Thread: Finding Disaster and Vice [Hahvoc x VitaObscura]

The Underworld. Everyone knew about it and most people stayed away from it. It was the thing that was discussed behind closed doors with gold-slicked palms and crooked grins. It was the ever-growing silent beast that represented the underbelly of societys sins. It was a haven for murderers, rapists, prostitutes, and thieves. Loyalty was always hard to come by and respect was fought for. After years of infighting amongst the dogs of filth, figures began to rise up and carve out territories, controlling countless people within each. They were simply called The Lords. The number of them had swelled with the coming of the Victorian Era, becoming bloated their status and greed, feeding their debauchery and vices. They traded for guns and powder instead of just daggers and swords. They built arsenals and trade routes, businesses and connections. It became a network of criminal pleasures and few ever left. Those who did were better left staying away and pretending the Underworld didnt exist, because if you tried to return, you had a blood debt just waiting to be paid. Every lord had a title, something simple. Few in their fold knew their actual names and it was better that way. There was Executioner, Shadow, Sniper, Booker, Stitches, Rogue, Noble, Shredder, and Captain. So far, the nine lords had singled out nine territories with one being neutral. It was called The Brig. It was where the lords met up to discuss any incidents, threats, and conflicts to be solved. They kept themselves in check and controlled the populace of the Underworld. No one lord had more power than the others and that was how there came to be nine. With the coming of steam-powered machines, and the newest guns and inventions slipping down into the cracks of society, the lords were prepped for new adventures and battles. There was new blood to find and money to be made. And as they settled into their seats in The Brig, they began to discuss the newest course of action with outsiders. Someone kidnapped a woman from my territory Rogue started, his voice soft even in the quiet of the room. The room was large but worn with age, chairs scattered in a rough circle, books lining the walls from floor to ceiling along with random but beautiful pieces of artwork. Otherwise, the room was barren except for sconces to light the room and the people that occupied it. The large oak door was sealed shut. No one could listen in. Like his name suggested, Rogue was a thin man, tall, with only a bit of muscle on his frame. He had sharp hazel eyes and a laid back manner that spoke of his many days as a thief. He had an easy air about him, and his clothes hid his occupation well. His hands were free of gloves, and his clothing was loose and darkly colored but cared for. His black boots tapped the floor lightly, signaling that he wanted an answer before he had to speak again. He was patient, but this wasnt a time for it. You act as if one woman is something we care about, Executioner said with a laugh. He was a large man, around six and a half feet tall, bald, with scars on his once-handsome face. His green eyes were mirthless and filled with impatience. He was always without a shirt, showing off his large muscles, scars, and tattoos, as if his sheer size wasnt enough of a deterrent. Like his name suggested, he carried around his Blade, which was about as tall as he was, the blade being as long as his arm. It could slice a person clean in two, if he ever decided it would be fun enough. His snapped one of his suspenders as if to make his point more clear He didnt understand the point of this meeting. He wouldnt have had mentioned it if she meant nothing, have a heart, Noble said with a little bit of snark, adjusting his pocket-watch as if he too couldnt wait to leave. He was dressed far above the rank of most Underworlders, which had caused the origin of his name. He had a fancy blue vest and white shirt, blue spats, polished black boots, freshly cleaned pistols. It was his eyes that gave away his animosity and vice. They were almost black in contrast to his pale face. His smile was never full and never with joy, and if he did smile, it was because someone was either dead or dying. He watched everyone in the room before his gaze snapped over to the one known as Shadow . She hadnt spoken along with several others, her face half obscured by her mask , her beautiful red hair hiding one of her vibrant green-blue eyes. Today, she was wearing all green Green corset, green bustle skirt, green boots, remarkable green stockings with little black stitching in rows, and green gloves that went up to her shoulders. It was almost her signature to wear one color in varying shades and Noble always noticed. Everyone did, and yet they never quite remembered why or when. That was how she got her name. Oh, do tell me that women are somewhat important She then said, lifting her captivating eyes to the rest of the room. Her voice was soft through the mask yet it pierced the growing unrest in the room as surely as a hammer would strike. All eyes turned towards her as she reclined in her chair, fiddling with the watch chain that was attached to the shorts that she wore beneath her skirt that connected to her stockings. Captain cleared her throat through her mask, wanting to speak, and yet she still remained silent. Captain was a slight little thing yet looked like a woman any noble gent would want on his arm. She was a sultry brunette with a sharp tongue, but today she was oddly silent. Peculiar. Captain, you never hesitate to speak unless you know somethingSo please, grace us with your wisdom, Shadow said, staring the other woman down. Shredder and Booker were the only other women in the chamber, and they looked as if they wanted to speak as well but held their tongues. It was a common thing Shadow was someone who had arrived from the mists and settled over everything, never to leave unless the winds took her somewhere else. The Underworld had been her hunting ground far longer than shed been a Lord and far too unpredictable for their tastes most days. But even she had connections they couldnt touched and never crossed her. She was nice. Some days. Well, the only thing I can surmise would be if the woman had something important on her or is part of something bigger than just a kidnappingIm not quite sure but the only reason to bring something up would be Captain trailed off, her eyes looking at Shadow. They both knew. Unless someone was trying to draw someone out from Hiding, Shadow finished, templing her fingers. Thats forbidden! All of the other Lords had stood up, shouting in unison as they looked at both Captain and Shadow. Soon, words were being thrown, accusations made, the usual dramatics that gave Shadow a headache as she watched the look on Captains face. They were going to have to collaborate on getting the woman out from wherever she was located, and Captain had the best connections in that area Location. Her little army would do well searching for this girl, especially with Shadows help. Enough. Silence fell as the men and women who had been shouting quieted and put down their weapons. The chamber was much too small for these things. Someone could lose an eye, and not the intended victim. Shadow forced herself to a standing position, stretching to crack her back, eyes serious as she looked at everyone in the room. It was said that the Lords had shared power, but in this instance, Shadow held all the cards. It wasnt a comforting feeling. Captain will locate the woman in question with some of my assistance. Booker, Stitches, Shredder, and Noble will infiltrate the Topside and find out any information about this woman. Rogue, you will provide any details you know about this woman, including her appearance and possible connections. If she is your consort or lover, be wary of whom you can trust. Executioner and Sniper will track for any foul play and take care of any interrogations. Any questions? There was a moment of silence before Noble tipped his head up, smirking a bit before he spoke. And what will you do, oh fearless and self-appointed, leader? She grinned from behind her mask, letting her intent show in her eyes. I will go Hunting for the person looking for her, of course.