Nov 13 21:00:00 105 PA

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Fri Nov 13 21:00:00 105 PA.

It is roughly nine in the evening on November 13th, 105 PA. On this particular night, intense blackness is occuring. Natural of course, but clouds are spreading across the moon and only rarely does a narrow shaft of pale moonlight or a little glimpse of starlight make its way to the ground far below. Here and there a few drops of teasing rain fall, but it seems like things are going to be relatively benign -- until a low fog begins to drift into the city. Ever-present and gloomy, it reduces visibility to a very short distance and makes it impossible to be out and about for long without being drenched. That doesn't stop some people however, and there is a rumor that something has been happening. That the dwarf who had been preaching end times and surprisingly, getting people to listen -- was going to speak in the graveyard tonight. And sure enough, at the appointed hour, a short and weathered figure is found standing atop a headstone -- waving his arms in an animated way to a small crowd of ten people or so.

Roulin makes his way on in, rumors having been heard by the male as he wears his body armor and the claw attached to his left arm. His pistol sits in his holster as he gets close enough to listen on into the dwarf. Roulin hasn't been seen in awhile, and his armor seems to have lots more patches and hasty fixes then it ever did before.

Truth be told, renos doesn't know what he's doing here. Something about the robots, that seems to be the only thing that can, or even does, motivate him. Search for tech, search for magic, search to make himself and his business better. The armor, the gun, even the toolkit, become something magical in his hands, literally. Its his focus for casting, most times. And using the tools, he can explore the world with fine detail. Since the darkness is not complete, but has a little light to see, it makes it easier to find his multi-opitcs helmet, and he slips it on his head.

Not too far away a large, dark form crouches low nearby the gathering. Desmond kneels in the shadow of one nearby tomb, his head canted slightly as he monitors the goings on. Just how long he's been there is debatable, but he does take some pains to remain unseen as he listens in from afar. He's come lightly armored and armed. Past experiences demanding at least the old, lightly worn DPM that he keeps in reserve.

Atticus has arrived to listen to the man in his light armor and standard gear. He doens't have his helmet on and is listening to the man speak, his old-style aviator helmet and goggles on. He seems thoughtful - positioned back in the shadows to be able to listen without drawing a lot of attention to himself. He does have a notebook with him, taking notes as he listens quietly.

The message that the Dwarf has been speaking has been surprisingly disjointed thus far. To those with any magical, necromantic or historical knowledge of other worlds he does seem to speaking in a largely nonsensical manner. Nor does he appear to be particularialy trustworthy in look. He is short -- what does one expect for a dwarf though -- and is dressed in a very weathered old brown robe. A long red beard hangs in front of him. "I seen it for myself." He is saying in response to someone's own interjection. "The end is nigh. Even now, they are standing and waiting. Hundreds of them -- nay, thousands! You're all fools; lookin' to the Coalition, or to the Robots as the agents of your destruction. Ain't so! I see you all now, lookin' at me like I'm nuts. Just another drinkin' bum on the sreets, eh?" He shakes his fist at a young man in front of him. "But, it's happenin' tonight. There's a demon horse here . . . . the first of many! Where do ya think this cursed fog is comin' from? The Sladka are here!"

Roulin steps forward and looks at the dwarf. "Demon Horse? If it's running about loose, and hurting people..." he breathes through his helmets mask. "Where is it dwarf. Where is the monster? Do your duty to Kingsdale, and point the way."

Renos is looking at something else, and is paying a little attention to the gathering. But when someone comes in asking about a demon horse, Renos then stands up, looking a little confused. He then shrugs and then looks back down at the ground. He seems to be searching for something.

Desmond cants his head slightly as he listens tot he strange words of the dwarf. The mention of something being here leads to a casual shift of his head, a glance about to keep tabs on his surroundings. But his ears keep a steady focus towards the ranting dwarf. His expression remains steady and neutral, betraying no clue as to his own belief or lack thereof. Though as the talk has drug on, he's drawn out his long knife, casually fingering the flat of the blade, carefully angled to prevent it from giving off a reflection of the wan light.

Atticus listens quietly, tilting his head. He takes a few more notes, glancing over as ROulin speaks. A few more notes, letting his notebook down as he takes in the dwarf's reply, looking interested.

