Mistral did not like having hounds follow the ripples of her footsteps (or whatever the metaphor), but it was hard to go unnoticed when working with Grey and Noah.  However, a dazzling spectacle served at least as well for concealment as the shadows, she'd found.

Discussions turned toward technical minutiae of this experiment with the synth network, which was a topic to which Mistral could offer little.  She turned to Noah and whispered quietly, out of hearing of the guests, "We have recovered the corpses of the sacrificed synthétiques, as well as the altar démoniaque.  Both are quarantined and warded in the geode vault, at present.  The synths were divested of souls, but I assumed they would be of interest to you.  I will study the altar further, later."

Mistral waited for a time as the discussion of synthetic networks was had.  At some point the pale sorceress was simply no longer there, though none had seen her leave.  She had returned outdoors to take in the performance of Grey's symphony.

 As Famine and Noah spoke regarding the technical specifications of the network experiment, Talion appeared from the direction of the baths wearing a bathrobe around his waist, leaving the fresh reality-riven scars encompassing his upper body unclothed... likely because they were incredibly painful. Many had reopened while he was in the shower.


Beside him, holding bloodied bandages was a woman in a now bloodstained nurse's outfit.

OOC: For those who were in the Memory Lane thread

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
...and she looked like Emily!

 Wait, not quite. Her hair was different and her facial structure was slightly off... but it could have been her sister.

---

 "This is Melissa. When I recovered Emily's memories from the Collector, I found that what I had taken had not disintegrated. Instead, it had transferred into a photographic memory. I took those memories and, using some of Noah's technology, downloaded those memories into a synthetic."

 Melissa placed Talion's bloodied rags in a bucket before giving the group a slight bow. "Hello, everyone. It's good to see you again... or, wait. I suppose this is technically the first time, isn't it? Hello everyone!"

 Talion walked up to the table and Death gave him her seat. He looked at the slate she'd been holding and nodded in approval before turning to the group. "Thank you, all of you, for your aid in destroying the Husk. I thought I had exterminated them all. In any event, rewards are in order. First, there is the monetary reward."

 He placed burner cards on the table, one for each of them. "The Secretary of Defense gives you his thanks. Next, your reward from me."

 On top of each burner card, he placed a marble. "One wish."

 In front of Mistral's card, he places a small black box. "But your wish is simply a replacement for one I had already given you. For you, something a bit more... substantial. Back when Argentus was assisting us, he requested that I create a way for him to converse across dimensional boundaries. As you know, this is quite difficult... so I set up a transmitter that passes signals through the Observatory, into the Stairwell of Gods, and through the threads of reality along the outside of the planar sphere. Coverage is spotty and it is more of a proof of concept at this point, but it should allow you to cast spells across planar boundaries, with varying degrees of difficulty.

 Mind you, setting up the proper infrastructure for such transmitters to be reliable will take centuries and it will not work in subdivided demiplanes like the Collector's museum of Neverland, but it is the best I can do with what I have."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 06:38, Thu 21 Jan 2021.

After politely greeting each of the newcomers and catching up with Noah, Sal mostly remained quiet as the others discussed matters beyond his understanding... something he had grown quite used to. Still, he couldn't help but feel proud at the recognition of what might as well be one of the real Four Horsemen.

Noah flopped onto his back and spread his wings to sun a bit while he interacted with his own virtual private network. He couldnt keep up with the synths but he could act like a engineer on the Hoover dam of data.

When Talion started handing out payment Noah felt guilty. "My share will go to pocket money for the synths starting with Scar. As for the wish..." He sent Talion an email photo copy of the secondary form Mistral designed. The 80% human 20% dragon. It would make going to cons far more easy.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:53, Thu 21 Jan 2021.

