[center][h3]Act I[/h3][/center]
[@DracoLunaris]
[hider=Hunting for Inspiration]
While Zouyu was tended to, the weretiger broke into a cold sweat within his sleep. His life teetered for a bit due to the exertion of exhausting his mana pool entirely. He seemed to be caught in some sort of bad dream judging by how, after a bit of his mana returned, he would turn violently in Kaldorna’s lap. When he finally awoke, the weretiger had nearly bitten the vampire in his tossing, a sorry look crossing his face as his ears fell flat against his hair. [color=fff79a][b]”...I’m sorry, Kaldorna. I just wanted to show off and...and then I just made trouble. I’m fine now...also you have a really nice lap,”[/b][/color] the gardener would say, chuffing contently as he rubbed his face against Kaldorna’s thighs. He was odd for sure, but he was at least earnest in his apology. He really did intend just to show off, prove his worth, and help out.

Once they returned and Zouyu could walk once more, he would gently hug Kaldorna and smile, saying: [color=fff79a][b]”Thank you, Ms. Kaldorna! If you ever want some extra help on a hunt, gimme a call! I have to go tell Rodias about all these new plants, but it was a lot of fun! Take care! You too, guys!”[/b][/color] Zouyu would say before walking off as if he hadn’t just been comatose. Now thankfully the pens had a grazing animal that was worthy of being fed to their beasts. And, with the new edible herbs being grown in the garden, Flan’s cooking would reach a new age of experimentation.
[/hider]

[@Archmage MC][@Rockin Strings]
[hider=The Scent of the Sea]
Torture would prove effective, and the jiggling mass of caramel pudding being waved in front of them would certainly break the relatively weak-minded cultists. They wouldn’t have much else to give in exchange, given that they were relatively picked dry for information and teetering on the verge of madness from pain and Light’s aura. Literally nothing of value could be gained, it seemed, beyond the most minute of details to be asked, when, quite suddenly, a scream echoed out from one of the cultists. Specifically, the one that had been embraced by Light. It was an inhuman, gurgling sound, the like of which could be attributed to no beast upon this earth, even in its death throes. 

The very flesh upon his skin curled upwards, flaking off rapidly as if something was clawing its way out from inside of him. And, it seemed as if something was as his very ribs pierced his flesh, bone splintered apart from bone, twisted amongst flesh and engorged itself on blood and cannibalized more flesh as he became something...distinctly inhuman. Something far, far from the realms of sanity. His eyes would become dark, yet shone from deep within with a light beyond understanding, beyond rationale, beyond memory or instinct that could ever be fathomed. And now, he was [url=https://i.imgur.com/BROK5Jz.jpg]a true monster.[/url]

Gromgard, experienced in battle could already sense something was wrong as the mutation started, and in spite of efforts to slay him as he was chained up each wound that may have been inflicted would be swallowed by tides of flesh and bile that replaced it. Within a moment he would lash out, rancid nails that had become coated in his blood raking across the face of his neighbor cultist, rending his face apart and slashing a line through his brain, slaying him instantly. 

Struggling against his bindings, he would moan in guttural, primal noises as his free hand swung for Light, the void-being proving plenty agile enough to dodge away from the grasp of her devotee.

The remaining cultist had soiled himself in fear, wailing and sobbing in madness as he flailed against his bindings, trying to escape from this hell. If something wasn’t done fast, he might turn out just like his companions...either dead, or very, very much something inhuman.
[/hider]

Collaboration with [@Enkryption]
[hider=Project Necropolis Report: Seven-day Summary; Holding Court, Business and Civilian]
For seven days and seven nights, Chuunitrixx was silent; locked in her room, her Chapter torn from the Book, and all but burned. It was Socrates that ran the show, as he was tasked to do. At first, he was solely swamped with damage control, as the Alpha Survivors rioted within Enderall; the opulent city a mess of explosions and gunfire, magic and melee, as they destroyed in accordance with Chuunitrixx's divine turmoil bringing it back to its old ruin.

Gamma, Epsilon, Beta, and Delta were too far away to be wholly affected by her misery and hatred, but without her Chapter attached, Socrates had to send Messengers to rush the near-to marathon, and inform them of their tasks and their loss.

And, all hell threatened to break loose.

Deprived of their Ascendant, each of the Villages went on a form of mourning and strike and became of ghost towns; choking the Chateau of its steadily growing surplus of material and coin. Due to the mouths to feed, it would be immediately noticeable by Flan, as she ran out of surplus of outside fish, veggies, fruits, meats, and herbs to cook with, and had to fall back on what the Chateau could provide from its bestiary and gardens within the week; as well as by the Treasury as the coinage was immediately choked when Beta ceased their clandestine trade operations.

