ZincAboutIt

8 minutes ago, kenod said:

Basically what the first heightening does, but also for other forms of innate investure abilities, and with an ability to distinguish which kinds of investure they have

Ah so it would be sort of like First Heightening plus burning Bronze? Yeah, likely closer to a Normal merit I'd think.

~Vivica; Alley K-9- 1077~ 

"Today, we will continue our reading on the zoology of the various Earth iterations."

Vivica sat, cross-legged, on the floor of the K-9 Juvenile Training Laboratory, Special Division. She had a large encyclopedia cracked open on her lap, one finger set ready at the top of the page, and smiled at her audience. Arrayed around her were fifteen plump, warm Labrador puppies, each one sitting at attention, posture perfect, tails (mostly) still. One of them panted softly - that was Zeta-9. He had been rather late to gather in the Reading Room, likely due to overenthusiasm regarding his breakfast. The other fourteen members of the Zeta Class paid him no regard, other than perhaps a sidelong look of light disapproval. Vivica winked at him.

In the corner, Gamma-10 sat with all the grizzled, iron will of a seasoned field commander. His glossy chocolate coat was tinged with white at the muzzle, but he had lost none of his bearing. Gamma-10 was one of the Dark Alley's finest soldiers. He had once brought down an Edgedancer. An Edgedancer, all by himself! He gave a single, low "woof!", calling the puppies to stillness. Even Zeta-9 stopped panting.

"Thank you, Gamma-10," Vivica said, giving the large chocolate lab a respectful nod. "Now, this morning we will be learning about the Saltwater Crocodile. The Saltwater Crocodile, or Crocodylus porosus, is the largest living reptile on Earth. Males can grow up to a length of 6 meters (20 ft), though rarely exceeding 6.3 meters (21 ft), and a weight of 1,000–1,300 kg (2,200–2,900 lb). Females are much smaller and rarely surpass 3 meters (10 ft). The Saltwater Crocodile is a hypercarnivorous apex predator within its habitat, mainly living in saltwater habitats and brackish wetlands. They are ambush hunters, using their jaws to drag prey into the water and subsequently drown them before devouring them. Here's my favorite part - a Saltwater Crocodile has a bite force of 16,414 newtons! That's about 3,960 psi. Isn't that magnificent?"

One of the puppies, Vivica thought it might be Zeta-5, yipped in agreement. Her enthusiasm was tempered by a gentle growl from Gamma-10, who brooked no nonsense. Vivica gave him an indulgent smile. 

"Oh, come now Gamma-10, everyone loves a good bite force fact," she said. Gamma-10, for his part, said nothing, though he did make a low, rather concessionary whine. Vivica held out one hand, and Gamma-10 obligingly provided his chin for scratches. "For comparison, an average domestic dog produces around 250 psi. Of course, bite force isn't everything. I hardly think a pack of crocodiles would be well suited to patrolling the Alleys."

Vivica stopped to think. "As a matter of fact I believe that was tried. We lost a not-insignificant number of researchers, as I recall. Well," she shrugged. "Anyway. I believe Gamma-10 is going to take you all through some ambush drills. Then, we will learn a bit more about crocodilians and we can all have biscuits!"

The Zeta Class puppies broke out into excited yipping at this; Zeta-9 managed to catch his own tail, and was wagging it in his mouth. Vivica tried not to laugh; the Seekradors were such proud creatures. She did so dearly love visiting them, though. Nox encouraged it, something about keeping her safe. Vivica marked her page in the encyclopedia and set it aside, settling back against the wall as she watched the puppies march in an excruciatingly adorable line to the other side of the room. 

Nox. As always, when unoccupied her thoughts were drawn to him. He had been so busy since the Forgery broke, she had barely had a chance to speak with him. He came to check on her every other day or so; he was so attentive. Vivica knew that even these small attentions were more than she could ever merit on her own. But still, she yearned to see him more, speak with him for longer, feel the warm surety of his hand around her waist, pulling her close as he had when breaking through the Realms. Their short, quiet tea party in the University hall had been wonderful, and showing him all her gratitude when he was still in her mind had been the most glorious moment of her life.

But Vivica wished, selfishly, for more. More tea, more laughter, more warm, patient smiles. Perhaps a chance to bake together, maybe even to entertain a guest together!

"Wouldn't that be lovely, Bennington?" Vivica glanced upwards, smile widening at the sight of her oldest friend swimming a pleasant loop in the air, glowing with soft violet luminescence. "Just you, and me, and Nox. And frosting. Lots and lots of frosting."

10 minutes ago, kenod said:

Innate biological ability, meant less to find active use of kinetic investure around them, and more to map out innate investure someone has

Map it out... like see where it is in the body? See where someone has used it? Sorry, I'm a bit confused.

22 minutes ago, kenod said:

Would having basic investure sense be a minor or normal merit?

Could be played as minor. A Seeker has it, or someone with enough Breath. Depends on how much it's used probably.

~Lita; Rooftop Garden, the Dominion~

"May I help you, ma'am?"

The well-dressed host at the front of the rooftop garden had a nervous smile, but he was pulling through it with trained professionalism. It had been about twenty-four hours since the world ended, then was put back in its usual place. Lita idly wondered if this man had been something else in the Forgery, or if he was simply always a host at a rooftop garden, no matter what. She gave him her most charming smile, reaching out and placing a generous number of chrysts on the host stand.

"I'm meeting someone, but thank you. I'll find my own way."

The man nodded, his smile dipping as she left but not entirely fading as he counted the money. 

Lita envied him; how lovely it would be to find delight in a simple handful of currency. She walked through the garden, admiring the cultivated plants and the sprawling view of the city as she sought out her quarry. A bath and a few vials of Pewter and Tin had set her largely to rights after the harrowing events of the previous night. Physically, at least. Lita looked neat as a pin in her blue pencil dress, hair braided tidily over one shoulder, shoes clicking on the rooftop stones. Whether or not she felt as though one sharp look would shatter her to pieces was immaterial. She had things to do. The world had ended. Long live the world.

Mac was situated in a far corner, near the balcony, on one side of a lovely spread of croissants. Lita reached her seat and gave him a smile that did not reach her eyes. 

"Good afternoon, Mac," she said, taking her seat. "You look well."

@MacThorstenson

~Lita; The Alleys~

"One more time, now," Lita murmured to herself, setting the funnel back into the neck of the wine bottle and pouring the two glasses of wine back into its dark green belly.

She first wiped each glass, then the bottle, with a white cloth, setting the funnel aside. Then, with a small intake of breath, she picked up the bottle, careful to hold it from the base - never the neck - in one hand. She was burning tin, as always these days, but she increased the burn beyond its minor heat so as to watch every single detail as she poured a perfect, steady stream of deep claret wine into one of the glasses. Lita filled it right to the widest part, where the glass swelled outward, before lifting the bottle again. At the last moment, she moved her wrist in an expert quarter-turn, cutting off the stream and avoiding spilling a single drop. 

Lita wanted to smile, but she held herself back. Now, she had to do it again. She repeated the process, once again executing a pristine quarter-turn of the wrist, and set the bottle down. Two perfectly-poured glasses of wine. Finally, Lita allowed herself a proud quirk of the lips. Still have it down.

