Do we just wait here until Black Hat cools off, then? Who wants to be the messenger for parley? Nameless unconsciously edges slightly away from the entrance to the laundry room as she asks.
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Oh no, don't get me wrong - I don't fault you for wanting to end the evil. Not at all. It's just ... it's likely not amenable to talking out our differences or informing us of its Grand Yellow Plan at the moment.
Still shaken, Nameless mumbles, Talk to it? I'm not sure it would be very open to discussion at the moment. Not after Fritz's not so eloquent greeting. Also, I don't know if I want to hear what it has to say ... The oracle keeps a close eye on the halls, the tunnel and surroundings while everyone is gathering themselves.
The Oracle tries to summon the will to approach Fritz and heal him, but is thoroughly shaken and cannot quite find the courage to enter the fray. Nameless backs away towards the door as Black Hat approaches Mrakala. Fritz, come on - live to fight this evil abomination another day.
Nameless skirts around Black Hat and approaches the paladin to heal him. Let's live to fight another day, Fritz. Let's get to the barricade.
Nameless grips her spear, knuckles white and eyes locked on the apparent horror behind the curtain. "Fear of the unknown is natural. Especially when the unknown can rend your mind *and* body." As long as they are nowhere near the curtain or the Man in Black, she moves to investigate the pull-rings. If they are near either, she re-casts Guidance on Yordan.
"Kyleen, some guidance would be helpful. Fritz first, then me?" Nameless casts Guidance on all to prepare for the opening.
The body is that of a young man in intern's clothes, with dark hair in a ponytail and a wispy mustache. No identification otherwise. "tHaTs NoT mE iT cAnT bE mE" The oracle specifically avoids looking at the intern's corpse longer than a glance. The only question to ask is Why? Why is this thing here? Why are we here? Why is this place so fun of horrors? Nameless finally steps away from the wall, wiping a fear-induced sheen of cold sweat from her forehead. Staring that the corpse of the abomination, she offers: It's a nightmare, and we ... we have to keep going to wake up. "Oh-ho-ho-ho. You know that's not true. But, yes, by all means - *do* keep going forward if you want to see the nightmare ..." Shut up. Should we block the tunnel so that it could be accessible from this side if we choose to reverse the process?
Hearing Mrakala name the thing, and therefore indicate that he understands the situation somewhat, seems to give Nameless the bit she needed to recover. "Deep Sea Incutilis?" Are we near a sea? I recall Winter mentioning a river, but ... "burrowingquickburrowingdeepnowyoufallintoeternalsleep"
-- All right, that actually makes a difference! Because there was a DC 16 Perception check, and two different party members (including Kyleen) managed to just miss it by rolling a 15. But Nameless beat her on initiative and threw Guidance!
"Last time you touched something we said not to, you ended up possessed by a spirit. Let's not repeat that again, shall we?" Mrakala's arrogant voice drips with disdain. To be fair, that spirit was that of a doctor ... Nameless readies her spear. And this, uh, patient looks pretty, um ...
Seeing the corpse move in an unnatural fashion, Nameless recoils, horrified, cowering with her back to a solid wall. She keeps her spear between her body and the corpse on the floor and light held clear.
"The hook is set, now for the strike ..." Nameless gasps and immediately stops. "hElP mE pLeAsE" Kyleen, be careful. I'm afraid this is bait, do not get too close to the tunnel. The oracle holds the light so that the first several meters of the tunnel are illuminated, but keeping it out of the tunnel itself so the party's surroundings and as well-lit as possible. An eye to the ceilings, too, eh? She continuously scans the room.
Nodding to Yordan, Nameless agrees. Yes. I already feel bad for not investigating it when we were there, but we were in no shape to push our luck. We could have been slain ... or worse. The oracle falls into line with the others, eyes intent on the darkness in front of them.
Nameless cinches the straps on her mail and makes ready to leave. As the party is gathering to head out, she pauses near Winter. What is down the curtained hall? We did notice it - I assume it's covered for a good reason?
"Rocksauce.." Mrakala growls and rolls his eyes. "She seems to know more than she should. Did you figure out why when she spoke to you, Nameless?" Not meeting Mrakala's eyes. She, um. No. She just ... wasn't consistently the same person we met in the offices to the north. Standing near the group speaking with Winter, Nameless finishes a small, greasy bowl of "Brown with Chunks". "... We are in Briarstone Asylum. It’s a hospice on an island in the Danver River.
