Long Game 66: A Struggle for Power

[Lahilt he/him]

As Lahilt cautiously walked out to the main area he tried to avoid any groups of people. He pulled his aware Cxapelo down low over his eyes. Although most people could see that he was foreign he still did not want to look too conspicuous. He wanted to find someone low profile to ask a few questions nobody to important. Lahilt saw table with only one person, just a little kid, sitting in it. Great that would be perfect he walked over and sat down across from him. Uh so it's uh... Beautiful day isn't it. Uh I mean a beautiful day to just stay inside and eh eat and talk.        @Experience

Quote

 

  3 hours ago, Matrim's_Dice said:

 

Well my character is avoiding everyone on purpose, so.... Lahilt! Bring this whole thing together!

 

Ok i will do that if i can.

Edited June 5, 2020 by Elbereth

[|TJ| he/him]

What an absolute clusterrust. This did not look like a scene of murder. Once the initial sense of danger died down, these people returned to their jovial ways. It looked like they were back in the ballroom of one of their keeps. People clamoring around food, lords getting drunk out of their minds and veiled faces pretending to be nice to each other. Just another typical day in the politics of the Houses. Except, it wasn't. 

That's probably their coping mechanism. Going back to what's known to them, back to familiar territory, no matter how rubbish the territory is. TJ couldn't afford to let his guard down. He didn't need a coping mechanism, as he didn't need to cope with it. So far, no one had paid attention to "just another random guard", even if he was a hazekiller. They knew he was beneath their station, and he took full advantage of it. 

He scanned the place maintaining a stoic expression. A couple of lords were jabbering about, spewing absolute nonsense no one was interested in. Apparently, there was a reward for anyone who opened their mouth. Idiots didn't realize they meant ratting out their fellow Loyalists. They just kept going on and on until someone actually threatened to have them killed.

On the other side of the warehouse, occupying on of the farthest tables were an odd bunch. A awkward foreigner, an introverted teenager, and lord who did NOT look like he belonged here. Well, this should be interesting. He made sure he was inconspicuous and continued to observe them with interest.

Edited June 5, 2020 by TJ Shade

[xinoehp512 he/him]

Nerusentrel stood still and watchful at the doorway to the elegant building behind him, firmly at attention. But unlike the many, many nights before, where he stood on the outside keeping people from entering, now he was on the inside making sure nobody tried to escape.

Darson, his master, had told him there were traitors here. Murderers.  People who were trying to kill Darson and take control of the city themselves. He had told Neru that the traitors didn’t want to be here. Because they didn’t want to be here, they would try to escape. Therefore, Neru needed to kill anyone who tried to leave.

It made sense to Neru. Darson had always been good to him, ever since his father- Darson’s brother- had been killed. Darson was family, and family took care of each other. And so if there were people trying to kill Darson, Neru would be more than happy to kill them in return.

Nobody had tried to escape so far- at least, not through the entrance he was guarding. He’d spotted a few people looking antsy, like there was nothing they’d like better than to escape, but they’d been smart enough to stay put for now.

[Ashbringer he/him]

Lord Faleast looked up from his chair. It looked like nobody had taken any initiative to bother him. There had been one curious individual, but they had seemed to be more interested in his accusers than the accused. Once a little storytelling and explanation had been delivered, Faleast actually found himself defending one of his accuser’s actions.

Everyone is high-strung and paranoid right now. Lives are at stake. Expectations of social behavior can be set aside, for now.

Fortunately, nobody was screeching claims anymore. It seemed like his “Faceless Immortal” comment had raised and then razed quite a discussion, and there wasn’t any more people trying to say as much as possible anymore. That was a relief. You’d think that people were paid for sentences or something. But it was much calmer now.

It was almost too calm for Faleast’s liking. Nearly everyone was just sitting or leaning nonchalantly against the walls of their gilded cage. They looked to be resting, but Faleast could see their eyes sweeping from side to side, watching the crowd and the people within it. The anger may have subsided, but the tension was perhaps stronger than ever. 

There simply wasn’t much they could do but sit and wait. And that was exactly what Faleast was going to do.

(I just realized I have no idea how to type in colors on mobile. Does anyone know how? That could make voting problematic.)

[xinoehp512 he/him]

That hadn’t stopped them from arguing, though. Cooped up and antsy as everyone was, it was no wonder that harsh words were being exchanged. Even so, Neru was a little surprised at just how fast it had happened. Was this how the rest of their time cooped up in this building would be?

Neru hoped not. All the shouting hurt his tin-enhanced ears. And he didn’t dare stop burning tin, lest he miss a hint toward the identity of the hidden traitors. They wanted to kill Darson, after all; if they couldn’t escape, might they become desperate enough to attack him?

