Era 8 Episode 2

[Steel Speedster ♂]

On 2/17/2025 at 5:57 PM, Lord Ruler Sylphrena said:

Vane, New Halladran.

Vane was carefully assessing the situation. With the district under lockdown he had felt suffocated as the people in other districts were making plays for power while he simply had to sit back and rot. At least that was what he thought when two Metalborn launched themselves past the checkpoint while evading capture from even the district's elite officers. One of them had launched themselves who knows where but after a bit of searching, his lifesense had picked up signals coming from one of the abandoned bars that closed down when the lockdown removed the patronage of people from other districts. Situations like this were like white on black and Vane knew whoever would risk breaching the checkpoint had a good reason for being in New Halladran.

After clearing some debris he made his way up and into the building. It filled with trash and dust, Vane had to plug his nose given how unbearable his divine breath was making this. It was one of many instances were his enhanced senses had come back to bite him and he hoped he would return to the overly perfumed stalls of the main streets quickly. Luckily the air began to clear through a hole in the top floor of the building. That was when he spotted a silhouette that had a number of vials and metalminds on their person.

Vane smiled and greeted them. "Excuse me I apologize for your cold reception to New Halladran. I go by Sunwatcher the Fair and I hope we may be able to assist each other".

  Reveal hidden contents

@Steel Speedster

You can totally wait a day or 2 to finish everything going with your other characters before you reply to this I just don't want to procrastinate more then I already have when it comes to RPing. Vane is also armed but trying to appear non-threatening as to not antagonize Fenna.

 

 

23 hours ago, Lunamor said:

Eza, New Hallandren

Eza was frustrated. Really, really frustrated. She'd gone through so much effort to track down where a meetup was going to happen between two of the monsters. It was supposed to be in New Hallandren, somewhere she wasn't familiar with. She'd paid a pretty penny- literally- to acquire the information. When she made it to the district entrance, seeing entry blocked was entirely unexpected and entirely inconvenient. Eza had even gone to the effort of sneaking in the old-fashioned way anyways, crawling along rooftops without the aid of iron in case they had a coppercloud or something.

But as she idled on the street corner, now keeping her iron on a low burn to watch for her quarry, nothing happened. Apparently it was rather hard for two people from a Scadrian district to have a meeting in the blue-roofed, green paneled house two streets east of a big fountain with a statue of a smiling woman in it (you had to get creative with directions when you couldn't read street signs) when they couldn't enter the area in the first place.

Eza downed another vial of iron, stuffed it back in her aluminum-lined pouch to hide any metals that could be used to trace her, and prepared to skulk away, hoping that it would be about as easy to sneak out of there as it was to sneak in. But just before she took a step forwards, a jumble of new lines sprung from her chest in a cluster. There were quite a few tiny lines pointing to what was clearly Zinc and Duralumin. No one but a metalburner would carry them in such pure forms. Three of the other lines, however, were harder to distinguish. While slightly thicker, they were fainter, too. She closed her eyes and focused on them. She knew for sure that one was Bronze, and another maybe Duralumin. The third was entirely new to her, or at least contorted enough that she couldn't recognize it. The lines' confusing nature was a good sign, though. It meant that they were hemalurgic spikes, which meant that Eza had found who she was looking for. Hopefully.

She slunk backwards into the shadows as her new target passed by, then casually strolled as far behind it as she could while still keeping its spikes in detecting range. They were harder to keep track of than the Zinc and Duralumin, but it was significantly more difficult to ditch metal that had been spiked into your flesh than metal you were carrying externally. With some creative maneuvering, she was able to stay out of its line of sight entirely. The lines blinked in and out of existence as they were blocked by buildings, but they always returned so long as their subjects were in motion. Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, and the lines began veering in a new direction. Eza prayed that was because the hemalurgist was trying to avoid the chaos for normal, not-wanting-to-get-shot reasons rather than I-want-to-go-shoot people reasons.

After a few minutes, the lines came to a halt. Eza waited for a bit to make sure her target hadn't just stopped to tie its shoe, then risked a glance around the corner. She finally got a good look at the hemalurgist as he cleared debris away from the entrance to a building with a shattered window. He was tall, way taller than regular humans were supposed to be. Even Rosharans weren't this large. Was hemalurgy able to change you physically like that?

Before she could figure out what was up with this guy, he finished clearing away enough debris to allow him to disappear into the building. Eza glanced around. The street seemed to be abandoned, so she quickly scrambled up to the side of the building and peered inside in a very suspicious manner. It was hard to make out what was going on through all the dust, but her iron told her that the second figure the man was talking to likely wasn't a hemalurgist. Based on what was in their vials, they were just a Pewterarm. She squinted, trying to get a closer look at the person's face. The air was clear enough now that Eza could tell it was a woman. She was so familiar...

@Steel Speedster

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Fenna whipped around as someone spoke behind her. He was tall, with a powerful BioChromatic aura. A rusting Returned?

She was tempted to flat out refuse his suggestion. Her last deal had lasted for all of twenty minutes, and left her on the run in an unfamiliar district. But it had been her idea, and she had been stupid to let Leon lead her into a fight with no plan. This could be different.

“Go on,” she said, cocking her head. “I’m listening.”

[Lord Ruler Sylphrena He/Him]

2 hours ago, Steel Speedster said:

 

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Fenna whipped around as someone spoke behind her. He was tall, with a powerful BioChromatic aura. A rusting Returned?

She was tempted to flat out refuse his suggestion. Her last deal had lasted for all of twenty minutes, and left her on the run in an unfamiliar district. But it had been her idea, and she had been stupid to let Leon lead her into a fight with no plan. This could be different.

“Go on,” she said, cocking her head. “I’m listening.”

Vane, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Vane had been prepared for her to run away on the spot but things were progressing better then expected, no need for Rioting after all. However just because there was no need doesn't mean it would be helpful. As he spoke he sent soft waves of trust and relaxation to wash over this stranger, better safe then sorry after all.

"The current state of New Hallandren is unacceptable. Whatever is truly causing the lockdown is something serious enough to be kept under wraps. I'm not sure who has the information I'm looking for but it appears you or your associate had inkling as to what was going on if you were willing to make such a brazen entrance. I have the skills to keep the guards from coming after you if you can give me the info I want or lead me to someone who can."

Vane kept his breath steady but he was anxious of the fact that he was now moving into murky waters. Hopefully this was a gamble that would pay off.

[Steel Speedster ♂]

6 hours ago, Lord Ruler Sylphrena said:

Vane, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Vane had been prepared for her to run away on the spot but things were progressing better then expected, no need for Rioting after all. However just because there was no need doesn't mean it would be helpful. As he spoke he sent soft waves of trust and relaxation to wash over this stranger, better safe then sorry after all.

"The current state of New Hallandren is unacceptable. Whatever is truly causing the lockdown is something serious enough to be kept under wraps. I'm not sure who has the information I'm looking for but it appears you or your associate had inkling as to what was going on if you were willing to make such a brazen entrance. I have the skills to keep the guards from coming after you if you can give me the info I want or lead me to someone who can."

