The Evrensel Conflict: Act 1 -- Chapter 1, Mission 1: Jaws of Oblivion

[Wade Von Doom]

"I was born 87 years ago.

For 65 years I've ruled as Tamriel's Emperor. But for all these years, I've never been the ruler of my own dreams.

I have seen the gates of Oblivion, beyond which no waking eye may see. Behold, in darkness, a doom sweeps the land.

This is the 27th of Last Seed, the year of Akatosh, 433. These are the closing days of the Third Era, and the final hours of my life."


Chapter 1, Mission 1: Jaws of Oblivion

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The TARDIS would drop them off within a back ally of the city. They were right next to a well, with a tree hanging above it, and a few boulders around the sides of the small patch of grass they would stand on. It was sunny out, partially cloudy, with a gentle breeze blowing past them all. It was warm, like spring turning to summer. Birds chirped in the tree from their nest, as a mother watched over her newly hatched chicks. Leading them was Callintus, who took a deep breath to smell the air once again. He was home. "Ahhhhh!" He sighed, a big smile on his face as he held his helmet under his arm. "My friends. Welcome... to the Imperial City."

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Leading them out of the ally and into the streets, they would come across a large statue of a dragon made from stone in the center of the district they landed in.



"The Talso Plaza District! I haven't been here in ages!" Callintus said, roaming about the rather quiet streets. Only a few people were out. "Only the truly wealthiest in the city live hear. Unless of course you had coin to spare for a night at the Tiber Septim Hotel." He pointed to where it was, the sign being quite visible from where they stood.



Next to the door was a wanted posted:

"Ah, I see they're increasing their search for the Fox!" Callintus said aloud, reading the poster. "He's been a wanted thief in Tamriel for decades, almost a century! He leads the thieves guild, and much as the Imperial watch tries, they've never been able to shut them down. They're too well connected. Even I tried finding the Fox, to no avail! Always the elusive one he is." The way Callintus spoke was with joy, as he was filled with glee that he was back! Cyrodiil hadn't changed a bit since he left.

Except for one thing.

"THE EMPEROR IS DEAD!"

A voice shouted out from down the street. It was a Wood Elf, running towards the bustling activity of people within the plaza. They all looked to him with confusion. "URIEL SEPTIM HAS BEEN KILLED! BY-BY ASSASSINS! THE SEPTIMS HAVE ALL BEEN KILLED! THE EMPIRE IS NOW WITHOUT A RULER!!" He was in a frenzy, with sweat running down his face and tears in his eyes. The crowd began to murmur in confusion and disbelief.

"Who told you this?!"

"Is this real?"

"By the divine..."

"That's enough!" A guard shouted out, getting between the elf and the crowd. "Where did you hear this, elf?"

"I saw him! I saw them take his body out of the sewers!"

"WHAT?!" A woman shouted, with the crowd getting louder.

"It was him! With a few of his blades being pulled out along with him!"

"The Blades were killed?" Callintus muttered in shock. The crowd grew more agitated, unsure of if to believe the elf, or be in panic that the empire was now with a ruler.

"Quiet! QUIET!" The guard shouted out, getting everyone's attention. "If this is true, then the city watch will begin a citywide curfew! I suggest you all return to your homes, and await further details from the Elder Council!" The crowd continued to murmur, but followed the orders, separating as people looked in complete shock. What a time to return home.

"So then it's begun." Callintus simply said. The reason they had come to this city, and not the others, was because Callintus had asked some from the group to join him in returning to his home. He wanted to show them Cyrodiil and the Imperial City itself, with all its sights and marvels. But, it was also clear Callintus needed their help in a matter relating to Cyrodiil, and now all of Tamriel. He just hadn't told them. "I was gone too long."

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MEANWHILE:

Under the city itself, in the sewer systems, the sounds of splashing water echoed around the long corridors and hallways.

Running along the water was an Argonian. He wore tattered pants and leather armor, carrying a small blade on his side and bow with rusty arrows. He was trying to get away from his attackers. The ones who murdered the emperor himself. He could hear them, but he couldn't tell how far away they were. He could only hear their feet clanking against the ground from the heavy armor they wore. He stopped for a moment, out of breath, and leaned against the wall. He looked to his hand, carrying an item. Something important the emperor gave and entrusted him with.

​

 

[Hierach]

"Reports differ widely on the nature of the battle at Pale Pass. But the end result is the same, that the remaining Dragonguard, upon hearing the voice of Reman Cyrodiil, knelt and swore their lives to him, their conqueror and savior."
-History of the Blades

<{O}>​

The last thing Talon remembered, was watching as the Summerset Isles sank beneath the waves, standing at the side of her Emperor.

The Thalmor, as expected, attacked the remnants of the Empire, slaughtering the weakened Legions as they captured the Imperial City within months of the initial breakout of the Second Great War.

Confident in their victory, they marched onwards towards Skyrim, unaware of the dangers that the skies possessed.

Ysmir's assault on the Aldmeri Dominion was as brutal and merciless as Ysgramor's extermination of the Snow Elves, the Dragonborn destroying entire towns with the power of the Thu'um alone had been a sight to see - The armies of Men; Nord, Redguard, and Breton, all united under the Voice of the Dovahkiin, and with his power, they had managed to rout the invading Thalmor, turning Cyrodil into the last battle and ultimate defeat of an Elven Dream of Godhood.

Under the shadow of the White-Gold Tower, Ysmir executed all Aldmeri forces by hanging them from the City walls, leaving them to rot until only bones remained.

