Placeholder as f~@$.
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dot
*insert sign language version of . here*
I am here.
Tapping my cane.
One glowing-eyed mulleted very tall halfling reporting for duty. ;)
Dot! Watching from the shadows...
The Grand Lodge is always one of the most busy places in Absalom, the central headquarters of the Pathfinder society and a major attraction, but none more than this day. The city, for whom the Society is a great source of pride and notability, is abuzz with the news that all of the venture-captaisn and major representatives for the various factions are present in the city to meet with the Decemvirate.
You each have your own reasons for being around. Seeking to commit some grand heist on the treasures located within the Grand Lodge. Tracking high-ranking Pathfinders who have come into the possession of stolen goods or objects or interest. Seeking the knowledge of the varied and talented Pathfinders, always hirable for a price.
Whatever your reason, it's not difficult to blend into the crowd, an eclectic group consisting of a great many Pathfinders, citizens, and travelers eager to witness the sights inbound. The dramatic manner with which people arrive seems almost like a parade, deepening the mood and excitement a great deal.
And then, there's darkness.
When it ceases, you feel groggy and strange, opening your eyes to find that you're collapsed on the ground amidst a great many others who are themselves sleeping. No, not all of them. There are corpses in the mess of human bodies, picked out with a certain precision that implies that they were not randomly chosen by some passing maniac. Almost all of the crowd still sleeps, but you're able to shrug off the heavy feeling, like your body is coated in sticky spiderwebs so thick they form a soothing blanket, and being to rise. Still, there are a few others among the pile who have found themselves able to rise as well.
Black Orchid drops, immediately, into a combat stance. Something foul is afoot, even if she can't spot the magic behind it.
Regardless, Fantomex continues to lie prone so as to not draw attention, and attempts to surreptitiously reactivate his Hat of Disguise, resuming / refreshing the nobleman disguise he used to enter the lodge.
He also does his best to perceive his surroundings (although presumably with some difficulty, seeing as he is lying on the ground).
Mathias rises taking stock of the horrific scene. He sniffs deeply. BLOOD! Certainly less heartbeats than before. Mathias sits up and takes further account of the situation. He notes a . . . 'woman' in fighting pose but her manner is that of surprise not participation. He takes up his cane and does a practiced 'blind man's walk' making his way over to someone who is clearly dead and attempts to study the wounds.
After looking for the wounds he finds a second victim and tries to see if they have anything in common. Why are some dead but not others what links them together. The Blood-veil plague that killed my mother that was aimed at Varisians perhaps this has such a design. Sniffing and searching about for symbols, clothing similarities which might indicate ethnic similarity. He shifts his awareness from the search to the broader square occasionally to see if more people awake.
Longshot lifts his head and then shudders as he takes in the signs of the carnage. He quickly turns and looks for Storm, who had accompanied him, and breates a sigh of relief when he catches sight of her and sees her shrugging off the effects of... whatever that was.
He stands, adjusts his bandolier and satchel, checks his longknife, and then starts at the battle-posed female warrior who seems ready to pounce and tear his heart out.
"Hello. I'm Longshot.", he says with a friendly smile that is somewhat out of place here, though his eyes continue to scan for danger.
Storm shakes off the drowsiness upon her and stands. She quickly takes in that Longshot is already on his feet. She turns slowly and looks around trying to see if there is an obvious threat or any signs as to the nature of the sorcery that befell them.
As she scans the area she says to her companion,"Longshot, It seems we are both less effected than most. We should work to rouse the sleeping, and get the wounded to some sort of cover; then figure out what is going on."
Mathias looks over at the man who stood. Hmmm some sort of woman who smells like a plant and . . .hey 2 hearts. Strange so of those moving at this point some may be more than human . . . not sure what that says about me. He tilts his head hearing another rise. Authority in her voice. I wonder who she is? She is beautiful though. Even blind I can tell . . .Mathias you always say that and it gets you into trouble . . . focus.
Assuming he finds no leads to keep chasing he looks to those sleeping near by and attempts to wake them. Moving with his cane. "Wake up . . . are you alright." "No I am fine I been blind before today I'll get by thank you for your concern. Are you okay."