Vane kept his breath steady but he was anxious of the fact that he was now moving into murky waters. Hopefully this was a gamble that would pay off.

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

”I don’t have any stake in what’s happening here,” Fenna said. “My ‘associate’ has the information you’re looking for. I was just along for the ride. There’s no reason for me to stay here now—I don’t need your protection. I’ll just make a break for the Mistwarrens once the coast is clear.”

She felt a little reluctant to refuse the offer—she had been looking for someone to work with—but a Returned didn’t seem quite the right type. Aside from protection within this district, he didn’t seem to have much to offer.

But there was something strange about him. Tracking down and attempting to bargain with known fugitives didn’t seem like something a normal Returned would do.

[Koloss17 She/They]

On 2/17/2025 at 9:57 PM, Karnatheon said:

Laonin, The Corridor, The Silver Dagger

Laonin returned the man's smile, wrinkles creasing around his eyes. "Thank you for your hospitality. I will do my best to not squander your time." Laonin said, walking inside the Silver Dagger. "No need to apologize, I've spent most of my life on my feet, that doesn't need to change now." while the fact he was not offered a seat did not bother Laonin, it did tell him that he would need to earn Venser's respect. He did not begrudge the man's cautious nature.

Laonin had put a good amount of thought into how to try and approach this conversation while he was waiting, and he hoped that his efforts would not be in vain. "I don't know how long you've been in the Alleycity, but I assume it's been long enough that you've seen what it is capable of. Great tragedies, loss, and despair. A sometimes overwhelming number of people, most who are or were lost. People without homes, people without friends, and people without families. But it is also capable of much good. I've made some very close friendships in my past, and some people I would even have considered family. There have been people who have opened their lives up to me, and shown me that not all who inhabit this place are lost, that you can find your place here and make it your own."

"There was a time when my Forge was a hub of restoration in the Mistwarrens, renewing the district and the people within it. With the help of the people that change spread across the city, and more and more people joined in. There were efforts made to form a central government over the city, for the good of the people. They listened, they made plans, and in the end I think they did make a difference. But time has passed, the people pushing for change have gone, I was gone. Now I return to see the city much as it was then I first arrived, all those years ago. It still has it's good, it still has it's bad. There are many forces at work in this city, many with hidden goals, many whose presence is likely unknown to the rest of us. I don't think that will ever change." Laonin said all of this, his gaze periodically fading off into the distance, as if he was seeing what he described.

"But I know that if the right people work together, that they can be a force for good, for stability. That people can make a change, hopefully a lasting one. I know that you're a business man, but also an artist, a man who likes to shape a portion of reality into what his mind envisions. I share that passion for creation. The knowledge that with the proper tools you can create, alter, and destroy. I would not consider myself an ambitious man, but I am a man with dreams. Big dreams. Dreams of a city that doesn't need to hurt anymore, dreams of a place where people can thrive. Dreams not for myself, but for all of us." As Laonin said this, he gestured out the windows toward the city.

"You have done very well for yourself here Venser. I have heard your name spoken of by many people as someone reliable to do business with. From the little I know of you, you seem to have a good life. But can I ask, is this your dream? If not, what do you dream? A life like this, providing goods to the people who need them, can be very rewarding, I've lived it at times. But there can be more. There can be purpose to creation, a deeper drive behind it all. I know a man like you must have something, the question is, what is it?" Laonin said all this, and then stood there, observing Venser's reaction. He didn't expect the man to simply bare his soul to him, to let forth all of the secret thoughts and desires within him. But Laonin would take what he could get.

Venser, The Corridor, The Silver Dagger

Venser was surprised by the man's naivety. Though, he had been here longer than Venser, and was likely older than him. Perhaps it was idealism. He was like that, once. Yet over time, he had seen the futility of such a notion. Alleycity was a lawless place, with no structure or power ever lasting. People came and went, and vast powers could pop up at any moment. Even now, Perses exerted his power over the weak and needy. He was a customer of Venser's, wielding a weapon he forged. To a degree, all the pain Perses had caused was his doing. 

Yet with or without his help, the monster would have caused this pain. Hunger for power knows no bounds, and at least with this, Venser had gotten richer.

"I am sorry. I am not the man you think I am," Venser said, looking away. "I admire your views, but I fear I cannot share them. A partnership would be ruinous, for the both of us. You do not want my reputation tainting your goals."

Venser had made that decision long ago. He was a businessman, not a hero. He had prioritized money over the good of others, and he sold his morality to the highest bidder. Those with corrupt intentions will always pay more, and one cannot be this successful without ceding something. Looking at the covered merchandise, his actions haunted him once more. His success was paved with the blood of innocents. How many people has he killed, without even knowing they existed? At least Perses saw the faces of those he killed. Venser didn't even have that luxury.

"I am sorry, I cannot help you. Please leave."

[Lord Ruler Sylphrena He/Him]

6 hours ago, Steel Speedster said:

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

”I don’t have any stake in what’s happening here,” Fenna said. “My ‘associate’ has the information you’re looking for. I was just along for the ride. There’s no reason for me to stay here now—I don’t need your protection. I’ll just make a break for the Mistwarrens once the coast is clear.”

She felt a little reluctant to refuse the offer—she had been looking for someone to work with—but a Returned didn’t seem quite the right type. Aside from protection within this district, he didn’t seem to have much to offer.

But there was something strange about him. Tracking down and attempting to bargain with known fugitives didn’t seem like something a normal Returned would do.

Vane, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Her not having any information was unfortunate. Still having a competent ally was worthwhile to as he definitely was not equipped to handle whoever he was up against alone. At the very least they weren't involved with whoever was behind the recent events. Vane didn't like the though of having wasted a whole day and he still did have one last card to play even if it was a little risky. He sighed, hopefully this would go over well but he had to dispose of more then one partner in the past due to some foolish moral objections. Luckily there wasn't a threat of her running to the guards this time.

"I understand you not having a stake in what's going on here," Vane said. "However if you are not truly opposed to working with me I believe I can offer you a stake, or rather a spike in exchange for your assistance."

Vane unbuttoned his coat and with a flourish revealed 3 gleaming spikes of metal protruding from his torso. 

"These three are mine but whether it be a fortune of breath or stronger allomancy all of it is within my power to offer you."

Edited February 19, 2025 by Lord Ruler Sylphrena
Fixing typos

[Steel Speedster ♂]

30 minutes ago, Lord Ruler Sylphrena said:

Vane, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Her not having any information was unfortunate. Still having a competent ally was worthwhile to as he definitely was not equipped to handle whoever he was up against alone. At the very least they weren't involved with whoever was behind the recent events. Vane didn't like the though of having wasted a whole day and he still did have one last card to play even if it was a little risky. He sighed, hopefully this would go over well but he had to dispose of more then one partner in the past due to some foolish moral objections. Luckily there wasn't a threat of her running to the guards this time.

