Brown Dynamite

@Tiffany Korta OOC For this thread.

Rooftop outside the British Museum London, Britain, UK Saturday, March 21, 2020 6:00 PM Early spring flowers had begun to sprout. The weather had begun to warm up. And crime had begun to spread out. It was the inevitable change of seasons. There were more people walking the streets as night was further away. Due to the fact that March was traditionally the windiest month of the year, Foreshadow's cape billowed in the wind as he hunkered over the rooftop. "Thanks for coming out, I know your kids probably have something fun plan for the holiday tomorrow. But, like I said I think this one might be up your alley." Foreshadow was referring to the fact that the British Museum of history had been robbed the previous night. Missing was a Scythian golden sword discovered in the 1980s near the Altay Mountain. With it was an aged book that was several hundreds years old with supernatural references to Pazyryk culture . The curator had refused to speak to reporters regarding the matter. Erick had informed Klara that the police had yet to find any leads. Even if it had only been a day. Less than 24 hours at that. A robbery wasn't exactly on the Ministry's workload, but Erick kept his ear to the street. They were to meet with the curator after museum hours.

Dalir wasn't particularly hungry. But, word of mouth was the lifeblood of the industry. He couldn't, or rather wouldn't, ring up Asad for financial security. And as such needed to satisfy any paying customer's reasonable request. Better yet if it was a request that amounted to free food. Though Dalir did have to admit he could do without all the swords. It was fun when part of his act. But, now it seemed as if they were attempting to steal his flair for the theatrics. After all, the swords were more than likely ceremonial. Not that something firing bullets would make his meal any more comfortable. He tried to place the music, mentally noting if he had ever heard it before. But, as the seconds passed Dalir's thoughts became muddled. Fatigue had began to rapidly set in. Far faster than should've been possible. Adrenaline was still fresh after a show. He tried to recount the smell of halothane and other sleep-inducing vapors. But, that would have taken actually smelling them before to be sure. Which he hadn't done yet. Something Dalir was beginning to regret. Only...there wasn't any unusual odor in the air. Dalir's eyes furrowed as an image began to stick in his mind. The memory of Sun Dao's hands patting him on the back "What did you do?" Dalir called out his hand desperately reached for his back. But, not before the weight of his eyelids became to much to bear. As he crumpled forward onto the table in front of him the last thing Dalir saw before were the lower halves of the guards and Sun Dao. None of them so much as taking a step forward as he collapsed into slumber.

Fortitude Save: 2#1d20+5 10 Ha 8 Ha Notice vs Sense Motive: 1d20+8 16

"VERA! I was looking at that file still. When I want something pulled up, multiple screens. Multiple screens. Don't you pretend to be freezing up on me again." Foreshadow was arguing with a monitor in a corner of the center hub. His mask and caped hood were wrapped around the back of his chair. Merely a formality as the Ministry of Powers was already well acquainted with his identity that was growing less secret by the day. Throwing his arms up with exaggerated frustration, Erick prepared to argue with the ever helpful AI. "I'm going to the Tesco and buying a new AI." Overhearing Klara at the doorway, Erick turned around and gave a cheeky shrug to the trio before pointing at the monitor. "She started it."

Tabitha Hannigan was not exactly part of this type of scene. Her musical tastes being more at a home with a rave. The teenager's metallic skin reflected a variety of lights as people's phones were held up. Either to record Whipping Dave or with apps pretending to be lighters. The Claremont student had only wandered to the theater district after classes came to an end because Tabitha thought she could blend in the crowd. But, there was still a reason why her brother had begun calling her The Spectacle. Some fifty yards out a quartet of unarmored vans began speeding down the street. Which wouldn't be worth noting. If not for the fact that the street had been closed off to outside traffic due to the parade. Not to mention the all too important fact. They were driving down the wrong way of a one way. Directly towards the front of the float. "Oi!" Dave Tennet shouted while pointing forward at the oncoming traffic. The band suddenly stopped playing not that they could matched the rowdy and vocal crowd who had begun shouting. An odd mixture of concerned gasps, screams, and a whole lot of liquor filled obscenities as the scene quickly erupted into chaos..

