[b]Morgenröte - Mid Morning[/b] [hr] [color=0054a6][u]Croc Crush[/u][/color] [@Polaris North] [@The Irish Tree] NPC(s): Lapis Lapis’s eyes narrowed at Shavis’s shrug and brief justification at Scarlett’s outburst, but ultimately her aim was to refocus the group on the task at hand. This was also cosigned by Hector, who suggested that perhaps consulting Researcher Naomi on the intricacies of the Makara would be a good idea. Much like Scarlett, Tilnak also left the group for a moment, apparently headed in the direction of Naomi’s office. [color=6ecff6]”Well, I know a little bit about the Makara, aquatic creatures are usually my specialty.”[/color] Lapis said with an air of confidence. [color=6ecff6]They can be pretty ferocious as you can expect, they are predators after all. But, they usually don’t go near human settlements. Humans, thankfully, aren’t usually on the menu and they become cautious when seeing a bunch of them grouped up together in a living space. Despite their instincts, they can be very wary animals.”[/color] She crossed her arms, seeming to be lost in thought. [color=6ecff6]”I wouldn’t recommend going close up to one all alone though,[i] not a good idea[/i]…” [/color] She said with a more serious expression on her face. [color=6ecff6]”Of course, they can manipulate water and some can even generate pulses of electrical energy for self defense and hunting prey.”[/color] She then looked off in the direction Tilnak went off to. [color=6ecff6]”I guess Ms. Naomi could give some more insight into the Makara given the specific region. I feel there are more factors at play here.”[/color] Lapis didn’t appreciate how Scarlett stated that beasts exist to be tamed by man, not being a fan of man’s constant need to rule over nature with an iron fist. But, she would keep that to herself for now. [hr] [@ReusableSword] [@Blaze Gamma] NPC(s): Naomi As the two Reavers met each other in the hallway, Tilnak’s knocking on the door was answered after a little bit. The person who opened the door was revealed to be [url=https://i.imgur.com/xMIcrVi.jpg]a young woman with long pink hair and black clothing. Her white wings identified her Belua heritage.[/url] She wore a tepid expression on her face as she spun around her glowing fountain pen. [color=f49ac2]”Good Morning. I’m Naomi Schuller, researcher of Eon and budding environmentalist and expert of Magical Beast theory. I presume you’re here for guidance on the ZoHo Marsh excursion?” [/color] She spoke in a very rushed manner, apparently annoyed by the whole interaction. However, her demeanor did change somewhat upon further examining the two men in front of her. She immediately took notice of Tilnak’s feral features and her eyes widened a bit, such Belua are not common sights among the more urban societies. Not even in a place like Morgenröte, if she had the time later she’d definitely have some questions for him. She looked at Aldin for a moment, but instead of intrigue her expression was one of perplexity. Aldin certainly didn’t have the look of a magus, and his appearance made her at first think that he was serving as a hired mercenary or a guard for the tower. [color=f49ac2]”At any rate, I presume you have basic knowledge of the Makara species. Large and muscular, 6000 lbs bite force, and can control water [i]and[/i] electric pulses in some instances. However, given the environment, the ones you’ll be encountering will have different behavior patterns.[/color] She continued, still futzing around with her pen. [color=f49ac2]”Due to the dense foliage around the Marshlands, very little sunlight reaches into the territory. As a result, this species is more suited to seeing in the dark than normal. In addition, they’ve also adopted a camouflage characteristic, their scales allowing them to better blend in with their surroundings.”[/color] Finishing her explanation, she folded her arms and sighed. [color=f49ac2]”Am I able to assist you gentlemen with anything else? If not, I am quite the busy birdie and must return to my work.”[/color] [hr] [@Enkryption] NPC(s): Kiff [color=2e3192]”Pervert?”[/color] Kiff made a small chuckle at Scarlett’s insult. [color=2e3192]”Miss, I assure you, I am a gentleman of the highest calibur.”[/color] He replied. As she explained her purpose for coming, he raised a brow as she went about the altercation she had with the ‘Blue Snake and Haughty Black Witch’. At that point, he broke out into a hardy laugh. [color=2e3192]”I keep telling that pipsqueak to not be such a hardass, but he won’t listen to me! Oh! Please don’t tell him I called him that. I learned my lesson the last time. As for Roze, I’m certain you’ll come to find that she’s actually a very sweet gal.” [/color] Calming down, he leaned back in his chair a bit. [color=2e3192]”It’s just that...her sweetness is often hidden away by her stoicness. I sincerely doubt you’ll be held here due to something that miniscule!”