This is for "Live" RP that happens outside of letters written. Currently it is limited to characters in Alycone or Tarn.
This message was last updated by the GM at 00:13, Wed 20 May 2020.

The door man nods to you and opens the door to the lobby of Hôtel de Goût Exquis. Inside it is the peak of modern Alycone opulence with floor to ceiling white marble, golden column pillars, crystal chandeliers and velvet upholstered divans. A handful of well dressed patrons sip coffee or wine, conversing quietly.

When you approach the concierge desk he stands up and bows. "Inspector Troisseau? We have been given instructions from Madamoiselle Penelope to escort you to her suite." He rings a bell on his desk and porter approaches. "Phillip will show you to the Temple Royal suite."

You follow the young man to the elevator, and he presses the button for the top floor. When the lift arrives and opens, the hallway stretches to both directions. There appears to only be two doors on this floor. Phillip turns to the left and escorts you to a large pair of double doors that read "Temple Royal." The porter steps to the side to allow you to pass. "Temple Royal, Inspector..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:21, Mon 08 June 2020.

In reply to GM Slogworx (msg # 2):

🕵️‍♂️ Tips the doorman and walks in to the suite

You barely hear the porter thank you for your generosity before a throaty, feminine "Entrer!" seizes your attention. You reach out for the doors, but they swing open before you touch them:

The suite is themed to look very much like an ancient temple made of rough stone, lit with fiery sconces. A woman stands near what appears to be an altar, but it has been used as a standing table and is covered with plates that have not yet been cleared from breakfast. Her back is to you, but she is fully nude. Her long, curly auburn hair drapes elegantly around her shoulders. She seems to pull a black silk robe from the shadows and throw it around her bare shoulders. She closes and ties off the belt, and turns to you. Her piercing green eyes lock with yours.

"Inspector Troisseau!" She glides towards the inspector, her ample cleavage adorned with a familiar-looking lioness emblem. She smells like a fresh rain and fully bloomed roses with a hint of sandalwood.

In your peripheral vision you see something in the shadows stir and approach. A lioness appears, looks to you, stretches and audibly yawns before joining the woman's side.

You can only assume this woman is Pandrosus Penelope. She presses her damp, painted lips against each of Troisseau's cheeks in greeting and whispers: "So wonderful to finally meet you, my love!" She slides her hands down his arms, searching for his hands to hold each of them in her own. "Terzo has told me so much about you! I'm excited to work with you!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Thu 11 June 2020.

In reply to Pandrosus Penelope (msg # 4):

A beat after the doors swing open grandly, 🕵️‍♂️ takes a few steps in.  The bellman enters behind him pulling a luggage cart for the inspector.
🕵️‍♂️ hands him a heavy silver coin and sends him away. He is dressed in red patent boots, light trousers, a white button down shirt with a burgundy vest and burgundy fedora adorned with feathers. He does not look out of place in such a grand establishment. A study of his physical and facial features are very precise to suggesting a person from Alcyone. His manner of dress and physical affections however, are more befitting to an eccentric artist than a detective.

🕵️‍♂️ makes sure to show no sign of being surprised or caught off guard by Pandrosus’s state of undress, as she clearly bade him entrar. He doesn’t meet her eye however. His eye does take notice of the panther emblem. He takes in her green eyes but does not linger. His periphery has caught his attention and he is unable to continue the steely nonchalance at the sight of such a large cat so close to him- this momentary off guard feeling has shown across the face of the inspector as though he has just been flattered. As the lioness  joins by his mistresses side, Troisseau looks at her with a great deal of sadness and grief.Troisseau participates in Pandrosus’s familiarity with the grace of a dance partner. He feels her warmth from her chest and smiles brightly Mademoiselle Pandora! You’re timing is as inspired as your gifts! If you would like, I can give you a briefing while you get ready. I am here to bring you and Terzo up to speed with our crisis, and learn how I can assist my Masterful heroic guests from Tarn!

"Certainly. I have many questions," she says, stepping back and releasing his hands. "Terzo will be with us shortly." She gestures towards the altar with her hand. "Please, help yourself to brunch and tell me how you have been these past few days. You look as if you are not taking care of yourself, my love." She clucks with disapproval, and moves back to the altar to fill a chalice with orange juice and Champaign before handing it to Troisseau.

The lioness sniffs the air. Seeing he does not pose a threat to her mistress, she stretches out on the floor and rests her head on her paws, watching with passing interest.

"Terzo, of course, believes that I demand all of this..." She gestures to the extravagant suite around them. "...For the sake of my own vanity. But when the body is free of all need, that is when the mind is most free to do it's work. Don't you think that makes sense?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:30, Wed 10 June 2020.

Troisseau winces at the flute of liquid- neither the citrus nor the champagne seem bodily sound as what he would drink were he to be taking care of himself. He pulls from his vest a green juice. "Oh Madame Penelope; if I take care of one thing; it is my digestive system. This is a recipe that Ive discovered from the good wisdom of my dear friend Terzo. I'm admittedly in one of the most perilous moments of my entire life, but my gut is one place I am not in anguish. Smiles and chugs at something that looks appallingly unlike anything JKT would imbibe and endorse. He spoons together a plate of fruits and melons, some croissants. Grabs, 4 small containers of a rum-liquiere sauce, two containers of butter and drenches and dresses his petit dejuener to his desired richeness. He nibbles and presents with an urbane presence. He will be finished soon and then transition instantly into the somber Chief Inspector. For now, he eats buttery bread and fruits drenched in sweet sauce. He has one more playful pass to make at his new associate. "Mon grand ingenue jolie! It is as if you have take one look at my face and decided then that I am unwell and perhaps not sound in mind. Why, as I recall, I wrote to you by my own hand before you'd ever laid eyes on me admitting as such. You cluck cluck as though Ive taken to a vice such as gambling. I ran without reservation directly onto the back of an eikon, and I believed I was inspired in doing so! Is this the sort of defect you tsk tsk because I am seriously concerned that I may not survive the coming weeks!" His hands cover his eyes and he is clearly crying. "I am not taking care of myself at all, Pandrosus. I'm surviving with the favor of my 3 tipped lord, (looks child-like and tender into her eyes) and dear friends who have come to me in a moment I have called out." JKT regains his composure and lectures himself on how delightfully charming and playful that came out.

 Mme. Pandrosus. I have briefs for you to review. Here is a cursory overview of Alycone culture and social norms. We love a heroine I assure you, and welcome outsiders of great merit. It will help you greatly to be mindful of her people's favor when speaking in public. A little sip of this will go far I assure you. You will find a description of a junior agent that I have assigned as your valet la main. Your hand, if you will. Her name is Agatha D'Pleine. She's bright, energetic, will assist you navigating the city and culture, and will gladly assist you as you need. I selected her because I sensed yours is a joye de vivre that cannot be contained. You're tongue is as free as your heart and no imposition or ambition can counter this. Agatha is one whom is excelled in her ability to silently navigate and manipulate a room while always appearing the most inoffensive and sparsely memorable personalities. Terzo has been assigned an Aide de Main that I selected to suit his needs and personal traits. I trust she will be a valuable assistance to your work in Alycone, Mme. This page is a memo the movement and activities of the Eikon over the past 72 hours. From here, we will meet at the DDOS headquarters. I will be able to provide the two of you with more specificity and candor as to what we are dealing with. I will also be briefing the team as to those parties who lent their magics to this creation. There is a highly sensitive dossier there which Agatha will hold with her always should you need to review. The destruction of the Eikons is seen and felt by all, but the mess and discord that has been wrought invisibly here is equally concerning I believe."

