Fantasy Hunter's Moon: The Sin & Sentence [IC] [CLOSED]

[Breadman]

Theodore raised an eyebrow as Camille described her performance in such a negative way. They were up against impossible odds, against some of the strongest opponent an inquiry could face one after the other. There was little time to prepare for any of it. And despite their ultimate failure to stop an icon of the Abyss, they survived when by all accounts they should have been long dead. There was nothing 'sloppy' about that. But before he could argue with her over it, she raised a valid concern.

"I can't disclose with them around." He tilted his head towards the children. "Or at a crowded place. I will state that his assignment is about Valeria. We both know he would go through hellfire for her. Even challenging our old for from Grimtham." Not the most subtle, but he had a habit of letting secrets slip one way or another these days. Hopefully she picked up on what he was hinting at.

"There is another thing I keep myself busy with these days. You might have heard that the purges have also taken an internal nature. I'm helping with the evidence gathering and testimonials as a consultant of sorts. For that I meet with one of Velin's new inquisitors. Sara Reed. You're welcome to join us at the agency in the evening where we can talk about Jacob's assignment more freely."

 

[Dmaster]

"Oh. Valeria..." she states simply with a sigh, a gloved hand touching its fingers to her forehead as she tried to adjust herself. "Well that is all you needed to say, really. I do hope he keeps safe, though fortunately he is not alone." Camille reasoned as she straightened her posture yet again, though she was unsure of how to feel. The fact that Hudson had someone like Jakob to look after him did comfort her somewhat, though at the same time it was difficult to imagine the sort of horrors they would have to face in the Abyss. "My husband is with him, then. I am hopeful for their return."

Despite that forcibly reserved reaction on her part, she took another deep breath and nodded her head in agreement with the scholar. "I have no better way to spend my time than that, I'm not one to prepare a speech so there is little for me to prepare for. Hopefully this woman that works under Velin is... agreeable, unlike the goddess."

 

[Breadman]

"I had my reservations as well, but she's professional enough with her duties and lacking in the arrogance and absolutism that some of her colleagues have." So far at least. Theodore still didn't fully trust the church in its activities, but so far he had no complaints about those he worked with.

"I had no idea you were married. But if your husband is with Jacob, then I hope for his safe return as well." Hopefully the man is staying on Henderson's good side or at the very least keeping a significant distance.

"Mr. Boivin. Can we go meet the vampires yet?"

"Ah right." He had forgotten he was a teacher for the time he was catching up with Camille "It was good meeting you again, but I have to get back to work. Any parting advice you woul like to give them? As a hunter or as an Escarian noble?" Odd question he had to admit, but he had to make the wait worthwhile for them in some way.

 

[Dmaster]

"'Small blessings' like they say hm?" Camille replied, not too keen on spending the night talking to a Velin-worshiping radical. Upon the realization that he didn't know of her marriage she chuckled and gave a nod. "Oui, I am. He's a hunter like myself, a bit morose yet he is kind as he is determined. At least to me." Granted where there mission had been she knew that Hudson wouldn't get along with the sinners and monsters brought together for the task. The more she thought on it the more she thought that it may have been suicide. Best not to dwell on that for now, her mind is splintered among many different focuses as is.

"Ah I do not wish to keep you from your work..! I just had to say hello once I saw that familiar mask and short stature." the huntress comments with a slight grin, the words said with genuine endearment. "Parting words, hm..."

"The greatest advice I can give anyone is to never let others determine your worth for you. If you wish to become great at anything, put all of yourself into it." she says, clenching a fist and putting it to her chest for emphasis. "Never stop improving and any challenge becomes conquerable. I've learned that applies to the nobility of my country as well as hunting."

 

[Breadman]

"Well put." Theodore nodded "Some of them would benefit from that advice. Come class, let's see if we could see someone finally." Theodore turned to Camille for a second "See you in the evening." His attention returned back to the kids and led them onwards.

"Bye bird lady!" One of them said.

"Joseph!"

"What, her armor makes her look like a bird. A scary one."

The boy got in line and would hear some minor scolding from his teacher. But things quickly quieted down once they reached where Nocturne's delegation was staying.

"Right, let's see if someone will give you some attention."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

When it became evident the gathering of schoolchildren were not simply passing through, a footman dressed in an even older style of clothing stepped out towards them, his attire looking to be nearly a century out of fashion. No two servants seemed to quite wear the same thing, everyone wearing their own distinctive outfits with some manner of pride. Even those dressed as sober as possible - black or white suits and tuxedos - bore differences from one to the next. A colored ribbon here, a carnation upon the chest, a soft blue shirt swapped for a cream.

