Announcements: Cutting Costs (2024) » January 2024 Copyfraud Attack » Finding Universes to Join (and making yours more visible!) » Guide To Universes On RPG » Member Shoutout Thread » Starter Locations & Prompts for Newcomers » RPG Chat — the official app » Frequently Asked Questions » Suggestions & Requests: THE MASTER THREAD »

Latest Discussions: Adapa Adapa's for adapa » To the Rich Men North of Richmond » Shake Senora » Good Morning RPG! » Ramblings of a Madman: American History Unkempt » Site Revitalization » Map Making Resources » Lost Poetry » Wishes » Ring of Invisibility » Seeking Roleplayer for Rumple/Mr. Gold from Once Upon a Time » Some political parody for these trying times » What dinosaur are you? » So, I have an Etsy » Train Poetry I » Joker » D&D Alignment Chart: How To Get A Theorem Named After You » Dungeon23 : Creative Challenge » Returning User - Is it dead? » Twelve Days of Christmas »

Players Wanted: Serious Anime Crossover Roleplay (semi-literate) » Looking for a long term partner! » JoJo or Mha roleplay » Seeking long-term rp partners for MxM » [MxF] Ruining Beauty / Beauty x Bastard » Minecraft Rp Help Wanted » CALL FOR WITNESSES: The Public v Zosimos » Social Immortal: A Vampire Only Soiree [The Multiverse] » XENOMORPH EDM TOUR Feat. Synthe Gridd: Get Your Tickets! » Aishna: Tower of Desire » Looking for fellow RPGers/Characters » looking for a RP partner (ABO/BL) » Looking for a long term roleplay partner » Explore the World of Boruto with Our Roleplaying Group on FB » More Jedi, Sith, and Imperials needed! » Role-player's Wanted » OSR Armchair Warrior looking for Kin » Friday the 13th Fun, Anyone? » Writers Wanted! » Long term partner to play an older male wanted »

0
followers
follow

A Stranger

What's wrong with his face?

0 · 228 views · located in Cortex

a character in “The Multiverse”, as played by Joseph_Bennett

Description

A man in a wide-brimmed hat and trench coat, with a red cloth scarf wrapped around most of his face, so that it's concealed, everywhere except for the eyes, grey, dead things.
Carries a battered and seemingly bloodstained shovel in one hand, and has a lantern attached to his jacket, he does indeed seem a very menacing figure, although in reality he is simply self-motivated and survivalist.
Is entirely mute, and communicates almost entirely through nods or head shakes, as well as poor sign language, although he carries a small journal where he will tear out pages and write in to communicate more complex thoughts or messages.
Doesn't like being in the dark, and refuses to stay in shadowy places for very long. Fears staying out at dark without some sort of light source, which is why he methodically checks his lantern every couple of seconds, and scans the sky to place the sun.
Has a mildly aggressive or inhospitable method of behaving, although in reality is just overly cautious and doesn't like new or strange things.
Spoilers for following: True nature of character, kept mostly hidden to others by said character. You can probably figure it out if you pay attention close enough, or spend enough time with the character.
Spoiler: show
The Stranger is not a living creature, not by a certain sense. His cold demeanor, accented only by light emotions, can be attributed to the fact that he's a living corpse, a half-dead (or rather, closer to undead) being animated by spores that control most of the functions of his body. He isn't a zombie in the popular sense, but rather in the literal sense. He relies on the consumption of material to maintain an appearance of what's even close to a human, and due to the reliance of most of his functions being taken over by the organism that allows him to continue living, he cannot speak and is often cold or overly rational, choosing survival over all.

His body isn't at war with this fungal organism, far from it. It's a symbiotic dependency that relies entirely upon cooperation, simply keeping him away from the edge of death for a time that's gone on for as long as he remembers. Due to bad experiences with others, viewing his true nature as dangerous, he chooses to keep most of himself covered and remains hidden, not staying anywhere for longer than the audience can bear him.
To quote a lore document I wrote a while back for him:

- - - -
The Stranger isn’t human, despite how he may appear. In reality, he is a fungi facsimile of a person, an animated corpse. He isn’t a zombie in the common sense, but he is by definition undead, being more mushroom than person. He cannot speak due to the destroyed nature of his interior body, although he might be able to manage a few words in dire circumstances, although it probably will not be more than a whisper. Most of the interior of his body is replaced by fungus-infected tissue, keeping a crude system of organ function.
One of the main habits of the Stranger is to simply stop thinking, and just sit. He refers to this as “stopping,” and often does it to conserve energy, just ceasing all function and simply existing. This has been used as a self-defense mechanism, as he can lie perfectly still and simply not react to any stimulus until it becomes relevant. A cover to protect the fact that he isn’t human, especially when stopping, is that he will remove a book and just hold it open as he ceases to think, giving the superficial appearance of reading.
The Stranger is fluent in many languages, and can understand many outside of the sphere of common or basic (those being for sapient and sentient creatures, respectively) although he cannot speak. Any language without a written component he can’t usually understand, but can learn rather quickly, simply by observing.
On the opposite side of stopping, there is “being,” where he uses all of his available resources to think or learn something, which does result in a similar behavior to stopping, although many parts of the body will twitch or quiver as energy resolved to thinking is passed through them.
Stranger is not so much as a person as he is a symbiotic organism infesting a human being, but is solely sentient, and simply wishes to exist. There is no desire to create more sporebeings, as Stranger is solely comfortable existing as himself and sees any rival fungus as an enemy, which he will then ravenously consume and dissolve to turn into nutrients for himself.