Sighing, Socrates summoned Plato, Aristotle, Leonidas, and Alexander to the Chateau, and called for an audience before Rodias.
[hr]
[color=f7976a][b]”I take it these are your brothers, then?”[/b][/color] Rodias asked, looking at the arrival of the fivesome. He was immediate in meeting with them, seeing as he already needed to speak to Chuunitrixx directly.

“[color=saddlebrown]Who the hell are you calling a brother!? You trying to say something!? You wanna go, little Dhampyr!? I’ll show you a brother in a minute![/color]” roared an absolute Amazon of a woman; tall, yet lithe, and shredded from the shoulders down -- truly, her face was her only femine features, beyond her breasts, which were shrunk to simulate her strength-oriented existence. A lasso noosed about her neck, however, as another woman, one that screamed of regality and command, chuckled. “[color=sienna]Relax, Leonidas. He’s a fledgeling among titans. He’s yet to grow into his role,[/color]” she says, “[color=sienna]Alexander’s my name; King, but semantics. I watch over Beta as Overseer, and all pursuits of Rangerhood. That firecracker is my sister, Leonidas, and she’s the Overseer in charge over Delta and Warriorhood. Socrates speaks highly of you.[/color]”

A small, bishie walked up to Rodias, and extended their hand. “[color=goldenrod]Plato, at your service. I’m charmed,[/color]” they says, as Rodias could not decide if the extremely androgynus being was male or female. However, the one that stood next to Plato might have pushed that even further into confusion, as they were almost beat for beat in design. Twins, perhaps. Or, worse, twin traps. “[color=darkgoldenrod]Aristotle's the name. I am the Overseer of Epsilon and all things Alchemical, and that is my equal, the Overseer of Gamma and all things Spellcrafting. And, yes, we’re both male. If you are uncomfortable with that, truly, I do apologize, but... deal with it,[/color]” he smiled, looking, simultaneously, like the cutest girl and the most precious boy.

“[color=chocolate]And, of course, you know me well, my Hollow Lord. But, I am Socrates, Overseer of Alpha, and I dictate the movements of all at the express wish and whim of my Lady,[/color]” says the infamous nightmare of a Mimic, discarding the guise of an old man, for a much younger, pretty boy look with a voice as smooth as chocolate.

Rodias seemed actually pleasantly surprised that whatever rudeness he encountered was magnitudes lower than the type that Socrates embodied.  He’d admittedly made a mistake assuming that just because they all had male names meant that they were all male, but still, a brute’s threats was significantly easier to brush off than a sociopath’s schemes. Rodias would cordially accept the handshake, while also being confused about two things. One...Socrates spoke highly of him? Since when? And, two...he didn’t really care whether Plato and Aristotle were male or not. He’d assumed they were from the start, and figured that, on average, in a group of five at least two were bound to be male. Or female. It just seemed to be how group dynamics worked. Socrates being younger didn’t change Rodias’ perception of him however. And he doubted that people on his level would behave much better to begin with. Rising from his throne, Rodias would ask: [color=f7976a][b]”So, what did you all need to speak to me about?”[/b][/color]

“[color=chocolate]Sit, sit, Hollow Lord, ours, do not stand on our humble account,[/color] Socrates smiled, “[color=chocolate]We’ve come to report to you, not you to us. So, do stay seated. Besides, you’ll need the support...[/color]” Socrates tossed his arms out to his sides, a flair for the drama, and grinned, “[color=chocolate]As of this point forward, Chateau Gothika is cut off from the Necropolis Project![/color]”

[color=f7976a][b]”Oh really?”[/b][/color] Rodias questioned, not seeming all that surprised. [color=f7976a][b]”And what next? What other stupendous news do you bring that serves some goal of your’s that I’ll only know of after I lash out? And, better yet, why am I being told through surrogates rather than from my ‘best friend’?”[/b][/color] Rodias questioned, clearly done playing Socrates’ games.

“[color=saddlebrown]He mocks us! He belittles us! He! He! GAH![/color]” Leonidas roared, straining against her leash, as she slammed her fists into the table. “[color=sienna]He knows not what he says, Leo. Relax. Let Socrates do the talking. That’s his function,[/color]” Alexander says.

