[Video]

[what_is_a_man]

[When the video opens, Dracula is smirking into the camera with a vast array of gargantuan chemical filled beakers and tubes connecting them in the background, accented against the marble platforms acting as scaffolding throughout the laboratory.]

For those who are new to this place, allow me to introduce myself. I am Count Vlad III Tepes, lord of Castlevania, which is currently residing in a gate linking to the Everglades. I come to you tonight as a man of the sciences, along with a glimpse into my personal laboratory.

[The camera swings around to display the vast open alchemy lab, with multiple tables filled with instruments, chemical filled beakers, and blue flames that hover over the burners though they seem to be heating nothing.]

It is in this place that I have been spending the majority of my time, pursuing knowledge and creating tinctures of varying effects.

[The camera shifts fluidly as Dracula glides throughout the laboratory, the skeletons patrolling the area stopping to salute as he nears. He rounds a corner going into a small alcove near the back of the laboratory where a single table is set up. Multiple books litter the area, and another blue-flamed burner is set up, connected to nothing. Placed on a tray above the burner is a beaker containing a blood red potion, bubbling gently.]

I have created this healing potion that has proven to be more potent than I had intended. It has the power to mend flesh better than nature ever could, removing scars, expelling poisons, and healing any injury ever incurred as if it never happened.

[He spins the camera around again, grinning into it.]

However, there is one caveat. The heart of the imbiber must be strong and committed. Those with a weak spirit will perish. Which is why I have chosen to leave it here, guarded by my minions. However, I do offer this invitation. To any who wishes to have their body returned to its healthiest state, you are more than welcome to fight your way through my laboratory. Doing so should be proof enough of your conviction.

[Private to Sakuya, Remilia, and Izanami]

I have arranged for some entertainment to be gracing the castle for some time. I ask that you all abstain from interfering with them for the most part. I will have viewing balconies erected along the ceiling so as to best enjoy the chaos that ensues.

Comments

<-- This is a man

[youfool]

"I relish the chance to vacuum your vile villa, villain! One question: must the sojourner need it himself? A panacea like that would be wonderful, if it does all you say, though I have no plans for it on my own person.

So that's what a miserable little pile of secrets looks like.

[what_is_a_man]

The potion will work for any who imbibe it. However, I must caution against such altruism. Even if given to another, their resolve is subject to the same judgement as the man who fought their way through my guards.

Re: So that's what a miserable little pile of secrets looks like.

[youfool]

Hmph! Doubtless you're averse to all kinds of moralities. Best you retire from this adventure you've staged; for gallantry will find its way to the prize, dominion will take it, and caution will do what, for reasons I cannot discern, the FDA could not, and apply the appropriate warning label.

Where exactly is this laboratory, by the by?

[swordprincess]

...A potion that can heal you, but also destroy you? Huh...

[Well, color this girl curious. Not that she really needs a potion, so she's unsure if it's worth the gamble.]

[what_is_a_man]

Indeed, such is the power of most potent alchemical creations. The power of the creation must be offset by some cost or risk that strikes a precarious balance. That is one of the most basic rules of alchemy.

[swordprincess]

I see...

[About as well as she can, anyway. Science and magic aren't really her things...]

Intriguing as this challenge sounds, I doubt I have need for such a potion. Perhaps there is someone who may need it more.

video

[bisforbadass]

That don't look like any healing potion I've seen before.

[ It looks more like something a hippie smidgen cooked up to get high, or something created by a demented necromancer.]

I'm a bit curious 'bout how ya tested this out.

video

[what_is_a_man]

I would think not. It is brewed from ingredients not found in this place.

[Many bothans succubi perished to bring us this information...]

I have my methods, and an endless supply of subjects whose resolve is bound to my own. Just know that unlike others, the subjects whom I have tested on are not bound by the same rules of life and death as humans know them.

video

[bisforbadass]

[ She doesn't trust those methods.]

So, this challenge of yours is a way to test how this works on those not bound to you?

Orcs are bound by those rules, so I'll keep my scars.

[have_hat_will_travel]

Hrm. Not something I need... But I almost want to face your guards just for the challenge of it. Been a while since I had a decent fight, you know?

[what_is_a_man]

Then perhaps I might actually have something far more to your liking. The undead that patrol my Laboratory are... admittedly fragile. Perhaps you would find more enjoyment in the true castle.

