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

[grandspark]

[Rude snorted at the 'hero' comment.]

I'm nobody's hero. Just good at what I do. [And keeping promises.] No, she's not.

[At least he hoped Aerith and Tifa hadn't managed to sneak into the party. He was fairly certain they hadn't but knowing those two they'd tried anyway. It had been hard to get them to promise not to come but with a little help he'd managed to get a reluctant agreement to 'stay safe' out of them.

Much to his relief. That he did his best not to show, of course.

He hadn't seen them since and hoped they'd kept their end of the bargain, too. If not, hopefully they'd be all right. And if everyone was lucky they wouldn't see Zack until he'd gotten to safety and cleaned up a bit. That infection looked bad. They coughing fit sounded bad. All of this was so very...bad.

Rude's instincts scream to help Zack stand and move out but he managed to remain impassive as he watched the dark haired young man pull himself painfully upright and through the door on his own. His lips were thin and his jaw locked tightly at the sight.]

You gonna make it?

[exsoldier]

[ Leave it to Rude to be that serious about the hero comment. Is that a bit of guilt seeping in? Zack might have found a way to needle him about it under other circumstances, but right now it's taking most of his effort just to stay standing. He does end up leaning against the side of the cage for now, mainly to conserve what little energy he's got.

Of course, he knows they'll need to get moving sooner rather than later. He'd rather get out of here on his own two feet if he can manage it, though.

He cradles his ribcage with one arm, then gives a nod at Rude's question. He's gonna make it, because there's no other option here. He isn't going to let this go the way it did the last time he got out of a situation like this.

At least in this case, he's got some back-up. ]

Let's not waste any time. I'm guessing you know the quickest path outta here?

[ While Zack doesn't voice it, he's relieved that Aerith apparently isn't here. As much as she might have wanted to come herself, this is probably for the best. When all else fails? Send in a professional, and Rude was definitely that. ]

[grandspark]

[Rude almost reached out a hand towards Zack instinctually to steady him but the dark haired man wasn't a Turk and that infection was too serious for his uncovered fingers to touch. Maybe if he hadn't switched glove types due to the dragon claws he would have risked it. Or if it had been a Turk he was helping.

But Zack seemed to be capable. Rude nodded at the question.]

I do. Let's go.

[That would make this next part easier, hopefully. If Zack couldn't keep up, however--well, Rude would do what was needed to fulfill his promise. It wouldn't be the first time he'd taken damage for a mission.

He turned and began to lead the way out. He glanced back over his shoulder to make certain Zack was keeping up.

...in the back of his mind he was thinking of Reno. He didn't want to leave the redhead here while all hell was breaking loose. But he hadn't seen his partner since the beginning of this night. Once he'd gotten Zack to safety, he would be back in to find the hapless harpy and drag him out if he had to.]

[electrod]

[ It's all chaos, unplanned and unexpected. It's not how it was supposed to go, this was supposed to be a big night, celebrating success... no? But somewhere along the way, the Witch that weaved the spell that kept Reno's brain scrambled and muddled had fallen down the stairs, unconscious and wounded. While it on itself not enough to break the spell, there is no one to fix the cracks on its (metaphorical) surface when they start to show.

There's a strange feeling, thrumming somewhere in the back of Reno's head, thrumming in his chest— something, someone is close, and he doesn't know what it means. Nevertheless, as an obedient servant as he was made into, he follows the trace only to find— ]

What do you think you're doing? [ His voice lined with threat as he sees one of the subjects being led out by an unfamiliar face—

.
.
.

—no, not unfamiliar. There's a name just right there, if he only could remember it ] ...R-rude?

[ He grimaces in pain as the spell quiets it all. It's like he peeked behind a curtain and found only intense light ]

[exsoldier]

[ Call it pride or anything else, but Zack would rather not have to rely on Rude any more than he has already. That means not having to lean on him as they make their way out of here. His pace is as steady as it can be, but there is some stumbling and times when he has to grab for the closest wall or a pillar to keep his balance.

There is the issue of possible infection, too. He doesn't want the Cwyld to spread any more than it already has.

For the most part, Zack is just focused on putting one foot in front of the other, doing his best to keep up with Rude and not straggle so much that it gets them in trouble, or he ends up recaptured and this was all for nothing. So when someone steps in to block their path, he's not too far behind Rude.

He lifts his head to see that shock of red hair, and feathers to match. The sternness of Reno's tone doesn't make any sense, and Zack frowns as he looks between either Turk. ]

What's this about? If you're trying to keep up some kinda cover, I think the cat's outta the bag on that one.

[ Zack braces one hand against his chest, holding back on his coughs. The sooner they can sort this out and put this place behind them, the better. He's not sure how long he'll have the energy to remain vertical, and he doesn't want to test it. ]

[grandspark]

Getting the hell out of here. You're coming with.

[Zack was right, there wasn't time for whatever undercover play Reno had been formally making. The operation was blown, it was time to get out of this place and never come back. Only hostilities were left for this group.

Rude took a step forward and reached out towards Reno. If Reno didn't slip away backwards, Rude would grab him by the arm, preferably where he wouldn't break the wing by accident with his strong grip.]

Let's go.

[Despite his no nonsense attitude and confident demeanor, Rude had a bad feeling about this. Something in Reno's eyes was setting off alarm bells--and Rude still couldn't get a good read from their Bond which worried him even further.]