Author: Nihr, Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2016 5:45 AM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Nihr and Ramla took a step back when Aspect shifted into a new and larger form. Fascinated they stared at her bear form and smiled while the cultists continued their chants, unaware of their presence. Agreeing to her plan to destroying this place, the Eldritch turned around with the torch and grinned maliciously at his prey. Ramla dropped her fur coat to the floor and rolled her shoulders, and turned her neck sideways to getting any kinks out and stretching herself.

Aspect went ahead, smashing any piece of furniture, sacrificial stone, and any dusty remains. She was serious when she said she wanted to make sure that this room would be unusable for anyone in the future. The Eldritch' eyes began to glow purple more vibrantly, pupils and whites merging into a single color. Their eyes almost seemed to have a chrome finish to it.

The bone structure of their faces began to vaguely transform. Noses seemed to collapse, faces became more elongated. A clear line, almost a crack in their skin formed from ear to ear, and where ones were teeth now were needle-like fangs with jaws that could dislocate to accommodate the feeding. This was no full transformation however, merely cracks in the human suit they wore…

Nihr threw the torch at one of the preaching priests, the flames catching his robe on fire as the man was caught by surprise. Fear, hatred, that determination to bring their Old Gods back, to have their dark desires finally fulfilled. They could taste it in the air, that darkness in their hearts, their souls….and it was delicious. They swooped in for the kill, draining the cultists of the darkness that resides in them before rending them apart. It wasn't long before the flames began to spread and it was time for them to leave. 

Rearranging their bone structure the took upon their human forms again, their eyes being their normal purple selves again. Ramla picked up her fur coat again and slipped through the tunnels with the others before the guards could come. There was nothing left in the catacombs when they resurfaced. Ramla and Nihr stayed in the shadows of the alleyways, seeing how they're covered in blood. And for nobles…that's a no-no.

Author: Aspect, Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2016 11:26 AM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Aspect crawled out of the water, shifting her scaled hide to one of thick dark fur. The large bear rolled back her upper lip to expose her long white fangs that hooked down her jaw. She was massive. Her arched shoulders were higher than Sybille's head. A paw, if spread wide, could cover Solomon's chest. She flexed her large jaws and shook her head, adjusting to the new form. "Let us destroy this place, so that no man or woman can ever resurrect it again."

She rushed forward, outrunning both the man and the woman in her pursuit of the cultists. She would leave the people to the couple, she just desired to destroy the material objects. Her charge forward scattered the individuals praying in the dark room and she dropped her shoulder into one of the stone altars. It crashed to the ground, sending shards of rock flying and the corpse on top fell off. She lunged at it, first using her jaws to twist the skin and then her claws to physically rip the dusty remains apart. She looked over at the couple as they pursued the escaping people, appearing to suck the life out of them. They reminded her of vampires she had heard legends about. She didn't believe them, but now she was starting to see where the storytellers of old had gotten the original idea.

She reared up on her hind legs, towering over the screaming people, and then slamming her forepaws into another altar. The rock crumbled and she shredded the corpse on top with her claws, dried skin and wrinkled organs dissolved under her mighty paws. What ever gods these were, they were lowly and incapable of resurrecting themselves without their followers assistance. How pathetic and weak they were. The bear turned around, throwing a man aside with a paw, not caring if she left gashes in his side or not. He needed to get out of the way and she heard a splash as he was thrown into one of the large pits of blood. 

She continued to lunge at the various altars around the room, first destroying the stone and then the body on top. Rubble flew around the room and dust made it difficult to see after a while. She raked a paw over a shelf, sending candles, incense, and tapestries flying. One of the candles ignited the tapestry on the ground and she saw it snake around the room as it caught onto the dark curtains. They wouldn't have much time left before they'd have to leave.

Author: Ramla, Posted: Mon Sep 5, 2016 6:20 PM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Neither one of them had any need for the Cultist clutched in Nihr's hand. Any information that they would get now would simply be a bonus for them. It was quite clear now that people were sacrificing humans to the old gods, seeing as the blood that stained Aegir's altar was sticky fresh. So as the ladies went on ahead, Nihr sank his teeth into the cultist and drained the man of all life and evil until he was but a empty husk in rags. The boost that his feeding brought him made his teeth chatter in excitement. Nihr rubbed a thumb along the corner of his mouth to wipe the blood of him. Not that it helped…

Ramla briefly closed her eyes as she walked down the dark corridors, picking up a most wonderful sensation. Darkness. And not just the shroud that clung on the walls but dark energy that took root in the hearts of men and women. When she opened her eyes again she slowed her pace and staring to the side as she pointed Aspect where another Cultist was hiding.

A young woman curled in a corner, she cowered before the group. Covering her face with her arms and begging not to be killed, "Please! Please don't kill me!? I'll do anything you say but please spare me!" Ramla chuckled, crouching before the girl with a devious smile. "What makes you think you have anything of value to us?" The girl panicked, "They are trying to resurrect the old gods."

"We know…" Ramla said as she made a move to reach out for the girl, obviously not interested in hearing info she already knew. The girl crawled away, escaping Ramla's grasp. "That's not all! They are resurrecting the worst of the worst; Aegir, Malach and Concordia. They were the most vile of the Parvporan gods." Not knowing what else to say and not wanting to end up like her comrade she suddenly turned around and fled, disappearing into the darkness.

When Ramla heard 'worst of the worst' it made her smile even broader. The worst gods that ever walked these grounds, coming back? Even Nihr who had caught up to them in time to hear about the three deities was getting giddy. It was almost as if they had forgotten Aspect, thinking about the feast that they would get their hands on. The Eldritch were often mistaken for being vampiric. But it was never blood they were after, it's the evil that resides within people. The darkness, seeds of the Void that drove people to do things like this. And the Eldritch were starving, it's what drew them to Abed in the first place. 

