kara, is that you? Kara: Unfortunately. DM: And Pliyet, as you’ve come to know her, says - Pliyet: You really shouldn’t have come here. You know that, right? Kara: It’s not like you can do anything to me right now. Pliyet: Yeah, that’s true.

Kara: Ah. Vekar: ‘Ah’, what? What is this? Kara: My record. Beetle: Vasir. Vasir: Hm? Beetle: It has - the name. Vekar: Why do they have your records? Kara: We should find Nimit. Phos: Do you think we can get the information from these two quarians? DM: You say that, and Pliyet’s like - Pliyet: Oh, yeah, she’s in the room past, uh, that one there. It’s the last room in the ship. Can’t miss it. Phos: Yep, ‘k, good to know. Beetle: Yeah, but, um... Vasir? Your name. Vasir: Hm. Well, that’s interesting. Kara: That’s a word for it.

Kara: You. Hiri: Kara? You came back? Kara: Believe me, I don’t want to be here. Funny how the galaxy works, isn’t it? Vasir: Hold on, Kara, don’t try stabbing her yet. Phos, grabbing onto Kara: Wow, hey, hey. Hiri: You were my best agent. Why – we were friends. I took care of you. Kara: No. You took everything from me. This was a long time coming. Hiri: What are you talking about? Kara: If you think I would miss any chance to kill you, you are sorely mistaken.

Annos: She didn’t tell you? Phos and Vekar: [various complains about how Kara had not been forthcoming about anything] Beetle: Her suit is full of secrets. Annos: You should’ve tried harder to make her talk, but anyway, it’s not my story to tell. - She told you she was in Intel, right? Phos: No. Vekar: No. Beetle: Nope! Annos: Well, there’s that. Hiri’Nimit was her former superior. [long pause] Phos: Okay. Vekar: Okay. Beetle: Okay. Descriptive. Annos: I assume you don’t know how quarian Intel works, and it’s too much to explain right now, but - just know that... well. Vasir: I’m assuming we want Nimit alive for the moment?

Hiri: If you’re dragging me down, I’m taking you with me. Kara: At least I’m trying to atone for my crimes. I’m not afraid of you anymore. Hiri: You know, I have a list of your former boss’s agents. Let me go, and I won’t expose your entire network. Vasir: Hm. So i suppose that’s the stakes, everyone. Dawn: What you have done here is grounds for war. It must be made known, regardless of consequence. Phos: This is almost worse than slavery. We’re exposing this. This is - it’s been a horrible, horrible place for any geth involved. Even if there was a war going on between the two, this has been an abuse of sentient rights. You crossed the line way past the line of what is ethically right. You’re worst than slavers here. We’re exposing this.

Vekar: So what exactly is going to be the fallout for any of you, if she reveals what she’s going to? Vasir: I imagine me and Kara will have some issues with potential hunters. I’m not sure how it’ll go for the rest of my network, considering I haven’t been in contact with any of them since the final battle in the Reaper War? Vekar: Can any of them bring a gunship? Because as far as I’m concerned, we’ve faced off with worse. Kara: The most of what will happen - I’ve already accepted. I will always be hunted. That’s the reality of this situation.

Kara: But - why would you do this? Hiri: You know how Intel works. If I didn’t have anything, they would’ve gotten rid of us. Kara: Exile. Not death. Hiri: I could not let any of you come to harm. This is my life’s work. It wasn’t a good idea, but I couldn’t risk it. There was no other way. Kara: Risk what? Hiri: Everything. Your life. Our lives. My life. It all depended on whether I had something to show. I took the funding from the raider group because what choice did I have? Phos: You had plenty. Hiri: Would it be worth it? It wasn’t just me, it was everyone under me, and I could not - I cannot, in good faith - Phos: What about the lives you destroyed here? Hiri: I started experimentation on the geth before they became true AI. Don’t try t lecture me on this. I know it’s wrong, but what choice did I have? And Intel - Phos: Who is the one who can decide whether they are true AI or not? Hiri: I don’t know the answer to that question. I was doing what I could to survive, to keep my agents alive. Kara: They don’t kill us, they just exile us. Hiri, you fool.

Vasir: We suffered the Morning War, but it’s been three hundred years.  And it’s been five months since the Reaper War, and the geth - we fought them in the beginning, but eventually we made peace, and - Hiri: Are you giving me a history lesson? What’s the point of this? Vasir: ... They deserve justice, and we’re exposing you.

Kara: The funding - you must’ve made a deal. What did you promise? Hiri: Why should I tell you? Clearly you’ve thrown in your lot with other people. Vekar: If you tell us, we can stop them, and they won’t hunt you down. Hiri: Hah. Vekar: Who are you going to throw my lot with? Hiri: You’re already going to kill me. Just - whatever you do, I’m going to die. Phos: Well, that’s the situation you’ve worked yourself into, isn’t it? Hiri: I don’t expect you to understand. Phos: I’m not trying to. Beetle: Look, you can make your case in front of - god, I can’t believe I’m saying this - the justice system instead of us. Hiri: There is no justice for us. I’m dead, no matter what I do. Beetle: That’s just how the cookie crumbles.

Phos: What - what can we do to reverse the damage done to the geth here? Dawn: Given enough time, we should be able to figure it out on our own. Phos: Good.

Vekar: We need the rest of them to testify, so - Pliyet: Oh, no, no, no, we’re fucking dead, man. But I guess that’s just what happens, huh?

Kara: You should let them go. Give them a chance to run. Phos: Are they worth it? Are you sure they won’t cause any consequence. Kara: I’m surprised you would listen to me, Phos. But they - none of us were ever involved in direct experimentation. We just did what was asked. Vasir: Nimit did - Phos: It’s an easy thing to say when you’re the pawn not trying to figure out what’s going on with the king. Kara: You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know. Let them try to atone for their crimes.

DM: Wow, that was very philosophical! Good stuff, [Phos’s player].

Hiri: I don’t expect you to understand. You’re not in Intel.

technical notes

The party looks around the atrium. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier.

Kara → 17 + 4 → 21 Beetle → 9 + 1 → 10 Vasir → 9 + 0 → 9 Phos → 2 + 1 → 3 Vekar → 3 - 4 → -1

Kara sweeps the room and finds nothing of concern. Vekar trips and takes 1d4 → 1 point of damage to his health. Everyone else fails to see anything of note.

Phos and Beetle investigate the desk. Investigation roll. 1d20 + perception modifier.

Phos → 15 + 1 → 16 Beetle → 14 + 1 → 15

Phos and Beetle find a datapad in one of the drawers.

Phos attempts to turn the datapad on. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier → 3 - 3 → 0 Phos picks up the datapad and immediately drops it. Kara picks it up from the floor a moment later.

The party, minus Phos, decrypts the datapad. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier + proficiency bonus.

Vekar → 19 + 1 + 0 → 20 Beetle → 13 + 2 + 1 → 16 Vasir → 2 + 4 + 1 → 7

Vekar and Beetle successfully decrypt the datapad.

Beetle picks the desk’s lock. Dexterity roll. 1d20 + dexterity modifier → 19 + 1 → 20 Beetle easily unlocks the remaining desk drawers. They are all empty, much to her disappointment.

Kara deactivates Camera #1. Automatic success. The camera is deactivated; the party is free to proceed.

Kara deactivates Camera #2. Automatic success. The camera is deactivated; the party is free to proceed.

Irina’Renille and Drenema’Quivne notice the party. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier.

Irina → 18 + 4 → 22 Drenema → 6 + 4 → 10

Irina notices the party outside of the room, beyond the locked door, and alerts Drenema. She also alerts the rest of the ship.

The party dives for cover as the door opens. Dexterity roll. 1d20 + dexterity modifier + proficiency bonus.

