main plot A Shadowed Dawn

[+Ark1002]

On 4/4/2019 at 0:22 PM, Vargo Seldon said:

Their chuckles grated against Necromancer like a physical blow, and he flinched away from them.  For the first time, he had a inkling of fear.  "Wait," he said, urgency leaking into his voice, "I can be useful!  I'm a scientist!  My powers are unique!"  Even as he said this, his hand found the small handgun hidden in his sleeve.  He held it with a sweaty, vice-like grip, ready to spring to action at any moment.

The one who had remained silent while one chuckled burst out laughing. It was a cruel laugh. "Unique powers, we need. You? No."

*~~~~~*

A loud clap, like thunder, reverberated throughout the room, where the partygoers mingled. A second later, the lavender curtains slid apart, revealing a man. Or, rather, a Koloss-blooded. Skin a shade of blue, he was more than seven feet tall, a wide shouldered man, his body rippling with muscles. His clothing resembled that of a roman gladiator, from earth. Chainmail with plates, arms bare, a metal skirt around his legs, sandals. A tattoo of a Nightshade flower adorned his left shoulder, a black dragon wrapping around his right arm. A large scar slashed across his right eye, the eye itself covered in a black patch, fixed into his bone with metal.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MEN AND WOMEN, HUMANS AND NONHUMANS, MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION?"

His voice, already loud, was amplified by the microphone in his hand and the shape of the room, making it so someone would have to be deaf not to hear his words. It had an accent reminiscent of Spanish, but with incredibly clear annunciation, making all his words pop.

"Now, my name is Sebrial, I'd like to thank you all for making the time to come out here, whether you're curious about the job, a representative from a guild, or just wanted to come to a party. Any and all of those are welcome, to the grand opening of PLASMACORE!"

All but the last word was quieter, but still clear in every part of the room. His expression, though on an intimidating face, was calm, collected. But it seemed also exited, full of anticipation for what was to come. The whole thing was perfect to make people interested. And at the last word, his face lit up.

"In a minute, I'm going to tell you about the business, about the jobs we have, and why you are here."

The lights in the room dimmed, leaving a spotlight on the man.

"So please, get comfortable."

[little wheel he/him]

On 4/4/2019 at 9:46 AM, Ark1002 said:

But... be careful. They can be... dangerous.

Quote

It's legitimately funny to me, how she says this, as if they would hurt Allak. Or could.

 

[Snipexe he/him]

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Jaco, was Allak ever approved? I just want to see his bio

@JacobAccurateClaessen

[little wheel he/him]

Quote

In his most recent bio, he was not, but I am working on it. But if you need proof for my reasoning, just read through this topic https://www.17thshard.com/forum/topic/83562-alley-purification/

@Snipexe

Edited April 7, 2019 by JacobAccurateClaessen

[+Ark1002]

The man tapped his foot, waiting.

[old man moomba he/him]

2 hours ago, Ark1002 said:

The man tapped his foot, waiting.

Ciera cleared her throat, creating a weave of Air that amplified her voice

"Are you going to continue? Or shall we just leave"

[Vargo Seldon he/him]

On 4/6/2019 at 7:48 PM, Ark1002 said:

The one who had remained silent while one chuckled burst out laughing. It was a cruel laugh. "Unique powers, we need. You? No."

*~~~~~*

A loud clap, like thunder, reverberated throughout the room, where the partygoers mingled. A second later, the lavender curtains slid apart, revealing a man. Or, rather, a Koloss-blooded. Skin a shade of blue, he was more than seven feet tall, a wide shouldered man, his body rippling with muscles. His clothing resembled that of a roman gladiator, from earth. Chainmail with plates, arms bare, a metal skirt around his legs, sandals. A tattoo of a Nightshade flower adorned his left shoulder, a black dragon wrapping around his right arm. A large scar slashed across his right eye, the eye itself covered in a black patch, fixed into his bone with metal.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MEN AND WOMEN, HUMANS AND NONHUMANS, MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION?"

His voice, already loud, was amplified by the microphone in his hand and the shape of the room, making it so someone would have to be deaf not to hear his words. It had an accent reminiscent of Spanish, but with incredibly clear annunciation, making all his words pop.

"Now, my name is Sebrial, I'd like to thank you all for making the time to come out here, whether you're curious about the job, a representative from a guild, or just wanted to come to a party. Any and all of those are welcome, to the grand opening of PLASMACORE!"

All but the last word was quieter, but still clear in every part of the room. His expression, though on an intimidating face, was calm, collected. But it seemed also exited, full of anticipation for what was to come. The whole thing was perfect to make people interested. And at the last word, his face lit up.

"In a minute, I'm going to tell you about the business, about the jobs we have, and why you are here."

The lights in the room dimmed, leaving a spotlight on the man.

"So please, get comfortable."

Necromancer flinched away from the man's voice, but as he spoke, a hard resolve began building in his mind.  As the man said the word "No", Necromancer began firing the pistol in his hand.  Not at the men though.  He fired them at the chain around his arm, breaking the link.  He raised his hands in triumph, istantly aging the two masked figures to around 90 years old.  He then fled the room.  

