Strife in Lake Superior: IC Thread

[Templum Domini]

((Collab between Templum Domini and AdorablyDevious))

Kyle Thompson, inheritor of the Thompson Estate, seemed to be nothing more than a playboy and socialite. A trust fund baby, he had never known want or deprivation in his life, always having what he wanted. Thus, Kyle had the reputation of being fivrolous, especially with his frequent parties and galas.

It was in the aftermath of one such feast that he had asked his butler, Lionel McQueen, to take a break from leading the cleaning efforts in the banquet hall; he wanted the old man in his study. Once the old man got there, his young master, still handsome and mischievious-looking, would say very serious words: "I have been notified by the Free Council Assembly in Milwaukee that they are about to remove support for this operation - our attempt to save our home - if we don't score any success soon."

A pause for effect. "And it takes a lot to make the opponents of the Lie despair."

Lionel sighs softly. He wasn't exactly a man of few words but he was a man of **IMPORTANT** words. He tended to think of things before he said them, and the young master sometimes annoyed him but he always tried to maintain an understanding that the young man was in charge. Still...the young master could have at least let him finish the dishes. "Of course the Assembly are going to remove support for the operation. If they didn't, that would make this a little too easy." He raises a hand, stroking softly at his white beard before wiping his hands a little on his apron. His speaks slowly, a soft whistle to his voice as he says "So then, orders...young master?"

The response was: "I have been in correspondence with The Radiant; Magical Girls and Boys who fight for a better world. They've given us the location of three of them who have recently 'Blossomed'; that's their version of Awakenings." He would then hand over a list of three names to the Butler. "Discreetly invite these three to the Thompson Estate; make up any excuse you want. Also, there is a mysterious Mage who is still unaffiliated with any Order. Try and find him as well."

Another pause, and Kyle would then go to his study's desk and stretch out a map of Breezeton. "The central game plan to fix this town's problems has always been based on simple economics: Give the people a source of jobs that are not in the IT or Dairy sectors. But our enemies know this as well, and have been stonewalling every attempt to bring in new employers while pretending to oppose each other." He would draw out a picture of a platinum blond Russian-American in figure skating gear.

"This is Yuri Nikiforov; Olympic-level figure skater. He comes from Breezeton and we invited him to set up a figure skating academy here. But the Mayor pre-empted us by proposing that his figure skating academy be located on top of prime farmland owned by the Association of Dairy Farmers. Then he rigged it so that the Association was badly compensated for the loss of said land. The Association is prepared to protest, but I have it on good intelligence that the Lake University plans to frame said protests as Anti-LGBT; Yuri Nikiforov is Gay." Kyle looked at Lionel. "This Cabal and the Radiants' 'Nakama' - that's what they call their groups - are too shorthanded to counteract the Lake Uni's plans. So it falls to you, the three Princesses, and the Nameless Mage to foil them through any means possible."

One final pause.

"So, let me get this straight? You are sending me...a combat expert amongst the Adamantine Arrow, heavily trained in hand-to-hand combat from both my glory days in the military and street brawling. Sixty-Four years of hardened steel masquerading as flesh. A disciple of the grand life arcanum...to gather a bunch of magical girls and boys? Should I put on my rainbow ascot now, or shall I simply inform my father's grave that I have embarrassed the family after my job is done?"

A pause and a sigh before he gives a little nod "Right, I will manage to invite these people I suppose. I have not much knowledge on any sort of these magical girls or boys...I don't truly watch TV and Japanese Cartoons always strike me as dreadfully dull except a few of them anyways. Still...this is a bitter pill that you're asking me to swallow, young master." He grimaces "It will be done, however. I am to serve, after all..."

A nod at that from Kyle. "Now, let me cast a a spell of Fate to help speed up the process."

((OOC: Casting Serendipity. Serendipity is a Praxis, so three succeses is an Exceptional Success.))

"Yes, alright..." Lionel replies, rubbing the back of his head as the feeling of a large hand clasping around the back of his neck signaled the use of magic. "I should get this started then I suppose. I will call when I have the three under my care..."

Kyle smiled. "Thank you. You may go now, McQueen."

 

[G.I.Rose]

A short girl with her brown hair tied into a tight bun had been waiting patiently outside of the door Kyle’s study until he was assuredly done talking to Lionel McQueen before she let herself in. “Well, it sounds as though my personal gamble to come and personally check up on your affairs was a successful one. A refreshing turn of events from the string of non-starters that we’ve gotten from your estate, I can assure you.

“But, where are my manners, you probably don’t know me by name or face, but I am Adrian Areval, not anybody particularly important, but I AM the filter that your reports to the Free Council flows through, and I find myself with a personal stake in seeing the town not destroyed, be it by the economy or whatever else is at foot, since that would presumably be fairly disruptive to my studies.” She felt she had said everything she needed to say at the moment, and it almost took a moment as she had barely any pauses in her speaking save to keep her words distinct from one another. She considered sorting through Kyle’s surface thoughts to see what he was thinking of the whole situation, but she decided against it, since it would be fairly unprofessional of her to just cavort through a potential ally’s mind, and his position would only be harmed by lying to her anyway, so she waited for his response to this turn of affairs, since she had been listening in as best she could without actually casting a spell, since she wanted to see how honest he was
going to be in person.

 

[Templum Domini]

A short girl with her brown hair tied into a tight bun had been waiting patiently outside of the door Kyle’s study until he was assuredly done talking to Lionel McQueen before she let herself in. “Well, it sounds as though my personal gamble to come and personally check up on your affairs was a successful one. A refreshing turn of events from the string of non-starters that we’ve gotten from your estate, I can assure you.

“But, where are my manners, you probably don’t know me by name or face, but I am Adrian Areval, not anybody particularly important, but I AM the filter that your reports to the Free Council flows through, and I find myself with a personal stake in seeing the town not destroyed, be it by the economy or whatever else is at foot, since that would presumably be fairly disruptive to my studies.” She felt she had said everything she needed to say at the moment. She considered sorting through Kyle’s surface thoughts to see what he was thinking of the whole situation, but she decided against it, since it would be fairly unprofessional of her to just cavort through a potential ally’s mind, and his position would only be harmed by lying to her anyway, so she waited for his response to this turn of affairs, since she had been listening in as best she could without actually casting a spell, since she wanted to see how honest he was
going to be in person.

"Adrian Areval," Kyle spoke, "It seems that to have gotten through my wards without alarm, you must be telling the truth."

A purse of his lips, before he tapped into the power of Prime; it was his turn to show Adrian just what honesty truly meant.

((OOC: Casting Words of Truth; 3 successes, but this time, it's not a Praxis. You can use Composure to Withstand, but there's no IG reason to unless I missed something.))

"I am displeased at the Free Council cutting off support. I am even more displeased that I am being blamed for it. Don't you understand that what's happening here is a microcosm of America? So I say that you should either offer to help or stop obstructing me."

The effects of the Prime spell faded, and so did Kyle's indignant demeanor. He would then apologize, "Sorry, just didn't feel like being put on the spot. Now, what are your skills, besides stealth, of course?"

 

[G.I.Rose]

Adrian decided that it was best to just use mind magic if he truly wanted to see what her powers were, and she figured it would do well to grease this encounter up. She was still annoyed at the 'Truth' of the situation and felt that he should feel sympathetic and a little guilty for his words.

(OOC: Casting Emotional Urging to make Kyle feel sympathy with her which is a rote spell with Persuasion. Increasing potency by 2 to 4 potency with a -4 to the dice pool, and spending a willpower. 1 free reach spent on reducing casting time, 1 reach for paradox in order to cast it at sensory range. 1 success (the 10 rolled a 7 on the reroll and isn't linked) you can resist with composure from 4 doors broken down to 3,Paradox roll 1 success, Paradox Containing Roll: 2 successes, Adrian takes 1 bashing damage Since it's a rote, it has a total of 3 free reaches, as though I had Mind 5. Disregard the Paradox and spend the third free reach on using Advanced Duration to make it last the whole scene/hour)

“Well, it would be unfortunate if you were to honestly blame the messenger as it were. As it is, I’m not in any kind of control over your funding situation as the envelope that I send your reports off in, unless you had missed that I have a personal vestment in you succeeding. And while the both of us are wholly aware that your 'frivolous playboy' ego is as much a facade as anything is, the people in the state charter aren't entirely convinced anymore and have decided to protect their investments by just dropping the whole thing, and thus that's why it's a gamble to come here or not, since it might be considered unprofessional to 'throw my hat into the arena' as it were."

Even as she cast the spell she barely slowed down her talking. She didn't know if this would look as though she was a mage skilled beyond her actual talent, or something closer to the truth that she had a knack for talking legibly at a mile a minute without really thinking about it.

 

[Templum Domini]

Adrian decided that it was best to just use mind magic if he truly wanted to see what her powers were, and she figured it would do well to grease this encounter up. She was still annoyed at the 'Truth' of the situation and felt that he should feel sympathetic and a little guilty for his words.

