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

private.

[zauneyete]

"Do I want to Crash it"?

Of Course I want to crash it. I used to crash fancy events as a boy, it might be fun to go back to my roots.

[redsoil]

Truly, a man after my own heart!

It would be the perfect time to make a statement about this generation of the Restless. I'm noticing plenty of disgruntled responses, after all.

[zauneyete]

And why wouldn't there be? The Hierarchy expects a new generation of people to simply fall into line, with their places of power guaranteed by an uninterested, beaten down populace. Now, all of the sudden, that's not quite as solid, so they come out and imprison a great deal of us, and leave us to Rot for no reason, other than that they wished it.

Then they say they've taken care of the problem, and are...unwilling to understand why we don't trust them.

It's enforcers all over again, and I do love aggravating the authorities.

[ Legitimately, one of the few things Silco actually enjoys in life. ]

[redsoil]

At this time, I could not care less about who guides Stygia. Let it be them, let them say they hold command and control -- I've toppled countless armies and civilizations with less tinder than they've given us. All I care about is that they conspired and STOLE those who I claimed under my banner.

I adore people with conviction, but it was a stupid thing to invite Kemet's god of war to begrudge them for theirs.

Hierarchy members slain in the midst of a rite. Members of their justice system falling prey to their own 'shadows' -- the threat of Oblivium at Stygia's door seems more poignant than ever. Before we conspire too boldly, even under the veil of private conversation... we should meet.

I have something you might find very interesting. And we may continue to speak where no record is kept.

[zauneyete]

Oh?

[ Color him very surprised. ]

[ Something you'd like to show me? Very well. I have a place I spend, in Mirth. Perhaps we should meet there? And continue our... discussion. ]

[ Don't let him. He will talk ALL DAY about corrupt police forces ]