The dwarf turns his head to peer at Roulin. "Somewhere. Hasn't hurt anyone yet, because they are far too busy trying to scare people with this foolish fog. They could be anywhere..... around the walls; behind the tomb, breathing out this foul air. Can't you see it? Can't you smell it? I can't tell you where it hides, because I don't know. Maybe you should go look for it." He turns, as someone else gestures to ask him: "What evidence do you have?" To this, the Dwarf seems to chuckle as though something entertained him. "For the moment, nothing. Nothing except my word, and a promise that it will come in the papers and in the news. And soon, you'll find that the cold dead have stolen all the love that there is in this world." He leans forwards, towards the crowd. "But there is one thing that can stop all of this. Do you want to know what it is?" Roulin looks to the Dwarf. "Rainbows, Love, and sunshine?" as he lets his claws from his armguard slide out and click into place. He's not threatening anyone, but he's watching about, letting his suit pick up what it can as he listens.

Atticus looks more thoughtful, as if something is tugging at him. he rubs his jawline and eyes his notebook, flipping back through it to review something before making a series of notes on a new page.

Renos then reaches down and takes a pair of tweezers out, a large one, and then moves to pinch a bug gently, and raises it up to look through the helmet. He then gets out a jar with some holes in it, and puts in the bug.

Desmond arches a brow slightly as the dwarf mentions 'behind the tomb', casting a glance towards the listeners, seeing that he hasn't yet been discovered. But, seeing that none seem to be looking in his direction yet, he relaxes only slightly. The blade in hand flipped around before being slid slowly back into its sheath once more. He rises, turning to move around the opposite side of the tomb, moving to the other side of it, glancing about as he does so. Adjusting his location prudently.

There is nothing behind the tomb except for more fog. Surely, this man must be insane. And he seems to realize it too, because he straightens up; glancing at Renos and his bug-picking. "Is news of your impending death surely that boring that you would collect corpse-eating insects from a graveyard instead of paying attention? How is it that you would prefer to meet your end? There is not merely horses coming. Legions of Skeletons . . . . dripping blobs of blood that suck you dry in your sleep, flesh-hungry half men and demons that cut off your head and steal your body to get to your friends. Skinless beasts that snap necks, and etherial men who destroy you from your dreams. They're coming. Coming right now. And the ones that aern't already here soon will be. Maybe tonight. Maybe tomorrow. Have you made your peace yet; or are you more interested in your bugs?" Clearly offended, he masters himself with a bit of an effort as someone jeers at him. "Rainbows, love and sunshine? Of course. No, you fool. There is an artifact believed to be nearby. The Heart of Water. Someone will need to find and use it. And find whom is bringing them all here. Have you not seen your friends going missing? People randomly dissapearing in the night? They've been taken -- just as I was!"

Roulin seems to pause when he hears a specific name, and says "Where is the Heart of Water?" As he takes a step closer to the dwarf. "I've been looking for it." any questions he might have about how the dwarf escaped goes unasked, as Roulin seems more focused on something else behind his black armor.

Atticus shifts slightly, moving to drift his way across the ground and move over towards Roulin, making another note, "You're talking about very powerful undead, from you descriptions. Please, if you could and would - answer his question. What do you know about this Heart of Water - fables, tales, legends?"

There is a pause by the man placing the bug in the jar. "And who said it was a corpse eater? Clearly, you are insane, and nothing you say can really be trusted. But, if my time was to come, I think that I would continue to do what I am doing, and not worry about it. Because, in the end, why worry? You are still as dead, and you wasted valuable time doing nothing." He then looks up and over to the dwarf. "Do you want to play more, or should we dispense with these banters and try and kill each other? Or would you rather go on your way. Its all the same to me..." His voice is mostly in that dead tone he has.

Desmond furrows his brow as the dwarf speaks of the Heart of Water. The term familiar. His head canted as he considers what he's heard and what more there may be to hear. In his new place, at the opposite edge of the tomb, he hunkers down to continue his discreet monitoring. Ears perked, he flicks his eyes from person to person, mostly those who he recognizes before his eyes shift towards the dwarf once more.

"What sort of creature would you expect to live in a graveyard? Something that munched on candies and sugars, perhaps. Lollipops and canes." He's giving Renos a sort of curious look. "So, are you going to remove me then; is that it? Have I read your tone correctly? If it so meets your fancy, by all means, shoot me now and have it done with if you are not too afraid. I would have carried out the act myself some time ago ago to merely be at peace, if it were not for some misplaced loyalty to try to help those such as yourself; to bring some warning to a helpless and largely ungrateful city." To Atticus and Roulin, he shrugs at both. "There is little point in discussing it, for those that truly do not want to listen. Clearly, the lot of you would rather study the soil than make any effort to save yourselves. For what little good it does -- I don't know where it is, either. I have just heard them speak of it."

