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Doomykins
Jun 28, 2008

Didn't you mean to ask about flowers?


Of Twilight And Distant Dreams
Aboard the Sominaia
One Month After Awakening
Original Departure: November, 3526 GC
Post-Jump Date Of Awakening: January 20th, 3598 GC
Current Date: February 21st, 3598 GC


Cast

Reyla Ariness (Necromancer/Defender) by Tricky
Bella (Magician/Controller) by zachol
SEBASTIAN XII (Summoner/Leader) by Plutonis
Yvonnel Orlyund (Duelist/Leader) by Dr Pepper
Dralvas Ammetu (Martial Artist/Striker) by Sathzur
Cpt. Penelope Kentuckyan-Krodven (Shapeshifter/Blaster) by Ronwayne
Verilasa "Veri" Qvalitris (Summoner/Controller) by Look Around You
Narinth dal Krodven (Archer/Striker) by Sockerbagarn
Drazyn Elph-Ariness(Buddies/Defender) by paradoxGentleman

OOC Thread

---


Music (One Punch Man: Comical Dance)

The sectors of Sominaia are very large. Large enough to support artificial ecosystems and to make larger living spaces for those groups important enough to reserve them. Ariness just barely qualifies for a medium-sized forest, decorated in the style and stocked with imported life from the homeworld of Vular itself. As Ariness puts great importance on mental and spiritual peace of mind the surroundings reflect that and it is said to be one of the more tranquil places to live on the ship.

Yvonnel: You have arrived ahead of the others to speak with the venerable Head of Staff and Master at Arms of House Ariness at her request. You get the feeling Sir Byrris Diluae, Faertala's counterpart in rank, has sent you because his time is more valuable than yours and because the Ariness Head is a very, very known personality. To her credit she has kept you entertained in polite conversation and well-spiced tea. It smells of the cinnamon Gulgos kitchens are fond of.

: "I expect my soldiers to be here shortly and the young miss herself." The rail thin woman in neat uniform isn't practiced at smiling but dutifully makes due, refilling your cup. "This is fresh from planetfall, thoroughly vetted!"

SEBASTIAN, Penelope, Veri, Dralvas, Bella: You've been ordered curtly via e-mail to a meeting at the Head's Office promptly at 8 AM, no doubt for a job from your superior in House Ariness.

Reyla, Narinth: You've been courteously invited to the same for business concerning Mistress Reyla's potential nomination for the Ascension Ritual.

---

When you arrive...

: "WELL WELL!" The formidable Mei'dai Zhen sets her tea cup down, immediately bolting to her feet to face the first unlucky soul! "Punctuality is everything in battle! A mistiming can forfeit everything! I expect better of you but due to the matter at hand I will forgive you!" She turns and bows her head in a light apology to Yvonnel. "Nonetheless, I am pleased you've arrived! The time to draw plans for our campaign is now." She reaches down and takes her cup, draining it to the last. As she sets it back down for the last time a loud *whurf* echoes in the spacious office.

: The Head's bull-sized dog closes the distance for inquisitive sniffing of new guests. His name is Jun-Jun and he's as friendly as a lamb.

Mei'dai Zhen art
Jun-Jun art

Colonel Mei'dai Zhen is a hardline Vular loyalist who never quite made it to General in the Imperium, eventually accepting her current position and a transfer to new worlds for reasons known but best left unsaid to be polite. All the same she enjoys a rich history of battles won, soldiers led and enemy secrets ripped from "traitors", in her own boasting. Despite a petite frame and a reputation for frequent illness her lifelong companionship with a line of noble purebred worgs and immaculate marksmanship make up for it.

Doomykins fucked around with this message at 18:01 on Jan 9, 2022

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Ronwayne
Nov 20, 2007

That warm and fuzzy feeling.
Cpt. Penelope Kentuckyan-Krodven

sheet

Penelope had set her alarm to go off at 0745, and then hit the 10 minute snooze, giving her plenty of time to arrive. Her hair would look more appropriate spilling out of a witch's hat than the Krovden peakcap she's wearing. Penelope instantly brightens up at seeing the worg and walks right over and puts out her hand for him to sniff. "Oh who's a good boy? You are!" Scritches behind the ears are attempted as she suddenly remembers Zhen is in the same room.

"Oh right, so what's the plan?"

Ronwayne fucked around with this message at 17:49 on Aug 11, 2021

zachol
Feb 13, 2009

Once per turn, you can Tribute 1 WATER monster you control (except this card) to Special Summon 1 WATER monster from your hand. The monster Special Summoned by this effect is destroyed if "Raging Eria" is removed from your side of the field.
Deputy Therapist Bella



Before Zhen can start chewing her out, a horrible mind flayer strides into the room, wearing a well-kept suit and mask. It speaks through a humming vocoder, oddly complex and expressive, the sort of thing that usually requires careful control and help from a program to coordinate.
"Ah, sorry! It's not an excuse, but I was distracted by a potential altercation on the way. It was settled amicably. Greetings! My name is a psychic impression generally transcribed as Three Glass Bells, formally in text simply as SoEDT Bells. If you are comfortable with it and feel it is appropriate, you may call me Bella."

The mask's look is reminiscent of a cuttlefish more than anything else, a set of smaller tentacles kept still, encased in some kind of metal. The rest of the suit is somewhat worn, a weathered pattern from actual long-term use combined with straightforward care and maintenance. It's... nice enough.
The thing itself is stilly clearly a mind flayer, though, the ostentatious and apparently obligatory cowl kept as some bizarre cultural marker from ten thousand years ago, and the mask makes no effort to hide what it is. It's a... 'complex' choice, replacing slimy bulbousness and writhing tentacles with a still offputting and staid mask.

"As an acknowledgement that most people do not prefer to engage in telepathy for long conversations, and to avoid confusion and disagreements over precise wording, we generally speak through mechanical means, with the addition of nonessential psychic impressions to add flavor, expression, and clarification to our speech. However, before doing so I'd like to ask for explicit acknowledgement and consent before proceeding, Colonel Mei'dai, Scion Orlyund, and... Captain? Captain Krodven, individually on whether you feel comfortable with full telepathic communication on occasion, only psychic impressions as an aid to speech, or if you would prefer none at all."

There's a pause, then its mask shifts a little bit down.
"Oh! A worg, correct? Greetings. May I engage him in telepathic communication?"

Doomykins
Jun 28, 2008

Didn't you mean to ask about flowers?
: With an indulgent smile Mei waves a scolding finger at Bella. "I wouldn't. War-Dog training teaches to obliterate sources of unexpected mental intrusion! And you will address me with your mandibles going forward." Then to Penelope. "Oh, I've carefully drafted each and every one of you for a fool-proof offense!"

: Jun-Jun buries his snout in Penelope's side to make ear scritches easy access.

zachol
Feb 13, 2009

Once per turn, you can Tribute 1 WATER monster you control (except this card) to Special Summon 1 WATER monster from your hand. The monster Special Summoned by this effect is destroyed if "Raging Eria" is removed from your side of the field.
: "Unfortunate! I have had enjoyable interactions with more common types of animals, but a worg would be a novel conversation partner."

