recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Demonstrations

*Posted by* Largehobbit

Posted: Apr 7, 2018, 8:01pm

Dusk - 20th August - The Steamworks, The Silken Mill - Afternoon

Sergeant Oakes groaned as he watched the situation escalate. The worst part was that besides the tank the militia presence was thin on the ground. Most of them were trawling through the Sprawl turning over rocks or securing the rich and powerful up at Highholm. He counted barely thirty men, not enough. The arrogance of the Council.

Josiah was strutting back and forth along the picket line like he was in perfect control, a master surveying his dominion. The man watched impassively as a rock fell short of him and then grinned as the Watch dealt with the man who had thrown it. Oaks considered calling them off, but that would draw undue attention to himself. He realised absently that he was going to miss his appointment with the High Inquisitor. Not a thing to be done lightly. He could only hope the man was occupied elsewhere.

A worker broke ranks and ran toward the First Citizen and Oaks caught the glimmer of metal in the woman's hand. Before he could think he was moving getting to the woman barely in time as she thrust the carving knife towards Josiah. Randall felt white hot pain in his shoulder as he placed himself in harms way and then before the woman could attack again he back handed her across the face, dropping her to the floor. He quickly followed as the pain and blood loss drew him towards unconsciousness. Strong hands came to carry him away and he vaguely heard the sound of Josiah's voice as the world went black.

\*\*\*

Josiah looked down at the wounded constable and smiled, perfect. As troops ran forward to carry off the wounded man and the would be murderer he raised his fist in the air. There was an enormous BOOM as the tanks main cannon fired. The shot was aimed to decimate a distant pillar of the factory gates, away from the main crowd. Still it was an effective demonstration. The thick stone pillar was transformed in an instant to a cloud of dust and debris that filled the square.

As the dust settled Josiah walked calmly back to the tank and turned to face the people, he spread his arms wide as the cannon was slowly manoeuvred to pint directly at the gates.

"People of Dusk. Workers of the Steamworks, today you have made your voices heard and let it not be said that we your chosen leaders do not listen."

There were jeers from the crowd but nothing further thrown for the moment.

"Send out your leaders and let us talk. Do not let them hide behind you, the hard working people of the City. Let them meet with us face to face, let them return with us to the Hill and there we can discuss your concerns in peace. If these actions are just then they have nothing to fear, nothing to hide and if they are not we stand ready to protect you from their devious mechanisation, and make no mistake we will defend you with the upmost zeal!"
Characters

**Players :**

* Edward Hanton (The Spider)
* Tate Montclaire
* Jessy Dresner
* Stella Poole-Corbet
* Emily Roezell
* Enoch Solomon Fordham
* Connor Lewis

**Non Player Characters :**

* Sergeant (Randall) Oaks
* Emma Gerrit
* Mavromichali Mortimer
* Lina Kellgorian
* Gill Anderson
* Westley Corbet
* Ezekiel Tinker
* First Citizen Josiah Hazard
* Benjamin Thomas Montclaire
* Serenity Montclaire
* Diana Montclaire
* Marshall Maynard Benedict Fordham
* Jonathan Hanson
* Cyrus Anvil
* Abigail Rutledge

**Missing or Dead :**

* Roxanne "Roxy" Ticker
* Sharid Asbjarn
* Eli Hanton
* Lucinda

**Minor Roles**
Lucinda

Owned by:  Ji Young

Gender: Female

Age: 14

Group: Dusk

## Home District

The Sprawl - born and raised on the streets

## Special Skills

Pickpocketing
Sneaking
Deceit

## Physical Appearance

Messy and uncared for blonde hair that frames her thin body. She wears whatever rags and sheets she can find as rudimentary clothing.

## Personality and interests

Always puts herself before others, but that doesn't mean she is incapable of caring. Being an orphan living on the streets has taught her to be cautious and cunning.

She wonders if there are other cities beyond the walls.

## History

Doesn't know when she was born but she's certain her birthplace is The Sprawl. Lived in poverty her whole life, stealing to survive every day.

## Loves and Hates...

She likes trinkets that shine or glow but normally sells them off for a little pocket change.

She hates the suffocating, cramped lifestyle of living in alleyways and stealing from people and unguarded homes. She is also not very fond of sleeping in cold darkness.

## Darkest Secret

She has done nothing worse than stealing.

