Fantasy OPEN The Aspects of Izloria: The Age of Steam

The manifestation of the Soul is the Aspect.

Taking the form of any inanimate object the Aspect is unique to each user, to each person. An expression of their will, of the core of their being. Each Aspect has a unique power.

The powers of the Aspect and what form it takes vary from person to person but once it takes a form it cannot change.

These are the rules of the Aspect.

This is the reality of the world of Izloria.


​

The new age of power, electricity, and steam has changed the landscape of Izloria. The great sprawling city of Reme, capital of the Reman Republic stands in a dark time. Supposedly the Reman Republic is that, a Republic. Governed and controlled by a Senate voted for by the people and generated for the people's ideals. But such is hardly the case, it is rife with corruption, and many views a clandestine organization known as 'The Eye' as the true rulers of the Reman Republic.

It is a dark era for the Reman Republic, the rise of those with Aspects threatens stability as rumors of a guerrilla force seeking to overthrow the Reman Republic circulate wildly like vicious rumors, all while the Republic is threatened by the ever-growing unrest of the nations that surround it, ready to pounce on any and all weakness.

The greatest of which is the Neheb Empire, built on the ashes of the Orcs of old the serpentine Neheb lie waiting for their opportunity to strike.

And the great city of Reme is plagued with a large increase in mysterious murders all across the City of Reme.

The Eye, the Neheb Empire, the falling Republic, the mysterious murders... all seemingly disparate, disconnected but a threat grows in silence. Waiting ever so patiently to consume the world.

To rely on a Skoros is to rely on luck
To rely on a Human is to rely on chaos
To rely on a Neheb is to rely on lies
To rely on a Vasilian is to rely on evil"

- A common Mirian saying.


Human

The most plentiful race in all of Izloria. Humans are known for their great ingenuity and are the primary driving force of much of the technology that exists in the world.


Mirian

The first of the twin Elder races, born never to die but only through violence can one die. Their bodies are susceptible to being killed like a human. Their unique flowing silver hair and pointed ears, their alien and distant nature, few live left in the world. Most notably they are resistant to even the most extreme of cold temperatures.




Vasilian

The second 'Elder Race' . They are known for their twin horns that occur on their head, the placement and size of which vary greatly. Their bodies are far more durable than that of Mirians and Humans capable of sustaining great damage and achieving many 'superhuman' feats. But despite their long life, in time they will age and die. As the so-called 'inverse' to Mirians they are completely resistant to fire and the most of extreme heats.


Skoros

The Skoros are known for their peaceful, friendly demeanor. All of them are capable of flight, many of them worship a being known as 'Lux' also known as 'The Light God' who presumably brings good fortune to those that worship him.


Neheb

The Neheb are known to be cunning and ruthless. In the distant past, it was known that the Neheb Empire exterminated all Orcs off the face of Izloria in their grab for the power of the Southern continent. Few live in the Reman Republic and those that do are met frequently with scorn and hatred. Known for their immunity to most poisons and their night vision a cunning Neheb is a dangerous thing.
​

---

Welcome to the world of Izloria! A world where magic is a distant forgotten memory the only remaining shards of it being the power known as 'The Aspect' and Steampunk-like technology exists prominently throughout the world.

Where your character fits in this world can be wide and varied. From that of Senator in the Reman Republic to that of someone related to a victim of the mysterious murders in Reme, to a Neheb spy plotting to exploit the growing weakness of their northern neighbor. The options are many the primary requirement is that your character must have an Aspect.

The Aspect is a power that manifests itself in the form of an inanimate object that the user can call upon each having a unique ability tied to the user.

What that object is and its associated ability vary wildly.

Below are four examples, none of which can be used by players as they are tied to NPCs that shall be met in the game.

Spoiler: Example 1

Aspect Name: Lightning Knuckle
Aspect Appearance:

Aspect Ability: The user is able to make arcs of lightning the follow the edge of the blade as they attack and move with it. These blasts are able to travel up to ten feet and do not harm the user.

Spoiler: Example 2

Aspect Name: B00M!
Aspect Appearance:

Aspect Ability: Anything the user touches can be turned into an explosive. What they touch retains its appearances and all physical properties. The Aspect is a remote that when pressed causes the touched object to explode. If the user moves fifty feet away from the touched object it will cease to be an explosive. The user can also 'cancel' an object being an explosive if they press a secondary button on the remote. Only one object can be turned into an explosive at any given time.

Spoiler: Example 3

Aspect Name: God's Hand
Aspect Apperance:

Aspect Ability: If the user writes the name of an object as long as it is non-organic and non-living that object will appear in front of them. The maximum weight of the object is 300lbs or else the object will not be created. Food cannot be created. The user also has to know the object exists and how it works in order for it to be generated. They must also visualize the object they want to be created as they write its name.

Spoiler: Example 4

Aspect Name: Mirror Mirror
Aspect Appearance:

Aspect Ability: By staring into the mirror the user is able to change their appearance at will. They are not able to change their sex or into another race. But are able to change all other physical characteristics.

As stated above player characters are required to have an Aspect though it should be noted that not all beings in the world of Izloria do have an Aspect.

Aspects must be unique and as the ability is hidden at the start of the game I may have to reject proposed abilities if they are too similar to either another player's aspect that has already been approved or a major NPC I have planned.

Multiple Aspects of the same object are however allowed, as long as their ability remains distinct. (e.g. multiple sword Aspects or bow aspects are acceptable as well as having a mirror or book aspect like the examples above) When in doubt just ask. In fact I love questions so please ask away I am very, very happy to explain and walk you through anything you might have questions about

Character Sheet:
Name:
Race:
Age:
Appearance:
Personal Effects:
Aspect Name:
Aspect Appearance:
Aspect Ability: [GMs eyes only will be revealed over the course of the game]
Bio:

Rules:
1) Respect and Obey the TOS
2) No God modding
3) Do not Metagame. If your character does not have a reasonable explanation for why they know a crucial piece of information do not have them act or think it. This is particularly important in regards to knowing how other PCs and NPCs Aspects work and function
4) If you need to step away, please notify the GM
5) Character Death is possible and may happen without prior warning. Such an event is unlikely and in most cases, Character Death will be discussed with the player prior to it taking place.
6) Have Fun!

