[center][hider=Gifts][color=BC8F8F]"All they need is a [i]hand[/i],"[/color] It emerged from the shadows, slowly, taller than it had any right to be. What it tossed out from that writhing lair drew attention, but it hovered in their periphery. Panic was stillborn, words and thoughts caught in the weight of shifting chains and a smile that seemed to stretch beyond reason. It did not linger, as they stared. [color=BC8F8F]"Remember,"[/color] it said, chuckling from whatever constituted its core, [color=BC8F8F]"the Miasma is a [i]gift[/i]."[/color] Sterility returned to the room, despite the rotting appendage displayed at its center.

[color=D87093]"What the [i]hell[/i] was that?! Get security in here,"[/color] From behind a helmet the order came, armor shifting and boots pounding as a result, [color=D87093]"I want that [i]thing[/i] found and executed! I want footage of its entry, I want-"[/color] Someone stepped into the pale circle of light. A man with dark skin, an easy smile and sinister eyes. He held up a hand, adjusting his vest and leaning down to observe the pox-eaten appendage.

 [color=87CEFA]"Calm down, Maya,"[/color] Luca Beake said, [color=87CEFA]"it's just a hand. Even if it [i]does[/i] contain some level of Miasma, there's nothing to worry about."[/color] He picked it up, tossing it lightly into the air a couple of times. [color=87CEFA]"Wow, it's heavier than I thought. Do we have anything on file about Miasma increasing the weight of limbs, without obvious mutation or surface-level growths? Maybe this son of a bitch was just dense?"[/color] He was in his own world. The lights kicked on, as he crouched, the door flying open and a squad of S.C.A.R.E rolling in; weapons free. Behind them trailed the Quarantine Team, their own implements lifted.

 All eyes were on the 'scientist'. Maya watched him, from behind her helmet; a slight motion of her hand putting the S.C.A.R.E at ease. [color=D87093]"Luca, you shouldn't be [i]playing[/i] with that fucking thing. It's dangerous, hand it over."[/color] Expectant and imperious as her station allowed, the S.C.A.R.E  commander took a few steps. Luca turned on his heels, still in a crouch, and tossed it to her, laughing. It was, indeed, heavier than it looked. She grunted. [color=D87093]"Thanks. Clean him up. Keep him in quarantine for thirty-six hours. No chances."[/color]

[color=87CEFA]"That seems a bit extreme, but fine,"[/color] his hands went up, and he rose, [color=87CEFA]"I want to examine it, when I'm released. I don't care if anyone else does tests, but I want them [i]out of my way[/i] when I'm out. Clear?"[/color]

[color=D87093]"Clear, sir. Take him on down, boys."[/color][/hider]

[i]Blackthorne Medical and Munitions is one of the largest companies in the world; manufacturing items to meet the needs of the people. It is they who first discovered 'Miasma', three years ago, through unknown means, and they who seek to keep it contained. Despite their efforts, many cases of Miasma Infection have occurred around the world. For a time, they simply executed the infected with no fanfare. The Special Combat And Requisition Enforcers (S.C.A.R.E) have, in recent months, received a shift in the focus of their efforts. Now, instead of executing those touched by Miasma; they are collecting them.

 New Steel City is where our story begins, in the year 2042, a bustling metropolis situated on the North American East Coast. A creature appears, throwing a piece of the puzzle before them. Not just those gathered in the lofty heights of the [b]Evadne Complex[/b]. No, this being seeks to spread the "gift" of Miasma to several worthy candidates.

 Most of those who come in contact with the "disease" are twisted beyond recognition, becoming grotesque parodies of life; their forms and minds ravaged by the Miasma's sinister influence, driven only by the need to evolve and consume. A rare few suffer a stranger fate. They become something [b]more[/b].[/i]

 I intend for this to be a story of horror and exploration. Our Characters can come from any walk of life, given the interference of "Smile", the creature that walks in shadow. The story, its self, will focus on the events to transpire within New Steel City. The mystery behind Miasma.

 I expect three to four paragraphs, per post! Standard Guild Rules apply, otherwise!

 If you are interested, please let me know! I'm willing to answer [b]most[/b] questions that will come up. So long as they don't touch into [b]spoiler territory[/b]. I plan to take up the roles of [color=D87093][i]Maya Wyrick[/i][/color], [color=87CEFA][i]Luca Beake[/i][/color] and a Character targeted by [color=BC8F8F][i]Smile[/i][/color].

Thanks for reading!

[url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/167404-shadow-smiles/ooc]Out Of Character[/url] Thread is now up![/center]