(OOC: Casting Emotional Urging to make Kyle feel sympathy with her which is a rote spell with Persuasion. Increasing potency by 2 to 4 potency with a -4 to the dice pool, and spending a willpower. 1 free reach spent on reducing casting time, 1 reach for paradox in order to cast it at sensory range. 1 success (the 10 rolled a 7 on the reroll and isn't linked) you can resist with composure from 4 doors broken down to 3,Paradox roll 1 success, Paradox Containing Roll: 2 successes, Adrian takes 1 bashing damage Since it's a rote, it has a total of 3 free reaches, as though I had Mind 5. Disregard the Paradox and spend the third free reach on using Advanced Duration to make it last the whole scene/hour)

“Well, it would be unfortunate if you were to honestly blame the messenger as it were. As it is, I’m not in any kind of control over your funding situation as the envelope that I send your reports off in, unless you had missed that I have a personal vestment in you succeeding. And while the both of us are wholly aware that your 'frivolous playboy' ego is as much a facade as anything is, the people in the state charter aren't entirely convinced anymore and have decided to protect their investments by just dropping the whole thing, and thus that's why it's a gamble to come here or not, since it might be considered unprofessional to 'throw my hat into the arena' as it were."

Even as she cast the spell she barely slowed down her talking. She didn't know if this would look as though she was a mage skilled beyond her actual talent, or something closer to the truth that she had a knack for talking legibly at a mile a minute without really thinking about it.

The spell worked, and Kyle would say, "True, all you say is true. Note that the support I need isn't money, per se."

He left it at that. "Again, I'm sorry for using magic first. Anyway, you are a Mastigos, I take it?"

A slight tilt of his head towards his left. "I think we should wait for my butler to begin issuing invitations to the rest of the band I am forming before continuing anything; I am a bit tired from continually casting spells."

He did not clarify what he meant by that.

 

[G.I.Rose]

Adrian didn't bother asking him for clarification, she had the basic idea from what she heard beforehand at the door, and she decided it only worthwhile to cast a spell to know what he thought he meant, she pulled out a top and started to spin it for what would seem like just amusement if it didn't set off Peripheral Mage Sight.
(OOC: Casting Mental Scan. It isn't a Rote, so it gets 2 Reaches, and using dedicated mage tool reduces paradox rolls by 2. Reach 1 reduces casting time to instant while reach 2 is used to actually read thoughts as opposed to just flashes of vague, and in this case sympathetic, emotions, Paradox Reach is used to advance duration to Advanced track. It normally has a dice pool of 4, but the concentration Yantra boosts this to a 6. It got 2 successes, and has a chance dice on Paradox which failed It can be resisted down to 1 Potency with Composure. Given that he had been talking about the Princesses and the like, can I say it is safe to know the basics of what he knows about them? And that should conclude the scene.)

 

[Templum Domini]

Adrian didn't bother asking him for clarification, she had the basic idea from what she heard beforehand at the door, and she decided it only worthwhile to cast a spell to know what he thought he meant, she pulled out a top and started to spin it for what would seem like just amusement if it didn't set off Peripheral Mage Sight.
(OOC: Casting Mental Scan. It isn't a Rote, so it gets 2 Reaches, and using dedicated mage tool reduces paradox rolls by 2. Reach 1 reduces casting time to instant while reach 2 is used to actually read thoughts as opposed to just flashes of vague, and in this case sympathetic, emotions, Paradox Reach is used to advance duration to Advanced track. It normally has a dice pool of 4, but the concentration Yantra boosts this to a 6. It got 2 successes, and has a chance dice on Paradox which failed It can be resisted down to 1 Potency with Composure. Given that he had been talking about the Princesses and the like, can I say it is safe to know the basics of what he knows about them? And that should conclude the scene.)

He knows a bit; Princesses and Princes, also called 'The Nobility', are people of exceptional morals that were chosen by a mysterious supernatural force known as 'The Light'. The Light, though not the absolute axis of all that is good, is close to it; providing the ability to struggle for Love and Hope. This ability is expressed in the form of Transformation, the ability to assume a different form composed of one's ideal self. Basically, yeah, Magical Girls and Boys.

There was also something about the Darkness, but that was on the border between 'surface thoughts' and 'deep thinking' so not much of that can be known.

 

[Templum Domini]

Scene Ends: No Beats, Arcane Beats, or Luminous Beats yet.

 

[Templum Domini]

Episode/Chapter Ends: On second thought; I am not miserly or a sadist. With the end of the Prologue, you all get 1 Mundane Beat; 4 more until you get 1 XP point.

 

[RdMarquis]

It was May 12th, and Riley couldn't be more grateful. Not that anything special was happening that day. His birthday had been more than a week ago, now. But for some time, he thought May 12th would never come. Whether it was a quirk of his magic or the Powers that Be, he had been reliving the past few weeks for the equivalent of a year. One that ended with a journey to...well. It was a silver tower in the middle of a vast lake. Avalon, by all rights.

Now he was back in a school that seemed so unfamiliar, with new questions on his mind. How much of that had actually happened? What should he think of his experiences, now that time had seemingly returned to normal? And how was he to deal with the knowledge that magic was real? He headed to the old piano in the cafeteria. The time loop had seen him practicing until he thought his fingers would fall off. Time to see if that made a difference.

Giving little thought to who might be listening or watching, he begins playing a Chopin composition.

Dexterity + Expression (Playing the piano): 10d10o10h8 3

 

[Templum Domini]

It was May 12th, and Riley couldn't be more grateful. Not that anything special was happening that day. His birthday had been more than a week ago, now. But for some time, he thought May 12th would never come. Whether it was a quirk of his magic or the Powers that Be, he had been reliving the past few weeks for the equivalent of a year. One that ended with a journey to...well. It was a silver tower in the middle of a vast lake. Avalon, by all rights.

Now he was back in a school that seemed so unfamiliar, with new questions on his mind. How much of that had actually happened? What should he think of his experiences, now that time had seemingly returned to normal? And how was he to deal with the knowledge that magic was real? He headed to the old piano in the cafeteria. The time loop had seen him practicing until he thought his fingers would fall off. Time to see if that made a difference.

Giving little thought to who might be listening or watching, he begins playing a Chopin composition.

Dexterity + Expression (Playing the piano): 10d10o10h8 3

He didn't know why, but the song seemed even better than it technically was; in an emotional sense, the song seemed to resonate with him and become more beautiful despite its actual mundane quality. The old piano, no doubt his companion in the repeated year of his Awakening, and which had witnessed his mental and emotional growth with him, had taken on a quality that was not of him yet caused by him. Despite its wear and tear and age, it was beautiful, even...blessed.

OOC: In game terms, the year's worth of a time loop you spent improving yourself on the Piano, which made you capable of helping others better, was enough to turn said Piano into a Blessed Place with Size 1, Beauty 1, and +2 to Expression.

I know this isn't exactly how Blessed Places work, but it felt right.

 

[Ren Armany]

(((Collab between Ethereal and Ren Armany)))

A young woman sits in her apartment alone in complete darkness, except for the screen of her computer dimly illuminating the sparsely decorated living room of a small apartment. Her name is Lilliana Vesper and she is on an important mission. She has her dark brown hair tied back in a ponytail to keep it out of her way. For 7 hours straight, Lilliana had locked herself inside to keep herself from getting distracted, barely taking time to even eat. Her goal all day had been to find information about a politician who is clearly corrupted and working as the mayor’s lapdog, Ernst Arendt. Most of the information that she got about him came from a small, online newspaper called “A Breeze to Stir the Town.” Not the most original name, but at least the creator put in some effort. The newspaper barely said anything else about the man explicitly in the articles, but there was tons of information to be found within the site if only Lilliana could find it. So she decided that it was time to Transform herself to give herself a much needed edge.

((OOC: Transformation Roll Successful))

Lilliana transformed her body as quickly as she could. The first change that occurred was her burn marks that covered parts of her disappeared. Her elegant Regalia attached itself to her body in a spectacular fashion and her silver bracelets appeared on each arm, with the one on her left arm serving as her personal computer. The cheek scar that she had taken such great pains to hide become fully visible and seemed to even glow slightly, as if the Light was leaking out her. She finally became Lady Morgana. Her Transformed self. Then she began to get to work. There was no time to waste after all. Her first attempt was to simply find and hack the reporter who contacted the source and get into their emails, since it was unlikely their anonymous source would want to be seen face to face.

((OOC: Two Hacking Rolls. One for finding the person’s email. Successful. Another to hack into it. The second was an Exceptional Success))

“Praise the motherbeeping Sun! That was so easy!” Lilliana was so glad that there was no around her to actually hear that. During her search, Lilliana notices a few emails talking about unexplained deaths in the more downtrodden areas of the town and she saves those for later. She searched through the email’s inbox before quickly finding what she wanted. A simple email from a random contact that popped up sporadically in her important emails tab. “One step closer... “ Lilliana congratulates herself and decides that her best bet would be to actually email the person directly. Why waste time after all? She quickly crafted a small email describing the current situation of corruption and asked to have a meeting with the anonymous source immediately as it was of the utmost importance. The signature on the email read Sincerely, Lady Morgana.

There was only a small period of time where Lilliana had to wait before the silence was interrupted by the sound of a notification going off. Quickly, Lilliana checked it out and read what it said.

Hello. You must have some remarkable talent to have found a way to contact me and an even greater reason for doing it. While the first part is as frank as it can get, the latter has yet to be confirmed. After all, I cannot be sure if you are just another reporter with only the best of intentions or something else. You certainly are spot on with what the town faces. Corruption, powers out of control, fear. I doubt that Lady Morgana is your real name so I see that you may have something to lose as well. Looks like we have an odd first meeting ahead of us, but nothing I’m not used to at this point. Where would you prefer to meet? I would recommend we neither hide in the dark or bring it to light, just somewhere agreeable for both our sakes. I am a young lady of careful planning, and that requires a mutual agreement from both parties. I can only hope you feel the same.