There's a pause, and a vague sense it's about to move on to discussing the 'mission,' before it simply moves to the side, in view of the door, folding its hands and settling in to wait.

Sathzur
Nov 19, 2009
Dralvas Ammetu
Dralvas had awoken at 0715 to begin the necessary preparations for the day ahead and particularly the meeting they had been called to. Taking the time to arrange their clothes to not infringe on easy movement Dralvas noting that it is fast approaching the time of departure to the meeting and quickly exits their assigned room to where they were called to.

Entering the room that Yvonnel and Mei'dai are in, Dralvas bends down to get through the door without banging their head on the frame and making a bad impression on those who had called them there. Upon seeing the lieutenant Dralvas snaps a salute and their seemingly smooth lower face splits as their mandibles move as they say, "Scout Dralvas of Clan Ammetu reporting as requested, Colonel Zhen"

Seeing the worg approaching them Dralvas shifts away slightly as their carapace subconsciously shifts to cover their joints, as the beast reminded them far too much of one of the larger predators on Imutash for their liking. Dralvas's stiff posture allows Jun-Jun to sniff them before their attention is pulled away by Penelope's offer of ear scritches.

Dr Pepper
Feb 4, 2012

Don't like it? well...



"It is lovely." Yvonnel said as she sipped the tea. To be honest she preferred coffee. But tea was simply the drink when meeting a fellow noble for business. Or at least for morning meetings. Any noble who did not either pick up alcohol tolerance or learning how to nurse a single glass an entire night would soon regret it.

Polite words were had, and Yvonnel waited for the actual reason she had been sent over here.

When the remaining individuals walked in, she felt some small amusement at the change in demeanor General Zhen exhibited. She suspected it was closer to the woman's true personality.

Then there was the Illithid. Well that was interesting! She hadn't had much interaction with psionic individuals. She wondered what psychic communication was like, perhaps later she could ask to speak to him in such a manner. She finished off her tea, smiling politely at the gathered group.

Please oh please let this be more than just a little errand. She thought.

Plutonis
Mar 25, 2011

SEBASTIAN XII



Service of course never ends, at least for reliable old SEBASTIAN. Unlike the others, he never entered sleep mode, instead doing his job as leader of the servants of House Ariness and helping with maintaining their sector in order, but by the time the first alarm sent to them was up, and he would already have gone to prepare the Young Lady's breakfast... As long as the supper for the other organics that were to serve on the mission. How dreadful that several of them were not even actual members of the house! Alas if those outsiders were necessary for the star of Ariness to rise on the Imperium, then so be it.

He would arrive at the meeting room at the exact moment, or in fact, two seconds earlier, a punctuality only possible for his mechanical clock attuned inside of him. Carrying a tray of delicious and exotic pastries and a cup of coffee made from beans harvested and ground by himself on the ship's forests, he stood waiting next to the others, holding it high enough to keep any canine from putting its stinky paws into the confections. A metallic voice, with a very pompous accent, would ring from the faceless helmet that was his head.

"SEBASTIAN XII, Head Butler of the Ancient House of Ariness."

Sockerbagarn
Sep 8, 2007

All makt åt Tengil, vår befriare.

Narinth dal Krodven

Narinth has been awake for several hours already, having completed her regular morning exercise routine with a greater deal of effort than usual. She had not taken well to the 71 years of suspended animation, and her body had yet to fully recover from it. It is unlikely that anyone who didn't already know her very well would be aware of that, however, as all one could tell from looking at her is that she is of singular physical fitness.

Before making her way to the Head's Office she has made herself presentable by donning one of her suits of armor more appropriate for official occasions, with a dagger hanging from her waist as the only weapon she's currently (visibly) carrying, and has braided part of her long white hair to rest in front of her right shoulder, all according to tradition.



After entering the office she stares at each of the room's occupants in turn with all the warmth of a blizzard as she extends a hand down to Jun-Jun, briefly petting the dog on the head. She then takes up position near the door, waiting for Reyla to arrive.

Tricky
Jun 12, 2007

after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage


Reyla Ariness
2 Power Tokens



If asked, Reyla would never admit to being late. Always a ploy for power before entering a situation, of course, to make others wait upon you. This case would lean a bit more towards legitimately being late. There was a fascinating paper making the rounds about a new technique in necromantic servitor creation and, well, the theories it inspired required immediate testing. Besides, always better to be slightly ahead of or behind schedule. You never could tell when someone would arrange an accident. Some sort of panel overload, a door with a faulty sensor system...

Entering the room, Reyla gives a slight nod of acknowledgment to those assembled. They're friends, of sorts, or at least the closest she can really afford. Useful, certainly, and trustworthy. Who could ask for more?

The temptation to cut straight to business arises, but there's time enough yet. Better to plan once and plan well, than to have more than one interpretation of what's to come.

Doomykins
Jun 28, 2008

Didn't you mean to ask about flowers?
: Brightening at the latest arrivals Mei smiles sincerely for the first time, skipping the scoldings for those who are actually late. "Mistress Krodven, always a pleasure. There are too few true heroes aboard this vessel. And Mistress Ariness, the time is upon us to secure your well-deserved accolades." Leaving the little serving table she and Yvonnel were at the Head strides over to her overly large wooden slab of a desk, pulling out a half-empty bottle of Old Ironhide's and a tumbler glass. She's already a full sip of hard liquor in as precision two-finger strikes a power button, bringing a holographic desktop representation with the original operating system preset programs, a naked PASSWORDS.txt and a TODAYSMEETING.lsx. "NOTHING WILL STOP US!" Clicking furiously Mei begins her slideshow presentation, immediately suppressing a half-shriek of irritation as a pop-up AI appears beside the desk.

: "Madam Colonel, you have an urgent message pending from Evelyn Faertala." The dedicated AI and server avatar of House Ariness is Arin, a very polite young man. He is present in all of your PDAs and possesses the full sum of general knowledge held by House Ariness as well as practical numbers such as staff information, general supplies and official communication channels. He can answer many questions about basics(that you, IRL, would want to ask, such as "who is <public figure>?")

Arin Art

: "And NOTHING is more urgent than this!" Mei shoos Arin away, who vanishes in a dignified silence. Her manic grin growing by the second Mei begins briefing your group.

---


Music (Final Fantasy 8: SeeD)

: "Mistress Reyla is the 3rd child of House Ariness. I have received confirmation from House Tulen itself that your physical exam has passed the minimum needed for consideration!" Mei faces Reyla, positively thrilled in expression. "What remains is as follows, a multi-part offense guaranteed to secure your inevitable nomination! We will leave nothing to chance!!!"

Mei gestures to Bella with a whiplash finger point! "Deputy! You will escort the Young Mistress to the rest of your enclave for a screening!" She demurs slightly and smiles at Reyla. "This is the second part of the process, Mistress. No candidate shall be considered if the shadow of madness and compulsion looms in them.."

Whipping around again Mei leans over the table, fingers clenching before her. "Captain, you are in charge of transport! You are charged with a special delivery today: we have purchased a great steer from House Gulgos! It is no small thing to prepare a side of beast, so you will not dawdle!"