"I understand you not having a stake in what's going on here," Vane said. "However if you are not truly opposed to working with me I believe I can offer you a stake, or rather a spike in exchange for your assistance."

Vane unbuttoned his coat and with a flourish revealed 3 gleaming spikes of metal protruding from his torso. 

"These three are mine but whether it be a fortune of breath or stronger allomancy all of it is within my power to offer you."

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Fenna froze.

So, she had been right about there being something odd about this Returned. He was much more dangerous than she had assumed.

Part of her recoiled in horror at Sunwatcher's suggestion. Another part said that that was merely weakness--this was the path to power. The first voice was terrified of that dark hunger within her, but she had spent months silencing it. It was easy to ignore.

"I--I need time to consider," Fenna said. "Come back in six hours. I'll give you my answer then."

Quote

I don't really want to force this to take six hours, but I wasn't quite sure how else to make this work. Maybe we just see how the plot goes organically, and then retroactively change this post to reflect that time? We don't need to be beholden to a six hour time frame.

 

[Lord Ruler Sylphrena He/Him]

21 hours ago, Steel Speedster said:

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Fenna froze.

So, she had been right about there being something odd about this Returned. He was much more dangerous than she had assumed.

Part of her recoiled in horror at Sunwatcher's suggestion. Another part said that that was merely weakness--this was the path to power. The first voice was terrified of that dark hunger within her, but she had spent months silencing it. It was easy to ignore.

"I--I need time to consider," Fenna said. "Come back in six hours. I'll give you my answer then."

 

Vane, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

He hadn't expected her to hesitate like this but Vane realized he should have. People that were born with power or had it handed to them didn't realize how precious it was, how easy it was to be hurt when you were without it. He had learned that lesson many times. The acquisition of power was never evil only what you decided to do with it. Peoples hang-ups when it came to hemalurgy were something he would never understand. This wasn't a huge loss though as it felt wrong offering a spike to somebody that was already blessed enough to become a twinborn. Still the fact that this criminal had principles even if they were ones he disagreed with was somewhat admirable. It would be excellent if she agreed to work with him but at least he wasn't losing anything if she decided to flee back to the Mistwarrens.

"Very well I can accept this," Vane said. "Do know that my patience isn't infinite and neither is my generosity. When I return I expect a answer without hesitation."

Vane really wished that people would just listen to him without him having to go to all this trouble. That was one of the main reasons he decided to acquire Rioting instead of a more combat focused power. Even so he went to leave the building in high spirits. He could tell at least part of her wanted the power and his Rioting would make sure she picked the correct answer. The fresh air and warm daylight of the main streets welcomed him as he left the bar. Hiding out in abandoned buildings and spiking people in the night didn't suit him even if they were often necessary unpleasantries. He looked up and wondered what his lifesense was picking up as he ventured outside, probably a bird or something. It wasn't worth worrying about in a few hours he'd have his answer and then he could begin hunting whoever was behind what was going on.

[Steel Speedster ♂]

3 hours ago, Lord Ruler Sylphrena said:

Vane, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

He hadn't expected her to hesitate like this but Vane realized he should have. People that were born with power or had it handed to them didn't realize how precious it was, how easy it was to be hurt when you were without it. He had learned that lesson many times. The acquisition of power was never evil only what you decided to do with it. Peoples hang-ups when it came to hemalurgy were something he would never understand. This wasn't a huge loss though as it felt wrong offering a spike to somebody that was already blessed enough to become a twinborn. Still the fact that this criminal had principles even if they were ones he disagreed with was somewhat admirable. It would be excellent if she agreed to work with him but at least he wasn't losing anything if she decided to flee back to the Mistwarrens.

"Very well I can accept this," Vane said. "Do know that my patience isn't infinite and neither is my generosity. When I return I expect a answer without hesitation."

Vane really wished that people would just listen to him without him having to go to all this trouble. That was one of the main reasons he decided to acquire Rioting instead of a more combat focused power. Even so he went to leave the building in high spirits. He could tell at least part of her wanted the power and his Rioting would make sure she picked the correct answer. The fresh air and warm daylight of the main streets welcomed him as he left the bar. Hiding out in abandoned buildings and spiking people in the night didn't suit him even if they were often necessary unpleasantries. He looked up and wondered what his lifesense was picking up as he ventured outside, probably a bird or something. It wasn't worth worrying about in a few hours he'd have his answer and then he could begin hunting whoever was behind what was going on.

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Fenna breathed out slowly, turning away as Sunwatcher departed. Just a few hours, and she’d have to give an answer that could decide her fate.

She could accept, throw in her lot with this dangerous man, and become strong. Or—she wouldn’t wait here to refuse Sunwatcher to his face—she could run.

That was her whole problem: she was always running—never committing. Wasn’t it time to take a stand? To do take what she wanted?

That pesky inner voice protested. Maybe, if she went through with this, she could silence it permanently. Otherwise it would continue to haunt her. To condemn her.

Fenna slumped down on an old creaky barstool, dropping her stolen spear on top of the bar.

@Lunamor

Quote

@Lunamor Looks like the coast is clear for Eza whenever you’re ready.

 

[Lunamor she/her]

On 2/20/2025 at 3:28 PM, Steel Speedster said:

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Fenna breathed out slowly, turning away as Sunwatcher departed. Just a few hours, and she’d have to give an answer that could decide her fate.

She could accept, throw in her lot with this dangerous man, and become strong. Or—she wouldn’t wait here to refuse Sunwatcher to his face—she could run.

That was her whole problem: she was always running—never committing. Wasn’t it time to take a stand? To do take what she wanted?

That pesky inner voice protested. Maybe, if she went through with this, she could silence it permanently. Otherwise it would continue to haunt her. To condemn her.

Fenna slumped down on an old creaky barstool, dropping her stolen spear on top of the bar.

@Lunamor

 

Eza’s eyes widened as the woman’s face finally matched up with a somewhat fuzzier version in her head. She’d seen her at the constabulary, fighting against Asylum’s monsters. She’d been technically fighting against Perses too, since they were controlled by him. That meant she was probably a good person- she didn’t seem to be a constable but had risked her life to help others anyways. She might be one of the only reasons Eza was still alive.

Eza’s eyed narrowed when the spiked man offered to spike the woman, too. Whatever he was up to couldn’t be good. Well, that was a given when it came to hemalurgy, but asking for information meant there was something else going on. She watched as he walked away, then thought for a moment. What kind of name was Sunwatcher? It was pretty stupid. Watching the sun was a bad idea if you wanted to have working eyeballs.

She might not be able to stop everything Sunwatcher was doing, but she could at least try to stop this. With a quick ironpull on its inner workings, Eza unlatched the lock on the window she peered through and softly opened it. She popped up so that her face was clearly in view of the woman.

”You should say no.”

She didn’t get too close. While the woman had been a good person before, she hadn’t denied the man’s offer of twisted power. The woman also seemed to be on edge, and Eza wasn’t sure if she’d recognize her. They’d never actually interacted in any meaningful sense before.

