Guardians: Requiem of a Slumbering God (IC)

[Snowbluff]

The Guardians' HQ Tower
Old Alexandria

Rain pelts the windows, obscuring dark skies above and an old city below. Distantly, thunder roars. The interior of the tower is well kept. The black granite floors are polished to a mirror. White marble walls do not carry a single smudge, and allowing their bolt-like patterns to burn in stark relief with each flash of lighting. It's sterile, like a hospital waiting room.

Before you is a wooden door, slightly ajar, and behind that is an argument over the telephone.

"What do you mean you don't know what I know mean by 'Pavlovian?' There is no way you don't know what that means. It's your job to know what it means!" comes a woman's voice. "No, not precisely, Caerulea. I don't have to argue semantics with you, just train him properly!" Sissy slams her phone onto the table, and it can be heard bouncing onto the floor.

You had been called here to receive an assignment. Several of you are already full fledged guardians, but one of you is an apprentice, and another, an apprentice to be.

Tora stands idly buy, waiting to be called into the room with the rest of you. She's a tall catfolk, with tan skin, red hair, and black stripes on her skin. Her eyes are hazel, and very sharp, but also carry a certain coldness, a lack of light reflected, that wasn't always there. She's wearing the Guardians coat, though it's far darker than the standard white and black. It's well tailored, allowing the proud tigress to show off her figure. She had only recently completely her training under Diael, the guardian that had recently turned on the organization. She strokes her face, deep in thought. It's been a tumultuous and trying time for her, but now is not the time for sentimentality. Diael has only two surviving apprentices, and his works and projects must be continued, if not for the betterment of the order, for his legacy...

A sound snaps Tora back to this world. "I'm sorry, you can come in now!" Sissy calls. Inside the room is a white horn nephilim. Horn is a bit of a misnomer, as she has a pair of feather-like antennae poking out from her short blonde hair. She brushes a few strands away from her white eyes, which give her an eerie, macabre appearance. She's wearing a Guardian coat as well, but with standard shades and a black turtleneck underneath it. She leans back, nearly sitting on her wooden desk. The room is lined with shelves of books and strange statues. On the mahogany desk is a laptop, a few manila folders, and a photograph. "Oh good, you're all here, well, except for Caerulea. Fat lot of good she is."

[BelGareth]

Eitri had sat on the first available chair in the room, instantly murmuring and mumbling figures, charts, and formulas to himself. He wore a grey flight suit, that fit him well, and was loose enough that it didn’t restrict the productive man in his endeavors. His Guardian coat was on top of it, almost like an after thought, half of the collar was haphazardly tucked underneath itself.

He wore his beard as proud as could be, and while you might think it would get in his way, he apparently did not, as if the spirits of his ancestors kept it trimmed and neat for him, keeping it out of the way as he worked. Which, oddly, was not far from the truth, as he had a literally ancestor floating above his shoulder, it was in fact, what….or whom, he was talking to. The glowing ball of light pulsed in response, emitting a quiet tone every now and then, it was almost gentle, like that of a harp string gently being blown in the wind.

Eitri looked up after being addressed “…oh wait, what?” He said, muttering, interrupting his own train of thought to attend this one.

“Yes, yes.” As if in agreement, you’re not sure he heard the statement.

[Xgya]

Proto

A misshapen construct with one arm too big and another too small looks at the scene with attention. He wears a shield on his back, a small metallic plate obviously not made for him. When people are asked to come in, he starts making a light buzzing sound and steps from one foot to the next.

The shield detaches itself from his back, floating at ground level, flat, and metallic flaps open, making it much larger than before. A metallic-hued angel appears from a hole in the very fabric of reality, four feet tall and seemingly made out of glistening silver. The cherubim takes a small look around and barks a quick order.

"Number Two, standard protocol.
Keep ready to open The Tower."

The construct jumps onto the shield and disappears in turn as the hole vanishes.

"Defense Drone, rest mode."

The shield folds itself yet again and disappears into the angel, sliding into his back seamlessly.

"Proto, present and alert.
Why did you need my services?"

[PeacefulOak]

Kiehran

If a single word could be used to describe the individual that walks in next, that word would be 'style'. The suit is soft grey crushed velvet, three pieces over a brilliant white silk shirt and complimented by a narrow black tie. A shoulder-cape in the colors of the guardians hangs rakishly over his shoulders, swaying slightly around his lean body as he saunters forward and leans on the arm of one of the chairs. His hair is swept back as always between his long grey horns that stretch back from each brow, spilling loose down to the nape of his neck. A sardonic smile adorns his face and he nods respectfully at the full Guardians that enter the room before returning his attention to Sissy.

"Now, what has my diminutive mistress done to upset you this time?" His smile spreads a bit further, the gleam of white teeth showing against his pale skin. He follows the question with a thought, directly to Sissy. Is it something I can help with?

[Yasahiro]

Ash

The next one to enter the room was a fresh off the university young looking man. Unbutton coat and black shirt, along with black loose pants were what he wore. Collapsing into the first empty chair and brushing off his two-colored hair from his eyes he asked with a slight smile.

"What we fightin' this time? Is it leprechauns?"

[Togo]

Chashne

A lurid globe of bluish white light zips into the room, followed by two more. They spin in a tight circle, a dizzying triad of whirling light, casting shadows on the walls that flicker around like sundials on a three second week.

A moment later, Chashne swings into the doorway. He has the mussed fur and too-bright eyes of one who didn't get much sleep last night, and the maniac grin of someone who very much enjoyed not getting it.

Am I late?

One of the globes breaks off from the whirl and resolves into a small figure, beating jewelled insect wings, trailing sparks behind him, who settles on Chashne's shoulder with a staccato chatter.

[Snowbluff]

The Guardians' HQ Tower
Old Alexandria

"Argh, stay out of my head! Life if hard enough with one mind mage in it," Sissy complains, while frowning and rubbing her temples. "Listen, if she listened to me, it won't be your problem anymore, so I shouldn't tell you, Fiery. And, Chashy, try leaving earlier next time. You should manage your time better, and the only thing that gives me more headaches than telepathy are flashing lights. Anyway, I've got you all here for an assignment, and I think we're bringing in a new apprentice."

Tora is momentarily distracted by Eitri's disheveled visage. She shakes her head at him. "Yes, right," Tora says. She pats Proto on the head. "You know how you wanted join up? Well, I had a few talks, and pulled a few strings. They said I could train you." Tora flips her hair, while sporting a smug smile.

"Yep. Sounds like you already know a lot about magic, and you've already worked with Tora for a while. Really, it's a formality at this point. Should piece of cake." Sissy pats Proto on the head, and hands him a clipboard and a stack of papers to record his information. "Don't worry if you can't fill in some of the stuff. Like, you don't think anyone would call their kid Sissy, right? As for the assignment, for the last time we are not hunting leprechauns. We're hunting no fey until further notice. It's bad enough around here without the guys over in Faerie poking their noses around here."

"I agree, especially after the last time." Tora shudders.

Sissy snickers. "Are you sure? You looked great in that dress!" Her snickering breaks into full laughter while holding her chest.

Tora blushes and covers her face with her hand. "It's the principle of the thing! I don't want another mess like last time. Fey are a huge pain."

Sissy gets a hold of herself, wiping a tear from her eye, glancing at T'kit. "Present company excluded, right?" Tora scoffs in response. "Listen, I finally got all of the red tape around Diael's work cleared up. Funny how a bunch of of the council getting killed can loosen up the bureaucracy around here." She looks at Tora. "It's between you and Caerulea to make sure his works are passed down, through you and to your apprentices. You'll be working together on this."

Tora scowls. "That's great," she says sarcastically. "Actually, where is she? Weren't you two partners?"

"She's been acting up lately. Normally I can keep her together, but she says she won't do anything without a majority vote of the council, and since we don't have a majority of the council, that's not happening."

"Trouble in paradise?"

"Ha! She was never very keen on being teamed up with me, but I don't have a problem with her. She's a grown woman now, so I shouldn't have been babysitting her in the first place. You should go talk to her. Maybe promises of an interesting project will get her interested."

For the record, the tower is Dimension Locked. In fact, Chash would know this, because he helped Rebecca do it before she died.

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

"A job, is it? Care to give us some details?"

[Yasahiro]

Ash

He shrugs. "Then what are we fightin? Godzilla? I bet it's Godzilla then! Harry will definitely want to check it out... unless he made it by accident?" There was no sarcasm at all in Ash's voice when he asked both these questions. He was fully aware how Harry could be

[BelGareth]

Eitri merely eyes Sissy, and is unsure if a mission was even talked about, all he heard about was a new member, he kept quiet, the pulsing orb next to his left shoulder pulsed quietly and whistled a low tone.

"I know grandfather, but we all can't be so blunt" he whispered.

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto, still floating, looks at the assembled team, and answers back.

"Your trust is appreciated.
Will endeavor to deserve it.
As for paperwork, Number Two has no assigned tasks at present.

This new mission is likely part of training.
Where is this assignment?
What tasks are Guardians supposed to undertake?"

[Snowbluff]

The Guardians' HQ Tower
Old Alexandria

Sissy squints at Ash. "No, that'd be dumb. If there is one thing the guardians ain't, it's stupid. And same to you, orby." Sissy points an accusing finger at Eitri's grandfather.

"How about you give me those folders and we can be on our way?" Tora asks.

"Yeah, yeah." Sissy hands that stack of folders to Tora. "It's all of the things you and your master were working on before, uh, some things happened. Now, it's been awhile, so I want to make sure you read through those. Mostly you'll be dealing with the cult that was hanging around, as well as finally excavating that damn lab." She hands the paperwork to Proto's robot. "Like we said, you won't be getting any real training, because you've already worked with Tora, and nobody has time for that." She shoos out the team. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have something to do. Probably. Go find Caerulea and tell her to work with you."

"See ya, Sissy. We'll talk later." Tora says, waving and heading out the door.

[Togo]

You're assuming that prioritising my time would mean more time here...

Chashne exchanges a glance with his tiny familiar, and the whirling globes abruptly snap out. T'kit's glow fades to a mere aurora.

Protty's a good choice. Making magic stuff is still magic, right? And he understands all that planar theory stuff better than m-... better than, ah.. some people.

T'kit chirps a question.

Uh.. yeah, better than you even. He's pretty good. So... you two are going to be going through Diael's old stuff? How are you going to know what it is? Heck, he was a master of illusion - how are you going to know if you've found it?

He pulls up a chair, turns it around and sits down, leaning forward intently.

But I guess we shouldn't get distracted by details. We need to focus on what's really, really important. So... tell us about Tora and this dress!

[Yasahiro]

Ash

While he just kept his smile at the remark about stupidity, He sat up a bit straighter at Sissy's next words.
"A cult? Oh okay so heathens, should've been my first guess. It's always heathens."

Ah yes, time to bring down the wrath of merciful Oberon down on the heads of cultists, unless they repent of course. But first...

"Now do tell more about the dress incident. We're all curious, I see."

[Xgya]

Proto

"Cultists?
This could prove harmful.
Will be on my guard."

Proto gives a slight bow at the compliment.

"I carry a full library of planar cohesion theory on my person at all times.
If you did, you would know much more about it too.

As for piercing illusions, I have a few methods.
None of which are certain to work.
That is unfortunate, but we will deal accordingly."

[BelGareth]

Eitri panics a little when she glares at grandfather. He forgot everyone else could see him too.

He frowns and follows everyone out of the office, listening intently about the cultists.

[Snowbluff]

The Guardians' HQ Tower
Old Alexandria

"Well, it's really a funny story-" Sissy starts. However, she is interrupted by Tora grabbing Chashne by the back of his collar, and dragging him out of the room. "I'll message you them! It's great!" Sissy calls as the door is slammed.

"I think I know my way around Diael's works. I was around for most of the time he was making them," Tora says to Chashne. Chashne knows this, as they started as apprentices around the same time. Rebecca, Chasne's Master, was frequently with odds with Diael, and by extention, Tora. "You're probably going to have to stay in the mansion. You live on the northside of the bay, right? Commuting across the water to Umbria everyday will be a chore otherwise." Tora leads the group through the marble and granite halls, her footsteps echoing off the walls and windows. The building looks so devoid of life. The Guardians are a fairly large organization, but this tower dwarfs their numbers in sheer size, rising far above the abandoned city below. It doesn't help that most Guardians aren't stationed here, but are deployed elsewhere. It gives the impression the building is somehow toxic to mortals.

"As for the cult, there was a problem with some Sheol Cultists. There numbers were few, but they kept interfering with excavations, pilfering items, and claiming religious rights over artifacts. We never did figure out exactly what they were up to, but we thought they might have gotten to a few relics before we did. At the very least we should check them out, see if their little group has grown, and make sure they aren't hiding anything dangerous or hurting people," Tora continues.

She stops at Caerulea's door, finally dropping Chashne. "Hey, we're heading out." Tora calls inside.

Inside, a young human woman with blonde hair, split into many tails and highlighted a deep blue, stands at a chalkboard full of advanced mathematical and magical formulae. Her guardian coat has a peculiar, layered design around the waist, forming a lotus petal like skirt that goes down to her knees, nearly meeting her socks. She never wears her boots in her office, so they are sitting in the corner. Her eyes, are cold, dissatisfied, and a deep black, like staring into the bottom of the ocean. Her thin face is adorned with dark makeup.

Fierhan's mouth has been getting dry as he approached the room, but fortunately Caerulea absentmindedly throws a mint at him from a bowl on her desk, keeping her eyes on the board. It's weird how she always seems to know exactly when Fierhan could use one, but it's free candy and the only thing nice she seems to do. "Child." She suddenly calls to her apprentice, still focusing on her work. "Sadly, Sissy says I should not be giving you anything nice anymore. Perhaps in the future, you should keep my little treats a secret from her. You know authority can ruin people. Just a little taste and they start interfering with even the little things. You agree that your life is better with the mints I so generously purchase to keep you happy, correct?" Her voice carried a forced sweetness. She puts down her chalk, and turns to face Tora. "As for you, sister, I will admit that I am disinclined to leave the building. I have a lot of engaging work to be done."

"Yeah, that's why I figured you'd be holed up in your office," Tora admits. "However, I have something for you. A project that you've been barred from for a while."

Caerulea's eyes widen, and she smiles a little, revealing very sharp teeth. "No. You can't mean that our master's work has been released."

"Indeed it has," Tora says, smirking and holding up the stack of manila folders. "Two decades of work, passed down to us. That's including after you completed your apprenticeship and the work he did during mine. Your eyes have never laid upon it, I believe." Caerulea takes a step forward, reaching for the files, but Tora pulls them back. "However, they were released to me. I can offer you time with it, on one condition."

Caerulea frowns, and places her hands on her hips. "Well, you catty, conniving woman, name your price."

"You and your errand boy join us in Umbria. That's where most of Diael's work was being done, and where his active missions were based," Tora says.

"I understand having me involved," Caerulea argues, "but bringing the child with me? I will contest that notion. Having another agent will incur another cost." She licks her lips hungrily, interested in another morsel.

"Nope, he's useless," Tora says flippantly. "You would have to bring him anyway. As a major long term assignment, you're required to have him tag along."

Caerulea grimaces. "Very well." She acquiesces. "I'll have to take some time to gather my belongings and research. I can't leave a good work undone. Diligence is a virtue, as the Master would say." She starts picking up files and disks, organizing them into a briefcase.

Make a will save versus mind-affecting.

You remember the cult. In general, forming a cult openly like they did is against the Edicts of Sheol, who preferred secret organizations. This held especially true after the other Elves started attacking Sheol worshippers. However, they didn't seem particularly dangerous, so revealing your identity to them in order to have them quiet down didn't seem worth it.

[Yasahiro]

Ash

He watched Tora drag out Chashne out of the room, waited for them to leave, then directed his stare towards Sissy. Calmly, he stood up and dusted himself off.

"Now, while that might be a hilarious story, how about ye message it also to me, alright? Will be a right barrel of laughs. But, you know, we got heathens to deal with."

He tipped his non-existent hat and walked out of the room after the group. For as long as this takes them, they will be his posse, whether he wants it or not. So he'd rather know what's up. The robo angel of the group, well if he is an actual angel then good for them. Always happy to have them on their side! Orb Santa, he was a bit odd but he could work with that. Sissy's remark to "stylish" suit man being to stay out of her head made him happy he is protected, Caerulea is making another herself, but it's a man instead, it seems. Globe man, 'Chash' he thought his name was, seemed like a fun guy. But enough of that! Time to visit the girl who doesn't know the concept of personal thoughts, as that was where his group was headed.

"Oi!" he said, after joining up "Ye blokes forgot someone, but that's fine. Gave Sissy enough time to finish tellin' that story 'bout you Tora!" He finished, with a grin.


Spot [roll0]
Knowledge Religion [roll1]

Will save [roll2]

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto seems to speak to himself for a second, though his tone of voice doesn't lower.

"Irresponsible.
Heathens, or misguided?
Need more data"

Ignoring the rest of the conversation, he resumes his next assignment.

"Apprehend the cultists.
Discover if they stole anything of value.
Make sure they aren't planning anything dangerous.

Anything else?"

[Togo]

Chashne

He nods uncertainly. Umbria, fine. Mansion fine. He says, more to keep it straight in his own head than because he really thinks anyone gives a rat's ass whether he wants to go or not. This was a time for momentum, not planning, because...

His eyes widened.

Because someone else wanted the same thing? The cultists, certainly, but was there more? Tora was getting a group together, quickly, before the site was looted? But that would explain urgency weeks ago, not now. No, she was moving quickly because the decision had just been made.

And a decision made could be unmade. Or thwarted by direct action. Oh, the joys of politics.

Or maybe he was just being paranoid, and they were taking a large group because, cultists. But he hadn't missed the way Caerula folded almost instantly, even though she'd supposedly been stalling. Or that they'd had difficulty getting a majoirty in Council. From the sound it of they still didn't have one, and yet a decision had been reached anyway...

He wasn't going to make that next concert.

So.. how are we going to get there? He found his mouth asking. Apport? The port? Or Porter? The last was the local ostler, whose stable of steady but unremarkable beasts had furnished the inconspicuous mounts he'd used on detached missions in the past.

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

The young Nephilim glares at both Tora and Caerulea, clearly annoyed at their use of him as a "useless bargaining chip". In an instant he delves Tora's mind, swirling through a torrent of frustration and annoyance. His own annoyance softens a moment later, but he suddenly flinches and takes a half-step back at a fierce point of intent forms in the Guardian's mind.

"As I am certain you are both quite aware I am anything but useless. For instance," his shape flickers becoming identical to that of Tora, and his voice becomes a very close approximate of hers, "you can see that I would be quite useful at infiltrating the cultists and opening a path from within, and perhaps sowing some discord while I'm there." He reverts to his own form, and his own natural voice. "Never mind my own natural capacity for making... friends. I am very certain that I will be of use during this mission."

He keeps his distance from Tora for the moment, aware of a certain momentary animosity. He does flash her a smile, though.

[Xgya]

Proto

The cherubim listens to Fiehran's arguments and nods his head once, then twice, slowly, but clearly agreeing with the nephilim.

"I concur.
Would rather befriend than rout.
The cultists might have intel we cannot afford to lose.

Fiehran's attributes will complement our group well."

[Snowbluff]

The Guardians' HQ Tower
Old Alexandria


Tora rolls her eyes at Ash. "That's not for you to know," she says icily.

"A horse is right out. There is no way I am not getting Sissy to teleport us. Have you seen the weather outside, child?" Caerulea asks Chashne. "Actually, I have a call to make." Caerulea picks up her phone and dials a number. "Sissy, I've agree to help my sister in arts, but one condition.. Yes, only one condition... I just need you to teleport use to Umbria... Yes, this is the only way I'll do it... If not for me, do it for Tora. You don't want her in the rain. Her tail fur will get wet... Yes. Excellent. Tora will be pleased." Caerulea hangs up. "Good news, sister. I have secured teleportation for our trip. You will be safe and dry for the evening."

Tora rubs the bridge of her nose. "And you call me conniving," she mutters. It takes her a moment to realize that Fierhan is speaking. She turns to see that the nephilim has taken her form. "That's flattering, but I will have to ask you to not use me as a disguise. The cultists might think something is up if you're someone who stands out as much as me." Tora flips her hair with her hand again.

Caerulea has a less generous response, scathingly chastising Fierhan. "That's tame, child. I don't remember raising such a milquetoast pet. Proceed to dominate the members instead. There is little room for error that way." Caerulea finishes packing her briefcase. "Of course, we could ally ourselves with them, or send in a plainclothes guardian as a faux inductee," she says to Proto.



Tora enjoys her own visage to an incredible degree, and is slightly flattered. She is the most beautiful Guardian, nay, woman in the world! However, her feelings wander into disgust when she realizes what Fierhan could be doing with her appearance. Thinking further, she's also a little insulted. She knows Fierhan's habit of finding his way into women's beds. Why settle for a 5 or a 6 when he can be a 10 whenever he wants? Despicable. Someone is going to have to learn to worship the ground she walks on to make up for this.

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

A rich throaty chuckle is followed by a thought. Forgive me, oh glorious leader. It was not my intent to offend, simply to prove my use. As for your other...
worry... the appearance is just that, an appearance. Nothing tactile, and I would never dream of attempting such a thing. The thoughts convey sincere honesty. Besides which, to consider yourself a 10 is selling yourself short. You're an 11 at the very least!

Fiehran's eyes tighten at his teacher's words, and he growls his response. "I am not your pet, Caerulea. You are my teacher and sponsor with the Guardians, but you do not own me.
As for domination.... as you know I feel my way tends to last longer and produce cleaner results. Perhaps one day we will have the opportunity to test the differences."

He glares at her in annoyance, and subtly flicks his fingers in her direction.

In irritation, Fiehran is using Voracious Dispelling on Caerulea. There are -no- verbal or somatic components (spell-like ability), so unless someone is watching with Detect Magic going, they likely will not know it happened. Nevermind that part... ><

He figures that at best it will be a minor irritant to her.

As it is a targeted Dispel, I roll a CL check versus every effect she has active on her. I can take 10 on CL checks, which nets me a total of 20. I wonder if I should roll, though...

First three effects I'll roll for, then take 10 for the rest (total of 20)
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Snowbluff]

The Guardians' HQ Tower
Old Alexandria

Caerulea smiles, nonplussed by Fierhan's magical jab. "Oh, of course, child!" Caerulea squishes Fierhan's cheeks with her hand, carrying the briefcase in her other one. "You're a good boy. Now make sure to eat the mint I gave you. It was expensive and I don't want your mouth to bother you, child. Then, we can propose a trial run to test the various methods of infiltration."


"Ha! Very well, if you're interesting in making recompense through compliments, I suggest you stop carelessly casting spells on me, or any other guardian, for that matter. That is to say, get out and stay out of my head," Tora replies via telepathy, using a smug tone. "Besides, we need everyone to know how astonishingly magnificent you think I am. Praise via telepathy will not count."

Tora is now thinking of the mostly horrible things she can in order to dissuade further Mind Reading. It's becoming more and more obvious that she's seen terrible things, in both appearance and action. Your apprenticeship has been a cakewalk compared to hers so far.

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Pulling his face free, he turns to Tora and bows deeply. "Well then, oh magnificent leader, shall we be away before your beauty robs us mere mortals of the ability to do aught other than admire you?"

With the attention hopefully turned from him for a moment, he pops the mint into his mouth. Good boy my left...

[Yasahiro]

Ash

He spoke no more when Tora told him to forget about the dress thing. But he still had his grin on his face.

However his smile was slowly dropping as he watched Caerulea's apprentice just... do his stuff. He actually was worse than her, it seemed. How should he reply to him? Ah yes, good ol' jabs. He took an overexaggerated look at the suit and pointed at Fiehran.

"Ya know, from the way ye'r actin', but the way you're dressed, I'd say you only bought that because you were lost on your way to Hot Topic and only bought that to not come back empty handed." he said, his face the definition of the word serious.

[Togo]

Chashne is leaning against the wall, his arms folded, one long leg bent so that his foot rests against it. Taking a break, but clearly ready to move.

He inclines his head towards Eitri, and says softly.

We've got a minute while they finish slugging each other with the ahh... 'Subtle Arts'. See, I just ask people. I find it works better in the long run. Of course I don't know if it would work better for them... His voice trails off as Fiehran turns on his teacher And if it did work better, whether they'd ever admit- oops, we've reached the insults now. C'mon, we'll be moving soon.

He straightens up. So.. we making any other stops before we go back to Sissy? The mansion is pretty well equipped from what I remember, but that was a while ago...

He mentally crosses his fingers. He doubted they really needed anything, but Guardians arguing about practical details are Guardians not melting each other's brains.

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto gives one of his rare smiles as he overhears Chasne's comments.

"Addendum to my earlier statement.
His skill set is useful.
The attitude needs some work."

Then, adding his voice to the conversation.

"Our briefing is over.
I have not been corrected on my statement.
Hereby assuming it was accurate.
Should we not be on our way?
We are giving them more time to prepare.
They must know we are coming."

[Snowbluff]

The Guardians' HQ Tower
Old Alexandria

Caerulea pats Fierhan on the head in praise. She gives him a toothy smile. It's like looking into a sharks mouth. "We'll have to meet Sissy towards the outside of the building on the first floor. Most of the building is warded against dimensional travel." The mint handles the dry mouth problem well. It's a good mint.

"Well, he has at least some good taste," Tora says smugly to Ash. "Anyway, I have everything I need. I'll head down with you guys."

The team walks down another hallway and all pile into an elevator, taking it all the way down the tower. From there, it's another long walk to the edge. There is a lobby just outside the tower's defenses, which is used by the Guardians that teleport. The lobby is similar to the hallways, but the ceiling is much higher, and sports a lovely chandelier. In the back of the lobby is an empty reception desk. flanked by two large wooden doors.

Sissy stands there tapping her foot. "Alright, do we have everything? I have cat videos to get back to," she says.

"I am well prepared," Caerulea says. "I appreciate you coming to our aid. Clearly the organization benefits from your efforts to improve efficiency."

"Well, I didn't do it for you. I'm still mad that you ignored my first call anyway."

"Anyway, thanks Sissy," Tora says. "I know this takes your precious time and spell slots."

"Well, you know I couldn't bare the thought of you having to travel out there." Sissy gestures through the glass exterior doors to the storm outside. She smiles meekly.

[BelGareth]

Eitri is trying his best to not get annoyed by the pandering show that is Caerulea and Sissy. He had a raised eyebrow for the entire conversation, and was lost in thought about making anew hammer, a slip in his judgement and a momentary loss in concentration found him staring into Caerulea's eyes for a little too long. It had been a while, and she was pretty. Nonetheless, grandfather chimed him back to reality, and he stood, again, perplexed by these confusing women.

Why couldn't they all just go about their business, why the cat show? He thought to himself.

But, answering the question, he nodded "I'm always packing, ready to go when you all are."

[Yasahiro]

Ash

He shrugged at Tora's words towards him, still keeping that smile.

"In regards to people, maybe. But yer looks are easy to praise, ye just need to state the obvious beauty ye hold. If it were me I'd rather compliment yer heart you put into all you do, or your smarts without which this group would fall apart, eh?." he said, sincerity in his voice. Even now, after what happened and after so long Tora is still doing the best she can... and this group they are going as would probably still be sittin on their butts

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Biting down on the mint so that he can clear his mouth, Fiehran speaks. "Yes, let us be off. Things to do, cults to infiltrate, organizations to undermine..." he chuckles. "In other words, a normal day. Shall we?"

[Snowbluff]

The Guardians' HQ Tower
Old Alexandria

Caerulea notices Eitri's stare. She's tilts her head quizzically at first, but a moment later she's smiling and giving Eitri a wink.

Tora accepts Ash's praise gracefully. "Well, thanks! I think we got this. After all, this is a rather large team. We're a force to be reckoned with for sure," she says. "It looks like everyone is ready to go, Sissy."