Respectfully, Araquessa

Lilliana’s smile in that moment was positively radiant. There was something about that name that seemed familiar to her and she figured it out relatively quickly. There was an old show called Regal Dream Marquessa and it was something she cherished as a kid. They must be a big fan of magical girls. That works out in Lilliana’s favor. She quickly sent one more quick email simply stating, Meet me at the abandoned manor home on the outskirts of town in 20 minutes.You know where it is. She ran out of her apartment at full speed, her hood covering her face as she raced to the edge of town from her small apartment. Within 10 minutes, she arrived and sat down on the front steps of the manor home and waited for the contact to show themselves.

The snap of fingers could be heard, and its owner belonging to a girl whose posture was straight, her facial expression shaped into no particular response to Lilliana. She wanted to see the woman’s own reaction before she truly made anything clear about her involvement with the newspaper. Clearing her throat and straightening her skirt, Araceli’s feet moved her towards Lilliana in order to strike up a conversation and finally have a grasp on her true intentions. “You look much younger than any other reporter I have made contact with. Then again, I should be hanging out with people my age more. Consider it a point in your favor.” Without second thought, Araceli held out her hand. A person was defined by their handshake, how tight they made it, how loose. It wasn’t a true gesture of acquaintanceship without a smile that calmed the nerves and determined how much money you spent on your teeth to mark your wealth. “I am Araceli, Araceli Arendt. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Let us hope this impression lasts.”

 

[ethereal]

((Collab between ethereal and Ren_Armany))

Lilliana stood up and removed her hood and cloak from her Regalia with Tomoyo’s Touch. A sort of test to see how Araceli reacted. She grabbed Araceli’s hand and shook it firmly and smiled happily. Her teeth were perfectly straight and white due to the Transformation of course. “My name is Lilliana Vesper. Otherwise known as Lady Morgana in this form!”

Out of all the things that could have occurred this night, meeting a fellow Princess was a pleasant surprise. It took Araceli a full minute to even shake her hand back and adjust to the fact that she was not the only Princess around to help the town. She was even more surprised at how she revealed her true identity so quick. The trust of Princesses knew no bounds and that thought found its expression through a small smile on her face.

“Don’t tell me you transformed just so your teeth could make a good first impression on me. That would be considered cheating,” Araceli said, her smiling now teasing and her hand finally able to adjust the shaky first impression she had with a firm grip. “Always wonderful to see another agent of the Light.”

“Oh Araceli give me more faith than that! I Transformed so I could better hack into that reporter’s email! I needed to find out more information about a certain Ernst Arendt.” Lilliana smiles happily before asking her next question. Though she did decide to cast a Charm before it.

((OOC: Casting Scent Falsehood. Success.))

“You’re his daughter aren’t you?” Lilliana lets the question out into the open and waits for her response. “So why work against him?”

Araceli let that question sink in. They have had some good memories, the kind that she wanted to replay over and over. The thought almost brought tears to her eyes because of how so much has changed for the worst, especially after her ‘sweet 16’ birthday where harsh words were exchanged, onlookers spread disastrous rumors, and the sound of crying muffled by a pillow. There was also the fact that since he could not be moved by past memories of being a dad only motivated for the safety of his family, he fell into a hole where others could influence him and only leave behind a shell of the man he was. Maybe it was Araceli’s fault. Maybe she did not love him enough. Maybe she did not have the ability of a hero to turn his life and cruel love of control back into the father she admired when she was truly his ‘princess’. There was just no going back into the past. If she can’t help him, then she would give aid to others who have only ever known him as corrupt and help them know the truth so that they work towards a brighter future instead. Araceli has never given up on him, only that he will always be different because he is changed and that maybe he simply doesn’t want help from her.

“You asked why but have you ever considered why I would not do it? His actions have affected more people than I can ever truly understand the pains of, from their families, friends, their families. If I cannot help him, then I shall help those and everyone who have not only have taken their power away from them but to take down the corruption that made him and others so, regardless if that is far from the only factor. I have access to him that most people will never have. I cannot sleep at night unless I know that that day moved them one step closer to the justice they deserve.”

“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. And you didn’t lie during a single part of that! So I know I can trust you for sure.” Lilliana smiles and pulls out her smartphone. It has a cute, dolphin case on it. “Mind if I message someone else to meet us here? They are just like us!”

“The more the merrier, as they say. We cannot change the town if we only have four hands and if would be unfair if I didn’t show you my transformed self.” With a deep breath, Araceli took out her Phylactery, a limited edition Regal Dreamer Marquessa figurine. She had always done her part into making sure her hair was combed. "Light will shine and Darkness shall tarnish! Let this justice be bloodless and have purpose! Hope, envelope me!"

((OOC: Transformation Roll: Successful))

With a quick stretch, Araceli did her best hero pose that would wow any crowd nearby. Lilliana clapped and cheered as Araceli Transformed. It was always a sight to see a Princess Transform.

“Thank you, thank you!” she bowed, showing off her cape that took inspiration from an angel’s wings. Lilliana snapped a pic of Araceli and sent it to one of her closest friends, Rain. “They’ll be so excited to see this. I sent a pic to my Princess friend. Hopefully they will be here soon.” Lilliana stood against the wall and admired the night sky silently. It really was beautiful.

 

[RdMarquis]

((Collab Post between Templum Domini and RdMarquis))

Riley regards the piano with something close to suspicion. "What?" Something just changed. For the better, as far as he could tell. He had the ability to cast spells with similar effects, but that was the thing. He hadn't. A few minutes pass as he wonders how to deal with this apparent enchantment. Riley takes a deep breath and begins playing again, this time "Gretchen am Spinnrade". Because it was fairly challenging, not because he felt like jinxing himself.

Dexterity + Expression (Piano test): 12d10o10h8 7

He would hear the sound of soft footsteps coming towards him, as a Native American man in Janitor's clothing, with a wrinkled face and a full head of black and braided hair, came closer while mopping the place. This man had not been seen in the time loops Riley had gone through, and the young man's Mage Sight would see something strange and powerful in him. However, the feeling was not wrong, per se, not threatening. This Sauk man would then say to Riley: "Good music. Hard to find true dedication to art in these days; both sides prefer to accuse every bit of music of hiding 'subversive messages'. Do you know that various rock bands have been avoiding this town for fear of the Association's goons? Said goons also vandalized a few of our burial grounds 'for being heathen'."

A pause. "Not that the Lake is any better, though, in their methods. They don't lift a finger to help us except when they want some 'exotic' beads or headdresses to put in a museum to show off how 'multicultural' they are." A look at Riley. "I've lived beside this lake my whole life, I and my tribe, and I feel like doom is coming."

"I'm not gonna mention where that song is from, then." He raises an eyebrow at the man's last statement. "Doom?"

The 'Janitor' would nod. "I fought for this country in Agfhanistan and Iraq, and fought for this world against other threats when I came back. There is more to this world than you know, and more than I know." He would then rub his mop over a small section of floor, and say. "This town has become America in miniature, torn between opposing sides even as new problems approach."

His shadow seemed to grow, grow into an ursine shape. "If there is hope for this town, there is hope for healing for the country as a whole. If there isn't, we are doomed to an even worse world than we are now. Boy, indulge a man who has seen too much for a bit; do you know what a Werecreature is?"

"Mister, please tell me you're not a Twilight reject." It was what he wanted to say, but he had some tact. And, as of late, a more open mind. The fact that he clearly noticed the man's changing shadow helped matters. "Kind of," was his only reply. "Why do you ask?"

A nod of acknowledgement from the Native American as he said, "Well, let's make this short, just as time has begun to run out; You're a Mage and I am a Werebear. Werebears' function in the grand scheme of things is to heal wounds, either material, spiritual, magical or esoteric. Some of us are able to tell the future like you could."

A pause. "And I am here to bring a prophecy. Unless the Outer Dark's power over this town is broken, this will be the place where the Second American Civil War starts. This is already the country in microscom, a test bed for darker forces to experiment with throwing order into chaos, loyalty to hate, and causing everything to fall apart."

A straight gaze. "Use Divination, Modern-Day Knight. Know that my words are true."

((OOC: Mysterious Native American spends Essence to activate a Gift I made up just now. The eddies of time part for Riley, granting him 9-again rolls to his next use of Divination.))

"H-how do you expect me to respond to that?" Riley gapes. "And how the hell do you know that name?" He yanks a pen and a pocket knife from his backpack, drawing a sword on the back of his left hand with the former. Then he stares into the polished, reflective blade. To be blunt, he found the man's words hard to swallow. This spell was less an attempt at verifying what he was hearing, and more one to regain control of the situation.

Time + Gnosis + Magical Tool + Shadow Name, 9-again (Casting Divination): 7d10o9h8 5

((OOC: You got an Exceptional Success; pick a Positive Condition.))

Riley's vision would shift to the sight of two dead teenagers, a black boy and a white girl, their bodies riddled with gunshots. The next atrocity would be an arson attack on slums inhabited by working-class whites, a fire that would go out of control even in winter, leaving hundreds out in the cold. This would escalate as the 'Neighborhood Watch' would usurp the duties of the police, and shoot into a crowd of protesters during a standoff. And he would see the Mayor crowing over it all even as he was evacuated into a helicopter, a helicopter which would fly over a city tearing itself apart between rival militias.