Depending on how late Veri ends up being, Mei practically explodes at her. "MECHANIC! NO WHIM OF FATE WILL SLOW THESE TASKS! Understood?!"

Setting a palm on the table and somehow relaxing, Mei nurses another sip from her tumbler and coolly addresses the others. "Scout Master, Clan Ammetu is a dignified and independent political player. A vote of confidence from your leaders is another brick in our invincible wall." Setting the tumbler down, Mei business-smiles at Narinth and Yvonnel. "Likewise support from Major Houses will ease Ariness' becoming one of their equals. I leave the particulars to your fine judgement!"

Forgetting no one, Mei lets silence follow her for a moment as she confidently crosses over to SEBASTIAN, taking a danish. She offers him a brick of hand-written letters in return. "Oussghym, priority delivery, spare no expense."

Returning to her desk Mei clicks through the slides, summarizing and offering responses to any questions anyone may have.

---



: Mei perks up as an unexplained slide comes up. Looks like a handsome young Drow, though his skin is an off-shade, his features are a touch more rounded, and the horns stick out too. "My coup de grace..." She looks over the whole room and raises a finger skywards. "You will invite Adil Ebra-Krodven to our upcoming banquet. Failure is not an option and it will not be a possibility with the support of that branch of their family. If you are rude to the Ebra-Krodvens you will answer to me!!!" Mei exhales from the exertion and sighs, running her free hand over her hair to set some strands back in place.

(It doesn't actually matter who goes where and with who, though there are a few particulars that must be done: Reyla has to go to the Illithid Enclave briefly sometime today, the transport must be used for the steer.)

Doomykins fucked around with this message at 19:23 on Aug 8, 2021

Tricky
Jun 12, 2007

after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage


Reyla Ariness


Reyla listens to Mei's briefing, half-expecting a reason to object, but finds none. Unpredictable energy levels and lax digital security aside, the Master-at-Arms was quite capable and shockingly good at intrigue. Perhaps her personality was an affected means to cause underestimation... no, she decides, nobody could put up such a facade for years on end without the slightest crack. It was entirely legitimate, for better and worse.

Looking around the room, she finally speaks up, "It seems that there's no shortage of tasks to accomplish, but I have faith that you are all equal to the challenge." Her gaze shifts to Bella, "I'd prefer to see the screening complete sooner than not, Bella. Once we're done ensuring there are no procedural objections, we can then join the others in ensuring support in the houses... and satisfactory attendance at the banquet."

If need be, of course, she'll go alone... but Bella's presence would give her a certain degree of confidence. After all, it's quite a lot of trust to extend to let someone see past a stony exterior. Particularly when that involves psychic intrusions.

zachol
Feb 13, 2009

Once per turn, you can Tribute 1 WATER monster you control (except this card) to Special Summon 1 WATER monster from your hand. The monster Special Summoned by this effect is destroyed if "Raging Eria" is removed from your side of the field.
Deputy Therapist Bella

As others file in, when there's a slight lull, the mind flayer introduces itself again, requesting permission for psychic communication with those it hasn't yet met.
At some point it looks over at the robot butler, who was already always there, but is unsure how to approach or address him, and instead simply nods.

Then, the assignment from Zhen regarding Reyla...

: "Hello, Scion Ariness! It is very good to see you again."
Bella seems much more cheerful, the way you can hear a smile in someone's voice. Faint iridescence flickers across her suit, the ringing tone of a bell never struck echoing along with her words, overtones granting melodious depth to the vocoder. The entire display is reminiscent of some kind of bird, or perhaps those very flashy octopi.

"We should hurry on. I don't believe you've met Chief Pepper," mild pepper, freshly ground, bitter and spicy yet pleasantly so, "but I'm sure you'll enjoy it. She has a great deal more experience actually providing therapy in relaxed settings. I've spent most of my time as a ranging deputy, with emergency and transient interventions, but she's worked with many patients over extended periods and has much more practice with deep scans, especially in terms of performing them in a gentle manner."
Bella walks on, briskly, directly for the enclave, although sometimes her head turns briefly and slightly as they pass someone, as if she's overhearing snatches of conversation.

"Now, the screening has two aspects," a cozy fireside chat with an old friend, "first is the influence screening. You're not under any obvious compulsions right now, but there may be deeper contingencies programmed in, perhaps by an agent of some branch or a scheming tutor. Second will be a check for any debilitating obsessions. It's very cursory, we have very high standards for ourselves regarding pride," loathsome dread, "but politics does allow for all sorts of ambitions and quirks. The results are kept confidential, and even if we do flag anything it will be discussed only with the highest echelons of your family, regarding whether it was already expected or acceptable.
"My impression is that we may be working together more in the future. Hopefully the screening will assure you that any doubts or difficulties you have can be freely expressed without worry of relaying them to others, that anything potentially questionable will have already been noted and dismissed," checkboxes ticked, notifications flicked away. "I understand that such openness is highly discouraged in practice amongst the houses, but I would like to leave the door open regardless.
"I can assure you that absolutely no confidential information will be shared except in the most extreme circumstances, and we should first discuss who within your house you'd be comfortable having as an emergency contact. Although it's fairly anathema to our own ways of functioning," horrid pride, "we appreciate the nature of 'competition' that others engage in, and the possibility of unwanted requests for reports and the like. We take our neutrality extremely seriously."

She turns her helmet slightly to Reyla, and there's the impression of a grin and a wink.
"Of course, words are easy to give. I look forward to the opportunity of gaining your trust, and I know it will be an active and ongoing effort on my part."

Plutonis
Mar 25, 2011

SEBASTIAN XII



The Young Lady arrived late, something that distressed SEBASTIAN a bit... As a future scion of the house, she would have to be admonished into being a bit more punctual. Still, the robot butler would approach Reyla, and giving a polite bow, would present her the breakfast tray for her partake before she were to leave for the screening, after all, such exams demand one to be fully fed and well rested after all.

Still, he would raise a metaphorical eyebrow to when Mei snatched one of the pastries and gave him the list of orders. How very preposterous! SEBASTIAN prided himself as head servant of the house and as only taking orders from Ariness members themselves, so being treated like that, even if by a high Vular official, was downright insulting for the old robot. Alas, he was on their ship, and it was their rules, and thus for the good of the house he would comply.

"If I may, Colonel. I believe that my talents would be better employed at either serving the Young Lady or managing the banquet myself. I have tended, prepared and hosted a number of three thousand, eight hundred and fifty seven of them during my career, all of them reaching the utmost satisfaction of my guests, and the maids I have brought with me to the ship will likely to be well prepared for the task as well. As long as our companions refrain from insulting such illustrious guests and I am allowed to prepare a lavish feast, there is a ninety nine point six percent chance that they will support House Ariness' political ambitions."

Doomykins
Jun 28, 2008

Didn't you mean to ask about flowers?
: "I do not care how you accomplish my orders as long as you accomplish them." With a final thump she presses the letters into Sebastian's chest. Perhaps a maid will have to save them if his hands are full.. "I would not trust any fools with this, and I am pulling in every favor I can! Furthermore, there is no banquet without the main course! THUS! You WILL see to these letters as well as procuring the beast!"

