Era 9 Episode 2

[Koloss17 She/They]

14 minutes ago, KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren said:

 

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Yeah, he has perfected lifesense processes to him at fourth heightening. Assume that he also addressed your spren.

 

[KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren He/Him]

1 minute ago, Koloss17 said:

 

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Alright

Starseeker and Crimson, New Hallandren, New Hallandren Garrison

Crimson reluctantly showed himself. He remained small, however, and stood on Starseeker's shoulder.

Both spren and Radiant said nothing.

[Steel Speedster ♂]

Thav, Underground, Meeting Cavern

There was no sign of Aradan. If only he could burn bronze, he might be able to locate his companion. Thav quickly dashed forward, dropping a coin on the ground and Pushed off it. Compared to a normal Coinshot, the leap was pathetic--low enough that his use of Allomancy wouldn't be obvious--but it allowed him to get a clearer view of the room. Tapping zinc, he located the men who he thought to be Smokers and fired off a burst of clean shots before landing in a roll.

Burning bronze, Thav was rewarded with Allomantic pulses bombarding him from all sides. He tried to eliminate distractions, searching for Aradan's unique signature of iron and pewter combined, but found nothing. Aradan had either escaped already or wasn't burning his metals. Sorry, friend, Thav thought. But I have to get out of here. A Thug charged at him burning pewter, but Thav anticipated the swing, tapping his zincmind, and fired a shot straight into the man's chest. Making another short steel jump over another attacker's head, Thav scanned the room for a way out. Oddly, he detected an Allomantic signature coming from under the floor.

As he ran towards it, Thav turned to fire a barrage of shots backwards, sending his pursuers ducking for cover. In the corner of the room, there was a small open crack in the wall. Slipping inside, Thav stumbled down a short set of stairs, leading further down.

He slipped and crashed to the floor of a narrow tunnel. Three men stood there, looking down at him in surprise. One held a lantern and two others carried the unconscious form of Cuvel. Before the men could react, Thav tapped zinc and burned bronze, desiphering their Allomantic signatures. Lurcher. Coinshot. Tineye.

The Coinshot, who held a lantern in one hand, reached for his gun, but Thav was faster, dropping him with a well-placed aluminum bullet. He scrambled to his feet and forced his way past the other two, causing them to stumble, dropping Cuvel to the floor and then tripping over him. Thav kept running, hearing shouts echoing down the tunnel after him. Other tunnels branched out in various directions. Thav had no idea where he was going, so he randomly selected one of these and started down it, turning off his metals to ensure he couldn't be tracked via bronze.

After several minutes, he found himself back in a sewer tunnel. There were no signs of pursuit, so he sank to the ground, allowing himself a moment to catch his breath.

 

Fenna, Underground, Meeting Cavern

After several minutes, the group that had pursued Thavel into the secret exit returned empty-handed. Bairn, who had taken charge of the situation, cursed, then climbed onto the platform to address the remaining guests, though many had fled during the chaos. "Those of you who want to join us, come with me," he said, shortly. "Otherwise clear out!"

There were two unconscious prisoners in the middle of the room. The first was one of the two interlopers. Fenna didn't know who the other was. Their hands had been tied behind their backs, and a guard--likely a Leecher--stood over them. "Deal with the dead," Bairn ordered one group of grunts as he passed. "This way!"

He led the way the secret exit. A group carrying the two prisoners and the unconscious Cuvel followed. Fenna looked around, then did the same.

She quickly lost track of direction as they made their way through a series of winding tunnels. After what felt like a long time, the tunnel sloped up, and eventually the group stopped. Bairn reached up and opened a trap door, allowing the group to climb into what appeared to be a basement of some sort.

"What is this?" demanded a familiar voice, as the prisoners were lifted through the trapdoor. Fenna climbed up last and recognized Mask standing nearby.

"There were...complications, Master Mask," Bairn said. "The Twinborn, Talin, escaped, and his partner didn't show. He brought this one though." Bairn jabbed a finger at Aradan.

Mask turned his attention to the large group of new recruits. "Show them out of here," he ordered. Bairn nodded and led the way through a door on the far wall. Fenna made no move to follow and Mask jerked his head in acceptance. Only a few grunts remained in the room. "Wake the prisoners," Mask ordered.

@Qianweilian @Mistfallen Soldier

[Myst He/Him]

3 hours ago, Steel Speedster said:

Thav, Underground, Meeting Cavern

There was no sign of Aradan. If only he could burn bronze, he might be able to locate his companion. Thav quickly dashed forward, dropping a coin on the ground and Pushed off it. Compared to a normal Coinshot, the leap was pathetic--low enough that his use of Allomancy wouldn't be obvious--but it allowed him to get a clearer view of the room. Tapping zinc, he located the men who he thought to be Smokers and fired off a burst of clean shots before landing in a roll.

Burning bronze, Thav was rewarded with Allomantic pulses bombarding him from all sides. He tried to eliminate distractions, searching for Aradan's unique signature of iron and pewter combined, but found nothing. Aradan had either escaped already or wasn't burning his metals. Sorry, friend, Thav thought. But I have to get out of here. A Thug charged at him burning pewter, but Thav anticipated the swing, tapping his zincmind, and fired a shot straight into the man's chest. Making another short steel jump over another attacker's head, Thav scanned the room for a way out. Oddly, he detected an Allomantic signature coming from under the floor.

As he ran towards it, Thav turned to fire a barrage of shots backwards, sending his pursuers ducking for cover. In the corner of the room, there was a small open crack in the wall. Slipping inside, Thav stumbled down a short set of stairs, leading further down.

He slipped and crashed to the floor of a narrow tunnel. Three men stood there, looking down at him in surprise. One held a lantern and two others carried the unconscious form of Cuvel. Before the men could react, Thav tapped zinc and burned bronze, desiphering their Allomantic signatures. Lurcher. Coinshot. Tineye.

The Coinshot, who held a lantern in one hand, reached for his gun, but Thav was faster, dropping him with a well-placed aluminum bullet. He scrambled to his feet and forced his way past the other two, causing them to stumble, dropping Cuvel to the floor and then tripping over him. Thav kept running, hearing shouts echoing down the tunnel after him. Other tunnels branched out in various directions. Thav had no idea where he was going, so he randomly selected one of these and started down it, turning off his metals to ensure he couldn't be tracked via bronze.

