• Graded • Underground Machinations

[Nauta F'mos Geey]

73rd Vhalar 717

It was the perfect opportunity for him and one not to be missed especially when the Underground despite its reputation has proven time and time again of its usefulness to the deserter; that was even when it was mostly blocked off as a result of the attacks, contained many hazards in the form of Padfoot's Freakshows and, had many other spots closed off to him for various reasons. Now cleared and open to those who volunteered to contribute to its reconstruction whether or not they had any intention to like F'mos himself, the Aukari was able to set his plans into motion which would be a boon to his quality of life in the city he now called home.

Obviously with his kin responsible for some attacks on Etzos just recently, F'mos knew to get caught would be disastrous and would they even trust an Aukari like him with the construction to begin with? Fortunately he had a means to get through that obstacle although he was not too sure of its effectiveness as it was always a toss up for him to make use of it. He needed something else, something which he could use to reinforce his cover as he explored the Underground for himself. With the items he believed were necessary for his plans and given the demeanour of the one person he knew could supply him with it, it was inevitable that he would eventually drag Nightshade Eld into it.

One thing the Avriel would be able to supply him or so he thought, was a detailed bird's eye view map of Etzos which he could use to pick out the places crucial to his plans- at least it should after he had a map of the Underground for himself to use with in tandem. As the changed layout of the underground structure necessitated a much more current map of the Underground, one which Nightshade could not get even from her place of employment, a fresh exploration of it was tantamount and someone incapable of mapping like F'mos could only look to Nightshade for assistance.

Which led to the second advantage of Nightshade being with him and during their exploration of the Underground. Alone and without a partner of his own for obvious reasons, even in his Black Guard disguise F'mos might be questioned or prevented access from certain places entirely. With one of the many heroes present in Etzos on the other hand, one which was renowned for her tendency to help the people unlike the reputation held by Doran as one specialized in harm, F'mos could just as easily say he was one of the many Black Guards tasked to serve and protect those volunteers who risked themselves in the reconstruction effort. That or the Guard tasked to accompany the Avriel during her visit. It did not matter to him which excuse he used as long as it worked.

F'mos deliberately led Nightshade, or if the Avriel proved too headstrong for that, directed her through the maze for as long as she was willing. There were places he knew he would be able to enter on his own and map out if he needed; places which belonged to the organization he worked with in Etzos which the hero did not need to know about because undoubtedly she would get into its business. The other groups which used the Underground for its purposes including the Black Guard which the Aukari would not be able to enter on his own under normal circumstances and especially, the groups which actively opposed or troubled the Fence which F'mos knew of though... the places under their control were the focus of the Aukari that trial.

If the hero decided to get up into those groups business after their exploration, F'mos would consider that as a bonus to claim credit from with the organization.

Until then, he needed to make sure he succeeded in his goals. It went well for quite a bit, the legitimate Black Guards were too busy maintaining order for all the volunteers to bother with him and the other people who may take issue with a random person wandering the Underground were much too tense to make sure he was an actual Black Guard. Unfortunately their progress was finally stalled by the one group after all the others which did not seem to know better as they started to harass Nightshade despite the Blackguard which accompanied her. F'mos tried to step in but it seemed to only escalate things the moment he did.

"We don't take kindly to your kind here" they said, which was the reason why F'mos initially thought their issue was with Nightshade but their response to him that "the flapper is with me" in an attempt to win the racist bigots over proved otherwise; especially when it was decidedly pointed at him "no, you." Not too interested in starting any trouble especially when there were more important things, at least in his opinion, to attend to while the opportunity was available to him, F'mos tried to quickly get away with a "we're just passing through citizens" as he headed behind Nightshade as both protection and to rush her through.

He had no idea what the heroic Nightshade Eld would do with these ne'er do wells though, but he could only hope it would not turn out as anything too difficult for either of them.

[Nightshade Eld]

For a while, Nightshade had been intending to do some exploration in the underground. It stood to reason that one such as herself should be familiar with every spot and spec of the city. The better she knew it, the better she'd be able to deal with various... problems that might crop up. Of course, the woman had been reasonable hesitant. Her last experience with the underground had been nothing less than a mess, fighting off hoards of shadows that nearly killed her and her companion. The thought of the proud, strong hyx coated in blood, slowly being torn apart by shadows still haunted her, but the memories of Mal had become less bitter and more wistful as the seasons passed. She was so young and childish when she first met him.

