The Houndmaster

Minimalistic RP blog for the Houndmaster from Darkest Dungeon. A newcomer to Isola Radiale, living in townhouse 257.

[sunsetcatastrophe-deactivated20]

portalante:

Rogue’s catching her breath - that last Strike blast was too tight on space, she had to sprint to get out of her own line of fire - when the skull-helmed lady hails her. Hefting her rifle so she can shoot if anything jumps out at her, she jogs over and watches the sign language intently. She’s…not fluent per se in any full-fledged sign, but she recognizes a few words from the basic code the IDPD used, enough to understand the simple sentence.

“It’s this pack,” she explains, indicating the Portal Strike on her back. “It draws up energy like a portal generator, but instead of making a portal with it, it just releases it all at once as heat and light.”

Ah, a magical device, like Ancient technology. More powerful than any Ancient device she’d seen, not that she’d seen many beyond what lived in the upper levels of the Spire. She leaned in to examine the Portal Strike as its owner explained, and nodded.

‘Impressive. How much energy can it release at once?’

[portalante-blog]

The lady seems interested in her Strike. Rogue can’t get everything of her second group of signs, but she recognizes that it’s a question - how much - the Strike - at once? - and takes a guess.

“About that much. I wasn’t on the R&D team that developed it, so I don’t know an exact number, but it’s the same every time. Huge amount, anyway. Could probably bring down a small building with it if I wanted to, which I don’t.”

[rotemgrad-blog]

A terrible noise, then a gust of hot wind. A blue radiance licks the walls of ruined buildings, followed by the smell charred flesh. No doubt one of the more powerful abductees within the city, the ones that vaporized their foes with blasts of colorful light. The hound located the source, and led her master to the one responsible.

The sight of a pair of people holding a conversation greeted them, one person wrapped in a muddy green cloak, the skull that masked her face eerily similar to those worn by the witches who lived in the woods and swamps. The other one was more alien to the Houndmaster, clad in a strange blue suit appended with a metal, an otherworldly equivalent of a gun held tight in her hands. Apparently, she was the source of the destruction. She said she could level a small building, however large is a 'small' building in her world of origin. He decided listening on her unannounced was improper, and so he made his presence clear.

"Good day, young lady. I came here because I couldn't help but notice the sheer amount of mayhem you managed to unleash upon those... whatever those beasts are. I hope you don't mind me, I'd like to have just a minute of respite somewhere safe, like near someone who can wipe out just about anything on a moment's notice. This wooden club of mine is nowhere nearly as powerful as whatever you just demonstrated, I'm afraid. And who are you?"

He directed his question to the silent one. All the people of the city of spirals were together in this mess, there was little reason to distrust anything that didn't outright attack him on sight. His hound seemed to agree with this sentiment.

@silent-spire-slayer @portalante

[aclosedheart-blog1]

“Heya, humans! If you need any protection, call on Koishi!”

She’s probably a bit too excited about this, but it’s been forever since she’s felt useful or worth anything to anyone. The idea of helping out instead of just having a battle for petty reasons is something you didn’t see in Gensokyo very often. And actually having people realize you’re there, helping them? Even better.

“I can make things disappear! Like, ‘poof’! And you’re gone! That’ll keep monsters off your back, right?”

[rotemgrad-blog]

Koishi’s sudden burst of enthusiasm, as well as what she described would happen to the monsters that dared cross her path, concerned the Houndmaster deeply. As if that’s not something he came to expect from the strange girl.

“You said you could make them ‘disappear’, Koishi? Excuse my skepticism, but could you demonstrate?”

[rotemgrad-blog]

themagehero:

Daylen hadn’t meant to make the Houndmaster feel anxious. He just didn’t want to sugarcoat things, recognising how serious the situation was. Yet again the mage had been thrust into another world entirely. One can’t help but wonder why so many remnants of Hive have been transferred here. From his memories and Pokemon to familiar citizens he’d spot walking around the island.