Hunger.

Ramla stood up and immediately continued their journey. Nihr following suit and hopefully Aspect as well. Nihr winked at her, "You're about to see a show like never before, my sweet shifter." Along the way Nihr explained vaguely that he and Ramla were essentially going to cannibalize people soon, and hopes that Aspect had a strong stomach. They arrived in a large chamber with 3 large pits that were being filled with blood. One body tossed aside after the other while cultists spread about the room worshiped and chanted ancient words for, what appears to be mummified remains that were resting on 3 altars.

The group slowly and quietly crept through the room along the edges, the cultists not noticing them for they were so wrapped up in their ritual. "It's almost too easy." Ramla whispered disappointingly. Nihr noticed the remains and wondered if these were the deities that the girl spoke of? Dried up dolls…not very impressive for a god. He thought of himself. The Eldritch turned to Aspect speaking in turns, "Paradox is already gathering the guards to flank the catacombs should any try to escape. If these corpses are indeed the reincarnations of the gods then it should be best to burn them down." Nihr said the latter as he took a torch from the wall and handed it to Aspect. "Now we can either wait for the guards to show up, or we finish them off ourselves?" Ramla asked the shapeshifter.

Personally the Eldritch were dying to sink their teeth into these cultists, they were merely giving Aspect the choice to stay or leave.

Author: Lou, Posted: Sat Sep 3, 2016 7:16 PM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Paradox watched Nihr and Ramla approach the door and remained hidden behind a nearby wall. They were denied entry into the dark catacombs and Nihr had to press his shoulder into the metal door in order for it to move. Cautiously she walked behind the shape-shifter and looked around the inside of the tunnel.  The sewers themselves were quite large for human standards, big enough for the tallest of men to walk through easily. She had a good foot in height above even them, however and the ceiling was so low, she would be forced to duck the whole way underground.

This would severely hinder her movement if she needed to fight or escape. Judging by the close walls, she wouldn't even be able to turn around if she needed to. She could only go forward or back. If anything, she would be a greater danger for the others down there in the dark. She could very easily step on someone on accident or slid someone up against the wall with her bulk. "I don't believe I will be amongst your company for this part of the adventure," she said, glancing down at Ramla as she watched Nihr and Aspect go deeper into the tunnel.

"I will stay up top and rally the guards to be posted at all possible exits of the tunnel. That way if anyone comes out, or tries to go in, they will be stopped by them. We might be able to prevent a few more killings up top." She took a step back and watched Aspect transform into a creature that resembled a small crocodile. Her friends would be in very capable hands with this one, that and she didn't doubt that they could take care of themselves. As the woman started to enter the cave, she called down to her before taking off to find the guardsmen. "Be careful down there Sybille. I will be waiting eagerly for you all's return." 

Author: Nihr, Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 3:19 PM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Down they went into the sewers, looking for more clues on what was going on. Paradox had decided to stay behind to guard the entrance and most likely warn the guards about this place. The sewers were no place for a Centaur anyway, she may not have been able to fit in here. Nihr arched his brows when Aspect shifted into her Caiman form. Ramla paused and made sure she could keep up after she shifted.

So far the trio choose to follow their nose. There was a hint of blood in the air amongst the foul odors and as they followed the trail they came across a hole in the wall. Stepping through it, it seemed to lead to the Abedian catacombs. Eventually they stumbled upon a room that held an alter of sorts. The stone slabs were stained in blood and the statue behind it looked like…Aegir?

"Isn't that a dead god?" Ramla asked the group. "It almost looks like…ehm, what's his name? Aegir the Deathsinger?" Nihr concluded. Well, this doesn't bode well they both thought. A rival Cult? And a sloppy one at that. Looking around they found a set  of stairs going deeper into the catacombs. "Well, no other way but down…" Nihr said as he looked at both women before going down first. 

But the further they went, the darker it got. Even Ramla and Nihr were struggling and they were gifted with the ability to see in the dark. "They shrouded the place." Ramla whispered before she yelped when a man suddenly jumped out and began to mutter something about magic darkness and a lantern called the Light of Lucina. Nihr took the lamp with disdain, sure it helped fight off this darkness but in turn it also bothered the Eldritch with their eyesight. This Light of Lucina was a type of Holy Magic which they were….ehm…allergic to. Yes, let's go with allergic.

After a few grunts and fumbling around he turned to Aspect, "Would you mind?" He asked as he motioned the lamp towards her. Aspect might have better use for it than they did. After handing over the lantern they kept her in the back of the line. To keep the light out of their sight but they still made sure to stick close to her. But apparently this wasn't enough as a Crazed Cultist suddenly crept up from behind them and attacks!

Ramla ducked just in time to avoid a blade being swung her way, as the cultist stumbled forward Nihr grabbed him by the throat and tossed him against the wall. He took away his blade, throwing it away and out of the cultist' reach. "well, look what we have here." He said, "What do we do with him?" Ramla bend down and inspected the emblem, "It's the same as the one Aspect and me found outside." It was confirmed now that they were on the right trail, there was no turning back now. 

Author: Aspect, Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2016 4:36 PM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Aspect stared down at the strange figure on the back of the pillar, moving over slightly when Sybille came over to have a look herself. She watched her touch it and cocked an ear towards her as she began to talk. She nodded to the woman's suspicion of it being cult related. "I haven't seen a symbol like this before," she said quietly, trying not to reveal her true form through her voice to any passersby. "And I've been around these parts for a while." She looked up as she stood and gestured for her to follow Paradox and Solomon. 

