PM to join A Slave, A Dead Man, or a Researcher? (Schon)

[Thomas Cosa]

Thomas sneered at the crazed Nuit, his eyes black with malice. The young pulser had heard rumors, or perhaps better said, horror stories, of the Master Malestrom, and his treatment of any beneath his station.

The pulser slave wouldn't last the season in that lab.

"Lab 15 bids 90 on the slave," Thomas stated, clear and loud, eyes unmoving as they watched the slave.

[Schon]

As the lot of us were sold, I watched the Symenestra woman led away towards a buyer, and caught a glimpse of her claws, sharp and pitch black. No, I shall not sink to the level of our captors; her nails, wicked as they looked, were beautiful in their own dangerous way. I found myself wishing there was some manner, be it tooth, nail or knowledge, with which to defend my person. But my fingers ended rounded and soft, not nearly as useful as the woman's.

Eventually, after one-by-one the others had been sold, I stood alone before the assembled wizards of Sahova. The pale and almost sickly thin wizard -an insult if ever there were one- who had spoken briefly to me walked away, I felt as if a chance had been lost as he went.

Before me in the courtyard, only a Nuit or a wizard would have called a collection of tombs and moss choked gravestones a courtyard, one particular man caught my attention. He looked addled and openly stared at all present; as if to him we stood all for sale... expendable. His hair wind blown and wild, he smelt faintly of ash and ozone. When he smiled it made me uncomfortable. And when it was announced he had bid the highest, I nearly prayed, for fear.

But when a younger wizard, he had dark features and a light complexion, bid higher, I was hard pressed to which one were the lesser evil of the two. I stood still as they continued, whether out of fear or defiance, or inspite, or despite of, I could not tell you. In that moment, I felt truly not myself.

[Mirage]

There were whispered murmurs from the crowd at the large price being paid for both the Zith and the Sym, and when no new hands were raised the Overseer spoke out, "The Zith specimen goes to Lab 45E, to Master Rayage."

The Zith was pulled, struggling and snarling, to stand to the side of the crowed. It bared its fangs at those it passed, snapping at others and doing whatever it could to look fierce. It would be delivered to the Lab shortly there after.

*****

The Overseer waited a few ticks to see if any new hands would be raised for the bid over the Female Sym, and when none were he began, ""The Symenos Female then goes to---"

"I bid 3,000 GM on the Sym." A voice loud and strong, and a hand raised covered in beautiful peacock feathers. Amaryllis shot a glance at Vick, her smile one that spoke of her utter confidence and assurance of her own victory.

The Overseer paused at this new information, finally calling out to the crowd, "The bid has been raised to 3,000 GM. Does anyone best this price?"

*****

Maelstrom's cocky smile faded, and a furious glare crossed his features as his eyes sought out the one who had bid higher than he. Raising a hand Maelstrom nearly spit the phrase, "I bid 120 GM on the Slave."

Eyes found Thomas, and a challenging grin lit his features as he waved a mocking hand at the apprentice.

OOCAfter buying the first two slaves Thomas has 400 GM to play with. Decide if Thomas would take the gamble on such a promising slave ^.^

[Vick]

Vick almost had a smile on his face when no one else took a bid and he felt he was about to win the world until the words spoke and reached his ears that Amarylis placed such a large bid.

His eyes locking with hers as she smiled towards him as he looked at her. She would pay for this but he was not out of tricks yet. She was a Master but he knew her area did not grant her a large sum of grants but if she wanted to play rough with him he could do the same towards her.

Rayage was a Master as well and his grant was higher than Vicks. He knew Rayage would not want Vick to pass this Sym up so he knew he would just get yelled at later but if he had to he would use a part of his grant to help boost up Vick's fight.

"3,200 for the Sym."

Vick said as he looked at the Sym. He wanted her for so many reasons and he was going to try to get her. If he had to bid anymore he would go up to 4,000 using Rayages pool of funds.

[Thomas Cosa]

Thomas refused to acknowledge the master wizard, knowing it better not to invite Maelstrom's infamous rage.

Still, Avalis herself had granted him the vision of the lonely slave, and Thomas would rather die than disappoint his lady. The young mage breathed deeply, calming himself. Instinct dictated him to bid the remanining 400 gold mizas he had left, but Thomas caught himself before he acted.