 

Character Sheet: GM Approved
Name: Prard Skivali
Race: Vasilian
Age: 36
Appearance:

Personal Effects: Clothes, odd items, and bag of marbles.
Aspect Name: Satchel of Enamel
Aspect Appearance:

Aspect Ability: [GMs eyes only]

Bio: Born to simple laborers he had a rough childhood all things be told. A situation made all the worse as a steam powered mill accident made him have to be raised by a single working parent. Being one of five children 'tight' was not even a proper word for their situation.

He did his best not to let that get him down though. Growing up largely in the streets and pulling petty crimes before he had even lost his last baby tooth. Not that he didn't try to do honest jobs when he could, but when ends didn't meet the older children all made sure it did. One way or another. Of course that only became easier after his Aspect came in.

Many years have passed since those fateful days and now he is finally out on his own. His siblings are grown enough and his ties to keep him on the petty side of crime and menial business are past. For once he can look forward to his own future and desires, of course government work and most legal jobs won't touch him with a ten foot pole. That leaves the other government and secure jobs to look into. With that goal in mind he plans his course into the future.

 

Chapter One:
Separate Threads​

Well, this would be a new sensation. It was a curious thing really. The Master of Many Names had been drawn to this reality, but by what he would not able to say. Not Darkness. Nay thankfully Darkness did not plague this world. But Darkness was not needed for Evil to arise. And so he would take on a mortal form. That of Noct. His black coat shimmered in the quiet desert.

​

There would be an odd sensation within his mind, a property of this realm, of this world. A set of words... no… not simply a set of words. It was a name appearing within his mind. The power of this world.

Ego Boost.

Yes, that was it, the name of his... well that he did not quite know yet. He could not feel it, The Force. It was absent from this world and thus of no use. But he could feel that something was off... with this world. As if there was an otherness to it. What was the name for such a sensation? Misplaced, unsynchronized, perhaps even... broken.

And just as he was becoming accustomed to this world and this body he would see a figure come out of the corner of his eyes. A tall white-haired man with shimmering blue eyes.

​

"You know I've always found the title of Master of Many Names a bit of a mouthful, I'm thankful then that when you do come into a new world that you pick out a name. What's in a name after all? Just a signature to identify one’s self…so what’s your name this time?"

The white-haired man tilted his head. Eyeing the hooded man's coat.

"Then I can walk you throw the necessary details of this world..."

TAG: @Sinrebirth (Combo)

---

Reme. The heart and soul of the Reman Republic. It was here that the members of the Senate conducted their business, matters of state localized into one central building.

The Senate had been called for a session it seemed Prime Senator Aamir Bile had various remarks he wanted to make to the assembly at large. Aamir Bile, the Leader of the Unionist party and in function the head of the government. Not only that but he served as the magistrate over the City of Reme itself. He was a powerful and well-known figure.

And with such a figure rumors doubtless spread like wildfire about possible connections he had to ‘The Eye’. Though no rumor had ever been proven true.

The office of Aron Grant was one of many of the two hundred and fifty senators of the Republic, it was nothing compared to his office back home, his magistrate office. But such was the result of offices in the capital. The two of them would both be there, Aron and Isabella Wessex.

In fact, the two were just meeting, officially, for the day. Bella would have with her a copy of the agenda for the upcoming meeting along with various notes, requests, and people wanting the Senator and Magistrate to approve, disapprove or overlook. Much of it was minor paperwork that all but needed Aron's approval as magistrate.

From the agenda, it seemed that both Aamir Bile and the Neoegalitarin party leader would be giving speeches that day, each of them being asked questions by the members of the Senate afterward.

Other than that there was a fellow Senator ‘Tevye Nyx’ that wished to meet with Aron. What for his office did not say… he was notable a member of the Unionist Party and quite a proud member of it. He quite famously had been pushing for an ever-increasing military presence along the southern border with the Neheb Empire. A policy that continued to be debated.

There was also a general meeting scheduled slightly afterward between various members of the Neoegalitarian part to discuss policing reforms and an increased police presence within the City of Reme. Something that would be of no doubt interest to Aron.

The general assembly was the very last thing scheduled and was essentially mandatory, it would be very bad form not to go but the other two items would be up to Aron if he wished to attend or no.

TAG: @Lady Belligerent @HanSolo29 (Combo)

---

Seven million people lived within the city of Reme. It all sprawled outwards in an ever-increasing confusing pattern of urban planning a city built atop a city built atop a city. Its roots and history were old, very old and some of that could still be felt along the streets and cramped quarters of its lower sectors.

​

It was within the cramped and squished lower sections of the city that Xenevera Vheseth stood on one of the many rooftops. She had been assigned a new target by her overseers of the Eye. Well, overseer. She only knew one person that connected to the upper leadership of the Eye. A man that simply went by ‘Aima’. And even then they rarely met, usually acting through a coded series of correspondences rather than direct communication.

The name of the target was ‘Dr. Benjamin Weber’. Xenevera was informed that he was a former member of the Eye but had decided of his own volition that he now wished to leave. Something that once you were too deep into the Eye you simply did not get to do.

He was one that knew too much, what he knew and what he used to do for the Eye Xenevera was not told. Not that she needed to know in order to do her job. The price of job completion was notably twice more than it usually was, showing that whoever this man was the Eye truly wanted him dead.

Xenevera was not given a photograph or illustration of his face. She was informed that Dr. Weber wore a bird mask frequently and was the reason that his face was unknown. She was also informed that he was an Aspect user and while the extent of his Aspect was unknown that it was named ‘White Feather’.

The most crucial piece of information however was an address.

And that is what she would be looking at. Dr. Weber’s small cramped house atop a bundle of others. How Xenevera wished to proceed was up to her…

TAG: @darthbernael (Combo)

---

Packed was one way to call it. The bustling and hustle of late-night movement that one expected at an establishment such as this. The Dragon’s Eye Inn was not exactly the most welcoming climate.