"I've definitely been keeping busy. Have spent more time out of Freedom than in it since then. Got my MBA while avoiding being KIA. Got engaged. Temporarily took in a time displaced teenager. Got a couple of new scars and tears. All the big adult milestones." Erick then looked between the self-proclaimed, not that Erick could think of any other proclamations that would be more fitting to describe the creature, dragon and Indira. Seeing the dragon bend down with it's toothless maw and all was an amusing sight in so far as it drove back to Erick's mind just how tall many of the attendees were. Hey now. Your glass will at least look like wine. Erick sheepishly responded to his betrothed.

See you guys soon! Oh when we drop her off we should get me one of those airport toblerones. The bigger the better, we can see how small it looks in Joseph's hands. Although Erick's retort was lighthearted to Dee it had an all too-familiar air. The same level of focus he carried Plus, it wasn't as if they needed to actually take a plane to bring her to freedom city in the Fall. Clearly his attention was divided elsewhere. After a few seconds Erick responded once more. This time with a renewed softness in his 'voice'. I'm glad to hear she's down. They have the tools and resources to socialize her with kids her age. Well...unless when we fill out the paperwork are we counting her age from her birthday, because I think we might have to take her to a nursing home instead?

"I think we should tell them too. Brighten things up a little with still no word from Agnes." He looked up at Dee opened his mouth to say something and then looked back down. He was originally going to mention another failed lead. Having heard of a possible sighting in Maracas Bay that turned out to be glowing teenager with a family. Thinking better of bringing up bad news he continued on the subject of their future child's education. "Push come to shove. Homeschooling worked out for me. Did get a few months of middle school in a public school. But, then I got into a fight. If that principal could see me now. Might've worked out more for my coaches now that I think about it. Superheroing included." A smile came to his face as Dee mentioned the newest member of the team and their temporary ward. "Though speaking of our house guest, I know at least one other school more exclusive than anything your parents had in mind. But, I know a place that will give her the foundation she needs a bit better than we can provide."

Yves was sorting through AEGIS case files on a separate workstation. She typed with one hand while the other flipped through papers. Occasionally drawing her attention between the two. A mumbled spattering of her native Lor would come through here and again. Until she pieced together the witnesses. Yves attention being broken as Eira proudly declared her findings. "Smart...but foolish." Yves opined of the criminal. "Braggarts who leave clues are often obsessed with looking like the smartest ones in the room. Whoever this is may be seeking affirmation or praise. Possibly low social awareness, insecure, or lonely." Personally, Yves hoped it was the last one. As that would at least make it likely the robots were not actually created to harm anyone, though she wasn't aware if they would act like the actual creatures they were designed like Danica compared earlier. Grabbing the folders she had been combing through Yves back to the center of the room to set a series of pages down. First came the geographic location of the ta. She placed it near the images of the hippie communes they had looked at earlier. Then came the picture of their larged tooth reptile friend, for that she wrote down what AEGIS had on the Lor sculptor. "There's an eccentric commune called Superfreaks local to the area that live by one of the sightings. And I use the word commune loosely. The actual crocodile was spotted by a bit of a local celebrity, or as celebrity as it gets around the outcasts in the area, a Lor who emigrated to Alpine. He works as a sculptor."

Alright Tiff sent you the pitches in a PM. And Ari, Just PM me when you whip up a Silver-age Mag-Min

"Isn't he a great sport?" Dalir mentally focused on the finger which held a daka crystal. Its illusionary psionic abilities brought to the forefront allowed him to make it appear as if he were pulling a sword from out of his jacket. Handing the illusionary blade over to Xie Jie, "Now let's leave things on a good note. Someone in the back told me Xie Jie has a sweet tooth. And luckily for him, I'm quite a treat. Let's let the man of the hour will get to cut his cake." Walking over some feet away Dalir spread his arms out and began urging the middle-aged man to act with his fingers. As soon as the sword was thrown it would hit his body, regardless of how terrible Xie Ji's aim was the whole thing was an illusionary act after all. When that came to be his body would first melt down turning into a cartoony bit of skull and bones before exploding out into pieces of cake. The strawberry cake being propelled forward from behind the illusion using a contraption rigged ahead of time. Then after a short pause the lights would go out and Dalir was to reappear in the center of the stage taking a bow.

