Horrid

Rampant: A Superhero/ Supervillain RP

I was planning on having a character that has moved around quite a bit and Canada was one of the destinations, so maybe we could work a brief acquaintance or something?

Voldoa: City of Monsters (A meeting among Tarblatt, certain Engineers, and the Hands will be conducted soon.)

Jacqueline Durant

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November 19, 1:32 AM
West Commons

The mass of dirty cloth robes slumped and slunk from shadow to shadow, between slanted buildings and past the windows of residences like some sort of specter from a forgotten nightmare. Jacqueline fumbled and dropped her rosary before scrabbling to pick it up and faltering on her injured leg. She fell to the ground hard beside a pile of crates, but remained silent. There was no was she wasn't being followed, after her performance upon the walls where she entered. If there was one thing she specialized in, it was not being seen but even she couldn't mask a grand mistake such as what had occurred. The hardwood of her rosary was slick in her hands now, sticky and slimy between her pale, vascular fingers.

It was then that she heard a thick gurgling noise coming around the corner, and clawed away to hide behind some of the crates. Curled up in a ball of dark cloth, she looked quite similar to a pile of dirty laundry as she shivered on the hard cobblestones and whispered harshly to herself. What kind of savage sentinel had they sent to deal with her, following her intrusion? Would she be locked away? Would she be executed on the spot? How many lashes was she to receive as penance? So many questions rushed through her head as she turned the same holy symbol over again and again in her hand.

"Dearest Light, fffind me in my time of need. I am but a-" That same gurgling sounded out from nearby, causing her heart to jump into her mouth. A silent moment passed before she went back to her rambling, "I... I am b-but a girl, with nothing to my name but my life. I ask that your g-gaze pass over me and find me sufficient." The gurgling and sucking noise was closer now, was it only a matter of time before she was found? She could feel the warmth seeping from her fingers and her leg on this cold night, the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth and the air around her.

@t2wave

Rampant: An Original Universe Superhero/ Supervillain RP

Interesting and sort of hyped, count me in.

Voldoa: City of Monsters (A meeting among Tarblatt, certain Engineers, and the Hands will be conducted soon.)

Baldwin

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November 19, 1:30 AM
Northeastern proximity

With each bound and pounce, Baldwin's snow-dusted form zipped up the slope of the mountain until the wall was within sight. The towers and area around the walls was alive with activity, and judging from the scents of sweat and musk, those both within the walls and those behind him were experiencing various degrees of apprehension and fear. Rather than run up to the wall to be found out and most likely shot down in the dark of the morning, Baldwin darted to the side, careening around a tree as he dug his fingers into it and sling-shotted himself into a thicket of dense bush, close to the base of the watchtower. The Flesh Golems were already beginning to mount the parapets and fall to the snowy ground at the walls base, and the Engineers atop the watchtowers were already loading up their weaponry in preparation for the siege.

"Alright. Have to be smart about the entrance, in conversation as in combat, the entrance is everything." Baldwin whispered to himself as he waited for his opportunity to make a move.

A Flesh Golem fell to the ground and rolled for a distance before sprawling to get up, making quite the ruckus. There was his window, and to put it to use was almost an autonomous movement. In one fluid movement, he had leapt at the wall, shot up its height in a great heave and skittered to the parapet of the watchtower in the dark, making it look as if he had only just crawled to mount the tower from within the city.

Unsuspected and undetected.

He nudged a nearby Engineer and almost chuckled as she jumped and fumbled her weapon, but he managed to keep a cool expression, glassy white eyes piercing the morning gloom as he spoke to her side-on. "What is the current situation, ma'am?"

"A-a-announcement said th' was a groupuh Fifty-Eighters headed up the way, and t' gear up," He could almost feel her eyes dart over his Hand badge as he took off his coat and hung it on a nearby weapon rack. "Dunno much beyon' that, m-mist- uh- S-sir!"

He smiled back at her and nodded. "Do try not shoot me whilst I help out there, it isn't the most pleasant of sensations." He said as he placed a foot on the parapet, the Engineer taking a moment before trying to stutter out, "N-not at all, Sir! I'll tell the lads yer headed ou-" He had already thrown himself from the tower and landed in the snow once more. The horde of Fifty-Eighters was already beginning to come over the rise as he reached up for his scalp, both hands seizing a fistful of hair each.

