treasuremap | COTERIE INTERACTIONS (IC)

COTERIE INTERACTIONS (IC) - CHAPTER I

COTERIE INTERACTIONS

NAVIGATION

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RULES/FAQ

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COTERIES

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LOCATIONS

The leader of each coterie, all colloquially known by the same name as their group—Jaguar, Eagle, Viper, and Salamander—will play a major role in the story, oftentimes appearing in events and even, during major plots, accompanying the player characters on their quests. While having constant access to them in threads would be difficult to keep track of and may lead to unfair advantages for some characters, and they will never directly comment to any network or log posts made in

incensed or

incenselogs, we do want to offer the opportunity for characters to interact with them. Therefore, with the exception of the aforementioned event posts where the NPCs might appear, all direct interactions with the coterie leaders can be done here. Simply comment below with the leader you'd like to interact with and whether it is in person or via medallion/journal in the subject line.

Note that it is fine to handwave minor interactions with the NPCs, such as in the case of exposition or receiving their quest orders, and you do not need to thread that out here nor ask permission from the mods. Relationships beyond passing familiarity as leader/subordinate cannot be handwaved however—in general, characters will not "build CR" with their leader to the degree they might with other characters in the game. They will still get to know them well over the course of the story, though.

Please also note that the NPCs are played by the mod team and are subject to the same tagging speed or question-answering expectations. We will respond as soon as we can!

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_{[ In an odd turn of events, Morga is the one to linger in the lodge after the rest of her hunting party has left to gather their equipment and supplies for the upcoming foray into the ruins. Any other time and she'd have been the first one out with bloodlust singing in her veins, but... not this time. She spent most of the "meeting" listening to tone of Jaguar's voice, watching his body language and quietly fussing over the great eagle she'd brought with. It'd be easy to assume that she was simply including the bird because he often went wherever she went, and the animal was more intelligent than he let on but it was also pretty obvious that he wasn't quite feeling himself.

No doubt from the thick mist that was no doubt getting to everyone at this point.

And with Jaguar evidently staying behind, that left Morga no other choice - she knew what she had to do, even if it gnawed at her inside to even consider it. ]}

...I have a favor to ask of you before I go anywhere, boy.

[ As far as he's concerned, that's meeting adjourned. Jaguar's not one for goodbyes, or for dragging things out. Once the others start to disperse, he gets up and gathers up the parchment he'd spread across the table: a map, a hastily handwritten set of notes he'd been taking his cues from in lettering that could almost pass for Anglo but isn't, rolling them all up into scrolls in his hands. He's not expecting anyone to linger, least of all Morga, but it (or any reaction to "boy") hardly registers in his expression when he stops what he's doing to answer her. It's just the same serious, critical, and yet not quite cold as always. ]

...What is it?

You... know what this foul air does to humans and monsters better than anyone I've met in this city. You know what to look for if someone falls ill to it, and I've been starting to notice some of it myself.

_{[ Alright, Morga. Out with it. Just... ask. It's easy.

Oooooooor it should be. For a few moments Morga just stands there with her brows furrowed and lips set into a thin line, struggling to piece the right words together. She isn't Tikal's chief and she knows better than anyone that barging in and making demands will get her nowhere. It certainly never got her people anywhere. On the upside he's listening and the worst that could happen is he refuses, in which case she'd simply have to find another. Even so, he's the best possible option on her mind. ]}

...Jaeger hasn't been himself since it started to seep into the city. His mind is still there, but he cannot hunt for himself. Hell, he can barely fly from the roof of our home to my arm in his present state hence...

_{[ She tilts her chin towards said bird, expression softening. ]}

I... would ask that you look after him while I'm away. That he remains himself.

[ Without turning his head, Jaguar's gaze shifts between Morga and Jaeger. He's seen her with that bird more often than not, so he at least has some sense that it's far more than just a pet to her. An animal companion is a liability here, in his opinion, but at least this one hunts. And isn't some fluffy thing that doesn't do anything but eat and shit and make noise. That's worth some consideration... and Morga clearly takes this seriously.

Still. Frowning, he gives it to her straight up. No beating around the bush. ]

I don't know the first thing about caring for a hawk, let alone protecting one from the mist. I can't promise you his safety.

[ And yet. ]

...But he'll be safer here than elsewhere.

_{[ Her posture seems to relax, and Morga reaches up to brush the back of her fingers under Jaeger's beak and murmurs something in a guttural language. That's... a relief, honestly. And more than she could ever ask for. She receives a quiet chitter for her efforts and after a few moments she quietly reaches out with her free hand.

