Sigil

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

Ok, post is up. Should move us along a bit, or at least get the plan underway. If I missed anything, sorry, it's late and I'm a bit drowsy. Will fix if needed. Yay.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Ashton Holloway

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Location: Newnan Inner Wall, Southern Gate Post

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Many questions, many suggestions. Ash was usually the one offering sound advice to the ranking officer, formulating a plan; if approved, he was the guy who gathered the troops and acted upon it. The previous Commander of this community always seemed a little aloof in her irritation. The Captain had taken up her mantle scant hours ago, and already he believed he had a greater understanding of the woman. Sadly, he would never be able to tell her of his revelation. Granted, it was not his first time in charge, before. He was a ranked officer in the United States Army, an organization that (by most accounts) was a top-notch Armed Force. He had led men and women into problems with the intent of obliterating them and walking back out with a feeling of accomplishment.

This situation was different. It had been different for just about three years. In that time, Ash had to become something other than a rigid Captain - he had to become more of a fluid leader. Adaptable to circumstances for which there was zero training. Open to the advice of people he had just met, and wary to the bone of people he had known for years. Also, he had to learn to triage situations.

For example: Injured girl in the wagon below, safety of the town as a whole, horde shambling nearer, group of badass looking women of unsure motivation. Compassion and practicality had to strike a balance. He couldn't let these people die, he wasn't a monster. Yet. But he had to see to the people he already had under his protection. It was as good a time as any to lean on the suggestions of others, particularly as they were in accordance with his priorities. He started with Zoie.

"Take care of it. Get James to help you two out, if you'd prefer him to Thorette. That truck of his should come in handy. Just be quick, that horde will be on us soon."

He shifted his attention to Kristina. They had just met that day, but he had known her sister for a couple of months now. She was a decent person. News of her death was just another brick added to the top of his emotional burden for the day. While he wasn't unfeeling, he was just numb enough that his face didn't show the empathy he felt for the younger lady. "I'm sorry to hear that, Kris. Truly am. Don't concern yourself with taking on her duties here tonight. For right now, when our guests get inside, get those that need it to the infirmary. Help where you can and let yourself grieve when you're able." Perhaps later, he would have to take his own advice.

Now for James. He'd better let him know what the plan was, and what role he would play. Ash spoke into the radio. "Mr. Graham, sir." he started, his Virginian accent playing with the first sentence. "Grab your wheels. You, Zoie, and one of our recent arrivals will be following Zoie's lead on this one. See you when you're done."

Ash offered the barest look of condolence below. Bridgette had volunteered for this duty, probably would have been a little quieter than the older man's Silverado. But that would put Zoie at a perceived disadventage. Ash wanted her focused on her task, not worried that the new girls would put a round in her leg and leave her for a distraction. She knew James, James knew her. "Maybe next time, ma'am. Time is on short supply, I know. So is trust. I hope we can fix that after a little while."

Finally, back to the other ill-tempered lady before the gate. She opened the conversation. "Ahem. As ya can see, m'weapons are back in m'posession. Tell me what I have t'do t'keep it this way."

"You have to make us trust you. If you're operating outside the walls, equip yourself as you like. We have rules about that on the inside. I'll go into detail later. Right now, if you want to help, the others will be along presently. You're about to meet our Ambassador, James."

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Black James!

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Location: Newnan Armory

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James had just finished receiving instructions from Ashton when Zoie jogged through the Armory doors. He finished up his radio conversation with a hearty, "Yessir, Cap'n Holloway! I am on it. Feelin' damn good being out and doing somethin', sir."

Paying attention to Zoie's selection of goodies from the walls and tables, he informed her of the good news. "Lookin' like I'll be your shadow on this, Miss Zoie. Let's make it fast, huh?" He was surprised with the frank and real query that followed.

"Listen, I knows we don'ts like knows each other anymores buts yous the best I gots to gauge this place. That Mexican tolds me before he um, hads me makes sure he gots a clean death that I needed to take care of the place and thats this a family. And Boss man, wells he's asked me to stick around as well his second here. I knows you an upstandin' man Mr. James. I respect that, respects yous. Has since I was young. Yous tell me my peoples will be good here, I'll take thats and be happy to stay but I trusts that if you thinks we need to dart out youda tell me. So yeah, askin' ifs theres somethin' I needs to know before I say okay? Yah know?"

"Miss Zoie, you'n'me know each other well nuff for this. Folk here are decent, for the most part. I ain't gonna lie an' say that we all saints here. We ain't. We done some powerful fuck'tup shit to stay safe. Some mighta been mistakes. But this place has a lot of good folk who look out for one 'nother. It's worth helping."

"And that fella Ash? He's a gruff sumbitch, but he cares about people. Just sometimes he needs people 'round him, keep him human. KnowwhatImean? A'ight look, I'mma get my truck pulled around. We gone."

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Bridgette Vinters

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Location: At Newnan Gates

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Seems that Bridgette was holding up the forward momentum of the group, being the only one who was asked to surrender weapons that had not. Batgirl got hers back. Then again, she was also asked to help take part in leading an army of dead people on a wild goose chase. Whatever.

Astrid had acquiesced, dropping all of her sharp, painful goodies into the wagon. The rest of them needed to get inside, and Bridgette's offer to help had been declined. Fine. Ok, fine, let's do this. With mild reluctance, the warrior woman tossed her spear into the wagon, next to her shotgun. It was followed by her axe, a fine piece of forged steel. Finally, she reached around to her lower back and unfastened a blade, still sheathed, from her belt. It was a seax; a particularly large and stylized one. It was wide bladed and single edged, and there could be some debate as to whether this was a large knife or a short sword. Either way, it went into the wagon as well.

"These had fucking better be returned - intact, and in full. A lot of my blood and sweat went into crafting them. They're more mine than you can understand, Captain."

That guy on the wall looked like he might have the faintest idea as to what Bridgette was talking about. He nodded knowingly and motioned behind him. Slowly, one half of the main gate opened, more than enough to allow the wagon access to what lay within. Bridgette nudged her horse, Cadence, on through with the wagon. She leaned over to Astrid, half whispering, "I'm staying with our shit. Look around if you want to, I'm sticking close."

