Aeolian

The Spirits Within/Aeon

Hey hey! Gonna pump out a post this weekend!

Cheers!

The Spirits Within/Aeon

@Prisk

Heya! I'm still here!

I was waiting for other people to have a chance to post before I started working on another post. But I am definitely still here :)

Recollections: Magnanimous

---

Outside the Sunrise Resort

---

The aching in his chest relaxed a bit as the thrumming of the hellhounds disappeared further in the distance. Blu slowly let go of Oscar's arm, feeling calmer at his reassurance. It wasn't much, but it helped Blu subdue his anxiety and regain control over his emotions. The ominous aura that smothered him was beginning to fade too and Blu sighed, overcome with relief. At least for the time being. This was not the moment to freak out and cause a scene.

They continued on a bit further, the intention of their steps more inconspicuous and stealthy. The abandoned resort loomed ahead as they approached it. A group of bats flickered within the light of the moon. The willowy trees with their contorted leafless branches swayed madly against the howling winds. It was a shocking scene, with the resort at the center of it all, like a haunted house from a horror film. The resort was classically spooky with its old wood, dusty handrails, and cracked windows.

Blu could sense the spirits that roamed these hallowed grounds. He could sense spirits, the friendly, malevolent, and the neutral. Lucky, these spirits were not the source of their current issue. Blu followed closely behind the group as they stepped onto resort proper and he could hear voices coming from inside. Justin look a peak first and his question caused Blu to freeze. He hadn't even thought about Georgie and Sabrina back at the manor. He had hoped they went with the other group before it was too late. What if the hellhounds got to them when they were alone? He shivered at the thought.

Oscar's suggestion to Ezra seemed, dangerous. Forcing them all out at once could backfire, surely. One misstep and they would be in all-out combat. Finally, Blu felt himself up to the task. He could be useful. Quietly, he crawled around Oscar and settled next to Ezra, looking at him with intense purpose.

"My melodies..." Blu began, lifting up the Ocarina held around his neck and showing it in the moonlight. It was an odd-looking thing, tribal, old, and sturdy like an heirloom meant to last the ages. "...have a sway on others. In fact..."

For a moment, Blu was feeling a sense of elation. He had never so openly discussed his majik with anyone. It felt freeing in a way that it might be of good use here. He continued, a tone of confidence seeping into his voice as he went on, "I recently discovered that I can target individuals so only they can hear it."

Blu paused, looking out into the expanse of the forest darkness with a spacey expression. He started biting his fingernail, lost in deep concentration as he continued speaking, more to himself than anyone else. "Yes...yes...I could lure her with a song. No one else inside would hear. I just need to know which person this Healer is, have a good look at'em. I need to be able to picture this person in my mind's eye if my majik is to work on them."

With a newfound sense of purpose, fear leaving his body like a broken dam, Blu lifted his head slowly and got a peak into the room from outside the dusty cracked window with cobwebs. He looked at the faces present in the room, none familiar. He knelt back down, clutching his vessel flute. "Which one is the healer? Once we move into position, I can proceed with my melody."

The Spirits Within/Aeon

@Prisk

That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me on here. Such an honor coming from you. Thank you so much :)

I've actually never been a GM before. lol I've had ideas, but the thought of actually being a GM of my own RP scares me. I don't want the responsibility or burden. I like just playing my role as a contributor! :)

I just remember the dreamy novel-like atmosphere of Bleak, and I loved it so much. So I'm really doing my best to emulate that aesthetic and make sure every post I put out is high quality. Or rather, as high as I can muster!

Anyways, thank you again. You are so kind! <3

Cheers!

