Lost city.( vampire, lycan etc roleplay,Open to all)

[Rufus the Mad]

Jack waited, silent and still, as the stranger approached. The Lynx was still grinning at the near outburst from the frustrated young Vampire, but knew too that this Wolf had taken an awfully big chance walking away from her like that. He had to have sensed the strength wreathed about the girls form, smelled the raw mystical energies that wove through the air around her like loving snakes. Knowing that then, why would he... Ah. Suddenly the old Cat had a flash of understanding, one that caused his smile to widen slightly before it faded, his grey pelt once more shielding those gleaming teeth.

Closer the wolf stalked, and still Jack did not move. Closer still, until he was mere yards away, and it was only the continued strong breeze and the shadows that hid him, until at last he spoke, his rumbling words rolling out like a thick syrup to surround the Wolf in their fluidity. "Quite the show you put on, Master Wolf. So sure are you that your trinket will shield you from her strength?"

He stepped from the shadows then, revealing himself fully, arms out and hands extended, palms up in the old greeting. He was willing to speak, not fight, and wanted the big boy to know it. "Folks hereabouts call me Jack, Happy Jack to some, and I'd welcome you to the city if I thought it was worth it." Lowering his hands now, relaxing into a nonthreatening slump as he leaned back against the wall. He leaned his head to one side, looking askance at the stranger and asked the not unexpected questions, more to get them out of the way than anything else, saying "So what do they call you at home, and what are you doin' in this twisted nightmare of a city?"

 

[Keldun_Rae]

Smiles at the Lynx, not at all seeming surprised as he returns the age old gesture of peaceful intent.

"It's quite nice to meet someone with more discretion and fore-thought after such an encounter. As for my "trinket", it wasn't my faith in it that I held to keep me safe, but my knowledge of the workings of the world. I am known to some as Tassiar. To others, as Shadow Lord. I have been known by many names by many people. If you wish to grant me a new name, so be it. Mayhaps you'll provide more stimulating conversation than our young friend."

Smiles up towards the roof-top, before turning his attention back to Lynx.

"I have no doubt that she will learn with time, as all must. But if my instincts are correct, and they very rarely fail me, then she might not have too much time in which to learn. Something draws nearer to this city. Something malevolent and old. An ancient power that has long been forgotten by nearly everyone, but makes it's way here none the less. I believe that is the reason myself and so many others were drawn to this place at this time. What brings you here, holder of the old ways?"

 

[Rufus the Mad]

With a nod of his fuzzy head that Lynx acknowledged the Wolfs name, accepting him and welcoming him with one gesture. ”I’ve never been accused of being overly chatty,” he said with a wry grin ”But I’ll be as stimulating as I can.” He listened to the Wolf as he continued speaking, feeling a chill descend over his heart as he spoke of this coming threat.

”I have felt… something... lately, but I ain’t been able to identify it. Whatever it is, it’s damned subtle, and isn’t in any real hurry. As for how long I’ve been here… hell son, I watched the birth of this town from the trees of the forests, and have seen the rot growing in the dark places… This city had a heart once… but it has long since been bled out.” He shook his head once more, the weariness of his long battle to keep the balance weighing on him heavily. He had weathered attacks on himself, his friends, and the city itself before this, but Tassiars words rang true, and somewhere deep inside himself he realized that this one, this one was different.

Glancing around, he levered himself up from his leaning position and addressed the Wolf once more, saying ”Well, as you are a guest in our dark city, I’d imagine that you don’t have a place to bed down yet. I have several places where a soul can rest itself, some better than others, and can let you use any of them you wish. Besides… it might be best if we were to remove ourselves for now. Our conversations aren’t for common folk, and I was expecting company when I caught wind of you. It might serve better to have a familiar wall at our backs should they find us.”

 

[Keldun_Rae]

"You anticipate trouble, friend Jack? From what source? What may be coming to wish you harm that you feel the need for a wall at your back in place of a forest? As time passes, we grow too accustomed to the busy streets and lose touch with nature. As for a place to sleep, no, I don't have one yet. I intended to sleep at a hotel, but if your offer's genuine, then I graciously accept."

Bowing deeply to Jack, he gestures down the street.

"Feel free to lead the way."

