001 [action/video]

[lancerofblood]

Action

Around Genessia
[All things considered, Vlad's feeling incredibly calm for someone snatched away in the midst of battle, with no indication that his Master has been granted the same fate. Not to say that he isn't irritated at the thought of losing his wish but on the other hand, perhaps this way he will live long enough to set things right for himself.

The fact that being able to act of his own volition is even an option might have something to do with his better-than-anticipated mood. Or perhaps it has more to do with the wealth of progress and development that's demonstrated even by that projection of the woman in white and the strange device he now has in his possession that is supposedly some form of communicator. And as he begins his exploration of Genessia, with it in mind to find the archways leading to the areas represented by the blue and green jewels prominent in the pendant he has also been gifted, that fascination with what he finds continues.

He doesn't venture into any particular place, happy to remain detached for the time being. But he can be found pausing to examine window displays that catch his attention, only the faintest trace of curiosity in his expression to betray his thoughts.]

Around Everglade
[Once he's determined there are means of travelling between cities that are near-instantaneous - less impressive for one who keeps the company of mages but still something to be applauded - Vlad's first order of business is to find out why the powers that be have determined that he is suitable for the particular areas his pendant suggests. And while the blue isn't quite so prominent as the green, it's significant enough still that he makes Everglade his first stop.

It doesn't take him long to figure out the connection. And he is not happy about it in the slightest.

That's not to say he doesn't explore, and he even finds some establishments that are suited to his aesthetic tastes - but it's all underwritten by a subtle but apparent irritation that this is somewhere the powers that be have determined he belongs.]

Around Fayren
[Of anywhere he's been of yet, it's Fayren that feels most like an approximation of home. Between the clear presence of magic that bolsters the existence he has now and the general feeling of an era closer to the one he knew in life, it doesn't take him long to decide that this, of all the places he's seen so far, is the most suitable base of operations for him. It'll take time for him to get to where he really wants to be, but at least he has a goal in mind now.

And for that, he's a little more relaxed as he explores, with particular pause outside of the Cloister of Trials - he's not in any position to venture in just yet but the idea of the place intrigues him all the same in spite of his growing awareness that there may indeed be other ways to rid himself of the cursed power that haunts his existence as a Heroic Spirit.]

Video
[The name associated with this message reads Lancer of Black. It takes a moment for the feed to settle - even as he has taken some time to try to understand the workings of the smartphone, he's still an embodiment of someone from ages past whose understanding of the modern world has been filtered through mages who tend to shy away from an abundance of technology. Eventually, however, there's a clear shot of him in what appears to be one of the rooms of the Amagi Inn in Fayren - he's travelled enough for today, after all.]

An intriguing place I have been brought to, I must say. I won't deny that I would prefer to see to it that the task ahead of me back home were seen through but I am here and I persist in spite of my concerns that my presence may not be sustainable without a particular connection. For now, that will have to suffice.

Though I do have to ask as to the best means of securing a supply of magical energy, now I am without my own. My explorations thus far have led me to determine that Fayren is the best place to start but I am open to the input of others. Particularly as I suspect familiarity is affording bias to my judgement - even the technology in Genessia itself is far beyond anything I have seen so far. Is this the luxury of a country not required to be at constant war, I wonder?

Oh and one other question. These gems upon the pendants - is there any way to erase their prominence? I can't help but take exception to one of them and if possible, I would prefer to sever any perceived association with the city one of them represents.

[He's not naming names, but his prominent gems are blue and green and he's mentioned satisfaction with Fayren so it's probably not hard to guess.]

Comments

Video

[riddlemehiss]

[Welcome to Genessia not!vampire. Here's the local pink and magenta striped talking cat staring into the other end of the video feed.]

Have you tried the stationary shop?

Video

[lancerofblood]

[It's probably as well that he has already seen so many strange things today because it makes him a little more able to comprehend what he's seeing now.

A little.]

To what end? I don't have need of any stationary supplies at this present time.

[riddlemehiss]

Well where else would you search for an eraser?

[Twisting people's sentences into something they didn't mean at all is only one of many talents.]

Around Everglade

[notquitedracula]

[One of the establishments Vlad happens upon in his trek is a shop of knickknacks and potions. For all that such things might be uncommon to see in an establishment as open about its purpose as this one seems to be, these appear to be rather potent. Especially the potions - which some guy in a long white coat appears to be carrying a case of out of the back, with little apparent effort.