The Spirits Within/Aeon

▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇

ISOLDE "BELLADONNA" FEATHERSWALLOW — UDF: Cetra East Command — Early Morning — FLASHBACK —@Aeolian After subduing Mr. Crawley with a tranquilizer, he was carried off into a cryptic wing of the CEC that very few could access. Naturally, for such an important wing, fingerprints and face recognition technology were used. There were some who joked that not even light could escape that particular corridor, a fact Isolde knew all too well considering her talents. But Mr. Crawley would not be the only "visitor" Dr. Featherswallow would see that day. Several other offenders of varying degrees of offensery sat across from her in that cold white room, though none put up as much of a fight as Mr. Crawley had. Naturally, none had been pleased with the arrangement, but they gave up their right to make choices when they committed their crimes. Even a doll-faced 14-year-old lad had been among the throws of subjects to make Isolde's acquaintance. Isolde could do nothing but shake her head, not in remorse that her experiments could potentially kill the boy, but rather, that she did not have enough young subjects to test on. You see, the fungus affects people differently. The invalid, the young, the old, the ill--the comet fungi infects demographics at varying rates, with the feeble and the ancient being most vulnerable to rapid bodily degradation. She had had enough homeless 50-year old street rats to spare for the deadly outer regions, but young specimens alluded her gravely. They were keener on how to evade the cruelty of the UDF system in ways that old chaps were too stubborn or dull to understand. There was a time, when lost in her deep scientific revelry, Isolde had even pondered the idea of using neonates. But their immobility made them unsuitable for the data she needed to collect. And so, she left the idea within the netherregions of her mind where her darkest ideas laid to fester--never quite fully snuffed out. After the last subject of the day was deemed unsuitable for the experiment, and therefore, had been escorted out of the facility for UDF law enforcement to deal with, Isolde returned to her office and riffled through some test subject documents. In nearly every UDF facility that housed an underground research lab, Isolde had an office just for herself. She decked out each one in her belongings, personalized to fit her inclination for vintage aesthetics and retro glamour. Each office was like an old-time movie set because Isolde liked to feel at home when she traveled, and what Isolde wanted, Isolde got. In most cases, the UDF obliged her demands with little pushback, though she would continue her efforts to persuade them that she needed younger subjects if she were to make faster progress in her research. Resting one leg on top of the other, she pulled out the file about S.W.A.R.G, and went back over its contents. Despite the extravagant nature of her life, it was in fact, more insular and private than outsiders would believe. As such, the bubble that Isolde liked to stay in left her quite unfamiliar with many of the faces she saw in the folder. It was hard not to know about Emilia the Garuda or Lady Fleurane (whom she had seen once before during a gathering of the aristocracy) or even the hotshot Flyboy himself. But the others, she would be lying if she said she knew them. To enter into Isolde's world required invitation, otherwise, she knew nothing of you and made no effort to do so unless she deemed it productive. The only reason she even knew of her research counterpart, Amanita, was because her personal assistant had alerted her to the young Goryeo woman's research months before this rendezvous of Aeons had been announced. Fancy her interest peaked, Amanita may find herself given a special invitation when the time comes. But for now, there was someone else among their ranks she sought after... ~ ISOLDE "BELLADONNA" FEATHERSWALLOW — UDF: Cetra East Command [Briefing Room] — Early Morning — @Aeolian Fear. Anxiety. Consternation. These were emotions that often alluded Dr. Featherswallow. While the facts of her psyche were never truly made clear, many publications liked to simplify the complexities of her brilliant mind as classic sociopathy. But Isolde was much more than some hell-driven inhumane deviant that the media liked to paint her as. She was cruel, yes, but always intentional. And that animus means something. Everything about Isolde was an intentional display of her splendor and mystery. From the sophisticated swish of her hips as she glided into the briefing room. From the way she held herself upright, dignified and refined like a haughty socialite. Her bodyguard and personal assistant stationed at her sides were a personification