She glanced at the symbol for an extra minute, memorizing the shape, before trotting behind her. Sybille stopped so suddenly that she accidentally smacked into the back of her legs. She gave a brief grumble as Solomon shushed them, before explaining what was going on. She listened to the plan and nodded in agreement. She was content to wait outside the sewers and then come in with them. She and the centaur stood a good ways away from the pair as they walked up to the metal door.

The woman knocked and she saw a man look out at them from a small window. He didn't let them in and she saw the man put his weight against the door to open it instead. She loped over to the pair and slipped inside after them. It was rather dark and dreary and she could feel the wetness on her paws. Something brown and sticky clung to her fur when she accidentally brushed against the wall. She cringed and tried not to imagine what it could be. 

She shrugged her shoulders and felt herself melt into a different form. Caiman. The fur on her body flattened down and pressed itself into hard, dark red scales. She stretched and widened, as she turned herself into the small crocodilian. She was twice as long as a man and as wide as half of one. She crawled across the damp floor of the sewer and slid through the rank water on the edges of the tunnel. She was invisible in the dark, except for her grey eyes that hovered just above the water. She kept an eye on the couple as they made their way down the dark tunnel. 

Author: Ramla, Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2016 11:44 AM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Ramla listened to everyone's findings. Surprised that Aspect reverted back in her dog form. What did he do this time, she wondered quietly. Like the others she didn't pay attention when Aspect slipped away. But it seems that everyone agreed to the same theory. Someone was selling Hypnotic Curry as lure to then draw in victims. She looked over her shoulder when Aspect called for them. Walking around the building to follow her. She briefly glanced at Nihr, noticing how he and Paradox discovered something else. No matter, she would catch up to them.

"What is it?" She leaned down to the dog's height and then she saw it. A strange symbol carved in the stone. She carefully rubbed her hand over it. "I'm not familiar with popular symbols in this world. But this looks almost cultish, no? For it to be hidden like that?" She asked the dog. 

It was time that they caught up with the others now, "Come on, I think the others found a new clue." When they found Paradox and Nihr, they found them sneaking around by a wall. Observing something from afar. "Nihr?" She was shushed first before they updated her. Nihr explained that he and the Centaur had found another victim. Or 'Soon-to-be' victim. A man that was sneaking around a metal door that lead to the underground facility of Abed. The sewers. She nodded and a plan formed in her mind. "Okay, here's what we're going to do. Nihr and I will follow him and pretend to be interested in Curry. Once inside we'll leave the door unlocked for you and we'll see from there." 

Nihr and Ramla walked towards the metal door. Her arm looped around his and pulling her hood over her head. Knocking on the door they waited for someone to respond. A small window opened and asked them what they wanted. "Is this the place for curry?" She asked softly. The man behind the door closed the window again. He wasn't fooled. No one just walked up to the door and asked for curry without him expecting them. 

Ramla stepped aside when Nihr approached the door. While he forced it open with his sheer strength, Ramla motioned for the others to follow. "A slight change in plans but nothing we can't handle." She told them. Careful they entered the sewer entrance, all of them could smell the foul odor coming from it. And it wasn't your typical sewer smell, it was the scent of blood and decay.

Author: Lou, Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2016 4:48 PM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Paradox wandered the streets with Ramla and it wasn't long before they had gathered some information about the strange blue curry. They met up with Nihr and Aspect at the temple as promised and they shared the information they had gathered as well. She listened as the couple talked, paying very slight attention as the dog slunk away to the back part of the entrance. She was slightly surprised that she hadn't injured or killed Nihr while they were out patrolling together. She definitely seemed like more the hit first-ask later, kind of sorts, and she knew very well that Nihr could push the limits of some folks easily, particularly women. 

She cast an eye about them, her height giving her an advantage. She stood several steps below the pair and only then was she almost the same height as the man. She noticed a group of folks gathering around a small vendor nearby. She perked her ears and caught the scent of the Blue Peas that were used in the Hypnotic Curry found near the dead bodies. She turned her ears toward Ramla as Aspect beckoned the group over to the pillars. She wouldn't go, she'd attract too much attention. She kept one eye on the man purchasing the blue powder.

She watched him slip quietly away from the stand, ducking down low among the crowd. She grabbed Nihr's sleeve and pointed in his direction. "That man over there just purchased some Blue Peas," she said in a hushed tone. When he asked how she knew and she explained how she could smell them. "They have a rather strange odor. I picked it out of the curry right away when we first got it, but I didn't know what the fruit was." She side stepped off the steps and glanced back at him. "Let's follow that man and see where he goes. I can track the smell and I have no doubt Aspect can as well. Come, they can catch up to us when they're ready. The shapeshifter will take good care of her." She trotted after the man, staying to the edges of the crowd.

Author: Nihr, Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2016 7:38 PM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Nihr thought it was odd at first when Aspect shifted into her dog form. Did she not like her human self, he wondered? But then he looked into himself, he much preferred this form than his true one. Somehow this form of his felt…easier. He asked her to keep their names a secret and he appreciated that she was willing to do just that. He guessed he got lucky with not pissing her off too much. He really should restrain himself more around women, but he just couldn't help himself. Fun little creatures they were…

Like Aspect he had spotted the shady figures creeping along the temple, and a little ways ahead by the palace. But he pretended not to see it, not wanting to alarm them. For all they knew he was just a man walking his dog and looking for his wife. When they met the others Nihr greeted Ramla and Paradox, giving them a small bow. Nihr gently grabbed Ramla's hand, quickly glancing over her body to make sure she was not hiding any injuries. Then they caught up on their findings.





It was a long day for everyone, the sun was already starting to set. The group figured out that Hypnotic Curry was used as a lure to attract victims. Ingredients to make the effects were often bought from local shops by shady folk. And those shady folk were ballsy enough to sell it around the Palace. Nihr wondered if guards were involved, perhaps some turned a blind eye for a price? Or perhaps they were in on it?