"Master schoolteacher," the man said. His face was not powdered, though was accentuated by some make up, and his hair was naturally curly without a wig. "Could we be of some... assistance? It is safe to pass through these streets, the soldiers are merely attached here in a defensive capacity. There is no harassment here."

 

[Breadman]

"Yes, you can!" Theodore got a good look at the footman. Even among the lower ranks, Aleister had some influence in Nocturne can be felt. "I'm taking the children on a field trip around town to see the different delegations. I was hoping that perhaps someone from Nocturne's staff could come and talk to them, for educational purposes of course." The thought to ask a direct meeting with Aleister did come to him, but given why he would be here and their own history, that thought was quickly dispelled. "Is there someone available?"

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"Oh, how... quaint! Well, to my knowledge the primaries are currently engaged, but if you would like to step over to the patio there, that door leads into a public drawing room. The weather is... not agreeable to most of our guests, naturally." The footman tugged at his cravat - even the non-supernaturals were not well acclimated to the warm Red Gorge climate, coming from so far north. He led them along inside, to a medium sized room filled with couches, small tables, and modest luxury. There were about a dozen people gathered, lazing about, or discussing things while overlooking documents. One party in the corner was playing cards, and some soldiers were off duty, sitting by a wall and fanning their faces with their caps. It was not hard to spot the vampires - most of them cringed or held up gloved hands over their eyes when the door - already covered in a curtain - was opened to allow the children and Theodore entry.

"Madam? Madam, we have guests. For academic pursuit." The footman ushered them over towards a woman looking over a painting on the wall. When she turned, her red eyes were particularly bright, and her attire was... another curiosity in a room full of many. She looked almost like a circus announcer, but the quality of her clothing was very high - no cheap fabrics and fake leather here.

"Delightful! Well, hello there little ones. Schoolmaster," she bowed, twirling her cane as she did so. "I am Madam Angelica Louise." Pinned to her breast was a multi-colored ribbon, marking her as one of the attendees to the Summit meeting.

 

[Breadman]

As they were led inside, Theodore was not exactly surprised by the daily going ons by the the vampires. They were people still, even with the supernatural elements. The dresscode was expected given that even the guard had a flair to him. It did however made him feel a tad under dressed with just a simple school teacher's clothes. Most striking feature to him was the mask. But he didn't pick this line of work for the fashion. As Angelica introduced herself, he made a mental note. The chance of everyone here being into some theatrics was very high.

"Thank you for having us here, Madam. Given the short notice we didn't know what to expect." He looked back to his class "Say hello to the Madame, children."

"Hello Madam Angelica." A unified choir greeted her. Some not quite getting her name right, but they tried non the less. Theodore wondered how they even got so bad at remembering a name like that. Perhaps there was a problem in the teaching process he needed to address.

"To answer the obvious, I can confirm that the Madame is indeed a vampire, so we can skip that question." He turned his attention back to Angelica "I believe we should start with you if you don't mind, followed by anything you think they should know about Nocturne and then allow them to ask question. Or however you wish to do it, Madam. We are merely your audience." For the time it seemed best to play into Nocturne's theatric nature. Maybe that way the kids would leave with a better impression of the supernaturals.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"Ah, what to say, what to say." She tapped away at her lip until she snapped her fingers. "Well, I am one hundred and sixty-two years old. That means I was born in the year 1718. Long before the electricity, the locomotives, those new automobiles, before the fancy six-shooters all the men like to carry. Things were very... slow back then. Now, we all like to move and speak fast. But that's enough stuffy history, don't you think? I myself... am a Ringmistress!" The woman tipped the top of her cane against the bill of her tall hat, causing it to collapse back off her head, but she caught it with a backwards grab and flipped it over her shoulder. It spun, wildly, until she caught it again and placed it back atop her head as if nothing had happened. "I wish I could say that I am here to perform, but I am to be a spokeswoman for certain subjects," she explained, eyes glancing up to Theodore, adding for clarification, "an expert witness."

"As for my new homeland, Nocturne is a... a place for people who don't have homes anymore. All sorts of people, especially those like me, go there because it is safe. It is like a castle, and all sorts of knights, and ladies, and princes and princesses are going there because that is where they belong. We all want to help each other be safe and happy. And you know what they say about happiness, don't you? A smile can make any flower bloom!" Angelica offered a truly warm, winning smile, and at the same moment she said her line, she produced a rose seemingly spontaneously from within the sleeve of her jacket. Only Theodore would have noted that when she did the hat trick, she had swiped a rose from the vase behind her. "Questions? Ask away, darlings!"