 

[Rufus the Mad]

Grinning broadly at the show of concern, the Lynx shook his head dismissively. "Not trouble so much" he said easily "As a potential for misunderstanding. Another bunch of newcomers, though not of "our breed" he said cryptically, arching one furry eyebrow to make certain that the Wolf knew he meant not Lycan in general "They have been taking too many humans, and the authorities are beginning to ask the wrong questions. I have spoken with the Eldest among them, but I'm not certain how great her influence is over them. She is only Mistress to one, and it's the other two I was expecting."

Turning quickly, the can began walking easily through the gloom, leading the way back to the old Warehouse. "The offer was indeed genuine, and in fact I'd appreciate the company. It's been awhile since I had a decent conversation. There's beds aplenty, and I have food as well, though no fresh meat, I'm sorry to say."

He was thoughtful as he walked, his clinical and analyticalbrain picking over what Tassiar had said, and looking for any way to escape the logic of it. The fact was, he had known something was coming for quite some time now, and for a few fleeting moments had hoped that Talia and her brood were it. He had hoped, and he had been disappointed.

"Listen Tassiar," he said suddenly, rounding the last corner in their approach to the waiting hideaway "If these hot-headed Vamps do show themselves tonight, don't feel obligated to jump in, alright? If there is trouble, and I'm still hoping they'll have the sense not to start any, I'll do what I can to handle it myself. After all, he added with a wink you just got here! We can't have you jumpin into fights on your first night."

 

[Keldun_Rae]

"Ahh, I see. Yeah, them blood-sucker types can prove quite annoying at times. I prefer to give them a choice, however. Leave peacefully, or die for good. If they choose to leave peacefully, I'll let them go. If they decide to attack.... Well, then, it's their own stupidity." Thinking for a moment, he then continues. "And if they've been that stupid with their feeding habits, then they should be dealt with, one way or another. I prefer to let them do their thing if they'll let me do mine, but the minute they decide to get me involved in their habits, then they're screwed. I don't abide trouble makers who drag me into their affairs."

Looking over the warehouse from the outside, he begins to think of strategic advantages and disadvantages to being holed up in such a place. With it being so large, you should be able to spot approaching enemies easily. However, the larger the space, the more foes can attack at once. Also, there should be enough exits that hopefully escape will remain an option.... Too many points to consider in so large a building.

"Well, once again I thank you for your offer, and I accept. I've been without good conversation for too long. The change will be most welcomed. If you're willing, perhaps we can discuss in more detail just who resides in this city and where their allegiances lie. Information of that sort is always invaluable. In exchange, I'll tell you of my past deeds and "glories". Sound fair enough?"

"If there are bloodsuckers after you without just cause and they attack you without provocation, I will do my best to defend you, cousin. I never have nor ever will abide cowardice."

 

[shadowoftheheart]

She stood and waited for a few minutes and watched the arrogant lycan walk into the shadows. She concentrated and burst into a million points of light that sped in all directions.

She regrouped herself near Talia on the roof. Might as well get it over with, she thought to herself.

"Satisfied? Or do you need more? Garnet, the lycans we have met the last night or two have been .. tolerant of us. This new one is powerful .. in his choice of weaponry. The other is a do-gooder who seems to want to take care of the humans of this city. There is a rare chance here, a chance to ease the tensions between our kind. In times of peace, one can more easily prepare for war.
"From now on when you feed, dispose of the body. I had to clean up after your meal tonight. If we lay low, and you keep up relations with your contacts ... I think we might be able to achieve something."

I had to find Aurelia and Laurent to make certain they didn't do anything foolish. I lept away in search of them and tried to contact Garnet mentally, forgetting her sheild for a moment. Stopping on the next rooftop, I turned and gestured for her to follow ....

 

[blackopal19]

Garnet listened to Talia's speech...and watched her leap to the next rooftop.


"I understand the tensions involved....but do you not realize the power of the new one? His weapon can wipe us all out swiftly...and easily. The magic in my soul demands me to know more about such an object. But I will see where your wisdom leads us."

In a moment she was beside Talia on the next rooftop. She had ignored Talia's remark about picking up after herself. She thought it best to leave the matter alone.


ooc- welcome back! long time no see!