When a man started to yell and complain about a dog Nihr turned to look at the empty spot beside him. "Where's Aspect?" He walked around the Temple to find her growling at a pair as they -intelligently- backed off. He looked down at Aspect then as she called for them. Following her behind the pillars of the palace in a secluded place. Looking around Nihr saw that spot would be perfect indeed to meet in secret, especially with bribed guards. He let Ramla inspect the insignia while he and Paradox stood guard. The woman's horse frame would be troublesome if they grouped up in that small spot. But a dog and a woman should be fine. 

Author: Aspect, Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2016 7:49 PM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Aspect wasn't necessarily pleased with this arrangement, and she was sure to let the man know it. It was clever for his wife to give them a small sample of the curry to ask the vendors about. She watched the centaur and the woman leave and waited patiently for the man to board her back so that they too could be off. She pinned her ears at his rude comment  and flicked her tail impatiently. "Deep down is where you will end up if you keep talking," she snapped at him. "And by deep, I mean six feet under."

The vendors they visited were very uncooperative and gave them more than their share of an attitude. She didn't like much of them at all, but didn't say a word. She'd let Solomon do all the talking for this one. She perked her ears forward when they found a young man explained to them about a special ingredient, Butterfly Blue Peas, and that he'd had several customers in black cloaks come and buy it. That was rather odd, and she was careful to make a note of the hooded figures on the outskirts of the market. She waited for the man to come to her before they started walking toward the temple where they would meet the other pair. 

She eyed him, unimpressed, as he tamed his white hair and put it back with the ribbon. "Did you find out anything or not?" He nodded and told her what had occurred in the market. The killers were likely drifting around the temple. Lovely, exactly where they were going. She walked next to him as they made their way back, he'd gotten on her nerves and didn't really care to have him ride her again. She slipped behind a large stack of curry behind a vendor and slipped silently back into her dog form. She trotted next to his heels, much more content with this form. At least she could bite him now without drawing too much unwanted attention.

He started speaking to her again, this time about a more personal matter. She looked up at him and cocked her ears. "Names do not mean much to me," she grumbled to him. "Just like I have many forms, I have many names. None of them are that special to me, and neither are yours or anyone else's." She glanced over at a hooded figure ordering curry from a vendor on the far side of the street. She went with him for a few more strides before saying, "Your secret's safe with me."

The pair walked up the steps of the temple and met with Paradox and Sybille. Each pair talked about what they had discovered searching amongst the markets and compared their observations. She had a better understanding of the strange curry and its powerful properties. She sat on the floor, turning her head at each individual as they talked in turn. It didn't take her long to become bored with their talk and got up to walk around the temple, keeping an eye on the hooded figures nearby.

Casually, she dropped her head to the ground and sniffed the steps near the entrance. A man with a small child yelled up at Solomon,  something about telling him to watch his dog. She looked at him and gave a low growl. The pair quickly moved away and she turned her investigations to the back of the large pillars, framing the front of the building. She spotted one with an interesting symbol on the back of one, she didn't recognize the shape from any organizations or cults she'd run into in her travels. She slipped back to the group, shifting into human form behind another pillar. She walked down to them, still talking amongst themselves. "I think you guys should come see this," she said quietly before leading them back to the hidden symbol. 

Author: Nihr, Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2016 11:28 AM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

His eyes widened with excitement when Paradox grouped him up with Aspect. The smirk on his face couldn't be erased even when his gaze turned eerily towards the shapeshifter. He was about to stand by the redhead's side when Ramla stopped him and stuffed her hand in his pocket. "Easy girl." He teased, following her movements as she ruined his handkerchief with spilled curry. He took the torn piece of fabric and nodded, that was a good idea he thought. Perhaps the shapeshifter and he could 'sniff' out its origins. He wondered though if her sense of smell was as good as the animals she shifted into.

As the two women left he turned towards Aspect, now in her horse form. His perverted self emerged, relishing in the fact that the woman was getting goose bumps from his hungry stares. Inwards he sounded like a mad scientist cackling over a successful evil experiment. Mhuahahahahaha! To Aspect it would sound  more like a low growl in his throat with eyes glowing. He was about to climb on her back… but not before she gave him a set of rules. 

He took a step back when she turned to him, face to face. Hot air blowing in his face menacingly. He arched a brow still smirking though, and listened to her warnings. When she ended her speech he nodded and even gave her a small bow of his head, "Your way or the highway, got it." then watched her position herself next to a crate. How considerate, he thought. He strutted towards her in silence. Using the crate as a booster he climbed on top of her. Making sure he distributed his weight for her comfort and carefully hanging on her soft manes. As she turned to leave the alleyway he smiled to himself, he leaned down by her ears and whispered in a sultry voice, "Deep down there's a dominatrix aching to come out…isn't there?"

Aspect and Nihr had their own fair share of struggles in trying to get the vendors to talk. They either didn't know anything about blue curry, or were either too afraid to speak. But after some persuasion Nihr managed to get one to talk. Eventhough the young man couldn't say what was special about the blue curry but he did say that lately there have been suspicious individuals that visited a shop somewhere east of the market. Figures in dark attires regularly ordering Butterfly Blue Peas, the last time the boy spotted such a person was near the palace. Nihr nodded and then proceeded with tossing the kid aside then stepped out of the alleyway. He met up with Aspect who was kind enough to keep a lookout for him. He brushed off his sleeves and ran a hand through his white hair, smoothing it back as he redid the ribbon to tie it again.

"The palace is where the victims meet to buy the blue curry. A bunch of hooded people are selling it, and most likely are the ones that killed them." Looking around he then suggested that they met up with the others at the temple. Nihr however did not ride Aspect, he wasn't allowed… "Oh.." He said to her as he walked beside her. "Since Paradox blurted out our real names, I would appreciate it if you could keep it to yourself. We've made a bit of a name for ourselves in the underworld. But to the public we are the Counts of Koschei isle." 