So begins...

A Stranger's Story

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: A Stranger Character Portrait: Teno Amaniku Character Portrait: Michael Scott
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.75 INK

A man walks slowly into the clearing, catching himself as he treads over small detritus and plant matter, leaves giving out light crunches under his feet. He appears to be slightly winded, as if he recently stopped running, and he turns his head to scan the area, freezing in place when he sees an individual across the clearing.
He slowly looks up, pulling his scarf up to his nose as he does, scanning the sky to see where the sun is, and then walks across the clearing to Michael.
He pulls out a notebook from his jacket, and, removing a rough pencil from the leather spine, leans the book against his knee, writing quickly for a couple seconds before holding up the journal, facing Michael.
Who are you?
Getting dark soon.
Should go home.

The notebook says, written in a rough, straight scrawl. He pauses to let the boy read it before continuing, beginning to write again.
Not safe for you after dark.

The setting changes from Cortex to Hadriatica

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.50 INK

This place is idyllic...
Outside, an individual wanders into the market, a bedraggled mark from all the others around... him, maybe, although it was hard to tell. He wore a long coat, concealing almost all of the shape of his body behind its thick, seemingly leather material. A wide-brimmed hat covered the upper half of his face, concealing most everything except for the occasional glimpse of what appeared to be cold, lifelessly grey and white eyes. A red scarf, if it could be called that, resembling more a long, cloth rag, was wrapped carefully around the lower portion of his face, covering up to his nose, the red tail thrown over his shoulder, and allowing for naught but the aforementioned eyes to be seen. It was surely unsettling, perhaps even disgusting, what hid behind the mask, grey flesh with an odd texture.
His ungainly movement, reminiscent of a drunkard or medicated, was unsettling, making it seem like he was barely strong enough to be walking, but the persistent strength behind his figure shone through, however dully, the stumbling seeming an almost cautious behavior, like he was faking it, maybe to look more vulnerable than he actually was...
He carries a shovel, held in one limp arm, the blade facing the ground. It's caked in mud and... perhaps blood, once you look at it closely. The blade of the shovel is sharp and jagged, as if it had been used as a spear-like weapon before, and parts of it had maybe chipped off, the durable steel being generally worse for wear.
The man stops for a moment in the market, eyeing the people eyeing him, and scans in a circle around him, feet planted steadily, helped by the handle end of the shovel, planted alongside the feet in the dirt.
Nobody around him had likely seen him before, or had any knowledge of how he got here, perhaps regarding him as a homeless person... although that seemed strange, considering that Cluj wasn't known for it's homeless population.
Indeed, he seemed alien, in every sense of the word. He clearly wasn't from here, and there was something... unnatural about his appearance.
It didn't matter to him, of course. He knew his own story, knew why he was here, just not what he was doing.
He steps off to the side of the street, against a building, cautiously surveying the area before spotting... a bar. Such a strange thing. It had been quite a while since he'd been inside such an establishment, quite a while indeed.
He steps away from the building, and steps lazily across the street, reaching behind him to grab his shovel before continuing into the establishment.

Quite a crowd. We might... have us a party.
He looks around as he opens door to the establishment, for a moment standing motionless. He doesn't know exactly why he decided to enter... He hasn't felt hunger or thirst for a long, long time. He is still reminded of his... well, his human nature, he supposes. He eyes the crowd.
Soldiers. How quaint. And indeed they were, the recognizable, organized type of folk, clearly strengthened by their time in service. Perhaps the strength was earned, perhaps learned.
A woman. No, a beast pretending to be a woman. Or... maybe a woman pretending to be a beast. He is momentarily reminded, perhaps by the noticeable... ears, of the woman, or perhaps the foxlike nature, of an old friend... or perhaps he was an enemy. The lines do blur, after all. Perhaps this one was friendlier, however.
Other people pass his vision, their forms unimportant to him, rendering him not acknowledging but aware...
And then he sees, lower to the ground, a smaller figure. A beast... Nay, something living, in a sense of the word.
Then... there's the unmistakable stench of magic. His times with the darker side of it have perhaps weakened his ability to sense it so quickly, but there's the more... inspired side. The side given by Gods or a bloodright.
Interesting indeed... What has guided us here?
He steps further into the bar, carefully maneuvering around people to come to the bar, where he takes a seat some distance away from the fox-eared woman, which he warily eyes for a second. He places the shovel leaned against the bar, and opens his jacket to rummage around, finally pulling out a notepad and piece of charcoal. He spends some time writing a couple words before showing it to the woman, holding it out in a hand covered in leather gardening gloves.
It said, in short, roughly written straight letters of Common, Speak Common? What is going on?

