The X-men run missions and work together with the NYPD, striving to maintain a peaceful balance between humans and mutants. When it comes to a fight, they won't back down from protecting those who need their help.
Haven presents itself as a humanitarian organization for activists, leaders, and high society, yet mutants are the secret leaders working to protect and serve their kind. Behind the scenes they bring their goals into reality.
From the time when mutants became known to the world, SUPER was founded as a black-ops division of the CIA in an attempt to classify, observe, and learn more about this new and rising threat.
The Syndicate works to help bring mutantkind to the forefront of the world. They work from the shadows, a beacon of hope for mutants, but a bane to mankind. With their guiding hand, humanity will finally find extinction.
Since the existence of mutants was first revealed in the nineties, the world has become a changed place. Whether they're genetic misfits or the next stage in humanity's evolution, there's no denying their growing numbers, especially in hubs like New York City. The NYPD has a division devoted to mutant related crimes. Super-powered vigilantes help to maintain the peace. Those who style themselves as Homo Superior work to tear society apart for rebuilding in their own image.
MRO is an intermediate to advanced writing level original character, original plot X-Men RPG. We've been open and active since October of 2005. You can play as a mutant, human, or Adapted— one of the rare humans who nullify mutant powers by their very existence. Goodies, baddies, and neutrals are all welcome.
Short Term Plots:Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
The Fountain of Youth
A chemical serum has been released that's shaving a few years off of the population. In some cases, found to be temporary, and in others...?
MRO MOVES WITH CURRENT TIME: What month and year it is now in real life, it's the same for MRO, too.
Fuegogrande: "Fuegogrande" player of The Ranger, Ion, Rhia, and Null
Neopolitan: "Aly" player of Rebecca Grey, Stephanie Graves, Marisol Cervantes, Vanessa Bookman, Chrysanthemum Van Hart, Sabine Sang, Eupraxia
Ongoing Plots
Magic and Mystics
After the events of the 2020 Harvest Moon and the following Winter Solstice, magic has started manifesting in the MROvere! With the efforts of the Welldrinker Cult, people are being converted into Mystics, a species of people genetically disposed to be great conduits for magical energy.
The Pharoah Dynasty
An ancient sorceress is on a quest to bring her long-lost warrior-king to the modern era in a bid for global domination. Can the heroes of the modern world stop her before all is lost?
Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
Adapteds
What if the human race began to adapt to the mutant threat? What if the human race changed ever so subtly... without the x-gene.
Atlanteans
The lost city of Atlantis has been found! Refugees from this undersea mutant dystopia have started to filter in to New York as citizens and businessfolk. You may make one as a player character of run into one on the street.
Got a plot in mind?
MRO plots are player-created the Mods facilitate and organize the big ones, but we get the ideas from you. Do you have a plot in mind, and want to know whether it needs Mod approval? Check out our plot guidelines.
>> "I'm in. Wouldn't make much sense to leave now."
Mr Wong nodded in approval, as far as he could read her, Quin appeared to be a woman of her word. The very last thing he needded on a mission like this was to have someone flake halfway through.
>> "What's our play?"
Mr Wong smiled "It simpul leally, we go in, lot get spotted by Lussians or Japanese. I hear dat dey will hold meeting in middle. So we go close to use mic, you lecord I keep watch, den when you fink we hav enough, we go. Den you do your fing with de auforities. Good?"
Talk about an understatement. Tensions were high between the two sides. A knock on effect of Hades efforts to sow distrust in the organization. It was a sound strategic move but it made this mission harder. Both sides would be watching for signs of treachery from the other. It was a powder keg ready to blow and Hades most emphatically did not want to end up in the middle of a bullet fest. He would rather not get Quin killed, he enjoyed her company and she apparently was enjoying the company of his alias. Hades mentally shook his head. Now was not the time to go down that particular rabbit hole.
The complex was surrounded by a red brick wall with glass shards cemented on the top as a low budget unsightly intruder deterrence. It had once been two schools that shared a playground in the center. On either end were three story blocky buildings containing the now abandoned classrooms and an exposed corridor lining the classrooms with a waist high wall. These buildings were usually occupied by squatters and what not, but tonight Mr Wong was betting that they had been cleared out room by room, one building would be occupied by the Russians, the other by the Yakuza. Each building providing excellent fields of view for snipers and whatever weapons they had brought, a powder keg. In what used to be the playground was the junkyard itself. The nonfunctional hulks of cars and vehicles stacked 4-5 tall in other places there were piles of scrap, it formed a maze of sorts that made sense only to the owner and no one else. There was a shack in the center of it all and that was where the meeting would take place each side only bringing a few men, a neutral ground if you will.
Mr Wong led Quin to a corner of the wall where the street lamp was conveniently not working. In fact Mr Wong had ensured that earlier that day.
"Flom hea on less talk da beta."