Roulin gives a soft growl behind his mask, before he just gives a nod. "Scream before you're eatten dwarf. Don't go cold without letting everyone know." and with that, he moves off in the graveyard, towards the angel who stands sentry in the cemetary, the stone statue getting Roulins attention.

Atticus looks thoughtful again and smiles, "I'm sorry about that," he offers to the dwarf. "I'm listening. Please, tell me what you think about this Heart of Water - anything you've heard at all, anything you heard from anyone, who you heard it from. It could be really helpful - I do want to help run down whatever this is," he adds.

"I would imagine that bugs don't really care whats buried under the ground, and seem not to care about people at all, but live in their own little world. One where its bug, their enemies and their food. Usually, bugs eat other bugs, or plants. Only certain ones eat stuff like...say...rotten meat." He then shrugs. "Then go do it, and stop talking about it. Me? I don't really care anymore. And no, I ain't going to kill you. Why bother? You're all ready dead. Just like me, and most people." He then turns to leave, walking slowly.

Desmond muses and casts one last glance about before he decides to rise up and emerge from his discreet location. There seems to be no danger.. yet. He comes forward steadily, his eyes scanning all assembled as he moves towards the gathering. "If you come to give aid, give it," he rumbles steadily. "You give nothing more than hearsay without proof. Little surprise few believe you." His deep voice rolling forth steadily, showing no leaning towards belief or not. "But that you mention this 'Heart of Water' shows that, perhaps, you know something of use. What use is this thing?"

The dwarf just sort of peers between Roulin and Renos as they retreat, giving Atticus a frown. "You don't want to listen either!" He says, with sudden violence. "I see that smile! Like a used car salesman! You're just humoring me!" Face is growing crimson with anger. "You'll see, all right! THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. YOU'LL SEE. THEY'LL KILL YOU ALL, AND WHEN THEY DO... I'LL LAUGH! LAUGH! LAUGH!" He hops down off the gravestone at this point and dissapears almost immediatly. Probably some spell or some sort. Indeed, Desmond will find the scent of magic obvious and strong in the air . . . . but his location is unknown.

Atticus frowns, and shakes his head. He glances around, moving to head from the graveyard.

Roulin dosn't seem too disturbed. The problem is Roulin /does/ believe the dwarf, but time is short, and he cannot spare any more listening to one who does not know anything more.

Roulin is standing in front of the stone angel, as he seems to be praying. Praying?

Atticus makes his way out of the graveyard, flipping through his notebook and muttering ot himself, making a few notes now and then as he does.

Desmond frowns faintly as the dwarf disappears, ears perking the moment he does. Sensing the telltale signature of magic. "Useless.." he rumbles lowly. He casually glances about as the people about start to leave, his frown lingering. Seeing Roulin is still here, he turns and starts to approach the man quietly.

Roulin dosn't seem to really pay attention to Desmond, maybe because he dosn't notice him, or his attention is on that angel. If Desmond can hear his voice, it seems to be a rather long prayer of one sort or another as he keeps still and his hands folded in front of himself.

Desmond isn't trying to make himself heard, quietly approaching until he stands at a respectable distance. For a few moments at least, leaving Roulin undisturbed. His head turning slightly to glance about in a casual survey of his surroundings. Only after does he rumble, "What is the name of your religion?" His volume kept low, so as not to startle.

Roulin turns about to face Desmond, as he says simply "Catholic. With god behind me, the monsters will burn in hell, perishing beneath my claws. They will return from where they came."

"The same as Aimee," Desmond muses aloud. He considers the rest of what is spoken and he shakes his head slightly before he returns his attention to Roulin. "He mentioned the Heart of Water," the big male rumbles, his expression turned thoughtful. "It might be of benefit to know how he learned of this thing.. from who and if he knows what use it might be. Though his ravings are hard to believe, that he knows of this lends an edge of possible truth."

Roulin gives a nod slowly to Desmond. "He did. And he said it was nearby." he looks at the statue, and then the mausoleum it rests on. "I wonder...if someone stashed it in here. A guardian...beacon for those around." he looks at Desmond for a moment. "Objections?"