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.25 INK

Andrei grippedd the vox-box for a moment, then pointing to the droid, who stood on two cocked legs. “What are your parameters, droid?” Andrei questioned slowly in Common again.

”Agro-mech sector G-401B-237513 -”


Before the droid rambled on too long, the Commandant waved a hand softly. “You are a Guardian for the travelers now.”

”Affirmative.”


“You,” He then turned his attention to Lancelot and the new arrivals. “We will offer you bonus pay as off-world, foreign mercenaries. You’ll fight with the other sellguns,” He motioned to the Verians and Boklunders back at their respective tables.

One of the other Popularas, standing off to the side from the Commandant, adjusted his glasses. The Gemonese man bore the yellow stripe of the auxilia quartermasters, holding a tablet in the crux of one arm as he stepped forward. “I would suggest the foreigners outfit themselves with a Fokus and droid patch, the gear market will be able to provide.”

“What’s so important you need a section of mercenaries to walk your Popularas out in the woods?” The leader of the Verians spoke, placing his small feathered hat down on the table before him.

“Peacekeepers are delivering a sarcophagus to the terraformer.”


The words from the Commandant seemed to chill the air, one of the Boklunders turning in his chair slightly as a silence settled in the tavern. The chieftain of the northmen, a bearded Baltig named Skayvr, chortled. “Right, no one alive anymore to even walk the thing off the star deck of a crypt-ship.”

The droid listlessly turned towards Lancelot, the shuddering band of light ringing a blocky head a steady green. “You may enjoy your food and drink now, personnel are preparing for the arrival of the Exogarden.”

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by Awinita
As the droid spoke to her, and also the Commandant, Lancelot heard a new voice, a soft timid sounding tone, spoken over by the other voices voicing their needs for work. Her vulpine ear twiched and her gaze briefly searched the room before falling on Basalah. A tanooki ? Here ? Lancelot briefly wondered.

Then she knew she was pretty much fully visible to Basa as what she truly was, a Kitsune, nine tails and all, and yet to all the humans in the room she appeared like any normal human, or at least humanish, woman with a mask on her face. The mask helped in many ways to translate words spoken.

But she heard Basa's words clear. A quiet voice, also searching for work by the look of her. The Kitsune woman turned her face towards Basa, who could easily see past the mask she wore to see her true vulpine face. "Also looking for work ?" She asked to the Tanookie.

As the droid spoke to her, asking for further info, and ther Commandant giving his speech of which group they'd be known as, Offworlders ? Oh well that could work. Lancelot nodded her thanks, slightly jerking her head in motion towards basa, "Shes with me" She said simply. She indicated a nearby table that had the rest of her gear on it, namely, her traveling cloak and a straw hat.

She turned to the Droid, "Thank you."

Soon as she sat back down she indicated to the seat across from her own for Basa to take a seat. But it was then when the unspeaking stranger showed a page of a journal or sticky note towards her. Briefly she couldnt read it until her mask translated it. He could not speak ? She simply nodded. her vulpine nature now curious of who the unspeaking stranger was.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Tyrus Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.25 INK

Basalah's ears drooped and eyes shifted uneasily as the commotion seems to have drowned her out. She gripped her scarf tightly and began to breathe uneasily. But then the sound of footsteps approaching shook her from the dangers of her own inner mind. A man emerged, draped in dark. She raised her eyes to watch him, ears still drawn back warily, her large eyes scanning for anything to pick up on. She found him to be... a hard read, and in that mystery, a familiarity. Seeing that red cloth wrapped around his face she gripped her own as she stared up at his eyes. Gray and cold they were, lifeless, and while for many who would call them off-putting... for Basa, they just looked... tired. He's a survivor too.

"Also looking for work?"

Her ears shook and she quickly looked back up to Lancelot. She was talking to..? She noticed her? Someone who is everything I am not... noticed me..? As she thought how to respond, the commanding figure took attention towards them. Off-worlders? That is a way to put it... but bonus pay?

"Shes with me."

Her ears stood up, she once again snapped her gaze to Lancelot with a shocked hiccup, her eyes wide now. Did she..? She was taken aback, she was certain, especially one of such glamour would not even give her a passing glance, let alone represent her. When Lancelot motioned her to take a seat she looked back and forth before hopping into it. Her eyes narrowed as she thought on how to respond... let alone utter even a first complete word. It wasn't common there being those to listen to her speak, so she often chose to remain silent.

"Work? Yes, though... maybe a purpose," she said, trailing off a bit at the end as she fidgeted with her scarf, her eyes unfocused and wandering as she thinks through her words. "I'm... Basalah, th—though anything works."

