A preview of the flavor intro for the OOC portion of [i]A Game of Desire[/i]. It introduces a few new terms and hints at a few things.

[center][hider=Loner]The Last Adherent watched over the bustling city, a wraith in tattered rags; unseen by Mortals and unbothered by other Sponsors. He, if such sexing were not a superfluous thing, had already chosen his Participant. A criminal, currently awaiting death. Others would choose differently, their own desires more steel than gossamer. Yet, his thoughts were not on such a trivial matter.

Corner City was a massively populated area. The Obstacles presented, once The Event began would be countless. Lives would be lost, and the city itself would become a horrific amalgam of nightmare and familiarity. All through its fetid veins, others moved. Mortal and those beyond, alike, were making their preparations. It was no grand secret. It was simply the nature of things.

Sanctuaries would be created. Pacts would be forged. Participants would choose how great their role. As the Adherent made his ghostly rounds, Desire resonated deeply; a tone both melodious and odious at once...the cacophony of human minds. The other Sponsors would follow strong Desires.

Just as someone was now following him. Another Sponsor. The Last Adherent slowed his gliding, coming to a complete stop in the network of alleyways. Even with the midday Sun overhead, it was a place cast in darkness. [color=4682B4]"What is it you wish from me,"[/color] he said, creaking like a coffin lid,  [color=4682B4]"Nautical Queen?"[/color] The luminous emptiness of his hood was turned in her direction, as she slithered free from a veil already peered through.

[color=696969]"Forgive me,"[/color] she giggled, wiggling, "it is just [i]quite[/i] rare to have an opportunity like that. Many in the Court would be interested in what you're doing, Last Adherent." When he said nothing, she continued. [color=696969]"Even if it [i]is[/i] something so mundane as observing the stage, before the game."[/color]

The two had never been friendly, even if the Nautical Queen liked to keep a chipper attitude. [color=4682B4]"I care not for their interest in my activity. Nor the machinations that you are going to soon present to me,"[/color] the weight of his gaze lifted from her, but he did not turn, [color=4682B4]"I will have no alliance with you, nor the Man of Glaives, nor the others."[/color] She pretended to be disappointed by the news. He knew that she had already known. [color=4682B4]"The Old Ways will be upheld. The Judges and Game Masters have already been chosen. If you are of a mind to warp such tradition, punishment is a certainty."[/color]

The words were colder than usual. The Nautical Queen almost laughed, despite herself. Instead, she raised a hand. [color=696969]"Merely curious, Last Adherent. I had hope that you would understand, but I assumed this would be the outcome,"[/color] she smirked, showing rows of small, sharp teeth, [color=696969]"I wouldn't want to waste anyone's time. After all, it is a commodity of striking rarity, now, is it not?"[/color]

Silence, for a moment.

[color=4682B4]"Less than twelve hours. Midnight will mark the end of 'normalcy', for the Mortals of this world,"[/color] he seemed to relish in it, or so the Nautical Queen supposed, [color=4682B4]"The Event will change all that has come to be in this Incantation. When that moment passes, you and I will be enemies."[/color] Despite herself, she felt a small shiver. [color=4682B4]"All the Court will become competitors. Mortals with strong enough Desire will be chosen. Other Mortals will reveal what was hidden within them, all along. Through our Participants, we will determine what is to come...after the ashes of this Incantation are swept away."[/color]

Something was amiss. 
Of course, she knew what was coming; but knowing did little to quench the ember of unease that The Last Adherent had so easily sparked. He was older than the rest of the Sponsors, by far, and, as she had heard it told, one of the last who had come from the First Court. [color=696969]"I will leave you to your thoughts, then,"[/color] she became transparent, but not yet absent, [color=696969]"please reconsider joining myself and the Man of Glaives."[/color] Then, she was simply gone from the Mortal Coil.

Alone, The Last Adherent chuckled. Though none would witness it, he would stare skyward for some time before departing. 

After all, the clock had begun to tick. With each movement of its lopsided arms, The Event came closer to release.

[color=4682B4]"Soon,"[/color] he whispered into the darkness, [color=4682B4]"they will come to understand."[/color]
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Just thought I'd drop this tidbit here. Hope you enjoy. Continuing to work on the rest of the OOC info.

Later.