Sissy nods, taking Tora's hand. "Alright, everyone, time to circle up, and hold hands. I'm not making another round trip after this."

Guardian Mansion
Umbria, Frontieria

The team does so, and suddenly the noise from the noise stops, replaced by a gentle breeze. The scenery has changed as well. Instead of inside of the tower, the team is now on a sidewalk in from a brick mansion. The weather is gloomy and overcast in the suburbs of the Frontierian center of commerce, but it is still nice than it is in Alexandria.

"Alright, we're here," Tora says. "Thanks so much, Sissy."

"Aw, shucks. It was nothing, Tora. Just call me if you need anything," Sissy replies. She gives Tora a quick hug, and disappears again.

Caerulea walks up to the door with her breifcase, waiting for Tora to open it for her. "Alright, I'll be just a minute," Tora starts. "I think Proto, Fierhan, and Chashne are staying with us as well." She looks at Ash and Eitri. "You two live in the area, right? I'm sure you two will want to be back in your own beds tonight. Just meet us here tomorrow at noon, so we can work on our plan to infiltrate the cult, as it seems that it has made it to the top of our list. As for the rest of you, I'll be giving a tour."

As Eitri and Ash get ready to leave, Tora unlocks the front door. "It has been a while since I've been here," Caerulea says, "and I've never spent a night here, either. I trust there are plenty of rooms for us."

Tora leads the team into the foyer. It has a few doors leading to either side, and a pair of staircases going up to a balcony on the second floor. The floor is carefully arranged and patterned hardwood, and the walls are papered with a subtle, refined white of a previous century. "Yeah, there should be rooms for all of us, as well as lab space for you and Proto," Tora replies.


Yasa and Bel, feel free to head to and describe your dwellings.
I think Bel has a large apartment, and Yasa had a small house?

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto stops once inside. He definitely is unsatisfied by his current lack of information and asks a few questions out loud, hoping either Tora or Cae will feel concerned.

"Any further instructions?
Where should we start?
Do we have any already available data besides the fact they're cultists?
Anything we should do before heading to rest?
Anything needs doing before noon tomorrow?
Are we free until then?
Was our expedition known to anyone besides present company?
Should we expect some form of unwanted attention?
Where is that lab space?
What do you mean by that?
Are there furnitures?
Supplies?"

His list of questions goes by very fast, with no breaks or intermissions between them. Once he's done enumerating, he stands still, floating in midair and waiting for answers.

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Smiling over at Proto, Fiehran says "For myself, I know where we are now. I'm going to go looking for our quarry and see if I can't find some information. Let me know if anything comes up!" He waves his cell phone at the group, and heads back out the door.

Pressing a button, he speaks again. "Hey Siri, where is the nearest speakeasy?"

Assuming we're OK to have cell phones?

[roll0] Gather Information. Does an iPhone count as a masterwork tool for Knowledge and Gather Information checks? ;)

[Snowbluff]

The Guardians' HQ Tower
Old Alexandria

"Wow, slow down a second Proto," Tora says. "It's getting late in the day, and I still haven't eaten anything since before I picked you up. It's also a little foolish to be asking what we do next or even what we have if I haven't gotten the chance to check out our building." She sighs. "It's been two years before we had anyone looking at this cult. Back then we knew a few meeting places, and that they had about 20 members. We never really got the chance to track down their leader before..." Tora's voice trails off.

Feirhan's iotaPhone chirps up. "tHat dEpends. wHat sUbstance aRe wE sElling tOday?" it asks unhelpfully.


Terra doesn't have Google, so you'd take a -5 gather info on whatever off brand search engine it has. Furthermore, it will still take the requisite hours to complete.

Also it's not an iPhone. :P

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

"Useless thing..." Tucking the phone back into a pocket, Fiehran continues down the road on his search for information. His form shimmers briefly as he walks away, and he is now a young human male with short blond hair, blue eyes, a nose-ring, and a goth/punk attitude and style.

[Yasahiro]

Ash

Once more, he tipped his non-existant Fedora.

"Alrite, ye lads and lady have a good night to y'all!" With that, he left the scene, calmly going towards his own place. Might have used his spells but why waste em?

And it was his own. A small two story house, with a garden. His pay as Guardian was enough to let him afford it, and he was happy for it. He entered the house, seeing the lights still on. Kicking off his shoes at entrance he said a bit louder "Oy, I'm h- I mean, Hey Chelsea, I'm home!" He coughed mid sentence, dropping the accent as he entered the living room.

[Togo]

Chashne starts nosing around the house, climbing the stairs and looking around with an optimistic air.

Is there anywhere in particular you want me? He asks carefully, admiring the fin de siècle subdued harmony of the patterns wood and pale walls. With a rapid chittering, and trailing sparks, a glowing ball of light rises up above him, and splits into two, then three, then four, all of which suddenly go racing off in different directions, lighting up the house as they go.

Sorry, he's bit excited... Speaking of which, do we know what the neighbours are like? When I practice it can get a bit... loud. I don't want to get us into trouble.

As for food, hmm. Unless there's a staff or someone wants to cook, we're either looking at a restaurant or take-out. Since it's raining hard and we have a house to explore, I'd say take-out. Are there any fliers on the mat, or in the sideboard? Or.. there's supposed to be a Shoka place around here that I've heard good things about, if people are ok with spiced skewers and flatbread?

He shrugs. After that... are we starting anything tonight, or waiting until tomorrow?

I'll guess at a mechanic here, and GM can overrule as required.
[roll0] bardic knowledge is totally going to cover rumours of the best restaurants, right? Low roll means it's not that good after all?
Actually finding it, or it's phone number, may be harder - Gather information [roll1], -5 if all we have to use are people's phones.

[Xgya]

Proto

"I am not hungry.
Never am.
Angels get sustenance differently from mortals.

The Tower needs dusting.
I need a proper place to shove the dust away."

He closes his eyes momentarily, and speaks to himself.

"Number Two, prepare for tower access.
Secure Timmy Mk II.
Cleaning process commencing shortly."

He then turns to Tora.

"Where can I have dust settle without causing issues?
Preferably near a window.
Or another place I can easily push it out of."

[BelGareth]

Eitri nods as he was 'dismissed' slightly embarrassed by what had happened, he was happy to go home and busy himself with some work. Grandfather beeped and bopped, he ignored him mostly, he had no care to talk architecture at this moment.

Opening his door, he tossed his coat onto the coach and moved directly to the forge door, entering the secret code, the door opened and allowed him in.

What to work on? he thought.

His grandfather beeped audibly.

Yes, that is a good idea. He needed a new vest.

Grabbing the raw materials, he set about working on something new, it wasn't really within his wheel house, not his ideal project, it definitely was no piece of armor or weapon, but still, something he needed.

[Snowbluff]

The Guardian Mansion
Umbria, Frontieria
Chashne know of plenty of good places to eat. He can take his pick of any style.

"Well, let me get you a room, guys," Tora says. Tora starts with Proto, taking him to the far side of the building. "Remember Diael's old lab? I think I can give it to you." She opens a large pair of doors, revealing a ball room that has been converted into a lab for Tora's old master. The windows have had power air conditioning units install, which are capable of dropping the room's temperature below freezing, thanks to the insulation upgrades that have been put in place. There are a dozen aluminum tables polished to a shine, with a grid of power, gas, air, vacuum, and water cables hanging above.

There is also a large number of ice sculptures. Presumably the cooling equipment was installed in order to keep them from melting when Diael worked on them, but considering how well they have held up, it was a fruitless endeavor.

Caerulea gives a low whistle. "I've never been inside this lab before." She slaps a hand onto one of the statues, which is the image of a woman similiar looking to Sissy. "These are incredible. I wonder how far his research got."

"Not very far," Tora says bitterly. "So, Proto, I think this gives you a little more space that your handy portable tower. Since you're now part of the lineage, I think it would be appropriate that you use it." She starts down another hallway. "As for you, Chashne, we'll settle for something less extreme. You do have to sleep, so we'll give you a bedroom."

A couple rooms down is a bedroom. Dusty, but with plenty of room for Chashne. There is a king sized bed, a wardrobe, a desk, and an old TV. "Also, you do a lot of music, right? We had one of the rooms in the basement sound proofed. I can show it to you later," Tora says with a smile. "Now, am I forgetting something?"

"Yes," Caerulea says in a matter of fact one. "My pet has wandered off. I'll find him a room later."

Wandering off in the streets
Umbria, Frontrieria

Fierhan, disguised as a goth, is going through the suburban neighborhood. He spies a couple of people in robes in hobes hanging out at an outdoor area to a cafe.

Ash's House

Chelsea, Ash's maid, because that's how this man likes to spend his money, pokes her out from from the kitchen. She is a tall woman with little red horns poking out from her long black hair. Her eyes are red as well, which is common for a nephilim with red horns. She is pale, an has a slight pinched, unhealthy look to her. In her hands are a pair of chopsticks and a box of Chinese food. "Oh hey, boss. Didn't know ya would be home so soon.I thought it would take hours to get back from the other side of the bay. I'll put some dinner on for you." Chelsea turns around, accidentally slapping her tail into the doorway. "OUCH!"

Eitri's apartment

When Eitri enters his secret lair, he notices something odd. Familiar blue feathers are scattered all over the floor, inconsiderate molting of a self-invited guest, who has either stolen Eitri's password or know way more about hacking locks than she lets on. On the bench is a pile of sheets and blankets, unceremoniously ripped from Eitri's bed. Concealed beneath those is most assuredly Clarity Clemens, snoring very loudly.

[Yasahiro]

Ash

It was just a tail slammin in doorway, equivalent of stubbing one's toe against a chair leg or something. Still, he winced a bit.

"First off, you okay? And second, yeah. Didn't expect I would be getting a lift from work but that's what they did."

He just flopped down onto the couch, savoring how good it felt. It wasn't the best, but it was his and nobody would take it from him. Except for debt collectors, but he doesn't have any after him so that brings the list down to nobody.

"Remember that mindreader I was complaining about from work? Well, they rebooted her. Except as a man and with more edge and attempts to be stylish. And more cocky. And they're both going to be part of my group so that's juuuuust great." He pinched his nose for a moment and closed his eyes in thought. "Meanwhile the others are weird but seemed okay... Chel, do I seem biased against mindreaders?"

[Xgya]

Proto

"The place merits someone working in here.
It has a craftsman's aura.
Agreed.

Larger pieces can be crafted here.

More time is needed to adapt to the environment."

Proto takes a long hard look at every nook and cranny, from afar, then nearby.

"If anything is true from craftsmen, it is this statement:
We adapt our workspaces to our own needs.
Diael must have had a lot of time doing so here.
How much exactly did he do so, only time will tell."


Analyzing the room, looking for any hidden caches or tools.
Search: [roll0]

[BelGareth]

Eitri pauses, eyebrow raised.

"Clarity Clemens" he simply says. He wasn't particularly in the mood for this, and was itching to get into his lab, but things were things, and as such, he was required to do....'things'. Sometimes his mind stopped working when all he could think about was creating something, this was one such case.

But it was Clarity, what could go wrong.

His grandfather booped on his shoulder, a small noise that faded, like a depressing sigh.

[Snowbluff]

Ash's House

Chelsea hobbles into the room, rubbing her tail. "I bruised it pretty bad. Stupid thing," she mutters angrily. "Everyone is always so excited to see a tail on a neph, but honestly it's more trouble than it's worth." She looks at Ash quizzically. "So what are ya saying? That she got cursed or something? Or she got a buddy or something." She scratched her head. "But yeah, ya do seem a bit racist against mind readers. Though, I don't think I'd be so charitable with some guy snooping around in my head. That sounds awful." She heads back into the kitchen to get dinner ready. "So what do ya want for dinner?" she yells from the other room.

Eitri's apartment

"Huh what?!" Clarity awakens with a start, suddenly popping out of the bundle of blankets. Her large, blue-plumed wings fly out from the blankets, knocking over several tools. Her similarly colored hair is tousled, and falls to neck length. Her ivory skin, stretched over a gentle and slender frame and figure. She's wearing her usually outfit, a tank top and some tight jeans. On her neck is an eclectic combination of necklaces, sporting teeth, gems or shaped metal. On her right wrist and left upper arm are simple golden bangles, which curiously seem to have no seems or other method of removal. The rephaim looks around bleary eyed, and feels for the glasses hanging on Eitri's drill press, which he got from his grandfather. She finally manages to get them back onto her face and is ready to address Eitri.

"Good morning Eitri,and uh..." her voice trails off, forgetting the name of Eitri's grandfather. "How was your meeting with the other guardians?" She asks. Clarity is frequently curious about the details of Eitri's business.

The Guardian Mansion
Umbria, Frontieria

Proto searches the room, his intuition leading him as he systematically searches the room. He manages to find a hidden panel on the floor, but is unable to determine how to open it with conventional means. Tora nervously looks around.

"Wow, he works quickly," Caerulea says, genuinely impressed.

"Yeah, I have to agree," Tora says as she heads over to where Proto is figuring out the secret door. She leans down and whispers to Proto. "Diael keeps a book of spell notes down there. It's best you don't disturb in front of someone who isn't in our family," she says, referring to Chashne, who was trained by Rebecca. She stands up, and looks at Chashne. "Did you say something about a good place to eat?" she asks her fellow catfolk.

[Yasahiro]

Ash

He lifted himself a bit from the "dead" position and spoke. "Oh, I did that thing again where I ramble in a way nobody can understand. She got a buddy, and they are both going to be working with me for now. As for dinner, I'm okay with anything, you choose." Immediately after that he fell back onto the couch. "Honestly it's not that all mindreaders are bad, but when they always try to get into your head, without any permission, yeah that's where it gets bad... Do you need some ice for that bruise or anything?"

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

As he approaches, Fiehran brushes his hands through his hair. He jogs the last two or three steps, then stops abruptly and grabs the shoulder of one of the two robed figures.

"Oh hey! Man, I can't believe it's you! I haven't seen you since college! It's me, Brad! How the heck are you?"

Taking 10 on bluff to get a 38. I'm his long lost pal from college!

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto tilts his head, his eyes quietly moving away from the hatch.

"Understood.
I shall see to it later then.

Thank you for the praise.
I do my best in all things."

Moving away, he fetches a working table, metalline and high, and grasps a few tools and chains. That done, he detaches his shield and slips it under the table, leaving enough room for someone his size to go under.

"Number Two, open The Tower.
New workspace arrangement.
Get the main tool set.
Get extra oil.
Room is set at sub-freezing temperatures.
This variable should remain constant."

The Wright fetches out a few tools and some very heavy-duty-looking work gloves, covered in soot and grime, along with a small flask.
Once this is done, Proto closes the dimension leading to his usual workshop, sets it up on the ground and pushes his worker down.

"I have yet to show you my latest.
The way The Tower is set up DID cause issues.
Timmy Mark II was assembled piece by piece.
Make sure it is known it isn't hostile.
Damage caused by Guardians or their allies will be expected to be paid back.
And then used to create Timmy Mk III.

Number Two, free Timmy, get it out.
The new room will help for his next upgrades."

Out of the hole hops out a massive, 14 foot long tiger, roaring and raising its paws, its red and black fur glistening. It walks majestically across the room, struts around and, very cat-like, curls itself into a ball at Proto's feet.

The creature clearly is artificial, with small gears showing up when it moves around or when it curls its tail a bit too far.

"Timmy Mk 2 is meant as a mount.
It is combat-ready enough to serve as a guard."

[Snowbluff]

Wandering off in the streets
Umbria, Frontrieria
Fierhan

"Well, you're looking spry for 50, 'Brad," says the older man in the robe.

"Oh, be kind him, dear," says the elderly woman in the other robe. "It's the robes, isn't it?" she asks, looking up at Fierhan. "You're looking for a friend of yours in the cult?"

"More importantly, Bittersweet's is good to eat!" Comes a chipper woman's voice. Strange, Caerulea taught Fierhan how to use his telepathy to track minds. However, the voice behind Fierhan has no mind associated with. The catfolk woman with black hair and skin the color of cafe au lait must be exceptionally stupid. "Excuse Bittersweet, but these seats are for Bittersweet's customers," she says. "Is Bittersweet going to have you removed?"

"No no, it's okay sugar lump," the old woman in the robe says. "He's a friend of a friend."

The Guardian Mansion
Umbria, Frontieria

"Wow, that's so awesome," Tora says. She gets on her knees and touches the mechanical tiger. "Did you get some inspiration from a certain someone you know?" she asks as she flips her hair again.

"That's a Timmy Mk II? What's a Mk III look like?" Caerulea asks. "That's some fine craftsmanship. Where did you learn to build machine like that?"

"Either way, that tear it. I can't look at this thing out in public. It'll draw too much attention. I'll have some food delivered. Maybe something eastern. I was watching a show on my way up to the tower, and the heroes were chatting about their team up over fried rice and dumplings. Never watch anything while hungry, this is what happens to you." Tora finishes with a chuckle. She pulls out her phone and begins typing on it.

"That sounds acceptable."

Ash's House

"Uh, I think my tail will be fine. I just need to make sure I don't bump anything with it," Chelsea says. "And pasta and chicken it is. I can make a pesto for it." She starts the stove and begins gathering ingredients from the fridge. "If it's such a big deal, why don't ya do something about it? If it were me I'd give that Seal girl or whatever a good slap. She doesn't sound like good people.'

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto bows and smiles, visibly happy at the praise.

"Emulating life seemed easier than making from scratch.
I thought of many animals.
Tora must have been part of the inspiration.
And the reason Timmy is feline, and not a mammoth.
That was my second option.

I could have crafted a guard bot.
I probably will someday.
Most golem plans fare pretty badly as personel carriers.
I am short-legged, after all.

As an added benefit, my flight system is transferable to Timmy."

He taps his feet (a rather strange sight, given he's flying in midair), obviously in deep thought.

"Hm.
Timmy is how I name the robot I use as a guard.
Mk II is my first attempt at emulating life.
Mk III might be another animal.
I've also been looking at other schematics.
Runic Guardians, Iron Golems...

Mk I was a failed prototype.
Failing and trying again to create moving objects is how I learned how to do this."

[Yasahiro]

Ash

He shrugged from where he was sitting.

"Honestly, I haven't interacted much with her, done my best to avoid her. As far as I know now, she only reads people's thoughts and that's it, unless it's related to mission. I don't like it... "

His face twisted in a grimace for a moment before it returned to normal, him continuing in a steadier tone.

"Really don't like it, but I can tolerate it, if that's all she does in her own time... I hope..." he stopped talking, his eyes glazing over for a moment and he lifted his arm to wipe them with a sleeve. Strange, the doctors said his eyes were okay, and it wasn't dust in the air, that's why he has Chelsea clean the house, so why...?

"There is no onions in pesto, right? Or am I being stupid right now?"

[BelGareth]

Eitri frowns. How did she... no worries, she often knew more than she kept on, he never really understood her at all. Grandfather booped at his shoulder, a sad and forlorn sound at the sight of his one time friend.

"Not much, you know, another mission with a boot Guardian, They're forcing me out into the field again. And with the likes of Caerulea" he says with disdain dripping from his words.

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Mildly surprised at the age of the robed figures, Fiehran is about to recover with aplomb when a voice speaks from behind him. Literally jumping, he spins about to face the strange figure, then turns again, taking a seat as offered.

"Let's say I've aged well. In a cult, are you? Sounds delightfully interesting. How can I get involved? Maybe I can find my friend."

[Togo]

Chashne
At the mansion

There is a thunk. Chashne waves from where he has just dumped a television in the corridor, and goes back into his room. As it sits there, a clean and shining patch appears on the dusty screen, and starts to spread, growing ever larger.

Chashne reppears with a cut glass lamp and a floor heater, placing them next to the television, and goes back inside. The clean patch gets larger, spreading over the entire set, puffs of dust coming out of the vents in the sides.

When returns to add two glass tumblers and stack of pictures to the pile, the cleaning magic has already spread to the lamp, restoring the age-smeared glass to a glittering gleam.

This time when he goes back into the room, he does not emerge. Instead, a book floats out of the room, bobbing along as if to a silent tune, before depositing itself next to the lamp. Another appears, and then another. Before long they are replaced with oddaments, a curtain ring, a wardrobe key, a lace coaster, each floating along a few feet off the ground, and then adding to the pile. Tkit zooms out of the room, trailing several irate house spiders, who also get cermoniously dumped on the pile, and scuttle for cover.

The air gets cooler and the rain gets louder, as Chashne emerges, his arms full of curtains, and heads up the corridor to the window at the end. There he opens the window, two windows divided by a central column, on to the rain-soaked evening. He threads the curtains around the central column, and then paces back to the pile, counting steps under his breath. He stops near the pile and nudges it slightly to one side. He wets one finger and sticks it in the air, now gusting restlessly between the open window at the end of the hall, and the open window in his room.

Then he unslings his guitar.

As he strums and tunes, and strums again, the pile of items next to him gradually cleans itself. When he starts to play, the notes fall slowly and the words are soft and low.

Don't know what all this pain is for
Don't know why I turned up at your door
I know it's better if you don't see me
You're not the one who needs to set me free

The air stirs. The length of curtain lifts as the evening air whistles in through the window. Yet where he stands, his hair is still, and not a breath of wind comes down the corridor past his room. He strums faster, louder, the notes speeding to match the drumming of the rain. The breeze intensifies, slamming the door to his room open, turning from a whistling into a moaning howl. There is a frantic rattling from the room as the wardrobe door bangs back and forth and the drawers shake. He breaks into the chorus:

Winds blow, through the mountains and valleys
Winds blow, across the sky above
Winds blow, one end of time to the other
And still, I'll be a fool for love!

The curtain is now horizontal and flapping madly, and the doorframe is vibrating, as wind blasts down the corridor and through the bedroom. Suddenly, he stops, and the wind slows. There's a heavy thump as the bed lands back on the floor. He strides quickly up the corridor, the few drops of water that escaped the flapping curtain disappearing from the walls floor and cealing as he does so. He gathers in the curtain, now thoroughly wet, but drying instantly under his touch, and pulls the window closed. Heading back towards his room, he pauses at the door, and takes a big lungful of the now fresh air.

So there's that Shoka place if we're ordering in. If we want to go out, there's a place down on Sunset that's tight with the in crowd. It's a bit... one of those places where anyone who's anyone goes to meet anyone who's everyone, if you know what I mean. Does good cocktails and tapas though - the real stuff, with medione racions and so on. So we can do either, depending on whether people want to go out, or stay in.

Casting prestidigitation for the spot cleaning
Invoking bardsong for control winds effect.
Perform [roll0]

[Snowbluff]

Ash's House
Ash

"No, pesto is oregano, pine nuts, cheese, and oil, maybe with some garlic," Chelsea says. She walks out of the kitchen, waving a spoon with the green sauce on it. She takes a good look at Ash's face. "Maybe if this is bothering you so much, maybe you should do something about it. After all, aren'tcha a Guardian? Ya should be able to take on all comers."

Eitri's Apartment
Eitri

"Oh my." Clarity sits up on the table, pushing aside the sheets. She crosses her long legs and leans in to pat Eitri on the head. "That's too bad. This Caerulea doesn't sound like a nice person. I'd hate for something bad to happen to you." She looks around at the forge. "Maybe you were going to do some work to keep your mind off of it? I must apologize. I was rude by coming here uninvited." She bashfully turns her head away from Eitri.

[roll0]

Wandering off in the streets
Umbria, Frontrieria
Fierhan

"Oh, I'm glad to hear it," says the old woman in the robe, as the Bittersweets pours some coffee for Fierhan.

"We're always looking for members. It's quite a community," says the old man cheerfully.

"Indeed. We're the fastest growing cult on the continent. We've been working hard to drive up the numbers lately, and I think it shows. Here, how about some literature?" The old lady extracts a pamphlet from her sleeve and hands it to Fierhan. It's entirely black, darkened by ink, and therefore entirely unreadable. "We're having a meeting tomorrow at the old town hall on Perrot Street. You're welcome to join us."

The Guardian Mansion
Umbria, Frontieria
Proto, Chashne

Tora beams when she hears she was indeed an inspiration. "Maybe if we set you up a good saddle, you'll have an easier time riding them."

"Interesting," Caerulea says to Proto. "Have you thought about making a flesh golem. That would make for a legitimate experiment. I can dig up some literature I've-" Caerulea clears her throat loudly "-'acquired' on the subject."

Tora claps heartily at Chashne's little concert. "I do enjoy some good music. I'll get us the food from that Shoka place. If it's half as good as you say it is, it should hit the spot." She finishes typing out the order on her phone. "...And ordered. In the meantime, I think I left one of my guitars in this mansion. I'll have to look for it when I unpack."

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

The casually dressed goth takes the pamphlet, slouching in his chair."Sure, sounds at least somewhat less boring than any other night. When is this meeting? I'll have to check my busy schedule." He winks, his eyebrow piercing flickering in the light.

He glances casually at the pamphlet, flipping through it while looking with his magical sight.

Using my at-will detect Magic while I look at the pamphlet. Still taking 10 on Diplomacy for a total of 42.

[Yasahiro]

Ash

He just rubs his eyes with a sleeve.

"Maybe... but I could be just judging based on fears instead of her actions and I'm all about giving people a chance."

He put on a smile, a bit of mirth on his face. "Because if I don't give them a chance... then I will never have a chance to give them a chance." he grinned after saying that before his face returned to a bit calmer, smiling state.

"But you are right. Even if I don't have problems with her, I might encounter someone with similar powers. Gonna make a call... thanks a bunch, Chelsea.

He sent her a thankful smile and pulled out his phone, speed dialing Harry's number. "Oi Harry, you ain't sleepin yet 'cause I need yer help."

[Xgya]

Proto

"Organic materials cause too many issues.
Method of acquisition is often illegal.
Associated with necromancy.
The darker side thereof.

Work on such a project is possible.
But only if the previous issues are fixed.

What I know of them makes using artificial flesh unviable."

When Chasne finishes playing, and as Tora mentions taking her own instrument, Proto simply comments:

"Nice harmonics.
I would not join you.
I can appreciate music.
My only related talent is listening closely."

[Snowbluff]

Wandering off in the streets
Umbria, Frontrieria
Fierhan


"Five o'clock, dearie. We try to keep it earlier than most cults. We're a family friendly religious organization," says the woman.

"Yep, we want to make sure people can bring their kids and not have them out too laid. Getting a sitter or finding a day care that late can be problematic. For a while we had a system where parents would host play dates for kids of other cultists, and rotate who would host when," says the man.

"Ah yes, it was convenient. But you know, things come and go. Mary was in charge of that, and ever since she..."

"She rests in the cold embrace of Sheol," says the man, mournfully. "She lived a full life." He raises his cup of coffee in toast, and the woman follows suit.

"Will you be having anything else from Bittersweet?" says the catfolk from behind Fierhan. Her tail swishes gently, its motion louder than her thoughts.

Ash's House
Ash

"Alright," Chelsea says, heading back into the kitchen. "I'll leave ya to your call, for your serious business."

The phone rings 3 times. "NO! Shut it down! Just... I'll go from step 3 and just..." comes a voice. "Yes, yes? Hello? Of course I'm not sleeping Ash. I never sleep. Not if I can avoid, or when my work won't let me." He sighs. "You uh, you ding okay. You're on the new assignment, moving on up with Diael's girls. O-okay, now that I think about it, they're scary. Diael was scary, but damn did he raise some real pieces of work. B-but let's not think about that. Whatever your problem is, it's not them."

The Guardian Mansion
Umbria, Frontieria
Proto, Chashne

Caerulea smirks. "Illegal? Necromancy? Listen, small fries. We're part of a family now, child," she says she she lays her hands on Proto's shoulders in a familiar manner. "Getting some cadavers from Blacklight, necromancy capital of the world, can be arranged. One of our cousin lineages, had an apprentice who is from there. Accepting them into our fold has opened doors, as it has many other times." Caerulea looks at Tora.