Were the two worlds connected in some way? It could always be possible but really, anything is possible right now. There’s room for a lot of theories when nothing disproves them so far. It isn’t as if their captors have introduced themselves yet.

“There was a strange city. One that seemed to exist in a separate world from mine and many others. Compared to here it was noticeably more fabricated. Buildings could simply repair themselves given enough time. If you died, you’d come back the next day with some scars to prove it.

This kind of environment created a lot of apathy in everyone there. People would take innocent lives and cause destruction, knowing it might be of no real consequence. Incidents such as fires could be shaken off as just another one. Even many citizens who tried to help grew tired of the same routine. Eventually it felt like we were just stuck in a pointless loop. 

No matter what anyone did, the city would remain the same. None of our choices really affected anything. All we’d do is continue to hurt each other. We had our captors of course, but even they withdrew over time.

There were so many secrets to uncover. Over my stay I’d tried my best to work things out. Observing all the major events and speculating. But recently everything just… ended. We were all ejected from that experiment without much warning. I don’t have the closure or the answers that I wanted.”

He takes a moment to pause, letting out a sigh. All of this is so depressing. It’s not like he didn’t experience anything valuable in Hive. Daylen had made a lot of good friends there. The mage didn’t want to lose these memories. Even back in Ferelden, he wanted to remember everything.

“Eventually I’ll get back home. My duty rests there after all. It doesn’t matter what small happiness I find in some other world. People there depend on me. I couldn’t betray them by just leaving altogether. It’s been a few years now, but in the previous city it seemed like time paused.

If anyone from my world did arrive there, no one said that I’d disappeared or had been gone for years. It’s as if myself in the city and myself back home existed at the exact same time. Maker, it can get really confusing.”

He really shouldn’t spend so much time depressing the man even further. So Daylen simply continued walking, only stopping when both men reached the traffic light. At this point he’d shoved the phone back into a robe pocket.

“I was hoping to keep my phone off for now but very well. I’ll fetch it again to show you. Thankfully it looks like every phone has a contacts feature. Think of that as a list, containing the phone number of everyone here. Did you receive a phone when you arrived?

In my previous city, we only received one after a month passed. I’m not sure if here is any different in that regard.”

"Yes, I did receive it upon arrival. I'd wager most other people did as well, yet who could know for certain. So, following your instructions, I should register my contacts *here*? And then we'll be able to converse over any distance with any of them? That's wonderful. You'll remind me to register your number, won't you?”

The traffic light's colours shifted from red to green, and the four made their way across the road. A flabbergasted man approached them, clearly a newcomer, intending to figure out where he is, before being cut off by his driver. He quickly boarded the car and disappeared into the city's streets. How nostalgic.

The Houndmaster was not happy to hear about the mage's recollection of the previous experiment, such as it is, although he did lighten up when he thought of how this city, at least, seems to already be heading down a much better path. The Houndmaster approached the mysterious hole, and peeked into it. The sun was directly above him, and he could not find the bottom even then. What he did find was a strange headache and visions stranger still. He decided to stop looking, and instead commented on Daylen’s story.

"A sorrowful tale, partner. While I don't feel the same concern you do regarding the world I came from, I had little loyalty for the government that betrayed my ideals, I would hate to see a society wanting in empathy or restrictions. However, this world seems to promote care more than the other. Amusing, how in a perfect reality the human moral code, which in a flawed world is maintained, deteriorates. It's as if society must improve and advance as well. C'mere girl, sit beside me."

The Houndmaster sat on the platform, as did his hound. They enjoyed the void in the middle of the city: no cars, no buildings, no people. only the strange birds and their otherwordly music. He invited to others to join him as well. 

[rotemgrad-blog]

I'm sorry if I have been less active than expected in the last few days. It will likely take a couple more days until I can write more on this blog. Do have a good day.