As Prard Skivali entered the ‘fine’ establishment he would be greeted the fierce movements of several people engaged in a brawl. Two humans against a single Vasilian, the superhuman strength of the relatively slender Vasilian able to keep up with the desperate but heavy blows of their two human counterparts.

Various other patrons were standing and sitting in the rough shape of a circle around the three. Fists filled with bills as they either booed or cheered based on who was winning the fight. Numerous other servers in uniform danced around the ring serving, and refilling drinks and food for those there.

Off along the far wall of the Inn were some sad, lonely tables with a sorry-looking bunch sitting sporadically along with it. Their eyes cast glumly towards their drinks with the occasional glance to the ring of spectators.

Finally, there was the front bar with the barkeep behind it along the opposite wall. Despite the rough exterior look, the ‘crowd’ and the Inn being located in one of the poorer areas of Reme it was surprisingly run extremely efficiently… and cleaner than one would think.

Now the real question was Prard Skivali chose to come here this particular evening. It was said people came to the Dragon’s Eye for one of three reasons.

To Fight.
To Drink.
To find ‘Employment’

And it was exceedingly likely it was the final reason Prard had chosen to come here this evening. Though he would not know precisely where to start. It was well known ‘unconfirmed’ fact that the Dragon’s Eye served as one of the many fronts for the clandestine organization known as ‘The Eye’. The barkeep was likely the best person to start with… who was of all things surprisingly a Mirian. Who one would expect to never come to a place like this.

​

TAG: @Mitth_Fisto (Single or Combo)

 

GM RE-Approved

Name: S'wander Giftoyo
Race: Skoros
Age: 30
Appearance:

Personal Effects: Longsword
Aspect Name: LUX'S EMBRACE
Bio: S'wander Giftoyo, or Ambassador Giftoyo of the Fifth Village of Skoros, or Giftie to his friends was born with 13 brothers and 7 sisters in a larvae patch. His village, along with the seventh village, the fifteenth village, and a traveling lek participated in a larvae mixing traditional ceremony where all of the villages choose a month and combine their larvae and allow them to grow together in an effort to promote cultural, skill, and knowledge diversity and cross-learning. This means that Giftie does not know who his actual brothers and sisters are, but instead sees the entire larvae patch as his family.


Pictured: Giftie during his rebellious pre-teen years

Eventually all of the children that enter the large mixed larvae patch are picked at random to either return to their village or go to a different participating village. However, due to a lek being involved in this mixing, Giftie was chosen to go to the lek. This lek was made up of all male skori who were much different than a traditional village. This lek was made up of skori who had traveled all over Izloria and their attitude reflected as much. They were not nearly as agreeable and nurturing as typical Skori; it was the first time Giftie can ever remember seeing skori drink and gamble, and fight just for the fun of fighting. At first, Giftie was taken aback by the behaviors, but he soon adopted the ways of the lek as they travelled across Izloria. This lek's make-up was split 50/50: warriors and academics. He chose the warrior path for a few months before he began puberty which brought about his aspect. Only one other individual, the leader of the Lek a Skoros named K'Sai, possessed an aspect and therefore took the teenage Giftie under his wing, literally and metaphorically.


Pictured: K'Sai and Giftie

Giftie was trained by K'Sai to not only be a warrior and aspect user, but was being prepped to eventually takeover the Lek as it was K'Sai's belief that only an aspect user could lead the Lek. On his 25th born day, K'Sai retired and Giftie became the new leader. His first action was to return the lek to the Isle after almost a decade of living in greater Izloria; running illegal gambling rings in the Neheb Empire, robbing ships and caravans in the Reman Republic, smuggling weapons between the Conclave and the Vasilian Kingdoms... it all eventually lead to most of the governments viewing the lek as a rogue mercenary group, though Giftie avidly denies such a description of his lek. When the lek arrived back to the Isle, Giftie convinced his home village to accept him and his lek (there have been unfounded allegations that Giftie bribed the Elders with various treasures from the Remus capital). It was fun and settled for a few years, some of the lek took wives and Giftie tried to find some kind of happiness there, but the all of his lek grew restless and desired hitting the road again. However, due to some misunderstandings from the years previous, most of the lek was barred from entering any of the other nations or kingdoms and were viewed as outlaws. But Giftie had an idea. Diplomats have immunity and due to the disjointed authority of the Isle, any individual village could send a diplomatic mission to the main land. A few more encouraging words and actions, maybe a bit of bribery (though Giftie would never admit to it), and some drafting of some dubious unofficial official documents, Giftie was appointed as the Ambassador of the Fifth Village and his lek became the advisors and experts of his diplomatic entourage.

It is with newfound purpose that Giftie...excuse us, Ambassador Giftoyo of the Fifth Village of Skoros has arrived in the Reman Republic with the stated purpose of working with the Senate to advance the relationship between the Reman Republic and his people...

 

GM Approved

Name: Doctor Pesma
Race: Skoros
Age: (unclear- it can be difficult to judge a Skoros’ age!)

Appearance: A slight, hunched over Skoros with large, dark eyes and twitching antenna. Each of his six legs ends with two spiked toes. Pesma walks on the lower two of these legs and uses his remaining legs to carry or use items. When not in use, he tends to hold his upper legs together in front of him, as if wringing his hands. While his abdomen is bare, his thorax and upper abdomen are dressed with a fitted shirt, mustard coloured cravat and a cheap brown, slightly worn waistcoat, to which a tarnished gold gentleman's chain is threaded through and fastened across the breast pockets. His head is bare.

Personal Effects: A small lantern with glass panes baring the symbol of the Lady Lux, a pocket watch with a chipped glass attached to a tarnished gold chain, a gold rimmed monocle attached to the other end. He usually carries several textbooks around with him.

Aspect Name: Seeker
Aspect Appearance:

Spoiler: large image

Bio:
Pesma is a timid professor of religious studies, recently employed at Reme University after his predecessor was killed. He prefers to keep his head down and teach, trying to avoid the political strife in the microstate of the University campus and the wider city. He has quite a nervous disposition and his desire to avoid confrontation means his lectures are not taken particularly seriously by the student body, many of whom use the time to 'attend to various friends or relations who are unwell'. Those who do show up are usually hidden behind a textbook, reading, drawing, playing cards or slacking off in another way that isn't too blatantly obvious. When he is not taking lectures, he can usually be found in his study or in the student bar, drinking coffee from a rather battered travel mug.