Troisseau exhales. He grabs one more croissant, butters it and stuffs it into his mouth. He looks over at Sage and bows his head, concentrating his mind with his admiration for her power and grace. "Now mon femme inspiree, regarding your opulent surroundings. They rather appear a fitting setting for which someone such as you can feel most natural. Myself, I run the requisite of being able to work competently in just about any possible setting I find myself in- but do I appear a man who can draw inspiration crammed into a barracks? Spending days staring ahead inside a charrabanc carriage? Were Terzo in possession of the magical abilities, I'm sure he'd transform himself into a tortoise and spend his life in a tranquil garden. Such a lovely man, I would visit this little turtle- and return to the crown jewel of Alycone luxury, this very suite you have commandeered. I believe I was a guest here eleven years ago. It has been renovated drastically, but let Terzo discover the private herbal/menthyl steam showers and baths offered only in your suite. If he does not emerge just glowing and traipsing about as a young maiden struck with amour, then I will buy you a mink stole that sweeps the ground." He smiles and stares ahead; clearly unfocused on the turmoil he was just moments ago gripped with. "Mme I believe Terzo has discovered the ornate sculpture gardens on site. There is no other rationale for him not having joined us by now. I would like to greet my friend, would you join me, or shall you join us later?"

Pandrosus parted her lips as if to interrupt the inspector snapping back at her, but seemed to forget what she wished to say at his sudden outburst of emotion and torment. She simply stood there, her expression nonplussed, holding the mimosa in her hand with eyes fixed on the man.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:24, Thu 11 June 2020.

Almost as if prompted by the mention of the baths, Terzo emerged from the hall leading to said baths, looking refreshed and exquisitely groomed. He struck an impressive figure for such a small man, wearing a tasteful gray three-piece suit. The orange-red of his pocket square popped in contrast to it, the dark obsidian  cufflings, and the silver pocket-watch chain. His dark hair was cut short in the modern style of the Alycone socialite. He beamed at the two of them. "Inspector! So good to see you here so soon. I apologize if I was late for breakfast."

He brushed past Ms. Penelope, kissing her delicately on the cheek. "Pandrosus, my dear..."

He shook his friend's hand vigorously, patting the inspector firmly on the shoulder, the smell of menthyl, sandalwood, and Pandrosus` perfume all mingled together in the air. "I am glad you two have met. What have I missed?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Thu 11 June 2020.

"We were just chatting about how much you would love to be a turtle in a lovely garden pond, had you the magical means, my love." She pulls the flute to her lips and drinks, looking over it at Troisseau, her eyes seeming to smile with amusement.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Thu 11 June 2020.

"You are quite correct. I should love very much to be a turtle..." He smiles, gesticulating with his hands as he waxes poetical: "To spend my days bathing in the sun, eating fish and leafy greens without a care in the world but for my shell into which my world becomes even more cozy and safe..." He seems to imagine it for a moment, and then nods to himself. He takes a handful of roasted pistachios and begins to crack the shells open and eat them. He looks back up at the inspector. "This is a fun game. Inspector, what animal would you be?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Thu 11 June 2020.

In reply to Terzo Zeni (msg # 11):

You know Monsieur, they say turtle soup brings eternal life.

It is something perhaps you will understand when I tell you that I am and do and have existed and er do exist as a dove - pigeon; interchangeable depending on the setting.

He looks at Sage, and more recently I have felt something like an existence of that lion framed beast whom we threw presently are involved with resolving. If you can bring about how you felt in your  most sorrowful point of existence.. Chorum has existed with only this emotion, and it is at least 70% more ragged and hot than we have capacity to perceive.

The idea of my mind that he could be changed caused him to unleash his full furnace of intensity into my gut. Somehow I learned that either him or myself will certainly perish soon. I do not know why my own mortality could connects in this way but it is true I have been living with a foreknowledge of this.

Snaps his fingers and gestures demonstratively at the fashionable and glowing Terzo Zeni.

I am remiss if I do not point out that you emerged from the glorious steams of Alcyone’s splendor with a panache and colorful figure and I am very impressed by this Terzo! Sincerest apologies to Mmes Penelope and Sage, but Terzo Zeni is the Dame of this season’s cotillion!

Pandrosus looks to Troisseau. "I take no offense. You flatter me, actually. Surely you have seen how he dresses when it's his idea? Tell me you've seen the floppy hat!" She looks to Terzo and smiles warmly, then back to Troisseau, and for a moment she drops her defenses and anyone in the room would be able to read her genuine affection for Terzo.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Thu 11 June 2020.

"I admit that I do enjoy how I feel when dressed like this." He tosses his pistachio shells into a large bowl that is already half filled with other shells of the various nuts on the table. He kneels down at Sage and scratches her behind the ears. Sage pretends to not care, but purrs slightly, and her tail flickers. "Such a sweet girl!"

Pandrosus sighs. "Do not baby her!" she slaps her thighs. "Please, Terzo. Love! Talk to her as a normal person! She hates being babied."

"Then she should tell me herself." He speaks to the lioness in babytalk, scratching behind both ears. "Shouldn't you? Yes, you should!" The lioness turns over on her back and Terzo starts scratching her belly. The lionesses backleg starts to kick, and she purrs.

Pandrosus snaps and mutters something unintelligible and the lioness springs up on all haunches and roars fiercely at Terzo. Terzo is unaffected, and scratches the beast behind the ears again. Sage shakes him away as if annoyed.

"You're embarrassing her in front of company! And Inspector Troisseau has been suffering for days!" Pandrosus snaps wickedly.

Terzo stands. "Very true." He looks to Troisseau. "Perhaps we should get to work, inspector?"
This message was last updated by the player at 02:34, Fri 12 June 2020.

In reply to Terzo Zeni (msg # 14):
Yes Terzo we should-

Breaks off and stands awkwardly askance of Sage. He bows his head and forces his will to communicate from within..but first he he hears himself 🕵🏻‍♂️ I spoke with Chorum.. was that something I did? Why would I not be able to transcribe from inside my own skull? I can do this through time from space.. how is it that I know how to do that? Jacques.. you’re a very sociable person but you have got to get your mind to the Eikons! I do not want to see him destroyed.

Troisseau seems to awaken from a petit mal brainstorm with alertness and determination.

“Yes Terzo. From the greatest of Alcyone’s luxury to the to her most obscured. I need to present you both with reports and introduce you with the cadet I have selected for each of you to assist you with anything you can possibly need. I will be traveling by carriage. If I can get you both oriented with our mission.. Sage is going to stay here for now? I think we need to display the team of Eikon specialists from Tarn.

"Sage does not leave my side." Pandrosus fixes her eyes on the inspector.

Hearing her name, Sage stands up and approaches her mistress. She looks up to Troisseau, sensing that his mistress disapproves.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:15, Fri 12 June 2020.

In reply to Pandrosus Penelope (msg # 16):

To the lion.

Well if it isn’t the stone then I am simply able to transfer my communication with my own mental abilities?
I am able to do some rather unusual and difficult to explain feats like some seriously strange abilities that are mostly unknown . I don’t know what brings me certain skills but I accept them.

I respect and admire you as a soul. I see you. However, I travel by carriage and my horses will not accept you as a passenger or being near them. Apex predators are intimidating you understand.

To PP
Fair enough. Sage cannot travel by carriage which is how I will be traveling to DDOS headquarters. I will meet you there.

Turns to Terzo

Care to ride in style, Turtle Zeni? I would love to crack nuts and talk about your stomach pain remedies  ...

Pandrosus nods and smiles at Troisseau as Sage curls around her and yawns, then growls. The both of them begin to whirl and spin quickly as if they are being stirred in a cauldron. They evaporate into thin air.