He threw the rug over so that it draped over the wall and formed a step with his hands indicating that he would boost Quin over the wall. Having done so and trying to not get distracted by her rather athletic and shapely figure Mr Wong took three steps back, ran forward, executed a wall run and silently mounted the wall.
Once on the other side he proceeded to use a pair of cutters to make a opening in the fence. He tied a little pink ribbon above it to mark it and gestured for Quin to go first as if he was opening the door to some fancy restaurant and not into a potentially hazardous situation.
Hades speaks in #ec4511 Thanks Ghost for the second Sig
>>... Mutants are not prepared for the animals that SUPER are. Work camps, robots....
The words "Work Camps" triggered flashbacks of the mutant registration camps. Hades jaw involuntarily clenched. Though to some they had happened more than half a decade ago, due to Hades time in the void, they were still fresh.
Hades had seen many horrors in his life time. The torture methods of anchient Asia, the horrors of both world wars...
The mutant registration camp however held a special place as it singled out mutants for perhaps the first time in recorded history. Hades had not spent much time on the other side, just enough to acquire and purchase materials for a hit, even so he had heard of SUPER. It was no stretch for Hades to imagine the terror and suffering that SUPER might cause. The formation of SUPER or something like it was inevitable, and would only be hastened by contact with the other side. This world now had a blueprint with which to form such an organization.
He continued to listen and process Poseidon's words even as he was thinking, a skill developed and honed over the centuries.
>>"Will you help me make the mutants of this world safe?"
Hades stopped. Poseidon had just extended a verbal hand of invitation. Often when such a gesture is done physically, it creates an inclination to agree so he paused, stepped back and analyzed. In that moment a thousand thoughts flashed through his head, pros and cons were weighed.
Probable Fact: Poseidon was most likely not an immortal, a very important point. If He had been an immortal, then allying to a cause was a far more serious decision than one mere lifetime of a mortal.
Fact: Poseidon knew how to run a tight ship, this was evidenced through the brief glimses affored by his time on the other side.
From what Hades had observed, he inspired and rewarded loyalty, kept his word, harbored ruthless ambition, was capable of making bold moves and was not afraid to take chances. All points in his favor, plus he did not appear to be one who used then discarded people. But looking beyond that, Storms! He was earnest, he genuinely believed that he was going to make a better world for mutants. Forget that the man was brilliant at running a crime syndicate, forget that he had cunning, skills, a strategic mind, ambition and all that. He was earnest. He genuinely believed, and wanted to protect mutants. It was Hades experience that the intelligence and skills and determination, when fueled and supported by earnest belief could literally move mountains.
When someone is contemplating, pondering or calculating, it often shows in the eyes. Hades allowed all those to fall away, leaving a true honest gaze. He looked Poseidon in the eyes and simply said "Yes, it would be my pleasure to."
It was true, for one Hades could not see a point in opposing such a man or movement, he was throwing his weight in, seeing where it would go. To an immortal, what is a mere 5-10 decades and besides, there was the hideout under their very feet that was begging to be used, although he would require some token of trust before putting such an expensive and strategically valuable investment in play.
Due to work and life I have not been very active of late. I hope to start catching up end of this month or early December when things start quietening down. Apologies for the wait, I have not forgotten my threads with you it may just take me a little while to catch up.
This affects Hades, Richard.
Hades speaks in #ec4511 Thanks Ghost for the second Sig
Mr Wong waited in the parking lot of the Gas station. He was wearing dark clothes but not all black. Wearing all black tended to draw attention. dark running shoes that were lightweight and had good traction. They did not skid on oil or water, and were light and noiseless. He was wearing thick workers cargo pants. No buttons, no hard surfaces, thick and durable, the same for the hoodie. he was wearing a small back runners bag with a few tools inside. He waited in the shadows. For a moment, but a moment, his body posture changed. Gone was the Asian slight stoop and hunch, instead the body straightened and assumed a more fluid posture, not feral but definitely not giving the impression of tame or safe. The face changed, gone was expression where a smile was only a breath away. The cheeks dropped, the face took on a more serious tone. They eyes lost their bright sparkle and became deeper, older, darker. Mr Wong was not real, but an alias. For a moment the immortal assassin known as Hades allowed himself to stretch, concealed by darkness. Then just as quickly Hades was gone and Mr Wong returned. He hurried out of the shadows as he spied Quin approaching.
"Goot Goot you hea, I was aflaid you would be late and we would miss all the fun, solly if I startled you." Although Mr Wong's definition of "fun" might not be in agreement with the rest of the world.
"Solly to have to ask you to do dis but would you ming spinning alound and jumping up and down a few times?" He looked apologetic and sheepish.
"I leed to make sure noting shines or lattles, where we go tolight could be.... could be hmmmm bad for health if we are found out." That was putting it VERY mildly.