Tora chortles. "I wouldn't be here if Diael didn't know I was the best," she says.

"Yes, quite," Caerulea says, giving a sickening smile, her sharp teeth fully visible past darken lips. "Or, is your protest a more religious one, Mr. Cherub?"

Tora steps in. "Okay! He is my apprentice. I think there is a certain point at which I should be responsible for his tutelage, understand?"

"Ah, yes. I forget myself." Caerulea takes her hands off of Proto, takes a few steps back. She bows with her head slightly, deferring to Tora.

[Yasahiro]

Ash

He just stood up with the phone, going upstairs to keep the call a bit more private. He trusts Chel, he really does but he still has trouble determining how much she can know.

"Well, funny that you mention that. I might need something stronger for protecting mind against mental attacks than the ring you made me. Got a talk that got me thinking about Cael's mind reading and realizing that there might be people who might take it further than that, assuming she doesn't do that... does she? It's just mind reading she pulls off on magical and non-magical people alike constantly, right?" Despite him trying to keep his tone even a tiny bit of... fear? Worry? Some similar emotion could be caught in his tone if someone was listening in intently. "Don't know her well enough, only a bit of rumors, so thought I'd ask."

[Snowbluff]

Ash's House
Ash


Harry sighs again over the phone, creating static. "What did something happen? Because she's an experienced enchantress. W-well, she's the enchantress. There isn't anything outside of her reach, as far as I know about that school. If she wants in your head, I'll warn you that she's resourceful. Well, more than that. She likes the uh... struggle. If you resist, she just wants to dive deeper. She likes the challenge, I guess." Harry pauses for a second. "What about you? Did something happen with you? A trauma or event in your life that might be affecting your perception? It's important to the organization that you can work in this environment."

[Yasahiro]

Ash

Ash got real quiet for a moment, before speaking, his voice unsure.

"I don't know... I always had this general dislike of people with powers that affect a person's mind, not sure why. Didn't notice this before as it didn't come up a lot but when I discuss it, I react oddly. Don't think I had this issue until... death of my parents." Tears were flowing down his face, he hasn't realized it. He clenched his fist. His tone, he was not collected, he was not joking. "I am not worried about my mind, because I will be damned if I let anyone control me, but there are people I'm worried about. Cael has her powers, then there is Fiehran, her 'pet', even more self centered. How many more people with this type of magic or psionics are there? How many that Guardians' haven't found? How many people in my neighborhood? How many that might one day decide they are better than non-magical people and abuse their powers. How many that will play with the lives of families, forcing the child to watch as their parents are unable to fight off the control and k-" Blood was dripping from his hand, his fingernails digging deep into his palm as he was clenching his fist rather tightly. He could feel the phone almost cracking under the grip of his other hand, luckily it was one of older, more durable, models. He breathed in deeply, trying to collect himself. "Yes, I might have a trauma that I didn't dig into until now, but I can deal with that. I can protect my own mind, but I need something for a person... close to me.
Can you help?"

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto looks perplexed at the religious question. Visibly, the concept of using bodies being somehow sacrilegious is entirely alien to him, and he takes a minute to entertain the thought.

Still, he clarifies his stance.

"No religious obligations of any sort.
Rather a question of negative press.
Many if not most bodies used for necromancy are acquired through dubious means.
That is a fact.
Those that are not are still assumed to be until proven otherwise.
The general population might also disavow using the dead as tools.
I see corpses very similarly to any other crafting material.
My sole concern is not harming anyone.

Animating the dead is by definition evil.
The general population knows at least this much.
A flesh golem is not an undead creature.
It is a well crafted and functional machine.
It bears surface differences with common zombies.
The uneducated know not the difference."

He turns around and looks back at Tora.

"You are of course right.
I am still but learning.
What would you have me do?
What do you think of this?"

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Nodding thankfully, if a little disinterested, the young goth man stands. "Wonderful, thanks. I guess I'll see you there.". He turns and moves away from the table, flipping his hand in a vague salutation before wandering away from the cafe, aiming for a circuitous route back to the manse.

As he leaves, he dips into the mind of the woman to see what he can discover.

[Snowbluff]

Ash's House
Ash

"Hey there, calm down buddy," harry says over the phone. "I-I know Caerulea can be difficult to be around, but she's not that bad. I-I have been doing this for a while and it's good to know that someone is one your side, at least." Harry pauses for a second. "I think I have an idea. I can loan you an item to help with it. S-something a little more powerful than that ring I gave you. When you have the opportunity, you can pick them up. Now, I wouldn't give them up normally. They're pretty powerful items and are normally reserved for higher level luminaries and members of the council, but after Diael died, Banderiel went AWOL, and half the council found themselves on the w-wrong end of a sword, we have a few spares floating around. They were made on the guild's dime, so make sure not to lose them."

Bittersweet's Cafe
Feirhan

Feirhan tries to read the mind of the catfolk woman, but nothing happens. It's like looking out into space, where the darkness acts as a sign of emptiness. Bittersweet tilts her head and looks at Feirhan quizzically. She gives him a wink and giggles before going back to serving customers.

The Guardian Mansion
Umbria, Frontieria
Proto, Chashne, Fierhan

Caerulea laughs. It's harsh and chilling, inhuman to the point of unsettling. Her mouth is wide, revealing rows of sharp teeth. "Negative press? That's positively rich!" She takes a moment to breath. "The cadavers we get are legally sourced. I wouldn't be to concerned about that."

"I, for one, enjoy your project, Proto,' Tora says to her apprentice, but she's shooting a glare at Caerulea. "I think this would be an interesting line of work. However, I am not really familiar with constructs, so I'll be learning as I go."

Caerulea suddenly looks in the direction of the entrance. "Feirhan's back." She shoots him a telepathic message, telling him where the group is. Good thing, too. His mouth was getting dry.

[Yasahiro]

Ash

He took several deep breaths to calm himself. "Thank you. I... Can I pick it up now? Got spell slots just flying out of my pockets."

His wiped his eyes with his sleeve and considered using a cure light wounds in a moment. A bit of energy coming back into his voice

"I really appreciate this, Harry... I know I am being paranoid now but... I don't want to repeat what happened."

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Pulling a smooth black pebble from an inner pocket, Fiehran pops it into his mouth and begins sucking as he makes his way through the mansion. Following the feel of his allies' minds, he heads to the lab where his Mentor is speaking with the others.

I'm back, Lady. His thought conveys his awareness that she probably already anticipated his arrival. He briefly knocks on the door before opening it and passing within. "So, have we managed to find dinner yet? I'm famished, all this hard work and information gathering really works up an appetite!" He finds a chair and slouches in it, putting on an air of leisure and overconfidence. "I found a few cultists and they invited me to join them! They're having a big get together, tomorrow at 5 in the afternoon. At the old Town Hall? On Perrot Street? But I'm sure you already knew that,
Caerulea." He flashes her a saucy wink from his goth face before letting the image go, resuming his normal attire.

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto flies around a bit, and points towards the work bench.

"Timmy, rest.
Number Two, keep Timmy ready for deployment."

He then turns to Fiehran.

"Purpose.
Finally.
The Guardians have an appointment.
Thank you for bringing in more data.

None of us are known to them.
We have not found the cult's intentions.
I will keep a disguise at the ready.
Though I will try the direct approach first.
Getting in disguised and being found will draw suspicion.
Better try direct, and use deception only if necessary."

[Snowbluff]

Ash's house
Ash

"Sure, I'm in the lab all night anyway," Harry says.

How're you getting there?
The Guardian Mansion
Umbria, Frontieria
Proto Chashne Fierhan

Caerulea hands Fierhan another mint. "Oh, you flatter me, child," she says. She leans down and pecks him on the forehead.

"Good work. We'll work on infiltrating them. Food should be here in a bit," Tora says. The doorbell rings, causing Tora to jump slightly. "Speak of the devils. That should be it." She heads out to fetch the food.

"I think we should limit our numbers. An ample group will attract attention," Caerulea says. "Bringing everyone will just raise suspicion. If it's just information we're after, Fierhan can go in my stead."

"I agree," Tora says, arriving with several paper bags, which she drops on the table. "Dig in. Anyway, I don't know if I should go either. I tend to attract attention, I'm difficult to disguise, and literally everyone knows who I am and that I am a Guardian."

[Togo]

The Guardian Mansion
Umbria, Frontieria
Proto Chashne Fierhan

Chashne drifts in, whiskers twitching at the smell of food. He's carrying a stack of bowls.

Traditionally Shoka is eaten with leaves of course, but it's not all that easy, so we might as well spare the floor.

He opens the largest bag, and draws out a huge array of pre-made skewers, lumps of various fire-roasted meats, darkened with spices and marinades, impaled in sets on foot-long pine needles, also flame blackened. The second bag has smaller skewers, studded with peppers, mushrooms, purple mashua and large chillies. The third contains parcels wrapped in large banana leaves, saute sweet potato, macu sliced and fried, and a sharp-smelling mix of mince fried with whole peppercorns. The last contains larger containers, of quinoa rice, avacado paste, salsa and a pot of cream mixed with pepper and honey. Also a thin stack of charred bertal leaves, a thicker set of flour tortillas, a ring of condiment pots, each with a tiny wooden serving spatula, quartered limes, and a mix of pickled meats, thinly sliced, and seasoned with fresh lemongrass.

So... Take what you like and load into a folded tortila. Or a bertal leaf, but they fall apart easily, and don't taste great unless you use the stronger condiments. The skewers are edible, but they're quite bitter. And pointy, so be careful. Many people avoid the mince - it's ususally giant rat, coypu, covey or some other rodent. The whole lot is low fat, gluten free, and zero carbs. Not counting the quinoa and the tortillas, of course, which they've added because humans like them.

He grabs a meat skewer, breaks it in half with deft fingers, and then holds it up to his nose and breathes in.

Nothing like it... We should probably leave all the more senior guardians behind, tomorrow. You're all too recognisable, particularly acting as a group.

[Yasahiro]

Ash

"Alright. See ya." He hung up.

After making sure his hand is okay and his face doesn't show that he was crying or in rage, splashing his face a bit in the bathroom, he went downstairs, waiting for Chelsea to finish cooking if she hasn't yet. Once it's served, he takes his seat and proceeds to eat. He doesn't need to, not since that thing Harry implanted in him, but that doesn't mean he can't. And honestly? Chelsea is a decent cook. "I'm gonna have to go out for a few hours, so don't fall asleep in front of TV when I'm away, alright?" He winked, it happened once or twice but he never had any issues with that happening. Despite working for him, Chel was more like a close friend. "How are you feeling, other than the tail?" But he was bad at small talk. Really really terrible.

[Snowbluff]

Guardian Mansion
Umbria, Frontieria
Chashne Proto Fierhan

Tora stares at the mince apprehensively. She instead opts for what would me considered a more palatable option for a human, a strange choice for a Guardian recruited straight out of the cat folk nation to the south. She folds some meat and avocado paste into a tortilla, eating with it as she sits on a table. "Just stick to some recon. I don't want to see anyone sticking their neck out until we have a better understanding of what's going on. This job is dangerous enough without us being careless."

Caerulea goes straight for the rat mince, eating it skewer and all. "This is interesting. I can't say I've ever had anything quite like it. What are the origins of this dish, child?"

Ash's House
Umbria Frontieria
Ash

"Yeah, I'm doin' fine, but I make no promises about the TV. There's a new episode of Challenge of Chairs coming out and their doin' a marathon for the finale," Chelsea says with a wink.

[Yasahiro]

Ash

He chuckled a bit at that and finished his meal. "As always, delicious~! Now then, I'm off!" He said, pointing towards horizon for a moment, posing... Before chuckling a bit more and going outside. Once he did, he proceeded to cast what was necessary, a Wind Walk. As he felt the magic take hold of him, he rose into the air and proceeded to zoom towards where he needed to go, to Harry, as wind. This was important...


Once he got to his destination, he quickly entered the building, showing any IDs if he needed to, although they should know him by now, and quickly rushed to Harry's place, knocking at the door and entering once allowed.

"Alright, I'm here. Thank you again for agreeing."

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Fiehran picks over the food, assembling a diverse plate of samples and then proceeds to consume it, each item handled delicately and separately before being combined to test the different combinations of flavor. Dinner eventually accomplished, he rises and bows respectfully to the group.

"Tomorrow then, we storm the castle." He winks with a smile. "Have a good rest, all!"

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto watches the crew eat, amused.
He closely watches every piece of the meal and everyone's gestures.

"You get to get creative.
While sustaining yourselves.
Yet this bypasses the need for cooking and cleaning.
Ingenious."

Then, at Fiehran's remark, he simply nods.

"I shall accompany.
I am curious about this cult.
I will be in the lab until morning."

[Togo]

It's tribal cuisine from mountains in the South. You know, the bits high up that were civilised last... He pauses to down some more mince. ... if at all.

He perches on the back of a chair, balancing, and settles down to the serious business of licking his fingers. But you know how it is, people import something new to the city, everyone gets excited, more people try to make it, but they don't really know how, people who really prefer familiar foods get in on the act, and before you know it starts to taste just like everything else. At the moment this is weird tasting, and a lot of people don't really like it. But give it six months and there will be half a dozen places serving it over noodles with sweet chilli sauce.

He grins, needle teeth glinting. Behind him a hovering ball of light is disappearing a large peice of fried macu, smeared with honey, to the accompliment of many excited high pitched squeaks and squeals.

See, because you have listened to me, we have had a strange cultural experience. Years from now you can tell people that you had proper Shoka before it became all popular and generic.

With a fluid movement, he slips down into the seat of the chair and then stands up.

Ok so we're only scouting. Do we have a story of why we're together? Or do we all turn up independently and make like it's a coincindence and we don't know each other? He shrugs. Probably best to sleep on it.

Tail waving lazily, his eyes scan the table. Hm. Not enough left for another full meal, too much to throw away. I'll pack this lot up into the fridge, and clean up.

[Snowbluff]

Guardian Mansion
Umbria, Frontieria
Chashne Fierhan Proto

"Ah, yes, Catfolk cuisine then? Well it has been a interesting experience." Caerulea says, smiling broadly. "I'm always ready to try something new."

"I lived there for year, but never grew on me. Personally, humans make much better food than Catfolk do." Tora shrugs. "Keep it, though. The lamb and tortillas are a nice combination. I'll make some plans for tomorrow, but in the meantime I am going to catch a shower."

"I agree," Caerulea says, "I should be sleeping sometime soon." The team disbands for the evening.


Harry's Lab
Guardian Tower, Old Alexandria
Ash

"A-ah yes," says Harry. The man has short, disheveled hair, and is wearing a pair of horn rimmed glasses. His eyes have bags under them. He's currently sitting among a pile of files. Many scientific apparatus are scattered about the room. He opens a drawer on his decks, and pulls out a necklace. "A Mindblank necklace. Should keep your friend safe from any kind of mental assault. It's very valuable, so don't mess with it or lose it." He tosses the necklace to Ash, turning back to his work. "Be careful, buddy."

THE NEXT DAY

Near old Town Hall
Ash Chashne Fierhan Proto

Tora and the gang are a block away from the cult meeting. Tora is wearing casual clothes instead of her Guardian's coat. The team had taken the night to come up with their alibi as to why four people were showing up at once. "Alright, so I hope you guys have this. I'm going to get coffee with a friend I haven't seen in a while, so if you guys need something, Just call me." She holds up her phone. "Remember, we believe the cult has magical artifacts that are too dangerous in the wrong hands. Now, they shouldn't be too dangerous as individuals, but try and keep this to an infiltration mission."

From here, you can see the hall where the cult will be meeting. In front is a man in a robe in front of a folding table, selling similiar garments.

[Yasahiro]

Ash

Once more putting on his persona, his fears now quelled some with knowledge that Chelsea is safe now, having asked her to promise to keep the necklace on... he turns towards Fiehran and Proto.

"So whaddya guys think up overnite, what do we tell 'em why we wanna join?" the cocky Ash was back, ready for mission.

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto doesn't seem to understand why he would have to make up stories about their presence.

"Lies are inconvenient.
Half-truths, more easily disguised.
Fiehran met cultists.
They told him about the reunion.
The reunion thus must not be a guarded secret.
He told us and got us interested into coming.

No lies, just an omission.
They do not really need to know Guardians were invited."

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Once more in the guise of a disinterested goth, Fiehran stands with his allies in the morning mist. He glances in a disinterested way at his allies, rolling his eyes before looking back at the man selling garments.

"Assuming you will all consent... I will buy us all some robes at the desk there." Moments later his voice continues telepathically to each. We will want to have some communication without being heard. I will relay between us anything we need to say. And I agree with Proto, let's keep it simple. We're here because we're interested. He waits a moment for his companions to react before heading for the table.

[Snowbluff]

Old Town Hall (Exterior)
Umbria, Frontieria
Fierhan, Proto, Ash, Chashne

"Well, keep me posted, especially for any artifacts," Tora says as she sashes away.

At the table, the robed cultist greets Fierhan. "Hello. Welcome to the cult of Sheol. I'm sporting the latest cultist fashions. A robe, perfect of cult based activities. Note the Sheol mark," he says, pointing to the symbol on the robe. It's stylized eye, not unlike the guardian one. However, the pupil is a slit, cat like, and it has eyelashes. "Only a hundred bucks per robe." That's a hefty price. You can buy twenty overpriced lattes for that much.

[Yasahiro]

Ash

He took a step forward and touched one of the robes the guy was selling. "Latest fashion, eh? What are these made from? For such price I'm hopin' it's nice and breathable, would rather be comfy in these." he said, having an honest smile. Cults are cults but comfy clothes he can appreciate

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto has chosen to wear a dusty gray cowl to travel to the event, and stayed behind a bit, looking at the scene from afar. He takes note of just how many cultists are wearing such robes and gazes around for unusual activity.
When Fiehran starts haggling, he slowly takes a few steps towards the stand amidst the random passersby to take a closer look at the robes.


Spot: [roll0]
Hide: [roll1]
Apraise:[roll2](using Cunning Knowledge on Appraise)

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

The young goth doesn't respond, looking in a disinterested way as Ash engages the cultist.

Directly into the cultist's mind: You are flattered by this rock-star's attention, and desire to give him and his companions all robes as gifts.

Using Push the Weak Mind, DC 24.

[Snowbluff]

Old Town Hall (Exterior)
Umbria, Frontieria
Fierhan, Proto, Ash, Chashne

"These robes are hand stitched, friend," the robe seller. "Child labor in the Capellian union. Fiorenza has been having issues economically, so they've been doing everything they can to overcome them. So keep it hushed up." The man might be winking, but the uniform's hood that is concealing most of his face.

Proto is able to blend in for now. The robes are ordinary. The quality is slightly above par, but nothing beyond the hand stitching. All of the Cultists that are arriving are wearing the cloaks, however. Proto is able to note slight differences. Most of them are machine stitched. It's becoming obvious that this man's business is based on selling the uniform to people who weren't able to get one ahead of time. You're paying for the convenience at the end of the day.

"Huh?" the cultist seems confused. "Does someone here think they're a wizard or something? It's suprising, though you'll have to be more careful. Our dogma has a tradition of academia and magic. Throwing magic around will only get you into trouble with the others."

[Xgya]

Proto

Strange. Unlike his speech and mannerisms, Proto's thoughts seem to blend in much better with his personality.

*These aren't imitations, the cloaks are genuinely good craftsmanship. The reason they're overpriced is the same you would pay extra to buy food at a concert: some people come unprepared or underdressed, and must either choose not to blend in easily, or to pay extra to fit in the group. I could even expect many cultists to have made their own cloaks.

You can probably try to haggle the normal way, the price IS rather high to start with, so the salesperson will expect that much, but at least be satisfied that these aren't cheap fakes. I would try the mundane haggling way, but people puzzle me to no end.*

Still, after this small tip-off, Proto backs off from the stand, and waits for Fiehran's next move.

[IZ42]

Umbria
Kadic

The young catfolk walks through the streets of Umbria, glancing about curiously. It had been... two years now? To him, it felt more like a decade. He was older, wiser now. He had been almost immediately given an assignment after graduating into a full guardian, only staying in Umbria for a month or two until moving out to other parts of Frontieria. He finally ends up at the front door of a modest house not that far from the old Guardian's Mansion. His house. He wondered how it'd smell after two years away. Probably like bad mistakes, must, and alcohol. He sighed. It was good to be back, he hoped.

Fumbling about his person for a moment or two, he found his house key. Somehow he hadn't lost it. Fitting it into the door and turning it about, he realized it was already unlocked. Something wasn't right here. He was paranoid enough two years ago to have at least one lock on that door. He tried the knob, turned it and the door swung open. The house... didn't smell musty at all. Glaring about, he raised a metallic fist, and flipped on the light. There was a bird sleeping on his couch. A woman actually. A bird-woman? Using his bed sheets. He groans, "Of course it would be Clarity."

He walks over, raps on her head with his knuckles. The metallic ones this time. "Wake up, sleepyhead. You've got some explaining to do.

[Togo]

Chashne is dressed casually, for Chashne.

This means a jacket that started life as artic military camoflague before being tie-dyed, and decorated with various peace and meditation symbols, as well as badges featuring cartoon characters. The largest, a garishly pink glitter horse, hangs from one of two ropes of angular beads around his neck, where it joins an ankh, a celtic cross, a bronze coloured strip of kanji characters, and four plectrums. On top of this carefully chosen ensemble he's wrapped around his shoulders a brightly coloured diaphenous kaftan that goes from silky red to sparkling blue, and on his back a guitar in the traditional wool-padded strap favoured by those who do actually care if their instrument gets banged around. Below he wears dark faded purple trousers, with at least 20 pockets and the kind of hard wear and holes near the knees that comes from hours of dedicated shopping in some surprisingly expensive stores. His feet are encased in large boots, seemingly made of nothing but heavy metal buckles and black foam.

He peers at the robes, fingering the corner of one.

I need one of these to get into the... the thing? he asks vaguely. Do I need to talk to someone or do I just go in...? He picks up a robe many sizes too small for him, and examines it, flipping it over to look at both sides.

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

The young goth shrugs. "Whatever. Let's just get moving, I'm bored of being out here. Let's get to the exciting cult-vention." His voice is deadpan, perfectly matching the tone of a disinterested goth kid. He fishes a wrinkled bill out of his pocket and buys a robe.

Don't worry friends, I'm very engaged here. It's all an act.

[Snowbluff]

Old Town Hall (Exterior)
Umbria, Frontieria
Ash Fierhan Proto Chashe

"Ah yes, thank you," the robe seller says. He takes the bill, and flicks it and holds it to the sun. Well, as close an approximation to the sun the usual Umbrian gloom allows. He stuffs the bill into his robe. With one hand he tosses a new robe at the emo version of Fierhan.

He looks at Chase, pausing for a second. "Yes, we do use the robes as a kind of uniform in the Cult of Sheol. It's working on a bit of a cult-classic look. A little new agey, with some old texts thrown in. Judging from your symbols you have some of a religious background, it shouldn't be to out of the ordinary for you." He pats his robes. "The robes are available online from the store or you can have one custom tailored. You can order the templates and make them yourself or have a seamstress do it. I'm mostly here to make a quick buck on last minute attendees. There is no formal sign in, but there is a book where you can get on the mailing list, with email as an option as well. The cult doesn't have membership fees, but there is a Matreon where you can donate and get extra stuff, like t-shirts and extra sermons from the high priestess." The robe seller snaps his fingers in thought, like something is on the tip of his tongue. "Have I seen you somewhere, sir? You look familiar.'

Kadic's House
Umbria, Frontieria
Kadic

Kadic's hand raps on Clarity's head through the sheets. Her "skin" responds to the trauma by hardening, causing a dull noise when Kadic hits her.

"I don't have to explain anything!" The next words that come out in her soft voice are in an unknown and ancient tongue, but stop when Clarity wakes wit ha start. She sits upright, her blue hair falling onto her shoulders and her similarly colored wings stretching out to the sides. She looks around, her eyes bleary, as her hands pats over the side table to find her horn rimmed glasses.

"Oh, hello, Kadic." She gives one of her signature knowing, gentle smiles as she puts on her glasses. "I didn't expect you. I'll put on some tea..."

Lamia Lamina, a large white and black snake, slithers in from behind Kadic, climbing up his legs and torso to rest on his shoulders. "Oh, this is a surprise," the serpent says. Lamia was formerly the familiar of Diael, but after his demise, she was a vagabond, only to be taken in as Kadic's.

[IZ42]

Kadi's House
Kadic

Kadic groans. He smiles ruefully, rubbing the back of his head, "Offering to make tea like you're the host? Typical. It's been two years, gal, you need to find your own place. I'm sure the mansion can house you."

He stiffens slightly as Lamina crawls up to a perch or sorts on his shoulders, then relaxes, lightly stroking the serpent as if to reassure himself that he still didn't harbor a residual fear of snakes. "What kinda snake can't even keep sneaky pests of a certain avian bent out, Lamia? Snack, make sure Clarity didn't mess with much."

He sighs again, and drops his bags, a finely made matching quiver and backpack, stained leathers and colorful stitching paired with some sort of bone or antler button. He hangs his cloak, a dappled grey hooded cape of sorts, revealing a tightly trimmed white guardian's coat, closer to a jacket, decorated in tasteful silver embroidery, and adjusted his glasses, lig.ht glinting off them for a moment. Compared to the lanky teen a couple years ago, he was lean and muscled through two years of fieldwork, though hints of a near-starved frame showed through anyways. "Tora and Bittersweet would probably like to know I'm back in town, as would Ananthropos. Do either of you two know their current whereabouts?"

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi

Ash proceeded to pay for the robes, putting them on, albeit he had few words. Heretics or not, at least compared to his faith, but he had to commend this thoughtfulness.

"Ye can always have some much higher quality robes, an' then sell them a' even higher price. Nobody wants to buy same thing twice, and they'd rather make one good purchase. Even if it's more expensive than usually, it's still last moment convenience. And would make the regular robes seem cheaper in comparison. Ye don't have ta listen to me, 'm not an expert, but just my two thoughts."

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn
Bittersweet's Cafe

Sitting near one of the front windows of his favorite cafe in Umbria, Fronteria's #1 nice guy graciously accepts a sweet drink from the good to eat Bittersweet, mouthing "Thank you!" politely to her, before continuing with his phone conversation.

"Yes, yes. I remember. Home by eight and don't forget to pick up salted caramel ice cream from the store." His face maintains a charming smile, warming all those who look upon it. "Right, Create Food and Water is not a proper substitute for your favorite store bought brand. I promise I won't do that again. Uh huh. Yes, eight PM, I remember. Okay. You too. Goodbye." He hangs up the phone, and lets out a cheerful sigh. "She means well." His bright smile widens when he makes eye contact from across the room with an old friend from training. Her expression read "please don't come over here", but that couldn't be right.

He stands up and makes his way over to a table of two, Tora and another woman he had yet to meet. "Good afternoon, Tora!" He pulls her up from the chair gently for a warm embrace. "It's so nice to see you. How was your last mission?" His gaze turns to the girl sitting with her. "Where are my manners?!" His face wretches in horror at his statement, before returning to its charming expression. "I'm Leon Gloryborn, apprentice Guardian to Sissy." He bows grandly, taking the girl's hand in his own and planting a light and polite kiss upon it.

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Catching the robe and smoothly settling it around his shoulders, he turns to the rest. "Let's go, this is lame. Inside might possibly be less lame... so yeah."

[Snowbluff]

Old Town Hall
Umbria, Frontieria
Ash Proto Chashe Fierhan


"Well, that sort of deal doesn't fly with my business model," the robe seller tells Ash. "I just sell to people who don't plan ahead. Getting people to charge extra for overdone robes would either cut into profits or make people less incline to pay."