Two major things caught Bridgette's attention as soon as they were inside of the walls. One, that guy Ash was among the crowd, passing out the occasional order, such as, "Make sure two of ours are armed and keep an eye on them." and "Take care of a search the moment you're able." and finally, "Make sure they've got food and water made available for them, if they need it."

Well, he's still a Walldick. But at least he's not a total Wallfuckingasshole.

The second thing that Bridgette noticed was a familiar vehicle parked just up the road. Right in the middle of the road, actually. Yes, that was the truck they saw earlier. The thing which accidentally lured the Undead Black Friday Sale onto them, simultaneously bringing them all together by trying to rip them all to pieces.

"Fucking knew it!"

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

@The Grey Dust

One issue I'd like to bring up - The spells and abilities of this character are dependent upon, and change with, the phase of the moon and the given celestial attunement of the character. This looks like extra work for the GM. However, it is Lady Amalthea's cross to bear. If she is good with it, so am I.

🦄 Darker Than Black - Merged With T.S.

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Caesar Gonzalez

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Location: Block Party (remains thereof)
Interacting With: Flatfoot, Alicia, Lorna

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Of course the police had questions. It's what they did. Asked questions, took notes, occasionally did something about it. He'd have put even money that any one of these reporters would bribe the police for access to areas he and his had fought to keep untouched. Well, fat lot of good they did, except piss off the media and frighten some of the locals. Maybe it would leave the wrong impression. Maybe that was a good thing. Caesar answered the cop's questions. They were direct and generic, as if the flatfoot was reading from an abridged edition of "Taking Witness Statements for Dummies". Not that it mattered there, either. He was inside when the lady took a dive onto an unforgiving surface, her life having already been taken by that out-of-place weapon. The only questions he could answer involved what came after, and they didn't appear to have heavy concern with after.

The interesting part of the interaction didn't lay in what Caesar said. Rather, what he didn't say spoke volumes. He didn't mention that he had HD video of the scene before anyone started poking around. He didn't breathe a word about the same video sweeping the crowd gathering as he worked the perimeter. And somehow, he didn't remember leaving the app running while he placed a call, giving an "after" shot of the terminal landing spot, as the coroner was finishing up. He must be getting old. Damned senior moments. (Señor Moments? Ole, bitches!)

Well, the cops were here, the Coroner was headed out, the body was sealed behind plastic, and the polite if nervous Forensic Tech had already left. They were fully able to handle their own crime scene without the assistance of independent contractors. No more damage for them to do, anyway. Not unless they just suddenly felt the need to. Time to check in with the girls.

Caesar suppressed a grin at Lorna manhandling that same reporter, again, and moved to join her and his Alicia. "M'hija, Cookie, good work tonight. I'll make sure you get an extra day of hazard wages in your accounts. Hey," he leaned in closer and lowered his voice just a bit, "...make sure you check the Network for new video." Caesar tapped his phone with his thumb, surreptitiously. "No rush tonight. Isn't going anywhere."

Stepping away from Work Mode, or at least appearing to do so for the sake of the public, Caesar lightened his voice and pulled up an image on his phone. "I had an idea. You two are my best people, you know? First time in my life, my best men are Women. A couple more show up, we need to get tattoos for you guys." The elder man turned his phone around to reveal the screen.

"So! What do you think?"

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

@Charnobylisk
It's ok. Keystone counts as two.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Ashton Holloway

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Location:
Interacting With: Zoie, Bryn, James, Kris

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Weary amusement splashed across Ashton's face momentarily. For a person who hadn't decided yet whether to take his offer to help him run the community, Zoie was certainly comfortable giving orders to his people and seemed to be planning for the community's continued safety. His mild annoyance at the liberties taken in this instance was somewhat lessened, he noted. Looking at the situation objectively, Zoie's plan made sense. The continued use of munitions and/or explosives bothered him; he would have been much happier simply using the Hordebuster to divert the stampede of rot. The fact of the matter was that his prized truck wasn't operational at the moment, and if Ash wanted the horde to change direction, no one had a better plan on deck than Zoie.

James must have had similar mixed feelings, judging from the two second delay on his end of the Walkie. Ash took the moment to alleviate his concerns, "I approve, Mr. Grady. Don't go collecting bras just yet, though. I have several lengths of bungee in the toolcase in the back of the 'Buster. Helps keep the soft cover on. You're welcome to them."

He turned to Zoie, "The fate of Newnan is now up to you juryrigging a water balloon slingshot? Bravo. Have at it." Moving his glance back down to the women assembled below, particularly addressing the one on the bike. "If you're willing, you'll probably want your weapons back. Plan sounds solid."

An unexpected guest appeared in the form of Kristina. He wasn't sure why she was climbing the watchpost, but it would save him the trip to recover his cap from the junior Smith. "So who are the cosplaying Vikings?"

"They're guests, Kris. Hopefully more, if they're inclined." Ash spoke into his radio again, "James, grab one of the riflemen from the rooftop to relieve you. If you're going to make this happen, it needs to be underway in about three minutes. Take a run. I'll be here minding our new arrivals."

Ash suddenly cut a wicked grin, uncharacteristic to the situation. "If you possibly can, Zoie, without any more risk to yourself, ...heh... try to send them to Peachtree City."

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Black James!

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Location: Newnan Courthouse Clocktower
Interacting With: Zoie, Ash, Guy On Roof, Hordebuster

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James went through a myriad of microemotions over the course of a radio conversation he really wasn't a part of. The idea sounded really good. Kind of risky, but it sounded like Crazy was the new Standard. He was excited at being part of it. For that matter, he was excited to be exiting the sniper's nest in the clocktower. The idea of collecting bras from all of the women below was rather titillating (no pun intended), Still, he couldn't leave post until he got an OK from the guy in charge. Today at least, that was the Captain.

Relief and no small amount of Happy cascaded over his psyche when he got the go ahead from Ash. "Hells yeah, Bossman! I'mma get on that tout muthafuckin' suite." With much gusto, James clambered down from his post and ran into the street. He slung his rifle across his back and made for the 'Buster, still sitting coolly in the middle of the street. Glancing upward, the indomitable blackneck caught sight of one of Ash's Virginia Riflemen, and yelled up to him.