Perform (Stage Magic): 1d20+10 15 Not his best closer, not his worst

Erick nodded in affirmation when Dee explained Susan's visiting preferences. "I have no problem telling the lady in charge, but you can be the one to tell VERA. Not to mention the baby proofing place in Freedom. Though I guess making sure the beach house is in tip top shape isn't as high on the priority list. Geez calling it the beach house, I might as well start applying for citizenship." Erick looked up at the ceiling while working on tightening the frame of the crib. It wasn't as if he needed his eyes to see what he was doing. "But don't worry. Fun is still on the table. I looked up whether pregnant woman can sky dive earlier today. We're still a few years from PTA meetings. Wait is there a PTA in the UK? I'm unclear about the whole infrastructure therein."

The only consequence is the fracking PSA that will be included in the issue.

Being irresponsible. It's not first come, first serve. It's all come all serve Tiff!

So let's do this thing again. I'm back and actually posting. Unlike the last time I said this (or the time before that. Or the time before that). I'm very self-aware of how it's gone! My schedule has been ridiculously relaxed, ever since I started a new job in the middle of December and especially so now that my hours changed to what it is now, and I want to get back to having fun with y'all. New and old. Essentially, anybody whose interested in more threads. Let's Duet! our characters for a thread (Social/Combat/or somewhere in between) drop me an idea here, through pm, or especially in Discord and we'll work something out together. Don't have an idea in mind. You can also just roll the metaphorical dice, and blindly trust me for a plot! But, let's keep this to a 2 character affair! Team ups in the style of the Brave and the Bold or Marvel Team Up as is often the case when we do these threads. So here's a run down of my characters, if you want to have a team up thread with one of them. Argonaut (PL: 10) : Freed Omegadrone turned Agent of AEGIS. Has been on Earth Prime for two decades, but has been an active part of the hero community for far less time. Yves Zermeño is a mother of three, a superspy, and a woman who has murdered more than her fair share of people while enslaved to Omega. Understanding of the fact that Redemption is a never ending road. If the government needs a hero on the scene, or the forces of Omega are involved, or maybe she just wants to skip her book club but Argonaut takes to the skies. Dalir the Dashing (PL10): Emerald City Stage Magician. Connected to a hidden society in the mountains, the illegitimate son of ASAD; Dalir has a penchant for the flashy but his powers are tied to his nine viridian[and one Daka] rings. Dalir has no particulars about the sort of crime, though the Cryptids do love to beckon. Asad's a bit of a snarky genius when off-stage, but when a crowd is there he knows "It's time to put on a show!" Foreshadow II (PL12): Prescient heir to the Foreshadow name. Adopted by the original Foreshadow, Erick Sloane is an Olympic level athlete whose career was cut short by tragedy. A millionaire turned billionaire through his Seed and Series A tech based venture capital investments, Foreshadow's real superpower is writing checks in a digital age. Attached to the UK superhero team Vanguard, whose portal allows him access to travel back and forth between the UK. Though, You'll likely be finding him solely in the UK for the next few months, Foreshadow favors street crime. Glamazon (PL 14): Atlantean princess, Olympian Demigoddes, ambassador to the Surface, and one woman wrecking ball. Glamazon is essentially a Homeric heroine with more modern sensibilities. She acts before thinking and her first thought is usually to punch things very, very, hard. Hellhound (PL7) Bedlam city bouncer by night, Werewolf by also night. Hellhound is your typical down on his luck blue collar werewolf as you are want to find in Bedlam City. Waging a one-man war against his father's MC. The Bedlam hero favors the streets, but Opus Ombra lurks in the city and the mystical can come a calling. Roulette (PL11): Zultasian Bounty Hunter and part of a crew of bounty hunters known as the Voidrunners. Roulette is just the worst taking pleasure by grating on anyone and everyone's nerves, but the man has a semblance of a conscious. Despite the fact that he shoots concussive laser beams from his eyes, he has an aversion to violence and will generally attempt to avoid it. Shock and Awe (PL9) He's a human thunderstorm, she's a lightning rod. Together they fight crime. These two Southern teens find themselves attending the Prestigious Claremont academy, formerly a part of the intramural Orange squad currently let's not worry about that. One's sour, one's sweet but both are full of all sorts of Texan Southernisms. BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! I still want to give life to the the Else Ifs and What Ifs Subforum as its woefully forgotten. So folks pitch me a solo or two character team up thread that takes place on a parallel Earth! Or leave it to me to think up how to indulge in your Inner Superman Red Son. We could take a visit to see your Earth: Paragons story. Or even turn back the clock New Frontier style to a Freedomverse just entering the Golden Age with what would otherwise be modern heroes. Now don't go tripping all over yourselves to play a thread in which you likely have to build a whole new version of your character. Potentially worth half post value at that. But, really I think this could be fun and bring life to the Else Ifs and What Else worlds! BUT WAIT THERE'S EVEN MO-okay there's not anything else to add here.