The team filters into the meeting room with their robes. The room is wide with a tall ceiling, with rows of old wooden armchairs facing a center stage. ON the stage is a very large but vaguely humanoid figure in a bundle of cloth resembling the robes of the throngs of cultist that are entering the room. In front of this figure is a stone table and a podium.

Some of the cultists sit, other hang out on the fringes, while other hang out by the snack table and drink cool-ade.

A single robed figure, in many ways indistinguishable from the other cultists, steps up to the podium. The hood of her robe covers most of her face, revealing only an incredibly pale mouth. She places a stack of empty pages in front of her and begins a speech. "Sheol faced the masters of the land, and said to them 'I am in your hierarchy, but I am not of it. I have overcome it. Many cycles ago, we reached up above, and pulled down the gods that begot us. We believed that we could take their place, and become masters through ascending above our constraints. But you failed. You toiled and fought over scraps. You circled like vultures over your superiors. You scratched into the dirt everything that you have made here. Now, this Council here stands before me, and I look down on them..."

The reading goes on, and the cultists look on. Proto recognizes these words, however. This is a true account of Sheol's Ascension to Godhood and Denouncement of the Grand Elven Council.


You can still talk to the robe seller.

Kadic's House
Umbria, Frontieria
Kadic

Clarity chuckles. "What, because you locked the door the place is suddenly yours?" She laughs and gets up, heading into the kitchen. "'Oh me Kadic, me think lock stop machine angel," she says in a humorously deep and grumbling voice. She turns around and gives Kadic a wink.

Lamia opens her mouth slightly in the snake equivalent of a laugh.

"That mansion is full of guardians anyway. My kind don't mix with them for reasons," she continues as she put a teapot onto boil. She can be rather cagey when it comes to her nature and how it relates to others on the planet.

"You can't blame me for this, Kadic. She's bigger than I am," Lamia protests. "I haven't seen Tora since Diael died, either. So I don't know what's up with her. Ananthropos is creepy, so I avoid him." Lamia rubs her nose into Kadic's neck.

Bittersweet's Cafe
Umbria, Frontieria
Leon Gloryporn

When Tora meets eyes with Leon she immediately averts her gaze, swearing under he breath in multiple languages. However, it's to no avail as the man picks her up and hugs her. Like a disturbed house cat, she hisses an squirms in protest until Leon decides he has administered the appropriate amount of mandatory physical contact, giving the next dose to the girl sitting opposite to him, who was giggling all the while.

"Oh, nice to meet you. I am Edinah, WMOC officer," the young woman says, as she blushes slightly. Edinah is short, with a blond pony tail and wire frame glasses. She's dress casually, as is Tora. "Sissy is a lot of fun. No wonder why you're such a hoot."

"Last mission was-" Tora stops herself and frowns. "Well, it wasn't your business, Leon." She puts her hands on her hips. Her long tail twitches in agitation.

Meanwhile, Leon's phone is buzzing with a thread of text messages of Sissy recounting a tale of how she had to make a cheesecake alone, ever since Caerulea left on assignment. She does get clingy when left to herself.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn
Bittersweet's Cafe

"I'm glad you made it back safe." He says earnestly to Tora. "I'd have missed your striking stripes! Speaking..." He brushes a little something off Tora's fur. "Been visiting Winslow for your 'medicine' agian?" He pouts.

To Edinah, he beams. "Edinah. What a beautiful name, well suited to a beautiful woman such as yourself." He nods, convincing even the most grouchy soul in the room that Edinah was, in fact, beautiful. "It is a pleasure to meet you, and I hope we cross paths again sometime. With the rate WMOC and the Guardians cross paths, I expect to be in your cuffs within the week." He chuckles, with complete innocence. "Here, in case you're short a medic sometime!" He hands her his card, which features a list of his medical achievements and bullet points his abilities. "Caerula told me words waste time, and that by that logic, I waste too much time." Rolling his eyes, he smiles. "So give me a ring sometime."

"We can make cheesecake this weekend if you like! It's one of my favorites."
"You'll never guess who I ran into! Tora and her friend Edinah!"

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi

Now then, Ash wasn't that great at infiltration missions... but he could still express genuine interest here. Oberon won't smite him for listening to the mass, however he does keep one thought open for the group.

"So do ya have anything specific we should do as this goes on or do we just wait for the end of mass. Okay with either."

[IZ42]

Kadic's House
Kadic

Kadic grumbles to himself as he picks up the sheets pilfered from his bed and tosses them back into his room, "'S mine cuz I bought it, can't expect a birdbrain to respect common decency anyways."

He replies in a louder, slightly teasing voice as he returns, "Bah, I'm sure they can be convinced to eschew tradition once in a while, if only for the sanity of a fellow member."

"You know that's no excuse. She looks like a bird, you're literally a snake, do what's natural. I'll have to find Tora then, because I have a sneaking suspicion that she's in town. Just this sense of debauchery, ya know?. Ananthropos is harmless, or at least moreso than your old partner. So what if he's a bit pale? I guess I'll have to head down to Bittersweet's."

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Paying a minor amount of attention to the curiously robed creature making odious pronunciations, Fiehran searches the shadows with his eyes for any powerful figures who may know more than they appear to. He also watches around for the face of a nondescript cultist in case he needs to make a costume change.

I can sense the relative strength of surrounding peeps, looking for someone strongish in the area. By the way, how crazy strong does Mr. Speaker seem?

[Snowbluff]

Old Town Hall
Umbria, Frontieria
Ash Proto Chashe Fierhan


"How many of the people who know are too concerned with the dirt to understand the bigger picture. Here, Sheol was telling the the Council that they lacked perspective, and lost sight of their true goal. We must remember to never lose sight of our path. Now, I have our guest speaker with us today." The speaker steps down from the podium.

The guest speaker, the large creature under the many clothes and robes, sits behind the stone table. "Greetings, believers," it begins. It's voice echoes unnaturally despite the crowded room, a terrible scratching noise, barely decipherable. "I'm cursed. Many times, I am cursed. It aches it aches it aches. I'm cursed," it stammers before it gathers itself again. "I was once like you." A hand, distended and long, stretched and bone white, unfolds itself from inside the pile. It spreads its long fingers wide towards the crowd. "Pain, unimaginable pain. I call for Sheol, but she does not listen. She is above us. However, with her superiority, she understands what is needed to cure me. The void keeps its secrets well, from all but those who show their devotion." It rears what you believe to be a head towards the sky. It's veil falls slightly, revealing twisting, writhing flesh barely holding into many rows of bent teeth. "Sheol, what price do you demand from your servant? Free from the pain! It's all I ask! I have tithed, I have prayed, I have fasted, but no end is in sight!"

The first steps up again. "The cost for Sheol's aid is not cheap. Who will step forth, and give their life for this man?"

"I will!" Declares an older cultist. "I don't have anything to live for anymore. You all have given me so much," he says as he steps up to the stone table. "Time I gave back."

Many cultists look around nervously as the guest speaker draws its other hand. In its grasp is a sword with a blackened blade, with a sinister grin embedded in it with teeth. You may recognize it as Black Dahlia, the sword of Diael. Perhaps this is the artifact Tora was seeking?

From here, it's difficult to determine anything about the speaker. The person's voice is barely audible, and the robe conceals everything about them.



Kadic's House
Umbria, Frontieria
Kadic

"Nom!" Lamia says as she clamp her mouth onto Clarity's shoulder. "See? It's no good. She's not bird sized."

"Yeesh, it's not like I walk around your place naked. Get off my back," Clarity protests. She finishes pouring the tea. "And what's this about tradition?"

Lamia finally releases her mouth from Clarity's shoulder. "I don't know what you mean by debauchery. Tora's a perfect gentle woman with good body heat."

"I know she's thick or whatever, but did Puritanism make a come back with mortals?" Clarity shrugs. "Does she corrupt the minds of men around her?" She laughs.

"Meanwhile there is no way Ananth isn't chopping up bodies in his basement. And not for mushrooms, either," Lamia says grumpily. "It's too bad my master died before we could check it out."

Bittersweet's Cafe
Umbria, Frontieria
Peon Gloryporn

Tora grumbles under her breath, conflicted on whether to accept the compliment or to tell Leon off.

Edinah giggles again. "Oh, I'm sure you won't be trouble. Most of the complaints that get filed and fines charged were against Diael. He would just do whatever he wanted." She crosses her arms and nods. "Sissy was very well behaved. I didn't have to write her up once. She played it by the book, and with a wink and a smile." She sighs and looks at Tora sadly. "Still, I miss the power couple. How're you coping?"

"Caerulea and I are working together now," Tora says, partially avoiding the question. "She gets along fine with me," she remarks at Leon.

Sissy texts Leon with a long, insecurely making jokes at Tora's expense. However, he does receive an affirmative about making cheesecake. "It's a date!"

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi

Sermons and enthusiasm are one thing, but here we have yet another moment where cultists just show that they are a bunch of heretics. He could feel his fingers itching to burst into flame, let his whip of fire form. Create a javelin and hit that damn sword just to stop this. But he wasn't stupid, it wasn't his first mission, as much as he hated this. They were cultists, they deserve it, he told himself, just to bear it. They deserve it...

'Does any of you have ANY plan right now? Or are we just going to stand and watch this happen?!'

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto looks at the robed man, his expression hidden by his new black hood, yet his hands, for the very first time as far as anyone he know can remember, are trembling.

*This is an outrage! First they blaspheme against Sheol by invoking the Ascending Virtues in public and then DARE ask for somebody else to pay for Sheol to answer their prayers, something no true follower would EVER condone.*

Then, realizing he's telegraphing these thoughts out to everyone, he hastily adds.

*...or so I've heard. I have studied the cult in detail and even have a section of my library dedicated to the subject of old gods.*

And continues on with his diatribe.

*The cult of Sheol is supposed to be a secret one, hidden, with multiple layers of secrets given to only a select few. Handing a deity whose portfolio includes hidden knowledge and secrets' secrets out in public for everyone to hear has GOT to be the highest form of blasphemy there is! By all means, these people are lucky Sheol is unable to answer prayers right now.*

He then starts taking steps towards the stage, obviously intending a less discrete approach than originally planned. He simply mutters, audibly enough to be heard by people close by.

"This farce must be stopped.
They have been duped.
The secrets are real.
The precepts they follow are not."

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic sighs and waves off Clarity as he takes the tea, taking large swigs in between commentary, barely having had anything else to eat that day. "Bah, nevermind that ya bum. Been a while since I had home brewed tea, even if it is home brewed by a trespasser."

He takes a sideways glance at Lamia, I've seen snakes your size take on 200 pound boar and win. Snakes have got weird unhinge-y jaw things, no complaints." He finishes the tea, pushes the cup back onto Clarity, "She also diddles with her students after getting far too inebriated to be functional and has all the subtlety of a pissy Otyugh. Sounds awful lot like debauchery to me. She is, otherwise, a fairly cool cat, yes I am using that term figuratively and literally, and I think it's right of me to go say hi to her."

Kadic groans at Lamia's conjecture, "The poor dude is just a tech geek. Not much worse than Diael in his eccentricity if you wanna be like that. Dude had some pretty juicy secrets if I remember what a certain Sonia told me. I bet you he'd greet me friendly as ever if I walked in his storefront right now."

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn
Bittersweet's Cafe

Leon nods knowingly. "Sissy is still well behaved, if a little eccentric." He shrugs, as if letting some sort of fake weight off his shoulders. "We're making cheesecake Saturday. Assuming she doesn't eat it all in one sitting, I can swing some by WMOC if you're interested. I'm not the best cook, but I'll follow the instructions to my best ability." He's being polite, he knows anybody can make a decent cheesecake.

"It's no surprise you and C. get alone, Tora." He smiles. "Though I'm surprised she hasn't gotten curious about your se-" He looks at Edinah briefly as his phone buzzes, he types out a quick "Most definitely!" to Sissy and then looks up. "I'm sorry, so rude of me. I've forgotten what I was saying."

[Togo]

Chasne looks at the robe seller.

Not from one of these events. You sell other clothes at other gigs, maybe? He says with a grin. Anyway, I'll take one of these. Looks like they're starting up in there, and I don't want to be a jerk my first time, you know?

His ears perk up, as the shouting starts, inside.

Oops. Have they started already? I didn't think there would be public debate at one of these things, or at least... not this early. I'm not sure I know enough to join in...

[Snowbluff]

Old Town Hall
Umbria, Frontieria
Ash Proto Chashne Fierhan


"Well, I do sell t-shirts at concerts for a living. That and scalping tickets," he says, shrugging. "best get on, then. The speaker's sermons are really good. Offer some perspective. Sadly, my robe business has been keeping me from them. I make do with the online stuff, but I have no idea what's doing on. Still, the best way to learn is to dive right in. "

Chashne enters the building, only to find a strange sight of the large creature at the altar, holding what looks like Diael's old sword over an old man in a robe, ready to sacrifice him. Proto is going on about how strange this seems for a cult of Sheol, and Ash is losing it, asking if they should do something, all over telepathy, of course. What will the team do about this?

Kadic's House
Umbria, Frontieria
Kadic

"I am a not a bum, I am, uh, residentially impaired," Clarity says. "Not like I can get a home here anyway. What am I supposed to say when they ask me my birth date and credit number. 'Oh I was made thousands of years ago and credit numbers didn't exist back then.'" Clarity shrugs.

"That's prejudice again snakes, and I am not a real snake," Lamia protests. "Also she doesn't taste good." She looks up at Clarity. "No offense, of course, but you taste like caulk, plaster, and eggshells."

"No offense taken." Clarity says. "What has Tora been doing with her students? Anyway, 50 bucks says that you get chopped up and made into a cyborg."

"Oooh, I bet 100 bucks that you get attached to another mortal. Also I need to borrow 100 bucks. I have no money," Lamia counters. "Diael didn't chop anyone up for fun, either. Though, I guess having to reassure people about that doesn't inspire confidence..."

"Still, I bet Tora is at that insipid coffee shop. What was it, Buttersweats? If you need to see her, I'd guess that'd be the place," Clarity says pensively, sipping on her tea.

Bittersweet's Cafe
Umbria, Frontieria
Leon Glorytorn

"Oh, that sounds lovely," Edinah says excitedly. "I didn't know she could cook. I bet it'd be great to sample something you guys made. Still, isn't it quite a bit away, the Guardian Tower? How are you going to be getting back?" She puts a finger to her chin in thought.

"WHAT ABOUT MY SEX?!" Tora yells, thoroughly offended. She grabs Leon at the collar with both hands, her hazel eyes narrowing as they look straight into Leon's. She's strong, far stronger than he remembers her being. Her eyes seem to burn with an almost familiar intensity. She really has taken after her master.

Edinah chuckles. "What about it?"

"Oh, um," Tora pauses as she lets Leon down. "It's uh, because of how heterosexual I am. Caerulea is always interested in psychological phenomena. She's fascinated by all sorts of classifications and minutiae. It's great, you should talk to her about it sometime." Her recovery is clumsy at first, but she manages to finish on a note resembling human speech.

[Togo]

Chashne barely breaks stride before moving along the nearside wall, moving towards the front, scanning the seats as if looking for someone.

Oops, sorry I'm late, don't mind me, excuse me, pardon me, sorry, is that your dog, yes very sweet, can I just squeeze past, thanks, 'scuse me..

Eventually he reaches a chair near the front, and settles down. The he speaks, in a stage whisper that suggests inaudibility without in any way achieving it:

Wow! Big ambomination, guy on an altar, some kind of telepath trying to take the stage, and we're doing religious philosophy on top! No wonder this place is packed - it's quite the show!

The he frowns, and nudges his neighbour, speaking slightly louder.

Hey, they're not really going to kill that old guy, are they? I mean, that would be mean. Not to mention, like, totally illegal, right?

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn
Bittersweet's Cafe

Taken aback at first, Leon examines Tora closely when she grasps him firmly. Then silently, he gives her a telling, knowing look. It's meaningful, as if to say 'Oh I see'. He brushes the new wrinkles out of his well stitched blazer and smiles at her. "Super heterosexual." He adds, trying to strengthen her argument. But he is a terrible liar.

With a nod and a pat on the back, he winks at Tora and turns to Edinah. "It was wonderful to meet you, miss." He smiles widely. "Don't worry about WMOC being out of the way, I like to go on long jogs anyway! If the weather doesn't hold up," He looks to the sky, doubtful. "I can always drive over, or ride the motorcycle." He shrugs. "Cheesecake, like love, is an unstoppable force, unhindered by distance."

"Super heterosexual."

Bluff
[roll0]

EDIT:
NATURAL ONE. NO WAY!

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Seriously? Seriously. OK folks, let's do this then. We won't be able to hold Proto back. Give me a minute to grab their attention, then go on the big guy I suppose. I would suggest aim to restrain and question, rather than kill. He sighs and shifts his image within the cloak, adding a bit of bulk and a powerful face with grey-green eyes, solid features, and a jawline that could pass for a granite block.

His voice suddenly booms out, filling the area around him. "Blasphemers! Fools and lackeys, gathered to lap at the puling dribble of half-truths and barely held secrets. Did you think that the SHADOWED ONE would allow you to blaspheme in his name? Did you think that the paltry blood of a misguided fool would draw his blessings?" With a thought, he begins to rise into the air and shed light around him, the light glowing a strange off-white grey color. "Sheol is the Shadowed One, the God of Secrets, the Knife in the Darkness. What use this farce of a congregation?
There is no church, no chapel to Sheol. Only whispers in the darkness, prayers murmured in the darkest recesses of your mind and soul belong to Sheol. By all rights you should be slain where you stand, and that twisted figure at your side should descend into the depths of the Darkness." His thoughts reach out, brushing delicately across the mind of the one with the sword, bidding him to become a friend. "Still, perhaps you intend well. Surrender yourself to me, one of the Chosen of Sheol, and I will grant you his Mercy. Surrender, and be granted peace." His attention turns to the crowd for a moment. "For the rest, I urge you to LEAVE, lest you find yourselves in the gaze of the one you claim to seek."


So many things....
Taking 10 on Bluff (Chosen of Sheol, etc), gives me a 38.
Using Eternal Charm on the Sword-wielder (DC 25).
Taking 10 on Diplomacy vs. the Sword-wielder (hopefully charmed), gives me a 42 (which also happens to be the Answer!).
Rolling Intimidate vs. the Crowd [roll0]

[Xgya]

Proto

The grey-tinged cherubim takes flight, not removing his cloak, but pointing an accusatory finger towards the stage as he takes position above them, his voice stern and the normal breaks between his sentences accompanied by stern looks.

"BLASPHEMERS AND THIEVES!
KILLING THE GOD YOU CLAIM TO WORSHIP!
Gods of secrets.
Having their secrets revealed.
WOULD YOU SOONER AWAKEN A GOD OF LIFE BY KILLING EVERYONE?!?"

Then, following on Fiehran's speech.

"DESIST OR BE PURGED!
THE CHOSEN DEMANDS!"

He lifts his arm and aims at the stage. A bolt of pure plasma fires from his palm and aims at the stage near the speaker, leaving scorch marks.


Shooting a laserbolt at the stage near the sword-wielder.
So, Aid Another on Diplomacy and Bluff.
[roll0] Bluff.
Auto-success on Diplomacy through Cunning Knowledge.

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic walks back over to the door as Snack flits back from his inspection of the house, making mechanical chirps, "Certainly impaired in some form or another, bedraggled excuse for an angel..."

He pokes Lamia in the head, "Facts are prejudiced now? News to me. He shrugs, We're not taking bets out on the person who actually owns this house, or I'll kick both of you out, I swear. Besides that, I'm already part cyborg if you'd been paying attention since I entered the door. Now I'm going down to Bittersweet's, Clarity, and I am going to find Tora there are make her life as difficult as possible. You're free to come along, your personality should help."

He laughs to himself, turning towards the door and planting his flat cap on his head, leaving his quiver, backpack, and bow behind. He steps outside and glances about for a moment, then heads in the direction of the diabetically sweet catfolk's café.

[Snowbluff]

The old Town Hall
Ash Chashne Fierhan Proto

"What?" The guest speaker asks Chashe incredulously. "Of course I'm going to kill him. This is a sacrifice to prove my loyalty to my god! Weren't you listening at all?!"

"What gall!" the first speaker exclaims at its podium as Fierhan hops up to the stage.

The cultists listen intently. Most of of them take their leave, but a few others make sure to fetch some popcorn to watch the religious upheaval in progress. "Well, someone has to be here to document this," one of them says.

The sword wielding guest speaker is unimpressed. "A farce indeed. I have seen visions of Sheol's face. I know her avatars by name, and you are not they! Poor, foolish mortal! I was one like you, blinded to the truth. This is what Sheol demands of me! The emptiness of the void, in her abscence, this is what she draws from me!" The guest speaker raises its weapon. "Sheol! Wise and powerful, Sheol! If you wish my offerings cease, then show thyself!" The speaker turns towards Proto, not recognizing him as he shoots magic in his direction, and proclaims "And as for any inferior, pretender gods that doubt my methods, come! You will be made offerings at her altar!"

The first speaker, however, is spooked by the display of Proto's power. "Criminy! I'll have to pick this up some other time," It says as it leaves through a back door.

Roll Init, I guess

Kadic's House

"I'm quite, good, thanks," Clarity says peacefully. She carries an aura of calm. Her level of reassurance can be agitating at times. She always acts like she knows something Kadic does not.

"I'll be staying for now, Kadic," Lamia says. "It'd odd seeing Tora again."

Kadic departs

Bittersweet' Cafe

Edinah is confused. "I, uh, that's nice. Oh, I have to go," Edinah says nervously.

"What, no!" Tora says. "C'mon, stay a little. It can wait."

"No, uh, I've got an experiment running running," Edinah continues sheepishly before she hurries off.

Tora's ears droop as Edinah leaves, and as Leon goes after her, she slumps into in a chair. She orders a drink.

By the times Kadic arrives, Tora is arguing with Bittersweet. "No, just leave the bottle," she says.

"Bittersweet hates to see you like this," Bittersweet says, obviously conflicted. Tora's reckless and self destructive habits are exactly the kind of thing that would make Bittersweet a handsome profit, but on the other hands she's a loyal customer.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn
Streets of Umbria

Putting his palm in his face, Leon puts a hand on Tora's slumped shoulder, pulls her in gently, plants a platonic kiss on her head, and says "I'm sorry, T. I'll go make it right." He puts some money on the bar for Bittersweet, to pay for his tab and leaves extra for some of Tora's.

Sprinting out the door after Edinah, he draws his sports coat tight, to keep in the warmth, his breath hot on the mid-Autumn air. "Edinah! Wait up!" He calls after her, slowly catching up. "Whew! You can move." He says exasperatedly. "Let me walk you home, we can chat." He smiles warmly, offering up an arm for her to take.

[Xgya]

Proto

Still pointing in an accusatory manner, Proto waits for an opportunity, flying right above the speaker now, a hundred feet in the air above him. His cloak lifts up for a second, revealing his spindly chromed legs as Defense Drone starts its gyratory movement around Proto.

"There IS a liar present.
In front of us all.
Claims to worship Sheol.
Ignores Her decrees.
Reveals Her secrets.
Acts like all liars do.
Blames his accusers of his own crime."

Proto quickly sends a few queries through the telepathic channel.

*My weapons aren't ideal for direct combat, I'm afraid. Useful to scare folks away, flashy, but otherwise just as effective as their mundane equivalents - though I consider myself a good marksman. I came here on a reconnaissance mission, I did not prepare tools to capture or detain; I can kill him, sure, but that isn't why we're here today.
Also, be warned, a field surrounding me forbids teleportation temporarily, so if that's part of your modus operandi, make sure you're not caught.*

Finally, after a small moment of silence, he looks at the cultist.

"That was your first and only warning shot."


Delaying until the cultist acts, sending mental commands to Number Two to open the gateway and push Timmy out at a moment's notice.

[Togo]

Chashne looks around, his grin fading. Oh, we're going to really catch it when we get back.

As cultists start to flee in all directions, he nudges his neighbour again. This... this isn't part of the gig, is it? As she starts scrabbling to her feet, he does likewise, looking around at the growing chaos.

He shakes his head.

So, how did the secret infilitration go? Oh, fine, fine, I mean apart from the riot. Riot? Oh dear, well did you manage to hear anything useful? Oh yes.. we have several minutes of incriminating meeting to discuss.

[Snowbluff]

Short post for Lp...
Umbria Streets
Leon

"No, this doesn't make any sense..." Edinah is muttering to herself. "Why are things like this..."

As Leon approaches, she looks surprise. "What? Huh? No, I'm fine. Don't worry about me," Edinah says defensively. "I'm just trying to sort some things out." She pulls her jacket closer to herself, shivering in the cold.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn
Streets of Umbria

"No no, this won't do." He frowns for the first time today. "Take this." He pulls off his nice wool sports coat and wraps it around Edinah, letting his residual warmth soak into her. "I'm naturally warm, so I'll be okay." He makes sure it's snug and runs his hands over the jacket, warming it with friction. "I'm parked just around the corner, why don't you let me drive you home then. If walking is unacceptable." His smile trickles back. "Come on." He offers his arm to her. "I won't take no for an answer." His smile warms the soul with sincerity.

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi

'Glad we're all on same page, lads.'

He stepped forward, letting the hood fall off his face as he rose one of his hands into air, energy forming between his fingers and slowly coalescing into shape of a javelin... moments before sound like that of many birds chirping filled the air as electricity covered the newly created weapon, twisting it and making it look as if Ash was holding an actual lightning bolt in his hand.

"Might try to bring to your attention the fact that you're surrounded.. But I'd rather talk to ya about how moronic is asking goddess of secrets to APPEAR if she wants you to cease."

Delaying until the first blow or strike is made...
Still an Initiative roll
Initiative [roll0]

[IZ42]

Kadic

After a minute or two of travelling, complete with grumbling to himself about the freeloaders in his house that he paid for, Kadic arrives at Bittersweet's just after Edinah had left. He walks up behind Tora and coughs. He flicks her lightly in the back of the head with his normal hand.

He then circles around to the opposite side of Tora's table, grinning at Bittersweet cheekily. "Panini and a water please. Not very hungry right now."

He looks back down at Tora, his fingernails clicking across the surface of the table pensively, "And so I return, like a prodigal son I suppose. How has my former instructor been, Tora?"

[Snowbluff]

The Old Town Hall
Ash Fierhan Proto (and Timmy)

The guest speaker loses its patience. It lets loose an inhuman howl. It, as a charging mass of teeth and cloth, slams itself into Fierhan, swinging its sword wildly. It continues to scream what you think are words, but they are undecipherable.

Meanwhile, Chashne works his way through the leaving crowds of cultists to follow the first speaker.

[roll0] Attack
Damage [roll1]

Critical on 20 [roll2]
Crib Damage [roll3]

Back Alleys
Chashne

Chashne gets outside. In the alley is the guest speaker, in their cultist robe. The first speaker is strangely still.

Bittersweet's Cafe
Kadic

"One panini special, coming right up! Bittersweet's is good to eat!" Bittersweet heads to the kitchen to prepare food for the flat cap wearing cat folk.

"Oh hey, Kadic," Tora says casually, as if nothing happened. She downs a cup of scotch. "Oh you know, nothing much. I'm a hero. A real champion of justice. Not that any of these people know. Saved the world in the time you were gone. It was great." She pours herself another glass. "You know what I don't get? People don't wanna know what I do, but when it comes to me, they wanna know what I am, you know what I mean?" She swears in Aquan.

Umbrian Streets
Leon Leonborn

Edinah shakes her head. "No, I ddon't think I need it. Just got to sort some things out." She distractedly walks into a street and a sedan collides with her from the side. She lands on the hood of the car, her arm landing under her torso.

"Yo lady, you okay?" Asks the driver as he steps out of the car. "You're not hurt are you?"

"No, I'm fine," Edinah says, turning away from the man and cradling her arm.