"Guy! Hey there, Guy! Hey! Ash needs you to getcho ass up to the Clocktower! I gots orders to fill! 'Preciate there, Guy."

A quick run into the dump body of the Hordebuster immediately netted him the object of his search - Bungee cords, terminating in coiled steel formed into hooks. Damn if that Ash didn't keep this road beast in proper order. After grabbing a few that looked up to the task, James made a sprint to the armory. Most of the gardening equipment, hand tools and the like, were stored in the Agricultural sections outside of the inner wall. The esteemed Mr. Grady had a better idea, anyway. Already at the armory, too. When he finally made it inside, he nodded at the Armory Keeper, Tom, and mumbled something about "Them hoes ain't worth nothin', nohow... but these..." he spoke with clearer tone, hefting two winged spears about seven feet tall each, "These my bitches, here."

The spears seemed a better choice than rough gardening tools. Better construction, good height, and the counterweight was perfect for jamming into the earth for a more stable slingshot brace. Now all he had to do was wait for the party to come to him. James remembered when they located these weapons, several months ago. It was at a walled up Renaissance Fair not too horribly far from Newnan. Tucked out of the way in a mid sized town called Fairburn, it had been too large to reliably guard with the people at their disposal at the time. Would have made an excellent fallback position though, if they needed it. What struck him as odd about the Fair was a lack of supplies. They found some good stuff, no doubt, as if they had been placed there intentionally. But there was room for lots more. Scavengers would have cleaned the place out entirely.

In the end, the decision was made to take what they felt they could use, reseal the gates, and return to the location at a later time. Priorities shifted, as they tend to with time, and they never returned. James recalled this, thinking that they might have enough people now to secure the area, but there was little point. Newnan was good to them. Still, James marveled over the construction of the spears in his hands, wondering about how their life would be different were they to have settled there.

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Bridgette Vinters

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Location: At Newnan Gates
Interacting With: Astrid, Zoie, Walldick

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Bridgette stifled a laugh after hearing Astrid's quiet query of "What firearms?" She never liked modern weapons. Never seemed to need them, either. Well, good for Astrid. Bridgette was a little more pragmatic about the world today, and despite her formidable melee training, the metalworking Shield Maiden preferred to keep her shotgun at the ready, just in case the situation called for it. Admittedly, she hadn't actually needed it very often in the past three years, mostly because the two women were careful, picked their battles, and weren't afraid to stage a valiant withdrawal when needed. Not having a solid home for the past long while meant that there weren't many places they felt the need to defend.

Astrid made a note that she indeed spoke for the group. It seemed a hair presumptuous, seeing as the two of them were always partners and the rest of them had just met up that day, but if that's what needed to be said to get them to safety, Bridgette was willing to go along.

The Captain of the Wall, after a whisper from the Southern Belle, revised his condition to include all weapons. Of course he would. Walldick. So long as she could stay nearby, until she felt more comfortable around these people, she might be able to deal with it. The moment Bridgette began to relieve herself of her choicer weapons, Belle had an idea as to how one might distract the horde. Bridgette reined Cadence around, parallel to the wall, and addressed the woman above.

"That's a three person job, lady. Two holding poles, one on the slingshot. Gotta move fast, gotta move quiet. Let the others in the fucking gate, and Jeg vil være den tredje mannen." She continued in a more subdued tone, "I really hope you saw that movie..."

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

Yeah just now noticed that. Still, he's probs dead, or at least in no condition to do anything about it. Considering how Kyra treated the orcs who surrendered, I'm not thinking that Malkus has any better chances. And if by chance Malkus is still alive, he'll just make a run for it so I can get Ntaj in.

@Lucius Cypher

If that's your prediction on Kyra's possible actions, why are you bringing in another Half-Orc?

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

Aye, here's my replacement for Malkus in the very likely event that he dies.

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Ntaj Zoov Yaaj

Ntaj Zoov Yaaj

Character Summary

Name: Ntaj Zoov Yaaj
Aliases: (The/That) Orc Kid, Katalmach
Age: 27
Race: Half-Orc
Alignment: CN
Place of Origin: Sword Mountains
Gender: Male
Class: Totem Warrior Barbarian

Stats

Though we will not be rolling dice for feats, this will give a base line to run off of for your character. Max for any stat is 20, average is 10. You have 75 stat point to assign between the six stats.

Strength: 16
Dexterity: 13
Constitution: 16
Intelligence: 10
Wisdom: 12
Charisma: 8

Physical Attributes

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 223 lbs
Build: Honed
Eyes: Red
Hair: Black
Skin Tone: Pale Green
Racial Abilities: Darkvision (60 feet), Bestial, Endurance, Sacred Scarring
Tattoos/Scars/Piercings: As multiple scratches and cuts all over his body with many more on his back.
Day To Day Attire: Weather and location dependent, but if he had any say in the matter he would go completely nude (perhaps with a loincloth if he’s that concerned about modesty). Otherwise he often wears kilts with sturdy boots and whatever armor he has available.
Strengths: Cooperative, Inquisitive and Quick to Learn, Very Tough
Weaknesses: Impulsive, Simpleminded, Lacks Subtly

Psychological Attributes

Modest * Simple * Eager * Short-Sighted

Sexuality: Opportunistic
Relationship Status: Divorced
Personality:
Ntaj enjoys fighting, but not just for the fight itself, but why he fights in the first place. Having context to a fight, even if it’s just for survival, makes it all the more enjoyable. He can find pleasure in the simple things in life knowing that they serve a far greater purpose than the simple act would imply, and often makes up such reasoning behind some of the smallest gestures. Ntaj dislikes liars and thus he does his best to not be a liar, being honest and keeping to his world whenever possible. He dislikes deception, though he understands the need of stealth, so the best way for him to keep a secret is to make it seem like there is no secret at all. Ntaj has no sense of place nor shame, and often goes out of his way to mingle with those above and below his status as if he was their equal.

