TDM 06

[goldmods]

【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.

On behalf of the house and resort, we would like to advise all Game 52 players to exercise caution around the Golden Peacock for the next few weeks. The veil between 'what is' and 'what has been' grows thin and the threads of fate have tangled in unexpected ways. We are currently observing how these two phenomena behave when they occur simultaneously and act in concert.

We advise that all guests monitor their physical states until the veil thickens once again and the threads of fate return to running parallel. If you find yourself undergoing any strange transformations, please report to the Broken Wing clinic for observation. We will do our utmost to make sure you are comfortable during this time.

You may also notice other strange phenomena around the Golden Peacock while the veil is thin. Please continue to exercise caution. New wayward spirits have joined us during this time. While spirits are crossing, it is possible for guests to get swept along into the ghostly realm.

As always, please let us know if there is anything we can do to improve your stay. 】

HEADS

BASEMENT SUITES

SQUEEZING IN

► Thanks to a classic move called “overbooking,” new arrivals are being checked in to the rooms that have the most overall vacancies — the basement suites. Despite their small size and narrow twin beds, characters are stuffed up to three in a room. Don’t worry, that’s why the staff have thoughtfully removed the doors of every new arrival's room. It's easier to stuff inside that way, isn't it? More space for everyone!

► Characters still wake up naked save for a robe, as is standard for the Golden Peacock. This round’s robes are warm autumnal plaids made of thick flannel to help keep warm through the supernatural chill. Some of these robes are more elaborate than others, with seasonal patterns like apples or pumpkins.

► Existing characters currently living in a basement suite may find one or two new arrivals taking up residence in their room. The staff appreciate your understanding and willingness to share during this influx of new guests and spike of supernatural activity! There's safety in numbers. It's to everyone's benefit, really.

ICY HALLWAYS

► The normally dirty and forgotten hallways of the basement suites are in even worse shape than usual. Yellow stains ripple down the walls, the floor is coated in dust, and there are suspicious globs of something in the corners. Their standard chilly temperature has taken a sharp plunge to freezing. Guests without any resistance to cold will find it challenging to walk around the hallways without bundling up. For those that don't have the proper clothing, the staff suggest sharing some body heat and fucking to make do. They probably shouldn't have removed all those room doors, huh...

► Don't even talk about going out and about without shoes! Stepping in one of those gloopy puddles may unexpectedly trigger a fever or other similar illness. As time passes and the supernatural grows stronger, these goopy masses will crawl the walls and drip from the ceiling. As they grow stronger, so will the physical reaction to touching them. Guests may experience any of the CLUBS effects when the sludge is especially potent.

► When walking in any of the basement suite hallways, characters may hear the ghostly whispers from the maintenance levels. They are stronger than usual and can be heard on even the rank 3 and rank 4 floors. What's more, these whispers, if directed at a particular guest, can be heard by everyone in the vicinity. Whispers may provoke, accuse, and guilt characters by targeting their insecurities or regrets. These whispers will slowly turn to screams the closer the date creeps toward October 31st.

COMMUNAL BATHROOM GHOULS

► The ghouls in particular start becoming audacious as supernatural influence strengthens. A pesky group of water ghouls have marked the basement communal bathroom as their territory. Characters who seem particularly vulnerable or aren't paying attention to their surroundings may find themselves cornered by water ghouls in the showers. The ghouls are relentless, pushing and shoving and pulling hair for shits and giggles. Those on the lower end of the rank scale will suffer the worst harassment, and they may even go out of their way to harass wildcards and 2s.

► Some especially raunchy water ghouls have taken to haunting the toilets, showers, and baths. The toilet ghouls have especially long tongues, which they stick out to get a lick of some unsuspecting ass. The bath ghouls, the most attractive of the lot, pretend to be guests and try to lure new arrivals and low ranks into a clandestine affair. The shower ghouls hide and outstretch their arms to shamelessly grab and squeeze whatever their grubby claws can touch.

► Despite the bravado, these water ghouls are not very strong and can be easily dealt with. They will run if someone overpowers them. They will flinch and hide if someone screams too loudly. And, most importantly, they're absolutely terrified of dry towels. They're supposed to be wet, damn it! Don't threaten them with being dry. Aiming a hair dryer at them is enough to get them curled on the ground in agony.

TAILS

BROKEN WING CLINIC

THE MORGUE

► Did we mention that we had some overbooking? Some unfortunate new arrivals won't be waking up in the basement suites with their peers. These guests, with a stroke of bad luck, will find themselves waking up in the morgue of the Broken Wing clinic. The morgue has never seen a real dead body before — so when waking up on morgue tray sliders, they thankfully won't be assaulted by any rancid smells.

► New arrivals waking up in the morgue will be covered with a white sheet. They will also be dressed in a standard white hospital gown, each of their big toes tagged with a cause of death. These causes of death, however, all seem to be a bit unusual. They range from 【 DIED AFTER SIX CONSECUTIVE ORGASMS, ABSOLUTE KING 】 to 【 DIED OF LITERAL EMBARRASSMENT, WHAT A DORK 】... it's not like the doctor expected you to see them!

► Some especially unlucky guests will find that the door to their tray slider is locked. The keys to all of the tray sliders, as well as several mortuary tools, are available around the room for those that are kind enough to lend these poor souls a helping hand! It's just a matter of finding them. The desk and tool areas of the morgue are shockingly messy, as if the doctors and nurses left in a rush. Wonder why that is?

ABANDONED CLINIC

► Exploration of the clinic will yield some interesting results. Despite reception advising that those affected by the veil thinning should report to the clinic for observation, Broken Wing is completely void of any medical staff. The hallways are in ruin. Cabinets with medical files are empty. The beds have no patients. Even the air is musty. Broken Wing appears to have been abandoned for a long time.

► A small stroke of good luck — even if the doctors are gone, medical and general supplies can still be found scattered throughout the clinic. Guests can utilize staff clothing if they don't want to run around in those open-back hospital gowns. Over the counter medicines and bandages are available. Guests that may have had their eye on the harder prescription stuff can take this opportunity to scrounge through the clinic's pharmacy, now that there is no pharmacist to guard the goods.

► As exciting as a clinic free for all is, guests should be careful...

WALKING UNDEAD

Loud noises echo from the clinic's basement. Thud, thud, thud — heavy footsteps resound through the otherwise eerie silence. Muffled voices come in strange breaks, as if the speakers are having difficulty moving their mouths. Slowly, from around the corners and up the stairs, a group of long-standing guests drag their bodies awkwardly toward the sounds and warmth of any "living" guests in the clinic. Blue lips gape. Their skin is waxy and strange. They stare with red and yellow eyes. Then, slowly, they begin to drag their bodies forward...