 

[Breadman]

Theodore nodded when he heard 'expert witness'. During the summit tomorrow, things would get interesting. He tilted his head slightly to the right when he noticed her slight of hand. She's had a long time to practice, he nearly missed it. The kids were interested in her already, he could tell by the silence and how their eyes followed her motions similar to how they followed Royland's sword from earlier. Some of them couldn't help but clap at the excitedly at the tricks.

"You heard her. What's on your mind?" Similar to the encounter with Wendy, the children gathered around and started disorderly asking questions 'How did you become a vampire? Do vampire clowns exist? Is there a vampire circus? Can you show us your fangs? If you wear enough makeup does it protect from the sun? Why do vampire eyes glow?' and so on and so on. He was sure that he had covered half of those questions from their studies. He did notice James had quietly retreated from the rest of the class, keeping company with the goblins Theodore had enlisted. The boy's father had already filled his head with prejudice against the regular vampires, but also it seemed like he was too afraid to act on any of his boasts earlier this morning.

"Now why are you back here?" His teacher asked. "Don't tell me you're afraid." The boy shook his head, not wanting to admit it, but it was plainly obvious. Theodore smirked under his mask and grabbed him by the hand. "Come here. Let her demonstrate where your father erred." One of the goblins pushed the boy along to the front. "I had to learn this the hard way. Vampires are just like every other group of people. Some bad, but most of them are good." Theodore quietly said to him as he let the Madam talk.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Madam Angelica fanned her face in pretend exasperation. "My, such burning questions! Well, I shall do my very best." She pointed, daintily, one gloved hand at each child in turn when she reached their questions. "I became a vampire when some friends and I were... playing grown-up games. In the morning, when I woke up, I was a vampire, and while I was scared at first, I realized that it is a blessing more than a curse - but that is something you must decide for yourself. No one else should. As for vampire clowns," she glanced up, giggling at a group of well-dressed vampires discussing politics nearby, "in a manner of speaking, yes, there are vampire clowns. There is also a vampire circus. Several, actually, though most vampires are often mixed in to the regular circus. There is no vampire-only circus, but my circus is a vampire circus because I own it. It is also run by a werewolf, and two other humans. We employ anyone and everyone who likes to have fun!"

"Now, I can show you my fangs, but remember when a vampire does that to someone it can mean different things, some good, some bad. It can also be rude in some circumstances to ask, okay?" She poked a finger at her cheek and smiled, showing off the two sharp incisors as her lips curled back. "Makeup doesn't help with the sun, sadly, but we do have some holy magic that can help us. And vampire eyes glow because... well, I don't rightly know! I can only assume it is a night-time thing. Many nocturnal animals have eyes that glow in the dark, so it makes sense for vampires as well, yes? Your schoolmaster would know more. He is a very intelligent man."

 

[Breadman]

"Thank you for the compliment, Madam. We did indeed cover it in class, but they may have forgotten already." Theodore looked to the children and saw that they have calmed down a bit. Tho their questions weren't hard hitting, it seemed that the answers from Angelica were satisfying them. "Any more questions for the madam?" Didn't seem like anything was too pressing on their minds right now. So maybe a request wouldn't be out of place. "Madam Louise, our boy here, James" The teacher started talking with a more serious tone while patting the boy on the shoulder "His father is more old-school, if you will and has been a very bad influence on the boy. Saying things about vampires that a citizen of Red gorge shouldn't." The other children looked at him like he was in serious trouble. Little premature given that he wasn't at fault for anything, but being exposed to a middle aged man's rants and ravings. Probably a side effect of being pointed out from someone with authority. But back to the matter at hand.

"So my question is-Is there something you can say or do to demonstrate that despite all the tension currently in the air in this town, him and his classmates have no reason to fear you or any of your fellows? Meaning you and other vampires, who wish to live their lives unbothered by the more prejudiced of us."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Angelica knelt down so that she was level with the children, leaning her cane on her shoulder. "Vampires and humans are like cats and dogs, children. They might look different, but they aren't very different at all, are they? They have paws, and fuzzy ears, and tails that swish back and forth. Sometimes they like to play in the mud, sometimes they like to nap on the windowsill. But, just like cats and dogs, there are good vampires and there are bad vampires. There are good cats and dogs, and bad cats and dogs. Sometimes they can be dangerous. A stray dog might chase, bark, and even bite. And sometimes... even a good pet can bite. Out of fear, or being startled. Would you say that all dogs are bad because one scratched your father's reading chair? Or that all cats are bad because one cannot catch a mouse?"

