Koloss17

Following Pygma, Perses was led to a singular cloaked figure. With a swift movement, the mannequin tore off its sheet, exposing the garment underneath. Taking a glance at Pygma, it was clear that she was quite happy with her work. The garment itself was a sight to behold. It was a mistcoat, but like nothing Perses had ever seen. At the ends of the tassels, there were carefully placed, jagged blades. The coat itself felt…rough. “Leather?” Perses asked. “Dyed black. Even if you wouldn’t care, I think it helps the look.” Aside from the mostly standard cloak, stitched onto it was a careful arrangement of bone. Stretching from the chest to the arms, the bones formed a grotesque chestplate. It was a truly disturbing piece, like it came straight from damnation. Upon further inspection, it also came with a hood, with a seemingly decorative arrangement of bone attached to it. ”You said you wanted something distinctive, sooooo….” Pygma grinned. “But of course, I forget. You want functionality.” She motioned to two boxes, both with identical lumps of yarn in them. However, one was emanating a noticeable aura to Perses’ bronzesense. ”Dump your breaths in the right one, and take the breaths from the left one, and then put on the cloak.” Noticing his skepticism, Pygma sighed. “Don’t worry. You’ll get your breaths back when you’re done.” Reluctantly, Perses did as she asked. Without his Heightenings, he felt oddly blind. Funny, he thought. I held even less than this most of my life. However, his contemplation was interrupted by Pygma’s disturbingly cheery voice. “Great. Now repeat after me:” ”Act as my bodyguard and fight alongside me” As soon as the words were spoken, the cloak came alive. It felt oddly…human. Well, aside from the bone and leather, it felt like it had a mind of its own. Like it was intelligent. The tassles moved with a fluid efficiency, like there was wind swirling around him. Suddenly, the mannequin that used to hold the coat lunged at Perses. Reflexively, he jumped back. Yet as he went backward, the tassels jumped forward. In a quick flurry of slices, the mannequin was a pile on the floor. Venser, The Corridor, The Silver Dagger. Venser stared at the creature, stupefied. What had his life come to? However, above all else, he was a businessman. He looked at the blueprints, ignoring the outstretched paw. The designs were…magnificent. It was like nothing he had ever seen. despite his wonder, he was a merchant. A Thaylen. He hid his astonishment carefully with a puzzled expression. “What do you need? While I appreciate the offer, anything I can sell you will have to cost some amount of money. But these schematics could certainly cheapen the price.” @Stormlightsong

Here’s the neat thing: ya don’t. Sometimes, it’s clear as crystal. When I was first vibing as agender, I felt like I was okay with wanting to relate to feminine things, but right now I only wanted to move away from masculine things. Then one day, I saw this image of a fantasy character in a card game, and I went: “her. I want to be her.” It was that snap moment. But at the same time, it took me quite a while to realize I wasn’t cis. I ended up having to ease into the label of agender, tried it out, and only then deciding I liked it (until I discovered I was a trans woman in the above paragraph”. Some things are worth easing into and trying out, and some things you just realize in a split second.

Gotcha. No worries!

No problem! I’m always a fan of a simple post saying “I’ll be out for the next bit”, but that’s just a thing for the future. In the end, this is a small forum RP with strangers, so it is completely understandable to prioritize nearly everything above this (as you probably should). Well, let me know if/when you want to hop in for some more RPing, and I will be more than happy to help you out. There is of course no obligation to RP though. I just wanted to check in, as you had been inactive for a bit and I was slightly wondering if it was due to wanting to RP, but having a hard time finding your way into the new episode.

Perses, New Hallandren, Pygma’s Workshop “Welcome to my humble abode! I hope you don’t mind the mess,” Pygma said, winking at Perses. She was an interesting person, that was for sure. The room was filled with lifelike figures of people, made from a variety of different organic materials. Tapping his bronzesense, Perses felt a faint aura emanating from each of them. On these strange mannequins, various garments and objects were draped over them. A variety of clothing of all shapes and sizes, as well as more discrete items, such as bracelets, rings, and necklaces. As one of the most renowned awakeners in the city, Pygma didn’t disappoint. People came from all over the city to acquire awakened garments from her, though even the smallest ring came with a hefty price. Luckily enough, Perses had plenty to spare. ”have you made what I requested?” Perses asked, having little time for anything other than business. “That depends, darling,” Pygma replied playfully, “do you have the money that you said you would have?” Letting out a deep sigh, Perses pulled out a small pouch. Pygma creeped him out. Not because of her work, or even her odd scarred appearance. No, he knew that if he tried anything funny, Pygma had the ability to swiftly cut out his spine and use his bones as her next piece. She had much more than just a reputation for fashion. From within the pouch, Perses pulled out three of the quickly dwindling atium beads. It was truly surprising to him how fast he could spend his riches. He held out the beads to the woman. ”Ah, I see you’re a man of your word! These will do nicely,” she said, snatching the beads from Perses’ hand. “Well then. Right this way.”