Kara → automatic success Beetle → automatic success Vekar → 14 + 2 → 16 Dawn → 6 + 2 → 8 Vasir → 5 + 1 → 6 Phos → 4 + 2 → 6

Vekar manages to stay out of Irina’s line of sight. The rest of the party, including Dawn, are not so lucky.

When the door opens, the party checks out the room beyond. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier.

Phos → 19 + 1 → 20 Vasir → 18 + 0 → 18 Dawn → 10 + 4 → 14 Beetle → 10 + 1 → 11 Vekar → 14 - 4 → 10

Phos and Vasir see two deactivated geth units and two quarians in the room beyond.

Phos hacks the door and overrides the lock. Technical roll. 1d20 + tech modifier + proficiency bonus → 8 - 3 + 0 → 5 Phos fails to unlock the door, surprising no one.

Some members of the party hack the door and override the lock. Technical roll. 1d20 + tech modifier + proficiency bonus.

Vekar → 16 + 2 → 18 Vasir → 11 + 4 → 15 Kara → 12 + 3 → 15 Beetle → 11 +2 → 13

Vekar manages to unlock the door.

The party notices Irina and Drenema. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier.

Kara → 20 + 4 → 24 Beetle → 20 + 1 → 21 Phos → 17 + 1 → 18 Dawn → 3 + 4 → 7 Vekar → 6 - 4 → 2 Vasir → 2 + 0 → 2

Kara and Beetle immediately pinpoints Irina and Drenema’s locations, despite their tactical cloaks.

SEE FIRST BATTLE NOTES

Beetle loots the bodies without Kara noticing. Sleight of hand roll. 1d20 + dexterity modifier + proficiency bonus → 13 + 1 + 1 → 15

Kara contests. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier → 12 + 4 → 16 Kara successfully contests.

Kara notices and prevents Beetle from looting the bodies of her friends.

The party checks down the hallway after Kara deactivates the camera. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier.

Dawn → 18 + 4 → 22 Phos → 12 + 1 → 13 Vekar → 15 - 4 → 11 Kara → 6 + 4 → 10 Vasir → 12 + 0 → 12 Beetle → 6 + 1 → 7

Dawn quickly identifies the lights as two hostile geth units at the end of the hallway.

SEE SECOND BATTLE NOTES

The party investigates the hallway. Investigation roll. 1d20 + perception modifier.

Kara → 11 + 4 → 15 Beetle → 13 + 1 → 14 Phos → 9 + 1 → 10 Dawn → 3 + 4 → 7 Vasir → 4 + 0 → 4 Vekar → 3 - 4 → -1

Kara notices the datapad in the hallway and hands it over to the party.

The party attempts to decrypt the datapad. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier.

Vekar → 10 + 1 → 11 Vasir → 5 + 4 + 1 → 10 Kara → 4 + 4 → 8 Dawn → 2 + 4 → 6 Beetle → 2 + 2 → 4 Phos → 2 - 3 → -1

No one in the party is able to decrypt the datapad. It remains tragically unreadable.

The geth hunter notices the door open. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier → 16 + 2 → 18 The geth hunter immediately notices the door open and is aware someone must be inside the room.

SEE THIRD BATTLE NOTES

Vasir checks out the lab equipment. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier → 20 + 0 → 20 Vasir immediately deduces that this is where the geth were experimented on in some fashion.

Phos intimidates Kara into telling her what she wants to know. Intimidation roll. 1d20 + knowledge modifier → 20 Crit.

Kara contests. 1d20 + knowledge modifier → 8 + 0 → 8 Kara fails to contest.

Kara reluctantly agrees to answer Phos’s questions.

The party hacks the door. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier.

Kara → 18 + 4 → 22 Vekar → 19 + 2 → 21 Dawn → 11 + 4 → 15 Beetle → 8 + 2 → 10 Vasir → 3 + 4 → 7

Kara and Vekar work together to unlock the door. They do so with speed and ease.

SEE FOURTH BATTLE NOTES

The alarm goes off. The party didn’t notice the camera in the room; Kara deactivates it, but the damage is done, and a ship-wide alarm goes off, alerting everyone on board.

Beetle, Vasir, and Vekar look around the room. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier.

Beetle → 15 + 1 → 16 Vasir → 4 + 0 → 4 Vekar → 2 - 4 → -2

Beetle locates a datapad.

The party hacks the door. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier.

Kara → 19 + 4 → 23 Vekar → 20 + 2 → 22 Beetle → 13 + 2 → 15 Dawn → 11 + 4 → 15

Kara and Vekar work together to unlock the door. They do so with speed and ease.

The party looks around the room. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier.

Vasir → 16 + 0 → 16 Beetle → 15 + 1 → 16 Dawn → 11 + 4 → 15 Kara → 7 + 4 → 11 Vekar → 11 - 4 → 7 Phos → 4 + 1 → 5

Vasir and Beetle note the deactivated geth and camera on the ceiling.

Pliyet’Ololan sneaks past the party towards the door through which they entered. Stealth roll. 1d20 + dexterity modifier + proficiency bonus → 18 + 4 + 2 → 24 Pliyet easily slips past the part with her tactical cloak activated.

Beetle notices someone using a tactical cloak near her. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier → 18 + 1 → 19 Beetle notices something, but she’s not sure what.

Pliyet melees Beetle. Automatic success. No tactical cloak bonus, as Beetle noticed her.

Beetle dodges Pliyet’s attack. Dexterity saving throw. 1d20 + dexterity modifer → 5 + 1 → 6 Beetle fails to dodge Pliyet’s melee attack.

Damage roll. 2d8 → 7 + 8 → 15 Beetle takes 15 points of damage.

Beetle locks the door behind her. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier → 14 + 2 → 16 Beetle easily locks the door behind her; Pliyet is unable to get into the room.

The party checks to make sure Pliyet is not in the room with them. Perception roll. 1d20 + technical modifier.

Kara → 20 + 4 → 24 Vasir → 20 + 0 → 20 Phos → 17 + 1 → 18 Beetle → 16 + 1 → 17

Vasir knows that the quarian who stabbed Beetle is not in the room.

Phos attempts to read the datapads. Mechanical roll. 1d20 + mechanical modifier → 5 - 3 → 2 Phos is confused. Very, very confused.

The party sets up an alarm on the door, so they will know if it opens. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier.

Vekar → 14 + 2 → 16 Kara → 6 + 4 → 10 Vasir → 1 + 4 → 5 Beetle → 2 + 2 → 4

Vekar successfully sets up a program that will ping the party if the door is hacked open.

Dawn hacks the camera, so it can see its feed and by extension when the door opens. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier → 19 + 4 → 23 Dawn easily hacks the camera.

The party hacks open the door in the room. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier.

Beetle → 20 + 2 → 22 Vasir → 18 + 4 → 22

Together, Beetle and Vasir hack open the door.

The party looks around the room. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier.

Beetle → 18 + 1 → 19 Vasir → 12 + 0 → 12 Vekar → 15 - 4 → 11 Phos → 9 + 1 → 10

Beetle spies the datapad on a counter. The rest of the party notices that the room houses a lot of intensive lab equipment.

Beetle locks the door behind her. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier → 14 + 2 → 16 Beetle easily locks the door, providing another security measure against Pliyet.

Phos attempts to read the datapad. Mechanical roll. 1d20 + mechanical modifier → 6 - 3 → 3 Phos has no idea what she’s looking at.

Pliyet hacks the door. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier → 6 + 4 → 10 Pliyet fails to hack the door.

Vasir checks out the lab equipment. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier → 13 + 0 → 13 They note that the equipment is similar to other rooms, though it’s a bit more sophisticated.