A woman such as herself had many odd skills, little talents that she had learned in her years listening at keyholes and chatting at parties. But this was an old skill, one she learned long before she had ever left Elendel. Before she had met Forian, even. The memory hit her suddenly, the smell of wood varnish in her father's back room filling her nostrils as she knelt on unsanded planks and practiced pouring wine for customers. She'd started with two hands, shaky and nervous with her father's dark bottles, even though she was only using spent ones filled with water. That had been when she was eight. By ten, she'd mastered pouring one-handed - largely due simply to expanded anatomy and the ability to grip the bottle in a single hand. Father's patrons thought it a novelty for such a wee thing to be so adept at wine service, and they never had to worry about her "stealin' sips like them other barmaids." Nevermind that Conrad Attar would never be so cruel as to serve his daughter the same watered down half-vinegar he gave his Soothing patrons.

Lita let out a soft sigh and picked up one of the perfect glasses of wine, giving it a sip. She hummed, pleased, at the flavor - it ought to taste good, as she'd been aerating it for the last half hour pouring and refilling the glasses. Why am I doing this?

She'd been practicing every night, usually in the small hours when she couldn't sleep, when whatever she'd been drinking or whoever she'd been entertaining had faded into the night and Lita was left with the memories of what had happened a week before. She had expected the nightmares to all revolve around the Stranger, or the Shade, or the lightning and chaos of a battle between gods. And there were plenty of those. But something unexpected haunted her nights - the cool, overlapping echo of Whisper's voice as she stood under the water of the Chapel.

"Remembering your time serving wine in Elendel will help you with one task, for instance."

Every other memory mentioned had been born out within that last day. The ring, the bayonet, the memories of the Stranger. But that first one... had it simply been some sort of joke? It seemed out of place in that context. No, there was something that Whisper had seen, and now Lita was just waiting for it. It was driving her mad already. But at the very least, she could be prepared. And so, she practiced pouring wine.

It has its uses, she thought, taking another sip. The second glass would be for Laurelai - if she ever got here. Lita had been ready for the better part of an hour, and she didn't have the powers of instantaneous Forgery. It was enough time to start making her second-guess her outfit, which was never good. Lita moved from her sitting room back into her bedroom and looked in the mirror, chewing the edge of one lacquered nail.

She'd been very happy with the teal velvet dress when she'd slipped it on. It was growing cold in the city, and the fabric combined with the long sleeves would serve well to keep her warm - not that she actually required fabric to keep herself warm. But it was the principle of the thing. She turned, critiquing silently. Lita had picked something rather understated to avoid calling too much attention to herself - but was it too understated? The neckline certainly would catch a few eyes, and the buttons all down the back where it clung to her before ending in a slight flare. She'd braided her hair straight down her back today, tying the end off in gold, and slid on a pair of larger golden hoops to round out her bevvy of ear cuffs. But besides that, Lita had gone for little flash.

It was a somber day, wasn't it? Showing up in a gala frock might be a tad gauche, and certainly would be memorable. Probably more memorable than Lita wished to be. After all, she'd managed to retain her city cover after the Forgery broke. Plenty of her contacts still knew Lita LaPetit, the Scadrian socialite, and she even still had her hotel suite at the Grand. A few small mercies granted in his wreckage of a week.

Not to mention the rather large mercy - or perhaps not - of still running the Department of Counter Intelligence. Lita sighed, sipped some more wine, and went back out into the sitting room to wait for her friend. Work could wait for one day. It was a party - sort of. Enough of one, anyway. 

Quote

Mac, Lita and Laurelai have a chat while Voidus and Vivica take a long-awaited teatime break. This is in Discord format, hence the changed style. The thread can be accessed on Discord as "University End of E5".