► Zombified long-standing guests have been lurking in the clinic. These zombies are hungry for flesh in all meanings of the word. Some want one, some want the other, and some want both. Though they move slowly and have little control over their dead appendages, they are relentless, and will chase any non-zombie guests through the clinic.

► However, these zombies will not leave Broken Wing. Leaving the clinic is akin to a safe getaway. Those that want to fight will find that these zombies are fairly traditional: destroying their heads will kill them.

► A bite or scratch from a zombie is a potent aphrodisiac. The guest that is bitten or scratched will similarly begin to hunger for flesh... mostly in the horny way, but if you want to play it in the hungry way, we support you. Guests will not transform into zombies from a bite or scratch. The aphrodisiac will continue to burn through their system until sexual satisfaction is achieved. Going without "the cure" with result in fever, hallucinations, chills, muscle pain, and other extremely uncomfortable symptoms.

MAIN LOBBY

THE VEIL THINS

A STRANGE MOON & ENDLESS NIGHT

► Darkness pervades the main lobby despite clocks claiming that morning hours have come. The grand chandeliers and fixtures are not working, so staff hurry to light lanterns around the central hub and connecting hallways. A strange full moon floats in the center of the lobby. This moon hovers silently, always staying close to the high ceiling, and never changes its phase even when passing days begin accumulating.

► Those that bask in the pale light of the moon for too long may begin to feel an itch of strangeness... this itch will go away once farther from the moon. Once a guest basks in the moonlight, they might feel the overwhelming urge to continue doing so. It's inexplicable how this gentle moonlight feels like it can help them become their true self.

► An endless night will continue to accompany the moon. This night covers the entire main lobby, front reception, the elevator bank, and several hallways that deposit into the lobby. While the endless night is in play, all affected areas will feel the cool breeze and unique weight of a genuine deep night. Unlike the weather and time simulations offered in the garden and vale, this night is poignantly real despite happening indoors.

THE ROOKERY SETTLES DOWN

The Rookery, the elusive wandering night market, settles down beneath the moon in the main lobby. Construction of wooden stalls takes no time at all, offering a proper shopping experience compared to their usual tents and makeshift sheets. The sellers of the Rookery are more lively than usual, their ghostly faces illuminated by the light of the moon. They aggressively boast about their wares and try to hook customers over to their booths.

► Worthwhile treasures to be found in the Rookery. Truly useful items worth haggling for.

WOODEN MASKS: Charmed wooden masks that allow the wearer to blend in seamlessly with the supernatural. Come in fox, wolf, and tanuki styles.

MAGIC TALISMANS: An assortment of talismans with elemental capabilities. A snap of fire, a dash of light, a flash of ice, and so on. Useful in a pinch.

WARDING INCENSE: A lovely scent of Jasmine that keeps the ghosts and annoying exes away. Calms even the ghosts in the basement and maintenance levels.

ZOMBIE PILLS: Another cure for the symptoms to the above Zombie bite, found under our TAILS prompt above. Will completely cure the bitten party. Unfortunately, these pills must be administered rectally.

GHOST BELL: Helps the living find a wayward ghost. Particularly useful for finding those that have been separated from their bodies when getting mixed in to the ghosts crossing.

HOLY WATER: Burns the flesh of demonic and monstrous entities. Also clears the skin of any blemishes.

► Cursed treasures to be found in the Rookery. Scam artists boldly lie about how these items are blessed despite knowing full well that they're not.

BLACK CANDLE: Burn this candle and make a wish, it will come true. In actuality, the wish will be fulfilled but in the worst way possible, a la the classic monkey's paw. It also smells bad, like cheeto feet.

BLESSED TUNIC: A tunic that will ward off any attacks from the living or the dead. In actuality, this tunic does keep people away ... but only because it makes the wearer smell pungently of body odor.

VIAL OF POWER: A draught guaranteed to improve your strength and make you more appealing, sexually. In actuality, all this liquid does is make the drinker gassy. Best guarantee is that you'll fart every three steps.

LUCKY PENNY: A significant increase in luck! Technically true... but in actuality, the luck is bad luck. Small things, like stubbing your toe or saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.

A REAL SOLID GOLD RING: An exquisite piece from the ancient ages, made of pure gold that holy virgin priestesses wore when bathing in celestial light. Fake ass ring made of tinfoil. Makes your finger green.

1000 YEAR OLD WINE: The most delicious wine to ever exist! Coveted by emperors and gods alike! Tastes okay, and the alcohol content is high, but changes the drinker's voice into an embarrassing high pitch that cracks often. Also, can potentially make your ass hair grow long. Like, really long.

► Plenty of junk, knickknacks, and used clothing can also be found for reasonable prices. The sellers in the Rookery prefer to trade but will take chips since they're in such a good mood thanks to the influx of yin energy.

BACK HALLWAYS & STAIRS

OUT OF SERVICE

A LONELY GHOST (EASY MODE)

► While the moon is full in the main lobby, the elevators are out of order. Staff will ask guests to kindly use the stairs and, due to the urgency of the situation, allow them to use the special back hallways usually exclusive to staff. Back hallways have the ability to traverse great distances in the stretch of an average hallway. The downside is that these back hallways and all the stairs around the main lobby are plunged into the darkness of the moon's endless night. While there are candles, their light doesn't travel very far.

Well. That isn't the only downside.

► Though there are numerous wayward spirits passing through, one stubborn ghost sticks around to haunt the hallways and stairs. The lonely ghost takes on the appearance of a charming young man or woman before approaching guests to ask, "Am I pretty? Will you kiss me?" A negative response will result in continued persistence and sobbing while a positive result will result in frenzied joy.

► No matter the form the lonely ghost is taking, when it steps forward to try and initiate a kiss, its mouth will trisect open and unfurl several slimy tubes. Even with this hideous transformation its eyes will glitter with adoration and hope as it leans in for a passionate smooch... it can't help that it was born this way! It just wants love too!

► The ghost will chase would-be lovers through the hallways, a la Scooby Doo. However, escaping the lonely ghost isn't difficult, and it will change targets when it spots someone else to pursue.

A LONELY MONSTER (INTENSE MODE)

...drip... drip... drip...
► In the deepest corridors and the darkest corners lurks another creature. It scuttles across the ceiling, dripping slime from its maw and curled tentacles, waiting for unsuspecting guests to pass by with delightful anticipation. This tentacled monster is more aggressive than the lonely ghost, looking to snatch up anyone it can find and steal them away to its sticky nest. This monster is greedy and willing to snatch up as many guests as it possibly can.