"Vampires are just like everyone else, children. Each person is an individual," she explained. She pointed out one of the girls with a flower in her hair. "That is a wonderful daisy you have there, darling, but what if another girl with a daisy in her hair stole sweets from the store? Does that make you someone who steals sweets as well? Certainly not. Adults do not always get along with each other, but that is for reasons you will come to understand when you are older. It is not because of what they are, but because of who they allow themselves to be."

 

[Infab]

Catarina took a seat next to the Escarian Queen, as the alchemist that had been following her stood off to the side away from the others. As she crossed her legs, letting her top hat rest in her lap, she smiled. "Things are always different behind the curtain, as we are now. The politics that the public sees daily is but a stage play. Out of view, things can get cutthroat and vicious. The business world is quite similar." She then looked to Marie-Claire and smiled. "The railroad from Daristein into northeastern Escaria should be completed by the end of the week, Queen Allemand. I hope that you'll get the chance to come and see it."

She then looked back to Aleister. "Now...regarding the business side of things. Another reason I am here is regarding your nation. I wonder if you have any proper methods and tools for manufacturing? That has been an ever growing question in the back of my mind since your island nation first game into being." she asked, raising an eyebrow as her eyes locked onto Aleister's. "Men and women to build your factories and shipyards. The machinery to operate within them. Both are needed for a flourishing national economy, and to play your part on the world stage." She paused for a moment, letting her cane twirl in her hand next to her chair. "...The Union of Alchemists can provide that, of course."

------
​

"So, the Nocturne delegation is down there?" asked King Newmont, looking to a constable whom had been brought to him on the train platform. "Yes, sire. They arrived just a short while ago, and have been inside ever since." explained the constable, as the King nodded slowly. "Good. General Pendergast!" he said, calling to a female mage just down the terminal from him. The woman strolled through the crowd of mages and delegation, moving straight up next to the King. She was a few inches taller than him, bearing dark red hair which was mostly hidden beneath her hood. Her face bore battle scars, her lip mangled on one side along with her cheek as several claw marks stretched across the side of her face. She spoke, however, with a rather refined and royal sounding accent. "Yes, sire?" she asked, her eyes studying her king's face.

Alexander motioned to the constable. "Constable Smith here has informed me that the Nocturne delegation will be staying at the Fairweather Estate hotel. I want you to place some mages in positions around the hotel to keep an eye on them. If Aleister Germain does anything...looks at someone, take a stroll in the moonlight, or even cough, I want it reported to me. In my eyes, he is a terrorist, and I will treat him as such if he does anything I deem threatening to any of the citizens of my kingdom."

"Uh, sire..." said the constable, raising a finger. Newmont looked to him, forcing the constable to twitch a bit. "Queen Allemand of Escaria went inside the hotel shortly before you arrived...as did the Alchemist Union's president." King Newmont's eyes widened a bit. Escaria's queen is in there? What the hell is she doing? Is she making deals with the criminal? And Klostermann too?! He frowned, cutting General Pendergast a look. Pendergast saluted, before turning about and walking back into the crowd of mages.

------
​

The Atracan soldiers continued to spread out amongst the town of Red Gorge, moving in to assist constables and inquisitors with keeping the peace. Soon, several of them had moved down to where the Fairweather Estate was. Some eyed the people hanging out around the hotel, but did nothing. They were simply there to keep the peace, so they kept walking. Patrolling the streets as the afternoon went on. Soon, the mages that King Newmont had assigned arrived, taking up several positions near the hotel before settling in. Waiting. Watching. Ready in the event things changed for the worst.

Meanwhile, in Eternis, Velin and Undite were having quite a conversation. "You can't just go there and kill them! Imagine the tone that would set for the summit! Its TOMORROW!" stated Undite. "I cannot go back on my word, Dominique. I must prove that what I say, I mean. I will not be talked down this time. They are my children, and I will punish them accordingly for their insolence." Velin fired back. And without warning, she abruptly stepped through the portal into Red Gorge. Undite followed immediately, grabbing onto Velin's arm as she went. "Please, think this through! You can simply have them arrested and held somewhere till the summit is over! There's no need for anything harsh!"

