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Green Flame Rising (Exalted vs Dresden Files)

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uju32 said:
1) Its not a moral stance, its a pragmatic stance.
We know very little about him, his history and his entanglements, and he's done enough dirt that he could taint us just by association. Never mind if the cops actually dig up something on him.

Its the same reason we have largely kept John Marcone at arms length in Chicago.


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2) Many Winter Fae are born that way.

This guy did not choose to be born the son of a Mafia boss, but he chose to become a supernatural hitman and murder people for money. He could have walked away at any time.
He didnt.

Or to use another example: John Marcone.
I like Marcone as a character. Marcone has the excuse of having brought order to Chicago's criminal underworld, and he's filled the void that was left when the Red Court presence in Chicago was wiped out, keeping other nasties out.

And even Marcone palmed a Denarian Coin for power when the opportunity presented itself.


===
Furthermore, Winter generally risk no legal blowback from their activities. This guy does.

I will repeat it, because you seem to forget: The man's crew murdered a senior police officer recently.
Thats literally a legal land mine waiting to explode in some unfortunate person's face, given how US police departments tend to respond to officer homicides.

One phone call from someone in the know to Andrews' squad, and he's all sorts of fucked.
And Im willing to bet that Sandra Marling knows it, since she essentially whammied his entire organization, from the boss down.
I dont want us anywhere near that mess if we can avoid it.
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Winterfaye being born that way don't make them not awful especially when we see they can make a choice not to be that way and continually choose to be so. The fact of the matter is being a criminal even someone who kills people for money you are still human you are still not sadistically torturing people for shit and giggles and you don't eat people flat out.

So in my estimation he's better than the vast majority of winter you can claim being born a certain way makes it neutral but that's blatantly not true the things hornets do to worms and things they lay eggs into they're neutral because hornets have no choice in the matter they cannot think they have their instincts and what they do. The FAE that we see all have a choice in how they behave and they choose to listen to their basest instincts because that is what they are instincts that they choose to obey I'm born that way I'm just this way you're not a fucking scorpion man you can speak to me and make choices obviously you're an asshole.
 
If they have a choice or not doesn't really matter to me.

The vast majority of Winter Fey should be kept away from humans for the safety of those who can't defend themselves against them.
That requires no moral judgment, just to recognize the fact that they cause harm.

If we can't separate them from creation, then killing them is an acceptable solution.
Ultimately everyone nearby is better off when we kill a pack of Malks, Fetch, Redcap, Trolls or whatever else Winter has to offer in minor to mid-sized predators.
 
Vote's quite active, nice to see

Also quite close, it anyone is minded to chine in now's the time.
Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Jan 14, 2024 at 4:33 AM, finished with 83 posts and 21 votes.
  • [X]STUNT: You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
    [X] She is an Enemy of Creation. Welcome to Big Leagues, Tommy, how would you like to help save the world?
    [X] She is a servant of Outsiders
    -[X] Empathy or leadership excellency, whichever is more appropriate.
    -[X] Stunt: You focus wholly on Tommy, ignoring the opulent surroundings, the sight of Arlene still wreathed in wisps of her goddess' power, and a glowering Harry all but crackling with outrage at Sandra's gross abuse of magic. This would normally be the point where you leaned heavily into your power, expending Essence for maximum effect, but now is not the time for that. Who knows what challenges you might face in the coming hours? Instead, you rely on the unvarnished truth and the potential impact of existential dread.
    -[X] "She is a servant of the Outsiders, beings which exist beyond the boundaries of Creation itself, and they are the enemies of everything, for it is their desire to destroy reality as a know it. There is no taboo they will not violate in their relentless mission. Manipulating the minds of mortals is among the least of their machinations."
    [X] She an enemy of yours who almost plotted your destruction
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Degorium said:
Winterfaye being born that way don't make them not awful especially when we see they can make a choice not to be that way and continually choose to be so. The fact of the matter is being a criminal even someone who kills people for money you are still human you are still not sadistically torturing people for shit and giggles and you don't eat people flat out.
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Winter Fae being born that way is both a justification and a defense for mortals.
They are predictable triggers, and have patterns.
They can be defended against, and can be turned aside.


Little Tommy on the other hand, could shoot you in the head tomorrow because you got in the way of his father's business.
Or because it was profitable. Or because he got orders from someone above him.
Nothing personal; its just business.

We have a good idea of how Mafia hitman squads operate ; Roy DeMeo's crew is estimated to have murdered 200 people in New York City before DeMeo himself got ganked by his own people.

