Player Plot: The Salvation of Geardagas, Part II

[faileas]

Event Log: February, The Salvation of Geardagas: Part II



CW: This plot has a general content warning for kidnapping, torture, experimentation, violence, drug use (incl. aphro), infection/disease and potential death. This is entirely opt-in.

Spirited Away, Part 2 i. Hypothesis One moment, you were free. The next, you wake up in a cold, dark room with eyes on you and the cloying smell of decay all around you. Characters who have been kidnapped are being kept in the lower floor of Alder's estate, which is a labyrinth of rooms and corridors. Without exception, the way out is always either locked or heavily guarded. All kidnapped characters have been infected with the Cwyld (sometimes by proximity to botanical materials, sometimes by being directly exposed to the violent Shades they already have imprisoned) and are being used to further the Evergreen Circle's research into the nature of the plague. The details of these tests is expanded on in the plotting post and, needless to say, their capturers have very little interest in their wellbeing. They're needlessly cruel, often pitting victims against each other and forcing them to infect newer arrivals as they turn up. Subjects are allowed a few hours of sleep at a time and a small meal- assuming that they're not being purposefully deprived of either- and are locked together in cramped cells. ii. Alternative Theory Some characters, however, escape this particular cruelty in favour of something else just as dehumanising. If a member of the inner circle has taken a liking to someone, they'll take them out of the pool of tests subjects and move them into their households. Servitude is ensured by a strong enchantment that scrambles memories and replaces them with the false knowledge that they've been working there all along. These brainwashed servants might also be forced to participate in the torture and testing of the others.

Initiation The night of the initiation party is here. If you've managed to ingratiate yourself with the cult- or at least a member of rank- you'll have already received an elegant envelope with an invitation and all the details. Or maybe you stole one or put together a convincing forgery. Alder's estate is handsome, with a small courtyard lit up with strings of lights and servants at the double doors to greet guests. Inside is just as grand. The hall and ballroom are impressive spaces with vaulted ceilings painted with elaborate star maps and broken up with marble columns that wouldn't look out of place in a palace. Drinks tables are lined up against the walls and there are several smaller drawing rooms off to the side, all of which are full of guests. Throughout the first hour or so, Alder himself flits from person to person, congratulating them and making smalltalk, but he seems different somehow. Excitable. Eager. Of course, there are other ways one might get in; while the front entrance is closely monitored, the side one leading through the kitchens isn’t. In the hustle and bustle, you might slip through unnoticed. i. Cavorting and Cruelty It isn't long before things take a turn. Alder takes to the head of the room and, with his signature voice amplifying enchantment, addresses his audience. He greets everyone and gives a fairly standard speech thanking guests and welcoming initiates to the Evergreen Circle proper- and then it happens. Servants begin to wheel in cages and tanks, all containing individuals infected with the Cwyld at various stages. Some look to have been drugged, others are wide awake, but the regulars seem delighted by their presence. They whisper and titter and applaud. Some of the more docile victims are even taken out to be showed off like animals at a fayre. "Tonight, let us enjoy the fruits of our labour! Witness the progress we've made and share our blessings among yourselves! Fear will only blind you to taking the next step. Indulge, open your minds and take the first step towards your salvation!" What he means by this quickly becomes apparent. While they're not discussing or mocking the imprisoned witches and monsters, the other guests are partaking of vice the party has to offer. The drinks flow freely and there's a manic energy in the air. Those with sharp senses might recognise that some of it has been artificially crafted by enchantments. Furthermore, if you're looking for missing loved ones, you'll no doubt spot them among the "test subjects" or servants. Good luck trying to snap the latter back to reality, though: their memories have been tightly sealed and it might take some work. One of the drawing rooms has been half curtained off and a woman at the door skittishly offers the curious an aphrodisiac-laden draught, though some might have accidentally had some already. Within, guests are draped over every surface in varying states of undress, though there are partitions up to allow for more privacy. What better way is there to spread the Cwyld and strengthen bonds than intimacy? ii. Midnight Show Things reach a fever pitch around midnight. Once more, Alder calls for everyone's attention. "There's one more thing. I know all of you are loyal, true believers- but everyone must be tested," he says, gesturing to several larger bodyguards, "and we have to protect ourselves. There are those who don't understand us and seek to undo our work. Therefore, we need to tie up loose ends." One by one, the least aggressive Cwyld-infected subjects are dragged from their cages and any remaining individuals are brought out, all restrained. One of the bodyguards is carrying a large ceremonial dagger, which he presses to the vampire at the front’s throat. "Rest assured, their deaths with not be in vain: we have learned much and they will make for the perfect offering to the beings who gave us the Cwyld's blessing!" The knife flashes, ready to cut already decaying flesh- - a blood-curdling scream echoes through the room and glass shatters as a Shade breaks free from its prison. It ploughs into the guests, howling with rage as it tears into anyone and everyone that stands in its way, and others soon follow. At some point during the chaos, Alder appears to realise that he’s been caught. He, along with his inner circle, set to work trying to cover up their actions, setting the basement floor alight and using magic to bring down supports to block doorways completely. If you want to gather evidence, it has to be now, else you can focus your efforts on a rescue mission or chasing the cult leader himself down.