"... Dori, an intern, went out two sleeps ago to look for a possible exit, but no one has heard from him. Right. Dori. The oracle swallows and turns to the Mrakala and Ghelik with a fearful look on her face. I sincerely hope that wasn't the other voice we heard in the laundry. With hesitation, she asks, We should, uh, probably go check? Oh - and Auditor Klaczka - if it hasn't been mentioned: keep an eye towards the sky. There was an near-human ... Thing ... crawling along the ceiling that attempted to grab Yordan up with tentacle-like arms.
Nameless sleeps like the dead, not moving once after curling up under her ragged blanket. She wakes up refreshed after a night absent of fluttering (or any) dreams and is noticeably more composed. She greets Ghelik, and is about to respond to him when Mrakala approaches. She shrugs. I didn't speak to Winter about anything. She was there in more of an oversight role. Looking thoughtful, she continues. I, um, spoke to Rocksauce primarily. She is really quite delightful. She - Nameless pauses and swallows, recalling the feeling of Rocksauce poking around in her head and her reversion at the end of the conversation. I think it was very hard for her. At any rate, we spoke only about my lack of memories and ... 'condition'. Nothing too exciting honestly. Clearing her throat, she moves to end the conversation, moving to get a bit of breakfast in the kitchen. I didn't think to ask Winter anything about our situation, I'm sorry. She stops and turns after a few steps towards the kitchen, and returns to the two men. I'm pretty sure she doesn't know much more than we do about what's caused all of this. Rocksauce had to assure her that I wasn't involved. Nameless turns back to walk to the kitchen, humming a melodic tune. The oracle's hair looks as if someone is sliding along behind her, being pulled along by holding on.
In the office:
Nameless listens intently, noting Rocksauce's translation-seeking. After, she nods and sighs, shoulders slumping. That makes a lot of sense from my point of view, for many memories - I can follow them back to the point where we all woke up during the earthquake, and then there is just ... fluttering. At the last word, she shudders a bit.
An array of emotions passes over Nameless' face while the young psychic explains this to her, distrust, then thoughtfulness, then towards the end - relief. Is this true? Does she actually see this in my head? I wasn't sure if they were there. We *did* wake up in an asylum, after all ... of course that doesn't mean I wasn't here before ... What caused this? Do you have any idea at all?
Looking alarmed, Nameless turns to Winter. You thought *I* had something to do with the ... earthquake? The madness? The ... those ... dreams? Aghast, the oracle shakes her head vigorously. I may not have my memories, but I'm certainly not driving any of .. of this! She gestures sharply to the obvious situation everyone has found themselves in. Please believe me, I want nothing but to get out of this place. But until then ... She pauses and looks to both Rocksauce and Winter, though avoiding their eyes. ... until then, I will do everything I can to insure we *all* make it out. Assuming everyone is done, Nameless stands and looks to Rocksauce. Thank you. You have given me much to think on, and brought me a bit of peace. It's only been a couple of days, but it's felt like months ... And to Winter: Thank you for the privacy of your office. I don't know that I would want everyone hearing this.
Nameless leaves the office, looking a little shaken and pensive - looking no one in the eyes. At the offer of the chapel, she immediately takes the opportunity to get a bit of restful sleep.
With Rocksauce the New: Looking up to Rocksauce, and her seemingly sane grin, Nameless sighs and speaks as though dragging a massive weight. It's not so terrible. Sometimes. But I just don't know what in the hells is happening. A pause. You seem ... different. Are you feeling better than when we found you in the office? She reaches out and touches the side of your head. "Try to think about... nothing in particular." Nameless eyes the younger girl warily and chews on her lower lip for a moment. She taps her temple: What do you plan to do in there? I, uh, don't suppose it could get much worse ... The older woman closes her eyes - leaning forward into Rocksauce's touch, attempting (most unsuccessfully) to clear her mind of the panic and disorientation of the past two days.
In the office: Um ... Nameless glances up at Winter to gauge her reaction. She takes a seat and tries to offer a sincere smile to Rocksauce, then stares down at the front of the desk. Yes. Everything you say is true. But ... the voices have almost become completely silent since ... since ... Nameless shudders and wraps her arms around herself. In a smaller voice: Since I tried to sleep on the couch. And the man in yellow by the foggy lake. And his fluttery pets ... I-I think he killed one of the voices. They've been quiet since. He said I was a 'thing of pieces'. What does that even mean?! I'm not sure how any of this came to be. I'm not sure who I am. I'm not sure who my friends are -she gestures towards the office doorway, her voice betraying a panic. - and ... I don't even know why I'm here! She collapses in on herself, fighting back rising emotion, trying to grasp her situation. Finally, in a monotone voice: Anything that can be done to help would be most welcome. The oracle with no name looks up at Rocksauce and Winter. This isn't a dream, too, is it? It feels like a nightmare.