(Bella's walk and talk is good but we'll hold that for just a moment as the group decides who is going where first. Reyla and Bella to the Enclave so far.)

Ronwayne
Nov 20, 2007

That warm and fuzzy feeling.
Cpt. Penelope


Penelope nods to Bella: "LET'S DO THIS, faster than wasting time speaking, especially in situations where everyone's just screaming anyways." The general feeling of engaging with her brain is like one of those fizzy drinks ready to explode in foamy filth everywhere when opened.

"And alright Colonel, let's go see a man about a steer. I trust your expertise in all things revolving around balls being cut off."

Sathzur
Nov 19, 2009
Dralvas Ammetu

Turning to Bella when the illithid asks them for permission to engage in telepathic communication in the future Dralvas says, "I would prefer telepathy limited to occasions where verbal speech is a detriment to our mission"

"I will do my utmost to secure their vote for you, colonel" Dralvas says bowing slightly in acknowledgement of the request made of them by the colonel before glancing around the room and saying "any of you who is not helping to secure the steer are free to join me on my errand"

Sockerbagarn
Sep 8, 2007

All makt åt Tengil, vår befriare.
Narinth dal Krodven


"Go ahead. I do not mind," Narinth says to Bella as she gives her a look that makes her intentions clear: Communicate as you wish if it helps you make yourself understood, but do not tempt fate by abusing the allowance you've been given. Narinth may not be a telepath, but she was usually able to make herself understood using non-verbal means anyway.

---

As Narinth listens to Mei'dan's briefing, she can't help but wonder if the woman had commanded her forces in the field in the same animated manner as was currently on display, and if so, how she had managed to avoid getting taken out by an enemy sniper during her long career. A mix between luck and being a small target, she concludes.

"I will pay my House a visit," says Narinth as Mei finishes speaking. She turns her gaze to the AI standing by the desk. "Arin, who of House Krodven ended up embarking on the Sominaia? Give me a brief overview of who I can expect to encounter."

Ronwayne
Nov 20, 2007

That warm and fuzzy feeling.
Cpt. Penelope


Penelope heads off with whoever tags along to go pick up dinner. With this many people on board and this much equipment, well, things moved around a lot when people needed things, and not always in the way command preferred. This would only get more intense when they made planetfall and the oodles of gear needed to get a colony up and running. It was time to visit assorted logistics crews and armorers and see if they needed help moving things around.


Either Scum and Villainy or "Salvaging" skill for contacting/creating grey/black markets, while I've got a vehicle, time to kill, and lots of busy people to hide around.

ed: Got a 5

Ronwayne fucked around with this message at 23:20 on Aug 9, 2021

Plutonis
Mar 25, 2011

SEBASTIAN XII



"Oh yes, the organic taste for meat. Very well, I will be sure to assist with the capture, slaughtering and cooking of such a creature, although..." SEBASTIAN glanced down at Jun-Jun, his faceless expression nevertheless shining threatingly. "I do believe we might have a backup option were we to fail the hunt."

Doomykins
Jun 28, 2008

Didn't you mean to ask about flowers?
: Jun-Jun delivers a tactical full length lick to SEBASTIAN's face before trotting off to rest beside Mei's desk.

Yvonnel, Veri: (Feel free to join any of the scenes/groups below or your own path/idea, from Mei's suggestions to whatever you feel like doing.)

---

Narinth:

: Arin's face projects from the desk-top, hovering at the same height as before when his entire body was present. "A conservative estimate is that a quarter of the family tree volunteered to travel on the Sominaia. The patriarch and elder of the House is Ristel Krodven, a retired admiral of her Archmagister's Stellar Navy. There are 17 noteworthy members of his extended family. Related to your mission is Omamyn Krodven, the father of Adil Ebra-Krodven, a decorated interceptor pilot and failed Vular Council candidate. There are three eligible male bachelors, including Malag, Elenred and Farsyn. Records indicate Cheryl-Blossom Katnyss-Krodven and Penelope Kentuckyan-Krodven also qualify for your request."

Losing literal imagery focus briefly, Arin finishes compiling something and text messages it to Narinth's PDA. It lists that Ristel is occupied with supervising training drills today. It lists a few random Krodvens at the drills as well and that Omamyn and Adil are not present at the military staging grounds. Thus you have a list of who is on duty and who has the day off, as well as where your worst fan is for the day.

---

Penelope, SEBASTIAN, Veri: (Assuming Veri tags along to be the mechanic for the truck pending a post from LAY.) You head for the main manor garage and find your assigned vehicle, the attendant signing off and passing Penelope the keys to an over-large flying truck with four hover-pods where wheels would otherwise be. It has a massive flatbed in the back without any walls or rails, instead a set of latches for tying down pallets of heavy goods. The cabin is big enough to comfortably seat four.

Penelope gets a pure Success! for Scum & Villainy to look into highly suspicious parts of the Ariness district or the neutral living spaces between that'd have anything... interesting. It's easier than she thinks. Sominaia is the product of a militaristic culture, a wholly contained space under the eye of a vigilant AI and there's at least five small armies aboard.. but there's tens of thousands of living creatures and it only takes one to chafe against rules. This typically occurs in Undercells, or the space beneath the firmly regimented and watched official spaces. The Sominaia is super-massive: hiding in the maintenance paneling under a city block is enough to get a few unlicensed businesses going and a ship-wide black market. Although drugs and exciting new pornography are always profitable the latest and greatest sinful sensation is bypassing the often restrictive food ration ticket system to get more to eat, especially if it comes from off-ship. Forward Scouts have shameful needs too...

So it is that Penelope pulls the truck over beside a dull-looking concrete-themed business park where rowdy gangs of pupbold children play at hunting passer-bys, circling and needling them for treats or money. They marvel at the car and immediately begin bounding along the flatbed. The stairs leading to a drainage ditch lead further on to the sounds of heavy fans that keep smoke from escaping an illegal meat room, a half dozen large mounds of wrapped and basted barbeque'd something kept rotating as the stick they're grafted to heats them. A few haphazard tables host burly hyena men eating their fill, though one doesn't eat and nods to Penelope as she comes in, thumbing the weapon handle resting atop his thigh.

: The big man tending to the meats bows his head and flattens his ears. "Mornin' miss. What do you fancy?"

Source Art

---

Reyla, Bella: A chance for you two to walk and talk as you head the short distance to the Enclave building, an overly generic and pleasant looking clinic. Bella briefs Reyla on the standards of the Enclave and the expected deep scan on the way.

There is a crowd gathered before the entrance to the one-room lobby where a nervous-looking Human receptionist is waffling back and forth on what to do with a communicator held skywards in their palm. The cause of her anxiety is the crowd and it's made of two dozen short, stout-looking grey-skins(and beards) holding hand-made signs. NO SECRETS NO PEACE, and WHAT REMAINS IN THE SHADOWS?? and a caricature of a sinister looming mind-flayer, tentacles spread, over an unsuspecting outline of a head around a brain. YOU NEVER FORGET A CRAVING. At the center of it all standing atop an overturned heavy plastics parcel box is a agitated old Derro, his slouched shoulders at the mercy of his prominent little potbelly. His fine clothes can't hide it.