@Scars of Hathsin and @RoyalBeeMage, either of you interested in RPing? I have a character that I think would interact well with yours, assuming that you are just waiting for an avenue to join in on the fun.

Phemus scoffed. “Why would I know that? They travel everywhere.” He took another sip, now unwisely trying to smoke and drink his coffee at the same time. “What I can tell you is that they were responsible for burning down Bendalloy Bar in the eastern Mistwarrens yesterday. Now, they seem to be able to move around the place quite quickly, so that doesn’t mean that they’re even remotely close to the place. But, it’s a start.” ”But when it comes down to it, I’m sure you’ll be able to find them. Wherever they go, some sort of scene follows. They attract chaos like a magnet. It’s kind of their thing. The hard part is catching them, not finding ‘em.” Phemus got up and showed the radiant to the door. “Well, I’m sure you’ll do fine,” he said, grinning once again. “How hard can catching one guy be, for someone as capable as you?” @Stormlightsong

“Well, I figured. On both accounts. I’ll just say you have credentials and we’ll leave it at that.” This guy’s either a sucker or gonna put me out of my job, and so long as I keep the pay, I’ll take either one. ”First order of business as an unpaid contractor. There’s this nuisance of a person that nobody in our department can seem to catch.” Phemus fumbled for a cigar to light. “Their name’s Asylum Smedry. They’re a real piece of work, with the ability to turn superstitions into reality. Breaking mirrors, four leaf clovers, you know the gist.” At least, Phemus hoped he did. “If you can track this guy down and bring them to justice, you’ll be well on your way to proving you’re a capable member of the constabulary. For them,” he waves to the office windows, which still had the blinds up, “and to me. I can get you a small team of contables, if you’d like. Though I know you radiant types don’t take too kindly to those without your type of mobility.” If he failed, that’s one less fool to deal with. If he somehow succeeded, then that’s still one less fool to deal with. A win either way. Phemus grinned. “So whaddaya say?”

Phemus sighed. Radiants. They were always so self-important and egotistical. "Well, I can't stop ya. public billboards are public, after all. However," Phemus said, "I didn't call you in here fer nothin." He hoisted himself up and carefully closed the door. "Do you have any police experience in this here city? Or heck, even before coming here."

Perses, The Corridor, The next day Perses walked the streets of the bustling district. The variety of people here was always off-putting to him. It reminded him of his old crew, back in the cognitive realm. The words used around here were the same. Working for a common goal, but for different reasons. In the end, the collaboration all of the sellers and residents here had was a sham, and when worst came to worst, they would betray each other to save their own hides. These negative musings swirled in Perses' head as he left the district. He needed something that he had requested be made a long time ago. And for that, he needed to go to New Hallandren. ----------------------------------------------- Phemus, Smokestack, the constabulary Phemus sat in his office, drinking his morning cup o joe. It was a calm morning, with people being nice and sensible for once. He had managed to go a whole ninety minutes without someone needing his help with something, letting him relax. It was nice to do nothing, every once in a while. He wished he could do it more. However, today wasn't a do nothing day. He had an appointment to make. "Hey Jenny, can you get in touch with that radiant fella that pestered me yesterday? I need to have a chat with him." His assistant stopped in front of him with a confused expression. "Did he leave any way to contact him? A card...or an address?" Phemus waved dismissively at the woman. "Bah, he's a radiant. You'll know him when you see him. Just send out one of our delivery boys to hunt for him. They're smart folk. I'm sure they can handle it." With a sigh, Jenny did as she was told. Until then, I guess I'll read the news. The news was the same as it had been for the past few weeks. Some guy causes some scene, and somebody complains, blaming the police. Heck, it's almost as if people thought the department had actually committed the crime! However, one of the stories caught his eye. A building in the Mistwarrens, burned. Usually, this sort of thing would have been nothing special. Crime's always happening there, in one way or another. No, the crime itself wasn't the interesting part. "Asylum Smedry," Phemus said aloud. That rascal has been a headache for the Smokestack Constabulary to deal with since forever, and the complaints about him had felt unending. Suddenly, an unusual stroke of genius struck him. Maybe he could kill two birds with one stone.... @TheFrugalWizard @Stormlightsong

Yeah! It’s on the updated guide.

