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deercountry2023-03-08 01:10 pm
reddosmod) wrote in deercountry2023-03-08 01:10 pm
The House Always Wins
MARCH 2023 EVENT
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING
THE LEECH
HIGH STAKES
CODING
Due to the UNIQUE NATURE of the Moss King, previous March events are NOT available during this month's event. Please keep that in mind.
IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Fanged, smiling carnivorous plant from little shop of horrors ]
[Image Two: House overgrown by roots.]
Prompt Two
[Image One: Person covered in glistening film that seems to be suffocating.]
[Image Two: Woman's face splattered in blood. ]
Prompt Three
[Image One: Poker chip with an anime girl's face on it. ]
[Image Two: Dogs Gambling Painting, but it's famous horror monster villains instead of dogs. ]
Prompt One
[Image One: Fanged, smiling carnivorous plant from little shop of horrors ]
[Image Two: House overgrown by roots.]
Prompt Two
[Image One: Person covered in glistening film that seems to be suffocating.]
[Image Two: Woman's face splattered in blood. ]
Prompt Three
[Image One: Poker chip with an anime girl's face on it. ]
[Image Two: Dogs Gambling Painting, but it's famous horror monster villains instead of dogs. ]
WHEN: March 8-31
WHERE: The City of Trench and surrounding regions
CONTENT WARNINGS: Plant-Based Peril, Isolation, Entrapment, Carnivorous Plants, possible but unlikely death.
WHERE: The City of Trench and surrounding regions
CONTENT WARNINGS: Plant-Based Peril, Isolation, Entrapment, Carnivorous Plants, possible but unlikely death.
The plentiful and bountiful harvest of plants that started to blossom towards the beginning of the month has continued, and if anything? It's getting more and more troublesome. The old saying goes that too much of a good thing is too much, and this is definitely the proof of that pudding. Plants are literally growing everywhere. Trenchies can be seen cutting branches out of impossible locations, and vegetation is beginning to grow inside of established businesses and homes. There is an ever increasing market for vileblood based defoliation options that are being offered by entrepreneurial Trenchies, but the fact that more than a few of those selling the stuff have gone missing under strange circumstances calls into question their efficacy.
For Sleepers, this means that the possibility of encountering enlarged and potentially dangerous plants such as those seen in the earliest parts of the months grows ever more real. A human-sized venus flytrap might very well try to snatch one up, with all of the peril that entails. However, while it is possible for any exotic plant to carry with it potentially lethal threat, most of these are able to be dealt with by even the untrained with a machete. The real problem is the root systems and the plants that ones that talk. The former are the most likely to be encountered. Root systems grow over entire buildings during the mid to late month, choking over light sources and blocking windows to dim houses. They clench their grip over doors, making getting out of one's house an act of willpower and muscle that may have to be repeaated over and over again. Worst of all is the fact that many of these root systems almost seem to be intentionally creating barriers around the Lantern Network! The little moaners are safe, but their sphere of protection becomes a dome of wood, shielding and keeping them away from those naughty sleepers trying to hack their way to a teleport.
The talking ones, though, are downright disturbing. They're not very large, at first they do indeed seem to whisper and beg to be fed. Naturally, only blood will do, and the longer that they're fed the larger and more dangerous that they can become. But, so long as one doesn't feed them, they're harmless, right? Wrong. True, they can bite and it's easy enough to avoid them. However, it's what they start to say when they're denied their food that becomes disturbing. “There is a consequence of your actions, you know.” “Do not think that you are immune.” “Saving the Moss Brat seems wise now, but have a long memory.” Things like that. The voices they take on are eerie, unnatural and do not match the plants' normal begging voices. They never clear up who is speaking or what they're speaking about, but surely it's not a big issue, right?
By the end of the month, the plants wither away and break off of the various homes and businesses, leaving no visible damage behind, as if whatever caused them has faded entirely.
For Sleepers, this means that the possibility of encountering enlarged and potentially dangerous plants such as those seen in the earliest parts of the months grows ever more real. A human-sized venus flytrap might very well try to snatch one up, with all of the peril that entails. However, while it is possible for any exotic plant to carry with it potentially lethal threat, most of these are able to be dealt with by even the untrained with a machete. The real problem is the root systems and the plants that ones that talk. The former are the most likely to be encountered. Root systems grow over entire buildings during the mid to late month, choking over light sources and blocking windows to dim houses. They clench their grip over doors, making getting out of one's house an act of willpower and muscle that may have to be repeaated over and over again. Worst of all is the fact that many of these root systems almost seem to be intentionally creating barriers around the Lantern Network! The little moaners are safe, but their sphere of protection becomes a dome of wood, shielding and keeping them away from those naughty sleepers trying to hack their way to a teleport.
