hadriel_logs | Intro Log: Welcome to the Snave (snake cave)

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Intro Log: Welcome to the Snave (snake cave)

Who: New arrivals and everyone else!
What: The intro log for March
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: March 10th-15th
Warnings: Snakes! Snakes! It's a snake!

Good morning, new arrivals! Or, well, it's probably morning. The sun is up, anyway. Okay - not the sun, but that ball of light at the top of the cave that functions as the sun, anyway. Whatever. The point is you've woken to find yourself on the floor of Hadriel's colosseum. You may be wondering where you are and what you're doing here, but what you should be wondering is how fast you need to run to get away from a three-headed snake.

You're not the only one who just woke up. Also to be found in the arena, angry and confused, are Runespoors - large three-headed snakes. Only one of the heads is venomous, but all of them are perfectly willing to take a bite out of you if you get too close - or if you annoy it. If you're lucky, an attacking Runespoor may distract itself via infighting between the three heads, giving you time to run. If not, well, let's just hope you can fight off all three heads at once!

But that's not the only thing you might find. Also scattered around the colosseum floor are what look like tasty snacks. Popsicles, cheese, even toast! Unfortunately, if you get hungry and take a bite, you will quickly discover that each and every one of these is actually soap. So that's great. Maybe the Door thinks everyone needs to shower more? You can also find a few that actually look like soap, and if you're really lucky, you might stumble across the rare and coveted 'pile of baby hands' soap.

With luck, you didn't get eaten by a snake or accidentally eat a piece of soap. Once you find your way out of the colosseum there's plenty of other distractions. Feel free to go explore the rest of the city! Find a house, a new monster, a project to help with, or simply scavenge for supplies. Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Hadriel!

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

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[Now, that hardly sounds like "begging". It sounds more like an airy sort of request, and where's the urgency in that? Ardyn barely feels any lingering in the air.

And so, his response is of no help at all, instead lingering on the notion of a "date" rather than any actual assistance.]

Perhaps you should ask for its name, to start.

[The name of this angry, hissing creature, yes. Ardyn's seen worse in his time.]

[Well, crap. Seriously dude? You gotta take the joke that far? Shuuya gives a slightly desperate laugh. ]

Okay, I set myself up for that one. Joke's on me. But for real, though - for the love of God, HELP!

[It's not like he can get on his hands and knees here. What's a guy gotta do to catch your favour?]

[Listen, Shuuya, you're going to have to learn to be resourceful, Ardyn's not going to do all the work for you.

But since he asked sincerely this time, Ardyn may feel generous enough to "help". He won't be doing anything so dramatic as pulling his armiger out for this sort of thing -- instead, how about a distraction?

An oddly shaped piece of soap goes careening through the air, bopping one of the snakes on the head. It hisses and recoils around, facing Ardyn, the man who had thrown it in something that might be considered comical, out of context.]

You owe me, you know. [He says with an opened-arm gesture, as if he's actually finding amusement from this. Better run while the creature isn't looking your way, Shuuya. Surely Ardyn can catch up with you later.]

[The soap hits the snake, and for a moment, Shuuya gives an amused look of amazement. Dude, nice shot! Gotta appreciate that skill!]

Oh, yea, definitely! [Favours? He can handle that, ~~and he doesn't even need a real reason~~ within reason.

Without a moment's more of hesitation, he books it for the escape. He isn't going to let a distraction like that go to waste. When he finally makes it outside the Colosseum, he collapses onto the ground, laying on his back in the grass as he catches his breath.]

Dude, what a lucky break. [He gives light, breathless laughs, feeling the burn on his lungs from the exertion. Man, he definitely owes that guy a favour. Who knows, maybe we can be friends.]

[And so, a few minutes later, Ardyn appears once more. He gait is leisurely as he approaches Shuuya, outside of the colosseum. If he had fought off the creature, he hardly looks like it; unruffled and uncaring as usual. Perhaps he had gotten away without so much effort, or perhaps he had felled the three-headed monstrosity? Hard to say, and he's not inclined to tell.

His footsteps are relatively light, but heard as they approach, regardless.]

Look, you made it out. And all it required was just a little soap. Words I thought I'd never utter.

[Shuuya sits himself up with a laugh, not without briefly looking Ardyn over.]

Yea, who knew soap worked against those things. Thanks for getting me out of a tight spot. You're pretty good at this, huh? Doesn't even look like you broke a sweat. What'd you do, scare it off?

[Shuuya stands up and dusts himself off before stuffing his hands in his hoodie pockets. Flashing another grin.]

So, that favour, did you have anything in mind?

[Ardyn stands tall, a bit intimidating even, when Shuuya is still seated on the ground. This improves only a little when the boy brings himself up to his feet, and the ex-Chancellor's grin becomes a bit more skewed.]

Something like that. I'm not as helpless as I look, though some are quick to assume that of a politician like myself.

[He hums in consideration.]

It's early yet, isn't it? And I hardly know what you're capable of, so perhaps I'll sit on this favor until I know how useful you can prove yourself to be.

Hey, you look tougher than I do. That's already points in my book. I would be seriously screwed if I hadn't found you. I don't usually run into that kind of trouble back home, so... To say I wasn't prepared's a bit of an understatement. [He laughs.]

Right, right, of course. All's fair. Take you're time.

[Despite his naturally joking disposition, he actually sounds sincere in this. Of course, now is also the opportunity to offer something more proper to the situation.]

Name's Shuuya. Nice to meet you!

You've no monsters where you come from? That must be quaint.

[Ardyn is apparently only minimally curious about that, however, because he moves the conversation along with ease.]

Ardyn Izunia. Tell me, Shuuya, what are you skilled at?

Ehh... Monsters are a very loose term where I'm from. [And he doesn't bother to delve deeper than that.

