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Post by Janus on Nov 19, 2019 13:14:06 GMT -5
"There will be... No need. Simply describe... It. I will reach... through the Green... To find it."
Swamp Thing seems to relax very slightly, you think shrinking a little until you look down and see that his feet have literally taken root in the earth below him.
(ooc I'll assume you give a description of where the precinct is unless you say otherwise.)
There is a long pause, minutes roll by, interrupted only by a slight breeze that makes the leaves shift and shimmer in the light.
Eventually Swamp Thing lets out a sigh.
"I have found the thing... you ask after. It is a thing... of many contradictions. A plant... yet not of the green... old and malevolent... yet not corrupt in... any sense you might mean... Hungry yet it cannot feed... as other plants do. I sensed it's... 'being'. It was created... to be exactly... as it is. A bane... on mortal minds.. a horror... that cannot be touched... only felt. Yet for all that it... hungers for madness... it hungers for one thing... more than that... The blood of the Fey.. . Spill the blood of a fey... on the ground near it... and it will become tangible... To feed."
"I tell you this... only because it is a thing... that should not be. The laws of the green... do not apply to it... and so I am not bound... to protect it. Neither however... am I bound to destroy it myself."
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Post by lilithsboy on Nov 19, 2019 20:53:49 GMT -5
In your opinion would it need to be full fae blood or would the blood of a halfling do? Once made flesh how would one best go about destroying this thing? Why and how was this thing created, and by what? Also, I have a few questions for you about some unrelated issues if you would not mind humoring me for a while longer?
Christopher has decided to become bold, the longer he is allowed to think the angrier he becomes. Used to feeling detached and able to keep his emotions in check it is almost surprising how infuriated he has allowed himself to be today. He wants answers and perhaps a known enemy of Gotham is exactly the sort of person who can give them to him, obviously, the police are ill-equipped to help.
(Assuming Swamp Thing agrees to answer)
Are you capable of tracking fae normally?
Do you know, and can you get in touch with the being known as Wonder Woman?
If I may be so bold would you be willing to aid us again? I can promise we are doing our best for the city and will speak with the Mayor about plans to make Gotham more Ecologically friendly, regardless of your answer.
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Post by Gris on Nov 22, 2019 8:07:07 GMT -5
Mildred had to restrain a laugh, born out of nervousness and amusing coincidence. They have guided the Swamp Thing to their precinct and even without moving he had given them an answer she should have produced herself, perhaps intuition dulled by years of hiding. Of course feeding was the answer, of course blood would be the bait. Oh the irony, the same thing she wanted for herself could lure the enemy to its destruction. Mildred had to change her feeding habits years ago under threat of destruction or imprisonment, the shadow of the Bat looming over her. Now that creature that lurked in their grounds, something so contradictory that even the Swamp Thing had trouble describing it, was hungry for something it couldn't get and yet its famine had cursed the place all along.
"I can get somewhat irritable when hungry, so no wonder that being is causing trouble" she couldn't help but voice, releasing tension as a joke. Mildred noticed Christopher growing more and more restless, it seemed that the once mild mannered man had been pushed too much with the recent events and his usual neutral verbosity was turning inquiring. Maybe Mildred and the monster under their bed were hungry for blood, but Christopher seemed ravenous for answers and made her wonder to what extent would he go to sate his craving.
As for the trouble in hand, maybe it was easy enough to solve, but she doubted that the pretty boy Cerberus would like it.
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Post by Janus on Nov 28, 2019 10:56:32 GMT -5
Swamp Thing looks you both over
"I do not know... who created it... or why, only that... it was created. And yes blood of a Half Fey... will suffice. It can be destroyed... as all things are destroyed."
He listens with the appearance of patience as Christopher fires questions at him.
"I have encountered... Wonder Woman before... and I can contact anyone... with enough time and a reason... to do so. As to helping you... in the future, the Police of Gotham... have much to prove before... I will help them freely."
He looks meaningfully at Mildred.
"I have had dealings... with many beings. Few of them knew... to respect the world... around them. Many of them learn... that lesson too late."
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Post by lilithsboy on Nov 28, 2019 18:51:53 GMT -5
We do not intend to bother you often and understand we cannot come to you over every little thing. Gotham is beginning to turn around and we will eventually do enough to prove that we are on the right path again, we already started before contacting you this time and intend to continue. Let me let you in on a little secret, I am unhappy with Gotham's police department, I have been for approximately half of my life. I choose to do something about it much the way you choose to correct those who do not respect the world. I have need of Wonder Woman due to a wrong committed to me by a third party. The situation was aggravated by the GCPD's closed-mindedness and subsequent ineffectiveness over a decade ago, if you decide to help me personally I would consider it a favor but in this, I am simply a grandson who misses his grandmother, I have no right to ask it in any official capacity.