Of course, there's no one at the counter right at the moment. Cashier isn't Soma's normal role, here, but he knows how the old register works.]

Hello. Welcome to Cloak and Dagger. Can I get you anything?

[lancerofblood]

[Despite his misgivings about the locale it's based in, Vlad does at least have to admit that the store itself is intriguing. Even if not immediately useful, he doesn't doubt he may have cause to know where to find these kinds of items at some point.

Never hurts to be prepared, even as there doesn't seem to be any indication of war here at present.

It had been his hope to slip in, explore and then leave just as quietly. Still, he sees no reason not to be civil, at least.]

Thank you but no. I merely wanted to see what kind of establishment this is.

[notquitedracula]

Well, you're free to look around. Most of the stuff here is real - boss doesn't believe in pandering to the tourists.

[Soma is giving you an odd look, Lancer. There's a sense of familiarity here, but... filtered. He might even be staring a bit, with his head tilted just a bit. Inquisitive.]

I hate to ask, but... Cuvântul Dracula înseamnă ceva pentru tine?

[OOC: Asked in (probably butchered) Romanian: 'Does the word Dracula mean anything to you?']

[video]

[immortalrose]

[This. This. This could be the beginning of a very bad day for Augustine.

Which is moderately hilarious in the grand scheme of things since so far, his day is going pretty well. Settled down at the his office, Augustine was just scrolling by when he catches a glimpse of this video. He pauses for a good awhile, long enough to be a minute or so before deciding to listen in. Augustine been so wrapped up in his personal affairs lately, namely Rip, that he hasn't been stalking the world wide web as much but he has time today.]

Fayren certainly might be your best bet. [He responds after a sip of tea that isn't tea at all but something red instead.] Many magical creatures live in Fayren ranging from fairies to dragons. That particular city-state is quite...whimsical in design.

If you're fond of fairytales, Fayren is the place to be.

[As for the gems in question, Augustine shrugs his shoulders. He hasn't really investigated the full brunt of their functionality in fear of shattering his.]

[video]

[lancerofblood]

[There's little Lancer can really say when it comes to drinking red - he can't deny his own preferences in wine that doubtless only added to the 'evidence' created by those who would go on to twist him into some soulless monster.

Still, there is something about this man that nags at the back of his mind. Perhaps it is that he still has such fresh memory of an earlier conversation, as he sought to understand the second of the two cities that were considered best fit for him. Nothing enough to trouble himself to mention just yet, but it gives him cause to pay close attention.]

Yes, I have noticed that there is quite the variety of individuals here. Though I suppose it is less the whimsy and more the evocation of a more familiar time...or of a society that cares more for magic than for technology.

[Either way it at least makes more sense to him than Genessia.]

Re: [video]

[immortalrose]

[Augustine can't help but smirk once he hears that last bit.]

A city fit for a mage, I say. If I could pick a property to own, it probably would be in Fayren just for the magical rustic feel. Although, I certainly grew to like both Genessia and Nova city.

[He tilts his phone a little to point towards the grand windows of his office. There's half of Nova City glittering behind him. A shiny example of man's fondness for technology.]

Now Nova City is the exact opposite of Fayren in every way.

video

[anamnestik]

Welcome to Genessia, sir! You sure have traveled a lot on your first day here.

Um, I'm not sure about the pendents. I would suggest perhaps hiding it from view, if it bothers you so much? But I really don't see any shame. We all know just from arriving that we come from very different worlds, so I should hope none of us judge books by their covers?

video

[lancerofblood]

Well, for that I mostly have to thank those who created the technology that allows for such rapid travel between cities. I imagine my investigations would have taken far longer without.

[Just because he hasn't experienced much technological progress doesn't mean he can't appreciate it, just as he appreciates advances in magecraft.]

I should hope as much as well, were I not already so versed in man's determination to pass judgement on those he does not understand. Still, if there is nothing to be done for it save to adjust then adjust is what I shall have to do.

[anamnestik]

As I am now, I'm not sure if I've actually experienced any judgement in the past. But I'm able to live openly as a vampire here, even though I recall vampires were kept secret back home. I don't think you need to worry about judgement. Even if one or two people are like that, I feel like the majority of the pendent bearers are open-minded.

My name is Eliot, by the way! It's a pleasure to meet you.