"Dominique, all my children understand is harsh. They expect it of me. If I put my foot down and punctuate my decision, they will understand it. They will leave. They will cease their stupidity and submit to my will." replied Velin, as the pair emerged into a dusty street amongst a small crowd. The crowd looked surprised, having noticed the portal open just a few moments before. And now, there stood both goddesses, seemingly discussing something rather important. And troublesome.

 

[Dmaster]

Camille could not help but chuckle as she was called 'bird lady' by one of Theodore's students, offering the group a small wave goodbye as they made their way to the Nocturne delegation. Her smile faded as she noticed this, fearful of what may become of the professor and his students if they venture too deep in there. She could understand that Theodore was being objective as he could, and it was important to look at this situation from all angles. To her, the huntress had already made up her mind on the matter. There was nothing inherently wrong with a community of supernaturals trying to live in peace, the leadership was the chief issue.

With a sigh she begins to step about the streets as Atracan soldiers pour in from the terminal, adding yet more commotion to the atmosphere as she walks with her head on a swivel. There seemed to be some trouble brewing around one of the local bars that caught her interest. Slowly she approached at a reasonable distance, adding to the countless eyes cast on the rising tensions of the situation as it progressed. It appeared that the door was being kicked in to the place by the constabulary for a gunfight to break out. Camille crossed her arms with her face blank, figuring that this would be the first of many escalations that would happen in the town.

Just then she noticed a portal opening and the crowd both hushing and dispersing, getting her to look in that direction as she saw the two figures emerge. The huntress grit her teeth upon seeing the mad goddess herself arrive, anger welling up within her. She had no idea who the other woman with her was, but she hardly cared. Quickly and quietly Camille began to weave through the crowd, shuffling up to get within earshot of the both of them.

 

[K0mori]

"Oh?" Marie-Claire replied with a charming smile. "That is excellent news about the rail line, Madame. I will certainly make time for it, I assure you." However, as she listened, her rosiness disappeared. "Far be it from me to criticize an industrialist for promoting the industry, but I must ask, will you wait for the international community to recognize the legitimacy of Nocturne before announcing your plans? Or do you wish to legitimize them yourself with your business? I beg of you to tread carefully, as you know exactly how the Atracans will react if you begin sending them capital for manufacturing ventures.

"They will accuse you of arming terrorists," she said before glancing to Aleister. "It is an inevitable claim, and I am sure you are preparing arguments in order to thwart it."

---​

Still tipsy from his drinking, Francis produced his shotgun and menaced his ex-wife with it. "Gods damn you woman, you made a deal with him, didn't you?" he spat. Dorothy didn't answer him, but merely raised an eyebrow. At the same moment, a constable burst through the delivery door of the tavern and drew his revolver on Francis, who already had his finger on the trigger and let out a sort of furious, guttural scream.

"Don't shoot!" the officer yelled, trying to make sense of the situation before it could escalate. "I'm warning you, zealot, I'll put six rounds in you before you hit the ground!"

Francis didn't take his eyes off Dorothy. "Look at her eyes, chap," he yelled back sarcastically. "She's a devil's whore, no doubt about it. You Red Gorge scum might love your vamps and your wolves, but this is demon magic! Shoot me if you've got the balls, man, but you'll only be stopping me from saving lives from whatever evil she's brought with her. Dorothy, dear... tell the nice officer who sent you. ...Admit it, you harlot!"

Dorothy's smile disappeared, and she put her hands in the air innocently. "Officer, please help me," she said.

"Put the gun down!" the officer ordered. "You're drunk!"

"Yeah," Francis replied, "and I'm mad as hell! I know this woman, she burned alive, and now look at her; she's good as new, isn't she? But the golden eyes, just like his!"

Around the corner, the crowded street was startled by the sound of four gunshots. The first three came from a revolver, while the last came from a shotgun. The two Goddesses paused in their conversation and cut a path toward the source. As went around the edge of the wall they found, down a dirty ally, a constable lying on his back with his stomach blown open, a mortal wound under any normal circumstance, and likewise, Francis collapsed down the pathway with two bullet holes in his back. The first shot had missed entirely. Dorothy had already turned to sprint away and was about to become just another disappearing shape in the throngs of people now running from the scene on the opposite side of the block, innocents and zealots alike.

But Francis had already lifted his shotgun, its second barrel still loaded as he focused all his energy on one last hate-filled gesture. Between labored breaths, he hissed her name: "D- D- Dorothy..."