~Mac, Lita & Laurelai; The University~

Spoiler

Voidus — Today at 11:04 AM
Laurelai: Are you alright Lita? I just... you were so- so focused on helping me I didn't even get a chance to ask.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 11:06 AM
Lita, frowning a moment before shrugging noncommittally: Well, I've... been better. Definitely not my best day. Better now that you're back, though, of course.
Voidus — Today at 11:08 AM
Laurelai, smiling: Yes I'm quite glad to be back myself as well. And not sure that it's any of our best days.
Her gaze slides sidelong just an instant towards Mac and then back. 
ZincAboutIt — Today at 11:09 AM
Lita, returning the smile, if a bit hollow: Yes, well, not all of us got a new suit today.
Mac — Today at 11:09 AM
Mac: wordlessly meets Laurelai's glance, lips drawn into a line 
Voidus — Today at 11:11 AM
Laurelai, concealing a humorous grin as she looks back to Lita and straightens her expression: Well I can make you one if you'd like but I'm not sure that it would quite suit you.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 11:13 AM
Lita, eyes taking on a bit more of their typical life as they fall into an easy banter: I rather think I'm more of a blouse and skirt type. Though I will need to get this mended. I sort of... ripped it open back in the Alleys.
She gestures at the hole near her ribs where her spike is slightly visible 
Voidus — Today at 11:16 AM
Laurelai, reaching instinctively forward and tutting at the tear: Not too bad, should be easy enough to...
Her voice trails off after a moment as she glances upwards at another peal of thunder. She draws her hand back but perhaps not quite quickly enough to conceal a tremor.
Laurelai, her voice a forced serenity: Cursed storm making things difficult. I'll fix it later for you.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 11:17 AM
Lita, squeezing Laurelai's hand for a moment: It's fine. Honestly I have a feeling this poor frock might be destined for scrap by the end of the night.
She places her hand over the hole, feeling the cold metal on her palm, and casts about for something to think of
Lita, to Mac: I didn't expect your return, Mac - er, sir. But your expertise will surely be much needed.
Mac — Today at 11:23 AM
Mac, refocusing on the conversation: Well, dear, I didn't expect to be back so soon either, but as always, life had different plans. Tell me, what happened during the forgery exactly? I got the impression from Voidus that it affected the whole city, but that can't be true can it?
ZincAboutIt — Today at 11:26 AM
Lita, mouth twitching very slightly at the “dear”: Actually it affected the entire world, I believe.
Voidus — Today at 11:27 AM
Laurelai, her own mouth also drawing to a thin line: The city, the Alleys, the whole world. I couldn't even begin to imagine...
Mac — Today at 11:30 AM
Mac, trying very hard to listen to a whole nother conversation, and maintain some semblance of small talk: And it held for months didn't it? Truly insane the amount of power being channeled by one being. I hate him, but I have to appreciate the good craftsmenship...
ZincAboutIt — Today at 11:33 AM
Vivica, in the background: …yes and the nice thing about proper frosting is the drip pattern you get down the side of the…
Lita, actually lowering her tin to avoid hearing too much of that: Mmm, yes. I’m not sure precisely how long. It felt longer, but who knows?
Mac — Today at 11:38 AM
Mac: Who knows indeed, the days all sort of blended together for me. Hopefully it wasn't too bad at least. The city can't in much of a worse spot then it was before
Voidus — Today at 11:41 AM
Laurelai, considering a moment and examining her own memories: A few months I think, yes.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 11:42 AM
Lita, speaking carefully: The city was… rather peaceful. Most things were, for a while at least. The Department was… doing well.
Mac — Today at 11:45 AM
Mac, with a hint of irony: Thats good at least, a little break never hurt anybody.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 11:48 AM
Lita: No, no I suppose not.
Voidus — Today at 11:49 AM
Laurelai, an edge to her voice again: Breaks are voluntary. This was... different.
Mac — Today at 11:51 AM
Mac: Yes, I suppose it was different. Still, no sense in worrying about the past, we all made it through didn't we?
Voidus — Today at 11:52 AM
Laurelai, muttering bitterly: Barely.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 11:53 AM
Lita, chewing her lip in pensive irritation: Hmm, yes I suppose so.
Lita: You’ll be returning then? To the Department?
Voidus — Today at 11:54 AM
Laurelai: Her eyes flicker up to each of them, an instant of realization forming.
Mac — Today at 11:56 AM
Mac, glances at voidus briefly, then thinks for a moment: Well I hadn't particularly thought about it, only becoming "self aware" a minute or two ago.
Mac: I suppose I probably should head back to that place
Mac, as if the thought just occurred to him: Did someone replace me in the forgery? You mentioned the department was still around?
Voidus — Today at 11:59 AM
Voidus, amusedly in the background: Viv, you left a little at the corner of... here I'll get it.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:01 PM
Lita, speaking just slightly louder than needed: Oh, well, as it happens yes, someone did. It was… well it was me.
Mac — Today at 12:04 PM
Mac, taken aback for a moment, then nodding slowly: Smart choice, you are who I would've chosen.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:06 PM
Lita, looking up in slight shock before smiling slightly: I - thank you. Actually in the Forgery it was your choice. We were rather closer there. Not “closer”, just. Well, anyway. It wasn’t real. But it is nice to hear the real you validate the choice anyway.
Voidus — Today at 12:07 PM
Laurelai: She did very well, department was running smoothly, effectively.
She gives a very slight grin.
Laurelai: Recruiting all sorts of wonderful talent.
Mac — Today at 12:08 PM
Mac: Ha! I'm happy to know it worked out that way, dear, you are the only member of the department who's name I know.
Voidus — Today at 12:09 PM
Laurelai: Lightly glowering
Mac — Today at 12:10 PM
Mac, quietly begins idly tapping his fingers on the table in a morse code, T-A-L-K-M-O-R-E-L-A-T-E-R
Mac: You worked in records didn't you laurelai?
Voidus — Today at 12:12 PM
Laurelai, somewhat sullenly: When I wasn't working for you, yes.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:13 PM
Lita, translating the tapping with some mild effort: I managed to retain the entirety of her skills in the Forgery. Perhaps the greatest boon of it all.
Mac — Today at 12:16 PM
Mac, feeling some sense of confusion emanating from the great beyond: Well then I suppose I know two of the department members names.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:16 PM
Lita: Is perhaps a bit less shocked that the department did not suffer in Mac’s absence
Mac — Today at 12:17 PM
Mac, a look of interest popping onto his face: How was the forgery me? Was he mostly the same? or rather, was your memory of him mostly the same?
Voidus — Today at 12:20 PM
Laurelai: I never met you, but from what I'd heard much the same. Perhaps fewer yachts.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:20 PM
Lita: Mmm? Oh, mostly the same. Nothing particularly different of note.
Mac — Today at 12:22 PM
Mac, a little bit offended: Well that's shoddy research on the Stranger's part then, thats about a quarter of my personality!
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:23 PM
Lita: I wouldn’t sell yourself short, sir. At least a third, in my opinion.
Mac — Today at 12:27 PM
Mac raises a finger to object but reconsiders: Regardless, I would have liked to be here for that. I'm sure the denizens are going to have a field day researching all the changes and after affects
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:28 PM
Lita: Yes, it’s going to be a bloody mess for a while I’d say. Ughhh, I already know my filing system is likely a total shambles now…
Lita, correcting herself: Or… your filing system.
Voidus — Today at 12:29 PM
Laurelai: Groans softly.
Mac — Today at 12:31 PM
Mac, raises an eyebrow at the mention of her filing system, electing not to make a comment: Yes, it will be quite the headache to sort out wont it. Hopefully the alley's aren't too bad, if so we can just turn a blind eye to the rest of the city
let them handle it themselves
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:32 PM
Lita: I doubt they’d want our help anyway.
Mac — Today at 12:33 PM
Mac: Thats certainly true, at least.
Mac: Wait, did you say you recruited Laurelai in this new reality?
Voidus — Today at 12:34 PM
Laurelai: She did, yes.
Mac — Today at 12:35 PM
Mac: Interesting, what were you doing before that then?
Voidus — Today at 12:35 PM
Laurelai: Working at a hospital. Looking after my hopeless academic of a father.
Mac — Today at 12:37 PM
Mac, eyes widened glancing in the blursed tea party's direction, incredulously whispering: He was a professor? 
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:38 PM
Lita: Well this is a university. It is not altogether surprising.
Mac — Today at 12:39 PM
Mac, nodding slowly: So thats where we are, the Alleyv- Alleycity University.
Voidus — Today at 12:40 PM
Laurelai: I'm sorry was literally everyone in the DA already aware that he was my father except for me?
Mac — Today at 12:42 PM
Mac: I mean surely not everyone, but when you've known someone for over 1300 years you tend to pick up on a few of their mannerisms.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:42 PM
Lita: Hardly. And I said it was a guess.
Mac — Today at 12:42 PM
Mac: He tried so very hard to hide it.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:44 PM
Lita: The resemblance is hardly minor as well. Tall, blonde hair, high cheekbones, fine featured… 
She stops listing traits and examines the ceiling
Voidus — Today at 12:45 PM
Laurelai: Glances at Lita with a raised brow before turning a slightly frosty glare to Mac.
Laurelai: How long?
Mac — Today at 12:49 PM
Mac: If you're asking how long I knew, it was sometime during the plasmacore incident, if you're asking how long you've been his daughter then thats a whole other can of worms...
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:50 PM
Lita: stifles laughter
Voidus — Today at 12:51 PM
Laurelai, frowning: My entire life I assume. Though the how is more my question than how long.
Mac — Today at 12:52 PM
Mac: How did I know? He told you to stay safe in a meeting if I recall correctly.
Mac: He doesn't do that, ever.
Voidus — Today at 12:56 PM
Laurelai, a flash of irritation crossing her face: No. I meant how... nevermind. It's not for you to answer. And now I suppose is not really the time.
Mac — Today at 12:59 PM
Mac, a flash of realization crossing his face: Laurelai, your father is an enigma. Far older then me or anyone else I've ever met. Its unclear if he existed before adonalsium. That is to say, I know next to nothing about him.
Mac: I learned, barely a year or two ago, that he has an entire magic system created by his presence, I think. The details are still unclear, but I've been working with the man for over a millennia and I just learn that. The only way to get any answers out of him is to ask him yourself. 
Voidus — Today at 1:01 PM
Laurelai, taking a moment to recompose herself: Yes, I intend to. But later.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:02 PM
Lita: Gently touches Laurelai’s shoulder, saying nothing
Mac — Today at 1:03 PM
Mac, Coughing slightly: If I could ask you for one more favor, please uh don't tell him I told you anything.
Mac: In the off chance that he didn't want that to happen, I would rather not be disintegrated.
Voidus — Today at 1:04 PM
Voidus, holding a cup in one hand and Vivica's on his other as he helps her to walk and they approach the trio: You're not the only one who can burn tin in the room Mac.
Mac — Today at 1:09 PM
For the third time that night, Mac felt true fear seep into every bone of his body. Any semblance of a witty remark fell flat on it's face as  his face turned whiter then snow, and the best he could muster was a quiet "Sorry" 
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:10 PM
Lita: Lowers her eyes slightly out of respect
Voidus — Today at 1:11 PM
Voidus, staring fixedly at his daughter: It is fine Mac. I see little point in keeping things hidden any longer.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:11 PM
Vivica: Miss Laurelai! It’s so nice to see you!
Voidus — Today at 1:12 PM
Laurelai, holding the gaze for just a moment before looking away and focusing on the woman he is with: Vivica? It's... nice to see you as well. I'm um... terribly sorry I didn't really believe you all those times you tried to explain things.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:16 PM
Vivica: Oh, that’s alright. I am rather mad, after all. Hello, Mr. Mac. And hello, Laurelai’s red haired friend. You’re the one with the special coin.
Lita, stiffening, raising her eyes as she covers her momentary emotion: I…yes. I’m Lita. It’s lovely to meet you.
Mac — Today at 1:17 PM
Mac, some semblance of color returning to his face: I'm sorry, I don't believe I've made you acquaintance yet, miss...
Voidus — Today at 1:18 PM
Voidus, only now pulling his gaze from Laurelai to the others: Vivica. This is Vivica, she... helped to break the Forgery for me.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:19 PM
Vivica, looking fondly at Voidus, then back to the others: I just did a little bit. Nox did all the important things.
Mac — Today at 1:21 PM
Mac: In that case I am at least a little bit in your debt Vivica.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:23 PM
Lita: Such a lovely earring you have, Vivica. 
Vivica, beaming: Thank you Lita! And don’t worry about any debts. I was only trying to help. It’s what anyone would have done, after all.
Voidus — Today at 1:26 PM
Voidus, looking to Lita: You were running counterintelligence during... recent months?
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:27 PM
Lita, meeting his gaze with a single nod, trying to appear both respectful and competent: Yes, sir, I was.
Voidus — Today at 1:30 PM
Voidus, giving a single, slow nod in return: Well given that I myself believed the entire organization to be a myth mere days ago I would say that you proved quite capable at the task. You have my appreciation for keeping... everything safe.
His gaze does not shift, but there is a slight flicker of his attention to Laurelai once more before returning.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:33 PM
Lita, pulling the light flush of heat to her cheeks into a brassmind before it can color her face: Such important matters deserve the highest degree of safety. I’m glad you approve, sir.
She tries very hard not to think about the relative safety of Laurelai during the entirety of their working together
Voidus — Today at 1:36 PM
Voidus: Gives another nod to her before turning his gaze once more to Laurelai, the two meeting stares with an awkward silence.
Voidus — Today at 1:44 PM
Laurelai, pulling her gaze away first, directed downward in a perfect imitation of Lita's initial posture: Is everything prepared then? I wouldn't wish to delay things any further.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:48 PM
Lita: Holds Laurelai’s hand and squeezes

