hadriel_logs | Intro Log: Arm Yourself

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Intro Log: Arm Yourself

Who: New arrivals and everyone else!
What: The intro log for August
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: August 10th-15th
Warnings: Stalkers, newbies, and cute loot!

Sleeping on the cold dirt ground of the colosseum is enough to make anyone uncomfortable. It might be a little worse this month than others, as some of you may be waking up on top of or around various self defense devices (btw: that last one is a taser).

Come to think of it, you'll probably need those. Also in the colosseum and already stalking you are... uh, well, stalkers from the Borderlands game series. Stalkers come armed with claws, teeth, and sharp tails- and what's more, they can turn invisible to sneak up on you. Zap them with your newfound taser or stab them with your jewelry comb knife or just run away screaming- we won't judge, but you have to do something or else they'll kill you and eat your corpse and all sorts of unfortunate things.

Good luck finding a way out. Maybe you can make some friends along the way.

All done and escaped from the clutches of the colosseum? Awesome! Feel free to go explore the rest of the city! Find a house, find a new monster, or simply scavenge for supplies. Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Hadriel!

► This log covers August 10th-15th.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well!
► All characters arrive with phones that have network communication.
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!

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I understand. [ It only makes her think more of him, really. She should be doing the same - keeping clear-headed to best protect those in Hadriel, to do her duty as a leader - but, sometimes, the cave life can be a little... much. ]

You look exhausted. [ She points out, quirking a curious brow. ] Would you have some water, at least? That might freshen you up.

[ ... He's made of ice, though. Does he drink water? Briefly, she wonders about his physical systems, what he needs to live and sustain himself, and then she feels mildly weird about it. That's an invasive question, right? Right. ]

Ah, is it showing through? I am sorry, normally my composure is better... but the day has been long. That being said, a chance to sit down and refresh myself before I retire for the night would be welcome.

[As a being of ice, water is still very important to him. Hydration aids a number of his natural systems; he can use it to replenish the icy skin that protects his underbody, to moisturize his gills so that he can breathe, and so forth. So he's taking Cecily up on the offer, accepting the glass of water... only when he has it gripped in his large hand does he hesitate.] ... My method of ingesting this is different from what you are used to. Is that alright or should I... I don't know, turn away, or something like that?

You don't have to apologize. [ She's quick to say, flapping a hand toward him. ] This is a bar; everyone's exhausted in one way or another.

[ The Inquisitor herself included. ]

Stay as long as you like. [ It isn't her bar, or anything, and she's glad for his company. At the question, there's a little, amused smile, and she chuckles quietly. ]

No, you don't have to do anything like that. [ Though-- ] I can actually turn around and look away, if you'd be more comfortable.

No, no... [Glacius holds up his hands, shaking his head.] Asking you to look away every time I go to take a drink sounds like it would get tiresome for both of us very quickly. I would not do that to you. I just wanted to be sure.

[So, before he can begin to second guess himself any more, the alien goes right ahead. He extends one long finger downwards into the water, shifting it into a hollow point through which the liquid can be absorbed--similar in some ways to a proboscis of sorts. If Cecily asks him for an explanation on the process he'll likely describe it, but right now he's busy trying to act nonchalant about this.]

[ If he's going to pretend as if he isn't drinking through his finger, so is she. As such, Cecily merely bobs her head in a nod and turns back to the counter, taking a measured sip of her own drink. ]

So... [ The Inquisitor begins, changing the subject. ] What brings you to the bar? You don't really seem the type for moping and getting drunk.

[ Either or. ]

[He appreciates the subject change! The alien considers her question as he takes a long pull from his glass, one that nearly drains the liquid from it completely. He's a long creature, and fighting and escorting newcomers is thirsty work... he's suddenly glad he's taken some time out. Cecily may also notice that his unique way of ingesting food and liquid means that he can continue to speak as he's drinking!]

I recently joined the city Guard. And as I have been in the Colosseum nearly all day, trying to fight off the latest batch of monsters to be pulled in and seeing what new arrivals I could to safety, I figured it would be sensible of me to report my activities to the organization. This place is usually decently populated... but it seems I've stopped by a little bit too late.

[A brief pause, and the alien allows himself a small, quiet smile.] That is alright, though. It is late, and I am not much in the mood for formal business right now; such things can wait until tomorrow. Your company, on the other hand, is... relaxing. I feel as though I can be myself around you, which is something I appreciate very much.

[ It isn't the first time someone has admitted to enjoying her presence, though Cecily is still thoroughly baffled that anyone might feel that way. ]

I'm glad I can do something for you. [ She says with a low laugh of her own. ] I don't feel relaxed in my own presence, so it's good that somebody does.

[ Ah, yes. Self-deprecating humor. ]

I should join the Guard, really, but I haven't gotten around to it. [ Maybe because she's very, very bad at following orders. ] I usually stop by the Colosseum, too, actually, though... today...

[ She hadn't. Cecily shrugs as if saying she has no idea why she hadn't gone. ]

They need our help. [ The Inquisitor settles, looking at her drink. ] We were all new here, once.