After several minutes, he found himself back in a sewer tunnel. There were no signs of pursuit, so he sank to the ground, allowing himself a moment to catch his breath.

 

Fenna, Underground, Meeting Cavern

After several minutes, the group that had pursued Thavel into the secret exit returned empty-handed. Bairn, who had taken charge of the situation, cursed, then climbed onto the platform to address the remaining guests, though many had fled during the chaos. "Those of you who want to join us, come with me," he said, shortly. "Otherwise clear out!"

There were two unconscious prisoners in the middle of the room. The first was one of the two interlopers. Fenna didn't know who the other was. Their hands had been tied behind their backs, and a guard--likely a Leecher--stood over them. "Deal with the dead," Bairn ordered one group of grunts as he passed. "This way!"

He led the way the secret exit. A group carrying the two prisoners and the unconscious Cuvel followed. Fenna looked around, then did the same.

She quickly lost track of direction as they made their way through a series of winding tunnels. After what felt like a long time, the tunnel sloped up, and eventually the group stopped. Bairn reached up and opened a trap door, allowing the group to climb into what appeared to be a basement of some sort.

"What is this?" demanded a familiar voice, as the prisoners were lifted through the trapdoor. Fenna climbed up last and recognized Mask standing nearby.

"There were...complications, Master Mask," Bairn said. "The Twinborn, Talin, escaped, and his partner didn't show. He brought this one though." Bairn jabbed a finger at Aradan.

Mask turned his attention to the large group of new recruits. "Show them out of here," he ordered. Bairn nodded and led the way through a door on the far wall. Fenna made no move to follow and Mask jerked his head in acceptance. Only a few grunts remained in the room. "Wake the prisoners," Mask ordered.

@Qianweilian @Mistfallen Soldier

Saitaku, Underground, Meeting Place

Saitaku woke to something poking his head. Still groggy, he snapped his hand up, grabbing it, and snapping the stick that had been used.

He heard a voice, along with a sharp laugh, “well this one’s awake” 

Blinking rapidly to clear his vision, Saitaku started glancing around him, trying to figure out what was going on. 
There seemed to be someone tied up next to him, the person didn’t look familiar though, so Saitaku excused him from his mind.

What did these people want?

@Steel Speedster @Qianweilian

[Hoid Slayer He/Him]

9 hours ago, Koloss17 said:

Belias, Alleys, Belias' Domain

Belias observed the exchange, amused. He could easily have killed the radiant, but it seemed the small ones didn't want that. Where was the radiant's spren? Oh, but spren were so delicious. Their power strengthened him, expanding his presence, both in the Alleys and on Alleyplanet. 

“Can you find me an exit in the Mistwarrens?” Belias did not know why Perses bothered with such a creature. They were clearly weak, assisting only in the short term. He will never join the cause. Belias had half the mind to destroy both the radiant and the fused now, to save Perses the time. But his apprentice was already wary of Belias, and his trust was waning. Belias could always....no, he could not. Not yet. In time.

Belias shifted his realm to reveal an exit. "This will take you to the mistwarrens," He boomed.

@KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren

Ebonaryle, Alleys, Belias' Domain

Ebon nodded in gratitude, and stepped through the rift, gesturing for Lux to follow. He still wasn't truly sure how to feel about Belias - something about the being made him feel like he didn't have his best interests at heart, but at least, he seemed to obey Perses - and so he wasn't an active threat.

On the other side of the gate, Ebon emerged in a shadowed alley. Immediately, the smell hit him. He sighed, and looked back to make sure the radiant was still with him. "Follow me. And no matter what, don't talk to anyone." With that warning, Ebon shifted into a Jump form - a ribbon of red light - and emerged from the alley to weave through the bustling crowd of the Mistwarrens. He made sure to stay slow enough for Lux to follow. He had learned a long time ago that this form was much more unassuming - and made it much harder to be tracked. As soon as he got his bearings, Ebon smiled internally - and began heading towards the Herborium.

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Okay so I have an idea for where to take Perses. Basically, he finds out that a Crimson Dawn operative actually escaped the blast and got captured by the Constables - and so he'll want to break into the Garrison

[CoderDrag0n8 He/Him]

3 hours ago, Hoid Slayer said:

Ebonaryle, Alleys, Belias' Domain

Ebon nodded in gratitude, and stepped through the rift, gesturing for Lux to follow. He still wasn't truly sure how to feel about Belias - something about the being made him feel like he didn't have his best interests at heart, but at least, he seemed to obey Perses - and so he wasn't an active threat.

On the other side of the gate, Ebon emerged in a shadowed alley. Immediately, the smell hit him. He sighed, and looked back to make sure the radiant was still with him. "Follow me. And no matter what, don't talk to anyone." With that warning, Ebon shifted into a Jump form - a ribbon of red light - and emerged from the alley to weave through the bustling crowd of the Mistwarrens. He made sure to stay slow enough for Lux to follow. He had learned a long time ago that this form was much more unassuming - and made it much harder to be tracked. As soon as he got his bearings, Ebon smiled internally - and began heading towards the Herborium.

Lux, Alleys, Belias' Domain

Lux followed through, hiding under his mistcloak as he followed the glowing ribbon.

[Ink and Embers Any pronouns]

22 hours ago, Koloss17 said:

Midas detected no tells. The radiant seemed to earnestly believe what they were saying. Midas had to admit that it was possible to have a reformed fused, but he would believe it when he saw it. 
 

His lifesense alerted him to the presence of a spren entering the interrogation room. Such a thing shouldn’t have been possible with the door closed, as the aluminum lining should have prevented it. That was a good sign this room needed an inspection done on it. The spren approached the radiant he was talking to, and though he couldn’t fully see what the spren was doing, he could guess. “What did the spren tell you?” Midas asked, more harshly than he intended. Being unable to know what was being said annoyed him.
 