Terzo sighs, and shrugs at Troisseau. "It's really impressive the first time, I know. But I'm pretty sure she can only do that perhaps once or twice every couple of weeks. I haven't figured out how. She won't tell me." He nods to Troisseau. "Let's go, my friend. We can talk along the way."

By the time they are seated within the carriage and moving, Terzo seems to be troubled. "I have to warn you, the woman is behaving herself more than I expected. I'm not sure what to make of it. Either she likes you or she is trying to deceive you. I'm not concerned that she will not do the job. It's just afterwards that concerns me..."

In reply to Terzo Zeni (msg # 18):

It is a method of travel, yes. I would like to see how she gets to DDOS HQ as I did not give her the street number. That was not magic Terzo that was a very solid parlor trick.. no magic worth divining peen is employed to be glib?! I see how you can get rankled by her overtime.

Traveling between and through the other spaces and dimensions..I do not know where but the butthole is not a part of the body during travel.. it’s right where it should be once returned but I don’t know how it gets there..

Back to the job. This is what she must do and to completion. If she does, she is a heroine truly and will be celebrated as such. I can’t imagine what concerns you have for what she does after. Do you remember the high priestess entity that you divined to meet in dream? If Pandrosus overreaches into gaining the attention of Her.. her will will intervene. Do you see Mme Penelope as not being bent to what May has should she be concerned? There is a threshold that Pandrosus’s knows not of.There is also a ceiling to her ambition to which without the inspector she will never have access. The hall of mirrors does will not be moved this way.  Ultimately, I believe Mme Penelope ought to learn that there’s a game here and she can carve her place into a strong position if she learns the rules.

Do you see the 5 story burgundy brick building? These are the DDOS headquarters.

Terzo finishes the last of his pistachios, realizing now that he has a handful of shells and no convenient place to dispose of them. He looks about the carriage. "Inspector, have you heard of Hecate's Key?" He opts to simply dump the shells into his jacket pocket and be done with it. "I will grant that you have extraordinary abilities that I do not  fully understand, and that those abilities give you an understanding of traveling through space and time, encountering countless paradoxes and no doubt wondrous things. I also understand how someone in your unique position, having met your share of phonies and frauds, could view Ms. Penelope as an illusionist and grifter. She is, very likely, both those things in many contexts. But she also controls an incredible power. Like you, it is related to traveling between different realms. However, I do not believe it is entirely of the same nature as your abilities."

He pauses as if searching for the correct wording. "I'll be frank with you, of all people, my friend: I do not believe in gods and goddesses. I do believe--nay I know--that powerful entities exist. Are you familiar with the folklore behind the goddess Hecate?"

In reply to Terzo Zeni (msg # 20):

Terzo; did you just consume every nut or nut like food thing?? I wanted to have a chat as we road and I did mention cracking some nuts.. You had a table full of them like a squirrel before winter and now?

Hecate? Hm. I am am completely stumped because I store away gods and goddesses as you do nuts but I’ve never heard of Hecate nor her key.

Thinks about what TZ just said indicating that PP uses tricks and misdirections but possesses something similar to his own abilities in accessing other spaces. His jaw drops. “What a clever bitch..If I am hearing you correctly, Penelope has something in league with my own abilities, AND she uses tricks and misdirects deliberately? That explains something like a third of how I have always held the undisputed edge as Director of ddos. She doesn’t want my department does she? (He laughs at the idea) Her ambition is too steep for a bureaucrat in a oft unrecognized department of the bureau. I’m convinced she COULD do a hell of a job as she’s been playing this using techniques from the DDOS manual I wrote myself. (Pauses)

Terzo; can you be specific to what concerns you with Madame P’s plans? She lives for the adoration and applause and seems so apt to command a following. I have considered for her myself as possibly being my recommendation to lead the ‘hidden’ element of our society .. we do not hide so much in Alcyone but she could bring these essential elements into a golden age! My role as chief inspector with the occult is sparsely regulated and laissez faire.. obviously there will be restrictions after this humiliating child’s play... but this is why I see the Madame as being the one suited for this! She would be tasked carte Blanche by the hall of mirrors with completely championing her will from within.. She certainly is appalled at how this lion and dragon was created like a baked turd sculpture... If something does not happen from within the lodges.. it will fall on the State to regulate and waste away the grand designs  I know she holds dear. I would never be given such a venerated position from within but she could put it back into place as the architect places peens in three...

Also.. returning to the high priestess.. you have seen her. She is nearly a goddess but I tell you the woman held me in her arms when I was a babe.. Do you the Pandrosus Abilities are as such that her next incarnation could be something similarly ascribed as to my grandmother May?

Great peendom of glory you never fail to get this mind full of profound thoughts I had never even considered. This is where we’re going to get off, but tell me about Hecate and her key?

Terzo glances out of the carriage window at a peasant woman trying to hush her crying babe. He frowns at the display, and looks to the inspector. "Hecate is said to be the goddess of witchcraft. She is the three-faced goddess of the underworld. There are many artifacts associated her, but one of the most well known, at least to those whom study such things, is her key." The carriage driver hops down to open the carriage, but Terzo quickly reaches for the door and holds it shut, holding an index finger up to the window to indicate that they need a moment. The driver nods, and steps away, lighting a cigarette.

"Hecate's Key, it is said, grants the goddess the ability to control the movement of entities between all dimensions. There is a spell that bares the name Hecate's Key, and it is known and so common enough that I do not doubt there are a half dozen books in that building with the very spell in it." He points to the bricked DDOS building. "The spell doesn't do anything, however. At least that is what I am to understand. But in any event, Hecate's Key is not just a spell. It is not an object that can be discovered, given, or stolen. It is a person. Likely multiple people. But Ms. Penelope is Hecate's Key. I know because many years ago she was my patron, she commissioned my services, and I had a part in her..." His face scrunches up as if the following word tastes bad in his mouth. "...Ascension?"

He pauses, and his eyes widen as if suddenly remembering something. "Oh, yes!" He reaches into the pocket inside his suit jacket and produces a handful of roasted almonds. "Pandrosus insisted the porter come up to ask if we need anything every hour on the hour. When we don't need anything, I feel bad, so I ask him for a different kind of nut. I'm amazed at the variety of nuts available in Alycone!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:04, Fri 12 June 2020.

In reply to Terzo Zeni (msg # 23):

Cracks and empties nuts with efficiency and precision . Troisseau is rewarded by hard work so much so that any food requiring shelling cracking or splitting he can eat ceaselessly.

We have any nut prominent in Tarn, we always have good enough relations for trade in nut but Alcyone has her own seeds and we keep them in state. Beak claw nut , Prince nuts, shurlnut, Aikonut, Malmaos and.. well that’s really the extant if the nuts of state. We also grow some of the regular nuts and Terzo this is a rock.

Looks forward

You gave me so many warnings that all more or less described a strong willed abraisive and assertive woman. One who thrives in being adored. One that wears at your nerves;’I felt like that’s certainly not something I’ve never found too cumbersome or distressing.. this describes many of our local females. I know you are discreet but I felt like I could read between the lines and navigate my way. You really left off some rather just flabbergasting details regarding your associate.

Inconsequential is that she is the only one I believe to bring us solution and she will be able to leverage herself as our savior as well as use .. who knows.. to decide what she wants for her bounty. I can now strike out the idea that she would like to commander my dinky unit.

Let’s go to the swamps.. ie the cellar. I do want her and you to know about the suspects we have in custody for providing their magic for the dual wielding beast

He nods at Troisseau. "That's fair. Though technically Pandrosus was a patron of mine, so divulging the information via letter seemed a breach of etiquette. Especially when I was certain she would read it. I struggled with whether or not to tell you at all, but then realized my secrecy may have given you a false sense of security. My relationship with her is quite complicated, as you have probably already realized."