On that note, Gotham has no right to ask anything of you in any official capacity; however, I will tell you that there are those of us who truly want to change. We cannot continue to sleep on rotting ground, breathing tainted air, and drinking toxic water. Some of us have sat idle too long, this is true; but, there are also those of us who have been in no position to make the necessary change, that faction is growing into its own power. We will not contact you again unless we deem it of dire need, we did not contact you today without dire need, we thought it was an actual spirit of nature which had been corrupted, and did not wish to go forward and further compound the harm that has been done in the past, we thank you for educating us and will deal with that situation. We look forward to the day when you think of Gotham and see it as an example of the good people can do when they set their minds to respecting the world as it is, and not trying to beat it into submission.
Christopher closes his notebook, it was never really needed anyway.
I realize money is of little concern to you but is there anything, in particular, we could do to repay you for the aid you have given us today?
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Post by Gris on Nov 30, 2019 6:32:49 GMT -5
It wasn't quite a threat, or at least Mildred saw it as more of a warning than anything else, but the Swamp Thing's words affected her as a menace anyways. It wasn't like she was intending to go back to old habits, not consciously at least, but keeping herself on the right side of the law had been easier when it was a matter of habit in a dull period of her life. Now that she was busy with hectic and strange adventures... the temptation was closer. Now that they got what they wanted Mildred was aching to go away, get rid of that imposing presence, but it seemed that her partner not only had further needs, but also a need to offer full reparation.
As a predator that used to take what she wanted Mildred didn't share the fair mindset that Christopher seemed to have, maybe the young one divided the world in right and wrong like it was second nature to him. For the undead it was a matter of weak and strong. If the Swamp Thing wanted something of them he would speak so, there was no need to offer, or at least Mildred wasn't prone to.
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Post by Janus on Dec 1, 2019 10:43:37 GMT -5
Swamp Thing again directs his attention to Christopher pointing to the clump of oil covered earth he recently uncovered.
"You would do better... to contact her through... those in Gotham... who know her. The Batman for example. But if you still need... my help, see to it... that this place is cleansed and... I will do as you ask. That will be my price."
With that he rounds on Mildred addressing her directly.
"In a different place... and time Vampires over ran Gotham... until the actions of... a few of us pushed them back, they are no longer. But a thing I sensed... there I sense also here. There is a thing in this city... that draws your kind... to it. I do not know what this thing is... but if you are as you... claim to be you would... do well to investigate this. It is a threat to the people... of Gotham and if you.... would be their champion you can... do no less."
He looks finally at you both.
"Now my time here is done... I have other matters to attend to... this night."
And with that he falls backwards, and as his body hits the ground it seems to just fall apart, rotting away to nothingness in a few seconds.
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Post by Gris on Dec 4, 2019 6:35:54 GMT -5
Swamp Thing's warning rendered Mildred speechless. Something in Gotham lured her kind in? It's been a while since she had seen other vampire, although it was true that the ennui of these last few years had turned her into a bit of a recluse. Vampires normally were trapped into their contradictions, as they tended to be social creatures by need and yet territorial predators overprotective of their turf. Vampires were fine being around other people, unless those people were other vampires. Sure, exception was made for the ones you made, but even those tended to outgrow the nest with time.
Sure, truly believing she was an agent of the law and order or not, any vampire would want to look into something that lured their kind into a particular place. If it wasn't already a trap, it sure could be used as such in the wrong hands. There was also worth considering that the love she felt for the city was subject to something else, something that had created that feeling in her, so Mildred wasn't sure on how she would manage such an invasion. Such a beacon for her kind was to be looked into and promptly disabled.
And yet. Maybe it could bring Madeline back to her. Did she want that? Did she need that?
Mildred took a moment to be aware that the Swamp Thing was gone, as she was sinking in her own doubts. "The vampire thing can wait" she said, more for her own sanity than to address Christopher. "Lets close this case and keep our own house clean first. Then we can tend to all these family affairs that keep piling on us" she said, eager to get out of those eerie grounds back into the city.
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Post by lilithsboy on Dec 4, 2019 17:12:50 GMT -5
Agreed, note the junkyard as well, it will warrant looking into eventually even if nothing seems to be going on something does not want us there. Christopher goes to leave, remembering his calming spell on the dogs as they pass.
I do apologize for the verbosity; however, Swap Thing is not a being I take lightly and I would not want him to believe we were attempting to deceive him by omission.
With that Christopher does not speak again, unless spoken to, until the two get back to the station to see where the others are.
********************************* Witchcraft & Drive extended scenes.
Witchcraft to calm dogs and then luck when driving.