“I can tell when you’re lying, and if needed, we can detain your spren and interrogate it separately.” Midas hated dealing with Radiant Spren, but the job sometimes demanded it. “Ideally, your spren would turn visible and tell me themselves.” He turned to the other spren in the room. “That goes for you too”

@Ink and Embers @KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren

 

Cayansa, New Hallandren, New Hallandren Garrison 

Reyx seemed to shrink away, trying to hide. No, no, no, no, no! I don't know! I don't know!

Cayansa reached a hand to their hair in an attempt to comfort Reyx, despite the mistspren being largely incorporeal. Reyx? You can just say that. None of them will hurt you. I won't let them. 

You can't promise that!

Well, I can promise to try, they reasoned, before turning to Midas. "Sorry, they're quite shy," Cayansa explained, "And they don't mean to upset anyone. Although we aren't actually bonded." For the record.

"Wait." Reyx peaked out, then hovered just above the table, a rapid cascade of light. They tilted a little towards Cayansa, who nodded encouragingly. "I don't know anything they haven't already said."

"And what's aluminum?" Cayansa added.

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I think they would be used to calling it ralkalest? I might have misremembered, though

@KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren @KnightSkye Reforged @Koloss17 @Hoid Slayer

[KnightSkye Reforged They/Them]

2 minutes ago, Ink and Embers said:

Cayansa, New Hallandren, New Hallandren Garrison 

Reyx seemed to shrink away, trying to hide. No, no, no, no, no! I don't know! I don't know!

Cayansa reached a hand to their hair in an attempt to comfort Reyx, despite the mistspren being largely incorporeal. Reyx? You can just say that. None of them will hurt you. I won't let them. 

You can't promise that!

Well, I can promise to try, they reasoned, before turning to Midas. "Sorry, they're quite shy," Cayansa explained, "And they don't mean to upset anyone. Although we aren't actually bonded." For the record.

"Wait." Reyx peaked out, then hovered just above the table, a rapid cascade of light. They tilted a little towards Cayansa, who nodded encouragingly. "I don't know anything they haven't already said."

"And what's aluminum?" Cayansa added.

@KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren @KnightSkye Reforged @Koloss17 @Hoid Slayer

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Yeah Rosharans would be used to ralkalest. Kai and Skye only use Aluminum because they've been surrounded by Scadrians for a while. 

 

[Qianweilian He/him]

2 hours ago, KnightSkye Reforged said:

 

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Isn't "ralkalest" from Sel? Specifically the Rose Empire, the "unForgeable Metal"?

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Sorry for the delay, Mist and Speedster, I'll post tonight.

 

[Myst He/Him]

2 minutes ago, Qianweilian said:

 

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Gotcha, I’m not sure which way you want to take the encounter anyways, which is why I didn’t add much earlier. I’m open to anything right now

 

[KnightSkye Reforged They/Them]

2 hours ago, Qianweilian said:

 

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From the coppermind: 
 It is known as Ralkalest in the Rose Empire on Sel and among singers,[2][3] as the unForgeable metal in the Rose Empire,[2] and historically as starmetal in Azir.[4]

I think personally that it was called Ralkalest on Yolen, and that's what Shards call it, but idk to be sure.

 

[Qianweilian He/him]

On 2/10/2026 at 6:18 PM, Mistfallen Soldier said:

Saitaku, Underground, Meeting Place

Saitaku woke to something poking his head. Still groggy, he snapped his hand up, grabbing it, and snapping the stick that had been used.

He heard a voice, along with a sharp laugh, “well this one’s awake” 

Blinking rapidly to clear his vision, Saitaku started glancing around him, trying to figure out what was going on. 
There seemed to be someone tied up next to him, the person didn’t look familiar though, so Saitaku excused him from his mind.

What did these people want?

Aradan Liese, Underground

Aradan blinked his eyes. “Ughhh.” He was tied up, lying on the ground, and his head was throbbing. He tried to shift, but stabbing pain through his legs and head stopped him. I’ll tap what gold I have left…oh, my metalminds are gone. I guess I’l burn pewt—oh, that’s gone too. Sitting up, he looked around. There was another man beside him, watching curiously. “Hey, you. You’re finally awake” Where am I, this man looks to be another prisoner. Might be a friend. Aradan groaned, “hello. My name is Aradan. Why are you here? Where…are we?"

@Steel Speedster@Mistfallen Soldier

 

[Steel Speedster ♂]

On 2/10/2026 at 6:18 PM, Mistfallen Soldier said:

Saitaku, Underground, Meeting Place

Saitaku woke to something poking his head. Still groggy, he snapped his hand up, grabbing it, and snapping the stick that had been used.

He heard a voice, along with a sharp laugh, “well this one’s awake” 

Blinking rapidly to clear his vision, Saitaku started glancing around him, trying to figure out what was going on. 
There seemed to be someone tied up next to him, the person didn’t look familiar though, so Saitaku excused him from his mind.

What did these people want?

@Steel Speedster @Qianweilian

3 hours ago, Qianweilian said:

Aradan Liese, Underground

Aradan blinked his eyes. “Ughhh.” He was tied up, lying on the ground, and his head was throbbing. He tried to shift, but stabbing pain through his legs and head stopped him. I’ll tap what gold I have left…oh, my metalminds are gone. I guess I’l burn pewt—oh, that’s gone too. Sitting up, he looked around. There was another man beside him, watching curiously. “Hey, you. You’re finally awake” Where am I, this man looks to be another prisoner. Might be a friend. Aradan groaned, “hello. My name is Aradan. Why are you here? Where…are we?"

@Steel Speedster@Mistfallen Soldier

 

Fenna, Underground, Saferoom

Mask stood over the two prisoners and folded his arms. "We have much to talk about," he said. "Let's start with you." He turned to the second of the two, who Fenna now noticed--in the slightly better lighting of this room--appeared to be Selish rather than Scadrian.

"I invited you personally," Mask said. "I would like to know why you turned against your fellow guests. All may yet be forgiven. I do not believe I was mistaken in my selection."

@Mistfallen Soldier @Qianweilian

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In case it isn't 100% clear, Mask is questioning Saitaku currently. Fenna does not know either of their names, so I was unable to refer to them directly from her POV.

 

[Koloss17 She/They]

On 2/10/2026 at 2:49 PM, KnightSkye Reforged said:

Kaiden and Skyelarin, New Hallandren, Garrison

Kai glared at Midus. The more this man talked the less he liked him. Detaining people was one thing, but threatening his spren was another. 