of her ranking and importance. To the British-like posh timber of her voice--every waking moment, Isolde was "working". As the meeting unfolded, Isolde took mental note of those present as her eyes coasted over their frames like a body scanner. Garuda, Amanita, Scylla...hmmmm. She was searching for someone, the intent in her gaze evident if you looked hard enough. Eventually, her eyes fell on her person of interest and the slight glimmer of a foxy smile appeared before falling back into neutrality. Isolde arched her neck back and whispered something to her personal assistant, who quickly began typing on some handheld device. Her bodyguard and son, Marcus, gave them a curious glare, but remained stoic in his platoon-like posture. Isolde perked up at the mention of her name, a look of amusement on her face at the mention of controversies. She could sense the eyes that moved to her when Jeff said what he said. No doubt, others would have heard of her and the supposed rumors in the press. Unperturbed she would be, so long as their own conclusions didn't interfere with her duties. She was less surprised by the reveal of Bahumat being the target. She had only seen him in passing, but Isolde was a perceptive woman. And she saw a certain something within him--a feeling if you will. But beyond that, she wondered why the details of the mission had been left so vague till now. Dr. Featherswallow, for all her secrecy, hated being informed about things at the last minute. Once the meeting was adjourned, everyone separated into their own pockets to either converse or prepare for the mission. Isolde murmured something to her personal assistant, Oerba, who scurried off towards Isolde's chambers. Tailed by Marcus, Dr. Featherswallow approached Jeff with a smarmy, familial expression. "Isolde..." "Jeff....darling..." Jeff looked her up and down, his face questioning. He continued walking and she followed beside him. "You never seem to wanna follow protocol, do you Isolde?" Isolde looked down at her outfit and then waved a hand flippantly, "Oh you mean this?" "Where is your uniform Isolde?" he asked, voice stiffening. "At the wash. How's your wife?" Jeff paused, glaring at her intensely, but unable to penetrate Isolde's coyness. "Fuck." Jeff murmured, "Bates warned me you'd take issue..." They continued on, heading towards a room where personnel were moving equipment here and about. "I'm a reasonable woman..." Jeff grunted, unconvinced. "...but you know me well. I hate surprises." "It wasn't my call." Jeff said, stating a simple matter of fact. Isolde raised an eyebrow, "Then who was it that kept me in the dark? Couldn't have been Bates, surely not." "I don't know, but your right. It wasn't Bates. Someone far far above him. Someone in the UDF even a woman of your...." He paused, thinking over his words carefully. Isolde was not Emilia, someone he could berate harshly without recourse. "renown does not have an ear to." Isolde hummed to herself, contemplating what he said. It was unusual that she didn't have a say in matters regarding her work. At the very least, she always knew who the decision-makers were in any given situation that pertained to her duties. But for some higher-up in the UDF to purposefully withhold details from her was a foreign feeling, one that left her vexed, though she did well to hide the sentiment within her lullaby. Eventually, she stopped humming. "Very well then..." she began, as though discarding a used napkin, "off you go. I'm sure you have other important matters to attend to. Please be sure to consult with my assistant, Oerba, once you uncover the puppeteer." Jeff just shook his head and strolled off, likely thinking that Dr. Featherswallow was going to be a troublesome figure amongst their ranks. He only hoped that the others could handle her...ways. Hands clasped together, Isolde walked up to her son, Marcus, who had been following closely behind them. He was fully clad, with his prosthetic appendages and a gun cradled in his arms, and a saber-like weapon crossing his back. She rested a hand on his arm, patting it softly "Be a dear and go fetch mommy her Dracaenae bone." He nodded solemnly and took off. Isolde watched him, tightening her face to hide her annoyance. Isolde hadn't smoked a bone in over two years. Sometimes, old habits never die when you're hit with a sudden bout of immense indignation. Not even for Lady Featherswallow. But the feeling wouldn't last long. Her true target of interest, in that very moment, strolled by. She watched the Aeon with the severity of a heated blade and smiled. And fluttering, just above her head, was a shadowy black moth. Isolde looked at it as though transmitting some secret telepathic message, and then it flew up high and out of sight. Her machination was now in motion.

