[Plot] [Open] Week 113: Vigils at Dawn

[K3]

If it were possible, Ego's demeanor seemed even more amused, jovial words spilling from between his yellowed teeth, "My, such eager minds. Such pessimistic souls. You'll need both, I daresay. Do cheer up though, Pride, fatalism is unbecoming." Stretching luxuriously, the devil stood abruptly, and the room received a sudden sense of perspective as the eight-foot tall being leered over them. "Allow me to be to the point, then. "The Black Portal is due south," the devil explained, before smoke began to seep and pour from his form. A low cloud roiled over the floor of the room, before pluming upwards into a thick column. Moments later, the column splayed flatly at its top, creating some ethereal 'table' of sorts. From it, two large pylons rose, thin wisps of smoke playing between them as they were raised on some silhouette of a dais. Clearly, it was Ego's approximation of the portal itself. "It is at the top of a city lost to mortal hands, firmly in the grasp of those who would put it to their own ends. It is they whom you seek, and their deaths will see the portal's closing. The portal drains not of his energy, but without its archmagi to balance its presence in the mortal realm with its roots in the infernal one, it will rupture and fade." Ego stood over the 'table', his visage remarkably neutral as figures arose from the table to join the caricature of the portal. A single figure, flanked by seven others, each garbed in faintly distinguishable robes, stood before the portal. Ego huffed once, before his face was painted in his familiar grin. Turning blank, hungry eyes to those not within his clutch already, the devil leant bodily on the table, steepling the fingers of two of his arms and resting his chin on them. "Oh, but of course, against such a motley assortment as this, numbers are certainly on your side. Why... I do believe I even smell the stench of magic on more than simply Cassius, here." Ego's grin was all barbed wire and broken promises now, as his head swiveled about the assorted group. Slowly, one of his free hands pointed at Dante, a huffing chuckle seeping from between his lips. The other pointed at Ignis, before both hands turned over, fingers curling in as Ego beckoned the pair closer. Neither budged, and the chuckle bloomed into a hearty laugh. Wagging the fingers playfully, he turned amused eyes to the group as a whole. "You'll need that caution, little mortals, and plenty of it. "An assortment of half-breed outcasts and past-addled robots can only do so much, I'm afraid." Ego's grin widened with delight as he spoke, until the smile seemed to stretch beyond the borders of his mouth and trailed away into thin vapors of white smoke. "I daresay your diagnosis of suicide won't be far off the mark without a little more think and a little less do than I've witnessed thus far, my little employees." [ 502 / 1407 ]​ Note This turn is specifically prompting for responses from Threads and Dys, but it is an open reaction round. Make sure to drop into the slack channel to double-check on what others are doing before you post. Be considerate, and make sure that Threads and Dys get their turns in without causing them problems

 

[The Liar]

Much of the way that Duilius and Dominic carried themselves felt all too familiar. Adding in Ego’s unnatural charisma made Speedy feel as though it had traded one set of managers for another. It was Corvus’ simple explanation of their duties that put the demvir’s worries to rest. At the very least, somebody was willing to state the facts without leaving out important details, or adding confusion using the existential concept of somehow returning from death.

In the midst of the group’s introductions, there was something about Ego that set Speedy into an anxious silence. Whether it was his four arms, or his hooves, or his unnatural eyes, the demvir felt uncomfortable just looking at him. There was also the fact that the laicar, Dominic, called Ego a demon. Did that really mean, Speedy pondered, that Ego was a demon?

Even though Speedy had very rarely heard anybody actually talk about demons or devils, it had always assumed they were monsters akin to vistra. What further confused the demvir was the fact that the group had gathered specifically to fight off a horde of demons, and yet one appeared to be aiding them. It stood to reason, then, that Ego could not have possibly been a demon, despite not looking like anything Speedy had ever seen before, because it could not comprehend inciting violence against one’s own kind.

When Ego produced a column of smoke which he then sculpted into a small model of their ultimate goal, Speedy was prepared to accept that he may have had demonic ties of some kind. Never had it been so certain that withholding questions, comments and concerns was in its best interest.

[279/581]
​

 

[Dysney]

Ignis glanced at Deni then back at Ego. How powerful was this demon? He was apparently strong enough to control Dulius and three others and sense magical ability. Was magic sensing a common trait in demons? Intrigued but a little wary, she approached. Cora bobbed behind her, emitting a barely audible hum. Beneath her cloak, Amicus bristled and prepared to shield her at a moment's notice.