 

Introducing the Skoros​

The City of Reme was unlike anything Giftoyo had seen before. To think that seven million people lived in this vast city... it was quite the stark contrast to the modest and quiet villages dotted around the Isle of Skoros. He would see the large airships traveling through the air, their slow magnificent movement a testament to the engineering prowess of the Reman Republic.

Giftoyo would be accompanied by two bodyguards, neither of which were Aspect Users. They stood either side of Giftoyo as they entered the city, making their way to the capitol building in which the famous, or infamous depending on who you asked, Senate of the Reman Republic resided.

​

Many of the other villages in the Isle even viewed the Fifth village with a wary eye. Skoros were famously peaceful, so the idea of a rowdy village that was rumored to participate in illicit activities... it had somewhat isolated the village from much of the rest of the Isle.

In time the three of them would come into the inside of the capitol building, their business stated as they were directed to an office space. The red carpet was not exactly rolled out for them. The Senator of Foreign Affairs was supposedly quite busy a man by the name of 'Tevye Nyx' one of the more senior members of the main party in the Reman Republic, the Unionist Party. There was a stack of newspapers close to where the three Skoros were sitting. The one paper read 'Murder Spree continues in Reme' , another read 'Unknown Attacks from suspected Insurgents'. It seemed the Reman Republic had its fair share of issues. One of the two bodyguards turned to Giftoyo speaking quietly as they waited.

"Sir, are you sure this is going to even work? The Reman Republic is so massive... it makes our village seem so small, what makes you think they will even listen to us?"

TAG: @The Jedi in the Pumas (Single)

---

Reme University. Some said it was the very best in the world. Though you would not even have to leave the Reman Republic for that claim to be contested. Though doubtless, it was one of the premier centers of education and academia in all of Izloria.

At this time of day, Pesma would be in his office. Doubtless, a coffee was brewing or being consumed. The dredge of students that only gave an ounce of effort was subdued for the time being. It had been quite odd recently... a number of students had notably gone missing recently. Not a drastic number perhaps only five or so. But even so, for five students to go missing recently... it was quite unnerving. Perhaps what was even more unnerving was the fact that next to no one was speaking about it. The city and the student population still too caught up in the recent increase of murders in Reme. It had made everyone rather uneasy.

There were also various snippets and clippings related to the Dragon's Eye Inn a long suspected front for the Eye. Though conclusive proof had never been gathered to launch such an accusation at the place of business. It certainly had at least connections to the Eye, that was all but proven to be the case.

As Pesma was considering the various pieces of information... or rather lack thereof there was a slight, light tap at his door.

​

It was one of Pesma's students. One of the few ones that seemed to genuinely pay attention to his lectures, and one of the only Skoros in his classes as well. Her head popped halfway into the door, her shy eyes flashing slightly as she looked at the professor

"Um... excuse me, professor... I... I was wondering if you had a moment... it's about..." she hesitated, looking back outside rather nervously. "It's about...um.... your predecessor..." she said rather frantically. Nervousness pulsated through every second she spoke.

​

TAG: @darthhelinith (Single or Combo)

 

Ambassador Giftoyo
-Senate Building, City of Reme

Giftie and his bodyguards were on edge. Had been ever since entering this city. Their lek was protected by the diplomatic immunity from prosecution. Still, they were worried that the authorities may still remember the "misunderstandings" from before. This being the case, they were not overly concerned with the size or scale of the city.

When they arrived in the Senate building, Giftie looked at the newspapers. More so out of boredom than actual curiosity. Koko nudged him and whispered:

"Sir, are you sure this is going to even work? The Reman Republic is so massive... it makes our village seem so small, what makes you think they will even listen to us?"

Giftie did not answer until he read a bit into the headlines. "KoKo, I don't know. Relax, one thing at a time. Looks like Reme is having some trouble of their own."

"You talkin' bout the murders?"

Giftie playfully whacked Koko on the head. "Course I'm talkin' bout the murders. Some assaults too. I don't think they care about us, which means as long as we keep our heads down, we can do what we want, make some cash and have a good time."

"I'm startin' to like Reme already...Ambassador."

Giftie flashed a tight grin before resuming his prestigious ambassador look. Prim and Proper, kind and soft. That's how these people saw Skori. He'd play the part and maybe even do some good for the village back home. First, though, they'd have some fun mingling among the Senators, drinking their nice champagne, and eating their good food.

Tag: @Shadowsun

 

A Glorious Combo with Shadowsun! Feast your eyes upon the urchins start! Mwuhahaha!

IC: Prard Skivali
Dragon’s Eye Inn

Stepping up he had eyed the gathering building and now he eyed the crowd as he came in. A betting ring was clearly going, the only thing lively in this place as far most common folk cared to know. Only that didn't interest Skivali. No, he was here for the other things. There was the two humans against a single Vasilian, the superhuman strength of the relatively slender Vasilian able to keep up with the desperate but heavy blows of their two human counterparts.

He looked as it was the easiest way not to seem out of place as he came up to the crowd. Show interest and others glancing at you mistook you as similar to them. Various other patrons were standing and sitting in the rough shape of a circle around the three and he skirted that group with an interested disinterest. He could feel his finger twitch idly at the notion of trying to lift something. But considering whom some of these people could be? Not worth it. Especially considering there was a chance the servers in uniform that danced around the ring serving, might also be keeping tabs and not just on who owed for which drink.

Once around the ring he saw by the far wall the lonely hearts club of sad saps that seemed to be requirement for a good establishment. Ever walk into a joint that didn't have 'em? Walk out. That simple, always.

Coming up to the bar, finally, there was the barkeep behind it along the opposite wall. Despite the rough exterior look, the ‘crowd’ and the Inn being located in one of the poorer areas of Reme it was edged that way more to keep the tourists out than due to any failings of the place on the inside. It was with purpose and plan, and he would of stabbed his brother to stay a night here instead of home some nights if that had ever been offered. Only now he was just on his own, and that was just fine.