Though, to be completely honest, she was still slightly bitter. Padfoot's freakshow... the hyx had returned but hadn't even taken a moment to come search her out. She didn't know what fate had befallen the beast, only that he'd returned for a time as a force that was generally considered malicious and then had disappeared once more. If word of his death had spread, the half-breed had received no word of it. At least being upset at him allowed her to move on quicker. It wasn't her fault after all. She was a hero, a noble one, she didn't need anyone else to validate her actions, not anymore.

Back to the topic at hand, given recent circumstance now would be the perfect time to go have a poke around. That was when F'mos had approached her with an idea. The man had never really been fond of her after the bird incident, but he did seem to find her useful. Meaning he often went to her when he needed help with something fitted to her skill set. It was rather obvious that he was just using her, but the woman didn't really see the harm in it. At least not yet. Plus she could only feel sympathy for his charge. F'mos could occasionally come off as a little cold, ironically. At least that's what she'd gathered from her own experiences with the man. The half-breed, true to her nature and reputation, was just a little too kind-hearted to actually deny him help just because she thought she was being used. She could curse her inability to say that one little word later, for the time being, she had a job.

Why F'mos had chosen her specifically wasn't too much of a wonder. Indeed she had a couple different maps of variant qualities on hand. Some of which she'd sketched out her self, others of which were more detailed maps which she'd gotten from her coworkers to help her improve her abilities. She was getting the hang of the actual cartography, the question simply came down to the drawing portion of the task. More than a whole arc of work later she was still more accustomed to holding swords, not quills.

So here she was, down in the underground being led around. She moved a little slow compared to her normal pace of movement, struggling with the piece of parchment she was trying to keep flat on a board. Her hands were stained with ink as every time she needed to re-dip the quill was a battle if she didn't ask F'mos to stop. This was usually so much easier while she was in a group. With a group of other cartographers, someone usually was willing to hold open the ink or help straighten out your paper while you struggled against whatever seasonal trauma the weather was giving you. On her own, it wasn't really the easiest task to try and put ink to paper, especially not with two arms. She worried that her slowed pace would start to frustrate F'mos, but she did her best to follow the direction he led her and no question the directions he didn't seem to want to go. "Keep in mind what I'm doing now is a rough sketch. I'll have to take it home and copy it properly," the woman had cautioned him once or twice. Which was partially true. But she also partially wanted to make a copy for herself. She would come back later to dare the directions that F'mos didn't take her.

The woman was completely focused on her goal, not really paying much attention to the people around them. Until someone decided to force their big fat nose into her business. She watched F'mos try to talk to the man who instantly spat out something racist. For a trill she was taken a little off guard. These were locals who walked her ring of life. She hadn't actually been called out for her race the entire season. F'mos' response was typical to guards she'd worked with in seasons past. Put on a false bravado, call her a flapper, and then claim her. She kept her expression calm but was completely shocked when their aggression was directed at F'mos. It wasn't expected but admittedly she was a little happy, in a guilty kind of way. It wasn't her this time. Of course, that didn't make it any better.

F'mos tried to duck out, taking the peaceful option and ducking behind her. She turned to the men who all glared, their expressions a little conflicted on what to do. F'mos tried to push her forward, but she didn't move. It was heroic stupidity that kept her rooted, the opposite in fact. Pushing their way through would lead to a fight. She could see it in their stances, amateurish at best but still battle ready, and she honestly didn't want to fight random people who thought they were doing the right thing. Everyone thought they were the victim and hero, they didn't understand what they were doing was wrong. So she stayed in play, keeping her expression level with them.

"Are you seriously going to protect him?" The man who had first come up to them spoke. His posture was aggressive, his eyes half-lidded in a bitter glare. The glare wasn't directed at her though, it was obviously pointed at the 'disgusting' aukari behind her. It was almost funny how fickle the Etzori people were. Racism was like fashion to them in a way, and certain races became the trends like colors or styles of clothes. She'd have a grand laugh the day the tides turned on 'flappers'. It would be funny seeing how the people acted.