"Damn! fine! sorry." Skye mad herself visible and audible to all in the room. Still at full person size, as she preferred. "Parses was at the sight of the explosion and went into an Alley before you showed up, as did Ebon and the child Radiant who was there, who would likely have gone with you if you weren't yelling at everyone and being such a cremeater." She lounged against Kai's chair. "Oh and yeah, there's a gap under the door where there's no aluminum, so I just came through that." 

Midas took this in, glancing at Limel to make sure he was writing this down. "So the fused, Ebon, you called him, is working with Perses?" Midas was legitimately caught off guard. He knew Perses was operating in New Hallandren, but the garrison had assumed he was just getting black market wares, not actively causing trouble in the area. He also wasn't known to collaborate with many others. "Fascinating."

On 2/11/2026 at 12:44 PM, Ink and Embers said:

Cayansa, New Hallandren, New Hallandren Garrison 

Reyx seemed to shrink away, trying to hide. No, no, no, no, no! I don't know! I don't know!

Cayansa reached a hand to their hair in an attempt to comfort Reyx, despite the mistspren being largely incorporeal. Reyx? You can just say that. None of them will hurt you. I won't let them. 

You can't promise that!

Well, I can promise to try, they reasoned, before turning to Midas. "Sorry, they're quite shy," Cayansa explained, "And they don't mean to upset anyone. Although we aren't actually bonded." For the record.

"Wait." Reyx peaked out, then hovered just above the table, a rapid cascade of light. They tilted a little towards Cayansa, who nodded encouragingly. "I don't know anything they haven't already said."

"And what's aluminum?" Cayansa added.

@KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren @KnightSkye Reforged @Koloss17 @Hoid Slayer

Midas had trouble reading spren, but he could tell that Cayansa's spren was just as afraid as Cayansa was. "That's quite alright. Thank you for your compliance."

He turned to Starseeker, the Radiant Returned. What a fascinating combination. Midas converted to the Iridescent Tones after arriving at Alley City, something that many, including the Nalthinians, thought quite odd. He had seen godhood firsthand, and while Returned are nowhere near as powerful as the Lord Ruler, they too were slivers of infinity, in their own way. There were many gods of the Cosmere, and many more beyond that. However, even gods were not above the law in New Hallandren. At least not anymore. "And what of you? Any further information you or your spren wish to disclose?"

@KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren @Hoid Slayer

[KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren He/Him]

1 hour ago, Koloss17 said:

Midas took this in, glancing at Limel to make sure he was writing this down. "So the fused, Ebon, you called him, is working with Perses?" Midas was legitimately caught off guard. He knew Perses was operating in New Hallandren, but the garrison had assumed he was just getting black market wares, not actively causing trouble in the area. He also wasn't known to collaborate with many others. "Fascinating."

Midas had trouble reading spren, but he could tell that Cayansa's spren was just as afraid as Cayansa was. "That's quite alright. Thank you for your compliance."

He turned to Starseeker, the Radiant Returned. What a fascinating combination. Midas converted to the Iridescent Tones after arriving at Alley City, something that many, including the Nalthinians, thought quite odd. He had seen godhood firsthand, and while Returned are nowhere near as powerful as the Lord Ruler, they too were slivers of infinity, in their own way. There were many gods of the Cosmere, and many more beyond that. However, even gods were not above the law in New Hallandren. At least not anymore. "And what of you? Any further information you or your spren wish to disclose?"

@KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren @Hoid Slayer

Starseeker, New Hallandren, New Hallandren Garrison

"Nothing else major happened," Starseeker said. "Kai had gotten Ebon some... voidlight, and he left shortly after. When you showed up, Lux left too." Crimson remained silent.

[KnightSkye Reforged They/Them]

1 hour ago, Koloss17 said:

Midas took this in, glancing at Limel to make sure he was writing this down. "So the fused, Ebon, you called him, is working with Perses?" Midas was legitimately caught off guard. He knew Perses was operating in New Hallandren, but the garrison had assumed he was just getting black market wares, not actively causing trouble in the area. He also wasn't known to collaborate with many others. "Fascinating."

Midas had trouble reading spren, but he could tell that Cayansa's spren was just as afraid as Cayansa was. "That's quite alright. Thank you for your compliance."

He turned to Starseeker, the Radiant Returned. What a fascinating combination. Midas converted to the Iridescent Tones after arriving at Alley City, something that many, including the Nalthinians, thought quite odd. He had seen godhood firsthand, and while Returned are nowhere near as powerful as the Lord Ruler, they too were slivers of infinity, in their own way. There were many gods of the Cosmere, and many more beyond that. However, even gods were not above the law in New Hallandren. At least not anymore. "And what of you? Any further information you or your spren wish to disclose?"

@KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren @Hoid Slayer

"Actually, there was one other thing." Kai hoped Ebon wouldn't hate him for mentioning this, "Ebon... Seemed to be hiding from Perses, or at least operating outside of Perses control. He has a personal grudge against the Crimson Breath."

[Myst He/Him]

3 hours ago, Steel Speedster said:

Fenna, Underground, Saferoom

Mask stood over the two prisoners and folded his arms. "We have much to talk about," he said. "Let's start with you." He turned to the second of the two, who Fenna now noticed--in the slightly better lighting of this room--appeared to be Selish rather than Scadrian.

"I invited you personally," Mask said. "I would like to know why you turned against your fellow guests. All may yet be forgiven. I do not believe I was mistaken in my selection."

@Mistfallen Soldier @Qianweilian

 

Saitaku, Underground, Saferoom

Saitaku looked at the man speaking at him, incredulous. “I turned against people? I did the most reasonable thing. What’d do you expect me to do when I show up in the middle of a fight” 

He shook his head, “besides, how in Keseg am I supposed to know who’s who?”

Saitaku glanced at the person tied next to him, they seemed to be awake as well. He nudged the man with his leg, “And who is this guy?”