The talking ones, though, are downright disturbing. They're not very large, at first they do indeed seem to whisper and beg to be fed. Naturally, only blood will do, and the longer that they're fed the larger and more dangerous that they can become. But, so long as one doesn't feed them, they're harmless, right? Wrong. True, they can bite and it's easy enough to avoid them. However, it's what they start to say when they're denied their food that becomes disturbing. “There is a consequence of your actions, you know.” “Do not think that you are immune.” “Saving the Moss Brat seems wise now, but have a long memory.” Things like that. The voices they take on are eerie, unnatural and do not match the plants' normal begging voices. They never clear up who is speaking or what they're speaking about, but surely it's not a big issue, right?
By the end of the month, the plants wither away and break off of the various homes and businesses, leaving no visible damage behind, as if whatever caused them has faded entirely.
WHEN: Second Half of March
WHERE: Anywhere in Trench, but not the Outpost.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Magically Cursed Ailment, Severe weakness, Anemia
WHERE: Anywhere in Trench, but not the Outpost.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Magically Cursed Ailment, Severe weakness, Anemia
You didn't think it would be that easy, did you? From the moment that the first talking plants appeared in Trench, there has been another ominous presence. Unbeknownst to the people of Trench, but the Moss King is recovering from Riteior's attack and, while they are safe and slowly getting back to their normal self, this has allowed for Riteior to offer a little payback in an effort to cause trouble to those seeking to stop his attacks on the Pthumerians of Trench. In the night, while characters are sleeping, the plants strike. They wake to find a thin film over them, but otherwise it appears harmless. The next full day, there's nothing wrong and they feel hail and hearty. In fact, those pesky little talking plants are gone from their house. Of course, the next day the horror begins to settle in.
Within 48 hours, Sleepers will find themselves weak and lethargic in the extreme. The condition is not fatal, but it is problematic and irritating. They will find that no amount of food, water and rest quite gets rid of the malaise that they are experiencing, a strange drowsiness and lack of energy plaguing their every moment. The longer it persists, the more dangerous it becomes. However, there appears to be no obvious cause, at least until they visit someone capable of treating their condition, be they a Blood Minister or trained physician. Victims of this curse appear to be suffering from a severe, but not life-threatening anemia. There is no obvious cause, but the Ministers are certain that it is not natural and is likely a result of a curse of some kind. They can offer stimulants and high energy food, which will help the person experiencing the condition, but the real danger comes if they try to use their blood for a blood ritual of any kind. The insidious reason becomes obvious. Someone is attempting to stop them from safely having enough blood to perform the rituals to seal them away!
Victims are “fine” in the sense that they could get through the month safely without risk of death and just be weaker. However, if they attempt any form of blood ritual or blood letting, they risk running out of blood, which would indeed be a life threatening concern. The only solution, then, is a blood transfusion of another type. The Blood Ministers are willing to provide blood from their banks, but caution that it is better if a fresh supply is used. Do you have a friend willing to lend a hand? Or, do you miss one of the deadlines this month for fighting back Riteior?
FAQ:
This condition strikes after the mid-month, when the latest batch of rituals further weakens Riteior, and ensures the Moss King's safety.
This condition is not life threatening, unless a person attempts to use blood for a ritual or other purpose without first receiving a transfusion.
If a person attempts to perform a blood ritual before getting a transfusion, their anemia can become life threatening very quickly.
It is possible to completely avoid this prompt by not being targeted by Riteior. His cursed targeting is not that precise and he is clearly becoming desperate.
When a transfusion is given, both participants will be lightly anemic for another 24 hours, but the condition will fade afterwards completely.
It is suspected strongly by some of the Blood Ministers and Arcane Scholars that this is a curse brought about by a brief moment of control over the Moss King by Riteior. This can be learned easily in conversation with members of the orders in Trench.
