epidemiology | EVENT ▸ WELCOME TO DRAKSTADEN

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EVENT ▸ WELCOME TO DRAKSTADEN

CITIZENS OF TOMORROW

It's raining when Guild Ophelia arrives in Drakstaden, a constant drizzle which doesn't let up for hours. The team all rift in separately on the lower levels, conveniently placed in alleyways, behind dumpsters, and in abandoned lots. They've already been outfitted in their Drakstaden clothes and, for the nonhuman members, cloaking devices, although Imogen reminds them that the cloaking devices will only make them appear human to outsiders; the magitek allows Ophelia to see them as they truly are, letting them recognize their teammates.

The lower levels house the dregs of society. The tired, the poor, the huddled masses. It isn't uncommon to pass beggars on these levels, and overall, almost all of the citizens on the lowest levels are in bad financial shape. There are a few shops here and there, although many are manually operated rather than robotically, making them less efficient and, therefore, less profitable.

The higher one goes, the more wealthy the people they pass appear -- and they will pass many people. It's almost impossible not to run into people, as they're all cramped in a quite small space. When it comes to crossing over lower levels, Ophelia might find themselves actually running into people, as the walkways tend to consist of nothing more than wooden planks, which aren't exactly roomy. On the higher levels, the passages between areas are sky bridges, often enclosed -- or at least roofed -- places with moving walkways that denizens need only stand on to be brought to their destinations.

Also present in the higher levels are the Vakdir, Darkstaden's police force, making them appear analogous with wealth. There are little to no Vakdir in the lowermost levels, but the higher one goes, the more are patrolling -- and if they see you in clothes that make you look like you don't really belong here, you may wind up getting harassed. Everyone knows their place here, so you'd better learn quickly if you want to fit in.

▸ HOTEL DRAKSTADEN

A self-sufficient "smart hotel" with 20 floors, run without human intervention, the Hotel Drakstaden is built on top of a four story building, meaning it's located in the lower portions of the middle levels. Imogen has arranged for Guild Ophelia to have rooms here, though space is limited, so you may have to bunk up with a buddy or three.

The only interaction one will get here is with the lonely android receptionist, Edvard, who is very excited to see you, as it's been so long since he's had a guest! Tourists have stopped coming, you see, although he can't imagine why; it's a perfectly lovely place to live, if you ask him (although it has been a while since he was out of the hotel... why, he hasn't been outside the hotel since the day he was assembled, now that he thinks of it). He'll talk your ear off as he gets you a room, and even after, if you let him. He seems very sad to see you go, and asks you to please come visit him if you have any problems with the room.

Each room contains a smart bed that adjusts its firmness to your movements and sheets with adjustable temperature, a smart shower with a touch-screen LED display of the temperature and water pressure (as well as displaying the date and time, and offering music options accompanied by matching visuals), and a TV that visually scans you, then matches you to the shows most favored by your demographic. Interestingly, one of the shows almost always includes pro-government propaganda.

The hotel is not considered "fancy" by Drakstaden standards; this technology is old news for them. In fact, it's the bare minimum of what you'd expect from a decent bed, shower, or TV.

A fleet of Roombas and Tidy-Bots arrive around noon each day to clean it from top to bottom. None appear to have any sentience whatsoever, just an overwhelming prerogative to clean your room. If you head downstairs in the morning, the automated kitchen's open to make you breakfast, or Edvard has a continually updated catalog of every restaurant within a short walking distance. The same goes for lunch and dinner, although they haven't got a bartender, so any alcoholic drinks that aren't bottled will have to be found elsewhere.

All in all, it's a suitable place to sleep and rest, but not good for much else. In order to really sink your teeth into the city and get your job done, you'll need to head out.

▸ ROST: THE HIDEOUT

Soon enough, your local contact will meet with you: a woman with purple hair and a black, robotic arm that is named Froken gives you directions to a "local hotspot" that people "of your caliber" would be interested in. It's close to the hotel, up a few floors and around a few corners, and behind a false wall in a middle class sympathizer's apartment, but it's there. Froken notes your numbers and suggests you don't all come around at once -- they want to remain hidden, not alert "unwanted individuals" to their "underground club."

The hideout is located in a surveillance deadzone, at the edge of any Vakdir patrol zone and a surveillance drone blindspot due to electrical wires that hang overhead. Inside are computers and half-constructed gadgets, along with blueprints, notes, and more tacked up on the walls or spilling out of folders strewn across a salvaged table. It's disorganized, but thorough; this isn't just a fleeting whim. They want to take the government down by any means necessary.