: "Derro, Humans, Drow! Hear me! My name is Adjkara, Adjkara Voidvein, and for too long have we tolerated the legacy of the worst mad science! We have come to peace with the dangers of The Ascension, tempered by the truly devout and the wisdom of our Archimagister, yet still we push against the boundaries of sanity, against traditional reasoning! The abomination ILLITHID were cast out of our beloved underground a generation ago! Now we endure the last of them in our sainted ark!? We ferry them to a promised land, to begin their schemes anew!? WE DEMAND JUSTICE! JUSTICE AGAINST.. THAT!" Adkjara thrusts his hand forward dramatically, as though he knew Bella would arrive all along(or any working Deputy) and the crowd gasps to witness Bella and her.. hygienic, well-kept demeanor. Several concerned mumblings pass through the crowd and judgemental gazes rise, though just as many turn away on recognizing Reyla.

---

Dralvas: The easiest way back to the clan-home aboard the ship is the inter-district railway. En route to the station you can feel fortune favor you as you're just in time for a wave of fresh passengers arriving, ensuring a quick departure as you can visibly see the train cars be pulled off the rail and into a routine maintenance cycle. One check and a realignment with the track and boarding will begin.

You can hear a persistent set of clicks, clacks and the particular brand of clicking and clacking that a mammal would produce in the side of their mouth. Before the source can be zero'd in on a grey hand rises in front of your own face, snapping insistently. It belongs to an average-sized young Drow woman, though all average-sized humanoids are small to you.



She's carrying a visibly humming staff, undoubtedly magically charged, and has her make-up, tattoos and fashion choices made at random with a bend towards the natural. Some people like to indulge the fantasy that their outfits were handmade from living creatures, still... though several also do it the old fashioned way. Synthread isn't for everyone. The woman clears her throat deliberately and peers up at you, grinning like she's found a new dog to kick.

: "You there, plant man! You've got the emblem and blank eyes of an Ariness tagalong, haven't you? Do you really think I'll be stopped by being ignored?"

Doomykins fucked around with this message at 04:02 on Jan 9, 2022

Ronwayne
Nov 20, 2007

That warm and fuzzy feeling.
Cpt. Penelope


"Hey there big guy!" Penelope makes sure she's not giving off any narc-signs. "First of all, I got rat tickets for jet fuel if you've got a smoked side of something that uh, didn't come from anything sapient. Second, I'm about to see some friends over Gulgos-way, would you be buying as well as selling, if I came across something hooved and fat?"

zachol
Feb 13, 2009

Once per turn, you can Tribute 1 WATER monster you control (except this card) to Special Summon 1 WATER monster from your hand. The monster Special Summoned by this effect is destroyed if "Raging Eria" is removed from your side of the field.
Deputy Therapist Bella

: "Greetings, Master Voidvein! How are the apelings faring? It seems we might be growing closer to large scale planetary expeditions."
The mind flayer's vocoder has an air of cheeriness and enthusiasm, but it is always extremely careful to never emit any sort of psychic projections, certainly not at the derro, but also not towards any bystanders she hasn't already gotten consent from.

It walks forward, calmly and confidently, as if addressing a friendly neighbor, either not understanding or not caring about the context of the public spectacle. Then again, it does seem to understand somewhat what is going on, in that it does not simply answer the derro's questions or demands as if they were actual honest questions directed at it.




To Reyla (and the presumably relieved receptionist, and one or two acquaintances in the crowd who have actually met her before), Bella's good cheer doesn't flicker, and her iridescence only slowly flows over her suit.
Then again, Reyla might have noticed a brief flicker of yellow near her temples and cowl at the moment where they were nearing the enclave, at the moment she recognized the derro in question.


Bella uses Conflict Resolution, Success with a 4.
Angry derro man will look somewhat foolish if he keeps screaming, but the situation is still hot and the crowd hasn't dispersed.

zachol fucked around with this message at 01:57 on Aug 10, 2021

Plutonis
Mar 25, 2011

SEBASTIAN XII



Having to join the two organic lowborns, SEBASTIAN would accept this fate with resignation. Hopefully they are to prove at least competent enough to not be a burden upon him! Alas, the sheer state of the Sominaia is far more shameful than he would believe... Even as base and brutish as the lower class are, to think they would degenerate such in only seventy years... The planet below itself might be a less wild and uncivilized place, horror of horrors! Leaving Penelope to deal with the gutter trash, instead he would do his own examination on the truck and whether it would be able to survive the trip... [Using my Gear Lenses to help with that!]

Doomykins
Jun 28, 2008

Didn't you mean to ask about flowers?
SEBASTIAN, Veri: (Automatic Success): The truck is a perfectly cromulent vehicle for its purpose. It is used but in good condition with no visible damage or even dings, though there are some very subtle marks from where dents were popped/buffered out, and everything is functioning well. It seems to be such a reliable old vehicle that Veri's presence as your mechanic feels like redundancy on Mei's part.

As you finish your inspection the swarm of little dog-kids remains around you in a two-foot wide circle, watching you with clear astonishment on their faces and whispering about "Mr Shiny" and "glowy eyes."

Penelope: With a small measure of pride the big man uses a clean carving knife to get you a big, delicious slice of some glazed barbeque.

: "Don't worry, miss. This is from some surface-side grass eater. Real tender, supposed to be a small'un." True to his word the meat is melts-in-your-mouth delicious. He accepts your tickets with a knowing upturn of the corners of his mouth and his ears. "Right generous exchange on your end." He boxes up a take-out portion in the same packaging the official rations come in and sets it beside your plate. He leans forward and kneads his knuckles on the counter. "Now.. not that I'm agreeing to what you're saying, but if you and your truck happened to send something fresh my way, I could see to another.. e-kwiv-a-lent exchange. We got some extra chips(credits), more prepped meat if ya fancy it.. and y'know, Howler there crafts his own throwing hatchets." He leans back and withdraws his arms, folding them.

---

Bella, Reyla: The old man's pony-tail practically slackens down to his shoulders as he deflates.

: "Ahhh-ohhhh..." Adjkara squints his eyes, clearly recognizing you. "Master Ariness.. and Deputy Bella.. harumph.. truth be told, if any could assuage our well-founded fears it would be the tone of three bells sounding." He grumbles and clings to his own sign defiantly. The crowd softens without their firebrand stoking the flames. "This is.. a government-approved protest, you know. Would that your enclave might adopt the planet's arctic cap.. or go deep beneath the ocean.. and never darken our doors again. The Derro will hollow out an entire mountain and forge a perfect fortress.."

It's still a bit tense but you could move on. Voidvein's particular brand of meddling is already bi-weekly and it is legal.