@Steel Speedster @Qianweilian

[Steel Speedster ♂]

3 hours ago, Mistfallen Soldier said:

Saitaku, Underground, Saferoom

Saitaku looked at the man speaking at him, incredulous. “I turned against people? I did the most reasonable thing. What’d do you expect me to do when I show up in the middle of a fight” 

He shook his head, “besides, how in Keseg am I supposed to know who’s who?”

Saitaku glanced at the person tied next to him, they seemed to be awake as well. He nudged the man with his leg, “And who is this guy?”

@Steel Speedster @Qianweilian

Fenna, Underground, Saferoom

"That is one of our uninvited guests," Mask said. "Very well, Saitaku, you may be released." A nearby grunt knelt down to untie the Selish man.

"Now," Mask continued, turning to the other prisoner. "I too would like to know: Who are you? For what purpose did you infiltrate our gathering? What affiliation do you have with young Talin?"

[Koloss17 She/They]

On 2/12/2026 at 3:09 PM, KnightSkye Reforged said:

"Actually, there was one other thing." Kai hoped Ebon wouldn't hate him for mentioning this, "Ebon... Seemed to be hiding from Perses, or at least operating outside of Perses control. He has a personal grudge against the Crimson Breath."

Midas, New Hallandren, Garrison

Again, no sign of them lying. “Well, unless Limel still needs things from you, you’re free to go. We have your details and testimony logged, and your compliance will be noted.”

@Hoid Slayer @KnightSkye Reforged @KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren @Ink and Embers

[Hoid Slayer He/Him]

On 2/9/2026 at 11:51 AM, Ink and Embers said:

Cayansa, New Hallandren, New Hallandren Garrison 

Cayansa looked up with a start as the guard blurted out his questions. So there were other people who had mentioned the Fused. That would make bringing him up less awkward, they supposed. 

They nodded slowly. "Yes, there was a Fused there. I didn't get to speak to him - I ... may have ran away screaming - but he didn't seem to be to blame? I think he had been injured a bit, but I wasn't the main person who spoke to him."

Cayansa glanced at Kai.

@Hoid Slayer @Koloss17 @KnightSkye Reforged @KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren

On 2/10/2026 at 11:59 AM, Koloss17 said:

Midas, New Hallandren, Garrison

Midas gave Limel a withering glare. He was utterly miserable at interrogation. He turned to look at the trio. "We know you all interacted with the Husked One. Unfortunately, the witnesses that we have spoken to so far were too far away to know what you had said to them." Midas leaned forward in his chair. "We want to know what you know about why the Fused caused the explosion at the crater, and why you're protecting them."

@Ink and Embers @KnightSkye Reforged @KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren

On 2/10/2026 at 12:43 PM, KnightSkye Reforged said:

Kaiden, New Hallandren, Garrison

Kai sighed and looked up at the ceiling. He supposed that it was too much to hope Ebon hadn't been noticed. Oh well.

Kai shot forward in his seat across the table. "He didn't cause that explosion! He was burned by it and barely escaped!" He boarded at Midus and Limel. "He's got no love for the Crimson Breath and nothing against you or New Hallandren, and he didn't cause that explosion. Hell, I'm not even convinced it was anti-light. More likely anti-breaths, considering the organization's location." He sat back, calming a bit. "And don't call him 'the fused.' He's a person like the others here. Call him Nex-im, if anything." 

 

Skye slipped through corners and cracks around doors till she found Kai. "Kai!" She said to him alone, "The awakener that went into that Alley was Perses, according to Jerrin. Ebon and Lux went into the same Alley." 

On 2/10/2026 at 2:00 PM, Koloss17 said:

Midas detected no tells. The radiant seemed to earnestly believe what they were saying. Midas had to admit that it was possible to have a reformed fused, but he would believe it when he saw it. 
 

His lifesense alerted him to the presence of a spren entering the interrogation room. Such a thing shouldn’t have been possible with the door closed, as the aluminum lining should have prevented it. That was a good sign this room needed an inspection done on it. The spren approached the radiant he was talking to, and though he couldn’t fully see what the spren was doing, he could guess. “What did the spren tell you?” Midas asked, more harshly than he intended. Being unable to know what was being said annoyed him.
 

“I can tell when you’re lying, and if needed, we can detain your spren and interrogate it separately.” Midas hated dealing with Radiant Spren, but the job sometimes demanded it. “Ideally, your spren would turn visible and tell me themselves.” He turned to the other spren in the room. “That goes for you too”

@Ink and Embers @KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren

 

On 2/10/2026 at 2:49 PM, KnightSkye Reforged said:

Kaiden and Skyelarin, New Hallandren, Garrison

Kai glared at Midus. The more this man talked the less he liked him. Detaining people was one thing, but threatening his spren was another. 

"Damn! fine! sorry." Skye mad herself visible and audible to all in the room. Still at full person size, as she preferred. "Parses was at the sight of the explosion and went into an Alley before you showed up, as did Ebon and the child Radiant who was there, who would likely have gone with you if you weren't yelling at everyone and being such a cremeater." She lounged against Kai's chair. "Oh and yeah, there's a gap under the door where there's no aluminum, so I just came through that." 

On 2/10/2026 at 3:50 PM, KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren said:

Starseeker and Crimson, New Hallandren, New Hallandren Garrison

Crimson reluctantly showed himself. He remained small, however, and stood on Starseeker's shoulder.

Both spren and Radiant said nothing.

On 2/11/2026 at 12:44 PM, Ink and Embers said:

Cayansa, New Hallandren, New Hallandren Garrison 

Reyx seemed to shrink away, trying to hide. No, no, no, no, no! I don't know! I don't know!

Cayansa reached a hand to their hair in an attempt to comfort Reyx, despite the mistspren being largely incorporeal. Reyx? You can just say that. None of them will hurt you. I won't let them. 

You can't promise that!

Well, I can promise to try, they reasoned, before turning to Midas. "Sorry, they're quite shy," Cayansa explained, "And they don't mean to upset anyone. Although we aren't actually bonded." For the record.

"Wait." Reyx peaked out, then hovered just above the table, a rapid cascade of light. They tilted a little towards Cayansa, who nodded encouragingly. "I don't know anything they haven't already said."

"And what's aluminum?" Cayansa added.

@KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren @KnightSkye Reforged @Koloss17 @Hoid Slayer

On 2/12/2026 at 1:38 PM, Koloss17 said:

Midas took this in, glancing at Limel to make sure he was writing this down. "So the fused, Ebon, you called him, is working with Perses?" Midas was legitimately caught off guard. He knew Perses was operating in New Hallandren, but the garrison had assumed he was just getting black market wares, not actively causing trouble in the area. He also wasn't known to collaborate with many others. "Fascinating."

Midas had trouble reading spren, but he could tell that Cayansa's spren was just as afraid as Cayansa was. "That's quite alright. Thank you for your compliance."

He turned to Starseeker, the Radiant Returned. What a fascinating combination. Midas converted to the Iridescent Tones after arriving at Alley City, something that many, including the Nalthinians, thought quite odd. He had seen godhood firsthand, and while Returned are nowhere near as powerful as the Lord Ruler, they too were slivers of infinity, in their own way. There were many gods of the Cosmere, and many more beyond that. However, even gods were not above the law in New Hallandren. At least not anymore. "And what of you? Any further information you or your spren wish to disclose?"

@KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren @Hoid Slayer

On 2/12/2026 at 2:58 PM, KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren said:

Starseeker, New Hallandren, New Hallandren Garrison

"Nothing else major happened," Starseeker said. "Kai had gotten Ebon some... voidlight, and he left shortly after. When you showed up, Lux left too." Crimson remained silent.

On 2/12/2026 at 3:09 PM, KnightSkye Reforged said:

"Actually, there was one other thing." Kai hoped Ebon wouldn't hate him for mentioning this, "Ebon... Seemed to be hiding from Perses, or at least operating outside of Perses control. He has a personal grudge against the Crimson Breath."

10 hours ago, Koloss17 said:

Midas, New Hallandren, Garrison

Again, no sign of them lying. “Well, unless Limel still needs things from you, you’re free to go. We have your details and testimony logged, and your compliance will be noted.”

@Hoid Slayer @KnightSkye Reforged @KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren @Ink and Embers

Quote

Alrighty, looks like I missed quite a bit

Limel, New Hallandren, Garrison

Limel's pen desperately scratched at any free piece of note paper he could find as the information came flooding in. For now, he let Midas direct the interrogation, still feeling a smidge of embarrassment from his earlier excitement and concentrated on not missing anything.

He organized his notes by speaker, and then info:

Cayansa (Truthwatcher):

• Saw F
  • Injured?
• Didn't speak to him

Kai (Windrunner):

• Feisty
• Interacted with F
  • No love for Crimson Breath
  • Didn't cause explosion

As Kai mentioned thinking the explosion was likely anti-breath, Limel muttered under his breath.

"Nope. Definitely anti -ight." But he didn't say anything louder.

Limel was still scrambling at his paper when the windrunner's spren appeared, and so he didn't even notice until a name caught his eye.

"...as did Ebon and the child radiant..."

Limel's head snapped up. Ebon. Could that be it? At long last, F's name? He tried to open his mouth to clarify, but the barrage continued, and so instead, he satisfied himself with a margin note and continued.

Windrunner Spren:

• F = working with Perses?
  • Went into same Alley
  • Child Radiant followed

Starseeker (Returned Elsecaller):

• Kai got Ebon voidlight
  • Why?

Then Kai said something that grabbed his attention.

Kai:

• Ebon hiding from Perses?
• Personal grudge with Crimson Breath?

Midas chose to leave the interrogation there, and turned to Limel. This time, Limel made sure to let him finish before interjecting.

"Actually, I do. For one of you in particular." He turned to the Windrunner. "Kai. You seem to have interacted with this Fused - Ebon, you call him - far more than any other witness has been able to divulge. Could you please recount your interaction with him in more detail? And, additionally..." he looked at all of them. "There is something you need to understand. However nice he seems, this Husked One is highly dangerous. Although it is true we do not know his motives, he has been often sighted alongside the Crimson Breath, and has been responsible for several deaths. He has been known to assault, and even kill, agents of the law. If you somehow interact with him again, proceed with extreme caution, and report back to us. The rest of you, besides Kai, may be dismissed." He looked to Midas, awaiting confirmation.

In the span of minutes, his information about his unknown target had exploded. Over the last six months, they had all doubted him, laughed at his pointless investigation. But now, Limel smiled. Finally, he was getting somewhere. And he would prove them all wrong.

On 2/11/2026 at 12:28 AM, CoderDrag0n8 said:

Lux, Alleys, Belias' Domain

Lux followed through, hiding under his mistcloak as he followed the glowing ribbon.

Ebonaryle, Mistwarrens, Path towards the Herborium

In his Transported form, Ebon weaved through the crowds, periodically making sure Lux was behind him with the sense this form gave him. These days, he didn't have to worry about constables; the Mistwarrens were Perses', and Perses' alone.

Eventually, Ebon arrived at an unassuming alley - a real one. He turned into it, and after another 90 degree turn hid him completely from the road - a small nook at the back of the Alley designed for secrecy - he reformed. He turned around, and saw Lux catch up. Satisfied, he turned towards a wooden door on one of the walls - old, graffiti-stained, boring, the type that tended to lead to backrooms or nowhere important - and tapped on it three times, two slow, one quick. Immediately, something in the wooden structure clicked, and he pushed it open.

Ebon stepped into a damp hallway, and the smell of rich soil and greenery filled his nostrils. After Lux passed, he shut the door, and plunged them into near-darkness. The only light came from a bright room down the hall ahead of them. Ebon walked towards it confidently, and stepped into the Herborium.

The Herborium was a massive, artificially lit greenhouse, filled with a plethora of plant life from throughout the Cosmere. Rockbuds coexisted with verdant vines and Marewills, all thriving. Among the greenery strolled several figures in white lab coats, watering the plants here, snipping a sample from there. As Ebon entered, one of them walked up to him, gloved hands clutched before them, long hair tied back in a bun.

"Here for Hyvist?"

Ebon nodded, and the scientist wordlessly guided him to a doorway at the edge of the circular green. They waited outside, and Ebon carefully opened the door, ducking to step inside. Within the chamber, a Thaylen man sat at a circular desk surrounded by spanreeds, frantically scratching down notes and messages between them. Hyvist. As soon as he saw Ebon enter, the scholar looked up and smiled.