 

[shadowoftheheart]

"Of course it does. But it's the weapon itself and its power that makes backing off the wiser path, for now. If you have an enemy with a great weapon, it's best to find out what you can about it -without- letting your enemy know that you're interested in it. And, to find that enemy's weaknesses. Know where to attack."

*Take care, if you seek the new, magical one Aurelia. He represents a great danger -- which I'm sure you know. It bears repeating however. We need to work together now, if this lycan proves a threat.*

And of course, being a lycan, it went without saying that he was, to us.

(OOC: Thanks. It has been a little bit. RL, and not in a bad way. )

 

[Rufus the Mad]

(ooc: Sorry for the lapse here guys, this semester is kickin me hard!)

"Well, like I said," the Lynx admitted with a laugh " I'm not really expecting a fight, but I know the type, and I don't think her pride will allow her to go very long without facing me in some fashion." He swung wide the heavy door, allowing the dim light of the lamps he had lit earlier to spill forth into the surrounding night. Slipping inside, he turned up the lighting and sat the kettle on to boil, not so much assuming that his guest would want some, as to be cordial. Not to mention the fact that he could really use another cup himself.

The tour he gave of the interior was quick direct, quickly revealing the fact that despite the size of the building, there were only two other access points that weren't sealed, and he seemed to understand instictually that this Wolf shared his need for surity of security. Returning to the main room, he summed up the layout in a single phrase, saying "My friends don't like being trapped any better than we do."

Pouring them both cups of the stimulating brew, he stripped off his overcoat and dropped onto the comfortably worn couch, looking up at the towering form of the Wolf and speaking again, addressing his query about the various factions of the city in his own way. "I've been here long enough to realize that most of these youngsters wouldn't know what a real accord was if you smacked 'em with it. Most of the Lycans are nothing but mad dogs, tearing through whoever or whatever has made them angry lately, and the Vamps are about as enigmatic as ever. I know there is one ancient called Anise that ran the city, but as far as I know, she's been sleeping for the better part of this century. The humans, of course, are caught in the middle."

He took a long drink of his tea, feeling the herbs and additives the sorcerous had added reviving his senses and rejuvenating his mind even as he did so, and thought about how best to continue. He had only just met this Wolf, after all, and for all appearances there was every possibility that he might prove to be an eventual enemy... Ah hell, he always had been too trusting. "Myself," he said after a moment, "I don't tend to pick sides unless pressed. I like to keep things balanced out, ya know? But I do have alot of friends among the castaways and dregs, these 'homeless' folks, as they're called, and I'll fight for 'em if needed. It's actually because of two of them that I approached the Vamps in the first place."

Leaning forward, he continued, saying "Nobody sees them anymore, ya see, and they can spread everywhere, travel to any section of the city without arousing suspicion. Through them, I can watch the whole city, and never have to move. When they get attacked, though, thats when I get involved... I owe 'em that much."

Leaning back again, flinging an arm across the back of the dusty sofa, he regarded his guest again, his eyes dancing as he spoke, saying "So what about you son, where do fall in the grand scheme of things?"

 

[Keldun_Rae]

"Well, believe it or not, I've got no querrel's with the bloodsuckers until they start one. I've always been of the frame of mind that with both our kind and theirs being so long on this world, so long lived, and so damn powerful, that instead of fighting each other we should be trying to manipulate the mortals into treating the world the way it should be. If both our kinds were to co-operate and work together towards a common goal, there'd be no stopping us. Not that I'm power hungry, just realistic. In fact, I've had friends among the bloodsuckers for years. Ones that made damn sure they never killed the people they fed from, taking just as much as needed from many sources each night, rather than draining one or two until death."

Looking around the building he nods minutely and sits as well, looking a bit at the teapot.

"There's both advantages and disadvantages to this set up, however. The first is that with only two exits, it becomes much easier for a foe to block your escape, should that escape prove necessary. The second is that with a proper security set-up, the first becomes moot. Place enough cameras and what-not and you should have enough advanced warning that if escape seems prudent, you can do so. After all, it's not unheard of for a bloodsucker to rapidly begun turning people in order to take out an opponent by sheer numbers. Caution really is always best."

 

[blackopal19]

Talia's words rang true to Garnet. As they had lately, to her disdain. It seems all of her wisdom and intelligence seemed to have gone out the door when she was turned. Perhaps it was still anger or regret clouding her otherwise good judgement.