Within 48 hours, Sleepers will find themselves weak and lethargic in the extreme. The condition is not fatal, but it is problematic and irritating. They will find that no amount of food, water and rest quite gets rid of the malaise that they are experiencing, a strange drowsiness and lack of energy plaguing their every moment. The longer it persists, the more dangerous it becomes. However, there appears to be no obvious cause, at least until they visit someone capable of treating their condition, be they a Blood Minister or trained physician. Victims of this curse appear to be suffering from a severe, but not life-threatening anemia. There is no obvious cause, but the Ministers are certain that it is not natural and is likely a result of a curse of some kind. They can offer stimulants and high energy food, which will help the person experiencing the condition, but the real danger comes if they try to use their blood for a blood ritual of any kind. The insidious reason becomes obvious. Someone is attempting to stop them from safely having enough blood to perform the rituals to seal them away!
Victims are “fine” in the sense that they could get through the month safely without risk of death and just be weaker. However, if they attempt any form of blood ritual or blood letting, they risk running out of blood, which would indeed be a life threatening concern. The only solution, then, is a blood transfusion of another type. The Blood Ministers are willing to provide blood from their banks, but caution that it is better if a fresh supply is used. Do you have a friend willing to lend a hand? Or, do you miss one of the deadlines this month for fighting back Riteior?
FAQ:
WHEN: Second Half of March
WHERE: Goat Turning in The Cellar Door
CONTENT WARNINGS: Gambling, Possible Coersion, lowered inhibitions, Risk of Character Death
WHERE: Goat Turning in The Cellar Door
CONTENT WARNINGS: Gambling, Possible Coersion, lowered inhibitions, Risk of Character Death
The Moss King appears to be 'on the mend' by the latter part of the month, or at least he seems to be his usual self. A flyer advertising a special for all Sleepers and residents of Trench at the Goat Turning, his personal gambling hall, circulates throughout town. The doors of the Goat Turning will be open to absolutely everyone, and nobody will be turned away for an event that will last the last two weeks of the month! Anyone who comes will be given a complementary set of chips for free, along with a very special commemorative poker chip embossed with their own face on it which they are assured they can keep afterwards, assuming they don't lose it betting! In fact, that commemorative chip is the only way that a person can return to the Goat Turning during this period, and has to be shown to get admittance, though you don't need to bet it even if it appears to be worth quite a lot! Every night, a new allotment of chips is offered to gamblers. It isn't much, and if they're willing to trade a few goods to get more, they can supplement their stash. What could be more fun than a friendly game?
The drinks and food are free for those attending, and even better? They don't seem to have a lot of strange effects. The drinks seem to ease the symptoms of corruption, in fact, and make a person more relaxed and at ease, along with lessening their inhibitions. The food is filling and pleasant, but salty, making one crave the drinks more. But, honestly, compared to Generosity's botched and spoiled food in January it's almost heavenly, even if it does make it easier to want to keep gambling and gambling. After all, those prizes for the big winners of the night are certainly something to behold, and the kinds of luxuries that Trenchies drool over.
The Big Prizes: (Maximum 1 big prize per character for the month)
A Lunar Orb
A Vial of Pthumerian Blood that can leave a person feeling sickly and weak if they come in contact with it
A Genuine Lantern, enabling a second teleportation location to be placed!
A Blood Enchanted Weapon or Armor.
An Item from Home that a character might not normally find washing up on shore
The Lesser Prizes:
Players are encouraged to use their imagination on lesser prizes that could be won. Food. Supplies. Furnishings. Weapons. Tools. Clothing. Any number of valuable could be won throughout the month.
So, what's the catch? There's always a catch. Well, like any gambling hall, the saying goes that the House Always Wins. This isn't true universally. You could have a hot streak at the Craps table, or you might just win on your lucky number in Roulette. It is very possible to walk away with enough chips to win a big prize all in one night, or build up over time to claim such a lofty goal. But the trick is that commemorative chip. It's the admission, and it's also the only way you can leave the gambling den each night. The chip must be presented both at entry and leaving, and only then does the reality become clear. That chip is so valuable because it represents your life! You might literally be betting with your life here! Should you lose your chip and not have it at the end of the night, the impressive and powerful bouncers at the door will bar you from exit, and once the hall closes there is nowhere to go but the basement. Anyone who enters the basement after hours will find that their life is indeed forfeit, and their debt is called. They will die down below. How will they die? Well, considering the fighting pits down below, any of a thousand deaths, some more gruesome than others, are possible. And, if another player holds their chip, they will be given a special pass to remain below, to demand their price themselves.