Once the rather awkward but necessary check was over, Mr Wong once again beckoned for Quin to hurry. As they speed walked he filled her in. He anticipated questions so opted to answer them first.
"Tolight I got word dat some important Japanese boss man and some big neam Lussian boss man are going to meet in plivate place and dey bring many men wif dem, so I figure we go and haf a look see look see and maybe a hear too!" Mr Wong said as he pointed to his ear in a slightly comic Asian fashion. Mr Wong seemed unaware of the comedic value of his expressions. He turned to Quin with a look of boyish delight. "I got dis from a fliend who luns an electronic store, Lasa Mike!" He grinned. "Point it at window and if no double glazed, you hea what go on inside, oh and it can be Bluetoof!" His expression turned serious once again. Tangling with Yakuza or Russian Mafia was no laughing matter.
He stopped around the side was was was obviously a junkyard, even if there was not a giant sign saying as much hanging in the distance. The scrapyard had once been a primary school or some such. The plaster over its red brick outer wall had mostly worn away. There were places where the pastel colored plaster remained heavily covered in graffiti. The place had seen better days. There were jagged pieces of glass cemented to the top of the wall to discourage intruders. Beyond the
Mr Wong turned to her. "Last chance, the pepow in dere are many and armeded. If we discovered, it could get dangerious. Are you suwa you wan to do dis?"
Did this go against being a cop in any way?
Hades speaks in #ec4511 Thanks Ghost for the second Sig
So the circling continued with points going to both sides. Although this exchange was by no means a lethal one, there were consequences to the victor. It was, an extended evaluation if you will. A negotiation taking place on many levels. Hades kept his face passive and waited for the man to finish before processing it all in one go. Although he did bow his head when Poseidon said >>"...Our people" as if to say score one for you for correctly deducing that Hades was a mutant. He had wondered if that was the case when that man had focused on his eyes and then his had widened slightly as if coming to a conclusion.
They say that the eyes are a window to a man's soul. The saying holds true in many contexts. It is a master attacker who can hide his intentions from his eyes. Yes the eyes can tell you a lot, and the longer one is alive the more that they have to tell. For immortals masking the eyes is a particular challenge. Hades did not think he was slipping but then again, no one was infallible. Then again if the god of the sea had encountered immortals before well... Regardless the cat was out of the bag. Score one for Poseidon.
Hades mulled over his words, there was no room for rashness in this conversation. Although to the untrained eye and ear the conversation was light, it was anything but. These were serious matters being discussed. The more the client revealed the larger the potential scope of the work being requested and the greater the consequences as well as the reward. Poseidon was in no rush which was just as well as Hades had no intention of being rushed and would have been disappointed otherwise.
He spoke slowly and deliberately.
"There is much untapped..." His lips twitched to the side for a fraction for a second, a tell that indicated that words he was about to speak had layers of meanings. "...potential in this city and shall we say" He searched for the appropriate word, gently waving his the heavy cut glass in his hand. "...Fertile ground for the taking." He paused.
"I find myself most.... amenable to your message." He said rolling the word around in his mouth. He nibbled a bit more, subtly indicating that Poseidon had struck the right vein. But how far was he willing to go? Another thought occur ed to Hades, where did he fit into this Grand Plan? Was Poseidon's vision merely to use him as a contractor to help his ...organization gain a foothold? Or was there more. Well Hades would have to patiently wait as the man seemed perfectly happy to reveal things at his own pace.
The man had revealed more of his plan, it would be rude not to offer information back in kind. "While there is no organization like this SUPER here at the moment, the seeds of such an organization have been sown, with the META bots, numerous attempts at mutant registration legislation..." Again Poseidon, or perhaps the universe had impeccable timing.
If Poseidon was to offer a position, Hades would be favorably disposed to accept it, pending the title. Although he would probably bundle into his requirements a request for help with the mutant child smuggling ring. He did not think the man would decline, given the message he was preaching. If, and it was a big if, all that came to pass, perhaps he could make the Shadow base available to this man, but he certainly would not consider it without taking out a Blood Contract, also called a Blood Oath. The level of trust required to offer up such a level of assets, could be settled for no less.
A Blood Contract was an archaic ritual dating back millennia. It was the most severe kind of contract and thus rarely invoked. To activate one, both parties cut their left palms, usually with a silver knife. Blood was allowed to drip form the left palm to the right one and both parties shook hands. The terms could be spoken verbally or written and it was witnessed. The hands were then washed in a silver bowl. Then the bowl and knives were melted to destroy all trace of blood.
If Hades broke a blood oath, he would immediately be barred from all neutral grounds, including the Contentintal, which he would forefit. He would in effect be black listed and were someone to bring Poseidon Hades head on a plate, Poseidon would be obligated to pay the bearer twice Hade's body weight in gold. The same would go for Poseidon. To break a Blood Oath was a death sentance. To commit to one showed the enormity or trust both parties had in each other. And if what Poseidon was offering was serious enough, it might just warrant that kind of aggrement.