——

After about what seemed like an hour, nerves frayed and weary, Necromancer stumbled into the dining room.  Just in time to catch the last part of a large man's speech.  He sat at a table, hoping to blend in...

@Ark1002

44 minutes ago, Dr. Dapper said:

Ciera cleared her throat, creating a weave of Air that amplified her voice

"Are you going to continue? Or shall we just leave"

Galvris smiled in appreciation at Ciera's words.  Always good to have a challenger in the audience.  He began to mess around with a small spark of fire he'd made with the power.  Rolling it back and forth on his knuckles, tossing from hand to hand.  He finally threw it onto the table, and surrounded it with a shield of air to control it.  It burned brightly there, making a ring of black on the table cloth.  He went back to eating, using the light of the flame to see his food.

Edited April 8, 2019 by Vargo Seldon

[+Ark1002]

11 minutes ago, Vargo Seldon said:

Necromancer flinched away from the man's voice, but as he spoke, a hard resolve began building in his mind.  As the man said the word "No", Necromancer began firing the pistol in his hand.  Not at the men though.  He fired them at the chain around his arm, breaking the link.  He raised his hands in triumph, istantly aging the two masked figures to around 90 years old.  He then fled the room.  

Quote

Sorry, but that's not possible. The room is reinforced, with a locked door, heavy steel, needing a password. The chain I doubt you could do without hitting yourself, but fine for that part. But the rest just isn't.

@Vargo Seldon

[+ZincAboutIt she/her]

Lita turned to catch a look at the woman who had called out to the man on stage, suppressing a laugh. She was one of the Ghostblood representatives, probably highly ranked by the way she carried herself. Her companion was amusing himself by rolling a ball of fire around his fingers like it was a coin.

Showy, Lita thought, smirking. She noted the pair and turned back to the stage, waiting for the man to finish his rather dramatic pausing.

She wasn't complaining, the lapse in time had allowed her to relay everything he'd said without trying to write and listen at the same time. Helpful, but now that she was done, things were getting a bit dull. Okame had settled into his seat, and who knew where his spren was. Probably floating around uselessly instead of inspecting the room. Laurelai was equally still, watching the stage with rapt attention. Lita was surprised that the speaker onstage couldn't feel the laser burn of her eyes on the side of his face. With the man on stage doing nothing, Lita watched the crowd, noting the reactions of the partygoers, trying to catch snippets of whispered speculation. She nibbled on a cracker and some cheese, which she'd finally managed to order shortly before the lights dimmed. 

[+Sorana she/her]

Lena rolled her eyes. Plasmacore? What was that for a stupid name. Well, maybe that guy would tell them more.

"They certailny know how to make a show."

She remarked and looked over at Alask and Nekorb to judge their reactions.

@I think I am here.

@xinoehp512

[xinoehp512 he/him]

Nekorb nodded. They were certainly trying to make an impression.

"Why is his skin that color?" he whispered.

@Sorana

[+Sorana she/her]

25 minutes ago, xinoehp512 said:

Nekorb nodded. They were certainly trying to make an impression.

"Why is his skin that color?" he whispered.

@Sorana

"Why should I know?"

She replied.

"We could ask?"

[+Ark1002]

A large screen appeared behind him, rolled out from the ceiling.

"We of PlasmaCore are interested in investiture, epic powers, and other magic."

On screen, a resting image of the PlasmaCore logo and name appeared, like that on the building.

"Specifically, two things. Number one, completely unique investiture or magic."

The PlasmaCore logo faded, replaced with images of Cthulhu, a mask engraved with aons, and a red Koloss that seemed to glow.

"If any among you have unique investiture, something that makes you different, we will make it shine. We want to use that. And we will, make it helpful, make it famous, make it so that you, and your powers are never forgotten. We will immortalize you."

The screen went through videos, of massive events within the world. Footage of the Seven Day War, abominations spilling into the squares. Heroes, villians. War. Footage of Max, standing in his armour, blasting rioting out from around him, people going insane. A video, old, of Mace Klasten and Kane.

"That is only one thing. We also work with investiture melding, powers colliding. Either two normal powers, in the same body, or even one normal power, we can use you, in all likelihood. Or scientists, investitureless."

On screen, videos of Coinshots, Radiants, Feruchemists.

[xinoehp512 he/him]

Nekorb watched, fascinated. He had unique investiture, right? Sort of? Alask's weird magic hadn't worked on him, and neither had Kera's healing. The shadow acid had sort of worked, but he was pretty sure that was because it was part of Edahs.

On the other hand, maybe it didn't count. It was Investiture resistance, after all, not really any kind of Investiture. But maybe that didn't matter.

[+Sorana she/her]

Lena listened quietly. Seb would have crushed them, but then Seb was dead. It was easy though. She had no investiture, nor was she a scientist. They didn't need her. Her glance moved over to Alask, to Nekorb. They might be interested in them though. She stayed where she was, waited for the reactions of the others.