[/color] He sat forward, resting his chin on his clasped hands. [color=2e3192]”They both mean well, and they definitely see and appreciate the potential you all bring, hell I do too! Well, maybe not Rue. I personally think the guy is an asshole on purpose because he gets off on it.”[/color] [color=2e3192]”Forgive me, I digress. As for the Wetland mission, the bestiary section should have all the information you need. Though, Naomi may be of more help all things considered. She seems to think that the beasts may have different abilities and temperament due in part to environmental factors.”[/color] He said, rubbing his chin. [color=2e3192]”I believe she mentioned something about camouflage and seeing well in the dark? I’m not sure. But, if there’s anything else I can help with, just say the word.” [/color] [hr] [color=007236][u]Badland Heist[/u][/color] [@Inertia] [@Silverstein] [@PaulHaynek] [@FrogRFlowR] NPC(s): Evelyn Evelyn made a small yelp as Leon bumped into her in the hall, but she was prevented from falling by a graceful save from the elf. Thanks in part to his future-sight, he was able to advert the whole situation. [color=ec008c]”Oh! Um…Thank you.” [/color] She said, still a bit flustered. His next words, however, made her want to rescind her early gratitude. A blaring annoyance shone in her eyes and a large anger vein appeared on her forehead in response to Leon’s scolding. A half pint, just about as scrawny as she was, lecturing her. The nerve! [color=ec008c]”Oh, shut it! I’ll be the saving grace of this mission, you’ll see!” [/color] She snapped back. Her attention immediately turned to Asterope, who had followed behind them along with Taltrus. She had made a remark about her earlier scene with Leon in jest, this served to further irritate the young witch. [color=ec008c]”Us? Together? This deadpan boy who’s no bigger than me and has the looks of a scoundrel? HA! He wishes!”[/color] [color=a187be]”Now, now, let’s try to settle down.” [/color] Donovan intervened. [color=a187be]”Now then, Leon, I certainly hope your theory isn’t correct. It would truly be a shame if this was in part orchestrated by someone on the inside. I wonder why one of the workers there would even go through with such an action…”[/color] He adjusted his glasses, still pondering the situation. [color=a187be]”Well, we can theorize about it all we want, but the best way to get answers is to investigate the scene and get the best information from the workers there. Are you all set to go or is there anything else you need from me?”[/color] He looked at Asterope and Taltrus for a moment. [color=a187be]”Though, with Ms. Asterope and an esteemed member of the Olstelas family accompanying you, I doubt you’ll run into any real trouble.”[/color] [hr] [color=9e0b0f][u]Necropolis[/u][/color] [@Hammerman] NPC(s): Rue, Roze, Johannes [color=00aeef]”The main lab is on the south wing, go down that hall there. Can’t miss it, you’ll know by the smell.”[/color] Ruecian said, lazily waving them off as they made their way. After a little bit of time, the two appeared in front of a peculiar door. It was completely out of place with its lavish surroundings, being covered in strange strains and rusted markings. As Ruecian had stated earlier, a pungent odor had also emanated from the entrance to the room. If one had to describe it: it would be the scent of burnt rubber, mildew, and cigarette smoke. Along with a bit of bourbon. As they opened the door, the smell hit them full force and they were presented with what was supposed to be the main alchemy lab at the tower. One side of the room did have the look of a traditional lab, tables covered in beakers and test tubes. They contained various liquids and viscous substances, some being heated and chilled. The other side, however, was revealed by an ajar garage door. This part of the room contained numerous types of machines and gadgets scattered around everywhere. Along with them were countless cigar buds and a few bear cans. In the corner of the room sat [url=https://i.imgur.com/n7AWWuW.jpg] a tan skinned older man wearing goggles. His greying hair showed his age.[/url] He appeared to be fiddling with something on a workbench, muttering to himself as he did. His work was broken when the device literally blew up in his face, it created a small flash that lit up the room. The explosion nearly drowned out the yell the man had made, which was promptly followed by a swear. Lifting up his goggles, he shook the soot off of his head, then turned at the couple. Seemed he finally noticed their presence here. [color=a36209]”Eh? Oh, you kids must be the new guys! Name’s Johannes, what can I do for ya?”[/color]