Froken introduces you to the lot of them: Bjalla, Eitur, Flader, Hakarl, Sparv, Varg, and more -- you get the feeling these are code names, as they stress that what they are doing is treasonous. In plotting against their government, they aren't only putting themselves in danger, but their family, friends, and even neighbors. Looking at their clothing and the state of their cybernetics (or lack thereof, in some cases), it's clear that most of Rost comes from the lower levels of Drakstaden, though there are a few who look to be middle class as well.

The members of Rost explain the state of affairs of Drakstaden, the way the government controls everyone and everything. Those in the lower class are hit the hardest, trapped in the veritable slums of the lowest levels of the city, but the middle and upper classes are victims themselves, either believing the lies the government-sponsored programs broadcast over government-sponsored channels, or otherwise being unable to openly announce dissent. Those who even speak against the government, you see, are often never seen again.

The only way for Drakstaden to be free, according to Rost, is to remove the current government and all who are complicit in the prime minister's iron fisted rule. By the hardened and grim looks on their faces, it's clear they did not ask Ophelia here to engage in a diplomacy mission.

▸ OOC NOTES

Welcome to Mission: Drakstaden! If you have questions about this log or the mission, please direct them to the dossier. Questions about the game in general can be directed to the FAQ.

▸ Up now:

Mission: Drakstaden Bounty Board is now open! Bounties must be turned in by the beginning of the next mission, estimated for mid-summer. As a reminder, bounty threads do not count toward !plot AC.
CR/Welcome Meme is available for plotting or getting to know your fellow players.
Drakstaden Locations are now live! Please leave any questions about the locations on the dossier.

▸ Coming next (Futurology runs on timezone UTC):

26 April: May calendar goes up!
28 April: Next !plot log goes up. You may use threads started during April for May AC.
01 May: April AC begins, ending on 5 May 23:59 UTC. All new characters must provide one proof.

▸ CR/Welcome Meme ▸ Drakstaden Dossier ▸ Drakstaden Locations ▸ Drakstaden Bounty Board ▸ April Calendar

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It's not surprising that D is still quiet as he follows Alucard toward a room. The only sound from him is the sweep of the cloak, the jingle of the boots' spurs, and the creak of leather. He hadn't changed--not since his clothing doesn't look quite as out of place as others.

And also because they are tailor specifically for him, in a way.

In the end, the silence isn't suffocating. It's gentle, easy. There doesn't seem to be any pressure on Alucard to fill it unnecessarily.]

I see you're treating yourself a little better.

[Retail therapy.]

[Their door is unlocked, and he holds it open politely for D before shutting it behind them. From here, he can arrange his own supplies. It isn't much and Alucard packs lightly, but he thought to be better prepared here than Hanabira.

He smiles faintly at D's words and bows his head.]

I simply thought it best to fit into this world's culture somewhat.

[He hesitates, then offers:] I don't know what your supplies are like, but if you have any need, the guild has been kind enough to let me store their blood for later use.

[Sadly, D has to duck just a bit to get in the door fully, but he manages, and the room itself gives a good ceiling clearance. Once in, he reaches up to remove his hat.

In clear view, it's very surprising how like Alucard he looks except with a flipped color scheme. Ethereal and handsome, features too sharp and perfect to be human--but young. Perhaps even younger than Alucard. Ten thousand years, and he just seems a boy shy maybe eighteen at the most despite the height, the build.

For a moment, he looks over the room studiously with just his eyes, and then he watches Alucard sort through personal items.

The declaration causes his face to darken just slightly.]

You've tasted their blood?

[For a moment, he does take the moment in; Alucard is barely 20, but does his best to portray himself so much older than that, like a wise infinite being, if he could. Yet, he still has moments where he remembers he is just barely outside of boyhood now.

D's eyes are often filled with his age, but his face -- he hasn't aged at all. Even his father, after countless centuries, had begun to show his age at some point.

For a moment, Alucard almost forgets what to say, as if he would want to avoid disappointing the other dhampir.]

Only with their permission. I never take what isn't given of their own free will.

[This isn't the Frontier. Getting use to the workings of other places, other beings, will take some time. The rules are going to be different. D's still uncertain if he'll be able to settle.