The stranger began to write, and Basalah perked up to watch, looking up and down from the stranger to the paper. It was an unfortunate shortcoming for the small one, as she was... quite illiterate. She no more knew to write or read common as she was able to read or write her own native tongue. Why had her mentor omitted this bit of her education? Perhaps the Saraph was also illiterate, or maybe it was an oversight? Or simply he thought it wasn't necessary? Or perhaps his gift her could allow her to learn it, as long as she can connect meaning with the writing. Unfortunately... what she finds in the stranger is... weariness? Worry? It is hard, somewhat similar to when she tried to read the Saraph.

"What is he saying?" she asked, looking to Lancelot.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Tyrus Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.25 INK

The Stranger looks, seemingly almost disinterested, at the small figure. He reaches back into his jacket, pulling out a palm-sized stone, the rough face of it glinting with a dull metallic shine, similar to that of silver. He places it on the countertop, wrapping his fingers around it protectively, then loosening them, and slowly slides it down to the silver-haired creature, letting it rest in front of her. He then, also slowly, reaches for the notebook, and spends a couple seconds drawing a picture, seemingly in response to the confusion of the small creature.
Holding out the paper in front of the tanooki, the drawing, made with rough, straight lines similar to the text above it, depicts a gift-wrapped box, or a Christmas present. He sets down the torn-out paper next to the stone, and pats it with his hand before wearily withdrawing it. A vague shape behind the cloth covering his face forms and then disappears, the remnants of a smile.
He then takes up again his pencil and paper, writing quickly and carefully, before holding it out to the fox-eared woman.
A gift for the small one. Such things should be valued.
I cannot speak, which leads to a lot of listening, and which can teach you things.
You are not entirely human, but I suppose that comes at an advantage. The small one can hear people. And many others have their own things they proclaim, however silently.
You did not answer my question wholly. What has called us here?

Basalah, in their heightened sense of... understanding, perhaps, could likely sense a dull, positive energy emitting off of the shiny stone, although traced with what appears to be... perhaps fear. It gave off a feeling of... positivity in frightening times, frightening places, yet a desire to persist regardless.
The Stranger is indeed tired, and withdraws his gloved hand after placing the second torn out page in front of Lancelot, reaching into his jacket yet again and pulling out a small flask, raising it to his face and drinking through the mask.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Tyrus Character Portrait: Soap Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

Outside a single Komatsu LAV pulled up, and it's passenger, Major Nishiyama Masatsugu checked to make sure that he had recieved the proper directions. He let out a slight huff as he checked the map one more time, and then compared it to the place he was supposed to be arriving at.

Clasping his Howa 89, he checked to make sure the weapon was safed while his driver moved around the front of the LAV to open the door to his seat.

"Korera no bōto ni wa hōkō-sei ga naiga, minkan minpei kara no ikkan shita gunji-ryoku o kitai dekirudarou ka?" He asked his assistant.

"Sore ga watashitachi ga koko ni iru riyūda to omoimasu, shōsa." The assistant replied as the Major looked up towards what appeared to him to be a dilapidated bar.

"Hai..." The Major replied with a deep, gravely voice as he stepped outside, and pulled his watch cap over his head, prominently displaying the insignia of the Imperial Taiyou Ground Self Defense Army.

"Mō onsen ga koishīdesu." He said to himself, letting his type 89 hang loosely from his shoulder while his assistant pulled the bar door open, and the Major slowly stepped inside, surveying the interior, and removing his dark sunglasses.

"I looking for operation commander." He called out above the din of the bar interior. "I special advisor Major Nishiyama Masatsugu, at your service!" He called out, offering a brief but sincere bow.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger Character Portrait: Masatsugu Nishiyama
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

The Commandant took a sip from a canteen at his waist, a stiff lip perhaps revealing it was more than simple water as he held the microphone by his face. Every few moments, there would be a soft cackle of feedback, the Commandant having to squint through a light projected against the small stage while he spoke. "Good then, uuuuh for the off-worlders, welcome to our homeland, and we appreciate your efforts for the people and the grateful states of Hadriatica."

The quartermaster was next to speak, sharing the microphone with the Commandant as he nudged in from the side. "Uhh, barracks and housing will be behind the cantina." With the orders of the Commandant given, the GPC personnel standing on the sidelines were then free enjoy the bar themselves.

One of the Verians at a nearby table waved his feathered hat over towards Lancelot and the other off-worlders, holding up a handful of small devices fitted on the side of the head. "Salve, viaggiatori - you might find it easier to understand everyone with these." He offered, his gloved palm stretching out. Several of the other Verians muttered amongst themselves. Taking up two tables, the section of twenty men had a veritable feast between them.

"Hai fame - are you hungry? These Gemonites cook a damn good pig." Another one of the Verians spoke, the younger Gardenite pushing a dish along the table. "Have a bite, the Popularas all say this'll be one hell of a leg."

Two of the Verians at the table were in a game of cards, holding the square, slim pieces of metal in their hand. "Think they've got some baubles to lose in a game of Stig?"

"No no, you're just looking to spread your debt - don't be an edicyte." The second one said promptly, shoving a hand out onto the pile of cards and loose dollars on the table between them.