Talon herself led the next charge against Elsweyr, using the Dragons to render its shifting sands into molten glass. It almost felt like heretical, the Blades' ancient enemy, now fighting side by side with Wyrms when they had once hunted them into extinction, but it was the command of her Master, and so she obeyed.

By the time Bosmer's resistance was crushed, the Altmer Queen sued for peace, yet the Dovahkiin ignored her pleas, sending back her messenger's head in a box.

With the War nearing its end, Ysmir used the sacred trees of Valenwood to create the largest fleet in existence, rivaled only in size by the Far East Fleet used to invade Akavir in the Third Era, setting sail as soon as it was finished to finally end the conflict between Man and Mer once and for all.

There were few things that surprised Talon anymore, but when her Master disappeared in a flash, there had been a moment of dismayed disbelief before a sharp light blinded her, followed by darkness.

Before she even hit the ground, Talon had already drawn her blade. Swiftly getting to her feet, she regarded her surroundings with a suspicious look, soon recognizing it as the sewers of the Imperial City, mostly by the smell.

 

[The Wanderer]

Hei

Walking out of the Tardis in his getup, having cleaned it up from the scuffle that occurred back in the Capital building from what felt like days ago. Hei couldn't help but enjoy the warmth that the city brought.

It wasn't humid like how Japan could get when it rained or got ungodly hot.

But wasn't as cold as Russia had been during his stint for the CIA. It was nice to feel the gentle breeze, but their guide since he had apparently been here before was Callintus, whom led them along the 'Imperial City' sights. A marketplace that looked like a decent amount of money could be made from bartering or selling goods, perhaps even acquire more clothes and supplies for the people back on the Pathfinder, and a hotel that they could stay at to rest.

Their sightseeing was halted by a pointy eared individual calling out that the Emperor was dead. And his personal elite guard also dead with him, the news making Callintus unnerved and looking far more grim than what the old man typically allowed. The news just made Hei think up similar sights/news he had dealt with when working for the Syndicate. The attack would need an almost blitzkrieg strike, with a well coordinated equally elite team. Whom would need info on the Emperor and his little entourage of guards, for fast strikes and coordination did little unless you knew your enemy, and knew them as you'd know your family.

Hell, he was frequent user of such tactics.

When the civilians had dispersed, and they were left to their own devices. He'd talk to Cal. "You recognize the handiwork? Anyone with the skill and knowledge of your Emperor and the city to stage a strike such as this?" Information was powerful, but could easily go both ways in regards to those who used it. If they can narrow down the field of who did this, the quicker they could be found. If they knew the layout, they could talk to someone who knew how the city was built, and if they knew where they'd go, then the assassins would also know security protocols. Which would mean they could track down who was responsible for letting that information out.

@Wade Von Doom @Wiggin @BazusoTheGrey @Amber Franklin @Nero Kunivas @Snowtwo @Hero

 

[Birdsie]

Corvo Attano
Imperial City Sewers

He'd been called many names in his past, as both child and man. Traitor, heretic, assassin; masked felon. The newspapers called him the Dunwall Butcher for what he'd done to the city watch's finest, when they forced him to become creative.

He was the one whose masked countenance would be visible in the dark alleys, as phantom and wanted poster both. An urban legend that men and women, in throes of poverty and wealth alike, spoke of at dinner parties or hushed gatherings. He was the sole craftsman behind the campaign of terror and death that spanned the entire city of Dunwall.

To some, he was a shadowy hand, extended with an open palm to help. To some others, he was a closed, bloodied fist extended to strike at the jugular, to stun and make an opening for the subsequent blade.

To others yet, those cold glass eyes would be their last vision of this world before the coming void. There would be no comfort in them, not even a glimmer of mercy or care. There would be nothing but efficient revenge.

Until the debt of blood had been paid.

More recently, with a hint of glory, he was called the Lord-Protector of the Empress, Emily Kaldwin.

His daughter's smiling face, as she took seat upon the throne, was the last thing that Corvo Attano saw before a light blinded him and, like the traitor Lord Regent and his co-conspirators had done before, took her away from him.

It was shocking, done without fanfare and without warning. He couldn't even react to the sudden event, let alone see Emily's expression of horror as he disappeared.

---

When Corvo stood once more in what he recognized as a sewer, it would have been an understatement to say that he was disappointed and confused. He was bereaved. For a moment, he stood there, listless and unable to cope with what had happened. He started breathing heavily and took hold of the nearby wall to support himself.

Was this the Outsider's way of taking back his dues?

Corvo punched the bricks with his fist once, in defiance, and grit his teeth at the pain. It did nothing, even with his prodigious strength, but he didn't care.

A moment later, there was a clattering in the darkness behind him. Corvo half-looked back, and saw a faint greenish silhouette, with a torch and a skull helmet. It smiled at him balefully.

Corvo smiled back, all teeth on display.

---

Talon was alerted, at first by the sound of distant screeching, and then by the clatter of metal as a nearby sewer grate opened. A pack of goblins poured out, more red than green, with some of the specimens having amputated limbs, or gored bodies. They were screaming and running with reckless abandon, and although she may have tensed at first, the monsters ran for the nearest sewer path, rather than in her direction. For a good minute, there was silence.

And then, from the same grate, emerged an elegant man, dressed in a black longcoat with fine golden traceries and polished buttons. Even by the standards of an Imperial nobleman, he looked both eccentric and ostentatious to the extreme.

But for someone like Talon, who'd fought countless battles, that feature wasn't the one that drew the eye first.

It was the way he moved, with trained precision, each step preserving stamina while maximizing the amount of distance covered and remaining prepared for an ambush, to make a sudden step back or parry a strike. He practically glided across the sewer floor like a wraith.