 

~Vivica; The University~

Vivica gazed up at her body from within the garnet clutched in her own hand. It was, she supposed, likely rather disorienting. Or perhaps it would have been, if Vivica could currently conceptualize disorientation. She had rather forgotten her own face by this point; there were no mirrors in the Cognitive Realm, after all. It was rather pretty, if a bit vacant-looking. But then, people who were dead did look rather vacant. Vivica knew that from experience. She had seen very many dead people.

When Nox spoke to her using her own mouth, Vivica almost hesitated to retake her own body. Surely anything she could come up with to say would be pointless, silly, compared with the words he could make her say. She thought to tell him so, but then, it was rude to refuse a gift so perfectly wrought. He had gone through so much trouble to bring her back, and he had so many other important things to be about. It would be best to accept this present, so she could thank him properly. Thank you. Perhaps two words she could form with her own lips that might be worthy of him hearing.

Vivica took one last look at the garnet chamber surrounding her, fondly casting it to memory. Then, she looked back at herself, acknowledging the slight tug on her form that she had been ignoring. Her soul recognizing her body, it seemed. There was a rightness to this feeling, and so Vivica let it overtake her, surrendering to the pull just as her body drew in a breath. She flew like a single stream of Stormlight for a moment, and then - 

Corporeality.

It hurt. Her eyes blinked and watered at the light of the hall, spilling tears down cheeks that felt each millimeter of each tear trace across skin, the water cooling and causing her to shiver. She could feel the chill of the air in the room, feel the cotton of her shapeless medical shift where it brushed her flesh, raising goosebumps along her arms and neck and back. Vivica shuddered at the sensations, giving a soft whimper; even that minute sound hurt her throat after how long she had spent not using it. Something clenched and burned in the pit of her stomach - hunger? She could barely remember hunger but yes, that sounded right. Hunger, and thirst. She was so thirsty, now that she thought about it. Hungry and thirsty and cold, and she could feel everything at once, hear everything. She was breathing too fast; her heart was racing, speeding blood into her brain with enough force to make her dizzy. It was too much - 

Vivica retreated inward instinctively, turning her vision to the plane of her mind hoping for relief. And that was when she felt him.

He had been so quiet, so close, that Vivica hadn't realized he was there, pressed up against her mind like the oncoming shroud of night. Encompassing, inevitable, and wonderful. And so, so close. She had never been so close to anyone; the barrier between them had broken, and Nox was her. He heard her thoughts, felt her emotions, owned her memories. Vivica felt her mouth smile as she looked at him through her own eyes, and she could feel him looking at himself through her eyes, as well. Would they ever be so close again? Could she ever hope to find a better time to show him her gratitude, show him the scope and breadth of what he meant to her?

So Vivica showed him. She poured out every memory, every day spent in the Cognitive Ward talking with him, laughing with him, glorying in his warm, patient smile. She poured out each good day, and each bad day, where only the thought of him kept her from fading into total despair, imprisoned in her room, restrained to her bed, watching the slow drip of sedatives lull her into a stupor that could be deemed "safe." She poured out the delight of her first meeting him, the rush of caffeine and experimentation nothing compared to the exhilaration of making a new friend, and one so kind, with such good manners. She showed him the last day before the Forgery, when she had been overcome with memories of the fire and he had found her, taking her someplace safe, folding them both into a tiny corner of nothing. A place where fire could never reach. She showed him more recent memories, her time in the Cognitive Realm, wandering, searching, always hopeful despite her confusion. She showed him how he looked in that realm, both the light and the dark weaving through him in a complex knotwork that was more beautiful than anything wrought by human hands. She gave him the memories of his face in the gemstone, every facet reflecting his perfection back to her in deepest red. Each memory a drop, and the drops formed an ocean of meaning, every wave calling his name and echoing it back again, and again, and again.

Vivica looked through regained eyes at the face of the man who had been so many things to her. Her new friend, her patient Professor, her dark and wondrous god. Her Lucien. Her Nox. Perfect in each iteration. And always, always, more than she could ever deserve.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice still thin and hoarse, but now full of delight. "I never worried for a moment."

@Voidus

~Lita; The University~

The sound of a door opening caught Lita's heightened senses before Laurelai's, followed by two sets of footsteps. Thunder rumbled as the two men entered the marble hall, footfalls temporarily muffled by the rushing sound of rainfall. A storm was coming - nearly here, judging by that rain. Lita turned, feeling a sense of gratitude as Laurelai stepped closer. 

That feeling of gratitude was quickly overshadowed by unease. What was that Earth saying? Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

Voidus was taller than Lita remembered him, all cold angles and inevitability. He looked at home in this hall of carved marble, gaze harder than any of the surrounding stone. His resemblance to Laurelai felt especially unnerving in this moment, and Lita moved half a step closer to her on instinct. For a moment, the man who was a god looked to his daughter, and Lita caught the quicksilver flash of... something. Longing? Sorrow? His black eyes seemed to skip right over Lita - a blessing she would happily take in this moment. She had enough to be getting on with, especially when she recognized the ragged, filthy figure that stood beside him. It was Mac.

"Mac?" Laurelai spluttered, speaking the words that Lita was thinking. "Is that... gods, sir you look terrible."