“Curious,” the engineer murmured.

Amicus’ branchy fingers dug into her shoulder.

The enlil hesitated. Then, rolling her shoulders back and straightening, continued to approach. She stopped perhaps five feet away from Ego and regarded the demon quietly.

“Do you have something else that needs doing, then?” Ignis asked carefully, “You seem a creature of action and we’ve already done enough thinking and planning for your tastes.” Her teeth grit at the pressure her familiar was exerting on her shoulder, twiggy fingers digging into the bandages covering newly healed flesh.

[155/679]

 

[Mystydjinn]

Motley half-breeds? The swords woman had less concern about the danger the demon posed than the demvir, and her eyes narrowed at the hellish creature's jeering, drawing her mind away from concern for the future and back into the present where buttons were being pushed.

"I think the mutant wearing his Daddy's work clothes should be more concerned with its neck than us half-breeds," Aelflead mumbled angrily in the midst of the crowd, and clenching her fist around her broadsword's handle tightly, only partially aware that it was still drawn from noticing the demon. The spurii was already tense from past events, and the demon's insults did little for her mood after the last three days she'd had. If pushed enough she was more than willing to cut down another hell-bound beast if she had to, four arms or not. She'd make shoes out of it and give its suit to Gwen.

As she considered this though, the more inquisitive side of her mind engaged with the present as well, and made itself busy flooding the back of Aelf's mind with questions. What did a demon have to gain from stopping this invasion; and why gather a bunch of Araevian if we're such a sorry bunch to do it for you? Her mind ran through the questions like a child through candy; and while it didn't completely draw away her anger, it was dampening enough to dissipate the idea involving her leaping over the crowd to cleave the demon in half.

 

[MoonlitRain014]

At one point in time, Aeria would have snapped at Ego and perhaps tried to do more, but she'd learned that sometimes it was better to hold back and wait to see what happened. Her deep anger at the way spurii were treated was still there and she resented the demon's comment, but she also knew that he was trying to get a rise out of her. A few beatings in Conexus prison had taught her that it was best to nurse a grudge or a desire for revenge until it could be acted upon, rather than simply leaping into the fray immediately.

She watched the others with interest. Speedy, being a demvir, really didn't exhibit any reaction. Ignis looked slightly nervous and Aelflead looked like she was calculating the distance between herself and Ego in preparation to do something foolish. Kincaid and Dominic seemed relatively contained, while Cass was a mixture of emotions that weren't terribly clear. The spurii adjusted her cloak and popped her halberd from hand to hand, but otherwise stayed quiet and tried to read the situation.

[820]

 

[Shadowthread]

A shiver passed through him as the creature pointed its finger at him. There was something so off putting of the demon to the pale kinner that it made his entire being scream internally. Watching Ignis approach and inquire the demon, the athlete decided that he would join her in asking some questions. The kinner entertained himself with the thought of pledging himself to the demon, but quickly dismissed it on the off chance that it might have a power to make them reality.

”What would you want from those with magical abilities?” The athlete inquired from the demon as he took a step forward confidently. Caution had never been one of those things that he was particularly good at. Something about Ego set off his alarms, yet at the same time he was intrigued by a demon. Trying to fool a demon who could sense magic abilities would probably be regardless, but for his own sake about trying to keep some of his skills under a veil, he spoke again.

”Regardless, Ego, you are mistaken, I have no magical ability to speak of,” the athlete paused as if to carefully choose the next words he would say, ”Maybe there is latent potential, that you might be sensing, demon,” a mere facade to slightly misdirect everyone but the demon, ”Would you happen to have any quick tricks to possibly awaken that potential?” Dante inquired from Ego with a smirk that almost matched the demon's.