Despite how Ntaj likes to make something out of nothing, he dislikes complexity if he thinks there’s a simpler way to solve an issue or explain a motivation. He also dislikes complexity when it’s made to justify something wrong to him, more so if it’s just a ruse or if it was kept a secret from him precisely to fool him. Ntaj would waste much of his time and resources pouring his full might onto an problem and finding a solution through simple brute force, even if a more subtle approach could be possible. Ntaj is much like a bomb; while he’s capable of remaining dormant until the right time, once he acts, he acts explosively.

Habits: Trying to talk to animals and wearing as little clothes as possible.
Hobbies: Carving
Fears:

Elementals, a childhood fear. It first started with bedtime stories about uncontrollable forces of nature bring ruin to everything in their path, and then a few close calls with actual Elementals who have severely wounded Ntaj and killed his friends. They couldn’t even kill the monster, and since then Ntaj has feared these incorporeal embodiments of nature.

Being underground, because Ntaj once fell into a very deep ravine and got lost for a few days. He felt like at any second he would get crushed to death, and he would never see the sun or anyone else again.He hates the idea of being buried even after death, and wants to be burned instead.

Gnomes, because they looked strange and unnatural to him, also because gnomes poisoned him and sold him into slavery at different points in his life.

Likes:
Hunting, because it was one of the few family activities he did with his father and brothers before their falling out. It was through hunting that Ntaj had some grasp over the necessity of being patient and quiet, subtle and underhanded, to make the best use of his powers. Ntaj prefers the minimalistic approach, using one powerful move to take out his prey instead of chasing them doggedly.

Talking to animals. Ever since he started training with the clan shaman, he has rituals that allow him to speak with creatures and see the world through their sense. And while most creatures don’t have much to say to him, it’s always interesting to have their perspective on things.

Scrimshaw and woodcarving, which make up a bulk of his hobbies. Another thing that his father taught him to do. Ntaj could actually make a pretty good carpenter if he ever wants to settle down in a city.

Carving bone and wood isn’t the only thing Ntaj likes to make; the act of making anything, from food to clothes to works of art, interests Ntaj greatly. He wants to make money and join a guild of artisans.

Pipe Weed, a halfling tobacco. Ntaj has grown a taste for the stuff and enjoys it’s calm and soothing effects. He typically smokes it in his pipe after a battle to calm his nerves and reduce fatigue.

Making things, whether it's a new carving, food, or something he's never done before. The power of creation is awesome.

Eating, because Ntaj always grew up having something to eat whenever he wanted. While he isn't too picky, he is greedy and has a habit of picking off other people's plates. He's more than willing to share, assuming that he's overloaded with food already.

Dislikes:
Liars, as Ntaj is notoriously horrible at any sort of deception that doesn’t involve simply staying out of sight.

Surprises, related to above, having to face unexpected things makes Ntaj panic and do foolish things to address something that likely didn’t need his full attention.

Caves, related to his fear of being underground. Even if the cave is technically “Above ground”, the idea that there was a massive amount of dirty ready to crush him makes him very nervous. While he’s willing to enter caves and mines if he has to, he’ll only do it if he has to.

Clothing. While they can be quite pretty, he prefers to go without as they restrict his movements and make him itchy. He likes boots though.

Reading and speaking common, because common is his weakest language. He’s much more familiar with Orcish and Elven, oddly enough, and would prefer to speak in either language whenever possible.

Being referred to as a barbarian. While it’s true that his people do not live the same lifestyle as some other civilizations, they are nonetheless a civilization, and not just a horde of roaming marauders. Even their war-like nature, while not entirely an exaggeration, is merely one aspect of their life that has become normal for them, and regardless they have other industries and interest than just battle. Ntaj prefers the term Berserker when referring to his combative style.

Skills

A listing of skills, such as horseback riding, and natural abilities, such as night vision - this also includes any racial edges

• Darkvision: Ntaj is capable of seeing up to 60 feet in total darkness. He can make out details within the dark, though he cannot perceive colors, just different shades of grey.
• Beastial: The orc blood in Ntaj manifests in the form of particularly prominent orc features, exacerbating his bestial appearances. He has keen senses including sight, hear, and scent, as well as prominent tusks he can use to deliver a nasty bite to his enemies.
• Endurance: Ntaj has trained under the brutal service of orcish shamans for many years, as well as served under the harsh conditions of slavery, combined with his natural orcish durability, has made Ntaj particularly tough. He’s been known to not only survive potentially lethal attacks, but also endure great punishment from relentless swimming or running well past exhaustion, being exposed to hostile weather conditions, suffocation and breathing lost, starvation and thirst, and sleeping in armor. Even while nude Ntaj has a sort of unarmored defense that allows him to rely solely on his constitution as natural armor.
• Wanderer: Ntaj has an excellent memory for maps and geography, and can always recall the general layout of terrain, settlements, and other features around him. He generally has no difficulties traverse natural obstacles such as rocky terrain or thick forests, but is still impeded by magical obstructions.
• Survivalist: Ntaj quite adept at living off the land and can find food and fresh water for himself and a few other people each day, provided that the land offers berries, small game, water, and so forth. He’s also capable of some level of stealth to hide from perceptive prey, often employing camouflage and careful placement to ambush prey.
• Reckless Attack: By forgoing a defensive effort, Ntaj can deliver more accurate and furious blows, willingly accepting whatever harm would come to him to ensure that his attack strikes true.
• Danger Sense: Ntaj has an uncanny sense for danger, and with his own dislike of deception and his beastial senses, he can often detect harm before it befalls him.
• Weapon Proficiency:
  Swords - Ntaj is skilled in the use of slashing and chopping blades, specifically longswords, falchions, and scimitars. Ntaj prefers one-handed swords over two-handed for flexibility.
  
  Axes - As traditional orcish weapons, Ntaj is also proficient with axes ranging from throwing axes, light axes, battle axes, greataxes, and halberds with a prominent axe-like blade such as Bardiches. Ntaj is also capable of wielding the rare and exotic Orc Double Axe, though he lacks the two-weapon fighting style to use it to it's full potential.
  
  Clubs - A simple weapons that Ntaj is nonetheless skilled in using, Ntaj knows how to use clubs and other blunt rods as lethal weapons. It could be anything as simple as a branch or a a monk's bo staff, Ntaj knows how to use it effectively as a weapon, If only by clubbing his enemy with it. He is specifically skilled in the use of clubs, staffs, and maces.
  
