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

she's here to help. sometimes.

[chaoticbeauty]

[ When he doesn’t fight her, she almost lets out a little sigh of relief. It makes it much easier when everyone is cooperative, already having had her fill of dealing with highly volatile and emotional bonded throughout this whole nightmare. They were so close to the end, just a few more minutes… Or hours if they’re unlucky. ]

I’ll find a way to make it up to you.

[ While she couldn’t be accused of being sweet and compassionate, she wasn’t heartless. The stakes tonight were high and patience was thinning more and more as the night carried on. Yennefer has to bite back a look of disapproval as they pass one of the quieter corners, some people clearly getting caught up in more heavy handed activities that didn’t match the horrifying decor. She lets her voice drop, doing her best to keep their whispered conversation between them -- playing it off as flirting. ]

It won't be much longer.

[magisterium]

[Furious though he may be, Dorian has at least had a great deal of experience pretending his way through parties much like this one. He had lost himself for a moment, but Yennefer's presence reminds him of their priorities, as well as the fact that showing his hand too soon could put Brennan in even more danger than he already is. He would be lucky if someone hadn't seen that little display of his— for now, he can only force himself to regain some semblance of calm as he falls into step beside Yennefer, keeping his own voice low, barely above a whisper.]

It had better not be.

[He leans in, bowing his head towards her so that any onlookers would assume he was simply whispering sweet nothings— or naughty ones, given the general tone of the crowd here.]

Have you seen yours?

[chaoticbeauty]

[ She gives a convincing chuckle, her tone smooth and warm as he leans in -- people often being more inclined to look away from acts of intimacy than fighting. She keeps an eye out for Geralt, making sure she can still see him as they talk. ]

I haven't. Not yet. Not sure our other bonded would handle such a sight and not be able to act.

[ She, at least, hasn't looked hard in the cages. Hasn't followed the pull of the bond, even weak right now. Not yet. He was here but everything else was dimmed. And she needed to keep Geralt from wolfing out completely and massacring any cultist in his path. For now. There would be time to sate the need for blood as a payment for their actions. ]

[magisterium]

Perhaps it's for the best, then.

[Even if it means having to worry a bit longer. Given how close Dorian himself had been to losing control, he can only imagine it would have been far worse for Geralt, especially given Yennefer's tone.]

I'm not keeping you from keeping an eye on him, I hope?

[She does have her hands full babysitting tonight, it would seem.]

Though, I confess, I'm grateful you intervened when you did. I had thought better of myself.

[The sight of Brennan held captive like that, drugged out of his mind— he had known it would be difficult, but even then, he had sorely underestimated.]

[chaoticbeauty]

[ Geralt's control on his wolf was precarious at best some days, and that was before Jaskier was taken. While she's grateful that he understands she can't linger much longer. She had to trust that he was going to be able to maintain his own control for a bit. ]

He should be alright. For a few minutes. I'll know rather quickly if the circumstances change.

[ She sighs, trying to play off the risk she put herself in to keep him from going off the handle. It's hard to reel in emotions of a bonded when you're not in that bond. If she hadn't been bonded to Geralt, there wouldn't have been much she could've done short of keeping him captive herself. Not sure if she was willing to go to that extreme for a man she couldn't even openly confess feelings to. It's fine. ]

It would seem my destiny to intervene at your most dire of moments.

[magisterium]

You are making it something of a habit, aren't you?

[Tense as the situation is, Dorian does allow himself the faintest bit of a smile at that particular observation. As they walk together, he subtly lays a hand against her forearm and gives it a grateful squeeze, a discreet show of his appreciation.]

Thank you, if I haven't made my gratitude clear enough already. If you're not careful, I'll come to depend on you.

[Just kidding, it's too late for her to be careful. They're already friends, she's on the hook for all sorts of things by default.]

[chaoticbeauty]

[ She'd made a living moving from location to location and creating a demand for herself. As long as there was a need for her abilities, she'd have a source of revenue and an influx of favors. Sometimes gratitude and a feeling of obligation could earn her a better prize than money. Old habits die hard. ]

I'm sure I'll call upon you to return the favor at some point.

[ Because nothing here was ever simple. She was just in a better position to maintain a clearer head than others. For now. There might be a day where she'd need someone to either help her or one of her bonded, especially if she's ever taken or injured. Having someone either she or Geralt can reach out to would be beneficial. Favors can be quite handy. ]

Perhaps we might even find each other after this when lives or livelihoods aren't on the line.

[ Yes, friends. She absolutely knows how to make and maintain friendships. Connections without catches. She can manage that. ]

[magisterium]

I would be glad to do so, in any case.

[Perhaps words that shouldn't be spoken too lightly— there's no telling what she might ask him to do in the future, but what she's done for him here and now is significant enough that to be perfectly honest, he doesn't much care. Whatever favor she needs in the future, he'll gladly fulfill.

He does manage the smallest ghost of a smile; it doesn't last, it couldn't given their current situation, but he nods in response.]

I hope that we might. I admit, I do often find myself in trouble, so such circumstances may be difficult to come by— but should we be able to manage it, I would be most grateful. There's a great deal I would ask you.

[Mostly about magic.]

[chaoticbeauty]

[ Lucky for him, she's always been the type to often do the dirty work herself or leave it for her enemies if it was something dangerous. There hasn't been a need yet for any of that, mostly. Yen was already planning on a quick check in with Dorian's bonded, not that she intended to tell the other man yet - sure it'll likely come up at some point later. ]

I'm something of an expert at making time, even in the most dire of situations. I'm certain we'll have a chance and I will do my best to answer as much as I can.

[ She was nowhere near an expert on anything here, but she would try. There were certain schools of magic she'd focused in on when she'd first started studying, needing to regain a semblance of herself before exploring new options. ]

Will you be alright for the remainder of the evening? If not, you're welcome to join myself and Geralt as we... await the coming festivities.

[magisterium]

[It's an excellent question, really— can she trust him to his own devices?

He draws in a sharp breath to clear his head, and decides that yes, her intervention had been good enough. He nods, patting her forearm once before letting his hand drop away and relaxing the link of their elbows.]

I will be fine, I assure you. I can keep myself in check until the time comes. Thank you for the rescue, but Geralt may need your care more than I do at the moment.

[chaoticbeauty]

[ Trusting someone at their word was often an earned right in her world, but she needed to believe him. He knew himself far better than she and she didn’t have the time or privacy to question it. Besides, he was right. While Geralt wasn’t at the same level of concerning that he’d been the night he’d come back wounded and without Jaskier, she knew he was still teetering poorly with his control.

With the relaxed hold, she lets her own arm fall away, giving him a quick smirk. ]

Well, should you need me, I’m only a shattered glass away.

[ And with that, she gives a nod and slips back into the crowd towards Geralt. Hopeful that the next time she sees Dorian, it’ll be during the fight. ]