She sighed, gathering her breath before she returned her answer. "Are you seriously going to maim and kill a random man for existing?" She asked. The man seemed taken aback for a moment, looking her dead in the eyes and trying to judge how to handle the situation. They obviously seemed a little hesitant to raise arms against her. Progress. Really, really good progress. But none the less, the fact F'mos was being glared down meant there was a lot of progress left to go. She just kept watching the man. "Are you seriously going to try and go through me to get to him?" She asked with a slight tilt of her head. She'd stopped wearing her cloak some time ago, cloaks in general for that matter. They had always been something similar to a safety blanket, a way to hide her nature away from the world. But the woman had come to conclusion there was nothing wrong with her, she had indulged in pride and had become stronger, in the end, finding a healthy balance between pride and humility. At the end of the day, it had led to a rather intimidating visage.

Despite the fact that woman was as terrifying as a small fuzzy animal at first glance, she was nothing to sniff at. Her wings were coated in thick steel, her talons were practically swords with the 'shoes' she wore, a blood red blade was looped to her side, the scabbard being absent that day. Her eyes glinted in an expression that was almost a dare.

The man huffed, backing down slightly the man turned away. Bitter as he was, he seemed to hold the situation more against F'mos than the half-avriel. "Damn, you're too naive. One of these days your gonna get bitten in the back," the man muttered quickly as he motioned for his buddies to part ways for the pair.

"And when that day comes, whoever tries will have trouble getting past the metal. I'll deal with it when it comes," she said with a small laugh, shifting the steel feathers as if to make a point. They glinted in the firelight. It seemed as though the large appendages would block any hit if she was quick enough. Of course, they didn't really do much for her speed. She was still getting used to them, which was one of the reasons she'd worn them out. The second was men like these, and the third were rumors about a couple mutants still being in the underground. Some of the mutants had been known to be malicious, dangerous, still intelligent human hunting beasts which had stuck around in the underground to do some 'hunting' when people when off on their own.

A wail like noise, something between a screech and a blood-curdling cry, shot into the air. It seemed that some of those rumors might very well be true. Night's eyes narrowed slightly, "let's go," she said simply.

[Nauta F'mos Geey]

Of course it would be easy for Nightshade to mistake the hostility directed to F'mos as being because of his race as she knew it was the aukari beneath his stolen Black Guard armour. As F'mos had made sure to get a mask within the first season he was given the armour had him covered from head to toe, telltale red hair included, it was more likely than not the Underground dwellers just hated any member of the Black Guard. If they had otherwise known the aukari's true race he would not have tried to duck out and leave Nightshade to deal with that issue. They would have to be silenced so the true Black Guard would not get a hint of his deception.

But just like his choice to engage Nightshade in this venture of his, his choice to let Nightshade deal with the troublemakers did not turn out too bad. At least it did not end in violence which would attract the Black Guard... Black Guards who will no doubt question the lone member among them starting trouble in an already volatile situation... Black Guards who will eventually figure out his true identity through the questions they would ask and... Black Guards which will have no trouble with making the non-human suffer once his ruse was exposed to them.

Yeah, there was no way F'mos would have allowed that to happen.

With his aggressors left alone to their part of the Underground, F'mos thought his troubles were over and they could continue to on to complete their map. The only sort of trouble acceptable to the aukari that trial was anything which would help towards that goal. Preferably it would be the trouble of the easily solved variety; making sure there was a Black Guard in between the rabble of the Underground and Nightshade so her job would not be interrupted, ready to hold and pass over the implements she needed to map out the structure and, to hold down the map so the avriel would be able to chart out their findings without making a mess of things. Anything else would be more trouble than it was worth.

Like... getting themselves involved with the source of the scream. Not a part of their task, it was something F'mos considered the pair could ignore and let someone else deal with like actual members of the Black Guard tasked with the thankless job to patrol the Underground. Unfortunately it was just the sort of trouble F'mos should have expected the moment he decided to get Nightshade involved. The heroic avriel was probably the only person in Etzos who would put herself in danger just because or some misguided sense of duty, not because she wanted to be appreciated or compensated by those she assisted.