Stepping up to the bar he nodded, "Want no fight, and weak donkey piss is fine enough but I be short on coin." If you don't know where to start it was often fine to admit it, so long as you weren't admitting it. The barkeep was likely the best person to start with… who was of all things surprisingly a Mirian. Probably not the best introduction to 'The Eye', but it was what he had as close to a sure thing. So he put down a coin under a flat palm good enough for two drinks palmed in front of him on the table. If this didn't work he would have hell with his landlord next week if he didn't earn that back, but he wasn't searching for employment to pass the time after all.

The Mirian eyed him, classically cleaning a glass mug as he accepted Skivali's coin. He said nothing as he put a mug down in front of the young Vasilian, along with his change. The Mirian eyed him with that common Mirian look, a mix of contempt and appraisal, it was one of the main reasons so many despised Mirians so much. Their air of superiority they carried with them.

"Little coin, not wanting to fight... you looking for work kid?"

"Wouldn't turn my nose at it." he said with a grin, "Always keep an eye out for it." He added with wink. This is how it was done! Right! Right? Well, it had to be. That or else he was about to be cleaning glasses for a frigid Mirian that doesn't like to flame polish or some such.

"I'm going to skip the part where I ask if you have an Aspect and ask to see it..." The Mirian looked at the glass he was cleaning, speaking distantly almost as if he was speaking to himself.

"You don't have to tell me what it does... I just want to see it..."

It was smart, after all who had ever heard of a Vasilian without an Aspect? Raising a hand over his mouth to muffle the words with a cough, he brought the other up. "*Ugh* Satchel of Enamel. *cough-cough*"

There it materialized as if it had always been there in his hand on the counter. Perhaps it had, in some odd way. Ugly thing it was when looked right down upon. Like most Mirian's as you had to look up their noses whenever you tried to talk to them.



"Why is there always feathers." he muttered to himself as he distractedly pushed them inside the bag that was so non-descript from a distance.

"Mmm," murmured the Mirian. His eyes glanced to the corner. "Alright take a seat next to that lady over there. Her name is Ironheart. I wouldn't get on her bad side if I were you,"

He gave a gesture to the corner he was looking at, a woman sitting there quietly, almost completely out of sight. One could easily miss her if they took a cursory look at the room.


She sat, there eyeing the Vasilian ever so carefully but not making any other movements.

To be honest he had glazed over her as no one important here. Well, that was embarrassing, but luckily no one needed to know what he was thinking. With a solid side nod at the Mirian he took his bag in hand as twisted off his stool. Making the motion as if putting it under his coat as he dismissed it.

Walking over he calmly eyed the darkness around the woman and the empty seats. Choosing an empty one with slight nod he waited in silence. He really wanted to ask how this worked, did she talk first or did he talk first? Should he of tried to do something? Maybe he shouldn't of dismissed his Aspect, but then again it wasn't something he was really accustomed to walking around with. If she wanted him to show what he could with it? With pursed lips and furtive eyes he waited for what surely seemed an agonizing cold eternity for something to happen.

TAG: @Shadowsun

 

Unexpected Developments​

The arrangements were made between the two offices of the Senators. It would not be that long before Aron Grant and Isabella Wessex were making their joint way through the narrow, old hallways of the Capitol building. There was the usual hustle and bustle of people making their way. Meetings, plans, business, negotiations, bribes, corruption... it all took place here, this very building was the nexus point.

The walk over to Tevye Nyx's office was relatively short. The prudent thing was for Bella to knock, followed by a reply for Nyx's own assistant, the one that been in contact with Isabella Wessex to arrange this meeting for them to come in.

Victoria Nelson​

His office was virtually identical to Aron's but it was unnaturally neat and clean. An almost sterile, inhuman neatness that was a little unnerving. Tevye Nyx was looking outside the window to his office as the two of them came in.

"Senator Aron Grant," spoke Victoria, introducing the man as she glanced to toward Tevye.

​

"Thank you Victoria, if you could close the door," he spoke making a gesture to the doorway as then offered a seat to Grant, taking a seat himself as he sat behind his desk. Tevye was perhaps younger than Grant was expecting, the two had not met face to face prior to this point. Although he would likely recall reading somewhere that Tevye had been the youngest Senator elected in some one hundred and fifty years.

"Tea, Coffee?" Tevye's tone was distant, every word he spoke sounded like he was mildly disinterested in what was happening. Waiting for a brief reply he indicated to Victoria to make some coffee for himself and whatever Grant asked for as well. Tevye's head tilted back to the man.

"I am sure, that you like myself are a rather busy man so I will get right down to business." His soft blue eyes gleaned for a moment as his eyes shifted to Isabella and then back to Aron.

"Your party later today is having a discussion on their upcoming bill to increase police spending and radically alter police policy within Reme, but also more generally within the entire Reman Republic,"

Tevye's head tilted his face still just as expressionless.

​

"I want you to kill it,"

TAG: @Lady Belligerent @HanSolo29 (Singles)

---

The Rooftops of Reme

”And why should that matter? You know no one leaves the Eye upright. And the bounty on you is worth more than any has in recent decades.”

”Why should I care? What do you know that would save your hide?”

Dr. Weber looked towards Xenevera with a pained but determined expression on his face, desperately trying to search for the set of words that would allow him to keep living. He slowly raised his arms up but did not dematerialize his Aspect, the cloak of feathers continuing to shimmer in the quiet light. The air seemed colder now, as his feet shifted ever so slightly, his pink human lips beginning to move in what felt like slow motion.

"B-because the Eye is just more than a criminal syndicate. The research they had me working on. It... it is the stuff of nightmares... they were trying to... no this isn't the place to talk about it. They have eyes everywhere. Everywhere... it's how they were able to find me... But my n-notes. My notes are in my room. If I could just show you..."

He paused ever so briefly, realizing how utterly unconvincing he sounded.

"M-my research was related to Aspects... a-and... how to make more of them..."

At this point, Xenevera would be able to feel the smell of blood in the air. It was the blood of the urchin. He was dead, his head bleeding out to collect in a pool within Dr. Weber's home.