► This tentacle creature is extremely fast and aggressive. It will chase its prey through the hallways with incredible speed. Its flesh is difficult to pierce, though not impossible. Bloody it up enough and it'll scuttle away to tend to its wounds before heading back out again looking for prey.

► However, this monster isn't looking to eat its captured victims. No, no, no. Stop crying, beloved captured prey. It just so happens to be this monster's breeding season. The lonely monster will use its tentacles to pleasure its captured prey and, potentially, lay its eggs inside particularly suitable guests. Don't worry — if you like tentacles but not so much the eggs, this monster is particular about the mother(s) of its monster cubs. It won't take anyone. Only those that especially catch its eye.

► Not that there will be any monster cubs. Unfortunately, this tentacle monster really needs another tentacle monster to properly raise a family. Any guests imbued with eggs will be left to shit them out. Thankfully, they're on the small side.

THE ELEVATORS

Wait... weren't the elevators out of order?

► Throughout the next few weeks there will be clear signs and posts around the elevator bank that the elevators are not currently in service and that guests should use the back hallways and stairs. However, at random times, the elevators will appear to be fully functional. Their doors will slide open in front of guests, emitting an inviting glow out into the darkness. The door will remain open until someone steps inside.

► Any guests brave enough to ignore all of the classic horror movie signs that these elevators are possessed as hell will be locked inside once the door closes. A childish giggle rings inside before the elevator plunges into darkness and everything jerks wildly. Elevators will play the classic tower of terror prank of plunging for several floors before spitting guests out in a random location. If the ghost is feeling particularly cheeky, it may spit its prisoners out somewhere they would really hate to be.

MONSTER MASH

ITCH BENEATH THE SKIN

OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE

► Guests that spend too much time amongst the wandering spirits or who end up swept along with a group of them hurrying into a wall may find themselves knocked out of their bodies and forced into ghost form. Their bodies will collapse while their spirit is swept away into the resort.

► While in spirit form, guests can do everything a ghost can! They can walk through walls, possess or haunt their friends, and even infiltrate the dreams of other guests. Whatever ghostly tropes you would like to lean into, including the Patrick Swayze love experience, are at your disposal.

► The longer they're away from their body, however, the harder it will be to readjust to the flesh. There's also the small issue of staff picking up any "dead" bodies and shipping them over to the morgue. If they spend too long playing outside, wayward spirit guests may have to head over to the morgue to find their body (please see TDM prompt Arrival, Tails for details on why this sucks for them).

MOONFLUENCE

► The moon grows stronger after several days of gathering strength in the main lobby. Those that have basked in its light, even if it was only for a short while, may begin to feel that itch again... only this time it does not abate. The sensation becomes maddening, rippling beneath the flesh without restraint. Then — suddenly — it breaks free.

► Guests are transforming into monsters of all kinds under the influence of the moon. There is no limit on the type of monster that guests can transform into. Some guests may transform into vampires and weres while others may turn into dragonkin and tentacle monsters. The moon does not discriminate. Players are welcome to turn their characters into any kind of creature or monster they would like.

► Transformations do not need to be complete. Guests may have half or partial transformations. Transformations also vary in duration; a guest could potentially turn into several monsters over the course of the moon's rise in the main lobby. A guest could be a werewolf for an hour and shift into a vampire the next. Of course, a guest could also remain a werewolf for the entire duration of the moon's influence. This moon really loves some chaos.

► Any guests undergoing monster transformation may also utilize any of the DIAMONDS effects. In typical Golden Peacock fashion, transformations can also automatically come with intense arousal to get these guests into the freaky monster fuckin' spirit.

THE VALE

OVERGROWN WILDS

INFLUX

► In an effort to keep the monster situation under control, and to avoid mass destruction of the Golden Peacock, staff are attempting to corral any transformed guests into the vale. Of course, there's no way for them to get nearly half of the transformed guests in there, but some of the monsters seem to enjoy the more natural ambiance the vale provides.

► As more and more guests transform into monsters, the staff have little choice but to place advertisements for monster hunters. The job is easy enough: anyone who has not been transformed qualifies and the job description is to drag monsters into the vale for containment. Monster hunters will earn a medium payout for every transformed guest they toss into the vale. Monster hunters that fuck the monster before tossing them into the vale will receive an additional large payment.

► Transformed guests that turn back to their normal form will be allowed to leave the vale. Not that the staff can actually do much to stop them from leaving when they're monsterized, to begin with...

TERRAIN

► The vale has been shifted into night mode for the next few weeks to accommodate the newly turned monster guests. A full moon hangs overhead, though unlike the monster moon in the main lobby, this moon is digitized on the overhead panels for the sake of ambiance.

► A thick fog perpetually runs through the forest and weather simulations such as rain and snow rotate on a timer to provide a realistic experience. Every type of weather common during autumn/winter rotates through the vale.

► Caverns, caves, alcoves, and other earthy terrain stretches across the base of the vale. Tall trees with giant gnarled roots provide shelter. Bioluminescent mushrooms light the way in the darkness of simulated night. A long river runs through the vale. There are also several small ponds where these rivers lead to, as well as a couple of small waterfalls.

PACK MENTALITY

► Monsters of the same type may experience a resonance, or pack mentality, triggering any of the HEARTS effects between them. For example, canine-based monsters may feel unexpected fondness toward each other and be inclined to create a pack or share a den. Feline-based monsters may feel affectionate and groom one another. Aquatic-based creatures may feel that lightning shock of love at first sight. You get the idea!

► Resonance that triggers a Hearts effect can occur between monsters of different types but it's less common. Like calls to like, and monsters of the same or similar types will be naturally drawn toward one another.

SMOKED EGG

DEN OF THE BLOODTHIRSTY

THE COVEN

► Some of the civilized monsters refuse to be caught in the vale. Particularly, a coven a vampires has flooded into the Smoked Egg and transformed it into a den of debauchery. Gone are the gauzy curtains and pillows, replaced with stark red and black upholstery that lends itself to the vampiric aesthetic. The smoke, however, remains a haze over the lounge. This smoke is imbued with a relaxant to help loosen up any "prey" that wanders into their den.

► As far as prey goes — any creature that isn't a vampire applies. Prey will be doted upon and coaxed with the hopes of being fed upon. All those who come to the Smoked Egg will be encouraged to dip into hedonism with the coven and join in the sensual vampire orgy. Clothing in the lounge is optional, with many couples making love right in the open where other guests can watch.