"You sure? You'r acting like you're hurt and if you're hurt you should get it checked out..." the man looks at Edinah, a worried expression on his face. He points back at his car with his thumb. "Listen, if it's bad I can drive you to the clinic. It's not far, but it's cold out."

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn
Streets of Umbria

Leon puts up a hand to stave off drive. His expression is grim, moments ago when he'd seen the car coming, he'd cast Delay Death on Edinah, to no avail. This was either an ill omen or something... more.

He flashes his Guardian authentication for the driver. "Medical Guardian now on duty, assisting WMOC officer down." He says officially, lacking the flustered air you'd expect of someone who'd just seen another hit by a car. He kneels by Edinah, reaches for his side, pulls out a small flashlight and gently takes Edinah's head before shining the light gently in her eyes. "Possible minor concussion. Judging by how you're cradling your arm, possible fracture." He shakes his head. He picks up the well made sports coat that he'd put on her moments before, now tattered and ripped by the road. "Oh well. It was time for a new one anyway." He pulls it into length-wise strips of cloth and manufactures a make shift sling for her arm. "Don't fight with me, I'm a doctor." He says reassuringly.

After evaluating there's no spinal damage, he very very gently lifts her princess style into his arms. "I'll take her, sir." He nods to the civilian. "There's nothing a hospital could do that I'm not capable of at this point." Taking her to his car, he loads her up and takes her to his flat, depositing her gently on his bed, surrounded by a mountain of pillows for safety. "I'm going to make some tea, and see if I don't have a better splint around here for you. Try not to roll on your arm." From there, he begins to rummage about in his apartment.

I don't have the ability to check my sheet right away. But I have enough ranks in heal to do any of the above.

[Yasahiro]

The Old Town Hall

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 76/76 | AC: 28 | Temporary HP: 11 | Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

As the guest speaker began his attack on Fiehran, with one battlecry, a glow seemed to come from inside Ash's body, before his body seemed to manifest an armor around him, made of some transluscent substance that quickly became opaque, giving him a monstrous appearance of an armored demon, with horns that laid against his head, the armor seemingly growing out of the body and becoming actual spikes or spines in places.

One hand moving into bag of holding and taking out the Nightstick, Ash let his mind focus and concentrate, his lips quickly muttering prayers towards Oberon before his body seemed to gain some sort of glow, an aura, that dissappeared moments later. But he was ready for anything that would be thrown at him

Delayed - Previous Rounds standard action - Activate Ectoplasmic Shard
Move action - Pull out nightstick
Standard Action - Cast Divine Power
Free Action - Divine Metamagic(Persistent Spell)

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic grumbles, "Not even a proper hello. What am I, chopped liver?" He glances up at Tora, eyebrows raising momentarily. She looked older than the years past would indicate too, Kadic thought. Diael's death had done a number on her more than him. "Do elaborate. I am curious as to your escapades," He coughs in a manner that sounded vaguely judging, "in my absence from Umbria."

Snack chirrups, mechanical and tinny as one would expect from a mostly robotic creature. Kadic shushes him with a finger to the bird's beak.

[Snowbluff]

Short post for IZ and LP

Leon's apartment
Leon

Leon take Edinah to his place to treatment. He did notice something strike. The arm she was cradling was wet. Not with blood like you'd expect, but water.

She sits upright and cross legged in the bed and removes her jacket. Her arm is clammy and pale. "There really isn't anything you can do," she says mournfully. "I'm not real. I'm a duplicate made using an esoteric and propriety form of magic, which only one person capable of casting, and only one other person was ever trained to maintain." She sighs, drawing in her legs and holding them close to her chest as she peers sideways out the window.

Bittersweet's Cafe
Kadic

"Oh, I'm sorry. Hi Kadic, how are you," she says flatly. She downs another drink. "Anyway, I wish I could tell you about it, but it's easily something that could get me arrested or worse. Suffice it to say that I was contracted by an independent organization to handle a mutual problem. Three or so executions later, and the world is a safe place." She pours a glass of the liquor and slides it to Kadic. "How about you? What's been getting you up in the morning?"

Bittersweet arrived with Kadic's order. "Bittersweet is happy to help!" she says cheerfully.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn
Home of the Glorious

Leon stops, mid motion, as he was rifling through a cabinet for an old splint. He pulls out some gauze instead, and makes his way back to the bedroom, taking the injured arm and wrapping it thoroughly. He waits a brief moment, satisfied with his work, before plopping down on the bed next to her.

"I dunno." He smiles, cheerfully. He pinches her cheek, just hard enough to smart a little. "You feel pretty real to me." He chuckles. "Proprietary magic or not, we're going to have to fix up that arm of yours eventually. I can manage the wrappings indefinitely, but..." He ponders, pulling a small notepad out from his shirt pocket and writing up a little note*, handing it over.

He winks at her. "Wrapping: check. I can get the hot chocolate ready in a jiff." He lifts her chin a little. "Smile. I'm not going to tell anybody, I'd be violating a doctor's privacy laws." He winks again, more playful that time. "Are you able to contact the person about your arm? I'm not much of an arcanist, but I can give it a whirl, if you've got a scroll or something... would mending work?" He scoots closer to her on the bed, shaking it a little, examining her face closely, trying to get a read on the situation.


"Doctor's Orders: must get arm re-wrapped daily, preferably by Dr. Gloryborn. 16oz of hot chocolate every week."

[Xgya]

Proto

Seeing the cultist attack, Proto starts aiming his bolts straight at it.

"The target struck first.
This is legitimate defense.
Attempting to disable."


Free: Drop down until within 30ft.
Full-attack on the cultist.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Fire: [roll2]
Crit (19-20)
Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

Attack #2:
Attack: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]
Fire: [roll7]
Crit (19-20)
Attack: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

Proto is spending Inspiration on his damage rolls.
Current Inspiration is 5, -1 per attack that hit.
If the cultist falls unconscious from the first shot, he won't fire the second.

[Snowbluff]

Short post for Lp

Leon's apartment
Leon

"No, I don't think that would..." Her voice trails off as she reads the note, and she raises an eyebrow. "Mending? No, I am pretty sure I am not a robot! I'm a magical creature." She fixes her glasses. "As for the spell itself, I don't know where it is. Neither do I know what happened to the person who was supposed to be maintaining me. He disappeared some time ago." She strokes her chin in thought.

"However, if there is someone that could help, it would be you. You said you were a guardian, right? The person who was in charge of fixing me up was a Guardian named Luka. If we can track him down, I could get the repairs-" she stops herself,"healing I need to stay below the radar." She looks at Leon, right into his eyes. "Just makes sure Tora doesn't find out. If she finds out, it would defeat the whole purpose."

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

Leon laughs at her outburst. "It's an old healer's motto: 'If your patient's near their ending, not all is lost, try a mending!' or something like that." He trails off. "Most magical creatures can still be healed!" He prods at her side, with a well trained finger.

Of course he'd heard of Luka. Any healer from the past decade had, maybe further back than that even. But he frowned at this. "Luka?" He rubs his temples. "It's always something complex nowadays. Never 'sure, Leon. Hot chocolate sounds great! Or you're so sweet, Leon, what would we do without you?' ah how I pine for the days in the clinic." He was joking, of course. He was happy to help, though he did wish the solution was more in his reach.

"Well," he starts, pulling back from her face. "Keeping a secret from Tora is easy. She never wants to talk to me anyway." He shrugs. "I'll talk to Sissy about doing a secret coop mission between myself and a WMOC operative. No one will deny her information, should she ask. She can get me the clearance I need." Looking away from Edinah for a moment, he looks caught between laying down in his bed and thinking all this over or going to the kitchen and working on that hot chocolate.

[Togo]

Chashne frowns, looking briefly one way, then the other, before kneeling to examine the fallen guest speaker. He has little or not medical knowledge, but he does know some magical healing, so he tries that. With a brief musical chant he lays one hand on the chest of the cultist, and lets the magic flow forth.

He kneels as he concentrates, trying to distinguish the difference between a spell being resisted, and it not finding a target. After all, you can't heal a corpse.

Casting cure light wounds, just in case that helps.
Spot [roll0]
Heal [roll1]

Hey, T'kit. Check him out, will you? Be discreet.

A tiny, faintly glowing, sphere floats out of the back of the hood of his cult robe, passing through the fabric as if reality was of no consequence. It hovers low over the body, pulsing gently.


Heal [roll2]
Casting detect evil
Casting detect magic
Analysing results of detect magic
T'kit Spellcraft [roll3]
Chashne Spellcraft [roll4]

While T'kit is pulsing, Chashne is nervous.

I'd better get out of here. Being found kneeling over the body would not be good. Worse stiil, this could be some kind of amb-

[Snowbluff]

Short Posh for Togo, LP,

Two Way Alley
Chashe

As T'kit approachs, the creature jumps, pulling off her hood. "SURPRISE!" It's a strange creature. It looks like your typical furless striped catfolk, of a similar variety to Tora. However, unlike most Catfolk who lack fur, this one's skin is strangley pale, and her stripes are thin. Weirder still, she has a more human nose, and her ears are lower and pointier. She's wearing a bindi style circlet and has piercings on her ears, as well as several necklaces and rings, creating a wide variety of shiny accouterments, as well as some heavy eyeshadow and dark lipstick. "I hate to say it, but your first speaker is in another castle," she says smugly. She laughs at Chashne. "You might now know it now, but you've been tricked by a genius. By walking into my trap, you went the wrong way and you'll never guess which way the lead cultist went." She sighs contently and places her hands on her hips.

The weirdo cat woman definitely reads a blinding amount of magic. However, she is not evil.

Leon's Apartment
Edinah

Edinah's duplicate chuckles, and says "Cute. Alright, I'll take some hot chocolate. At least it tastes good to me." She sits on the edge of the bed, letting her legs go from her chest. "Though, I guess we now know why Tora was so upset with you. Had no idea. It's strange. I have no idea what my master was doing. All I was supposed to do was fill in for the real one, so no one would notice she was dead and do anything... irrational."

"As for Luka, he went missing several weeks ago. He was instructed on how to maintain me. I've been to his house, but all I was met with was his apprentice, who isn't coping with his appearance as well as I am," she says sardonically. "Honestly, if we're going to find him, we might need to talk to her. Of course, Luka and Tora were close. They hung out pretty frequently, but I don't know why they did that either. In short, literally being only several months old means I am less of a useful resource than the real Edinah would be in this case." She frowns.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

Leon quickly whips up some hot chocolate, brings it back to the bed, and hands a mug to Edinah. "Careful, it's hot." He carefully hands it to her, keeping a good grasp on it until she's got it firmly in her hands. He takes a seat beside her and sips his, still piping hot. He waves away her statement about the real one. "Please, you're the only Edinah I know. At this point, you're more 'real' and tangible than the 'original'." He sighs. "Could make communication difficult. Let's call her Prime. Makes it easy to talk about in a public space and less confusing."

Leon gasps. "Lahala!" He nearly spills some of his hot chocolate before regaining composure. "Oh, I'm so stupid! Luka being gone and I didn't even think to talk to her. She must be a wreck, he was her world." He shakes his head. "She'll talk to me. I'm a guy. No threat to her and Luka. But still-" He trails off.

"No information on Prime, unless you're neglecting to share something." He counts one finger. "No information on Luka... yet." He counts two fingers. "And if I miss making Cheesecake with Sissy on Saturday she won't give me squat for security clearance." He puts up two more fingers, this clearly being the largest obstacle.

When Edinah mentions Tora again, Leon's ears perk a little. As much as a nephilim's ears could perk. "You're awfully concerned about Tora for someone that just rushed out on her only to get hit by a car." He raises an eyebrow and gets really close to her face, examining it intently. "Hmmmmm."

What day is it?

Sense Motive
[roll0]

[Togo]

Chashne spends a little longer looking at her than he should, before blinking.

Uh, wow, yeah, you sure got me. Sorry, who did you say was in a castle? And... a castle? For real? With, like turrets and stuff? And, ah.. who are you?

There's a rattle and click from the dimly glowing globe, that bobs a bit closer.

Yeah, I don't know, T'kit. I don't think so. Chashne shakes his head. Sorry, can we start over? You've triggered some kind of, trap did you say? To stop me talking to the guy who was talking at the meeting? He looks puzzled. Wouldn't it have been easier just to run the meeting for him, and then pretend to have had a genius plan to pull a a switch if anyone caught you?

He thinks for a moment.

While we're at it, who are you? And did you know they're, like, killing each other in there?

[Snowbluff]

Two Way Alley
Chashne

The woman's eye twitched. "No, it's a metaphorical castle- I mean, not a literal one, I was making a reference. The hideout isn't even a castle, it's an abandoned library. I guess there's some Gothic architecture, but I wouldn't say it's anything approaching a true castle." She rubs her temples, not realizing her mistake.

"Listen, you dense mother****er, it's quite simple. I stand here and distract you while the first speaker runs the other way. It's important to have the events play out correctly. If I had been speaking, you couldn't have the real speaker be there, and I'd have to tell her that there is something up, and she won't like that all. What they were actually doing doesn't really."

She puts her arms down in defeat. "Oh, um, I'm Oniyuri. I guess you should know the name of the person who outsmarted you." She pats her robe, as if she's looking for something. "I guess I'd give you a card or my number, but I don't have any of those. Or a pen."

Leon's Apartment
Leon

"Thanks," Edinah says. She blows on the hot chocolate. "It's true. As far as you're concerned, there was another Edinah. It's strange to think about. 'Prime' it is. We don't want anyone to catch on."

She sips at the hot cocoa. "Yeah, she wasn''t too happy the last time I saw her. I don't knowabout the internal workings of the Guardians as well as I should, but I reckon she's kind of fallen through the cracks without her master. She should be reassigned once people realize Luka is missing, but on the other hand that could be a while, as they're understaffed right now." She squints in concentration. "Wait, is Luka straight? I've always been told he was a fairy. Did they mean literally?" She shakes her head. "Listen, I just panicked at the cafe. I'm... unsure what I'm supposed to do. Like, do I let her off easy, or just ignore her?" She sighs. "I don't know. Maybe the Prime one had issues that I inherited, or my personality was handcrafted with what my creator knew."

She's being genuine.

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic snorts quietly, "Sounds gruesome. Always a lovely thing for the right person, I suppose." He glances at the glass offered to him, wrinkling his nose slightly. But he does pick it up, taking a small sip from it. "I don't know really. Nothing in specific. I've been doing... better for myself over the past two years than when I was under your tutelage. Little fault of your own of course."

He glances up at Bittersweet, adjusting his glasses slightly as she sets down his food, "Thanks, Bittersweet. Been a while since I indulged in diabetes on a plate."

[Togo]

Two Way Alley
Chashne

Chashne's eyes widen. Ohhhh, it's a diversion! That makes sense.

He makes a series of clicks and whistles to the glowing orb. It bobs and grows even fainter, withdrawing back into Chashne's hood, hanging loosely behind him.

Um.. I don't have a pen either, but we can borrow one at the coffee shop just down the way. They do a great Venti Iced Skinny Cinnamon Hazelnut Macchiato.

He pauses for breath.

With double shot and sugar-free syrup. You want one?

His deep breath causes his well-defined chest muscles to strain against his thin silk shirt. Suddenly, worry crosses his face, like a passing cloud.

Unless you think, if I go now, I could still catch her? I mean I figured she's long gone, but if you think there's still a chance? No?

After a pause too brief for a reply, his smile returns. So that's settled then. Some leather sofas, decent coffee, and you can tell me about your trick. Did you really plan all that before the trouble even started? Or were you improvising your way out of a tight spot?...

Meanwhile, behind him, shielded from her gaze by his body and trying to go unnoticed, the incorporeal ball of dimly glowing light that is T'kit races down the allyway in the other direction, gaining height. At he reaches the corner he goes up and to the side, through a nearby roof, and into the sky beyond. As instructed, he's looking for the cultist, either in a cult robe or curiously lightly dressed, probably heading for a gothic-looking library.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

Leon shrugs. "There's only one Edinah, as far as I'm concerned." He sips his hot cocoa. "As far as Tora is concerned, that's up to you. But letting her off easy seems like the best option. Probably a bad idea to ignore her entirely. Or, you know, run into the street stammering to yourself." He gives her a gentle elbow to the side, playfully pushing her.

"Here's the thing about Guardians. If someone says 'he's a fairy', 'she's a real beast', or anything else along those lines, I've discovered you're nearly always safer taking it literally." His eyes widen from experienced panic. "That's a mistake I'll never make again." Shaking his head, he continues on. "Anyway- Lahala. I'm capable of talking to her on my own, if you'd rather head home or stay here. As a member of WMOC, I expect you won't steal my things or go searching for my top 10 women in Umbria list." The last is a jest... or is it?

"What say you?"

Should she insist on coming, he'll wait for her to finish her cocoa and then go visit Lahala with her. If she'd rather stick around here, or suggest they wait until it stops raining/something else, he'll go on his own in due time.

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

With a snarl of pain, Fiehran drifts back from the strangely floating cultist, pulling an artifact from his belt: a cudgel of powerful arcane magic. Drawing on the reserves of his other relics, he unleashes a blast of eldritch energy sourced in his fiery heritage.


5' step back.
Firing a Hellfire Blast: [roll0] Touch attack to deal [roll1] Hellfire damage
Takes 1 point of Constitution damage (which is recovered at the end of the turn due to Naberius).

[Snowbluff]

Abandoned Town Hall
Ash Proto Fierhan

Proto's attacks barely miss it, and it pays him no heed.

"Hellfire?! Then you are truly lost, demon!" The creature bellows as the blast sears away some of the robe and scorches the writhing mass of teeth and flesh below. The creature swings its blade madly at Fierhan, and some of the flesh comes after him as well in jagged tendrils.

Meanwhile, Ash powers up!



Sword 1
[roll0]
[roll1]

Sword 2
[roll2]
[roll3]

Toothy Flesh 1
[roll4]
[roll5]
If it hits, grapple, [roll6]

Toothy Flesh 2
[roll7]
[roll8]
If it hits, grapple, [roll9]


Toothy Flesh 3
[roll10]
[roll11]
If it hits, grapple, [roll12]


Toothy Flesh 4
[roll13]
[roll14]
If it hits, grapple, [roll15]


Two Way Alley
Chashne

Oniyuri blinks. "Yes, a diversion. That." She shrugs. "Whatever that is, it sounds delicious, just let me get this ridiculous robe off," she says, pulling it over her head. She's dressed lightly for the weather, wearing a bandeau with petals around the bottom, and a similiar skirt, and long socks. The stripes seem to cover the rest of her skin, and she's wearing a variety of jangling anklets, rings, and bracelets. She really is quite beautiful, almost unnaturally so. Where does something like this come from?

"Really, I just needed for the speaker to get away from now. I don't really have anything else going on for a while. I mean, there's no way she didn't get away, we've been talking forever." She stretches her back and arms, reaching out to the darkening sky. "Well, lead the way, I guess."

T'kit sees no cultist. Really, the only strange thing he sees is a an angel with blue wings flying east.

Leon's Apartment
Leon

"Well, she's demonstrated self destructive tendencies in the past.' Edinah sips at her hot chocolate pensively. "I don't know what she would do if I told her that she was wasting her time. I don't know if her ego would survive the blow. The good news is that I'm not planning on getting hit by any motor vehicles. Speaking from experience, it's not a good way of solving problems," she jests.

"I mean, I guess I'll have to take your word for it. If he's a sprite of some kind, that could be a usable clue." She sips at the cocoa, staring straight ahead and past Leon. "As for Lahala, it doesn't matter to me either way. I guess I could hang around here, but I'll have you know that there has never been a time that I haven't taken the opportunity to dig through a Guardian's stuff. Besides, I'm not a real WMOC officer. I never signed any contract." She winks.
Now that you said "she's a real beast," we HAVE to have that ascribe to one of the characters. :P

Bittersweet's Cafe
Kadic

The liquor is warm, but awfully dry. Tora is really a heavy drinker, if she's still able to keep drinking after what she's had of it already.

Tora laughs at Kadic's remark. "Ha! You don't know how good you had it. I was the best master there is. We had lots of fun with the shooting sessions, treks through dark undergrounds, and best of all, barhopping!" She picks up of the bottle and kisses it. "Oh, alcohol, you'll never betray me. Now help me forgot the people who have," she whispers to the bottle, before hiccuping. She pours herself another glass. "Anyway, yes, I guess it was kind of fun. Every once in a while, it's good to know you're doing the right thing. Frankly, I was feeling a little out of touch before then, but it made me realize what's really important." She chugs the glass she had poured. She's really an Olympic drinker, contrasting Diael's quiet contemplative drinking sessions. She must make it her mission to finish each bottle faster than the last.

"Bittersweet is insulted." Bittersweet puts her hands on hips and leans down to Kadic, nearly headbutting him. "Bittersweet has not hurt anyone with her cooking... yet!" She pouts.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

He nods, accepting her advice about Tora, but shrugs to show there aren't really any other options. "Well..." He thinks to himself for a moment, mentally rifling through his own home. "I don't think you'll find much here. As far as Guardians go, I'm fairly 'normal'." He returns her wink. "Finish your cocoa. I'll go visit Lahala."

He stands, makes sure her splint is still functional, fluffs the pillow behind Edinah, and leaves for Lahala's house.

So many options.

[Yasahiro]

-Scrubbed for reasons known to GM-

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic wrinkles his nose again. Tora had been drinking enough for the two of them, apparently. He snorts again, louder, "I was an anxious alcoholic wreck with people problems when I was under your tutelage. You just enabled the alcoholism. Of course, the mess of it wasn't your fault. I just hadn't forgiven myself for murder at that point."

He smiles suddenly, leaning across the Table, and clinking his robotic hand against the table underneath her face, "Lighten up sourpuss, you're going to drink yourself to an earlier grave than I've tried to. Indulge in diabetes instead. Or reckless acts of self-alteration to fix various physiological idiosyncrasies present about your person." He coughs, turning it into a chuckle at Bittersweet's indignation, "That was a compliment, Bittersweet. I would eat myself to death here if my sensibilities didn't prevent it."

He turns his attention back to Tora, "Working with more students? Being a bum? Freelancing? Doing the nasty with students? What is Tora up to in specific these days?"

[Yasahiro]

The Old Town Hall

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 76/76 | AC: 28 | Temporary HP: 11 | Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

Seeing Fiehran take the powerful blows, filled Ash with anger and, dare it be said, determination. Even despite the hatred inside him for the powers he had access to, he was part of this group. Lifting one hand, he focused that hatred and let it ignite in his hand, burning red. He tightened his grasp on it and a loud roar it elongated, resembling more of a whip of flames than anything else. With a roar that seemed unfit for human mouth, he struck at the monster.

Forgot to take a move action last turn, so manifesting fire whip with it.
Full Attack with it, Ranged Touch Attack

Attack Roll 1 [roll0]
Damage Roll 1 [roll1]


Attack Roll 2 [roll2]
Damage Roll 2 [roll3]


Attack Roll 3 [roll4]
Damage Roll 3 [roll5]

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Coughing up blood after the brutal assault, Fiehran gathers himself once more, glaring at the monstrosity hovering before him. "You blaspheme in the name of a goddess you do not understand, wield relics beyond your knowledge, mutate your own flesh into the monstrosity that rages here..." he spits blood directly in the face of his opponent, "... and you have the nerve to call me a demon? Die." He thrusts his hands forward, between the flailing tentacles, and presses the head of his mace directly into the chest of his opponent, releasing a savage blast of energy. He struggles to free himself from the grasp of the tentacles, cursing all hentai.

[roll0] touch to hit for [roll1] Hellfire damage.

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto watches from afar, hesitating to shoot at the monstrosity by fear of hitting his ally.

Instead, he fidgets around, rapidly falling the distance remaining while he unclasps his wings, and Timmy reaches out from the nethers of his dropped shield.
The wings look fragile on Proto, yet enlarge themselves to encompass a large portion of Timmy's back as they clasp on the prepared slot seamlessly, now showing the giant feline with equally-giant wings.

He utters simply two words as he points to the flying mass of tentacles and fell flames.

"Break up."

The creature flies at the two adversaries, clearly intent on breaking the grapple holding Fiehran.


Free: Drop the remaining distance to the floor.
Free: Drop the shield.
Move: Unequip wings.
Move: Equip wings on Timmy, right on the other side of the portable hole.

Timmy's actions:
Move: Fly to the monstrosity.
Standard: Attempt to join and then break the grapple.
Touch attack: [roll0]
Grapple: [roll1]

[Snowbluff]

Luka's House
Leon

Luka bids Edinah farewell and heads to Luka's house.

The small, homely building is fine as ever, with it's white paint job. However, the garden in the front is overgrown and unweeded.

Leon knocks on the door and nothing happens inside. However, the door swings slightly ajar...

Bittersweet's Cafe
Kadic

"Hmph. Enabled? I didn't make you do anything you didn't want to," Tora says as she leans over, tapping Kadic on the chest, exposing a her cleavage while doing so."Besides, it ain't murder if you had to."

"Alcohol has gotten me through a lot, ever since I was a little kit." Tora scowls. "Of course, I wasn't a very good kid in the first place. Probably didn't help. Besides, it's not like I'm not indulging with Bittersweet. It just takes longer for me to work off sugar."

"I'm currently taking over for Diael's old post," she continues. "The cult of Sheol has apparently grown since back then, and they've stolen a few artifacts. Diael's sword got jacked, too. Fortunately, I have the T3s covering doing some recon, well, undercover on them. I expect them to be back in a couple of hours with some intel we can use. Should be going smoothly."

Old Town Hall
Fierhan Proto Ash

"Quiet, heathen! You are the infidel! Your incongruity will be judge in Sheol! To the void with you!" The creature readies itself to stab Fierhan, but Timmy, the great machine beast, lunges at the floating abomination. It grabs the creature's words. The guest speaker yells, and with an immense heave, tosses Timmy off of its limb.

"Pathetic, I wouldn't even waste my time with you if you didn't invade my temple. You're not even worth killing. You will rot in these mortal shells! Meanwhile, Sheol will save me. I have bargained and was found worthy!" It rants, but it is cut short by Ash slashing at it with his flaming lash, burning cloth, tooth, and skin alike.

It erupts in anger, flying at Ash while screaming, carrying Fierhan with it.


5 foot step

Sword 1
[roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Sword 2
[roll2]
[roll3]

(Two tentacles are holding onto Fierhan, so it only have 2 free)
Tentacle
[roll4]
[roll5]

entacle
[roll6]
[roll7]

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

Being the ever-gentleman, Leon brewed some fresh cocoa and put it in a thermos, stopping briefly by the store to buy some high protein snacks and Liquid Sunlight.

When the door squeaks open, he leans through and calls in. "Lahala..?" Answer or no, he'll stride through the door and pull out his Liquid Sunlight as a make-shift flashlight. He begins to search the house with a Guardian trained naturalness.

[Yasahiro]

The Old Town Hall

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/63 | AC: 28 | Temporary HP: 0 | Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

Ash grit his teeth and endured the pain he felt as the sword sliced through the armor and into his flesh, or the pain from tentacle slamming with such force he could still feel it. However, this was it.

"It's over..." he said, swinging the whip again

Full Attack with it, Ranged Touch Attack

Attack Roll 1 [roll0]
Damage Roll 1 [roll1]


Attack Roll 2 [roll2]
Damage Roll 2 [roll3]


Attack Roll 3 [roll4]
Damage Roll 3 [roll5]

[Xgya]

Proto

Watching the fight from afar, Proto readies his weapon, still hesitating to shoot in the ensuing melee.

"Changing orders.
Neutralize!"