[ ooc: More information about the event can be found on the plotting post along with comments for questions, and an IC vote concerning Alder's fate! ]

Comments

[darkestbefore]

You are strong.

[ She just holds him, especially when she feels the shudder of tears slip through him, hears them thick in his voice. Her hand rubs comfortingly against his back, her chin resting against his shoulder as she soaks up the comfort as well. She thinks they might both need it, after everything they'd seen today. ]

More than you realize, I think. I won't give up either. And you're not alone in wanting to help them and be strong for them either, Sora, don't think it's all on you.

[oathkeeper]

[He gives a quick nod, letting her words sink in. He hugs her tight and gives her just as much comfort as he can muster to her in return. They're both close with Vanitas! So this must really hurt her too.]

I know. We're both not alone... Vanitas, has he ever told you what he's been through before? If not, I just- ... I know he's gonna need his friends too. Not just me.

[He'll need the people he trusts, like Yona.]

[darkestbefore]

[ She gives him one more squeeze before pulling back enough that she can meet his gaze once more. ]

He's told me a little. [ Enough that her feeling protective over him was more than warranted, if only to keep him from ever having to go through anything like that ever again. ] And he's not going to be lacking for friends and support now. You, either.

If there's anything I can do to help, Sora, you know I will. And that goes for both of you, too.

[oathkeeper]

[He smiles softly, a really genuine smile, as he lets back and looks back at her.]

Thanks, Yona... I'm glad you're here for us.

[He really truly means that. Her friendship is so important to both him and Vanitas.]

If there's anything I can do for you too... Just say the word, okay?

[darkestbefore]

You've already done plenty.

[ She gives his arm a light squeeze as she returns his smile, her own full of fondness. ]

And there's nowhere else I'd rather be, not when my friends need help - in whatever form that takes.

[ She knows he'd do the same. ]

[oathkeeper]

[Gosh, even in the darkness of all this tonight she's just a cute light.]

You're really the best.

[He looks hopeful again.]

[darkestbefore]

[ She just laughs and shakes her head. ]

I'm nothing of the sort. But it's better to see you smiling.

[oathkeeper]

[His expression is soft and tired but his smile is sincere.]

You too, Yona. Then let's both keep smiling.

[darkestbefore]

[ She leans in to give him one more squeeze. ]

Come on. We have friends to look after, don't we?

[ And, hopping to her feet, she holds out a hand to him in invitation. ]

[oathkeeper]

[He's really thankful for her friendship. It makes this entire situation feel less heavy... So he gets up to his feet and takes her hand too.]

Yeah, let's go check on them.