Socrates noded, and smiled at Alexander; then, he returned to Rodias. “[color=chocolate]My Hollow Lord, it is unbecoming to sully My Lady, when she, herself, is unawares. I called this meeting, I arranged this court, and this, you pompous, little child, is my show,[/color]” he says, his entire tone and demeanor darkening beyond anything he’d displayed, “[color=chocolate][b]Do not use your friendship with Lady Traptrixx nor Lady Chuuntrixx as a weapon before me. You have not yet begun to see the depth of hell I will put you through, if you make her cry again. I restrained myself with Graft, and did not pillage his Dominion to the ground, because this Chateau cannot afford such a substantial loss of resources... yet, you did nothing to him, about him, but placate, I bet. Because, you do just that,[/b][/color]” he narrowed his tone to a razor’s edge, “[color=chocolate][b][i]You kill me out of hatred for your own weakness, your own failures, and your own inability. You are a Hollow Lord, allowing the misactions of one to stand, and the actions of another to fail; slaughtering anyone that forces you to confront that reality. Do not speak of friendship, when you have shown so little in kind. A surrogate I may be, but Lady Traptrixx is my mother, before you are ever my leader...[/i][/b][/color]”

...Socrates took a fake breath, and broke into a smile, “[color=chocolate]But, that’s all water under the bridge, dear Lord of Mine, because I’ve had a week to think, and I’ve decided to restart supply runs. Why? Because, I can, mainly, and because, I want something, and you need supplies. Try as you may, you aren’t getting anything substantial out of dear, sweet Mamoru’s skeletons or lumbering, old Gromgard’s gobbies, are you? Too monster to be seen and ignored by those humans out there. Unlike us. Yes, we really do want to help you, but we need your help, too. Aristotle, if you would...[/color]”

Aristotle, assisted by Plato, with comically oversized guidecards, explained, in great detail, how Chuunitrixx could come to lay eggs, and create new species within the boundaries of Enderall’s Mimic Support System. “[color=chocolate]As you can see, we just need DNA, but... we’re fresh out of Human. Tch! I know, I know, you wanna say, [color=f7976a][b][i]“Bummer, Soc. Try your luck elsewhere, freak,”[/i][/b][/color] don’tcha? Well, here’s the deal: Help us regain out Ascendant, and Chateau Gothika receives 75% of all supplies to COIN, and as a bonus, you are made Honorary Chairman of the Project -- refuse, and you gain 25%... nah, I’ll say, 10% of the supplies, and I’ll continue to make your life a living hell, only on purpose, now,[/color]” Socrates says.

Rodias didn’t seem to react all that much to Socrates’ outbursts, at this point knowing that he spoke in deceptive half truths that by and large felt designed to provoke a response. The statement of how he’d made this meeting himself was indicative of something wrong beyond the fact that Enderal was now disconnected from the Elevator system. Rodias had in truth planned to barge in himself in about an hour, but this procession before him presented itself as an opportunity. Taking steps forward, Rodias would poise his hand underneath his chin. [color=f7976a][b]”I take it then that you have specific individuals in mind? A project like this would usually demand the best quality genetics. And, I’m assuming you’re unwilling to use the ‘guests’ being tortured in Gromgard’s chambers?”[/b][/color] Rodias questioned.

“[color=chocolate]But, of course. Although... Nah... you wouldn’t do that. You take everything seriously..[/color]” Socrates’s face unfolded, as he smiled beyond human limits.

[color=f7976a][b]”You know, you’re horrible at baiting people. Just tell me what it is you’re thinking of. Or rather, what you already intend for me to do,”[/b][/color] Rodias said, interrupting. He clearly had no patience for games.

“[color=sienna]He is catching on. He might be worthy, yet,[/color]” Alexander says.

“[color=chocolate]I don’t think so,[/color]” Socrates says. “[color=chocolate]5%. That’s what this meeting has earned you, my Not-So-Hollow Lord,[/color]” he stood straight, “[color=chocolate]My dear Overseers, we shall simply have to press on without our Ascendant, as they Chateau must without ample supply. Each month, upon the fourth day that ends the Human’s concept of a week, a supply carriage will be sent to Kaldorna and Zouya, as the Groundskeepers, they will handle the transfer towards the COIN. Everything else will be stockpiled within Enderall, as surplus for our useage.[/color]”

“[color=goldenrod]Hm, I dare say then, we are adjourned. I do hope the carriage ride back isn’t dreadful,[/color]” Plato yawned. “[color=darkgoldenrod]Before that, I’m famished. Is the kitchen open,[/color]” Aristotle asks, looking at Rodias.

[color=f7976a][b]”The kitchen should be open. Flan prepared breakfast, and served more than enough. Feel free to have a eat down there and eat. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have humans to find,”[/b][/color] Rodias stated, giving a slight bow before heading towards the window and opening it. [color=f7976a][b]”What are you specifically looking for?”[/b][/color] he asked, seemingly completely ignoring the fact that Socrates just told him the deal was off.