[Sherlock Holmes he/him]

Joe thought of one of his bosses, Tena, as he watched the presentation. She used to have a lot of Investiture.

[+ZincAboutIt she/her]

Lita twirled her pen, noting the images on the screen, the choice of words. One word in particular stuck out. Use. The man spoke grandly, his speech all about the rewards. Rewards, but no costs.

Lita's fingers brushed the coin in her pocket, heavy suddenly, as though it could feel her thinking about it and responded in kind. Balance. The world, and the spike through the eye. The sorts of things the speaker was discussing always had a cost - so what were they, and why invite so many people who were likely unwilling to pay that price?

There was an uneasy feeling beginning to uncoil in the pit of her stomach, something strange about this place. She glanced sidelong at Laurelai, wishing she could talk but not wanting to be overheard. Lita still had the copper alleycant medallion strapped to her upper arm, and with it the knowledge that she could send a message somewhere else. Laurelai had her own pen inside her safepouch, she could see it twitching furiously.

Hoping that she didn't send a ridiculous message back to headquarters, Lita twirled her pen in what she hoped was the right manner.

Mixing investiture - isn't that basically what we do already? Why bring everyone here, instead of consult with us first? Mac ought to be a first point of contact for this sort of thing, but it seemed like this invite was the first he'd heard of it. Something is off here.

@Voidus

[Vargo Seldon he/him]

14 hours ago, Ark1002 said:

@Vargo Seldon

Quote

Darn.  It was worth a shot.

Necromancer tried the door but found it locked.  The entire room was probably reinforced.  Well, there was really only one thing that he could do.  He unloaded his pistol on the two men.  Already weakened by the aging, his shots ripped through them killing them both.  He saved one shot, and sat down to wait.

@Ark1002

——

Galvris perked up when the man mentioned two unique powers.  Being both a channeler and an epic would probably interest them in him.

[+Invocation]

Okame narrowed his eyes, suddenly suspicious of the man and his words. "Is this a trap?" He whispered to Lita and Laurelai.

@ZincAboutIt

@Voidus

[+ZincAboutIt she/her]

12 minutes ago, Invocation said:

Okame narrowed his eyes, suddenly suspicious of the man and his words. "Is this a trap?" He whispered to Lita and Laurelai.

@ZincAboutIt

@Voidus

Lita turned back to Okame, suddenly glad for his intimidating presence. "I sure hope it isn't," she whispered back. "But I'm starting to wonder that myself. Keep an eye out for anyone who gets within a dozen feet of us, and stay on your guard."

[+Invocation]

4 minutes ago, ZincAboutIt said:

Lita turned back to Okame, suddenly glad for his intimidating presence. "I sure hope it isn't," she whispered back. "But I'm starting to wonder that myself. Keep an eye out for anyone who gets within a dozen feet of us, and stay on your guard."

"So just keep doing what I've already been doing? Got it."

[+ZincAboutIt she/her]

13 minutes ago, Invocation said:

"So just keep doing what I've already been doing? Got it."

Lita raised an eyebrow at him. Sarcasm, or just stating the obvious? It was hard to tell with that accent of his. She shrugged. "I doubt they'd kill us up here - that would be tantamount to declaring war on every great guild. They might hold us hostage though, which would be inconvenient. You can see spren, right? Are there any here that we've missed, anything that could be waiting to ambush us?" 

Edited April 8, 2019 by ZincAboutIt

[+Invocation]

Just now, ZincAboutIt said:

Lita raised an eyebrow at him. Sarcasm, or just stating the obvious? It was hard to tell with that accent of his. She shrugged. "I doubt they'd kill us up here - that would be tantamount to declaring war on every great guild. They might hold us hostage though, which would be inconvenient. You can see spren, right? Are there any here that we've missed, anything that could be waiting to ambush us? 

"Nothing in this room. I can't see through walls, though, so it's very possible they're elsewhere."

[+ZincAboutIt she/her]

Just now, Invocation said:

"Nothing in this room. I can't see through walls, though, so it's very possible they're elsewhere."

Lita chewed her lip, thinking. Part of her - a larger part than she'd like to admit - wanted to alleytravel out immediately and leave this whole mess to ruin. She couldn't help but think that they'd all been sent in here blind.

"I know you don't fight," Lita said quietly, keeping an eye on the stage in case the man began speaking again. "I'm next to useless in a scuffle but I'm pretty decent at stabbing someone with a dagger." She nodded at her little purse. "Could you stick someone to the wall, or the floor or something?"

[+Invocation]

18 minutes ago, ZincAboutIt said:

"I know you don't fight," Lita said quietly, keeping an eye on the stage in case the man began speaking again. "I'm next to useless in a scuffle but I'm pretty decent at stabbing someone with a dagger." She nodded at her little purse. "Could you stick someone to the wall, or the floor or something?"

"I don't see why not."