Hades speaks in #ec4511 Thanks Ghost for the second Sig
O'Keer saw the fork coming and dipped his head so it scraped off the rigid plate that covered most of his head. There was a sound like, well like a fork scraping across very tough carpace, Hades thought he heard O'Keer rumble under his breath, as if Noel was scratching an itch, the whole scenario was more than a little surreal.
"Lets you outta here...Boss"
Sometimes with O'Keer's accent, it was difficult to tell if he was being sarcastic or not. The current sensations coming from Hades stomach was making it hard to concentrate, simultaneously, the sheer amount of concentrated alcohol that Hades had so recently consumed chose that precise moment to hit him like a freight train. Hades found the room tilting at intervals and at times it was like he was not in complete control of his senses. one minute they were clear the next they were a blur.
His senses snapped back into focus in time to... wait was he and Noel draped over O'Keer's shoulders or was O'Keer just enthusiastically propelling both of them towards the exit, he could not tell. His sense snapped into place in time to see their waitress emerge carrying a tray with three more flights of the "moonshine challenge" bound for different tables. As if in slow motion, Hades saw the woman trip and barrel into a giant of a man who was rising from his table. As if flying through molasses, the tray rose in the air, the nine shot glasses leading the tray by just a fraction, like they were nine racehorses in a race. A race to the ceiling and the candles that hung suspended just belo....Drat.
"O'keer, Down!" said Hades in a moment of lucidity. O'Keer dropped with surprising speed. Unless you knew him he could move surprisingly fast for a creature of his size and weight. The tinkle of glass proceeded the "woosh" which was followed by the smell. Suddenly it was if the air itself was a choking hazard or that someone had just replaced the air with tear gas and pepper spray. Pandemonium reigned as patrons of the establishment attempted to expedite their departure by rushing to and completely blocking the exits.
Things went blurry for Hades, at that moment and he was more focused in trying to convince his lungs to breathe. He felt himself being pushed against a wall, O'Keer saying "To hell with this", a rather loud crash, a cloud of choking dust followed by sweat sweat fresh air. The next time he moved O'Keer was definitely carrying him over his shoulder. He could sense Noel close by but could not tell what state she was in. His senses snapped back enough to realize he was being carried through a void where there had previously been a wall.
"THAT is coming out of your pay check." Said Hades. O'Keer merely chuckled in response.
The next thing Hades recalled was that he and Noel were in the back of a vehicle being driven swiftly yet expertly. The privacy partition was up and Hades had the presence of mind to offer his friend a drink. She had mentioned whisky earlier right?
"Whisky?" he asked. Wait were they still in the car or were they now back at a private bar in the Continental? He knew they would end up there eventually but where were they...now?
Hades found himself talking and Noel replying but they came in snippets.
"You are the only person alive who knows my Chinese name...."
Noel said something
"Do you know my actual English name? It is Robert Grim." Hades smiled as if in a private joke.
"Now you are the only person alive who knows both my names."
Noel might have said something.
"That is where my moniker started, Grim, Grim Reaper. From there it did not take long to jump to Hades and the name stuck for some reason."
Was the night going good or bad? Hades could no longer tell.
Hades speaks in #ec4511 Thanks Ghost for the second Sig
Hades had to confess that he was enjoying the confabulation more than he would have expected. Poseidon, apart from being a man of taste and an excellent crime boss who ran a first rate crew, was also keenly observant, quick on the uptake and had an excellent poker face. Reading most people with Hades experience tended more towards the open book category, with the Lord of the Oceans however, it was like playing chess with master. They watched each other, evaluating, observing yet not appearing to do so.
Hades made the next opening move and waited for the reaction. It was subtle, Poseidon's eyes drifted to his, as if finding something of note there. Then they widened ever so slightly and twitch that might have been the ghost of a smirk crossed his lips. The eyes, it was oft quoted that they were the windows to a man's (or woman's) soul. If you knew what to look for the eyes could be the most vocal part of the face, and it took significantly more effort to mask the eyes. Poseidon, was the type of person with which one like Hades could conceivably carry on two conversations simultaneously. They could be sitting in the most banal of locations, talking about the most trivial of matters but at the same time with subtle hints and gestures be carrying on an altogether more serious and sinister conversation underneath. Rare. But back to the matter at hand. For his guest to have that reaction, something in Hades eyes had given him a clue. Hades would wager it was age. Hades would also wager that he was not the first immortal that Poseidon had met, and by the lack of any ticks expressing displeasure, Hades surmised that Poseidon was not against mutants, or at the very least not against employing them.
>>”I am a businessman, you are correct. I am one that firmly believes in stepping forward and making connections when available. You did me a great bit of good when you handled my true target, as well as pointed me in the direction of a possible mole,”
Hades nodded, true enough.
”All of that more than justifies a personal meeting.”