In the time it took for Rodias to remove, direct, and redirect his attention to the window and back to the Mimic Overseers, they were gone; all that remained her piles of Sentry parts, drained of all their essence. There was a possibility... they’d never been truly been in the room. However, one thing was true: there was no deal.

That much, Rodias had expected. But that didn’t matter right now. The thought of doing anything for Socrates disgusted him, but the reality of it was that he wasn’t doing it for him. Chuunitrixx was losing control, and doing this would probably help her retain a better grip on her civilization. As such, Rodias would dive from the top floor of the Chateau and run along the length of the building, vanishing from sight in complete daylight as the shadows themselves seemed to envelop him.

Within an hour, covered in slight splatters of blood and wearing the remnants of a cultist outfit from Gromgard’s torture room, he would return, having attacked numerous people and gathered samples of their DNA after knocking them out, or slaying them outright. Admittedly, he could have killed all of them...but this could work in his favor as well. The more unrest there was about the cultists, the more the local lord would be pressured to do something.

Walking up the stairs from the fifth chapter to the sixth, Rodias was aware that the chamber being disconnected meant that such access was impossible for him as a Sable Lord, at least in a traditional way. However, there was always another way. A way that couldn’t be ignored from the old rules set by YGGDRASIL.

[color=f7976a][b]”Set code alarm: Chapter 5 has been passed.”[/b][/color] Rodias said simply, before the entirety of the Chateau would be made aware of an intruder upon the Sixth Chapter. Alone, Rodias would invade the Chapter, and deliver the DNA samples himself to Chuunitrixx in the midst of the riot. Immediately after his entry the alarm would shut down, signifying that it was either a false alarm, or something as simple as an insect just happening to luck its way through a window and up to Chapter 6.

Rodias couldn’t be registered as an opponent, so he bypassed any threats, and came to the sound of crying, a kettle whistling, and a masculine soothing the feminine crying with niceties.

Thankful that he wouldn’t have to harm any of the mimics, Rodias would approach the source of feminine crying quietly, initiating his Stealth Skill to make sure he wasn’t intruding at an inopportune time. [color=f7976a][i]”Chuunitrixx…?”[/i][/color] he would think in his approach.

“[color=chocolate]Here, my Lady, drink,[/color]” Socrates sighed, “[color=chocolate]You’ve cried enough tears. The threat of Graft is dealt with. Rodias is... difficult. He’s, like, Lady Traprixx was. Lost. Hm...[/color]” Chuunitrixx sniffed, and let her head drop onto her kitchenette table. “[color=forestgreen]This was a bad idea, Socky. You, Leo, Alex, Plu, and Tole... you guys are trying so hard just to make me happy, because... Lady Traptrixx left me a mission to protect Rodias...[/color] she sighed, “[color=red][b]Now, I’ve fucked everything up. Plu stuck in the cold with stupid monsters. Tole’s got a whole army behind him. Leo and Alex might lose Units, to help them, and they’ll be weakers. I thought... if I made the Ascendants... I could show a force of power... Rodias would stay put, stay safe... but, I didn’t... plan it... How do you do it, Socrates? Plan things? Play people? Be so bold?[/b][/color]”

“[color=chocolate]I’m immortal. I don’t fear dying, even though I can. I don’t fear being murdered, even though I can be. I don’t have to think about things, beyond what you ask of me, my Lady. Myself, Leo, Alex, Plu, Tole... we want to make you happy, and we want to see what Lady Traptrixx’s fondest hope, and only daughter, can do when she’s really trying,[/color]” Socrates says, “[color=chocolate]So, c’mon, Grandma! Chin up! We have things to do![/color]”

“[color=forestgreen]I’m not a Grandma, Socky! I’m still young and fresh and my hinges don’t squeak at all![/color]” Chuunitrixx whined. Socrates was cracking up, [color=chocolate]Well, you’re my Grandma, and I love you, and your occasionally squeaky hinges! Now, sit up, and I’ll make you another cup of coffee. I’ll set out two. We’ve company. Don’t we, my Lord?[/color]”

Rodias was getting really tired of somehow being spotted by people infinitely less proficient in stealth than he was. Made him wonder why he bothered investing in the skill so much if it just made him somehow easier to spot sometimes.
[color=f7976a][b]”Not if you don’t desire company,”[/b][/color] Rodias said plainly, still hidden behind the corner.

Rodias tended to forget, he was [b][i][u]INSIDE A LIVING BEING[/u][/i][/b].