So, if you lose your chip is it still possible to get it back? Absolutely! It is a gambling hall, after all. Someone just has to be willing to give it back, or to win it back from another player or the house. What could be simpler? Of course, because there are no compulsions in the commemorative chip, and no rules about how it is to be used or transferred other than that it must be won from the house in a fair game, it is almost as if the Moss King is testing his own guests to see just how far they will go, and what they will do if their life or the life of a friend is on the line.
FAQ:
Players are limited to one grand prize per character. Please record this prize on the prompt below.
Characters that die because of this event may die in any reasonable fashion in the basement. Tools are provided. This may be handwaved.
Because this event involves the potential of players bargaining for their lives and death, we remind players to be mindful and communicative with others regarding permissions and preferences during this event. Do not break permissions.
Lesser prizes can be won in quantity, but we ask that you be reasonable about this.
The Commemorative Chip is non-magical and there is no compulsion to gamble with it.
It is simply worth a lot more.
The Event is not age restricted, so underage gambling is possible.
The drinks and food are free for those attending, and even better? They don't seem to have a lot of strange effects. The drinks seem to ease the symptoms of corruption, in fact, and make a person more relaxed and at ease, along with lessening their inhibitions. The food is filling and pleasant, but salty, making one crave the drinks more. But, honestly, compared to Generosity's botched and spoiled food in January it's almost heavenly, even if it does make it easier to want to keep gambling and gambling. After all, those prizes for the big winners of the night are certainly something to behold, and the kinds of luxuries that Trenchies drool over.
The Big Prizes: (Maximum 1 big prize per character for the month)
The Lesser Prizes:
Players are encouraged to use their imagination on lesser prizes that could be won. Food. Supplies. Furnishings. Weapons. Tools. Clothing. Any number of valuable could be won throughout the month.
So, what's the catch? There's always a catch. Well, like any gambling hall, the saying goes that the House Always Wins. This isn't true universally. You could have a hot streak at the Craps table, or you might just win on your lucky number in Roulette. It is very possible to walk away with enough chips to win a big prize all in one night, or build up over time to claim such a lofty goal. But the trick is that commemorative chip. It's the admission, and it's also the only way you can leave the gambling den each night. The chip must be presented both at entry and leaving, and only then does the reality become clear. That chip is so valuable because it represents your life! You might literally be betting with your life here! Should you lose your chip and not have it at the end of the night, the impressive and powerful bouncers at the door will bar you from exit, and once the hall closes there is nowhere to go but the basement. Anyone who enters the basement after hours will find that their life is indeed forfeit, and their debt is called. They will die down below. How will they die? Well, considering the fighting pits down below, any of a thousand deaths, some more gruesome than others, are possible. And, if another player holds their chip, they will be given a special pass to remain below, to demand their price themselves.
So, if you lose your chip is it still possible to get it back? Absolutely! It is a gambling hall, after all. Someone just has to be willing to give it back, or to win it back from another player or the house. What could be simpler? Of course, because there are no compulsions in the commemorative chip, and no rules about how it is to be used or transferred other than that it must be won from the house in a fair game, it is almost as if the Moss King is testing his own guests to see just how far they will go, and what they will do if their life or the life of a friend is on the line.
FAQ:
Cho Hakkai | Saiyuki | Paleblood
[True to his word on the network, Hakkai has opened the door to his rooms at the Crenshaw boarding house he's staying in. "Rooms" is generous - it's a room and a bathroom. But still. It's neat, as clean as possible, with a small wood stove for warmth and the pot of tea already set out to warm. Seriously, you could probably eat off the floor, though he would advise against it.]
[Hakkai has his sleeves rolled up, and at a Sleeper's knock, he will open the door and usher them inside.]
Please sit, and I'll see what I can do.
[Even if he can't cure whatever this is, he's learned he can at least give his fellow Sleepers a boost. So have a seat, the healer is in.]
THE CARD SHARK | goat turning | ota
[Usually, he holds back from playing cards. Or games of chance. He has no idea why, but, Hakkai is usually uncannily good at them. To the point of it being a no-contest for other players. He's not sure why, honestly. Maybe it has to do with the fact he never seems to get intoxicated...]
[Or the whole, you know, demon thing.]