There's a sour taste in D's mouth at the news, and he'd be a liar if he denied it. Nobles were free to drink from consenting humans even in his world; D only took jobs given to him. He wasn't a vigilante. But he has his own scruples regarding the Nobility. Most of the time, humans were consenting only under a vampire's power. At least, on the Frontier where they are feared.]

You play a dangerous game. One day, you might not be able to resist. Then some here may want you dead.

[From anyone else, Alucard would have become annoyed and expected the other person didn't understand or underestimated him. But this is D, who bears centuries of experience.

Alucard considers, then bows his head.]

I was raised by my father and mother to know restraint. However, I know it is possible I could fail.

I'd already intended to work with one out scientists to replicate the capsule you gave me. If there comes a day that I fail to resist, then perhaps it was fortuitous that a vampire hunter has joined us.

[Believe it or not, the acceptance of consequences most others would scorn is a relief to D. He's spent too long saying the same thing to vampires and dhampirs alike, only to have them ridicule him for not believing in their willpower.

His face softens into its usual stoicism, and he watches Alucard for a moment or two longer. Alucard is a good boy. He's glad.] When it comes, I will be quick. [Though it's the same for him, the when. If there comes a day when he, too, is unable to resist, there will be a Hunter.]

I can make you more. It will take some time and the correct equipment. [He moves finally across the room to hang the hat on the corner of the back of a chair. Here, he's removed his sword from his back, and he carries it instead in his hand beneath the cloak; this he also rests against the chair.]

Do you require nutrition from the blood? They do not offer a way to nourish. They are a substitute to help curb the craving for blood.

You will need at least two a day if you aren't consuming the Guild's blood.

All that I can ask for is to live long enough to stop my father. After that, it doesn't matter.

[It's already what he's accepted, regardless of anything else. He won't argue; it is entirely possible for him to lose control, especially from whatever D has witnessed in his time.

If the time comes, better for him or a Belmont to finish the job.]

I do, at least enough to finish recovering from this. [Alucard touches his own chest, where the scar left behind by his father has left its mark.] I don't know, admittedly, how long that may take, but I think that the stock I have will be enough.

I would like to learn, then, how you make it. So that I may be able to do the same.

[Interesting. D’s eyes are full of hungry curiosity when they turn back to Alucard. Apparently, the biology of vampires and dhampirs, of humans, too, are an immense interest to him. He knows the dhampirs of the Frontier, even if he is an outlier from the rest.

But Alucard is different.] Finding the equipment will be easy here. The technology is similar to technology from the Frontier.

I need to analyze the structure of Guild blood. You should choose one in particular to replicate. I may be able to alter the dehydrated plasma to assist you with healing.

But for now, do what you will. [He pauses thoughtfully.] Do you require soil or a coffin?

I'm afraid I'm much less familiar with it, but I would be willing to learn.

[And he does find the technology here terribly fascinating, but it is beyond him. For now, anyway.

He considers, then nods. Alucard has had many donations, much to his surprise; the people in the Guild are very generous, more than he'd ever expected, but the healthiest of them thus far has been Zarya.]

A coffin. I've not... buried myself before. [who does that]

f[This, of course, has nothing to do with the capsules. It's merely to satiate D's curiosity.] When in need, the earth provides.

[Or... it does if you have a parasitic symbiote attached to you through the hand. And it's quite beneficial when you have a bad case of sunlight syndrome.] I ask only in case there are other ways to quicken your regeneration.

There won't be much earth here, I'm afraid.

We can work on the capsules. [And though he's still :\ about the idea of Alucard even tasting the blood of others, he'll have to deal. It's not him. It's fine.] I'll make a list of equipment.

The hardest to find may be a centrifuge.

Edited 2018-04-16 19:39 (UTC)

There is not much. I've already slept for a year. But I am willing to experiment, as needed.

If nothing else, there is no sunlight to be concerned with. [Though that's hardly a good thing for the people here, he figures.]

I'll help however I can. And... I thank you for assisting me.

[No sunlight is such a blessing honestly. Thank you, Drakstaden.]

Can you walk in the sun? [Precautionary questions, not unlike vampire Batman. Betrayal insurance? Look.

He's too modest to accept the thanks. It only brings open attention to the fact he's a little soft. Left Hand will give him hell for it anyway, more than likely.

Careful of hat and sword, he sits in the seat. On the Frontier, he carries little. He carries even less here. There's nothing else except what's on his person currently. For all of Alucard's careful preparedness, D seems empty-handed with nothing to unpack.] Do you suffer repercussions for it?