## Posting Frequency

1 or more a week but I'll be busy for 2 weeks (from April 10)
Posts as Printed

1. Flesh Abscission
2. What Goes Up
3. Dregger
4. Getting Ready for the Party
5. ...Must Come Down
6. Parties Like This...
7. Revolution
8. The Lady's Grace
9. Red Dawn Rising
10. A Conversation
11. Enter the Spider
12. Dissapointment
13. Green Eye
14. Sacrifices
15. Two Coppers
16. Seance
17. A Chase in the Dark
18. Let's Go Crazy
19. Night Mime
20. An Open Greeting
21. Grounded
22. The Announcement
23. Unexpected Levity
24. Double Barrel
25. Shaken and Stirred
26. Tremors
27. Omens
28. Tremble
29. A Small Act of Spite
30. Belko
31. A Day in the Life of a Spider
32. Deathly Still
33. Unfortunate
34. Away
35. Moving On
36. Removed
37. The Body
38. Harvest
39. Sabotage
40. Losing Balance
41. Two Tails
42. The Boat that Rocked
43. Here Comes Trouble
44. Education and Indoctrination
45. A Mistake
46. Shadow of Vanity
47. Awash in Darkness...
48. Protect and Serve
49. Unforgettable
50. Scapegoat Required
51. Red Flag
52. Looking On
53. Thoughts, Invitations and Suprises
54. So Glad for Spectacle
55. A Bad Memory
56. The Pages of a Book
57. Only a matter of time...
58. Charming
59. First Citizen Josiah Hazard
60. News
61. Stand Off
62. Demonstrations
63. Colours
64. All is Well
65. A View from on High
66. The Rich and the Pauper
67. My Generosity
68. Levity Before the Storm
69. Just in Time
70. The Rosemary Room
71. Intro...
72. The Beautiful Distraction
73. Welcome to the Game
74. A Murder of Meetings
75. Success
76. Final Ingrediant
77. Bad for Business
78. Ministry of War
79. Glass
80. Drenched
81. A New Way
82. Sinking In
83. The Old Way
84. And now to Bed
85. When Your Boss Asks a Favour
86. Of Violent Nature
87. The Golden Storm
88. Lost and Found
89. Demon in Shining Armour
90. The Black Book
91. Martial Law
92. The Seething City
93. Glitter and Gold
94. Four Files
95. Curfew
96. Into the Darkness
97. Songs and Memories
98. Devil's Tongue
99. The Spark that Set the World on Fire (Part 1)
100. Truths that are Daring
101. Carnage
102. Meeting Margaret
103. The Cake is a Lie
104. The Spark that Set the World on Fire (Part 2)
105. Fresh Meat
106. The Montclaire Twins / A Secret Proposal
107. Descent into Madness
Stand Off

*Posted by : Winteroak on Apr 7, 2018, 7:01pm*

Dusk - 20th August - The Steamworks, The Silken Mill - Afternoon

The strikers in the courtyard had been expected the militia sooner or later but the shock of seeing First Citizen Josiah Hazard coming out of a Tank was a sight to behold.
Nestor Buckle had hoped that the distraction from the bombing at the Green Docks would keep them away until the Corbet's received their note to start negotiations. That was obviously not going to be the case.
With a curd nod of his head his comrades moved behind hastily erected barricades and some moved into the Mill itself disappearing from view.
Only a locked gate stood between them and the heavily armed militia. The crowd had gone silent. In the square the only noise that was heard was that of the heavy steam motor of the Tank.
Nestor sighed. If things turned soured blood would be spilled.
Someone in the crowd lobbed a rock at the First Citizen. "THIEF!!! SCUMBAG!!" the man shouted. Josiah Hazard did not move and the projectile did not reach him. Some constables moved to the attacker and pounded the poor man with their truncheons.

Nestor moved closer to the barred gate standing less than ten meters from Josiah Hazard. He felt a twitch in his fingers to just pull out his flintlock revolver and blow the man's head off.
He took a deep breath. When the Red Crew promised him and his comrades they would be part of history he had doubted the words.
No longer!
Welcome to the Game

*Posted by* Largehobbit

Posted: Apr 13, 2018, 9:11am

20th August - Silken Milk - Steamworks - Afternoon

Josiah turned slowly as Westley said his piece. For just one moment he considered giving the order to open fire just to see the simpering do-gooder riddled with bullets. His took a deep breath as his better sense kicked in as he saw the reaction of the crowd. Perhaps something could be salvaged out of this. He forced a smile and gestured for the troops to stand down.

There was a collective sigh of relief in the yard, and Josiah took a long moment to take th measure of the crowd.

"Your new employer has spoken and the city has listened."

He stepped up close to Westley and shook his hand. "My offices tomorrow morning Mr Corbet. Tidy this mess up and hope that the rest of Steamworks does not become agitated by your... generosity."

"Can we lose the war machine sir?" Westley asked with a wry smile.

Josiah grimaced and turned to face the Militia captain. He gave a nod and the man ordered the withdrawal. The tank roared into life and began to turn.

"Tomorrow morning, my office Mr Corbet. Welcome to the game."
Green Eye

*Posted by* Largehobbit

Posted: Mar 9, 2018, 12:30am

- August 18th, Spink's Manor, Highholm, Evening -

Edward sat watching her through the doorway. Their eyes had met for but the briefest of moments as he had been making his way to this vantage point and his heart still lurched in his chest from that fleeting contact. The hatred in her glance was irrelevant, exciting even. "Stella." he breathed the name, savouring its flavour on his lips.

He glared at the simpering fop Westley. The fool was all over her and she could not see him for what he was. A fake, a fraud, like all the rest of them. She laughed at his whit but Edward knew it to be empty, void of substance. With his books and plays filled with heresy and worse. He made a mental note to visit the academy. It wouldn't take much, a hint here an accusation there and Mr Corbet would be a guest in his little black room.

Edwards face twitched as he looked on, and his bad leg began to shake. His medication was wearing off. It was happening quicker and quicker these days he would need to find a more potent solution and soon. He fumbled in his jacket for a small pot of pills and almost dropped them as he undid the cap. Quickly he tapped out three of the small white tablets into his hand and threw them into his mouth. He took a first sip of his drink then to wash them down.