 

[Infab]

Velin and Undite both looked on in shock, examining the scene before them. And not a moment later, Undite rushed in, moving to the side of the fallen constable. Velin, meanwhile, started to move towards Francis. "Francis Adams, put your weapon down. NOW." she said, her voice a mixture of anger and pain. Here was the man that, three years ago, she had recruited into her order personally. She had said she needed more like him. It was something she had come to regret. If anything, the world needed less men like Francis Adams now.

---
​

"They will accuse you of arming terrorists," she said before glancing to Aleister. "It is an inevitable claim, and I am sure you are preparing arguments in order to thwart it."

​

Catarina shrugged, as she looked to Marie-Claire. "The Atracans seem to whine about a lot of things, Queen Allemand, as you know. I'm sure that King Newmont is screaming internally because the Archbishop is walking free on Atracan soil...instead of chained to a post, burning in the sun." responded Catarina. "They also behave as if they are the voice of every nation on Adonia...when they are not. You, the Tsar, the Chancellors, the Duke, the Doge, the Sultan to our south, and your fellow Kings and Queens...you have your own voices. And have say-so over what happens on the northern half of this continent as well."

She looked back to Aleister. "I simply wish to help a fledgling nation establish themselves among the civilized world. To not have to rely on other nations to build things for them when they can do it themselves with their own machinery and hands. Build themselves a navy instead of stealing ships from Atraca and other nations. Create trade routes with you and the other nations. Lasting friendships can be built...and profits can be made." she said, smiling. "For everyone, obviously."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Aleister was surprised by the rather forward offer - from the president of the Alchemist's Union, nonetheless. If there was one thing Nocturne struggled the most with, it was creating a stable economy. Manufacturing work was sparse. Over the years, they had only manage to purchase, or steal, a small number of modern machines that could manage only a fraction of the output they needed. Not just consumer products for the growing population, but exports, and especially military capital. They had small ammunition presses, and a line for cannon shells, but not the ability to produce a significant number of arms to replace what they could lose in conflict. Especially the much needed artillery. On top of the needed manpower for acquiring raw materials, refining them, and forging them....

"We are adequate," Aleister said simply, "but I am intrigued by your offer. Enhanced manufacturing output would be a boon to Nocturne, and something that would mutually please both your shareholders and our foremen. Machinery, capital - that would be a grand thing to obtain. As for manpower, I do believe we may already have that covered...."

He spared a short glance towards the Escarian Queen. "Business is business. And yes, we are well prepared for the... so-called arguments the others will put forth."

---

Caraborough, Port Scourge
Some time ago....

Lord Rupert Hampton - that was, legally former Lord, but whoever pointed that out was lucky to have eyes and teeth by morning - hated most things in this world. He hated his countrymen, he hated his former country. He hated most of the Adonian continent and there were few people he found he could tolerate without indigestion. He hated anyone from Daristein and women from Volucia. Music from Stiusil grated upon his ears and Tsavania cuisine, when he could still eat, made him ill. Naturally, he also hated the daytime and the sunlight. He hated boats, the ocean, the beach, and the crew of the miserable trawler he was forced to travel upon. A small part of him knew that he was lucky to even be here - perhaps one of the luckiest people of the decade, if not longer. It was something of a miracle as to how he escaped the Atracan countryside when the mobs overtook his estate. That was bad enough, but when they saw what was in the basement....

He fumbled with the amulet around his neck and shook it as if that somehow might make it work better. Some charm from the priests to keep him alive in the sunlight, so long as it was fed. Really, it was perhaps the most valuable thing he owned now, or ever did, despite the fact he kept it beneath his shirt collar because it looked like horseshit molded into an attempt at art. Who made amulets out of cast iron? The ruby gem set within it was probably a fake. It didn't shine the way he wanted it to. If the trinket had no effective use, he would have choked the maker with it, shoving it down their throat and holding their mouth closed for even suggesting he wear something so... so... hideous.

"Lord Ambassador Hampton, do you wish for us to dock, or will you go to shore by small craft?" One of the sailors asked, tentatively.

Ambassador Hampton removed a handkerchief from his immaculate white suit, removed his pith helmet, and dabbed away at the stream of sweat that was pouring off of him. Oh yes, the amulet kept him alive, but at what cost? It was evening and the damn sun was going down and yet he still reacted this way. Gods, he hated that abysmal ball of fire.

"Ambassador?"