Mistral inclined her head to Talion when he appeared in bathrobe with scars on display from wounds that would have obliterated practically anyone else.  At first she assumed the nurse must have been Noah's synth assistants Aly or Bia, but the familiarity struck her on a second glance.  Mist's pale brows rose slightly at Talion's explanation and introduction.  She said carefully, "Enchantée, Melissa.  I am glad to see you so restored.  You look well."  Mistral narrowed her eyes at Talion as she wondered at his motivations for restoring Emily in this way.  He had quite literally moved time and space to undo the contract that had destroyed her, restoring her to life as she was before their meeting.  It was a powerful and poetic sacrifice.  Yet, here stood a new being with a replica of Emily's consciousness, which now served Talion, apparently.  Had Melissa chosen this, or was she reborn with an ambition to serve?  Would she also 'choose' to rekindle the love Emily once had for Talion?  How could it be known whether such a choice was real or programmed?  It was an ethical quandary of synthetic migration of consciousness, at the very least.  Mistral said nothing, but resolved to speak with Melissa later, privately.

Talion thanked them for the destruction of the husk, and said, "Pas de problème.  It was rather intent upon destroying us as well, so it was in our interest to do so first."  Mistral gestured toward Sal and remarked, "You may be interested to meet Trinity, a being reforged from the souls sacrificed to the husk, its prison.  Its memories are largely lost, but it is aware that its true captor remains at large."

Mistral took the card, the marble, and the black box with a slight bow, and made the former two vanish into a place-between-places.  She examined the small black cube and listened with growing interest as Talion explained its truly extraordinary functionality.  Mistral said, "Merci beaucoup.  The greatest of archmagi would call this impossible, so even unreliable communication between realms is assez extraordinaire."  She followed up with a number of concise technical questions that would make absolutely no sense to perhaps anyone else in the fallen world.  Mistral offered to do her part to expand this trans-dimensional network while making use of it, if allowed to establish new transmitters.

Nefertiti was pleased to see that they all survived the encounter with the Husk, but it did leave a nasty feeling inside of her mind to know that whatever it was, was capable of peering into her mind.  Something she might need to learn how to resist better.

Watching as Mistral opened another portal for them to leave she gazed back at the spot where the body was and wondered.

Shaking her head she then entered the portal to wherever it was leading to. a place better than this.

When she saw the guests from Grey's introduction she gazed at them and it was a sight to behold.  She has heard of the four horsemen but never dreamed of meeting them.  Well Horse people for some looked to be of the female nature.

This was all too much for her to understand especially anything about the Synthetics.  A time way out of her reach.

Then that man walked in that was a bit rude and slightly demanding.  Taking a deep breath she listened to what all was being said but she knew nothing about what he placed before them on the table.  More new stuff that she will need to understand and learn.

Noah smiled as Mistral and Sal got their new stuff. He delighted when people he liked got rewarded for a job well done. He clawed at the air moving through the VPN network and was pulling up a video channel so he could see without the world twisting. "Ah, new people, this is Talion. Owner of Syntros. He is the founder of the academy we met at. An extreme heavyweight in the world of the supernatural and a builder by nature."

"He stood tribunal with us when they called a global council about me and the clear indication that magical monsters are real. Out of respect, I'll let you introduce yourselves as some people don't like their name getting out."

 Talion nodded at Noah as he looked over the specs of the new form that Noah wanted. "Merging a supernal and mortal form together is slightly more complex than a full mortal or full supernal form. Once I am done with Sal's sword, I'll set to work splicing the required genetics to make it work. It may take a few days."

 As Mistral asked her questions, Melissa returned with fresh bandages. Talion bandaged himself where he could reach while she tended to the wounds he could not. "Like I mentioned, it's improvised tech so take great care when using it... but it was the only method I could find for non-archmages to bypass the Abyss."

 Once he was fully bandaged, he donned the upper half of his robe and stood, letting Death reclaim her seat. He took a moment to observe Trinity, who still remained invisibly floating behind Sal. "Recombinant Genesis... I haven't used that spell in a long time. Amnesia is a feature of the casting. It wouldn't do to make a new creature just as hostile as the one you were fighting... though I've never used it to mesh three different individuals into one before. Neat. Trinity will be able to aid you in a variety of things, so long as you maintain a good relationship with him."