Winter approaches Nameless. "Miss Rocksauce wants to see you. I've said she can meet with you in my office, as long as I'm present." Miss ...? Rocksauce. Oh, yes. The Offspring. Nameless glances around and surreptitiously nods to the Auditor and motions for her to lead the way.
Nameless steps forward. This man was shackled in the laundry, bound next to a corpse and a ghoul who was feasting on it. We couldn't just leave him there to be the next meal. There seems to be a ... spark ... of someone left inside him, regardless of what has happened. With a nod to Winter: We thought it best to bring him to you, Auditor Klaczka, as you are in the position of authority - and we certainly are in no position to condemn him. She pauses.
Is there anything of a spark left in me? ... Hello? The oracle pauses briefly and then looks back to the bound man. He keeps going on about someone named "Zandalus".
Staring at the doors from where the sounds of assumed torture originate, the oracle looks back and forth to her companions, seeming torn. Finally, she nods to Yordan. We should perform a thorough check of all the cloth we are taking back - preferably with multiple observers, and with Winter present. Nameless moves to help the others firmly bind the Praising Man as he is freed from the wall.
Nameless watches wide-eyed as the spirit exits Kyleen's frame, not moving an inch and holding her breath.
Looking into the eyes of the man chained to the wall, Nameless speaks to the group behind and around her. There is a spark of ... someone ... left in this man. Let's get him to the chapel - we can then discuss what to do about the laundry. Turning to the group, she looks at the paladin. Perhaps Winter will be interested in your assessment of the evil, Fritz.
Having stood to the rear, listening to the debate and keeping a watch around the party, Nameless approaches the man in chains. To him, directly, she asks two questions: 1) Is it Zandalus behind those doors? 2) If we allow you to go free, will you aid us or hinder us?
"Are you suuuuure your stab-happy Fritzy should be stabbing away?" Nameless gasps at the re-emergence of the disembodied voice. Ah! Wha - ... where have you ...? Shaking her head, she peers at the ghoul.
Quite sure, yes. Kill the abomination! She punctuates this last statement with a spear thrust in the direction of the chained undead.
Nameless stays beside Yordan, holding her spear at the ready. She stands so that she can keep an eye down the hallways, and also see into the doorway and watch the action in the western alcove across the room. To nobody in particular: Zandalus? I wonder if that is who melting-Mrakala was lauding when the mirror got him? Side eye to Yordan: Or melting-You, for that matter. Can you ... recall anything?
Frtz charges activating his smite
Nameless steels herself after Yordan is up and around. No more. We can't lose anyone. We cannot afford to let anyone fall - everyone stay together., she exclaims shortly before Fritz rushes into the laundry. Shaking her head, she follows when the group enters.
The oracle stands rooted to the spot, watching the Thing slink away. Yordan, nononononono. Stay with us. She rushes to his side and attempts to bind his wounds.
---
The oracle, who has been silent for the majority of the excursion, turns to see Yordan bound. She shrieks: No! Let him go! Her mind reels, vision swimming, she can't bring herself to approach and stab the thing. She calls out to the rest of the group: Help - something has Yordan!
There's another pause. Then, "Well, when and if you get back, we'll see about your thing. Things." Nameless keeps her eyes on the floor while Rocksauce is offering her brand of advice. The elder woman the two offers an obvious forced smile and mumbles: If there is anything left of them. Or me. Thank you. The oracle hefts her spear in one hand, and in the other - she keeps a Light-bearing object held high while the group makes its way.
Physical 3
Yeah. Okay. Blankets. As long as they aren't tattered. Nameless takes a deep breath, gulps, and nods quietly in agreement with everyone.
Nameless starts awake, dark circles just beginning to show beneath her eyes. She stares at the floor for a bit, calling internally ... Hello? ... to no response. Looking around the chapel, she sees that her party is gearing up to leave. She re-arms herself, and follows behind them silently, roping herself in with the rest. The oracle pulls a sturdy piece of board from her pack, and casts Light to guide their way.
DMDM: Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Nameless stumbles away from the creature, readying her spear, yelling out: What is it that you want?
DMDM: No. No no no no no. The oracle shrinks from the approaching ... thing. She frantically looks around, trying to find a path to safety.
Before retiring somewhat involuntarily to the couch, Nameless passes by Fritz as he is tuning up his viola. She lightly touches his arm, warmth spreading from her hand into his wounds. Heals for the minstrel. "Minstrel? Ha! If you like dead cats being tortured." "HoW wOuLd CaTs MaKe NoIsE iF tHeY aRe DeAd?" "Have you seen what's going on where we are?" "Will you three SHUT UP?"