A wail like noise in between a screech and a blood-curdling cry was one of those things, in principle, for F'mos to run away from and not head towards like Nightshade suggested. He looked towards its direction and when he looked back, noticed the group which harassed him earlier had already fled. 'At least they had the right idea...' While he did not have the same network the avriel used to learn of the mutants' hunting grounds, F'mos was adequately informed by the Black Guards he spoke to while he escorted Nightshade around about their increased patrols- all to deal with the increased mutant menace. To him, it was quite obvious. "Noise might be a trap" and if not, "there's enough Black Guards to handle it. Real ones!" he added. That detail should not be forgotten.

It was obvious she would not be dissuaded and Nightshade had forgotten the purpose they were Underground at all. Perhaps F'mos thought, the moment she was done fulfilling her fantasy of heroism she would finally complete that map. Despite his expectations, he had his doubts and it was clear the aukari would rather be else from the way he tried to delay their approach. Too useless to navigate the echo-filled tunnels which confused him. F'mos left it to Nightshade to take the lead and it was only a matter of time until they reached the source of the noise. As he pointed out, "enough Black Guards to handle it." The mutant, whatever he could see of it among the mess of bodies, did not seem like much. Nothing which would need the involvement of a couple of bystanders.

At least for as long as the Guard did not ask for reinforcements, which they did when one rudely demanded F'mos to help when he noticed him with the famous hero. He wondered when he could do and stared at the scene for a few moments before he finally remembered to respond. How were the Black Guards supposed to address their comrades again...? Guards in Sirothelle did not refer to each other with the same familiarity the ones in Etzos did, thank the Immortals he met Rost who told him how to even if it was a little dated. The aukari drew his weapon and slowly advanced although it was only for show. He knew if he delayed long enough, Nightshade would be able to intervene for him and hopefully end the creature before he needed to act.

And if she had not, yet, F'mos had one of his own alchemical weapons at ready. Only waiting for the time to use it when the creature was wide open and far apart from anyone else who would get caught in the crossfire.

[Nightshade Eld]

Nightshade had a nature that was best described as warmth, her smile was like sunlight and her words glinted with spring. She had no direct intention of doing it, but there was an obvious charm to her nature which made it a bit easier to understand why such a creature as herself would have such a lofty reputation. Of course, that just made the situation more curious considering her race. That graceful good nature wasn’t something that any Avriel had ever been born with, even the most good-natured of them had to learn.

Yes, that was how Nightshade so easily and gracefully was able to deal with the confrontation. It was also how she so quickly and so easily got herself invested in other ones. Noble and honor bound, it was only to be expected that the half-breed threw herself into any trouble they managed to come across. The half-breed was also rather obligated to get herself involved with anything that might have to do with the mutants, not just for the protection of other citizens but for the protection of the mutants. Her mind could only go back the conversation she’d had at the start of the trial about trying to protect the mutants who were being falsely accused.

As they came upon the scene it became obvious to Nightshade exactly what was going on, even though F’mos wouldn’t understand. Couldn’t understand. Never would understand. Someone who worried so much about themselves and only themselves would never quite understand the horror and disgust that could come with the display the two were currently spectator to. Her face twisted into a hateful sneer as she saw it. The screams only seemed to continue and it became certain that it was coming from the mutant itself. It wasn’t just guards who were running around the creature either, there was a group of a couple men who were closer to the mutant than the guards, and said guards were trying to hold them back.

It all became clear, the picture painted in disgustingly vivid detail. A disgusting testament to hate and judgment. She watched as a foot came into contact with the mutant and it once against screeched. It looked, for the most part, to be normal, but it… her, arms were covered completely in fur. Large fangs like saber teeth poked through her lips and two large sets of ears sat atop her head. She looked to be close to Night’s age but not exactly, so likely she was fairly close to 18. Her legs looked animalistic, they were thin and wispy, good for running more than they were kicking or jumping.

“What is going on,” she demanded to the closet guard whose shoulder she could grab. A single flash of recognition and he confirmed her beliefs.

“We found a mutant in the caves and were trying to decide what to do with it. Poor thing is young and doesn’t know what to do. A couple of extremists managed to sneak into the tunnels and find her. We’re trying to get the lugs off her now,” he told the half-breed with a cringe. By his expression, he was likely one of the many guards who had family or friends who had become mutants. The sympathy was reassuring and she was glad that most of the guard really was kinder than most believed. There were still the rotten few, but there were these guards here trying to protect an innocent woman.