There was a great upheaval of steam as he tore his human shell away by the head, crawling out like a butterfly from its split cocoon, streaked with gore and effluvia running from curves of bone and exposed muscle. Skin spun over the new form like spiders spinning web, pulled taut and sticking to the skeletal structure beneath like wet cloth to a corpse. Six great legs ending in blunted points stamped into the snow, and a tail that clattered like a bone chime waved and snapped angrily as a reptilian head with eight eyes opened and closed its jaw with a clap. Long tusks curled from the beast's mouth as its 'lips' rose into an appalling smile. The beast shook off the red on its form before advancing forward, surging with the Flesh Golems at its heels to clash with the coming party of Fifty-Eighters. The bone-crunching, trampling impacts could almost be heard above the hail of gunfire and the primal violence that was the beast's cry.

---

Jacqueline Durant

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November 19, 1:30 AM
Western Walls

"...And He is my guide, the one light and the light to all, banish my shadow and find me in my time of need, for I... I am the lost of the flock."

A cloaked figure fell to the ground, panting out hissing breaths as it pulled itself forward upon the ground. Jacqueline was not intent on stopping her advance for even a moment now that the wall of the fabled city was in her sights. Her body screamed at her to stop, every muscle burning and straining as they seized up, but she refused to stop for even a moment. Just a few more meters and then all that stood between her and safety was a wall. Gloved fingers dug into the snow and dirt, pulling herself forward through the slush and sleet had served to send her body into near-freezing temperatures in the space of a few seconds. What was actually around 5 seconds felt like an eternity before her hand made contact with the stone of the wall.

The night was quiet at this side of the city, but over the wall, far away she could hear the sounds of struggle. Of activity. As she clawed her way to a stand once more, she grasped at the rosary around her cloth-wrapped wrist. The Lord was with her as long as she was with him. He would give her the strength to go on. He would make sure that she did not falter in this, her quest. And for that, she was thankful. In a quick jerk, she had removed her gloves and pushed her slender fingers into the gaps between the stone and mortar of the wall. In the dark of the night, a black mass of cloth jerked and skittered its way up the face of the wall bordering the West Commons of Voldoa, mumbling to itself and shivering violently.

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November 19, 1:56 AM
West Commons, Atop the Wall

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The shivering, mumbling mass fell into a heap as it rolled over the parapet of the wall and flopped to the floor of the battlement. Weak, pathetic coughs issued out from beneath the cloth as she moved toward the other side in a slow, rising crawl. With one leg over the edge and ready to descend, she moved to position herself for the climb down before hearing the confused 'huh' of a patrolling Engineer. Her heart leapt as she and the guarding Engineer shared a moment's glance. It was an instant's gaze before she lost her footing and was sent tumbling down the side of the wall, nails screeching upon the stone for a handhold, or to slow her before she came to a solid impact with the ground. A crack echoed from her hip and she uttered a small scream as it felt as if it had... 'moved'.

The shouts of the Engineer were lost to her as she limped away from the wall as quickly as she dared and darted into the dark. Her fingers, skinned, grazed and relieved of some of her nails, slipped and slid as she fumbled with her bloodied rosary. Beneath her heaving breaths, she mumbled.

"...the one light and the light... to all, banish my shadow... my time of need, for I am the lost..."

Voldoa: City of Monsters (A meeting among Tarblatt, certain Engineers, and the Hands will be conducted soon.)

Baldwin

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November 18, 8:45 PM
West Commons, The Pale Horse

Baldwin's eyes seemed to widen as the greyish-pink meat was lain before him. Saliva rose into his mouth as the scent of it hit him. Like a goblin eying gold, his stare was fixed on it as he bypassed the provided utensils and flexed the fingers on his right hand. Then they bent backwards, snapping with a series of sickening cracks as they became bony and slender. Claws made for tearing dug into the meat and brought a rather large chunk to his lips. Young, fit, healthy. You could always confirm the stock by the taste and texture.

Baldwin's head swiveled back to his caterer, he downed the shot without so much as a grimace before returning to the meal. "You and your fellows truly are a wonder, Morgan. A fine quality cut and a finer quality drink, with some kick from both to match. You all have my gratitude, once again." Baldwin's lips curled into a smile, his now-triangular teeth gleaming in the light as he spoke.

He watched Morgan as he spoke. That name. Lord of the Mountain. Even the name was a relic from ages past, to match Baldwin himself. He sighed as he ate, picking away at the meal with his talons like vultures at carrion. He managed to muster up a chuckle as he downed another shot of burning liquid. At least it was a good burn. "Mhmm. All rumors have their origins in fact. At some point." He furrowed his brow as he tore a chunk away from the meat with his teeth. Another killer smile. "But please, don't start with the honorifics and pleasantries, however archaic. I'd rather relaxed conversation and good companionship than 'milord's and fearful respect."