[But here he sits, at one of the tables, and there are... a lot of bottles. And a good stack of chips at his elbow. His usual blank smile seems somehow a bit more smug than usual, though he sits straight and alert in his chair.]
[Should anyone approach, he'll politely incline his head. His expression never wavers, and behind the monocle, his eyes are clear.]
It seems I've gotten quite lucky this evening. How are you faring?
((ooc plotting is here!))
the leech
She hastily pushes her hair behind one ear. ] I'm guessing it's more Trench bullshit. It doesn't feel like I'm sick, just... drained.
no subject
[But there's sympathy in the answer. Looking at her is like looking at a ghost. He's honestly surprised the poor girl hasn't passed out in the chair as soon as she'd walked in.]
Is it only the exhaustion? Or are there other symptoms I should know of?
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It's like, um, like a fog.
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[It's sort of cementing an idea he's getting, though.]
Let me know when you're ready to begin. I won't need to touch you, but I'll need to be in close proximity. [Just as a head's up. Some people are a little wary of that.] As I said, I doubt this will fully heal what's wrong, but from my experience, it's helped.
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At the statement, she gives a firm nod. She appreciates the heads up. ] All right, yeah, I'm ready.
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[His sleeves are already rolled up past his elbows, but he checks, just in case. Before stepping closer to Sharon.]
It shouldn't hurt. If you experience any discomfort, please inform me.
[He'll he shocked and alarmed if it does hurt. But, again, Trench is unpredictable. He folds his hands together, concentrating. Focusing on moving energy around. Same as if he would be healing an injury - to let the collected energy, the glowing yellow light, move from his palms, to her torso. A slow, steady pulse of it.]
[True to his word, she should be feeling a bit more energetic by the time the session is over. Maybe for the rest of the day, even!]
no subject
Holy shit. [ She exclaims, almost thoughtlessly. ] I kind of didn't expect it to work but I just... The exhaustion isn't gone but I no longer feel like I'm about to kill over.
[ She moves to stand. ] Thanks for this. How can I repay you?
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I'm glad to hear it. That means it will likely work on others as well.
[And it won't have been a waste to offer.]
Oh - no, that's not at all necessary.
cw: refrences to taxidermy & insect pinning
Given that this must be draining on you, I... I kind of insist. I mean, if you don't come up with a way for me to repay you, I'll have to come up with it myself. [ She sighs exaggeratedly. ] I'd have to just bring things over and leave them in front of your door until I feel like I've made it up to you.
[ And she is the type of young woman to make it weird. Do you want a taxidermied rabbit, Hakkai? Or a pinned butterfly? Because that's how you get those things. ]
no subject
[He waves his hands in a sort of appeasing gesture. He's not doing any of this for payment, or bartering. Just to do his job. To do something familiar.]
I think my landlady might object to random things left outside my door anyway, ahaha.
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[He's getting the feeling Sharon won't take no for an answer...]
Very well then.
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goat turning!
Paimon is also almost uncannily good at games such as these (perhaps it really is a demon thing), but some of it is his propensity towards manipulation. Not cheating, an entity like himself isn't capable of that even if he wanted to be, but he can use his hands to move quickly, tricks of the fingers, tactics of confusion. There's also an intense and eerie knowing to the way he stares at his opponents, and his mind processes numbers too quickly; it intimidates others. He watches in silence, learns how these games work, and sinks his teeth right into them.
He wins something important from the Moss King himself, and now Paimon is leading an entire dromedary through the casino.... proudly, oblivious to any odd stares. This place is strange and surreal anyway, what's one ancient demonic camel added to the mix?
The creature is huge, but it walks with an almost unnaturally quiet gait, making hardly a sound. Soft black smoke puffs from its nostrils as it breathes, and more smoke seeps up from its eyes on occasion. Paimon is practically glowing as he guides the creature alongside him by a thin rope, wandering around the area. He's passing close to someone's table when his attention is caught — dark eyes brightening. He's been searching for people to show his beloved dromedary off to.... )
I have won a prize. ( Looking to the camel beside him; yes, his prize is... this. It's this. Paimon couldn't look prouder... )
Will you keep going? Seek to win something you yearn for, deeply?
lemme know if this works!
[It feels demonic.]
[And, let's be real here, the second he lays eyes on the camel, Hakkai figures that's it. Not Paimon. Just a weird fucking beast he's never seen before. Literally what on earth is that thing. Is that a camel. Since when do camels breathe smoke. What is he looking at here. Is he finally drunk?]
