Just a Passing Assassin...

[King-Clod]

Hmm. The home without lights seems interesting enough, might wanna check by there.

[skinstealer]

restaurant to Scope Shit Out

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 

Spiral: The restaurant might be worth checking out, figure if there’s people there someone could give us the gist of what’s going on, right?



Steady: I mean yeah, in a place like this people tend to know everyone around. Least that’s what I’ve experienced anyway.

Steady: Normally I’d call it cozy but…  dunno.

Steady: Vibe seems lonelier than usual. Anyway we’ll know soon enough right?

As the two of you approach the place, there’s a certain faded quality to everything that makes you strangely nostalgic.

The paint, the tables, the menus you can see through the glass doors…

You remember something.

Spiral: You know places like these are supposed to be pretty good right?

Steady: Yeah? You know the saying right? If a local place has stuck around this long-



Spiral: Food’s gotta be worth something!

Steady: If we didn’t just eat I’d say we should vibe here…

Spiral: Maybe…

The two of you enter.

Fiddle is pacing around the front counter.

Steady: Yo! We caught up to you already!



Fiddle: Mm, glad you managed to. Set up base here for now. Did a proper scan.

Steady: What’d you find?

Fiddle: Place is a massive dead zone, it’s possible to warp in but not warp out. Some kind of blocker.

Steady: Seriously?

Spiral: What should we do from here then?

Fiddle: I’d say look for a cause and bail. If we rescue our target this time, that’d be good too but…

Steady: But we can’t afford to risk all getting killed here.



Fiddle: Something really wrong is happening, I don’t like it…

Steady: It’ll be okay. How far out’s the exit?

Fiddle: 6 miles. It’ll be a good walk if we want to bail.

Fiddle: Whoever’s sorting jobs really set people up for failure by ranking it so low.

Steady: Do we know if the blocker is natural?

Fiddle: Not sure…

Fiddle: I think we teleported in on some massive phenomenon.



Steady: Shit dude…

Spiral: Are there any people around?

Fiddle: There’s an old man at the small house on the edge and a big place behind a gate.

Fiddle: Other than that… nothing.

Fiddle: I was told that nightfall is something to be wary of. Find shelter and all.

Spiral: It’s pretty late…..

Steady: Yeah, whatever move we make from here we gotta work fast. I got bad vibes….

Fiddle: We could station here. Could search for something better. There’s plenty of empty homes, a library, possibly the big gated place…

Fiddle: The old man might know more.

Fiddle: I don’t think we’ll escape in time if we were to flee… and I’d feel wrong not rescuing our ally.

Steady: We’re stocked up right? We could make a solid defense no matter how this goes…

Fiddle: Aye.

Steady looks directly at you.



Steady: Sorry this first day’s already kind of a nightmare… We’ll make it out of here though. Promise.

Fiddle: Mm…

Steady: I wanna hear your input too also, we gotta work quick and all be on the same page.

 

[skinstealer]

old man's the best bet, i think

[Lilium Mortem]

Its too risky to try and run on foot. we should investigate while we have daylight to burn and hopefully find a way out that way, as soon as we can, get a message out or leave, whatever comes first. also does the checkpoint work inside this anomaly? I just got it!

[King-Clod]

oooh checkpoint is a good idea. if we get someone to open a door in, and we get our other checkpoint through that, that could be a safe way out. would take some work, and some backup, though.

Other than that, I'm thinking gated place. Gates might help keep us safe, right?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Spiral: I brought a checkpoint with me, does it work in here?



Fiddle: Don’t see why not. The barrier seems to be an issue for things trying to mess in here, but we’re already in here. The technology works differently enough at least.

Spiral: If we’re able to get a door open, we could stick it in from one end through the other right? And then be able to warp through safely if things go screwy in here? Might be a lot of work and need backup.

Fiddle: Mm. Maybe. We could for sure at the very least use it to get us back to shelter if we over extend. Place has metal screens for the doors and windows to at the very least shelter us, and I found a storage room that’s also viable in a pinch.



Steady: Honestly it’s all good thinking, Right now at the bare minimum we need to survive the night since we can’t sprint out of radius safely, I don’t think. We have time to explore but not time to walk, not until morning.

Fiddle: Mm…

Spiral: We could visit the old man, or we could check the gated area. Gates are pretty safe from whatever might be troubling here. Person might have a way for us to send a message too…

Fiddle: That’s true, there’s clearly people in there based on the fact that the lights are on.

Steady: Let’s give it a knock and if things go wrong we could retreat or check out the old man’s place. Real talk though, whoever scored this job a danger level of 3 is getting a paycut.