As Terzo exits the carriage the woman with the baby approaches them. He shakes his head at her. "Is that really necessary, Pandrosus?"

The woman stops and tosses the baby up into the air. Another woman nearby screams before the child transforms into Sage, and the lioness lands on all fours. Pandrosus is now standing in the woman's place, her arms flared dramatically. "Honestly, Terzo. You are no fun. We had a whole thing rehearsed about how the child was Troisseau's. She was going to look up and say 'daddy' and everything."

"Weren't you only recently lecturing me on professionalism?"

Pandrosus rolls her eyes. "Very well. Let's get this over with." She gestures to Troisseau. "Appologies, inspector. Please lead the way."
This message was last updated by the player at 22:16, Sat 13 June 2020.

In reply to Terzo Zeni (msg # 25):

 I understand, Terzo. Your own code and courtesies are complex, but this adherence Virtue  obviously  protects me with the secrets I am handing to you and your client.

Sees Pandrosus’s exciting  street theatre reveal and breaks into laughter from his belly, clapping  for several seconds and laughing for several more.

Bravo Mme Penelope! Was my progeny A son or a daughter?

gets out of the carriage as his driver readies his cases and instruments into a cart he looks at Terzo

Convincingly disguising and embodying another identity is not unprofessional for the Department of DOS! It is rather it’s own singular component of requisite competencies! There’s an entire chapter and weeks of training that go into just this kind of act!

We will be going through the side entrance and walking into the cellar space. I have your assigned hands awaiting us, as well as Jean Claude, my deputy Chief Inspector.

The doors open as 🕵🏻‍♂️ approaches and he enters wordlessly.

Terzo, Pandrosus, and Sage fall in behind the inspector silently.

In reply to Terzo Zeni (msg # 27):
JKT produces a hunter green pocket square which he hands to one of the two DDOS officers with him.
“Go to my office. On the south wall there is a bookshelf with an altar on top of that. You will see a stone wrapped in oak roots. Carefully remove the obelisk stone and hippoplatydon charm and place them in the green salter. Pick up the stone with my pocket square and bring it to me in the conference area in the aqueduct. Please use both hands and handle with care.”

Endless lefts and rights down halls, a long hall and finally a door . Scuffy floors and dull canary yellow walls. One single desk station in a corner. One on the other side of the room and six cabinets in the center of the room. One wall is decorated in a red and blue tile mosaic. Another set of doors, down two flights of stairs. A door with a heavy latch opened by DDOS guard.



JKT: “The aqueducts are where we secure our most sensitive documents, evidence, artifacts and materials. It is also the most discreet” he gives Terzo a slight nod when he uses that word “Space in our offices for meeting without concern over being seen or heard, or documents and plans being seen or heard by anyone inside the offices including  my staff.”

The aqueducts smell of old books and mildew. Stuffy and sweaty. They walk past tall shelves with locked containers, lockers, Thousands of wooden boxes With drawers, filing cabinets , stacks of trunks and into the open area within four extremely large book shelves stacked on all sides. A tastefully artistic rug from Tarn distressed and well used. A table green varnish with an one and a half foot emerald green statue of Tarn’s famed occultist artist Nenvil Rovickz on a swiveling disk. Troisseau moves passed the urge to quibble with Pandrosus about where he'd prefer people to sit. He does not have the energy. Troisseau holds a stone in one hand. With the other, he pulls out a string and something small and brown. Roughly the shape of a walnut shell. He places the wooden turtle he had found on the street when exiting the carriage. Just places it on the table and points to Zeni and to the string. He smiles absently and goes back to gazing at the stone. A tall man and short woman in khaki fatigues enter. JKT appears to remember what a crisis his state is in. He just sort of lost focus there among the halls and doors and stairs and rugs. He resumes with a much more animated and intentional demeanor. His expression suggests a lucid vulnerability from a man who has been through cycles of very emotional states ever since his first meeting with Terzo Zeni.

JKT: Pandrosus Penelope. These creatures are destroying our city! You are the only one, I believe, who knows how to solve this problem. Tell us please exactly what must be done!

 \
This message was last edited by the player at 23:43, Thu 22 Oct 2020.

Terzo pulls the chair out for Pandrosus. She gathers her dress up and sits. He takes the seat beside her and Sage makes herself comfortable between them as Terzo scratches behind her ears. Pandrosus' expression is nonplussed at the item placed in front of them. Terzo smiles, leaning over to examine this. "Well, this is a fantastic find my friend!" He laughs excitedly and holds it up to Pandrosus. "It's a turtle! Remember the game?"

Her expression is unchanged, and she shakes her head at Terzo, then gives him a placating smiles that seems to say "the grown-ups need to talk now."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Thu 22 Oct 2020.

She looks to Troisseau. "I will need to talk to any of those that you have apprehended under the suspicion of summoning the eikon, and will require access to all files you have on the cult. I will need chain of command and staff information regarding the team working with you on this issue, and free access to this building with whatever deputational powers you need to bestow on me for your team and superiors to take me seriously."

Terzo cocks his head to the side. "Is all of that really necessary? The inspector will be with us at all times. Surely he can give you access to whatever is necessary."

Pandrosus pursed her lips. "I doubt it. And I doubt he is willing to be at my beck and call all hours of the night, should I need access to something." Her eyes fix on Troisseau. "Are you willing to grant me these privileges?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:07, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

In reply to Pandrosus Penelope (msg # 30):

JKT takes a messenger bag from the tall man and another from the short woman. "In these bags are the contents of all of those whom you speak of. I can arrange for you to meet with them immediately should you wish to. These files contain all information regarding the cult. Madame Penelope, I may not be as powerful as you presume. I can grant you access to myself, my staff, and all of my resources. You have this access, with members of DDOS present. I am your chain of command. If you fail, I will surely die. I've seen it myself. My uncertain death that is, but not how I die. I've been told to allow you to initiate this foretold sequence." He hands her the stone stiffly. His demeanor returns to casual and aloof..distant.. 'off'..

but given JKT's tendencies, he may appear within his baseline emotional status.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:54, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

In reply to Inspector Troisseau (msg # 31):

She nods respectfully, and for the first time she seems sincere and without heirs. "My concern, Inspector Troisseau, is if you are incapacitated, and I need to continue without you. Taking on one eikon is a monumental task, let alone two tied to the same entity." She looks to Terzo, and then back to Troisseau. "Should you fall during the encounter, I need some assurance that your team will not abandoned me. Because once I've committed to this task, the eikon's entity will know me and not forget what I have tried to do. I will essentially have a  bounty on my head."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

In reply to Pandrosus Penelope (msg # 32):

JKT: Remains standing between the man and the woman in in uniform.
"I understand, Mme. To my right is Tavaris Trumane, Deputy Director of DDOS. In event of my- incapacitation, my authorities transfer to him fully. He's as abreast of events and procedures as I am, if not more so. I know he is also honor bound as I am. To my left is Deputy Helene D'joie. She is a senior warden of DDOS, and devoted. This is the chain of command. Beyond us you would be on your own."

JKT looks sideways at Terzo, and back to Pandrosus. He takes Pandrosus's hand.. the blue stone is between their palms. ((two astral balls))

JKT attempts to sinscept to Pandrosus Penelope, who may or may not be able to receive his transmission.

((from between two astral balls)) " initiate IN-sequence.
now! confirm codis. Codis codil. codicile.
initiate sequence.
initiate sequence     status: GO ((astral balls))

JKT bears a vacant expression as he is in mid-sensception

She acknowledges each of the officers as they are introduced, and then locks eyes with Troisseau. "I'm not sure what you're trying to to do, but I feel your knock."