“[color=chocolate]Come in. Surely, you’ve come for a reason to use such a brute force approach,[/color]” Socrates says, as he walked to Rodias. “[color=chocolate]Do you yet understand why I ended our meeting,[/color]” he asks, pouring the kettle of coffee, “[color=chocolate]or, does the reasoning still elude you, my Not-So-Hollow Lord?[/color]”

[color=f7976a][b]”Frankly, I’m not good enough at guessing to have known it at the time. But, now, I think I do. You can stay if you’d like.”[/b][/color] Rodias said, moving slowly and with gentle steps he would sit before Chuunitrixx, smiling in a way that no one in the Chateau had seen. The usually serious Sable Lord looked...peaceful. Almost serene in his countenance. [color=f7976a][b]”Hi, Chuunitrixx. Its been a while,”[/b][/color] he would say.

“[color=forestgreen]You were here yesterday, though...[/color]” Chuunitrixx says.

[color=f7976a][b]”Was I? I guess, time just keeps on slipping away from me,”[/b][/color] Rodias would say, taking a ginger sip of his cup of coffee.

Chuunitrixx chuckled, "[color=forestgreen]Are you okay,[/color] she slipped her own cup.

Rodias looked down at his cup and chuckled. [color=f7976a][b]”I feel awful. But, I know that you’re hurting worse.”[/b][/color]

"[color=forestgreen]What do you mean,[/color]" Chuunitrixx asks. "[color=forestgreen]You have so much more on you plate to worry about that me being stupid and overreacting...[/color]

[color=f7976a][b]”I have a lot to worry about. But, that’s not what makes me feel awful. I’m not cut out to be anyone’s lord. I can’t even help my best friend.”[/b][/color] Rodias said, running his hand over his belt and producing four vials of human blood, staring at them. [color=f7976a][b]”...Just like before. And the time before that. And the time before that. And even the first time. I keep letting everything and everyone slip away from me. All I do is lash out at things I dislike and hope that earns approval.”[/b][/color] Rodias said, clenching his left hand.

"[color=forestgreen]Not true! You can lead us! You just gotta wanna enough, right? That's how it works, yeah? Like, Socky says,[/color]" Chuunitrixx says, looking a bit scared. "[color=forestgreen]Lord Rodias, you have to lead us, because you are the only one left. Everyone else is gone. If you don't... what will happen to us?[/color]"

[color=f7976a][b]”Don’t worry, Chuunitrixx. I’ve no intention of running away,”[/b][/color] Rodias would say, chuckling slightly at her worrisome tone. [color=f7976a][b]”No rogue, thief, or assassin just gives up what he treasures. Nobody can steal this place away from me. But, that just means that I need to be better.”[/b][/color]

"[color=forestgreen]Then, what... do I do...[/color]" Chuunitrixx asks. "[color=forestgreen]I don't know, if I can stop what I started, but, maybe, if you tell me what I should be doing?[/color]"

[color=f7976a][b]”Then, I’ll have to do just that. I need to be firmer with everyone. But, you have to promise me something. I don’t want you to do things that you come to cry over. We need to pull back on expansion for the time being. I understand that your mimics have worked hard...harder than maybe anybody in the Chateau to survive out here. But we don’t need to bring everything in all at once. We can build up; Expand once we’re ready, and can ensure that casualties are the last of our worries. Does that sound fair?”[/b][/color] Rodias would question.

"[color=forestgreen]Do I need to bring everything back,[/color]" Chuunitrixx asks, unsure if she was going to lose or keep her Villages, as they were.

[color=f7976a][b]”No, though I do feel like Gamma will need to be moved back a fair bit. Beyond those beasts, I don’t see continued value in having the mimics risk their lives out there. Is that agreeable?”[/b][/color]

"[color=forestgreen]I was just going to murder then all,[/color]" Chuunitrixx says.

"[color=chocolate]Moving them back is agreeable, my Lord,[/color]" Socrates chuckled.

[color=f7976a][b]”They’d make more effective war beasts in time, than dead carcasses. In addition, I feel that the South should pull back just enough to not have that army you were concerned about poking their heads into suspicious business. As far as we know though, East and West are safe,”[/b][/color] Rodias said.

“[color=chocolate]That is equally agreeable. I have no desire to see Plu or Tole awaken here,[/color]” Socrates says.

Rodias would slide the vials of blood forward to Chuunitrixx. [color=f7976a][b]”In addition, I hand-selected individuals that might...replace the genetic samples you lost for your eggs. But, I won’t force you to use them.”[/b][/color]

Chuunitrixx turned crimson, “[color=forestgreen]How did you know that!?[/color]”

[color=f7976a][b]”Its hard, keeping secrets from a rogue,”[/b][/color] Rodias slyly joked, figuring that he would have Socratees in a bit of a debt to him by not answering that he basically explained it to him.