[246/486]

 

[Several Zombies]

As those aggrieved by the demon sounded off meekly around the room, the ancient mercenary moved with a vigor that belied his derelict body. While Artanis could certainly understand the call for a measured response, he was a shrewd businessman at heart. The maligned imp's words had not rattled the mercenary to a violent retort; the mockery of their disparate guild's ability had not driven him to anger. As the cloaked machinae stood before the avatar of Ego, mechanical digits wrapped tightly around the blade at his hip, he could see only one thing: Profit. "A fine tale," he began, knelt on the table with his face hovering dangerously close to the demon's own. "But a tale nonetheless. This...portal of yours,” The machinae paused for a moment in contemplation, aperture-like eyes narrowing to focus upon the imp's crooked, smoldering visage. "Why would a demon want to see the link between our worlds severed?" Gauging the fiend's response, Artanis rested a clawed hand on his knee and continued in a smugly self-assured tone. "You can rattle on about the futility of it all, but at the end of the day, this is the best you've got. You'd be far from the first to speak of death in such certainty to me, imp, and I can assure you, you will not be the last." Leaning in closer, gears clicked and whined discordantly from behind his stoic guise. "I have only one question for you," Smile never ceasing, the conflagrant devil raised one begrimed eyebrow. "What's your price?" [256/599]

Artanis is just being greedy and frontin'. He's got a (fake) reputation to uphold.

 

[K3]

The cascade of outcries and declarations seemed to set the devil off, and Ego guffawed loud and long, his form pouring away into low-hanging smoke that wafted across the room and washed against the ankles of those gathered. Then, before so much as a whisper of alarm could sound, the smoke swarmed Artanis, seeping around and through him in a thoroughly awful sensation before coalescing about his shoulders as a pair of lanky arms. Grinning an acrid smile, Ego loomed tall over the greed-riddled demvir, as the two arms settled casually against his frame, shaking him in an almost congratulatory manner. Artanis strained his neck, and met the smog-riddled visage of the devil, whose face seemed almost split in half with a grin that was all smoke and mirrors. "Eager! Brash! Bold!" The devil tittered, as a third arm came into view – carrying an object of no small amount of alarm for Dominic and his cohorts, a wide-rimmed goblet full of tarry black-and-red liquid – and seemed to near the demvir. "I can't say I dislike that, o Greed. My price is one and the same with what you can offer me: the modest cost of a single soul, yours of course." Ego's dire sneer seemed to turn almost victoriously to Dominic, whose visage grew nearly pale with rage. Had the devil dissected the meaning in his hiring of the mercenary? Or was it simply another game? Before the thoughts could extend too far, and too deeply, the devil gave the demvir a none-too-gentle shove in the mafioso's direction. "Consort with your employer, little Greed. We shall see if we cannot sate that thirst on my behalf." Seeming far too pleased with himself, Ego turned and immediately half-hunched over Dante, stepping around him with loud thunks of his hooves. Tilting his head this way and that, the smarmy-faced devil's grin returned to a degree that could almost be mistaken for human, as more smoke seeped from under him. Giving Dante a consoling pat on the head, he nodded in sympathy, "Oh, but of course I can, my dear friend. Only, of course, are you willing to pay such a price as Greed might?" Ego's smile became jagged and fierce for a moment, before one of his four arms snuck around Dante's other shoulder and seized his jaw, forcing his head to face the rest of the group, stopping on Ignis. "Look at them, my little magic-touched nobody. Why, they are all here giving their all, no holds barred. Leave the theatrics and dramatic reveals for those of us who have perfected the craft, or perhaps even those still dallying in the idea of them, like little Kincaid." With that remark, Ego shot another smug look at the thief, perhaps catching onto his game of identities and aliases… or perhaps simply lacking a catchy enough nickname to use yet. The dirty gray hand clutching Dante's jaw relented, and patted his cheek in a near-patronizing way, as Ego's voice filled with mock-sympathy. "Perhaps honesty is a policy worth making, no? Perhaps," at this, Ego's hungry gaze turned about the room, almost purposefully stopping on Aeria before proceeding, "It is a policy you all could practice." Another un-gentle shove sent Dante sprawling forward, barely catching himself, while Ego's eyes remained amusedly locked on Ignis. Three long strides cleared any sense of 'personal space' the woman might've had, and the wanted criminal hissed as Amicus' branchlike fingers dug even deeper into her shoulder. "What I need, little mage, is not so different from what you need." Pointing a finger at Ignis, Ego interrupted himself with a long drink from his goblet. Then, with a large grin full of jagged teeth, "And what you need is magic, and lots of it. The good archmagi may not be so easy to fell, on the heels of his disciples and legion; there are benefits to contingencies, you know." Glancing at Aeflead over his shoulder, blade bared, and hand shaking with barely suppressed anger as the devil summarily ignored her as time went on, before his grin twitched just noticeably enough at one corner, in a gesture that couldn't be anything but bold-facedly mocking. [ 696 / 2103 ]​ Note This turn is prompting Alan, Arun, Dys, and Minja for responses. Would suggest that those who haven't had a chance to be prompted speak up this round, even to another player character, and that if you want to start striking up any sort of plans or ideas in-game, that you get a quick turn this round.