Looking up he saw Charlotte Good standing with the pair now. He mentally blanked her out, she was a nobody. Next to Stella she was a faded ruin of a woman drowning in the shadow of true beauty and elegance. Little wonder she could not keep her man satisfied.

Edward stiffened then as David the wife beater strode up to the small group, destroying their enjoyment with his usual lack of charm. He was a mannerless dog and Edward would kill him one day. A slow death he decided. He wondered absently of Stella would like to watch...

The moments passed by and he pulled his eye and mind away from distraction as he waited for the promised speech to begin.
Fantastic Technology

Maelstrom is a fantasy world but not in the typical sense. There is no magic and there are no wizards or dragons. Instead we have fantastic and sometimes horrific science using themes from Steampunk and dark dystopian fantasy. There are airships, mutants and flying cities. Not to mention the Maelstrom itself, a vast poisonous canopy of polluted cloud that shrouds the entire world in shadow.

Steamtech in Maelstrom

Alchemy

Thaumaturgy

Mutation

**Pictography** - the use of specially prepared canvases exposes to light to capture images of people, objects and landscapes in a grey scale or sepia format.

**Stun Batons** - A common defensive weapon used by the City Watch and other non military security personnel. The baton releases an electrical discharge on contact. Enough to incapacitate a grown adult male. They were first designed in the Delve as a form of control for slaves and unruly Delve hounds.

**Fire Arms** - Numerous weapon types are in use including long barrel flint stock pistols. The Arquebus and Blunderbuss; Twin Muskets and Repetitive Revolver.

Flagesium pellets use a mixture of lead and the green demon to cause blood poisoning.

**Flag Gas** - Is used for interior lighting throughout the city.

**Radio Tech** - A new development used to communicate over long distances. Use of radio boxes, headphones and speakers are becoming more common in the City.
Jessy Dresner

Owned by:  White\_Caribou

Gender: Female

Age: 17

Group: Dusk

## Profession

Delivers fabrics to Hanson's Apparel weekly
Works at a textile factory in Steamworks
House worker to the Corbet's

## Special Skills

Artistic
Quick
Handy
Observant
Quick Reflexes and thieving

## Physical Appearance

Loose red curls always tied back
Green eyes
Full lips
5'3''
Covered in Freckles
103 lbs
Work and Exhaustion has caused her looks to mature

## Personality and interests

Loves sketching clothing designs, would like to showcase them one day but she is a perfectionist and doubts her work. Dreams of life in luxury but is rather gloomy on the subject. Outspoken. Quite down to earth and usually serious. Prefers large crowds and money-mongers when pick pocketing.

## History

Jessy is a poor orphan with two siblings, her twenty-seven year old sister Robin and five year old brother Carter. Jessy and Carter live in a large orphanage in Rose District while Robin has a shack in the area too but cannot afford to get them out. Robin is often found walking the streets or working Lady's Grace.

Jessy finds herself sneaking out of the strict home just to explore the city and feel a sense of freedom, though, the consequences of getting caught by Warden Donnel will be brutal as they always are. The east wing of the orphanage is used as a psychiatric hospital where the undesirable are dumped and mistreated. Jessy could run away anytime but stays for her brother who refuses to leave permanently. If her sister can't buy them out, she'll run away with him and find Robin then and live happily, hence why she works so much so they can afford it.

She is out most days of the week and rarely ever rests as she works multiple jobs around Dusk, requiring her to travel a lot. Being small and agile, Jessy has found shortcuts through the city via buildings, ledges, fences, lines, and poles to reach places faster as cabs are too expensive. She works for a very rich family in Highholm doing a range of work, at a factory, and selling to Hanson's.

## Loves and Hates...

Loves: Fashion

Hates: Suffering
The Body

*Posted by* Largehobbit

Posted: Mar 22, 2018, 2:31pm

August 19th, The Black Gallows, Evening

Edward stood over the body of David Corbert. The post mortem had been clear, repeated blunt traumer to the head and torso compounded by heart failure. As far as the state was concerned David's body was nothing but ash, a clerical error. He regretted the lack of honesty with Stella but she was not a stupid woman and this was the only way for her to move on from this experience unscathed. Could it be that he had found a kindred spirit in her? If she were capable of this then perhaps...

He pushed the thought away and stared down at David. He had asked few questions before leaving Stella and had promised to return within the next few days to continue their talk. He looked forward to several such visits in the coming weeks.

There came a knock at the door, "come in." He ordered covering the body with a white sheet.

One of his hulking black clad minders stepped into the room and handed him a note. Oh very good the Montclaireboy was beside himself with rage and the warrant for his father's arrest had been approved by the council. All in all a good days work.
The Rose District

1. The Broken Jug
2. Fell Oak is a small community just south of the central bridge to the Sprawl. **Fell Oak Pier** is a base of operations for the **Association of Dreggers and Dockers.**
3. Fog Bend - Near the southern bridge
4. The Ladys Grace - A high end brothel and home to Emma Gerrit
5. Daybreak Orphanage and Asylum
Final Ingrediant

# Final ingredient

*Posted by : Winteroak on Apr 13, 2018, 11:00pm*

Dusk - 20th August - The Sprawl - Late evening

Mortimer watched over the prone figure of the young boy. He had not suffer any severe injuries apart from some bruising. The old chirurgion was keeping him sedated. He did not want him awake for what was coming next.
A elastic strap held a makeshift mask around the boys mouth and nose, connected with a long pipe to a nearby Flagesium burner. He hoped the toxic fumes would be enough. Last thing he needed was a screaming and struggling boy while he performed the procedure.