[Oh.]
[It's a prize.]
[That does not explain nearly enough of what you think it does, Paimon.]
I'm... quite happy for you. It's certainly something. [That's as polite as he can get!!]
As for myself... I have not decided yet.
this is perfect, and I assumed Paimon could sense something to him in return but lmk if not!
....But not for long. He's grown used to detecting Other Things in this city; there are so many. Of all different types, with all sorts of spiritual energy. And now that he's close, eyes and attention fixed on something concrete, this man....
Slowly, Paimon's head tilts to the side, more like a bird than a person. His eyes roam the man and then his table, making note of the bottles and the chips. )
There are rewards that come from this place and its reality. ( He begins; oh yes, many rewards. Lunar orbs and weapons, armour... many things. But... )
...There are also rewards that do not. Secret things. Things only you may know to seek.
( His eyes steal to the dromedary, lighting up. He isn't trying to tempt the man (the thing that is not simply a man), but he's certainly trying to make it all sound appealing. Perhaps he's curious what this person would obtain. )
If there is something very precious to you that can not yet be found here, it may be yours.
PERFECT
[He waves a hand to the chip pile, his smile slotting itself neatly into place. As polite as possible - as inhumanly possible, maybe. Somewhere, a handful of people shiver, back in their own world.]
[Weapons and armor don't mean much. Not when removing one small piece of jewelry can result in yourself being some kind of barely stoppable killing machine. It really is hard for Hakkai to think of something he'd want. Things... impossible to obtain, maybe.]
I take it your... new friend here? Is one of those things?
[What in the fuck is that, Paimon. Except, you know, in the most polite way possible.]
Unfortunately, I can't see how that would be entirely possible. But perhaps I'll seek out something useful from this world.
no subject
He'll continue to stare there until the man speaks to him again, asks a direct question. Only then do the other demon's eyes slowly return to the green pair, something within them seeming to sparkle all over again. )
Yes. I have won it. My.... friend. ( He says the word like he's never heard it before in his life, tongue catching on the single syllable, turning it into two. ) It has been of mine, since all of time.
( An ancient beast; he's so proud of it, even if he remembers so little of his life before, with it. But he's studied about himself in texts, grimoires, knows the dromedary is important.
He's absorbing the words with a slow head tilt, curious. The Moss King's treasure trove of rewards offered obscure items from one's world, even magical ones, so that leaves only... a few other things that might not be able to cross the threshold from there to here. Paimon wonders, but there's something knowing in his eyes, as though he already has the answer. )
You would seek a person?
no subject
[It doesn't reach his eyes. It never really does.]
Oh? For as long as you can recall? How fortunate to encounter it here.
[There feels like something to unpack in since all of time. So much to unpack, actually. Like an entire steamer trunk.]
[But it's the question, the almost pointed question, that has him stand right back on his guard again. Hiding smoothly behind the mask of his blank, empty smile. Behind the painful politeness of his answer. Like an icepick made of words.]
Mm. That's a rather personal question, wouldn't you say?
no subject
But it's all on a level that goes.... beneath the surface. Spiritual, some may say. Energy, others might claim. For Paimon, it would be both. He feels the spirits, the energy of his summoners, melts into it and they into his. An exchange of life force, the most important thing.
This is... different. He watches the strange smile the man wears, the one that doesn't light up his green eyes at all, and doesn't quite know what to make of it. Whatever energy he's capable of perceiving from the man isn't deep enough to be able to truly feel his emotions.
Paimon stares as though he's something very hungry. Not with the intent to destroy, but to understand — but the alien intensity with which he studies the other's features may be difficult to discern as any one thing. Only... hungry. )
Personal....? ( He certainly understands a need for discretion, but for this scenario, he thinks rewards and desires should be voiced. Intention made. )
Yes. ( He agrees with another head tilt. It is personal. Unfortunately, he doesn't quite grasp social norms, staring at Hakkai expectantly, thinking this simply confirms things. )
So it is true? You desire... a person. Yet the only force here that could achieve such a task... is the ocean Herself.
However... there may be ways to help coax their spirit inwards. Have you been thinking of them often?
no subject
[It isn't a question.]
[Hackles are being raised left and right. These are very, very invasive questions, as far as Hakkai is concerned. Not even the people he's come to know best here is entirely aware. Purposefully kept in the dark. Daniel had seen more than enough, dragged out of Hakkai against his will.]