Another facet of his appearance was the black, hair-covering hood and the unnatural steel mask on his face, like a grim iron skull with jagged rebar teeth bent into a twisted yet equally unfeeling grin, like some alien caricature of a man or mer.

Those impressions combined, with the fact he could send a score of creatures usually thought to be nigh-mindless and recklessly stupid suggested that he wasn't a normal person.

When he noticed Talon, at roughly the same time as she noticed him, the man in the coat briefly stopped the ceaseless pursuit of his quarry and came to stare at her. It was almost awkward for a moment, even - two individuals that most people would consider suspicious, or at least peculiar - meeting together in a sewer, not knowing what to do or say about it.

Eventually, Corvo said, "Hello."

@Vulthurmir

 

[Amber Franklin]

Tsunade- Character Sheet

There had been a short conversation with Callintus about whether if the group would need to blend in, and how they could if needed. Callintus had assured them there was no need; he would explain them away as being foreigners, and Layyel as a 'Tame troll'. The man was confident, and upbeat, and reminds her so much of a certain young shinobi that sets her more at-ease with him. Being no fool, however, Tsunade had chosen to dress in her casual attire (recreated by the woman Doctor after simply asking "Is this possible?" By unknown means) with the addition of an inner pocket to hold her laser sword. Her satchel is fully stocked with an emergency surgical kit, these things called 'stimpaks' described by Abigail and Brigid as advanced steroids for healing minor to moderate wounds, and various aid items created by the Doctors.

It is a welcome change to step through the door of the TARDIS into a very pleasant city. The first two they'd seen were ruined by all manner of conflict which had marred whatever grand sight they may have been. This however, was quite grandiose. She walks away from the group and turns in a circle before approaching the large dragon statue. She turns back to Callintus when talks of this mysteriously elusive 'Fox'. The man was even very upbeat about his failure to capture this prolific thief.

What does it take to bring this man's mood down? Tsunade asks herself and smiles.

That question is promptly answered by one of the locals.The man's somewhat odd ears aside, what he screams to the streets is what interests and concerns her most. The ruler of this land has supposedly just been murdered. And Callintus, by his admission, blames himself in a way for being gone 'too long'.

"Callintus." Tsunade comes aside the man, speaking quietly. She looks at him in the eyes after looking around to be sure none of the guards were approaching them. "Focus. We need you right now." She puts her hands on his shoulders. "First, will we need to use that hotel to discuss what we do next since the guards are declaring a curfew?"

 

[Wiggin]

~=========~-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~=========~
Scout
~=========~-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~=========~​

The arrival to this strange land had a familiarity to it. A calmness seemed to sit in this place, yet it felt like there was something festering underneath. This was evident by the wanted posters of this "grey fox" character. The architecture made Scout reminiscent of the many stories that she had been able to read in Diana's library. The city was surrounded within a wall, and various buildings were housed within these walls. The group wandered about the place, eventually coming upon a large statue on top of a pedestal. It was oddly beautiful in a way with its stillness within the city. Callintus soon broke the stillness with his joyful explanations of the places in the city.

It was fun to see the old knight going about with a sort of awe. His excitement was almost contagious in a way, that was, until it was interrupted by the panicked shouts of someone in the distance. Scout couldn't get a clear view of the individual shouting, all that she heard was that an emperor of some sort had been assassinated. The strange thing about the explanation was that he had come from the sewer, but what would an emperor be doing skulking in the sewers with his guards? Scout's thoughts were cut off though when she saw the person who had been notifying everyone once the group had dispersed. His ears were pointed! It was an elf! Scout's entire reasoning seemed to have shut down and her facial expressions dulled. The group would soon see her extending her staff and beginning to move towards the elf. It was obvious she was going to attack him by the time Scout would get there.

 

[Hierach]

Talon was alerted, at first by the sound of distant screeching, and then by the clatter of metal as a nearby sewer grate opened. A pack of goblins poured out, more red than green, with some of the specimens having amputated limbs, or gored bodies. They were screaming and running with reckless abandon, and although she may have tensed at first, the monsters ran for the nearest sewer path, rather than in her direction. For a good minute, there was silence.

And then, from the same grate, emerged an elegant man, dressed in a black longcoat with fine golden traceries and polished buttons. Even by the standards of an Imperial nobleman, he looked both eccentric and ostentatious to the extreme.

But for someone like Talon, who'd fought countless battles, that feature wasn't the one that drew the eye first.

It was the way he moved, with trained precision, each step preserving stamina while maximizing the amount of distance covered and remaining prepared for an ambush, to make a sudden step back or parry a strike. He practically glided across the sewer floor like a wraith.

Another facet of his appearance was the black, hair-covering hood and the unnatural steel mask on his face, like a grim iron skull with jagged rebar teeth bent into a twisted yet equally unfeeling grin, like some alien caricature of a man or mer.

Those impressions combined, with the fact he could send a score of creatures usually thought to be nigh-mindless and recklessly stupid suggested that he wasn't a normal person.

When he noticed Talon, at roughly the same time as she noticed him, the man in the coat briefly stopped the ceaseless pursuit of his quarry and came to stare at her. It was almost awkward for a moment, even - two individuals that most people would consider suspicious, or at least peculiar - meeting together in a sewer, not knowing what to do or say about it.

Eventually, Corvo said, "Hello."

Talon
Imperial City Sewers

Despite their attempts at escape, the Blade simply cut the foul goblins down in pursuit. Despite their shared history, Talon felt nothing but disdain for the foul creatures, a menace that deserved neither mercy nor remorse - Though that was the case for many of her enemies, seeing as anything willing to raise their hand against her Emperor merited nothing but a cruel death at her sword.