[aclosedheart-blog1]

nohrheart:

“Nice to meet you Norville and Koishi! Oh, and you, too!” Elise bent down to pet the puppy at their feet. “That makes four of us! Heehee, we’re a full team now.” Yes, she was counting their furry friend as well. She continued to shower his dog with pets, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t listening to Norville size up the situation. He was so calm and organized, she was reminded of her older brother. It was reassuring to have someone like him around. Elise nodded to show she understood.

“Let’s see, so first things first we’ll need a team name, hm?” The girl tilted her head, thinking. What kind of name would suit an activity like beacon setting? “How about ‘Lightbringers’! Or should it be ‘Light Hunters’, what do you think, buddy?” The latter question was aimed at the small hunting dog who was easily commanding the girls’ attention.

@aclosedheart @rotemgrad

The man before them–Norville–seems to be a veteran in dealing with tough situations. That’s a relief…Koishi never knows what to do at times like these. She definitely doesn’t want to be vaporized by some random doll though. Eager to get started, Koishi plunges forward.

“She’s a hunting dog, yeah? I think something with ‘hunt’ in it would fit nice too! Light Hunters is good I think! Or ooh, something with flowers in it!”

Koishi pats the dog on her head. 

“I don’t really know what’s with that weird girl in the sky! Why’s she want lights around the city so bad anyways?”

@rotemgrad​ @nohrheart​

[rotemgrad-blog]

The hound barked with delight, definitely enjoying all the affection the others showed her. Seeing the two young girls enamored with his girl was definitely a charming sight, and considering how well the three bundles of excitement seemed to get along, he felt like the task at hand might actually go well.

"Well, I'd have to admit that my knowledge of the language of flowers is wanting, so if there is a flower associated with light, I don't know of it. I guess we will have to go with the classic sunflower then. So unless you know any better than me, My guess is that we should be called the... Sunflower hunters? I feel the name conveys purpose, yet no ill intent. It's a surprisingly good name the way I see it. All for?" The faithful wolfhound sounded her agreement, to the surprise of nobody.

@aclosedheart @nohrheart

[rotemgrad-blog]

themagehero:

It was hard for Daylen to explain some of these concepts. He’d come from a world without phones or electricity. So all his knowledge ended up being second hand. The mage could ride his motorcycle for example, but not tell you about its inner workings. If his memories from the past experiment had been erased then Daylen would be back at square one.

“Power is hard to explain. For this kind of world, it seems to be completely normal. Something that you take for granted that everyone knows. But I come from a place that doesn’t have any of this. Therefore I apologise if I’m a little vague in my understanding.

There is a certain power here known as electricity. Others can explain it better than myself, but it has been used to fuel many inventions in this era. For example, the large white food container in your house here is meant to run on it. Light is meant to be created by pressing a switch. But as of now, this city is in ruins and no one can access such a thing.”

Honestly this makes him feel like an idiot. There are times where Daylen doesn’t like being an anachronism. Even as he’s gotten to grips with some technology, it can feel like the mage is still an outsider.

The man digs into a robe pocket, pulling out what most people would know as a phone. It hasn’t been switched on at a moment. The black screen is completely blank as he displays it to the Houndmaster.

“This is a phone. It allows me to communicate with others through voice, and also small written messages. Although rather than using a pen, I simply press these buttons which display letters on them.”

Daylen points to the keyboard for emphasis. If only he could switch it on for a better example. But he doesn’t want to risk the charge running out completely. Not if he’ll need the phone for something important later.

“Each person has a different number known as a ‘phone number’. It is unique to them, and allows me to contact them. We can have conversations using our voices without both parties being in the same place. All I need to do during this is hold up the phone to my ear so I can hear them.

The problem is, my phone isn’t exactly infinite use. There is a limit on how long it can run before I need to give it more power. But with no electricity or anything like that, doing so is very difficult right now.