Fiddle: Higher stakes for certain. Hate. No time to waste then.

The three of you step out of the food joint and into the streets, the gated building in clear view of you all.

The entrance has a button and a speaker. Steady looks over to the three of you, hesitant to push. You’re interrupted by a voice.

???: I can see you loitering. I take it you have business- or will we have to escort you away from the property?



Steady: We’re travelers looking for a bit of help, you mind?

???: Travelers? Been awhile since we’ve seen any, though you’re out rather late. It’s quite dangerous…  I must ask my master what to make of your situation. It’s risky opening the doors when the hour of terror is so soon…

Fiddle: More reason to assist, please…

???: Please? Perhaps I’ll put a good word in for you… hang on.

There’s a long period of silence, a good 10 minutes.

You all feel increasingly nervous as the sun continues to sink into the horizon.



Steady tries to give you a smile to the best of her ability and Fiddle looks like they’re on the verge of tears.

Finally the voice returns.

???: The master wishes to talk to you on one request…

Fiddle: O-Oh?!

???: They’re curious about you snakey friend’s attire. Tell…. Um…



Spiral: Him and Her are both fine.

???: Thank you. Ask him about how she came across such a sense of fashion and perhaps tell them some about herself. They want to get to know more about you. 

[Lilium Mortem]

Group huddle: can we tell them I have necromantic retrograde amnesia? I feel like that would be a bad idea. should I make something up?

[King-Clod]

Hmm. Let's see what we can remember...

I always liked the vibe of bounty hunters and knights growing up, and styled my fashion here off of a mix of old westerns and jrpgs. It's not 1 to 1, I put my own spin on it, but I think it fits me well. I always used to quote old movies when practicing punches as a kid, it was goofy, but it was fun. I think I could quote the entire first half of Midnight Orbit Outlaws if you wanted me to.

[Ignispark]

Uh...A good hat never goes out of style and leaves lasting impressions.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

You huddle with your group. 



Spiral: Should I tell them I have necromatic retrograde amnesia? Feels like it could be a bad idea but…

Steady: I mean you remember some stuff right? At least more than usual. 



Fiddle: I think it’d net you some sympathy. We need that right now urgently.

Spiral: Should I make something up?



Steady: Nah.. just try to mesh something together from what you can piece together. You managed to have enough of a gut instinct right?

Spiral: I guess.. 

Steady: You got this!

You think hard.

???: Is everything alright?

Spiral: Yeah just… it’s a little hard for me to remember honestly. I got some memory issues so it takes a bit.

???: Ah… I’m sorry. 

Spiral: I do have enough though I think.

Spiral:Always a big fan of bounty hunters and knights growing up. A lot of my fashion is inspired by a mix of westerns and JRPGs.

???: What was that last word?

Steady: JRPGs! You know, games?

???: …Sure. Continue? 

Spiral: Anyway I used to always quote old movies while practicing punches as a kid, could recite all of Midnight Orbit outlaws by heart if you wanted me too. And uh… some basic theory I guess too.



Spiral: A good hat never goes out of style. That's what I believe. 

???: Hmm… give me a moment to open the gate. The master will be the one to meet you first. They’re certainly eager. 

THe large gates open up with a loud noise, the mechanism clearly needing a bit of a oiling. 

Steady gives you a little high five while Fiddle nods in approval. 

You feel proud. 

The stone path to the door is suddenly lit as to invite you.

The three of you go down the road until you reach the end, There’s a but of rustling at the other side of the door. Someone is fumbling with the doorknob. 

Then it creeks open. 

A friendly face with a vampiric look.



???: Hello! Hurry inside before nightfall takes you. You’re welcome to stay here until sunlight. Sorry for the check, I have my assistant monitor for… reasons I’ll explain in a bit.

???: The three of you look great by the way! Never seen folks quite like you I don’t think.

They look directly at you. There's a cute excitement to them.

???: Adore the hat and jacket, makes me wish I was a little more daring with my fashion choices personally.

???: Anyway, sorry to go off so much, should let you get a word in,

???: Talk to me. I’m sure you have many questions right now considering… the state of this town.

[Lilium Mortem]

could you start with why it's dangerous to travel at night? that seems like a pressing issue, then move on to why it isn't possible to teleport out of the region.

[Guest]

How should we refer to you? 'Our Gracious Host' is fun but can be a bit of a mouthful in casual conversation
-Marxz-

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Spiral: Could start with why it’s dangerous to go out at night. 