@Azuth65 Took me a bit. But here's the thread!

The Theater District Freedom City, New Jersey.Tuesday, March 17, 20207:00 PM The theater district was adorned with flyers, streamers, and balloons all in varying shades of green, white, and orange. There were carts full of vendors using the opportunity to sell their wares while relying on the theme. Tattoo artists giving temporary sidewalk tattoos. As the largest concentration of Freedom City's Irish community actually lived in the West End, it was clear that the celebration was mostly an excuse for young, rowdy, New Jerseyites to have a party. Floats advertising not only local artists and plays, but the handful of corporate organizers involved in sponsoring the event were making their way through the streets. The leader of the pack being of course Shaughnessey’s float. The local brew-pub had organized the parade. Partly as a 30th anniversary celebration of sorts. And mostly to drum up business. They had even gotten Jimmy Kirkpatrick, a municipal court judge to both speak at the opening and ride on the lead float. The age of the parade crowd ranged from late teens to early 30s, but most wouldn't have been able to pick Judge Kirkpatrick out of lineup unless they had one too many unpaid parking ticket. But, those who kept up with local politics knew that Judge Kirkpatrick was up for re-election. He was a portly man in his 40s with a tough on crime attitude that would make Gerald R. Baker proud. It was tough to say whether it was genetics or the stress of the job had begun taking its toll, but Judge Kirkpatrick's hairline had visibly begun receding. Though it was clear the crowd was mostly here for the second-most float from the front. The local band, Whipping Dave. With front-man Dave Tennet and the rest of the group standing on top of a giant leprechaun shaped float. The band wearing green, blaring their instruments was audibly getting more of a reaction than the pub sponsored judge.

I like it.

It didn't matter if he was in a kid's birthday party. Or on as grand a stage as the Crown Tower Hotel. All that mattered was that there were paying customers out there. He had a duty to ensure that the show went on. "Cute. Probably, just the competition trying to scare me off...load it up!" Dalir shouted out the last part. The shout was referring to his entrance music. The song was a little on the nose. But, the tempo was fast paced. Which meant from the moment he swung the door it was showtime. Pushing forward when the door swung open he began moving his fingers. Relying on the powers of the daka stone on his left hand he began to spin up an illusion while twirling his fingers around. Doves would fly out before him. Bursting into flames in the center of the stage until the words 'Dalir the Dashing' were emblazoned in the air. Meanwhile, Dalir would simply walk into under the cloak of smoke and misdirection. "GOOD EVENING, CREATURES OF THE NIGHT! IT'S TIME TO PUT ON A SHOW!"

