[avalon] IC Inbox

[emet_sulk]

I am currently not available at the moment.
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At the Shop (backdated to the first week of September)

[mayoninofukucho]

[Avalon is buzzing with excitement and expectation, given recent events - the procurement of the items required for Camelot and Elphame's plan to avert the calamity, along with the return of many outworlders who had been on the island before, has kindled everyone's hope of being able to go home soon... well, for those who have a home to return to. Despite that Hijikata's expression is serious when he enters Polydegmon's about half an hour before closing time. He waits until a browsing ghost leaves the shop, making sure he's alone with Emet-Selch (and Nyx) before placing his order.]

Looks like this time I've got to ask you for a Living Dead potion.

[And because he knows that his fellow death mage will want an explanation he provides it willingly - though it's a long enough story that he has to start at the beginning.]

You've seen the quest about the stone giant, I assume?

[emet_sulk]

[ Emet-Selch looks slightly harried, and distracted when Hijikata walks in. But the request gets his attention immediately and he frowns slightly at the other man. ]

With everyone and everything thrown into chaos of late, I've had little time to peruse the finer details... But I do remember seeing some mention of it, yes. Why?

[ He wracks his brain trying to think of why Hijikata could possibly want the Living Dead potion for that particular quest. Isn't the objective to defeat it or put it to rest somehow? ]

[mayoninofukucho]

We've got a deity volunteer.

[He lets that sink in for a moment... frankly, he wouldn't have known who else besides Ereshkigal might be capable of taking in that kind of ancient power, even in their original form. Horus? Thanatos? Emet-Selch himself, perhaps? There may well be more people of their caliber on Avalon, but these are the ones he knows - and it doesn't matter, because this kind of endeavour isn't a favour one could simply ask of anyone.]

Now of course everyone got nerfed-- I mean, depowered, on arrival here... but there's someone on the dark web promising a spell to get one's original powers back. I know it's a big risk, given that it's the dark web, but it's the only shot we've got. Since the spell's attached to a murder quest that's where you come in. You're the only one I can ask for help with this.

[He's so focused on the undertaking that he hardly noticed Emet-Selch's restlessness, so he doesn't ask if anything is wrong... for now.]

[emet_sulk]

[ Most people would be flattered by being another's go-to. Regrettably this is par for the course for Emet-Selch and he simply frowns. ]

That seems too good to be true. On the 'dark web', you say? How can you be so sure they will follow through? The only method I am aware of is that item granted by the Elphame traders...

[mayoninofukucho]

The one the traders sell has a temporary effect, doesn't it?

[He only knows of the pricey Soulfire Stone with its 10-minute limit - that wouldn't be enough for the venture.]

Honestly, we can't be sure that the quest-giver won't simply scam us, but that's precisely why we need your potion. I'm not going to die for some apple juice in a fancy bottle!

[emet_sulk]

[ He wrinkles his nose. ]

Well, I trust you not to misuse it. I only placed the restriction a repeat of that poison challenge is not attempted. What is your plan though, exactly? What if the one you are trying to trick decides to drive a sword through your heart to be sure? Or cut your head off for a trophy?

[mayoninofukucho]

We'll be taking Walter along.

[He says that as if there's no further explanation necessary - and he really assumes that to be the case. While he doesn't know Walter all that well the boy has proven reliable and competent (also in situations Hijikata wasn't directly involved in but heard about), and beyond that he simply trusts his gut instinct. Knowing that Emet-Selch and Walter also seen to know each other and be allies or business partners or friends - on good terms, in any case - definitely helps solidify the decision.]

[emet_sulk]

[ The inclusion of Walter immediately has him straightening. ]

Ahh... So you will be having a known hunter stage a fight with his victim, and have them turn in the 'corpse'?

[ It's a simple idea. It would also be an effective one if Emet-Selch didn't suspect that a smart quest-give would ask for certain proof of death. Something like a decapitated head or an arm ripped off.

Drumming his fingers on the counter, he suddenly asks: ]

Do you have fake blood prepared? A mummer's kit to model scars and other wounds?

[mayoninofukucho]

No, we're taking an easier route. We'll stage it as a poisoning by Ereshkigal - I don't know if you know her, but she's the main character in this plot, really. Walter will pose as her accomplice who helps her move my "corpse" around and all.

[No one shall be able to claim that Ereshkigal doesn't deserve the reward because Walter dealt the killing blow or something! Who knows how senselessly specific those dark-webbers may lay out their requirements?]

So no injuries should be expected, and the lack of other signs of life should be sufficient. If the bastard does want my head, then Walter just has to make a good show of wanting to hang up the trophy himself.

[And in the worst case he'll just have to slice them up. There's still a risk - if they end up dealing with a truly skilled and unscrupulous person all of them will be in mortal danger -, but Hijikata feels that the plan is as solid as it gets.]

[emet_sulk]

Hmm, I see. But even poisons leave the body in a particular state. Is this Ereshkigal prepared to answer as to what poison she will pretend to have used on you?

[ He's perhaps being too meticulous about the plan, but it IS quite a gamble they're taking with an unscrupulous individual. Rising from his seat, he goes to fetch the potion from its locked cabinet in the back room, calling out from within: ]

Men don't simply fall over, you know. Poisons can arrest the nervous system, paralyse the muscle, asphyxiate the victim... Even the fastest acting ones leave their mark. This concoction I have here simply suspends your vital signs and does little else so you will need a little staging to be truly convincing.

[mayoninofukucho]

[Of course Emet-Selch thinks even further than him... Hijikata won't try to scramble for a smart retort when admitting his lack of knowledge will be more fruitful. He stays at the counter - he's still here as a customer, after all, and they can carry on the conversation without having to yell.]

Which poison would you suggest she claim she used?