Doomykins fucked around with this message at 18:35 on Aug 10, 2021

Sockerbagarn
Sep 8, 2007

All makt åt Tengil, vår befriare.
Narinth dal Krodven


Narinth's eyes narrow ever so slightly as she learns that Ristel Krodven was on board. Beyond the family ties, she had served under his command on occasion back in the day when he was still active in the Stellar Navy, mostly whenever targets needed to be taken intact instead of blown to stardust. They had gotten along back then, but the last time they spoke they had not parted on good terms, as he had been vehemently opposed to the idea of her working for House Ariness. She doubted that he had reconsidered his stance since then.

Narinth studies the data Arin uploaded to her PDA for a moment, then puts it away and leaves the office, off to track down Adil Ebra-Krodven and his father.

Doomykins
Jun 28, 2008

Didn't you mean to ask about flowers?
Narinth: You head out for a much prompter home away from homecoming than you'd like. One railway trip later and you've arrived at Krodven's massive district which shares space with the onboard crafting factories and the Sominaia's primary docks and stellar drydocks.



Arguably the largest House in members, definitely the largest number of active soldiers, Krodven is a common name to be found at the top of Vular chains of command. Only House Tulen would override them on the field. Their district does not employ artificial sun lighting, being the dominant living space of the Derro as well as the core Drow population. From one moment to the next your railway train takes you from 9 AM to the middle of the night.

If you want to parley with the bigwigs of Krodven you'd head to their enormous manor blocks.. or to the military staging grounds where Ristel is today. Adil and Omamyn aren't on duty today so you will be tactically avoiding the good patriarch. You arrive at the manor and to the small building at the gates where visitors are met and most often turned away. The recruitment centers are near but not part of the manor grounds.

: "Oh!" The receptionist immediately perks up at the sight of Narinth in full regalia. "Madam Krodven! How can I help you?" ... You're cleared to go in without issue and given directions to the Ebra-Krodven rooms. On the way in you pass through your typical elite's outdoor balcony and garden.. though a not-so-elite and rough fence and pen have been recently embedded into those high class artificial grasses. Rough, but impeccably solid and with good craftsmanship and little individual touches and asymmetries. A real labor of love, housing another labor of love, a massive hoofed and horned shaggy beast with a rich white-blue mane. It's twice your height but still gives off the aura of a gentle giant, content to eat at a hay pile.

: There is a single guard posted at the entrance to the small Ebra-Krodven wing, clad in the ornamental armor of Krodven elite. Drow affairs have a long history of scheming and assassination so such things are completely ordinary. What's odd is the presence of a single guard, an entirely performative posting. The guard salutes you crisply. "Hail, Bloodletter. What business do you have here? Master Ebra-Krodven is.. occupied, presently."

Tricky
Jun 12, 2007

after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage


Reyla Ariness


Reyla gives Bella a wry smile, "Trust is a coin in short supply, but... I'll do my utmost." For all that tension still stiffens her shoulders as the duo walks to the enclave, what ambient psychic emanations that Bella might pick up do seem a fair sight more relaxed. "I can't imagine a long-term compulsion having taken root, though, as I've been working on several projects of my own that use myself as a canvas. The arcane tolerances are quite tight, and to have foreign influences present would surely have tipped the scales out of that delicate balance."

The conversation does plant a seed, though, a mote of doubt ready to blossom into a terrible flower. Even if influences weren't present in her own mind, who's to say that the enclave would prove above them? Psionic, perhaps not, but promises of resources and power can be just as intoxicating.

---

Reyla steps forward to address the crowd, "We have traveled an unfathomable distance to explore new realms and claim them in the name of the Vular Imperium. This is a project absolutely unprecedented, and we shall need the help of all aboard the Sominaia to see it through." Her gaze sweeps over those assembled, "All of you, as well as those of the Enclave."

Public Speaking (Unskilled): 1d6 1
Twist and a cost.

Doomykins
Jun 28, 2008

Didn't you mean to ask about flowers?
Bella, Reyla: With a step forward and all eyes on her Reyla appeals to the crowd. But in the dim lighting of the Enclave exterior her hood casts a shadow over her face, her natural auras from her personal projects chill the air and even an old bellend like Adjkara can recognize the extra presence. Her untrained tendency to mumble her words and avoid the judging eyes of the crowd don't serve her well either.

: "SUBJUGATED! WOULD THAT THE MIGHTY IMPERIUM WERE HERE TO SAFEGUARD US NOW! Look! Look how this misled child of small house has lain with dogs and now has fleas!" Fire fills the old Derro's eyes and he is on a roll, the crowd drawn back to him as he fans the flames. They pump their signs and mutter their agreement. "Yours is a pretty face on a terrible secret, Three Bells, but here we see the weakness of Illithid compulsions! Is it time so soon to renew the strength of your leash!? Hah! No matter what worlds we go to, you will be watched! Even without the compassion of our Archmagister to guard us we are not so helpless!" He stands on tip-toe atop the box to attempt to loom, casting his judgemental finger up at Reyla's face, pointing! "All will know the truth of House Ariness and their folly in safeguarding these creatures!"

A terrible Twist as members of the crowd intermittently shout oaths against the Illithid and Ariness. This could cause trouble later... a waiting Cost. The one positive is that true to their word the crowd sticks to peaceful protest and won't obstruct your path but as you enter the Enclave building you can see the receptionist worried anew.

---

The Enclave interior is well-lit, well-kept and state of the art. If any dark secrets are hidden in the shadows they will have to be the shadows of a broom closet. Bella has free access to the inner offices and can lead Reyla in to meet Pepper. The two of you bypass a few well-dressed Drow and a cloaked and hooded Flayer working together in a lab, performing basic inspection of sheets of destroyed metal paneling, warped and burnt my heat and possibly impacts or something else that causes unusual warping. At the center of the neatly arranged metal pieces is a thoroughly enclosed plasteel-plexiglass contained holding an odd-looking collection of computer parts, their casing damaged like the rest. The Flayer extends a telepathic feeling to Bella, <Cordial Greetings but Deeply Occupied.>



Mild Pepper Freshly Ground is the sensory treat that comes to mind when you enter and she is also the Chief Therapist of the Enclave, a majestic and profound Illithid hosted by a female body. Her office is mostly modern, though glass-lined shelves on either side of the room hold artifacts of nearly every culture to be found on the ship, the definition of artifact extending to rare pieces of cultural art to mundane tools and even the occasional pop culture poster.

: <Buffeting Hot Wind from All Directions but a Blessed Breeze of Relief!> Pepper rises from her desk, quickly covering up that she was sitting and massaging her forehead with her fingers and two of her facial tentacles. She spreads her hands to either side to likely offer Bella a hug and lets her arms drop to her side and bows her head respectfully to Reyla. "Madam Ariness, it is my honor to greet you today. Preparations have been made for your deep scan, yet my humblest apologies, I will soon be needed elsewhere. Powdery Wax will perform the procedure in his office, Bella may accompany you if you like."

Doomykins fucked around with this message at 05:00 on Jan 9, 2022

Sathzur
Nov 19, 2009
Dralvas Ammetu

Looking down at the annoyance that had decided to approach them Dralvas says, "I did not think my people were such an uncommon sight on this ship that even an uneducated elf would be unable to see that we are not plants." With that said they loomed over the drow that had interrupted their errand and with a warning edge to their voice said, "I am doing something far more important than whatever silly thing you want with me"

Intimidation: 1d6 4

Doomykins
Jun 28, 2008

Didn't you mean to ask about flowers?
Dralvas: With clear Success you cow the wicked woman.