 

[OssumBunz]

What in the Vis’ names have we stepped into all of the sudden?

There was a sour air about this being that was now addressing the group gathered before him. At first Seneca hadn’t glanced twice at this odd employer, shoving him off in her mind as one of the handful of ugly spurri that one might encounter. However, it was becoming abruptly clear that this man was something far more hideously against nature than just some mixed race child.

Despite the looming sense of danger, the automaton found herself growing increasingly annoyed at the situation playing out. For how long? For how long would she stand there idly as this disgusting creature asked obscene favors while simultaneously putting down those he requested from? Why was this demon so capable of granting power to those he saw fit, but not able though handle this portal of his own accord?

“Enough!” Seneca’s golden eyes clicked and whirred as the narrowed upon this demon as fingers flexed into a fist before releasing again. “I don't know what game you and you friends are playing here, but it reeks of deceit.

“How are you even picking your people, flipping through wanted ads in the paper? Your selection is questionable at best, your price is absurd, and what gain is there really from all of this?"

(226)

 

[MoonlitRain014]

Aeria's flesh was crawling at the display of Ego's power and darkness. She wasn't about to mirror the ways in which the others were reacting, but she was thinking back over what the demon had said before everything kicked off and trying to find something of more substance worthy of questioning or reaction. She could have taken his bait with the 'honesty' comment but chose to let it pass.

A lot of what had happened had more to do with the others in the room than with what the demon had actually said. Eventually she realized that he'd talked about the portal being due south and she raised an eyebrow as she put together what she'd heard about the portal with what he'd said. After everyone's voices had died down enough for her to actually be heard, she stepped forward slightly and addressed the creature.

"I...don't believe you've explained exactly how far away that portal is. Due south indeed, but from what I hear, it is a long way due south. How are we going to get ourselves there in anything like a reasonable amount of time to do anything at all?"

She looked as directly as she could at the devilish being. It wasn't a very long look. There was a wrongness about him that made her stomach churn, but she didn't want to be completely cowed by him either.


[1284]

 

[Shadowwind]

With all that was going on, Speedy was determined to get concrete answers. Of those gathered, it briefly scanned the crowd and decided from whom it could get a reasonable explanation. Speedy began shuffling through the crowd, careful not to push or bump into anybody until it had come to Corvus’ side. As though it had been there the entire time it glanced nonchalantly from side to side. Then, it leaned in the laicar’s direction. “Is Ego really a demon?” Speedy asked in a hushed tone. Much of, if not all that was being discussed was going over Speedy’s head. Words like ‘Greed’ or ‘Pride’ being thrown around like names referenced something beyond its understanding. It could tell, at least, that there was more going on than chasing some portal somewhere. Whatever connected Ego to the others meant, as usual, some portion of the truth was being withheld. “What if he takes the portal for himself when we get there?” Speedy’s quiet query continued. One more, however, burned at the forefront of its mind. Despite not wanting to speak too much while the others were having a separate discussion, it couldn’t help but ask, “what if he just kills us?” “If he wanted us dead,” the hunter said dryly, “they would have dug four extra graves.” The vorax yawned its own response to its master’s comment. “As far as I can tell,” the young laicar continued making sure his tone remained as hushed as it could, “he’s looking for entertainment. When we eliminated the demons under his command it entertained him enough for us to win a reprieve from dealing with that guy. I doubt he’d be that manipulative to do it simply to watch our faces when we show up to the portal. “As best as I can figure,” Corvus said scratching his brow, “think of it like this if you were in the business of keeping a buncha demons under your control, would you really want them out doing whatever they want?” His eye blue eyes met the demvir for a moment before his tanned face broke into a slight smile. “I just hope we sort this crap out. Sooner people either agree or move on the quicker I get to go home.” Doc [200/781] Shades [173/750]​

 

[Valero]

For those who knew Deniisis Perfide, his complete silence was likely discomforting. Ever since he had caught sight of that demon, his tongue had managed to stay inside his mouth. His eyes, however, had not stayed still, constantly darting around the room, trying to pick up on the mood of every person to speak. The atmosphere was as mercurial as he could have expected considering the recent attack. Anger, frustration, uncertainty, doubt, and they only scratched the surface. At least none of the others seemed dim enough to trust Ego.