Terzo looks between them, confused. "Knock? What are we talking about?"

Pandrosus shakes her head, smiling. "It's nothing, Terzo. Just an inside joke for those with telepathic gifts. The inspector is very gifted."

He looks to each of them skeptically. "I have already told you that."

She nods to Troisseau. "I will agree to assist you, then. We need to talk to those you have in custody, and immediately."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:52, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

In reply to Pandrosus Penelope (msg # 34):

A grin emerges across JKT’s face and his immense pride at connecting with Pandrosus and being called gifted cannot be withheld.

Tavares Trumaine hands Pandrosus and Terzo a notebook dossier.

“These contain information regarding the prisoners. I will lead you to them at once.”

 Trousseau leads them all to another set of doors, another set of stairs etc and to a set of doors locked with a bolt. He knicks and a slit in the door opens. The release of the bolt echoes as he leads them into the room of cells. There are twelve individual holding cells in all; four are occupied. He points to each as he names the person in each cell. “Arman Denari-Coup, Miguel Espadas, Denis Bastos, and Shiloh DeNaris. These are the members of the order of the 19th degree we have in custody. There is one more cultist still at large.”

He gestures in a sweeping motion to Pandrosus. “Mme Penelope.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:27, Thu 10 Dec 2020.

“Lovely,” Pandrosus says. She looks to Terzo and Troisseau. “Please leave me alone with them and wait outside. I promise I will not free them. I want them imprisoned more than you in this state, and I promise that much on my life.”
Terzo looks around, and then locks eyes with Troisseau and shrugs. “I think she won’t help any of them escape. Perhaps it’s better if we wait outside?”
Troisseau seems skeptical, but counting on the wards he has in place to keep the prisoners where there are, he is fairly certain nothing bad can happen. And a small voice speaks within him. What choice do you have?
He locked eyes with Pandrosus. “They must remain alive. Do not kill them.”
She pursed her lips and shook her head. “I am not a murderer. They will remain here and living when I leave. I promise it on my own life.”
The two men nodded and left. Pandrosus was alone with the prisoners. At that, she smiled, holding the papers in her hand--their records--glancing down at them, she smiled. “Arman Denari-Coup, I’ll start with you...” She looks up at the prisoner. “Do you know who I am?” She moved towards his cell, clasping her hands around the bars.
“Some witch to torture me, I think.”
“Certainly you heard them say my name?”
“No, sorry. Nothing that rang a bell.”
“Let me introduce myself to all of you, then.” She stepped away, and bowed. “I am Pandrosus Penelope, Key of Hecate.”
“You lie!”, shouted Arman.
She dropped her arms and approached his cell, sliding her hands down the bars and pressing her face between them. “Perhaps. But…” She walked through the bars towards Arman as if she was not solid, but water, air, or spirit. “Can you be sure?" She paused. "You’re a banker, right? Nothing significant. No real information to offer.”
 He stumbled backwards into the corner of his cell, crying out. “We have nothing against Hecate!”
“You do by the one you have served, and you will tell me what you know or experience endless suffering.” She took his wrist, and he screamed for a moment before vanishing with Arman.
But in a moment she was back with Arman, and he was collapsed on the ground, whispering incoherently to himself on the floor. "There are so many gods. Other gods--the blurry ones!"
“Next!” she said wickedly, passing through the bars into the cell of Miguel Espadas.
Pandrosus shook her head “I understand you are also a banker. I hate bankers! It's not enough to have wealth, you want power as well? Is that it?”
“I’m also an inventor. I make things. I respect Hecate!”
“No, the thing you unleashed on Alycone is an enemy of Hecate. It is a great disrespect to Her.”
“The Bewteen One is a powerful god!” he said desperately.
“It is nothing like a god,” Pandrosus explained calmly. “Would you like to tell me more, or would you prefer to visit the realm Arman did?”
“I will tell you everything.”
She smiled. “Hopefully the others are as forthcoming."

OOC NOTE:
If and when others open the prison cell and/or check with the prisoners, they will find Arman and Bastos are completely mad and ranting about the places they’ve seen beyond this world, and how there are truer gods that took them there to be tortured. The other prisoners remain silent. They eat, they drink, and they obey those that keep them. The are model, but silent prisoners. If they are ever interrogated again regarding their involvements of the eikons, the most they say is “I know nothing of actual gods. I have been mistaken. That’s why I helped with the eikons.”


After approximately 20 minutes, Pandrosus opens the door of the prison and closes it behind her, smiling. “I have what I need, here. I would release your prisoners now. They are of no use and no harm to you. But they might still lead you to other criminals if you have people to follow them.” She looks to Troisseau. “The last thing I really need to know, is about the one still at large, now...”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:15, Wed 09 Dec 2020.

In reply to Pandrosus Penelope (msg # 36):

Troisseau looks at Arman’s state, and a pained expression comes across his face. He attempts to communicate telepathically to her Was that necessary? Have you no decency! Can you not understand how much trauma you have just brought on this decent man?! He looks at Penelope in rage, holds down his head and sobs for a moment. He looks at Terzo for a beat, and it could seem as though his friend’s face has brought him some measure of composure.

If you have everything you need from these men, then you know as much as I do or perhaps more about our cultist at large. That’s a loose end that has troubled me greatly, and I’m afraid what leads I have are quite cold. He gesture to Tavaris and whispers something into his ear. Release all of the detained, but leave Arman. Keep him confined but I want him taken care of and given every reasonable comfort to aide his mental state. He will remain here for his own well being and I want him well cared for. He looks at Arman remorsefully for a beat, then turns his gaze to Penelope. What is it you need to know about El Zwarden, Pandrosus?
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:20, Thu 10 Dec 2020.

Pandrosus cocks her head to the side curiously at Troisseau's sudden show of emotion. "I'm not letting you in my head," she says. "But I've confirmed the thing tied to the eikons is a parasite, and one I am familiar with."

When Troisseau asks her what she wishes to know about Zwarden, she replies. "Your report implies he has had extensive military experience. Do you know any of the details of that service? What sort of man is he? Why do you suppose he has eluded capture?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:26, Thu 10 Dec 2020.

In reply to Pandrosus Penelope (msg # 38):

Trousseau responds to Penelope while looking downward at the floor. Captain Robin Woods. Navy. Per one of our informants, one currently being released- Shiloh Denali. Arman’s half-brother He looks up at Pandrosus and it seems he has shed the emotions he displayed only a moment ago. Gone is the casual and leisurely air he displayed earlier. His face suggests conviction. His take on a bright hue that is not unlike two balls of astral light. If you’d have been forthcoming instead of merely enforcing your will without the slightest regard for anyone else, I’d have told you that Shiloh is the bastard you ought drag out into the deep recesses of space and dismantle! He’s the one who would have yielded the most useful information! He’s the one who is completely lacking in character! Not that you give a damn! He composes himself. He is the only informant who had any information regarding Captain Woods. This is one reason he evaded capture. Shiloh said he thought he might be on “the sacred isle”. I have no idea what this means or where he is. Shiloh is the Msr Denari who might know, not Arman. It was utterly unnecessary the way you’ve left this man broken and shattered and laying on the cold floor. He looks at Arman, obviously remorseful of the suffering he is going through. We’ve put a trail on Shiloh Denari. I feel there is a decent chance he will lead us to Captain Woods. You’d have made a fine investigator, Pandrosus- I’ll grant you this much.