Drive to make sure they get where they are going quickly and safely
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Post by Janus on Dec 16, 2019 13:36:03 GMT -5
You move back to the car and drive back to the station in comparative silence, the encounter with one of the world's most powerful entities playing over and over in your minds.
For Mildred there is the puzzle Swamp Thing just introduced you to. If vampires are being drawn to Gotham, why aren't there more of them around? Until recently you had assumed you were more or less alone in the city. Then you hear of the Captain dealing with two rogue vampires.
But then Grandfather's is set up to provide a non living source of blood and that doesn't happen by accident. There are things here under the surface, and questions that need answers.
For Christopher, the visit to Swamp Thing has been a mixed bag. He now has the answer of how to get rid of the entity in the basement. A sample of half Fey blood and a whole lot of firepower is all that is really needed.
His problem with Circe on the other hand will take a little more work.
The drive back is without incident and dawn is still some time away as you drive into the car park.
The Captain's motorbike is back in its usual spot suggesting that she has returned.
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Post by lilithsboy on Dec 17, 2019 15:59:31 GMT -5
Never one to take his frustrations out on inanimate objects Christopher shuts the car door quietly as he gets out, heads into the station, and up to Dyre's office. He knocks on the door and waits for her to indicate he can enter before starting.
Okay so good and bad news, the creature in the basement is not natural but rather made for the specific purpose of tormenting humans, we know how to make it manifest, and The Swamp Thing is not entirely opposed to helping us out in the future so long as we clean up our act. Bad news, something placed that thing down there so we do not know exactly what will get pissed when it is removed but we know something powerful had to have done it. Even if we do not see a reaction immediately this sort of thing would not be put here if the third party did not intend real damage, we need to asses the situation further before moving forward.
After giving his report he breaths for a minute, ensures the door is shut behind him, and continues.
I want you to know that you and I are going to have to clear the air eventually, frankly you have been less than forthcoming with us and it would have been nice to know we had something of an alchemist to go to. Obviously you have forgotten more about magic than I know so it would be helpful if you would answer questions about that as well but something tells me that I am already in for a fight. We can work with each other in a professional capacity for as long as you require till then but know I am disappointed with you, each of us puts our lives, reputations, and personal histories, on the line to be here; we are honest and share our gifts, every member of this team, save the one who is supposed to lead it.
Yes you threatened my employment earlier, in front of the others which is why I did not respond, firing me might take then again it might not, I am not blind to the position I hold in this city. We both know I am not here for the money, I spent more than the GCPD's annual budget on lunch last week, and I certainly contribute more money to donations to the GCPD than you pay me. I am here because I want to be, I want to see this city flourish as it once did, we can work together towards that end, but I expect honesty from you and I certainly want more answers than you seem naturally inclined to give.
While I sympathize with the need to keep secrets and control the flow of information, I am responsible for the members of my house and under my employ, one of which is now missing due to changes in my house I was not made aware of, changes you ordered. We can work together because I feel neither of us wants to work in opposition to the other, if you want we might even develop a friendship but that will require you start trusting me. You said I had a ruff night, that is true but not because someone was attacking me, I expected that when I signed on, rather it was because I found that someone who could have helped me waited a decade to speak up. I want to trust you Lt. but I don't yet, and you are not making it easy at all.
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Post by Gris on Dec 21, 2019 6:54:01 GMT -5
Burying vampiric troubles as deep in her mind as she could, Mildred knew that they had enough time to explain Dyre what they managed to learn. Then next night maybe they could be prepared enough to face and end the monster under their bed, providing they convinced Cerberus, of course. Even if distracted and silent with her own dilemmas, Mildred could see the pressure building on her partner. He had been acting up as of late, and no doubt he would have to release some steam before he exploded. She wouldn't go down with him if things got too sour between him and the lieutenant, such loyalty wasn't earned in short time, even less with the fickle and selfish nature of a vampire, but she would support him if things made sense.
Of course, once facing Dyre Christopher exploded into verbosity, and things got weird. "If we knew everything it would be easy to trust, and then anyone could do it, partner" Mildred voiced. "You barely know anything about me either, the things I have done, and yet you went alongside me into danger and the unknown" she sighed. "Dealing with our spooky basement and all that happened afterwards got us all on edge" she admitted. A heavier sigh released the tension of her shoulders and for a moment instead of the strangely imposing woman she looked like a girl in her father's suit, but she composed herself soon enough.
"I'm as much a territorial, paranoid and coward a creature of the night can be, and any of you could be the end of me" Mildred confessed, her mouth turning into her usual mocking smile. "Hell, this job will probably be the end of me but yet it's better than doing nothing and withering away" she admitted. "I trust you two with my life. I also trust you two to not ask me for another pep talk, I suck at it" Mildred finished.
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Post by Janus on Dec 22, 2019 14:00:03 GMT -5
"Good work." Says Captain Dyre, then settles back in her chair gesturing for you to take the seats opposite her.