"Ahh, Ebonaryle! Pleasure to see you as always. Tell me, what brings you here today?" Ebon saw Hyvist spare a confused glance at Lux, but he made no mention. Ebon smiled back at him, and attuned the rhythm of exultation.

"What do you have of interest regarding the explosion in New Hallandren?" Ebon liked Hyvist because Perses didn't know about him. It was useful to have his own source, and since the Herborium was his main business, the informant's clientele was limited - and fully anonymous.

"Hyvist gave him a knowing smile. "Involved in that, where we?" He looked to his notes. "Ahh, let's see... It seems many of the witnesses have been taken in by the New Hallandren constabulary, including... well, this is interesting." His mustache twitched.

"What?" Asked Ebon.

"It seems the garrison has apprehended an operative of the Crimson Breath." At that, Ebon snapped to attention. The explosion... but of course. They wouldn't destroy all their own research. It was too valuable. One of them must have fleed... and gotten caught. Hyvist kept on rambling, but Ebon ignored him. Instead, he slapped some spheres on the desk in front of him, causing the Thaylen to jump.

"Your services are thanked." Then Ebon walked out, trusting Lux to follow. There was no time to waste. No, not when such an opportunity, so unexpectedly lucky, presented itself.

He had a garrison to crash.

[Qianweilian He/him]

On 2/12/2026 at 6:10 PM, Steel Speedster said:

Fenna, Underground, Saferoom

"That is one of our uninvited guests," Mask said. "Very well, Saitaku, you may be released." A nearby grunt knelt down to untie the Selish man.

"Now," Mask continued, turning to the other prisoner. "I too would like to know: Who are you? For what purpose did you infiltrate our gathering? What affiliation do you have with young Talin?"

Aradan Liese, Underground, Unknown

Blinking for a second, Aradan took a second to process. “I was…I saw him getting ready to infiltrate the meeting. I was…lonely and wanted to come along to wherever he was going. When the fight broke out, I was unsure what to do, except fight.” Aghh. His head throbbed. He continued, “My name is Aradan Liese. I…only recently arrived in Alleycity. Please return my goldminds or treat my wounds, I’m afraid I’m gravely injured."

[Hoid Slayer He/Him]

@CoderDrag0n8

Quote

I’m waiting on you in case it wasn’t clear

On 2/16/2026 at 9:44 AM, Hoid Slayer said:

Limel, New Hallandren, Garrison

Limel's pen desperately scratched at any free piece of note paper he could find as the information came flooding in. For now, he let Midas direct the interrogation, still feeling a smidge of embarrassment from his earlier excitement and concentrated on not missing anything.

He organized his notes by speaker, and then info:

Cayansa (Truthwatcher):

• Saw F
  • Injured?
• Didn't speak to him

Kai (Windrunner):

• Feisty
• Interacted with F
  • No love for Crimson Breath
  • Didn't cause explosion

As Kai mentioned thinking the explosion was likely anti-breath, Limel muttered under his breath.

"Nope. Definitely anti -ight." But he didn't say anything louder.

Limel was still scrambling at his paper when the windrunner's spren appeared, and so he didn't even notice until a name caught his eye.

"...as did Ebon and the child radiant..."

Limel's head snapped up. Ebon. Could that be it? At long last, F's name? He tried to open his mouth to clarify, but the barrage continued, and so instead, he satisfied himself with a margin note and continued.

Windrunner Spren:

• F = working with Perses?
  • Went into same Alley
  • Child Radiant followed

Starseeker (Returned Elsecaller):

• Kai got Ebon voidlight
  • Why?

Then Kai said something that grabbed his attention.

Kai:

• Ebon hiding from Perses?
• Personal grudge with Crimson Breath?

Midas chose to leave the interrogation there, and turned to Limel. This time, Limel made sure to let him finish before interjecting.

"Actually, I do. For one of you in particular." He turned to the Windrunner. "Kai. You seem to have interacted with this Fused - Ebon, you call him - far more than any other witness has been able to divulge. Could you please recount your interaction with him in more detail? And, additionally..." he looked at all of them. "There is something you need to understand. However nice he seems, this Husked One is highly dangerous. Although it is true we do not know his motives, he has been often sighted alongside the Crimson Breath, and has been responsible for several deaths. He has been known to assault, and even kill, agents of the law. If you somehow interact with him again, proceed with extreme caution, and report back to us. The rest of you, besides Kai, may be dismissed." He looked to Midas, awaiting confirmation.

In the span of minutes, his information about his unknown target had exploded. Over the last six months, they had all doubted him, laughed at his pointless investigation. But now, Limel smiled. Finally, he was getting somewhere. And he would prove them all wrong.

Ebonaryle, Mistwarrens, Path towards the Herborium

In his Transported form, Ebon weaved through the crowds, periodically making sure Lux was behind him with the sense this form gave him. These days, he didn't have to worry about constables; the Mistwarrens were Perses', and Perses' alone.

Eventually, Ebon arrived at an unassuming alley - a real one. He turned into it, and after another 90 degree turn hid him completely from the road - a small nook at the back of the Alley designed for secrecy - he reformed. He turned around, and saw Lux catch up. Satisfied, he turned towards a wooden door on one of the walls - old, graffiti-stained, boring, the type that tended to lead to backrooms or nowhere important - and tapped on it three times, two slow, one quick. Immediately, something in the wooden structure clicked, and he pushed it open.

Ebon stepped into a damp hallway, and the smell of rich soil and greenery filled his nostrils. After Lux passed, he shut the door, and plunged them into near-darkness. The only light came from a bright room down the hall ahead of them. Ebon walked towards it confidently, and stepped into the Herborium.

The Herborium was a massive, artificially lit greenhouse, filled with a plethora of plant life from throughout the Cosmere. Rockbuds coexisted with verdant vines and Marewills, all thriving. Among the greenery strolled several figures in white lab coats, watering the plants here, snipping a sample from there. As Ebon entered, one of them walked up to him, gloved hands clutched before them, long hair tied back in a bun.

"Here for Hyvist?"