But when a new figure appeared from the darkness, likely the cause of those vermins' flight, she once again readied herself for a fight, holding her Oathblade at the ready.

"By Order of the Emperor, I command you to state your name!" Talon demanded, glaring harshly at the unknown man. For all she knew, he could be an assassin, sent to dispose of her in order to hurt Ysmir.

It wasn't the first time she had dealt with their kind, it was practically a given considering her occupation. Many beings wished for her Emperor's demise; if not for his actions, then the threat he posed to their rule.

 

[Birdsie]

"By Order of the Emperor, I command you to state your name!" Talon demanded, glaring harshly at the unknown man. For all she knew, he could be an assassin, sent to dispose of her in order to hurt Ysmir.

It wasn't the first time she had dealt with their kind, it was practically a given considering her occupation. Many beings wished for her Emperor's demise; if not for his actions, then the threat he posed to their rule.

Corvo Attano
Imperial City Sewers

Corvo stared for a long moment at the woman. She could only be described as... strange. He'd seen odd creatures and occurrences, of course, being one of the Outsider's Marked, but this - and the green-skinned humanoids from before - went quite far.

He was neither in the mood for talk, nor did he feel very magnanimous to her tone and body language.

However, Corvo didn't kill dozens of people for the privilege of killing more. He was, at the end of the day, simply a man who'd needed to do grim things to achieve an end. He looked down at the bloodied folding sword in his hand, then lowered it.

"Corvo Attano," he answered, curious if it would spark a response in the woman. She didn't appear to recognize the name, but he was never too sure with facial expressions. "From Serkonos."

 

[Nero Kunivas]

- Artis Solum, Twilight Warrior - Imperial City, Talso Plaza District -

Artis was, to put it mildly, enthralled by the sights of the Imperial City. "Finally!" He thought to himself. "We're visiting another world and we're not being thrown in a prison, or put in mortal peril!" He went on, deciding against outwardly vocalizing these thoughts for the time being, as it would be tempting fate herself. And so he would follow Callintus as he eagerly toured the group around the city proper, of note being the Dragon statue in the Talso Plaza, the mention of a hotel and the Wanted poster of one known as "The Gray Fox."

The statue was quite beautiful, especially as Artis hadn't seen a Dragon before even as an inanimate art piece, while a Hotel definitely held the appeal of a nice, warm bed and generally a hopefully pleasant place to stay, as compared to the past events. "The Gray Fox" however intrigued him in its own way: The thrill of being the one to uncover the identity of an infamous, mysterious thief in the night, it had the right tinge of adventure to it that he craved, but that would have to wait, as Callintus and company would soon be greeted with news far worse than a prolific thief, something that would kill the smile on the elder Knight's face:

The Emperor was dead.

Artis never knew of the Emperor of this land, only hearing Callintus bring him up on occasion, amongst other things, but he knew enough to know that this was terrible news, for Callintus especially. Artis would motion to help comfort and get Callintus out of his immediate despair, but Tsunade was faster on her feet, so he would wait nearby both of them for Callintus's response.

@Wade Von Doom @Amber Franklin

 

[BazusoTheGrey]

Stepping out of the TARDIS, Layyel couldn't help but feel a tad bit confused and amazed when he laid eyes on Talos Plaza and the various people walking around. He was so accustomed to ruins, deserts, dead people, and scorching skies that the glittering white brickwork and cobblestones shocked him momentarily. Heck, they even had a statue of some messed up bird that looked like a lizard! He didn't know why that was there, but hey, it was pretty.

The only reason Layyel didn't wander off to explore the rest of the city was because some tiny yelled something about an emperor dying and a bunch of other tinies started freaking out about it. Not only that, the knightly tiny that they were following around visibly slumped over in sadness and the especially tiny tiny with the sky colored hair was tensing up about something, she was even making her long stick longer.

He should probably ask her what she was doing.

Reaching out with a pointed gauntleted finger, Layyel flicked her on the back of the head before asking in an unintended and very ominous rasp, "What... Is... Wrong?"

 

[Wiggin]

~=========~-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~=========~
Scout
~=========~-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~=========~​

A simple flick to the back of Scout's head was enough to bring her out of the state she was in. The distant and dead look in her eyes dissipated as she stood there and processed the pain. She couldn't exactly remember what her train of thought had been at the time. Scout then turned to the person who had flicked her. It had been Layyel, the strange and tall helmeted creature that had joined the group. A noise came out of the helmet, reverberating the metal and asking Scout what she had been doing. There was actually a look of concern and possibly fear on her face. What had she been doing? This was another world, these weren't the same elves from her world, so why did she have this strange urge to attack? "I uh…" Scout began to say, rubbing the back of her head. "Um… it's nothing, let's just get to exploring. I suggest a group of us explore the sewers and the others search the town, then we can get a good idea of this place…" Scout suggested, trailing off at the last few words as she was lost in thought.

 

[Hierach]

"By Order of the Emperor, I command you to state your name!" Talon demanded, glaring harshly at the unknown man. For all she knew, he could be an assassin, sent to dispose of her in order to hurt Ysmir.

It wasn't the first time she had dealt with their kind, it was practically a given considering her occupation. Many beings wished for her Emperor's demise; if not for his actions, then the threat he posed to their rule.

Corvo Attano
Imperial City Sewers

Corvo stared for a long moment at the woman. She could only be described as... strange. He'd seen odd creatures and occurrences, of course, being one of the Outsider's Marked, but this - and the green-skinned humanoids from before - went quite far.

He was neither in the mood for talk, nor did he feel very magnanimous to her tone and body language.