 Finally, he turned back to those who had only just met him. "My apologies. I haven't had much rest in recent months and my manners are slipping. As Noah mentioned, I am Talion, the inventor of synthetics. I am a mage. Noah, Mistral, and Sal have been helping me take care of the demonic incursion into our city.

 … speaking of. Mistral, when you used your wish I took the liberty of looking around and winding back the clock for a few hours. I got license plate numbers."

 He slid a piece of paper with 7 different license plate numbers scrawled on it in Talion's spidery handwriting. "We may finally have the means to locate them."

Michael had been watching the whole events unfold after he stepped through the portal. His time in the conspiracy did not prepare him for this. The supposed four horsemen were right in front of him. So many things above his head were being said that it made his head spin. So many people of great power all in one place just chilling. His superiors would never believe him. The priest looked down at the card and the wish. Wishes just being handed out like they were candy.

When he heard introductions were in order, he stepped forward. “My name is Michael Lancaster. Pleased to meet you. Anything I can do to help the Synths, let me know. We have a sanctuary for a large group of Synths that were rescued from a cult in the downtown area of the city. Hopefully, they are still safe.”

Noah smiled wide enough to show he was more amused than anything else. "You know me Talion. If you cant do it I would just encourage you to 'surprise me'. I've done crazy things before and you know I am all about interesting developments. It would be nice to fit through doors among other things. But then again I dumped Grey onto my head without asking a question and she turned out to be the world's greatest mascot."

"Do what you feel is appropriate, I trust you."

He flopped over and smiled at the proxy that took on the memory overflow. "Hello there. I look forward to working with you." She was going to need to form her own preference of recreational activity. She would likely be prone to Deindividuation. Amy would also be likely to need the same treatment before too long.

He smiled even wider when Talion introduced himself. "If a Talion is a mage, then a Merlin is a card magician."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Sat 23 Jan 2021.

 Talion nodded and offered his hand. "Nice to meet you. Grey brought quite a few synthetics to this island from some sort of refuge shortly before you all arrived. They were all armed.

 I'm sure you have many questions. I'd be happy to answer any that I can."

Breaking from her frustration Fate listened to what everyone was saying. When Talion offered the card and the marble Fate took interest in them both. She waited patiently for an opening even if only a small one, then spoke, "My name is Fate and yes I do have a few questions." She looked at the marble for a moment. "I've heard of wishes before, but I have never come across one before, myself. What is the extent of it's power? Is it powerful enough to increase my abilities as a mage? Or perhaps, give me the power to capture and bring in my bounty? What exactly is this 'wish' capable of?"

 Talion sat back into his chair. "It is essentially a single use direct connection to me. If I can do it, the wish would be granted. If you want to increase your capacity as a mage, I have many ways to do that... but if your bounty is part of this cult then he'd have been hit by a freak falling meteor by now..."

Nefertiti looked at the others and listened mostly as they gave their introductions to Talion.

At the right moment she spoke

"I am Nefertiti, daughter of Amenhotep I, Lector Priestess of The Cult of Isis. she paused "It is a pleasure to meet you Talion, the inventor of synthetics. her words were of Nobile standards.

"This is all new to me.  My memories are that of my Goddess but I don't feel my connection to her anymore. there was a bit of sadden expression upon her face but quickly replaced with a sterner look.

"Unfortunately, I kind of figured that. Was just hoping that there may still have been a chance if anything. A fool's hope I suppose... Guess I'll just have to get the next one, though I do hate losing a mark. If there is a way I can increase my mage ability in a way that would help me find and capture future marks or help me find magical items for my order I would be most interested."

 When Nefertiti introduced herself as a priestess of Isis, Talion stared at for an uncomfortably long moment before exhaling in a particularly annoyed groan. "Yeah, no."

 He took another breath and groaned again before shaking his head. "Whatever you want, if it involves Isis or her husband/brother, the answer is 'no'."