Selina walks with the crowd in a black blouse and miniskirt. She intentionally struts a bit to distract the nearby men as she takes account of their possessions. Oh...that one has a fine bracelet. As she turns to head in the lodge, sudden darkness.
When she wakes, she instinctively reaches for her magical backpack. To others, it appears to be a fashionable purse. In reality, it contains all of her cat burglar gear and weapons. She feins being passed out as she pulls the bag close. She peers about attempting to locate the source of danger.
Cassandra blinks slowly, trying to push the drowsiness away. ??? She was not tired, so why had she been asleep? Must have been...drugs? Magic? She stiffens at the realization that something foul is afoot.
She carefully stands up and looks around. Some people are moving. They seem...just as confused as she is. Not hostile anyway. Or, at least, not hostile towards her. She then notices some of the bodies on the floor. ?!?!? Dead. Some of them are dead. A sense of guilt washes over her; she hadn't saved them. She had failed, and she can't fail. But she hadn't known this was going to happen. But she should have.
The voices of Master Wayne and Oracle warred in her head. With effort, she pushed both away. She had other things to deal with. Who knows how long she had until the meeting she needed to intercept. But she couldn't just ignore what was going on. She needed a better view.
Ignoring the others, she dashes to one of the nearby buildings and starts to climb, hoping to get a better look from a rooftop.
"Black Orchid," the disguised woman says, briefly allowing her Hat of Disguise to show her true face and mask before fading back to her current disguise, "But I thought it wise to pose as one of the dead, to see if it helps in determining who was dead, or why."
She's heard of some of these heroes—the others standing—and they seem like the good sort. Not likely to be behind this attack.
Mathias notes a change he does not quite understand in the woman who smells like plants. But he hears her address the others who are not effected. Black Orchid I think I heard some rumors about that name in Korvosa . . . maybe the same person . . . small world I guess.
"Excuse me miss." Mathias calls to the dark skinned woman with white hair. "You mentioned getting folks to shelter as they wake where do you suggest." Blind guys do hear good you likely figure as Mathias calls across the square. He moves tapping his cane and stepping over those on the ground. He holds his head funny as if he is hearing something or trying to figure something out with an occasional tilt to one side or another. As he gets close to the woman with white hair, Black Orchid and the man calling himself Longshot. He notes a figure climbing the walls but here manner is inquisitive. "Murdock, Mathias Murdock well met." He smiles and greets those there. He rests easily on his cane before him. "This is a strange thing . . . do any of you have any idea what has happened here? I woke and I can feel bodies and I heard your voices. So strange . . . some are dead."
Longshot smiles cheerfully and says, "Pleased to meet you. That's Storm", pointing her out of the crowd.
He nods at Storm's request, not realizing that he's falling back into familiar patterns, "So far, these nice people seem to be awake... But I'll look for more."
He then shakes his head at the blind man, "No idea... And you're better off not seeing some of the dead, sadly. Well met, Sir Murdock. I am simply Longshot... in case you didn't hear that earlier."
"Perhaps it's best if we try to find out?" Black Orchid asks. "Any of you know how to find a cause of death, or sweep for hostile magics?"
If nobody has a better plan, she's going to take a few minutes to get out her alchemy kit and check the area for traces of any obvious airborne toxins.
"I wish our meeting was under more pleasant circumstances Mr. Murdock,"Storm says surveying the impromptu rescue team, "I know something about magic, but I am not seeing anything yet that is giving me a clue.
I can only assume at this point that the Grand Lodge was the target, but for all we know this malady has struck the entire Foreign Quarter or even the city. No telling which way is safe without some scouting."
She turns a full circle surveying the carnage. "I agree Black Orchid, we must investigate. This isn't normal...it seems hostile but I haven't noticed any other reaction since the initial effect. One thing is certain. It will make investigations easier if we can communicate."
Storm gestures and mutters, casting Message on the assembled team: Murdock, Black Orchid, Longshot and herself, "Now when you whisper..." dropping her voice to demonstrate, "all of us will be able to hear you at a great distance."
Selina sees the group forming. She gets to her feet, crouches, and moves over to them. Did any of you see anything? What is going on?