She cast her eyes down the alleyway, towards what had been the home of the strange lycan the previous night. The new one was there now too, she could feel it.

She didn't wait for Talia this time. She burst herself into her numerous points of light...but this time something different happened...her pinpricks of light burst into flame...then smoked away.

She drifted away, over the city in this new smokey form, before landing near a park, her form smokey like and half solid untill she she concentrated and became whole again.

 

[Rufus the Mad]

The Lynx all but laughed out loud at the Wolfs words, tears springing too his eyes as he fought for control. "Security cameras!?" he blurted at last, unable to restrain himself "Buddy, these people are lucky to have enough cash to buy a loaf of bread! Sure, I'd love ta have cameras, alarms, tha whole bit, but that just ain't gonna happen. Naw, these folks survive by paying attention, by keeping their eyes open to whats around them, and I do the same."

He shook his head slighly, still grinning at the assumption that the young Wolf had made, and continued, saying "Now I know that most of our kind, and pretty much all the Vamps tend to have a good amount of money to spend, but I don't. Never saw a need for all that hoopla, to tell the truth. No sir, I'd rather life simple... catch my food, hunt when I want, and sleep outdoors, just like I did as cub. 'Course, now the huntin is more like choosin which mark will give you more cash, and the outdoors is a dark alley you share with about a dozen other folks, but it's enough."

He looked to his guest again, his eyes narrowing a bit as he thought about what he had said previously. Was it better to ave no enemies? Would it really be better to shepherd the humans to what the nightbreeds thought the world should be? It might be a better world... but it might be a nightmare. "I'm all for alliance with the Vamps myself," he said carefully "But I don't believe that we should try to alter the path that the humans are on... It ain't our place to do so, if you take my meaning. I think of myself as a realist as well sir, and that bein the case, I'd have to say I disagree with your utopian solution... The world has to have shadows."

He leaned forward now, his elbows resting on his knees and a strange fire showing in his eyes. It had been entirely too long since he had been in a true debate, and he had forgotten how good it felt to speak candidly with someone who was able to respond properly! "You see," he continued "The Lycans and the Vamps are like the weights on a giant scale... each one pitted against the other in a quest for balance. If we were to all suddenly try to get along... well, the whole system collapses! There are far too many old arguments, entirely too many unforgiving natures in our two camps to get such an action to work correctly. It might appear to work for a bit, as the demon riled themselves up and prepared to strike, but eventually we'd end up with a war... Everyone would want control, and most would be willing to fight to get it. Too many Alphas, ya see."

Leaning back, he shook his head again, his lips shaping themselves to a quirky twist of consternation as he thought more on the battles that such a peace would bring. "No..." he said heavily, heaving a sigh as he spoke "It's better to stick to small accords... little agreements like the one I managed with Talia. That way, we have a basis to work from, but nobody seems to be taking control from anyone. After all, having hunters roaming the streets would be bad for both of our kind, right? I'd like to meet your friends someday, by the way. They sound like they see the logic of the situation a bit clearer than most..."

 

[Keldun_Rae]

Shakeing his head slightly, he looks at the Lynx, straight in the eyes. With their eyes locked so tightly, it becomes quite clear that Tassiar isn't as young as he seems, and has seen and done quite a bit.

"My firend Jack. You misinterpret what I mean. I'm not saying we utterly control the normal humans, but that we guide them away from their path of self annihilation. With our kinds guidence, they can perhaps finnaly cease the useless and senseless bickering between the nations they've formed and work towards common goals. Mind you, that does not mean I'm saying we reveal ourselves for what we are, but simply try to get into advisory positions with the various governments around the world. From such positions we can more easily guide them towards peace in place of war. Granted, it wouldn't be easy, but it'd be the best way."

"As for the smaller accords that some have set up with various bloodsuckers, they're all well and good, but the same problems remain. Someone always wants leverage over the others involved. In your case, leverage is easy enough to gain, I'm afraid. After all, what protection do your friends in the alley's have against a spiteful bloodsucker, or for that matter, a vengeful shifter? There are no garuntees in life except for two inevitable facts. Death, and taxes."