Timmy pounces at the fleeing target, clawing at it with all its might.
Claw #1:
Attack:[roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Crit (20)
Attack:[roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Claw #2:
Attack:[roll4]
Damage: [roll5]
Crit (20)
Attack:[roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Claw (rake 1):
Attack:[roll8]
Damage: [roll9]
Crit (20)
Attack:[roll10]
Damage: [roll11]

Claw (rake 2):
Attack:[roll12]
Damage: [roll13]
Crit (20)
Attack:[roll14]
Damage: [roll15]

Bite:
Attack:[roll16]
Damage: [roll17]
Crit (20)
Attack:[roll18]
Damage: [roll19]

Proto delays to help out his cat if it needs any attention.

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic sniffs, "A teacher should be a role model for their students, regardless of their affinity for beverages of the alcoholic sort. You let me indulge in alcoholism." he snipes back, eyes locked directly onto Tora's, "You won't speak of my siblings' deaths as if they were necessary again."

Upon mention of Diael's sword, his ears prick up just noticeably, "Do you perhaps plan on doing anything with Black Dahlia on its recovery? I'd be interested in studying that sword, seeing if I can figure out anything about Diael."

[Snowbluff]

Bittersweet's Cafe
Kadic

Tora sits back in her chair. "Still, it'd make it easier if you tried to forget," she says glumly. "The liquor is a good agent for that."

"And as for the blade," Tora says as she brings her drink to her lips, "you say that as if there is something to be figured out. You've read the reports, haven't you? He went berserk, became a monster. It happens to nephilim all of the time." She eyes Kadic cautiously with her hazel eyes. "I was just going to keep it, as a momento of my master. After all, I do miss him dearly, and it sucks that it fell into the wrong hands."

The Old Town Hall
Proto Ash Fierhan

Timmy and Ash slash and ash the monster. It collapses with a loud bang onto the ground, dropping Fierhan onto some chairs. He hits the ground hard, aching with pain.

The team is now in the silent town hall, a few Sheol cultists in the corner record the results. "Well, I guess that's that." They shrug, and begin to shuffle there way out.

Luka's House
Leon

The house is well decorated, and filled with small, angelic statues. However, it is dusty and unkempt. Particles in the air catch the light, scintillating in the shadows.

In the living room is a couch, a fire place, a TV, and a coffee table. There are opened cans of food and drinks left all over the floor and table. Lying face down on couch is a catfolk wearing an oversized t-shirt. Her white furred tail is sticking out from the bottom of the shirt, along with a pair of slender, pale legs. It's Lahala, who is albino. Her neck length hair is dyed red, but her white roots are showing.

Lahala looks up with a singular, red eye, before she buries her head in a pillow. She issues a complain in catfolk about the light hurting her head.

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto looks at the cultist as it falls to the ground in an unbecoming heap.

"I am...Sorry.
Sheol might have brought you light.
The way you used it was your own."

He then turns to Fiehran and Ash.

"Are you two equipped to tend to your wounds?
A wand of Lesser Vigor is available for use."

Finally, he points at the shield, still laying on the ground.

"Timmy, back to storage.
Stay ready to act.

Defense Drone, retrieve."

The large cat drops down, stops short of the shield as the artificer fetches his wings off his guardian, and enters the hole almost ceremoniously.
The shield is then lifted off the ground and slides to its usual spot on its maker's back.

"Next mission is finding the real leader.
This one was deluded, but likely not lying.
Which means somebody that knows the truth forced his hand.
That person must be found and interrogated"

[Yasahiro]

The Old Town Hall

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/63 | AC: 28 | Temporary HP: 0 | Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

He waved off Proto's concern.

"I will live and can tend to my wounds. Don't worry about it... You are right, we must find the true leader and I hope those of us who didn't participate in a fight were doing something about that. However, first..." he cut himself off as he walked towards the cultist's body, crouching and picking up the Sword that he used in a fight, inspecting it.

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic shrugs, "Doesn't help me do anything but sleep. Memory's too good."

Kadic snorts with laughter before quickly calming himself, "You've know Diael. I've know the bastard. Don't like him, but I know him. He didn't just go insane if he deliberately attacked the Guardians HQ. And while I hate the cliche, I certainly do smell something fishy. So let's take a look at this memento first, aye?"

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

Realizing she was not in a state to chat, Leon quietly walks to the couch and takes a knee. His advanced knowledge of emotions and behavior told him what he needed to know, but just being in the same room as her showed him how she felt.

He tried the emotional touch: he pats her gently on the back, high enough to not be overly friendly.

If she tries to bolt, he'll grab her in his muscular arms.

[Togo]

Chashne nods, and slips his own robe off. Removing clothes was almost never a bad sign. Good idea. Cultists aren't always well received outside of meetings. So, how did you get involved with this group? Are you particularly religious? A ray of enlightenment kind of thing? Or was it more finding people you respect? Or are you more a security professional?...

As he talks, his eye catches a window of the building he just left. He sees the flash of bright energies within, and imagines the deadly struggle going on within.

His conscience bothers him. Chashne, it says, Are you really going to abandon your poor comrades to battle with a muti-toothed monstrosity, just to have a coffee with a beautiful stranger? Someone who probably doesn't have your best interests at heart? Forsake your true loyalties for the sake of a pretty smile?

Chashne lets his eyes drift over to his new companion. Well... yes.

Then let us return to the meetinghouse and do battle with... Wait, what did you say?

Chashne is distracted, listening to her reply. 'Said yes. Come on, will you look at her? I don't meet a girl like this every day

Attractive, ambitious, and possibly intending you harm? Yes you do. You work with several.

Yes, but this one doesn't actively want to hurt me!

You've only just met. Give it time.

As they approached the café, the conservation was turning to origins. Not quite, the Bluecrags are lower and further north. I'm from the Black Spires, further south. You know, with the storms? What about you?

His conscience, however, would not let up. So are you really going to just leave them?

Look I deserve a break. I've been working hard, I can't remember the last time I went on a date...

Amalie, that girl from the park. With the three chihuahuas?

See! We got to one kiss before we found out she was allergic to me. Her face swelled up like a ballon, and one of the dogs bit me. Besides, that was ages ago!

That was last Tuesday.

I don't think a romantic evening for two at the emergency room really counts, do you? Look, they're professionals, calm, capable. A memory, glimpsed from the doorway as he left, of Fiehran wresting with a rubbery tentacle, drifts through his mind. I'm sure they can handle themselves. I respect them.

You're sneaking off for a coffee with one of the villains while they fight a homicidal abomination with a life-draining sword, because you respect them?

Yes. And because she's hot. Look, I'm following my heart

That is not your heart that you're following. But... actually, it's kinda an awesome move.

Thank you. Without a conscience like you, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

That's got to be the worse thing you've ever said about me...

Chashne drags his attention back to the conversation, to find her just finishing a sentence, a ghost of a smile on her face, and him with no idea whatsoever of what she'd just said.

He nods, reaching out one hand for his Machiatto Grande, half-and-half, double shot no whip, extra sprinkles, and the other to oh-so-casually lay it on hers. Sorry, I spaced out for a moment there. Good, good, honesty is good, just don't say anything you'll have to cover for later. He looks deep into her eyes. It's just that, listening to you, I suddenly got the inspiration for a song.

He gives a warm smile, while inside his mind, the part of him that realises she might at some point want to hear this song, thumps its head repeatedly against the wall.

[Snowbluff]

The Old Town Hall
Proto Ash and Fierhan

The body of the guest speaker still smolders, not completely destroyed. Also, Fierhan is pretty beat up, but he's still conscious. Still, he's worse for wear, and probably should find a healer.

The black blade alas most seems to salivate as Ash picks it up. It's covered in much more than the blood of his and his ally, as it continuously emitting water. The teeth in the fuller are worn, as if they were really, which is a strange choice.

It whispers to Ash, in a raspy masculine voice. "Oh, a true recipient worthy of my power. The last owner was a thief, who did not earn my respect on their own power, but had me pilfered from the corpse of my creator. But you! You demonstrated your power when you struck down my wielder, you earned the right to call me your blade! I am Black Dahlia, slayer of the living, bisector of the frail, devastator of the powerful!"

Bittersweet's Cafe
Kadic

"Very well," Tora says, nodding in agreement. "How about you give old Proto a call. He's with them right now. Actually, make sure to text him. He's probably in mass with the cultists. If you think looking at the sword will help you figure out what happened, help them find it."

Luka's House
Leon

Lahala hisses and tries to escape, but Leon grabs her in a bear hug. She tries to struggle, but she is much smaller and frail compared to Leon.

"Fine, what do you want with me," she says, relenting as he arms flop down. "I don't feel like talking, lion," she grumbles.

Cafe of Long Drink Names
Chashe

Chashne and Oniyuri arrive at the cafe door!

"Well, I guess you can say I was born into, after a fashion," the strange woman shrugs. "I mean, Sheol is a goddess of secrets. I don't think she'd be too happy with me divulging my purpose in the religion or origin. I mean, as far as 'where I'm from,'' she puts up air quotes, "it's a little complicated. I wouldn't call myself religious, but it'd be obstinate of me to say I didn't believe in her existence," she continues, stroking her chin.

The barista is surprised to see Oniyuri. He looks at her squinting and frowning, as if he was trying to figure out what was not quite right about her. He manages to regain his composure, sporting his winning, retail employee smile, and hands the extravagant coffees to Chashe and Oniyuri. "Oh, a songs sounds good. I mean, I love it when people make things themselves, demonstrating creativity and all that," Oniyuri says. She sips at the drink, and gives a smile of surprise. "Hm, that's sweet."

[Yasahiro]

The Old Town Hall

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/63 | AC: 28 | Temporary HP: 0 | Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

He just kept his stare on the Sword, his own monstrous ectoplasmic armor still up before he remembered to let it recede, turn it off slowly.

"...Why are you drooling?" he said back to it. "And uh... I'm good with the 'devastator of powerful' but not the 'bisector of frail', I'm kind of more for protecting the frail or those who can't do it themselves, kind of? So having a sword who wants the opposite is not that great, no offense to you... Do you have a scabbard or something for easier carrying? Any special rules as to using you?"

Some people, when faced with talking swords, would be in awe of its power or show it respect, but Ash? He just wants to know how much will change.

Would Ash even know about burning monster nephilim corpses and stuff?
Also, Ash totally doesn't know Dahlia is Diael's blade or so, so it will be fun.

[Snowbluff]

Town Hall, Ash's mind

Ash is talking to a sword.

"Well, to be honest those are my titles. I earned them doing this and that, going around the block a few times. Honestly, I am happy, as long as I can DESTROY. Whatever name you destroy in is your business. If you're only into destroying the guys who would destroy whatever you want, I think it's a happy middle ground for me." It looks like it would give a reassuring nod, but it has no head. "Anyway, I would love a sheathe, but I don't see any around here. Maybe you will go on a shopping trip and get me something nice, like with a velvet or silk lining. Oh! I am drooling because I have some tasty blood on me. Normally I drool in anticipation, but I'm past that point. I won't go into a sheathe unless I get something to taste, but we're good for now."


Ash would not knowabout burning monstrous nephilim. That's a part of Proto's religion.

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic raises his eyebrow, mildly confused. "Who's this 'Proto' you speak of? I've been gone for nigh on two years, you know that right? And who are these cultists you speak of?"

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

Leon sits on the couch, making sure to place her carefully next to him. "Talking can wait then." He nods, pulling out his thermos and snacks he brought. "First, you need to eat." Clicking the lid back, he raises the cocoa, which has cooled to a reasonable temperature, to her lips. He then sets some snacks on her lap. "I'm a healer, I expect you to be aware that means I have to make sure you're okay."

[Yasahiro]

The Old Town Hall

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/63 | AC: 28 | Temporary HP: 0 | Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

Ash blinked, and responded, whispering though. It would seem a bit crazy if he kept speaking loud to the blade like this.

"Oh. I suppose that makes sense, at first it sounded as if you were some evil crazy blade, ya know? But you're far more reasonable than I thought. You said this thief stole you from the corpse of your creator, who was your creator and your wielders?"

After whispering, he walked towards Fiehran and proceeded to close his eyes in focus, mumbling a small prayer, before touching Fiehran's body, imparting it with healing. After that, he stepped back.

Using Lesser Vigor on Fiehran. I don't have much healing

[Snowbluff]

Bittersweet's Cafe
Kadic

Tora blinks, her hazel eyes expressing a lucidity that Kadic had yet to see this evening. "Oh, Proto? YOu guys never met? I could have sworn you have..." she rifles through her coat and pulls out her phone. "He's an angel and now a Guardian apprentice. He's a nice guy, highly reccomended. I sent him after the sword with Chashne and Fierhan." She slides her phone across the table, which has Proto's contact information on the screen.

Luka's House
Leon

Lahala sips at the hot cocoa. She spits and staggers, jumping onto the back of the couch and dropping the thermos. "Is this... hot cocoa. I am a vanilla girl. Do you have any whipped cream?" She sits back down properly, trying to compose herself. Picking at a danish. ""I guess you'd be worried. People haven't really been coming around lately, though. Not since Luka disappeared. Everyone except that Edinah whore. I don't know what her business with MY Luka, but it's something I don't like."

Old Town Hall, Ash's mind

Fierhan is looking and feeling a lot better. He's still beaten and battered, but he's ambulatory and in no danger of dying.

"Evil and crazy, huh? I guess that's a point of view issue. Anyway, about me being stolen..." The sword seems to straighten itself in Ash's hands, as if it were to go off on a rant. "You know what really grates my onions? So listen, last fight Diael had, mutual kill, both fighters die, both him and that obstinate jerk Rebecca. So I guess shuffled around a lot until I end up in this monster's hands. I was straight up stolen! No one proved their worth or power! Ugh. Of course, minimal bisecting on my part, due to the odious, bloodless methods chosen."

[Xgya]

Proto

After giving a good look at the fallen nephilim, Proto decides that whatever happened to it demands further study, and ceremoniously shuffles the body into The Tower.

*If nothing else, Cae will want to see the body*

He then signals Number Two to secure the body in the forge.
The Tower's forge has received some free space lately since Proto's tools were moved to Guardian HQ. The room is fit for a Tiny sized body to move around correctly (even Proto has to squeeze), but should at least be able to store a medium one. It's squeezed in tightly enough not to need to be secured any more than it already is.

Proto just now seems to notice the strange blade his companion's picked up. The fact that it isn't pointed at them anymore helps him detail it some more.

"Interesting blade.
Unique craftsmanship.
Artful, yet practical.
The teeth on it look dulled.
Maintenance might be in order.
Along when some extra polish.
Though it seems to provide its own lubrication."

[Yasahiro]

The Old Town Hall

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/63 | AC: 28 | Temporary HP: 0 | Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

He grinned back at Proto, taking his eyes off the blade with a quick whisper of "Diael was your creator? But- let's discuss it later, must look odd talking to a sword for those who don't know."

"Yah, I think I actually wanna keep it, ya know? Feels like it will really suit me. Didn' expect to find a beaut' like this."

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic groans, "Another angel? Seriously? Dime a dozen overrated tin cans, honestly."

Continuing to grumble to himself, he quickly enters Proto's information into his phone. Pausing for a few moments, he hits call and waits for Proto to pick up. He narrows his eyes just slightly at Tora.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

He nods, slowly. "No whip cream I'm afraid." He decides to pry a bit. "Edinah has stopped by? The WMOC officer?" He puts on a quizzical look, wondering why Edinah hadn't told him... unless! "When was that? Perhaps she was looking into his disappearances?" He produces a small piece of paper from his shirt pocket and begins to take down notes. "When was the last time you saw Luka, Lahala? Anything strange about him?"

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

When the monstrosity that held him captive falls, Fiehran lays stunned for some time, shocked by the lack of power he had in that engagement. To be held so completely... he shakes out of it at Ash’s touch.

”Thank you... and thank you. I was... well, I would have been dead. I owe you one. Are we worried about these cultists leaving?” He stands, and recites a few lines of prose several times, his wounds closing further.

Cure Light Wounds on myself, 3 times:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Snowbluff]

Luka's House
Leon

"Hmph. More like she was poking into business that wasn't her's in the first place," Lahala says, settling down and picking up the thermos. "I saw him a few weeks ago. He's always going in and out, so. Don't know if he was going on one of his regular trips or if something and he got..." Lahala sniffs and starts crying. It's not pretty.

Bittersweet's Cafe
Kadic

"Hey, he comes highly reccomended. I think it would be worth giving him a shot," Tora says, chiding Kadic.

Bittersweet arrives with a check for Kadic. "Bittersweet hopes to see you again soon." She smiles cheerfully and pats Kadic on the head.

Old Town Hall
Fierhan, Proto, Ash

"No, don't mind us. We were just here to witness the events," one of the random cultists say.

"Uh, congrats on killing our guest speaker and telling us our views suck. Really needed that right after the divorce," another grumbles.

"Meh, maybe we'll grow faster without weirdos trying to make sacrifices a 'thing,'" a third one says as she puts up air quotes.

Proto's phone rings!!! It's a man named Kadic, apparently.

Meanwhile, the sword talks to Ash. "We'll have plenty of time to discuss this in the future. And yes, I am beautiful, thanks for noticing," it says.

[Xgya]

Proto

Turning towards the cultists, the small angel simply addresses some of their comments.

"Witness all you want.
Learn. Grow.
Let the world know.
There are Chosen out there.
This man was not one of them.

Like the secrets they worship.
They will reveal truth to select few.
If a Chosen of Sheol DOES come.

For now, pray."

Losing his focus on the cultists, Proto looks at the ringing device at his side for a second, only now remembering now that his mentor got him one for emergencies. He rapidly picks up the line.

"Proto speaking.
Hello Tora.
What is your purpose?"

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

Leon gently places a hand on Lahala's shoulder. "It's okay, let it out." He nods knowingly. "I'm here to help. Maybe we can find him?" He tries to be encouraging.

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic grimaces. This angel didn't know caller ID? Switching the phone to his non-dominant hand, he signed off the check and pushed up from the table, flashing a quick smile at Bittersweet.

He spoke, "Fairly certain I am not Tora in any shape or manner. I am an acquaintance of hers, Kadic Emeth. I was told you had or were currently acquiring my former master's weapon, Black Dahlia? If so, I'd be interested in inspecting the weapon."

[Xgya]

Proto

The surprise of hearing someone other than Tora on that line fades quickly as Proto figures out how there might be a new person that knows his phone number.

"Your number was in the Guardian database.
Tora is normally the only person to call this number.
Pardon the confusion.
The sword is in Guardian custody.
Though it has grown attached to one of our members.
You will have to ask him instead."

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Standing, the injured Nephilim raises an eyebrow at Proto, then turns to the remaining spectators.

"You would be well served to keep this incident to yourselves, observers. Being known as persons involved with dangerous monsters could be... damaging... to your lives outside. For that matter, it would be best if we were able to confirm that we have all of the restricted items in our possession. Does anyone here know where there might be stored any other artifacts or items of significance?"

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic pinches his nose. The Angel had a very methodical manner of speaking. The catfolk wasn't sure if he liked that or not, but he replied anyways, "I can tell she is. Nice to hear that you retrieved the sword. Tell you what...
Proto. Get your group of buddies to head back to the manner and I'll meet you there. Best not discuss that sword in a public setting, understood?"

He jammed his hat back on his head, nodded at Tora, and left, walking the familiar path from Bittersweet's to the mansion.

[Yasahiro]

The Old Town Hall

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/63 | AC: 28 | Temporary HP: 0 | Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

After a moment of thought, he decided to test something. 'Do I have to talk out loud or can I just think at you, and you will hear it?' he tried to... think at the sword hard.

At same time, upon noticing Proto being busy and possibly preparing a rendezvous with Tora, his thoughts went towards that one... Chasne. He didn't participate in a fight, was late... suspicious. At the very least he will have a stern talking to and require explaining where he was.

Pretty much everything seemed good, although Fiehran did point out an interesting question, one that made Ash walk near him, as if to help. "He's right ya know. Seen my fair share of artifacts, some seen helpless but they're really nothin' more than ticking bombs"

[Xgya]

Proto

Closing the line, he follows his companions' train of thought, and simply adds:

"This will have to be quick.
We are awaited at the mansion.
Our mission status has just been confirmed.
A report is in order."

[Snowbluff]

The Old Town Hall

"Oh great, now everyone will think I'm a cultist" says that one cultist.

"Listen, as far as artifacts go, you have one right there," says a second one.

"I mean, we might have more at the other location, but that's not for us to say," says a third. They inch towards the door, and when they get to it, they bolt outside.

The team heads to the manor.

Black Dahlia answers using Telepathy, as it always has been. It giggles in Ash's head. "Yes, I can hear you. I didn't tell you, because it's funnier when you make your friends give you strange looks."

The Mansion
Kadic Fierhan Proto Ash

Tora insisted on following, well, stumbling with Kadic back to the mansion. He's had to carry her the last two blocks, and she is quite heavy. By the time both arrive, one is red in the face from effort, and the other, alchohol.

"Heeeeeey," Tora says, slurring slightly, "Looks like you got the sword back. I'd like to take a look at it, 'cause I've got some memories with, but this," she gestures at Kadic "is proffesional tin foil hat maker, Kadic. He'll make you a hat, even when you say he shouldn't be making hats." She tilts her head and looks at Ash. "You're uh, looking a little funny there, Arashi-Kun. Something happen to you?" She holds her gaze for a second before waving dismissively. "Nah, can't put my finger on it."

Luka's House
Leon

She lets it out, alright. A few tears, but mostly a stream of the most hateful, petty, vitriolic insults Leon has heard in three languages. It is incredible. It must be divine intervention that is letting that little frame of hers contain the pure mass of jealous anger she contains.

Several minutes later, she's still going, crying and shouting. "And that damn whore, Tora! Have you seen her! She's ****ing indecent? Her ****ing chest, there is no way that those are real. It's not even something to be proud of, but she's still out there, slutting around! She did it with my master, too! Dolus-damned succubus was always eating up all of his time, talking about the newest movies, or having tea at the Queen of all trollop's very own cafe... and..." She stops to start crying.

She's insecure and gentle on the inside. Probably. Unless, of course, this is her on the inside.

[Yasahiro]

The Old Town Hall

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/63 | AC: 28 | Temporary HP: 0 | Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

Ash just lifted an eyebrow. "Feelin' fine, and I'd rather keep the swor', if that's okay with ya. Dahlia took a likin' to me, ya know?"

Meanwhile, in Ash's thoughts.

"Ohhh, you got me good. It does make things simpler, because I have... A lot of questions? The rumor is that Diael went monster, like some nephilim, and that is why he attacked the guardians. How much truth is in that? Also, should I worry about Tora trying to take you from me, because of her being, you know, Diael's apprentice in past?"

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic lets go of Tora and watches as she crumples to the ground. He glares at her, and looks back at the new set of guardians inhabiting the manor, "She'll be of no use this evening. She got wasted. Right, so who are you people and how'd you get a hold of Diael's Sword?"

[Snowbluff]

The Guardian Mansion
Kadic Fierhan Proto Ash

Tora grabs onto a chair, and climbs up it to get standing again. "Pfft, like you know anything? I mean, you're right about something, I am wasted on this stuff. So just show us the sword." Tora blinks for a bit. "Wait, you want to keep the sword? I mean, that was my master's sword. He and I were pretty close..." She scratches her head. "I mean, I guess you got the sword back. How about I get you something as a present, like a thank you gift?"

Meanwhile, Black Dahlia speaks to Ash in his mind. "Wow, who told you that? Because it sounds like bull****. He was totally fine when he died, well, except for the dying part." The toothed blade's voice trails off. "Anyway, Tora is pretty good, though. I wouldn't mind if she took me in."

[Yasahiro]

The Old Town Hall

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

She did raise some good points, and even Dahlia didn't object... But Dahlia was a strong source of information about... pretty much everything Diael was involved in. Including the attack. If Diael didn't go monster... Then why?

But first, Drunken Catperson to deal with. "If ya wouldn't mind, can I keep the sword as the present? Might be a bit stubborn but... yer drunk." He said, bluntly. Honestly, he couldn't pull a good argument on as to why he wanted to keep Dahlia, he just felt like he should keep it, like him knowing what it knows would be useful.

He turned to the one asking about how they got the sword. "Had to deal with cult of Sheol. Apparently, they were doin' everythin' wrong, accordin' to our angel man. One of leaders had the sword, was in pretty bad stage of monster."

At same time, Ash's thoughts focused on the sword. 'Then why did Diael even attack the HQ? Also, hey, you'd prefer going with Tora than staying with me?'

[Xgya]

Proto

As Kadic lets go of Tora, Proto looks at her disheveled form with a slight nod.

"This report was to be Tora's.
I see she is undisposed.

The sword was in a cultist's possession.
A guest speaker at the reunion.
Human sacrifice on a public space.
The cultist got taken care of.

Cultist leader managed to escape."

[Snowbluff]

The Guardian Manor
Chashne Proto Fierhan Ash Kadic

"Well, what do you mean the leader got away? He'ssss got more to give up. The organization thingy thinksh that he's got more of our stuff, and we don't know what he's gonna do with it. Does anyone have any idea to track this pershon down before something bad happens?" Tora slurs, taking a moment to sit down. "Like, how're we going to track down these things we're missing, like the metronome thingy?"

Just then, Chashne arrives from his lovely date. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to get Oniyuri's number. She said that she didn't have a phone, which is either an earnest excuse or her just letting him off easy. The latter is unlikely, because Chashne was a perfect gentleman and is also a hit artist. Perhaps they will meet again in the near future...

Meanwhile, in Ash's head. "Well, he blamed them, the Guardian Council, for what happened to his wife. Thought that they were responsible for her disease taking over. I can't sympathize, of course. I've seen what the neph monsters can do. They're usually more impressive than the one you fought." It nestles in Ash's hands, or at least appears to. "Now that you make me think about it, I'm fine here. Frankly she's not much of a swordswoman, and someone as suicidal as that would likely mean a swift end to any rampage, and I'd have to start over finding a new weilder. Watch out for her marksmanship, though."

After Chashne arrives Cael, who heads straight to Fierhan. She tousles his hair. "How are you holding up?" She asks Fierhan, pulling out her bag of mints. She hands a mint to him, just in time. His mouth was getting a little dry, and the blood in it is starting to taste bad.

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

"That isn't really my area of expertise. Anyone else?" he replied to Tora.

His thoughts were quiet for a moment as he processed this information.

'I can see why Diael did what he did, then... wait, what do you mean Suicidal? I can see she's an alcoholic, that's obvious but... it's that bad?' He asked, before adding. 'You... don't mind me asking so many questions about your master and people you know? It's just you're already giving me a lot to think about, more questions on my mind with each answer you give... and you don't really have a reason to lie so I know you say the truth, as far as you know...Any idea what that metronome and other things Tora mentioned ar- actually since they wielded you I could've asked in first place if you know where the other artifacts are, damn it.'

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto's head bends to the right, in a look he attempts and fails at being quizzical. Drunk people are strange.

"Leader was seen up close.
Might be blanked against divination.
Still worth a try.

Other options would be finding other cultists.
Big gatherings will have other leaders.

If public executions are commonplace, arrest them.
If not, interrogate."

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Taking the mint, Fiehran sucks fiercely at it to rid his mouth of the foul taste of blood.

”I am well enough, I suppose. No plan survives contact with the enemy, but this was a particular mess. There was no organization, no clean manner of taking care of our team or our objective. I don’t even know why we came back! We were right there with a trail to follow, and we ran home like children. Tora is right to criticize.”

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

Leon sighs and pats Lahala on the head, casting Calm Emotions on her. "It'll be okay."

"You know what?" He feigns a eureka moment. "Why don't we find your master. Then we can bring Luka back to you. We better find him before Tora does. Who knows what could happen?"

Should be DC 19? I'm on mobile, so this is hard.

[IZ42]

Kadic

"You came back because I asked you to. If I'm hearing right, it's just as well you did, since you all look beat up..." He glances over at the arriving Catfolk, "'Cept for this hotshot over here. He another one of your teammates?"