It was an unusual feeling, but as the events unfolded before the group, Deni was reminded of when he was a child, when his family would meet others at social gatherings. Every single person at those meetings was out for themselves and his father had tried to teach him how to pick up on an individual's body language to puzzle out any hidden intentions they might have. Of course, this time was different. There was a demon offering a solution to a huge mess that affected all of them. Deni had never met a demon before, but knew not to trust them. There was definitely going to be a way that he benefited from the situation, though what that was managed to elude the rogue's mind.

Deni took a step closer to Ignis, his blue eyes fixed on Ego. From some of what the creature had been saying, it seemed as though he was not the type to kill a person outright. Tying unwitting people into servitude seemed to be more his style. Regardless, the way he approached someone so close to him kept Deni alert. One hand was concealed by his tattered trenchcoat, fingertips stroking the cold metal of his pistol. It was just a precaution. Despite the clamminess of his hands and his nervousness in the face of an unfamiliar being, Deni continued to do a few things that he didn't do often enough. Listen and observe.

[329/597]

 

[Dysney]

Ignis inadvertently locked eyes with Ego when he stared her down and approached her. Her heart fluttered in her chest like a hummingbird’s wings. Something about Ego felt very wrong, though the enlil couldn't put her finger on it. Brown eyes darted back and forth as she took everything about the demon in and her body stiffened.

Her eyes narrowed.

Amicus hissed softly.

Her chest ached.

Something wasn't right.

Ignis lifted her face to meet Ego’s disturbing stare head on, but couldn't bring herself to speak.

When Deni neared her, the enlil let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She pulled in more air through her nose, nostrils flaring.

Then, the demon moved on.

Ignis’ frame trembled, her vigor buzzed beneath the surface of her skin, agitated. The words of another demvir were distant to the enlil’s ears --when had she gotten here? Then, Aeria was bringing up more practical issues. Her mind danced between ideas for transportation and magic.

“Lots of magic, huh?” She mumbled.

Why did this demon even need their help? What did he really want from them?

“What would that cost?”

[188/867]

 

[Nargles]

Dominic stepped back, shooting a glance at Artanis to follow. Quickly picking up on his employer’s signal the two began to confer while the others chattered among themselves. It was difficult for Dominic to ascertain the demon’s true nature. While closing the portal had a tangible benefit for all parties involved, it still felt as if they were being strung along without enough information. “I want to make it clear,” began the mafioso in a somewhat hushed tone of voice. “While the commands the demon gives are necessary to complete the job, know that these demands are not your primary job. Your reward has been taken care of regardless of the… outcome…” While ambiguous to any individuals who chose to eavesdrop on their conversation, previous communication between the two had ensured that the meaning was clear to Artanis. He waited for the volume in the room to pick up once again before continuing, “Of course any actions you take in completing the task I assure will be paid in full after. Though, that payment will simply be in addition to our original contract which will make up most of your reward.” The mafioso’s concern was met with the muted click of gears from behind Artanis’ steely visage as the machinae contemplated their situation. The mercenary knew that Martinov had more than enough clout to back up any fiscal promises he made, and as tantalizing as a partnership with the imp may seem, the cost was a steep one, even for one as covetous as himself. “You’ve nothing to be concerned about,” the ancient Demvir rumbled, ocher occuli peering at the ephemeral demon with stoic bemusement. “The cretin wants more of you under his thumb, nothing more. There's a profit to be made here, Martinov, but the terms may require...haggling." The look on Dominic's face spoke volumes. Who was Artanis to try and barter with this eldritch fiend? As far as the mafioso was aware, the mercenary did more than talk a strong game, but he could see doubt creeping into his employer's expression. Better to stay the course until the imp shows his hand. “So long as our deal holds, I’ll see your contract to completion,” Artanis murmured, crossing his arms in front of himself. “But if this undertaking is as foolhardy as your master makes it out to be, I'll expect suitable compensation. I'm sure the son of the Martinov family should have no issue footing a bit of danger pay." Letting out a short grunt of frustration, the ancient mercenary offered the mafioso one final assurance. "I have fought and bled and killed for my freedom, Martinov. I would sooner die than see myself willfully returned to shackles on the knavish promises of some trumped up hellion. I'll go where the money leads me," he rumbled, a sense of genuine sincerity in his voice. "But my soul is my own. If the imp want's to open a contract with me, the only currency on the table is cold, hard exa." Hiren: [807] Sev: [910]

 

[Mystydjinn]

Did that thing, just mock me? Aelflead bristled at the demon's taunt, falling easily for the bait. The woman quite took offence to the creature's presence after the past three days in general, but being taunted and mocked by a creature asking for slaves was too much. I didn't take a shower in dragon blood to get disrespected by a cloud in a business suit, she thought, boiling over steadily.