Degorium said:
So in my estimation he's better than the vast majority of winter you can claim being born a certain way makes it neutral but that's blatantly not true the things hornets do to worms and things they lay eggs into they're neutral because hornets have no choice in the matter they cannot think they have their instincts and what they do. The FAE that we see all have a choice in how they behave and they choose to listen to their basest instincts because that is what they are instincts that they choose to obey I'm born that way I'm just this way you're not a fucking scorpion man you can speak to me and make choices obviously you're an asshole.
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You are entitled to your own opinion.
 
DragonParadox said:
Vote's quite active, nice to see

Also quite close, it anyone is minded to chine in now's the time.
Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Jan 14, 2024 at 4:33 AM, finished with 83 posts and 21 votes.
  • [X]STUNT: You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
    [X] She is an Enemy of Creation. Welcome to Big Leagues, Tommy, how would you like to help save the world?
    [X] She is a servant of Outsiders
    -[X] Empathy or leadership excellency, whichever is more appropriate.
    -[X] Stunt: You focus wholly on Tommy, ignoring the opulent surroundings, the sight of Arlene still wreathed in wisps of her goddess' power, and a glowering Harry all but crackling with outrage at Sandra's gross abuse of magic. This would normally be the point where you leaned heavily into your power, expending Essence for maximum effect, but now is not the time for that. Who knows what challenges you might face in the coming hours? Instead, you rely on the unvarnished truth and the potential impact of existential dread.
    -[X] "She is a servant of the Outsiders, beings which exist beyond the boundaries of Creation itself, and they are the enemies of everything, for it is their desire to destroy reality as a know it. There is no taboo they will not violate in their relentless mission. Manipulating the minds of mortals is among the least of their machinations."
    [X] She an enemy of yours who almost plotted your destruction
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Not all that close, when you collate the votes:
Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Jan 14, 2024 at 4:33 AM, finished with 83 posts and 21 votes.
  • [X]STUNT: You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
    [X] She is an Enemy of Creation. Welcome to Big Leagues, Tommy, how would you like to help save the world?
    [X] She is a servant of Outsiders
    -[X] Empathy or leadership excellency, whichever is more appropriate.
    -[X] Stunt: You focus wholly on Tommy, ignoring the opulent surroundings, the sight of Arlene still wreathed in wisps of her goddess' power, and a glowering Harry all but crackling with outrage at Sandra's gross abuse of magic. This would normally be the point where you leaned heavily into your power, expending Essence for maximum effect, but now is not the time for that. Who knows what challenges you might face in the coming hours? Instead, you rely on the unvarnished truth and the potential impact of existential dread.
    -[X] "She is a servant of the Outsiders, beings which exist beyond the boundaries of Creation itself, and they are the enemies of everything, for it is their desire to destroy reality as a know it. There is no taboo they will not violate in their relentless mission. Manipulating the minds of mortals is among the least of their machinations."
    [X] She an enemy of yours who almost plotted your destruction
Click to expand...
 
Here is the actual votes.
Adhoc vote count started by Yzarc on Jan 14, 2024 at 4:38 AM, finished with 86 posts and 21 votes.
  • [X] She is an Enemy of Creation. Welcome to Big Leagues, Tommy, how would you like to help save the world?
    -[X] Empathy or leadership excellency, whichever is more appropriate.
    [X] She is a servant of Outsiders
    [X]STUNT: You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
    [X] She is a servant of Outsiders
    -[X] Stunt: You focus wholly on Tommy, ignoring the opulent surroundings, the sight of Arlene still wreathed in wisps of her goddess' power, and a glowering Harry all but crackling with outrage at Sandra's gross abuse of magic. This would normally be the point where you leaned heavily into your power, expending Essence for maximum effect, but now is not the time for that. Who knows what challenges you might face in the coming hours? Instead, you rely on the unvarnished truth and the potential impact of existential dread.
    -[X] "She is a servant of the Outsiders, beings which exist beyond the boundaries of Creation itself, and they are the enemies of everything, for it is their desire to destroy reality as a know it. There is no taboo they will not violate in their relentless mission. Manipulating the minds of mortals is among the least of their machinations."
    [X]You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
    [X] She an enemy of yours who almost plotted your destruction
    [x] Yog's vote
    [X] She is an Enemy of Creation. Welcome to Big Leagues, Tommy, how would you like to help save the world?
    -[X] Empathy or leadership excellency, whichever is more appropriate.
    -[X] Stunt: You focus wholly on Tommy, ignoring the opulent surroundings, the sight of Arlene still wreathed in wisps of her goddess' power, and a glowering Harry all but crackling with outrage at Sandra's gross abuse of magic. Who knows what challenges you might face in the coming hours? Instead, you relay the unvarnished truth and the potential impact of existential dread.
    -[X] "She is a servant of the Outsiders, beings which exist beyond the boundaries of Creation itself, and they are the enemies of everything, for it is their desire to destroy reality as a know it. There is no taboo they will not violate in their relentless mission. Violation of the minds of mortals is among the least of their machinations. Now she has turned her vile Masters intentions upon your home, upon your people and upon your doorstep. I would ask your assistance in cleansing this rot so that the enemies of creation may walk it no longer."
    [X] She is a servant of Outsiders
    -[X]STUNT: You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
    [X] She is an Enemy of Creation. Welcome to Big Leagues, Tommy, how would you like to help save the world?
Click to expand...
 