Lita bit the inside of her cheek to keep from exhaling a slight laugh, but in truth the sight of the man was like a bucket of cold water over her head. All the warm regard between them that had been spun into the Forgery was a fiction. If he was here, then that meant that he had not left the planet, and had definitely not left Lita in charge of the Department. Whether intentional or not, Lita had effectively stolen his job. And she had been damn good at it, too.

She forced herself not to duck her eyes in the practiced subservience she had used before the Forgery, meeting and matching his short nod. Lita was unsure of how much Mac knew about the current state of things. And really, could he truly blame Lita for being just another pawn in the Stranger's game?

Probably, if he's angry enough, Lita thought, trying to read his expression. He was saying something, probably telling them not to be heroes or some other unnecessary caution. Lita replayed his words to herself, nodding, when Laurelai waved her hand and Forged Mac back to his immaculate self.

Rather than looking pleased, Laurelai had a momentary expression of pure horror as she whipped her head around to look at Lita. Lita, for her part, braced for... nothing. Nothing happened.

"Are you... alright?" Lita asked Laurelai, for the second time tonight.

~Vivica; The Perfect Gemstone~

Vivica sat amidst deep red light, her face tilted upwards, always upwards, towards Nox.

It was, she thought, the most beautiful view that anyone could ever have. Dozens of facets arched overhead, more encircled her, and each one of them bore his reflection like the icon of a temple window. Such a wonderful place to worship, to marvel, to gaze. If he never wished to remove her, if he simply carried her form with him for the rest of eternity, Vivica would have wept with a boundless joy she didn't deserve. Yet he wanted something even more extraordinary, a gift that Vivica did not ever imagine she would receive.

He wanted to bring her back. Not as a patient in the Cognitive Ward, but as the true Vivica. The one who knew the whisper of the black Alley sky. The one with a hundred recipes and all of her bindpoints memorized. The one who painted with proper red and not crayons on paper. The one who had given a name to a lonely god.

From outside of the gemstone, Vivica could hear him speaking softly, his voice echoing like a benediction within the all-consuming garnet light of her little chamber.

"Let's get you back, shall we Viv?"

He sounded tired - so, so very tired. Yet still, he planned to do this thing for her. A miracle he had already performed once before. Her Professor was going to make her real again.

@Voidus @MacThorstenson

~Lita; The University~

"It's my father." Laurelai said, cautiously. "Lita I know it's impossible but my father he's..."

Lita froze at those words, caught by Laurelai's bright blue gaze. There was nowhere for her to run from this, no easy turn of the conversation to guide Laurelai away from possibly finding out that Lita had known - or at least guessed - the truth some time ago. Guessed and then kept that guess to herself. The instinct to lie sprang immediately to her lips, the compulsion to pull her face into an expression of curiosity and act surprised at Laurelai's oncoming revelation. It would be so very easy. 

The idea made her feel sick. Aren't you tired of lies, Lita? The work of a spy left little room for gratuitous honesty, but if there was ever a time to set aside the duplicity, it was now, here, with Laurelai.

Lita sighed. "I know who he is, Laurelai. It's Voidus."

The release of that one admission struck Lita harder than she would have thought. She actually felt herself straighten a bit, a bit of the gnawing hollow in her gut easing. How long had she been carrying that around, hiding it from her only friend?

"I guessed some time ago," Lita continued, rushing to get the words out before she lost her nerve. "I could never confirm it, obviously, but... well. Enough added up. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. Honestly, I had no idea how to do it. It isn't exactly a conversation one ever expects to have."

@Voidus

~Lita; The University~

The sudden uptick in Laurelai’s pulse was enough to cause Lita to snap her head up, stepping out of the embrace slightly to scan the room for any new danger. She turned back to her friend.

Her friend. Lita gave a half-smile, exuberant joy tempered by the oppressive feeling of oncoming conflict.

”What is it? Did you hear something? See something?”

It was incredibly unlikely that Lita had missed something Laurelai had not, but now was not the time for pride. She’d been distracted enough that it wasn’t impossible that Laurelai had caught some edge of menace Lita had missed in her moment of reunion.

@Voidus

~Lita; the University~

It was the hardest thing she had ever done, surely. Standing there and simply watching Laurelai stare at the ring in her hand. Waiting. Giving her the time to choose. Choose a life where Lita was an employer, an acquaintance. A way to pass a pleasant hour. Allowing her the chance to choose a life where Lita was not her friend. 

Lita watched Laurelai for what could have been a minute or twelve hours. Time constellated around this one moment; there was nothing else. Then Lita noticed a change in Laurelai’s expression, like an internal resolution, before Laurelai’s face seized with sudden shock and pain and she staggered back against the marble wall.

A tiny cry dragged itself from Lita’s mouth as she stepped forward, ready to catch Laurelai if she fell. The woman’s face was a mask of pain and confusion, dozens of expressions flitting across her fine features in rapid succession as she clutched the copper ring in one graceful pale hand. And then, Laurelai’s face stilled.

It was almost worse, this moment of respite, like a deep breath before a plunge into dark waters. But the plunge never came. Instead, Lita’s green eyes caught the flicker of bright, glacial blue as Laurelai opened her eyes slowly, blinking in the light of the hall. Lita dared not even breathe as she waited for what might happen, mind running a hundred scenarios, so many possibilities. 

Then Laurelai smiled, and it was warm and familiar. The smile that Lita only ever received from one person. The genuine, easy smile of a friend. Her only friend.

"Well that was an interesting few days. Hello Lita."

The world was coming apart around them, gods moved behind the framework of reality, and every breath felt like it might be her last. But for this one moment, Lita would not have noticed if the Stranger himself appeared in the room. She tried to form some witty response, put her friend at ease, let her know that everything was going to be alright. But all that came out was a single choked laugh before Lita crossed the last distance between them, wrapped her arms around Laurelai, and buried her face against her shoulder.

”Why the hell did you take off the damn ring, you vain idiot?”

Even as she said it, Lita couldn’t stop smiling.

@Voidus

2 hours ago, Tani said:

for some reason I read this as red cap (like redcaps, them bloodthirsty faerie things) the first time I looked at it

Beware the redcaps! Especially tonight.

~Lita; The University~

Lita gave a soft laugh at Laurelai's incredulity regarding her previous employment. "'Obviously more?' Well, I always thought so but it is nice to have such a thing confirmed. I -"

A soft footfall, the rustle of cloth, and the eerie voice of Whisper interrupted Lita's next words. Lita whirled on the point of her heel, her heart instantly in her throat again as Whisper held out one pale hand, palm up.

"The item that you requested." She said, presenting the copper band to Lita.

Lita stared at it for a moment, all the world narrowing on that slender ring of copper. Her breath caught, and for a moment Lita was uncertain if she could hold back the tiny sob that clawed to be free. But she did.

"Thank you, Whisper," Lita said, her voice hoarse but otherwise steady. She plucked the ring from the girl's hand, giving her a quick look-over, before turning back to Laurelai. Instantly, Whisper was forgotten. She looked at the blonde woman, wondering if it was truly in Laurelai's best interest to remember her real life. A father unknown to her. A childhood as a war orphan. Years spent in the DA. Would that make her happy?

It will make you happy, something whispered in the back of her mind. It stung, which meant it was the truth. Yes, having the true Laurelai back would make Lita happy, and rust all the sorrow it might level upon Laurelai's shoulders. But beyond Lita's satisfaction, the idea of Laurelai alone living in a false life while the rest of the world regained the truth was repugnant. The Stranger may have made her a lovely dream, but Laurelai deserved to wake up. At the very least, she deserved the choice.