Edited February 22, 2025 by Lunamor

[Karnatheon he/him]

On 2/19/2025 at 10:14 AM, Koloss17 said:

Venser, The Corridor, The Silver Dagger

Venser was surprised by the man's naivety. Though, he had been here longer than Venser, and was likely older than him. Perhaps it was idealism. He was like that, once. Yet over time, he had seen the futility of such a notion. Alleycity was a lawless place, with no structure or power ever lasting. People came and went, and vast powers could pop up at any moment. Even now, Perses exerted his power over the weak and needy. He was a customer of Venser's, wielding a weapon he forged. To a degree, all the pain Perses had caused was his doing. 

Yet with or without his help, the monster would have caused this pain. Hunger for power knows no bounds, and at least with this, Venser had gotten richer.

"I am sorry. I am not the man you think I am," Venser said, looking away. "I admire your views, but I fear I cannot share them. A partnership would be ruinous, for the both of us. You do not want my reputation tainting your goals."

Venser had made that decision long ago. He was a businessman, not a hero. He had prioritized money over the good of others, and he sold his morality to the highest bidder. Those with corrupt intentions will always pay more, and one cannot be this successful without ceding something. Looking at the covered merchandise, his actions haunted him once more. His success was paved with the blood of innocents. How many people has he killed, without even knowing they existed? At least Perses saw the faces of those he killed. Venser didn't even have that luxury.

"I am sorry, I cannot help you. Please leave."

Laonin, The Corridor, The Silver Dagger

Laonin's hopes were dashed as he listened. Of course it wouldn't be this easy, it was never this easy. Laonin's heart ached, hearing the good that was left in Venser explain that it was too broken to be of use anymore.

"I understand. I wish you the best, and pray that the kernel left within you grows and thrives once again. Thank you for your time." Laonin said as he walked to the exit. He turned back as he opened the door, "If you ever change your mind, I shouldn't be hard to find" he said and walked out into the night.

As he walked through the dimly lit streets of the Corridor, Laonin began to think. There were plenty of people in similar positions to Venser that he could approach with the same intentions, the same questions. But was that truly the best way to go forward? Unfortunately, he didn't have all the answers. He decided to go home and get some sleep and think more on it in the morning.

[Steel Speedster ♂]

On 2/21/2025 at 8:42 PM, Lunamor said:

Eza’s eyes widened as the woman’s face finally matched up with a somewhat fuzzier version in her head. She’d seen her at the constabulary, fighting against Asylum’s monsters. She’d been technically fighting against Perses too, since they were controlled by him. That meant she was probably a good person- she didn’t seem to be a constable but had risked her life to help others anyways. She might be one of the only reasons Eza was still alive.

Eza’s eyed narrowed when the spiked man offered to spike the woman, too. Whatever he was up to couldn’t be good. Well, that was a given when it came to hemalurgy, but asking for information meant there was something else going on. She watched as he walked away, then thought for a moment. What kind of name was Sunwatcher? It was pretty stupid. Watching the sun was a bad idea if you wanted to have working eyeballs.

She might not be able to stop everything Sunwatcher was doing, but she could at least try to stop this. With a quick ironpull on its inner workings, Eza unlatched the lock on the window she peered through and softly opened it. She popped up so that her face was clearly in view of the woman.

”You should say no.”

She didn’t get too close. While the woman had been a good person before, she hadn’t denied the man’s offer of twisted power. The woman also seemed to be on edge, and Eza wasn’t sure if she’d recognize her. They’d never actually interacted in any meaningful sense before.

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Fenna started and turned towards the window, where young girl peered through. Fenna squinted for a moment, trying to place why the face was familiar.

"You...you were at the Constabulary," she realized. They had technically fought on the same side, though they had never exchanged words, or even acknowledgement. Why then, was she here? It couldn't just be a coincidence. Had she followed her, or...someone else?

"What are you doing here?"

[Lunamor she/her]

13 hours ago, Steel Speedster said:

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Fenna started and turned towards the window, where young girl peered through. Fenna squinted for a moment, trying to place why the face was familiar.

"You...you were at the Constabulary," she realized. They had technically fought on the same side, though they had never exchanged words, or even acknowledgement. Why then, was she here? It couldn't just be a coincidence. Had she followed her, or...someone else?

"What are you doing here?"

She recognized her. That was good. Probably meant she’d be more likely to trust her.

”I followed Sunwatcher. I…”

Eza intensified her now constant low burn of iron and peered closer at the woman’s face, trying to gauge her reaction to her next words.

“I’ve been tracking people from an evil hemalurgist group, trying to get information. I hope I followed the right person, but the district being closed down meant no meeting took place where it was supposed to. Doesn’t mean Sunwatcher isn’t evil too, though. He’s a hemalurgist. You know what he’s done to people like us. What he’s willing to do.”

Eza subtly took note of nearby thick ironlines, just in case. Either the woman was genuinely surprised to see her or she was purposefully avoiding Eza’s suggestion. It was probably a bad idea to share this much information, but she was doing it to stop a monster. It was worth the risk.

[Steel Speedster ♂]

On 2/26/2025 at 3:10 AM, Lunamor said:

She recognized her. That was good. Probably meant she’d be more likely to trust her.

”I followed Sunwatcher. I…”

Eza intensified her now constant low burn of iron and peered closer at the woman’s face, trying to gauge her reaction to her next words.

“I’ve been tracking people from an evil hemalurgist group, trying to get information. I hope I followed the right person, but the district being closed down meant no meeting took place where it was supposed to. Doesn’t mean Sunwatcher isn’t evil too, though. He’s a hemalurgist. You know what he’s done to people like us. What he’s willing to do.”

Eza subtly took note of nearby thick ironlines, just in case. Either the woman was genuinely surprised to see her or she was purposefully avoiding Eza’s suggestion. It was probably a bad idea to share this much information, but she was doing it to stop a monster. It was worth the risk.

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Fenna narrowed her eyes. “‘Like us’?” She repeated. “What do you mean ‘like us’? You don’t know who I am. How do you know if I’m like you and not like him?”

[Lunamor she/her]

2 hours ago, Steel Speedster said:

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Fenna narrowed her eyes. “‘Like us’?” She repeated. “What do you mean ‘like us’? You don’t know who I am. How do you know if I’m like you and not like him?”

“I’m a Lurcher. A really good one. I know that that man had three spikes and that you have none. You have tons of pewter on you, which means you’re probably a Pewterarm.”

Eza flared her iron, double checking her assertions to ensure she wasn’t making a fool of herself. A couple of faint blue lines leading to the woman’s legs she hadn’t noticed before caught her eye. They were iron, but odd. Not odd in a bad way like spikes were, just odd. She hadn’t paid too much attention to learning how to do much other than detect spikes, but there was only one other thing the strange lines could lead to.

”You’re a Skimmer, too.”