She squeezed the handle of the bigatium blade she held rigidly in her hand, and decided she'd find the portal on her own instead. Who needed a demon who probbably walked out of it this morning? She had intuition, and if she met the damn thing again when it crawled back out again she'd send Ego off with a nice "fuck you" before she put her sword up it's ass again. Who needed insider information?

I put up with that asshole Soldier because I'm a professional, the redhead thought. This however is just personal. Besides, Terminus is a big place full of tough people, they'll live.

Mostly.

Aelflead took a running start at the demon brandishing her silver blade, and swung it in a tight arc aimed at the demon's legs aiming to catch it off guard; then with the auritium blade she was reaching for on her back, cut it down like a weed when it leapt away.

It might earn her ire she assumed naturally, but she was used to scorn and irritation anyway. Not like it mattered much to her.

technical notes

2 strikes: Bigatium blade swing at the legs [secondary], and an Auritium blade strike [primary] aimed straight down.
Also Helm Splitter for cinematic purposes. I'll add wordcount and current vigor in about 2-ish hours. College class.

 

[K3]

A few cries of alarm went up as the woman charged, shoving past a couple of her fellows as she brought the swords around. Ego, for his part, seemed neither surprised nor shocked, and made no move to defend himself. The twin strikes cleaved cleanly through the demon, seeming to leave a curious absence where gore and blood ought to have spilled. Perhaps, most strangely, there was no resistance as flesh would have. Aelflead stumbled forward, unused to the strange sensation of striking at a creature without substance, and nearly lost her footing. For a moment, there was nothing. Silence, broken only by the heaving of the spurii's chest as she brought her swords back into a ready stance. Ego's quartered form remained upright for a moment, then appeared to collapse, cascading down into a low plume of smoke. Then, it was everywhere. Darkness engulfed the room, the shut door invisible as the group reached out, cried out, only to choke on their breath. Slowly, painfully slowly, the smoke retreated, leaving the coughing and spluttering contents to recover as it drew inwards and coalesced anew. Standing as though nothing had occurred, Ego absently straightened his tie with two of his four arms, casting not even a spare glance at the mortal daring enough to strike at him. Instead, the devil's attentions were entirely on business, and offered a genial smile to Ignis. "Why, the same price I would have from that greedy, fickle one, my dear. The paltry sum of your soul, in exchange for ruinous powers. How very Faustian! How very... boring." Almost comically, the devil's smile was replaced with a mocking frown, as though he'd been struck by some tragic news. Finally, more smoke poured from his hands and billowed up to the table – still in its place, untouched by the assault Aelflead had levied – forming into a dozen small silhouettes. Immediately, those gathered could recognize that the figures represented them. Leaning against the table once more, the devil's eyes strayed to those few that had similarly made themselves known. Fixing that hungry gaze on Seneca, and then Aeria, Ego cleanly walked through the table as though it weren't even there. Though, as he passed it seemed the table were completely undisturbed by this act. The questions were flying fast and harsh now, the devil's antics quickly losing their luster. The people demanded details! Far be it from him to disappoint, then. Stopping within arm's reach of both, he tapped the side of his head with one hand, and gestured to the pair with two others. "Such harsh, harsh questions! Why, it's as though I'm the villain here! For shame, have you no manners?" Ego's brow furrowed, but with his ever-wide grin still in place, it seemed more eager than menacing. "This information is provided free, of course! I am, of course, in the dealings of souls. Souls of the living, souls of the dead, wherever they happen to end up. Can you really blame a peddler for offering their services? Hmm, perhaps you can, but nonetheless... "If there is one thing I will not tolerate, it is undue chaos."​ As though this were explanation enough, Ego turned fully to Aeria, waggling a finger under her face and clearing the remaining distance between them until she was wholly uncomfortable with his proximity. Then, with an almost proud tone, he stated, "Three weeks south, my little half-breed! Of course, a week and a half away, you'll find the Sea of Aquilonia a rather persistent obstacle." A bellowing laugh shook Ego's form, which quivered and roiled like it was barely contained, before he spun on his heel and paced back to the table. It looked, for a moment, as though he would continue speaking, but the shuffling of Corvus and Speedy drew his eye. His head tilted one way, then another, and then the oily-haired creature laughed anew, his form dissipating and sweeping across the room like a great smokestack. When it collected, Ego was half-slumped between them, low enough that he could sling an arm over Corvus and Speedy each, and his head was scant inches from theirs on either side of him. "What if he's got a point there, Corvus?" Ego whispered conspiratorially to the ranger, jostling him lightly as he did so. Gasping dramatically, he turned back and spoke in an overly loud hush to Speedy. "What if he's just waiting for his opportune moment? "What-ifs, whys, and whimsies are not my concern, dear friends!" Ego declared, seeming quite genuine for a moment as he shot up to full height. Running another hand through his sparse hairline, he kept himself turned to the pair as he stepped away, back in the direction of the table. "There's plenty of time for doubting later, I'm afraid. Time is ever against you, and if you spend all your time at the crossroads, well... you won't have much time before the reaper catches up to you." [ 825 / 2928 ]​ Note This is a round prompting Speedy and Seneca, with open reactions still being accepted. We're going to be closing the thread after the next round or two, so you guys should start coming to a consensus for your characters to stay involved this round or next. Val, if you need to workshop a prompt for Deni, just let me know or leave a note in the slack channel.