Fiddle: The old man in town seemed to be very insistent on this too and most people are gone…



???: That’s a complicated matter…  but the overall gist is there’s a creature who appears once the sun fully goes down. It has the ability to track down those who are directly under the stars and moonlight and without the proper repellent will try to break into your home. 

???: Thankfully this place is a fortress it cannot penetrate but… alas, many townsfolk were claimed. It seals your soul into a deep sleep and fests on your life force. Those unlucky enough to encounter it are trapped in nightmares. 



Steady: Did that happen to everyone?!

???: Many. Plenty were able to leave as far as I know but most didn’t have the option to escape this town… 

Spiral: Speaking of escape, why can’t people seem to teleport out of here?

???: Teleport…? I’m a little lost…

Steady pulls you aside for a moment.

Steady: Most folks aren’t aware of how we got in, who we are, or even that this kind of tech exists. Think you’d be best avoiding mentioning something like that. 



Spiral: Oh… 

Steady: That said, might be a good target for a scan.. Got a sense this guy is strong. Your body’s been implanted with one so you just gotta be sneaky about it..

Spiral: Wait, when?! 

Steady: Got chipped when you went through the portal, fast and painless. You can use your hands to gain data on anyone now…



???: Is.. is everything alright?

Steady: Mm. Sorry, we’re from out of region and all so… you know.

???: I really don’t… 

You try to save face. 

Spiral: Quick question, what can we call you? “Our gracious host” is fun but kind of a mouthful. 

???: Have I really not said my name yet? Embarrassing… 



???: The name is Cabinetta, lord of this castle! Built it myself by hand. 

Cabinetta: I’ve been living in this town for a long time. It’s always had rough luck but this is the worst I’ve seen of it…

Fiddle: Cabinetta, has a nice ring to it,

Cabinetta: Really think so?

Steady: Absolutely. 

Cabinetta: Ah… well… thank you. 

Cabinetta: So… continuing on, I’m guessing you’re looking for something, yes? If you visited the old man AND my place I imagine it’s not as simple as a pit stop. 

Cabinetta: I don’t take it you’re here for me but I imagine there’s more business to this. 

[Guest]

To start, I have to compliment your handiwork! This is a very impressive fortress to have made by hand.

But, as nice as it may be to sightsee here, you'd be right. We're here to try to find an old colleague of ours who went missing in this area. I'm just hoping they aren't caught in that nightmare you mentioned...

(As an aside to Steady, how do we use the scanner? Would it be obvious if we did?)

-Clod (on mobile)

[Lilium Mortem]

An associate of ours has gone missing in the area. We came to investigate.
And these people trapped in nightmares, does the creature keep them alive to continue feeding or does it kill them via the soul sucking thing?

(Aside to steady) is there anything wrong with telling people who we are? It's not like we're doing anything illigal right? What's with all the cloak and dagger?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Spiral: So first thing’s first, have to compliment your handiwork, you really made this fortress by hand?



Cabinetta: Yes! Though admittedly I cheated here and there, have a bit of magic in my pockets.. I’m glad to hear you like it though…

Cabinetta: Anyway, continue.

Spiral: Right so… we’re here to investigate our colleague going missing. They were last seen recently in the area.

Cabinetta: Ah… how recently?



Fiddle: Day and a half.

Cabinetta: Mm…. continue.

Spiral: Hope they haven’t been caught up in this…

Cabinetta: Mm..

Spiral: What does this creature do after anyway? Keep them alive to keep feeding? Suck out the soul to kill them off? 

Cabinetta: …Could you give me some time to talk to my assistant? I’ll explain briefly but… I’ll show you in just a moment.

They shuffle off to the other room.



Steady: I got a bad feeling…

Fiddle: No kidding.



Spiral: Mm… can we talk briefly? While we’ve got a moment? Stuff's bugging me.

Steady: What’s up?

Spiral: Why can’t we say who we are? Why all the cloak and dagger here? We’re not up to anything illegal are we?

Steady: Nothing like that, just good policy to keep things close to the vest about hopping worlds like that.

Steady: That sort of knowledge catches more attention that you really want. Had folks get poked at like a martian crashing in the desert for talking too much. Treat it as any other bounty hunting job, you don’t go around telling people who hired you left and right.

Spiral: I guess that makes sense…

Steady: You wanna make as little noise as possible, especially since folks will try to track us down if we’re not careful.

Spiral: What about the scanner? How does it work?

Steady: Hold on…

Steady reaches out to you.

Spiral: Huh?

Steady: Shake it.. But like, really want it when you do.

You reluctantly follow along.

Spiral: I don’t get what you’re…

SCAN NOW…

The voice flashes in your head. You wince.