  Cetsus - Another traditional orc weapon, a specialty of Dark Star, Cetsus are weaponized gauntlets with an additional variety spikes, armored plating, and studs to increase the damage done with a simple striker with one's fist. While it does not grant Ntaj as much martial flexibility as a true fist fighter would have, it at least allows him to fight back without an actual weapon in hand. Cetsus can be worn while using objects such as weapons and shields, but their design limits dexterity, making it difficult to do tasks that require delicate use of one's fingers.
• Shield Fighting: Unconventional to some, Ntaj is skilled at using a shield as a weapon. He bashing, punching, slashing, or smashing his shield onto the enemy, Ntaj is also capable of using his shields for a variety of combat maneuvers from simply knocking an opponent off his feet to disarming them using only his shield. He's skilled in the use of bucklers, light shields, and heavy shields, which may be adorned with additional parts such as spikes or bladed edges. Ntaj is also capable of using a tower shield in combat, but cannot preform as many complex maneuvers beyond blocking and pushing/bashing.
• Athletics: In addition to his combat training, Ntaj has been extensively trained in athletics and other strength exercises. Even without tapping into his primal rage, Ntaj can apply his strength to move things that are far heavier than he is, run faster and longer, swim in the roughest of currents, and jump longer and higher. Ntaj applies these athletes in a fight through his combat maneuvers, disarming, knocking down, sundering, pushing, or even grappling his enemies.
• Armor Useage: While Ntaj prefers to be starkly dressed, he is no stranger to armor either. For the purpose of what they’re made for, he has no trouble donning light or medium armor for a fight. Though often the only armor he really relies on is his shield.
• Languages: Ntaj is capable of speaking three languages: Orcish, Elvish, and Common. The first two were commonly spoken around Sword Mountain, but the last he didn’t learn until later into his adulthood. Thus while he’s fluent in orcish and elvish (Or at least his regional variant), his common comes off as crude. He understands it well enough, but he still isn’t entirely used to speaking the language.
• Spirit Seeker: As a Totem Warrior, Ntaj has a limited access to spells which allows him to commune and understand the beasts who represents his rage. Because of the nature of how he obtained these spells, Ntaj cannot cast them instantly, requiring a ritual that takes up to a minimum of ten minutes to finish and requires both his Animal Totem and a living animal on that totem. In this instance, a badger.

Magic

A listing of spells, their descriptions - casting times, elements needed to cast, expected damage, any drawbacks to casting - Limit 5 for single class, limit 3 for dual class - magic classes only

• Beast Senses:
  Casting Time: 10 Minute Ritual
  Components: Animal Totem, a creature represented on the Animal Totem, Somatic
  Duration: Concentration up to 1 hour
  
  Ntaj can touch a willing beast. For the duration of the spell, he can see through the beast's eyes and hear what it hears, and continue to do so until he wants to return to his normal senses or after an hour has passed. While perceiving through the beast's senses, Ntaj gain the benefits of any special senses possessed by that creature, though he is effectively blinded and deafened to his own surroundings. Ntaj cannot control the beast directly, merely observe through it's own senses. The creature affected does not have to be the create represented on the Animal Totem, though if that creature leaves or dies before the ritual finishes the spell fails.
• Speak With Animal:
  Casting Time: 10 Minute Ritual
  Components: Animal Totem, a creature represented on the Animal Totem, Somatic, Verbal
  Duration: 10 Minutes
  
  Ntaj gains the ability to comprehend and verbally communicate with a specific type of beast for ten minutes. He can understand what they say and they can understand him perfectly. The knowledge and awareness of most beasts are limited, but they could at least tell Ntaj about nearby locations, monsters, or recent events. However while under the effect of this spell, Ntaj cannot verbally communicate with other creatures even if he normally could, though he can still understand them if they speak a language he knows. The words from his mouth would sound similar to whichever beasts he is speaking to. Additionally Ntaj can only speak to one type of beast at a time, and must recast the spell if he wishes to speak to a different type of beast (So if can speak to a cat and a tiger if he uses this ritual for felines, but he'll need to use it again if he wants to speak with birds). Lasts for ten minutes or until Ntaj dispels the magic.
• Sacred Scarring
  Casting Time: None
  Components: Material (Ritual Scarring)
  Duration: Constant
  
  Not all the wounds on his body are marks of pain. As a shaman apprentice Ntaj has been marked with the blessing of the wild and his ancestors, providing luck against malicious forces. He is their fate’s favored, and while they cannot assist him directly, they provide what little protection they can from beyond. Knowing that he has a greater power watching over him, Ntaj gains the moral to become tougher, move faster, and have a sharper mind to resist the negative effects against him. Whether or not the scars actually provide any protection or if it's all faith is not in Ntaj's place to figure out; he simply knows and believes it to be, and it hasn't proven him wrong yet.
• Primal Rage
  Casting Time: Instant
  Components: None
  Duration: 1 Minute
  
  Where some harness rage through negative emotions such as anger, pain, and grief, Totem Warriors have found rage to be a more spiritual blessing, represented different animals, granting him Primal Rage. His rage takes on aspects of different animals, some similar to one another, others vastly different, all represented on his Animal Totem. A Totem Warrior may take on different aspects of a creature, or improve the aspect of one creature, as they grow older and stronger. Ntaj’s current Animal Totem is the Badger: Known for their resilience despite their size, Ntaj takes only half as much damage from all sources of harm except Psychic damage.
  
  Additionally while Ntaj is raging, he excels at feats of strength and athleticism, granting him advantages using his strength whilst raging. He also does more damage to foes while using his strength to attack them.
  
  Ntaj can only tap into his Primal Rage twice a day, though he may be able to do it more often as he grows stronger. Each rage lasts a total of one minute, which he can end early, but he will not regain any time back to preform another Primal Rage. Additionally after each rage ends Ntaj is fatigued for a minute, during which he cannot activate his Rage even if he has another use left. While fatigued Ntaj has disadvantages in using his non-combative skills (regular attacks and dodging), and cannot succeed in doing anything that would only make his fatigue worse. While raging Ntaj is incapable of concentrating or using any spells. Lastly, after using up all his allotted rages, Ntaj requires a full rest before he will be able to use his rages again.

