Intro Log: Don't Wake Tonberry

[hadrielmods]

Who: New arrivals and everyone else!
What: The intro log for September
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: September 10th-13th
Warnings: Cute monsters, a way to pass the time, and plenty of newbies!

Waking up in Hadriel certainly has its down sides, but if this weird murdercave city is good at one thing, it's keeping people entertained. As you awaken on the hard ground of the colosseum, you might see a rectangular cardboard box lying near you. Ignore it for now, as you get your bearings, but if you get bored? Well, you'll find these exciting and unique board games will keep you entertained!

But how could you possibly get bored, when there are plenty of cute monsters around to keep you company? Sharing the colosseum with all the new arrivals are Tonberries. In addition to their natural cuteness defense, they also carry very large knives. They're slow-moving and look innocent and even friendly, but be careful - one strike from that knife and you'll be a bloody mess. They won't attack unless you get too close, but who doesn't want to hug a Tonberry? And of course, if you attack, they'll counter with extreme prejudice.

Managed to resist the urge to hug a Tonberry? Safely escaped from the clutches of the colosseum, new board game in tow? 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 September 10th-13th.
► 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!

Comments

colosseum;

[hotspurred]

The sound of rapid steps accompanied by the clink of metal herald his approach, and Henry -- dressed from throat to toe in full plate armour and mail -- steps between her and the advancing creature, his heater shield held up in a defensive position and his sword drawn from its scabbard.

A brief glance backwards tells him that this woman is struggling to rise. He has one of Kate's healing cells tucked under his gauntlet, but it can only heal minor wounds.

"I will cover you; take your time. Are you hurt?"

His words are quick and to the point. His tone carries a natural sharp edge.

[survivethis]

The little green critter was unexpected. The new location was unexpected. And now a man was shielding her wearing full armor. This was turning into something she's not sure is even real. Or she'd doubt it, if she wasn't still experiencing so much pain from her ordeal before she got here.

"I'll be alright." Jill struggles but slowly begins to get to her feet. She's pale and looks like she's been in a fight. The most notable thing are the puncture wounds and pronounced veins on he chest.

"What are those things? Who are you?"

[hotspurred]

"Monsters of some sort. They were dragged here with you by The Door."

For now Henry stays put, remaining on the defensive while she recovers, but his impatience begins to stir. One could probably walk away from the creature without fear of being caught by it. He looks back to the woman.

With her on her feet, he sheathes his sword and lowers his shield, making a sound of disdain in his throat. He turns and takes a step towards her, keeping track of the plodding creature at the edge of his vision.

"Hmph. It seems scarcely a threat," he remarks, before introducing himself with a curt nod. "Henry Percy. Welcome to Hadriel -- a wretched city within a cave that we cannot escape. Every last one of us that you meet here was once in your predicament. Or perhaps I should say that you have joined ours. To your great misfortune."

She will need to know about the so-called gods and what she is in for, but further explanation can wait. His gaze flicks to her visible injuries. He grimaces. That does not look all right.

"There is a clinic opposite this colosseum. If you suffer poison, we should make for it with all haste."

It is the pronounced veins that make him draw that conclusion.

[survivethis]

"Never seen monsters move that slow." And she thought zombies moved at a snail's pace when they first transformed. These things aren't going to turn into crimson heads too, are they? She'd rather not find out. It's hard to believe they could be dangerous, but she'll bet the man is wearing a full suit of armor for a reason.

Jill looks down at her chest, knowing the sight can't be pretty. "I was injected with a drug. It should wear off with time, but getting it checked out couldn't hurt." No doubt she'd have it looked at by someone on the BSAA's medical team anyway as soon as she got back to a base if she were still in her own world.

"Lead the way."

[hotspurred]

It sounds as though she has been through an ordeal. But now seems a poor time to ask about it.

"Very well."

Henry wastes no time in setting off for the exit. The confidence with which he directs them is proof that he has been in Hadriel for some time. He clearly knows where he is going. As he leads the way, he talks.

"What is your name? There is much that you must know about this city and its so-called gods. I shall tell you what I can. Should you have any questions, I will attempt to answer them."

[survivethis]

Though she might still be a little unsteady, she doesn't ask for help, confident she can walk on her own. Had she slept longer, she'd be fit enough to fight if her life depending on it.

She can tell he's very familiar with this place. It makes her wonder how long he's been here.

"Jill Valentine. I'm with the BSAA. Though that might not mean anything to you." Probably not. He doesn't look like he comes from anywhere she's been before. More like he's from another time all-together.

"Tell me everything there is to know. I want all the intel I can get."

[hotspurred]

"I fear not. Are you from Earth? 'Tis likely that I am from hundreds of years before your time."

He is quiet for a moment as he decides how best to fill her in. Finally, he begins to speak.

"Hadriel is reigned over by so-called gods. To begin with there were just two: Hope and Fear. Fear is the reason that you and I are here: he awoke a relic known as The Door. It is The Door which drags people to this city. According to Hope, none of their kind currently living knows how to control The Door. Hope has the ability to resurrect others; he is using his power to revive their fellow gods."

The displeasure in his voice grows as he moves on to their role in this mess.

"We are the source of their power. More precisely, they gorge upon our emotions. Which depends on their name: Hope feeds on our hope, Fear our fear. Thus far, Rage, Delight and Sorrow have all been revived. The gods actively seek to inspire certain sentiments in us. They care not if it is against our will. The beings who once served in our stead -- the former residents of this ruinous cavern -- were annihilated when most of the gods were killed. By what, and for what reason, the living gods refuse to say."

[survivethis]

"Yes, I'm from Earth." So there are people here not from Earth. Given the creature with the butcher knife she just saw, she supposes it could've been a little green alien or something. This situation was getting bigger and bigger.

She listens to the information he gives her, and if she weren't standing in it, she'd doubt it was even true. "This is a lot different than what I'm used to dealing with." The gods part, anyway. Her training and experiences have prepared her for many things, but not quite something like this.

[hotspurred]

"One adjusts," Henry replies, with a wry half-smile.

That is where they all begin: out of their element.

"If you mind not my asking, what are you used to? I see that you are armed and wear practical attire."

She reminds him a little of Maketh, in fact, and that is promising. It was not so long ago that he and Nick discussed the Guard's need for new members after their losses. Jill may well be a candidate.

[survivethis]

Practical in a sense. It's a one piece jumpsuit that keeps her movements free. It worked best for her fighting style when she served a certain bastard she doesn't bring up right away.

"The BSAA, Bio-terrorism Security Assessment Alliance, works to combat the rising bio-terrorism in my time. We hunt down and kill bio-organic weapons. Basically, mutated monsters. Years back, a viral outbreak destroyed Raccoon City. It infected people, turning them into zombies." She's sure that sounds crazy to someone who hasn't experienced what her time has gone through. "I was there when it happened."

[hotspurred]

Henry only grasps about two-thirds of what she says -- he's not stupid, but he is behind by six hundred years, give or take. Still, what he does understand affords him the basic gist. He raises his eyebrows.

"A noble quest in evidently dark times."

He touches his armoured knuckles to his mouth as he makes a brief consideration.

"At times this city is fraught with danger. In order to protect those here who cannot fight, some of us have formed a guard. Once you are settled in, perhaps you might pay us visit at our headquarters. I hope that you will consider joining us."

[survivethis]

A guard? Well, Jill can only imagine how long she'll be stuck here. For as long as she is, she intends to help out. Sitting by isn't really her style, and the city guard sounds like something she'd be a natural fit for.

"Sounds good. I'll come by tomorrow." No reason to wait.