"Adona's balls you imbecile, I heard you the first time. Of course we're taking a small craft. You think we're going to dock with this... this festering dump?" He gestured vaguely at the Caraborough port, already teeming with other unsavory vessels. He hoped that whatever pirate ships were out there wouldn't cause trouble, because if he got stranded here temporarily he wouldn't be able to control his temper. "If any small ships come poking around this one, shoot them. I don't care. Fishermen or child's paddleboat. They don't get within two hundred feet."

Hampton had to suffer through the small voyage to the dock, several men paddling with all their might, and armed quite well. They were wearing naval uniforms with patches marking them out as Nocturne, though he doubted the savages here had even heard of the place.

At the dock, he removed a large handgun from jacket and pointed out someone who looked to have an ounce of authority. "You there. Bring me the bossman or whatever the fuck you call them around here to me, and don't make me wait. I'm an ambassador. Do you know what that is? I have business to discuss concerning the continent and whatever you want to call this place."

 

[K0mori]

The Queen very nearly rolled her eyes at Catarina's bombastic talk of fostering a new nation. It was obviously just a profit opportunity in the alchemist's eyes; the potential for lives lost in an industrialized war was irrelevant. Aleister's words didn't reassure her, either, as he seemed to have contempt for anyone's opinions but his own. She nodded politely before standing. "Well, it has been very enlightening to speak with you at long last, but as I said, this was merely an introduction. I will see you at the summit, sir. And Madame," she said to Catarina, "...do be careful."

Marie-Claire excused herself from the room and rejoined her ministers, and shortly thereafter, their carriages set out for their own accommodations: a private estate owned by an Escarian family on the edge of town. The young queen shook her head as she took note of the suddenly-militarized streets, signaling King Newmont's arrival. With a sigh, she thought about the inelegance of the Archbishop's strategy, in sharp contrast to his dress and demeanor. Her concern for the vampiric cause was decreased by her anxiety over Nocturne, and she decided at that very moment that she would oppose its existence- albeit without using military force.

Instead, she thought of the southern counties and marches which had been held by noble vampires just a few years prior, and peacefully so, and wondered if it was too late to revive their special status, if only to deny Nocturne any more wealth, expertise, and most importantly, recognition as the sole seat of vampiric government. This of course would require staunch opposition to any further purges or actions against the supernatural communities, but Marie-Claire already opposed the barbarism outright.

---
​

As Velin's voice boomed in the ally, Francis lost his bead on Dorothy, who slipped away completely. Groaning, Francis dropped the gun and fell over sideways from his knees, turning his head to catch sight of the goddess he served. "S-S-Sazak is h-here..." he grunted. He weakly pointed in the direction he had been aiming. "Dorothy..." he tried to explain, but his body was clenching up on him, and it felt as if his lungs weren't working.

"...Help..." he gasped one final time.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

'Oh, that one's gonna die by sundown...' thought Piki as he looked over the sea of dirty faces squeezing themselves through inmate processing; much like frightened sheep being herded. 'And that one... perhaps later.'

Guarding inmate processing was always a boring shift, perhaps even more boring than guarding than the stronghold. It was simply stand here on this little walkway above the docks and watch for any signs of any Atracan vessels coming over the horizon; vessels that they were constantly warned about, but never seem to come. Breaking up fights between gangs was also part of the shift, but these fights rarely ever happened. The gangs that were desperate enough to recruit straight off the boat were always too weak or too concerned about spoiling their image to start killing one another for dominance on the spot. So the only entertainment to come from this place was making bets between your fellow guards on which new face might die first, get sent to the mines, be turned into a prag, or worse. Though there was a silver lining. He had won a packet of cigarettes from one of his fellow Warders earlier today, and now might just be a good time for a smoke break since nothing of interest is happening. He signaled to his lieutenant to let him know he'll be off for a moment and climbed down the walkway to find a good spot to smoke in. He took a cigarette out of the packet and would've started smoking already if it wasn't for some very, very out of place looking man pointing his gun and yelling at him.

"You there. Bring me the bossman or whatever the fuck you call them around here to me, and don't make me wait. I'm an ambassador. Do you know what that is? I have business to discuss concerning the continent and whatever you want to call this place."

Piki slowly raises his flamethrower, bringing the pilot light closer to his cigarette, and lights it while carrying a look of utter bewilderment on his face. It's taking a lot to just not roast the man alive right here, though the armed sailors near him quickly extinguish that idea. So, he lets off some heat in a different way.

"Jou na' be fuckin' pointin' dat FUCKIN' TING at me!" he yells back; his thick Kainuto accent barely making him intelligible. "Jou put da' ting down, or ah roast jou like a peeg!"