 

[The Liar]

When Speedy realized what it was doing, the revolver was already halfway out of its holster. At the mere sight of the spurii threatening somebody else in the room the demvir felt a need to take action. It was the fact that Speedy had no affinity for the demon, nor enmity for the spurii that stayed its hand. Confusion began to swirl in its mind around the unseen reason that its hand had so quickly found the weapon.

Questions about reflexes and the morality of acting versus standing by were quickly quelled. Enough smoke to fill the room was enough to take all of Speedy’s attention. In the back of its mind, it wondered if Ego and the overwhelming smoke were in fact the same thing and if that were the case, whether that meant that for a moment the demon was inside Speedy, even if for a moment.

When the smoke cleared Speedy could hardly relax. All such workings of demons were beyond the demvir, and for all it knew that display was the method by which Ego took souls. Nothing seemed to be missing, but Speedy had never seen or held its soul before. It thought that perhaps the others had lost their souls in a similar fashion, and at that moment their grimness was easier to understand. Yet, Speedy didn’t understand the soul’s function or form well enough to be certain that it needed to be upset over the loss.

“I, er,” Speedy fumbled with its reply.

There was too much in Ego’s words and actions that Speedy found familiar, and even more that was both strange and terrifying. In the corner of its cranium there was an urge to turn and leave. In that same corner, however, it could see the smug faces of those it would return to. Speedy was resolved to prove that there was more to it than a courier with no will of his own.

“I think what matters is stopping the invasion,” Speedy confidently declared. Before continuing it gazed at the demon blankly. Though there didn’t seem to be anything bulging from Ego’s pockets, it wasn’t ready to discard the possibility that its soul was hiding somewhere therein.

“I don’t think I have any good reason to go anywhere else, anyway,” Speedy concluded.

[384/1165]
​

 

[OssumBunz]

It’s strange the things one will agree to if left with no other choice, perhaps some of the things more extreme than others. Certainly many in this group had already given up something so personal, something that was so wholly them and their very being. While at first the idea had sounded so outrightly foolish, maybe it wasn’t so black and white as that. How far did one need to be push before their only option was ruining whatever eternity they believed they would reach through hard work and dedication?

Many spent their lives dedicated to something less pure, however, be it robbery, theft, or even a private art collection obtained through swindling ways and passable replicas. Would someone go so far as to sell their soul for all they had worked to build up in life, it didn't sound all that ridiculous when Seneca thought about what losing all could mean to a person. But of course the Demvir had as much time as their artificial bodies would allow them to build up such a collection, even if it meant painfully being reminded of what you did not have.

Something much more dire would have to be on the line for most the mechinae figured, something so precious that nothing in the world could ever replace it...life itself. Had Ego really put others in that position, would he truly push one to the brink of death just to take possession over their mortal soul? The damon had pretty much answered that question himself, he was, after all, in the business of souls. Then why shouldn’t Seneca had blamed the being, he was disgusting, a thief by another name was still a thief. Then again, she wasn’t much better. How many nobles had she ripped precious artifacts from just to keep them from having better than herself...but no that was her right, only she could properly watch over these items. Why should someone else have that chance over her?