: Withdrawing her hand and fiddling with her staff, she frowns and is taken aback, actually taking a step backwards. "I.. that is.. eh-hem, well." She clears her throat. "Would you think it so silly, or be so vain as your terrible little commander to turn down an opportunity to meet with the Empress Tulen today, hmm?" She can muster some of her courage again, baring her teeth. "On my word as inheritor of House Faertala, you'd be quite stupid to turn down my offer.."

The railway car is loading and will depart soon. Will you visit with the clan or hear out this .. likely noble of House Faertala?

zachol
Feb 13, 2009

Once per turn, you can Tribute 1 WATER monster you control (except this card) to Special Summon 1 WATER monster from your hand. The monster Special Summoned by this effect is destroyed if "Raging Eria" is removed from your side of the field.
Deputy Therapist Bella



The mind flayer sighs (the very sharpest might find this suspicious: vocoders are always deliberately activated), wrapping an arm around Reyla and pulling her closer as she approaches Adjkara.
"Master Voidvein, that's rather insulting, both to I and our benefactors. The Ariness have their own methods for detecting psychic intrusion, and multiple types of protection. The idea that four younger Illithid have managed to suborn their entire council is... staggering, and highly implausible. Unless you mean to say that we have been in control since even before we set out on this journey, and that our thralldom persisted even through the sleep?"

It laughs, as though the idea is frankly ridiculous, gesturing slightly to Reyla, still in its grasp.
"We are providing a second opinion. We are here because we are delicate, nothing else."
It straightens, letting go, then turns its head slightly to the rest of the crowd of derro.
"As a polite reminder, protests of this type should not impede free travel. This is not an accusation, I have always found your behavior pleasantly strictly scrupulous, Master Voidvein, but this is a large assembly. Please take care."




Bella relaxes significantly as she enters the enclave proper, giving Reyla a brief sort of impression of <Apologies for becoming Too Familiar> for grabbing her earlier.
She also glances at the cloaked figure, giving an impression of a smile, and of <Best Wishes in your Endeavors.>

She's elated to see Chief Pepper, returning the hug and settling into a chair, but seems a little upset hearing that it will be Wax performing the scan.
"Ah, I'm baring my neck today. First with the derro outside, now this? I promised Scion Ariness the gentlest of scans."
She admonishes herself, sitting up straighter and turning to Reyla.
"Not that Wax isn't professional and very careful, but practice makes perfect. I should probably come along as ballast."

Edit: Edit is not quote.

zachol fucked around with this message at 22:23 on Aug 11, 2021

Ronwayne
Nov 20, 2007

That warm and fuzzy feeling.
Cpt. Penelope


Penelope wipes away the grease and other debris from our face with her sleeve. "If something edible like this exists planetside and isn't toxic and trying to kill you even when its dead, its better than a lot of places I've been to. Complements to the chef, you all know your trade." She tucks the box under her arm. "I'll be in contact should such exchange show up." Penelope heads back to the truck, seeing whether Sebastian is onboard and verifies there's no kids under/around/in back of of the truck before getting in and driving off to pick up their designated cargo.

Tricky
Jun 12, 2007

after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage


Reyla Ariness


Suffice to say, the heiress did not see the crowd turning against them once more... perhaps her understanding of the commonfolk is still lacking. Aggravating, to be sure, but their understanding of the political realities of the houses and their various allies are utterly fascile. The rumors may well be inconvenient if they take hold, but perhaps there's a way to bend them to her advantage... a matter for later thought.

Reyla simply settles for shooting the Derro a withering glare, then allows Bella to guide her into the enclave. Annihilating his spirit and bending his dead flesh into a terrible, yet useful mockery of life would probably not help matters much. Her mood, yes, but not the crowd's.

After a moment of letting potentially unwise fantasies play themselves out, she lets out a deep, weary sigh. Looking at Bella, Reyla says, "Oh, no, you're fine. Better that you got me out of there before I decided to resolve the problem... directly. It wouldn't have changed their minds at all." A beat. "Probably the opposite, really."

Turning her attention to Mild Pepper, she adds, "Thank you, Chief Therapist. I can empathize with being pulled in many directions."

Bella's appraisal of Wax's skills, as gentle as it is, does give her a little pause though.

Doomykins
Jun 28, 2008

Didn't you mean to ask about flowers?
Reyla, Bella: Pepper is grateful for Bella's indulgence, the hug going a moment long enough to convey Pepper's deep need for it.

: Straightening up and bowing her head again to Reyla, Pepper cheerfully replies. "Oh you do not know the half of it, Madam! We are in the middle of an ... " She hesitates suddenly and conveys a very pointed mental sensation to Bella, one she knows. <Sensation of Cold Water Splashing the Face> This refers to matters that must be kept secret on penalty of the Enclave being forcefully retired. "... overburdened number of patients! A Goblin craftsmanclan is experiencing almost total homesickness and delusions of grand apathy, perhaps owing to their short lives and the passage of time in their rest.." This is technically true, Bella knows. But it was resolved a week ago with group counseling and instilling the thrill of the coming planetfall to them. "My apologies again but Powdery Wax is arguably our most talented prober! Good luck, Madam!" She bows her head again to both of you and soon departs her office.

Bella knows where Powdery Wax's office is. She is the keeper of knowledge, both professional and personal(to the Enclave.)


Music (Star Control 2: Utwig Theme)

The Enclave central offices are very old fashioned but somehow this brings a sense of calm and ease to all of the Illithid that work with it. They do not resent committing their data to computers and scrolls, for redundancy is a basic security and defense against future ignorance. It is also soothing to have <Musty And Dignified, Parchment Beneath Fingers> available whenever desired during a workday. They are a shared open workspace for the Illithid find a need for privacy from each other to be totally unnecessary. Pepper's office was designed with client needs in mind.



A massive piece of art has been added to the central Enclave offices, placed over the space reserved for Hollow Sky Yawning. He is standing before it, patiently working a remote control that adjusts the setting of the piece. A plaque at the bottom clearly identifies the piece as HUMAN, ELDER - 3421 GC, ARTIST UNKNOWN



Hollow Sky Yawning is a master of not showing emotion, even if you were to discount the voluminous robes. His tone and thoughts never go askew, even accidentally, and discerning how he personally feels is like solving interlocking riddle boxes simultaneously. As far as impartial psychiatry goes it seems he was spawned for it.

: "A request for social leniency, I have overindulged in admiration of my acquisition." The clothed mass turns, well aware of the presence of other thoughts. "Polite Greetings, the sound of Three Bells brings calm assurance of competency. Identified as Reyla Ariness, third daughter. Expected. Apologies and explanation: Powdery Wax is occupied by emergency summon." The same mental thought is shared with Bella alone, <Cold Water Splashing>. "I will conduct your mental scan. Please be seated." He marches over to a luxury padded chair in a deep royal blue and gestures for Reyla to sit.