---

L O R E

Dracaenae bone: Or just "Dracaenae", a luxury brand of cigs only rich folks can afford.

Bates: A UDF general who ranks just above Jeff McMahon.

The Spirits Within/Aeon

I'm almost done with my post, but its getting late, so I'll finish it up and post it tomorrow.

Cheers! :)

The Spirits Within/Aeon

Checking in! I'll be pumping out a post this week!

Cheers!

The Spirits Within/Aeon

This is what I got for typing in "Belladonna" and using the Love style. Really pretty and dreamy actually. Kind of sensual too.

My Hider

The Spirits Within/Aeon

▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇

ISOLDE "BELLADONNA" FEATHERSWALLOW — UDF: Cetra East Command — Early Morning — @Aeolian This world was unfair--Dr. Featherswallow knew it to be so more than anyone else, and yet, she relished in the privilege that her upbringing had afforded her over the years. While the common man suffered under the threat of the comet, the tyranny of the UDF, and the fear of every rogue faction that sought to take advantage of a new age, Isolde would have none of it. She lived her glamorous, luxurious life up in the highest penthouse towers. Rather than fighter jets, she leisured in expensive balloon rides only the beau monde and aristocracy could afford. Just because children were suffering, should that mean she cannot indulge in the greatest delicacies their world had to offer? Not on her time. And remorseless she would remain. But this dowager was not all diamonds and petticoats. Dr. Featherswallow was one of the most brilliant minds of the Comet Era. Her research for a cure was well-known and she had the explicit public and financial backing of the UDF to do whatever it took to succeed. To hell and back, if necessary. However, a recent op-ed about her in the latest issue of The Emberletter, did not speak very kindly of her. This was not the first opinion piece made about her by some washed-up journalist. She was well aware of the "rumors", but Dr. Featherswallow would neither confirm nor deny them. In a way, she quite enjoyed the theatrics of it all. THE EMBERLETTER HEADLINES ~ The mysterious doctor who killed her spouses and pocketed the gold. Whose next to feel her wraith? ~ ~ Child Murderer or Revolutionary? ~ ~ Dr. Isolde Featherswallow is a blemish on the aristocracy and in the field of global research! She must be brought to answer for her transgressions in the name of humanity! ~ The latest issue gave rise to an amused chuckle as she read it. More of the same, it would seem. Dr. Featherswallow handed it to an assistant and then entered a room full of white tiles, a table, a single one-way window, and two chairs on opposite sides facing one another. The summoning of Aeons for another iteration of the Special Warfare and Reconnaissance Group was well on her mind as she entered the room, no doubt. She arrived early to the CEC, days before in fact, to continue her work in a sublevel area of the compound that only special UDF officials and researchers and personnel could access. Very few could access some of the wings that she was afforded. But alas, she would contend with that special calling of Aeons when the time came, when they arrived. For now, she slide into a white chair and faced the young man who was locked into the seat in front of her. Isolde pushed up her eyeglasses and began rifling through the file laid out before her, not looking up as she spoke, "My name is Dr. Featherswallow, though you may call me Isolde if you'd like...but you may also..." "Garpute!" the man cursed at her. Isolde looked up from the papers and clasped her fingers together, resting her chin on her enlaced hands. She smiled at the man, "Sure. I'm quite liberal." she jested. "Now..." her face suddenly became severe and the young man tensed at the jarring switch, "Mr. Crawley, I see here in your file that you are the son of a locksmith, an excellent pickpocketer, a street magician...my oh my..." Isolde's face lit up with glee. "and...." she paused for a moment, letting the air get sticky with a heavy silence, "an abuser of the vilest sort." Isolde shook her head knowingly. "Do you know why you're here Mr. Crawley?" Mr. Crawley, wearing nothing but dingey garments and a holey cap, remained silent, only fidgeting every so often. Isolde locked her gaze with him briefly, feeling the resistance he was putting up against her. She continued unperturbed, "Well, my dear, the UDF has chosen you as a subject for Experiment PanX 5." Isolde took note of the change in his countenance, the mention of that experiment bringing a tangible fear to his eyes. She in turn, softened her gaze. "I see. So you know of it. Dearest, do not fret. The role you must play now is for the greater good. Henceforth, all your sins have been forgiven by the UDF. But of your gods..." she paused for dramatic effect "...well, I cannot say." At last, Mr. Crawley spoke. His voice was horsed as if he hadn't drank water in days. "What about your sins?" Isolde lifted an eyebrow, curious, "What about them?" "You've heard the rumors." Mr. Crawley continued, "You kill people. You even killed your child. A fucking Daemon Garpute if I ever laid eyes on one." he snarled, "You'll burn in the fiery pits." Isolde looked at the man with a sympathetic frown, "Oh you poor thing. Maybe so. But you've got front row seats haven't you? I'll see you there." And with that last remark, she stood up, picked up his file, and started for the door. Mr. Crawley's face burned with anger and with a crack, he wretched his arms up and broke free from the locks holding him in place. Reeling his head back, he stuffed a cybernetic arm down his throat and then pulled out something sharp-some kind of shiv or makeshift sword; one of his street magic tricks. Isolde turned around calmly to face the armed and desperately raging Mr. Crawley. She remained unphased, holding her clasped hands in front of her as though waiting for the next train. Mr. Crawley, moved closer to her in slow uncertain steps. "Mr. Crawley you really ought to have a seat. I insist." He wasn't listening, of course, he continued to inch closer to Isolde. "Daemon Garpute!" he yelled. On the opposite side of the one-way window was Dr. Featherswallow's assistant (who at the time, had been taking notes). Over the intercom in the room, Isolde could sense the urgency and fear in the assistant's voice. OVER THE INTERCOM "Dr. Featherswallow! Are you okay? Should I call for Marcus or The Neutralizers? I know you told me not to, under no circumstances. But..." "No." Isolde said to her assistant, her gaze still locked on Mr. Crawley. OVER THE INTERCOM "Okay. Understood Doctor." "I aint no man's experiment." Mr. Crawley bellowed in anger. "You'll go down with me!" Isolde shook her head, knowingly. "I'm afraid not my dear." A sudden ghostly chill filled the room. It was as though the room began to fade, or maybe the overhead lights malfunctioned. Mr. Crawley would never know for certain. Where Dr. Featherswallow once stood was a blackened silhouette, like a shadow detached from its maker. Belladonna. "Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck! A fucking Aeon!" The darkness slowly crept through the room, enveloping everything in its path as Mr. Crawley dropped his weapon and backed towards the corner. Enraptured with such fear, he soiled himself. This creeping darkness was not like that of the night. It was...otherworldly, a void of nothingness. Belladonna's voice echoed like an apparition in the darkness, from within Mr. Crawley could not say where. "Of all the rumors, this is truest of all. Goodnight, Mr. Crawley." Fear constricted his lungs. He gasped for air desperately, and with one final breath, as though sinking within an abyss, disappeared into the darkness.