Socrates smirked. Rodias did have some wile to him. Not bad, at all. He looked out the window. “[color=chocolate]I’m going to restore the Chapter. I’m bored of the silence. Mayhaps, Lady Kath will visit,[/color]” he says.

[color=f7976a][b]”That’s good, then. Chuunitrixx, are you going to be okay?”[/b][/color] Rodias would question, reaching out and softly laying his only unblooded hand on her cheek. [color=f7976a][b]”You’re bright red.”[/b][/color]

“[color=forestgreen]I’m fine! Baka![/color]” Chuuntrixx shouted, hiding her face in her jacket.

Rodias snickered, unable to contain his laughter. [color=f7976a][b]”Easy as always, Chuunitrixx. I’ll be heading out. Do what you want with the samples. I’m...glad we talked,”[/b][/color] Rodias would say, finishing his coffee and making his way to the door slowly.

“[color=red][b]Nnnnn![/b][/color]” Chuunitrixx squealed, and Rodias could hear a bolt-action loading noise. Slow might not be the best speed to move in.

Judging from the sound of bullets clinking against the floor, it was the perfect speed, as he had stolen every piece of Chuunitrixx’s ammunition, all for a practical joke. [color=f7976a][b]”Missing something?”[/b][/color] he would question with a smirk, letting Chuunitrixx finally realize that he’d tucked a single bullet behind her ear.

Chuunitrixx puffed her cheeks, and inhaled a cloud of green, toxic smoke.

Rodias would just calmly leave, gingerly patting Socrates’ shoulder on the way out. [color=f7976a][b]”You slipped, by the way. You called me Lord, without any part attached,”[/b][/color] he would tease, before ascending the stairs back to the Climax Hour.

“[color=chocolate]You earned it, this time, along with your 5%. I will honor our deal, and see if your earnings may grow, my Lord Chairman...[/color]” Socrates says, ‘[color=chocolate]You weren’t wrong, however. I do want specific DNA, for specific reasons,[/color]” he says, “[color=chocolate]Until the next meeting, my Unhollowed Lord.[/color]”

As soon as Rodias reached his throne, and pulled off his cape, he would have a piece of paper skitter out; a Mimic, probably a Proxy, with writing on it:

[[color=chocolate][i]I do nothing without reason, request nothing without reason, and I seek only the outcome most befitting the wish of my Grandmother, and my Great-Grandmother; she, you call a friend. I test you, because I am, and intend to, until you are fit to act with purpose, and no hesitation.

However, that is neither here, nor there. I’ve taken into account the geographical location and the overall state of the Villages. 100% Human-based Ascendants will be less than optional, so here’s a new test for you.

I want these specific samples:

Zouyu, as Beta is a forested area, and a tiger is greatly at home within such a locale.

Flan, for Gamma’s harshness will be lessened against her nature.

Kaldorna, for Epsilon is backed into a corner, and Vampires excell at escaping those.

And, I will leave you to choose: Delta is a mountainous reign of vast height, so Gromgard or Mamoru, as they are the sturdiest amongst us all.

I will hold no decision against you, for this is your right as Sable Lord; however, make your choice with impunity, as you cannot deceive me easily.[/i][/color]]

Rodias smiled, knowing full well how easy of a task such a thing would be. Save for maybe getting a piece of Flan’s genetic code, since she was lacking in actual hair that he could simply sneak up and harmlessly get a sample of. Frankly, this test was beyond simple. And that made him wonder if it was really even a test at this point, and not busywork. Folding the note into his pocket, Rodias would smile as he thought:

[color=f7976a][i]”What a fucking dick.”[/i][/color]

However, something unexpected would have occured. One thing that neither Rodias, nor Chuunitrixx, nor Socrates could have expected. One of the genetic samples he’d gotten was exceptionally pure...as if it was from a being that most certainly wasn’t human. Or at least wasn’t wholly human.

Socrates held the samples, taking them to a basement storage, as Chuunitrixx recovered from her absolute embarrassment. As he reached the lowest floor, he unbuttoned his shirt, and opened his chest; stowing the sample away, and removing one that he’d... liberated... from a captive. It wasn’t hard, as he was still digesting the woman. It was as plain as the others, and would serve as a fine enough base.

Putting the samples with others, but to their own side, he patted his corpse of a heart, before closing his chest, and boarded the elevator... unveiling a panel, and going to an unmapped subasement.

Socrates had plans of his own...

Perhaps, this interesting blood was the keystone to starting them off.
[/hider]

[hider=Dark Harvest]
In the dead of night, two lay dead, and one was left standing, spear in hand with a massive gash bleeding crimson out into the black night. His breaths were shallow, his legs were growing weak, and his vision blurry. Blood was coating his side from his wounds, and, in a desperate charge he would run forward, only to be met with shadows swallowing his spear, rather than his enemy. The next thing he knew, shadows would swallow his conscious mind, until the light of day awoke him once more, wound having since sealed...by some manner. No bandages covered his body, and though the wound had vanished, a gargantuan scar remained in its place. 