His guest grinned. The grin of a predator, a ruthless one at that but one that was genuinely pleased.
>> ”But you are correct. Despite the validity of all that, I do have another purpose in coming here. You see, I was hoping to meet you for one very specific reason, other than the fact that I was curious. I’m hoping to...expand my reach. I don’t just mean by streets or neighboring cities, but across dimensions as well.”
Hades allowed his right eyebrow to rise just a fraction. He certainly had vision and impeccable timing. The current two factions were insufficient to maintain balance. Three had historically seemed to maintain the best balance, allowing the most vocal or forthright of mutants to channel their energies cohesively. Hades could easily guess which camp Poseidon's new faction would fall under. It would be good, and from the sound of things opportunities for some delightfully challenging work.
>>And, it is my hope, that you can help me with that.”
At that Hades allowed both eyebrows to rise a fraction and his eyes to widen ever so slightly as if to say, "please expound" but the man fell silent.
Hades pondered for a moment, coolating his thoughts, rashness had no place in this conversation.
"I must congratulate you on your impeccable timing." His guest was not the only one who could make perfectly meaningful yet vague statements. His raised his glass as if in toast and took a sip before continuing.
"It appears that we are in agreement on many things but there are a few" He paused and his lips twitched, a slight tick that usually indicated the following word was either an understatement or had a far deeper meaning that one would first assume. "Minor points that need ... clarification."
"I would like to hear more about your plans to extend your reach but first perhaps I should ask the nature of assistance required and the price. As much as we are in agreement, I do not work for free."
Hades could guess what might be asked of him. Either clear out certain spaces, eliminate competition, remove legal obstacles or perhaps even recruit or train people. The price though, that would tell him the most. His client had not disappointed him so far but Hades suspected this would be a significantly larger undertaking. What was it worth to Poseidon?
Hades speaks in #ec4511 Thanks Ghost for the second Sig
They danced. Hades was enjoying himself. It had been a while since he had, well had fun on the job. Rare excursions with Noel not withstanding. It had been a while since his work had required him to infiltrate some high society or other and give him an excuse to enjoy things like dancing while gathering intelligence. But all good things and all that.
"Queen, it is getting late, lets go to more plivate place to talk." Mr Wong said as he led her off the dance floor. As they collected their tings from their seats and exited the restaurant. There were nods of the head and the occasional "黃生" (Mr Wong) as people waved or nodded their head in greeting. There were glances at his red haired companion. Some lingered, others did not, some were curious, others envious.
It was raining when they got outside so he procured an umbrella and off they went. There were not going far.
Their destination was a squat 5 story old block of flats. Mr Wong lived on the third floor. The elevator was out of service, so they took the stairs. The stairs led to a landing. Each floor had a number of sizeable flats. In front of each flat was an iron gate that either swung out or slid along rollers. The one they stopped infront of slid aside with a muted rumble on well lubricated ball bearings. Behind the black Iron gate was a wooden door.
"Wewcome to my home." Said Mr Wong waiving Quin inside. "Please leave yora shoes at da dowa."
He said indicated a rack placed by tyhe door just for that purpose next to an assortment of flip flops and slippers for indor use. The flat was a good size as charastic of older high rises. The walls were painted a sort of off white, giving the house a brighter lighter feel, light wodden skirting boards complemented the effect. The floor was tiled in a light marbeled grey. On the walls hung a number of Ink Wash Paintings.
One corner of the living room was demarkated by a line of black tiles. It was obviousely a training area. On the wall hung a 4 meter long Dragon Pole of bamboo, worn smoothe with use. Below that hung two Butterfly Swords. In the square there were a number of wooden dummies, one which slid horizontally on wooden rails, one that spun and one that was just static. There were a pair of black cloth shoes neatly laid out just outside the training square. The rest of the flat was furnished simply, yet each item of furnature was well made, elegant and made to last.
"Would you like a drink? Chilese tea or beer or wata?" He fetched the requested beverage, poured himself a steaming cup of Chinese tea and sat down to look through the wealth of information that Quin had brought him.
After a while he looked up. "You lo you ar amazing light? So much in so few time! Amazing!"
He read everything through twice then placed it down and started pacing. An observent person might notice that even pacing, Mr Wong was doing footwork exercises. Before each step, weight was transferred to the other foot. Next the foot that was to move incrived a half circle inwards before moving forward, landing with the heel first, finally weight was transferred to it and the process was repeated with the other foot.
"Hmmm, dere is alot to fing abou. This make me all the mroe certain dat I leed to to to Viginyia to see if I can dislupt somfing dere to see what and who lesponds here. Mmmm" He nodded then brought his head up.
"But... first, let me ask you , how adventchaous are you Missy Queen?" He looked at her with a glint in his eye.