 After that, he turned to Fate. "As for you, I know of something that may help you. It will take me a few days to prepare. Hundreds before you sought it out and, in the end, all of them turned it to nefarious purposes. So be aware that if you misuse what I give to you, I will kill you without hesitation... no matter what planet or dimension you try to hide in."

Fate didn't hesitate, though her curiosity was piqued. She simply answered with a, "Understood."

 He nodded. "Very well, then choose an Arcanum in which you would like to grow skilled. You only get one."

Mistral took the slip of paper with the license plate numbers and scanned them, one by one.  She asked, “These vehicles gathered at the location prior to the husk’s take-over?  Très bien.  This, we can work with.”  The plates would likely be registered to false names or shell corporations, unless the cultists (or whoever was responsible for that debacle) were comically incompetent.  Even so, it was a lead.  Mistral handed the paper to Fate and asked her, “Madame Fate.  You have experience as un détective, non?  Have you means to trace license plates?”


Mistral listened to Fate lament the loss of a bounty, which they had suspected might be involved in the husk mission, though they’d found no sign.  She chimed in to offer, “I may be able to assist.  Have you anything physical of this mark?  Blood, hair, or similar physical remnant would be best.  Failing that, any token with a bond to the mark may do.  Information on their recent activities?”  Mistral was tired and still wounded from their ordeal with the husk, so it would perhaps be wise not to begin a new hunt immediately.  Planning, however, would be entirely possible.

Oh yes, the wounds.  Mistral rolled up a sleeve and looked at the abyssal wolf-bite for the first time since their return.  She showed Talion, “Some of us were bitten by the abyssal severed wolf heads.  Timely cleansing and treatment would be advisable.”  She paused, and added drily, “We have seen the ultimate prognosis of such a wound.  Désagréable, to say the least.”

She was pleased to see that her Goddess was still well known in these times to even this mage.  For she was the Goddess of Magic.

Not fully sure as to his response to being Yeah, no.  Something that these people must uses uncommon languages.

"I have no intertest of  you in that matter.  It is something that I must do personally.  I'm sure one of your status understands.


Then she had to wonder what did she want from him.

Still she remained there listening to what was being said and if she was able to grasp the knowledge of anything.

"Time. I think that would be the best choice for now."



Fate took the paper and looked at the license plate numbers. "Yes I might know someone. We'll have to head to the police station."



Fate thought for a moment, "I may not have anything like that on me, but I know where I can get it."

Looking still at Talion "I was told that you might be able to help me unravel something.

I am at a lost as to what I truly am, and trying to find someone who might know is not an easy task.

So I was wondering would you be able to aid me in this matter? she asked.

Michael holds up the marble and offers it back to Talion. “I wish to become the fastest person that has ever existed.” He was uncertain as to whether such a wish could be granted, but he had seen what many would consider a miracle happen today.

 Talion took the marble from Michael with a raised eyebrow. "The fastest man that has ever existed... very well."

 Talion didn't say or do anything else but Michael could feel his body growing lighter.


 To Nefertiti, he stood up and took a closer look at her. "Let's see...
 That's interesting. I wasn't aware one could spontaneously generate a soul facsimile using a vampiric curse, residual faith, and raw essence. I'll have to make a note of that.

 To answer your question... if I were to have to pick a category for you to fall under, it would be 'demigoddess'. Your animating force is not Animus like most living things. It is not Anathema like a vampire, nor is it prime like a synth. Your animating force is Faith, the same thing that fuels the power of angels, demons, and gods.

 You are not a created being and you are not a true god born of essence and desire. Instead, you are a mortal imbued and animated by faith... a demigoddess."

Nefertiti took a moment to absorb the information that was being given to her from Talion.  It was a lot and she knew a bit about some of the things he was saying but still she had never imagined herself as being a "Demigoddess".

She bowed her head to him with respect to his knowledge.

"Thank you Talion. she said as she thought.

Looking over at the others she wasn't fully aware of what she was but now they were aware and could understand more of how she was capable of doing some of the strange things she does.