It was like this that Mars awoke in the woods, cursing himself as he looked at the bodies of two travelers that he had scarcely known; One, a wandering alchemist, and the other a son of the general store owner. In the dead of night on his patrol he had found them dead by some assassin. Narrowing his eyes at his side, Mars wondered...hadn’t he been attacked too?

Regardless, he had to get back. He had to warn everybody that...something, or someone dangerous had entered the area. 
[/hider]


[hr]
[center][h3]Act II: Blood and Amber[/h3][/center]
[u][b]For those of you that are still tending to business in Act I, make sure to tag the post with Act I or Act II depending on what part you’re focusing on. If you don’t, I’m going to assume that its keeping up with Act II.[/b][/u]

[hider=Act II: Blood and Amber]
[hider=Briefing]
With the resource issues being addressed through a mixture of scavenging, harvesting, and hunting, every department of the Chateau would be performing...well enough. They were nowhere near the fullest extent of their capacity. Graft’s factory would be lacking in enough resources to mass-produce any of the large-scale projects he had in mind, Flan’s kitchen would have enough spices stretched out to last for roughly half a month, and Kaldorna’s beasts would be a tad hungry, but able to all be kept without the need to slaughter or free any. That was before the 5% offered by the scouts of Enderall, which enabled each facility to return to normal functionality for the most part. Graft needed more advanced materials than the kind gained from surface level scavenging, but Rodias would have assured him by now that he’d a plan in mind to rectify that. The details of which he would wait until the end of the week to reveal.

Having once more called a meeting for the prominently powerful within the Chateau with the exception of Charme, Rodias would wait until each were present, a pleasant smile on his face as he greeted each attendee in full. Rodias would be waiting patiently at his throne, the table in the center of the room laid bare, save for a simple map already sketched up on a piece of parchment. It was clear that the village of Amberden down below was mapped upon it, but in addition there was a piece of property well into the distance, a town that had long since been made contact with via Chuunitrixx’s Beta units, and Mamoru’s numerous clones with a large red X crossed into one area. 

[color=f7976a][b]”Now, with all in attendance, I’d like to reveal to you all what I’ve been considering over the past week. The village of Amberden below is an area prime for the taking. Its resources, as Graft has found, would serve far better in our hands than in their local lords’. The fool doesn’t even keep it fortified enough to ward off some simple cultists. As such, I’ve decided that it is best for us to...liberate them. Bring them under our protection. Sadly, as far as Kath, Mamoru, and Chuunitrixx have found, if I were to just publicly come out as I am, people would be afraid. As such, we’ll be taking a different approach.”[/b][/color]

Leaning forward, Rodias would lay out a rather adorable looking wooden doll, painted and carved in a very chibi, ball-headed version of his own likeness. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt-9kPoXPRc]He...got bored easily.[/url] Setting it in the position of the Chateau, he would then lay out another one in the likeness of Mars, planting it on the village, then, another, this time bearing resemblance to the middle-aged, somewhat portly lord of the town in the farther away manor located in another town. [color=f7976a][b]”We’re going to overtake his title. It should be simple enough...but we can’t rush this. I’ve been weighing our options for a while, and this is by far the best method we have to garner resources without picking a fight. As such, we’ll dispose of the Lord, and leave in his place a surrogate. A younger relative, since if he suddenly started acting differently around colleagues, people would grow suspicious.”[/b][/color]

[@Stern Algorithm][@Lugubrious]
Placing yet another doll down, this time in the likeness of Salem, he would continue. [color=f7976a][b]”Using Salem’s abilities, and Graft’s surveillance bodies, we’ll be capable of having Amberden completely in our pocket,”[/b][/color] he would say, planting Graft down beside Amberden, and moving Salem over to the lord’s manor, before using his piece to knock the lord’s over. Then, Rodias would reveal the depths of how much of a hobby he’d made this by producing dolls of each member of the Chateau, save for the skeleton butlers, shrine maidens, factory workers...basically, everyone that was named had a piece that was present. [color=f7976a][b]”To make sure this goes off without a hitch, we’re going to need to cast our nets a bit wide. Mamoru, judging from what we’ve learned from Kath’s investigation, draconic humanoids aren’t uncommon in this world. As such, I’d like to ask you to infiltrate his manor as a new hire, and find out everything you can from the inside,”[/b][/color] Rodias would say, laying Mamoru’s piece down beside Salem’s. [color=f7976a][b]”...Oh, and it slipped my mind, but do call Bone Daddy back. I don’t think he needs to keep that area supervised any longer.”[/b][/color]