"As for your lack of funds hindering you from setting up a security perimiter.... That's easily enough solved." Reaching into his coat, he takes out a wallet. Opening it up, he then takes out several bills, all $100's, and sets them next to Jack. "That should get you started. It won't buy you top-of-the-line, but it'll buy you some decent quality gear for now. There's $1,200 there. I never worry about carrying so much, because as I proved to one man earlier tonight, I can take care of myself quite well."

 

[Rufus the Mad]

Reaching out one heavy paw, the Lynx rolled the wad back up, and handed it back to the Wolf, the smile gone from his face and a look of stubborn pride shining faintly in his eyes. When he spoke, his voice was soft, almost deliberate, and held none of the bumpkinish mannerisms he had displayed before. Here, then, was the real Jack, the one he hardly ever revealed. A rare honor, but he doubted his guest would recognize the fact. "I understand your willingness to help us Tassiar, and appreciate the sentiment, but I cannot accept your money. I do this for several reasons. Firstly, there is the issue of practicality. This is only one of over two dozen safehouses and refuge sites that I have created, and the funds you have offered, though impressive, would scarcely cover the cost for that many sites. The second, I admit, is a sense of pride... both mine, and theirs. I have made my own way for nearly two centuries, and have managed to not only survive, but assist others in that time. To accept your assistance in this matter is to assume that I could not do it myself had I the intention of doing so. And to give something to them so easily, without any real reasoning, would smack of charity... something that would bother a surprisingly high number of them. This brings us to the third, and most telling reason. I do not interfer here, not if I can avoid it."

Returning to his upright position, his feline body assuming a languid repose, the old Cat spoke on, elaborating on his reasoning, and tying it in with their discussion, saying "To do such, to provide for these people in such a manner, would rob them of something. They are not sheep, they are not merely waiting for me to lead them. They are a vibrant and thriving people, and should be allowed to make their own way. You spoke of the threats to them, the attacks by Vampire and Lycan, and I admit that such instances do exist... How could they not? But what you have assumed is that I am some champion for them, that I will leap to the fray when anything crawls from the shadows to threaten them. I do not.

This is a world of greys, my friend, and I do my best to remember that. I cannot stop every threat to them, so I don't try. I fact, most of them would be offended should I do so. No, what I do is step in when things go too far, when someone or something goes beyond the scope of the norm, and disrupts the balance. I have faced both Vampire and Lycan on this account, and have stood on both sides of the seperation between light and dark. I do not choose their road any more than I would have them choose mine, but I will stand up for their right to make their own choices, be they wise or no."

Cocking his head slightly, the old Lycan peered over at his visitor and continued, picking his words carefully, and guaging the Wolfs reactions as he spoke. "You see Tassiar, I didn't misinterpret your words, I simply don't concur with your assessment. The Humans, other than the occasional incidental involvement, should be left to develop on their own, just as we wish them to cease their hunts and attacks on our kind. You know as well as I do that there are other avenues through which we could channel our inherent aggressions, and that there is no real need to attack a Human. The Vampires know also that there are alternatives to Human blood, and that even when they do find the occasion for such an encounter there is no real reason to kill them... We are perpetuating our own destruction, fostering the very distrust and propaganda that rules our lives. You say you wish to guide them away from war? I say we should concentrate on solving our own difficulties first."

Sighing heavily, Jack dropped his head into his paws, his old eyes closing for a moment as he felt the years weigh down on him. Looking back at his guest, he drew up his jowls in a smirking half-smile and shook his head softly, chuckling under his breath. "I know, I sound like some kook to ya, but that's the best way I've found ta do this, and I've been lookin fer quite a while. Hell son, I don't expect ya to understand, not really, but I do ask that you respect my wishes on this one. You wanna give 'em that money, change it fer singles and give it out one or two at a time. Make 'em work for it some, and leave 'em with their dignity. They need food and blankets more'n cameras and security beam emitters right now anyway."

 

[shadowoftheheart]

I sighed softly. So impulsive. Well, no matter. I was coming to realize I had made a slight error in Making Garnet. No, it wasn't that she was ill-suited to vampiric life, for she was. No, she was too independent, and too strong-willed. If she survived the decade, she would be one of the strongest vampires in the region .. but, that survival wasn't assured.

I leapt off in my own direction, to take the city's pulse, as it were.