---

L O R E

- The Emberletter is the most recognized news outlet in Embergate. Its influence is quite far-reaching, with citizens in nearby cities like Farhaven, Bellfort, and Greenmore reading it as well.

- Garpute is equivalent to bitch. A Daemon Garpute is a harsher version.

- The Comet Era is what some people call the current time period since the comet arrived.

- Experiment PanX 5 is the experiment that Dr. Featherswallow began five years ago to find a cure for the comet infection. It is fully funded by the UDF and some corporations that want a piece of the pie once it's ready. Pan is short for Panacea, X represents new subjects, and 5 means this is the fifth iteration/trial of the experiment. The UDF forcefully and inhumanely uses criminals as test subjects for the experiment. The worse the crime, the more likely that person is to be chosen. Isolde likes to interview test subjects prior to the experiment, for her own reasons.

- The Neutralizers are like a more advanced version of law enforcement who keep UDF facilities secure and neutralize any threats to UDF employees, visitors, partners, or personnel.

Note: (As a higher-up, Isolde ordered The Neutralizers not to be in the room while she was working, for her own reasons.)

The Spirits Within/Aeon

Belladonna

_{I S O L D E " B E L L A D O N N A " F E A T H E R S W A L L O W
◄ 44 ▎ 5'8" ►}

_{P R E S E N C E}

---

On the surface, Isolde is a glamorous woman with a romantic and passionate sense of self. To cope with such a harsh world, she paints a beautiful scene--one befitting of a world as lovely as her dreams. She often uses informal terms of address when talking to people, like dear, deary, darling, love, sweetums, sugar, honey, etc. With her motherly expressionism and lyrical way of speaking, she appears to be someone who others can confide in for advice or shelter.