Another shot. He was really putting it away tonight.

"I received more than enough of that years ago."

---

Voldoa: City of Monsters (A meeting among Tarblatt, certain Engineers, and the Hands will be conducted soon.)

Knox

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November 18, 8:14 PM
West Commons

As the door creaked open and stopped short of allowing him to see... anything of the person he was delivering to, Knox's mandibles fell slightly. The shy ones always made deliveries more difficult, with their refusal to sign for the package or open the door fully to allow space for it to move through. This one was a special delivery, and required no signature, thankfully. Oh well, what could he do, after all? As long as the job was done!

"Uh, yes... I've a delivery here for one," He turns the package about to look at its recipient before turning it back and looking into the dark of the doorway, red eyes sweeping over the slightly cracked door slowly as his mandibles parted once more to allow him speech, "One Priscilla Aggreivo? I-is Ms. Aggreivo in at the moment?"

The package was larger than the standard stuffed envelope he usually delivered, and heavy enough to serve as a paperweight, his arms were straining from carrying it all this way. Around his shoulders, his wing-skin cloak flapped and fluttered in the light breeze, looking more like burlap than the colorful, patterned mosaic from earlier in the day. He hoped that she would take the delivery in soon, he was tired and the ominous house and reclusive recipient were beginning to make him feel uneasy.

Baldwin and Kantus

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November 19, 12:02 AM
Northeastern mountainside

The frigid air bit deep into the pair as they trudged through the sleet and snow. Baldwin's steps dug in deep and made the journey a struggle as he plowed his way through the snow. With his coat wrapped around his body tight, he still shivered slightly and felt his teeth chatter against his skull. He was resilient to a great many things, but cold was one thing he never got used to, even in his heyday of nudity and frivolous behaviour. Kantus' trek was noticably less laborous, his bird-like feet with their splayed toes allowing him to tread lighter on the snow and sink in less.

Baldwin's voice wavered as he spoke, "Kantus, if you don't mind my asking, why is it you needed me and didn't just ask one of the Tier Ones? I'm sure they can be persuaded to keep their traps shut, with the right motivation." His smile was a jagged one.

"They are not as easily molded as you may think." Kantus replied, "I cannot have them knowing of my involvement in the coming events, which if proceed as anticipated, you will play a part in as well."

Baldwin leapt from the snow to a rock sticking out of the earth, perching like a gargoyle with a great fashion sense. He sniffed at the air and sighed. "I can't smell a blasted thing with this wind." He said with a growl, "And you seem to underestimate my thoughts on the humans. I know there are more ways into the mind than through the loins."

"There is more to it than just the Engineers, Baldwin. You've not seen what lies in the Undercity."

"Excuse me if I am loathe to see another cramped, wet cavern as long as I live." Baldwin's eyes sweep across the landscape as he pounces down and hits a tree, stopping himself. "Aside from, well, need I even say it at this point?" He said with a chuckle.

Kantus stopped and turned towards Baldwin, his unblinking eyes piercing through the night air, craning his neck forward. "Baldwin, I want you to stop your joking and focus. You are one of the few living beings on this earth that I am willing to trust with these matters. I do not wish to be disappointed."

Baldwin stopped, smile falling into a severe, thin line. He looked down at the snow before looking up again, stonefaced and serious. "My apologies. Are we getting close to our intended destination? I smell a scent of warmth on the air."

"Tell me when you smell smoke and alcohol." Kantus replied, turning to continue his walk. "Then we will be close."

Baldwin sniffed at the air again for a time, speaking with little tone in his voice. "I smell smoke. The alcohol is not present. Maybe they are being smart?" With a rough brush of his coat, he follows on.

"I can only hope for such."

Voldoa: City of Monsters (A meeting among Tarblatt, certain Engineers, and the Hands will be conducted soon.)

Knox

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November 18, 8:12 PM
West Commons

Knox's steps were careful along the cold cobblestones, the street was nearly empty as he strolled down the sidewalk. His bright red eyes darted nervously between the ground, the street ahead and the package in his arms. His wings lay limp wrapped around his shoulders like old cloth, lightly swaying in the wind. Not quite to colorful and vibrant as before, more as if he were wearing a robe. No flying right now after all, he couldn't under orders from Mr. Franzetti. All that either of them knew about this package was that it was instructed as being very valuable and fragile, so extra care was to be taken with it.