When the Taiyou entered, the Commandant checked the tablet in his hand. "Ah, I was wondering who the Taiyou would be sending." He said calmly, giving a brief bow and salute in return. "Captain Petralios ... Captain!" He called, and from one of the tables a man in grey stood up. "You - the Major here will be in command of your company for the operation ... we need someone who has actually led troops in the field."

"Welcome to Cluj, Major." He spoke, though his language seemed slower as it was re-translated, somehow as he spoke. "I don't know why the Taiyou have sent an advisor all the way out here for a burial mission - but I don't question why the Gardenites do what they do anymore."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger Character Portrait: Masatsugu Nishiyama
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

#, as written by Awinita
Lancelot smiled as Basa introduced herself, The Kitsune woman kept her mask on, appearing mostly human to the speechless stranger, and to everyone else besides Basa she appeared perfectly human just by look alone. "I am Lancelot, Lancelot Dulake." She said introducing herself to Basa, and in a way, the speechless stranger.

Not that it really mattered who could speak and who could not. "A purpose ?" why were they there after all ? In Lancelots case it was simply to receive a parcel, a basic list of eight names. Eight different people who made the dire mistaske of earning a Force Dragon, and Silver Dragons ire

In this case Lancelot was the last person to receive the list, compile it, and observe the named beings upon said list. Sadly, each person ahead of her with the list were slain, or had sent out the list before their untimely demise. Lancelot being a Kitsune, was tasked by the Force Dragon known only as Naratas Aigatis and his wife, Diamond daughter of Light the All-Mother to recover the list and get it to their own daughter, Crystal

The problem arose when Crystal received word that Strahd had been destroyed at the hands of her old party from when she was first exploring the worlds and explored what she could of Barovia. So now she wanted to go hunting on her own, and eliminate each one of those members on the list of names. But they must have known they were now the prey because each person tasked with complining the list were slain, either by the persons requested, or otherwise. In most cases it was the named beings indicated on the list.

Lancelot smiled once again to Basa, thwe way the Tanooki referred to herself, saying thaty any name would be fine, Lancelot said simply, "I believe Basa has a nice ring to it." They all had a purpose, a calling in life, and sometimes the Kitsunes calling was to enjoy the company of others.

Some soldiers near a larger table offered some spaces for them to sit and join their massive feast of a meal, another table where some Men were enjoying what looked to be a game of cards. the meat smelled wonderful to the vulpine nose of Lancelot, and she briefly thought it over before nodding at the offer. Food smelled good enough to share of course.

As the Speechless Stranger set the gift upon the table for Basa, and wrote the note. What had called them there ? Fate, destiny, purpose, work ? All possible answers, but truthfully she wasnt sure. A gift was a welcome one and Lancelot had to smile now able to fully understand what the speechless stranger was writing. "It is a gift for you" She said to Basa indicating the item the Speechless Stranger had indicated for Basa.

She then saw what else he had written, so he knew too she was not exactly what she appeared to be ? She was torn, should she show what she truly was as a being ? Her true nature of a Kitsune ? But she also saw that he had written keeping such secrets came with some advantages. She simply pointed to what he wrote, Yes she wasnt exactly Human in the sense that she was a human being, She tapped on the words, "If it can remain between us" She started to say when the door opened

Her attention was taken by the arrivial of a Man, Asian in appearance similar to herself, dressed in combat gear carrying a weapon unlike anything she had encountered at least recently. He was referred to as an advisor ? And yet the man was armed, ready for battle, and yet also had a odd sense of welcoming to him ?

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger Character Portrait: Masatsugu Nishiyama
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.25 INK

The Stranger, one she has been also quite interested in, had placed before her a peculiar gift, a silvery stone that emanated a feeling. If anyone had seen her eyes, those little rings in them rotated slightly, and her pupils dilated and constricted. She did indeed feel it, what was perhaps a pure reflection of the previous owner. It gave her perspective... and even something of a kindred spirit she had not expected. She clutched it carefully and looked up to The Stranger.

"I... thank you," she says, but there was more to it than words, a silent promise was made, whether he's aware of it or not. For her, kindness is something owed in turn, even a small kindness, and this... seemed something of a deep importance.

Basalah looked up at Lancelot, gripping her scarf a bit less tightly than before She introduced herself, and there was a bit of thought in those big green eyes, a curiosity. To her, names held meaning, and to be given a name was one of the most important thing in one's life. She also listened as she decided to call her Basa, a shortening of her gifted name.

"Lancelot... ah, it means?" she asks, a genuine curiosity as her eyes probed for an answer. She then shifted her gaze, scratching her cheek as she furrowed her brow in thought, before seemingly smiling under the scarf. "And ah, Basa, I... yes, I rather like that."

She had decided that she was best to follow along and make herself useful, and assist as she needed... perhaps it would help her own mission, seeking out clues to an energy source. Her ears perked up when she caught wind of what kind of mission this was, upon hearing the mention of a burial. Burial..? She didn't understand the culture, she didn't understand the word "sarcophagus" earlier, but she now found it strange that mercenaries would be necessary for a... a funeral..?

