Randolph paced down the hall, lost in thought and oblivious of his destination. Frustrated and stifled by the prison restricting his ambition, he reminisced of his time before imprisonment. The many temporary shelters in many crypts which claim fewer residents after Randolph left. The beings he swapped information with, some of which were not even human. Most importantly the tome he was in the middle of studying when he was imprisoned, which hopefully still waits for him if and when he gets out.

Randolph was lucky to find such a rare book, only half a dozen copies of the original are known to exist. So many were burned following the author’s death, as certain groups aimed to suppress the information within. 

Das Buch von den Unaussprechlichen Kulten, published in 1839. When Friedrich von Junzt was found dead with the book almost finished. His friend Alexis Ladeau reassembled the last few pages for his deceased friend, oblivious of the contents, but was later found dead with his throat slit from a razor once he read those pages. Many called to burn this ‘evil’ book. Randolph believes that knowledge should not be suppressed just because it offends one’s sensibilities, or in some cases is simply dangerous to know…

Randolph’s thoughts were interrupted when he noticed a guard approaching in the corner of his vision.

“Hey newbie! Enjoying the company of our resident ghoul?” The guard said to the one escorting Randolph, who looked visibly sick from being around Randolph for the past thirty minutes.

“Oh man, you don’t look so good… you breathing through your mouth, right? Most people figure that out after five minutes. Can’t smell him if you ain’t breathing through your nose y’know. But alright, I see you need a breather. Go recover in the breakroom for a few minutes and I’ll watch Randolph for ya.

The guard practically jumped at the opportunity, with newfound vigor. After scrambling to hand over the taser and light, he ran down the hallway and out of sight. 

“Hey, thanks for knocking that guy down a few pegs. He was annoying the rest of us with his mouth, pretending to be tough like he can singlehandedly keep all the inmates in line or something…. We were kinda close to just leaving him alone in a room with that clown and a spoon!” The guard ended in a laugh.

[color=blueviolet] “I appreciate sending him my way, I relish the moment when they realize the powerlessness of their situation. When their confidence gives way to despair, it’s one of the few moments of pleasure I’m allowed here.” [/color]

“Yeah, me and a few of the guys were hanging around watching the cameras. He got real shook up, you did not sneak a bite did ya?”

[color=blueviolet] “I think I got his balls stuck in my teeth… do you see it?” [/color] Randolph said, opening his mouth a little to give the guard a view of his teeth.

“Yeah, I think I see it there a little to the left” the guard said, laughing as Randolph probed with his tongue, pretending something was there before joining in the laughter. “It’ll probably be a few days before he stops shaking and gets some of his confidence back… anyways, It’s chow time… and no, they still will not allow you to eat your ‘food’ there and I do get the irony. But you are still supposed to be there for whatever reason I don’t care about.”

[color=blueviolet] “I don’t know, I was thinking maybe I’d escape…” [/color]

“Well, if you do escape, take me with you? I don’t want to have to deal with the fallout of letting someone escape.” The guard said with a chuckle.

[color=blueviolet] “I’ll think about it.”[/color] Randolph ended, heading towards the cafeteria.

***

The cafeteria was noisy, a symphony of metal porcelain and plastic. A cacophony of voices speaking at once. Randolph listened to pieces of the noise to pass the time.

“…so then I says to him ‘you done fucked up now.’…”

“…I only tore off a little of his face. But they now will not let me have any metal utensils, say can I borrow…”

[quote=@Rekker]
[color=6ecff6]...I'm a guy that knows how to get things,[/color]" 
[/quote]
This piqued Randolph’s interest who turned to the source. The clown, Randolph heard tales about him from the guards. He got up and approached the table. Probably lying, but it’s worth satisfying his curiosity. Before he could introduce himself, another prisoner, whose lethality could be surmised from his restrictive wear, spoke...

[quote=@Restalaan]

[color=39b54a]"Are you [i][b]strong?[/b][/i]"[/color]

[/quote]

Though not directed at him, Randolph was intrigued by the question, and why the prisoner would care to know. 

[color=blueviolet] "What do you mean by...strong?" [/color] Randolph interjected. [color=blueviolet] "if you are looking for strength of character I believe it a difficult endeavor among criminals... Strength of will? I will indulge my pride and claim that I would be a fine specimen of that, I've endured experiences that would break the spirit of most. Are do you mean something so simple as strength of flesh? I admit I am lacking in that department somewhat, I neglect martial prowess in favor of strengthening my mind." [/color]

Before anyone could offer a reply, Randolph turned towards the one known to most as the clown.

[color=blueviolet] “allow me to introduce myself, I am Randolph Ward, connoisseur of flesh and seeker of the esoteric. I could not but help overhear what you said. I am interested in if you could procure... items of interest, and perhaps we can establish a mutually beneficial relationship.” [/color]