At the question, though, Shuuya gives it a moment's thought, looking Ardyn over. He did say he would willingly owe Ardyn a favour. And his ability isn't something he's particularly secretive about.

It's just the shock factor he's worried about. A good number of people don't appreciate his party trick, and Ardyn's been pretty nice so far.

He gives a smile and a shrug. Well, he asked.]

Well, I got your run-of-the-mill skills, mostly. Nothing fancy, except I can do this.

[His eyes glimmer red and his appearance shifts to match Ardyn's, down the last detail. The only difference between the two is that Shuuya's version has a wide smirk. And when he speaks, his voice matches Ardyn's as well. He gives a slow turn, holding one arm out to show himself off.]

If that's what you mean by skill, I've mastered this.

[He keeps his eyes on Ardyn, wondering if this will turn south quick.]

[Ardyn isn't sure what to expect, but even he will admit that it certainly isn't seeing a mirror image of himself, down the very last detail -- with the exception of a wide smirk that could pass as his on some days, honestly.

Surprise is pushed down for the sake of looking at this "illusion" appraisingly. Shuuya's even got his voice down.

Yes, this would prove very interesting.]

And what a skill it is. [His grin widens, as if he finds something oddly humorous about all of this.] You've my voice and all.

So tell me, this is an illusion of sorts?

[Sweet! Shuuya got a grin from Ardyn! That's way better than being threatened or hated. Shuuya remains in Ardyn's form for the time being. Unless he has another reason to be prompted not to.]

Yea, I suppose you could call it that. I look like you, but I'm still me, if that makes sense. And if i get hurt, the illusion drops. I can only use it on myself, though. So, I can't alter your appearance or anything.

[He neglects to mention what causes his ability to function, of course.]

You mean a bit like this?

[There’s no fanfare to it, then. There’s only a strange sensation in the air — heavy, still — and suddenly, Ardyn presents himself as… Shuuya. An exact copy, working his own ability to create illusions in another’s mind. The grin that he gives him is very distinctly Ardyn’s, however.]

A helpful ability, but not singular in its uniqueness. [Shuuya’s voice, too.]

[Ardyn-copy's jaw drops in pure amazement. Does this guy have...? No, his eyes didn't flash red.

Shuuya drops his facade and morphs back to himself, getting a closer look at his clone. So neat!]

Whoa! So cool! Where'd you learn that trick? [Instantly denoting that Ardyn's ability is different from his and that how Shuuya got his ability is more than likely different. It certainly wasn't gained from learning it.]

Something I learned a long, long time ago. [He offers, blithely. And just as soon as he had changed, "Shuuya" changes back to Ardyn in a blink of an eye.

That same smug smile is still there.] Where did you learn yours? Sharing this sort of information is a two-way street, you realize. Indulge me in my curiosities.

[Shuuya gives a brief frown of discomfort.

....Okay, yes, he supposes it's fair. But....

He really doesn't like talking about this stuff.]

Err... Mine wasn't taught per se. More like... inherited.

[He tries to flash his most normal of smiles, seriously hoping Ardyn will leave it at that.]

[The smile does nothing, and Ardyn definitely won't just leave it at that. He steps closer.]

What's wrong? Unwilling to share? I'm merely trying to get an idea of what you're capable of.

Inherited from whom, or what?

[Shuuya unconsciously takes a step back, feeling like he's being boxed in.

After another moment, he laughs.]

Hey, now, that's not fair. You didn't tell me where you learned yours from.

[His grin widens.]

I taught myself. I had all the time in the world, you know, back where I'm from. It was merely a matter or patience and persistence.

Oh, really? That's an impressive skill set right there. Gotta admire the dedicated.

[He pauses for a moment, casually fiddling with the zipper on the corner of his hoodie. He's actually contemplating if he could totally sidestep this guy's question on his by changing the subject.

....But given Ardyn's dedication to not allowing to let him casually sidestep yet, he.... doesn't really think it'll work. Alright, new game plan.]

Alright, I guess I have to tell you mine then. My mom kept a magic book in her attic, apparently it belonged to my great, great grandfather who practiced magic in secret. One of his spells fucked up and now, every generation, the first born inherits some sort of ability. My mom wasn't magic, but she carried it in her bloodline. And, well, I'm an only child, so...

[He's totally lying through his teeth. Possibly the most honest thing in that was my mom had a book. But that's it.]

[He looks at him for a moment, questioningly. Whether or not he actually buys it is up for debate, but- ah. Well, he supposes it doesn't really matter, in the end.

An idle question, then, to see how complex of a web he's willing to weave if it is a lie.]

And is magic commonplace in your world?

[Shit, he wasn't expecting an interrogation. Truth is, he's not keen on weaving his lies carefully together. He just kind of makes it up as he goes along.

He gives a casual shrug.]

Not as much as it used to be. It's kind of a dying art. I can't say I've met anyone else like me.

[Totally more lies. All of it.]

[And Ardyn just keeps going, dubious and amused all the same.]

And what other sorts of magic exists, along with yours? And is yours exclusive to your family line only?

[He might be panicking a little bit, but he's not showing it. Casual grins all the way. What was the lie he started with again?]

Oh, y'know, the interesting stuff. Some can disappear, another can turn people to stone. [Both are true, and he figures it's okay to mention such since they aren't here.] And, yea, mine's totally exclusive.

[Lie upon lie -- how long can he keep up, for how long can he keep track? Ardyn could do it easily, but he's had centuries upon centuries of experience.]

And is there a method to "casting" this magic, for the lack of a better term? In my world, magic exists, but it delegated to only a very select few. Most are ignorant of the art.

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deceiving_is_believing - 2017-03-23 22:20 (UTC) - Expand

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