The Spider had ordered him not to take any more children for his experiments but this was an opportunity to good to pass by. It had not been difficult to whisk the boy away. A few Crescents and the men who found the boy looked the other way.
Mortimer had decided to visit the site of the explosion in the Green Docks. Dozens and dozens of dead and injured and the supply of Flagesium from the Delve interrupted for days to come.
Flesh burned by Flagesium smelt different he always thought.

He had stripped the boy of his ragged shirt and turned him over to on his side. The final ingredient for Edward Hanton's new medicine. He was resigned himself to harvest it from a fresh corpse but to get his hands on it from a pre-pubescent young boy. He had struck gold. His plan was coming together. He would have the new medicine The Spider demanded.
Mavromichali Mortimer grabbed the large needle and slowly inserted it into the boys spine, slowly to ensure he caused no lasting damage to the boy.

The boy groaned and moaned through the procedure that lasted well into the night. Tomorrow he would filter the substance to remove any fat or particles of bone from the marrow.
Mortimer wished he could harvest the boy for more. But he could not risk angering Edward when he was so close to his vengeance, by killing the waif.
"You are a lucky boy aren't you?" he asked to the sleeping figure.
He would dump him somewhere in Bellmere Bazaar, who would wake up very very sore and in pain but with no recollection of how he had escaped from the explosion at the Green Docks or the hellish procedure in the dirty hovel that was is lab.
Death

Officially, Players are allowed to have their characters die and revive at will and oocly anyway there are no rules about it beyond Players having full discretion over the fate of their Character, subject, of course, to the authority of a GM to overrule.

As a matter of tradition though, only a Deity can resurrect a Character.
My Generosity

*Posted by* Largehobbit

Posted: Apr 10, 2018, 9:01pm

Dusk - 20th August - The Steamworks, The Silken Mill - Afternoon

"Through struggle we persevere!!! Better Pay and Safety!!!"

Josiah stiffened at the response from the crowd. Their nameless spokesman had hit home with his words and turned the First Citizens rhetoric into a joke. His gaze darkened and he balled his hands into fists.

"What should we do sir?" the militia captain asked. Josiah turned to face him and the man stepped back.

"Ready the cannon and load weapons." Josiah growled. He paced back and forth for a moment as his orders were carried out. Screams came from the people as they saw the threat of imminent violence.

"Ready arms." barked the militia captain. "fire on my command."

The city watch were looking on in disbelief as the militia trained weapons on the crowd. Some of the people called to them for help, but to a man they started to back away. The tank engines roared and black smoke billowed from its vents as it re positioned itself to fire.

The crowd grew silent. Josiah seizing the moment raised his hands and stepped forward once more, his voice carried across the yard,

"I came to you this day seeking peace. I came to you seeking friendship. I came to you seeking to understand the plight of the working man. I did not send others because I felt that you deserved my ear, my eye, my generosity. I have offered you the hand of friendship and you have given back your spite and your ignorance. What happens next is upon your heads, I will no longer stand between you and the justice of the city."

He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a flask of water and with a great show of ceremony he poured it onto his hands and washed them clean. Then pulling a white handkerchief from his pocket he dried his hands before throwing it to the floor. Without another word he turned and walked towards his vehicle.

OOC: hurry up Westley ;)
Diana Montclaire

Owned by:  TheRyanLee

Gender: Female

Age: 14

Group: Non Player Characters

## Special Skills

Artist
Poet
Dabbles in Alchemy

## Physical Appearance

Diana has dark hair like her mother. She has piercing eyes and a slender build.

Avatar image is a recent picture of Diana and Serenity.

## Personality and interests

Diana is shy and mysterious. She has a dark sense of humor.

She's interested in:
Art and painting
Alchemy
Dusk's true crime stories and any story that has a tragic ending
Charity
Cats

## History

Diana Rosemary Montclaire was born 14 years ago to Benjamin and Augustine Montclaire. When she was a few months old, her mother was killed. All she knows of her mother is in pictures and heirlooms.

Diana has been painting art since she was 5 years old. A few of her recent artworks have been purchased by organizations around Dusk. She is focused on building her brand.

## Loves and Hates...

Loves her twin Serenity
Loves painting
Loves artwork
Loves cats
Loves true crime stories
Loves ice cream/gelato
Loves being a teenager
Loves poetry
Loves the dark/night
Loves funerals
Loves the lower classes of Dusk and believes them to be the pulse and lifeblood of the city; she sympathizes with them and does plenty of charity work, but some people have questioned her real motives...

Hates the responsibility and fame that comes with the Montclaire name, but she does enjoy the money and perks

Hates sports
Hates classy parties where everyone acts fake
Hates being told what to do or what not to do
Hates pretty, preppy high society types
Hates weddings

## Darkest Secret

She once posed as her twin Serenity and kissed her sister's boyfriend.
Tremors

*Posted by : Winteroak on Mar 15, 2018, 11:20pm*

- The Sprawl, August 18th, Evening -

Mavromickali Mortimer pulled himself to his cot and his bedside dresser. He quickly fumbled with the drawers and pulled a vial from it. He uncorked and poured the purplish substance over his wounded leg.
That should counteract the spillage and stop the chemicals corroding his flesh. Slowly and carefully he pulled his trousers off and looked at the wound. That was going to leave a nasty scar.
He would have to consider grafting some new skin to it.
The pain did not stop his mind thinking about the ultimatum from The Spider.