[have_hat_will_travel]

Hrm. Could be an interesting little challenge for one like me. I've heard interesting ideas about your holdings, after all.

Though I never was much for the murderhobo way of living.

[thekingofheros]

A Lord you say. Tis well to meet you then. I am Gilgamesh, and with this invite, I will let myself in to obtain the potion which you provide. I need it not for myself, but if there are things of rarity to obtain, then I have a right to obtain it. Or I should say, I had a right before I ended up here.

Needless to say, I will be there soon to test your forces.

[what_is_a_man]

[Dracula chuckles.]

My my, aren't you quite the arrogant one, sir Gilgamesh. However, I warn you that I do not recognize claims of sovereignty or rights that one had outside this city. However, if it is my forces you wish to test, I can arrange to have my forces provide a test "worthy" of one such as you.

[thekingofheros]

No one respects the titlings of another party n this land it seems. And here I thought a Lord at least would stand to at least be curtious. I guess a poor Lord is a poor Lord.

[He shakes his head condescendingly before looking seriously into the camera.]

Perhaps that would make for a good way to erase the boredom that possesses me at this time. The tincture would definitely make for a great prize as well. Do provide at least a modicium of amusement won't you?

video;

[whiteas]

You really have a potion that can do all of that and the most you want from the people here is to see if someone can fight their way to a laboratory?

[ That sounds almost too good to be true. But... given what's happened in recent months, it'd be a good idea to have something like that on hand as an emergency measure. ]

video;

[what_is_a_man]

I do, however as I have mentioned earlier, should the potion be given to another in charity, the imbiber will still be subject to the same judgement of the heart as if they had fought through my minions.

It is truly a fickle thing, one that could bring a man back from Death's door, or bring the reaper to another. It is equal parts poison and elixir. Do not forget that.

[remilia_scarlet]

Ah, how grand. Things have been rather lackluster as of late. I have even found myself wandering among the commoners in their city solely out of boredom. My only regret is that it was not my idea. I suppose it is your castle, however. I shall merely be a spectator.....this time.

[Private]

[what_is_a_man]

I assure you, this is merely a prelude to what is to come. I have been thinking on this for some time now, and soon we shall make the mortals truly fear our kind.

[ video ]

[incendii]

[ The lab is definitely something that she could use for her paltry "job" here. That, and the challenge definitely entices her that much more. Perhaps she ought to get to know this person for more reasons than one. ]

And if we just want to pay you a visit, do we have to go through the same kind of guards or are we welcomed with open arms?

[ video ]

[what_is_a_man]

That depends entirely on what you are. If you are human, you must swear fealty to me before my subjects will leave you in peace. Should you not bear the taint of humanity, they will leave you be.

Re: [Private Video]

[frostheartedrose]

[That steam... it probably means Bridget spent the last hour or three in a really hot bath and is quite content. But she is dressed in a ruffled white shirt with a cup of tea, possibly winding down for the day.]

I find myself curious... Are you bored, or is there a point to this venture? I will probably watch just to see who makes the attempt but I find it difficult to anticipate anyone with serious injuries or handicaps actually managing to make it beyond the clock tower. Which means the strong and able would be the only major contenders... [A speculative silence broken only by some tea. Because tea is good!]

I do enjoy a good puzzle though. If there is a greater purpose to this I'm divided between pestering you for an explanation and attempting to work it out on my own.

[Private Video]

[what_is_a_man]

You are more than welcome to join the spectators. As for my reasons... I am a man of the sciences, and this is merely an experiment. There will be more coming to extrapolate on my findings, of course.

[Video, Private] Wow I'm late

[goddessinthefog]

A potion that can even heal scars? Curious... Tell me, does it really do as you say, or is this a trick to goad people here?

[Honestly, Izanami was intrigued by this. She wouldn't step in on his experiments...but the chance to restore her own scarred and broken form? It was an appealing thought.]

Either way, I'm curious who will rise to the challenge.

[Video, Private] No worries~

[what_is_a_man]

Indeed. It does as it says, however, I would caution against that particular potion.

[He ducks down under one table, pulling a bottle filled with a blue liquid from it.]

This potion will do the same without the chance of backfiring. Consider my challenge a social experiment. The normal potions are available and plentiful, however, I'm curious to see just how far people will go for a chance to risk their lives on my concoction.