► Guests that have turned into vampires, or were vampires to begin with, will be warmly welcomed by the coven. All vampires are capable of turning other guests into vampires through siring — this ritual involves exchanging blood between the master and sire, and will create an empathic bond between them. Vampires of the coven are happy to teach newly turned vampires how to do this trick if they don't already know. While guests can still shift from a vampire into another monster under the moon's influence, or return to a normal human, this empathic bond with their "creator" could potentially remain indefinitely.

VAMPIRIC LUXURIES

► The bar is stocked with numerous blood-based cocktails. Some blood has been collected in bottles, while other drinks are made from the blood of live and willing donors. The cocktails run the gambit of accompanying effects — players may select any SPADES effects for drinks at the vampiric bar.

► Though the core coven that have taken up residence in the Smoked Egg seem to be exhibitionists, there are numerous back rooms for those that prefer some privacy. Rather than traditional beds, however, guests will find luxurious coffins. There's nothing quite like fucking in a coffin, is there? Especially an upright one!

► We can't forget the vampire's pride and joy: the blood pool. This pool is filled with 100% bona fide blood, perfect for a round of fucking or just some relaxation. This pool is kept at a warm temperature because cold blood just isn't as good. Non-vampire guests will be encouraged to add some blood to the pool. It's the least you can do after being waited on hand and foot, after all.

BALANCE RETURNS

TIME TO TAKE THAT PTO

THE HOUSE TAKES A VACATION

► Between getting pummeled by guest shenanigans earlier in the month and then managing an invasive monster moon, the house is exhausted. Even near-omnipotent manifestations have a bottom line. Since the house isn't really going anywhere it's more accurate to call this a staycation, but either way, it's not taking any calls for a while.

► A general notice will flash on the electronic bulletin boards that due to overwork, the usual staff have also been granted paid time off by the house. Given how haggard the receptionists, bellhops, and cleaners all look after cleaning the Peacock from head to toe after overwhelming monster mischief, it's a much needed break. The Golden Peacock, after great efforts, is restored to semi-normal from most monster-caused damage. Some reminders remain, like those scuff marks that won't come out no matter how hard the cleaners scrub.

► During this time, the house will not be causing any mischief and harassing guests. It's a time of decompression for everyone. Right about now it's sitting back with a glass of whiskey and wondering why these recent guests have been such a handful compared to years past. It's almost like they don't want to lose themselves in hedonism and debauchery!

THE B-TEAM

► Of course, the house won't leave the Golden Peacock totally unmanned. The guests still need tending to! During this rest period, temps and back of house staff that don't typically work front of house are filling customer service roles. You know what that means: minor inconveniences abound.

► The B-team is nowhere near as good as the usual staff. Simple mistakes are more common during this time. Deliveries are sent to the wrong suites, the wrong dining service arrives, the towels aren't washed, and the front desk knows literally nothing outside of the basic function of checking guests in. It's not even worth asking when the house will be back, let alone asking for some other manager. But after the chaos of the past month, maybe these small annoyances aren't all that bad?

► The house will be back! ... Later. For now, the Golden Peacock is quiet, even the most party-hard guests fatigued from the past year of fun. What's to come? You'll just have to wait and see.

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: aphrodisiac; biting; blood; body horror; coercion; death (referenced); dubcon; fear; furries; ghosts; horror themes; monsters; noncon; orgy; oviposition; scratching; tentacles; transformation; vampires; wounds; undead; xeno; zombies

▶ All characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. Suits will not manifest until characters are accepted into the game.

▶ All TDMs are game canon. This TDM acts as the game's October event. Changes to the above locations will ICly be present from October 15th - November 3rd. All supernatural phenomenon will increase in strength over time, culminating in peak activity on All Hallows' Eve. The days following Halloween will relax, leading into eventual normalcy. Some locations are spared the supernatural frenzy, so players can play as normal if they wish to avoid these tropes/prompts. Players may assume that the supernatural come and go in the above specifically incorporated locations.

▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. Any current characters posting to the TDM should note they are current in their subject header.

▶ The top level directory is for new characters only. We want to make sure new characters are prioritized and receive attention! If you would be interested in a game invitation, you can note that in your comment header.

▶ If you aren't satisfied with these prompts, please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort!

▶ Smut threads that take place on this TDM can be used for rewards. If both parties in the smut thread join the game, you may retroactively apply the character's initial card values to your 52 bank. If one character does not join the game the thread will not be applicable toward rewards (as that character would not have a card value). The character that does join would still receive a small payout for the encounter. Hopefully it was a fun thread regardless!

▶ We ask you to kindly add content warnings to your threads as appropriate. This TDM in particular has the potential to get real wild, so we want to emphasize this request!

▶ If you do not currently have permissions and kinks listed in your character’s journal we suggest leaving a note in your top level of any limits or boundaries for other players to reference.

▶ Go forth and let your freak flag fly!

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

texas ― arknights ― 9 of spades

[swordpour]

a. out of service, elevator from hell.
( gen, open to nsfw. )

(what in the hell is going on tonight? texas normally isn't used to these things, not even on a typical sauin eve does it have an atmospheric shift. not one like this. there's something very wrong again, the lupine woman can tell that much while skimming over these darken hallways and traversing with enough care. there's not enough that could tell texas otherwise about something being that way. as of now she's gone through her share of these disastrous and unusual events. even the one time that it was caused by someone else.

she's already of the thought that she ought to just huddle up in her suite and pray this blows over. it doesn't seem like it will. there's ghosts about and her already sharp senses were flaring in a more painful sense at the chills run down her spine. texas wouldn't allow it to be seen, but she is feeling it. just because she's not a perro didn't mean she won't have the similar effects to them about these things with picking up on supernatural elements much more than normal people.

which leaves her as currently making a fast walk toward the elevators which were mysteriously working again. confusing. a part of texas is telling her to not even dare take this opportunity yet on the other hand, if she didn't that left her open to more from everything going on. and likely not just ghosts while she swallows down her urge to find the stairs and head toward the elevator door. she only pauses after reaching to press the call button to look behind her at someone else that seems to be coming up after her.

looks like she's not going to be alone, then.)

If you're trying to escape this hell going on, just stick with me since I'm gonna try and get back to my suite.

b. embrace the beast, influx.
1a. a casual jaunt through the vale.
( gen option, but am fine with nsfw. )

(as per the request of the staff, texas had decided that it was best she didn't just sit by in the end. she had to do something. there's a few things that was already jarring and it's learning that people could transform into monsters by this point. texas has only heard of one experience in her home where something like that happened and even then, the kid who did that was messed up beyond recognition in a sense. a giant feathered beast was what he became and....best not to think about that.

she didn't need that to go down for her next. whatever is going on won't just be resolved in an hour or two from what texas overheard earlier. which means, she might have to get ready if they can't quite bring any beasts back without fights happening. she'll apologize later were she to have to kill anyone regardless of it not being the first time texas did such things. clearing out monsters in the glided cage previously had been draining, this might be just as bad.)