Possessions

Possessions Generally On Person: Clothing, coin purse, money, etc

• Clothing: An assortment of furs, leathers, and clothes. What’s commonly seen is his sturdy dwarven made boots and his own personally made fur kilt. He also has a weather-resistant cloak and a black outfit that he passes off as “Formal Wear”. His formal wear consist of black pants and a long-sleeve shirt made of cotton. Occasionally wears underwear.
• Wallet: A fancy leather wallet that can hold paper and coin. Currently has 50 gold in it.
• Waterskin: A large waterskin that can hold up to a gallon of water.
• Pipe-Weed: Halfling tobacco held in a special pouch. Ntaj typically has it rolled in tobacco leaves rather than than smoked from a pipe.
• Tinder Twigs: To light the Pipe-weed.
• Rope: Five lengths of 10 feet rope Ntaj can use to tie things up with.
• Bandolier: A pair of belts which not only keep his kilt around his waist, but also comes with a variety of straps and pouches to hold his belongings.

Weapons: Personal weapons, no magically enhanced items

• Orc Choppa: A legendary weapon amongst the orcs. It’s a sword, a hatchet, frying pan, spatula grappling hook, fishing rod, backscratcher, and much more. To everyone else it’s just a mundane, if quite large, machete that is very durable. Perfect to be used for everything from slaying monsters, chopping down trees, and carving.
• Throwing Axes: Small, light axes perfectly balanced for throwing. Ntaj can often nail targets up to thirty feet and this is his primary ranged weapon. Carries four.
• Dagger: A knife for when the Choppa is too big.
• Animal Totem: Another one of Ntaj’s ingenious weapons, it is a sturdy stick roughly four feet long with a crooked tip for better grip and to beat someone over the head with. It also serves as Ntaj's Animal Totem, with the carving of a badger's face near the handle. While it is needed for Ntaj's spell casting, it's no more magical than bat guano for fireballs. It's merely a non-consumed material component that functions as a walking stick and bludgeon.. If Ntaj looses it he just needs another piece of wood and an hour or two to get a new one.
• Cestus: Also known as a spiked gauntlet. Ntaj can puncture his opponent with the spikes or just bash them with his fist. He can still wield weapons while wearing a Cestus, though it does get in the way of more dexterous tasks such as tying ropes or climbing.

Armor: Base armor only, no magically enhanced items

• Hide: Thick tanned hides and leather stitched together to create a coat of armor. Bits of bone adorn parts of the armor to provide a meager amount of protection, but are mostly intended to serve as armor spikes. It is medium armor.
• Heavy Wooden Shield: A round shield mostly made of thick sturdy wood bound with iron. It has a metal spike as a cap to allow Ntaj to stab someone with it, and the edges of the shield are sharpen to allowing slashing or chopping motions. There is even a second handle he could grab with his other hand to bolster his shield smashing.

Animals: Have a horse or bird? Limit 1 non bonded

• Honey: A badger who represents Ntaj’s rage. A small beast who regardless is a ferocious and scrappy fighter, enduring much pain and suffering to achieve victory. Ntaj met him as a child after he went hunting for honey on the cliffs of Sword Mountain, where this little creature then attacked Ntaj and robbed him of his sweets. Ntaj later pursued the badger where the two fought for a short while before they were attacked by a bear, whom they both slew together.

Pack Contents: What do you carry in you pack when traveling

• Master Backpack: This backpack has numerous pockets for storing items that might be needed while adventuring. Hooks are included for attaching items such as canteens, pouches, or even a rolled-up blanket. It has padded bands that strap across the chest and the waist to distribute its weight more evenly.
• Camping Supplies: Contains a hanging tent, extra rope, pitons, a bedroll, a thick winter blanket, firewood (Kept in a waterproof bag), extra tinder twigs, all contained/attached to a single bag.
• Heatstone: Alchemically treated to enhance their natural heat-generating properties, these round or ovoid stones of volcanic glass provide enough heat to keep chambers warm in the coldest winter. One heatstone keeps a 20-foot-square area comfortably warm even in extreme cold (below –20° F), or a 40-foot-square area in severe cold (between –20° F and 0° F). A single heatstone is activated by striking it against any hard surface, after which point it continues to provide heat for 24 hours. An active heatstone does not give off enough heat to cook food or cause damage. Comes with a special net to allow it to be hung off objects.
• Food: A sack containing painted boxes. Red boxes contain meat, green has fruits and vegetables, yellow contains bread and grains, and white has spices and powders. This pack also contains a mess kit.
• Fishing Kit: This kit includes a simple fishing pole and a small box that contains fishing tackle (hooks, lines, sinkers, floats, and lures).
• Manacles: Metal cuffs to bind a medium sized creature. Designed in such a way that it tightens when there is something within the cuffs, but would normally slip through if there was nothing. Thus Ntaj doesn’t carry a key for it, though it can still be disabled. Otherwise identical to normal manacles.

Magical Items: Limit 2 low level

• Traveler’s Any Tools: This implement at first seems to be nothing but a 12-inch iron bar lined with small plates and spikes. It can be folded, twisted, hinged, and bent, to form almost any known tool. Hammers, shovels, even a block and tackle (without rope) are possible. It can duplicate any tool the wielder can clearly visualize that contains only limited moving parts, such as a pair of scissors, but not a handloom.
• Jar of Holy Water on a Rope: Or as Ntaj likes to call it, a flail. It contains a tightly sealed steel jar containing holy water, which is swung around on a 4-feet length of rope. Ntaj uses it to ward off ghosts figuring that if normal physical weapons phase right through ghosts but they get burned by holy water, then simply swinging a jar of the stuff at them should work just as well. Works very effectively against non-incorporeal creatures as well.
  
  While falling, the bearer can snap and destroy the snapleaf as an immediate action to gain the benefits of feather fall and invisibility. The duration of the two effects work independently; ending one early does not affect the other. The item cannot be activated to provide just one of these two effects; they are always activated simultaneously.