She listens with a thoughtful look on her face then nods to Mildred before turning to Christopher.
"I'm glad you brought this up, so let me explain my position. I'm older than even I can remember. Thousands of years certainly, in that time I have seen more of mankind than most people would believe possible. I was created to make mankind wiser, kinder and better, to inspire them to be all they can be."
"I have learned through many hard lessons that mankind must grow by itself. Too much interference stops them growing. If you solve a person's problems for them they will never learn to solve them by themselves. If you give them too much power, they will never respect that power and the harm that it can do."
"These and a thousand other lessons guide what I do. If I tell you what I can do you will never learn to create your own solutions you will come to rely on mine. My knowledge is my most potent ability and honestly it would take too many years to explain everything I know and you wouldn't believe half of it. The point of my presence here is as a guide. It is my hope that one of you will eventually take over from me after I am... Gone."
There is a little whistfullness in her voice when she says 'Gone.'
"In addition to this however, I am also a guardian, I am here for when power corrupts man, I am here to stop him. I have taken under my wing a vampire, a fey, a wizard and, well, 'others'."
A smile flickers across her face.
"I don't need to tell you that vampires are typically a threat to mankind, fey are rarely benevolent and wizards fall to the corruption of power far more easily than you might imagine."
"This is why I am cautious, not because I dislike you, or even distrust you, but because you need me to be. If I handed you all the power you feel you need you would not have learned to use what I give wisely. I am sorry if this is frustrating for you, but it is a process that I have seen to completion many times. The commissioner of police, the mayor and more importantly the men and women in this station trust me. You can make up your own mind as to whether you intend to. I am not perfect, I don't have second sight, I will fail, just as I have many times before. But I will not see you destroyed by giving you too much, too soon and I will also not become a crutch for you. I want you strong and independant so you can teach those who come after you."
"My 'alchemy' is not alchemy in the traditional sense. It is a gift and a curse from my past, I use it only when I feel I must. It is a... Bandage, for when things go wrong. Again, it is not something I want you to rely on."
"As to waiting a decade to help, I wasn't in Gotham when your Grandmother disappeared. I found out about her when I read your personnel file. That was when I started looking into her disappearance. I ran into the usual red tape so I asked John Constantine to look into your mother's disappearance as a personal favour. Her case was closed, and without new information I could not officially reopen it. I didn't tell you because I wasn't sure he would find anything. That was a mistake on my part and I appologise for that. Believe me if I had known at any time before now what I have discovered I would have intervened with all the resources at my disposal."
"Unfortunately things are now more complicated and I don't dare act until I can see the whole picture. I have a lot of questions but one you might be able to help with is how this member of your household managed to breach a ward that would have kept either of us out even in its weakened state. Was she magically trained?"
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Post by lilithsboy on Dec 23, 2019 0:39:15 GMT -5
Christopher nods, he may not like everything she is saying but this at least is an acceptable answer.
We are in agreement that magic can easily corrupt, I was born to power and privilege so while I am not immune to corruption I am more careful than others, as to why a member of my house could breach that barrier when even I couldn't...
Christopher's face gets a deeper shade of red...
You will find that I like my people safe every member of my household is selected by me, not because of magical training but rather each has some resistance, I fully expected at some point that I may want to use my magic or another mage might attempt to use the people around me. Think of it as an extra security measure, every single one of them is harder to use magic on, it keeps me honest and safe. Furthermore, it is the reason I had everyone sent home and given paid leave, for the time being, grandmother's spell was probably too much for them but when John weakened it she was able to get through, and there I cannot risk others falling into the same trap.
Not relying on you is one thing but can you teach your potions to others? Some of them would be very interesting to know, furthermore if I learned how to do some of what you do then that by definition means we rely on you less. You said you were created, by what or rather whom?
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Post by Gris on Dec 27, 2019 6:02:55 GMT -5
"Fuck-" Mildred mumbled, almost inaudibly when the captain revealed her age. Even for someone that had defied the normal life expectancy of a human with her vampiric life, she had trouble wrapping her mind around the concept of being so old you didn't know how much. Her answers did create some new questions about her, but that was hardly the time to ask them, specially after she had been so forthcoming. Mildred could understand the tone Dyre used when talking about her absence, not unlike the one Madeline sounded like before abandoning her, yet not exactly the same. All in all it was more than she had expected from their mysterious boss, and soon enough the topic moved away from her to the matters at hand and Christopher's situation.
"Fair enough, thanks" was all that Mildred had to say, grateful for how Dyre had opened to them and yet more intrigued about her past and her very nature. Of course, given the troubles they had presently and the vampiric lure topic buzzing at the back of her head, Mildred soon distracted herself away from the captain's past.
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