Eza glanced over at the smashed window. That explained some things.

Edited February 28, 2025 by Lunamor

[Steel Speedster ♂]

1 hour ago, Lunamor said:

“I’m a Lurcher. A really good one. I know that that man had three spikes and that you have none. You have tons of pewter on you, which means you’re probably a Pewterarm.”

Eza flared her iron, double checking her assertions to ensure she wasn’t making a fool of herself. A couple of faint blue lines leading to the woman’s legs she hadn’t noticed before caught her eye. They were iron, but odd. Not odd in a bad way like spikes were, just odd. She hadn’t paid too much attention to learning how to do much other than detect spikes, but there was only one other thing the strange lines could lead to.

”You’re a Skimmer, too.”

Eza glanced over at the smashed window. That explained some things.

Fenna, New Hallandren

Fenna narrowed her eyes further. That seemed a suspicious amount of information to have about her. She had heard that Coinshots and Lurchers could learn to identify types of metal with Allomancy, but she'd never met one who could do it, and this particular Lurcher was just a kid! She let that oddity slide, however.

"That's not what I meant," Fenna muttered. "I wasn't talking about...spikes."

[Lunamor she/her]

17 minutes ago, Steel Speedster said:

Fenna, New Hallandren

Fenna narrowed her eyes further. That seemed a suspicious amount of information to have about her. She had heard that Coinshots and Lurchers could learn to identify types of metal with Allomancy, but she'd never met one who could do it, and this particular Lurcher was just a kid! She let that oddity slide, however.

"That's not what I meant," Fenna muttered. "I wasn't talking about...spikes."

Eza cocked her head.

”By ‘us’ I just meant Mistings. Do you mean evilness in general? You didn’t seem very evil in the Constabulary. Might’ve saved my life, actually. Things got really close at the end there. So thanks.”

She hopped up and sat on the windowsill, dangling her legs. She needed this woman to have at least some modicum of trust in her to take her advice, and she seemed to be doing a pretty bad job of earning it so far.

”I’m Eza, by the way.”

[Steel Speedster ♂]

22 minutes ago, Lunamor said:

Eza cocked her head.

”By ‘us’ I just meant Mistings. Do you mean evilness in general? You didn’t seem very evil in the Constabulary. Might’ve saved my life, actually. Things got really close at the end there. So thanks.”

She hopped up and sat on the windowsill, dangling her legs. She needed this woman to have at least some modicum of trust in her to take her advice, and she seemed to be doing a pretty bad job of earning it so far.

”I’m Eza, by the way.”

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Fenna glanced at Eza as she sat on the windowsill. “Fenna Koss,” she said reluctantly.

Fenna began to pace. “Tell me this, Eza: do you really think things are so simple? Are we alike just because we are both Metalborn? Am I unlike Sunwatcher because he is spiked and I’m not? Is Sunwatcher ‘evil’ because he’s spiked? Are we defined so easily?”

 

Jerrin, Smokestack, Jerrin’s Hideout

Jerrin leaned over a worn down table in a sparsely furnished room, examining a small stack of newspaper clippings. His hands moved slowly and methodically as he poured speed into his steelminds. He had already read through them a dozen times, but there was nothing relevant to his search. Most of the headlines were about the lockdown in New Hallandren.

Over the last few hours of thought, Jerrin had gradually realized he would have to find out more. There had been no word of Hemalurgist involvement, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever was happening there was important. Maybe it would prove a waste of time, but it wasn’t like there was anything important to do in Smokestack.

Jerrin stopped filling his metalminds and stood up. Throwing open a cabinet in the corner, he found their stores of electrum. There wasn’t much, but Thav had gone to buy more, and this would probably last long enough. He fastened several vials to his belt, and put the rest in a leather pack, lined with aluminum, along with his mistcloak. He scribbled a hasty note, telling Thav to meet him in New Hallandren.

Stepping out into the streets, Jerrin put his electrum on a low burn, showing possible futures a fraction of a second a head. He adjusted the pack on his back and struck out in the direction of the Nalthian district.

 

Thav, Mistwarrens

Thav strolled down the street towards Smokestack. His bronze was on, but there were no pulses to detect. The street was perfectly quiet.

So quiet that he heard the click of a gun to his right. Thav instantly tapped speed of thought, turning to see a group of five figures in the mouth of an alley, all aiming weapons at him. Based on their stances and equipment, Thav guessed they were Allomancers, though none were burning metals, as there were no bronzepulses.

The one in front, leveling a gun at him was likely a Coinshot. The one to the right was a Thug judging by the hefty cudgel. Two of the others were partially blocked from his view, and the last hung back in the shadows.

Wait…

Thav lurched to the side as the lead Coinshot fired. As the bullet streaked past, Thav smoothly drew his own gun and fired. The bullet, one of the aluminum ones he had just bought, passed between the first four opponents, striking the one in the rear directly in the chest.

A wave of Allomantic pulses hit Thav as the Smoker fell.

Still tapping zinc, Thav took in the pulses. Two signatures were steel. One was iron. Two were pewter.

Two?

The first enemy leapt forward, far more quickly than any Coinshot had a right to.

Hemalurgist.

Though he thought fast, Thav’s reactions weren’t any quicker. He stumbled awkwardly to the side, narrowly avoiding the Hemalurgist’s attack, but he had already decided on his next move.

He flicked a coin out and Pushed it at his attacker, shoving them apart. His steelpush’s force dropped off steeply after a few feet, allowing the coin to drop to the ground. But it had bought him the space he needed.

Thav released his zincmind, drawing his second gun. The rest of his attackers rushed out to surround him, but with his bronze, he could tell each’s position. He tapped just enough mental speed to track all four positions. In a spinning motion, he fired an aluminum behind him, towards a steel pulse signature, at the same time firing a regular bullet at the Coinshot-Thug in front of him. The pulse behind him went out, but the opponent in front of him Pushed the bullet aside and lunged forward.

Thav tapped zinc and lined up his next shot perfectly with the man’s center. He Pushed on the bullet as the Hemalurgist did the same. Perfectly balanced between them, both were shoved back, keeping them apart.

Just then, the pewter pulse behind him disappeared. Thav spun, increasing his speed of thought, but it was too late.

The Thug tackled him, having turned off his pewter to avoid being tracked. Thav was thrown backwards, landing hard on his back.

@Karnatheon

Quote

Got to it tonight after all.

Jump in whenever you like.

These guys are all spiked. They have the following capabilities:

- One is a natural Coinshot, with an A-pewter spike.

- One has spikes for A-pewter and A-bronze.

- One has an A-iron spike.

- One (now deceased) had an A-steel spike.

- The last (also deceased) had an A-copper spike.

I don’t care what happens to them, so do whatever you want! Make up whatever details about their appearance you want as well—I didn’t put much thought into them.

 

[Lunamor she/her]

8 hours ago, Steel Speedster said:

Fenna, New Hallandren, Abandoned Bar

Fenna glanced at Eza as she sat on the windowsill. “Fenna Koss,” she said reluctantly.