uju32 said:
Winter Fae being born that way is both a justification and a defense for mortals.
They are predictable triggers, and have patterns.
They can be defended against, and can be turned aside.


Little Tommy on the other hand, could shoot you in the head tomorrow because you got in the way of his father's business.
Or because it was profitable. Or because he got orders from someone above him.
Nothing personal; its just business.
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These are functionally speaking for everyone on Earth that isn't aware of the Masquerade the same fucking thing. At least with the mobster you know he isn't going to ritualistically eat your corpse or literally kidnap you and sadistically torture you for no fucking reason.

Winter has said that it is going on the way to occlude and otherwise mess with its perception on Earth so the defenses and recognition of patterns with them are lessened. So the mobster is someone you can actually avoid, while the fairies have been specifically altering human history and culture so they can functionally pray more efficiently on mankind.

You can fuck right off on the born that way argument they're not fucking lions or scorpions they are human descended magical creatures with the ability to choose not to act the way they do. It could be difficult but that would mean the actual good thing to do would be not put yourself in situations where you are a risk and immediate issue to the health and safety of other Sapient beings.
 
Yzarc said:
Here is the actual votes.
Adhoc vote count started by Yzarc on Jan 14, 2024 at 4:38 AM, finished with 86 posts and 21 votes.
  • [X] She is an Enemy of Creation. Welcome to Big Leagues, Tommy, how would you like to help save the world?
    -[X] Empathy or leadership excellency, whichever is more appropriate.
    [X] She is a servant of Outsiders
    [X]STUNT: You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
    [X] She is a servant of Outsiders
    -[X] Stunt: You focus wholly on Tommy, ignoring the opulent surroundings, the sight of Arlene still wreathed in wisps of her goddess' power, and a glowering Harry all but crackling with outrage at Sandra's gross abuse of magic. This would normally be the point where you leaned heavily into your power, expending Essence for maximum effect, but now is not the time for that. Who knows what challenges you might face in the coming hours? Instead, you rely on the unvarnished truth and the potential impact of existential dread.
    -[X] "She is a servant of the Outsiders, beings which exist beyond the boundaries of Creation itself, and they are the enemies of everything, for it is their desire to destroy reality as a know it. There is no taboo they will not violate in their relentless mission. Manipulating the minds of mortals is among the least of their machinations."
    [X]You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
    [X] She an enemy of yours who almost plotted your destruction
    [x] Yog's vote
    [X] She is an Enemy of Creation. Welcome to Big Leagues, Tommy, how would you like to help save the world?
    -[X] Empathy or leadership excellency, whichever is more appropriate.
    -[X] Stunt: You focus wholly on Tommy, ignoring the opulent surroundings, the sight of Arlene still wreathed in wisps of her goddess' power, and a glowering Harry all but crackling with outrage at Sandra's gross abuse of magic. Who knows what challenges you might face in the coming hours? Instead, you relay the unvarnished truth and the potential impact of existential dread.
    -[X] "She is a servant of the Outsiders, beings which exist beyond the boundaries of Creation itself, and they are the enemies of everything, for it is their desire to destroy reality as a know it. There is no taboo they will not violate in their relentless mission. Violation of the minds of mortals is among the least of their machinations. Now she has turned her vile Masters intentions upon your home, upon your people and upon your doorstep. I would ask your assistance in cleansing this rot so that the enemies of creation may walk it no longer."
    [X] She is a servant of Outsiders
    -[X]STUNT: You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
    [X] She is an Enemy of Creation. Welcome to Big Leagues, Tommy, how would you like to help save the world?
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You didnt collate the votes.
Note that these:
-[X]STUNT: You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
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[X]You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
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Same vote, just with [STUNT] in one.