He turns on his heels, shifting his entire body away from Penelope. He looks at Terzo for a moment and says. You’re a very good friend, Terzo Zeni. You always give me sterling counsel that I inevitability always do not heed. Thank you.

He heads to the door and leaves without another word.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:13, Fri 11 Dec 2020.

In reply to Inspector Troisseau (msg # 39):

As he gets to the door he turns and looks at sweetly at Sage

~~~~ She is a miserable creature and you are most lovely. I think you deserve better. ~~~~
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:36, Fri 11 Dec 2020.

Pandrosus rolled her eyes. "Your friends are always so infuriatingly sentimental, Terzo." She called out to the inspector. "Troisseau!"

The inspector turned, looking at her with cold eyes.

"I could have left your silly friend there, where he would have likely gauged his own eyes out and died a miserable and painful death. Keep that in mind. His part in this, however small, has had significant cost. A lifetime of decency and good deeds will not undo that, and there ought be consequences for it." She sighed, and seemed to temporary let down her guard to reveal a depth of weariness. "But it may ease your mind to know that his madness is only temporary. In the morning he will wake-up feeling as if he drank too much, and will assume it was all a disturbing nightmare." She paused, and after reading little change in Troisseau's expression, her jaw tightened. "I have a few things to explain to you, but we must all return to the suite for me to finalize the preparations. After that, you need not ever see me again."

Prior to getting into the carriage with Terzo, Troisseau changes into a black suit with pants, white shirt and a cape. His hat is a black pillbox hat with brim- the kind field agents in his department wear.

    In the carriage on the way back to Hôtel de Goût Exquis, Terzo and Troisseau fell into an uneasy quiet. While the inspector seemed far away, Terzo was anxious. Several times he seemed on the verge of speaking, but reconsidered. Eventually he sighed, took a deep breath, and blurted out "She is a very layered person, my friend."

    Troisseau continued to look out the window, his tone that of obvious irritation. "I am not sure she is deserving of your apologist inclinations. She is a cruel woman. Apart from her physical attractiveness, it is hard for me to understand what there is to like about her."

    Terzo nodded. "That is fair." He placed his hand on the inspector's shoulder and opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again, withdrawing his hand. He folded both hands in his lap, and after a moment he continued. "I have known her most of my life, but first became friendly with her when I was a boy. Barely fourteen--she was two years older than me--and beautiful, of course. Her hair was different. It's original color was raven black. It was long and wild, and she wore a yellow dress to the market that day." He smiled fondly. "It was during the Harvest Festival in Padumat. Three days before I was to leave for the university in Tarn. We had a picnic near the river fork that day. It's one of the loveliest memories of my life. I could go on about how kind and full of life she was at that moment, but it would be difficult for you to believe me or understand. That sixteen-year-old girl is still in there, however. She comes out often when we're alone, and I fear that's the only time she does." He cleared his throat and allowed the silence to build between them as he appeared to be thinking. After a moment he shrugged, as if giving up. "I admit I love her, and I believe that she also loves me. As much as she is capable of it. But our dissimilar lifestyles and philosophies make it difficult for us to see one another more than a month or so every year or two." He sighed. "She is often cruel, and her intentions are difficult to ascertain. But as you likely know, Inspector, we can easily become a mirror of our experiences. And this world has been very cruel to her. It is no excuse for her behavior. But deep down, she is not so unlike the two of us. She does what she believes is the right thing to do. That much you can always count on."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:32, Sun 13 Dec 2020.

In reply to Terzo Zeni (msg # 42):

Trousseau looks out the carriage window in silence

"Personally, I do not believe the goddess Hecate exists, but I believe Pandrosus believes she does. And obviously she has the abilities she does. I'm not entirely sure how that works, but that means, to me, that her behavior can be extremely volatile. Because she sees herself as a servant of a god." He touches Troisseau on the shoulder and looks him in the eye. "I know all of this has been very stressful for you. I have no doubt that she will be able to cut off these eikons. But I feel like what she is about to reveal to us right now, is likely going to be upsetting. I want to prepare you for it."

The carriage comes to a stop outside of Hôtel de Goût Exquis. "Perhaps we should take a united front against her? She knows I know her, and you have your abilities. We should not let her steer the course of this affair completely."
Troisseau nods."What should we do?"
"We'll just support one another no matter what, yes?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:59, Sun 13 Dec 2020.

In reply to Terzo Zeni (msg # 45):


Trousseau looks out of the carriage window, his face twisted.I believe as she does, as I’ve seen the god’s works myself. I agree that we should stand united. I believe she can bring about a resolution to the eikon situation, but still I trust her not whereas you have my trust. He looks unsteadily at the hotel. Shall we go in?

Terzo nods, and both gentleman return to the suite in Hôtel de Goût Exquis. Pandrosus is waiting for them there, and Sage lies on her side on a fur rug near the sofa.

Pandrosus turns to both of them as they enter, and frowns. She locks eyes with Troisseau. "Inspector, the last thing you should know is that this creature your citizens have summoned into the eikons is something that myself and Terzo is familiar with. This is not the first time it has attempted to infiltrate our realm and claim godhood..."
Terzo looks to Troisseau with concern, then back to Pandrosus. "It can't be the same entity. That was over 20 years ago! We dealt with it!"

Pandrosus smiles at Terzo. "It's cute you think that 20 years is a long time for this entity. It's not." She looks to Troisseau. "What you don't know is that this entity feeds off of energy. The type of energy you generate when you travel to different times or dimensions. The kind of energy I generate, too. They are parasites of dimensional gates. And that means I'm a tasty steak to it, as are you..."

She opens a small chest on the table. "Come, look. This is important if you want to live through this whole ordeal..."

Terzo and Troisseau look to one another, nodding, and then approach the box to look into it. As they do so, they see the box is empty. Confused, they both attempt to ask Pandrosus about it simultaniously before she claps them on the back.

There is a loud, thundering sound of grinding metal as if a giant key is being turned in a lock. All goes blurry, black, and then color slowly floods back in and they find themselves in the familiar office of Professor Benjamin Dover beside the cauldron of roaring sand.

"Fuck!" shouts Terzo. "She's trapped us in Dover's pocket!"

In reply to Terzo Zeni (msg # 47):

Trousseau instantly stares into the cauldron. He doesn’t even seem to react to suddenly finding himself in his new location. He seems resigned.

We did a great job showing unity, we really showed her. I get the sense that she’s not acting out of malice. Were she acting against our interests, she could impose our will right in front of our faces and I believe we’d be powerless to do anything to stop her. I think she is protecting us? If she were against us, I believe she’d rather enjoy seeing us watching her enact her will.

He leans his arms on the cauldron. She is not entirely correct in what she said about Arman. I ought to know. She likens myself and her but I feel I am more like Arman than I am like her. Traveling takes a great toll. Every time I return from these spaces, when I am in transit to the spaces or back to our own space, I can see my cells shedding. I see jagged chunks of my essence removed. It’s an endless set of grids. Some grids are composed of white light, others are dark like iron. The place I am most familiar with, has come to be a serene place but it wasn’t so the first time I traveled there. There are other spaces I’ve been to that are not so hospitable. Some are frightening but... more or less harmless. Others are simply terrifying.

His eyes freeze in a pained expression and he stares deeply into the swirling sand in the cauldron. He sits on the floor and pulls from his messenger bag a few sheets of paper and a pen. He scrawls shapes and lines as he speaks.

I must admit there have been times I’ve envied Professor Dover. Not when he was in the hellish prison from where we aided his escape, but safe in the desert. Here we are way up here toiling and suffering. I have suffered and am simply exhausted. You’re in love with a hellish beast and that cannot be pleasant.