~Use rats? The fool.~ he thought with disdain. Like rats could ever yield the results they both needed. Mortimer for his experiences and The Spider to be able to function before the damage to his nerves confined him to a life without being able to move.

Laying there on the floor, painting in pain, Mortimer thought back on the first time he has met Edward Hanton in a fetid dark cell of the Black Gallows. The hatred he fell for the man was immeasurable. The torture and humiliation he had endured was the fuel that stoke his desire for vengeance.

Mavromickali Mortimer was an empiricist scientist. Most of his life he had doubted the existence of fate or Gods. How wrong he was.
All these years later here he was, with the might Inquisitor of Dusk's life in his old decrepit hands.
Yes, Mortimer would keep supplying Edward with the drug he needed to function. A drug that slowly but surely meant the man needed him more with every passing week.
In need of stronger and stronger dosages. A drug that was not what it seemed.
Yes, he would have something special ready next week. And by the time The Spider realized what was wrong it would be too late...

He laughed. A wicked laughed that filled the small room. So intense he was in the culmination of his plan that he hardly gave any thought to the tremor and how unusual they were in Dusk.
Unforgettable

*Posted by : TheRyanLee on Mar 29, 2018, 5:29am*

- August 20th, Undisclosed Location, Highholm, Early Morning Hours -

Tate stormed into the private quarters, laughing hysterically. He ripped his mask off only to spot his father standing before him with his arms crossed in disapproval.

"Tate, what the hell did you do?" Benjamin lashed out at his son. Anger resonated in his voice.

"I made an unforgettable entrance. They respect me," Tate cockily replied.

Benjamin grabbed hold of his son and threw him against the wall. His strength was surprising given his age. He stared directly into Tate's eyes as he kept him pinned. Tate began to wonder if he had made a mistake.

"You didn't earn their respect. All you have done is inspire fear and murder an innocent man. We have a system in place for blood sacrifices and trial executions. THAT WAS NOT IT!" Benjamin raged. There was full-fledged wrath in his voice now.

"Father, relax.. I know the system. I have passed all the tests. I was born to do this, remember?"

"Relax?? You just don't get it, do you? You failed to follow our rules and rituals. This is unacceptable. You are hereby relieved of your leadership."

Tate was incredulous. "But Father!! You can't fucking do that! This is my time! MY TIME! You can't do this to me!"

Benjamin turned his head to the side and spat on the floor. "You did this to yourself, son. Please take this time to reflect on your transgressions. And if you ever spike an August goblet with piss again, it will be you who feels the sword."

Benjamin released his hold on Tate and made his exit. Tate was seething with madness and frustration. He punched the wall and splintered his fist in the process.

"You can't do this to me, father! You will see! You will see..." Tate cried out.

- August 20, Montclaire Estate, Highholm, Morning -

Tate sat mindlessly in his room. Although he had calmed down a bit, he was still quite distraught over his father's reaction. He wanted to make his dad proud. He wanted to be bold... to make a statement that no one would ever forget. Perhaps I took it too far, he thought to himself. In a way, it was kind of funny, he thought. He chuckled out loud.

Finally, he stood up and stretched his arms. He needed to take his mind off this. He needed to do something. Something wild... something out of the ordinary.

EMILY!

That's it! He wouldn't wait for Emily's response to his invitation. He would just go and see her himself. It's a tad forward, he thought, but what the hell? It would be the perfect distraction. He breathed a sigh of joy and grabbed his jacket. He checked himself in the mirror and made some adjustments to his hair. Then he sprayed on a dash of the finest cologne.

"Alright, Emily, it's time for an adventure," he said to himself.

He danced out of the room with a smile on his face and a pep in his step.
Flesh Abscission

*Posted by : Winteroak on Mar 4, 2018, 1:16am*

Dusk - 17th August - The Sprawl

Lucas Eli sat in the dirty hovel looking at his surroundings. He kept rubbing his hands betraying how nervous he was and that he was starting to doubt ever asking to come here. All around him the small room was full with strange machinery and instruments. A small stove burned in the corner and the acrid smell of Flagesium permeated the air.
Chirurgion Mavromichali Mortimer stood over a basin washing his hands. Lucas noted how tall and thin the old man was. His grey hair was unkept and he looked unsteady on his feet.

The old man still practiced his arts in secret after being struck from the Epistemological Society of Savants two decades ago and consequent imprisonment in the Black Gallows for 10 years.
Mortimer had explained that the procedure was far from safe but if successful could extend his life span for 5 years or more it could also increase his resistance to handling raw Flagesium and its toxic and noxious gases.

Lucas had agreed to it quickly. Rumours abounded that the Overseers of the Green Rail were developing some sort of automaton that could replace all dock hands within the end of the year. That would mean no more stable income for him and his family.
The bloody procedure he agreed to submit himself to was to last three long agonizing days.