Your arm. ]}

So long as he remains alive and in one piece. Broken bones can be mended. Feathers regrown. Care-wise... You only need to make sure he's fed once or twice a day. I will not ask you to take him out while the mist lingers. Just, ah... Speak to him once in awhile. He's smarter than he seems.

_{[ Evidently, given the way he looks between Morga and Jaguar with a wary-yet-calculating stare. ]}

I will be in your debt upon my return.

[ Seemingly unconcerned about the talons or really anything else about a bird that size, Jaguar extends his arm as casually as if he were hailing a cab. If cabs existed in this world, anyway. Not that he knows the first thing about how to speak to a hawk, either, but he inclines his head in reserved but polite greeting as Jaeger is placed on his arm, because that's how you interact with things, right? ]

I am already in yours. If this is what I've been reduced to, to help my people... I've no business asking for anything. Or complaining.

[ Ah. ]

No offense.

There is no offense to be had, boy.

_{[ Morga's fingers remain in the eagle's plumage for an extra moment, almost as if it pains her to see him leave her side but the excuse she gives herself is it's only to make sure he stays steady. His feathers ruffle just enough to show mild displeasure at taking up residence on an arm that doesn't belong to Morga or another Scourge, but they're quick to smooth once it settles in his mist-addled mind that she trusts this man enough to hand him over.

That doesn't mean he's not going to be a brat about it though and duck his head down to pick at the straps holding a gauntlet to his arm. ]}

I've been in your position before. Having to stay behind while the rest of my people prepare for a fight. But... sometimes remaining in the village is the best thing a chieftain can do. It isn't easy, but should something happen to us your people will need your strength to defend them.

As you say.

[ But he's still not happy, clearly. Then again, that's also just his face. It's probably not physically possible for Jaguar to look happy. One thing he also doesn't look, though, is bothered by Jaeger's weight on his arm, or that beak coming at him to pick at his armor. He gets an unconcerned glance, and that's all. ]

Tezcatli was—possibly is again—a place of immense power. It sleeps for a thousand years, only to reawaken now? Hmph. If there's anything I want in return, it's for all of you to silence this insurrection with a vengeance, since I can't be there to do it myself.

_{[ She doesn't bother stifling the sharp bark of laughter that follows his pouting, even as she turns to retrieve her spear from the corner she'd propped it up against when everyone first filed in. Yeah, definitely a boy in her eyes, and for a moment she's reminded of an Equally Pouty boy from decades past. There's a fire in his words even if it doesn't show on his face, and that's... definitely something Morga can respect. ]}

If there are any trophies to be had, you have my word that I will bring one.

The monster's head will suffice.

[ What "happy" looks like on Jaguar: a curled upper lip. One he's careful not to direct at Jaeger, because if there's anything he knows about animals, it's that snarling at them doesn't go over so well. That's... actually pretty much all he knows about animals, but don't worry about it. They're doing fine. Everything's gonna be juuuust fine. ]

What does he eat, your bird? Will he tell me?

[ Obviously not verbally, but like... in his way. ]

He'll probably destroy something if you try to give him chicken feed.

_{[ And as funny as the thought is, Morga clicks her tongue and steps closer to hook one rough finger under the curve of Jaeger's beak. Dangerous? Oh, yes. Have you seen the size of that weapon? But the bond and trust they have means that rather than earning a bite, she simply gets a series of chitters and quiet peeps. So, it's not the sound that one might expect a bird of his nature to make but uh. Hey, nobody said he had to sound scary as long as he looked it. ]}

Meat will do just fine. Venison, beef... Anything, really. If you wish to earn his attention, then fish. Preferably raw but he may try to beg for scraps off of your plate, and I am ashamed to say I fed into that when he was very young but seeing as he's no pet I never bothered to correct it later in life.

_{[ Giving his head a gentle little shake, she lets go and runs her fingers over the ruffled feathers atop his head once or twice and murmurs something in that rough language once more. Thanks to the medallions, it manages to come out as a gentle 'You'll be safe here. Behave and be good, Jæger.' ]}

I... thank you. Jaguar.

So he eats like a man, hm?

[ Doesn't sound like a man, but. Makes sense. That overly critical look in Jaguar's eyes lightens up just the slightest bit. It's like seeing a mother fuss with their child more than it is seeing someone with a pet or even a hunting companion. There'll surely be hell to pay if he doesn't do his due diligence here, not that he was planning on anything less. Look at him. That stiff as a board posture, that serious as a funeral countenance. Jaeger is going to be guarded like a well-kept secret. ]

Jaeger will be fine. You have my word.

[ He pronounced that pretty damn spot on. Guess he knows a thing or two about Germanic language. With the back of one scarred finger, and no fear whatsoever, he strokes the bird's chest. ]

And you'll have my head if I'm wrong.

I'll force your wings open and teach you to soar if you are.