"If you are up for a " His lips twitched "littow advencha, den meet me on Wednesday light at dis address. Wear somefing dark but casual dat you can move in. Oh and bring camela, video lecorda and miclofone."
He gave her the address of the parking lot by a convenience store that was near a car junkyard.
"I fink you might like to lecord what we find dere. What say you ah? Oh and come along, if we are noticed we will need to runn run quick. You up for it?"
Hades speaks in #ec4511 Thanks Ghost for the second Sig
Hades Hmm-ed in response. How many times had he heard this? He had long ago lost count. Different cultures, similiar charasticts.
>"...enough for me."
Hades raised his eyebrows. Enough? the fearless Noel Gauge?
"Whisky..."
Hades nodded approvingly. That was more like the Noel he knew.
"To Legal competency!" Hades echoed as he downed his shot.
Mistake, big mistake. Have you ever tried to gulp and swallow a mouthful of liquid that was far too hot. Sometimes, your throat locks up, as if your body knows that it is better to sear your mouth than your actual throat. Well something similar happened.
As soon as the ghost chili infused moonshine his his tongue, to say that it felt like it was on fire would be the understatement of the century. He felt sweat beading on his forehead. He hurriedly went to swallow, only to find that he could not, it was as if his throat had locked up. A part of his mind debated categorizing this as an alternative torture method. Yes this moonshine and a funnel.....
His face changed shades of colour. He would swallow. His fists gripped the table. It was getting hard to think with the... pain. Finally Hades rapidly flicked three points in and around his throat area,
hitting pressure points and nerve clusters that triggered the swallowing reflex. If anything it felt worse going down. He rested his forehead against the coolness of the wooden table for an instant.
"I might add that to my list of torture methods." He croaked between wheezed breaths.
It might have been the intensity of the pain that triggered his body but Hades felt time slowing down, akin to when he was in combat. His genetically manipulated reflexes allowed his to perceive the world faster than most humans in this mode. At the same time the amount of alcohol consumed rendered his thought processes slightly.... inebriated shall we say. He saw everything in slow motion.
He became aware of the people sitting behind Noel of having a "Dad joke" contest. They would take turns telling the worst possible jokes to each other, the looser was the first who laughed and had to take a shot or imbibe alcohol. He saw Noel taking her shot in slow motion, just as a particularly bad joke was told. Hades found himself almost chuckling involuntarily, almost. He watched amused as Noel's facial expression changed in response to the alcohol and made sure to snap a few pictures. Apparently she was not finding it easy to swallow either. Then something changed. Hades was not sure if it was a hiccup, a snort, a sneeze, a giggle, a cough, some combination thereof or all of them combined. The result was the same.
From Noes there came an eruption of mist. Mist that turned sparkly when the droplets reflected the light. it was like a wave of stars, pretty sparkling stars expanding towards him.
The stars were moving towards three brighter lights. A part of Hades mind wondered why, in a Texan themed bar where the design and color scheme was a visual assault, would they have tall white candles on silver colored holders. The little lights met the big lights and made a bigger, much bigger light. It was coming towards him, all hail the great ligh.... wait what?
Hades mind snapped back to sanity in time to observe a tongue of flame flying towards him. Now Hades was growing out his hair for a mission. (Yes he had hair he just chose to keep it shaved most of the time). Well honed reflexes kicked in and he dropped. He would rather angry if Noel singed his hair and he had to delay his mission. It got hard to breathe and Hades hit his pre-programmed SOS button.
High proof alcohol plus candles from an impromptu fire breather created a sizable jet of flame. Consequentially the bar would need some redecorating. There was a scheduled performance on stage later that night which would use smoke machines so the smoke detectors had been deactivated, as a result the sprinklers did not kick in, which made the secondary effects of the fire breathing worse. It should be noted that in the distillery where said moonshine is created, workers wear full gas masks, rubber gloves, essentially HAZMAT suits, such is the potency of the ghost chili as an irritant. So for a quantity of said liquid to be suddenly aerosolized and flung to all corners of the bar, surfing on a wave of hot air... the effects were.... spectacular.
A short distance away, a hulking figure looked up from his reading and received Hades SOS message. He sighed and grunted to himself in a low gravely voice. The hulking figure heaved himself out of his vehicle, who's heavily reinforced suspension creaked in protest, and headed down the street with with surprising fluidity for its size. That person was none other than Mislav O'Keer. Think Krogran and you are not far wrong. He had chuckled when he heard what Hades would be drinking that night. His preferred drink included ground glass, arsenic and anti-freeze as actual ingredients. To him it gave a "heady delightful aroma". That is why he agreed to be on call tonight. He was confident that he could handle any situation that might develop. After all not much can stand in the way of a multi tonne mutant
who can literally headbud his way through structural walls.
Hades speaks in #ec4511 Thanks Ghost for the second Sig
The lord of the sea could thing what he wanted about Hades relation to the hotel. If he picked up anything at all, well bonus points for him.