For three days Lucas lay in the surgery, strapped to the wooden table, wriggling against the restrains, moving inches only side to side.
Most of the time he swam in glutinous dreams. The chirurgion kept him drugged as much as possible without seriously damaging him.
One the first day, as Luca lay deep in chymical and thaumaturgic sleep, Mortimer opened him.
He scored deep gashes on the sides of his neck, then lifted the skin and outer tissue, gently wiping away the blood that coursed from raw flesh. With the exposed flaps oozing he turned his attention to the inside of Luca's mouth.
He reached inside with an iron chisel and slid into the pulp of the throat, twisting as he pushed, carving tunnels into the flesh.
Constantly vigilant that Luca was not choking on his own blood, the chirugeon created new passageways in his body.
Runnels linked the back of Luca's mouth to the openings in his neck. Where the orifices opened behind and below his teeth, Mortimer ringed them with muscle stimulating them with hexes and little crackles of electricity.

Mavromichali Mortimer stoked the fires of his analytical engine, feeding it programme cards. Finally he wheeled into place a small tank holding a dormant salamander and linked the sleeping animal to Luca by a cryptic and unwieldy construction of valves, tubes and wires.
A small tube ran smoke from his nearby Flagesium burning stove through the salamender's gills intothe ragged wounds that would become Luca's.
Mortimer muttered hexes as he operated the apparatus, he was rusty with biothamaturgy but was methodical and precise...

The next few hours would decide if Luca lived or died.
Bad for Business

*Posted by* Largehobbit

Posted: Apr 13, 2018, 11:23pm

August 20th, evening. Ladys Grace, Rose District

Emma gasped as Connor fell forward through the open door. The blood was pouring from the bullet wound in his shoulder and already a full half of his shirt was stained from white to scarlet.

Big Joe carefully stepped over the man and peered through the doorway,

"They's gone miss."

Emma looked down at the unconscious gambler and then at the girl who was still clinging to her skirts and crying.

“They said they wanted to hear me play, I didn't know. I didnt..." she wailed on and Emma did her best to comfort her while giving orders to Joe.

"Take him up to my room and keep pressure on the wound. Who knew he was a bloody hero."

Joe picked Connor up easily. The man released a groan of pain as he was carried past and then up the stairs. Emma peered back into the Fenland Lounge and called out,

"Stacey, Jason, Kerry come here." There was a small commotion from the room and some hurried words and then one by one they emerged in various states of undress. She raised her eyebrow and they gave apologetic looks. Except for Kerry, from her she got a defiant grin. Good girl.

"Stacey, take a few Crescents out of the tips jar and go fetch me a chirurgeon. Jason upstairs to help Joe with the our patient and Kerry..." Kerry stood there her breasts still close to bare and her hands on her hips, she suspected the girl was actually flirting with her and shook her head, Lina would eat her from breakfast, "my dear put them away and take our young friend here to the kitchens and make her a drink, she has had a nasty experience."

She clapped her hands twice and they all scurried off about their business. The weeping girl did not want to leave her side and it took some non too gentle persuading from Kerry to send her off to the kitchen.

"I will be down shortly and we will see about getting you a new dress." She eyed the girl carefully as she was led away. A nice figure under all that filth, she wondered how she would feel about a new line of work. A little music in the main lounge was always welcome.

Emma walked over to the door and closed it, frowning down at the blood stain on the mat. She would have to have that cleaned, it could be bad for business.
The Centrum

1. Orpans Baked Goods
2. Hansons Apparel
3. Jewellry Quarter
4. The Old Clock Tower
5. Florian's Pasta Restaurant on Amster Street
6. Blue Tulip - Providers of postmortem pictopgraphs
7. Double Barrel - Gun shop where Raleigh Gideon works
8. Elgreen Square - Overlooking Hansons Apparel and the Black Bean
9. Black Bean - Coffee shop
Highholm

Highholm is a walled complex to the north of the city of Dusk. It is the home of the First Families or "Money Grubbers" as the poor of the city call them. It is a place of greed and unchecked opulence. They employ servants for most of their menial tasks and refer to the rest of the City as Lower Dusk.

**Duelling** is common between the upper classes of Dusk with pistol or sword.

1. **Highholm Walls** - this district is surrounded by high inner walls to the east, south and west. Then to the north the district backs on to the cities outer walls and looks out onto the northern dark lands and the distant mountains. The walls of Highholm are equipped with huge mounted fans designed to drive smog and other pollutants away from this affluent area.
2. **Highholm Gate**
3. **Spinks Manor** - Home to Councilman Jeremiah Spink, known for having a rare crystal clock in the entrance hall.
4. The Mayborn Clinic
5. Sodor Medical Facility
6. **Greenfair Park** - an artificial park with engineered plant life and trees. The result of experimentation with new plant life and eco-systems. Surrounded by tall dark fences and filled with glowing flowers and strange insects. White roses can be found here.

## Security In Highholm

Highholm is protected not only by its walls but by a private security force which mans the pedestrian guard stations at Highholm gates and patrol the streets on Highholm keeping crime from the district.

**ID Cards** - those wishing to enter Highholm must display ID at the Highholm Gate. These cards are issued at the Hall of Order in Paramount Hill.
Looking On

*Posted by* Largehobbit

Posted: Mar 31, 2018, 10:04pm

Dusk - 20th August - The Steamworks, The Silken Mill - Early Morning

Randall watched through the dim morning haze as the pickets formed. The dull drone of the factories were a fitting backdrop to the dreary scene before him. The court yard was filling with people, most of them looking tired and dejected, but here and there a glimmer of hope could be observed in their quiet conversations and their furtive looks towards any newcomers that filtered in from the shadows to swell their numbers. There was also fear, a great deal of fear.

