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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Maketh eyes him up and down. He carries himself like a soldier - though exactly what kind, she can't say - and the jacket seems to confirm it.

It would have been better if she answered him in uniform, Maketh thinks suddenly.

Too late. He's already here.

She tucks the pistol away.]

I see. I am Maketh Tua. I share these rooms with Henry Percy. The two of us run the Guard.

[His eyes widen fractionally at her statement, in more of a pleased surprise than anything else. He hadn't known yet about the guard, but the fact that there is one sets his mind a little more at ease about the state of this place. There doesn't seem to be much in the way of government or order, but even this limited type of structure is comforting.]

I see. I'm a member of the military myself- maybe we can discuss our credentials at a more convenient time.

[There's a pause, and he glances downward, perhaps a little unsure of himself- but Rome lacks the shame or embarrassment that another man might have and so he continues, blunt and to the point.]

My purpose in visiting you was to obtain your permission for settling in that home over there. [He indicates, pointing for a moment before turning back to her, explaining-] I'm a werewolf- where I come from, we aren't lodged near humans, but it seems as if I have little other choice here. If you would not be comfortable with it, then I will apologize and look elsewhere.

[There's a long moment of silence. Maketh tips her head back, watching him.]

Were--wolf? I do not know what that is.

[Blunt honesty seems like the best course of action.]

[Congratulations Maketh, blunt honesty is probably the best tool when dealing with this guy.

Still, he can't help but to be a little confused at her statement- how can she just not know? But he remembers something about different worlds, other universes... honestly, it's all sort of confusing, so he's been trying not to think about it too hard.]

It's... [How does he even begin to explain it?] ...it's a species of subhuman who take a different shape when faced with a full moon. Some of them cannot control themselves in their other forms- that is not a concern with myself, but there's a... reputation for savagery that can make others wary.

[Maketh frowns, considering it. As it stands, she's encountered stranger. At least Rome is explaining it outright.]

Your planet only has one moon, then?

[Otherwise it must get very complicated.

Maketh rubs her face briefly.]

I have no issue with you living here. Not all the guardsmen are human. So long as you do not hurt anyone, you are free to do as you wish.

I would never, without order.

[He says first and foremost- the way that Maketh interprets that is up to her, but Romulus says it with earnest, before regaining his more impassive composure.]

And, yes. One moon. Is it different here? I haven't been here long enough to- [he glances upward briefly, toward the ceiling of their cave and cage, not exactly happy about it, but- well, what can he do?] -I can't tell yet.

[There will be time for more detailed questions later, Maketh decides. There are more pressing issues. She considers Rome. A soldier. She can understand soldiers.]

I am not certain. The sky is not--real. That may be a problem moving forward.

I'll inform the guard if I am ever concerned about posing a threat.

[He promises, before stepping back for a moment, his posture straight. The picture of politeness.]

I apologize for disturbing you. Thank you for your answer.

[Maketh watches him for a moment. That would be incredibly honest of him. Dangerously so, even. But his tone and posture give the claim credibility.

How very strange.]

Do you drink coffee, sir?

[He's not quite expecting the question and he tilts his head up a little, curious- the motion is vaguely doglike, but he recovers quickly and nods in the end.]

I do. I wasn't aware that it existed here.

[Maketh nods.]

A small amenity. Come inside and I will make you some. You may ask me questions if you wish.

[She glances at him briefly before stepping back, allowing him space to follow if he wishes.]

I dislike speaking in doorways.

[He's equally surprised at the offer as he was about the existence of such a luxury here, but follows her nevertheless, stepping carefully inside of the home.]

This is generous of you- thank you.

[He can't help but to glance around just a little, his training guiding him to locate potential exits and threats once inside. Still, Rome is careful not to sniff around too much- he's aware of how odd it comes across.]

How long have you been here?

[Inside the space is simple and very clean. Maketh keeps all personal touches hidden out of sight, where no one can take advantage. Her roommate has no such worries and leaves his nicknacks out in plain sight. It's all very orderly.

Maketh pads over to the kitchen and begins brewing a fresh pot of coffee. Rome no doubt marks the window and the special lock to prevent anyone from getting in too easily. He seems like a logical man - person? - thus far, a soldier through and through.

They'll likely understand each other, then.]

Have a seat. I've been here for--a little more than a year, now.