[Video]

[what_is_a_man]

[Have a very familiar looking face looking at you Vlad, along with the name 'Dracula' associated with the sender.]

You have wasted no time in announcing yourself to this place at large, which is commendable. However, I must say, you have neglected one bit of etiquette that is traditional in this place; an introduction. You have given us no name to call you by.

[But somehow he has a feeling he already knows...]

[Video]

[lancerofblood]

Oh? But of course, how remiss of me to overlook such a detail.

[He's polite, still, but it's strained; with all he's learned so far today he knows who and what he's facing but he refuses to acknowledge the connection out loud. They both know who he is but that doesn't mean he's going to make this easier.

Lucky for him that the powers that be have registered his device to what he was known as more recently. It means he can dodge the question with a semblance of elegance.]

You may call me Lancer, since it appears that is the name I am intended to use while I am here.

[Video]

[what_is_a_man]

[There's a sarcastic smirk.]

If you would wallow in the filth with the rest of the commoners, denying yourself a name, then 'Lancer' it is.

[Video]

[singinghuntress]

Vhy vould you vish to change zhe colors of your gems?

[She's curious and it's not hard to see that the color for Everglade was prominent on her own necklace as she takes note of the man speaking. There's something familiar about him and she just can't place it.

Rip shrugs it off and is just more curious about why he's talking about magic and the necklaces.]

Und vhy do you need a magical supply? Are you a mage or zomething?

[Video]

[lancerofblood]

Because if they are a reflection of who we are then I cannot help but take one of them as an insult.

[Even if he wanted to. Any connection at all to the monster his reputation was twisted into is intolerable.

But never mind that. At least there's something else he's happier talking about.]

I am not a mage, exactly. But I do have a dependence on magical energy for certain of my abilities, even if it would seem it is not entirely necessary for my existence here.

Re: [Video]

[singinghuntress]

[She kind of raised an eyebrow at taking Everglade as an insult but, Rip had a feeling pressing wasn't quite the best idea until she knew more about who she was talking to. Besides, she was a vampire that embraced what she was.]

Oh? zhen how are you not a mage? Don't zhe depend on magical zhings for zheir abilities?

[Sorry, she really doesn't know much about magic...]

Zhough, not sure how magic vould be necessary for your existence. Unless you vere depending on getting power or zomething from anozher?

Everglade

[scarlet_devil]

[ Remilia was out and about, doing her usual patrol as a deputy guardian. Honestly, she could do with a few more fellow deputy guardian co-workers.

She is also, very clearly with those wings, a vampire. One that looks around ten. One that quickly noticed him and is intrigued. ]

Hmm? There is something familiar about you.

Everglade

[lancerofblood]

[He doesn't expect much in the way of conversation while he wanders, new to this realm as he is. He certainly doesn't expect the comment he does hear, and it's enough that he pauses in his stride, seeking out the speaker with eyes narrowed just a touch as he tries (hopes?) to determine he has misheard.]

About me?

[scarlet_devil]

Yes. For a moment I thought my adoptive father had went and bleached his hair. [ She means Dracula. ] Ah, no matter. I am Lady Remilia Scarlet. Or simply Remilia if you prefer.

[ Remilia is at least a sociable, even friendly sort for the most part. ]

[Video]

[brat_from_hell]

A supply of magical energy? In my world, magic comes from the caster...except if you're calling on the power of a higher being, like Lord Hellmaster.

[Video]

[lancerofblood]

And what of magical constructs? Is it simply a mage's power that fuels them or is there another means of fuelling them?

[That's not what he is but it's a near enough approximation, he figures, especially after witnessing the golemcraft of Yggdmillennia.]

Video

[youfool]

Hello, Lancer!

[He's read the previous posts to get an idea of whom he's speaking to. He seems to be some odd vampire-attractant.]

I caution against effacing that amulet. They're very sturdy for one, far sturdier than jewelry tends. Probably for a reason; what may happen should that ultimate sign get scuffed none know. Or at least none I've heard, and likely for good reason.

But if you go ahead with it anyway, please take detailed notes about whatever condition, if any, assails you upon that undertaking.

Video

[lancerofblood]

If you are so curious, how is it that you have not yet yourself explored the possibility? After all, so far all the evidence you have to caution against it is that it appears an impossibility, not for any perceived consequences.

[Thank you, sir, but he is not here to play mad science so someone else doesn't have to.]