[Not again. He refuses to allow it to happen again. Especially in the face of this familiar, yet unfamiliar, energy.]
[That fixed, rictus smile never so much as falters. He was a dead man long ago, he may as well wear the face of one. Wear it as a mask. (While somewhere Kill Bill sirens start to sound) He doesn't want to say more. Doesn't want to give in to the prodding questions.]
It's very rude to ask these questions when you barely know a person, you know. [Somewhere along the way, Hakkai apparently lost the ability to ask questions in return.] A shame no one ever thought to instruct you.
no subject
But the demon king finally begins to grasp the.... shift, the iciness, at the man's next words. Rude? His head tilts to the other side, staring, listening, quietly confused.
The Moss King may offer great rewards, but it stems from a need to make people play games. Earn those rewards, and so much dangerous trickery along the way. The Pthumerian has his own purpose.
So does Paimon. And his... is to grant desires. Here he is faced with someone who can't obtain what reward they would wish for, not from the Moss King. Paimon knows he, too, is incapable of bringing in an actual person, but there are other ways to grant desires for those who have someone they miss and long to see again. Over time, his summoners have wished for such things — perhaps realistic illusions of their loved ones, perhaps to smell and feel them again. If the loved one is deceased... he can also temporarily summon their spirit (an ability he is not certain will work here under Trench's rules, but there may be ways to try.)
In any case, there are ways to reunite an aching soul with a lost loved one, even if it will only ever be a mirage or a fleeting moment. Still, that much is enough for people, sometimes. Perhaps this man would be interested.
Except he seems... offended, and the demon king bristles in return, tensing. Even Paimon isn't lost to those final words, the scorn behind them — disrespectful, his spirit hisses. Something dangerous flutters in his own gaze, those inky black pupils blooming out.
But he realises this man (or thing that looks like a man) does not know what he is. And so he lets his anger shift to something calm and cool and proud instead. Not aggressive, but the words themselves don't hide the glint of warning behind them as he introduces himself, at least on the surface. )
Perhaps one should watch one's tongue a bit more carefully when speaking in the presence of Lucifer's most loyal king of demons. One who may grant one desires that other kings in this place are incapable of.
( ....This should be fine. )
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[Besides... cigarette smoke in the air is more than enough to pretend with. It just needs someone talking about food or asking are we there yet.]
[He's gathered the cards in hand. To have something to do with his fingers, with his hands in general. Absently shuffling them. He will not come to blows over invasive comments, no matter how strong the prickling energy in the air is. That would be reckless. That would be rude of him! He also doubts the ruler of this little domain would take kindly to it, as well.]
[Then his hands pause.]
[The smile drops. And thankfully for everyone in the vicinity, it's replaced by a curious arch of an eyebrow.]
... You are the second person to mention that name before. [Lucifer, he means.] Have we spoken before, by chance? On the network?
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Paimon remains staring, still not anything particularly volatile, but resolute; there is something to it that suggests he would not back down. Would not flinch away, should this stranger flash the sharp edges of that tongue at him again. But he is a fair being, at the core of himself; he has told the stranger what he is, or part of it. Made it known. Now he will see how the man reacts to him, and whether a sharper tongue of his own is required in response.
His eyes drop slowly down to watch the movements of the man's hands as he stares in silence, patient, waiting.
And then—
Paimon doesn't really... blink, but his eyelids flutter a bit, like the imitation of a blink, maybe. Spoken before....? It's very much possible, he realises, with a thrum of his own curiosity. He remains careful about his identity, but he doesn't hide it, and there's a glint to his eyes as he tilts his head to the other side. )
Perhaps. What might we have spoken of?
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[He says it so simply. Sitting back in the chair, his posture relaxing ever so slightly. He recalls this conversation now, he thinks. There shouldn't be need for violence. Hakkai is still wary, and it's still clear in the way he's sitting, the way he's guarded with his words.]
[But there shouldn't be a need for a fight.]
This demon and I spoke of not wishing to harm those who hadn't wronged them. And I acknowledged I didn't go out of my way to harm such amicable sorts.
[Which was true. Much as he dislikes them, some of them are perfectly tolerable individuals, who were simply living. Not trying to murder their way through the countryside.]
[Yes, he's aware of the irony.]
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