He had been tipped off around an hour ago that action would be taken this day. It was not unexpected. The fires of the Green Docks were not yet put out and the Councils attention was diverted. He noted that the gates were being chained, and doors blocked. Soon others would arrive trying to access their place of work and then the real trouble would begin. He thanked what ever gods there may be that the Militia were occupied elsewhere in the city. The High Inquisitor had ordered security in Highholm doubled and the remaining security forces were carrying out a misguided sweep of the Sprawl. That left this mess to the watch to deal with as best they could.

Randall Oakes frowned at the thought of the High Inquisitor, he had an appointment to keep with the foul man that afternoon. He had to explain the disappearance of the lad from the recent Sprawl murder. He was quite confident that no witnesses had seen him let the lad go so he should be safe. However, any kind of visit to the Black Gallows was enough to feed dread into the heart of any man.

He turned at the sound of footsteps nearby and was greeted with the site of one of his officers, a Corporal Stephens he recalled. The man looked worried. Oakes dipped his head in greeting and waited for the mans report.

"I have managed to round up fifty lads from the night shift." Stephens obliged, "We are ready to disperse the crowd at your order."

"A little late for that I think." Oakes said as he looked over at the milling crowd of would be revolutionaries. He let out a sigh.

"Have the men set in threes at the walkways leading to the square, turn any new comers away and facilitate the departure of anyone over there that has a change of heart."

"Yes Sergeant." the man snapped a salute and Oakes groaned inwardly as he saw the gesture draw interest from the picket line. His men were not trained for this.

The man made to leave but Oakes raised his hand to stall him, "Send me fifteen of our most experienced to set up shop in the square we need to head off any trouble and open a dialogue with whoever is organising this."

"Right away Sergeant."

As the man departed Oakes turned his attention back to the crowd. He guessed their was over one hundred souls gathered now and if he could not talk them down before the Militia were sent, the city would be burying one hundred bodies before the days end.
Moving On

*Posted by : White\_Caribou on Mar 22, 2018, 1:57am*

Stella's eyes drifted around the room that was so vibrant just a day prior. The flowers above the empty fireplace were wilting. How would he investigate without the body? Surely interrogation wasn't enough, though torture could always find the truth. Edward wasn't afraid to hurt people and when you couldn't recognize his intentions, that was the most frightening moment of all. *She couldn't tell what he wanted but there was hope he wouldn't be too suspicious.*
Tapping her finger on the arm did nothing for her nerves-- or the innocent act --but she tried relaxing a bit more. Her lip was bit down on to ignore the head pains, she crossed her legs cautiously.

"It's a shame, today was our three year anniversary and he'd never mentioned once this past week. Not a word," she chuckled in a hurt manner. "Everything I did for him..." Stella shook her head, looking down momentarily.

"Well, an investigation is quite alright. I prefer someone I'm familiar with, like yourself, than some other high officer." He seemed fond of his job. Why is that, she wondered. This man was like an incomplete puzzle or solving a maze in the dark. Definitely intriguing.

That smile he'd given her spoke a thousand words in silence.

"You'll have to excuse the appearance of both the house and I...our live in maid and butler had gone on stri--," Stella stopped herself, wincing as if to say 'shut up'. The room was examined by her once more as if to reminisce happier times that were never meant to be. She caught site of the single white petal she'd managed to salvage from Westley's now- crushed rose placed carefully on the table beside her. Pausing for a moment to take a breath, the dark air sank in and another tear fell down her cheek.

"I'm sorry, everything is a mess. Um, where do we begin?" Stella wiped the back of her hand over the tear-stained skin, clearing both the water and a bit of the inky smudges away.
The woman looked to him with a gaze full of nearly every emotion known to man, scared but eager to get this wrapped up so she could move on with her life. If things turned for the worst and truth surfaced, she could be charged for murder despite acting self defense. Her marriage and Dusk's strict views would override and claims she made. A body-- hers --dangling from a rope crossed the choppy ocean waves that was her mind.

*But how do any of us move past murder?*
Ezekiel Tinker

# Ezekiel Tinker - NPC

Owned by:  Winteroak

Gender: Male

Age: 52

Group: Dusk

## Profession

Teacher, historian, political theorist and journalist.

## Special Skills

Ezekiel is a natural born orator and extremely charismatic. His powers of debate and persuasion are second to none. Very few in Dusk know more about the city's history.

## Physical Appearance

Average height and weight. Long shabby grey hair and a bushy bear.

## History

Ezekiel was born in East Twins to a reasonably wealthy family. His father was the Chief Naval Steamsmith to the Militia Airships and his mother a very reputable Alchepharmacist.
He was given the best education money and status can afford in Dusk. He graduated top of his academic year and was offered a History teaching role at a very young age at Ironhallow University.

Growing up near The Steamworks and so close to the industrial heart of Dusk shaped his views of society and the denizens of the Dark City. He truly believes that if Mankind is to continue existing, urgent social change is needed.