My own country is nothing like this. We have no cars, no electricity or buildings that reach up to the sky. I simply have experience with visiting a world like this before. It was rather shocking at first, and I definitely embarrassed myself a few times along the way.

I come from Ferelden, a country in the world of Thedas.”

As this was going on Vincent found himself a little confused. He didn’t often get to play with other dogs. While the Mabari had visited a kennel after the Blight, that was to help repopulate the War Hounds in Denerim.

He decides to go along with it for now, beginning to chase the smaller dog. Though he had no intentions of actually attacking them. It was nice to play with others once in a while. Even if he wouldn’t trade life with the mage for anything.

Upon hearing his partner's explanations, the Houndmaster freezes momentarily. He soon continues walking with Daylen, although his step is not as steady, and his face is contorted with disbelief. He takes a deep breath to calm himself down, and it's obvious his mindset shifting from "being abducted by something powerful" to "falling down a spatiotemporal abyss" was a little to much to take calmly.

"P-Pardon me, I was not expecting my situation to be that grave. I'm no stranger to time and space distorting, becoming a tool to be used by malign beings, but nothing - never anything on such a scale. I take it you were once in my position, caged in a reality alien to yours, struggling to acclimate to the differences? How long have you been... traveling between worlds? How much do you miss... Your old home? How... hmph. How are you doing, partner?"

The Houndmaster trailed off, deciding that that's enough questions for now, and that he should too focus on... acclimating. After a little bit of walking down the street, they were met with a wall of howling cars, obstructing the clearly drawn path towards the platform surrounding the hole. He already learned of the meaning conveyed by the red traffic light, and so he turned to Daylen with a questioning look on his face. He didn't look as shaken anymore, clearly having used the time it took them to reach the pedestrian crossing to mull things over, although he was still far away from welcoming the idea that he is trapped in a different world. He decided that this was as good a time as any to ask Daylen about the ‘phone’ in his possession, having taken the black slab out his pocket for him to see.

“If you can truly talk with people over any distance just by remembering some number, than I’d like you to explain to me how exactly such a thing is done, So that I may talk with you in the future. I found our conversation to be very informative, partner, and I am looking forward to another one in the future.”

[rotemgrad-blog]

aclosedheart:

nohrheart:

“Oooh, pick me! I’m looking for a team!” Elise waved her hand in the air when she heard his call. She didn’t like the way the doll-like lady was threatening everyone, but maybe if they helped her out, she would have no reason to hurt anyone else.

“I’m Elise! What’s your name, Mister?” She introduced herself as she approached. “So that makes two of us so far, hm…” Glancing around, Elise called out to anyone who could hear. “Would anyone else like to join?”

@aclosedheart @rotemgrad

Before the lady could finish her sentence, Koishi pops out from seemingly nowhere, waving her arms.

“Oooh, ooh, me! I wanna join! I don’t think I could do it myself…!”

She only vaguely understands the situation, even now. The doll hovering above them seemed very serious about it though, so Koishi figures she should at least try.

Hurrying over to the princess-like lady and the old man with the puppy, she grins.

“I’m Koishi! Nice to meetcha! Oh!”

She is, of course, immediately distracted by the puppy.

“What a cute dog, mister! What’s her name?”

@rotemgrad @nohrheart​

The Houndmaster was definitely surprised by the disproportionate amount of young girls that were brought into this city. Or perhaps it was just his luck. Either way, two young girls approached him, one looking to be in her late teens, finely dressed, and with a cheery attitude. The other one was younger, peppier and probably the strangest kid he is yet to see. green hair, strange clothes, an eyeball attached to her feet? Worry has been written all over his face. He decided to think about it later, however, and proceeded with the introductions.  