Fenna began to pace. “Tell me this, Eza: do you really think things are so simple? Are we alike just because we are both Metalborn? Am I unlike Sunwatcher because he is spiked and I’m not? Is Sunwatcher ‘evil’ because he’s spiked? Are we defined so easily?”

“We have a thing in common, so that makes us at least somewhat alike.”

Eza absentmindedly fished a small chunk of slag metal from one of her many bags and tossed it forwards. Before it sailed more than a foot away, she ironpulled it back, catching it in the hand she held in front of her chest. She continued to toss and pull her stringless yoyo as she talked.

”Sunwatcher seemed very on board with the idea of spiking people, so I don’t think he was spiked against his will. Three people died because of those spikes.”

She caught the piece of metal, then loosened her grip, letting it slip out of her fingers to hover pressed against her chest. She let her eyes tear up just a tad, allowing some of her fury to show.

”They died slowly and painfully. They could've been children, siblings, parents. Maybe they died begging for mercy. Maybe they died in the dark, never finding out where the pain had come from. Maybe they died screaming for their little girl to run away. Sunwatcher wears their suffering proudly. That’s evil.”

Eza canceled her pull, letting the slag fall into her waiting palm. Looking at it quieted the fire in her eyes and made her smile softly before the subject at hand quickly flattened it out. It was some really nice slag.

”You and Sunwatcher may be alike in other ways. I know you and I are unalike in many ways. I also know that we’re the sort of people he would gladly stab through the heart if it meant more power."

Quote

Fyi, any slight inaccuracies/over-exaggerations that come up when Eza talks about hemalurgy are because she has gleaned all of her information from what she’s overheard and rumors. She's also somehow become incorrigibly dramatic on a consistent basis.

 

Edited February 28, 2025 by Lunamor
Keep changin' stuff

[Karnatheon he/him]

On 2/27/2025 at 9:34 PM, Steel Speedster said:

Thav, Mistwarrens

Thav strolled down the street towards Smokestack. His bronze was on, but there were no pulses to detect. The street was perfectly quiet.

So quiet that he heard the click of a gun to his right. Thav instantly tapped speed of thought, turning to see a group of five figures in the mouth of an alley, all aiming weapons at him. Based on their stances and equipment, Thav guessed they were Allomancers, though none were burning metals, as there were no bronzepulses.

The one in front, leveling a gun at him was likely a Coinshot. The one to the right was a Thug judging by the hefty cudgel. Two of the others were partially blocked from his view, and the last hung back in the shadows.

Wait…

Thav lurched to the side as the lead Coinshot fired. As the bullet streaked past, Thav smoothly drew his own gun and fired. The bullet, one of the aluminum ones he had just bought, passed between the first four opponents, striking the one in the rear directly in the chest.

A wave of Allomantic pulses hit Thav as the Smoker fell.

Still tapping zinc, Thav took in the pulses. Two signatures were steel. One was iron. Two were pewter.

Two?

The first enemy leapt forward, far more quickly than any Coinshot had a right to.

Hemalurgist.

Though he thought fast, Thav’s reactions weren’t any quicker. He stumbled awkwardly to the side, narrowly avoiding the Hemalurgist’s attack, but he had already decided on his next move.

He flicked a coin out and Pushed it at his attacker, shoving them apart. His steelpush’s force dropped off steeply after a few feet, allowing the coin to drop to the ground. But it had bought him the space he needed.

Thav released his zincmind, drawing his second gun. The rest of his attackers rushed out to surround him, but with his bronze, he could tell each’s position. He tapped just enough mental speed to track all four positions. In a spinning motion, he fired an aluminum behind him, towards a steel pulse signature, at the same time firing a regular bullet at the Coinshot-Thug in front of him. The pulse behind him went out, but the opponent in front of him Pushed the bullet aside and lunged forward.

Thav tapped zinc and lined up his next shot perfectly with the man’s center. He Pushed on the bullet as the Hemalurgist did the same. Perfectly balanced between them, both were shoved back, keeping them apart.

Just then, the pewter pulse behind him disappeared. Thav spun, increasing his speed of thought, but it was too late.

The Thug tackled him, having turned off his pewter to avoid being tracked. Thav was thrown backwards, landing hard on his back.

@Karnatheon

 

Laonin, The Mistwarrens

Laonin was walking back to his home, after his meeting with Venser had proved unsuccessful. The dimly lit streets lay still in the night, the only sound he could make out was the sound of his own feet carrying him. He rubbed his arms briskly in the chill air, almost wishing he had brought a coat, when he heard a gunshot ring through the air. Then another. Pulling his revolver out of his coat, Laonin quickly dashed in the direction the sounds had come from. 

Rounding a corner into an alley, he stopped and saw several men who appeared to be attacking someone alone. Laonin watched as the young man managed to hold his own against his attackers, taking two of them down. With a start he realized it was the kid he had seen back at the Silver Dagger. Hoping that the person being ambushed was in the right, Laonin decided to help him out. 

Pulling his knife out and holding it in his other hand, he proceeded forward, watching the fight as he approached. He knew the element of surprise would be his only advantage, as he didn't have any offensive Investiture. Sneaking forward, Laonin saw as one of the thugs tackle the man to the ground hard. Rushing forward, Laonin aimed his gun at the thug's head and pulled the trigger, announcing his joining of the conflict. He then turned and fired his gun at one of the others, but that one Pushed his knife out of his other hand, which threw his aim off enough that the shot went wild. 

"You okay kid?" Laonin shouted as he ran for cover as shots rang out toward him. Laonin crouched down behind his cover as he watched the other thugs do the same now that there were multiple people to shoot and avoid being shot by.

[Hoid Slayer He/Him]

Ebonaryle, The Mistwarrens, Lord Street

 

Endure.

The thought resounded in Ebon's head as he slowly trudged back to his alley; he was in no rush to remind himself of his position. For millennia, he had always been able to use his cunning and faith to manipulate any situation to his liking. He had fought kings and Radiants, and even clawed his way out of madness. So why couldn’t he survive in this city of aliens?

Endure.

As the sun set in Alleycity, it seemed to cast a red light over the street, bathing it in flame while transforming innocuous objects into monstrous shadows. In the distance, he heard screams, likely just another street fight. And yet, the imagery sent Ebon’s mind spiraling into a memory; a world of fire, filled with the screams of the damned. A world of endless suffering. A world that now seemed an eternity away, despite the memory taking place not so long ago. Ebon shook his head, freeing himself from the vision. There was no time to dwell on the past. Only the present mattered.

Endure.

Ebon heard the familiar thumps of boots on the uneven pavement behind him, and ducked beneath one of the many awnings that polluted the street just in time to twist and observe those who approached. He needn’t have worried; the pair of constabulary officers were drunk as usual, and didn’t even look to their sides as they stumbled past him to a nearby bar. It had been a week since Ebon’s inopportune arrival in Alleycity, and yet he had yet to make any progress in identifying his assailants. He struggled to find employment or housing because of his appearance; nobody wanted to hire a demon.  He had thought of seeking the constabulary for help, but concluded they were unlikely to accept him. Additionally, he had seen what appeared to be a fourth ideal Windrunner with them; best to stay away from that encounter.