However, Corvo didn't kill dozens of people for the privilege of killing more. He was, at the end of the day, simply a man who'd needed to do grim things to achieve an end. He looked down at the bloodied folding sword in his hand, then lowered it.

"Corvo Attano," he answered, curious if it would spark a response in the woman. She didn't appear to recognize the name, but he was never too sure with facial expressions. "From Serkonos."

Talon
Imperial City Sewers

"And where," Talon drawled. "Is Serkonos? Some remote isle connected to Elsweyr, perhaps?" She asked. He was too short to be a High Elf, and he had no tail that betrayed any Khajiit nature, so either he was a Wood Elf or a Man. Still, he lacked the figure most Bosmer possessed, though that didn't make the Blade any more at ease - Without seeing his face, she could only make assumptions.

And she hated being unsure.

"As a guard of the Emperor, I must ask you to remove your mask. By His Grace, if you are not a criminal or an assassin, then you are free to go..." Well, one thing was certain, the way this stranger, Corvo Attano, was dressed, it was a certainty that he was up to no good. "But if you are, then it is my duty to stop you before you can do more harm."

 

[Birdsie]

Corvo Attano
Imperial City Sewers

"You presume much," Corvo replied, loud and bold, although he paused for a moment. She'd mentioned an Emperor, but for all Corvo knew, Emily should have been the Empress. Instead of getting angry at something he couldn't explain, he thought about it logically.

After rescuing Emily, Corvo spent some time in private study of the arcane secrets involved in the Outsider's Mark, simply to know if he had a cause to fear the power the Outsider gave him.

The Void, in his dreams - the realm the Outsider dwelled in - contained snapshots of events and people from across the breadth of time and space. In the void, time wasn't linear, so perhaps Corvo went back, through some frantic ritual or inconvenient madness.

Corvo removed his mask, to reveal a ruggedly handsome face. "But that you do not recognize me, speaks clear that something is wrong. I have already figured it when I saw your appearance - you are not like any creature I have ever seen, nor are the places you mentioned familiar to my ears. During my time, I was the bodyguard of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin, and later, her daughter, Emily. I was also the assassin who killed the Lord Regent. If my suspicions are accurate, some mad sorcery of the Outsider has placed us elsewhere in time."

Corvo paused momentarily, to allow the snake woman to gather her own thoughts. He'd read and heard about the ancient civilizations in the Empire of the Isles, and postulated a theory, "You are probably from the far past, while I, from your perspective, am from the far future. The weaponry and armor you wield would be considered out-of-date in my age. Nonetheless, if what you said is true, then we are both servants of the Empire, and should work together."

He actually doubted the Empire had ever employed snake-people as servants - even in the wildest tales, Corvo never heard of such a thing - but he'd already experienced and seen things stranger in the course of one month than people would experience over ten lifetimes.

"Which brings me to my last point," the once-assassin conclusively said, "Your name, my lady. If you would do me the honor of reciprocating my introduction, I would be most pleased."

@Vulthurmir

 

[Hierach]

Corvo Attano
Imperial City Sewers

"You presume much," Corvo replied, loud and bold, although he paused for a moment. She'd mentioned an Emperor, but for all Corvo knew, Emily should have been the Empress. Instead of getting angry at something he couldn't explain, he thought about it logically.

After rescuing Emily, Corvo spent some time in private study of the arcane secrets involved in the Outsider's Mark, simply to know if he had a cause to fear the power the Outsider gave him.

The Void, in his dreams - the realm the Outsider dwelled in - contained snapshots of events and people from across the breadth of time and space. In the void, time wasn't linear, so perhaps Corvo went back, through some frantic ritual or inconvenient madness.

Corvo removed his mask, to reveal a ruggedly handsome face. "But that you do not recognize me, speaks clear that something is wrong. I have already figured it when I saw your appearance - you are not like any creature I have ever seen, nor are the places you mentioned familiar to my ears. During my time, I was the bodyguard of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin, and later, her daughter, Emily. I was also the assassin who killed the Lord Regent. If my suspicions are accurate, some mad sorcery of the Outsider has placed us elsewhere in time."

Corvo paused momentarily, to allow the snake woman to gather her own thoughts. He'd read and heard about the ancient civilizations in the Empire of the Isles, and postulated a theory, "You are probably from the far past, while I, from your perspective, am from the far future. The weaponry and armor you wield would be considered out-of-date in my age. Nonetheless, if what you said is true, then we are both servants of the Empire, and should work together."

He actually doubted the Empire had ever employed snake-people as servants - even in the wildest tales, Corvo never heard of such a thing - but he'd already experienced and seen things stranger in the course of one month than people would experience over ten lifetimes.

"Which brings me to my last point," the once-assassin conclusively said, "Your name, my lady. If you would do me the honor of reciprocating my introduction, I would be most pleased."

@Vulthurmir

Talon
Imperial City Sewers

Talon simply gave the Serkonan a stare, hiding her perplexed confusion behind a cold mask. Touched by Sheogorath, that seemed for sure. Better to humor the madman until further notice. "Grandmaster Talon of the Blades, sworn to Ysmir Stormcrown."

Despite the introductions, she had yet to sheathe her sword, now only loosely holding it to the side - yet ready to return at any moment.

"There has never been someone of the Kaldwin line seated upon the Ruby Throne. The Mede family ruled the Empire until recently, after the Dark Brotherhood assassinated the last Emperor..." She didn't bother elaborate, as the confused expression on Corvo's face was already telling enough that what she spoke of was mere noise in his ears. Eventually, she looked around, turning to the path that seemed to lead them out of the sewers. "We can continue this... Conversation, elsewhere. I'd rather not have to keep smelling this stench."