He was sincere with this request, he and Ramla have quite a reputation among mercenaries and assassins. It appears that if an Eldritch creature is given free reign with picking off targets they tend to go overboard. So they've made quite some enemies both who fear and who wish to see them dead. But now as nobles of Parvpora they had to make sure to keep those identities separate from each other. They were lucky that most never got to see their faces, but one must be careful in the underworld. 

Once at the Temple the teams got together again and compared notes. Paradox and Ramla explaining about the ingredients of the blue curry they found, and Aspect and Nihr discovering potential suspects. Their next step was to visit the palace to find out where exactly these people meet and see if they can find more clues. "Does any of you have any theories as to why these customers end up dead?" he asked the group as they made their way to the palace.
 

Author: Ramla, Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2016 10:48 AM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Ramla listened to them speak and come up with a plan to further investigate. She cringed briefly when Paradox used their real names, well…there goes our cover she thought to herself. But she agreed to the plan, "Before we go…" She said as she walked over to Nihr, holding him still to keep him from fidgeting so she could fish something out of his pocket. ~"Easy girl…"~ She rolled her eyes at his comment and pulled out a handkerchief and tore it in two. She then crouched down by the body and dipped the fabric into the leftovers curry splotches and handed one half of the stained handkerchief to Nihr. "Here, take it with you when you ask around for it." 

With that she turned around and grabbed Paradox' hand and climbed on, draping her gown across the centaur's back. "Just like old times." She giggled. The two immediately departed and visited every stall and shop that sold curries on the northern side of the market, or the ingredients that could be used for curries. Most curry vendors weren't of any help to them as they all said the same thing. The unnatural 'blue' color of the curry stains indicate that whoever sold this curry wasn't holding to the regulations of Abed. But they did meet an older gentleman who was willing to educate them a bit more about Curry. 

The old man wiped his hands on his apron and directed the foreign woman and the centaur to a table in the corner of his shop where he could further explain the requirements needed for making - and being allowed to make - Abedian Curry. "You see curry used to be sold throughout the year in Abed. Vendors would create their own variations to make their curry more unique. It was very competitive." he chuckled. "Some had their own signature color, others a distinct flavor, and others yet focused less on the taste and smell but more on its effects. But of course it got out of hand when some people decided to up the ante with the effects and it  proved to be more damaging and addicting then entertaining. A particular type of curry was called 'Hypnotic Curry'. So the Sultan banned its production." 

He paused to take a sip from his drink before he continued. "But then the nobles started to complain, and you know how that goes… Even the Sultan missed his curry. So he brought it back, but only once a year and with rules in order to protect the health of the public." The man carefully took the rag and inspected the color of the curry. "A man's curry may only contain up to three effects; harmless effects that are temporarily. Like changing ones hair color, or shrinking someone to the size of a pixie. The ingredients to create these must be acquired by a certified maker of enchanted spices and every curry vendor must be able to show proof of said purchase." 

He turned around in his chair and pointed at the small cooking fire in the middle of his shop. A waitress was stirring in the cauldron that sat atop the fire, busy making a new batch of curry. "The curry must also be made in the presence of witnesses, not related to the vendor or biased. Meaning, cook the curry in front of the customers so they can see for themselves which ingredients we use and feel assured. And then there's the extra guard patrols who can enter a curry shop at any moment without notice. Now, some of the …ehm.. risky effects that vendors tend to add," The man whispered the last part, "It's the effect to bring forth hallucinations. Those are absolutely not allowed." 

He cleared his throat and looked around the room before continuing. "So you see, whoever made this works very carefully. And judging by the color I would say that you are looking for someone who uses 'Butterfly Blue Peas' in their curry. It's a vine that sprouts blue flowers that are edible and can color your food blue. Ataiyo cooks use the flower in their rice dishes." He chuckled. "Now the flower itself is quite harmless and very tasty, but combine it with certain enchanted spices and you can easily create that Hypnotic Curry. I hope this helped you ladies?"

Ramla looked at Paradox, it was clear now why the blue curry was used as a lure. The victims were probably buying Hypnotic Curry from some shady dealer and then kidnapped to be killed elsewhere. But the question was, why were they killed? Was it to steal their possessions? Were they simply victims of being at the wrong place at the wrong time? Perhaps there was more going on than they thought? She thanked the old man for the information and got up to leave the shop. "Let's go find the others, perhaps they know more?" The two made their way to the temple to meet up with Aspect and Nihr.

Author: Aspect, Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2016 3:38 PM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Aspect was quiet as she listened to the nobles speak. The man introduced them as Counts and a married couple. How odd, she thought of him as the sort that would run amok with any woman he caught. His "wife" certainly had gotten a good catch, at least in looks, the fidelity that he had was something only measured in time. They were also strange in their attitudes and demeanors, which she found rather strange for noble creatures they advertised themselves to be. She suspected they had either killed some rich, or were recently inherited to the upper class. Either way, they weren't naturally the well off sort.

As they spoke, she decided that the woman was rather clever and intuitive. She had made the same connections that she had. The man, she was still unsure about, as after she had changed into her current form, he stared at her like a piece of meat. The nerve, how disrespectful to his wife. She couldn't help but give a small smirk when she slapped him upside the head. Ungrateful man. She gave him a glare before turning her attention to the centaur. The plan was decided that they would go and look for possible vendors selling this particular curry. Her nose wrinkled at the thought, she hated curry. The vile stuff.

