Intro Log: Welcome to the Snave (snake cave)

[hadrielmods]

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!

Comments

[leashed]

[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.

[mismanagement]

[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.

[leashed]

[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?

[mismanagement]

[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.

[leashed]

[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?

[mismanagement]

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?

[leashed]

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?

[mismanagement]

[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.]

[leashed]

[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.

[mismanagement]

[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.]

[leashed]

[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.

[mismanagement]

[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.

[leashed]

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.

[mismanagement]

[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.

[leashed]

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.

[mismanagement]

[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.

[leashed]

Werewolves aren't as intelligent as humans.

[He says it like an automated response, no trace of bitterness or shame.]

We lack emotional complexity and the ability for abstract thought. As long as I'm following orders, there won't be an issue.

[mismanagement]

[Are they? Hmm. Maketh considers it. Thus far Rome has been able to hold a conversation better than a droid would. Perhaps it's true regardless. Perhaps it's simply a thing he's been told and now believes. Either way, he's a potential asset and must be utilized as such.] I understand. Like myself, several members of the Guard are former military. One of them can be trained to work with you for maximum efficiency. Is this acceptable?

[leashed]

More than acceptable.

[A pleased little smile tugs at his expression, but he straightens up quickly, forcing it away with a nod.]

Thank you for your time, Miss Tua.

[mismanagement]

[Maketh stands as well, hands clasped loosely behind her back.]

Of course, sir. It is good to meet you.

[leashed]

[Rome stands, unsure of what to do about his mug- it feels rude to leave it there, but he doesn't want to overstay his welcome by cleaning it up himself. In the end, he tries to put it out of his mind as he nods respectfully, easing his chair back up against the table.]

I won't keep you. I do still need to get settled here, after all.

[mismanagement]

[Maketh nods. He's an interesting man, and worth keeping an eye on.]

Of course. Inform me if you need anything.