She kicked one of the corpses, making it fall into the dirty water. "Whether it's the Goblins or the sewage, I do not care."

 

[Birdsie]

Corvo Attano
Imperial City Sewers

"That much I can agree with," Corvo said, taking in the news with some note of melancholy. As a sign of good faith, he folded the blade in his hand with a simple twirl and then walked, letting her go behind him.

It had taken a short but circuitous route to reach one of the larger canals. At various points, Talon might have noticed that despite the sewers' abundance of rats, none of them dared approach Corvo, scurrying away and staying in a wide circle around him, as if the vermin was reverent towards their king. He seemed not to mind it overly, simply walking through the parting swarms and continuing on his way. The way ahead was, unsurprisingly, rather dark, but Corvo seemed to require neither torch nor fire to see well in the depths.

"The Mede family," Corvo started talking, as their destination came into view. "I've-"

But Corvo was unable to finish. He spun around suddenly, folded blade springing into his clenched grip with a mechanical click. Talon was quick to realize what had caused this - the noise of someone stepping into a puddle behind them.

@Vulthurmir @Wade Von Doom

 

[Valkan]

Ronan Leinster

Ronan slowly made his way down a street on Seri District. A pretty residential area of Targia, perfect for a moonlit walk. Ronan had just won a battle earlier today, and was happy of how it turned out. Ronan has been having a blast in these last few months living in Targia. However, this calm stroll took a turn for the unexpected. He was suddenly taken off his feet with no sensible warning at all. Yet, as sudden as it took him, it dissapeared. In the blink of an eye, he found himself in some sewers, though judging by the looks of it, it wasn't the Targian sewer system. More importantly, he felt like he had been unplugged from his connection to his guardians. That was a big red flag. Just where was he?
Confused he took a more detailed look at his surroundings. He spotted two figures, walking. Neither seemed familiar, but he was pretty lost here, so he might as well check on them. Cautiously, he made his way towards them.

 

[Wade Von Doom]

Tsunade- Character Sheet

There had been a short conversation with Callintus about whether if the group would need to blend in, and how they could if needed. Callintus had assured them there was no need; he would explain them away as being foreigners, and Layyel as a 'Tame troll'. The man was confident, and upbeat, and reminds her so much of a certain young shinobi that sets her more at-ease with him. Being no fool, however, Tsunade had chosen to dress in her casual attire (recreated by the woman Doctor after simply asking "Is this possible?" By unknown means) with the addition of an inner pocket to hold her laser sword. Her satchel is fully stocked with an emergency surgical kit, these things called 'stimpaks' described by Abigail and Brigid as advanced steroids for healing minor to moderate wounds, and various aid items created by the Doctors.

It is a welcome change to step through the door of the TARDIS into a very pleasant city. The first two they'd seen were ruined by all manner of conflict which had marred whatever grand sight they may have been. This however, was quite grandiose. She walks away from the group and turns in a circle before approaching the large dragon statue. She turns back to Callintus when talks of this mysteriously elusive 'Fox'. The man was even very upbeat about his failure to capture this prolific thief.

What does it take to bring this man's mood down? Tsunade asks herself and smiles.

That question is promptly answered by one of the locals.The man's somewhat odd ears aside, what he screams to the streets is what interests and concerns her most. The ruler of this land has supposedly just been murdered. And Callintus, by his admission, blames himself in a way for being gone 'too long'.

"Callintus." Tsunade comes aside the man, speaking quietly. She looks at him in the eyes after looking around to be sure none of the guards were approaching them. "Focus. We need you right now." She puts her hands on his shoulders. "First, will we need to use that hotel to discuss what we do next since the guards are declaring a curfew?"

Callintus was deep in thought. The severity of the situation went beyond the politics of the empire. There was no heir to the throne. No one to light the dragonfires. An age of darkness was sure to begin. It was only Tsunade who brought him back to reality. Even with such horrid news, she smiled back to her once she said they needed him. "Thank you, my dear." He said, nodding and appreciating her concern. "No need. I have some contacts here in the City Watch, I'll talk to them to let us walk about freely. Come, no one should bother us while we walk." He began leading them across the Plaza, where the guard who dispersed the crowd noticed them. His eyes grew wide, immediately recognizing the armor.

"By the nine!" The guard muttered, approaching Calli and kneeling before him. "My Lord, I-I do apologize, none of us on the watch were told you would be in the city--"

"No need to bow, Ser...." Callintus told him, waving him to stand up.

"Alberav, my Lord." The guard introduced himself, standing up.

"My arrival was not expected by anyone, and was to be kept a secret. I need to speak with Watch Captain Hieronymus Lex about the situation with the Emperor, and that my companions here may travel the city freely without interference from the other guards."

"Of course, my Lord. I'll lead you to him directly, he and the other Watch Captains will be at the prison to discuss what has happened." The guard explained.

"Then lead on." Callintus told him, and began following the guard once they were off. "The Crusader Knight still has some respect in this city, I see."

"How could you not, my Lord? Everyone here holds the Knights of the Nine in high regard." The guard questioned.

"That may be, but my travels in recent times has shown our influence wane. Many outside of Cyrodiil see the order as outdated, just another group of thugs that protect the interest of Imperials and the Empire." Calli explained. As much as he tried to keep the order from falling to the wayside, many in Tamriel had begun to disregard the Knights. There hadn't been a threat to Tamriel in decades, not since he killed Umaril. Now, he was but an old man, who had one job left, which was to aid the Emperor. And he failed before he even began.

Hei

Walking out of the Tardis in his getup, having cleaned it up from the scuffle that occurred back in the Capital building from what felt like days ago. Hei couldn't help but enjoy the warmth that the city brought.