“My name is Norville, and she-” he knelt down and gave the hound a pet “-doesn’t have a name. I can teach you the whistle she uses instead of a name later. Now, to make sure we all understand what needs to be done: We have to come up with a name for our team, but we have to do so swiftly, for once we do, we will be given some strange apparatus, and we will be tasked with reaching a certain location. From my experience, the city is enormous, so we should preserve our strength for the journey ahead, lest the location we are given is at the city’s edge, and we won’t make it within the allotted time span, which would be... troubling.”

He spoke in a slow and gentle tone, making sure the others understand precisely what is about to happen, specifically targeting his words towards Koishi, who seemed to be completely unaware of her situation. Elise was far happier than anyone who was kidnapped and forced to labor had business being, but she seemed more grounded, and had a more ‘normal’ appearance, so he looked at her expectantly, hoping for a team name Koishi would accept.

@aclosedheart @nohrheart

[rotemgrad-blog]

@aclosedheart @nohrheart

The marionette's appearance, surprisingly, answered more questions than it created, but thinking over this was secondary to the threat to his life. No time stumble around - find a teammate or two and do as the invulnerable doll asks. He turned around and beckoned anyone listening to team up with him so that they won't all die.

[rotemgrad-blog]

artificist:

⚙️ - She had been out and about trying to gather scraps of metal, cloth, leather, tools- everything on her shopping list. So far the metal was easy, as was a whetstone of decent size. Cloth was also abundant, if she looked hard enough. Leather was more tricky- it was better she left what was found be, given who it belonged to or the condition it was left in.

⚙️ - When the pup had coming running to her, she was skeptical until it was just excitably small, which is why she gave it a few pets on the head before it ran back to the scruffy man that was it’s master. He reminded her of a night guard at her home- a dog trainer that spoke softly and carried a sturdy club for keeping thugs at bay. It made her smile a little, at least, hearing his words of concern. At least this man wasn’t like some of the more… Unusual people here who had wings, hairbrained schemes, or insatiable hunger like that cat girl.

“I am fully capable of being out on my own, but it would be nice to have company. It’s a big city and there’s a lot of crazies coming in lately. Hard to tell what the rulers of these lands have in mind anyhow. … Where do you hail from?”

Turns out the little lady isn’t lost at all, and is here of her volition. At a second glance, she doesn’t look as young he thought. Too young to be kidnapped by whatever force brought them here, too young to be separated from her friends and family for sure, but not too young to function independently of anyone’s guidence or support. judging by her appearance, she’s at the age when youth begin paving their own road, the thought she had to waste that part of her life here was disheartening. The Houndmaster also noticed her lips curl up ever-so-slightly when he spoke. She wouldn’t mind the company all right. First, though, he should probably inquire as to where she’s headed.

“I’ll gladly provide you company, then, but first I’d like to hear where exactly are you headed? Perhaps I can aid you in that matter. and what do you mean by ‘crazies’?  I have seen some unusual folk around, yes, but their perceived insanity might just be a matter of context, which I apparently lack. As for where I hail from, well, I was in Britain when I was brought to the edge of the bottomless pit, although I am french in origin. What about you, then? We can talk as we walk down the road, I intended to reach the city’s edge today anyway.”  

[bravingskies-deactivated2019012]

PLEASE HELP

IM 200 DOLLARS SHORT OF RENT FOR NEXT MONTH PLEASE HELP ME. I HAVEN’T HEARD BACK FROM MY STUDENT LOANS YET, SO I DON’T REALLY HAVE ANY FUNS ATM. IM STILL UNDEREMPLOYED BY A LOT. 

 THIS IS MY PAYPAL:  http://paypal.me/christy0201

PLEASE RB!! I’VE GOTTEN A DONATION ALREADY, SO I’M GETTING CLOSER TO MY GOAL!! 

[rotemgrad-blog]

@quiet-or-die

Whistling could be heard from inside of the decimated supermarket. The Houndmaster walked between the shelves, picking up the various products that piqued his interest. Much of the food was salvaged by the ghostly natives, which begged the question of whether or not they need to eat, but they definitely didn't take everything, at least not from this store. His hound engaged in a similar activity, opening packs of dog food and treats which the residents seemingly had little use for. The Houndmaster looked through the rubble that was once the store's front wall, and saw a young man with blond hair wearing some strange garments. Perfect.