He’d asked to be at his uncle’s side, but had been turned down. Darson had assured him that he would be fine- he had other bodyguards to protect him. Neru would be most useful standing at the door. His eyes would be able to catch any potential escapees, and his speed would ensure that if anyone did escape, they wouldn’t get far.

Neru had accepted his assessment, if a little uneasily. Darson was smart- smarter than he was, at least. If he said his idea was better, then it probably was. 

But family was family, and Darson’s guards weren’t.

[StrikerEZ he/him]

7 minutes ago, Ashbringer said:

(I just realized I have no idea how to type in colors on mobile. Does anyone know how? That could make voting problematic.)

You'll just type Vote, just without the slash in the middle of the word red.

EDIT: wait, how did that not work? oops.

I still can't get it to work....

(color=red)Vote(/color) but with [ ] instead of ( )

Good job Striker  

[color=red]vote[/color]

- your friendly mod

Edited June 5, 2020 by Elbereth
I know how to do code blocks :P

[Shard of Reading he/him]

Reading moaned. He had eaten too much. He wasn’t normally a stress eater but everything was getting to him. He needed something to take his mind off his stomach. He looked around (woozily) and found a table that was moderately full. The most interesting thing was the people there. A child, a lord and it looked like one of the guards was coming to join them. “This should be interesting,” He thought. He moved over to join them. Before he could get to them he felt the call of nature. He tried to run to the bathroom but he did not make it and ended up throwing some cookies at one of the hazekiller guards. “Sorry,” He mumbled. But that had relieved some pressure from his stomach, so he walked (More steadily now) back to the table. “Can I sit here?” he asked the occupants. Then, without waiting for a answer he plopped down into a seat and introduced himself. “Hello, I am Reading. Interesting group you have here, what brings you all together?” Reading shifted in his seat into a more comfortable position and leaned back. Inside he was incredibly nervous because he did not really know these people were and what they wanted. He was never really a “people person” but he would have to come out of his bubble if he wanted to find the traitors.

[Lahilt he/him]

@Ashbringer put it in code

Color=red Vote /color   put the first and last parts in brackets leaving only vote and ninjad by striker

Edited June 5, 2020 by Lahilt

[Ashbringer he/him]

Okay, like... Test Please Ignore

Did that work?

Edit: Yay!

Edited June 5, 2020 by Ashbringer

[Experience he/him]

44 minutes ago, Lahilt said:

As Lahilt cautiously walked out to the main area he tried to avoid any groups of people. He pulled his aware Cxapelo down low over his eyes. Although most people could see that he was foreign he still did not want to look too conspicuous. He wanted to find someone low profile to ask a few questions nobody to important. Lahilt saw table with only one person, just a little kid, sitting in it. Great that would be perfect he walked over and sat down across from him. Uh so it's uh... Beautiful day isn't it. Uh I mean a beautiful day to just stay inside and eh eat and talk.        @Experience

Shard glanced up and saw that the person was a foreigner, wondering what they wanted. They seemed like they wanted to say something, and he was glad that they had chosen to speak to him.

"Uh so it's uh... Beautiful day isn't it. Uh I mean a beautiful day to just stay inside and eh eat and talk."

Shard smiled, realizing that maybe he wasn't the worst socialist, and replied,  "Yes, it is quite beautiful." He glanced out the window and saw the perfect weather outside, vainly wishing that he could be sneaking into a unsuspecting noble's house to steal some expensive items. "My name's Shard and I am almost fifteen years old. What's yours?"

As the man started to respond, Shard realized that his table was being watched. He made sure to not draw any attention to his newfound knowledge, and his eyes passed over the person. They were along, and were definitely not noble. Then Shard saw their staff and realized that they must be a hazekiller. 

Well, I guess I won't be able to swipe any pockets today Shard thought. The man was very well trained at hiding his attention of people, but there was nothing better then being a thief for your whole life to improve your abilities to notice when you were being watched. 

Shard turned his attention back to the man who was talking, and interrupted him; "Sorry, could you say that again? I got a little distracted."

~~

Is there a second person at the table? It sounded like it from TJ's RP that there was, but I didn't see it? Anyway, @Lahilt

[Shard of Reading he/him]

1 minute ago, Experience said:

Is there a second person at the table? It sounded like it from TJ's RP that there was, but I didn't see it? Anyway, @Lahilt

I jumped in as well

[Ashbringer he/him]

If you want, Faleast can be sitting at the same table, as I haven’t specified where he really is. I won’t be super posty today (due partly to schoolwork and partly to the You-Know-Who suspicion incidents), but Faleast isn’t really talkative unless he’s forced into conversation. Until I decide otherwise, he’s a dusty old man from the Roughs who just wants to think things through and let cooler heads prevail. And take a nap. And not get killed.