Paying that much on a human slave would be ludacris, not to mention the mere act of bidding that much would undoubtably draw to much attention to his prize -- surely, other wizards would want to know the reasoning behind his actions, and some, Maelstrom included, would have no qualms with torturing the information out of Thomas.

Thomas blinked, and with a steady voice called out his bid.

"Lab 15 raises to 150 golden mizas."

[Rayage]

Rayage knew she would be a bit late. She was finishing up with the last of her notes on new alchemical theories. This bunch, of course, will have to be tested, and so she walked through Sahova with experiments in mind, advancements slowly brewing in that wicked little head of hers. Her pace was slow, and the dull light of the d-wire seemed to shine a little on the cloak that she bore. Purple of the deepest shade it looked quite elegant on her, complimenting her darker longer hair, and out of all the nuits present in Sahova she alone would look actually alive. Color dotted her cheeks, and flesh looked plush, and if one didn’t know any better they would think that she is indeed alive.

There, of course, were gives. Her movements were not as refined as living persons, they were sluggish and slow, and she even had a laid back sort of feel to her. A side effect of a spell gone horribly wrong. Though her magic has changed her in many ways she still knew who she was. She was Rayage, Qiaos personal rising star, and currently, even though not in title, the most powerful alchemist on Sahova. Her skills were as unmatched as the countless theories she brought to the table were tested. It was hard, after all, keeping up with a mind as bright and as old as Rayage.

Rayage was there in the crowd shortly after the overseer had announced that she had won the zith. She smiled at the news. Exotic species were always welcome, and this one seemed to have some fight in him. She loved it when they resisted. It brought back such fine memories from her earlier endeavors in Ravok. It was a shame her lab there was now gone, taken by the sands of time and unfortunate circumstances.

”My, my,” Rayage shook her head stepping by Vick, making her presence known with her voice, ”Are all of them that expensive?” she asked. She had only heard what Vick was bidding for the Sym, but had no idea the price of her own zith. ”Must be quite the specimen, indeed.” she grinned, ”In that case…” she raised her hand, ”I want all the slaves which are still up for bid, regardless of price. Lets start at six thousand for the lot if we really need hard numbers.” she spoke up looking at the shipment, they all looked nothing special, nothing special at all. They will all be used one way or another… The tides of change are coming the waters, the waters will soon be rising on Sahova.

"You cannot outbid me. Those who wish to have a specific slave should talk to me, and we will make a deal." she spoke in a confident tone, looking at all the other people there challengingly.

OOCSorry! A little late to the party.

[Mirage]

OOCOK so keep in mind that time is Streamlined. Rayage appears before Schon is the only slave left, but the events that are about to happen unfold before the bidding over Schon begins. If you have any questions PM me

The sudden appearance of Rayage, and her bold claim on the remaining slaves, as well as the price she was willing to pay, drove all to silence. The crowd would turn to look at the woman's approach, this nuit who appeared so alive, vibrant even, such that even Amaryllis might be made jealous.

The peacock feathered hand slowly lowered, and a glare fitting of a woman spited pierced the crowed land on Rayage. This would not be forgotten. No, never in a thousand years. Yet even more than the Master Embalmer another voice rose out loud and strong.

"The petch you will!!" The bodies parted, letting the crazed eyed, glaring man with windswept hair step through. Malestrom growled under his breath, roughly pushing past Rayage and Vick to stand in front of the Overseer, "She can't do that! We ALL need test subjects! We all contributed to Sahova! Why the petch should SHE get to take the lot of them?" He raised a finger to angrily point at Rayage, the light of madness in his eyes as the sickly green res poured from his skin, "I'll NOT be letting this woman take what is rightfully mine! Even if I have burry all the slaves in rubble to do so!"

It was no idle threat, as all who knew of Maelstrom's reputation knew, and even as he spoke Wizards began to back away, standing clear of the clearly deranged man waving his power about without care for other safety. The Overseer took a tick or two to contemplate the situation, and loudly spoke to Rayage, "Only 20 slaves may be purchased per Laboratory. You may have your pick, but no more than that."

With a triumphant grin Maelstrom let his power fade, waving a hand at Rayage as he chuckled, calmly walking back to his place in line.

*****

OOCThis happens AFTER all that above does ^.^

Maelstrom's frown deepened, and he raised his hand, "200!"

The Overseer looked back to Thomas, "Do you match his bid?"