I've got an unspent Reward slot that could be used for any points we need. Which even after adjusting the 34EP rough draft that needs to be changes as per the suggestions Should cover the cost as needed. I don't hate the Gherkin for the move site. The shape makes me think back to how long Excaliibur was in a lighthouse. But, for consideration I do suggest we renovate a currently abandoned site like the Furness Abbey. But, hey, it's also not like the Gherkin hasn't been up for sale before soo! The Haven[34EP] Location: TBD Appearance/Details: Size: Gargantuan/Skyscraper-Sized [4EP]; Toughness: +20 [3EP]; Features: Combat Simulator [VERA], Communications, Computer, Concealed 3[DC30], Defense System [VERA], Dock, Fire Prevention System, Garage, Gym, Holding Cells [Hardened/Nullification], Infirmary, Isolated [underwater/Underground], Laboratory, Library, Living Space, Personnel [VERA], Pool, Power System, Security System x3 (DC 30), Self-Destruct, Self-Repairing [VERA], Power [Teleport 9 ( 20000 miles Affects Others; Flaw: Limited To/From British Consulate), Think-Tank [VERA], Workshop [28EP]

Hm. Letsee. I suppose she'll try a bit of old fashioned Investigate: 1d20+5 20.

"Careful now. Once she gets started with the hugs it turns into an episode of Full House," Erick teased. He wasn't entirely sure. Now that Indira had gone into view at the poolside his eyes darted to the teen in the wetsuit between Mali and them. I guess that's one of Callie's kids. Minus the name that sounds like they're raising money for shoes. The last one of these parties Erick attended was hosted by the Freedom League. Lady Liberty had just declared her pregnancy. It wasn't news to Erick as he had uncovered the secret while staying at a safe-house. But, it was certainly not the sort of scene he was setting out to repeat. "Hey, I'll be back. I've got to give a quick hello to people I know. Maybe see where the wine glasses are. We can compare blind landings when I get back though." Making his way to the pool he would first look at the teen in the wet-suit before his eyes glanI'ced back to the two he actually did know. Having gotten his GED at 16 he hadn't attended Claremont. But, Erick felt he knew the general deal. Rule 1 being do not donate any money to the school, lest your name be thrown on a building. Like David had to deal with the library. "Hi there don't mind me. Just your friendly international Foreshadow, hope you're enjoying the party so far. Looks like they went all out. So how're you too? A lot of excitement since we showed Meta-Grue a thing or two? Shame Roman didn't learn his lesson that day. But, I guess I shouldn't speak ill of the dead."