“Very well,” she said straightening her back before charging right into the thick of the mess. Her appearance was unexpected and the extremist who she was closest to had a look of true fear on his face. She pushed his face out of way with a vicious shove and used her wings to force everyone around her farther back as she waded through the sea of people towards the mutant. Luckily none of the group had come armed with anything more than rocks. When their faces were drowned in black feather they were too stunned to actually try and use them. “Shhh,” she said as she leaned down to wrap her arms around the younger woman, her wings quickly following suit. Every back away the moment she got to the center of the group, even the extremists seemed to hesitate.

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle this,” she said simply as she stood up, meeting the eyes of those around her. She pulled the mutant up with her, taking the small clawed hands within her own. A path split for her, out of respect, fear, or disgust it was uncertain. There were still those who despised the half-breed with every possible fiber of their being. It didn’t matter much.

“I’m sorry, I have to deal with this,” she said once she got to F’mos. She kept her wing still tightly wrapped around the small woman, shielding her completely from view. She was so thin and tiny. At least it made her easy to lead. She would help the girl get evacuated. “I promise you I’ll finish the map later and get it to you. This is important,” her words left no room for argument.

[Nauta F'mos Geey]

Regardless of the change in circumstances, the fake guard maintained his opinion that it was still a matter for the actual Black Guard to deal with. It was not about the fact he believed the two of them had more important things to do and that is to take the opportunity to map out the Underground, it was also about the fact that two people who were not trained the same way as the Guard blindly trying to assist them would make things worse. The old too many cooks thing. If he had to act, it would just make the entire Immortals' forsaken situation go up in flames; the mutant, its assailant, the Guard, them, the corridor...

It was too volatile a situation and the Guards looked like the barely even had it under control! His caution to "Night..." was ignored as the avriel approached one of the Guard and he felt it was lucky the man did not even strike out at the (in)famous hero. Even luckier that the same guard despite Nightshade's forceful approach was more than cooperative to relay to her the situation. However F'mos felt she really pressed her luck when she waded in deep into that sea of hostility. He switched the tool in his hands to one more suitable for escape in taking advantage of confusion than something made to neutralize a threat in the most destructive method possible. Things could get... messy...

With bated breath, the aukari's eyes were trained on the avriel as she entered the crowd and headed towards the mutant- his hand becoming ever more twitchy. Fortunately, he did not need to take any action even until the woman reached him. He was skeptical she would be able to help the mutant as F'mos knew it was hard. He did his part to help a mutant child, once, and even then it was hard for him to find someone who could take the boy in. Someone he could trust to keep the boy safe, bring out his worth in a trade and not exploit him... that much at least. Not the same sort of person F'mos would take the mutant girl to as her more feral qualities were not something he wanted to bring attention to someone else in the organization.

Maybe Nightshade really was the one qualified to help the mutant girl but "tch...," the moment of respite bought by her imposing presence had worn out as the extremists finally mustered their courage with an energetic cry to rally themselves. The rock which shattered in between them was only the first and it would have likely hit any one of them if not for the warning; ironic that it was the bigoted assailants' own battlecry which at least had F'mos out of the way fast enough. As Nightshade had assumed responsibility over the mutant girl, it looked like the Black Guard only offered a token effort to resist the gang. They could not be blamed for their choice. After all, Nightshade herself was rather famous as some heroic figure and should be able to take care of herself.

Even that little effort afforded by the Guard was sufficient for the aukari to take advantage of. It would not be wasted. The few thrills the guards bought him after the first strike was enough for F'mos to active the tool in hand which he tossed towards the group. A bright light preceded the thick smoke which started to fill the chamber and as he was likely the only one who knew to shield his eyes, he was able to immediately make a grab for the avriel to direct her and the mutant under her protection to where they were supposed to "run!" to. Even if her eyes had yet to recover, it would only be a straight line for as long as needed to get enough distance from the danger and, the girl previously under her wings would have been unaffected by the flash.

Unimpeded himself , F'mos would be well ahead though his eyes were occupied in a search for a safe spot.Fortunately the last few trials was for the opportunity to explore and map out the Underground being reconstructed and when his eyes ran over the nicely lit area with no apparent light source, he knew he had found it. Whoever designed it was indeed smart as it worked to provide the one thing the Underground lacked and as a marker for those who needed more than the light to navigate. The aukari ducked into the hidden opening but stuck close to the entrance and when the other two were about to pass it, brought them in as well. Their pursuers with no such benefit, continued on as they swore bloody retribution on the mutant and flapper.

