npc || doran [ @doran ]

[nightnpcs]

⟪ an old man graces your sight with a kind smile, white-haired, white-bearded, and indigo-robed. behind him, multicolored garlands and wreaths deck the wall, and by his side stands a tall woman—some of you might recognize her as désirée. stoic and straight-backed, she casually observes their surroundings: glimpses of restless passing in front of the camera might indicate that they’re in a pub somewhere in mirth. with commoners.

doran seems entirely unbothered, content and at ease. when he speaks, his voice is clear and warm, matching the glint in his eyes. ⟫

My dear Restless… What dire times we all face, and what resilient people you are. I would not insult a brief reprieve with appeasement—your struggles and concerns are well-founded—and yet it is my hope that this announcement alleviates some of your torments.

⟪ slowly he brings his mug to his lips—it’s eggnog, because of course it is—taking his time to swallow and seemingly struggling not to cough. désirée's hand gently lands on his arm. ⟫

To those of you suffering from the curse, know that a cure is well on its way to be completed. I’ll personally ensure that there is enough to treat you all. Now… as difficult as it is, I fear I must still broach the subject… ⟪ he sighs, brows knit. ⟫ The people responsible for your unjust imprisonment were apprehended. They confessed, of their own volition, overwhelmed by Shadows they could no longer effectively control. Such a tragedy… Come what may, they were sentenced to dwell in the Hinterlands, and will not be welcomed back in Stygia.

As for your compensation, the sum of 400 coins will be sent directly to you, along with a piece of soulsteel. You will also be formally invited to a Masquerade hosted by the Hierarchy, in Radiance, as soon as the weather… unwinds, as it were. ⟪ ha! ha! ha! he laughs, briefly yet heartily, even though it’s not even a good pun. ⟫ Now, my dear Restless, rest easy and look out for each other. We are all we have. ⟪ head inclined in friendly salutations, the feed cuts. ⟫

ooc note

► the cure will be available in february, and a mini quest will lead up to it in january
► all characters will receive an invitation to the masquerade next month
► only the characters that were imprisoned will receive the coins and the soulsteel
► you can use your soulsteel to turn a medium-sized object into an artifact, just bring it over to a blacksmith @ the forges. let's say no bigger than a chair
► feel free to interact, though i will probably rng who he (or désirée) replies to! if you have questions that he/she doesn't icly answer, redirect them oocly to the question thread below!

Comments

someone pls remove him from the chat

[wrists]

it would serve as a deterrent to others, but perhaps that goes against what the hierarchy really wants. they can be retrieved from the hinterlands, after all. can't they?

[ FISHING..... ]

@buthidae

[nightnpcs]

Mon cher... Why retrieve discarded weaklings when there are far greater beasts to tame?

[wrists]

are you taking on new members to join your organization? there is clearly a need for someone to do the taming.

[nightnpcs]

And YOU believe yourself worthy. What skills do you have?

[wrists]

i wasn't aware skill was needed. i haven't seen any displayed. were you not chosen through nepotism?

un: 火

[chokuto]

Who is going to hunt them down? It won't be you.

[I am here to pick a fight because I am in a bad mood.]

[wrists]

[ bitch????? ]

you have objections?

[chokuto]

I don't care about the people who imprisoned us. Seeking justice is pointless. The Hierarchy has demonstrated that it is a disorganized, incompetent governing power in this place. Killing a few accomplices won't solve the problem.

[Laurent was talking about killing, right...]

[wrists]

[ dude. seek help. ]

this might be a bit much for a simpleton, but one generally does not reveal their entire hand of cards to the enemy. i don't want to go to the hinterlands to kill anyone. i want to go because i feel as though the hierarchy, as always, is hiding something, and i'd like to talk to the criminals myself. isn't it convenient that they've been deposited somewhere where they can't speak on what truly transpired? if they're even alive at all.

if you'd like to kill someone, go kill naruto and cure yourself of your embarrassing disease.

[chokuto]

[wow remember when i said sasuke wouldn't kill laurent during this event UHHH]

Shut up.

Are you even capable of surviving long enough in the wilderness to uncover this conspiracy you're so convinced exists? A spoiled prince requires a babysitter, if only they would tolerate your company.

[wrists]

[ this is the customary reaction ]

are you offering? i need someone to make my bed at night. in any case, there are settlements there. it's not all a barren wasteland. supposedly.

[chokuto]

[He's angry. A scorching, white-hot agony of emotion that, sometime later, he might recognize as the Shadow's miserable interference. Right now it is just familiar. Laurent's words aren't sharp enough to cut himself on like he's wanting.

There's no answer.]