Ebon nodded, and the scientist wordlessly guided him to a doorway at the edge of the circular green. They waited outside, and Ebon carefully opened the door, ducking to step inside. Within the chamber, a Thaylen man sat at a circular desk surrounded by spanreeds, frantically scratching down notes and messages between them. Hyvist. As soon as he saw Ebon enter, the scholar looked up and smiled.

"Ahh, Ebonaryle! Pleasure to see you as always. Tell me, what brings you here today?" Ebon saw Hyvist spare a confused glance at Lux, but he made no mention. Ebon smiled back at him, and attuned the rhythm of exultation.

"What do you have of interest regarding the explosion in New Hallandren?" Ebon liked Hyvist because Perses didn't know about him. It was useful to have his own source, and since the Herborium was his main business, the informant's clientele was limited - and fully anonymous.

"Hyvist gave him a knowing smile. "Involved in that, where we?" He looked to his notes. "Ahh, let's see... It seems many of the witnesses have been taken in by the New Hallandren constabulary, including... well, this is interesting." His mustache twitched.

"What?" Asked Ebon.

"It seems the garrison has apprehended an operative of the Crimson Breath." At that, Ebon snapped to attention. The explosion... but of course. They wouldn't destroy all their own research. It was too valuable. One of them must have fleed... and gotten caught. Hyvist kept on rambling, but Ebon ignored him. Instead, he slapped some spheres on the desk in front of him, causing the Thaylen to jump.

"Your services are thanked." Then Ebon walked out, trusting Lux to follow. There was no time to waste. No, not when such an opportunity, so unexpectedly lucky, presented itself.

He had a garrison to crash.

[CoderDrag0n8 He/Him]

11 hours ago, Hoid Slayer said:

@CoderDrag0n8

Quote

Oh whoops

sorry missed it

 

[CoderDrag0n8 He/Him]

On 2/16/2026 at 6:44 AM, Hoid Slayer said:

Ebonaryle, Mistwarrens, Path towards the Herborium

In his Transported form, Ebon weaved through the crowds, periodically making sure Lux was behind him with the sense this form gave him. These days, he didn't have to worry about constables; the Mistwarrens were Perses', and Perses' alone.

Eventually, Ebon arrived at an unassuming alley - a real one. He turned into it, and after another 90 degree turn hid him completely from the road - a small nook at the back of the Alley designed for secrecy - he reformed. He turned around, and saw Lux catch up. Satisfied, he turned towards a wooden door on one of the walls - old, graffiti-stained, boring, the type that tended to lead to backrooms or nowhere important - and tapped on it three times, two slow, one quick. Immediately, something in the wooden structure clicked, and he pushed it open.

Ebon stepped into a damp hallway, and the smell of rich soil and greenery filled his nostrils. After Lux passed, he shut the door, and plunged them into near-darkness. The only light came from a bright room down the hall ahead of them. Ebon walked towards it confidently, and stepped into the Herborium.

The Herborium was a massive, artificially lit greenhouse, filled with a plethora of plant life from throughout the Cosmere. Rockbuds coexisted with verdant vines and Marewills, all thriving. Among the greenery strolled several figures in white lab coats, watering the plants here, snipping a sample from there. As Ebon entered, one of them walked up to him, gloved hands clutched before them, long hair tied back in a bun.

"Here for Hyvist?"

Ebon nodded, and the scientist wordlessly guided him to a doorway at the edge of the circular green. They waited outside, and Ebon carefully opened the door, ducking to step inside. Within the chamber, a Thaylen man sat at a circular desk surrounded by spanreeds, frantically scratching down notes and messages between them. Hyvist. As soon as he saw Ebon enter, the scholar looked up and smiled.

"Ahh, Ebonaryle! Pleasure to see you as always. Tell me, what brings you here today?" Ebon saw Hyvist spare a confused glance at Lux, but he made no mention. Ebon smiled back at him, and attuned the rhythm of exultation.

"What do you have of interest regarding the explosion in New Hallandren?" Ebon liked Hyvist because Perses didn't know about him. It was useful to have his own source, and since the Herborium was his main business, the informant's clientele was limited - and fully anonymous.

"Hyvist gave him a knowing smile. "Involved in that, where we?" He looked to his notes. "Ahh, let's see... It seems many of the witnesses have been taken in by the New Hallandren constabulary, including... well, this is interesting." His mustache twitched.

"What?" Asked Ebon.

"It seems the garrison has apprehended an operative of the Crimson Breath." At that, Ebon snapped to attention. The explosion... but of course. They wouldn't destroy all their own research. It was too valuable. One of them must have fleed... and gotten caught. Hyvist kept on rambling, but Ebon ignored him. Instead, he slapped some spheres on the desk in front of him, causing the Thaylen to jump.

"Your services are thanked." Then Ebon walked out, trusting Lux to follow. There was no time to waste. No, not when such an opportunity, so unexpectedly lucky, presented itself.

He had a garrison to crash.

Lux, Mistwarrens, Path towards the Herborium

Lux leaned down right before entering the room to pick up Fractal.

How did you know where I was?

I was following you. Fractal hummed. I could sense when you left... that place.

Alright, Lux thought back, turning to follow Ebon. Here's what happened.

[Hoid Slayer He/Him]

Just now, CoderDrag0n8 said:

Lux, Mistwarrens, Path towards the Herborium

Lux leaned down right before entering the room to pick up Fractal.

How did you know where I was?

I was following you. Fractal hummed. I could sense when you left... that place.

Alright, Lux thought back, turning to follow Ebon. Here's what happened.

Ebonaryle, Mistwarrens, Herborium

Lux remained silent the entire time, and Ebon was happy with that silence. Stepping back out into the alley, back into the sounds of the city, he hesitated.

He needed to get to the New Hallandren garrison as soon as possible. Yet it was across the city… normally, he would simply Jump there, but with Lux… he looked at the small radiant. He couldn’t leave him. As he watched the boy talk to seemingly nothing, a plan began to form in his head… as he realized a dreadful certainty.

Perses wouldn’t like it. No, he wouldn’t like it at all. But it was the only other way to get across the city quickly. So Ebon sighed, made sure one last time Lux was behind him, stabbed his daggers into his sides, and expended his third Jump of the string… setting course for Wickwillow Manor.