Nameless nods at Winter. I'll ... I'll see to the patients. She walks over and sees Yordan already working on them. Vitae's interaction with the pale, pudgy prophet does not entice her to approach. She stares at all the activity going on around her, time passing with increasing rapidity. A yawn escapes her lips and she settles down onto the opposite end of the couch from Birdy. The oracle smiles at the fine-featured woman, and then curls up to take a 'short nap'. Just a short nap. Yeah ... that's ... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Nameless hands over her spear, but keeps her armor on for now; she approaches Winter, waiting for a turn to speak with her. Just to let you know, I, uh, have some ... abilities? If needed. She glances over to the two wounded patients, and looks down to her hands. I was able to close wounds and make them disappear by willing them to mend. It was like ... warmth. If that's needed here, I am happy to help. Though I am not sure how much more I can do without some restful sleep. "Triage?" Yes. Triage.
Otherwise, Nameless wanders through the sanctuary, taking in all of the new personalities, and occasionally holding conversations -- with self and others. Though technically, they are all with others.
"Good... day. I am Winter Klaczka, Auditor-Aspirant of the Temple of Pharasma. By default, I am in authority here." She nods at the corpses you're dragging. "I told Captain York you should have an opportunity to prove you're not shapeshifters. I see that you've done so. Thank you. However, I will need to know your names and what brought you here." Awkwardly trying to decide whether to curtsy, bow, both, or neither -- Nameless mumbles. Auditor-aspirant? Doctor Lomar mentioned you ... I can't really remember our names. Glancing around surreptitiously, she corrects herself. I - I can't remember my name or anything since before the quake. Just the ... Involuntary swallow. We woke up, you see. Downstairs. In the cells with a doctor cutting open ... just the lake, and the mists in The City. The oracle seems to shake herself and refocus her eyes, as if thinking on The City was dragging her back into the nightmare. I've been going by -" The VERY creative moniker:" - Nameless. "Smooth. Real smooth." Aside: Shutup. To Winter: We thank you for allowing us behind the barricade. The rest of the area is ... inhospitable.
I am not going to Wing D. Not to- ... today? Tonight? Whatever. Let's get to safety. To the chapel. Winter's. Wing D, or wherever, will be there after we sleep. Nameless looks around to the group. And if it is not, then we likely won't be alive to worry about finding our records.
The oracle continues to try and coax Kyleen back out of her head, but agrees with the return to the chapel. Let's get back to the chapel and we can iron out any differences. From your earlier statement - Nameless nods to Rocksauce - there's at least one more doctor ... "HiS nAmE wAs 'O'. dOcToR o." "doctorthunderballdoctorthunderball!" Nameless pauses and listens for a moment. Thank you. Doctor O, I think - is still out there. I don't ... I don't want to meet up with any more doctors right now. The oracle glances up from staring at the floor to Kyleen. No offense.
"Gnnng...praise...praise...the..--"
Nameless approaches the bard and lightly touches her on the arm. You will be alright. You, uh ... both will. We're going to make it out of here. With a backward glance at Mrakala, and a shudder, the oracle moves around to get a closer look at Kyleen's face, her eyes narrow as she stares intently. With a completely serious look she asks: What does the good doctor suggest about our melting friend? "Oh, I see. Asking the *doctor* with his fancy *degrees* and *training*!" "Oh SuRe, NaMeLeSs WoNdEr -- ThE mEdIcAl DoCtOr, WhO iS fReShLy A sPiRiT -- wIlL cErTaInLy KnOw InTrIcAtE dEtAiLs AbOuT tHiS bReAcH iN rEaLiTy ..." The oracle frowns.
Eyes locked on Yordan, and giving him wide berth, Nameless skirts the wall opposite where the mirror stood and makes her way to the door. "Nice throw, kid." Nice throw, Rocksauce.
Cover the mirror. Cover the mirror. Cover the mirror.
"Wh-what? What do you --" He puts his hand up to the back of his head. ... "AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!" "Oh fie, girl. Where are your manners? He was obviously blissfully unaware. Selfish, unthinking ..." Wait. No ... I'm sorry ... Nameless holds up her hands and stumbles backwards, running into the desk. She watches the panicked spirit rush towards and meld into Kyleen, speechless. "Unconscionable!" "WhAt An AsS, yEaH? i MeAn - GeT a GrIp." "He tried to grip the back of his head. That's what started this whole thing." "'ey, she asked 'im in. Don' go blamin' 'im!" "ironywarningironywarning"
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