"Excuse me, gentleman, could you come here and help me with something? You see, A piece of the building's roof collapsed and crushed beneath it a shelf that I would have liked to peruse. I set up a simple lever to lift the slab of rock and try and recover whatever I could, but my efforts were in vain. Might I request your aid?"

[rotemgrad-blog]

themagehero:

Given the nature of the island, it’s also possible they were brought here to restore things. To bring about some semblance of order. Daylen is a pessimist though, so he can’t see that as being the case. Even if it was that doesn’t exactly excuse kidnapping on a mass scale.

Additionally, if someone is so powerful to bring them here surely they could fix things in the first place? Something must be going on that he doesn’t know about. All the Warden can do is throw theories at the wall. If only he had evidence to work with, rather than having to work on assumption.

The wolfhound is an unfamiliar breed. Daylen manages to refrain from petting her, not knowing how she’d react. Instead he reaches a hand over to the Mabari, petting Vincent slightly. Just to make sure his hound won’t bark at the other one.

He can’t be sure if the wolfhound has regressed in age or just appearance. In his own experiences it was the latter. Vincent had become a lot smaller, but still remembered everything they’ve been through together.

“Perhaps she will return to her former self soon enough. After all, my Mabari hasn’t experienced the same problem. So it might just be temporary; for however long temporary is, anyway.”

All of his abilities and memories from the past experiment had carried over. With that in mind, Daylen thinks he knows how this will go. But it doesn’t look like the Houndmaster was part of that city. So the Warden has to just imply that maybe it’ll work without actually confirming it.

The Warden is rather quiet as Norville concentrates, not wanting to disrupt the man’s focus. Instead he simply looks around and allows Vincent to get their exercise. His Mabari never liked to sit around in one place. Even on an unknown island like this.

“I’m not sure how much information you can get from this, but I hope it helps. There are other helpful sources but without any power I can’t access them. Best I can do is contact others with my phone. Although I’ve had to severely limit how much I use it for now.”

Daylen’s words didn’t fall on deaf ears, even though it might’ve looked like the Houndmaster was fully concentrated on his scribbling. Upon hearing what has happened to the great hound he expressed his surprise by giving them a mildly confused look, yet he waited until Daylen explained his view on information gathering before replying. If he is to remain here, he should probably begin learning what some of the words mean.

“You’ll need to help me expand my vocabulary if you wish for me to understand what you’re saying there, I fear. First of all, what do you mean when you say power? How does that influence your ability to talk to people? Secondly, what is a ‘phone’? A means of communication, I assume. Finally, where is the country you come from? You mentioned it before, but I didn’t recognize it, and considering your knowledge, I’d probably remember a place where ‘cars’ allow for transportation far faster than anything a carriage can provide.”

While her master bombarded his human companion with questions, the hound instead focused on what lay ahead. In the distance, a clamour could be heard, of people waking up for the first time at the edge of the anomalous pit, of them stumbling around in confusion until the intended driver calls for them from inside the humming taxi, of the machine departing only to be replaced by another.

The puppy, recognizing that they were close to their destination, decided to use what time they had left together to pester the larger dog. Following the playful nature she once had in her early days, she bounded with excitement towards Vincent, happily barking and running around him, waiting for him to react.

[rotemgrad-blog]

@artificist

The Houndmaster made his way down one of the city's highways, directly away from where the center was, with the intention of seeing for himself just how large the city was. It was massive, he could tell that much, far bigger than any city he knew of, far more complex.

He saw his hound return to him from her own expedition, excitement written all over her face. He glanced forward and saw what might have caught her attention: A lone, young lady standing further down the road. Not many people were around, so the Houndmaster decided to approach her. Maybe she's lost.