Gears clicked discordantly as the smoke retreated, perhaps Ego was not the villain she had taken him for at first. Maybe this was all for the betterment of their world. Apertures clicked shut in thought before opening again and settling on the showman like demon.

“I’ll go along and help with this situation, but only because the outcome of staying put looks no better than the outcome of following along. Both could mean death, and I’d rather be of use if that is the case.

“But don't be mistaken, I still think you are a bit off.”

[430]

 

[MoonlitRain014]

Aeria felt foolish for having stepped back from Ego, but it was hard not to do when he had gotten right into her face. She had been considering what might happen if she were to commit to the bargain that the demon had suggested. She had lost so much lately, had felt as though the entire world was against her and so it seemed that her soul (whatever that was) might not be that great price to pay. However, when Ego had faced her directly, the sense of alien evil pouring from him had snapped her back into reality. After the two demvir had spoken, she sighed and replied to what the demon had said.

"I'm willing to go on this short journey but I think I'll hang on to my soul. Shutting the portal's one thing, but owing this sleazeball my soul is another. I don’t think we should hang around the crossroads though. At least our insubstantial friend has that right."

She leaned up against her halberd and watched the others. Her sense of confidence wasn't exactly sky high in this lot, but she had been in situations where the odds were worse and survived. It had hardly been successful but sometimes being alive was enough.

[1492] FINAL

 

[Valero]

One webbed hand grasped the enlil woman firmly by the shoulder and dragged her a few steps back when the darkness appeared. The rogue’s pulse raced as the air was pulled from his lungs. As soon as he coughed into his free arm, the light returned. Even before an act like that, every ounce of Deni told him that Ego was an enemy. Unlike some of the others in the room, however, he successfully managed to fight the urge to lose his composure. If the demon’s information would help halt the attacks on the city, then it was worth utilising. The way that he was so open about how he ‘dealt’ with souls, however, should have made the others more cautious of his motives. The velen was surprised that everyone else seemed to find him so alluring.

Ignis used her cloak to cover her mouth and nose to avoid inhaling the smoke and allowed Deni to pull her closer to him. She made sure to glare at Aelflead for attacking the demon in their midst. If brute force could solve things, the four under his command would have already killed Ego. That left them all in a rather tricky predicament. They couldn't trust this demon, but might need his help.

The sour look the enlil shot the spirit darkened when dry coughing made her the ache in her throat even more pronounced.

Deni began to caress his forehead with one hand. It seemed as though the daemon invasion had knocked the sense out of everyone. Sure, the initial attack had taken even the wariest by surprise and most of those present had to fight for their lives. The gunslinger would have been lying if he said it hadn't shaken him up. Of course it had, but that was no reason for everyone to lose their minds. Attacking recklessly, actually contemplating relinquishing their souls in some kind of deal... it was madness. He gritted his teeth together.

“Tell me you’re not actually considering this,” Deni whispered into Ignis’ ear. The woman had practically sacrificed herself against the huge dragon. Now she wanted to give her soul away? Frustration and anger flashed in those blue eyes. “You’re worth more than that.”

The engineer's eyes slid over to focus on the man at her side. She shrugged. “Asking for my soul is a bit much ...” Ignis murmured, eyes focusing on the smug demon again, “I was hoping he'd have other payment options.”

She paused, frowning.

“Then again, he's not the most trustworthy thing to make a deal with.”

A sliver of relief washed over Deni after Ignis’ words reached his ear.

“You’re right about that,” he agreed.

The gunslinger removed his hand from his companion’s shoulder. He matched her actions, turning to observe Ego as he approached some of the others. Deni was usually good at deciphering a person’s mood from their body language, but it was nearly impossible to figure out the demon. His hidden motives were likely wrapped in more hidden motives.

“Just be careful.”

“I will, contracts are pretty serious. Besides, Amicus wouldn't want to share me with that demon.”

Then, the enlil raised her voice so Ego could hear her. “My soul isn't for sale, either. I want that portal shut, but that hasn't convinced me I should hand my servitude over to you in order to do it. You're a poor businessman; you've hardly described the details of your offer yet you want a high price. We're already doing you a service, perhaps you owe us something instead.”

[353/950]

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