Normal. People in the clubs .. the poor making do as they could .. legal officers patrolling the streets. Nothing seemed different, and no one seemed either concerned nor at ease over the new arrival. On the surface, it was as though neither we vampires, nor the lycans, even existed.

Nothing else to do, no battles to fight or treaties to negotiate. I landed in an alleyway near a club, and walked over to it. My plan was simply to blend in, and unwind ... get away from the stresses of Younglings and lycans and aeon-old blood-feuds ....

 

[blackopal19]

The park was empty, except for a couple of society's lowest, the dregs of the city. She walked past them all, not caring if they knew what she was or capable of.

She was hungry. There was a man walking a dog, but she passed him by. There was a hooker near the park and Garnet guessed that she would do. It didnt' take much...just the promise of money to get the lady to go into the shadows. But as she tasting her blood, she could taste something else. Something that burned her throat. Sickness. The hookers blood was tainted, and Garnet let the lady's body fall to the hard pavement. She couldn't and wouldn't drink any more of the tainted blood. The hooker was lucky, and although she had passed out she would live to see another day. Garnet left the unconcious hooker lay there.

Garnet walked quickly, putting distance between herself and the hooker. She toyed with the idea of buying the needed ingredients to make more of her mind blocking potion, as she wasn't looking forward to having Talia's reprisal for such an act. Yet, something deep down in her knew she needed Talia. But she wasn't ready yet to admit it.

 

[Rufus the Mad]

(^Bump^)

 

[Keldun_Rae]

((ooc: sorry, been busy the past couple days. will post now))

 

[Keldun_Rae]

Nodding slowly, thinking things over. "I quite understand and apologize if I've offended you in any way. Is there any sort of help you and your friends would be inclined to accept?"

(sorry for short reply, but i've got a lot of stuff to do. Will make my next one longer)

 

[I<3punkrockers]

sorry i came in so late*bows please forgive me

Turning a corner, gazeing upon my kind unknowning if the conflict being play out.I staying the shadows watching and waiting.

*
Jykri
looks ninteen but the years seem like days for vampires
place of orgin:Heleskini,finland
aligment I'm on no side but my own
class warrior for a time,now a musican
pyshical desription black skin, red mohawk, gold eyes 5'6
tools and weapons:fangs,3 daggers, chains and mace,and when push comes to shove my steel bass guitar

 

[Rufus the Mad]

(ooc: No problems man, I have midterms this week anyway. i was just making sure we hadn't all forgotten each other! lol Take your time, I'm not going anywhere.)

"There's all kinds of ways ta help the homeless son," Jack said with another of those trademark grins "Donate to shelters, hand out blankets if you want, hell even just buy boxes of donuts if ya feel like it. They'll take good will, knowin' better than most that folks offer it more to make themselves feel good than anything else. It's the cash where things get sticky. Give 'em cash, they think they should've had to work for it some. Make's 'em itchy."

Lounging back on the couch, his thick arms flung wide, the Werecat relaxed visibly, still smiling a bit as he spoke again, saying "Hell lad, I trust yer judgement, now that you know whats what. If ya meet 'em, do what you think is best." Draining the last of his tea, the Lynx rose to put the kettle on again, glancing with a bit of frustration at the door as he moved across the room. "I wish they'd show up already," he grumbled "I hate this waitin' around stuff."

 

[Keldun_Rae]

Nodding slowly once more, he studies Jack. "In that case, how about if I offered to pay for the land and supplies necessary for them to build their own shelter? Let them work with a couple skilled architects and construction people to build the type of place they want to live in. That way, I'm not simply giving them money, and they will have earned their new home as well as gained real experience in construction and possibly architecture. Who knows, after that's done, some may wish to pursue a career in either field. Then, not only would they have a home, but a steady job as well. Surely there's construction companies in this city looking to hire capable people, even if they only have a little experience. Think on that for a time, then bring it up with your friends, if you would. I think it'd work quite nicely."

 

[shadowoftheheart]

OOC:

Ok, I give up. I just plain don't have the time for this anymore. I may be back later. For now .. have fun everyone.

I'm outta here.

 

[Keldun_Rae]

((OOC: So, is that it for this thread then? Well, I'll check back tommorow night and if there's nothing new, then I guess I'm done too. This is the third thread I've seen Shadow back out of. I wonder what's up.))