"I know how much you hate copper," Lita said, lips twisting into a smile she did not feel. She held it out to Laurelai. "But perhaps this time, you might make an exception?"

@Voidus

Everyone’s material has been glorious! I can’t give anymore rep for the day so rest assured I’ll get to you all later 

11 hours ago, Voidus said:

Lucien Esserethel (Voidus)

  Reveal hidden contents

Name: Lucien Esserethel / Voidus

Appearance: Male, early thirties in appearance, 6'4" tall, with an average build, darkly inviting or terrifying depending upon his mood. He has short, straight blonde hair and piercing black eyes with perhaps the faintest hint of deep jungle-green if the light catches them right. Generally has a proud but exhausted bearing, straight-backed but with a slight hunch, dark circles under his eyes. Almost inevitably found in a grey or black suit and occasionally a labcoat.

Guild (or intended guild): Leader of the Dark Alley

Personality: Overwhelmingly apathetic for most of his life, Voidus' personality is one of usually muted and subdued emotional states interspersed with occasional spikes of intensity. Voidus is generally irritated rather than angry, tired rather than sad, satisfied rather than happy. But the experience of the Forgery and creating personal connections has rekindled some of his old personality, now tempered by a near eternal existence. Often perceived as cold Voidus tends towards ruthless efficiency with anything that needs to be done. And begrudging, and still somewhat exhausted, attention to those other chores that are less important, such as his unending supply of paperwork. He is not often deliberately cruel, but is uncaring and willing to make almost any sacrifices that he needs to for his own goals. Incredibly possessive, Voidus reacts most harshly towards any encroachment of what he sees as his own authority or property. He largely does not care what happens to the city, though will make an effort to protect it from complete destruction at least should it be necessary, but it is the Alleys that he sees as his own territory.

Concept: Eternally bored and lonely Voidgod who is now perhaps only one of those things.

Motivation (Short & long term goal): Short term - A break from the paperwork would be nice. Beyond that he is currently investigating some means of reducing the damage to Vivica's soul after her stay in the cognitive realm during the Forgery as well as the other incidents throughout her life that have caused it damage.
Long term - Voidus' eventual goal has always been his own death, though he has reconsidered that in light of recent events and is currently interested in the pursuit and exploration of his humanity.

Merits: (Redacted for length but most prominent abilities listed)

Major: Voidmaking - Voidus has complete mastery over this ability as its foremost practitioner. Capable of opposing and extinguishing most forms of magic, as well as draining energy or utterly destroying matter. Hemalurgy - Voidus has collected countless magical abilities over the years and generally speaking has access at least to acquire any form of Investiture he may require. Intelligent - Voidus was a scientist in his original life, and has kept both the knowledge and curiosity from that vocation. Having had near endless amounts of time to study he is well versed on most subjects. Leader of the DA - Voidus commands the vast resources of the Dark Alley, though would almost never make use of this for personal benefit.

Normal: Skilled manipulator - Practiced both at diplomacy and subtle manoueverings as well as specifically the application of abilities such as emotional Allomancy, while he rarely if ever actually needs to resort to such tactics Voidus is nonetheless skilled in their application. Combat - While not a particular specialty, immortality will lend towards general excellence in all areas and so Voidus is at the least a capable and somewhat practiced combatant in armed and unarmed combat though firearms and their application are an area he is particularly lacking in.

Minor: Not particularly relevant

Flaws: Voidus' lifespan leads him towards patience and apathy. Few events provoke genuine wrath from him and while he may have an initial flared reaction to certain events he is generally quick to calm and sees little point to vengeance merely for its own sake. He also tends not to recognize the agency of most other people, blaming events on the most influential person who incited them rather than acknowledging the potential collective agnecy of a group or of less powerful individuals. As a result even when aware of the actions of such people Voidus will typically dismiss them as irrelevant or inconsequential in the grand scheme, prefering to look to the long term. Finally, while his recent emotional attachments have helped Voidus in a number of ways they also prove perhaps his largest vulnerability. The two most important people currently in his life, Vivica and Laurelai, are themselves both relatively vulnerable and he fears that some may seek to use one or both as leverage over him.

Relationships  (Eg. Family and Friends): Estranged daughter Laurelai Esserethel, Vivica was his friend during the Forgery whom he has grown incredibly fond of, the various department heads and DA denizens that he worked with. 

Home Planet: Unnamed Voidworld from a lost universe.

Current Residence: Voidus typically resides within his office, sleeping only incredibly rarely. Is considering repurchasing the home that he and Laurelai lived in during the Forgery.

Backstory: Born a mortal man in a universe that is now entirely destroyed, Lucien Esserethel was betrayed by a man named Voidus who he had thought a friend. Voidus claimed he needed Lucien's help to save their world but revealed that he was in fact destroying it, simply to occupy the time during his immortal life. He was helping Lucien merely out of a twisted sense of amusement but when that came to a conclusion and Voidus tried to destroy the world completely Lucien opposed him, drawing in enough of the void himself to replace Voidus as its avatar and ending the life of the immortal. He was able to save his daughters life by severing her connection to that world but as a result she was cast adrift on time. The universe collapsed around him and Lucien drifted through an endless void for countless years, eventually forgetting even his own name and taking the name Voidus for himself.
Eventually he founded the DA and with their assistance created the Alleyverse, using a spike created from his original world as its center. When he was sealed away in the barrier around the worldspike, his daughter was freed from her stasis. She grew up without Voidus, without even knowing he was her father and eventually joined the DA herself. Voidus realized the connection some time before the Forgery but had never had a chance to discuss the matter with her, and during the Forgery the two were both made aware of each other, living out a somewhat wholesome family dynamic though his wife remained departed.

Loose ends (What is unfinished in their life?): Voidus has yet to entirely discuss the nature of their new relationship with Vivica, and has also not had the chance to really speak with his daughter since the Forgery ended either.

Links (Eg. Theme song, a spotify playlist, a pinterest mood board): TBD

 

Approved! 

2 hours ago, NerdyAarakocra said:

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Name: KanDraa (There's actually a reason for that, I'm not being lazy. Also, for the sake of convenience, I'll just type their name as Kan in most cases.)
Appearance: KanDraa is a kandra (). They often appear as a semi-transparent humanoid with a slightly luminescent, semitransparent crystal True Skeleton and four Hemalurgic spikes made from an unrecognizable metal. The spikes appear to have rusted.
Guild (or intended guild): None yet. Kan was made by the DA, but wants nothing to do with them. They might join TUBA, but probably not.
Personality: Kan is unable to understand the emotions of others, and often is unable to identify with those around them. Kan just wants to live their own life.
Concept: Insane DA-made experimental allomantic Kandra with severe limitations.
Motivation (Short & long term goal): Short term, Kan wants to escape from the influence of the DA and find peace. Long term, Kan wants to "fix" themself and find a way to "be normal". Kan also wants to escape from the DA's loyalty spiking.
Merits: (These are what I'm worried about...)
Minor Merits: Kan was made by the DA. As such, they have a baseline knowledge of Hemalurgy. Kan also knows how to bake cookies. Will this ever come up? I doubt it.
Normal Merits: Kan was made by the DA, and has skills that they want in an operative. Kan can navigate through the Alleys better than most. Kan's DA design has some benifits. Rather than have normal Blessings, Kan's hemalurgic spikes are far more powerful. Once each day (for you D&D players out there; during a long rest) , Kan can give themself an Allomantic power, essentially becoming a powerful misting. While not quite a Mistborn, Kan's versatility is not to be underestimated.
Major Merits: Kan is a Kandra. They have all the benefits associated with being a Kandra, except for one. Kan's skin is always transparent. Kan can't make themself look realistic at all, making the disguise factor rather useless.
Flaws: (This one's gonna be long) As previously mentioned, Kan can't disguise themself. They're somewhat insane (See the personality section), and have trouble in social situations. Kan was designed by the DA, and has trouble avoiding alligning themself with the DA's goals. Kan is also filled with self-loathing due to being 'useless'. Kan's actually quite powerful, but they're a faulty prototype. They can't avoid blaming themself for everything. Kan has also been loyalty spiked by the DA, and can't betray them or get in the way of their motives. With four spikes, Kan is easier to Allomantically manipulate than most Kandras (Kandra? Kandri?). 
Relationships (Eg. Family and Friends): Kan is an insane Kandra, what are these 'friends' that you speak of? Kan hates the researchers who made them with a burning passion, though.
Home Planet: Alleycity! Technically, Kan was originally a mistwraith from Scadrial, but that matters very little.
Current Residence: The alleys, Alleycity. Kan never stays in one place for too long.
Backstory: Kan was originally a mistwraith on Scadrial, but was quickly taken by the DA for experimentation. The DA wanted to create a mistborn kandra with no free will. Kan was their prototype - something that they made when working out the bugs. Kan was treated harshly by the DA for not being perfect. When the WorldForgrey ended, Kan was able to escape from the DA with a fractured sanity and novel hemalurgic design. When Kan was asked who they were by a random passerby, all that they could say was: "I am Kandra."
Loose ends (What is unfinished in their life?): Kan seeks perfection and wants to escape from the DA, hopefully stopping the Loyalty Spiking. Escape won't be easy, as the DA doesn't take too kindly to a rogue experiment.
Links (Eg. Theme song, a spotify playlist, a pinterest mood board): None. I'm sorry. How about a cookie instead?

 

 

This has been edited!

Approved! 

1 hour ago, NerdyAarakocra said:

Here's another character, because I had a cool idea.

I'm worried about this one's power level. I've tried to balance, but I understand if you feel that I need to nerf it.

This also may not fit into the lore. If so, let me know!

  Reveal hidden contents

Name: KanDraa (There's actually a reason for that, I'm not being lazy. Also, for the sake of convenience, I'll just type their name as Kan in most cases.)
Appearance: KanDraa is a kandra (). They often appear as a semi-transparent humanoid with a slightly luminescent, semitransparent crystal True Skeleton and four Hemalurgic spikes made from an unrecognizable metal. The spikes appear to have rusted.
Guild (or intended guild): None yet. Kan was made by the DA, but wants nothing to do with them. They might join TUBA, but probably not.
Personality: Kan is unable to understand the emotions of others, and often is unable to identify with those around them. Kan just wants to live their own life.
Concept: Insane DA-made experimental allomantic Kandra with severe limitations.
Motivation (Short & long term goal): Short term, Kan wants to escape from the influence of the DA and find peace. Long term, Kan wants to "fix" themself and find a way to "be normal". 
Merits: (These are what I'm worried about...)
Minor Merits: Kan was made by the DA. As such, they have a baseline knowledge of Hemalurgy and can navigate through the Alleys better than most. 
Normal Merits: Kan is a Kandra. They have all the benefits associated with being a Kandra, except for one. Kan's skin is always transparent. Kan can't make themself look realistic at all, making the disguise factor rather useless.
Major Merits: Kan's DA design has some benifits. Rather than have normal Blessings, Kan's hemalurgic spikes are far more powerful. Once each day (for you D&D players out there; during a long rest) , Kan can give themself an Allomantic power, essentially becoming a powerful misting. While not quite a Mistborn, Kan's versatility is not to be underestimated.
Flaws: (This one's gonna be long) As previously mentioned, Kan can't disguise themself. They're somewhat insane (See the personality section), and have trouble in social situations. Kan was designed by the DA, and has trouble avoiding alligning themself with the DA's goals. Kan is also filled with self-loathing due to being 'useless'. Kan's actually quite powerful, but they're a faulty prototype. They can't avoid blaming themself for everything.
Relationships (Eg. Family and Friends): Kan is an insane Kandra, what are these 'friends' that you speak of? Kan hates the researchers who made them with a burning passion, though.
Home Planet: Alleycity! Technically, Kan was originally a mistwraith from Scadrial, but that matters very little.
Current Residence: The alleys, Alleycity. Kan never stays in one place for too long.
Backstory: Kan was originally a mistwraith on Scadrial, but was quickly taken by the DA for experimentation. The DA wanted to create a mistborn kandra with no free will. Kan was their prototype - something that they made when working out the bugs. Kan was treated harshly by the DA for not being perfect. When the WorldForgrey ended, Kan was able to escape from the DA with a fractured sanity and novel hemalurgic design. When Kan was asked who they were by a random passerby, all that they could say was: "I am Kandra."
Loose ends (What is unfinished in their life?): Kan seeks perfection and wants to escape from the DA. Escape won't be easy, as Kan is important to the DA's plans.
Links (Eg. Theme song, a spotify playlist, a pinterest mood board): None. I'm sorry. How about a cookie instead?

 

 

 

Hello! We can talk about this illustrious individual here. An escaped experiment is a fun character idea, lots of material to work with. I would say that you might want to actually switch your Major and Normal merits. Kandra have quite the advantage (though lack of disguise is a big flaw). Still you get functional immortality, healing power, etc. And learning some hemalurgy and basic alleytravel is closer to a Normal merit in my opinion. Someone could learn both, for instance.

Claiming that your character is “important to DA plans” is likely a tad grandiose. However, many an R&D denizen would be cross to have an experiment wander off, and other Departments would be peeved at the potential security leak. One thing you should know is that Loyalty Spiking is an established thing in the DA, so your character would likely be incapable of directly betraying the DA or going 100% outside of general DA motives. Happily the DA doesn’t really have a set motive other than “don’t get in our way we want to do science/seek power” so there is a lot of wiggle room. Mostly you’d likely have to worry about someone coming to look for you and then point blank telling you to come back. Probably also being rather mean with the emotional Allomancy. Four spikes means extra vulnerability to that as well, so you could add it as a weakness.  

5 minutes ago, Lord Meeker said:

Is there anything that needs to be changed for mine? Its why i submitted a hard draft

I believe Voidus replied in the Discussion Thread with required changes/character concerns.

~Lita; The University~

A smile touched Lita’s lips at the mention of Elariel Estate, along with the powerful yearning for a glass. Or a whole bottle.

”Not quite that fine of a label,” Lita said, recalling the memory. “But a glass of port, nonetheless. I was a bit hard-up at the time, between jobs in the city. There was a tavern on the border of the Rosharan quarter where you could go looking for work; the proprietor kept it well stocked and he knew everyone. I figured he might have an idea of some lord or banker or politician who needed a keen set of eyes and ears in the right place.”

She sniffed a bit as she remembered herself as she was, close to three years ago now. Or perhaps only two? Did this time in the Forgery count? 

“Damn dull work that was. I mostly tailed unfaithful spouses or listened in on business meetings. Gods, most people are so impossibly easy to predict. Hardly needed a Tineye to figure out the lion’s share of those mysteries, just a working brain and the capacity to read body language. But of course I took their coin; fine spirits do not buy themselves after all. And just when I thought I might spend the rest of my life doing dull jobs for dull people, who should I meet but you?”