SEE FIFTH BATTLE NOTES

Pliyet unlocks the door. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier → 15 + 3 → 18 Pliyet successfully unlocks the door.

Beetle and Vekar attack. Attack roll.1d20 + dexterty modifier.

Vekar → 15 + 2 → 17 Beetle → 1 + 1 → 2

Vekar hits. Beetle fumbles with her gun and drops it.

Damage roll. 4d4 → 1 + 1 + 3 + 4 → 9 Pliyet takes 9 points of damage.

Beetle suspects Pliyet is up to no good. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier → 1 + 1 → 2 Beetle suspects she is up to no good.

Phos reads the datapads. Mechanical roll. 1d20 + mechanical modifier → 5 - 3 → 2 Phos fails, again, to read the datapads. Vasir reads them aloud to her.

Phos restrains Kara from killing Hiri’Nimit. Dexterity roll. 1d20 + dexterity modifier → 15 + 2 → 17

Kara contests. Dexterity rol. 1d20 + dexterity modifier → 11 + 4 → 15 Kara fails to contest.

Phos holds Kara back from attacking Hiri’Nimit on sight.

FIRST BATTLE

SURPRISE ROUND.

Beetle shoots one of the quarians with the Cold Shoulder. Attack roll with advantage. 1d20 + dexterity modifier + mod bonus → 19 + 1 + 3 → 23 Crit.

Damage roll. (3d6) x Tactical Cloak → (6 + 5 + 4) x 2 → (15) x 2 → 30 Beetle headshots Irina, killing her instantly.

Kara backstabs one of the quarians with her omni-tool. Attack roll with advantage. 1d20 + dexterity modifier + mod bonus → 14 + 4 + 10 → 24 This is sufficient to hit

Damage roll. (2d8 + 18) x Tactical Cloak → (4 + 5 + 18) x 2 → 27 x 2 → 54 Kara stabs Drenema in the back, killing them instantly.

SECOND BATTLE

Vekar uses Cryo Blast on the geth trooper. Attack roll. 1d10 → 10 This is sufficient to hit. The geth trooper is frozen solid and is immobile.

Vasir uses Sabotage on the geth trooper. Attack roll. 1d10 → 6 This is sufficient to hit. All of the geth’s damage rolls suffer a -2 penalty.

Phos charges the geth hunter. Attack roll. 1d10 → 8 This is sufficient to tackle the geth hunter.

Phos grapples the geth hunter and constrains it with Space Tape™. Strength roll. 1d20 + strength modifier → 14 + 4 → 18

The geth hunter contests. Strength roll. 1d20 + strength modifier → 13 + 2 → 15 The geth hunter fails to contest.

Phos manages to constrain the geth hunter with Space Tape™.

Phos grapples the geth trooper and constrains it with Space Tape™. Strength roll. 1d20 + strength modifier → 18 + 4 → 22

The geth trooper contests. Strength roll. 17 + 1 → 18 The geth trooper fails to contest.

Phos manages to constrain the geth hunter with Space Tape™.

THIRD BATTLE

Kara melees the geth non-lethally. Attack roll. 1d20 + dexterity modifier → 14 + 2 → 16 This is sufficient to hit.

Damage roll. (2d8 + 18) x Tactical Cloak → (5 + 18) x 2 → 23 x 2 → 46 Kara shatters the geth’s shields and brings it down to critical health.

Beetle uses AI Hack on the geth hunter. Attack roll. 1d10 → 9 Beetle successfully hacks the geth hunter, rendering it immobile without the presence of hostiles.

FOURTH BATTLE

Vekar uses Cryo Blast on the geth trooper. Attack roll. 1d10 → 8 This is sufficient to hit. The geth trooper is frozen solid and is immobile.

Vasir uses Sabotage on the geth trooper. Attack roll. 1d10 → 10 This is sufficient to hit. All of the geth’s damage rolls suffer a -6 penalty.

Phos charges the geth trooper. Attack roll. 1d10 → 7 This is sufficient to tackle the geth trooper.

Phos grapples the geth trooper and constrains it with Space Tape™. Strength roll. 1d20 + strength modifier → 9 + 4 → 13

The geth trooper contests. Strength roll. 1d20 + strength modifier → 16 + 2 → 18 The geth hunter successfully contests.

Dawn assists. Dawn constrains one of the geth trooper’s arms.

Kara assists. Kara constrains one of the geth trooper’s arms.

Phos manages to constrain the geth hunter with Space Tape™.

Phos grapples the geth trooper and constrains it with Space Tape™. Strength roll. 1d20 + strength modifier → 14 + 4 → 18

The geth trooper contests. Strength roll. 17 + 1 → 18 The geth trooper fails to contest.

Phos manages to constrain the geth trooper with Space Tape™.

FIFTH BATTLE

PREP.

Vekar activates Tech Armor and draws his assault rifle. Tech Armor. 1d20 → 15 Vekar gains 15 points of tech armor. Upon depletion, it will explode and cause damage within a 1 meter radius.

Beetle activates her Tactical Cloak and draws the Cold Shoulder.

Kara activates her Tactical Cloak.

Dawn sets up at a corner of the room with her sniper rifle.

Phos draws her shotgun.

Vasir braces by the door with their pistol.

The party checks out the room beyond. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception modifier.

Vasir → 20 + 0 → 20 Kara → 17 + 4 → 21 Phos → 18 + 1 → 19 Beetle → 17 + 1 → 18 Dawn → 14 + 4 → 18 Vekar → 16 - 4 → 12

The party sees the room is empty; only Kara notices Efoh’Suele and, despite that, is tackled to the ground anyway.

Efoh kills Kara. Attack roll. 1d20 + dexterity modifier → 7 + 2 → 9 Strength roll. 1d20 + strength modifier → 3 + 2 → 5

Kara contests. Dexterity roll. 1d20 + dexterity modifier → 8 + 4 → 12 Strength roll. 1d20 + strength modifier → 5 + 0 → 5 Kara successfully contests.

Efoh tries to stab Kara fatally in the throat; Kara barely manages to keep him at bay.

Phos chokes Efoh. Dexterity saving throw. 1d20 + dexterity modifier → 16 + 2 → 18

Efoh contests. Dexterity roll. 1d20 + dexterity modifier → 20 + 2 → 22 Crit.

Efoh counterattacks. Automatic success.

Damage roll. 2d8 → 4 + 7 → 11 Phos takes 11 points of damage.

Phos is unable to even touch Efoh as he forces her back with a slash of his omni-blade. He activates his tactical cloak a moment later and disappears.

The party rolls initiative. 1d20.

Vekar → 19 Efoh → 18 Phos → 14 Beetle → 12 Kara → 5 Vasir → 5 Pliyet → 5 Dawn → 3

Vekar looks for Efoh. Perception roll. 1d20 + perception roll → 12 - 4 → 8 "I’m gonna find you, and I’m gonna kill you, buddy!” Vekar says, as he does neither of those things.

Efoh melees Kara. Attack roll. 1d20 + dexterity modifier → 18 + 2 → 20 This is sufficient to hit.

Kara parries. Parry. 1d20 + dexterity modifier → 2 + 4 → 6 Kara fails to parry.

Damage roll. 2d8 x Tactical Cloak → (7 + 7) x 2 → 14 x 2 → 28 Kara’s shields take the brunt of the blow as she takes 28 points of damage, and she narrowly avoids having her suit directly ruptured.

Phos uses Carnage on Efoh. Attack roll. 1d20 + dexterity modifier + mods → 18 + 2 + 2 → 22 That is sufficient to hit.

Damage roll. 4d8 → 3 + 5 + 3 + 8 → 19 Efoh takes 19 points of damage.

Beetle shoots Efoh with the Cold Shoulder. Attack roll. 1d20 + dexterity modifier + mods → 16 + 1 + 4 → 21 This is sufficient to hit.