In his ruined boots, he hopped from footpath to dirt path, just as the directions told him to. He looked up from the piece of paper tacked on to the parcel to gaze up at the house upon the hill. It was rather ominous up there, it almost made him not want to go up and make the delivery, but if it needed to be done at this time of night, then he would need to buck up and do his job. Like a good worker. Like a dependable worker. The package was heavy and solid, and it was beginning to tire his arms out.

Soon enough Knox had reached the front door of the ominous house. He straightened his uniform, adjusted his hat and knocked on the door.

Voldoa: City of Monsters (A meeting among Tarblatt, certain Engineers, and the Hands will be conducted soon.)

Baldwin

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November 18, 11:03 PM
East Commons, Baldwin's Residence

Baldwin's head throbbed as he turned over in his red-riddled sheets, tangled like a beast in a thicket. The scent of chemical cleaner and feathers hit his nose and his heart stopped for a moment, compelling him to spring back off his bed with a growl. The familiar silhouette of Kantus' avian form in the darkness put him at ease. He still stuttered and scoffed all the same, straightening his back with a series of loud clicks.

"K-Kantus, you fffffff-... fool of a bird! I've told you that skulking around is no way to my heart, have I not?" He said with a slowly lowering tone of surprise. He managed half a sigh before reaching for his ruined sheets. It had only just occurred to him that he was stark naked, and while he was comfortable, courtesy was to be remembered when addressing a guest. Invited or not.

Baldwin pushed his hair back and huffed, looking his company up and down silently. He held the concerned look for a moment before turning to his bedside and dropped the sheets once more to light a candle before sitting back down and covering up.

"Well, you've made your way in, so I am guessing you weren't in need of a cup of sugar. What reason do you have for calling upon me at this hour?"

Voldoa: City of Monsters (A meeting among Tarblatt, certain Engineers, and the Hands will be conducted soon.)

Okay so I'm leaving quite a bit of time between Baldwin speaking with Morgan and eating, and him actually walking home and sleeping, so feel free to continue talking to him if you wish.

Voldoa: City of Monsters (A meeting among Tarblatt, certain Engineers, and the Hands will be conducted soon.)

Baldwin

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November 18, 8:40 PM
West Commons, The Pale Horse

Baldwin smiled at the familiar tones and manner of Morgan as he made his way up to Baldwin's table and listed off the culinary options available to him. So polite, Morgan was, as always. Baldwin briefly wondered if he would receive the same treatment if his Hand status was not as pronounced as the badge upon his chest. His smile did not waver as he tapped his cane upon the floor, Morgan now finished with his list of foods.

"Morgan, I would be forever grateful if you could just bring me something simple. Something fresh. Preferably without too many bones or fiddly-bits. Some thigh sounds absolutely divine right now. And bring me something strong to drink, I'm in need of a good, pure burn if you have it..."

Baldwin smiled again, unfaltering and warm. He did enjoy chatter, but his stomach was growling at him as if it had taken control of his vocal cords away from him. He began to fish some money from his coat pocket, a few notes should more than cover the meal and the tip.

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November 18, 10:11 PM
East Commons, Outside Baldwin's Residence.

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Baldwin turned the key in his lock until the lock reported with a loud click. The creaking was as loud as ever before being silenced by a loud slam. A nice night out and a lovely meal, but his sleep had been restless and it was beginning to show in his manner. Slouching, groaning and shuffling of his feet had already begun to show as he crossed from the West to the East Commons and by the time he had turned onto his street, his body was almost ready to fall apart.

A full belly helped, but his stomach still turned as he looked around at his home. Even in the dark he knew what was there. He didn't even bother to light a candle. He knew what he would be met with. Furniture disheveled, draperies and carpets torn and bunched up here and there, clothing everywhere in piles. The air smelled heavily of musk and sweat. He stuck a foot out and pulled it back with a hiss as his foot slid a short distance. In the dark he could smell it. It was...

Metallic.

Blood. He still hadn't cleaned since this morning. His chest throbbed angrily, or so he thought. With a growl, he hung up his coat and cane before proceeding to his bedroom, undressing as he went. He passed the statue of the marble woman and man, both of their faces marred by deep scores like an animal's claw-marks. Past the severely torn oil-painting, faint scraps at the edges colored green and orange and brown. Leaves for every season strewn about the floor.

Baldwin fell to his bed, half-made and still stained with red. He could concern himself with all of his affairs before his work began tomorrow. Surely the people would need someone to speak for them, and that was more important than a little cleaning around the domicile.

His eyelids grew heavy and finally sleep took him.