---

Penelope, SEBASTIAN, Veri: With a hot tip and a hot lunch you head for the home district of House Gulgos. No children sneak aboard your vessel, though one offers SEBASTIAN a shiny rock before he goes.



Being large enough for an artificial lake the Sominaia is also large enough for luxury water-side housing. House Gulgos occupies one side of the enormous body of water with old-style entrances to underground housing around the marshes that house some of the necessary gravity tethers for this grand indulgence. If the Sominaia were to be losing a space battle somehow then it'd be necessary to keep that water in place, at least until drained. There are large emergency ditch lines built further out from the lake itself and descents into the reversed apartment complexes of the Gulgos commons. For several clans and species of Gulgos it is preferable to store only the necessities in their assigned living space and to rough it in the artificial wilderness, often renting out their space to those looking for a leg up out of the generic commons. House member furnishings are a bit better even for the regular folk.

The address Mei gives you points to a minor manor on the lakefront where you'll be docking and talking to the kitchen help at the service entrance. There's no trouble getting in and it seems all hands are on deck for an unexpected visitor, or at least that's the context you get from orders barely audible over the work. "Round up for the big bitch!" "Heard!"

: Art Source

: A fellow dressed casually save for an ID badge pinned to his front sets a hot platter of pies, meat and sweet, down on a counter and heeds your helpless waiting at the kitchen door. "Ah, Kentucky. Thanks for not crashing the truck this time. Hoi, the rest of you. Call me Humphrey. Lemme lead you to the beast." He (politely) shoulders his way past your group and assertively heads out to the backdoor exterior garden where a small barbeque is going on. He brings you past the important folk enjoying themselves to a small make-shift razorwire pasture where a collection of five shaggy blue-furred beasts calmly munch on the grass.



Big is an understatement. Though the beasts seem docile, Humphrey points out the biggest bull of the lot. He's twice as tall as any of you!

: "Right then, your truck's big enough, good luck." His face hardens as voices call out from behind him and he looks over his shoulder.

: "Hey you! Help! Or is it The Help?!" The voice comes from an enormously tall Drow woman, heavy-set and with a power-lifter's build with wide torso and extra. Her eyes and various red lesion-looking marks along her skin gleam with a sublime red glow, recognizably Ascended at a glance. She sits with a half-dozen others, a few Drow and two beastial fellows, and they're all scraping off what's left of the bones of their meal. "We're ready for another round, thank you very much!" She raises a pair of mugs in one hand to the others, who share a cheer, and everybody drinks and makes merry.

: "Is that a new hire? Top of the line model.." A gentleman very overdressed for the event admires SEBASTIAN openly, even at a distance.

: "Ah, Gods.. Right away, Madam!" Humphrey shouts to the table and abandons your group, hurrying back to the kitchen.

: "Pfft.. what use is a chrome dome that can't taste a thing?" With the grace and elegance of a true lady the huge woman snaps a bone open and begins to pry out the marrow inside.

... The bull chews contentedly, not really reacting to your group. You can pull the truck over here and use the fence gate but at some point you'll have to convince him to get on the truck.

Doomykins fucked around with this message at 01:34 on Jan 11, 2022

Ronwayne
Nov 20, 2007

That warm and fuzzy feeling.
Cpt. Penelope


"...is there any kind of stock cage around here to put the critter in, or...?" Penelope realizes she has been ignored. Fine by her. She starts looking around for anything she can use to load/cajole/strap the critter on there and then whatever else she can find as compensation for the extra trouble. Maybe a keg or two will put the critter under for a bit, with enough left over for personal usage.

"Salvaging" to have a look around the place while people are gorging themselves/being emotionally abused.

4, success with skill

Doomykins
Jun 28, 2008

Didn't you mean to ask about flowers?
Penelope, SEBASTIAN, Veri: Penelope finds with open Success an unattended gallon of crudely labeled moonshine, a bundle of coarse rope and a simple guiding mancatcher, sized for beasts. It will take an appropriate Skill such as Animal Handling to actually convince the beast to do anything or you could go for brute strength, clamp it around the neck and get it to the truck, which you can relocate for convenience.

Sockerbagarn
Sep 8, 2007

All makt åt Tengil, vår befriare.
Narinth dal Krodven


Narinth looks the guard up and down with scrutiny. Where was their partner? Lax standards were unlikely in House Krodven, could foul play be afoot? "My business is with Ebra-Krodven," she states and approaches the guard. "Whatever he is busy with he'll have to put it aside. I need a word with him." She stares the guard down with intensity, standing close enough for the adamantine medal she's wearing around her neck, the highest military honor bestowed by the Vular military, the Imperial Order of Apracis, to be clearly visible. "Now."

Doomykins
Jun 28, 2008

Didn't you mean to ask about flowers?
Narinth: Your presence alone might do it but the medal and the tone seal the deal.

: "Understood!" The Guard briskly salutes and produces a keycard, unlocking the door and holding it open for you. There's a matching pad on the inside and the interior is what you'd expect from the lap of luxury in the largest House. And then it spills over into a mismanaged mess of barrels, flowering pots, hydroponics basins in long lines, distilleries sending tubes of liquid somethings back and forth to one another along the ceiling and some hand-crafted carpentry hooks, then back down and delicately dripping into big glass jars and jugs. Even kitchen pots and pans have been commandeered to support the overabundance of amateur botany, though everything blooms and lives with nature's own grace, amplified by the presence of finely ground light violet shards and dust mixed in with the dirt.

Amidst this homegrown disaster are sets of giant luxury lounging couches and a massive curved giga-screen television. SomAI recounts artificial weather conditions in the corner, minimized and muted, while a trio of ornery looking Derro sit around a carved stone table that keeps going down into the stone floor itself. They're having a podcast discussion of the merits of fishing pole design in that overly critical Derro way. Half awake and lounging on the couch in front of it is a blacked out adonis of a Drow man, nearly seven feet tall and in the best shape of his life. Were it not for his pitiful condition it'd be clear at a glance that he's the heroic cut of character needed to be a top dog stellar pilot.



: As it is Omamyn Ebra-Krodven has seen better days. In either hand he has a half full bottle of something, though on closer inspection one is mineral water and the other is common herbal medication, likely handmade by Gulgos or another minor clan. He moans and mutters as you disturb the tranquility of the common room. "Not seeing anyone today.. close the drat door.. don't.. " He yawns mightily, then winces and reaches for his head, then sets a bottle in the crease of the couch and finally gets his open palm to his forehead. "Don't step on my wife's garden."

Doomykins fucked around with this message at 21:21 on Aug 11, 2021

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Sockerbagarn
Sep 8, 2007

All makt åt Tengil, vår befriare.
Narinth dal Krodven


Narinth's heavy footsteps echo through the residence as she steps around the clutter of botanical apparatuses, taking care to not inadvertently knock anything over or crush something underfoot.

"Hello, Omamyn. I'm afraid you'll be seeing me today," she says as she approaches the couches. "I don't believe we've met more than in passing, I'm Narinth dal Krodven." She raises an eyebrow as she studies him. "Big night last night?"

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