Thanks to Social Media, word of the violence would spread, as similar paramilitaries of every political persuasion would crop up in a country whose nerves were frayed. Army units would try and keep order, but be attacked in turn, while an increasing number of soldiers would defect to the militias and protesters that were rioting all over. Anarchy would spread as the fires of revolution swept over America, with no end in sight. Genocide, slavery, indoctrination and brainwashing, torture and rape, those would be normalized in merely a few years; unless it can be stopped. Breezeton, the microscom of America. Breezeton, whose soul was still to be contested. Breezeton, which might yet heal its wounds if allowed peace and time.

But not if the Darkness was allowed to grow unchecked. Not if the Seer whose throne was at City Hall kept the wounds open so that they can fester. There was still time...but it was running out.

Riley realized he had fallen off the bench. "You-" There was nothing like watching a worst case scenario to render you speechless. The worst case scenario, really. "Let's say...let's say I believe you." He also believed (knew, really) that the future was mutable. And he wasn't ready to rule out the possibility of the man influencing his vision. "What now?"

The Native American said in a low voice. "Gather friends, look for those in the Light. Those who have not given up on love and hope." A pause. "Or if you want concrete directions, go to the Thompson Mansion; someone there is waiting for you."

He stands, carefully returning the pen and knife to his backpack. "I'll take it under advisement." It was the same thing he often said to his father. In all fairness, he sometimes meant it sincerely. Riley turns to leave, rolling his eyes at...Fate? The Powers that Be again? Presumably someone had decided he needed to be carrying the weight of the world on top of everything else.

"Farewell, young man," were the Native American's words. "Be careful. Also, a circle of friends is always a good boon to a person of good will."

 

[Rice Waifu]

Megan was intrigued upon overhearing the girls' conversation.

"There's more of them? First, I turn into friggin' Sailor Moon while trying to fight off Pennywise's crazy uncle, then I meet up with this rebellious Queen that tells me I'm reincarnated hero who has to fight this evil force of unending doom and gloom and now this? Christ, I'm receiving more revelations each damn week."

That Araceli chick, she'd heard a lot about her - or at least, her dad - on the news. The other girl, Lilliana, had mentioned needing some info on him. For the most part, they seemed like the kind of people she could work with.

"Well, since this around the point where the Plucky Comic Relief would show up and surprise the brave and courageous heroes, I might as well... introduce myself."

Dexterity + Stealth (Surprise Entrance) 1 Success. Contested by Wits + Composure.

 

[EmbreFrosste]

Rain's phone buzzed, a message from Liliana showing up on the screen. She wanted Rain to come over to wherever she was. Rain smiled and dropped the current task to start tackling the hair of doom. While trying to tame the monumental tangle that was her hair with nothing but a comb and determination for the sixth time that week, a picture popped up. Either it was another Princess, or his friend Liliana was at an anime convention. And Rain suspected the former. Understood. On my way, cap'n, he shot back in a text. Rain finished what she had just started and then ran off towards the direction she knew Liliana was in... somehow.

 

[Ren Armany]

(( OOC: Contest Roll 3 Successes. ))

Megan's attempt to surprise Lilliana falls short as she notices her coming from a mile away. It's relatively easy to hear footsteps when everything else around you is quiet after all. Lilliana simply looks up from her cellphone and smiles warmly at the new arrival. "Hello there." She giggles at her own reference and puts her phone away without responding. Rain would find her regardless. That was a fact.

"What brings you here to this abandoned house at night and why were you trying to scare us? Do you always try and surprise people when you first meet them? If so, why?" Lilliana walks over to Megan and scrutinizes her for a few moments, absorbing as much detail as she can about her. Apparently satisfied, Lilliana motions for Megan to join her and Araceli.

 

[Rice Waifu]

"Oh, you know, dramatic entrances and all that." Megan said, smirking. "So, Princesses right? Those girls who fight with colorful outfits and cute weapons against a sentient force of eldritch horror and evil and all that jazz?"

The two girls looked at each other. Lilliana spoke up.

"Greetings, whoever you are, I am Lady Morgana and this is my friend Celestial Guardian Araquessa. Might I ask, how do you know about Princesses?"

Megan pulled a perfume bottle out of her pocket. "Funny you should say that, I have something to...reveal." She took a deep breath.

"IT'S SHOWTIME!"

((OOC: Transformation roll: 4 successes. 10-again roll: No extra successes.))

 

[ethereal]

((OOC: Contest Roll 2 Successes))

Although this young girl was stealthy enough to stay out of their line of sight, what took Araceli by surprise was the massive flash of light that easily pushed back against the darkness of the night sky. Araceli saw Lilliana put her hands up to block the flash out of reflex. What was once a soundless night became this otherworldly performance of immense proportions.

This girl was not an onlooker anymore. She was a Princess and all could detect it from even a mile away. It popped out like a transformation sequence in Regal Dream Marquessa. Araceli greeted it with open arms and would have to acquaint herself with the girl in a more polite matter.

Readjusting her gloves for a handshake and preparing for an introduction line, Araceli sauntered over to the girl. "Today just keeps getting better and better. If I would've known that two fellow Princesses would come my way, then I could've made some arrangements for a tea party instead of a not so welcoming house manor." Araceli whistled at it. "Definitely not my first choice."

She looked back at the young girl, eager for a handshake. "I am Celestial Guardian Araquessa! An agent of the Light who will fight for what is right with all my might!" Araceli was never ashamed of how many words she could pile on in a sentence. It was one of her charms really. She held out her hand and prepared herself for the second handshake of the night.

 

[EmbreFrosste]

Apparently Rain was not as far away as she thought, as she managed to catch sight of the light show as she jogged in Liliana's general direction. A deficiency in vitamin S for Subtlety, I see. Ah well, she could give them a talk when she got there. Considering that the picture she received from Liliana of the second Noble was already transformed, this must be a third. What an interesting day.

As Rain approached the group, she waved to Liliana and said, "I dig the pyrotechnics, but you do know that there's an abandoned building right next to you where you could have done that without attracting unnecessary attention?" Rain cracked a wide smile and repositioned some rebellious strands of her begrudgingly straightened hair in their proper places. Her classic flannel shirt was buttoned up halfway, and the weather this time was warm enough for her favored style of shorts.

 

[Ren Armany]

Lilliana recovered from the fantastical light show and spun around to face her friend. "Rain! You finally made it over here! Look at all of these Princesses that I found! The new girl has a really pretty Transformation with a bunch of flashing lights and music! Though you probably saw and heard it. Also you're the last one to arrive to the Princess party! We have a whole flipping team of Princess now! Think we can have a super cool team name?" She practically started bouncing around from how excited she was, although she at least tried to maintain an air of dignity and grace. Lilliana wasn't very successful at it.

"Come introduce yourself to everyone! I can tell we are all going to be great friends!" Lilliana ran over to Rain and practically pulled her into the center of the circle of Princesses. "Okay! So the reason I came out here was to investigate that one politician I was telling you about, Ernst Arendt. The super corrupt one that is the mayor's lapdog! I found some articles about him from this sketchy, online newspaper and tracked down their source's email and set up a meeting. Sorry I didn't tell you sooner!" Lilliana took a breath before continuing.

"Turns out they were the politician's daughter and also a Princess like us! Her name is Araceli and I trust her cause she said this really long speech about her dad being a prick! Then this other Princess overheard us talking and decided to join in! At first they tried to surprise us though, but it didn't work out too well since Araceli and I heard them coming. Still haven't told us their name yet though. That's why I forget to send you my location. There are so many of us now! This is just like a Magical Girl anime! Do you think we can get our own show?" Lilliana's geeking out finally came to an abrupt stop as she realized how long she had rambled on for. She looked apologetic and rubbed the back of her head. "I'm sorry about that. I got a little excited."

 

[AdorablyDevious]

"CARRY ON MY WAYWARD SOOOOOON!
THERE'LL BE PEACE WHEN YOU ARE DOOOONE!
Lay your weary head to reeeeeeeeeeeest!
Don't you cry no mo-ooooore!

Buh duh nuh nuuuuuuh
Buh duh nuh nuuuuuhhhhh
Nah nah nuhnuhnuuuhhh!!!"

Lionel jams out in his car, which really wasn't much. A simple beaten down old car from sometime in the 1990's that he bought one sale at a used car warehouse simply so he could get around. Buick 1995 Roadmaster Wagon...the ultimate "dad" car and honestly, Lionel wouldn't have much different. Sure, it had some modern amenities but besides that...it was kind of a shitty car for a man with slightly below average taste when it came to his vehicles. Eventually though the song would end with a flourish and Lionel would get out of the car, sighing as he pats it with a hand. "Right...well if'n I'm going to wrangle myself up a few magical people I suppose I should go at least a bit prepared..." a soft breath, his hands moving to his chest as he says this. A small amount of chanting before he throws down her arms, breathing rhythmically and giving a haughty 'Hah!' before he casts his spell.

Honing the form: 1 Success
It's a rote (But not a praxis) so 3 reach. Switching Primary factor to Potency, Using advanced duration so it can be 1 scene. Using 1 reach for both stamina + strength. Using 1 Reach for increasing above limits. And 1 reach for instant action. Spending 1 mana to make it 2 paradox die. ( https://orokos.com/roll/592545 ) 1 Success thanks to my rote mudra. And ( https://orokos.com/roll/592548 ) no paradox.

Once he's done, he sighs softly, checking out his newly enhanced muscles for just a moment before looking over at the abandoned house. It was time to invite the new people to the "party" it seemed. He didn't know much about them and he didn't want to just...drag them off unwillingly but if he had to, he had to. He adjusts his collar for a moment before moving to the house. He knocks on the door, his low, gruff voice coming through the door "Hello? My name is Virtus, and as much as this sounds like I am from the Government...we need to talk."