He begins to draw on a second page something that Terzo can’t quite make out. He scribbles silently for a minute or so. If Terzo says anything, Troisseau shows no sign of hearing. He leaves the paper on the floor, puts his pen back in his bag and stands up. He walk back to the place he was a moment ago and stares into the cauldron.

You saw the deeply disturbing affect this cauldron had on my psyche. It was it’s vastness that caused me discomfort. It never seems to end. Just when I feel I have reached the ending space, valleys and valleys of sand. It is not completely dissimilar to the grids of light and dark I mentioned when speaking of the otherworldly spaces I’ve inhabited during my life. I’m not quite sure if I can explain this, but the greatest source of dread for me is that something about this cauldron comforts me.

He promptly, and gracefully dives into the cauldron and is no longer in Dover’s musty office.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 23:35, Mon 21 Dec 2020.

Terzo looks down at the paper attempting to read it. After studying for a moment, he sighs. "Damn you, Pandrosus!" He closes his eyes and leaps into the cauldron after Troisseau.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:47, Tue 29 Dec 2020.

In reply to GM Slogworx (msg # 49):

Troisseau is sitting calmly on the sand when Terzo suddenly emerges out of the sky and plummets harmlessly to the ground. Terzo lays prone on the sand as Troisseau speaks;

I knew you would come but I was wondering when. I’ve been here for an hour at least, possibly three.. it’s hard to say. It’s perpetually dusk here. More dark than light, but still from somewhere although I don’t know from where there is light. It’s like a snow globe in here. I believe Pandrosus must be protecting us because I feel safe. I haven’t felt safe in such a long time.

From a few hundred yards in the distance, a small troupe of 8 little people can be seen walking towards Troisseau and Terzo.

"Hours? But it was less than a minute before I followed you into the vortex." Terzo looked around at the barren landscape, his eyes settling on the approaching figures. "There must be some kind of time cost for travelling through it. Interesting."

He stood beside Troisseau, calmly watching the curious little men approach. "I suppose we should follow them to their settlement? Dover's letters implied they were quite friendly. Do you suppose he has remained with them all this time?"

In reply to Terzo Zeni (msg # 51):

Time costs you say? I say, this kind of travel is more aligned to your expertise as it is magical and limited to the one single dimension. We have determined Dover’s desert is in our dimension, haven’t we? Why yes we have- for the most part.. as these same small people who approach us have been sighted antecedent to receiving a letter from the Monsieur Dover.

Having worked out their temporal anomaly, as much as Troisseau cared to consider. His eyes glance over the approaching tribe of small robed beings.

Follow them? They are hastening to us, an invitation would be preferable; but often in this craft I find no invitation and naturally I follow.

The tribes people are now directly in front of Terzo Zeni and Jacques Troisseau. They halt in an upside down V shaped formation. A sustained, choral harmonic buzzing can be heard. It is most comparable to Zeni and Troisseau to a hive of insects, with deeper and richer rhythmic patterns that swirl about as the frequency rises and falls. The effect is adrenal and stirring, in a manner that feels more celebratory than dangerous. Troisseau removes his cap and proffers his most urbane dispay of deference. He speaks, and his speech as it is perceived by Terzo is a nonsensical pattern of jargon. Repetitious consonant patterns with short vowel sounds and a clicking sound not known to any language Terzo is familiar with. Terzo is certain that Troisseau is simply babbling; as he would have no way of speaking fluently this unknown language from a land no one from their civilization has been known to visit.

The small tribal figure at the apex of the formation responds in kind. He produces the same set of sounds and patterns Troisseau had mussed from his lips a moment before. Terzo seems concerned and confused. He desires to make sense of what he is perceiving, but he does seem mindful that the exchange of communication, however baffling; is seemingly a productive discourse that he’s very eager for translation from his unexplainably fluent partner.

Inspector? What is this language you speak and how is it that you are able to speak this way? What did you ask them and what did they say in response? You did just communicate with them and their response you are able to understand?

Troisseau looks at Terzo as though he is the person currently under great mental strain. Herr Zeni what do you mean? I spoke in the same shared language that we speak at this very moment. They understood and responded in our language. A slight dialectical variation I suppose but concise and understandable. How is it that you did not understand anything about this exchange? I asked them if they knew Professor Dover. Some clarification and explanation was needed as they did not appear to be familiar with the name we know the man to have. I provided them with a description, and learned that they refer to him as “Under Mound”. I do not know why. I did not ask and they did not offer. They had assumed based on our similar displacement that we would be connected to the man they call under mound. They said that he is in their village, sleeping. They invited us to follow them and stated that we stay very near to them as their village will not appear visible to us. I accepted and I say we move on right now

Troisseau looks to the small person who appears to have a leadership position. Tikini atou tou tini. Tinikini Patapouwamahoni. Pipini timi Purim pi. The formation turns in an about haste and the collective buzzing harmonics resume. The harmonic elements produced from within the strange indigenous people is rich and both Zeni and Troisseau are attuned with fascination and appreciation. Terzo returns to his unsolved matter of reconciliation between what he heard and what Troisseau said transpired. Troisseau, ever quick to enter into a discussion heads him off with his own topic of interest.

Pandrosus Penelope sent us away to a place that she found as safe from the eikons. It does not connect to me logically that the space she put us in is Benjamin Dover’s freakish and unsettling home office. The only way she’d even know of Dover is if you spoke of him in your communication of the eikon situation of Alcyone. Dover has nothing to do with that mess. He’s a floating gyration of randomization and yet he has a pattern of never being completely removed from our own paths elsewhere. You must tell me what I do not know or fail to see! Why is this so called professor a recurring entity in things that involve him not whatsoever? I had resolved personally to somewhat write the man off altogether feeling that he is safe here, and makes little effort in communication. Were he to return to Tarn or Alcyone I would receive him at once, these people have traversed the lands to ours but Benjamin Dover aka Under Mound stays in the endless sands of unknown name. What reason are we even en route to him other than we are close by and have little else to do? It is though you are aware of some sort of relevance, some role that Dover has in our current affair. I don’t know what that could possibly be and neither do I trust him outright or his mental capacity or his character. Speak dear friend! Share what I have not seen or do not know so that you and I can steel our resolve and move onward with the unity we pledged outside of the Hotel  De Gout Equis

Troisseau looks intensely at his friend and wayward traveling partner. His fatigue and fear from his native Alcyone appears to have been left inside of the state borders. His eyes are alive, his expression eager in anticipation. He is the Chief Inspector, and his curiosity for the new mysteries they have found themselves in have returned the man to his vigor and quickness that Terzo had known the inspector to possess.

Terzo shook his head. "The professor stopped responding to my correspondences well before our issue with the eikons. You know of everything between myself and Dover. I suspect Pandrosus has read Dover and your own correspondences to me. They were in the room we shared. I had no reason to think they would interest her. She must have found Dover's trap interesting, and investigated it, then found it a suitable place in which to banish us once she had what she needed to destroy the eikons."

He sighs. "If the entity embodying the eikons is the same thing we encountered in Tarn many years ago, that is troublesome and incredibly dangerous for both you and her--at least if we are to believe the parasite feeds on inter-dimensional travellers."

He clutches his own fist, his knuckles going pink. "Damn her eyes! She could have at least given us the option to leave or remain and take precautions! I fear she may under-estimate the thing taking it on alone. It has had a decade to learn from its past mistakes."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:46, Tue 29 Dec 2020.