He fixates his gaze on the sword and waves Tora off, "They are amateur cultists, no? The trail will be warm enough once you all get rested up and you sober up, if only slightly. Hm... I am reminded of another incidentwith the same cultists. They were illegally excavating some liquid. What is it with this town and cults.

[Snowbluff]

The Guardian Manor
Chashne Proto Fierhan Kadic Ash

"Are you sure, child?" Caerulea asks Fierhan apprehensively. She examines his wounds. "These aren't dagger or firearm wounds, Fierhan. Why don't you be a good boy and tell me what manner of beast inflicted them upon you?" She shakes her head. "I think retreating when you did was best. At least you got one of the artifacts back. No point in risking any losses at that point. Better to quit when one is ahead."

Cael takes a step back from Fierhan. "Well, I can perform a divination," she says to Proto. "Of course, if I know what I am looking for, it'll be easier. Any identities of the cultists, or possible locations of their hideout."

"OH that guy?" Tora asks to answer Kadic's question, pointing at Chashne. "That's Chashne, he wasss with the teeam when they were infil... fintrat... sneaking into the cult. He'sss a coool guy. Likes music. What do you think, Chashne?"

Meanwhile, in Ash's brain. "Yeah, that Tora is a real basket case. Definitely has a dark and troubled past. I guess the Guardians are good in channeling destructive tendencies to something useful, or something. It isn't really my business." Black Dahlia ponders for a minute. "I think I know the thingy you're talking about. It ticks reeeeeeally slow. Good for something about planar metaphysics. I'm no scientist though. I can't tell ya where it is, either. That monster had me the whole time, and it wasn't anywhere near anything like that."

Luka's House
Leon

Lahala doesn't resist the spell. She sniffs, and pulls a tissue out of a nearby box to dab her eyes and blow her nose. "Yes, I'd like that," she says quietly. She's still obviously sad about the loss of her master. "I just don't know what do without Master. Maybe I can ask him to stay for a bit this time, a little while, and not to leave me alone again," she continues glumly. "Still, Tora probably knows something. She's the only other person I can thing of that he spends time with. He usually doesn't say where he's going otherwise."

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto sends a mental warning to his assistant, and the body of the Gentle Repose'd cultist is brought forth.

"The body of the furious nephilim was kept safe.
It might pose interest.
Various forms of divination.
Some of which can be provided by me.
Sheer medical interest.
Someone earlier mentioned necromancy.

Would this be any help to track them down?"

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

Ash just took a sit in closest chair, holding Black Dahlia and concentrating on it, his eyes closed. Yet to others, it looked as if he was resting or bored.

'Alright. Can you tell me more about the Guardian Council and such? Did Diael decide to kill them just because his wife went monster? Did she really go monster because of them or was it just stress and such? Anything more you can tell me about Tora or even Caelurea? Anything that Diael knew the truth behind that most don't even realize? Things you might consider important, I'm pretty much eager to listen to it all. But most importantly, tell me about yourself. What exactly can you do, did Diael do anything special to take care of you other than, well, letting you taste blood after taking you out of sheath? Special way to polish you? Anything you can or might want do other than destroying my enemies? If we're going to be working together, we might as well be friends, and as your friend I want to make sure you're pretty much happy and content.'

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

He sighs and brushes himself off, form shimmering slightly as his clothing returns to its clean and tidy appearance. "He was a monster of tentacles and teeth. He grabbed me and held me,
and there was nothing I could do. His face.... was not so dissimilar from mine, I think. Still, nothing we couldn't handle long-story short."

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

Leon pets the small cat girl soothingly, not in a pet-like or patronizing manner. "Why don't you take a while to compose yourself, and we'll meet up again in the morning?" He eyes the darkening sky out a window. "You can meet me at my apartment and I'll make breakfast." He hands her a small card, which appear blank until it catches some light, after which a golden sheen displays a majority of his details. "I'm a healer, and sometimes house calls happen." He gives her a warm smile and stands up. "I'll make sure I have a vanilla late ready for you."

Before he leaves, he shuffles a little. "Assuming you'll be okay on your own tonight..." He lifts one hand. "No pressure, but I've got a hide-away bed in my living room you could sleep on should you be so inclined."

If she declines his offer he'll head home, hoping Edinah hasn't turned his turned his apartment inside out... or worse. A small amount of dread spreading through his chest, he decides to move a little faster than normal.

[Togo]

Chashne nods to Kadic. I don't know who you are, but I like your style. He pulls up short in confusion, as enters the room only to get viciously pointed at by Tora's wavering finger.

What do I think about what?

He glances around.

Hey, what happened to you? When I left you were fighting one cultist. He holds up a single digit, in case the term 'one' causes any confusion. Tougher than it looked?

He sighs as he strips off his guitar and unpacks his cultist robe, hanging it up for later. So, anyway, sorry to leave you fighting the cultists, but something important came up. I thought I could follow the leader, find out more about the cult, but I ended up with practically nothing. He strums the guitar, frowns, and adjusts the tuning knob before strumming again. Well nothing useful. They have a hideout in a library, a building with gothic features. The inner circle may be a close-knit community that look out for each other, and they've been going for at least 15 years. He tries a chord, and makes more adjustments to the tuning knobs. ... probably more.

He stops, takes a deep breath, and then plays seven or eight chords. The key is minor, but the chords suggest the opening for a power ballad, a somewhat odd combination. He gives a little grin, but still seems distracted, even frustrated.

Oh, and T'kit saw an angel with blue wings, heading east. Not sure if that's relevant. Can anyone think of a good rhyme for Oniyuri?

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

He raised his head for a moment.

"So now we know at least some information about what to look for. As for the angel, I'd say that might be enough to warrant an investigation. Currently the only one we know of is Proto right here, and he's been with us this whole time.
As for the rhyme... Winged fury? I'm bad at this, sorry."

Quickly, he added a question to Black Dahlia 'Also, Angels. Because I'm a bit curious about why would one like Proto exactly be among us, and what exactly is a blue winged angel looking for around here... And why blue winged, hm.
Any details on these?'

[Snowbluff]

Guardian Manor
Ash Chashne Proto Kadic Fierhan

"Come now, child, you're in a poor state. There is no need to be brave. We'll have to keep you safer in the future," Caerulea says to Fierhan, as she closely examines his eyes.

As Chashne speaks, the monster is pulled out of Proto's extra dimensional tower, and is placed on the table. The table collapse under its sheer mass. It's clear the monster, not a mass of burned flesh and teeth, was dangerous.

"Hm, well, the Nephilim research projects were shut down recently. We simply don't need the corpse anymore," Caerulea says, picking up examining a tentacle. "I can tell you that this is a weak specimen of nephilim monster. Judging from what I've seen from my apprentice, and this body, it was likely a nephilim that lacked any amount of magic, or at most was an inept magician. They tend to have very powerful magic abilities, that this one seems to lack..." She drops the tentacle, using a spell to clean her hand and looks at Chashne. "However, I can work with what you've given me, child. There can't be too many libraries with that style of architecture. Even if it's warded against divination, locating the specific building using a database won't be difficult at all."

Meanwhile, in Ash's brain: "I don't really know a whole lot about what happened. In the end he kind of just figured out that it was their fault. He did make sure to oil and sharpen me frequently. I don't know if I can even lose my edge, but I certainly wouldn't under his obsessive level of maintenance. As for angels, they work around here sometimes. They're busybodies, and stick their noses in people's business. Tora is clearly a drunk, and it's pretty bad. Caerulea has her head on straight, but really she used to be less straight forward and more... friendly, I guess that's the word for it."

Luka's House
Leon

Lahala looks around the house as her white ears perk up. "I mean, I could wait for him another day, just in case he comes back. What if he does and no one is here? He'll be worried!" She pauses for a moment, and her ears droop. "No, I don't think it'll matter. I'll go with you. Maybe I should spent some time out of the house. I'll be just a minute."

She gets up and leaves the room, walking up the stairs. When she comes back, she's wearing a light jacket and a long dress, and has a duffle bag over her shoulder. "Lead the way."

Meanwhile, at Leon's apartment, the building is quiet, but there is shuffling to be heard in the back, where Leon's bedroom is. Lahala looks around at his apartment nervously from the door, holding onto her bag's strap.

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

'Are blue winged angels any different from regular angels or do they all just have multicolor wings?'

He raised his head upon hearing the bit about the monster they fought. So this one barely had any magic, and yet it was... strong wouldn't be the right word, but compared to most people? It was. Then how strong was Diael's wife when she went monster? What are the limits?

'I... don't think I have any other questions right now, some more might come up. Except for the, well, kinda obvious one. Did you and Diael actually discover any conspiracies within guardians or some stuff like that? Sounds stupid, but better to ask.'

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

Being a true gentleman, Leon would not stand for Lahala carrying her bag to the house and insisted he be the one to carry it from the car to his apartment.

Instinctively he says "I'm home!" When he walks in and then frowns, thinking it's quite possible no one else is there anymore. Quickly placing Lahala's gear in the living room he pulls out the hide away bed (conveniently stored in a "murphy" style cabinet) and smiles. "I'll put some fresh sheets on it, I just need to grab them from my closet." He pauses. "Can I get you anything?"

Next stop, is his bedroom for sheets.

[Togo]

Chashne nods, trying alternate chords. A lazy ball of light, softly cyling red, then green, then blue, then back to red again, drifts over to the table, bobbing near the dead creature and emitting a soft staccato of clicks.

Chashne stops playing. Yes, well, thank you for stating the obvious. Maybe you'd like to share some more wonderous insights, like 'life is pain'. Abruptly, he moves, heading for the door to the stairs. He pauses as he passes by Fierhan. If you want things to look up associated with the cult, he says, a little stiffly, you could also try 'Oniyuri', a half-human, half-catfolk, magical practioner in her own right, probably quite powerful. Can't be that many of those around, and the Guardians probably keep tabs on them. Apparently she grew up with them.

I'm going to move to a different room. With better light. Unless anyone tries to stop him, he moves to the main hall, with the central stairs.

Meanwhile the glowing orb floats purposely towards the cupboards, and through one of the doors, slipping through the wooden surface like water being poured into a lake. The crack around and between the cupboard doors are briefly limmed with light, which abruptly shuts off, to be replaced with glassy clanking. One of the cupboard doors opens again, to reveal a small winged figure carrying a jar of wild honey as tall as it is and about twice as wide. It flutters down to the countertop, and then wraps it's spindly arms around the lid and tries to wrench it open. After a few failed attempts, it gives a a piteous trill, and regards the room with large, beseeching, moonmoth eyes.

T'kit
Knowledge (the planes) check on the creature on the table, and on angels with blue wings
[roll0]

Chashne is annoyed, but has not gone further than the stairs.
Bardic knowledge check on powerful half-catfolk magicians?
[roll1]

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

The pale nephilim frowns at Chashne's tone, turning fully around to watch the musician leave. With Caerulea focused on the hideous mass of tentacles, he moves to the counter and absentmindedly opens the top of the honey jar, leaving it open on the counter before stepping out of the room. He stops short when he sees Chashne.

"Chashne... is there something we need to talk about? You have been distant with me since this all began. What's on your mind?"

Going to roll Sense Motive, just for funsies. [roll0]

[IZ42]

Kadic

Kadic wrinkled his nose at the monster, prodding it with his metallic hand and apparently completely ignoring Chashne. "And the nitwits at central command are claiming Diael looked like this, or thereabouts, when he attacked them? Gods, they must think we're stupid. As for the angel, was it feminine appearance wise and looked like someone convinced it that 'hobo' was a valid and profitable career choice? Because I know an angel like that..." His train of dialogue wanders off as he hums quietly, prodding the nephilim corpse with his metallic hand.

Know Local: [roll0]
Know Planes: [roll1]
Know Religion: [roll2]

[Snowbluff]

Guardian Mansion or was it Manor
Kadic Fierhan Chashne Proto Ash

"Well, this is to be expected," she says to Fierhan as he leaves after Chashne. "He's temperamental like his master was. Still, we'll see if we can find on this 'Oniyuri' of his."

"Sspeaking of things not around anymore," Tora's slurs, half conscious, "You're not seeing as many council members around anymore are you? T's'not like other people didn't have beef with them."

"It is true that the cover story for Diael's attack is entirely fabricated. As an eye witness, I can confirm his status was stable when he attacked the tower. The leadership couldn't have the unwashed masses thinking my Master's grievances with them were legitimate. Regardless of how uncommon nephilim monstrosities are, a layman would think this sort of thing is quite common given the publicity it garners." Caelrulea shrugs. "Still, several found their way into their graves after Diael's death."

In Ash's Miiiind: "Blue wings means a rephaim, the messengers of Sheol. They don't like being seen, so something must of spooked it if it was flying around. I mean, if Diael blames the Council and no one else seems to think something was off, I guess it's a conspiracy. Dunno about the details though."

Leon's Apartment
Leon

Lahala has been clinging to her bag despite Leon carry it. Now that she has a place to sleep, she pulls out some framed photos of Luka, at least a dozen of them, and places half them on a side table near the pull out bed. The other half end up hung on the walls or on the other surfaces in the room. "That should do, time to consencrate this room in the name of Dolus," she says. She pulls some holy out of her bag and starts working on her spell.

Meanwhile in Leon's room, Edinah has dug through a lot of things until she found something interesting. She's currently reading some of Leon's old reports that he kept in his closet. "Oh, welcome back, Leon," she says. There is a small, frightened squeak from the living room as Lahala notices there is another person in the apartment. "You've an impressive collection of adventures here." She smiles, holding a report in both hands.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

"How about we hold off on consecrating my apartment." He waves to Lahala's holy symbols.

"I see you've found-" He looks at the paper. "Why are these of interest?" Calmly taking the spare sheets down, he waits for a reply.

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto remains silent as he ponders on the information he's given.

"This all leads to Sheol.
The cult.
The awakened nephilim.
Even Ephemerel is up to something.
Eph is NEVER up to something.
If anything, she'd rather not be up.
Ever."

He turns around, walking in mid-air for a bit, then realizes he might be talking nonsense to people not in the know.

"Ephemerel is unique.
Most rephaim - blue winged angels - cannot fly.
She is among the few that can.
Though she would rather sleep."

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

He digested the information he got about the blue winged angels, Sheol and Proto's reaction. Perhaps... Could the wings be dyed? Could Proto be actually a Rephaim? And that one he mentioned, Eph... She might have some answers, perhaps, if he were to find her.

But there was a question he had. "Was the grievance about his wife going monster because of them actually legitimate, though?" And only then did he realize that he spoke that out loud. Telepathic discussion blended a bit with regular and he didn't separate the two properly. Then again, Tora is drunk but Caelurea... She seemed a bit apathetic.

"Either way, how long will locating the building take? Because we might as well split and regroup later." He said, yet continued in his mind. 'And get you a comfortable elegant sheath. So what are your powers and such specifically, so I know how to use you properly? "

[Togo]

The atrium is brighter, the light coming in through the coloured glass on either side of the front door is dappled by the trees outside, casting yellow and orange patterns across the polished wood of the main stairs. On the end of one of great bannisters crouches Chashne, one foot tucked underneath him, the other one leg dangling bonelessly. A flow of notes are coming from his guitar, a sonorous flow rather than a tune, the mother-of-pearl along the fretboard reflecting the light as he shifts key up and then down again.

Then the tune shifts into gear, the strings tuned to a mixture of folk lament and power ballad. And the he starts to sing.

The road ahead is dark
The road ahead's not kind
We know where we're trying to get to
but the world's in another mind

I wish I knew where we were go-ing to be
I wish I knew all that you meant to me
All I know is that it's dark outside and,
I want you with m-e, by my... open eyes

All that I see of you, I want to be there with you, there's nothing there that I can't like.
All the time spend I with you I never want to end with you, there's alwaysYou more I've to try
And everything I say to you, the way I want to be with you, it feel like my heart should break
And everytime I think of you, diving over the brink for you, it makes me feel like a total.... suprise.

We're not there!
I don't see what's coming,
Don't believe it's ... oh hi Fiehran!

He grimaces.

Sorry you had to hear that. It's not really working. I need to mess with it some more.

At Fiehran's words, he sighs.

That's... three different questions, really. I've been distant.. well, because you scare me, basically. You slip into people's heads like it's nothing, plays games with it. I can never tell if you and Caerulea are just messing around, or really changing each other. And even without magic, you can talk most people into most things. It's just... scary to watch.

He's playing again as he talks, a murmuring back and forth, softly strummed.

And then I wonder if I do that. People like me, tend to do what I ask. You're a lot better at it, more... more polished I guess. Pushed it further than I'd ever dare to. I wouldn't trust myself, being able to do what you do...

The strumming evolves into a tune. A simple and familiar duet peice, supposed to be played by a couple, but he's done something to the melody, made it somehow softer, more bubbly.

And then I wonder if I'm really cut out for all this. Oh, my theory's ok. It has to be, to be studying what I'm studying. But I don't have the professionalism of the rest of you. I can't set myself apart so easily.

He reaches the part in the duet where both parts play together. He glances down at the guitar, angling his hand to allow him to play both the higher and the lower parts at the same time.

That's what's on my mind, he tells the guitar carefully.

He looks up again. And grins. One part of the duet gets softer as the other gets louder.

Well that and the song. T'kit was right of course. That little glowball's pretty level-headed as long as I keep him away from the honey. I can't make up a song for someone I don't really know. Not and have it mean anything.

The other half of the duet fades in as the first dies down to a soft murmur.

I had a lovely date and now we're going to break up her hideout. I don't how I feel about that, I don't know how I feel about her. The idea of her, that's great. The rest?

The duet is reaching a climax now, both parts getting louder and louder.

The rest I think maybe I'm kidding myself. Part of the job, you know? I guess we'll find out when we kick down the door of the hideout she was trying to protect, and start attacking her foster family. I mean that should sort out my feelings pretty quick, right? I mean then I'll finally...

He stops, the last note unplayed, obviously, achingly absent.

I'll finally know. He says softly. Sorry, Fierhan, I wasn't trying to be unfriendly. I'm sorry I left you guys to face that thing by yourselves. Is everyone ok? Sad to say, I've been too self-absorbed to tell.

[Snowbluff]

Leon's Apartment
Leon

"Well, I've never met Sissy. Of course, your work is very dangerous and fascinating, but I've never bumped into this particular Guardian. If I recall correctly, she's Diael's sister in law. I really wonder what kind of person that is," Edinah says, stroking her chin. "Then again, don't talk about it if you don't want to. I know a few things about what's happened with the Guardians, so I don't want to pry if you ended up losing someone important, too."

Lahala slowing walks up to Leon to apologize, her ears and head low, and her aspergillum in both hands. "I'm sorry, Mister Leon, but I must do this ritual for my deity. It's a compliment where I am from to have your home blessed.'' She notices Edinah and hisses. She then says something judgmental in Catfolk about having a woman in one's bed.

"Oh, hello, Lahala," Edinah says, cordially. She seems amused at Lahala's prescience and antics.

Guardian Manor
Ash Proto Kadic

"It is a possibility that they had interfered with him in some way," Caerulea says. "Of course, I don't recollect being involved with any high level projects around the time she died. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the case."

"Ifff you want my opinion, you betchyer ass they did," Tora slurs, leaning back in the chair, her head tilted to look at the ceiling.

Caerulea cross her arms at looks at Proto, and says "speaking of suspicious things, an angel is a strange companion at a time of cults and robed figures. I must ask, what is your position on the matter, Proto?"

Meanwhile in Ash's mind. "Well, I'm a sword. I don't know the technical specifics, I'm no rocket scientist, but I think the point of me is to make me the endpoint of someone's life. The sheathe is comfortable, but I get complaints when someone doesn't get me one and it ends in a bloodbath."

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

Considers the situation. Right now they're pretty much trying to figure out this matter, this mission of theirs... Yet he really has nothing much to add. He went there, he fought. His spells, his skills, they are mostly focused on the battle and a degree of help and cure, protection. He can't even talk casually to others. Fiehran, despite him owing Ash one for saving his life, is still a mind reader and what with how he can influence others using his own magic... It made his skin crawl. Chashne, he really had nothing to discuss with him. Asking Proto directly if he's Rephaim is the most idiotic thing he can do, if he is then there must be a reason he keeps it hidden. The one that brought Tora in... Nothing. Even if Tora wasn't drunk, she was his superior right now and he did just take something that belong to her teacher, even if that would have ended up terribly if she had taken it. Caelurea herself is a mind reader, even more powerful one than Fiehran, and his superior. And they're focused on the mission right now. The only one he can talk to right now is Dahlia... Although he can still tour the mansion while they wait.

He rose from his spot. "Haven't had ocassion to check this place out earlier, gonna do it now." He said, and left the forum, talking with Dahlia in mean time.

'True but I was curious if you are aware of any special properties I should know of otherwise. Still, got a few more questions. Can you only talk to your current owner or pretty much anyone you'd want to? How aware of your surroundings are you? And as follow up to last one... This was Diael's place, no? Did he have any special hidden stashes, rooms or any such things that you were present at, that others might not know of yet? We might as well use our time productively, if we have to wait'

[Togo]

As Tora lounges, T'kit flitters over, wings buzzing and a high silvery trill coming from its throat, a simplified version of the music audible from the atrium. Behind it, the honey jar is missing three spoonfuls of . Where exactly T'kit has managed to put it all is not clear.

Still singing, and flying a series of erratic swoops and wobbly dives, leaving a trail of sparks behind it, T'kit starts braiding Tora's hair.

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto nods.

"Your query is understandable.
My mission remains the same.
Protect nephilim.
Find out what turns them into monsters.

The high angels do not count this one", he points to himself, "among their numbers.
The cultists will not find an ally either.

Kadic, if you please.
Some things are best left unspoken.
Your talents at telepathy are needed."

Should he accept to relay his thoughts, Proto continues mentally.

*I know enough about divination magic and spy cameras to know reading minds from a long distance is more arduous than simply listening in. My nature forbids me from revealing too much about the reason of my presence here, but it also prevents me from lying to you. Suffice to say I came to be part of the Guardians at the request of the rephaim I was talking about earlier, and that we both serve the same higher purpose*

[Snowbluff]

Guardian Manor
Kadic Proto (and T'kit)

Caerulea smiles at Proto, her sharp teeth bared. "That is immensely fascinating. An angel strike out on its own? You really must let me study you sometime." She blinks when Proto requests to speak with Kadic privately. "I must say, you will garner an ample amount of suspicion if you insist on keeping secrets from your superiors."

"Leave the little guysss alone," Tora says. "I can vouch that he's a goood guy." She notices the tiny sprite, T'kit, braiding her hair. "Well, if it isn't T'kit, the little cutie pie." She scratches T'kit behind the ear with a dark nail. "We've never really gotten to chat, 'cause your master and I are always so busy."

Guardian Manor, West Wing

"Well, like if I hit something that's living, I'll cut really good. Their bones will break and stuff too. It's really sick. I'm also able to change up my balance, so even though I'm a stabby sword, I'll let ya use other fighting techniques with me. It's better than people leaving me lying around because of stupid excuses like 'oh I don't like swords, I only use spears,' honestly..."

Black Dhalia is a Longsword +1 with the follow properties.
Lifebane: Black Dhalia deals and additional 2d6 and its enhancement bonus improves by 2 versus living creatures.
Wounding: as standard.

Additionally, black Dhalia is treated as any one type of weapon of the weilder's chose for class or feat abilities.

The blade directs Ash to a large room in the West Wing. "Listen, it's not swords or stuff like that, but this room has some goods. Well, stuff Diael thought was important." Inside are a bunch of ice sculptures that looks kind of like Sissy. There are quite a few of them, and despite the large air conditioning units in the room being shut off for several years, the sculptures haven't melted. "It's Prissy, Diael's wife. She went all loony, so like the other Guardian put her down. Diael went crazy too, but in his brain, and in the boring way. I wanted him to like go on a rampage or something, but instead he does this. Tries to bring her back with ice carving. Eventually, he did get pissed off enough, but I guess too pissed off 'cause now he's dead. A little counterproductive on my part, honestly, egging him on." The Sword pauses for a moment. "Hm... so there is a secret compartment on the ground. That might be able to get you something good. Dunno if you're good with magic, but he made new spells and stuff."

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

He crouched onto the ground, trying to open that secret compartment, hopefully not leaving much trace of himself. He shouldn't be here, but do others know about this, or not? If not, then wouldn't this be wasted?

'Not that bad with spel- wait, no. Not good with arcane, better with divine. As for Diael... I can understand why he was like this, then. Gods only know what I would do if something happened to those I care for. '

[Togo]

T'kit trills a cascade of high pitched notes as he get scritched, leaning into the nail. At her words he utters a burst of staccato clicks that sounds suspiciously like a snigger.

He doesn't stop braiding hair though. It seems like he's done this before.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

"It's okay, Lahala. Proceed." He sighs. "You two play nice..." He looks between them.

Largely ignoring Edinah's small pry into his life, he suggests a plan. "How about I make some dinner for the three of us, maybe some coffee and a movie?" He begins to shuffle the papers Edinah has left about into a neat pile. "Sissy is a good master. She treats me fairly."

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Fiehran listens to Chashne, carefully paying attention to the tone, the pace, the volume... and to the words themselves. He nods from time to time, conveying perhaps acceptance, perhaps understanding. Finally, he bows his head at Chashne's apology, his eyes drifting closed for a moment.

Naberius? Let me be me for a moment.

He raises his head, looking Chashne directly in the eyes. As he does so, he releases all the magic that he had sustaining his image and his presence. The immediate effect is the appearance of his savagely torn clothing, the deep slashes and jagged rents from sword and claw on his body. More subtle but perhaps for Chashne more impact-full is the diminished aura of attention that surrounds Fiehran, an aura that Chashne probably wasn't aware of in the first place. His words hold less weight, his motions are less attention-grabbing. Into this moment of transition, he speaks.

"You fear and distrust me, and Caerulea, because of what we can do. Do you, in a similar fashion, fear actors, newscasters, motivational speakers, and politicians? They all delve your mind with their words, seeking to change your point of view and thus change you. They spend years practicing this skill, perfecting it... just as I have. Yes, my magic is largely of the mind, and yes it is terrible if used with cruelty. Have I struck you as cruel? Do I appear unkind to your eyes?" He sighs, dropping his eyes and further dropping his own attitude, letting the air of confidence that he carries with him fall away.

"I'm a person, Chashne. A good one, if I'm allowed to say that. I may not always play by the rules, but I do it for the right reasons. I didn't have to challenge that beast, and I thought it was probably the wrong choice.... but I did it because I support my team. And I paid for it." He gestures to his wounds, wincing slightly. "I'm glad you had a nice date. I hope...
I hope that we can do what we need to and not spoil that for you."

[Togo]

Chashne relaxes a bit as Fiehran's aura subsides, his tail going still. It strikes Fiehran that he relaxed not because he felt better, but because he wanted Fiehran to see that he felt better.

Politicians? Of course I do. And motivational speakers. I also distrust second hand car sales people, cult leaders, fangirls who swear they're older than they look, and real estate agents who have a special one-time only offer for me, involving a bridge. Don't you?

He shifts from foot to foot without standing up, still perched on the banister.

Of course we're all good people. Or at least I hope so. That's why we're here, right? So I don't try and avoid you or anything. But it still makes me nervous.

He sighs, and slings the guitar.

Recently I hit a breakthrough. Got beyond my innate magic and into something more theory-based. Variation on transformation magic - instead of transforming the target into something, I can transform them into nothing. I reckon nothing short of divine intervention will bring you back from that. I don't know if that worries you, but it scares the stuffing out of me.

[Snowbluff]

Leon's Apartment
Leon

"Alright, I'll finish the ritual," Lahala says demurely, giving Edinah a suspicious, sideways glance as she heads back into the living room, her tail snapping against the ground angrily.