[He approves of her home and the way that it's kept, but he doesn't show it much, instead preferring to follow her instruction and sit at the table. This place is- defensible, moreso than some of the other homes he's seen. He'll have to follow her example.]

A year?

[He frowns.]

And all of that year has been inside of this... cave?

Yes. Others have been here longer.

[Not all that many, but a few. Maketh pours two mugs of coffee, fixing her own the way she likes it; heavy on the cream, no sugar.]

How do you like your coffee?

Black, please. Thank you.

[The idea of being inside for so long bothers him on some deeper level he tries not to admit.]

You said something about a Guard?

[Maketh sets the mug down in front of him and then takes her seat.] It's a small militia group. Myself and Henry Percy command it. We maintain a defensive perimeter around the city and defend the civilians. And, if needed, we step in to prevent conflicts. There hasn't been much need for that lately.

[Thankfully, though she doubts that will last.]

[He's clearly intrigued by the explanation, but asking about it seems- odd to him. He'd never had to volunteer or request access to service in his own world, he just was. Here, it's different. Here, there are different people and likely different mindsets, different values.

Luckily, Rome lacks the self awareness to be particularly anxious about it.]

Similar to my career at home, then. I have over fifty years of military service and have been utilized for a multitude of purposes. [He reaches out and takes a sip of his coffee- looking, of course, no older than his mid-twenties.] My specialties include extractions, strikes, and surveillance. If any of that may prove useful here, then I would be happy to put myself at your disposal.

[Utilized. That's an interesting way to phrase it. Maketh watches him a moment, curious.] Were you a slave, then?

[It's a blunt question. Maketh isn't unused to the idea. It's become clear to her that Rome - whatever else he might be - is not human. Not entirely, at least. He apparently does not age in the way that she does and he has abilities that others fear. So what does that mean here?

That remains to be seen. She can't make a decision until she knows more about him.]

[The question is confusing and the unexpectedness of it makes him hesitate, his brows drawing together before he shakes his head.]

I must have misspoke to give you that impression. Slavery would imply that my service is against my will- I was created for this, and given purpose through it.

[There's a conviction to his words, no trace of hesitation or bitterness. He's still holding the mug, and belatedly, he takes another drink from his coffee, reigning his confusion back into a general politeness.]

You said earlier that you didn't know what a werewolf is. In truth, we are more like dogs than humans. This- [he shrugs, setting the cup down gently on the table,] -is what I was trained for.

[Maketh tips her head to the side.]

I do not mean to offend you. The practice is not unknown in my world. Slavery, or creating things to serve the Empire. The Inquisitors give up everything in order to better serve the will of the Empire, even their names. Or had them taken. I do not know. It was not a question one asked.

[But they are being honest now. Maketh appreciates that.]

If you wish to lend your strength to the Guard, then we will take it. We are--undermanned.

That sounds like my squad.

[He finally admits, but- that's for another matter. Instead, he nods at the invitation, pleased to have been able to work this out.]

I will not let you down. [And then, a pause. He doesn't want to cause issue, not so soon after getting a confirmation that he can help at all, but something needs to be said, lest Maketh find out later and feel like he kept it from her.] Though, I... typically function as a unit with my handler. I've looked for him, but he isn't in this city. I'm capable of operating without him, but- it's easier to have one. Something to consider in the future, if this arrangement becomes permanent.

[Maketh has a feeling this is going to turn into a longer conversation and perhaps one that edges into dark places. But for now, she settles for making an arrangement.] What tasks does your handler perform? Perhaps one of my guardsmen can be trained to take his place.

Nothing that needs doing at this moment.

[He tries for reassuring- though really, the whole 'being alone' thing has been a little disconcerting to him as well. What do you do when you've had a partner your entire life, and then they're suddenly gone?]

I obtain briefings from them and we function as partners in the field, with a handler employing tactical knowledge and myself functioning as the advance guard. They have ultimate authority and are obeyed without question, as humans have decision-making skills that I do not. For simple operations, it wouldn't be needed...

[Rome trails off for a moment there, before the corner of his lips quirk up just slightly.]

But in the long run, it would be more comfortable.

[So not entirely unlike a field asset and their handler. Maketh frowns.]

Your cognition functions differently from a human's? Describe this.

[Perhaps it's merely phrasing. But if not, she needs to know.]

What you have described is not difficult. I can arrange this.

Intro Log: Welcome to the Snave (snake cave)

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