You also didnt merge @Artemis1992 or @Sesparra vote with the rest of the Yog votes.
 
DragonParadox said:
OK so the major vote at the moment appears to be 'do you want help from this guy or not?'
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Depends on the help. Information, introductions? Gladly.

Physical minions?
I wouldnt want to be seen with a copkiller and his associates in public if I had any aspirations to remaining on good terms with the Chicago Police Department in general and Murphy in particular.

And there's good odds that Sandra will call that little titbit into a police or media tipline if we appear on Vegas' streets with him.
Or even just tell one of the mindwhammied Shadowkillers involved to confess.
Either of which would have the LVPD out for blood.



And frankly, I dont think he can afford to give us physical help, even if we wanted it.

A Nephandus mage was in his head. And that of his men, for god knows how long. He does not know what they might have done under the influence, who they might have killed or hurt, what plots they might have enabled. He doesnt know if the Nephandus went up the chain of command, and subverted his father or senior members of his mafia Family.

He literally cant trust his own people at his back.

I wasnt kidding when I said that he also needs to check if he's missing ordnance, or has given orders to move ordnance in his gunrunning side-hustle. Because if, for example, more of his shit shows up at crime scenes where the Feds can find it, or someone mind-whammied by Sandra uses some to murder a bunch of people, he's in deep shit, as is everyone around him.
 
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Arc 11 Interlude 4: What Stones Want
  • Threadmarks
    • What Stones Want ​

    12th of January 2007 A.D.

    Adapting to an entirely new seventh sense had not been without its ups and downs. Who knew after all that the average Burger King had enough of a presence to it for that oily/filling sense of modern living, like a pimple on the face of the city, giving it character or that wizards would have this whoosh to them, like a fan blowing in your face all the time from the way magic slipped though the nooks and crannies of their souls so she had expected to feel something on meeting Oliver Adkin, but there was nothing at all that her eyes could not see or her ears could not hear.: A tween jacket with a silver pocket watch tucked near his heart, a face once handsome worn gaunt by the passage of who knows how many years framed by a made of pure white hair that made him look even less solid, an accent was sharp enough you could cut glass with it and so probably a put on.

    "The hour is later than we had hoped..." the old man sighed, looking very grave and very wise and Lydia wanted nothing more than to grab him by the collar and shake him until he rattle while shouting: 'What in this world and the other are you doing here!' If someone had told her that one of the thrice-be damned Black Court was looking for something in her temple her immediate reaction would not have been to leave it!"The dead spoke one who had the hands of the Lady of the Temple. It is of you whom they spoke."

    Nebet-Het, Lady of the Temple whom the Greeks called Nephys, Lydia knew whom the old man meant, even though she really disliked the implication that she had come to serve in that guise. Given the lack of baby pharaohs for her to guard that left only the other purpose of the sister of Isis, mourner of the newly dead, keeper of canopic jars

    "Strange it is to call out the hour to those against whose eyes you obscure the face of the clock," Tiffany interjects. The words could have sounded harsh, instead they were soft and leading. "If time is brief and aid unbidden as welcome as you say then one leap deserves another if not in the name of common good that at least in spite of common foes."

    "You I do not know Lady..."

    "Tiffany MacNeil"

    When it became clear she was not minded to offer more the old man continues. "I came to warn you that you must leave the city. A darkness is coming that will devour first the brightest of lights and only at the last will it fall to the sword of the avenger."

    "The sun does not usually rise in the west," she needled deftly

    "The barge of the sun moves as He wills though the hours of day and of night." The words had the ring of Scripture, though certainly not the Christian kind Lydia was quite sure.

    "You seemed glad enough to see my young friend there. Why is it you want an embalmer so badly, for yourself or for everyone else?"

    "I was given a sign to bring a woman from this temple before the eyes of Ra ere dawn tomorrow." Adkin swept his hand towards the daughter of Arwan. "After all were you not the one to warn us of the scourge?"

    At this Tiffany hid her lips and probably her smile behind her hand. "No." Taking advantage of the sudden uncertainty in his eyes she pressed. "How were you given this sign?"

    "By the voice in my heart at the speaking of the prayers, by wisdom of Wadjet revealed with her own words in living fire!" Oh there was plenty of fire in those words too, more perhaps than the old man had meant to reveal.