 

[Templum Domini]

Virtus and the Princesses would suddenly notice four men walking towards the abandoned mansion, wearing combat vests with shirts underneath and dark green pants. Their shirts' shoulders had the badges of the Neighborhood Watch - a hand grasping a lightning bolt - sewn on them, and they carried shotguns and pistols, as well as knives. Their eyes were grim, filled with belief in what others would consider lies. But to the Princesses, they would feel it; the presence of the Darkness.

As they came closer to the abandoned manor, they would draw their weapons and walk forwards, before saying:

"This is the Neighborhood Watch! You girls better have a good reason for being here, or we'd give you a citizens' arrest for criminal activity!" But the grins on their faces showed that they wanted a fight...

OOC: You get four Deluded Vigilantes as your first combat encounter.

 

[Templum Domini]

OOC: The Deluded Vigilantes, although Darkened and with minor supernatural powers, cause Paradox like Sleepers.

A AdorablyDevious , add +4 to your Paradox dice if you choose to attack the Deluded Vigilantes with Magic.

 

[ethereal]

The manor house's atmosphere shifted into uneasiness for the group. What was once a joyous gathering was forcibly changed by another group trying to take over it by proudly declaring themselves as just voices of the law.

Glaring, Araceli's immediate reaction was to get into a protective position in front of the group. For people who were the so-called Neighborhood Watch, the look in their eyes suggested a larger desire for a clash than actually shielding the people from the night's regular terrors. However, if they truly set some of that vigor into a concentrated goal, this encounter could come out with no one injured. The night didn't have to end in a fight.

It took all of Araceli's drive to be the first speaker of the group. These people certainly craved some answers whether they liked it or not. "We were just checking out the manor house that has stood against the bonds of time as well as making small conversation. Surely it isn’t a crime to chat with friends?" She gave them a disapproving shake of the head. "We got what we want and we will be on our way. We are not the only people in the town, after all. You should be putting your minds together where it does not concern some young people and an elderly man."

The elderly man intrigued Araceli greatly. There was something regal and powerful about his stature that she could not put her finger on. His stance was on of a clearly experienced fighter. Araceli knew that this man was more extraordinary than meets the eye. Just by standing next to a person could only lead to great things. Araceli walked next to him, having the belief that whatever may come the group could take it on together. That’s what having a unified goal was all about.

 

[Templum Domini]

OOC: If you're going to attempt Social Maneuvering against the Deluded Vigilantes, they have 4 Doors. 2 from Composure, 1 from going against an Aspiration (I'll leave you to guess what) and 1 from seemingly going against their 'Virtue', which is (percieved) Justice.

 

[Rice Waifu]

(OOC: Using Sweet Fragrance. 2 successes. Rolling for Extra successes: None. Contested by Composure + Supernatural Tolerance)

 

[RdMarquis]

Practically collapsing under the shade of a tree, Riley tried to make sense of his vision. It had to be real. At least as real as any of his other premonitions. Which meant he had to do something about it. "Uuuugh..." He covers his face with his hands. Where would he even start? Spying on the mayor? In spite of himself, he chuckles at the idea. Maybe he was plotting this disaster where someone could look through a window and see him at it.

No, the janitor was right. He needed help, and lots of it. Riley sighs as he pulls out his phone. Damnit. Should have gotten the old man's name. At the moment, he didn't have much of an idea as to where he could find that help. But he would settle for having someone he could talk to without being completely secretive.

He types out a quick text. <Mel. You got a minute?>

 

[Templum Domini]

(OOC: Using Sweet Fragrance. 2 successes. Rolling for Extra successes: None. Contested by Composure + Supernatural Tolerance)

OOC: Two doors opened.

------

The Darkened sniff the sweet fragrance, and despite themselves, relax slightly. One of them stepped forward and said:

"You are still trespassing on other people's property, though. How are we sure you are not smuggling drugs, girls?"

The rest nod at that.

 

[ethereal]

The Neighborhood Watch seemed genuinely concerned about their activities. Araceli felt a tinge of guilt at how they were right about them trespassing. If news reached the town, her parents wouldn't think for a second about locking her in the house. They could still vouch for their innocence. Araceli found herself being the lawyer of the group again.

"We would never even think about doing such a thing, though you are right about us trespassing. It's wrong of us to disservice the town's abandoned places like this by making small talk. For that, we all confess to our crimes but also ask that you try to understand. We are just kids who have not seen much from outside this town. There is a desire to discover the thrills of exploring the unknown."

Araceli wanted to calm them down, knowing their nerves got the best of them in this situation. There was no telling what could happen at night after all. It belonged to everyone. "I'm sorry on behalf of all of us. The Neighborhood Watch is on the side of justice. But I ask that you find mercy in your hearts."

((OOC: Soothing the Deluded Vigilantes Nerves: 2 Successes))

 

[EmbreFrosste]

Rain wanted to do something in this situation, but didn't feel like she could. People still wasn't her specialty, and it looks like her new friend was handling things spectacularly. So Rain stayed silent, allowing Araceli to work both her literal and figurative magic.

 

[Templum Domini]

The Vigilantes' leader would say, "All right; but one hint of drugs and you're all done."

And with that, he would lead his band of Darkened to go...

 

[G.I.Rose]

((Collab between Templum Domini and Flying Toaster.))

Kyle would then look up at Adrian, and say, "Anyway, if you want to make yourself more useful, we need to go up to the highest room of the mansion. I'll show you the way."

And with that, the young man would walk out of his study, which was at the back of the mansion, and guided his fellow Mage to a set of stairs that led to the uppermost level of the estate. This level led to a room filled with telescopes and mirrors, the latter framed with silver and carvings of roses. There were also brass-edged mirrors, leather bracers, steel rods, and various materials that can make for Supernaturally-resonant tools. Kyle's next words were, "I made the mirrors myself; I'm a person of many talents."

He then pursed his lips. "Anyway, I've been casting Fate Spells to prevent someone from shooting a black teenager, whether deliberately or by accident. It's costing a lot of magical resources, so I need someone else to make my spellcasting more efficient. I trust you can help?"

Adrian seemed somewhat unimpressed with everything in the mannor, though not entirely because it wasn't impressive, she just seemed to be thinking about things other than the oppulant wealth at display here.

"As it stands, I definitely can help cast spells, though doing it over a huge range of people would be someone... Problematic. I suspect I might be able to look into the future and see when and where the next shooting that would set off someone's sensibilities would happen and stop them from going there, which would also have the added benefit of ignoring the ones that aren't going to set off a powder keg as it were, but I suspect you have a more practical solution to stopping the dire straits that the town is in than just stopping violence against the underpriveleged through divinations and the like?"

Kyle nodded, before saying, in a grave tone, "Yes. The Mayor has overreached himself by trying to control both sides of the struggle. If he wins, he gets the power that he wants, but if he loses, it would take a while for the warring factions of the city to regain their initiative and independence. By trying to use both sides as puppets, he has robbed them of the ability to function without him. That will leave us with an opening that can be used for healing." A pause.

"Or, if I can manage to be plain, we overthrow the mayor and set someone better in his place." Another pause. "Not just that, but we will also bring job providers that haven't been corrupted by the Seers, the Darkness, or just the human urge to bully and demonize. Yuri Nikoforov and his figure skating academy are only the first; others will come and slowly make up a coalition of economic assets that would remove the monopoly of the Lake University and the Association of Dairy Farmers. Without their monopoly - or rather, duopoly - we can shut up both factions and their bullying and pave the way for saner voices."

"So the course you are saying is more practical than stopping potentially random shooters by looking into the future is find a way to murder a mage likely more experienced than the both of us combined? I know that isn't quite what you said, but if he's a powerful enough mage, and has the might of the Seers behind him, he would be rather hard to overthrow otherwise."

Adrian took a deep breath as she thought hard about ways to tackle the situation.

"If I were to get somewhat more proficient with mind magic and he wasn't expecting it, I could get close to someone that's gotten close to someone close to him and cast a spell erasing his mind through that chain, but that's hardly going to be fast enough to really do anything before this all goes horribly awry, and I might as well strive to become an Arc for all the good it would do at that point. I suppose we could also go straight for the throats of the heads of the orders, I know I've wanted to get revenge on the Headmistress of the University ever since she expelled me for being 'Clearly and dangerously mad' for persuing seemingly bizare research experiments that lead to my awakening, so the joke's on her I suppose."

Kyle would nod, "Headmaster's a Thyrsus with an Artifact that casts Shield of Chronos, but she is more killable than the Mayor, especially when caught by surprise and with numbers on our side. I am already assembling a group to deal with the threat the Lake University poses to my attempts to bring Yuri Nikiforov in. Right now, though, we need to focus on casting the needed spells. Can you do that?" A frown. "And before someone says that Yuri Nik is a weak link and can be influenced into getting out of here, the other members of the Cabal-Nakama are dealing with that possibility offscreen."

Then Kyle lifted up his ring hand, which was silver engraved with roses, and began to concentrate.

((OOC: Casting Serendipity on Adrian. Gnosis+Arcana+Dedicated Tool+High Speech+Willpower. Two successes.))