[Alucard finally removes his sword, calmly setting it aside for now. If he abruptly needs it, it can be summoned easily enough.

He's sorting through his humbly sized pack, fetching a book he'd earned in Hanabira.]

I can walk in the sun. It's easier if I have something protecting me, like a parasol.

After a day, I'll have a headache. Maybe a few burns, but nothing that can't be easily healed. I would not suffer as brutally as a full vampire.

[He pauses, then curiously looks at D.] And you?

[Quietly, D mulls this over without much change to his expression. His eyes focus back on Alucard when it's turned on him, in the end. He's still quiet, watching Alucard continue to unpack.]

The sun is bearable. [Which isn't entirely true. Alucard, being a dhampir, can tell: the all black outfit, being covered from head to toe, the high collar, the scarf, the hat. Those are worn for a reason.

The sun bothers him, but he has spent so long conditioning himself against it, that the pain is not much more than an ache.]

The hood is a nice addition.

[Why do you think he has the fancy hat.]

But it still pains you.

[Alucard can read between the lines. His own answers, at times, are as reluctant and half-truths if he doesn't wish to discuss them. D can probably manage the sun better than vampires, but he wonders at what cost, exactly.

The comment makes him chuckle wryly.]

I felt it would help make me seem more ... discreet.

[D doesn't respond, but the affirmation is there somewhere, in the look he gives, in the lack of answer. The two of them probably won't ever escape the curse of their fathers.]

Outside? [It's true, Alucard. Better hide the pretty face down here, or everyone will start to stare and wonder.] What do you plan to do?

[is that also why you wear the hat because he isn't the only pretty one here]

I wanted to observe the people here, to have a better understanding of what we're dealing with, preferably without catching too much attention.

[yea that's why he's got the stupid hat. thot blocker.]

Do you believe the government here is corrupted? [His eyes are watchful of Alucard's face. Observing the civilians unnoticed isn't a bad idea. D appreciates that much.] Why do you want to change it?

[thot hunter d]

Yes. [His answer is given without hesitation.] Regardless of the rebel's intentions, there is undoubtedly a level of corruption here.

People who lack strength or power to live comfortably should not be predisposed toward suffering. They deserve support and protection, not to be shunned.

[Again, D regards Alucard with quiet contemplation. He’s learning more about Alucard’s loyalties, matching them up neatly with what Alucard told him initially. Perhaps the dhampir really will kill his father when the time comes.

Perhaps D can put a little trust in it.] I’m going out again. [There’s no spoken invitation, but it lingers there nevertheless. He doesn’t make any effort to tell Alucard to stay here.]

What will you do when the government has families of their own?

If you are not opposed to company, I would like to go with you, then.

[A fine question. His father, Alucard thinks darkly, would never be so merciful, especially not now.]

Presumably, the families in question had little to nothing to do with what has caused the state of affairs here. Even if they are complicit in affairs, whether realizing or not, it is not by their hand that has made the government as corrupt as it is.

[For once, D wishes he could use the "stay where it's safe" line; however, he's aware Alucard is exceedingly more powerful than the average human. That line wouldn't work here.

Without answering, he nods his head at the request, acknowledging it. Is it the same thing if he doesn't verbally agree, but doesn't dissuade Alucard either?]

They may not be accomplices, but they can exist. [His dark eyes don't waver from Alucard's face. The gaze is intense in the fact it's extremely curious. His point:] Do you plan to kill the officials deemed unfit for their positions?

[The gesture is enough for him. Alucard arranges his hood, prepared to travel with the other dhampir.

The question gives him pause, but his gaze does not break away from D's.]

Not unless that is the agreed plan by Guild Ophelia, or if the Guild is immediate danger from them.

It is not my choice to make.

[After a moment, D stands up again in one fluid motion. He plucks the hat from the chair and places it back in its rightful place on his head, adjusting it, casting the brim low over his eyes. The sword he takes up in his left hand, allowing the cloak to conceal it when it falls over his shoulder.

Beside Alucard, he stops, but he doesn't turn his head.] Isn't it? [And then he continues on out of the door without waiting, though he doesn't appear to be rushed. Alucard likely can catch him at the elevator.

On the way out, a muffled, familiar voice says, "Has anyone ever mentioned that you don't know how to talk to people?"]

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jk we could do a purple custom one give us the equipment drakstaden

slams fists down. let us do this

yes good ok im down for either i'll pp u on plurk

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