_{[ But it won't come to that, of course. Despite barely knowing the man she has no reason to distrust him, a truth made known in the way Jaguar simply touches his feathers. No fear, no hesitation, and Jaeger doesn't screech or spread his wings. That's as good of a sign as any to Morga, and she sighs softly in... definitely not relief or anything like that. ]}

I'll try and send a message when we're finished. Otherwise...

_{[ She brushes her fingers down the length of Jaeger's beak one final time and after a moment (and considerable effort), Morga steps back towards the doorway. As brash and stubborn as she is, she was raised by her village's chief before herself. Most people she wouldn't bother waiting, but Jaguar? There's respect here. ]}

By your leave.

[ Things are calming down, the corrosive incense having dispersed and the temple’s resident evil dealt with. So it is that around midday on the 7th, Lao (one of the squad leaders left in Kiichpan) sends a message to The Viper herself. ]

‘Hey, Boss Lady? One of the outlanders showed up this morning, right out of the incense. Woman from our coterie, the one with fancy teal hair? She’s currently quarantined, seems pretty out of it due to the incense - last I heard she keeps insisting she died.

I know you sent word that things had been dealt with over there, but should we expect more lost stragglers to arrive back on foot?’

[ Jaguar nods, inclining his head with polite assent just like he had when he "greeted" Jaeger. The bird doesn't bite, Morga is anxious but respectful, and her threat is one hundred percent valid. A little Extra, but valid. He gestures for her to go, his expression somber in addition to the usual seriousness. ]

Be well.

[ Time to make friends with a bird of prey. Never a dull moment here. ]

[ Viper, who had been drinking, half spits her mouthful back out at this report. ]

Died?! Yeah, they're all supposed to be arriving back on foot! Alive!

Whadya mean she came outta the incense? Are you sure it's the same person?

'Pretty sure, Boss. Soffie.. Sofia? The Nate woman, anyway.

No one else has arrived yet. No one remembers seeing her pass through any gates, though. And she got pulled outta a fountain, I guess she was just clumsy?'

Fountain's where she came out of when she got here, if I recall. And it's too damn early for anyone to be back that fast. But how—

Where d'ya have her quarantined?

'She's resting at the lodge right now, since she's one of ours. We don't have anyone else in the containment rooms, so that's where we put her, even if she ain't exactly violent.

You want her moved?'

No, that's good. If she ain't mist-crazed, I'm headin' in to see her. No need to post a guard—just keep your eyes all over the city. If anyone comes outta the clouds whether they're new here or not, gimme a shout right away.

'You got it, Boss.'

[ And that, as they say, is that. For that conversation, at least.

The aforementioned Sophia certainly isn't crazed - in any fashion the regular Vipers can identify anyway. If anything, she's too tired, too biddable, making no complaints about her accommodations save to ask for an extra blanket. She did not fight when her request for pen and paper was denied, and instead, has mostly sat staring out the window, one hand occasionally resting and rubbing against her clavicle.

All told, seemingly very healthy looking for a woman who claims to have died. ]

[ Fortunately, it's a short trip for Viper. She's already in the lodge, in her space (lovingly referred to as the crow's nest), so within two shakes there's a knock at Sophia's door before Viper steps inside. Her expression is roughly as shifty as ever, which she maintains almost intentionally to disguise her bafflement and concern over what sort of situation she's got on her hands here.

As always, she doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to getting straight to the point. Just as soon as she has Sophia's attention, she asks: ]

What happened out there, lass?

[ It isn't hard to get Sophia's attention: the door opens, and her head turns at once. It's only when she recognises Viper that she rises to her feet. ]

Ma'am.. I take it they told you I was found at the fountain? ['again', goes unsaid. or perhaps it does need saying? her head shakes slightly] I will do my best to answer, but I must know - are Mr. il Qaras and Mr. Alberich all right?

No one has told me whether the other investigations into the temple were a success or not.

(okay, she wasn't expecting to see him. she barely does, usually, so when she has the opportunity, she likes to take full advantage of it.

so seeing him from afar means she lunges at her full speed, jumping on his back and wrapping her arms around his neck, legs koala-ing the poor leader.)

Boss-man!

[ He's not exactly prepared for that, but in spite of his near waifish appearance, he holds her up just fine. Laughing with an oof and tilting his head back to get a glance at her over his shoulder. ]

And there she is, our little spitfire! In a good mood, in spite of everything that's happened. Just what I like to see.

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COTERIE INTERACTIONS (IC) - CHAPTER I

Jaguar ➤ in person because wHY THE HECK NOT, before the expedition 12/5

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VIPER > forward dating to 12/7 > medallion contact

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for eagle - Kiichpan

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