"Well, color me surprised on that, although if she was one of the types to talk to animals in her free time I can see why someone chasing after a proposed point in the city that had theoretically infinite space between it and everything else would scare her enough to think I was a stark raving lunatic. But, I can probably cast the necessary spells, but I definitely can't cast the spell you just did. I can more than easily take knowledge of the shootings to happen and prevent them from ever happening, but something tells me you have that part already covered. I SHOULD be skilled enough at looking through time to figure out which thread of actions is going to lead to what by watching them, but I don't know how reconcilable that would be with your current methods.

"But, we have at least a half an hour to work together my on average ability to affect time, and your ability to browse through what fate says, and we should have 3 hours between then and when your guests are arriving to go ahead and cast as strong a spell as possible."

In truth, she had the idea that Kyle was able to also use Time magic, if not as well as herself definitely enough to work to predict which shootings needed to be stopped before the whole fuse was lit, but she wasn't quite sure if time magic was even the approprite Arcanum to use in this regard. It was unusual, since she had tried before now, and obviously failed because of her desire to not see an armed conflict interupt her studies had dragged her into all of this, avoid the more deeply political side of the Awoken world and all of the planning and deep cooperation that that entailed in favor of carving out a nice nest egg of money and just dedicating herself to researching the lie.

Kyle would nod. "Indeed, we're going to need a combined spell for this; and yes, I have basic Divination."

"Well, since that's the only real method of looking into the future I have, I suppose that will just have to be the whole of it." Adrian let out a sigh. "For as much as I use this spell, and it's importance in being able to keep making rent, I'm surprised I haven't sat down and learned a rote for it yet, although I guess I look into the past in my research far more than I ever do the future. Well then, should we handle this fast or take it slow?"

The reply was, "I have two out of three hours, yes."

"Well then, not enough time to take our time with it for extra power than. Alright, do help out, since I'm only going to take a handful of seconds."


As Adrian said all that she set about casting a spell (OOC: 1 Mana spent for casting a non-rote Common Arcana spell) chanting in High Speech about the vision of the future as she held aloft her own ring made from rough and hand forged iron at the same time that Kyle started doing much the same as she was doing on his side of the ritual circle.

(OOC Casting divination: 2 free reaches, base of 2 Potency, dice pool of 4 to start out. High Speech Yantra (+2 bonus) and Path Tool Yantra (+1 bonus) and Kyle's Aid (+3) 1st Free Reach is spent to ask more detailed questions about the future with answers beyond Y/N/M, 2nd Reach is spent "Instantly" casting it, though with the High Speech, it takes 2 instant actions to cast. Base Dice Pool of 10, Add 2 potency for a Base of 6

Kyle's Casting of Divination to help is Time 1, Gnosis 1, dice pool of 2, High Speech and Order tool for a +5. Spending 1 free reach to cast instantly.
4 Successes with 4 potency/questions about the future, 1st one being "What is the Name and Address of the next person to commit an interracial shooting against a person of color in the town of Breezeton" "When and Where will the next interracial shooting against a person of color in the town of Breezeton occur?" "What is the market direction of my current stock portfolio going to be in the next 2 weeks." and "What are the Names involved in and the time and date of the second soonest interracial shooting against a person of color in Breezetown?")


(The results are, in order, "Nick J. Allen, 4399 Copper Road" "In 21 hours on the campus of Lake University of Technology Student Dorms" "General Uptick" and "Winston P Manchester and Mary M. Coil at 3341 MLK Drive")

Kyle frowned. "The Lake University of Technology Student Dorms. The entire Lake University is warded against Fate and Space Magic, so we cannot remotely affect it. Thankfully, Copper Road is a different matter entirely. As you're a Mastigos, can you remotely influence Nick Allen's mind? Or I can just hex his guns to break down..."

"Well, if he is being hired to stir the pot, as can only be assumed by the timing and location of the shooting, then he either would call into work if I just told him to stay at home, which would accomplish about nothing. In theory we could break into his house and steal all of his guns, but presumably he would be on the neighborhood watch, and might not even have guns in his house. I could steal his guns as soon as he gets to the place since there are only so many ways to get into the student dorms, and I could in theory cast a scrying spell to detect guns, but I don't know how many mages would be watching for mass scale scrying spells, and that doesn't discount the possibility that there are potentially multiple shooters on backup in case the plan fails, because I know if I were deadset on trying to instigate a war I would have as many backups as possible.

"I would, unfortunately, need to get a bit more information in order to come to some kind of answer, and unfortunately, we would need something he cares about before I can really try to cast a spell to find that information."

The reply from Kyle was, "We can't do anything using his True Name?" Then a grin. "There's also the fact that the shooting can't happen if there are no shoot-tees in the Lake University. If we can do something like cut off power or cause the sewers to be blocked up on the day of the shooting, there'd be no cause for incident. And we don't even have to cast a spell and trigger the wards; we can just send the group I am organizing to disrupt the Lake Uni's plan for rioting anyway."

"Well, knowing his name makes it theoretically possible to cast it without anything, but he doesn't exactly have any Sympathy to anything we have, and without that it's much harder to actually cast a spell on him without being able to see him. About the difference between trying to cast a spell on your father, and cast a spell on JFK's dog. Honestly if it were a whole lot closer than from the comforts of this room, say the inside of his house, the whole thing wouldn't be any problem. Just a matter of figuring out if and when he got the orders from a superior, or if they are crazy, and what the specific orders would have been and watching that play out assuming that the Mayor didn't come prepared and block that moment in time from scrying.

"Actually, if we were there in person I could probably force him to talk about the plan outloud while he didn't even notice me, which would be a lot easier than finding something that might have been aranged weeks or months in advance."

A nod from Kyle. "I can arrange for a car to drive you there; Co-Location might be...unwise. Not just because it can be interfered with, but also because using magic for everything makes one less wise."

"Well that will hardly be necessary, I have my own car, and It's been months since I've hit a red light in a rush." Adrian found her way out of the Mannor to where she had parked a few blocks away and got into the 2004 escalade and started chanting under her breath as soon as she knew the coast was clear.

(Out of Character: Casting Red Light/Green Light in positive form with the High Speech and Rote yantras. Base Dicepool of 9 with 5 reaches. 1st Reach is used to reduce it to Instant Action (2 for High Speech) 2nd puts it on the Advanced Duration, in order to make it last for 1 day. Exceptional Success: Refunds the 1 Mana spent on Divination earlier)

As she drove to her destination on Copper Road, she found that she was having a right go at it, with trafic clearing right as she got there and every light she hit being green, making the trip in only about an hour as opposed to the hour and a half it would normally take to cross town at this hour. Because she knew the Neighborhood Watch had a more active presence in this part of town, she made sure to park a few blocks down to avoid arousing suspicion. A trick she had learned the hard way once during her Awakening when she was working in this area.

She started chanting in the Supernal Language and pulled out her top in order to start spinning it on her hand. She was casting a powerful spell, so she wanted to keep any unpleasant side effects to a minimum.

(Out of Character: Casting Incognito Presence with High Speech and Dedicated Tool: Base Dicepool of 6 with 1 free reach. Free Reach goes to shortening it to 2 instant actions, 1 Extra Reach to Advanced Duration to 1 whole day, and 1 extra reach to make it so exclusively active mage sight can detect my presence. 1 Success on Abyss Roll Contain the Paradox 2 successes for 1 bashing damage. Failure on attempt #1)

 

[Templum Domini]

((Collab Continued.))

Adrian recoiled slightly from the Paradox of the last spell, and was clearly annoyed that she hadn't been veiled to the concept of a thinking mind.
(OOC: Attempting to cast Incognito Presence, same set up as the last time.Paradox Roll 0 successes 3 successes this time on activating the spell)

Now sure that she was going to be impossible to find for the whole day except by wizards who knew where she was and was looking for things hidden from mind specifically, she donned a mask as extra security against cameras, even though the person looking at the footage wouldn't be able to see her either.

But, she started her 'invisible' walk to 4399 Copper Road and examined the front door when she got there to see if their man looked like he was at home or not as she activated her Mind and Space Mage Sight to be aware of any supernatural "Traps" that could lie in wait for her.

Her Mage Sight would detect something Supernatural, but not of the Supernal; it was similar to the Abyss, but more actively malicious. She could see flickers of shadow at the sides of her vision and sense something...gnawing at the back of her mind. The place itself stank of this wrongness, and she would feel the urge to get away.

"Well, this place feels just like my dormatory, so that's definitely not a good sign." Adrian ignored her base reaction to run away from anything that reminded her of that miserable chapter of her life just seven months ago and opened the door, quietly to make it seem like he had just forgotten to shut the door all the way and the wind was pushing it open as she looked around for any potential witnesses other than Nick.

There weren't any; Nick lived alone. But she can already see guns and right-wing posters on the living room walls. And she can hear the sound of snoring, loud snoring from the bedroom on the second floor. She can also smell decay; mundane decay from mildew, rotten junk food, and hoarded trash.

She could already tell she was going to 'love' nick, and that this would be somewhat easier to do. She decided since he was alsleep, and so best as she could tell dreaming, she sat down on something next to him, and started aligning her surface thoughts with his until she was able to communicate with him. She couldn't risk him 'hearing' her, even though he wouldn't notice her in the slightest it might wake him up, which wouldn't do. She took a few seconds to reduce the duration of her Green light to just a few more seconds and let the magic fade away and started casting a new spell with her ring gripped tightly.

(OOC:Casting Telepathy with the Yantras of Path Tool and Praxis 1 free reach to reduce casting time to Instant. Dice Pool of 5. 3 successes for a condition for an Arcane Beat on herself.)