They would split and search the market for the origin of the curry and its original vendor and owner. Once discovered, they would interrogate the individual for information about the murders taking place in the dark parts of the square. They would meet at the temple to discuss their findings afterwards. Sounded fair enough to her. The centaur would search with the woman and she would be stuck with the unfaithful husband. Oh, lucky her. She turned into her horse form, after being suggested to by Paradox. She watched her assist Sybille and they seemed ready to go. She pinned her ears back as she grudgingly made her way over to Solomon, or whatever the man's name was.

She snorted hot air in his face before turning her head to stare at him with one of her grey eyes. "Let's get one thing straight. If you kick me, I will have no qualms about dumping you in the street," her teeth clicked together as she spoke. "If you slap me, I will dump you. If you hit me with your hand or anything else, I will dump you. If you spur me, I will dump you. If touch me where I do not want to be touched, I will dump you. If you yell in my ear, I will dump you. If you fall off, I will dump you. If you do anything besides sit on my back and be quiet, I will dump you. Is that understood?" She gave him a harsh glare before turning and standing next to an old crate in the alley.

Author: Lou, Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2016 3:16 PM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Paradox stood calmly as they investigated the body. She wasn't really surprised at all when the dog transformed. She had smelled off and now she understood why. The colored curry was brought to her attention and she reached down and took a small pinch from next to the dead man. It was a strange concoction, unlike any she had seen before, at least in Abed. It had a strange odor and the coloring itself was very unnatural. She wasn't quite sure what to make of it.

"Yes Ramla," she said quietly, letting the powder drop out of her hand. "I am convinced there is a correlation between this curry and the deceased persons this one has been finding around the alleys." She looked down at the shapeshifter as she spoke. "I think it would be good to search the vendors and find whoever sells this specific kind of powder. Whoever does, likely has some involvement, or at least knowledge about the killings happening here. I think it would be best if we split up to cover more ground."

She looked at the shapeshifter again. "Horses are faster than men after all," she implied to her. The shapeshifter met her gaze and gave a slow nod. Her back arched as she dropped to her hands and knees and took on the form of another, a horse, the size of Paradox's lower half and the color of dark liver, the only white being a small mark on her brow. She tossed her head and looked at Nihr and Ramla expectantly.

 "I shall go with Ramla and check the right side of the market. Nihr, you and the shapeshifter shall explore the left. We shall meet you in front of the temple in the center of the square." Paradox extended her hand to Ramla as an invitation to come astride and they would quickly be off to inspect the curry vendors.

Author: Nihr, Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2016 9:56 AM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Nihr squatted beside the corpse and inspected it more closely. Besides the scent of decay, blood, and other bodily fluids that were slowly being released there was 1 other scent. Something sweet and savory? The scents were too muddled for him to pinpoint it. Until he noticed the splatters beside the body. "Well, his throat was sliced, almost deep enough to behead him. No blood pools so he was killed elsewhere. The dog is innocent then." He chuckled as he stared at the beast before it replied back to him which stunned both him and his wife.

He blinked a few times as he watched the shapeshifter transform into her human self. And might I say…Rarw….He thought as he stared at the redhead, until Ramla snapped him out of it by slapping the back of his head. He chuckled at her reaction and then stood up, brushing his pants and turning his purple gaze at the redhead again. "The name is Blaque, Solomon Blaque. Count Solomon Blaque. And this is my wife the Countess Sybille Blaque." 

He cleared his throat and then focused on the job. Listening to Aspect as she explained her findings. He looked down at the splatters of curry, frowning he dipped a finger in the colored stains and sniffed it. So that's what he was smelling. Curry. He got back up and listened to Ramla as he wiped the gunk on his pants. "I agree, it's no coincidence then. What do you think Paradox? You seem to be more familar with Abed than we do."

Author: Ramla, Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2016 9:53 AM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Ramla looked down at the possible rabid dog but she didn't see any foaming around its muzzle, nor any weird behavior. In fact the dog seemed rather docile and was just as curious about the corpse as they were. "Hmm, I don't think it's the dog's fault. It's just waiting for its meal." She turned her gaze to Nihr when he told about the guards, "Yes, I remember that. Weren't they giving out rewards to whoever who give them more information?" She grimaced when he squatted down and began to inspect the corpse more closely.

She agreed with his analyzes that the man was killed elsewhere, else this alley would've been more messy. What she didn't expect was that the dog could speak? She watched as the dog, now clearly female, shifted into her human form. A pretty one at that too. And Nihr noticed this too she saw. She cleared her throat and whacked him across the head with her hand. "Hey, focus!" She told him. She gave the redhead a small smile and a apologetic look. she didn't get the chance to introduce themselves because Nihr beat her to it. Typical when around beautiful women. "Don't forget our friend Paradox, dear." She said with clenched teeth.

Once introductions were done, Aspect came to the point and explained them what she had discovered. Ramla pondered, "On all the bodies this curry is found on them? Well there has to be a connection then? A restaurant that sells curry? Or a smaller vendor?" 

Author: Aspect, Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2016 8:56 AM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Aspect had only been investigating the carcass a short time before she heard the sound of hooves and footsteps. She looked up and saw a large female Centaur approach her followed closely by a noble couple. She backed up a few paces to give them room to look over the body as she had. It was very peculiar, she didn't know why this man was killed, but the splattering of colored curry around the body was very odd indeed. She'd seen it around a few other bodies that she'd discovered in the past few days she'd been here. She questioned whether there was a connection between the two. 

The centaur said nothing but the woman and man were quick to speak up. The woman's voice sounded strained and, even though she tried to make her words sincere, they leaked sarcasm and were painful to listen to. It was nice to know that both of them were comfortable being around a body of one of their own. She silently wondered if they were mercenaries, not many people were as relaxed as them in the presence of a murder. The man's voice was lower and without the drama of his partner. Rabid dog? Really…She didn't know how she felt about this man. She was getting the impression he was rather accusatory and didn't like to take the blame for himself when something went wrong. As she listened she picked up that the centaur's name was Paradox, and she thought the name was rather fitting.