"Burial mission..?" she quietly asked, looking again to Lancelot.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Tyrus Character Portrait: Soap Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.25 INK

The Stranger calmly takes the flask from his lips, setting it back inside of the jacket he wears. He exhales slowly when he hears the words "Burial," an old, familiar phrase he had spent a lot of time hearing, in the times before.
He had once had a job, akin to gravekeeping. It wasn't glamorous, and indeed he was often hated, vilified even for it, his distant demeanor earned through his kinship with the dead. He looks over to the side, eyeing the collective of soldiers, situated around a feast, of sorts.
He pushes his chair back from the bar, holding up a single finger to the other two, as if to signify that he'll be gone only a moment. He then rises to his feet, and lumbers over to the table where the men-at-arms are seated, taking slow steps, as if to stabilize himself.
When he reaches the table, he stands awkwardly outside of it, at a corner where nobody is seated. He holds up, again, a single finger, asking those seated to wait, before drawing out a notebook and writing on it for a couple seconds. When he's finished, he again holds it up, facing the group of soldiers, patiently waiting for them to take notice.
He again writes in Common, a language he presumes is known to them, and the message is as follows.
I offer my services to assist in this burial. I have some experience as a soldier, and the matter of respect and death is something I value. I do not ask for pay. I simply wish to help.
He nods politely, as if in addition to the message.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger Character Portrait: Masatsugu Nishiyama
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.25 INK

Benvenuto - welcome, then.” One of the Alpinists at the end of the table responded, waving to the empty seats between the men. There were a dozen or so in total, small bags and backpacks on the floor and table alongside them. “I’m Captain Francisco, the lord of our county dispatched us to aid in the burial of an old friend - some old alliances and friendships amongst the Sector Lords.”

“I heard Lord Giovanni and this Neaustran fought in the Commonwealth Wars together, back when this planet was just a light port. Wouldn’t be surprised if anyone’s heard his name on this planet in a century.” Another soldier reported, putting some food on his plate before praying quietly to himself.

“The old Gardenites that live out in the hills and the frontiers haven’t been seen around here in about as long.” A third soldier inferred, one leg crossing over the other to steady his plate as he took a large fork full of meat and veggies.

From nearby, one of the grey-coated Popularas stopped in his tracks as he overhead the Alpinis speaking. “Ah, you guys talking about the Verinorde? They left to go live in the hills after the wars - just up and left everything to us.”

“Lots of the Old Ones left the cities, they can only live in them when their numbers are high. With all the Edenites calling for purges they’ve been segregating themselves for the past century - I’m surprised there’s not some Imperial here trying to raise a mob to burn the sarcophagus.” The second Alpinist said, cutting at his meal with a knife and fork for another bite. The Populara gave a fervent shake of his head.

“The Verinordes fought for us when no one else did in the liberation war against the central government in Langara, Cluj welcomes the Gardenites.”

Amongst the other Popularas, the Commandant had departed, leaving several of his sergeants about the taverna floor. One of them wore a rugged vest, plates dangling with the reflective Gemonese “Takerta” pattern camouflage used by the Popularas on the planet of Hadriatica. He approached the Alpinists and the new additions to the expedition. Beside him stood the rugged, bipdeal automaton that rested on stocky legs.

“Welcome to Cluj, travelers. I’ve had the droid programmed to liaison for you while you’re on the planet. He should be able to help you with any questions. I’m Sergeant Cosmin, the administrator for the town garrison.”

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger Character Portrait: Masatsugu Nishiyama
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.25 INK

#, as written by Awinita
Lancelot was oddly quiet for a few long moments as she listened to the many soldiers speak, Old Ones, burials, the terms they used were both unknown to her and well known to her. For all she knew they meant ancient aliens from befgore her time, or stuff from her time, or something like it

Her line of sight was suddenly taken by the brief glimpse of a man, or wqhat passed as one outside the establishment. Long silver and white hair, dressed in a silver and brass uniform of some type of royalty, someone of which Lancelot recognised.

Was he her contact ?

She turned to Basa and to the unspeaking Stranger. "I need a moment, I wont be long." She said to them before standing from the table and heading for the door. Basa could see her tail fur was sticking out, as if recently stepped on or at this moment simply just agitated by something

Outside the messenger simply waited. He had something he was to give to Lancelot, and the Fox had finally been found. "I am glad the sighting was true" The messenger said to her

"Is there something the Royal House wants ?" Lancelot got right to the point

"Yes" The messenger held a item to Lancelot, "This list sadly is partly incomplete, the last person to have it was only able to observe the next to last one on this list. And where it was located, the one this is itended for will have to find knowledge of the last person upon the list"

Lancelot took it, "I trust I will not be slain before handing the list on ?" She eyed the messenger, who chuckled

"That is merely conjecture, each person who held this list and compiled it are safe in her Court as we speak" He told her. He sighed, "Our last name on this list we were unable to find, the one this list is intended for however, can finish the job. After all, this is the only job for a Dreamwalker such as she" the Messenger then took his leave and disappeared into thin air as if he was never on Hadriactica to begin with.