Endure.

The Constables turned into the establishment, and Ebon finally left his hiding spot and resumed his journey. This street, full mainly with shops and other services, was mostly empty at night. Soon, he turned into a much busier neighborhood; New Fadrex, also known as the slum of the slums. Here, the streets overflowed with the poor and the unfortunate. Many people struggled to walk through here as they were surrounded by beggars and pickpockets. As Ebon traveled through, however, the crowd parted around him. Conversations stopped and children began to cry as all made way for the monster.

Endure.

Finally, Ebon arrived at his destination. As he turned into his alley, he found a group of Idrian children laughing and playing with a ball. The wealth of cultures in this place never ceased to amaze him; was this truly the center of the Cosmere? Could he have stumbled upon it unknowingly? Perhaps, one day, after delivering his prize to Silverlight, he could return to this place. No. Those were thoughts for another time. No matter how much he proved himself, this place would never accept him. He would have to make his own path, his own way. He growled at the children, causing them to scatter, and stepped into his residence.

Endure.

He walked into the alley and observed his few possessions. A flea bitten blanket that barely wrapped around his chest, a makeshift wooden shelter, and a bar of soap. He had also built a small set of gutters with used pipes and a bucket to collect occasional rainwater. He set down his satchel, removing the rest of his belongings; a pair of stolen obsidian knives,  a waterskin, rudimentary writing utensils, and his most prized possession; a small notebook he had found abandoned in the alley his first day in the city. He took out the notebook, flipped it open to the first empty page, and began to write: “Twinborn: Born with both allomantic and feruchemic abilities. Post-Catacendre only.” In this notebook, he tracked everything he learned about the greater Cosmere. He was a quick learner, and yet the depth of the culture and investitures amazed him. He continued to fill in more sections of the notebook, each entry expanding his understanding.

Endure.

Soon the task was finished, and he was forced to face an unsettling truth. His research alone would not get him what he wanted. He hesitated, then flipped to the final part of the book. All his searches for the person in power led him to one name; Perses. From what he had gathered, Perses was an angry but powerful crime lord from Scadrial. He was likely to be able to help Ebon, or at least involve him in things. And yet, every one of his attempts to meet with Perses in the last week had failed. He arrived late to every sighting, and everyone was too scared to give him too much information. Perhaps it was time to try something a little more… forward. In these final pages, Ebon had tracked Perses’s every movement that he could find. Using this data, Ebon had been able to find a common thread. While Perses’s goings were hard to track - many of them seemed to end in dead ends - he favored one location over any other. Ebon dragged his finger down the page, eventually resting it over one name: Wickwillow Manor.

Endure.

[Koloss17 She/They]

Perses, Mistkeep, Wickwillow Manor

Perses had gained surprisingly little about the going-ons of New Hallandren. It was clear that a rebellion was brewing, which was highly unusual. There had been revolutions and coups in the past, but it was often led by a single powerful individual, like an Epic, or someone like himself. However, there didn't seem to be anything like that here. There was a lot of blame on the Idrians, but Perses was not educated enough to know if it was just racism or something with merit. There were a few rebels he managed to spot, who had a lot of concealed aluminum, but were otherwise uninteresting. For now, it seemed to be nothing for him to worry about.

You seem troubled, the booming voice of Belias spoke in his mind. He was, unfortunately, right. He was pacing, and he had been pacing for quite some time. The problem was, he had no clue what he was worried about. Why would he be concerned? He just established that New Hallandren was none of his concern. Why would he care?

Perses threw a stool leg across the room. The objects, as Perses had discovered, had changed and morphed over time. The stool, which had originally been perfectly straight with three legs, had become a gnarled, twisting mass, with legs jutting out at odd places. It had still vaguely resembled a stool, but the functionality was gone almost completely. The material, too, had changed. It still felt like wood, but it shattered like glass upon hitting the floor. Belias' portal had done odd things to the manor, more than just manipulating the space of the manor. It got more profound as one went deeper into the manor, with the greatest effect being in the heart of the manor, where Perses stood now.

"Is there a way you can make this manor more normal?" Perses snapped. He could live with his lifesense being skewed by the housekin, and his sense of hearing being unreliable. He could deal with the shifting nature of the manor, especially since Belias allowed him to control how it moved. But he wanted the actual objects of the room to be constant. Was that so much to ask?

Unfortunately, it is. I can control the shape of the manor, but the growth and odd properties are a side effect of the Alleys being in such prolonged contact with this realm.

Great. Perses walked over to the shattered remnants of the stool and kicked it. It shattered further, with an odd crunch.

@Hoid_Slayer

[Hoid Slayer He/Him]

46 minutes ago, Koloss17 said:

Perses, Mistkeep, Wickwillow Manor

Perses had gained surprisingly little about the going-ons of New Hallandren. It was clear that a rebellion was brewing, which was highly unusual. There had been revolutions and coups in the past, but it was often led by a single powerful individual, like an Epic, or someone like himself. However, there didn't seem to be anything like that here. There was a lot of blame on the Idrians, but Perses was not educated enough to know if it was just racism or something with merit. There were a few rebels he managed to spot, who had a lot of concealed aluminum, but were otherwise uninteresting. For now, it seemed to be nothing for him to worry about.

You seem troubled, the booming voice of Belias spoke in his mind. He was, unfortunately, right. He was pacing, and he had been pacing for quite some time. The problem was, he had no clue what he was worried about. Why would he be concerned? He just established that New Hallandren was none of his concern. Why would he care?

Perses threw a stool leg across the room. The objects, as Perses had discovered, had changed and morphed over time. The stool, which had originally been perfectly straight with three legs, had become a gnarled, twisting mass, with legs jutting out at odd places. It had still vaguely resembled a stool, but the functionality was gone almost completely. The material, too, had changed. It still felt like wood, but it shattered like glass upon hitting the floor. Belias' portal had done odd things to the manor, more than just manipulating the space of the manor. It got more profound as one went deeper into the manor, with the greatest effect being in the heart of the manor, where Perses stood now.

"Is there a way you can make this manor more normal?" Perses snapped. He could live with his lifesense being skewed by the housekin, and his sense of hearing being unreliable. He could deal with the shifting nature of the manor, especially since Belias allowed him to control how it moved. But he wanted the actual objects of the room to be constant. Was that so much to ask?

Unfortunately, it is. I can control the shape of the manor, but the growth and odd properties are a side effect of the Alleys being in such prolonged contact with this realm.

Great. Perses walked over to the shattered remnants of the stool and kicked it. It shattered further, with an odd crunch.