[@Rockin Strings][@Xaltwind]
[color=f7976a][b]”Next, Gromgard, Ashara.”[/b][/color] Rodias would say, moving their dolls to the south east, near the heavily forested areas that Bone Daddy had guarded, and that Gromgard had previously chased his artist underlings to. [color=f7976a][b]”If we’re going to establish ourselves as being benefactors of the people, then we need to ensure their safety. I’m sure the locals are already up in arms about the cultist’s continued attacks. As such, I’d like you two to find and root out their base of operations. It has to be somewhere near here, judging from the information we squeezed out of our ‘guests’. There’s also a good opportunity for you, Gromgard, to try and find out if there are any goblins native to this world residing there.”[/b][/color]

[@DracoLunaris]
[color=f7976a][b]”Kaldorna. Zouyu. You two were extremely successful in your last hunt. As such, I’d like for you two to lead another expedition...albeit, this time its going to be to the south west. We need a variety of materials and beasts to be found, both to sustain our stomachs, and to research the science of this world. And, this time, don’t over-exert yourself. Every life here is irreplaceable, as far as we know,”[/b][/color] the Sable Lord said as he moved their pieces together down and to the left of the village.

[@Guess Who]
[color=f7976a][b]”Kath. I’ll need you to enter the city the lord is residing in, and try and figure out anything you can. And, this time, try and suppress your level with False Data spells. Last time we were lucky that someone powerful didn’t try and attack you. This time, you ought to blend in a bit with those spells,”[/b][/color] Rodias said as he slid Kath’s piece over to the city. 

[color=f7976a][b]”Light. I know that you’ve been extremely bored lately...but I have a special job for you. The Lord’s death has to look like an accident. And, I think that if he were to fall out a window after we’ve cemented a false heir, that might work out perfectly. For now though, I need you here.”[/b][/color] With that said, Light’s piece would be moved beside Rodias, a slight smile crossing his lips. [color=f7976a][b]”I’ll entertain you, until the time comes. I’ve need of a sparring partner. And, I’m more than inclined to play with you, if you so wish. I’ll need about an hour break every now and again from your aura, but I should be able to resist it more than most.”[/b][/color]

[@IceHeart]
[color=f7976a][b]”Flan. I imagine that with all the new materials you’ve acquired, you’d like to be able to give them a stir in your kitchen. As such, I’d like for you to experiment on creating new dishes, as well as finding different ways of preparing the ingredients. Zouyu’s gardens are currently set to be harvestable soon, so feel free to use up whatever plant stock you desire. Feel free to ask me to test them, as well...if you wish, that is,”[/b][/color] Rodias said, trying hard to restrain his overwhelming desire to just sample new foods by Flan immediately. Business had to be done. 

[@Xaltwind]
[color=f7976a][b]”Isolde, I need your ESPER Wings in the air, as stealthily as they can manage. I’d like to get a bird’s eye view of the local area, and at present, your ESPERS are the best equipped to provide such a view,”[/b][/color] The Sable Lord said, looking to Isolde and, representatively, moved her piece to represent the ESPERs movement’s outwards. 

[@Enkryption]
[color=f7976a][b]”Chuunitrixx, we’re going to need whatever mimics your camps can spare on high alert in the area from Amberden to the city to the east. That powerful individual is as of yet unknown to us, and we need all the information we can manage. Your mimics are perfect for a job like this,”[/b][/color] Rodias said, positioning Chuunitrixx’s doll between Amberden and the city. [color=f7976a][b]"Oh, and, please do make sure that Plato and Aristotle recieve my orders for Gamma and Epsilon.[/b][/color]

Looking up to the crowd before him, Rodias would ask: [color=f7976a][b]”Now, are there any questions? I’m all ears.”[/b][/color]
[/hider]

[@Xaltwind]
[hider=Wheelbarrows of Fun]
It wouldn’t be long after his briefing that Rodias would make good on his promise, personally coming to deliver the samples of rotted wood, dirt, stone, and somehow managed to fit it all inside of the elevator. It was designed to accommodate the Chateau’s largest guild members after all, so the lanky lord scarcely took up room within. 

[color=f7976a][b]”I figured you would want these delivered as soon as they were ready. Zouyu volunteered to come, but I wasn’t sure how you felt about him. Seems a bit too energetic for you. But, you can feel free to ask him to grow herbs for you,”[/b][/color] Rodias would say, rolling the carts in himself. Thankfully at his level, even with minimal strength such things were a trifle. 
[/hider]


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