Damage roll. 2d6 x Tactical Cloak → (2 + 5) x 2 → 7 x 2 → 14 Efoh takes 14 points of damage. His shields blow out.

Movement. Beetle goes to stand by the door.

Kara stands up.

Vasir braces by the door.

Pliyet hacks the door. Technical roll. 1d20 + technical modifier → 7 + 3 → 10 Pliyet fails to hack the door.

Dawn ducks down and hides.

Vekar uses Cryo Blast on Efoh. Attack talent roll. 1d10 → 8

Efoh contest. Dexterity saving throw. 1d20 + dexterity modifier → 8 + 2 → 10

Efoh is frozen solid and is immobile.

Efoh breaks free of the cryo. Dexterity saving throw. 1d20 + dexterity modifier → 5 + 2 → 7 Efoh fails to break free of the cryo and is immobile.

Phos restrains Efoh. Strength roll. 1d20 + strength modifier → 15 + 4 → 19 Phos successfully restrains Efoh with Space Tape™.

prev | start | next

[shooter-nobunagun]

The Executioner [Bloodborne AU]

//Continuing directly from the last chapter, to meet the leader of the Vilebloods herself and perhaps find out why it is they got that summons...spoilers for this area!

“I am Annalise, Queen of Castle Cainhurst. Ruler of the Vilebloods, and sworn enemy of the church.”

They all stood there in awe, transfixed by a strange combination of her foreboding presence and the mysterious aura that she seemed to be casting over them. The room lined with countless candles and armor from knights long past, though Sio felt that they could come alive at any moment.

“Visitor… I claim no subjects, but here lieth Our throne. Kneel afore us… …or get thee gone.”

Sio shivered and almost took a step back; the Queen’s tone was pure venom, and every instinct in her body told her that this woman could not be trusted. Still, in this world where there was precious little information to come by...they needed all they could, even if they came from dubious sources.

She glanced around nervously; nobody was kneeling, much less bowing, despite the ominous command. Adam’s expression was inscrutable, and Vidocq’s could only be described as pure hatred. Still, Sio herself was rather reluctant to just bow down to a figure she’d never met before, especially one as foreboding as this Queen Annalise. Suddenly the figure in the throne sat upright, the movement startling the huntress.

“Such impudence. Defiled, are We, yet still Queen. We shall not give audience to an ill-mannered beast. Get thee gone.”

“So much for doin’ things the easy way...guess we’ve no choice,” Adam muttered, before nudging the girl and one by one they sank to their knees, some more reluctant than others. Sio nearly fell over in her haste, but managed to steady herself just before she planted face-first into the cold stone floor.

“Visitor… Moon-scented hunter… I am Annalise, Queen of Castle Cainhurst. Ruler of the Vilebloods, and sworn enemy of the church. Yet, Our people are murdered, and We are prisoner to this wretched mask. What is it thou’rt in search of?”

“Uh, we—” Sio was about to tell their tale to this queen, but Adam was faster.

“What’s this all about?” The mysterious invitation fluttered in the air, Adam not so much as handing it over as simply thrusting it towards the queen. “A summons? To see you? I’m no member of the Vilebloods—nor do I have any interest in joining.”

For a moment the tension was so thick that the very air nearly suffocated them; Vidocq gave a side-glare at Adam’s brusque tone, but if the hunter took any notice, he didn’t hint at it. The silence was unbearable, and for a second Sio thought they’d have to draw their weapons, until...

“...Ah. Thine face we do not recognise...but thy blood...is the same, moon-scented hunter.” An odd creaking noise came from the throne, until Sio realized the Queen was actually laughing.

“My...blood? That’s impossible; I’ve never been here before—” 

“—but thine father has. Hunter Muirhead...you are his progeny.” 

There seemed to be a collective gasp from the entire group—Adam especially, the man’s eyes narrowing in a combination of disbelief and disgust. “What...! My father wasn’t the kind of man who’d join with the likes of you!” It was true that he knew little of his father, aside from what disjointed memories he still held and the stories his mother had told him; but they all seemed to point towards a dutiful, if somewhat stoic, man who had left simply because he didn’t wish his family to suffer the beasts. “He isn’t...wasn’t, someone who’d kill on a whim.”

Somehow throughout his entire tirade, the Queen didn’t seem to take any offense; she merely sat there, un-moving and silent, until Adam seemed to have spoken his mind. 

“Foolish hunter; dost thou truly believe all men to be invulnerable? Thine father was quite astute in his loyalty to us. His death was a true loss...”

The very room seemed to spin, but Adam kept his composure. It was an insult to his family...yet suddenly it made sense. Why his father never came back; why his mother could never seem to answer him; for how could she, knowing the man who had once vowed to provide and protect his family had given into the bloodlust of possibly one of the most hated covenants? Queen Annalise must have promised him something in return for his father to entirely abandon his own morals.

“...And now you’re thinkin’ I’ll do the same, aren’t yeh? I may be his son, but I’m not him. I’m not interested in joining your...vampires.”

“Thou'rt dear to Us. We would see no harm befall thee...”

Those words sent shivers of disgust down his spine. “Me, or my father? Either way, the answer’s no. Now come on, we’re leaving.” Without even waiting for a response, he turned tail and left, the young huntress tagging along close behind.

"A wise choice...There is no more to be said...away from mine gaze.”

“Well, that was a load of bull,” Hunter muttered under his breath as the group slowly trooped out, “but at least we figured out where tha’ invitation came from. Though I can’t say I fancy the idea of how she knew about you...”

“Perhaps your father mentioned something?” Mahesh casually interjected, but Adam’s blood boiled at the mere thought of the Queen getting close enough to his father to find out something like...that. “Well, at least she didn’t decide to kill us. Could’ve been much worse.”

“U-Um, Adam...” He stopped briefly and gave petite huntress just the slightest of glances, not really in the mood for talking. “Uh, I’m...sorry, about your father...I’m, I’m sure he didn’t...mean to abandon you and your mother...”

“...Don’t worry about things you don’t need to, squirt. That was long ago...guess at least I can put some puzzle pieces in place now. But,” and he gently took her hand for just the briefest of moments, “thank you.”

Sio didn’t say a word, only nodded slightly but with a content look on her face.

They had nearly cleared the hallway before he appeared; tall, but not threatening, wearing the white uniform and a badge whose symbol was indicative of a covenant they had just defeated.

“...You are hunters, are you not?” The man, dark-haired and dark-eyed, armed with a massive bow stood before them in the exit. He didn’t appear to be hostile, but it was clear that he wasn’t just going to let them pass. “I knew it; for that’s precisely how I started out. The Queen...you went to see her?”

“Yeh, but I’m not bloody joining her; I’ve no interest in becoming a vampire,” Adam answered evenly, still taking stock of this stranger who had appeared before them. “You?”

“...Beg pardon; you may call me Tell. William Tell. A protege of Master Logarius, hunter of Vilebloods.” He gave a slight bow, though his expression did not change. 

“...So you’re an Executioner...” Adam bowed slightly as well, but did not take his eyes off this William Tell. He seemed like a good potential for an ally...or a dangerous enemy, depending on their goals. “I’m guessing you’re after her then? The Vileblood Queen? If you wanna fight her, I ain’t stopping yeh...”

“That is my goal, but now that you’ve uncovered her location, I’m not in a hurry. She won’t be leaving anytime soon...but it seems, you are?” His dark eyes swept over the group, neither judging nor amused yet Sio felt herself shrinking back slightly at the intense gaze. “I was thinking perhaps as fellow hunters, we could exchange any interesting information we know...give each other a helping hand, you can say. Especially from you, Noble Vidocq. I’m surprised you left the safety of your castle...but I also expected nothing less of the heir.”