Such was the ability of a Dou Ti

Lancelot smirked, she slid the letter into a pocket within her sleeve and went back to rejoin Basa and the silent Stranger at table. She had been gone only a minute, maybe two

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger Character Portrait: Masatsugu Nishiyama
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.25 INK

Basalah tried to focus on what was going on around her, she was a stranger here after all, perhaps the most strange she had to admit to herself. Even the stranger, in her mind, fit in more than she did. She also had to admit to herself that she must look awful silly, her small self in a chair, looking a bit like a child with her feet not even reaching the ground.

Amidst the many voices she caught a title, "Old Ones" and a word, "purge." She didn't know what all this entailed, but her gut had another word to add to the list, and that was "danger." For one so small, an instinct for these matters becomes more acute, and a gut feeling becomes something best not to ignore.

Her racing mind is interrupted when she notices Lancelot getting up to leave, heading off to perhaps meet with somebody. What she notices more is her apparent tension. She leaned over in her chair to try to track her movements from afar, until disappearing out the door. For any who may have paid particular attention, the odd rings within her eyes would shrink in around her pupils and seemingly rotate as she focused in, before returning to normal as she lost sight of Lancelot.

After only a brief moment, Lancelot returned to the table. Basalah took a moment, pondering, and kicking her feet, until mustering something to say.

"Something... wrong?" she asks. It felt silly as it came out, her ears drawing back and she gripped at her scarf, her eyes wandering a bit. "And... uh, what do you know of... what's going on?"

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Tyrus Character Portrait: Soap Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.25 INK

The man offered a sincere nod as he took his seat, and whispered quietly in Taiyou to his assistant. "Hon de hoshīdesu." The assistant nodded in acknowledgement of the orders he was given. So apparently Nishiyama had been given command of the operation, an honor he wasn't about to refuse.

So it was a burial mission, and an escort, but the word Sarcophagus weighed on him greatly, so it was that important.

Bringing his attention to the Commandant, the Major said something to his assistant in Taiyou, and the Assistant considered the words for a few moments before translating them.

"Commandant, the Major isn't sure why he's here, just that he's been personally requested on behalf of Her Royal Highness." The assistant explained, while the major continued. "Her Royal Highness has taken an interest in the outcome of this expedition, and has expressed concern that the New World and Red Halo may make things uncomfortable for everyone involved. Our intelligence has reported that The Langaran Government has also taken notice."

"The Major wishes to standardize your equipment, and gear, Commandant, is this acceptable?"

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Tyrus Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger Character Portrait: Masatsugu Nishiyama
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.50 INK

The Commandant stood with his own attache nearby, his eyes narrowed in curiosity as the translator spoke. “The Royal Princess? … strange,” The Commandant begin, his gaze turning over to a holo-display on one of the nearby tables that showed the 10-ton Exomog truck the sarcophagus would be arriving on.

“Sounds like there’s a story there, Imperial royalty and a dead Gardenite.” The Sergeant remarked, one hand hanging against the strap of his ballistic vest. The Commandant turned away from the holo-display, then using the tablet he held and handing it off to the assistant.

“Ah, you can use this to access our armories and equipment depots - we’ll comm-link to the quartermaster, the militia cache is down by the docks.” The Commandant replied, one cautious finger then holding up as the holo-display flickered. “If the Major could make a request for any further explanation from his superiors … it’s rare to host royal ambitions in Cluj, after all.”


At the table with the Verians, one of the older gentlemen set his mountain hat down, then making a motion to a platter of drinks and liquor that sat on the table before them. “The locals gave us a flight of some hooch.”

A dark haired, younger Verian reached out to take one of the small shot glasses, though he was promptly shut away by several of the other troops. “Ah! No! It’s code to drink with the travelers first,” One said. Another promptly grabbed a selection of drinks, offering them to Lancelot and Basalah.

“Code of the Garden and all that, aye?” A grizzled one with a dark brown beard said, holding his own glass up to the toast. The leader of the Alpinis had a confused look as the others turned their eyes to him though, the duty of a toast bringing attention to the drab-coated man at the end of the table.

”Ah - uuuh, to new friends and, in possible dire times ahead, new allies in the fight.”