Got any idea where to find our first target or should I try to sniff out anything?

(lupo do have the senses of a wolf and that didn't make it any less likely of there being a chance she could become one. they're only lucky that texas hadn't yet, otherwise this would not be a conversation that she's having at the moment.)

2b, howl at the moon.
( nsfw possible, but open to gen. am open to skipping any fights for the big pay out option. )

(it was supposed to be nothing went wrong through each pass of the lobby and vale. to make sure the beasts were rounded up and that nothing escapes. though texas had no intention of sleeping with them, it seems that the moon had ideas for her and her body is not having a good time. it hurts like hell. so far the changes were subtle as the urge to sink her teeth into something existed; bite down and and feast on what would be unknowing victims.

it's only after that, the change set in fully. a werewolf; the moon found it's kindred and took texas no matter how she resisted. fast, on the prowl, and eyeing those that get near her "territory" even without much of a pack. there is a strong hunger in her but the issue is that due to the nature of the resort....things aren't exactly looking up in that regard whenever it comes to this predator on the hunt. running, moving, trying to get her mind back together and failing. her body shouldn't be this way and it's only grown harder to think with the unbearable urges there.

by now she's doing another pass around what the other monsters recognize as territory that belongs to texas who had viciously fought them away. unfortunately, it seems that she's found you and isn't in any mood to try talking.

better hope you can run faster than her.)

c. a thin veil, into the rookery.

(this isn't the first time texas had been to a night market. lungmen had one from her recollection and so did certain other areas she would find herself in; it's only been two months yet she finds that feeling of being lonely is back. a sense of it that dwells in her at thoughts about her closest friends who were likely beside themselves trying to find out what happened to texas.

texas didn't disappear like that. she never did without saying anything to them if she could help that. this homesick feeling might not ever go away, but she did shake herself out of her thoughts to pay more attention to the merchants who were aggressively trying to draw attention to their wares. her amber eyes skim over each of them before settling on the masks. she's seen those before in festivities, sometimes higashi ones had them out for others to take. a mixture of many masks before texas starts to think on if she'd want to buy anything.

if she even could, she's not sure yet. it's tempting and she's smart enough to know whenever she can get conned. there's been many of those even at festivities in lungmen's own markets during the night; not that anyone else would know what to look for depending once texas notices she has company coming up behind her. from how the footsteps sounds, anyway.)

I'm not interested in buying anything.

wildcard.

( or throw your own my way! i'm also open for plotting as always for anything closed over plurk at entropist or pms! there's a lot here, but f/f preferred for anything sexual that can happen. )

a.

[erbe]

[Tohsaka pinches the bridge of her nose as she approaches as if warding off a budding headache. A heavy sigh falls from her lips as her shoulders slump from their usual perfect posture.]

Is that an invitation?

[Not just to follow her out of the chaos, but to this woman's room. After allowing her hand to fall away from her face, Rin gives Texas a once-over. A brief appraisal, and a silent note to herself about those ears and tail. A part of Tohsaka has to wonder if those denote the woman as a "monster," or if she's more like Broca who just happens to have a bit of... extra.]

[swordpour]

Only if you're fine with a quiet evening since I don't do propositions after just meeting people.

(blunt, but texas wasn't joking. thankfully. she would have mentioned she is from the same place as broca had she known what rin was thinking. and knew him due to their main affiliation with rhodes island even if her name is a famous one in volsinii and around siracusa in general. lupo however are different than feline's. her tail and ears are stiff; unmoving and not even conveying a single thought or twitch. guarded, but that was the expectation of mafiosi born lupo to not show weaknesses.)

Call me Texas.

(that's dealt with now, but the second she reaches over to call the elevator is a rather big surprise. the doors open in an instant. see, texas normally is cautious yet this is ringing off all kinds of alarm bells and enough to make her worried about it. what is she getting into now? because this isn't quite one thing she's expected, but....they're already having to deal with ghosts and monsters.

and whatever the hell else is going tonight before texas reluctantly steps into the elevator.)

[erbe]

Oh, I'm not looking to get between your legs. I just was trying to imagine any other way your offer could be helpful. I suppose if you were willing to escort me to my room first that could work, but — what's your rank? If it's an 8 or higher I don't have a problem minding my own business in your room.

["Minding my own business" mileage may vary depending on circumstances. Now that Texas has properly greeted her, and she's away from the ruckus of the mainly effected areas of the resort, her attitude seems to brighten up.

Rin steps in without a second thought. Not because she doesn't think they should be suspicious of the elevator, but because she firmly believes that even if they took the stairs something would probably find a way to ruin their day.]

Anyway, you can call me Rin!

[Nearly eleven months dealing with people who either refer to themselves as their given name, or only have one name at all to give, has broken Rin of her typical cultural habit of presenting her surname. Just as well, she thinks, because she'd be attending Clock Tower in London at this point and time in her life if it weren't for this resort.]

[swordpour]

Rank 9. I got here during the last round before this one, I think it should be fine but I haven't really done much to my suite.

(it mainly looked the same as when texas got it, though now her bed is actually being slept in instead of her couch. texas only avoided that because of a rather unfortunate experience with her suit being an issue for the entire first month since her arrival. there was a lot going on with texas during that time period thanks to that whenever she looks over the numbers.

the doors close and texas could agree....the stairs would have been worse is her gut feeling on that matter. best to not push their luck further and knowing her, she's got some of the worst luck whenever it counts for texas once she presses the button for the ninth floor only for nothing to happen. no response? the lupine woman raises a questionable brow before pressing it again.

still nothing. there's a moment she thinks about it more, didn't they say the elevators weren't working? so why isn't it moving and why did the doors come open? or maybe it's not responding to her when an idea comes to mind.)

You wanna tr―.

(the second her mouth opens the lights start to flicker, then comes the sound of metal screeching. oh. oh god. right as texas reaches to try and force the elevator doors open the button wasn't responding there either. shit, so much for getting out of harms way from the ruckus when texas finds herself near falling over from the sudden movements.)

[erbe]

Oh, you've got to be kidding m—!

[She cannot finish. Fury and frustration are immediately replaced with something much worse. Weightlessness. The type that makes your stomach flip on a roller coaster. The type that makes your heart leap up in your throat when missing a stair step or finding no ground where you thought a solid foothold would be.