The blonde grimaced slightly, though Sio couldn’t tell if it was from irritation or worry. “Hmph, is it that difficult to believe that a noble is capable of combat? When it comes to knowledge, I will not be stopped by any beast or man.”

“Admirable, for certain. You could very well restore House Vidocq’s name to its former glory, should you kill the Queen.” Though Tell had said this without any sort of malicious tone or hinting, all blood seemed to drain from the noble’s face, leaving him paler than the snow falling outside. 

“Y-You...what—”

“Oh? Was it something I said?” There was a look of subdued confusion from newcomer. “Ah, I see...they don’t know, do they?” Tell glanced around at the rest of the party members, who looked just as confused. “You are working together with them, but you didn’t tell them the truth? How odd.”

“The...truth?” Sio had a feeling that whatever it was, Vidocq was not going to be pleased about forcing to reveal it. The pieces were there, in front of her...the Vilebloods, Queen Annaliese, House Vidocq and the noble’s own research in to the old blood at Byrgenwerth. It was frustrating to be on the precipice of an answer, for she knew they all fit together somehow but without that crucial piece...

Ignoring the looks of confusion and resentment, Tell went ahead anyway. “The Cainhurst Vilebloods only came into being because a member of the Byrgenwerth scholars betrayed his fellows and brought back a sample of the forbidden blood with him, to this castle. And it was then that the first of the inhumane Vilebloods were born, and threatened the church’s teachings. And this traitor also went on to propagate a certain noble house.” The Executioner turned towards Vidocq.

“The family that you belong to, is that not? Eugene Françoise Vidocq, heir to House Vidocq. And in doing so, you carry that dark stain on your family’s history...”

Fists clenched, then slowly un-clenched as the silence continued, nobody daring to say another word as Tell and Vidocq stared at each other. So this was why Vidocq had been in such a foul mood the entire time they were here in Cainhurst...and yet was so insistent on coming here, despite the unfortunate connotations. 

“...Oui. It is true, that one of my ancestors was a traitor to Byrgenwerth...and it is true that my family has hidden that fact for many generations now. However, you are incorrect on one fact, Monsieur Tell.” Those blue eyes suddenly becoming fiercely defiant, a change from the cold callousness he usually carried himself with. “My goal in coming here was not to kill the Queen; I am here to gather information and add to my knowledge of the old blood and the Great Ones. And if that happens to lead me to my family’s skeletons...then so be it. Knowledge is what will lead House Vidocq to glory, not some pointless murder. Besides, she is immortal; simply running a blade through her won’t do anything.”

William Tell’s expression was still, and Sio couldn’t tell if he was thinking to leave them alone or turn against them, until—

“...Heh, well said Vidocq, well said.” A slow clap echoed through the stone chambers, Tell’s lips curving into a small grin that seemed very out-of-place with his stoicism. “You are much different from your predecessors, that much I can sense. Perhaps you will be the one to succeed, in your own way... Very well. I shall join your...interesting group.”

And without even waiting for a response—either good or bad—he fell into place aside them, casting a glance towards Adam as if to say ‘well, lead the way’. The silver-haired hunter could only stare in disbelief for a few more seconds, before nodding his head towards the snowy exit. Half of him was grateful that Tell had joined without putting up a fight and adding to their strength, but admittedly another part was irritated at how people seemed to be inviting themselves into this group without any of his input. Numbers could be useful, that was certain, yet he knew from past experience that a large group could also bring more troubles.

Especially regarding the worsening issue of Sio and her ashen blood...he gave a subtle glance back, the girl now seemingly more at ease as they left the undead queen and was now talking shyly with Beckham, Hunter keeping an eye on Mirza in case the latter decided to make the young huntress his next target. His blood boiled at the thought of Mirza doing anything...suspect to her, whether or not it was intentional. The man had already developed a bit of a reputation as a skirt-chaser and something a hooligan, and that was before he even decided to go off and hunt beasts, despite his family’s wealthy status. Ogura was just an innocent girl forced into a terrible situation—the battle against Logarius, and their subsequent interactions only strengthened that forbidden feeling that now, Adam was all but ready to give into. The only thing holding him back was his uncertainty of how the girl truly felt...though there were times where he swore she understood and teased him back, he couldn’t quite tell if it was just her way of getting back at him, or if she was testing his feelings... His mind suddenly thought back to that almost-kiss that, in all honesty, probably would have happened if it hadn’t been for Hunter’s timely (or un-timely?) interruption, his cheeks turning unusually heated as he imagined what could have been. Probably soft, that was for certain—warm, maybe even passionate? Or perhaps she’d be a little clumsy, especially given their height difference and the fact that when not in battle, she always seemed to be tripping over her own two feet.

“Oy, Muirhead? Somethin’ up?” He jerked his head up at the sound of Hunter’s voice, only to realize that everybody else had already gathered around the lamp while he had walked straight past it in his daze. “You alright?”

“Yeh, ‘m fine...let’s get out of here. No point in staying around, unless anyone wants t’ go back for the queen’s head...” Neither Vidocq nor Tell made any indications however, perhaps satisfied that she would remain trapped there for eternity, with or without Logarius. The lamp swirled, and he fell into that strange, dreamy trance that overtook everyone whenever they traveled like this. Why was it always so strange, anyway...how the lamps worked, how they even traveled...he’d never questioned it, but for some reason this time, that odd feeling lingered even after they arrived back, all in mostly one piece.

“Ah...Muirhead? Is everything okay?” He looked down and there she was, vest still torn and bloodied from the battle but at least her wounds were bandaged up. “Do...do you want to talk about it?”

She didn’t need to clarify any further; though technically speaking, they hadn’t gotten any closer to defeating the beasts than before they went to that castle, they had picked up a surprising amount of information—least of all a new hunter, who was settling in as if he was already familiar with the dream. The truth behind Vidocq’s family, and his own father’s past...sighing heavily, he stored all his gear away and peeled off the now-dirty coat, opting to sit by the fire in nothing more than a plain shirt and worn leggings, giving a slight nod of his head to indicate it was all right for her to join him.

“Not sure what else there is t’ say squirt...I mean, the queen made it pretty clear what happened...an’ I don’t think she’s the type t’ lie, despite her reputation.”

“Well...I, I didn’t mean to pry,” her hands begin that nervous tic of poking each other, but she seemed determined to not lose her gaze. “But, just...I may not be the best at talking, but I’m a good listener...s-so, I uh, guess what I’m trying to say is...i-if, if you want to talk about...anything, I’d...be more than happy to listen.” She glanced shyly at him, eyes wide but sincere and Adam felt weird tingly feeling go through him.

“...Heh, I appreciate the thought, squi...Sio. You’re very kind,” he gave her a small smile, “though at this point I think a certain noble might need more comforting than I do.”

“A-Ah, uh, w-well...I-I, I don’t know...s, somehow, I think I’d rather...talk to you, instead,” she muttered nervously, hugging her knees to her chest. “Though, I do feel sorry for Vidocq...and maybe a little guilty that I had such...harsh thoughts about him. Guess I should’ve known there was a reason he’s always in such a bad mood...”

He clapped a warm hand on her shoulder, surprising the girl but she didn’t brush it off. “Heh, well it’s like you said earlier, that’s not an excuse for being an asshole, right? ‘Sides, he’s got Hunter and the others to chat with, ‘f he wants to. Though, from what I can gather, don’t think he’s th’ type to talk about his feelings. If I were you, I’d probably just leave ‘im alone for now. Likely he’s feeling ashamed about hiding such a secret, especially after that Tell fellow just spilled it out so casually.”

“True...speaking of which, I wonder why Tell joined us just like that?” She cast a curious look over at the tall hunter, who was busy sorting his weapons and it seemed, getting ready to inscribe a new rune. “I don’t sense any bad vibes from him...but then again, we’ve only just met him.”