Potions: Premade or prepurchased potions - limit 5

• Fly: Allows those who drink the potion flight for 3 minutes.
• Enlarge Person: If a humanoid creature drinks this potion, their size increases one level higher. Lasts for one minute.
• Resist Energy: Drinking this potion allows the drinker to resist either Fire, Cold, Electrical, Sonic, or Acid damage. Handy for dealing with Elementals. Reduces damage from specific energy type (Chosen when used) by 10 points for 20 minutes.
• Restoration: Restoration cures all temporary ability damage, and it restores all points permanently drained from a single ability score (your choice if more than one is drained). It also eliminates any fatigue or exhaustion suffered by the target.
• Delay Poison: If drunk, Ntaj is immune to poison for two-hours. Any poison Ntaj already has been affected by or may become exposed to will not affect him for the duration of the potion's effect. It does not remove the poison on it's own, though it may allow Ntaj to survive the effects of the poison until the poison is purged from his body, one way or another. So if the poison does say, 12d8 points of damage every ten minutes for an hour, then Ntaj can drink a Delay Poison and he won't take damage from the poison for the next 2 hours, which hopefully by then the poison would have been cleaned from his body. If however he already took the potion and an hour plus thirty minutes later he gets hit by the 12d8, he won't feel the effects immediately, but he will once the potion wears off, since the poison would still be in his system for the next 30 minutes or so.

History

Parents: Ntaj is the son of Pov Zoov Yaaj, King of Dark Star, as well as Erin Wildflower, one of his wives from a political marriage.
Siblings: Ntaj has a total of 15 living siblings, 20 including those who have died. 7 are brothers while 8 are sisters, with Ntaj himself as the seven oldest child and the fifth son. He had an older sister, but she had died when Ntaj was still a baby.
Childhood: Ntaj first began his training under the tribe’s Shaman as a Totem Warrior at a young age, beginning at five years old. He didn’t actually have any warrior training until he was ten, and the first five years he was largely an apprentice/slave of the shaman. It wasn’t all training however, and he used to keep company with his many brothers, playing and fighting among them as children.
Adulthood: As an adult, which for orcs begins around 15 years old, Ntaj had completed his training as a warrior, but still needed to pursue his spiritualism to become a true Totem Warrior. During this time the political climate of Dark Star was starting to become unhinged, which resulted in Ntaj suddenly marrying one of the other tribe’s daughter to seal an alliance. However things didn’t go so well and Ntaj was soon divorced, and his family went to war with other tribes around Dark Star. After more issues, Ntaj had a falling out with his brothers and father and exiled himself from Dark Star.
Special Moments: Ntaj's first meeting with Honey and the time he fought against his family.
Current Events: Mostly wandering aimlessly.

Relations

⚜ High Ranking * ☯ Neutral * ☮ Friends * ♥ Crush * ⚤ Significant Other * ☠ Enemy

You may work out several predone relations as NPCs you control. Limit one high ranking character, minimal of one sworn enemy - all npcs are limited to base information and items within the Rp. Relations can be worked out between player character before start of Rp if you wish and added to during the Rp

• ⚜☠Pov Zoov Yaaj: Ntaj Zoov's father, king of Dark Star. The title is largely self-given; he is, at best, a warlord and chieftain. He calls himself king as he's trying to unite the orcs under his tribe, which is roughly 200,000 strong, made up of over 54 different clans. After Ntaj's failed marriage, Pov Zoov was forced to try to kill his son in order to maintain an alliance, but Ntaj's own self-interest in not dying prevented that from happening. Thus Pov Zoov has sent bounties to kill his own son, though it's hard for Ntaj to tell how much his father wants to do it, and how much he has to for the sake of alliances.
• ☠Ntaj's Brothers: Ntaj's seven brothers, four elder and two younger. While some have allied and are fighting against each other, nonetheless they are Ntaj's enemy for the sake of succession. Despite the fact that Ntaj has both been exiled and has no interest in the throne of Dark Star, as well as being a half-orc as oppose to a full blooded orc like the rest of his brothers, Ntaj still has a legitimate claim to the throne. Ntaj hasn't seen them since he left, but occasionally he runs into their warriors who are after his head.
• ☮Erin Wildflower: Ntaj's mother, a human woman who serves as Pov Zoov's wife. While she isn't the main wife, she serves Pov Zoov more politically than the other mothers due to her actual knowledge of governing. She helped Ntaj escaped Dark Star, and currently struggles to find a way to bring him back without instigating a bloody civil war.
• ☯Ayala Skullshield: Ntaj's ex-wife. They were arranged to be married to one another, though neither bride nor groom had any interest in one another. They spent one intimate night as expected of them, but afterwards Ayala ran away with her true lover. Because Ntaj actually helped her, they are on good terms, though they both understood that there will only be additional strife if they remained together for too long.
• ☯Tseeb Ntaj Yaaj: Ntaj's son. An infant born from that intimate night with Ayala, whom Ntaj has only met once. Although Ayala's new husband is more than willing to be Tseeb's father, Ntaj does feel the need to support the child in some way. Mostly Ntaj sends letters with some money or souvenirs.
• ☯Rale: A hafling and Ntaj's childhood friend. Originally a slave in Dark Star, Ntaj brought him and turned him into his companion. Actually far older than Ntaj, but nonetheless has a childish personality that allowed the two to grow close to one another. Taught him how to smoke Pipe-Weed. After Ntaj was banished from Dark Star, he managed to bring Rale with him and freed him from his servitude. Last Ntaj knew, Rale now lives in Neverwinter City.

Extras

Character Quote: There are many things to die for. I want something to live for.
Theme Song: Blood and Guts
Aura Color: White, with wisps of green flowing through like falling leafs.
Scent: Cold iron and chicken.
Anything Else: Ntaj knows a lot about the customs of his people, and is more than willing to talk about it. He even wants to write a book one day, though his handwriting is atrocious.

@Lucius Cypher

Unnaturally high percentage of Half-Orcs in this part of the realm aside, I'm hard pressed to find anything that actually goes against the rules presented by Lady A.