The screeching metal grows louder. The cables that belay and lift the elevator car whip and crack against each other with the sudden slack they've been given at such a high velocity fall. It makes Rin panic, and immediately she's grabbing onto Texas so that if something happens they're not separated.

But before they can get too used to the free-fall of the elevator... It turns on it's side?! In some manner of cosmic engineering or perhaps supernatural warping of space, they start falling sideways. At that point Rin is just clinging full-stop to the poor lupine woman who did not ask for any of this.]

[swordpour]

(oh god, oh god, texas just barely had time to grab the guard rail after being nearly knocked back into it to anchor herself. they're falling fast and she's feeling her heart hammering by this point while they're near flying upwards from the sheer speed of this elevator from hell. she should have taken the stairs, for the love of god, texas really should have just dealt with whatever was waiting there. instead of it being they're almost dying or going to die from this instead.

for a second she thinks there might be some form of mercy, really that was her hope. that clearly did not go the way texas wanted whenever the elevator flips on it's side and rams her back first into the rail that texas had held on to at first. pain shoots throughout her with her rather sharp teeth gnashed together. fuck, sonuva....! there's all sorts of mangled thoughts together and her cursing in what sounds like italian.

the words aren't clear but it was something along the lines of "if i die here, i'm going to kill whoever did this in their sleep!". normally texas wouldn't even be okay with physical contact from people she just met, but this is a desperate time and they're both about to be in for it now. she really did not ask for any of this but texas can't quite change that while making sure rin at most wasn't squeezing her too hard during this experience from hell.)

Hold on! I don't think we're getting out unscathed!

(texas didn't need to see the future to say that, she knows it with the jerks and the movements of this elevator. the rapid fall and the way it seems to be flipping about. where are they about to wind up at? she can't say but there's going to be a problem if it's somewhere full of monsters whenever neither of them are seemingly armed. which means it's up to texas to try and keep her head here, she's managing. even if there is a notable panic in her amber eyes.)

[erbe]

[An eerie giggle sounds over the young women getting rattled around the elevator like pills in a bottle. Certainly it should scare Rin further, but Texas' vulgar Italian reminds Rin there's at least one thing she can do.

Rin bites her thumb hard enough to draw blood, and she lets go of Texas to instead grip the elevator rail and steady herself to make a warding circle. Honestly? It doesn't go well. With them being tossed about it frankly looks like shit. But sometimes a shitty circle is just enough. After chanting a short German spell, a boundary erects around the elevator and brings their wacky carnival ride to an immediate halt.

This results in Rin landing on her ass and knocking her head against the button panel, but hey! They have some room to breathe now! It's not perfect, since the shitty circle means the ghost that is toying with them can still make the hell-evator tremble and creak, but it's something. Whether that something can hold for long, is... another story.]

[swordpour]

(is there a moment where texas thinks that they should have dealt with the stairs? yeah, once again. the shaking about is already starting to make her sick. not that she's someone with motion sickness, but the point still stands whenever the language catches her attention. familiar. likely because terra does share similarities with earth itself given german, russian, spanish, and other languages exist. texas herself speaks english and italian, after all, by what would be rin's standards.

she almost asks what the hell rin had to bite her thumb for, but, the circle reminds texas briefly of other things. magic? arts works differently than magic, but that's enough to tell her that rin should be fine if they wind up somewhere else they'd have to defend themselves at. texas just would need to do what she can to keep her safe given she's assuming close combat might not be her forte.

the moment the elevator stops, texas finds herself back first on the floor and groaning from being jerked around. that ghost might not pleased the hell-evator stopped temporarily. whatever, she'll make this work for a breather when texas again grabs the guard rail and makes herself sit up right. her back is going to be bruised to hell and back, but better that than almost dying or dying here.)

Cazzo. You okay? I'm gonna be feeling that in the morning and whatever else it's fixing to pull.

c.

[broca]

[ Broca isn't particularly interested in hunting down any of their fellow guests here at the resort. As long as no one is doing harm to the others, there's no reason not to leave them alone regardless of how monstery they may or may not look.

It doesn't mean he won't take a look at what new goods are offered, even if it's all with a dispassionate lack of interest as he does. Turns out when one isn't particularly interested in hunting monsters, all the monster hunting gear in the world doesn't hold a lot of allure to it. Maybe if there was some real weapons in this mix he might considered, but...

As he walks up behind Texas, looking over her head at the masks that she was just examining, he hums noncommittally, quiet for a few seconds before properly responding. ]

None of it seems that useful.

[swordpour]

(there's a surprise, but they both weren't that interested. not that texas didn't consider spending what chips she's been making through her usual "side hustle" on a thing or two. the masks seemed useless for them in particular. even she's had guests mixing her up for being one of the monsters and throwing accusations until texas grew annoyed enough to tell them off.

even the "useful" items looked boring and she was going nowhere near that candle after thinking to herself that sounded like a horrible idea in itself. wishes? yeah right, if that was so easy then they all wouldn't be here.)

Think the only thing I can say could be would be stuff we can take if we go further down, I did hear about the zombies.

(though that came from frightened and borderline hysteric newcomers that texas had to calm down while trying to figure out what the hell was going on. either way, she's not the one in the basement and it's sounding more like there's more problems going on than usual for anyone below ground.

with one more unimpressed glance toward the masks, she shakes her head.)

Honestly I doubt things here would do much for us aside from that.

[broca]

[ Ah, the struggles of being just a little bit furry. Broca had (will have) an incident in the Vale, but best not to go into all of that right now. Anything regarding being mistaken for a monster will just make the big guy grumpy and even less talkative than usual.

He's barely talkative now even when actively interested in communication too. His ears perking up, one twitching for a moment as he considers what she just said. ]

Zombies?

[ He's seen the ghouls in the bathroom. Hell, he'd sent one of those ghouls flying for being overly handsy with him, but the zombies are a new one. Then again, after the clinic drained his funds completely, he's typically avoided them as much as he possibly can, so he hasn't had any reason to come across the shambling undead. ]

[swordpour]

(unfortunately they're both heading toward a (probable) incident in their lives. maybe. though at the moment that's not here whenever texas notices broca's ears perking up. of them he wasn't the one that received the training she did while a member of her own familiga. then again she wasn't sure if feline's did receive that treatment back then knowing lupo were trained out of such things for multiple reasons she didn't want to think about.

not right now, anyway.)

Dunno how true it is, but the ones that came from the clinic were saying that they were in the morgue and the whole place was full of them.

(not quite good news, is something texas thinks. though getting that much from the frantic wildcards was not easy and it took her having to knock some sense into them figuratively to get anywhere. the rest of these details is something texas can't say she might know, but with how the resort's been acting....she somehow doesn't doubt the stories.)