Adam shrugged. “Who knows; I’ve been doing this long enough to know that sometimes, it’s just best not to question others’ motives. Could be he wants the strength of a group, could be he just doesn’t want to travel alone.” There was a rustling sound as the girl next to him produced a small packet of white pills, Adam’s brows furrowing as he watched her down close to handful, grimacing at the taste all the while. “Hey...you feeling all right? You worried about...that?” 

“M-mm...w-well, I’ve always been worried about it...” She took one last swallow of water, swishing it to wash out the taste of the antidote. “Shoot...I’ll need some more soon—” she stopped in surprise as he handed her his own supply of antidotes.

“Just take it; I hardly get poisoned, and you need it far more than I do.” And before the girl could protest, he reached over and tucked it neatly into her pouch. “...Is it worsening? You’ve been going through these pretty quick...”

At that reminder her maroons teared up, nose scrunching and Adam regretting bringing up her illness. “...Y, Yes...I-I, I’m...doing okay now...b-but, like you said...I’ve been having to increase the dosage a lot more, lately—” A sudden cough racked her petite frame, causing him to scramble for water, the girl finally calming down after a few seconds. “Th-thanks...”

“You sure you’re all right?” The hacking cough was greatly alarming, as the symptom was indicative of the disease’s progression. “Sure you don’t want Hunter to take a look?”

“N-No...I’ll, be fine, really...” Still, she seemed much weaker all of a sudden, as if the cough had drained all her energy. B-Besides, what else can he do? We all know...what’ll happen, eventually...if I don’t...find, the cure...”

“Get some rest; that was a hard battle and a long trek.” He laid her head in his lap, and the girl closed her eyes without a single protest. “Just sleep; you’ll feel better when you wake up.” Finger absently ran through her silky hair, Adam nearly falling asleep himself from the fire’s warmth and the girl’s weight in his lap. How could this be so wrong...this comfort that she brought him, soothing all his doubts and actually strengthening his resolve to make it through the night. He knew they were starting to grow short on time; not just with the beasts, but her blood sickness was progressing faster than he’d thought...

‘Don’t you worry, Sio. I promise, I won’t let you turn into a beast.’ His fingers stopped just short at the nape of her neck, gently brushing the smooth porcelain skin that was far softer and more delicate than he’d ever imagined. 

“She’s a pretty little thing, isn’t she?” If it weren’t for the fact that Sio was asleep in his lap, Adam would’ve already drawn his weapon. “Ho, no need for such alarm, Muirhead...I was merely making an observation.”

“What do you want Mirza.” He didn’t even bother trying to be cordial with this man—he was up to something, that much was for certain. Shit, how could he have been so careless as to let his guard down—Hunter’s teasing jabs were one thing, but Adam knew that Mirza was not one to be taken lightly; despite his seemingly lackadaisical exterior, the man’s mind was cunningly sharp, and his eyes missed no detail that could be used to his advantage.

“My, someone’s in a foul mood. Still wound up about your father? At least you can rest knowing it wasn’t entirely his fault for being seduced by the queen...she does have a certain method, after all.” To Adam’s immense displeasure, the man did not take his leave, but instead took up a spot next to the fire. “How’s the girl?”

“Piss off already, why don’t yeh?” Though normally Mirza’s words would have earned a glare at most, for some reason right now, with her so vulnerable and his own skeletons being exposed, Adam was not in the mood for niceties. Even if it would mean more complications down the road by crossing this man...he’d cross that bridge when they came to it. “What happened to my father is none of yours—or anyone’s business. It’s all in the past, long before I even became a hunter...it wouldn’t have made a difference whether or not I found out the truth.”

“Hmm...how typical of you. Always looking at the pragmatic answer, and pushing aside the emotional one. Ah, but save for one...hmm?” Before he could elaborate further however, Hunter came striding in and Mirza inexplicably got up—though it wasn’t to make room for the surgeon.

“Just remember Muirhead...I have an eye for pretty little things...especially ones who are more than they seem...”

A cold fear ran down his spine, though Adam willed himself to not react to Mirza’s foreboding parting words. The womanizer aspect was not new—everybody knew of it—but the way he hinted that Sio was more than she seemed...

‘It can’t be; he’s aware of her condition...?!’ To what end Mirza would use that knowledge was still unknown, but knowing him, it wasn’t likely to be good. Blackmail at best, and at worst...he didn’t want to go there.

“Oy, how’re you two holdin’ up?” Hunter glanced down at the young huntress, who had fallen into a deep sleep. “Ah, restin’ ‘ey? Well tha’s good...truth be told, we could all use it. No cure’s greater than a good night’s sleep...well, ‘cept the blood treatments maybe, though can’t say the same for the associated risks.” 

“Hunter. Is she...do you think...?” Emeralds gave a concerned glance, and Hunter’s own gaze turned a little grimmer.

“Well, not gonna lie; ye know as well as I do that there’s no real cure; all we can do is keep givin’ her medicine and hope it’ll stave off the effects long enough until the hunt ends. But failing that, we may have to start looking into blood ministration...risks or not, soon the antidote won’t be enough anymore. She’s gettin’ worse, isnae she? She had another episode during that fight with Logarius...”

A slight nod, Adam unable to bring himself to voice the answer. Hunter gave him a pitying stare, before sighing and patting the girl’s head himself. “Poor thing...she dinnae deserve all this, ‘specially one so young.”

“...No. But I won’t let her end up like everyone else; I swear, we’re going to end this nightmare before that happens, or so God help me,” Adam whispered, aware that Hunter could fully see the way he held her protectively but he no longer cared. “My biggest concern now is keepin’ the others at bay...’specially Mirza. Not sure why we agreed to let him come with us...”

“Well, I didn’t make that decision—but would you rather turn him loose? You know what they say—keep your friends close, your enemies closer. Though, I’m surprised you’d suspect him, of all people.” 

Adam gave a snort. “The others are all fairly easy to read: Geronimo’s a Hunter of Hunters, Beckham’s your standard huntress, and Vidocq’s just some noble trying to redeem his family’s dark past. I can’t say about Tell since he’s just joined, but I don’t sense anything immediate from him. But Mirza...he’s always been a sly bastard. Never could quite tell what he’s really thinkin’...”

The surgeon nodded in agreement. “True; though he’s never outright done anything, so I think if we just keep an eye on him, should be alright. In any case, I highly doubt he’d try to pull something wit’ you around. He’s not stupid enough t’ take ye head-on.”

“Let’s hope not,” Adam muttered darkly, casting a surreptitious glance around—the aforementioned was now mercifully gone from the room, likely outside in the gardens or the courtyard. “I don’t need anything else to deal with. Still, this blood ministration you mentioned...if it really came down t’ that...we’d need a source, wouldn’t we?”

A slight nod. “Yeh...that we do, Muirhead. But anyway, let’s not worry ‘bout it now. The lass seems t’ be holdin’ up alright...an’ when that time comes, you leave everything t’ me. I’ll figure sumthin’ out.”

“Hunter...” Though Adam was aware that the surgeon had always been more altruistic than most, the gesture touched him nonetheless.

“Aye, th’ lassie’s quite dear t’ me as well. Ah, but don’t worry, ‘s not th’ same level as ye, I’d wager.�� For once Hunter made that remark without any teasing hints, but rather a more nostalgic tone. “Should go without sayin’ at this point, but I damn well hope you know what yur gettin’ yurself into with Ogura, Muirhead.”

“Don’t remind me...” He muttered, leaning back slightly so Sio was lying on her side. “Don’t even know half the time what the hell I’m doin’... I’m surprised you’re not more against it.”