 

[SniperComZero]

As the cavalry formation made its way through the city streets, Victorié found herself getting more and more weary of their situation. Crowds throughout the city became like wading through a mire just to get anywhere. The constant chatter became an annoying buzz in her ear-- the heat and stench of just such a sheer number of people was starting to make her feel nauseous. There was a sudden influx of militaristic types, too. Rifles, uniforms-- but no armor. She had to wonder. Some sort of mercenary company, perhaps? That's the only reason that she could conceive of them being so... ill-protected.

Passing by a caravan of particularly... she couldn't quite put a word on it. Evil? Creepy? Uncanny looking wagons parked outside of a plain brick building. One surrounded by what were undoubtedly in her mind mercenaries. Whatever it was about that particular building, the aura emanating from within deeply unsettled the mage. She made sure to hurry her procession quickly past.

They found themselves in a plaza with an especially large crowd. One which quickly made room for a pair travelling through their own portal. She wasn't a stranger at all to that kind of transportation, but she'd always found it quite esoteric and unreliable. At least the practitioning of magic hadn't died out. That crowd quickly dispersed all around when a shot that spooked some of the horses rang out, those two mages that had just appeared scrambling towards the sound. Driving a steed through the crowd would be quite the markedly bad idea, so... ["You, stay here, keep my horse."] She had to yell over everyone else in the crowd before hopping into it, against the flow.

 

[Infab]

"...Help..." he gasped one final time.

Velin stopped where she was, looking back behind her to where Francis had been pointing. She didn't sense Sazak. She didn't sense anything beyond the crowds of humans and other supernaturals. Her attention shifted back to Francis, and she walked slowly over to where Francis was sitting on his knees. She glanced over to Undite, whom was sitting her knees next to the constable whom had been shot. Her hands and knees stained in the man's blood. The constable was dead.

Velin looked down to Francis, a pained expression on her face. She was responsible for this. For this horrible man being here and now, and for that constable's death. "No." she muttered quietly, "I will not help you." She then moved over to where Undite was, ignoring Francis as his life slowly faded away. She offered a hand to her fellow goddess, helping her up off her knees and guiding her back towards the end of the alley. Away from Francis and the body of the constable.

And soon enough, they found themselves back amongst the crowd that came to see what was going on. And there, Velin and Undite encountered a curious Camille.

 

[Dmaster]

Camille skulked through the crowd with surprising deftness, her ability to get between tight groups of people as needed was a necessary trait of being a hunter. When trailing potential targets it was best to be quiet and unseen, saying nothing and only politely nodding to who she squeezed to.

By the time she reached the alley, the numbers of the people dimmed because of the danger of the man who wielded his gun and had killed a constable. The huntress caught the end of the encounter, but paid little mind to the corpses as the goddesses made their approach.

Standing in their way, Camille was rigid in her stance with her hands balled into fists as she looked through Velin. "A bit early to be reveling in the chaos you've caused, is it not?" she said, her words dripping with venom. "So early before the summit. Tell me, have you come to create more widows, perhaps announce genocide of a different people?"

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Lord Ambassador Rupert Hampton eyed the flamethrower with some distaste. He had mistook it for some sort of cleaning device, to spritz water all over the filthy docks to wash the trash away. Perhaps it still fulfilled that purpose, just with flame instead. Frowning, he looked over at the murky water around him. He could, theoretically, survive being engulfed in flame if he dove into the water first. But in truth he'd probably emerge - if he emerged - as a scorched husk and enjoy the most excruciating period of healing he could possibly face for, what, weeks? Months? Maybe the fire would just outright kill him.

The only thing worse than the prospect of fire was the thing abusing all known civilized language. He dotted the handkerchief in his other hand against his forehead again, pistol aimed lazily at the ground between them. Keep it together, Rupert. You're better than this. "Old boy, putting aside all logical reasoning as to why, ahem, roasting me like a 'peeg' is quite possibly the worst thing you could do if you wished to remain alive, I would be most pleased if you brought me someone with authority," he said, each word laced with a dozen layers of scorn. "I am here on business. Not your playful game of dumping degenerates into the sand and watch them wrestle. I'm not one of your little pirate buddies, either. I am an ordained government Ambassador. You do know what that is, right? Right? You see our ship out there? That is ours. We also have a navy. With bigger boats. You know what big boats are, right? Bigger than any of the floating shit heaps around here. Military vessels."