TAG: @darthbernael (Single)

---

The Neheb Desert

The danger presented itself as a figure marched up atop the sand dune, their eyes scanning the desert as they then spotted the hooded figure. Their words echoing in the desert as they pointed an empty hand towards Noct.

​

"Magnum Minimum!"

A gun then decided to promptly materialize itself in the hand of the man. Pointed squarely towards Noct as he then fired the gun. By this point, Noct would have been able to call on his own Aspect and use its ability if he so decided. But whatever the result as the bullet traveled toward Noct about two-thirds of the way in its movement the bullet ballooned and became the size of a small elephant, about eight feet in diameter. Not that this hunter of Noct knew what an elephant was.

TAG: @Sinrebirth (Combo)

---

Reme, the Capitol Building

Giftoyo and his bodyguards would remain seated for several minutes.

And then several more minutes.

And then a couple more.

Until at last a young human woman came through the greet them, speaking ever so softly.

"I apologize but Senator Nyx is extremely busy for the rest of the day... we can reschedule or you can meet with one of the other Senators on the foreign affairs council... I believe Senator Foster should be able to meet with you, his schedule is rather open..."

Senator Foster was a notoriously terrible Senator and not one anyone particularly respected. It was a continued wonder as to how he continued to get re-elected year after year. Giftoyo would actually know this in the little research he had been able to do in his time here.

The two bodyguards looked nervously toward their ambassador... the Reman Republic was not taking them seriously as Koko had feared.

TAG: @The Jedi in the Pumas (Combo)

---

Dragon's Eye Inn

The woman named 'Ironheart' continued to gaze at Prard for what felt like an age. Her jet black hair seemingly blended into her dark charcoal suit, her eyes watching Prard very closely until she at last, finally, spoke.

"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" As she spoke this an unsuspecting Prard would see in one moment a syringe appear in Ironheart's left hand and in the next a sharp stab into his side as he felt the pinprick of the needle stab into his shoulder as she then drew blood from out of him. And then she sat back in her seat, her legs crossed and an amused look on her face as she looked to Prard. The rest of the bar continued as if nothing had happened, not paying any heed or attention to the two of them.

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap​

"I'm going to make this very straightforward for you kid, you have one of two options. You can walk out of here and pretend like nothing ever happened and I'll get rid of your little donation here or if you are truly serious about joining the Eye you can complete a little mission for us,"

Her eyes shone for a moment holding up a finger at any objections or retorts in the meantime.

"You see unlike most Aspects it's actually now in my interest to explain to you how mine works. If I inject someone's blood into my own bloodstream I can control that person depending on how much blood I inject into myself. Pretty handy. I can make the person do anything during that time frame. It's pretty useful for making sure someone does not become a turncoat or run off to the police. An insurance policy you could call it."

She tilted her head looking towards him, squeezing the end of the syringe slightly a tiny tendril of blood floating down the needle.

"So you in kid or you out?"

TAG: @Mitth_Fisto (Single)

---

@darthhelinith continue combo

 

IC: Prard Skivali
Dragon's Eye Inn

The woman named 'Ironheart' continued to gaze at Prard for what felt like an age. Her jet black hair seemingly blended into her dark charcoal suit, her eyes watching Prard very closely until she at last, finally, spoke.

"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" As she spoke this the playing it cool and casual Prard saw from the corner of his eye over his horn a syringe appear in Ironheart's left hand and in the next a sharp stab into his side as he felt the pinprick of the needle stab into his shoulder as she then drew blood from out of him. Mouth frozen in an open shock as he sat there, as she sat back in her seat, her legs crossed and an amused look on her face as she looked to Prard. The rest of the bar continued as if nothing had happened, not paying any heed or attention to the two of them. Well, if he had any doubt he was in the right place. . .

"I'm going to make this very straightforward for you kid, you have one of two options. You can walk out of here and pretend like nothing ever happened and I'll get rid of your little donation here or if you are truly serious about joining the Eye you can complete a little mission for us,"

Her eyes shone for a moment holding up a finger at any objections or retorts in the meantime. Which for the moment was merely him gripping his side as his mouth worked like a fish out of water as he wasn't sure what in the world he should say in such a bizarre situation.

"You see unlike most Aspects it's actually now in my interest to explain to you how mine works. If I inject someone's blood into my own bloodstream I can control that person depending on how much blood I inject into myself. Pretty handy. I can make the person do anything during that time frame. It's pretty useful for making sure someone does not become a turncoat or run off to the police. An insurance policy you could call it."

She tilted her head looking towards him, squeezing the end of the syringe slightly a tiny tendril of blood floating down the needle.

"So you in kid or you out?"

Of all the time he had ever imagined getting to this point he had never imagined something like this! Still, it wasn't a long time for him to process the fact that this didn't change his reality. His need. "I'm in." he stated with a bit of apprehension at the needle. "What's the mission?"

TAG: @Shadowsun

 

IC: Tevye Nyx
The Office of Tevye Nyx

Tevye watched the man carefully, the younger senator's face still as impassive as before. It was the reaction he was expecting, after all, who would do anything without a little incentive. He would also note Isabella's professionalism and that of Grant's too. Despite the seemingly outrageous, and insulting request.

"Everything is negotiable, please take a seat, Senator Grant. I have not told you what I have to offer in return,"

Victoria Nelson then laid a cup of coffee by Tevye's side, a clean crisp mug that seemed to have never have been used. White, without a single blemish, imperfection, or even a scratch. Tevye took a slow delicate sip from his coffee as he thought for a moment, watching the contents murmur around.

"What if I told you I know who killed your father,"

His eyes then shifted from the black liquid to Grant's eyes, the same sensation of deadness baked within them.

"And that more importantly that they are still alive."

TAG: @HanSolo29 @Lady Belligerent (Combo)

---

IC: Ironheart
Dragon's Eye Inn

Ironheart watched Prard carefully The kid must be really desperate if he was not raising any complaints. Usually, there was a complaint or two about your blood forcible being taken, but it was a welcome change that the young Vasilian was so eager it made him useful.

"Enthusiastic. Good,"

She reached into her jacket and pulled out a small map of the city of Reme.