In reply to Pandrosus Penelope (msg # 53):

It is very interesting indeed, the cauldron.  I must say Terzo, I like this place. It is not what it seems though. I do not believe this dessert ever ends. In no direction would we reach our lands, ever. There’s no sun, though somehow there is a source of light here. No stars and that’s not our sky Terzo. Yes! I understand now! Terzo, I do see why Pandrosus put us where she did. She knew that I would recognize where we are being held. But I do not know when we are to return or how we would know that it is safe to come back. She did see the cauldron she knew that I would eventually understand but that is as far as her plan went. Troisseau closes his eyes and moves his arms inward to his chest, seemingly perceiving something inside of him. He looks worried.

Tell me about the entity. It is ancient I gather. It thinks I am delicious and Penelope would be a tasty treat as well. She is in danger Terzo.
She is holding her own but I cannot perceive what she is doing. She’s probably being very rash. She is also overconfident. Arrogant. She is not as powerful as she believes she is. Nor is she as clever.   He turns to emphasize something, an aside to Terzo.

Pandrosus truly did something heroic for us, but she’s a nitwit! Suddenly she cares about a life. She rolled her eyes and mocked me for the brutal and IDIOTIC brutality to someone I’ve known for 20 years! She really angers me Terzo! Arman’s half brother had the most relevant information to share, and he’s ruthless and vile. She could have asked me and I would have told her she could have her way with Shiloh. No she doesn’t need to ask questions of course not! Again, over confidence and rashness. She underestimates everyone, Zeni because she is arrogant and she thinks everyone else is stupid or silly. Certainly she underestimates the beast. She needed your assistance twenty years ago - Troisseau’s jaw drops and his skin fades in color. Some of what I just said about Madame Penelope is untrue. She is endlessly frustrating Terzo! However; she did not underestimate the beast! He looks into the space in front of him and his eyes dart to and fro he points from one point to the next and raises his arms into the sky in celebration She did not underestimate us, either. She knows she cannot defeat the beast on her own. She is the strongest and most  able bodied and she sent us here to safety and she is knocking away and defending. She will eventually be unable to continue her sequence with the beast. It is interesting- they look like the eikons as they ravage and defend! Yes! I can see her hole plan clearly.. she really needs to keep people in the loop though but Terzo! Your girlfriend’s plan is very intricate and we must be ready to act. Pandrosus knew that the cauldron would lead us into the unknown desert! She knew as a traveler I would eventually discern that this desert is within what is called an inter-templar plane. No time to break this down further. Pandrosus gambled that I would then deduce her plan which I thankfully have! .

He raises his hands in the air and celebrates his victory

Herr Zeni. In a moment my most crucial part to play in the Grande Bitch’s master plan will be completed. You are the next piece and once the baton is handed to you, Pandrosus expects you to enter the battle! She’s damaged the beast and you enter fresh unscathed and unexpected. This is the plan, it should work but we must arrive in time, and lastly you and Pandrosus must conclude this sequence! He pats Terzo on the shoulders, encouraging him for his task. Already he moves fluidly and urgently, but with confidence. Troisseau has completed his role, but still he must do one more thing.

He jogs to the little tribal people and to Terzo this is said Tim temp tiiiiiiiiiiiiim. Pettytihib. Pim. Tem. Tiiiiiiiiiiim. Troisseau beckons Zeni Terzo these little people are the coolest most eager to please welcome to our home. Timprunkh is the captain type and he’s hilarious.. I really think that you would dig these guys too if you just got to know them. You never said a word to them though. I told them that your girlfriend is a really complicated women and that you got a lot on your mind. They’re cool those guys are great but really? You didn’t even introduce yourself we are going to have to come back here. We are not even going to get a chance to see Dov- Under Mound. But the plan is we circle back after we crush this eikon business. Basically these guys want us to be guests of honor for their four day throw down dune feast!

A little person taps Troisseau on his elbow and says Tin him toodurimrim Turin trueum trim triiim tryrrree Troisseau heaves a sigh and says Okay! Our desert allies have readied their vessel and are going to bring us back to the Hotel! <Aqua>I have no idea what this vessel is but we’re going to find out He does a little more of the should grabs shaking and patting Terzo in advance of his battle It’s Terzo Zeni time! You’ve vanquished this scourge before, show them that the second time around is always so much greater than the first time! You ready! You’re ready! If this doesn’t work we’re all going to die but no pressure friend you’re going to be amazing!
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:45, Tue 29 Dec 2020.

It is very interesting indeed, the cauldron.  I must say Terzo, I like this place. It is not what it seems though. I do not believe this dessert ever ends. In no direction would we reach our lands, ever. There’s no sun, though somehow there is a source of light here. No stars and that’s not our sky Terzo. Yes! I understand now! Terzo, I do see why Pandrosus put us where she did. She knew that I would recognize where we are being held. But I do not know when we are to return or how we would know that it is safe to come back. She did see the cauldron she knew that I would eventually understand but that is as far as her plan went. Troisseau closes his eyes and moves his arms inward to his chest, seemingly perceiving something inside of him. He looks worried.

Tell me about the entity. It is ancient I gather. It thinks I am delicious and Penelope would be a tasty treat as well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:41, Tue 29 Dec 2020.

Terzo shrugs. "In all honesty, I've no idea how old it is or how many years it lives. I'd tell you that I think it's existence is nonsense, if I hadn't seen one with my own eyes. But as it was once explained to me by Pandrosus, there are many of them. They are sentient parasites that feed off the energy of gates between dimensions. Supposedly they try to keep a low profile, and dwell in these gates undetected as long as possible. They sort of a 'foot in the door.' They keep the gates open, and Pandrosus' patron apparently does not notice it unless they get greedy. If she does, she pinches them off like ticks and discards them. This particular one, however, the one I saw..." He frowns, wiping the sweat from his brow. "It's different. It's ambitious, and Pandrosus claims it devoured her predecessor in Tarn approximately 80 years ago."

"Then she is in danger, Terzo. I have no doubt she can hold her own, but she is rash. Overconfident. Arrogant. Perhaps she is not as clever or powerful as she believes? What will happen to Alycone, then?"

Terzo was silent. Thoughtful.

"I believe now that Pandrosus truly did something heroic for us. But she is a nitwit! I don't understand it. Suddenly she cares about a life? She rolled her eyes and mocked me for the brutal and IDIOTIC brutality to someone I’ve known for 20 years! She really angers me Terzo! Arman’s half brother had the most relevant information to share, and he’s ruthless and vile. She could have asked me and I would have told her she could have her way with Shiloh. No she doesn’t need to ask questions, of course not! Again, over-confidence and rashness!" His face became red, and his speech more passionate. His words switched between the common language and the native language of Alcyone when he cursed. "She underestimates everyone, Zeni! She thinks of everyone else as ignorant and dismisses their ideas or their convictions! I'm certain she underestimates the beast. She needed your assistance twenty years ago, did she not?"

Troisseau’s jaw drops and his skin fades in color. "Some of what I have said about Madame Penelope is untrue. She is endlessly frustrating Terzo!"

Terzo looks to Troisseau with wide eyes, nodding. "Imagine knowing her your entire life, and you will begin to understand why I made such an effort to warn you!"

The small hooded beings had reached them by that point and there was a discordant cacophony of chattering clicks and buzzing as if it were an excited swarm of locusts and cicada.

Terzo looked to them, and then back to Troisseau. With a sweat-drenched brow and wild eyes, his signature composure faded and he burst into a deep-chested laughter, collapsing onto his knees like a madman, gasping for breath between the bouts of laughter.

Troisseau looked down at him, his mouth agape at his companions sudden outburst. The insect-like beings seem to fall into a silent confusion.

Terzo flopped over onto his back and gazed up at the empty desert sky--no sun, no stars! "It is all absurd!" He shouted up at nobody in particular.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:05, Tue 29 Dec 2020.