Steady: Ah, see it’s working fine. Just a moment longer…

She clings onto your hand for a good 20 seconds.

SCAN LEVEL MAX… DATA STORED

Spiral: What was that all about?



Steady: You got a scan of me! All it takes is contact and bam, you’ve mined a person for all sorts of traits you can use later.  Normally you shouldn’t do that with a co-worker but someone had to show you once.

Steady: Don't snitch on me though...

Steady: When we’re done with the job you can turn it into the lab and they’ll hook you up with some options. Species, abilities, individual adaptations. That sorta thing.

Spiral: Huh…. that easy?

Steady: That easy!

Spiral: And we won’t get caught?

Steady: Not if you’re slick about it, though grappling someone in a fight works too.



Steady: People go for fancy suplexes sometimes. It's pretty hype.

Spiral: Neato…

Steady: Anyway I’m sure someone like them has something valuable enough to gain. The longer you can keep in contact, the better the scan. See if you can like… I dunno, high five them? Hold their hand? Something.

Spiral: I can work with that-

Cabinetta cuts you off as they re-enter.



Cabinetta: We believe we’ve found your person, the timeline lines up. I can take you to them to verify in a bit but they’re… in a state of sorts. A lot has happened recently and they seem to have gotten caught in a crossfire.

Cabinetta: If you’d like me to get you some tea or something before we continue I could, you're going to be here all night more than likely.

Fiddle: I'm ready to progress I think...

Steady: Same.

Cabinetta: Very well then...

You're lead down a hallway and taken through a door to a guest room.

Cabinetta creeks open the door.



You see your rescue target tucked under a blanket on a large bed. They're breathing at the very least.

Cabinetta: Don't know where to begin here so.. fire away.

[MarxzVulpez]

How long have they been in this state? Were they like this when you found them, or did it happen after they got here to you? What more can you tell us about the one causing this and or the condition itself? While our main reason for being here is to find out what happened to our coworker, now that we know more about the situation we'd like to see what we can do to help.

[Lilium Mortem]

Anyone got any mumbo jumbo soul diagnostics? (Would a SCAN reveal anything useful?)

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Spiral: How long have they  been like this? Where they like this when you found them or after they manage to get here?



Cabinetta: Yesterday, they were rescued in the middle of the night but not before being inflicted with a plague. Their life force is safe but they’re in a state of limbo so to speak. They’ll respond to simple stimuli but they’re incapable of doing much else.

Cabinetta: They’re fairly defensive on touch however. My assistant was bitten a few times attempting to give them medicine.

Cabinetta: I should introduce them to you later….

Cabinetta: They were sickly when they got here and ended up progressively worse over the night until they stopped responding.



Steady: Sounds like some sort of venom.

Cabinetta: Mm, very much the case. You do not want to be bitten by the creature that lurks  around here at night.

Cabinetta: My friend in town was able to ward them off from the worst case scenario but…

Cabinetta: I don’t really know what to do.

Cabinetta: The thing appeared relatively recently in the history of this town and has absorbed many into itself. I’ve never had one get poisoned and survive

Cabinetta: Well… aside from myself of course.

Spiral: Is there anything we can do to help out? We’re here to find our co-worker and now that we know more, we’d like to.



Fiddle: Mmm, this creature seems like a danger to everyone. Can’t have that roaming freely.

Spiral: Also are there uh.. Any soul diagnostics you have?

Cabinetta: They seem healthy in that regard but they would benefit from a more efficient medical center…  they’re stable for now but the state they’re in worries me.

Steady: No kidding.

You turn to your friends.

Spiral: Would a scan be any good here…?

Fiddle: With your basic level scanner? Maybe if we could get a signal to someone out there. Those at the home base can make better sense of the data we collect.

Cabinetta: Scan?

Steady: We’re researchers of sorts! Scan all sorts of life to make fancy body mods, improve the condition of others and all that.

Cabinetta: Ah! Do you have a device for such? I am curious…



Steady: Yep, we got a fancy scanner that records biological data and all, Wanna give it a try?



Cabinetta: I’ve always been curious about the process of mod work so… certainly!

Steady nudges you.

Spiral: Me?

Steady: Yeah! Make it look slick though.

Fiddle: Mm, put some personality into it.

The spider looks at you expectantly, as if waiting for a magic trick.

You just need to maintain contact for a few seconds…. You could just hold their hand but there’s pressure on you.Something sweet like sweeping them off their feet? Or the old school gladiator handshake?… could suplex but not sure how much they’d appreciate that… maybe they would actually? How are we doing this?