It wasn't humid like how Japan could get when it rained or got ungodly hot.

But wasn't as cold as Russia had been during his stint for the CIA. It was nice to feel the gentle breeze, but their guide since he had apparently been here before was Callintus, whom led them along the 'Imperial City' sights. A marketplace that looked like a decent amount of money could be made from bartering or selling goods, perhaps even acquire more clothes and supplies for the people back on the Pathfinder, and a hotel that they could stay at to rest.

Their sightseeing was halted by a pointy eared individual calling out that the Emperor was dead. And his personal elite guard also dead with him, the news making Callintus unnerved and looking far more grim than what the old man typically allowed. The news just made Hei think up similar sights/news he had dealt with when working for the Syndicate. The attack would need an almost blitzkrieg strike, with a well coordinated equally elite team. Whom would need info on the Emperor and his little entourage of guards, for fast strikes and coordination did little unless you knew your enemy, and knew them as you'd know your family.

Hell, he was frequent user of such tactics.

When the civilians had dispersed, and they were left to their own devices. He'd talk to Cal. "You recognize the handiwork? Anyone with the skill and knowledge of your Emperor and the city to stage a strike such as this?" Information was powerful, but could easily go both ways in regards to those who used it. If they can narrow down the field of who did this, the quicker they could be found. If they knew the layout, they could talk to someone who knew how the city was built, and if they knew where they'd go, then the assassins would also know security protocols. Which would mean they could track down who was responsible for letting that information out.

@Wade Von Doom @Wiggin @BazusoTheGrey @Amber Franklin @Nero Kunivas @Snowtwo @Hero

"A few, but there isn't any evidence they're the ones behind all this." Callintus began to explain. "Before I was taken, like all of us were, I was sent a letter by Uriel, the Emperor himself. He spoke of a reoccurring dream, where he a horrific metal machine crawled towards a fiery gate, bigger than even the old creations of the Dwarves, and made from the twisted imagination of a sadistic mind. When the machine reached the gate, it blew fire upon Tamriel, causing destruction and carnage beyond anything the world had seen before. Yet, through the flames, he glanced upon a hero that charged through the chaos, and brought with him the savior of the realm. He could not remember the face of this hero, but through his study of our world's stars, he believed that a great threat was coming to Nirn, and that his death was soon upon him. His wish was that the Knights would aid his Blades in finding this hero. But, it seems I return too late. Tell me, guard," he spoke back Alberav. "What of the Emperor's sons?"

"Killed as well, I'm afraid." He answered. "News arrived early this morning that each had been attacked simultaneously, and only an hour ago was it confirmed they were murdered. As far as the Watch new, the Emperor was still grieving in his chambers in the tower. We had no idea he was even fleeing the city."

"His Blades must have wanted it to be a secret. The Blades are a special order who are sworn to protect the Dragonborn, they act as the Empire's intelligence service. They are unmatched in combat, but if even his guards were killed... Who knows who can be behind this massacre?" Callintus wondered.

~=========~-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~=========~
Scout
~=========~-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~=========~​

A simple flick to the back of Scout's head was enough to bring her out of the state she was in. The distant and dead look in her eyes dissipated as she stood there and processed the pain. She couldn't exactly remember what her train of thought had been at the time. Scout then turned to the person who had flicked her. It had been Layyel, the strange and tall helmeted creature that had joined the group. A noise came out of the helmet, reverberating the metal and asking Scout what she had been doing. There was actually a look of concern and possibly fear on her face. What had she been doing? This was another world, these weren't the same elves from her world, so why did she have this strange urge to attack? "I uh…" Scout began to say, rubbing the back of her head. "Um… it's nothing, let's just get to exploring. I suggest a group of us explore the sewers and the others search the town, then we can get a good idea of this place…" Scout suggested, trailing off at the last few words as she was lost in thought.

Callintus didn't even notice Scout acting strangely, too focused on his thinking and explaining of the situation to see her become so infatuated on the Elf. Still, her suggestion was met with pushback from him. "I doubt we would find anything down there, even if we could access it. The guards won't bother us up here, but they'll have the whole sewer system locked off to find anyone else involved with this whole situation. Even then, the sewers are not exactly 'friendly.' They're full of rodents, goblins, mud-crabs, even rumors of Vampires last I heard.... Wonder if they fixed that problem." He asked himself aloud.

"Though if you all wish to look about the place while I speak to the watch guards, help yourselves! Someone might need to stay with Layyel, however, he is our 'domesticated troll.'" He told the group, winking at them all so they knew what his cover was. The rest of them could fit in without question. Tamriel was a place of strangeness after all, they could all fit in with it.

------------------------------------------------------------------

SEWERS:

Corvo Attano
Imperial City Sewers

"That much I can agree with," Corvo said, taking in the news with some note of melancholy. As a sign of good faith, he folded the blade in his hand with a simple twirl and then walked, letting her go behind him.

It had taken a short but circuitous route to reach one of the larger canals. At various points, Talon might have noticed that despite the sewers' abundance of rats, none of them dared approach Corvo, scurrying away and staying in a wide circle around him, as if the vermin was reverent towards their king. He seemed not to mind it overly, simply walking through the parting swarms and continuing on his way. The way ahead was, unsurprisingly, rather dark, but Corvo seemed to require neither torch nor fire to see well in the depths.

"The Mede family," Corvo started talking, as their destination came into view. "I've-"

But Corvo was unable to finish. He spun around suddenly, folded blade springing into his clenched grip with a mechanical click. Talon was quick to realize what had caused this - the noise of someone stepping into a puddle behind them.