He looked over the two and shrugged once he was sure the mob were long gone and agreed, "right, you can deal with this" before he began to make his way. "Remember to put secret rooms in the map, like this one" or there would not have been any point in taking the risk to personally explore the tunnels. He could have bought a map off any other idiot which made the Underground their home. "If you need help with girl..." which was obviously the mutant he pointed to, he offered a shrug. There was assistance available but hopefully Nightshade did not need his help, especially after her own boast. With any luck he might even be able to find more hidden chambers by himself before the trial was over if he was not pulled back by the avriel and her sense of responsibility.

[Nightshade Eld]

When F'mos made his reaction, blinding whoever would have chosen to pursue them, the half-breed was quick to close her eyes and turn away, her head was luckily enough under her wing keeping an eye on the girl when the item that caused the light was thrown. While she was seeing some spots from where the light had seeped through her feathers, she wasn't as affected as she could have been. The half-breed was quick to scoop up the smaller woman in her arms. Because of this F'mos didn't have a hand to grab onto, so he actually ended up dragging her by one of her wings. Painful, but none the less effective. And pain, of course, is rather easy to ignore when running for one's life. So alls well that ends well? Kind of?

The half-breed had her difficulties keeping up with the man considering the issues caused by the nature of her feet. When they finally managed to get to the room the half-breed feet were aching. She listening to F'mos quietly trying to gather her thoughts. The other woman was clinging to her now, hands gripping at her shirt and any feathers within reach.

"I know how to deal with this myself, I'm sorry, we're going to have to split up though," the woman said. She knew where to take the mutant or at least a general area. She could find an older and stronger mutant who could take her to the secret exit, but the half-breed wouldn't be aware of it herself. "It's... a situation," she explained with a heavy sigh as her body sagged slightly trying to properly think up a reason to basically get rid of her 'guide'. Honestly, it would have just been better to head in on her own and make puppy dog eyes at the actual guards. It likely would have been more pleasant than dealing with his condescending attitude as well. She was starting to get a little fed up with his personality and nature, but she dared not give that little tidbit of a detail away.

"I'll finish up the map and deliver it straight to you. I'll likely hang around a little while longer and see whatever else I can discover, but I really have to deal with this," she said as she continued to hold the shivering woman closer to her. She didn't give Nauta much of a chance to respond as she dipped her body in a semi-bow and escaped the secret room as soon as the coast was clear. She wasn't lying, she had the full intent of looking around a little longer after she was done dealing with the mutant girl, but she'd make sure to leave a couple details off. Details that would only be important to the half-breed anywhere. Dark areas where monsters might be hiding, places with large concentrations of guards or others that were of interest to her, and of course if she actually became privy to the knowledge where the builders had placed the secret escape for the mutants. Nauta didn't need to know about those. It's not like he'd even really care.

[Alistair]

Nauta

Knowledges
Disguise: Enter as part of the working crew
Disguise: Place attention on a superior as an subordinate
Leadership: Know the abilities of the people you can use
Deception: "There are better places"
Intimidation: Force through authority
Business Management: Benefit through sympathy
Cartography: The more hands to work on a map the better
Navigation: Hidden markers for points of interest

Loot: Copy of a map of Etzos Underground with some hidden chambers and passages
Injuries: N/A
Renown: Small (+10)

Points 15

Night

Knowledges
Discipline: Not immediately resorting to violence
Detection: Noticing the differences in screams
Intelligence: Secret rooms Underground
Intelligence: How to get a mutant to Lakewatch
Navigation: The Layout of the Underground
Politics: Reputation is always helpful
Running: Outrunning someone on bird feet
Strength: Carrying someone, bridal style

Loot: Detailed copy of a map of Etzos Underground with some hidden chambers and passages
Injuries: N/A
Renown: Small (+10)

Points 15

Comments: I love the feeling of these threads; it's immersive and very different from what you normally see on Idalos. Etzos is a charming place and players like you make it all the more charming - keep up the good work!

Code: Select all

[center][img]/gallery/image.php?album_id=2&image_id=13883[/img][/center]