>"...enlightening"
Hades absorbed the words and their potential meanings, multiple layers of them.
"Regarding the hotel, I will tell you as it was once told me."
He paused and sipped his drink, savoring the explosion of flavor, as well as the multilayered aftertaste. Swallowing reluctantly, he continued.
"The hotel Continental is one of two, perhaps three neutral grounds that exist in this world for those of ..." he paused searching for the right word. "Chthonic persuasion, if I were to put it slightly dramatically. Lamsters are barred, officially, so as to preserve discretion. The second oldest Neutral Ground is in Iceland, part of the reason why Icelandic air is doing so well. The oldest is in what was once known as Transylvania, started by the immortal who is the source of the original draculuan legends, although he has not been seen for some decades. Still what are mere decades to an immortal like that."
Hades paused to observe Poseidon's reaction. With over two millennia of experience Hades was generally very adept at reading even the slightest of expressions. Still all assumptions went out the window when one was talking about multiple universes.
"These neutral grounds have a few things in common, a concierge who can obtain almost anything speedily at a price, excellent service and privacy and are generally frequented by only four types of people. The....civilians" a hard to decipher expression passed across Hades face. They were like lambs, fat and unaware, good camouflage, needy and in some ways a necessary evil. "Clients such as yourself," Hades gestured at the man opposite with his glass. "Hitmen or mercenaries and finally assassins." Hades raised his glass at the last category, as if to self identify. "They are also excellent places to negotiate contracts and recruit manpower."
Hades did not lecture. He was merely giving away freely to a very generous client some rather valuable information. Information that would no come easily or cheaply otherwise. Those who frequented neutral grounds knew well the consequences of speaking up about them. Neutral grounds were like cleaning houses for underworld contracts. Want a job from a reliable client that pays equal to the risk, find a neutral ground. Being barred from a Neutral ground meant taking a chance with random clients, not to mention the often lethal consequences of falling out with one of the three.
Hades pondered Poseidon, there was more to him then he let on, Hades would wager much more. The man gave the impression of being much like an onion, composed of many layers and prone to cause irritation if one attemptred to pry too deeply. Thus Hades would not pry, he would leave openings and see waht Mr Poseidon was willing to offer up.
Silence fell on the room. A comfortable silence, of two men fully sure of them selves and content with silence, happy not to fill the air with words. After a pause Hades spoke.
"Perhaps I am being presumptuous, but you strike me as a man of business. I can understand the draw to see and experience a new universe, I can also understand the desire to express gratitude personally, but I cannot help but wonder if there are yet further, more compelling reasons for crossing time and space to visit this universe."
The invitation was there. Hades was in a good mood. He was enjoying a fine drink with one who appreciated such and displayed a level of class and sophistication and manners not frequently found in mortals. Hmmm that was a though, was the lord of the sea also an immortal?
Hades speaks in #ec4511 Thanks Ghost for the second Sig
The mission was going smoothly, textbook almost, a little too smoothly perhaps. The ground team had just entered a corridor that lead to the underground bunker/vault that held the bio weapon itself and presumably the software backups. Once they were inside the bunker, Hades would act as lookout.
The area was suddenly bathed in an internationally recognized dull read light and an equally familiar noise started faintly blaring from within the corridor into the team had recently entered. It was mostly muted by the corridor and presumably the vault.
Hades thoughts could be summed up in one word: Shit!
Hades sent a sequence of clicks over the radio channel, the prearranged signal for enemies alerted, considering the circumstances it was hardly necessary, but protocols....
The base that was so quiet just moments before was waking up with alarming alacrity. As this was a bio weapons lab, the response troops were wearing full masks. The alacrity only increased as the first dead bodies were discovered. The size of the facility meant that the response troops were relatively spread out but that would not last.
With the interior of the building lit up with warning lights, the rafters were not a good hiding place for a sniper. Hades was clambering down an access ladder mentally taking stock. Quick response troops already deployed, the approaching convoy would probably accelerate to join up and he had a sinking feeling that the convoy was there to take delivery, meaning heavies. He was not kitted for a straight up shooting match. His armor was light so not to impede movement. He had a silenced pistol, his diamond cross section throwing knives and his little VSS, hardly enough. First thing was to determine the status of the team and the status of the mission, then do what ever needed to be done.
He had just alighted on the ground floor when a blinding light settled on his face and *Bang*. Then cool darkness as his body crumpled to the floor, a neat round 9mm hole adorning the side of his helmet.
Hades awoke with a start. Ne never knew how long it would take between him "dying" and him "reforming". Time tended to be a fickle thing when your body was recovering in an alternate dimension. The ambient temperature dropped slightly at his return as his mutation drew on ambient energy to aid "de-phasing". Hades glanced at his watch and noted that it had barely been a few seconds. Hmm perhaps it was the determination to accomplish the mission. He turned to survey his surroundings and belatedly realized that the trooper who had just shot him was still looking at him with the gun swinging to point back at him with annoying inevitability. There was no chance of getting out of the way in time. Hades sighed as *Bang*.