[Shh Cecily just accept it and go with it. Especially since the ice alien can be very choosy about the company he keeps--it's a clear sign she's doing something right!] Ha--do not worry. It took me quite some time to decide to join, myself. I'm not used to working with other people, particularly not other humans. But... there are people in this place that have become important to me... people whose measure of me actually matters... [And here he gives a small, amused snort to himself. What would the him of a few months ago think of the being he has become today?] I wanted to do whatever I could to protect them. I wanted to live up to their expectations of me. Whatever you decide to do, I am sure it will be for good reason.

[He lets that lay between them, listening quietly as Cecily carries on. When she's finished, he gives a nod.] Yes, we were. And it was a confusing, miserable time, being dumped into an arena with no idea of where you were or what was going on and being immediately attacked by monsters. Escaping that, only to discover you were being held against your will to be tormented... [Glacius sighs, shaking his head. That all hits particularly close to him Because of Reasons, but he knows you don't have to have a troubled past for such things to begin pulling you under.] Leaving other people to deal with that on their own... it doesn't sit right with me. Nor does letting the gods get away with whatever they want.

Can I ask - Are there humans where you come from, in your... world, or...?

[ Universe, perhaps? She peers curiously at him, listening as he offers his reasons for joining the patrol, chuckling faintly in appreciation of his dedication. ]

I understand what you mean. [ To protect the people you care about and all those who rely on you. It isn't so far from her motivations as Inquisitor. ]

Well, we don't have to do either. [ Cecily assures him, brows raised in challenge. ] We can keep them as safe as is within our power, can keep fighting against these gods. I don't care what they're called, or what they give us; they're all responsible for our situation. Trusting and relying on them will come back and bite us in the ass eventually.

You may ask--and I shall answer. [Glacius responds, giving her a small, wry grin.] There are in fact humans where I come from--not on my world, as in my species' home planet or even our home system, but in the universe as a whole. The planet that they lived on was called "earth", as seems to be the case for most of the humans here. They were a young and, unfortunately, ultimately brutal species. I was fighting to make sure they had a chance to grow beyond their bias and savagery.

[There's much more history between him and the species than that, of course--none of it happy. It doesn't seem entirely pertinent to their current conversation, however, and it's not the thing he brigns up very openly... though it's not the sort of thing he hides, either, so if Cecily presses he'd likely explain further. Instead he simply nods his agreement as he carries on.] I agree with you. I know we have talked about this before, but the mentality that we should be thankful to the gods for providing what they do... it has never sat right with me. All they are doing is making this glorified prison more liveable. [He resist the urge to heave a scoff, here.] Delight once told me that the gods are not incapable of empathy. Yet all they seem to do is treat us like tools to be used. I do not think I will ever understand them... nor do I think I care to, in the end.

Humans are still brutal where I come from, bias, savagery, and all. [ There's a pause, and then an almost tentative: ] ... But, they're worth saving. Everyone can be redeemed one way or another. [ Thankfully, sitting in judgment allows her to see to some of that, personally. ] Though... it's more difficult to overlook some particular... people.

[ Flashes of their face appear in her mind and she shakes her head to clear it. ]

They may have empathy, but that doesn't mean it's more powerful than they desire for strength. [ She points out. ] We may never understand each other, but we may not need to. All we should figure out is how to get people safely home.

Does that make it better or worse? To be incapable of empathy, or having the capacity to understand the suffering you are causing, but continuing on in that vein regardless as you prioritize power above all else? I wasn't sure when I spoke to Delight, and I am still not. But I am sure that you are correct--we must figure out how to be free of this place. Unfortunately none of my plans seem like they would be very effective in this cave.

[Glacius gives a tired groan, massaging his temples as he considers everything. He has his power cell, which gives him two options. He could attempt to construct a communications relay and use the cell to power that, sending out an SOS to his people who would come and rescue him... but building such a device would take a long time, and he'd need assistance from scientists or engineers. And even if they managed to build it, there's no guarantee that the signal would be strong enough to pierce the cavern walls. Who knows how deep they are...

.... Which is one of the problems with his second plan, too, a last-resort sort of option. If he manages to find any more of his technology, the power cell could be used to trigger a catastrophic self-destruct sequence that could theoretically blow a hole wide open in the cave's ceiling. Unfortunately, such a massive explosion would likely obliterate the city of Hadriel completely-- and if the cavern walls are too thick to be breached, then all he would accomplish is wiping everyone in this place out. Maybe preferable if all that is left to them is being mere tools for the depraved gods... but that isn't a decision he wants to have to make, and moreover if the gods are capable of resurrecting each other, there's no guarantee that this won't all start again.

In other words, he's at a loss. He drops his head into his palms for one moment, then lifts it again, staring intently at Cecily.] Perhaps it is time we start pursuing this more actively. Do you think it would be possible to arrange meetings, where those who wish to escape could formulate plans and work to a common goal? Would anyone even go along with that, or would fear of the gods' powers thwart our efforts before they begin?

I think 'better or worse' is in the eye of the beholder, really. [ Cecily notes with a wry smile. ] Delight and the others aren't very good judges of behavior, at any rate.

[ Being gods and, apparently, completely inept at understanding human (or other) behavior. ]

It'd definitely be possible. [ She confirms quickly, eyes brightening a bit. ] I know a few people, at least, that would risk it. The trouble is publicizing it to others who might be interested, or who could help, without incurring the wrath of our hosts.

[ If the gods can see and hear everything, then they'll be in trouble no matter what. Still, there have to be some risks in order to earn the rewards. ]

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Intro Log: Arm Yourself

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