Desmond cants his head slightly, looking towards the statue and the mausoleum with a thoughtful expression. "Objections?" His brows lifting slightly as he looks back to Roulin. "I don't suppose it is an impossible thing. It would be a strange coincidence.. nearby could mean within miles of this place as much as within feet."

Roulin looks at the mausoleum for a moment more, touching the stone front with the tip of his claws before retracting them and looking back towards Desmond. "Maybe. But...there's very little time left to go and find the Heart of Water. The Saviour will point the way to salvation."

It would be an obvious thing from his expression that Desmond doesn't buy into the saviour aspect of things, but no immediate disagreement comes. He turns towards the mausoleum, inspecting the exterior of it. "You would enter this structure on such grounds?" Asked in that level voice of his, considering the composition and possible means of direct entry with slow, intent sweeps of his eyes.

Roulin looks to Desmond, and gives a nod. "The Lady Saint Joan of Arc had once found the shining sword excaliber, guided by angels to a grave behind a lone church. With this sword, she slain a thousand dead, and protected the french and english against the tide of the damned." he pauses, and looks again at the grave. "And, I am listening for the angels to guide us once more."

Desmond looks back to Roulin with a crease in his brow. "I see.. an interesting tale, but it may be better to speak to Atticus or another versed in magic and other such subjects. Though there is no certainty there, I think it a better path to take," he rumbles thoughtfully. "Not that I would object to entering this structure, if there were a true chance of finding what we seek within it."

Roulin looks to Desmond, and says "No. Not without the churchs support. To open it without the blessing of a priest could speak of heresy." he steps away from the tomb, slowly walking away but among the graves. "The angels bless those who act, not those who wait. I will find the Heart, no matter the cost."

"To seek is to act. And to seek those who have knowledge is a far better thing than waiting for the intangible or strike out without direction," Desmond rumbles, turning away from the structure as well. "I had hoped Robert would find something before, but it has been some time.. perhaps he was not able to discover the answer." The big cat himself lingers in place for a few moments at least, looking after Roulin.

Roulin is a bit changed, always a little bit different, as if he is slowly slipping into madness of one form or another. He pauses and looks to Desmond. "When there is nothing left. There is hope. And it is hope that I remain vigilant for."

Desmond frowns faintly as he considers Roulin. "Nothing left? That is not something I would expect to hear from you. Is there something you wish to speak of?" The big cat lingers where he stands as he makes that offer. "You should know that you can speak to me of anything, even that which you might wish to be discreet."

Roulin pauses as he looks at Desmond through the black filtered lens of his armors helmet. "Weapons to fight the damned with. I've been hunting them for awhile, and the heart of water. I do not know what it is, but with it, Kingsdale will be safe from the demons."

Desmond steps forward slowly. "That would tell the tale of your absence for a time," he rumbles. "Your search is a good one, but as with all things, do not lose yourself in it, Roulin. And look to those who can aid you. In knowledge or in strength. If I do hear anything, I will let you know. And I am sure Aimee would like to see you again some time soon."

Roulin holds his place, and adopts a stance, much like a crusader might have held. "She will see me soon enough, but there is not the time for it now. There are things to be done. Many things." he slowly flexes his hand, forming it into a ball as the two claws spring forth from his armguard. When he slowly relaxes his hand again, they both pull back in.

Desmond watches Roulin without a flicker in that steady, stoic expression of his. Though he does seem to be paying some attention to how the man acts. "So you say. What is it you plan to do? Much there is, you say.. much you would do alone? Or much you might speak of with me?"

Roulin gives a soft sigh behind his filter before he says "I do not know, but I know something must be done and soon. If you wish, I would speak with you and Aimee tommarow over breakfast. By then, I will have a detailed plan of what I will be doing for the next twenty four hours."

Desmond nods his head once. "She may have work, but if she cannot come, I will," he rumbles. He pauses, lifting his head. His eyes scan slowly about the area, ears flicking back and forth before he adds, "Take care.. there is something in the air.." His steady expression tightens slightly, given a troubled edge.

Roulin gives a slow nod. "I know. Live long." before he turns and makes his way from the graveyard without another word, he really needs a cool cape for these kinds of exits.

Desmond nods his head once to Roulin. "I plan to," he replies. Though even as Roulin is departing, his head lifts and he glances around slowly. Ears twitching as if seeking a near inaudible sound. Lingering for just a bit as Roulin departs, his hand stealing slowly towards the hilt of his long knife distractedly. Tags: atticus, desmond, dwarf tp, roulin