Lita’s smile widened just a bit. It felt good, to remember. Even if Laurelai didn’t.

”One thing remains constant. You were far from dull then, just as you are now. It is nice to know that some things are impossible to change.”

@Voidus

“So we did know each other? Before? We were... friends."

Laurelai’s voice was so careful, so deliberately easy, that Lita almost missed the slight hesitation on that last word. Friends. As though it were a bit unbelievable, to be friends with someone like Lita.

Lita gave Laurelai a small, polite smile and felt a dozen new cracks form around the hidden ruin of her heart.

“Yes, I suppose we were friends,” Lita answered, tone just as easy. “For my part, anyway.”

The little voice in the back of her mind chided her for allowing something like this to affect her so deeply. This wasn’t the Laurelai that Lita had met in the Odd Job Tavern. This was the young woman she’d met at the Festival, the same one who she had treated as an employee, sent on errands, and rather mercilessly seduced. Lita thought on that last point, realizing that perhaps the hesitation on the word “friends” held a second question. Was that all they had been, in the real world?

Lita gave this a moment of thought, replaying their interactions. The added layer of the physical had never come into play between them, though she supposed it could have. Lita had already been far more intimate with Laurelai than she was with anyone else; the woman had known her life, her secrets. Her soul. After that, what did it matter if Laurelai saw more of her body or less? A new way to unwind, to have fun, was always welcome in Lita’s book. But she was also aware that many - if not most - felt differently.

The second part of Laurelai’s question forced a bitter chuckle between Lita’s teeth. It must have been nice. Lita recalled the fear, the chaos, the drive to continuously prove herself. The relentless craving for more, more, always more that had pounded like a second heart in her chest. All of that had been her reality in the true world. Was she glad to have it back?

”Nice? Well, I don’t know about nice, but… It is real,” Lita answered. “I do not like having secrets pulled over me. Even if they are lovely ones. As an expert liar and consummate hypocrite, I happen to be a connoisseur of the truth. A lie is fine if I’m telling it. Rather less so if I am trapped in it.”

Was that even true? Did she want her reality back? It has been such a lovely lie. Such a beautiful cage. Was it really the cage that bothered her? Or the fact that her owner had never come to visit?

”I can tell you about it, if you wish. Our meeting. We got it backwards in this world. Last time you recruited me, as it happens.”

@Voidus

~Lita; The University~

“It seems that your memories have returned. Congratulations."

Lita looked up from her inspection of the main building’s entrance hall, her mind processing Laurelai’s plain, perfunctory tone at a speed that felt both too fast and too slow. They were not alone here; another young woman walked the hall, her three twisting fox tails more than hinting at who - or what - she was. Lita had returned the young woman’s nod, intending to keep an eye on her, when Laurelai spoke.

So… distant. But then, to Laurelai, Lita was not a friend. She was little more than a stranger. Lita tried to ignore the sharp knife-point that twisted in her gut at that thought, a pain much deeper than that of the reappeared steel spike. She could not think too hard about that, or she would be useless to Laurelai. Useless to everyone. And a useless knife was never kept.

”Yes,” Lita said quietly, pitching her voice to avoid an echo in this marble hall. “But we shall have yours returned to you soon, as well. This must be terribly disorienting for you…”

She sighed, trying to recall her own bearing with Laurelai before her memories had returned. It was not hard - if anything it was too easy. Lita had offered Laurelai the same face she offered the world: beautiful, charming, competent, and just cruel enough to be good fun. And nothing else.

It sickened her to imagine doing so now, to offer her only friend so little. But too much emotion would only make things worse. So Lita held herself back, biting down on the impulse to throw her arms around the woman and sob into her shoulder with mixed relief and anger. Biting down on her tongue to stem a tide of words she would never dare say to anyone else.

I missed you. I’m so afraid. Please don’t forget me. I just want to go home. 

“Are you alright?”

@Voidus

How very exciting! Welcome welcome! I see no problems with this character, you’ve given him a lot of room to acquire more skills and grow through plot. If you wanted to submit him in the main thread I see no reason why we wouldn’t quickly approve him. 

~Lita; The Alleys~

"Come on." Lita took Laurelai by the upper arm and steered her gently away from the water. "Let's get out of here."

Laurelai moved slowly, like one in considerable pain - which, judging by the hand pressed to her head, she was. Lita pressed down firmly on the panic that still fluttered frantically in her chest, crushing it beneath the heel of her will. She had things to do, now. Places to be. Her two lives bent and wove around one another, her new - old? - pewter spike aching with each breath. As they moved further down the corridor of the Alley, the pull of the Chapel lessened, and when Lita could finally form a thought without half of her mind listening for the sound of water, she deemed it safe enough to begin to Alleytravel.

She did not remove her hand from Laurelai's arm, nor did she speak to her. There was a nudging surety in the back of her mind that if Lita began to speak now, she would not stop; she would break down, crumble onto the ground, and weep. But there was no time for weeping. No time for weakness. Was there ever a time for weakness? 

The door to her office, her office now, not Mac's office - rusts, that was confusing - came into view sooner than she expected, and she fumbled with the lock, halfway lost in thoughts, until the door eased open soundlessly. Lita pulled Laurelai through the door, then left her leaning against the wall as Lita rounded her desk and pulled open a drawer, running a finger over a set of Allomantic metal vials before stopping on one stamped with the symbol for Pewter. She made a habit of keeping metal in here; sometimes a field agent stopped by and needed a refill. Sometimes she was entertaining a guest and they ran out. It never hurt to be prepared.

She flicked the cork off the vial with a nail and downed the metal, grabbing another two vials of Pewter and three of Tin, stuffing them into her bag and looking around for anything else she might need for... what? A trip to the university?

Likely more than a simple trip. Lita pulled her coat off a hook in the corner and checked to see if her bayonet was still in her little bag. It was, for all that she knew how to use the damned thing. And Laurelai? Lita looked up at her friend, a friend who knew her only as an employer - with a bit besides. She twitched her nose, shelving that memory for another time. It did not particularly bother her, but it was a distraction she didn't need right now. Lita put a small dagger in the bag for Laurelai, just in case. 

"One more trip," Lita said softly, taking Laurelai's arm again and leading her back out of the office, into the Alley beyond. She took a last look at the polished desk, the plush rug by the fire, the well-stocked bar in the corner. Everything I ever wanted. She locked the door, then guided her broken friend through the Alleys until they stepped out into the cool city night. 

The university lay just ahead of them, across a wide street. Lita led them swiftly, ascending the steps to the main building and trying the door, which was still unlocked despite the late hour. A brisk wind whipped between the buildings, tugging some of Lita's hair out of her braid as she opened the wide, heavy door. It carried with it the slight scent of an imminent storm.

@Voidus

29 minutes ago, Lord Meeker said:

Then what would necesitate a flaw for a character that is trying to get back their memory? I want a clean slate, i've been gone a while and have not clue where to really start.

Hello there! If you want to discuss further this is the place to do it. As far as a flaw for a character trying to get their memories back, I’m not entirely sure what you mean. A lack of memory could already be a flaw. If this is relating to your earlier question about classic “villain/antihero” characters then a flaw for those could be something that a more classic “hero” character would call a merit. Something like a serious moral restriction - possibly even a compulsion - to avoid harming a set group of people. A lack of self confidence or perhaps extreme disorientation could be one. If they have no memory of who they are/were, it would be harder to act in a way that is megalomaniacal. Lack of sense of self reduces charisma because you don’t know what it is you’re obsessed with, etc. In general though I would need to know more about the supposed character to really help you out with suggestions.