Evey a cursory examination of the scene shows that the only thing keeping it from being a massacre is the number of survivors; this was something performed with deadly precision. Arrows and deep stab wounds are placed for the optimal kill.
Storm is unable to determine anything from the surrounding area.
From atop a roof, Cassandra can see not only the extent of it, but past the sea of bodies. There's a lot of property destruction in the surrounding area, damaged buildings and pieces of rubble. Up the starcase into the grand lodge, she can see that pillars have been smashed and the large, ornate doors torn right off their handles.
Any attempts to wake the people who without any visual wounds still appear to be sleeping are useless. This sleep is an intense one, and it cannot be shaken out of by being prodded with a cane.
Flora finds no toxins in the air.
Mathias' nose flares suddenly. Selina Kyle hmmm she knows I am not helpless blind man perhaps if I play I don't remember her she will not feel the need to let on that I am more than I appear.
"The dead were shot with arrows or stabbed up close. . . um from the feel of it. It seems like while we were out cold people were picked off the question I wonder why."
"Whatever this was, it was magic. And powerful magic."
Black Orchid spends a bit of time looking over the bodies, to see if she can recognize any of the dead as notable local heroes or if there's any other obvious pattern in their dress, insignias, features, etc.
"Does anyone know how long we've been out for? If we had a doctor here, we could examine the bodies to see how old the wounds are. And if it hasn't been long, I suggest we try to track and pursue the assassins." Black Orchid isn't too sure who she's talking to, or how competent the others are, but in cases like this she prefers to make grand statements and see who listens.
Selina suddenly recognizes the blind man. What is he doing here? Her heartbeat speeds up as she relives the encounter in his apartment. You don't know me and I don't know you. She worries he may blow her cover. After a moment though, she realizes that he either doesn't recognize her or intend to show that he does.
I suggest we get off the street and let the dust settle. Something big has gone down...something catastrophic. She looks at the others assembled. Does anyone have any connections in the city? Someone who might have information on an organization that has the power to perform terrorism of this scale?
Ororo frowns and looks to Mathias, "Do you? Longshot and I are visitors to the city. Any connections we have are out of town.
Since we can't seem to wake anyone, and the victims are only sleeping or dead, so there is no one to heal. Perhaps we should see what is going on at the Grand Lodge. The Pathfinders are reasonable targets for this attack."
Failing to see any dastardly looking villains lurking about, Cassandra quickly climbs back down the building. She calmly approaches the group of adults, trusting her training to warn her if any of them chose to become hostile. Once there she waves her arms a little to get their attention. She then points towards the Pathfinder lodge and makes a few gestures with her hands.
After a brief moment, it becomes clear to her that they have no idea what she's trying to say. She frowns slightly, trying to find another way to communicate. She then points to the lodge again, holds her hands in fists close to each other, and quickly pulls her hands apart, opening up her fists as she does so. She includes her best imitation of an explosion sound with the gesture.
Selina watches the queer teenager perform her charades. Inside? Explosion? Lead on. She turns to the others. I guess she heard something. Turning back to the teen. Can you hear? <pointing to her own ears>
Longshot turns a friendly smile toward the younger girl, asking in a concerned tone, "Can you not speak? Is that an effect of whatever this is?"
He nods at Selina, "Let's go take a look..."
Cassandra nods at Selina question and shakes her head at Longshot's. See them leads the group towards the destroyed lodge doors.
His disguise renewed, Jean-Phillipe springs up and hobbles behind the rest of the group as they make their way to the lodge doors. "It's wonderful to see you young ladies and gentlemen take initiative like this. Real gift to the community you are. I'll just watch from back here, don't mind me!"
Storm begins walking toward the Grand Lodge. "Well, young lady, Please lead on..."
Selina's demeanor changes as they head toward the door. She goes on the defensive as she looks around for possible trouble.
A great many of the fallen are quite visibly members of the Pathfinder society, many of them rather high ranking at that. Parts of the entourages, or even just Pathfinders there to see the procession of superiors. Also strewn about are guards assigned to handle the crowd, slain as well.
The doors are just gone, period. Torn off the handle and missing.