"You'll be with a team of three others escorting some goods from this location," she pointed to a spot on the map. "It is within one of the many urban districts of Reme, you'll meet the others there and they know where they are going. Your job is to offer them any support they need,"

She paused for a moment, allowing Prard to process the location of where he was supposed to go.

"You're not in officially yet. This is a trial run to see what you are made of..." she then leaned in closer, her eyes studying the young Vasilian's face. "Anything you think you see about what they are not transporting is just a figment of your imagination. Never forget, I have your blood and what I can do with it,"

She leaned back.

"Any questions?"

TAG: @Mitth_Fisto

---

IC: Dr. Weber

”So let’s find a real reason for you to remain living.”

The man looked to Xenevera with a broken expression, he realized there was nothing he could say that would convince her to move or go elsewhere. She seemed not to flinch at the news that Aspects could be manufactured. Dr. Weber slowly stood his arms raised to show he had no weapons. His cloak still hung unto him, wafting through the air as if it was alive.

"Project V... that was the name of the research project I was in charge of, we received large shipments of..."

His eyes then froze as a he felt a chill of his spine. It was too late... no.. no... no...

"He's here... I told you nothing or he'll..."

There was a flash and smooth slicing noise as Dr. Weber's head slowly fell by his side, his body crumbling into a heap. A man stood facing away from Xenevera as he slowly turned around. She knew exactly who it was.

She knew him as the one in charge of assassinations for all of the Eye, and the one that had assigned her to this very mission. Aima.

​

"That's unlike you Xenevera. To let the fish swim for longer than he was supposed to."

His harsh singular eye looked to the female Vasilian.

"What was he saying?"

TAG: @darthbernael

---

@darthhelinith Continue Combo

@The Jedi in the Pumas Continue Combo

@Sinrebirth Pending Tag

 

IC: Prard Skivali
Dragon's Eye Inn

Ironheart watched Prard carefully "Enthusiastic. Good,"

He wasn't really sure if he liked that she liked something right now. Happy was better than troubled. Might as well roll with it. She reached into her jacket and pulled out a small map of the city of Reme.

"You'll be with a team of three others escorting some goods from this location," she pointed to a spot on the map. "It is within one of the many urban districts of Reme, you'll meet the others there and they know where they are going. Your job is to offer them any support they need,"

Well that was a horn rubber. Hmm.

"You're not in officially yet. This is a trial run to see what you are made of..." she then leaned in closer, her eyes studying the young Vasilian's face. "Anything you think you see about what they are not transporting is just a figment of your imagination. Never forget, I have your blood and what I can do with it,"

She leaned back.

"Any questions?"

"Uh. . ." he softly intoned as he felt very awkward now as he leaned slightly away from her. "How will I know whom I'm meeting? And will they know me?" With a shrug he reached up and rubbed his left horn tip, "When?" That was really all he had.

TAG: @Shadowsun

 

IC: Doctor Pesma
Location: His Office

Doctor Pesma looked up, startled, though that wasn't something that was particularly hard for anyone to do to the nervous professor.
"My-my predicessor?" His antenna twitched.
"Did she assign an essay for a unit of work that I haven't marked? Dear me, let's see if we can get this sorted out. C-Come in, come in. Close the door behind you, we don't need a draft."

The papers covering his desk, he quickly piled up into his arms and shoved onto the upper surface of a cabinet- the academic office was typically small and most of the free surface space there was, was already given over to various objects, such as typewriters, parchments, books and religious objects. Several lanterns of Lux were hanging from brackets on the walls that were not lined with bookcases, though unlit. They were artefacts of religious worship, not light fixtures.

"You came at just the right time," he explained, "I just happened to be making some tea. Could I offer you some?"
He gestured to a metal kettle and tarnished, tall metal teapot.

The young female Skoros fidgeted slightly as she entered the office space. She glanced outside for a moment before making her way to sit in the seats that were there for students during office hours, neatly closing the door behind her.

"Oh... y-yes... I would love some tea..." she said somewhat earnestly in her sweet, high voice her nervousness increasing with every moment that passed. Her bag sat neatly in her lap, her soft eyes looking down, her mind tumbling over itself as to how to start or where to begin.

Pesma busied himself with the teamaking things for a moment,
Clara. Is this the lead?

"I knew Professor Moerani quite well, she was well respected within our field." He volunteered, trying to be helpful and break the ice a little. "She was half way through writing an article on Mirian cultural ceramics and their theoretical links to ancient moon deities. Unfortunately not my area of expertise... I doubt it will ever get finished, at least not to a standard she-" His antenna twitched uncomfortably. "Lux forgive me, I am rambling again."

He inclined his head slightly to one of the lanterns before handing over a steaming cup of tea in a white ceramic mug, marked 'property of Reme university', slightly stained from its many years in service.
"Now please, I am quite at your disposal, how can I help you?"

She made no comment about his ramblings, seeming too distracted to pay any real attention which was unusual for her. She fidgeted for a moment before resuming.

"Well... ummm.... shortly before Professor Moerani disappeared s-she... kept asking me if I had an Aspect. W-which I thought was odd, I eventually told her I did... and then she kept insisting for me to show her and tell me what it was... I found it very strange... I d-didn't know what to do any then several d-days later s-she disappeared. And w-when I left she said something along the lines of 'She's a good kid, d-don't take her, s-she doesn't deserve it' she was talking to someone else and I don't know what it means but I feel like she was trying to protect me from something,"

At this point the young female Skoros burst into tears, utterly mortified by the experience.

Pesma swallowed.
"Oh dear." He shuffled round his desk, patting the girl awkwardly on the shoulder while fumbling around for a tattered box of tissues with one of his other toes. "There, there."
He didn't really know what to say- he wasn't really the best person to deal with the emotions of others.

He gave her a couple of minutes to calm down, and rustled around, pulling a worn tin out of a drawer and and resting it on the table between them. It was opened it to reveal some biscuits; each consisting of two layers sandwiched together with a sweet, jam-like substance in the centre. This he pushed towards her, offering one.
"It's certainly a very odd happenstance, and I can see why you're upset." He fiddled with his gold watchchain, absentmindedly.
"Out of interest, did you tell my predecessor the details about your aspect? When she asked you?"

