the whisper in your ear; the blade at your back.

[whisperingblade]

👀 Hello. It’s me.

[whisperingblade]

verodrath:

“Partially,” he answers, gesturing to some of the more creative slashes in the twisted metal. Rath will alwys give credit where it is due–their companions aren’t completely inept at combat. Some of them even excel at it. With the tip of his foot, he knocks a piece over. No, not completely inept at all.

“Core? What core?” His red eyes narrow at the possibility that they missed something.

She continues to sift through the pieces as if sorting laundry for a wash, critical looks and then firmly discarding scrap metal to one pile or another. It would help if Deande makes her intentions known the moment she sees something of interest, but it’s still something of a habit to play her keen attention to detail close to the vest.

“ There was a prototype on that field -- and the data carried on those cores contains complete logs of the suit’s past and present battles. I can think of several uses for information like that. ”

[whisperingblade]

verodrath:

The look he gives Deande could be considered withering. It could also be the byproduct of his face being in a permanent scowl. Quests for vengeance will do that to a person. 

“I suppose you took ‘merry solstice outings’ too, Deande?” he asks, dodging her comment like  loosened blade.

Deande, on the other hand, isn’t nearly as reluctant to speak on the subject, although she understands why he is. For her, it stands as another reminder of all that they can reclaim.

“ Of course I did. It was an observed holiday, after all. I think my favorite part was the cider -- strange to go without it this year. ”

[whisperingblade]

plaguedxctxr:

“Oh yes, I’ve never gotten such a good look at Varelsi elements before. Now if only I could make heads or tails of it…”

“ You certainly aren’t alone there. We’ve seen wilder examples of its side effects, but why or how, to what end, is still something of a mystery. Though I suppose that’s why you’re here. ”

[whisperingblade]

peacekeepingjennerit:

@whisperingblade

Day took a deep breath and attempted to calm herself down. She needed to do this. There was no other way around it. She needed to speak to Deande and stop avoiding her at all costs. It wasn’t like she hated the former Spy Mistress, Day was simply very, very rude to her. Superiority complexes and all that. Still, if she didn’t do this now then she never would. Her pride would forbid it.

She quietly crept behind Deande, not wanting to give away she was there without a proper set up. She lightly tapped her on the shoulder. “Um… Hello Deande. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Deande does not startle, and if she thinks about putting on a show of surprise, it’s quickly dashed by the voice to follow. To say that there is no love loss between them is -- well, that’s actually quite accurate. But neither does she spend inordinate amounts of her energy harboring anything so tiresome as a grudge. That’s reserved for one Jennerit in particular. She has, after all, worked with people she finds disagreeable for most of her career.

“ Me, on board the very ship we both inhabit these days. Simply quaint. ” Deande puts away the tools, tucks away something suspiciously like a blade into the back of her curls, and dims the glow in front of her. A smooth click later, the many blades of the fan fold in on themselves. When she turns, her face is carefully neutral, sculpted and held together with a practiced veneer, save for her infuriatingly unreadable, smallest of smiles. “ But you did go out of your way to say ‘hello.’ Awkward small talk, then? ”

[whisperingblade]

plasmapriestess: 

LIGHT IN THE ABYSS

There is much on Ambra’s mind as well, having seen the simulation that Nova generated for Attikus in order to help him cope with the horrors of the Rebellion. She sits at the lone table her study, wires hooked up to the various ports on her body, looking over a cup of tea that remained untouched, becoming cold. Deande’s presence is a much welcomed one, for the high priestess did not mean to reflect on past events for this long. Her work, her people, her empire, her stars, always came first.

❝ I would not object to one. The Sisters will know what to do in my brief absence. ❞

Under more convenient circumstances, Deande would ask to stay for a time, chase after that reflective look in Ambra’s eyes with questions of her own; there may still be time to do precisely that. As it is, Ambra’s company is a second home to her, one Deande can take with her where she couldn’t Jennar and Tempest. It’s only natural she’d extend that same thought and trust to her considerable skills; after all, the foundation of all Deande knows began with the same woman who calls upon the stars themselves.

“ I thought you’d appreciate a chance to get out, see the sights, and shoo a few would-be star thieves back to where they came from. Shall we? ”

[whisperingblade]

f0xxtr0t:

“Nah, stabbing someone in broad daylight is more my approach.” Foxtrot chuckled, flattered at the job offer. Him taking more professional jobs were in the past, no desire to go back to that life after tasting freedom.

“What can I say? I enjoy a good show to go with my caffe.” He toasted to the blonde with a hot cup in hand.

“ Point taken -- pun absolutely intended. I’ve grown fond of it myself. ” Although certainly not as brazenly as Whiskey. Still, there are times ( increasing in frequency, what with Varelsi raining from the abyss itself ) when the knife makes a much, much bolder statement, a distinction that’s practically her job to make.

“ Don’t we all? With luck, we’ll hear back soon. I doubt don’t playing hardball will put him on the spot. ”

[whisperingblade]

reynavaleria:

After everything was measured out, she handed the spy mistress the bowl of wet ingredients as she went to work on the dry. It was the easier task of the two, of course, thus ensuring the cake would come out in one piece. “Didn’t say I wasn’t going to eat none of this, but you’ve got a more svelte figure than I.” She gave her stomach a small pat for emphasis; her eating habits and day-to-day workload made it difficult for her to get in any exercise or eat properly. She didn’t mind her figure in the least, but her food baby was less likely to be noticed than whatever the thin Jennerit would sport. “I guess maybe we could share some of this with some people. … I’m guessing Ambra’s not a fan of chocolate?”