The doctor shrugged, but it was without malice. “Eh, normally I would be, but I’ve seen enough to know when it becomes futile to protest. ‘Sides, I trust you, Adam. An’ if there’s anybody in this fucked-up world left who has a chance of makin’ it out alive and then some, it’d probably be you an’ Ogura.”

“...This is all theoretical anyway, I don’t even know if she really wants to—let alone with someone like me—” It wasn’t like he had exactly been welcoming when they first met; memories of their early days were filled with arguments and clashes, the two of them butting heads so often that Hunter retorted even the packs of monstrous dogs that roamed the streets of Yharnam had more order than the two of them. Yet somehow he’d come to see her as an equal, more than just a bumbling newbie who had no idea what she was getting herself into; and just now that last battle had more than proven that she could hold her own, and then some at that.

“I think you don’t give yurself enough credit, Adam.” He blinked at the surgeon in surprise, as Hunter’s comments towards him tended to be either reprimanding or else sarcastic remarks about how he was going to get killed before his next birthday. “Oy, I’m being serious here! Sure your manners could...use some work,” a raised eyebrow at the generous leeway Hunter had given him, “but at the ver’ least yur a decent man, and unlike others, actually keep yur word. An’ well, ah...forgive me fer soundin’ a bit cheeky, but I think you an’ her make a good match.”

Despite the lingering concerns, Adam couldn’t help but blush, having to turn away from Hunter as the other thumbed his nose in amusement at his reactions. “Th, thanks...I guess...” Though it was a bit reassuring to know that at least one person had their back, and that he wasn’t completely insane for thinking that pursuing Ogura was actually possible. “Just keep this to yourself, alright? Don’t want to make her nervous and get the wrong idea...”

“I wouldn’t worry too much about that, Adam. In any case, that’s your job, not mine.” 

“Hn...I suppose so.” ---- “Mmm...huh.” Her maroons opened to the flickering flames, and the reflective shine of the Stakedriver’s blade. A warm cloak was neatly tucked around her body, its scent as familiar and comforting as the lap her head was resting in. It took a few more seconds before she realized that she was resting in its owner’s legs. If it had been any other time, Sio would have sat up immediately and fled in horrifying embarrassment, but this time it felt so natural and...right. One of his arms had been gently draped over her waist, and the weight was comforting, as if she was being shielded from any and all harm. In spite of herself, Sio felt her mouth curving into a smile, but it froze in terror the second she caught sight of a pair of glittering, dark eyes, their reflection staring very intently at her in the Stakedriver’s blade.

Mahesh Mirza. That strange man whom Adam had found in the woods, back in Hemwick Charnel Lane...even though both he and Hunter had assured her that nothing would happen when they were around, still there was something about him that made her extremely wary around him. Though he was polite enough towards her, just the way he always seemed to be watching her, leering whenever she was by herself and speaking in a way that made her not trust those honeyed words... The huntress remembered when they’d first met, how he so boldly kissed her hand without any warning and then claimed how she seemed too fragile for a hunter’s life.

From this angle, there was no way he could see that she was awake and watching him in the Stakedriver’s reflection, or at least she hoped so...Sio wanted to just squeeze her eyes shut and return to that pleasant dreamland she was just in, but something inside told her to keep watching, as he observed her. Strangely, that seemed to be all Mirza was doing; simply watching her, though not in the curious way the Doll sometimes did, but it felt predatory...like how hunters stalked their prey. The hidden staring contest continued, until after what seemed like an eternity he finally turned away, off to do whatever it was he did in his spare time.

“...Squirt? You feelin’ better now?” She turned towards his voice, staring into a pair of half-lidded emeralds. “Oy, what’s wrong? You all right?”

“H-Huh?”

“You’re shakin’ like a a leaf...did you have another nightmare?” He peered at her worriedly, smoothing a hand along her back as she willed herself to stop trembling.

“Oh...n, no, it’s not...that...” She hadn’t even realized how shaken she’d been when she was lying awake, staring at Mirza as he watched her. ‘Maybe I should tell Muirhead about Mirza...but I don’t want to cause unnecessary trouble in the group either...’ No, she would just keep a cautious eye out for now; besides, she had no real proof that Mirza was really out to cause trouble, even though both Muirhead and Hunter agreed that he wasn’t the most trustworthy person.

“Sio? What’s wrong? I promise I won’t make fun of yeh,” he attempted a reassuring smile, to which Sio could only vaguely return. “Still worried?”

“Y-Yeah...b-but, I’m...feeling a little better now...thank you, Adam...” His touch was soothing, calming her down from her own anxious thoughts. “You know, at first I thought I’d made a mistake just coming to Yharnam so foolhardily...but then again, I was able to meet people like you and Hunter...so, maybe it wasn’t all that bad.” She burrowed shyly into the edge of the cloak, especially as she heard a low chuckle from the man.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that. You’re not half-bad yourself, squirt. I’m glad that you joined us.” Was it just her or did he sound more self-conscious than usual? She didn’t have anymore time to contemplate his odd behavior though, as the sounds of the others’ voices started filtering back in. “Anyway, if you’re feeling better, we should probably talk about where to head next. I’ve heard talk of taking a closer look at Yahar’gul...I know it’s not you’re favorite place, and frankly it isn’t mine either...but given what Hunter says they saw the last time we were there, I think it’s worth checking out.” 

Sio swallowed thickly at the name—’Yahar’gul’. That dreaded place where she’d been captured and thrown to her death, had it not been for Muirhead and Hunter’s quick actions. “Yeah...makes sense. You don’t need to worry about me, Muirhead. I can take care of myself, even like this.”

“Hah, that I have no doubt at this point. And also, uh, you...don’t need to call me by my last name anymore. ‘Adam’ is fine, now...” 

Even without looking at his face she could tell he was blushing; it was uncharacteristic of the usually stoic man, but Sio found it a rather adorable change. “Well Adam...I’d be more than happy to oblige, but only if you stop it with this whole ‘squirt’ deal. It would be nice to hear my real name more often than just the rare serious moment...”

He laughed, a genuine sound of joy that surprised her. “All right, fair enough...Sio. That sound better to you?”

Despite her efforts to maintain a stern front, Sio couldn’t help but laugh back herself. “A lot better than squirt, I can tell you. Though I suppose I wouldn’t mind too much if I heard it once in a while...you know, on the occasions where you slip up. I know it takes time to get used to it.”

“We’ll just see about that, squi—I mean Sio—blast it...” She just laughed at the silver-haired man, as she slowly got up and started putting on her armor and weapons. 

“Don’t worry Adam, practice makes perfect.” She grinned saucily at him. “Yahar’gul, huh? Guess we should prepare ourselves then.”

If the other noticed any change in demeanor between the two, they didn’t say anything. Still as they grouped around the headstone, she felt better than when they had been at the castle, even though the sickness was definitely progressing. Though it had taken her longer than she’d wanted, it seemed at last they had earned a mutual respect...and perhaps even more, if that fluttery feeling in her chest was anything to go by.

‘No...come on Sio, you already said you didn’t come here to look for a husband!’ But it couldn’t hurt to just entertain the thought a little, could it? ‘Though I wonder what my parents would think if I came back not only a successful hunter, but with a man to boot...’

“All right, everybody ready? We’re going back to Yahar’gul, so make sure you’ve got what you need.” Adam adjusted his new coat, still stiff until he broke it in. Yahar’gul would be even more difficult than the castle they’d just left, he could sense this. But somehow, Adam also had a feeling that they would make it out all right.

[ecotone99]

[SP] Artisan Grove: Part 3

The first sign of the shadow was a tell tale crack of underbrush breaking underfoot. Tommy was used to the sounds of the redwood forest, but the sound was too loud to have come from a scurrying chipmunk or burrowing squirrel. He paused long enough to glance over his shoulder, confident of his place in the forest but maybe a little leery of running into a mountain lion or bear.