I haven't gone down personally to check because I'm not sure if it'd be a good idea since I don't have a weapon.

[broca]

[ Being a grunt verses a named and important member of one of the famiglia could make a world of difference, but the sort of expressions and reactions that Broca allows himself to have now weren't allowed back when he was still part of that world. There's a reason the man walks around with a permanent scowl affixed to his face, and it isn't because he's actually angry all the time. Being around the incredibly expressive Chiave for some years had helped him break out of some of the stony faced, no muscle twitches lack of emotional displays, though he still has some ways to go.

Weirdly enough, given the fact that he was Feline, the agitated twitching tail was only ever encouraged since his whole purpose was to stand there looking menacing more than half the time.

It means things like frowns come easier to him than smiles, though the one on his face is more thoughtful than intimidating right now. ]

You can get baseball bats pretty easily here.

[ Though he's not sure how effective those are or aren't against zombies. ]

[swordpour]

(there's some thought put into it, though texas hasn't quite broken out of certain habits (her ears and tail not moving, anyway)....she can tell the difference. then again between them both, they've been around the more expressive people in their lives. he has chiave and texas unfortunately has exusiai's antics to deal with for hers normally. though they both might get there, eventually. there did seem to be plenty of lively people to go around for that whenever that did help with the idea that they can arm themselves with bats.

that is if they both need to go down there. there's their arts, but that also presents another problem. neither of them are exactly built for delicate tasks with those. that might be part of why she later would have corralled anything monstrous to the vale without using them. they didn't need to deal with her getting jailed next.)

Might be able to hit them in the head at least with that. At least if we did have to go clear out zombies.

(the issue is problem two, their arts. if used too much they'd both get in trouble is been her assumption about the broken wing's zombie problem and it isn't like they can't be expected to not use it were things to point toward them getting crowded by the undead. then again that might not be as worth the effort to go down personally to rescue any poor wildcard's unless necessary.

or that's just what texas thinks in her usual way, even if it she knows it won't stop her if they had to.)

Maybe we can arm some people with bats later if it gets to be too much of a problem, that or hope we don't ruin anything important since it might fall on us.

(unfortunately.)

[broca]

[ A blast of electricity certainly wouldn't be the kindest way to subdued an effected guest, though in a pinch it would be a way of stopping someone lashing out violently. Not that bashing them in the face with a bat would be any better at the end of the day.

The other problem was that he'd also promised Aak that he wouldn't use his Arts if he could avoid them though, given he didn't have his drill to channel them through here there was a potential danger to himself as an individual with Oripathy.

He'd probably be better off continuing to avoid the clinic altogether, even though the idea of getting into a scrap has a strange appeal to it. It should probably be helping the new arrivals, but if he's being honest with himself (and he always is with himself and others, even when people might wish he'd be less honest), he mostly wants to vent some frustration through violence.

Either way, he's getting one thing from what Texas is saying right now. ]

So we should go get them?

[ The bats, that is. ]

[swordpour]

(if texas knew about that promise she'd take the brunt of the arts use, truthfully, since she's the one uninfected. then again between an electrical blast or swords....yeah, both sound terrible for anyone that's on the receiving end. she did have to admit that the idea of smashing in zombie heads sounds appealing, but that's always been texas. there's only so much she can take before it starts to reflect on her moods and day by day.

the thoughts got it's appeal, texas could even try telling herself it's to go down and help yet it's obvious. they're both at a point that the idea of violence is sounding good if it meant that they got to vent their frustrations about this damn place.)

....yeah, think the bats are sounding like a good idea.

(she didn't need a sword to fight really, for this. there is a thought that maybe next time they both should just go by the talon's boxing ring if that's safe; it isn't like texas minds if broca needs to box someone or something. 9/10 times she's more likely to wind up having similar ideas knowing how she actually is. still, the merchants around seem to have got the idea that they aren't buying anything from how they're paying attention more toward others coming up looking for protective measures.

would be hunters and all kinds of people trying to keep themselves busy whenever texas puts her attention on the feline.)

Here's hoping we don't piss off friends of ours.

(that is if they found out they both did this, not that texas would tell their mutual friends. that sounded like a bad idea.)

b — 1a

[garrottes]

[ marco had been of a similar mind to texas when he caught wind of the staff's somewhat frantic open call for hunters. (monster-hunters, his mind thinks it important to clarify, though it wasn't as if the second destroyers didn't consider twilight monsters either...) it seemed irresponsible to stand idly by why transformed guests ravaged the place (and its inhabitants), though let it not be mistaken for any sort of loyalty to this place that he's decided to take up arms, so to speak. (he has no weapons; he doesn't even think the house has any to give.) in truth, marco wants both the payout for the work, and for something to keep him busy. tracking down and corralling beasts seem like a relatively easy enough gig to accomplish both.

of course, he hopes it would not have to come down to any actual violence. while he's more than capable, the very thought already makes him weary. ]

By all means, if you don't mind.

[ he dips slightly forward at the waist, holding an arm out towards him in gesture. unlike texas, he has no means of tracking any transformed down save for simply following any trails of distraction. how he and texas came to work together is a little unclear; seems it's simply a matter of showing up at the front desk to answer the call at the same time. both were of a level enough head to realize two pairs of fists might be better than one.

not that fists might matter much, if they're dealing with fangs and claws... ]

[swordpour]

(of them texas could tell one thing, marco has that vibe she was used to seeing in volsinii. siracusa and columbia, both while she was growing up and a made-woman. that's always made her wary. mafiosi can be interesting to deal with plus throw in the fact she was born into it until texas left behind not only her familiga's burning mansion from a fire she started, there are plenty of complicated feelings. each there and not something texas finds herself keen on talking about whenever they're both here to be "hunting dogs". this isn't loyalty to the house but the need to keep safe those who can't quite fight out their current players.

and in general. texas is the one that has tricks up her sleeves whenever she focuses, senses honing in through multiple monsters scents in the air. the glow of amber eyes in the fake night's light is there while texas notices there's a few that aren't there. one seemed to be trying to make a nest for itself; the tricky part is figuring out what kind of beast they're about to face.)

There's one not too far away, hidden if I had to guess. Probably made a hallway into it's "territory" depending on what they got turned into for an easier time at catching prey.

(she knows how this works enough. with or without being a foot soldier; texas has learned by now. the beasts of terra could be dangerous themselves and texas can't say that she's looking forward to knowing what they're dealing with. if it's another wolf like her then that leaves the bigger issue; the claws and their own teeth. texas has both and can defend herself with them, but that also leaves marco open if they aren't careful.

they'll have to figure it out then for themselves whenever her head turns toward the hall they'd need to take. hopefully it didn't decide to go lower or move, they didn't need a pack to deal with on top of things.)