GOLD IS THE NEW BLOOD Glamazon Nuvanut, Canada’s newest, largest, and most northerly territory is also its most remote. At 50 square miles of ice per person, the territory was the most isolated holiday destination that the Atlantean Princess could have taken. With a population of only 7,000 strong it didn’t take long for word to spread in Iqaluit that a superheroine was visiting the only in city in Nuvanut. Even without her armored attire, the fact that Glamazon would audibly shout her name didn’t help keep a low profile either. Currently, she was wearing an Iqaluit Blizzard t-shirt and a comfortable of shorts. Not even bothering to cover her feet as the walked across the tundra. Sitting in the back of a jeep as her tour guide and translator, Eva Ipellie, drove towards Apex Beach. Eva was an Inuk teenager in her teens and a part time fleet service technician, full time superhero fan fiction writer. A career whose concept Thaelia didn’t quite understand still. Eva much like Thaelia was also of divine heritage. Her grandfather was a Shaman and the son of Sedna. He was the reason Thaelia was here. “He’s done.” Though Glamazon had not asked, she suspected that Eva had inherited some power through her divine blood as well. As the Jeep drove over the hill Kallik Ipellie came into the view rising from the depths of the Koojesse Inlet. Kallik was an elderly man in his eighties wearing a dark parka. A hood covered his head where a carved wooden mask concealed his face. Kallik’s clothing was completely dry, but as he neared them Thaelia could see the burns pressed against the flesh of his right hand. A tight grip held onto a small green jewel. “I could not destroy this foul monstrosity, but I managed to contain it. Princess, I don’t know what you wish to do with it. But I ask you do it far away.” “I apologize for the trouble I have brought. I had hoped you would be successful. By restraining it the danger should have passed, no?” Thaelia asked hopefully. To which Kallik gave a dry laugh before reaching out to hand the . “That darkness craves to consume all it touches. It’s vengeful and malicious. The danger is ever present. What is this thing?” “Miasma. A remnant from when the Deep Ones and the Yellow Sign attempted to summon one of their dark gods under the guise of controlling Atlantis to attack the surface. We have scoured the land for a means to rid the world of this foul taint.” Thaelia cursed, “I will leave your city henceforth, but I must remain in your lands a bit longer.” “Why?” Eva called out curious. She “I must cross the gates to the underworld.” The Inuit pair looked at each other uncomfortably. Iqaluit had a unique distinction in Canada of being the nearest city to Kreeg, the Atlantean penal colony. Even at quite a distance away, amongst the local population the Atlantean penal colony was referred to as the underworld. Though, few had ever ventured inside. Sorcerers throughout the ages have warned never to cross. * * * Thaelia didn’t understand why her tour guide had chosen to drive her to the edge of Anigumi Lake. By foot, she could have crossed the distance faster than most surface vehicles. Still Thaelia accepted Eva’s offer. And the myriad of questions that came on the multiple day long trip. As Thaelia exited the Jeep, Eva quickly reached out. A look of concern on the teenage girl’s face, “Are you going to be okay?” “A daughter of the seas must never fear what lies beneath it.” Thaelia stated matter of factly. Pausing before finally diving into the lake. Glamazon quickly sped through the water to the gates of Kreeg where two guards quickly came out pointing their spears at her. “Point your weapons away or I shall remove them for you!” The Atlantean princess called out. On the last night of their trip she had changed into her royal armored attire. A necklace with the insignia designating the house of Atlan floating from her neck. “Your highness! Forgive us,” the wide-eyed guard to the left called out. The guards smacked their fist across their chest. Saluting to the approaching royal. The older guard to the right quickly continued. “We are honored with your princess, but entrance to the city is ill advised.” It was about the reaction Thaelia expected. Kreeg had a mixture of cursed vampiric residents, bioweapons, outcasts, and all manner of Atlantis’ worst traitors and criminals. Let the girl in. A voice rang in all their heads. Officially the penal colony was the only city-state where no one sat on the throne. Unofficially however… The guards hesitated momentarily before ceding to both Thaelia and the mysterious voice’s head. The streets of Kreeg were filled with dome shaped buildings with orichalcum lined sockets powered by crystals. The residents, both guard and prisoner alike, occasionally looked over as Thaelia swam by. But, none actually approached. The castle in the center of Kreeg was equally rounded. Appearing like five interconnected domes with a large tower in the center. At the top of the tower was a pronged structure holding a floating eye. The eye of Dagon. Thaelia sucked in water before speeding faster to her destination. The accursed gaudy castle in the center. Uninterrupted once she entered the throne room Thaelia coughed. Every inch of it was adorned with orichalcum. A