"Good evening, young lady. You don't seem to be in the company of anyone else, and so, I have to ask - are you perhaps lost? I could lead you to the city's center, it's where I came from. I'll advice being around more people in the future, we still don't know what our... Accommodators have planned to do with us all."

[rotemgrad-blog]

"You have a cute dog."

Why yes, she is indeed cute. That's not much of a question though, is it?

[themagehero]

rotemgrad:

The Houndmaster listened intently to the other’s words - the man’s reply wasn’t as informative as he had hoped it would be, but it was still something.

“So those bizarre constructs are colloquially known as cars? I shall keep that in mind, thank you. But more importantly, yes, I did wake up near that bottomless pit, or at least it seemed bottomless enough to give me a headache, and so did everyone else you say? Something tells me a mass of people can’t just appear in a single place without any coherent reason or an effort made by someone or something, but what do I know.”

Finally shifting his attention to the man’s companion, the Houndmaster carefully observed the impressive creature. He noticed he didn’t recognize the breed, although it was close to some of the ones he did, if only in appearance. His wolfhound finally decided to crawl out of her master’s shadow and barked meekly at the two before her. The Houndmaster smiled at the sight of the large dog, as he returned his attention to the other.

“You have a fine ally here, my gut tells me. Are you aware of it’s gender? I’d like to use more appropriate pronouns. Speaking of which, What should I call you? If all of us were brought here against our will, I believe we should band together to try and better understand our circumstances, and what can we do about them, no? Also, Care to walk with me while we talk?”

The mage hated being deprived of information. He’d always held an insatiable curiosity, even before actually going out and seeing the world. 

Not that Daylen is an eager adventurer. In the Circle reading had been an escape from his situation. Of how much power the Templars held, and his own self hatred from years of Chantry teachings. Later on he’d collect whatever scraps were found on his travels. It was soothing for a young man feeling the pressure of leadership.

“I’m not exactly going to jump down the hole to see if it’s truly bottomless. However, someone I know did tell me something strange. Apparently you begin to hallucinate if you stare at it for too long. I don’t know why that is, or why we’d all arrive near it in that case.

Honestly it seems like a disaster waiting to happen. Being taken from ones’ home can be a traumatic situation. What if someone arrives, and is so shocked by everything that they fall in?”

It must be intentional that everyone arrived there. New residents of this place weren’t exactly arriving at random areas. The platform and the cars was waiting for them, specifically knowing everyone’s names and their assigned house. Even the eclipses lined up with this, although each one had lasted for a long time.

Daylen hadn’t exactly stood around at the platform during an eclipse to see if there was a break in arrivals.

While he’d been speaking the large dog had simply sat at his side. In the past, Vincent was reduced to a puppy once more in an experiment of sorts. But time had passed and eventually the hound became full size again.

“Vincent here is a he. He’s a Mabari War Hound, a breed of dog specific to where I come from. My country has a proud association with them that dates back hundreds of years.

My name is Daylen Amell. Might I ask for yours in return? We can walk together if that’s what you wanted. Given the state of the city, I haven’t had many plans that don’t involve exploring or trying to clean some of the debris up.”

[rotemgrad-blog]

"It is difficult to ascertain how benevolent - or malignant is the intent that presumably brought us here, isn't it? On one hand, we have been given food and drink and a bed to rest in, yet, on the other hand, there is the fact that we were brought here against our will, near a hallucination - inducing pit. Come to think of it, a lot seems to revolve around it. Why weren't we brought to our shelter directly? Perhaps the hole's function is to drag people to it's location from afar. It seems to be far more than just a sinkhole, either way."

Hearing about the Vincent made him smile yet again, and this time he felt compelled to pick his own companion and hold her like a mother who carries a newborn in her hands. She protested at first, but soon gave up and instead used her elevated position to get a better look at Daylen.