    Lydia Uses 1 Essence -> Ghost Jade now at 0/2

    Click... a piece of spent jade spun from Lydia Rhys' hand as she released it, spinning on its chain. "What do Ra's eyes happen to be made of at the moment? Stone, gold, gems? You're a Psychometrist aren't you?"

    "And by that you call my insights false?" the old man scoffed and started to gesticulate. "I supose you should also tell the Catholic Church to empty out all the reliquaries of saints and cast the Shroud of Turin on the wind. I came with a warning for any who would heed it and I cam with a request for she who offers comfort to the dead. In your presence will be revealed the last preparations for the Descent."

    Even though good things rarely came to stones pretending to be gods Lydia was curious...

    OOC: Previous vote still open. With the conversation still ongoing I thought it would be a good chance to make this an interlude, not just have it recounted to Molly when she met up with Lydia and Lash.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Vote closed.
    Adhoc vote count started by DragonParadox on Jan 14, 2024 at 9:28 AM, finished with 96 posts and 23 votes.
    • [X] She is a servant of Outsiders
      [X]STUNT: You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
      [X] She is a servant of Outsiders
      -[X] Stunt: You focus wholly on Tommy, ignoring the opulent surroundings, the sight of Arlene still wreathed in wisps of her goddess' power, and a glowering Harry all but crackling with outrage at Sandra's gross abuse of magic. This would normally be the point where you leaned heavily into your power, expending Essence for maximum effect, but now is not the time for that. Who knows what challenges you might face in the coming hours? Instead, you rely on the unvarnished truth and the potential impact of existential dread.
      -[X] "She is a servant of the Outsiders, beings which exist beyond the boundaries of Creation itself, and they are the enemies of everything, for it is their desire to destroy reality as a know it. There is no taboo they will not violate in their relentless mission. Manipulating the minds of mortals is among the least of their machinations."
      [X] She is an Enemy of Creation. Welcome to Big Leagues, Tommy, how would you like to help save the world?
      -[X] Empathy or leadership excellency, whichever is more appropriate.
      [X]You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
      [X] She an enemy of yours who almost plotted your destruction
      [x] Yog's vote
      [X] She is an Enemy of Creation. Welcome to Big Leagues, Tommy, how would you like to help save the world?
      -[X] Empathy or leadership excellency, whichever is more appropriate.
      -[X] Stunt: You focus wholly on Tommy, ignoring the opulent surroundings, the sight of Arlene still wreathed in wisps of her goddess' power, and a glowering Harry all but crackling with outrage at Sandra's gross abuse of magic. Who knows what challenges you might face in the coming hours? Instead, you relay the unvarnished truth and the potential impact of existential dread.
      -[X] "She is a servant of the Outsiders, beings which exist beyond the boundaries of Creation itself, and they are the enemies of everything, for it is their desire to destroy reality as a know it. There is no taboo they will not violate in their relentless mission. Violation of the minds of mortals is among the least of their machinations. Now she has turned her vile Masters intentions upon your home, upon your people and upon your doorstep. I would ask your assistance in cleansing this rot so that the enemies of creation may walk it no longer."
      [X] She is a servant of Outsiders
      -[X]STUNT: You weigh your words before you speak, Harry a reassuring presence beside you. "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadnt realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."
      [X] She is an Enemy of Creation. Welcome to Big Leagues, Tommy, how would you like to help save the world?
    Click to expand...
     
    Arc 11 Post 58: Losers' Bet
  • Threadmarks
    • Losers' Bet​

    12th of January 2007 A.D.

    "In Chicago, she went by the name Sandra Marling, and she's essentially a Lovecraftian cultist." You keep your tone dispassionate, even as you take the pause to retract your shield to choose your next words carefully. "She is an example of why the White Council will lethally sanction mortal magic users who break the Seventh Law." You meet Arlene's eyes, still aglow with the power of her patron, then pause for Little Tommy to put away the empty gun he hadn't realized he was still holding before you continue. "Seven months ago a failed plot of hers caused the Splattercon horror convention Incident in Chicago. As far as we can tell, she's been in Vegas for several months now, and messages to the Dragon have not been answered."

    Anger burns in Tommy's eyes, drug dealer, gun runner and killer though he might be he values the lives of his people though the word 'Dragon' injects a measure of disbelief behind it as well.

    "First I should clean this filth from the minds of the others," Arlene interrupts.

    "I'll come with you," Harry offers, just as fast.

    There's a moment of hesitation as the priestess considers the wizard and whatever she may have heard of him, but then she nods, leaving you alone in the room with Tommy.

    "Never read much Lovecraft, just figured he was a weird kid with more imagination than knowledge."