[garrottes]

[ you can take the man out of the mafia, but you can't take the... well. something like that, anyway. it wasn't as if his loyalty had laid in the family, either, at least not in the business sense. luca had won his fist, and loretta was born into his gentler, open palm. they were his family, in the way connie grew to be his, but only two of them shared the same name, and none of them shares one with him, even though his name wasn't his to begin with.

it hardly matters now. all of them he'd left behind, but servitude is a familiar shell he has no qualms slipping into as he gathers the rest of his bearings. tries to figure out what the hell his next step is supposed to be. (or if he's meant to make one at all.)

idly, he rolls his shoulders, working some tension out with the kinks. ]

Hallway means surrounding them will be tricky, so overwhelming them might be our only option. Stealth is unlikely, but we can hope for the element of surprise if we're fast enough.

[ a pause. he glances her way. ]

Are you fast?

[swordpour]

I can be.

(that's one of the things about wolves, they're fast and capable. she's had seven years to let go of that life, but it's obvious enough to those that just knew from looking. texas is every bit born and raised that way. even after her father murdered her grandfather, even though she set on fire what once was her home in columbia....yeah, that life is always hard to shake off. either way, texas has her attention on what would need to be her doing a fair bit of the heavy lifting.

they probably should have tried seeing if any of the recreational equipment can be used from the beak for a weapon, but there's enough going around that they might not be the first with such ideas. though texas didn't need them there's a moment later where she holds out a box of talismans. that's at least something she grabbed from the rookery when given that chance before they found themselves on the hunt.

hopefully it won't be too difficult.)

So that means, I go in, you take these. I don't need them necessarily, but I thought others I get paired with might.

(even if her suit gets messed up in the carnage, she'll get it fixed later. it isn't like she's not been trying to make chips her own way. from the way this looks they'll need to get their attention and keep it on them. the hard part would be moving them to the vale without things getting more complicated.

this is, unfortunately, still a sex resort and texas knows better than to expect there to not be issues.)

[garrottes]

[ marco's eyes drop to the box she holds out for him, and a corner of his lips turn up into a wry half-smile. it had just been half a day ago he'd let another inhabitant convince him out of purchasing his own set. funny, how that goes. ]

You don't? How convenient.

[ he reaches for the box and gently tips it to one side, then the other, hearing the talismans clatter together noisily. perhaps whatever she is — not entirely human, that much is obvious — comes with their own inherent defenses against other such creatures... or perhaps she's simply confident. he somehow doubts anyone who isn't used to the hunt would take up an offer such as this, anyway. ]

Thank you, then.

[ well, he certainly has no such pride in the matter that he'll turn down any ready defense. wordlessly, he tips the contents of the box over into his pockets, mindful of which goes where. no better way to test their validity than in the line of fire, right?

once situated, he turns back to texas, ever the professional. ]

Shall we?

[swordpour]

(that's the least she can do. not everyone can fight the way she can, or really the way certain others could with their own ability sets. it's not like texas is making any assumptions but thought it best to not let one of them potentially be left wide open. better to not take too much chances no matter her own recklessness and other things once marco puts away the talismans in his pocket.

they'll be good to go now and to be safe she's kept the holy water for herself.

they shouldn't have all their tools in the open and texas does know she'll get an earful later from friends of hers, but they couldn't let things worsen whenever she nods at marco. it's time they start their "job". both professional, both capable when she takes the lead toward the particular hall in this massive wheel they'll be walking around.

with or without her swords, texas won't let him get hurt. not much.)

Hopefully it doesn't have a pack hiding, the staff made it sound like some took to gathering up similar monsters to roam with them.

(though she'll keep her voice low. not to tip off anything on the way there, the scent is pungent so texas can guess whoever this was had been gorging itself. likely on sex and other things that it can get it's hands on from it's position. that was always the difficult part of tracking when it came to finding locations, but she's got the nose for such things. which means that texas gets to deal with having to stay focused on it not trying to overwhelm her if it's also the type to use such things as a defensive measure.

there's beasts like that in terra though it's not unheard of for there to be other problems from them, filthy water and polluted crops were the two things she can think about. they're fortunate that the resort doesn't have that issue or else there'd be a bigger problem from their target.)

[garrottes]

[ turns out, they hadn't any need for the talismans after all. far from versed in the finer details of beastmen and the like, marco could only describe their quarry as avian-adjacent. where texas herself bore the markings of one more canine in nature, the "pack" they tracked (there were three in total, literally attempting to next at the end of the hallway) exhibited colorful feathers and sharp talons for nails. marco and texas wound up working rather well together, marco naturally falling back to let texas be more of the enforcer. much like his partnered fights with galahad, it was all too easy for marco to take the back seat and pick up where the other would be too busy to cover.

all that said, the hallway had been narrow, and the transformed had proved relentless. neither marco nor texas were without their share of scratches by the time they wrangled all three into the vale for their payout. and while suffering injury is part and parcel of the role of a hunter, there is one in particular that snags at marco's conscience, prompting him to approach texas after they'd been given their pay. ]

I'm sorry. I was sloppy, and you wound up taking a hit meant for me.

[ from his pocket he had procured a single handkerchief. certainly not enough to properly treat the wound, but possibly enough to stop the bleeding for now. ]

[swordpour]

(from what little texas could guess, their "bird" friends were not related to anything from her own home. harpies as they're called are of a different sort of nature and place. something that had become obvious during their hunt. she knew how to dance so to speak just as much as she did when to strike, when to cut something apart, and just about anything else to go with it. texas didn't need to use her arts at the time which was helpful; her hands did the work and the fact marco gelled with her was useful. though texas personally wasn't a made woman any longer, he would have been the type of guy that she could rely on in her fights if they wound up together.

at the end of it, texas had wound up with her arm taking the brunt of harpy talons that attempted to grab marco in a desire to likely drag him off as it's prey next. what she got was a torn dress shirt sleeve and her black jacket being caught in the cross fire, but that was to be expected. part of her pay can go toward fixing it given texas didn't have any shortage of clothes to wear. they just needed to be careful on any future hunts whenever she blinks. texas hadn't expected him to go looking for her, but she could appreciate it.)

Don't worry about it. I can't say that I expected that, either. I'm used to swords more than my hands in a fight which also didn't help.

(still, she'll take his handkerchief to wipe away the excess blood and maybe turn her remaining jacket sleeve into a tourniquet. three of hers friends were definitely going to be upset with her, but that's a given.)