Perhaps it was Hades increasing ire, but he flashed back into existence seconds after wards. His return caused him to twitch. *Bang*. This was going to be annoying. That was three.
The first time Hades "awoke" he recognized the make and model of the pistol pointed at him. It held a ten round mag.
He awoke feeling frustrated. There was no time to phase and every return cost him energy and time. Peved he started making gestures as he waited for the trooper to exhaust his bullets.
Vulcan salute. *Bang*
V for victory flipped around. *Bang*
Devils Horns gesture. *Bang*
Fingure gun gesture. *Bang*
Double finger gun. *Bang*
F*** you gesture. *Bang*
That was nine. He came to brimming with wrath to find the trooper not a few steps from him. He gathered himself and slip one of his throwing knives into his hand. *Bang*
Dam, the conscientious little ***** had one in the chamber. Hades came around and this time the trooper was fumbling with the reload. So Hades stabbed him in the throat, the consequence being the trooper inconsiderately collapsing on top of him and also acting as a shield. A few more lights shinned in his direction then seemed to loose interest and move on. Hades retreated to the shadows to take stock. His discarded his helmet which had nine neat holes and one rather jagged hole. It was useless and the bullet holes showed the white inner material. Pulling on a replacement balaclava, he down a nutrient gel pack. It tasted like liquefied cardboard but it would keep him running for a while longer. Returning from the dead that many times in a row took its toll. And if the rest of the night was going to be like this, he would need all the energy he could get.
He was out manned and out gunned and looked forward to be once again behind the scope of his OSV-96. But first where the hell was the rest of his team. He send out the pulse code for "sit rep". If he got no reply he would be coming to finish the job himself. Especially as he could literally walk through walls.
Hades speaks in #ec4511 Thanks Ghost for the second Sig
>"I guess when you need to socialize them in the city, give me a call if you want.
I don't think Revvie and Dammit will be lonely since they're together all the time anyway, but it's always good for them to see new faces and all that."
Hades bit back a snort. "Not hard to guess that character of at least one of your pups." Hades said with a smile.
"If you want, you can bring yours to the cabin sometimes. And I fully intend to take you up on that offer, although be forewarned,
they are are often whirlwinds of destruction."
>"Have to rule out every easy application that might be used against me."
"Used against you? I thought you were trying to find a way to temporary disable your powers.
I am assuming from the enthusiasm you are showing that you are doing this for someone."
No, restrain your curiosity, restrain yourself. Hades thought to himself.
Hades recovered from his brush with the sweetcorn moonshine just in time to witness Noel's reaction. He was not dissappointed.
Her eyes bulged, watered. It appeared she swalloed by force of will alone before giving in to a hearty bout of coughing.
>"Is that normal"
"I don't think that much anything to do with moonshine could ever be considered normal." Hades replied.
She downed the next one, exercising once again that stubborn willpower.
Hades exhaled then downed the second shot. He made the mistake of inhaling before he had swallowed and almost spit it all back out. The veins on his neck tensed,
he closed his eyes as by sheer will power he forced the second drink down. It burned like fire and had an aftertaste like cough syrup gone very very wrong.
"This feels more like a weapon or a medium for torture than a liquor for imbibing." Gasped Hades as he took a few hearty swallows of water and a handful of nuts
to remove the aftertaste.
>"...hold the next one on my tongue for longer, if it was to be a true tes, you know?"
"You go right on ahead madam. Although after the challenge is over I feel the need for some actually palatable alcohol."
Hades was thinking of the rather well stocked bar at the Hotel as well as his somewhat extensive private collection there.
On the other hand, this outting was yeilding some great pictures.
At the rate they were downing alcohol it would not be long before they began to feel the affects. This might turn out to be an... interesting evening, if not amusing.
Hades took the next shot. It was.... apple pie? It still burned, as it would always do, but it did not seem so bad this time, perhaps his throat had been numbed
by the previous shots, perhaps the cumulative numbing effect of the alcohol was showing, either way, it went down relatively easily, and the after taste.
The aftertaste was actually pleasent.
For once not being stunned by the shot, Hades was actually able to think enough to make conversation.
"Does you being allowed out unaccompanied, mean that you are fully recovered? Or did you sneak out?"
Fully recovered? Ugh, that was blunt. Perhaps he was feeling the effects. Or perhaps he was just trying to delay the last shot.
One that was so potent that the workers at the distillery wore gas masks and body suits when distilling it.
Perhaps his mind was wondering,, drifting. He noticed the candles. Candles plus high proof alcohol would be bad.
Flame plus high proof alcohol that contained ghost chili would ... be worse.
Hades speaks in #ec4511 Thanks Ghost for the second Sig