Deande finds no need to nitpick much less oversee something as simplistic as the ingredients; the Commander does know that much, even she remains unconvinced of her ability to bring it all together. Deande, on the other hand, believes it’s quite like anything else -- practice and time spent getting to know the craft.

“ I’m afraid I’ve an unfair advantage in that regard. ” Sustainment. Her body is, for lack of a better term, unchanging and utterly as it has been since that very day she underwent the process. “ But true or not, I wouldn’t be so quick to discount your own assets. You’re stunning as you are, you know. ”

She figures blind flattery is wasted on any member of the Rogues and doesn’t make an attempt at it. Besides, it all works out when it’s her opinion on the matter.

“ Never did ask her. There’s only one to find out. ”

[whisperingblade]

plaguedxctxr:

@whisperingblade

“Deande, where exactly did you find this… Space goo?”

“ A portal bloom on Bliss some weeks back. Caught your attention, has it? I thought it might. ”

[whisperingblade]

VOID MUTAGEN: A COMMUNITY PLOT

The mysterious, mutating substance first spotted near Varelsi portal blooms is now on board in the form of a small sample, kept in the labs as the more scientifically inclined Battleborn monitor it.

Those Battleborn have access to it regularly. At the moment, it’s deemed a bio hazard so all others will need some manner of clearance and safety standards before entering. (That is unless your muse is the sort to sneak in.)

However, since this stuff’s arrival on board the ship, there are subtle changes.

Who keeps turning down the thermostat? Is anyone else slightly colder than usual? Is that a power flux? Are the lights blinking every hour, on the hour where so-and-so is, too? Do your communications cut out for the briefest of moments, and in that space of static, you think you hear a voice, something calling to you?

RELATED LINKS:

About the Void Mutagen.

[whisperingblade]

“ Our scientific minds managed to isolate a sample of this so-called void mutagen.

“ Apparently, space goo was not a suitable scientific term. No room for a flourish these days.

“ The samples are being held in the labs on board the Nova -- which, unfortunately, means no more stumbling in without purpose and clearance. It’s dangerous to have this substance on board as is knowing as little as we do about it.

“ Respect this temporary quarantine of the labs. I’d rather not risk this mutagen spreading throughout the Nova. ”

[whisperingblade]

If you had to pick a face claim for Deande, who would it be?

So far, the closest I’ve considered is her specifically in that style.

The real issue I have (and why I ultimately can’t rely too much on FCs) is that no one really is going to fit the bill for such uniquely designed characters without costuming. Other times, their features don’t include real world proportions.

Even for such an awesome actress, I’m not set on her by any means. Deande (and all Jennerit) have such chiseled faces that I get kind of picky about it.

[whisperingblade]

How did Deande deal with Constable Cuddles?

Much more amicably than Ambra, while she did understand her complaints about how disruptive Cuddles could be at official functions.

In truth, Deande doesn’t mind something to return to, and Constable Cuddles fits nicely into that niche. He did fill the role that was set out for him; he is a personable dog when he’s in the mood for it.

With Rendain out of the picture, Deande is ensuring he’s looked after when she can’t be there.

[whisperingblade]

“ Please do not eat anything offered to you by our illustrious Lord Commander. Best case scenario is that you die a horribly agonizing death. Worst case scenario is that you end up a Varelsi-adoring lackey for the remainder of your life -- so, basically, him. ”

[whisperingblade]

jenneritwarlord:

+ open

“Please.”

“Do eat the purple snow. Make slushies! Whatever you want to do!”

“ By all means, you first. ”

[whisperingblade]

VOID MUTAGEN: A COMMUNITY PLOT.

The Varelsi are pushed back before Solus can be culled, ending Rendain’s Jennerit coup. In the wake of that fateful battle, the Battleborn continue to fight bands of Varelsi, searching for footholds into their universe once more. Timed strikes and sieges handle these persistent incursions until they begin to notice strange energies left behind.

Where there are portal blooms, there is a residue, viscous enough to coat any surface, a dark violet that thrums with power. Few things to touch it, such as plant matter, sprout wildly and mutate.

Deande, Spymistress of the Battleborn and Interim Chief Counselor of the New Jennerit Empire, observes this first hand and sends out a warning about it. This, however, is only the beginning of a new issue.

ABOUT THE PLOT.

It’s largely going to be what we as a whole make of it. I’ll loosely guide the concern about this mutagen along with IC and OOC updates to give writers fuel for thought and IC inspiration. How your characters take up the challenge as more about this mutagen comes out is up to you!

Anyone can participate. Non-mutals, same muses, all of that! If something about this sparks you, go with it and get to writing and engaging others. Keep an eye on the tag rp event: void mutagen for more.

[whisperingblade]

plasmapriestess:

LIGHT IN THE ABYSS

A look of utter & complete disgust contorts Ambra’s regal face, her dark lips curling downward & her red eyes narrowing. To think that there were some people stupid enough to meddle around with precipitation clearly out of the norm. Curiosity was one thing, but could nobody exercise some common sense? What happened that warranted this disclaimer from the Spymistress? The priestess’s metal fingers grip her staff tighter at the thought of someone sprouting extra limbs because of their foolishness. 

❝ That is the most revolting thing I’ve heard all day. ❞

There is a set to Deande’s jaw, indecision at best. Personally, she hasn’t decided if there aren’t tactical usages for such abilities, but it’s the complications that are another matter. There’s no telling if the substance would stop at mutations -- if it could influence thoughts. Suffice it to say it would be better if they didn’t all go around poisoning themselves just yet.

“ In no hurry for a few extra arms? Don’t say that too loudly. I have a feeling you might disappoint Beatrix. ” Deande chuckles, briefly, but realizes that she is someone to keep as far away from this Varelsi energy as necessary. “ Oh dear. That might be an issue. ”