Folks, we good to time skip to the next day? Or do people have something to wrap up in the current “time”. Not that it really matters, but we seem to have a lot of plotlines that continue once some amount of time has passed, and while keeping temporal continuity doesn’t really matter all that much, since we can keep it, why don’t we? @TheFrugalWizard, @Stormlightsong, @TheRavenHasLanded

Phemus stood there, stunned. Did the radiant just bribe him in broad daylight? However, the offer sounded pretty tempting…maybe he would take the fool up on his offer, but with some more time, and behind closed doors… —————————————————— Perses, The Corridor In Perses’ opinion, that was quite the successful hit. He got what he wanted, and managed to test out his new tool. Venser really lived up to his reputation, and he couldn’t help but be impressed by his handiwork. With that done, It’s time to go home. Tomorrow, however, there was one last item to acquire. @Stormlightsong

"What, about my name? I'm pretty sure it's Perses. And yes, I will be going now". Without a glance to Sonyr, Perses left through the back door, dropped a coin, and steelpushed away. Phemus paused at this. "You? Join the Smokestack constabulary? You could have just applied, you know." All this fuss, for that? Well, weirder things have happened. "Though you'd need to do some more convincing if you want me to put you in charge of some forces. We have rules for that sort of thing. Breaking them will not look good for me." With his position already under fire, appointing a radiant that nobody has heard of in a position of power would just give his critics more ammunition. But, he was willing to hear this guy out. For the fun of it.

Hold on...Perseus? "It's Perses," he corrected. "And no, I have no need to kill you. Unless you give me reason to."

Perses pulled a nearby suitcase to trip Sonyr. It wasn't meant to hurt, just to let him get out of here. Maybe he should have killed him, but for some reason, he didn't. Maybe it was because Perses related to him, in a way. Trying to get away from crime was a noble goal, and one that he had failed to do miserably. And plus, having someone be able to report the scene in detail could add to his reputation. However, as he pulled on the suitcase, he spotted a miniscule lifeform. It had a much larger life signature than any rat that he had encountered, but it definitely was different. As soon as he noticed it, it vanished. What was that? @Stormlightsong

Phemus, Smokestack, Survivor Hall Phemus, the chief constable of Smokestack, approached the interloper. Was he supposed to be scared by some haughty radiant? He was being escorted by his finest guards, each armed with aluminum bullets. Yeah, he felt safe. "Whaddya doing here, radiant? I don't usually respond to being 'fetched'." The nerve of nobility sometimes. "And besides," he added, "Smokestack isn't the place for Rosharans. Go ova' to the Corridor. They got more of your kind." Being chief constable while not being a metalborn is tough enough already. Nobody really liked him because of it. But he was next in line when old Lester died, so they were stuck with him. He earned this spot. He wasn't about to be judged by some high and mighty Rosharan. @TheFrugalWizard ---------------------------------------------------------------- Perses, The Corridor, Dancing with Death Diner "I...have no idea what you're talking about. I didn't burn down your library, and I am pretty sure that we never worked together." Perses sobered up a little. Had he done those things? His memory past the manor was...unreliable. To think that he couldn't trust his own thoughts was discomforting. Especially recently... "...Anyway. I have places to be, and the constabulary will be here any moment now. I certainly wouldn't mind a fight, but I'd rather just get out of here. I suggest you do the same, unless you want to be the only man standing here when they arrive." @TheRavenHasLanded

A few recommendations: where is your character currently? That should probably be in the post, in the standard character, area of the city, specific building/street format. Given the size and diversity of the city, I’d recommend going to perhaps the smokestack district police rather than the city police, as they will generally be more directly involved with the going ons of the mistwarrens (which as technically not a district will likely not have a proper police force), if that’s what you’re going for.

A tangentially related question that is very related to the root of this whole question: What if, say, a blind guy were to awaken something? What would count as “visualization” there?

I can certainly do that! You want it to fit into the lazy cop sitting back and eating donuts kind of thing?

Hey @TheFrugalWizard: what is your character doing right now?Me and Sonyr are currently at the Dancing with Death Diner in the Corridor, and are bickering about Sonyr’s secret library in the Mistwarrens that was burned a couple of days ago by Corbeau, but where the fire was pinned on Perses. For context, I recommend you read my plot summary, as well as take a gander at the post formatting in the Alleyverse guide, as there’s a few formatting errors in your post. If you really want to get into the weeds of the library burning, it can be found starting on page 4 of Era 7 episode 2. There’s also a brief description of the secret library under specific locations in the guide.

Perses paused, taking a moment for his adrenaline to die down. Storing pain, the wound in his shoulder was barely felt. However, he would need to treat it sooner or later. ”A…Library? Why would I go after that?” Perses said, with mild confusion. ”I’m trying to control a district here, not spend time burning down libraries. I mean, look.” Perses grabbed a hold of one of the fresh corpses and felt for a mark. Rolling up the sleeve, he showed the brand to the man. Sonyr, was it? “This is the mark of the Tin Street Mafia. They owned this establishment, along with a variety of other places in the Mistwarrens. Given the lack of actual care the rest of this city has for this area, they’re the only real force of power in the warrens.” ”Now why then,” Perses stated, “would I ever feel the need to burn down a library?”

Colors, we really need Nightblood to come out, huh?

For this question, I am asking not of the utility of an object, just the simple amount of force an awakened object can exert. Does it depend on the awakener? The object awakened? For example, if the basic command “hold when thrown” is used on a shirt, and said shirt lands on someone’s face, how much would they have to exert themselves to stop themselves from suffocating? Is it a set strength? This seems to be a simple question, yet I can’t seem to find the answer to it anywhere.