She stepped forward and looked up at them. "I am many things," she said quietly, flicking her tail back and forth. "But I can assure you that rabid is not one of them." She shook herself and felt the fur coat melt away into her leather jacket and pants. She stood up, brushing aside some of the dark red hair that fell over her shoulder. She was almost as tall as the male noble and couldn't help but look him in the eye for a moment. She put her hands in her pockets and leaned against the wall, not caring if it was dirty or not. "I found a few more like him already this week. They're rather common if you know where to look." She kicked a small amount of colored powder with the toe of her boot. "This curry crap is next to all of the bodies as well. I find it rather disgusting but I know a lot of folks enjoy it."

Author: Nihr, Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2016 8:01 AM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Nihr listened to the women with his hands still clasped behind his back. His posture over time had also changed with his appearance, it wasn't that of a playful Don Juan anymore. He had a more stern posture, regal, militaristic. One that showed power and made people think twice before messing with him. When they changed their rags for nobility they really changed everything about them in order to fit in. Nihr chuckled a bit when Paradox told him he became a looker, he wasn't sure if he should feel flattered or insulted. He always thought he was a good looking man. It's why he chooses his faces, to attract not repel. 

But this face was different, it was an original one. Not one he had borrowed from people he encountered or killed. This was his own creation. Something Ramla told him he should give it a try, instead of stealing faces he needed to have an identity of his own for once. And he completely agreed, he liked his new face. Nihr mostly listened to the ladies talk, until a breeze made him catch a whiff of something familiar. Something decaying. Unlike Paradox though he didn't react to the scent, not yet at least. 

Nihr looked down at Ramla, noticing she gave him the same look he had. "Let the games begin then." He said in a low voice with a small grin. With Ramla around his arm he headed the same direction Paradox went. Once there they found her towering over a corpse, a fresh one it seemed. Nihr almost immediately spotted the black dog while Ramla pretended to care about the wasted life. "Perhaps a rabid dog?" He asked the group. Then he remembered something, "I remember overhearing some guards as we walked towards the market, something about corpses showing up mysteriously here? Puts quite a damper on a festival. What do you think Paradox?"

Author: Ramla, Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2016 8:00 AM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Ramla was glad to know that Paradox still recognized them. She nodded and rubbed her arm where her old wounds were, "As am I, it took us a while to recover from it. That healer did a grand job at patching us up. I wished I could've properly thanked him now that I know the language better." She said as she thought back about that Inn. She chuckled when Paradox told Nihr he had become a looker, to be fair Ramla thought so too. She had challenged him once, told him that if he was going to choose a face then it should be a face of his own creation instead a stolen one. 

She glanced at him briefly and looped an arm around his, smiling proudly at him. Ramla nodded at both Paradox and Nihr, "It took us many months to accomplish this, but we made it." The trio caught up with each other, talking about their adventures until Paradox's attention was drawn elsewhere. Ramla followed the Centaur's gaze before she excused herself and went to investigate a dark alley. Ramla and Nihr stayed behind for a few seconds, enough to give each other a knowing look before they followed the Centaur. Pushing through the crowd and into the darkness, Ramla lifted her skirt a bit off the ground as not to dirty it when walking through the alleyway, gods know what lies in the gutters.

It wasn't hard to figure out that Paradox was following the same scent that the Eldritch pair were picking up on. "Oh my…" Ramla managed to say with a sense of fake shock, her hand pulling her coat closer to her. "That poor man, what happened to him?" She glanced around to see if perhaps there was a murder weapon, the corpse was disposed of so … publicly and clumsy. Perhaps the killer left something behind but she couldn't see anything peculiar other than a black dog.  

Author: Lou, Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 8:14 PM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Paradox was walking calmly through the crowded market, careful not to step on any of the small children that ran wildly underfoot. This was one of the few times when parents could let their children run freely without supervision, and they little ones were very obvious in their enjoyment of this newfound, abet temporary, freedom. She smirked down at them and a few looked up at her in awe. She was getting used to being stared at, she's been travelling in human country alone for a long time now. So it was of no shock to her when she realized that she was the only centaur in the city.

She was of slight shock when she heard someone, a lady, calling her name from across the square. She turned and looked over, her ears perked in interest. She saw the girl, waving her hand at her and smiling. She squinted at her, recognizing the face but everything else seemed alien and unfamiliar. She called her name again and this sparked her curiosity. She'd met her before, but she couldn't place where. As she waded her way through the crowd she remembered a pair of new settlers coming to Revaliir a short time ago. Perhaps these were the same such persons.

She stopped in front of the couple and smiled at them. She remembered their scents and their names quickly followed. "Hello Ramla, Hello Nihr." She nodded at both of them. They had changed a lot in their appearances since she last saw them and their fluency in the common tongue was impressive. "It's good to see you lot as well. Ramla, I see you have recovered from you old hurts quite nicely I see. And Nihr, still the looker you used to be, even with the change in appearances. It's good to see you all again. I was wondering what became of you. I'm glad to see that you all are well off in the aristocracy." 

She was still talking with them when she caught the scent of something strange. Rot? She thought to herself. She paused in her conversation with her old acquaintances and looked over towards an alley between two nearby buildings. It smelled like something died, and fairly recently too. She glanced back down at her friends. "Excuse me please." She said politely. She turned and walked slowly towards the edge of the crowd and disappeared into the darkened space. 