golden chamber clearly meant to clear vampirism before it became permanent. But, to Remora the first vampiric daughter of the Dark Mother and Father. It was merely boisterous taunt in the face of the visiting royal. “I am Princess Thalassa of the House of Atlan. You are the one called the Undying One? Remora.” “Princess Thalassa. Bend a knee and refer to me by my station before declaring your own. Or does Theseus not educate his daughters properly in etiquette? ” A pale skinned, red-eyed Atlantean woman sitting on a throne chiseled from skulls smiled. Her sharp teeth were visible. She audaciously puffed out her chest before laughing. Whispers filled the chamber that appeared empty if not for the two women. “I think not. Undying one, I come upon thee representing the houses of the royal assembly. The royal assembly of Atlantis asks a favor most dire of you.” “The child asks a favor. Yet she does not bite her tongue. An amusing morsel to be sure.” Remora once again roared with laughter twirling her fingers mockingly all the while for Glamazon to continue. “Miasma from a failed summoning has been uncovered. Its reach is long, and the corruption unencumbered. We ask that you aid us in ridding the seas of this dark taint.” Thaelia lowered her head before the vampiric entity sitting in front of her. “The child believes I would go against the will of the Dark Father and Mother. Presumptuous indeed.” Remora eyed Thaelia closely before licking her lips. “Tell me child do you know how you came into this world?” “I have had relations you old crone; I understand how children are made.” Thaelia sneered both immaturely and defensively. It took as much impulse control as she could muster to avoid from swimming over and punching Remora. “Oh, yes child. Spin us of tales of lonely bar wenches and strapping guards attempting to live a life of comfort on the throne,” Remora responded bemusedly. “No princess, I speak of the magicks involved. Your father came into this world through foolish sacrifice. A fool loved your mother and paid a heavy toll. Half the time, his body would be inhabited by your lesser god of a parent. In the end, it was not only time he lost but love.” “I have heard the stories. It is all hardly relevant.” “When Poseidon sired this child. The child inherited more than the ability to lift large rocks. She inherited a blood more precious. The divine ichor is one means that can be used to properly seal the miasma. It cannot be destroyed with such ease but commanded, that is within my ability. A toll must be paid. The fair lies from within the child’s body.” “If it is my blood you require to prevent disaster then take it. My body is not my own. It exists to serve Atlantis and its people.” “Such a cheeky child. An agreement has not yet been made. Arrangements must be equal. If you wish for my assistance. Either Kreeg receives a representative in the royal assembly or none shall have hone.” Remora coyly responded. Clearly demanding that the city-state had a recognize queen like the other Atlantean colonies. “Fine…” Thaelia bit down on her lower lip in agitation. Immediately the water felt denser and Thaelia felt an oppressive pressure unfamiliar to her, Thaelia’s knees actually managed to abruptly bent. Soon after she began resisting, the excessive creaking of her bones resounding across the water in the chamber. Looking up to the roof, Thaelia found the source of the pressure. She wasn’t sure when Remora had retrieved the miasma orb from her but clearly, she had prepared the ritual from the beginning of this conversation. Thaelia looked around frantically, blood seeping forth from her pores seemed to be the only thing rising with ease. Desperately thinking of how to survive this encounter, before she heard the Undying One’s voice come out,” Child, if you do not wish to lose your life, the ritual requires more than simply blood. Your will must take physical form. Compel the miasma to obey. Or disappoint me and die. Frankly, I care not.” Heeding the vampiric queen’s words Thaelia tried to form some sort of mental image. Her mind raced with powerful visages. But nothing seemed to stick as her body trembled under the weight above her. Stepping forward dark red blood oozed to the floor before congealing into golden streams aggregating around the green orb in the air. “Oh. The child’s words are not entirely hollow.” Whispers filled the empty room as Thaelia began to slowly swim upwards. The ghastly smell of blood filling the chambers to which Remora once more licked her lips. When Thaelia reached the orb of miasma, which was now covered in a golden layer, she reached out and grasped it. The force of which threatened to tear her apart. “Now form an image. The most powerful vessel you can think of to contain the living will of this miasma.” Only one thing came to mind before Thaelia passed out. * * * When she awoke two days later, Thaelia was in the bed of a jeep. Recognizing the surroundings as halfway back to Iqaluit, she turned her gaze upwards. There Thaelia saw Eva at the wheel and sitting in the passenger seat was a golden trident with an inscription. The base of which held a ngreen orb. Eva saw Thaelia stir from the rear-view mirror and called out excitedly. “So…what’d you think of Canada?”