@Hoid_Slayer

Ebonaryle, Mistkeep, Outside Wickwillow Manor

 

It hadn’t taken Ebon long to reach Wickwillow Manor. He already knew the location, and with his Fused abilities, getting there was a simple task. No, it hadn’t taken him long to get there. What exhausted him was the waiting.

For more than an hour, Ebon waited patiently outside the building as the sun set, and Mistkeep fell beneath the shroud of darkness. This city unnerved him; so many buildings should not be packed together. As the time passed, he fidgeted with the knives at his waist. For this excursion, he had brought nothing else; they were all he could take during his transportations. Once at the district, he had been able to find an old leather belt to attach them to at an abandoned shop. Now, he stood on the roof of a neighboring clocktower, patiently watching the streets from above. Eventually, he was forced to make a decision.

Ebon stood up suddenly, startling a crow that had decided to roost in the old bell. He had no way of knowing when Perses would next visit the manor; sometimes, he wasn’t seen in the area for over a week - although that could be attributed to the fact there were not many to see him even if he was here. Regardless, Ebon would not spend an eternity waiting. He made a decision; he would explore the manor, and deal with whatever was inside.

Choice made, Ebon carefully descended the building, careful not to waste any of his transportations. Once down, he approached the large ornate doors. He hesitated for a second, then pushed open the doors. And stepped inside.

@Koloss17

Edited March 5, 2025 by Hoid_Slayer

[Stormlightsong]

On 2/17/2025 at 8:22 PM, TwinStorm said:

Leon smiled as the faint lines moved, and voices were heard. So they had noticed him.

He watched as a figure pulled a gun out, and leveled a gun at him. He Pushed himself off the truck, balancing on a street lamp, and fired his gun back at them.

Quote

I’m just going to continue assuming this was retconned. Reminder of the scene: Farenah and Tulen are in the front seats of the truck, Palava and two armed IRS agents are in the trunk along with the cargo, and Leon is on the roof. Sorry for the wait.

Farenah, New Hallandren, IRS truck.

Quickly swapping places with a stunned Tulen, Farenah took the ween and slammed the brakes.

The truck suddenly stopped and as she had not rebuckled her seatbelt, Farenah did not. Thankfully she didn’t go flying through the window, but as she lifted her face from the wheel, she felt a bit of blood run down from her nose.

“Colors!” Farenah exclaimed as she noticed Tulen who, thank Austre didn’t seem too injured, had clearly been knocked unconscious. She checked his vitals before looking out the window for signs of the mysterious man.

@SpiritOfWrath @Steel Speedster

[TwinStorm He/Him]

Just now, Stormlightsong said:

Farenah, New Hallandren, IRS truck.

Quickly swapping places with a stunned Tulen, Farenah took the ween and slammed the brakes.

The truck suddenly stopped and as she had not rebuckled her seatbelt, Farenah did not. Thankfully she didn’t go flying through the window, but as she lifted her face from the wheel, she felt a bit of blood run down from her nose.

“Colors!” Farenah exclaimed as she noticed Tulen who, thank Austre didn’t seem too injured, had clearly been knocked unconscious. She checked his vitals before looking out the window for signs of the mysterious man.

@SpiritOfWrath @Steel Speedster

Quote

Leon hurled through the air, taken by surprise. He Pushed against a streetlamp, sending him back into the sky. These smugglers were smart, he thought. Peace? Perhaps I can take advantage of their resources.

So he did the natural thing. "I surrender!"

@SpiritOfWrath @Steel Speedster

[Koloss17 She/They]

On 3/5/2025 at 6:04 PM, Hoid_Slayer said:

Ebonaryle, Mistkeep, Outside Wickwillow Manor

 

It hadn’t taken Ebon long to reach Wickwillow Manor. He already knew the location, and with his Fused abilities, getting there was a simple task. No, it hadn’t taken him long to get there. What exhausted him was the waiting.

For more than an hour, Ebon waited patiently outside the building as the sun set, and Mistkeep fell beneath the shroud of darkness. This city unnerved him; so many buildings should not be packed together. As the time passed, he fidgeted with the knives at his waist. For this excursion, he had brought nothing else; they were all he could take during his transportations. Once at the district, he had been able to find an old leather belt to attach them to at an abandoned shop. Now, he stood on the roof of a neighboring clocktower, patiently watching the streets from above. Eventually, he was forced to make a decision.

Ebon stood up suddenly, startling a crow that had decided to roost in the old bell. He had no way of knowing when Perses would next visit the manor; sometimes, he wasn’t seen in the area for over a week - although that could be attributed to the fact there were not many to see him even if he was here. Regardless, Ebon would not spend an eternity waiting. He made a decision; he would explore the manor, and deal with whatever was inside.

Choice made, Ebon carefully descended the building, careful not to waste any of his transportations. Once down, he approached the large ornate doors. He hesitated for a second, then pushed open the doors. And stepped inside.

@Koloss17

Quote

I'm not used to this change in the typical formula, as I will be narrating from 3rd person but without it being a point of view, but we'll see if it works!

The manor looked ordinary, at first. It had the look of a typical post-Catacendre mansion, with cushioned chairs surrounding a long dead fireplace. The place smelled of mold and dust, as if it had been abandoned long ago. A grandfather clock ticked to the side of the room, a quiet yet persistent noise. Upon closer inspection, however, things were distinctly off. The clock, though ticking, had crooked clock hands. Bent, but with no indication of tampering or damage. The furniture legs were inconsistent, with some legs being much too short, and others being too long, yet the various furniture, impossibly, appeared entirely level. The bricks surrounding the hearth were weathered, but with too straight edges, making the weathering appear more like a paint job than an actual condition of the stones. Most concerningly, however, was the fact that the room was well lit, despite having no active light sources in sight. There were various lamps and chandeliers, but none of them were on. The room, however, seemed to be unaware of that fact. 

The rectangular room had four doors: one to the left, one to the right, and two on the back wall, at the very edges, perfectly mirroring each other. However, on going to open the leftmost door at the back wall, it opened into a wall, as if the door wasn't meant to even be there. The other doors, however, worked just fine.

 

....

 

Perses, Mistkeep, Wickwillow Manor

Perses, through the odd abilities granted to him while he was in the house, felt someone enter the manor. It was an odd sensation, like he was the house, and someone had entered his domain. "who's that?" He asked Belias. I have no idea, the being replied. Might as well take a look, Perses thought. While he wasn't too concerned, as if he needed to, he could dispose of the intruder, the mere fact that someone had found and entered the mansion deeply worried him. This was supposed to be his, not something that he simply let random people enter. What were they even doing here?

Perses walked, feeling the house shift to his will. Within an instant, he rounded the corner into the parlor, as if the two rooms were right next to each other. At least for a short time, they were. However, upon stepping out of the room's threshold, the heart of the manor quickly retreated, once more hidden in the deepest corners of the mansion. Perses opened the door to the parlor, appearing to the right of the fireplace.

"And who are you to be entering this place?" Perses asked the interloper.

 

Edited March 8, 2025 by Koloss17