[Video]

[noble_nate]

For those of you who may not know me, I’m Nathaniel Howe, one of the newly promoted sergeants of the transport section of the Exsilium city watch. I will do my best to protect the citizens and the transports, and offer my services whenever needed.

However, there is something much more important that I need to discuss. I and my fellow Grey Warden Duncan have just returned from a brief reconnaissance excursion in United Earth territory. We weren’t able to glean very much new information regarding our enemy, but we did procure this:

[Nathaniel holds up a small vial--approximately half the size of a standard test-tube--filled with some unknown liquid]

We found this on one of the citizens of the United Earth, and we have great reason to believe that it contains the drug that is being used to keep the citizens docile, and to prevent them from rising up against their leaders.

Unfortunately, neither Duncan nor myself has been able to determine what exactly is contained in the solution. We are, of course, sharing what we’ve found with the Initiative, but I am also calling on my fellow transports to see if there is anyone who has the knowledge or means to possibly determine what ingredients are in the drug, and to hopefully find an antidote.

If you are interested in helping, please let me know. I’m also willing to answer whatever questions anyone might have about what we learned.



[OOC INFO: So Duncan and Nathaniel have been gone for about a week, scoping out the United Earth territory. The drug they brought back is a very small supply that all citizens are required to carry on them for emergency purposes.

The information provided by our lovely moderators is that no one will be able to determine the chemical make-up of the drug, as it contains futuristic ingredients that none of the transports would be familiar with. BUT! We would love to get some transports involved in trying, either by handwaving or logging or whatever. So yeah, everyone’s free to jump in on this!]

Comments

[ofthegrey]

We're fine. Nothing we couldn't get out of, although I won't be quick to go back right away.

[It was weird. In a way far more unsettling than the Deep Roads. The enemy you know...]

[ladyspitfire]

I wouldn't recommend it, at any rate. I didn't even realize you two were going.

[ABOUT THAT, GENTLEMEN...]

[ofthegrey]

Well, it was rather spur of the moment.

[That's his story, and he's sticking to it.]

[ladyspitfire]

[Though she doubts it, it's not a point she'll press.]

What did the city look like? Was it similar to Exsilium?

[ofthegrey]

Not really. It's in much better repair. [He thinks of how to put it.]

The people look different. Different from us, I mean. There's a disturbing similarity as though they're all somehow related, or... [He gestures vaguely. He can't put it better than that.]

Those Masked soldiers are everywhere. You can hardly walk down a street without tripping on one of them.

[ladyspitfire]

Considering the technology they have and the supplies needed to bomb us so easily, I'm not surprised.

[Elissa's brow furrows at the idea.]

Like they're...inbred?

[That's a horrifying thought.]

I heard. I wish we knew how to fight them properly. Their armor would probably keep most of our attacks from making any real damage.

[ofthegrey]

Yes. It becomes very obvious that this place is something for which they have contempt when you see how they live there.

[And yet he'd take this place. It seems more genuine.]

Perhaps. I don't have a lot of experience with that. There's just a disturbing sameness to their looks. It made it difficult for Nathaniel and I to get around despite dressing like them while we were there.

[He nods, frowning.] If I had the proper ingredients, I'd make up some acid flasks. I wouldn't know where to get such things here. I have yet to find anything short of dragon hide that does well against that.

[ladyspitfire]

A Rivaini and a Fereldan trying to blend into the crowds. Oh, yes, I can imagine that going just swimmingly.

[She almost wishes she could see it, that damn curiosity of hers piqued despite the danger involved and the disgust she holds for the United Earth.]

I could ask some of the shop owners about what can be used to make some strong acid. They might not have any clear answer but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

[ofthegrey]

No one had facial hair like mine. It's not as though we engaged them in conversation.

[He might have blended better had he been willing to part with it. That wasn't going to happen.]

I'm certain that wouldn't rouse any suspicions.

[He chuckles.]

Perhaps if they're given to understand it's for their safety, they'll cooperate.

[ladyspitfire]

[She has to laugh at that.]

I'm glad you didn't shave it off simply to blend in, the both of you. I might mistake you for children on your return and go looking for your caretakers.

[Her nod is almost solemn.]

I know a few of them. Not well, of course, but enough that they might want to lend a hand.

[ofthegrey]

[He snorts indelicately.]

That might be true of Nathaniel. I fear if I were to shave now, all it would uncover is more wrinkles and furrows. You recruits have marked me for life.

[He nods.]

Ask then. I'm happy to contribute funding. I've been dissatisfied with the shortage of ingredients and reagents here. For such a polluted place, it's difficult to find useful chemicals.

[ladyspitfire]

Oh, listen to you, trying to garner sympathy. You didn't even have me for a recruit for very long. I'm not responsible for any of those non-existent wrinkles.

[With a thoughtful hum, she nods.]

I will. And don't worry about funding, I'll cover that. I want to see what else can be salvaged outside of the city too.

[ofthegrey]

Retroactively, perhaps. [His teeth flash briefly within the depths of beard and mustache.]

Mmhmm. Keep the receipts. I'll reimburse you for what I use. Otherwise, I'll just have to guess at the amount. Who knows how wrong I could be?

[It is guaranteed to be overpaid in that case.]

[ladyspitfire]

I've been very well behaved, thank you.

[He gets a brief narrow of her eyes and one eyebrow rising.]

I'll make sure you know the appropriate amount, don't worry.

[Two can play at that game.]