She didn't have to walk far before the scent of death was overwhelming. She looked down and saw the body of a young man on the ground, lying next to a pile of trash. A large black dog was standing behind it and as she approached the dog turned and looked at her. The dog wasn't eating the meat and its paws and muzzle wasn't bloodied, so she was sure that it hadn't killed the man. It likely had come to the body for the same reason she had, it had smelled it and was merely curious. She didn't see any point in chasing it off. It wasn't hurting anything. 

Author: Nihr, Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 5:10 PM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

Nihr was excited to be here, lately it was all work and no play for them. Both he and Ramla had worked hard to get to where they are now. Starting in Tarishitar as a dockworker and she as a cook at an Inn that could barely get itself out of debt. After the events of the Dream Rift they grew restless. No longer did they want a mediocre life as peasants, it was time they moved forward. And so they parted ways for a while, Nihr exploring the Canelux continent and its islands while Ramla stayed on Parvporan soil to explore it. Both made a living and gathered a wealth by offering their blades for hire, but then they found someone who was willing to help them out in exchange of becoming a more exclusive employee for them.

She was a noble, and a con-artist. Illusions and deception was her form of art. And she also happened to know someone who had a friend who knew someone that was befriended with someone, whose entourage was familiar with the Sultan of Abed. A couple of favors later and she managed to get us a 'title' provided we could live up to it of course. Which wasn't a problem. Death can be very profitable….

So Count Solomon Blaque he became, it had a nice ring to it and fit the populous of Koschei Isle perfectly. It was nice and…gloomy sounding. Nihr had changed his appearance however, his previous look apparently wasn't 'noble' material. Too scruffy looking. So he choose this; long, white hair like snow almost. His eyes still the same purple color, his physique was that of a chiseled Adonis but not too buff. He didn't like the buff look, too much, too over the top. His hairstyle was a long pony tail that reached till mid waist, much like Ramla's length of hair. His bangs were a bit unruly though but some ladies said it had its charm that way. For the festivities he wore an Abedian styled outfit, dark in color with a professional look to it. Almost a 'gentleman meets military' look to it. With a bronze colored sash around his waist and over one shoulder to match Ramla's outfit. His coat was also with a feathered trim and it was heavier in material than Ramla's was. All in all, both of them matched in outfit. Like a true Noble couple would.

He watched the storytellers entertain the local children as they practiced their 'colorful' tales. Using colored powders and sands to shape it into a moving painting to tell a story. One told the tale of a damsel in distress who was imprisoned by a dragon, but a brave knight slayed the beast and rescued the fair maiden. The next told a children's tale about a little duckling.  And so on…and so on…

It made Nihr wonder if perhaps he should join this art contest. If he did…he'd probably tell a scary story then. He began to chuckle to himself when he pictured all the children getting scared. His moment was interrupted when Ramla called for him. Turning around, he spotted her and their friend Paradox. He was actually pleased to see the Centaur. After all they owe everything to her. The woman showed them kindness when no one else would. With his hands clasped together behind his back he made his way towards the ladies. "Paradox, how nice to see you!" His change of appearance must've seem odd to the woman, " It's me Nihr-Th'tep-Ar. Although now we go by the names of Solomon and Sybille Blaque due to our status. We belong to the noble caste over at Koschei Isle. Nice people once you get past the whole 'doom-and-gloom' and  'get-off-our-island-strangers- vibe'."

Author: Ramla, Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 3:56 PM, Post Subject: A Colorful Reunion [R - P - MM Event]

The Festival of Color. Colorful banners decorated the streets and homes of Abed. Inns and taverns had entrancing scents of the best curries that wafted in the air. Some stalls sold the usual produce, but around this time of year there were a few that sold colored sands and chalk. Music played loudly and cheerfully, with equally cheerful dancers and singers, and storytellers all around the globe came to practice their tale in front children who were struck with awe. 

But it wasn't the prospect of hypnotic food, games, dance, nor competitions that drew the Eldritch pair to the Blessed City of Abed. Rather it was the strong scent of blood and death that lurked underneath the streets that had them salivating, and wishing to pay the city a visit…

Several months had gone by after the pair had finished their travels throughout Revaliir. Learning from it, observing its strengths and weaknesses. Even having encountered several Gods along the way. No longer were they confused foreigners, struggling to get their speech right. Or offering their blades for coin. No, they've moved up in the social ladder. Through…unconventional means they were now considered Nobles. Count and Countess  Blaque (pronounced Black) were their identities for the public ever since they joined the aristocrats. Their home was Kurayo, on Koschei Isle. The island's perpetual darkness was perfect for their 'complexion'. 

Ramla, who by her noble name went by Sybille Blaque now and Nihr went by Solomon Blaque. Although only a handful of people know their true names, something they wish to keep it that way. Ramla was browsing the market stalls, wearing a beautiful, long, dark - bronze colored dress. It was long-sleeved but the shoulders were bare, and it had a deep cleavage, it was also tight fitted around the torso but the skirt part gently, flowed out. An intricate embroidery design with sparkly thread, and beads really made the dress dazzle. And over the dress she wore a light, feathery coat of a lighter color. Her thick, curly hair was pinned up with pins that were made in Ataiyo.

Leaving another stall she briefly glanced around, her amethyst gaze finding Nihr, who was listening to the storytellers as they practiced. But as she glanced around she could hear a familiar voice, and a set of carefully placed hooves. Turning around she found the voice and smiled as she immediately recognized the Centaur. Paradox, the first Revaliir inhabitant they befriended when they came here. Ramla waved at her, "Paradox!" With a chuckle as she watched the large horse-woman push through the crowd. Shouting over her shoulder for Nihr to pay attention while she approached Paradox. "It's good to see you again, friend. Hereto see the festival as well I assume?" Ramla smiled as she proudly showed how well her grasp for the language was. Of course their accent was something they  couldn't get rid of but at least now they could fool people into thinking that they almost know the language fluently.