"Thank you," she spoke as she accepted the sandwich.

After a few minutes, she began to settle down. Although there were a few sniffles here and there as she answered his question.

"No, I never did, though mine's not very interesting or useful anyway..." She gave looked down at her hand bag as she thought for a moment longer, taking a little nibble of the sandwich.

"But this means she was murdered right? By whoever has been killing all those poor people over all these years... I just don't understand how the police could be letting something like this go on for so long."

It was not much to go on, but finally, at least a lead had materialized. The big question now was who was the person Moerani had been speaking to?

The doctor sighed.
Finally, something to work with.

"It does seem that way." He responded eventually. "Dear, dear me. I knew that the circumstances around my predecessor's disappearance were unclear but..." He shook his head, sadly.

Pesma was naturally curious about the exact nature of the girl's aspect, perhaps it had something to do with her handbag, but he couldn't think of a way of steering the conversation that way naturally. Instead, he considered what he should say next- he felt his choice of words would have to be carefully chosen.
"I too... am an aspect user... " He stroked the cravat around his thorax thoughtfully. "Sometimes no news is good news, the police cannot usually divulge information about an ongoing investigation."
He stirred his tea quietly for a moment.
"At least I am grateful for you telling me all of this. I can keep my feelers to the breeze and see if I notice anything unusual."

"Thank you Professor... I just... I didn't know who to talk to and..." she paused her cheeks flushing from awkwardness. "I knew you two were close, I knew I could trust you..."

She finished, her words rushing out in a frantic manner.

If a skoros could blush, Pesma would have been fighting hard to hide one now. He coughed.
"I... that is to say... a purely professional relationship..."

"I... I have to get going Professor, if I come across anything else you will be the first to know..." She spoke with a little sniffle. Beginning to rise from her seat.

"The sandwiches were lovely, but I have to get back to class..."

Pesma's antenna twitched awkwardly and one of his feet wiped the scales above his compound eyes with a handkerchief.
"Yes, yes, of course. I've got a lecture to plan anyhow. Lux guide you."

He watched her leave and then collapsed into the chair behind his desk, mopping his brow.
"Lux preserve us," He muttered to himself, "we finally have our lead, Clara."

Tag: @Shadowsun

 

Combo Post with the GM!

Ambassador Giftoyo
-Senate Building, City of Reme

Giftie enjoyed the fact that the other species were generally not well enough acquainted with skori expressions, so he allowed a small tick of one of his wings, a sign that he was excited, when he heard the news that they were being put off on another Senator.

Senator Foster was exactly the kind of man that Giftie and his lek could use.

He bowed graciously and low, for a long, long….

Long time. So long that Koko almost bent over to check on him when Giftie popped up.

“It…is…ok.” He said regally. “We would enjoy the company of your Senator Foster.”

Koko looked at the other bodyguard, Rocks, and gave a minor shrug. They had no idea what Giftie was planning.

The woman gave a nervous smile and then nodded, escorting the three Skoros into the inner parts of the Capitol building. Passing by the offices of numerous Senators until at last they came across an office that read.

'Senator James E. Foster'

The woman gave a little light tap on the door as the three Skoros came inside, greeted by thin old man with a cruel look on his face.

​

"Eh? What is it now? What is it now? Can't you see I am doing some very important work here!" said the Senator who appeared to be fidgeting with several small pieces of metal that were a common children's toy in Reme.

"Senator Foster this is Ambassador Swander Gift-yo-yo," spoke the secretary not meaning to get the Skoros' name wrong but doing so nonetheless.

"Oh, an Ambassador... how very interesting... what do you want moth man?"

“Senator Foster, I will not waste your time. We are here to formalize the relationship between the capital and the Isle by offering our foremost expert on SkorWing Technology to aide in the building of 5 new airships, bringing millions of dollars of jobs and use to the capital. We are just looking for a Senator who is serious about their future!”

Rocks and KoKo almost dropped their jaws. He was insane.

Senator Foster eyes squinted as his lips smacked together in a confused manner.

"You want to what? Airships!?! Built by moth men? Please... I reckon you insects barely know how to rub two sticks together to make fire..."

He clambered back over to his seat behind the cluttered desk, as he eyed the three Skoros.

"Come on now, why is it your really here?"

Giftie blinked at the comment.

“Well if we barely know how to rub sticks, we wouldn’t intelligent enough to put together a diplomatic mission to further relations… now would we, old man?”

Giftie stood tall and confident, placing his lower pair of hands on his hips, while crossing his top pair over his chest.

“I’m known as Giftie to my friends, Foster. I make sure I help people who help me. Yknow… real mutually beneficial like. You know the old saying of not looking a gifthorse in the mouth? So, if I say I can share airship technology, I can. The real question is if you’re going to be the Senator that is celebrated for being smart enough to get with me or just another old guy left without a dance partner?”

The ease that Giftie could sell made Koko and Rocks more comfortable. They’d seen him do things they thought were ridiculous and dangerous. Still, the lek was here and back on the mainland where only a few years ago they’d been on the run. If anyone could pull this off, it was Giftie.

Senator Foster seemed to stammer on empty air for several moments before a crude, piggish smile floated onto his lips.

"Very clever moth man... very clever... I like a man that has real balls... God knows we don't get enough of that around here, limp degenerates that's what the Senate is..." He leaned back into his chair.

"Alright you might be a moth man and a heathen but tell me this, what do you get out of this... other than money?"

Giftie shrugged, a human gesture he found tremendous utility in, and leaned forward.

"A fun time."

"A fun time?" repeated Senator Foster questioningly. He slammed his fist against the table violently.

"Don't give me that give a steaming horse idiotic turd! But..." he waved his hand dismissively "Whatever, whatever coin is good enough a reason. Is that it Mothman? Or any more ingenious ideas you would like to run my way?"

“Nope!” Giftie turned on his heel and began to walk off before half turning back and shooting a finger gun sign at the old Senator.

“You won’t regret it, old man. We’re gonna do big things together.”

Tag: @Shadowsun