Edited June 5, 2020 by Ashbringer
Color and spacings

[Mat he/him]

19 minutes ago, Experience said:

Is there a second person at the table? It sounded like it from TJ's RP that there was, but I didn't see it? Anyway, @Lahilt

I believe TJ is referring to me, off to the side but not on the table. (Maybe it was Reading, or Ashbringer though)

~~

As Lord Cauthon watched the small group that had formed on the table nearest to him, he couldn't help but notice the oddness of the bunch. A young teen, but older then the child girl he had seen earlier, a man who clearly wasn't from Elendel, though he couldn't place where else, an older man who looked as if he wished he were asleep, and a strange looking fellow kept trying to jump into the conversation.. There were others nearby, a hazekiller also studied the group from across the room. As their meeting progressed Lord Cauthon realized that it would be pointless to put off his social personality whether he liked it or not- he was an Elendel Lord after all, and  powerful one as well- so he grudgingly pushed his hat back, made sure his sleeves were pushed all the way down and his dueling cane tucked away, and strode towards the group. If any form of alliance were to be formed, the man who clearly knew what he was doing should be the one to run it. Most certainly Cauthon would not be part of any scheme run by a teen or a foreigner. 

The two men-the foreigner and the teen- were already talking, but Cauthon didn't particularly care. He strode up and slapped a hand down on the center of the table. "How goes it, my good fellows?" he said, putting on his best winning smile and sticking a hand out to shake the teen's. "Lord Cauthon at your service." The boy looked surprised at being interrupted so casually, and the foreigner just looked a bit confused, so Cauthon shook his hand next. The other man, the strange one, didn't put his hand out. "If you three were planning a way to get out of this place alive, then count me in. My expertise and experience in the areas of infiltration and sabotage would surely be of great worth." He lowered his voice, and turned his back to the hazekiller still watching in the distance. "But, we must know that we can trust one another. Everyone here has a reason for being here, and I believe that this reason is metalborn heritage. My good men, what can you do that makes you special?"

@Experience, @Lahilt, @Shard of Reading

Edit: Well that ninja makes things annoying... Okay, I edited my post to include Reading at the table.

Edited June 5, 2020 by Matrim's_Dice

[Experience he/him]

1 hour ago, Shard of Reading said:

I jumped in as well

@Shard of Reading, @Lahilt and anyone else that may be at the table, because I have no idea who is now.

~~

Another man came and sat down at his table, but didn't say anything so Shard didn't say anything back. As Shard was trying to get the nerve to start a conversation with the man, he noticed some erratic moment from one of the people in the room. They had started to move towards what Shard thought was his table, but then we walked toward the hazekiller. Shard looked away, and when he glanced back the man was walking towards Shard. Shard started to get a little uncomfortable, and was wondering what the man had to do with the hazekiller when they sat down at his table.

They introduced themselves as Reading, and Shard thought that was a weird name. Of course, he couldn't say that because that was rude. And adults didn't like rude children. 

Reading then asked what had brought all the different people to the table, and Shard shrugged; "I don't know. They all came here. You should probably ask them." After a moment, he hastaly added a "sir" to his answer to be proper. Shard didn't want to get on the bad side of anyone who had dealings with a hazekiller. 

Shard then said, motioning to the others at the table "I also don't know either of their names, so you might want to ask them."

~~

1 hour ago, Ashbringer said:

If you want, Faleast can be sitting at the same table, as I haven’t specified where he really is. I won’t be super posty today (due partly to schoolwork and partly to the You-Know-Who suspicion incidents), but Faleast isn’t really talkative unless he’s forced into conversation. Until I decide otherwise, he’s a dusty old man from the Roughs who just wants to think things through and let cooler heads prevail. And take a nap. And not get killed.

OK. Your's is the character that sat down, but didn't say anything.

~~

"so you might want to ask them..." Shard was saying when someone slapped their hand in the middle of the table. 

"How goes it, my good fellows?" he said, smiling. "Lord Cauthon at your service." The man had the audacity to barely even notice Shard, and went straight to talking to Reading. "If you two were planning a way to get out of this place alive, then count me in. My expertise and experience in the areas of infiltration and sabotage would surely be of great worth. But, we must know that we can trust one another. Everyone here has a reason for being here, and I believe that this reason is metalborn heritage. My good men, what can you do that makes you special?"