    "That too..." you nod, feeling a tired smile grow on your lips. He's looking down at the flattened bullets he'd scattered all over the place. "I'm sure Arlene will clean up here."

    "Here's now what I'm worried about." He looks back up at you. "So it's all true, there's a demon running this joint for the kicks and the biggest leech's been anointed it's champion. All the rest of it is window dressing for the suckers unless you can knock it down. I've got ta warn my father. Is there anything...."

    "Avoiding eye contact might help depending on how her powers work. Just knowing that you have to fight through something helps sometimes." You go on to offer a crash course on avoiding mental influence, meager pickings as it may be. One of the most effective ways you can think of to break a budding compulsion is to cut one's self, the pain and the act of drawing blood both helping to break the magical connection in different ways.

    "And once they have their hooks into you?"

    "Knock them out and get them to Arlene, it takes serious magic to break enthrallment and of a sort few mortal wizards of a wholesome persuasion ever develop."

    As if summoned by the mention of her name Arlene steps in with, shoulders a little slumped face beaded with sweat. "They are all out. None of them have any idea how they've been enthralled..." she trails off looking at Tommy, but he shakes his head.

    "It looked like someone had used a stamp over and over again... I know it doesn't feel that way, but you were lucky the compulsion didn't sink too deep. I think it is some think of ritual instead of Sandra or someone working for her having to go an hypnotize every single person themselves, something the victim takes on. Can you think of something like that, initiation tattoo, do you all go to the same dentist?" He stops, a look of horror dawning over his face. "It's a slot machine, an actual fucking ritual slot machine. Pull the lever three times or seven times or however many times you have to and you've technically done it to yourself. Anyone backtracking would just loop back on the victims." For some reason he gives you a guilty look.

    That is when Lydia steps in looking halfway between frazzled and frustrated with news from the old man. Apparently he had gotten a vision that she should visit them over at the preserve and the rest of you should leave 'for your own good'. Now where had you heard that one before? Before you have the chance to scoff aloud Arlene claps her hands: "The four of your need disguises if you are going to go out there again. Otherwise you are just going to keep drawing the wrong kind of attention."

    What do you do next?

    [] Arlene is right it would be helpful to be disguised so that you do not draw anymore bullets or worse as you are wandering around in public

    [] You should take a chance to rest and get some Essence back
    -[] Write in how much (It takes 15 Minutes to recover 1 Essence)

    [] Lydia should go with Oliver back to his temple, according to your vision whatever is in there is linked to the Final Dusk, maybe she can get the stones to share some insights

    [] Write in

    OOC: Enjoy
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [X] Lydia should go with Oliver back to his temple, according to your vision whatever is in there is linked to the Final Dusk, maybe she can get the stones to share some insights
    -[X] Everyone goes, no break to recharge, not when the Blampire will probably act this night
    -[X] Spend the ride in a bottle, to regain at least one or two Essence
     
    [X] Lydia should go with Oliver back to his temple, according to your vision whatever is in there is linked to the Final Dusk, maybe she can get the stones to share some insights
    -[X] Everyone goes, no break to recharge, not when the Blampire will probably act this night
    -[X] Spend the ride in a bottle, to regain at least one or two Essence
     
    [X] Lydia should go with Oliver back to his temple, according to your vision whatever is in there is linked to the Final Dusk, maybe she can get the stones to share some insights
    -[X] Everyone goes, no break to recharge, not when the Blampire will probably act this night
    -[X] Spend the ride in a bottle, to regain at least one or two Essence
     
    Shouldn't it be Molly who goes to the temple? She's the one Ra is likely to be interested in, because she's a solaroid
     
    Artemis1992 said:
    Clearly whatever prophecy or divine insight or psychometric reading the old guy here had told him he needed Lydia at his temple.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Possible, but I am unsure. If it's actually a sign, he's likely misinterpreting it. He's not super informed, I feel. He certainly doesn't know that there are three ladies, each of whom might be of interest to his god
     
    A mindcontrolling slot machine. In Vegas.
    It would be hilarious if it wasnt horrifying.
    It does tell us that Sandra has access to high-end Enchantment in order to pull that off.

    @DragonParadox
    QUESTION
    1) Is Oliver Adkin black? What ethnicity does he appear to be?
    2) Why didnt Lash get a supernatural awareness roll on Adkin? Lydia fumbled hers, but there were two people there with supernatural senses.
    3) What time is it? Are we now in a new day? How many hours from dawn? I ask because with a new day, everyone's pool of mojo refreshes.
     
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