He founded the Crimson Crew aka Red Crew a decade ago and slowly but surely has spread his tenets thought the fabric of the working class.
Currently he is working on a Right's Chart to deliver to First Citizen Josiah Hazard and the Council of Dusk calling for universal suffrage for men, equal electoral districts, voting by secret ballot, abolition of property and annual general elections and increase conditions to workers across Dusk.

Mentor to Enoch Solomon.

## Loves and Hates...

He loves teaching and debating.

Hates the sinking pit Dusk is.

## Darkest Secret

Ezekiel to addicted to Ozone Runes. A smoking mind altering chemical that is infused with Flagesium.

No one apart from a select few know he is the leader of the revolutionary faction.
Into the Darkness

*Posted by* Largehobbit

Posted: Apr 29, 2018, 10:35pm

21st August - The Roost - Late Morning

Eli stood on the deck of the Seraphim waiting for Connor. What had happened to the man? It was not like him to not show up. If he didn't want to be here he would have just said so... He shrugged he would have to try to catch up with the man on his return, if he had time. If not perhaps a letter would do.

The outer doors of the Roost platform opened and Eli looked over thinking that Connor might have come after all, but it was Lina that stepped out onto the dock. She was dressed for flying and looked ready for a fight. She looked over towards him and waited.

"Your licence is still revoked Lina." he called down.

"Then I'll be a passenger." she called back. He glared down at her with his good eye. She knew as well as he did that Skyriders did not take passengers, there were strict rules. They stood there for a long moment before he spoke and when he did it was with a wide grin,

"Fuck it, get on." What the hell could they do to him that they were not already going to.

She grinned as she jumped on board the ship and within moments they were yelling orders and dropping the magnetic anchors to be on their way.

"Passenger my arse." he growled at her.

She shrugged and went about their usual business as the crew steered them out towards the darkalands. Once they were on their way Lina came to stand by his side and rooting in her jacket pocket she handed him a flask. He smiled broadly as he took it and knocked back a long swig of the whiskey within. Gods that was good.

They were picking up speed now and were around half a mile from the City walls. The black poisoned earth beneath them was barren and featureless and looking around Lina could see nothing growing or moving anywhere. Was the whole world as dead as all this she wondered.

She looked back as a massive explosion tore into the air above the Steamworks. So shocking was the sight that she stumbled for a moment and Eli caught her arm.

"Shit and bloody thunder." Eli said as he watched the pillar of fire and debris shoot into the sky.

"What was that." Lina said dumbly.

"That is what your revolution looks like." Eli answered and she looked at him in horror.

"Turn your back on it girl," he said, "We are out of it all for now and there will be time to make sense of it when we return."

They were silent for a long time then as they watched the smoke rise from beyond the city walls. It was not until the vessel began to loose speed that they returned their attention to the crew who were equally dismayed at the sight.

"Well?" roared Eli, "Lets get to it."

As the city of Dusk disappeared into the distance Lina breathed deeply and was surprised to find the air almost pleasant out here. On a bad day on the climb they would spend most of the trip with breathing equipment stuck to their faces, but out here away from the City the air was better. She wondered not for the first time and not for the last if it were better still up above the Maelstrom.
Sinking In

*Posted by : ryjones on Apr 18, 2018, 3:52pm*

Lady’s Grace, August 20th, VERY late evening

Connor had awful dreams, memories he’d long tried to forget. He found himself tossing about frantically, trying to avoid one strike after another. “No daddy! Please stop!” he screamed in his dreams, not realizing he was talking in his sleep as well.

(I know Emma is a NPC, but seeing as how LargeHobbit has written so much for her, I don’t want to take this too far – is she staying by him that night? Does she try and soothe his discomfort?)

~ ~ ~

Abigail was appalled by the place she was in. Unaccustomed to the debauchery of others, she felt a sort of shame just being there. “What would her mother think?” she thought. Oh her dear mother, dead ten years and she still worried what she thought about her. Then there was her pa, the grand cause of it all. But, Abby was all he had and she had to do right by him.

She looked up to a drink in her face. “Drink this sweetie,” Kerry said.

“I… I’m not one for liquor,” Abigail said frailly.

“With the night you’ve had, you need it. Drink darling. Miss Emma says to take care of you tonight, so we will. We’ll get you a new dress, something to eat and a safe bed for the night. After that I can’t say, but you rest easy and like the rest of us take it a day at a time, okay?” Kerry said sweetly.

Abigail was shocked. Before her stood a woman, likely near her own age and having lived a life MUCH different than her own. The differences paramount. She nodded and drank. It burned her throat and she sputtered. Soon enough a girl from the back brought out a plate of food, decent fair which Abby devoured. This seemed to please Kerry and Abby realized she was covered in crumbs. “I’m sorry, it’s just been a while since I ate last. Folks used to give me enough for my playing I could eat once a day and usually get one of them beds at the shelter but ever since the bombing, folks is scurrying about more and not stopping to listen.” Then it struck her… her violin! She looked down at the instrument at her feet, fear had locked it in her grasp until just now. Then she saw it. Broken, and with it her livelihood. She could never afford a new one now. The tears returned.

Emma strolled by, coming to check on their guest while Connor slept. “What now, sweetie?”

“I is sorry ma’am, I’m grateful and all. You’ve been more than saintly through all this, I jus’… jus’… ,” and she held up the broken violin.