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

[omnicrafter]

I've been investigating personal protection on my own time for that reason. Protection from magical attacks, as well as perhaps the influence of mind control if it comes down to it. I don't know about anyone else, but I would prefer to be ready, given how often this seems to happen.

[She pulls her knees up from under the sheets and wraps her arms around them.]

It's limited, but it's something. I'll also need to fill my bonds out to maximize how effective it is.

[weatherscience]

That's not a bad idea. If you find something that works... let me know too, yeah?

[ she is of a mind to try and join that same research, now... it really sounds like a potion of some sort, or a spell, to resist mind control — it might be more useful than she'd thought. ]

How many do you have, now? [ bonds, that is. ]

[omnicrafter]

I will. I think witches have it easier in being able to enchant things themselves, though. I always need someone else to do it for me.

[It seems like everyone needs one at this point. Or just some sort of enchantment to make it difficult to pull off again. First Morgana, now the cult...]

Just the one. I don't have anyone I'm set on asking at the moment, so I'm keeping my ears open for an opportunity. I wouldn't say I'm in a rush, though... just something I've been thinking about.

[weatherscience]

Yes, I guess... it's not the kind of magic I'm very good at, though, but maybe I can practice.

[ she's perfected the magic that's in the outside — lightning, wind, anything to do with the elements. she's not at all practiced with something that has to do with the mind.

to her words about bonds, nami nods, understanding. ]

Mm, I get that! After making my first bond and knowing I wasn't going to blow up, I really thought I wouldn't bond with anyone else. But I guess you just know when it's time to make another.

[omnicrafter]

Right... though a lot has transpired with the bonds I've had in the past. For my current partner? Let's just say we have a kind of on-again, off-again relationship.

[Irhya shrugs with a wry smile.]

Things happen, I suppose. People come and go. If it happens with a future bond, I suppose it's no big deal in the end. But I'd like to find bonds I could keep for the long term, even if it means cycling through a few people until I find a good fit.

Think you'll be filling out yours? Or have you already?

[weatherscience]

That sounds difficult for a bond, [ she says but without judgement — if anything, she sounds a little interested in how that even works... but she's not prying.

smiling, she shakes her head in response. ]

Not yet... I have just the two. But I agree, I don't really want to form bonds unless they're going to be the lasting kind.

[omnicrafter]

Yeah, a little. That's why we ended up breaking it for a while. He is... well, the dark to my light, some might say. And sometimes that works well, but others...

[She rolls her eyes to the side, and that about says all she needs to say for the point to come across, most likely. Thankfully, things have calmed down between them now, but who knows if something new will crop up... especially given the other Ascians' undeniably dissenting opinion.]

I think a lot of people feel the same, though. Some prefer it to just be transactional, but those types of bonds seem too fickle and prone to change for me. But who knows? I might even end up asking you for one at some point.

[weatherscience]

[ for a moment, nami looks at irhya, and then just props her chin on her hand and says, lightly, ]

You know, that sounds like straight out of some romance novel!

[ the whole light and dark thing, the on-off bond...

but then she's sufficiently distracted by what follows. ]

Oh? Aw, you'll make me blush. [ but at least she doesn't seem opposed! ]

[omnicrafter]

Eh--?

[Unfortunately, distraction isn't enough to save her from the teasing. It appears to be on the mark, as Irhya flushes, then smiles bitterly.]

Ahaha... I guess I did make it sound a little like that. But no, that isn't the case. He, ah... he has someone else. It's complicated, but really, he made the better choice there.

[Mumbled:] Bad enough you keep making me blush...

[weatherscience]

Oh...

[ nami bites her lip; she had no intention to accidentally hit the nail on the head, even less so if the story behind it all is that complicated.

instead, she huffs a little. ]

I'm not sure about that, Irhya-chan! How could he make a better choice than you? You're so sweet and bright! He can't be very smart if he didn't see that.

[omnicrafter]

[She laughs awkwardly, waving a hand. It's a sweet sentiment, but...]

Well, the trouble is, he's immortal. And I am very much not, but his current partner is, more or less. So it makes sense that he'd feel that way. Otherwise... he'd have just been setting himself up for more heartbreak eventually.

[A beat. She tries hard to maintain the demeanor.]

It does hurt a little sometimes, but it's not like we're not close still! A little attention every now and then is all I can ask for. And first and foremost... we were enemies, to begin with. Things working out like that would be the sort of faerie tale that just doesn't happen in real life.

[weatherscience]

Irhya-chan...

[ for some reason, throughout the entire explanation, the way she tries so hard to seem like she's not sad... nami ends up being the one looking heartbroken, even if it's on her friend's behalf.

heedless of the fact that contact with someone who's been infected is not a great idea, nami reaches for irhya's hand and squeezes it. ]

I'm sorry it couldn't be that way. And I'm sorry you're hurting... please don't feel like you have to put on a brave face for me. But one day, you'll find someone else who will appreciate you for who you are, far better than Mr. Immortal.

[ she can't help but mutter, ] And if I ever find out who he is, I'm definitely going to make him regret his life choices.

[omnicrafter]

[Surprised by the gesture, she reels back a little, her eyes widening.]

Eh-- But I'm fine! Really! He's been nice to me despite everything, so it's really not that much of a problem...

[But her fingers still curl around Nami's hand anyway, halfway wishing she really was able to drop the facade.]

Someone else... well, maybe. My lifestyle isn't very compatible with having anyone as anything more than a close friend at best, and that's fine. I've made my peace with it. It's just another one of those things you let go of when you travel so much, you know?

[weatherscience]

[ nami sighs, simply squeezing irhya's hand again; perhaps that's all she can say... and that's all nami can expect of her. they hardly know each other, maybe she can't expect the other to actually appear upset by this.

instead, she smiles at her encouragingly. ]

You know, I thought of the same thing about myself, too. Back home, we're always sailing from one island to another... there's not really much chance for anything to happen, you know? And I'm fine with that. I love my friends.

But it's not the same here, right? I didn't expect I'd find someone here I'd care about... but I did. So maybe you can, too.