"Ah, a hound dedicated to a noble cause, strong and chivalrous. Reminds me of someone." He told the puppy in his hands.

"She was experienced and strong before we came here." The Houndmaster explained. "And yet she seems to have reverted to an earlier age upon our arrival. I don't mind that however: I would have probably outlived her sooner rather later, and so I don't mind living another decade with her by my side, regardless of how well she can help me at this age"

"Hello Deylan, I'm Norville and I was a lawman once. I still am, but that's an ideology rather than an occupation."

"Very well, let us depart. To the aforementioned hole, if you were curious, is where I meant to go. Not much else to see of the city at the moment, though."

The Houndmaster motioned to their surroundings to prove his point. The once gargantuan buildings made of stone and, strangely, metal, reminded him of the ruins he once explored for a living. He mused over what dangers, and what wonders might be hidden just beyond his reach. He pulled out a piece of paper and a pen which he already experimented with and began recording the streets they passed through.

[themagehero]

rotemgrad:

The Houndmaster quickly noticed the man, who, in stark contrast to his surroundings seemed ordinary. Seemed normal. Made sense. The Houndmaster approached him, noticeably not as vigilant as he was just a few moments ago, and waved his hand. “Hail fellow! I’d hate to impose on you or take any of your precious time, but, you see, I’m in a little bit of a predicament. I do not what path led me to this place, and for that matter, where this place is at all. Care to enlighten me a little?

Daylen only tended to stick out depending on the person. For those from more modern worlds, his clothing and stave were unusual. Yet the mage wasn’t purposely trying to catch anyone’s attention. To be honest he was a rather boring man. The most exciting things about him were in stories he rarely told.

Still, he’d continue to represent both mages and the country of Ferelden here. Retaining his proud Mabari helped; a large breed of dog most associated with combat. Though not to say he only valued Vincent for what the canine could bring in battle. Mabari chose their masters in the first place.

“I assume you entered here the same as everyone else, correct? You woke up near a large hole on the ground, and a platform was right next to you. Then a car - that is, if you know what one is - picked you up and drove you to your assigned home. While I can’t confirm this explicitly, the timing of the eclipses and people arriving into the city do seem to match up perfectly.

I can make guesses about our situation and tell you what I know. But there isn’t very much to share, given how vague our current situation is. We’re all just in the same boat of exploring for now.”

[rotemgrad-blog]

The Houndmaster listened intently to the other's words - the man's reply wasn't as informative as he had hoped it would be, but it was still something.

"So those bizarre constructs are colloquially known as cars? I shall keep that in mind, thank you. But more importantly, yes, I did wake up near that bottomless pit, or at least it seemed bottomless enough to give me a headache, and so did everyone else you say? Something tells me a mass of people can't just appear in a single place without any coherent reason or an effort made by someone or something, but what do I know."

Finally shifting his attention to the man's companion, the Houndmaster carefully observed the impressive creature. He noticed he didn't recognize the breed, although it was close to some of the ones he did, if only in appearance. His wolfhound finally decided to crawl out of her master's shadow and barked meekly at the two before her. The Houndmaster smiled at the sight of the large dog, as he returned his attention to the other.

"You have a fine ally here, my gut tells me. Are you aware of it's gender? I'd like to use more appropriate pronouns. Speaking of which, What should I call you? If all of us were brought here against our will, I believe we should band together to try and better understand our circumstances, and what can we do about them, no? Also, Care to walk with me while we talk?"

[rotemgrad-blog]

@themagehero

The Houndmaster quickly noticed the man, who, in stark contrast to his surroundings seemed ordinary. Seemed normal. Made sense. The Houdmaster approached him, noticeably not as vigilant as he was just a few moments ago, and waved his hand. "Hail fellow! I'd hate to impose on you or take any of your precious time, but, you see, I'm in a little bit of a predicament. I do not know what path led me to this place, and for that matter, where this place is at all. Care to enlighten me a little?