(Stupid boy didn't realize the first thing he heard of a mountain lion would be when it cracked him underfoot.)

Instead of an animal interloper, he found himself staring at a fellow Free Thinker. He only vaguely recognized the older man, and there was something in the almost-stranger's expression that made him think he hadn't been recognized at all. Or maybe he got that impression from the mean looking hunting knife being brandished at him.

"What are you doing out here? I could have sworn I left you with the rest of them..." the not-quite-stranger muttered.

Tommy made a questioning sound. Rest of them, he thought, but couldn't seem to get the words to come out of his mouth.

"I swear, the security around these redwoods gets worse year after year... Yet they're still bringing more'n more people in, aren't they?" He glared at Tommy. "Welp, you've had your fun exploring. Hopefully you won't make it through the night to go telling any tales. C'mon."

Tommy's eyes widened. His heart beat faster. His hands clenched into indignant fists. "Just who do you think I am?" Or -- that was what he meant to say, at least. He'd heard of the saying, cat got your tongue, but hadn't fully understood the implications until now. He couldn't speak!

(Scared stiff also comes to mind.)

He found himself taking a stumbling step backward, away from his fellow brother. I'm a Free Thinker, you idiot! He tried and failed to get passed his lips. Just look at my-- my-- my...

Only now did Tommy remember leaving his ring back at the cabin he was sharing with another brother. He hadn't wanted to lose it in the woods.

The stranger advanced. Tommy's heart kicked up another notch, and the fight or flight instinct freed itself from the primdorial cage in his belly. There was no fighting his way passed that knife, even if he was any good at killing things without a gun, which meant he really only had the one option.

Tommy ran, but he didn't get far. Something heavy and solid and star striking hit him in the back of his head, and he fell with a strangled yelp and a more solid 'thunk' when his unconscious body hit the forest floor.

His pursuer muttered a few choice words about having to do the shittiest jobs and never being given recognition for doing them by his more powerful brethren. But then, that was what Fred was known for doing best: complaining. He was second best at procuring the sacrifical lambs for the Wild Hunt, and only tolerated at the grove because he'd yet to be caught for all of those men and women who went missing year after year.

Sometimes it paid to be a retired paramedic, but only when you knew how to squeeze the job to your advantage.

He picked up the limp kid's body, which was really a job meant for two people, and dragged him back to the holding cells in the camp. Though Fred passed plenty of other brothers on his way - including several who knew Tommy personally - no one had anything to say about the unconscious young man except for jokes about letting one escape for a little early fun.

"Right, fun," Fred growled to himself, halfway back to the holding cells and already long out of breath. "If I'd been having fun, I'd've chased him down close enough to a campfire for roasting."

---

Everything is a throbbing, painful blur for Tommy when he wakes. There's a headache inducing knot on the back of his head that he's having a hard time thinking through -- or is that the result of the drugs that have been pumped into his veins? He fuzzily looks at the telltale needle mark in his left arm, too obvious a place and fresh of a wound to be a forgotten remnant from his late night partying.

(Tommy prefers between the fingers and toes when he's choosing to use a needle, and even then he's more of a nose candy sort of guy. He likes the rush, just like his father.)

It takes several timeless moments for him to realize where he is. He has visited the holding cells before, looking in on the sacrifical lambs waiting for the summer slaughter, but always from the other side of the cage.

This is the first time he's ever been inside of it. Bodies that are not yet dead are slumped all over the room, some of them on cots and others - like him - thrown bonelessly into corners or propped haphazardly on chairs. Some lay in human shaped puddles in front of the chairs, lacking the motor skills to remain on them. (These ones are usually the troublemakers, the ones who make too much noise and have to be subdued with another trip to Dr. Needle's office.)

Standing in quiet clusters near the back of the holding cells are the champion sacrifices -- the ones who've been through this before, survived the experience, and volunteered to go through it again. The rewards for surviving a nightmare like this are more than generous, and some think they're well worth going through it again. They don't need to be subdued with drugs, and it's seen as more of a challenge to let them stay sharp and aware of their surroundings.

Tommy knows he should follow their example. Stay quiet, don't get noticed. Don't be drugged again. Instead, he lurches unsteadily to his feet, laboriously unfolding his limbs and stretching into an awkwardly sloping stand. If not for the wall he uses for support - stone on this end, barred on the far side - he would've ended up on the ground again.

But he makes it to his feet. He (sort of) finds his balance, at least enough to stumble his way over to the barred side of the cell. Tommy leans heavily on the bars, clinging to them for support. His cheek presses against the metal, cooler only for a moment than his flushed skin.

He croaks out a weak, "Help me. Please, brother. Help me!"

The only one there is a hard eyed veteran, a man he knows by sight but not by name. Tommy is more of a party boy than a hardcore member of the Free Thinkers. He hasn't had much use for the ones who manage the sacrifices, though he gets his fair share of jollies out of hunting them.

The man picks up a wooden bar and thwacks his fingers hard enough to leave them numb. Tommy yelps, stumbles backwards. Falls.

"I'm not your brother, kid," the Free Thinker says coldly.

---

Hours later, near sunrise, Tommy finds himself in the belly of the beast. He has tried negotiating with everyone who comes near enough to hear him; has even shouted the names of close friends, fellows who sometimes come close enough to recognize him... But they all pass by without recognition, usually only curious enough to give him a quick glance for seeming to know their names.

The ritual is different when seeing it from inside the owl instead of the outside. The torches cast slick, sinister looking shadows on the concrete walls, and the voices of the Grandmasters echo oddly. Tommy spent some time peering out of the barred windows, but no one looking at the owl will be able to see him. (Even if they could see him, what would the end result be? None of them will recognize him until it's too late.) After coming to that realization, he changes tactics; going instead to the opposite wall, the back of the owl, where there's supposed to be a door.

He finds the door, but of course it can't be opened from this side. He spends several despairing moments scrabbling at the grooves, then pounding his fists on the concrete, to no avail. Moloch's statue is densely insulated to keep the noise in his belly from reaching those on the outside.

(Another symbolic gesture.)

In the end, all Tommy can do is wait. One of the champions who has done this before - a calm woman with a noticeable scar - coaxes him away from the door. They sit next to one another, near enough for her to feel his shudders. He can't say if it's shock, drug withdrawal, or otherwise.

"I have to get out of here," he whispers.

"You will," the woman answers sympathetically. "Just give it a few more minutes."

He notices she doesn't say what will happen once the Judas Horse opens the door from the other side.

(He doesn't recognize her without all of the blood, but he was one of the brothers who gave her the scar. Of everyone who looks at him, only she possesses the ability to See who he is. Perhaps that's why she doesn't warn him of what is coming next.)

When he does, Tommy is one of the last to leave the owl. At first, he plans to run away from the throng toward the cabins. All he needs is his ring, and then he'll be recognizable! Maybe, in wearing the ring, his brothers and sisters will hear his desperate mental cries for help. Every single one of them waiting out there are telepaths, so they should hear his projections, but it's like shouting for help inside of Moloch Himself.

Or if he can just find Owen... Surely Owen will recognize him! (Will he? The question doesn't come from him organically, though he can't tell the difference, and it's haunting. If his closest friends haven't recognized him, what will his blood brother see if they come face-to-face with one another?)

Unfortunately, his plans are spoiled. More vaguely recognizable brothers, dressed all in black, are waiting at the perimeters. They all have cattle prods, and they wield them without mercy when any of the sacrifices, recognizable in their toga-like robes, tries to go anywhere except into the redwood forest.

Finally, after several stings from the cattle prods, Tommy stops trying to get back to his cabin. He heads into the forest, well aware of what will happen to any lamb who is caught too close to camp when the hunters have finished gathering their weapons and drinking their ceremonial cup of blood wine.

© 2019 and beyond.

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