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Tyrus Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger Character Portrait: Masatsugu Nishiyama
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.25 INK

The Stranger raises his flask for maybe the fourth or fifth time tonight in response to the toast, letting out a raspy grunt in response to the verbal salute. He takes a small sip before putting the flask back inside his jacket, walking over to where he left his shovel, picking it up, and throwing it over his shoulder, where he holds it with the crook of his elbow as he draws back out his notepad and writes a question.
When do we start?
He walks over to where the commandant stands, dropping the handle of the shovel to fall into his hand as he holds out his paper, his hat tilted down as to not show the officer his disturbingly milky eyes, that of a blind man.
He's distracted, however, seeing that Lancelot has returned, and simply places the paper atop the soldier's outstretched hand, still toasting, before looking over at the pair of Basalah and Lancelot, holding up a fist with the thumb outstretched, head tilted and still half turned to the Commandant, asking if the pair are OK.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Tyrus Character Portrait: Soap Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.00 INK

"There's always more hooch," said one sun-weathered local to another, taking yet another toast as yet another opportunity to drink the night away. The visitors were full of tales and taking the drink made it all the easier to listen in. It was a fine day in Cluj to be a fly on the wall; between foreign visitors and talk of Princesses. A fine day, indeed.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger Character Portrait: Masatsugu Nishiyama
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

0.25 INK

#, as written by Awinita
At Basa question, though Lancelot could see the poor Tanooki looked shy and seemed as if she acted silly for no reason as she acted shy at that moment. Lancelot shook her head and with a soft smile said. "No, nothing is wrong, at least for the moment" Lancelot thought back to what she had been told by the messenger. seven of the names had been listed, the last one wasnt on the list. There was to be eight names, five male, three female. All of them targets for elimination, or compassion. It all depended on the daughter of Naratas Aigatis's mood

Or something.

But as Lancelot took the names list from her sleeve and esamined it, she read each one. Seven names, not eight. As she examined the list, two names jumped out as those who acted in a kind and friendly manner towards the itended receipient of the list of names.

The mention of a princess caught Lancelots eyes as she looked briefly to Nishiyama and then back to the names list. There were only two Princesses as faras Lancelot wasconcerned, her own homeworlds princess Eiri.

And the other, Elizabeth, and her mother, Xeir.

Lancelot placed the names list back up her sleeve safely kept away from harm of any kind

She then turned to the Commandant weho offered the drinks, and accepted one for herself, one for the soundless Stranger, and finally, against even her own better judgement, one for Basa too

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Exogarden Forces Character Portrait: Lancelot Dulake Character Portrait: Basalah Character Portrait: A Stranger Character Portrait: Masatsugu Nishiyama
Tag Characters » Add to Arc »

1.00 INK

Basalah's eyes shifted back and forth as she once again entered deep contemplation, the added "at the moment" from Lancelot stuck in her head. Of course she understood that the intention was to put her at ease, she was, of course, very appreciative of that, but even so there was as a general unease she couldn't shake. She couldn't very well determine, though, if it was her usual nerves or her senses picking up some... or both? But for the moment, at least, she knew she could trust Lancelot, and the quiet Stranger, even, whom reminds her some of her own mentor in some regard.That gave comfort, and she felt at least welcome. Any risk is worth that.

Suddenly her gaze meets with that of the Stranger's, and she caught his gesture. It didn't take long at all for her to read his body language. He's checking in on us? Suppose he saw the exchange too? In likewise manner, she lifts her small hand and returns a thumbs up, figuring it to be the most appropriate.

At this point, however, they were soon approached and a glass of some liquid was placed before her by Lancelot. She takes the glass with both of her hands and looks deeply into it. A fragrant scent enters her nose as she locks eyes with a familiar shimmering reflection looking back, at least, familiar to her. A code to drink with travelers? So... unlike home. She pulled down her scarf enough to get it out of the way, revealing, at least, a black bottom lip. She, to match the gesture of the others lifted the glass up, and following the others, she downed the glass. A strong taste washes over her tongue and down her throat, with a mixture of fruit and... some kind of burning, yet not unpleasant? She loudly exhales afterwards, uncertain what it is she just downed... and then it hit her. Little did she know what alcohol was, nor did she know how it typically tends to hit harder and faster those of a lighter and smaller size.

What she felt in the following moments was first a sudden calmness wash over her as her pupils dilated, her breath slowed, her mind once racing now slowed to an easier, if not more jumbled, pace. She placed the glass down as she tried to get a grasp on this new feeling. Her scarf falls down to her shoulder, now a visible set of claw-like scars on her neck and another on the left corner of her mouth, which now hung open. For the typical person their vision would blur, but for her, well, it did do that, but also there was a slight shifting overlay of images, only adding to a dizzying feeling that now set in. To anyone paying particular attention, the little rings in her eyes warped slightly. She lifted a hand and looked at it, and she wiggled her fingers, her head rocking left to right, like she's seeing something more than just her little paw-like digits. And suddenly a surprising noise exited her mouth, a sputter followed by laughter.

"The me they seeeeee... is it the me I see... issss me, am I truly... meee?" she muttered with a confused slur to her speech, her voice slightly huskier. She began to rub her cheeks and snorts slightly, a slight flicker in her eyes. "Pshhhh... the me I feel is... mmmm, not the me but the me reflected from me, but maybe..! That isn't so bad? Kehehehe-hic!"

She lifted her head up and leaned back, cocking it to the side, a far-from-sober, far-from-usual confidence welling up inside her.

"Amongst I am, though unfiiiit... I am amongst you... proudly grateful, I am, for among to feel more home than home! For you give, I give also, and more, I... I hope," she says somewhat disjointedly, sounding like she was about to break into song.