And she sent a basic message from the perspective of "Ronald Reagan" in his mind asking him what his plan at the University was. She had hoped this would seem like a normal thing in his dream, since he was no doubt likely thinking about it a whole lot, and going over it in his head over and over.

And as soon as she had planted the seed for it to be at the forefront of his mind and the quickly burning out spell was cast, she cast another spell to read his mind, never letting go of her ring.

(OOC: Casting Mind Scan as a Praxis with Path Tool. Base Dice Pool of 5 and 2 free reaches. 1st Reach makes it an instant action to cast, the second to get words and more details than vague symbolism. 2 successes, with 2 potency. Resisted by Composure.)

"Kill those elitsts and n__ers who are taking away our freedom of speech and raping our women!" Nick's dream-self would say, even as Adrian's telepathy would detect another set of voices inside Nick's mind, a set of voices whispering incoherently but sinsisterly. Suddenly, she would find the voices intensifying; they hadn't detected her, per se, but they were trying to influence any intruder...

((OOC: <SPOILER> casts Caligine Dark Thoughts Consume, dice pool of 7 - modifiers are unknown - plus 3 from Willpower. Dice Pool for Adrian is Supernatural Tolerance+Composure. Resistance roll Gnosis 2, Composure 2, +3 Willpower. 4 successes. <SPOILER's Roll.> - 3 Successes, including a 10, which is to be rerolled. Reroll for 10 is 3.; number of successes is still 3.))

Adrian was somewhat perterbed at the voices inside of Nick's mind, and while she was tempted to just kill him, she had better ways to handle this. And, from what she had gathered from Kyle's brain, the people he was going to gather to aid with his works would be pretty decent at handling these kinds of events. She was going to leave it to them, and was safe in the knowledge that he wasn't being hired by the Seers of the Throne.

And so she left the building, leaving the door open, she started heading in the direction of her car.

She would see a Native American Man approaching the apartment as well, a Native American Man who would prick her Mage Sight if it was active. He clearly wasn't a Mage, but he could be dangerous...

Adrian decided that it would be easy enough to follow this strange person who seemed to have the same objective as she did in mind, and she was completely 'invisible' to any senses that they might have. If she had wanted to she COULD just wait until the moment of the shooting and mentally command him to turn himself into the police. She suspected there were more things she could have done, but nobody could find her for the remaining 23.45 hours of the spell, and this had piqued her curiosity.

The Native American Man would enter, and Adrian can see a flash of violent intent emanating from his mind through her Mage Sight. And in front of her eyes, she could see him transform into a Half-Man, Half-Bear form, his clothes slowly being absorbed into his transformed body instead of torn apart. With claws extended, this Werebear would walk forward to Nick's still-sleeping form, sniffing the air...

(Out of Character: Int+Occult 0 successes, suspect violence for sure)

Adrian wasn't going to do anything to stop him. She already cared about Nick an especially slim ammount, and this was going to simplify proceedings a whole lot if he was killed by an interested third party. She was somewhat curious about this werebear, and considered mentally asking him for details telepathically after he did whatever his violent intent was telling him to do, but regardless, she was treating him as a strange third party and possibly hostile, since as far as she knew he had just 'randomly' picked this house as the person to murder today.

((OOC: Native American Man uses Healing Gift I made up just now. Rolling Int 3, Medicine 5 + Willpower. Exceptional Success. Rerolling 10s: No successes.))

A shape of Darkness would manifest from the man's mouth, eyes, and ears, combining with shadows from the place itself to form an amorphous blob of pure Un-Light. The Werebear would then chomp on this blob, eating the pure darkness, consuming it and purging it inside his intestines, which would glow with a light that resembled Prime-fire, but was different. Then he would mutter words, words that resembled a blend of Native American and Sumerian, and attempt another rite.

((OOC: Native American Man uses another Healing Gift I made up just now. Rollling Manipulation 3, Empathy 3 + Willpower + First Tounge - assuming it adds a bonus to Gifts. Exceptional Success. Rerolling: 3, 10, 10. Rerolling: 3, 9.))

Nick's sleeping expression would change to one of peace and understanding; a calm rare for a person like him. The Werebear would then transform back into a Native American Man, and prepare to leave...

As the werebear was preparing to leave, Adrian decided to check up and make sure it wouldn't be a waste of efforts to prevent the shooting tomorrow. (OOC: Same as the last Mental Scan. 1 success, 2 potency if he wants to resist it with composure) and as soon as she was satisfied with whether or not she should follow up and stop him tomorrow or not, she would follow the werebear for a minute unless he just vanished, in which case she would head back to her car.

A scan of Nick's mind would find the man fully reformed, with his thoughts no longer of bigotry, malice, and murder. He wasn't fully reformed, per se, but he would no longer shoot anyone on the behest of his own psychoses or that of the unknown Supernatural who had been influencing him.

But as for the Werebear/Native American Man, he would attempt to meld into the shadows of a nearby alleyway...

((OOC: Dexterity+Stealth Check; Native American Man has 5 + 5 because he is a powerful NPC. 3 Successes.

Because of her active Mind Sight the Werebear didn't disapear in the slightest to her discerning gaze, and because of space sight, she was able to tell how far away he was to within 3 significant figures. But, she would keep up watching him until she got within a 20 minute walk to her car to just see what he was doing now that he did... Whatever it was that he did before.

The Werebear stealthily stalked the alleyways, heading for an apartment in a run-down portion of the city inhabited by a mix of poorer Whites, Latinos, and Native Americans. This apartment looked unsettlingly ordinary, until the Werebear's mental signature vanished once he entered in.

Adrian took one look at the obvious magic on display there (My guess is either space or mind, but I would see that with my active mage vision) and decided that it was worth further study, but she didn't exactly have the time since she would already be arriving back at the manor slightly later than expected, so she took mental note of the address and how to get here from the main road, and hightailed it out of there back to her car, which was only 15 minutes away from where the person's appartment was.

As soon as she got back to where her car was, she would get in, take off her mask, and reduce the duration down to a moment before driving off.

 

[Ren Armany]

((Collab between ethereal and Ren Armany))

Lilliana was in awe that Araceli and that other Princess who did not say her name yet were so easily able to work together to convince the Neighborhood Watch to go away. She was glad that the night didn't have to end in violence. "That was awesome! Great job team!" She pauses for a moment as a sudden realization comes to her.

Lilliana turned to face Araceli. "So Araceli. Would you mind telling me more about your father? I have plenty of reason to believe that he is corrupt as it gets and I’m sure you know that as well.”" Araceli felt her back stiffen and Lilliana's words kept repeating in her mind if only to drown out the outside world. It was to be expected that Lilliana would inquire about him, seeing how that drew them out into the night.

Although her mind was still processing the question, Araceli managed to stammer out a few sentences to cover up the awkward silence. "I'm definitely no stranger to his activities. While he tries his best to be very discreet about them, I still live with him and thus have more access than the regular newspaper would dare to reach in for. I could shorten our relationship to two simple words: it's complicated." She tried to mix a little humor in there to smooth the seriousness of it all, but it came out more graceless than anything.

Lilliana nodded and thought about what to say next for a moment. "What you're going through is awful. I'm sorry you have to live with such a man. I can only imagine what living in that household is like." She looked somber and respectful. As if she felt the pain that Araceli carried deep within her heart. Pain that stemmed from situations that you couldn't escape from and were forced to deal with on a daily basis. She knew that pain well.

It wasn't strange that others might feel sorry for her but it was a reminder of how her life looked to outsiders; detached and not open for much interpretation by others. What was actually behind doors in the Arendt household was the bread and butter to the news reporters whose thirst for the latest scoop never stopped. Araceli could only look towards the ground, hesitant on what words mended Lilliana's pity for her. "Thank you. It hasn't been easy but I can do a lot of good with it too. I owe it to the town and my friends to be the best citizen I can be, and that starts with admitting what problems are in the town's political system."

"We wouldn't have met up after all if it wasn't because of that." Araceli said. Life had plans for them, plans shaped by a fight for justice, change, and a desire to see it all through. "I can't imagine not doing anything about it since we're all here, aware of each other's presence and powers."

Lilliana nods and then looks at the ragtag group that is around her. Her eyes pass over Megan, Rain, Araceli, and then lock onto the elderly man that came to talk with her and the others right before they were rudely interrupted by the Neighborhood Watch. "What's your story? You said your name was Virtus right?"

 

[Templum Domini]

Practically collapsing under the shade of a tree, Riley tried to make sense of his vision. It had to be real. At least as real as any of his other premonitions. Which meant he had to do something about it. "Uuuugh..." He covers his face with his hands. Where would he even start? Spying on the mayor? In spite of himself, he chuckles at the idea. Maybe he was plotting this disaster where someone could look through a window and see him at it.

No, the janitor was right. He needed help, and lots of it. Riley sighs as he pulls out his phone. Damnit. Should have gotten the old man's name. At the moment, he didn't have much of an idea as to where he could find that help. But he would settle for having someone he could talk to without being completely secretive.

He types out a quick text. <Mel. You got a minute?>

A response appears in just a few moments. <What's the matter, Riley? I'm just about to start my next gig!>

The exclamation point was intended to convey excitement, not anger or surprise, as it was followed up by an emoction, < >.

 

[RdMarquis]

((Collab Post between Templum Domini and RdMarquis))

Riley heaved a sigh. But he shouldn't have been surprised. Before things got weird a month (or year) ago, it had seemed like everyone except for him was busy with their own lives. Things hadn't changed that much. Well, they had, but he needed to keep it all a secret. Speaking of which...