It was jut too much for Shard. "Excuse me, sir, but we were in the middle of talking. And why do you just want to know what makes him special. How about you? What makes you so special?"

The man didn't even pay any attention to him, and that's when it hit him. The man's first name hadn't been Lord, it had been his title! 

"I'm so sorry sir. I... I didn't realize who you were. 

~~

Quote

That's a double post, Experience. 

How?

EDIT:

@Matrim's_Dice @Lahilt @Shard of Reading

Edited June 5, 2020 by Elbereth
double post

[Mat he/him]

3 minutes ago, Experience said:

How?

Hmm... your RP showed up twice on my screen. never mind. I'll hide that post.

Edited June 5, 2020 by Matrim's_Dice

[Experience he/him]

1 minute ago, Matrim's_Dice said:

Hmm... your RP showed up twice on my screen. never mind. I'll hide that post, and this one.

No! Don't hide them! That makes mine double posts!

[Mat he/him]

Just now, Experience said:

No! Don't hide them! That makes mine double posts!

Too late.. 

[Experience he/him]

I guess I just won't count that as one of my posts. 

[Ashbringer he/him]

*Applause*

I think Faleast has been sitting in the same spot all day, but I’ll go with it.

[Experience he/him]

Just now, Ashbringer said:

*Applause*

I think Faleast has been sitting in the same spot all day, but I’ll go with it.

Ya, sorry about that. We could say that he was sitting in the same spot, but he got up to get food, and when he went back his seat was taken. Something like that.

[Ashbringer he/him]

1 minute ago, Experience said:

Ya, sorry about that. We could say that he was sitting in the same spot, but he got up to get food, and when he went back his seat was taken. Something like that.

Faleast suddenly wanted a sandwich. He got up, leaving his duster hat - that was such a weird name for a hat - and went too look for a kitchen. He found a large mess of ... hurk, and Faleast decided that he no longer had an appetite. He told himself that someone had just smashed a meat pie to bits. Yes, that was what happened. Definitely.

When Lord Faleast returned, his spot was taken by some Thug, his hat hanging on a nearby light switch. Faleast scowled and found another seat. Louder, but less.. messy.

[Mat he/him]

When Lord Cauthon was confronted by the teen, he was so surprised by the kid's backbone that he forgot to be offended. Either way, after the young man said "I'm so sorry sir. I... I didn't realize who you were.", he clapped a hand on the teen's back and smiled. "While some lord and ladies here tonight might be offended, I am not one of them, to your good fortune. All is forgiven." Cauthon hoped that identifying himself with this group didn't put to much of a target on his back from the other lords he knew personally here, though speaking with them might actually be more of a red flag. Best to ignore the people like Kettis, and Etteax that he knew from his normal noble life, where Allomancy was a gossip topic and not the reason for the gathering.

Turning away from just the boy, he addressed everyone at the table, loud enough for the old man in the back to hear, if he wished. The hazekiller on the far wall, however, would be kept in the dark. "Now that I have addressed myself, I wish to know the identities of the good men I just spilled my surname to, if you all would." He sat down in between the teen and the foreigner, much to their annoyance, and took a piece of bread from the center of the table, making himself at home. "Well?"

@Experience, @Lahilt, @Shard of Reading, @Ashbringer

 

Edited June 5, 2020 by Matrim's_Dice

[Experience he/him]

4 minutes ago, Ashbringer said:

Faleast suddenly wanted a sandwich. He got up, leaving his duster hat - that was such a weird name for a hat - and went too look for a kitchen. He found a large mess of ... hurk, and Faleast decided that he no longer had an appetite. He told himself that someone had just smashed a meat pie to bits. Yes, that was what happened. Definitely.

When Lord Faleast returned, his spot was taken by some Thug, his hat hanging on a nearby light switch. Faleast scowled and found another seat. Louder, but less.. messy.

What's hurk? 

EDIT:
 @Matrim's_Dice, The thug isn't at our table, Ashbringer's character is. The thug took their old spot

Edited June 5, 2020 by Experience

[Mat he/him]

2 minutes ago, Experience said:

What's hurk? 

EDIT:
 @Matrim's_Dice, The thug isn't at our table, Ashbringer's character is. The thug took their old spot

Oh, I thought Ashbringer left our table. Got it.

[Ashbringer he/him]

3 minutes ago, Experience said:

What's hurk? 

EDIT:
 @Matrim's_Dice, The thug isn't at our table, Ashbringer's character is. The thug took their old spot

Gag reflex.

Imagine turning a corner to find someone left hunks of meat everywhere...