@Vulthurmir @Wade Von Doom

Once Corvo realized there was someone making sounds behind them, they'd noticed the splashing noise came from down the waterway, around the corner, as someone was running. The sound of feet clicking off the stone ground got closer and closer, until eventually the one running finally appeared. An Argonian. He was looking behind his back as he came towards them, not noticing Talon and Corvo until he was a few feet away. Once he did, he stopped in his tracks; quickly pulling out his short sword. "Who are you!?" He shouted, not thinking they were whoever his attackers were, since they certainly didn't dress like them. "What are--..... What?" He was very confused by the still living blade next to Corvo, as Talon was dressed like one.

From behind Corvo, using a invisibility potion, someone tried sneaking up on him with a knife, planning to stab the assassin in the back. And behind the Argonian, his chasers appeared.

Three, to be specific. One carried a short sword, two with a sword and shield. The Argonian slowly tried backing up, not wanting a fight. "Kill them." The first chaser ordered, before, they all charged.

​

 

[Birdsie]

From behind Corvo, using an invisibility potion, someone tried sneaking up on him with a knife, planning to stab the assassin in the back. And behind the Argonian, his chasers appeared.

Corvo Attano The Dunwall Butcher
Imperial City Sewer

The assassin approached with bated breath, blade aloft to murder, when suddenly, Corvo half-turned to look directly at him. That was the last thing the assassin had seen, the final moment of his existence of Nirn.

He did not have the opportunity to live any longer, as nearly faster than the human eye could process, Corvo slammed his folding blade into the man's neck at an angle that drove it straight through his brain. The assassin's corpse dissolved into ash faster than it could start bleeding, so fast that most normal people would stare at the aftermath trying to puzzle together what happened, and in what order of events.

Corvo didn't stop there, however.

With tempest speed, he put his mask back on then seemingly blinked away from existence, his body collapsing into dark motes of gas, only to unfold back into form right in front of the running Argonian, interposed between him and the assassins like a human shield.

The foremost of the assassins dashed forward, testing Corvo's reaction times with his shortsword, but Corvo found the assassin wanting, easily deflecting the strike, only to step forward and to the side, jamming his sword into the man's neck. Before his corpse properly dissolved into ash, Corvo was already running forward, only to slide low, between the pair of assassins who'd raised their shields and blocked their visions in expectation of a frontal attack.

Corvo spun around as he rose from his slide, raised up his left hand, then slammed it forward, and with abandon conjured a gust of wind so powerful it tossed both assassins like ragdolls over the Argonian's head, and down beneath Talon's feet, completely at her mercy.

Those watching attentively might've noticed that the tattoo on his left hand kept glowing throughout the entire deed.

At the conclusion of the slaughter, the masked man turned around to face Ronan, standing in the darkness. "Based on your choice of attire, I presume you're not one of them. Were you translocated here, as we were?"

@Vulthurmir @Wade Von Doom @Valkan

 

[The Wanderer]

Hei/BK-201

The Contractor watched as Cal essentially went back to his cheerful self within a blink of the eye before Cal responded to him about his inquiry. Not too much specific information to properly discern who was responsible. Though when Cal mentioned the dream, that was a lead of sorts. Even if it meant Hei would have to go to whatever counted as a library here and do his own research. He was also going to have to get past the lockdown to get a peek into the sewers, even if it was an elite team of whatever origin, there were bound to be clues, or even an eyewitness down there.

Hell, he might even stumble on the murder scene and figure out the rest from there.

Then there was this Gray Fox character, whose infamy was so high he was hunted on sight. If this man was around as long as Cal had said, then most likely this man had connections or enough eyes on this city that he must've seen or heard something no matter who or what did the deed. But he was going to be a pain to locate and get him talking, he had personal experience with people who had gone underground, and depending on the individual and how skilled they were, they would only be found if they wanted you to find them. And that's in the future, where tech and the use of Dolls made locating people a breeze, this was magic and medieval at best.

He noticed Scout's odd behavior, before it was suddenly resolved. A line of questioning for later, but right now he had more important matters to get to.

"Cal, where's the library in this city, anywhere I can read up on such a dream or what the imagery meant? And where would the sewers be located, and where would I find a less than savory place for people of a morally gray area to gather?" He asked the Knight, he could wander around til he found what he was looking for, but that'd waste time and effort.

@Wade Von Doom @Wiggin @Amber Franklin @Snowtwo @BazusoTheGrey

 

[Valkan]

Ronan Leinster

Ronan continued to walk towards the figures, treading carefully as he advanced. He perceived them as a man in fancy clothing, and a lizardfolk looking individual. He had not much time to ask for directions. None at all, being more specific. Another lizardfolk came running, with three military looking masked men, with a clear killing intent. Ronan narrowed his eyes focused even more on the scene unfolding. A good choice, because the man spotted a threat behind him, and didn't bat an eye to eliminate it, while donning his face with a somewhat grim skull mask. He shifted to position behind the ones noticed first, killing yet another one with the same ease, and downing the final two with a powerful gust of wind.
It didn't took the masked individual long to notice Ronan. Being spotted by the assassin mage, stealth was out the window. So, not knowing what was ahead, he instinctively activated his gauntlets and boots. Illuminating the surroundings with his white veil of energy as he did. Not showing signs of hostility, being merely wary instead, he responded "I don't wanna kill either of you, so there's that. An explanation as to why was I pulled out of Targia would be cool, though. Where even are we?" Even if they were really the bad guys, Ronan wanted to have some answers. He was not recognized, so it was unlikely that he was on Targia or neighbors to the country. Translocated? The lizardfolk, the assassin mage and himself looked to be from quite different places, that's for sure.