<If you're busy, don't worry about it. But I wanted your opinion on something.>

<How would you ask someone for help if it was a life or death thing?>

A pause; the equivalent of eye-blinks, before Melanie would say: <Well, I would say, as seriously as I could: [Insert Name Here], I need your help, then insert [Life or Death Thing] afterwards. I will try and convince them with my serious expression and my voice and my looks and offer proof as well that this really is a life-and-death thing. And do it all with style, of course.>

He laughed. Partially out of frustration. But it wouldn't be fair to blame someone who literally couldn't know what was going on. <Just like that?> Even so, the response left him feeling incredulous. <I'm being serious here. I don't know who to go to. You know how the cops are.> The locals who aspired to that position, anyway. Which was the nicest way you could describe them. <And I doubt your parents would listen to me.>

Another pause, before Melanie texted. <All right; I'm doing a gig near the Daniel Boone Park; had to pull some behind-the-scenes stuff to prevent some University students from pulling some controversy over the name.>

A bigger revelation about Melanie's less showy activities than Riley would be accustomed to. He would also remember or infer that people might have been threatening to vandalize the park because it was dedicated to someone who committed genocide against Native Americans. <Can you come to the park? If it's really that serious, I can cancel the gig.>

<No.> Despite the circumstances, he couldn't help but feel guilty about her offer. <I'll be there. But if you're singing those really old Disney songs in honor of the guy, I'll have my headphones on. > Riley stood and headed for the park.

In the greenery of Daniel Boone Park, he'd meet Melanie, clad in a costume that made her look like more...mature version of Tinker Bell. The young lady would smile, and hug Riley without shame.

"Riley!" she would say, "I'm glad you're here!"

"No problem." He gives Melanie what he hopes is a casual, non-judgmental smile. Briefly lowering his voice, Riley tells her, "We can talk about...you know...later. So, what's this concert for?"

Melanie keeps smiling as she blinks. "Oh! It's a charity concert; meant to raise funds for additional winter coats and food for the winter! You see, there are people in that slum who are out of a job and the Mayor's promises have not come true yet. So I am raising awareness of their plight even though it's still spring!"

A smile as she whispers to Riley, "It might even be the beginning of a political career; I plan to run for Mayor myself in the mid-term elections in November..."

Riley, in contrast, does not bother to hide his surprise. "Mel. You're sixteen. You haven't even graduated from high school." He'd heard people saying she was something of a prodigy, but this was just ridiculous. "Please tell me you're just kidding." At least this meant she had a mind for politics. Hopefully.

Melanie turns away, still smiling. "Oh! Well, I should be telling you I meant November 2020 but you'll see; you'll all see."

A light, born of idealism and kindness and compassion mixed with outsize self-belief, shines in her eyes. Metaphorically, of course.

((OOC: Echo. 1 success.))

"That was the cutest mad scientist speech I've ever heard," he deadpans. Now, was that his sixth sense going off, or...? Keeping his eyes on his sister, Riley focuses his magical perception.

He perceives nothing evil, but there was something, and that might worry a concerned half-brother. If his vision included roses, those would turn blue-white and crystaline, but all in all, the picture was positive. It's just that there was a picture at all...

Why did he think this would get less complicated? He resolves to keep a journal of his findings. It occured to him that wizard's libraries were probably all filled with notes on this kind of thing. And he wasn't even counting Melanie's political ambitions. "Okay, so do you have any more bombs to drop on me, or should I let you get the concert started?"

Melanie closed her eyes for a while, and said, "Nothing more, Riley! But, well, for once the concert is over, I have something to show you."

Was she a magic user like him? At this point, he had to consider the possibility. All he had to go on was some eccentric behavior and a strange aura, but that was a lot of eccentric and strange. "I'll hold you to that, Mel." Not literally. If he couldn't trust his best friend to keep her word without a magical oath, he couldn't trust anyone.

Timeskip

The concert had ended, and Melanie had shooed away her crew and camerapeople so that she and Riley can have some time alone. Smiling, she asked: "You ready, Riley?"

Once Riley gave her answer, Melanie would begin glowing...

((OOC: Transformation Action. 4 successes; rerolling 10. Reroll: Another 10; rerolling. Reroll: 1 success. Exceptional Success.))

Once the glow had faded, Melanie had transformed into someone undeniably her, but also different; more beautiful and regal and more importantly older. Wearing a breastplate that covered her chest and midriff, with arms bare and legs covered in peach-colored stockings that led to black leather combat boots, and a skirt of crimson hue whose back parted into nine floating sections that evoked a kitsune's tail. Riley's Mage Sight would flare widely at this, telling him that whatever Melanie was, she was not like him.

A smile from the young lady, for lady she was now, as she looked at Riley with a smile. "You don't know how long I wanted to tell you..."

"Congratulations. You are now officially the weirdest thing I've seen today." He thought he'd have more trouble coming up with a coherent response. Useful was another matter entirely. Riley sighed. "Topping the, uh..." Well, it would be insulting to continue thinking of the janitor as a Twilight escapee. "...presumed shapeshifter." He held up a hand. "Nevermind. And, uh, it means a lot that you trust me enough for this."

Melanie smiles wider. "I trust you a lot. You're a...friend." The smile turns more faded, sadder. "Not a day passes by when I don't think about how unfair the world is, that it treats people differently because of circumstances they can't control. But I'll fix it. Don't worry, I'll fix it."

"Wait. I can help you." It feels strange saying so to someone who, to his eyes (even his magical eyes) isn't Melanie. "Hold on... You've showed me yours. It's only fair that I return the favor." Riley grabs the pocket knife from his backpack. He carefully inscribes a spear in the bark of the nearest tree before as he focuses energy on the reflective blade. "Here, watch."

((OOC: Casting Influence Heat. 2 successes.))

Their surroundings suddenly become freezing cold. Save for the knife, which leaves sparks as Riley uses it to scratch out the spear marking. "I'm not a...magical girl?" The media apparently had a lot to answer for. "But you wouldn't believe what I've learned to do in the month since I moved here."

Melanie shivers, but adorably, deliberately adorably. "Oh, you're like Kyle. Yeah...he's offered to help fund my campaign."

Another reference to the Thompson boy.

Sensing more weirdness coming his way, Riley narrows his eyes. "Who's Kyle? And how am I like him?"

The response was, "Kyle Thompson; he lives two estates over, in the Thompson Mansion. He's a Mage."

"Guess that's my next stop. Someone really wanted me to talk to him." If he was beginning to sound tired, there was a good reason for that. Riley clenches his fist in annoyance, dismissing the spell. "But we are going to go over...this," he gestures with his arms as a vain attempt at indicating their collective situation, "the first chance we get. Me-" He gives "Melanie" a confused look. "You can call me Medraut when we can't use our names. What do I call you?"

A regal smile. "Alouette.."

 

[EmbreFrosste]

Rain perked up when she noticed Virtus's presence again, realizing that she could hear the telltale hum of Sorcery on the man.

((OOC: Spending 1 Wisp to pinpoint Virtus as the ritual sorcerer she's picking up without having to take the Spooked Condition. Failure on the roll to read an impression of his magic's nature. Aspiration fulfilled: Meet a Ritual Sorcerer))

Rain walks up to Virtus with a spring in her step, clearly excited to meet him. "What is it that you wanted to talk about?" She asked, anticipation beaming from her expression.

((OOC: Because Rain has Reflected Light as a Practical Charm, she can recognize Virtus's spell with a mundane Wits + Occult roll. Because she also has Forgotten Lore as Practical and she intends to master knowledge of the Occult, she gains Acqua as a bonus at no cost. Exceptional Success. Templum Domini requesting the Condition "Informed (Supernal Magic)."))

 

[Templum Domini]

Rain perked up when she noticed Virtus's presence again, realizing that she could hear the telltale hum of Sorcery on the man.

((OOC: Spending 1 Wisp to pinpoint Virtus as the ritual sorcerer she's picking up without having to take the Spooked Condition. Failure on the roll to read an impression of his magic's nature. Aspiration fulfilled: Meet a Ritual Sorcerer))

Rain walks up to Virtus with a spring in her step, clearly excited to meet him. "What is it that you wanted to talk about?" She asked, anticipation beaming from her expression.

((OOC: Because Rain has Reflected Light as a Practical Charm, she can recognize Virtus's spell with a mundane Wits + Occult roll. Because she also has Forgotten Lore as Practical and she intends to master knowledge of the Occult, she gains Acqua as a bonus at no cost. Exceptional Success. Templum Domini requesting the Condition "Informed (Supernal Magic)."))

OOC: Granted.

 

[AdorablyDevious]

Virtus sighed for a moment as the men left. He had been standing there, hands in his pockets and looking straight at them. He chewed on his tongue a little bit, a little thing he always did when he was anxious. He'd always stop before fighting of course but the burly, elderly man didn't seem like he needed to this time. He looks over towards Rain, Araceli, and Liliana. With a little sigh he turns to them and gives a little nod and as good of an 'old man trying to be hip with the kids' smile as he can. "Ah yes, I am Virtus. I am here on behalf of my master, a man we call 'Operator' to come gather you three..."

Of course he would send me on this job. These young kids probably wouldn't know true struggle if it punched them in the mouth. It's fine though, they'll learn. Perhaps they have some use anyways... Virtus thought to himself, poking his tongue against his cheek for just a second.

"You are needed for something rather important. You'll be superheroes or some bollocks like that..." he added.