[Rayage]

Confidence oozed from the Nuit. Her stature did not dwindle nor did she take a step back when she had all eyes on her. She basked in the attention, reveling in it, enjoying it perhaps a bit too much. A sly grin crossed her face, arms hung loosely by her sides and she looked relaxed, almost as if she didn’t have a care in the world. Even after such an exclamation the challenging look was returned by a few of her peers. She met Amaryllis’ gaze, her face was calm and she offered the woman a smile, soft, but nonetheless meaningful. Rayage would not be intimidated by those who inhabit the island even though she rightfully should.

A voice rose above them all, drawing attention to himself was Master Maelstorm. Rayage looked curiously at the master, and then around at all the people who were backing away. Just like with Amaryllis she met Maelstorm with equal vigor, and entitlement. Her gaze shifted and locked on the reimancer and she laughed. The laugh was cold and drawn out and she waved an idol hand at him, even as the Overseer announced that she may only purchase twenty slaves. ”My dear Master,” there was sarcasm in her voice, almost dripping with it, ”it is true that you all contribute to Sahova, yes.” she nodded, ”But do you truly need the slaves for anything other than blowing up with your barbaric magic?” she questioned exactly what the guy did to the slaves he purchased, ”Wouldn’t their lives be better used to create something rather than wasted on target practice?” she asked, her voice carrying a piercing tone.

Then she smiled, ”Nonetheless, this is OK.” she said, giving the master a slight bow. ”Master,” she said, ”Ive proved my point here.” The mysterious sentence was left at that as if to point out exactly how childish the master acted. Everything about her was confident, and almost mocking. She knew all too well that no one would dare harm her. Qiao had too much stock in her, and her promise needed to be kept. Her work was far too important and she was the only one on the entire island who could complete her task.

”Ill take my twenty.” she told the Overseer, turning her attention away from the Master as if the event never happened in the first place.

[Thomas Cosa]

Thomas' heart pounded violently at his pale chest, perhaps trying so desperately to escape the confines of it's fool body. Malestrom, even the accomplished masters withdrew as the aged nuit lost it's temper, cloak billowing as it yelled against the female undead.

The young animator allowed a small breath to escape as the Overseer overrode the newcomer's bid, allowing the bidding on his slave to continue.

And as Malestrom commaded his bid again, Thomas hesitated, but only for a moment. Eyes wide with fear, his voice cracked as he managed the bid, "Lab 15 raises to 230 golden mizas," he swallowed, watching his competition nerviously.

Despite his fear, despite every cell in his body screaming to flee, to escape the master's range, Thomas stayed, his fear nothing in comparison against his faith in his goddess, or his lust for power. She had shown him what the slave was capable of, and the young animator could use this slave in particular to increase his notabilty, his power among the undead.

Hopefully, should he both get the slave and avoid the master's wrath, Malestorm wouldn't remember his face for long.

[Mirage]

In an instant conflict was resolved. Rayage would pay the sum of 6,000 GM, and he would receive his 20 slaves as well as the Symenos that Vick was bidding for as well. Though in the process of making such a bold move, to make a statement for all of Sahova to see, the eyes of several had fallen upon the Alchemist. It seemed that she would have a few new enemies in the coming seasons...

*****

Maelstrom's glare was like daggers of ice directed at Thomas, and his expression contorted into a mask of annoyance and irritation, yet still he had to question, was one slave really worth all the trouble? His eyes darted between Thomas and Schon, and with a growl he threw up his hands, pointing at Thomas, "You want this meat bag so bad? Fine! Take his petching carcass. It looks weak and saggy anyway."

With that he would with his own slaves in tow, heading back to his own labs deep within the Caverns. Thomas might be worried that Maelstrom would come seeking revenge, yet as quick was his temper short was his attention span, and as many new the Master rarely remembered who or why he was upset in the first place.

"The slave is sent to Lab 15 for a sum of 230 GM. This concludes the auction."

The golem stepped down from its perch, and the wizards all began to disperse. It was over. Schon was to go with Thomas to work with the greatest Animators in Sahova, and just barely did he escape a much worse fate. All in all, it seemed that something, or someone, was watching out for the slave.

OOCOK! So by popular vote this thread is moved to the 10th of Spring, which is the first shipment of slaves that arrives in Sahova. I will post a grade for this thread after Thomas collects Schon and heads to Lab 15 ^.^