As Selina heads up the stairs, the number of survivors dwindle as members of the Society and those with general business at the lodge grow in number compared to the onlookers, and it starts to become a little more apparent what the target of this strange event was.
Mathias notes the tension in Selina. She remembers but does not want to be exposed. That makes two of us. Instinctively he notes Selina's figure. How in the world did I resist that.
Mathias looks at the teen. "The young woman there her motions she is saying the lodge popped. . . Oh no Storm I have a few friends who work for the courts but not overly powerful. We are building our practice. Though I agree it would be wise to get off the streets for now. Perhaps you abled bodied folk should investigate the lodge. There is a temple not far perhaps they have healers I can send help. Go learn what you can." Then Daredevil can assist you.
Mathias watches as they make their way. He starts to walk toward the temple he mentioned. He notes the stranger but keeps a brisk blind man's walk.
Once he thinks he is clear.
He darts down an alley strips off his street clothes and and pulls on his mask.
He then moves full speed over any obstacles and back to find the others.
He raises his hands non threateningly. He speaks with a little gravel in his voice.
"I ah met a blind man on the road. Mafis Modork I think he said. He was seeking a healer said that I would find others seeking answers to the strange event here. I am called Daredevil by some. I want to know what has happened perhaps we can work together. Who might you be?" Please buy the strange voice clearly I am not a blind man.
"Fare you well Mathias... and thank you for your help." Storm watches Murdock as he walks away thinking, He seems remarkably composed in the midst of this carnage, I wonder if that is because he cannot see it.
Storm Turns to the others, "Whoever did this was powerful and deadly. I intend to investigate what's beyond the threshold. I know Longshot and I are prepared for dangerous work. I know magic, and he is very good with knives."
We would not ask any of you ladies to risk your lives to accompany us."
Cassandra tilts her head slightly at the "new" arrival. Then she just shrugs and continues on towards the lodge, neatly managing to avoid stepping on any of the dead or sleeping people sprawled across the floor.
"Black Orchid, here, and the others have names too. But these constant introductions are getting tiring—can we all agree that we're the good guys here? That would be more useful right now."
Taking a minute to steel her nerves, Orchid taps into her inner reserve of strength. And, as she steps forward, "I'm going to see what's on the other side of that doorway. Stand behind me if you like, but I'd guess the worst danger's passed."
Longshot smiles, "Not to mention that I have a winning personality.... and like hunting down bad guys so they can't hurt people anymore."
She wants to go first.... She must be hard to hurt, like Rogue... At least I hope that's why...
Longshot steps back and graciously bows to Black Orchid, "After you."
Daredevil nods, "That makes perfect sense."
"Orchid, Silent One, Daredevil, none of you are armored. I shall call upon the winds to protect you as we proceed in...
It is not as effective as leather or metal, but I have seldom needed more."
As the group moves through the door into the Grand Lodge, Storm casts Mage Armor on Black Orchid, Batgirl and Daredevil.
As you move through the former doorway, you find more carnage and destruction, Pathfinders unceremoniously slain and walls smashed by destructive invaders with an almost over-the-top and excessive malice to send a message. The long, vast halls have doors torn off their handles, blows in the walls made by fist and hammer, and scorch marks from magical fire and lightning.
As you come past about the fifth door down the long hall, you hear a commotion from in the room, where several heavily armed people in a uniform of red and yellow talk with more volume than attackers should have any reason to have. Three of them have their backs huddled and stand away from you, while four others pour through several cabinets full of paperwork, carelessly tossing and breaking things that don't hold any interest to them.
Black Orchid stops moving, and whispers to the others, through the spell. "If we can get into position without being seen by the intruders, I should be able to disarm the lot of them. Can the rest of you handle yourself in a fight? If we can take them unconscious, we should be able to get some answers."
Cassandra looks at Black Orchid and nods. She catches her eye and then points to herself and to the right and then to Black Orchid and to the left.
She tilts her head to one side, briefly pausing to listen to the talking intruders.
Then she begins sneaking around the right-hand side of them.
Longshot says, "I'm all for that. I'm sure I can find a good hiding place in there."
He listens carefully, trying to get a good read on where the attackers are and where they might be facing..
And then tries to sneak in...