In reality, she's an imperious and ruthless woman.

Her sweet and demure words slice through steel; she'll insult you and it will sound poetic. It's not that she lacks empathy, it's just that she doesn't allow it to stop her from performing actions others would question. Isolde's intentions aren't usually malignant in nature, but simply, she has no qualms about doing what she must in order to achieve her personal and professional goals. In some ways, she's like an actress trapped in the mind of an old-timey character. It is this elegant inhumanity that makes her scary. She'll sacrifice you without hesitation and hum a lullaby while doing it.

When not in a lab coat, her style is quite opulent: fur coats, heavy jewelry, and luxury heels.

_{C H R O N I C L E}

---

Much of Lady Isolde's childhood is a mystery. Of what is known, she was born into an affluent family, a mother who served as head chairman for an energy conglomerate and a father who was a popular film actor. She received the highest education and achieved top marks with her natural intelligence. Some believe that, in her youth, she had an affinity for strange objects and was fond of collecting body parts from underground auctions (which her mother would get for her). But at most, it is understood that she was privileged, sheltered, and spoiled.

As a young adult, Isolde married several inner circle affluent men and women over the years, each one dying in mysterious ways and leaving her all the richer--not that she didn't already have money from her familial ties. During those marriages, the ever-widowed Isolde bore two children, Crystal and Marcus.

After the comet, Isolde's induction into the UDF was a given--as was law--even for the filthy fortunate and middle-aged 34-year-old women such as her. Inquisitive and a quick learner, Isolde, once again, excelled, especially in the research and science sectors of the organization where she was able to dissect things and learn what makes something tick. She quickly rose up through the ranks thanks to her mental aptitude and cognizance. But despite lady-like pleasantries and intelligence, something seemed off.

After she began serving as a lead scientist in the UDF's Research Division, Isolde became utterly possessed by a new idea; to find a cure. In the name of this lifelong goal, it was then that her true cruelty was revealed. She used comet spores stored deep in the classified areas of the Research Division and infected her young daughter with them. Unfortunately, the experiment proved unsuccessful and her daughter died in her teens. Undeterred, she infected her son Marcus and began experimenting on him. Though she did not find a cure, he would survive the infection.

Due to her scientific meddling, he would be left seriously disfigured and would eventually need to be fitted with cybernetic appendages (though they granted him enhanced strength). Their relationship is severely strained, as he resents his mother for mutilating him and killing his sister. But alas, he now serves as her bodyguard. Unbeknownst to her, however, he's acting as a double agent and is secretly fighting in an underground resistance affiliation called the LH (The Light of Humanity). They stand against the cruelty of the UDF and the major corporations. He's hoping to find a way to put an end to his mother's cruel experiments.

Isolde has no time to grieve or feel regret or have remorse. Her mission remains unchanged. At all costs.

_{F O R C E}

---

Weapons wise, Isolde hides a tranquilizer gun on her person at all times. It paralyzes the target and is effective on humans, infected persons, and comet creatures.

As an Aeon, the spirits that Isolde possesses are not heavily combat-focused, as she spent most of her time in the Research Division of the UDF. However, her magic has not left her completely defenseless.

She can remove the presence of light around her to create utter darkness and then expand it outward to fill the area with this darkness, blinding any being caught within its radius. Isolde's eyes are enhanced, allowing her to see clearly within this area of darkness and it moves with her (as it emanates from around her). So if she moves far enough away from someone, the darkness follows her and the being will be free from its blinding radius.

Isolde can feel the presence of anyone caught within her darkness and react accordingly. Creatures with natural night vision or Aeons who also have enhanced sight are essentially immune.

Isolde can also shape this darkness into 100 shadowy moth-shaped sprites, which she can control. She can use her shadow moths to pick up and move objects for her. And she can use her enhanced eyes to see through them, allowing her to spy on others and surveillance several locations all at once.

However, Isolde cannot use both techniques at the same time.

_{T R I V I A}

---

Marcus Featherswallow