"Yes, dinner sounds lovely," Edinah says. "Still, I would like more information. She sounds nice, but that doesn't really tell me anything her, or you for that matter. I know Guardians can be secretive, but there's gotta be something you can tell." She strokes her chin in thought again.

"I could make some cheesecake," Lahala says from the other room. "Ooh! Maybe some pecan pie. Or a pumpkin tart..."


Guardian Manor, West Wing

"Well, yes, there, right there," Black Dhalia signals Ash as he searches the room of the secret compartment. It's a panel in the hardwood floor, perfectly fitted and nearly impossible to find without direct. No magic radiates from it, as any spells likely would give away its position to a canny mage, or the spells are masked from detection by abjurations. Ash is able to remove the panel.

Inside is a few notebooks. The titles are in an arcane language, probably marked in a proprietary manner by Diael for his own use. However, the insides are not coded. It's likely that the spell contents were being prepared for public release in the near future. His sudden death would have ended any plans for publication. The spell described inside is "Simulacrum," something unlike any spell Ash has seen. It creates a living, breathing duplicate of a person, using illusory techniques and ice sculpture.

"Diael was worried about releasing it. When I asked him about it, he said that the ability to replace people with perfect duplicates could cause a lot of instability internationally. Like, if you assassinated someone and replaced then with a duplicate that does anything you want it to, with no magic like a mind control spell to give it away. You could do a lot of damage. Of course, I prefer a more direct stabbing."

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

"Pumpkin tart sounds lovely, Lahala." The nephilim says honestly, simultaneously thinking about what terrible torture Sissy would devise for him should he make cheesecake without her, let alone with another woman.

He turns his attention to Edinah. "Well, she's female, fairly attractive, has nice hair, keeps good tabs on me, and..." He pauses, trying to add something more. "Blonde?" He grins at her, a little mischief playing across his face. "As for learning about me; you should try having a nice conversation with me instead of rummaging through my past that I've conveniently shoe-boxed." He raises an eyebrow.

[LairdMaon]

Outback Jack Malloy

Jack tugs his wide brimmed hat off his head and glances about. He runs his currently clawed thumb down the trail of bright pink spikes running down the back of his head. He quickly checks the scrap of paper secured inside his hat against the address on the apartment in front of him.

"Nope, not quite it. Let's see then!
Maybe one more apartment down should do it."

He pulls his hat back on and flicks the brim edge for good luck.

At the next apartment, Jack checks the address one last time and uses an effect he lent to him by disenchanters to detect magical auras. Yeah, this is the place. Three separate clusters of auras? This "Leon Gloryborn" must not be alone.

"I'll have to treat this like a small pack of blink dogs, then... Don't sneak up on then. Best to make myself known!"

Jack raises one of his four hands and knocks loudly on the door.

[Snowbluff]

Leon's Apartment
Leon

Lahala smiles genuinely for the first time. "Great! Maybe Luka will smell the spices and come running home," she says hopefully, clasping her hands together than looking skyward in a silent prayer. She hears the knock at the door and her ears perk up as she gasps. "Speak of the devil, that must be him. He can't resist a good dessert." She bounces to the door.

"Ugh, but that's the best part about you," Edinah says. "Besides, I'd love to have a shoe box of everything the real Edinah has been doing," she continue, looking at Lahala when she realizes she let her identity slip. Lahala isn't paying any sort of attention. "It's weird showing up at work and only having a vague idea of what I'm doing. Fortunately, the Prime had her own share of episodes in the past so I've been given some leeway. Anyway, Sissy sounds lovely." She elbows Leon suggestively.

"Welcome back!" Lahala says as she swings the door wide open. She is giving a big smile. However, when she realizes that the man she is looking is not Luka, but some random Nephilim that had walked in off the street, she is suddenly a lot less generous. She hisses and spits angrily, and says something very judgemental in catfolk.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

"Let me offer some advice about people, Edinah. They like to have their information wined and dined out of them, not conveniently codexed for later use." He says, rolling up his sleeves over his surprisingly well toned arms before seeing Lahala react... poorly to the person at the door. He offers a final response about Sissy to Edinah. "It's platonic. I get the feeling she's not all that into me."

"Grace in all things, Lahala." He says to the catfolk with a gentle smile before setting her aside. It was an easy motion, with all the gentleness of a cloud. One second the hissing catfolk was in front of the door, the next she was slightly displaced to the side and offered a comforting pat gesture. "Good afternoon, sir." Leon takes note of the man's features, in case he's here with hostile intent. Wouldn't be the first time, and he expects it won't be the last. "What can I do for you?"

[LairdMaon]

Outback Jack Malloy

"Blink dogs, indeed. Even an established pack leader. This must be Gloryborn himself."

The nephilim at the door ducks his head down ever so slightly as he doffs his hat with two hands. He very deliberately extends another hand in greeting, "Howdy, I'm Jack Malloy. They call me Outback Jack and you're welcome to as well, assuming you're Leon Gloryborn. And, well, I wouldn't mind being invited in. It's been a long trip and there was a mix up with my transportation here. I've been walking for a couple days. So, a drink of cold water would be much appreciated as well."

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

Stared at the notebook he held in his hands, his mind listening to what Dahlia was saying yet refusing to want to accept it. A spell that could make an exact copy of person, that would obey orders of the creator. Nobody would know if there was a copy in place if the copy was careful. Any scanning for magic that affects minds to see if something affects their behavior. The assassination... What about replacing those close to someone, to get their secrets? What if...

He could barely feel the flames slowly engulfing his wrist, yet he stopped them before they reached his fingers and the book. Yet everything was screaming at him to burn it. This book shouldn't exist, and it was in format ready for public release. Anyone with enough arcane power could use it. Especially if they could read minds of their would be "victim" that they want to replace, making sure the copy had exact mannerisms and memories. Maybe they wouldn't even need it, and the clone would have the exact memories of the person at creation.

'Does Tora know about it? Does Caelurea know about this?! This... I thought Diael's attempts at creating a spell like this were failures, that's why the statu- This can't be allowed to exist or be found, why shouldn't I just burn it right here, right now?'

[Togo]

Chashne abruptly leaps from the bannister to the steps.

You're right though, Fierhan. It's not the means by which you do things, because we can all hurt each other. It's whether we're people who would. And I have no reason to think that of you, or any of the Guardians. I'm sorry.

He peers at him more closely, as if really seeing him for the first time.

And speaking of making amends, it looks like you got more badly hurt than you're letting on. That, at least, I can help with.

He unslings his guitar, tuning it back to a major key, and says apologetically This one's a little cheesy, I'm afraid. And, err.. loud.

He starts to play what may be a familiar tune, one of the first he ever performed, when he was starting out. It's not subtle, but the rising and falling notes carry the tune along. From his position at the foot of the main stairs, the song carries throughout the house, like a fresh, clear, wave.

You can hurt me, you can make me plead.
You rip my heart out, and let it bleed.
But you're not going to contain me, tell me what I'll be.
You're not going to make anything else of me.
Not going make out that what I am is wrong,
I carry on.
I carry on.

Using inspire competance to invoke the power of Dove's Harp (MiC p156), to give everyone within 60' fast healing 3, for 10 rounds. They will also get a competance bonus of +3 on any one skill they happen to using, or are about to use, for the duration of the song and for a minute afterwards.

I'll follow this up with a cure light wounds on Fierhan for [roll0] assuming he's still hurt.

[Xgya]

Proto

Proto gives a small bow at Tora vouching for him.

"Thank you for your trust, though inebriated as you might be."

As the song starts, he skitters and slowly floats towards the top of the stairs and listens carefully, as in a deep trance. His features lighten up and he smiles, a rather rare occurrence.

"Music.
Holds the key to many souls.
Makes the world vibrate anew.
The real magic it holds is giving life to simple words.

This angel is unable to perform such an art.
But can appreciate another artist's craftsmanship nonetheless.

Turning thoughts into reality.
That is what sorcerers of all kinds call 'magic'.
Yet artists of all walks of life wield such power."

[Snowbluff]

Leon's Apartment
Leon

"Well, that's a shame. Anything else juicy you have, or will we have to wait for the wine?" Edinah asks Leon.

Lahala closes her eyes and pouts as shes moved and has her head pat.

"OOh! Who's this, another Guardian?!" Edinah says,walking up behind Leon, then bump past him to offer the newcomer a handshake. "I'm Edinah, the very real WMOC officer. We're about to make some dinner."

Diael's Simulacrum Lab, Guardian Manor
Ash

"Wow, put it that way maybe we should keep it. Ya obviously have something more in mind for this thing. Like, how much damage could I do with it?!" The sword pauses for a moment. "Uh... I mean we could do with it." It pauses again, noting the awkward . "Uh, anyway, Tora knows about it for sure. She might be attached to it. Caerulea doesn't know about it, as far as I know. She wasn't working with Diael when he was developing the spell. Anyway, he considered the spell a failure, kinda. You know, like, his wife died, so he was like 'I'll make a new one,' but like the fakes are really good but he knows they're fake so it kind of makes it pointless."

Guardian Manor
Everyone else

"You're welcome, apprentice. Anyway, I think I'm good to get some sleep," Tora says. "Night everyone, night T'kit." Tora gets up, extremely long braid swinging as she does so. She spreads out her arms to steady herself. "Woah, can I get some help here, Cael? I'm a little drunk."

"I will help." Caerulea says as she lets Tora lean on her. "It's about time I turned in as well. Good evening," everyone.

[LairdMaon]

"EDINAH! How lovely to meet you!" Her offered handshake is accepted with a gusto. "How they could have failed to mention you, I have no idea!"

"And yes, of course! I am, in fact,
a Guardian, headhunted for my expertise in the field of Magical Beasts."

"Now, if you don't mind too much, I really am quite in need of a cool drink of water."

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

He stood there. If he burned the books here, others would smell smoke, they'd know something was up and might even stop it. If he just takes them, they could locate them. What i-

He looked back at the compartment and swiftly put the notebooks back into the lead box, closed the secret panel in the floor and just put the box inside his bag of holding. He had to go, find a safe place. His backyard... It's too obvious, but is it? One can't exactly divine for something that's not there, and since it is in a lead box...

He left the room, after making sure there was no tracks or clues left of his activity there, his plan being to just leave the mansion and retire for the night to his place first...

[Snowbluff]

Guardian Manor
Chashne Fierhan Ash and Proto

Ash heads back into the stares, running into the gang that had congregated around Chashne’s song. Caerulea is supporting Tora on her shoulder, her legs shaking under her taller compatriot’s weight.

“Yeah, love this. Guys musssic,” Tora say, pointing a finger at Chashne. “He’s got talents. He’s goin’ places, ya know?”

“This composition need work,” Caerulea mutters to herself.

“And this guy!” Tora suddenly exclaims, ignoring Caerulea and grabbing Ash by the shoulder. She’s not checking her own strength due to her inebriation. It’s like being caught in a vice grip. “This little marshmallow. You did good today.” She pulls him in for a hug, nearly knocking Caerulea off balance. “Thanks for getting Fierhan back alive,” She whispers to him.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

"Indeed, we will." He nods to Edinah's wine comment. "More than a little wine is required to get more juicy information out of me."

He shakes Jack's hand. "Leon Gloryborn, at your service. Come in, drink and dine." He offers.

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

Now, most men when confronted with such strength and being hugged by a quite attractive woman, whose particular assets were located at regular person's head height, would be overwhelmed by this.

However, Ash had experience with drunk women of quite tall stature hugging him, so it wasn't that what caught his attention, but rather Tora's words. She was drunk, yes, but even then a person's words while drunk are usually most honest or innermost thoughts.

'She is actually grateful. She cares about us, not just mission or organization.' he thought. But he had to react. "It... was no problem. Wouldn't let any person just die like that." He said, a bit sheepish, before trying to break out of her strong hug. He took a look at Caelurea and at how she was shaking underneath Tora. With that muscle and height... yeah. "But let's get ya to bed first, ya need rest, alright?" he said, trying to once more put on his persona, yet slowly starting to feel he didn't have to. Trying to support Tora on the other side than the one Cael was on

[LairdMaon]

Outback Jack Malloy

Outback Jack knocks his boots against the doorjam before stepping into the apartment. He peeks around until he finds the kitchen tap and ducks his face into the flowing water. He uses a hand to bring the water to his lips.

"WHOO! That hits the spot! So what's on the menu tonight? I'd be grateful if you'd let me pull my weight somehow. Maybe later on I can get a hand with finding room and board?"

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

As the ensemble gathered into the hallway, Fiehran had tensed for a moment despite the relaxing wash of healing energy that surged through his body. In a flash his appearance had returned to its smooth composure, and his innate aura of attention once again floated about him. Still, he was touched both by Chashne's words, and by those of his allies as they stumbled through and made to leave to their own spaces.

Softly, in Chashne and Ashes minds... Thank you. What you have done today.... I owe a debt. I will find a way to repay it.

He then steps in and lends a shoulder to the efforts of supporting the as-yet inebriated Tora. As he leans in, his mind brushes Caerulea's. I have perhaps been over-proud, of late. I am still your student, with much to learn it seems.

[Togo]

Chashne looks at the people supporting Tora, and decides that he really isn't needed. Instead he goes to the kitchen, somewhat disgustedly scoops up a still-reeling T'kit, and puts a few things away. He mutters a quick hygiene spell, and then stores the honey back in the cupboard, and straightens the chairs, while his magic cleans errant honey from the table and countertops. And the back of the chair. And the cealing.

He paused for a moment, a softly crooning T'kit cupped in one hand, and listened to the others moving around upstairs, putting Tora to bed, and saying goodnight, as if sleep were a voyage to a far off land, rather than simply lying down next door. Maybe it was.

The growing stillness of the house was warm, almost welcoming. For a moment he tried to imagine Oniyuri with him. Sitting in the kitchen, chatting about magical artefacts. Discussing research, and threats to the country. Helping to carry Tora upstairs.

It didn't really fit.

Just for fun, he tried swapping out Oniyuri with some other girls he knew. Yup, still fun to think about. Somehow some of his fellow Guardians didn't seem quite so intimidating as they used to, which made his speculation more entertaining than previously. He thought about Oniyuri again.

Maybe the problem wasn't the situation, or even her. Maybe the problem was him.

He collected a glass of water, and started up the stairs. T'kit was only glowing very softly but the weak half-light didn't bother him. He could see in far worse. He paused by Tora's door, to send T'kit in to put the water by her bedside. She'd need it, and T'kit could go through the door without opening it, or disturbing her.

Then he went to bed. Tomorrow was looking to be a terrible day. He was looking forward to finding out how bad it would be.

[Snowbluff]

Leon’s Apartment
Leon and Outback Jack

“Interesting,” Edinah says, vigourly shaking Jack’s hand, despite the bandages covering her arms that must be hiding some kind of injury. “I have a bit of a fondness for magical beasts myself. I always wondered what kind of efforts were being made by the Guardians to study enchanted fauna.” She smiles broadly. She heads to the kitchen and comes back with some glasses and a wine bottle. “Wine anyone?”

“Pumpkin tarts,” Lahala mumbles to herself. She pulls a pumpkin out of her bag, and heads to the kitchen to make her master’s favorite treat. Jack notices that there are pictures of a blonde, effeminate man everywhere in the room. Upon closer inspection, some of them seem to be this man sleeping.

Guardian Manor
Fierhan Ash and T’kit

Ash can’t fully escape her grip, but is able to use it to support Tora the rest of the way to the bed.

Caerulea laughs in Fierhan’s mind. “I never thought humility would be a lesson I could impart to you, child. It was never a virtue of my master, and so he was never able to teach it to me,” she answers by their telepathic link.

The group dumps Tora unceremoniously onto her bed. The room is well decorated. Several photographs of Tora with her friends, Diael, Will, and Edinah. There is desk with a laptop on it, as well as a guitar in the corner.

Caerulea takes of Tora’s boots and tosses them into the corner as T’kit puts the water on her side table. Tora herself has started snoring.

[LairdMaon]

Outback Jack Malloy

"Edinah, wine would be great.
I truly appreciate tha..." As the towel comes off his face, Jack can't help but notice the bandages, "What happened here?"

With a calming method practiced on wild animals, Outback Jack takes hold of one of Edinah's arms at the elbow and gently, but firmly, pulls it close. He tenderly lifts one of the bandages and peers at the injury it hides. "If I might offer some advice, it is unwise to arm wrestle a girallon. They cheat!"

"Forgive me if I'm stepping on any toes here, but take of this what you need to heal yourself. This goes for the both of you as well." he looks over to Leon and Lahala before uttering a small prayer under his breath. The healing energies fill the room.


Casting Healing Circle as a 5th level spell from a 10th level caster.
5 charges.
Each can drain a charge.
The first charge so drained functions as a cure critical wounds spell, the second as a cure serious wounds spell, the third as a cure moderate wounds spell, and the fourth as a cure light wounds spell, and the final charge heals only 5 points of damage.

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

Stepping back, he leans nonchalantly against the door frame as Tora is left to sleep off her inebriation. In Caerulea's mind, timed to avoid interrupting her actions... You'd be surprised at how humbling a near-death experience can be. There was nothing I could do, Caer. I would have died.

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

Looking over the situation... Yes, he could be sure that Tora would be able to rest. His eyes lingering on Cael just taking an extra moment to make Tora comfortable, he decided to leave.

His eyes also lingered a bit more on Fiehran, yet for different reasons. All he gave him after that telepathic message was a nod.

"Good night, everyone..." He spoke, but not too loud as to not wake the sleeping cat. And with that, he left the mansion, to finally get to his own home.

He wasn't sure what to make of Fiehran anymore. Was that 'thank you' honest or was it just what he considered polite or necessary after having his life saved? How could he know he was honest, considering the nature of his powers?

[Snowbluff]

Guardian Manor
Fierhan and T’kit

“Hm... come to think of it, I guess I would not know,” Caerulea says thoughtfully. “However, I have thought of it considerably. Come with me, child.”

Caerulea leads Fierhan through out the manor, to Diael’s lab. Inside this large room are an assortment of ice sculptures that look like Sissy. Each one is beautifully constructed, with an incredible attention to detail. They glisten brilliantly in the moon light filtered through the floor to ceiling windows in the room. Despite the room temperature, they do not seem to be melting, either.

“As you know, Diael was my master when I in training, if I can call that person me,” she says. “Diael was an illusionist, a master of the world without. When Sissy’s sister, Prissy, died, he worked to create magic to reject the reality of his suffering. Eventually, his work was discontinued. To him, know that the creature he created wasn’t his real wife, completely destroyed the illusion. Like a sleight of hand, once you know the trick, it loses all magic to you.”

“However, I was trained in enchantment, the ability to alter the world within. In many ways, it’s like illusion. However, the person I was more pernicious than her master. She understood that all it would take to end her suffering were a few changes in the way she understood the relationships she shared with people.” She places a hand on one of the sculptures, her back turned to Fierhan. “What was left behind would no longer be tormented by what she saw, and would feel no compulsion to roll up the magician’s sleeve, as it were.”

Ash’s Backyard
Ash

Ash standard in his backyard, examining the book in front of him. The night is cold, and the moon shines brightly overhead. The trees rustle softly in the wind as they shed their leaves. He stares at the book, considering its fate.

Then someone walking through the alley notices him standing there, by himself. It’s a girl, dressed in a large coat, with a hat and scarf. She sees Ash, and is suddenly interesting. “Hey, whatcha doin’?” She called out. Her curiosity overcomes her, and she hops over his back fence.

“Isn’t it a little cold to be out here all by yaself?” She asks. She spies the book. “What’s with the book, Mister? Looks like a good read.”

Leon’s Apartment
Leon and Jack

“Uh, what?” Edinah is stunned as her bandages are undone. The wound is strange, like a clammy, wet bruise, but pale. If it’s some kind of magical malady, it’s unlike anything Jack has seen. When Jack starts it spell, it doesn’t seem to take hold, but Edinah withdraws her hand rapidly before anything certain could be determined. “Excuse yourself!” She says. “Ugh, now I’m going to have to rewrap. Why would you do that? Leon worked so hard to wrap it up.”

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

He calmly lowered the book, letting his eyes taken in the girl that barged into his backyard.

"It is my backyard, and I'd say it's refreshing rather than cold. There's nothing better than curling up under blankets with a cup of hot chocolate to get rid of the chills. Don't recall seeing you before, do you just jump into people's backyards often?" he said, trying to keep his voice calm yet amused, with a small hint of disapproval. No need to get all angry at the girl, he cut time or bothered his neighbors when he was a young young kid too... Although he couldn't be sure of the girl's age.

"And it's just Ash, not Mister. I'm not that old yet."

but it was several notebooks you said earlier

[LairdMaon]

Outback Jack Malloy

Jack spreads his arms and takes a half step back, "Like I said, not looking to trod on any toes!"

"So! What's there to know about around here and how can I help out?" Jack finds himself a seat and sits down with a grin. "I'll need to know the lay of the land and the critters in it if I'm to be of any use to you lot!"

[Snowbluff]

Ash's Backyard
Ash


The girls puts her hands in her pockets, swaying energetically. "Hot cocoa, huh? Man, that sounds nice. I haven't had any in so long." She closes her eyes and smiles, sniffing the air as if there was some sweet fragrance present. "I'm not from this neighborhood though. I'm from thataways," she says as she wave noncommittally to the East. "I do just hop fences sometimes. Sometimes ya just gotta see what people have in their yards, ya know? Some say curiosity killed the cat, but I say satisfaction brought it back."

Her gaze settles on the notebook(s). "Anyway, Mister Ash, what are you doing with that book?" she asks again, more firmly than before.

[LoyalPaladin]

Leon Gloryborn

As soon as Jack touched Edinah's arm, Leon had already instinctively produced medical materials with a tinge of embarrassment. "I don't think he meant anything by it, Edinah." He says as he takes her arm and seats her in the living room. "Lahala, if you could take over my duties in the kitchen for a moment, I'll take care of business with Jack and rewrap Edinah's injury."

If Lahala cooperates and is out of earshot.
In hushed tones, Leon speaks privately with Jack. "You're a Guardian, Jack. You know how we keep our secrets tight, so know that I am trusting you to when I show you this." He lifts the bandage from Edinah's arm delicately. "Weeks ago the famed healer Luka went missing. His sudden absence is a great loss to the world, but matters are more pressing as he's the only one who an heal this." Showing him the watery wound, he grimaces. "Keep it to yourself, Jack. I need a Guardian accomplice, and it seems like you've volunteered by chance of fate."

Quietly, he then rewraps Edinah's arm with a practiced ease and a tender touch. "Don't pick any unnecessary fights, Edinah. We don't need Lahala poking into that arm of yours and you can't risk further injury." He makes eye contact with her. "Promise?"

To get Lahala to cooperate.
Diplomacy
[roll0]

To get Edinah to chill.
Diplomacy
[roll1]

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

He frowned, staring more firmly at the girl.

"Currently I am holding it and just... thinking about life. It's late, you shouldn't be wandering around like this. What if something were to happen, what would your parents say?"

Throughout this he tried to make sure this girl was who she was, along with trying to discern if she has any... ulterior motive. It was really late in the night and she just jumped into his backyard? Yeah, right.

Taking 20 on spot and sense motive. Dunno how long the latter will take. That gives me a 45 on spot and 42 on sense motive.

[LairdMaon]

Outback Jack Malloy

"Ah, yes. Secrets, that which the Guardians guard more than anything else. Yours are safe with me." Jack nods in the direction of the kitchen, "From that one, too? You certainly make it easy on yourselves, ha!"

"So tell me! Above the table! What's there a new arrival needs to know?"

[PeacefulOak]

Fiehran

The nephilim follows quietly, listening to his mentor's wisdom. The longer she speaks, however, the more uncomfortable he becomes.

"What you say... it worries me, Caerulea. Distance, disconnect... that isn't strength. It's almost against the very essence of what we do, isn't it? This strength of mind is in connecting,
touching spirits and effecting change." He pauses, sighs. "I'm sorry. I came to you asking for advice and training, but here I am contradicting you. Teach me, Master. I am ready." He bows in the formal way of the Islands, his mind flitting briefly to his mother before returning to focus fully on his shifu.

[Snowbluff]

Ash’s Backyard
Ash

Ash’s friend frowns. “My parents? They wouldn’t say anything. They died in the Glass Beast attack a couple years back.” She smiles again, and clasps her hands together, and looks skyward hopefully. “I’m a Tramp, I wander around and do odd jobs to get by. But in a past life, I was a noble Prince, who fought to the death to defend his angelic people. So it’s all okay, I feel great. Now, what’s this about life?”

Ash looks her over carefully. She doesn’t seem to be in disguise, and has made no attempt to deceive him. She speaks her words in earnest, as if she truly believes the words she speaks about reincarnation.

The Glass Beast was a monster that attacked an area of low income housing. Chel’s mother died in the attack, and so did the Guardian apprentice that defeated the beast.

Leon’s Apartment
Leon and Jack

“O-okay,” Lahala says. “Luka loves my cooking. I’m sure you’ll love it too!” She puts an apron on and heads into the kitchen.

Edinah begrudgingly allows Jack to handle her wounds. She smirks as jack gives her his assurance. “Secrets and lies, it’s always secrets and lies with your Guardians.”

Diael’s Lab
T’kit and Fierhan

“I am not the one you’re contradicting. I can’t comment on the merits of interpersonal connections. However, the person I was disagreed with you. She had taken drastic action in efforts to protect herself from what she believed to be a fatal offense.” She turns away from the statue, and walks to Fierhan. She pulls up his chin with a single finger. “As a Guardian, I do agree that understanding is power. The more I understand people, the more power I gain over them. Never forget this, child.

CHASHNE’S BRAIN
Chashne

Chashne’s wondering mind is thinking of women as he sleeps. However, as he dreams, he dreams of a memory of his later master, Rebecca Owens.

Rebecca was a brawny woman, with a strong jaw and black hair shaved at the sides, with the rest pulled into a ponytail. She wears a Guardian’s coat, reinforced with plate armor. She wasn’t known for her grace.

“SONUVA ****ING BITCH!” She screams as she slams her fist into a marble panel in the Tower’s wall. It cracks and buckles under the force of her attack. “I don’t believe this, Chash! That assignment was ours!” Chashne remembers this. Several years ago, when he worked under Rebecca, Diael was had received the assignment to work in this area from the highest tier Guardian and the Council. It was considered a prestigious position, as the Aspenheim Labs in the nearby forest were up for excavation.

[Yasahiro]

Ash Arashi (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1293271)
Level 12 | HP: 63/76 | AC: 28 Spent Nightstick, Turn Undead 6/9

He could feel his eyebrows raise at that. She honestly believed that, so it was either her way of dealing with trauma of losing parents and being homeless and orphan... Or it was something deeper, perhaps involved with actual angels. Maybe a Rephaim?

That, however, doesn't matter. If there was even a chance that this girl was another victim of the attack of Glass Beast, like Chel's family was... Then he couldn't throw her out.

"Just some personal issues of mine, nothing you should worry about. Tell you what, I will start a fire in the fireplace and make some cocoa for both of us. We can't be too loud, got someone staying with me..." he thought about his own reactions to the girl before. "Sorry for being a bit rude there earlier, had a lot of stress recently. As for the book, well... You could say a friend of mine recommended it but it feels like it's really something I'd hate, so I haven't been able to bring myself to read it."

If the girl follows him into his house, or at least agrees to the cocoa, he prepares two mugs. One for himself, the other for the girl, with a bit of honey and cinnamon, along with a few tiny marshmallows. Even a guy has to let himself indulge sometimes, right?

And yet, during it his thoughts lingered on the Glass beast. He knew about the attack, but something seemed odd... The beast resembled a humanoid made of glass. But was it actually glass? A lot of things could look like it and be so reflective, like ice... that never melts. Diael was trying to bring back his wife, who was a nephilim, so is it possible for a copy of ice to came out wrong? Or even to also go monster, if its a replica of a nephilim?