🦄 Duplicity - D&D Style Fantasy Rp Adventure (Completed)

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Keystone

Location: Road North of Salarn, Day Two

Interacting With: Sana, Cyneburg, Malkus

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Why the arse are we still talking? Building on fire! thought Keystone, hefting his pots and passing them out quickly to any who were around. Though there wasn't an endless supply of cookware, three or so good ones might suffice for his needs.

He noted the appearance of magic on the scene, and was dead set on doing nothing about it. He wasn't a huge fan in the first place. Granted, he had seen magic channeled as a useful tool by people he had come to trust, and he even carried a bit of minor magic on his person. But it came back to trust. If he wasn't confident in the motivations of the comparatively few souls in the realm that had the spark of arcane manipulation, then he wanted little to do with the effects of their spellcraft. Were he asked to handle a situation involving a magely type, he would likely advise simple and direct violence. It might not be the best course of action in this instance. Lucky for him, there were those in the group who had a better understanding of magic than he.

This level of disdain made him feel just a skosh like a hypocrite when Sana presented him with the oversized cloak. He remembered the Hellhound. He remembered being set on fire when he struck the killing blow, and having to ditch the long, black woolen coat he was wearing before it fully engulfed him in infernal fire. His mother gave him that coat, one of the last things she did before her passing. All he had left of it was a pocketful of brass buttons. Keystone was aware of the properties of Hellhound blood and the magical process by which said properties can be transferred to an individual wearing an item treated with it. He accepted the article of clothing with measured gratitude.

Yeah. Keystone felt like a hypocrite. But now, he had a better chance of staying alive long enough to get over it. He hastily threw on the cloak and recovered his pot. Motioning for others to follow, Keystone scooped up its capacity of rainwater and mud from the ground, and ran into the woods to the burning building.

The second he entered, Keystone was highly surprised to see someone else slumped on the floor. He couldn't tell if the hapless fellow was alive or dead, unconscious or merely feeling sorry for himself. "What in bloody, piss-'emorrhaging 'ell is this then, eh?" he bellowed, his urban underclass accent flaring as he spoke. Keystone shook his head and splatted his pot of watery sludge on one of the support beams, still licking flame. The hiss and bubble of the cooling wood was satisfying, but it wasn't enough.

Keystone turned back to the slumped form with the flute laying beside him. He sighed heavily. If he were smart, he'd leave the guy there and keep working fire. If he were kind, he would focus his energies on seeing to the well being of the horizontal man in front of him. Instead, he worked out a compromise. Empty pot in his left hand, the burly man picked up his half-human cargo by grasping belt and bandoleer in his right. He began to spin, seemingly using the pot as a counterbalance to the weight of the person, despite the highly improbable physics involved. After two such revolutions, Keystone let go, hurling the poor bastard out of the open door and into the weather outside.

He skipped like a stone, such was the trajectory of his body as it descended to the watery ground below, and came to a sloshing rest near an ash tree a few meters away. Keystone ran back to the doorway, sucking in a lungful of cleaner air, and passed off his empty pot for the one in the hands of the person behind him.

"Right! Keep'em comin'!"

The second splat was even more satisfying than the first.

🦄 Darker Than Black - Merged With T.S.

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Caesar Gonzalez

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Location: Apartment 2D (Alicia's), Street
Interacting With: The London Office

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The media was finally backing off. If not fully backing off, then at least keeping a respectful distance away from the scene, thanks to the tactics and raw intimidation factor of the trio from Machete Security Solutions. All the same, this place reeked of decay. Not the sure and obvious urban decay, brought about by structurally neglected neighborhoods, nor even the more obvious smell of the dead; this was a pervasive feeling of moral decay, a type of hedonism that afflicts the lower classes and habitually unfulfilled. This place was permeated with it.

The overly dramatic public displays of the locals, if left by itself, could be overlooked. This was California, after all. The Great Cereal Bowl of North America - If you weren't a fruit or a nut, you were probably a flake. There was a certain amount of false front and transparent ulterior motivation to be expected. Crime? That happened everywhere. If people were completely safe all the time, his company wouldn't make any money at all. No, the potential for aggressive activity wasn't the issue. It was the horrifying Talk Show mentality with which casual passersby treated the scene of someone's death. The heartless arrogant entitlement of the media. The blazé behavior of local law enforcement, perhaps. Or maybe that the two or three decent people he'd noticed were trampled over by the sea of mediocrity that washed over this place, leaving a film of fetid disappointment and unneeded histrionics. The fact that the public merely accepted this sickened Caesar.

This crowded stretch of asphalt and structures had all of the earmarks of urban jungle. A place where predators stalked among the unwary. He didn't like it. But it was where he was, he and what remained of his family. Whatever this was, Caesar was a part of it now. So was Lorna, and so was his baby girl, Alicia. May as well do something about it.

Caesar's phone had taken many images of the scene, weapon, body. Things that could be reviewed later. The forensic tech had her own observations. Perhaps in lieu of more practical payment, he could have his people read in to the investigation. Hell, he was a cop, once upon a time. Federal Judicial Police, though his area of expertise in that time lay in Narcotics, Organized Crime, and Small Unit Tactics. These were all interesting introspective observations and bonafide certifiable maybes, but they did little to address his initial concern. His people were here, and it was a questionable setting. The old man would feel a little more confident if he had another body he could trust looking after the Familia Gonzalez. Someone that would allow them to work in pairs. Someone capable of defending himself and whomever he was with. Someone who could perform the heavy lifting and scare the bejeezus out of just about anyone if he weren't around. A person far removed from the scene, with nothing personal at stake and zero friends to coddle.

He knew of such a person. But it was a gamble summoning him.

Caesar, still recording, punched up the contact information to his company's central office, back in Chattanooga. The other end picked up after hardly a single ring. Without waiting for salutation, he began. "Gonzalez, Senior. Get me the Director of the London Office."

A few scant rings later, a professional but fatigued voice answered, "Sir?"

"Special Project - Justice, California. Grey op, investigation and bodyguard duties. Send me the big guy. I want The Stone. Tomorrow if possible. Tell him to pack light, we're not going to war yet. Just need someone for my girls."

This might not have been the best idea he'd ever acted on. But it would certainly make things interesting. Game on, Justice. Game on.