Lamina Manira
Main Character
Roleplay posts: 504
Age: 14
Physical Description: Complexion: Fair.
Build: Petite
Eyes: Emerald green.
Hair: Dark brown, just past shoulder length, choppy with a small sidelong left tie of hair, similar to ponytail or topknot, tied from the left side of her head.
Distinguishable markings: Horizontal scar, left shoulder.
Clothes and Equipment: - Knee-length, sleeveless black dress of a slightly thick, padded fabric.
- Black leggings for lightweight and modest cover.
- Leather belts around waist and chest for tying clothing and hoisting weaponry.
- Black leather boots that guard just past the ankles and protected at the toe by exterior metallic steel plating.
- Varied colored bangles of metal, 3 on the right forearm and 4 on the left.
- Long red ribbon tied around left elbow to hang freely. Has sentimental value.
- Thread of assorted beads that tie hair. Has sentimental value.
- Red feather worn with tied hair. Has sentimental value.
- Sometimes a mortuary sword, sheathed at her left hip.
Player's online availability : Usually evenings.
Registered: Apr 30, 2015 7:48:47 GMT -8
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Post by Lamina Manira on Oct 18, 2017 8:11:19 GMT -8
The hint was just enough to bring her back to reality. So, this was all a bit of magic trickery... the gears to which she felt she'd never understand. But there was still a strong, lingering fear of harm, as the blade licked out of the canvas and shot towards her face. Another inconsistency.. the reckless use of the sword, targeting the head in the first blow, bespoke a slight flaw in this image's behavior. This empowered her a little further, and she rose her sword to allow the painting's to strike against her forte, intended to send its wicked point sailing off to her right side.
Should she succeed in deflecting the seemingly now physical blade using the stouter end of her own, she'd step forwards with her right foot, angling her point forwards. In a single motion, she'd lean forwards, allowing her sword to glide along the mystical opponent's in an effort to strike the painting itself..and should that tip find itself pegged up against the canvas, she'd proceed to tear a nasty vertical gash down across its surface, seeking to tear up the painting in one swift go.
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The Isran Empire
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 105 
Registered: May 23, 2017 16:46:10 GMT -8
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Post by The Isran Empire on Oct 18, 2017 8:49:29 GMT -8
The painting's sword struck against Lamina's, but lacked the clash of steel on steel. Instead, it felt almost as though some invisible force stopped her blade, pushing her hand back. When she swung towards the canvas, the painting brought its blade down on top of Lamina's, aiming to drive it down and force it into the wall beneath the frame. Again, it lacked the feel of a real weapon. For a moment, it would almost seem like Lamina's own hands were betraying her, forcing her sword down as it was pushed by the painting's blade.
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Lamina Manira
Main Character
Roleplay posts: 504
Age: 14
Physical Description: Complexion: Fair.
Build: Petite
Eyes: Emerald green.
Hair: Dark brown, just past shoulder length, choppy with a small sidelong left tie of hair, similar to ponytail or topknot, tied from the left side of her head.
Distinguishable markings: Horizontal scar, left shoulder.
Clothes and Equipment: - Knee-length, sleeveless black dress of a slightly thick, padded fabric.
- Black leggings for lightweight and modest cover.
- Leather belts around waist and chest for tying clothing and hoisting weaponry.
- Black leather boots that guard just past the ankles and protected at the toe by exterior metallic steel plating.
- Varied colored bangles of metal, 3 on the right forearm and 4 on the left.
- Long red ribbon tied around left elbow to hang freely. Has sentimental value.
- Thread of assorted beads that tie hair. Has sentimental value.
- Red feather worn with tied hair. Has sentimental value.
- Sometimes a mortuary sword, sheathed at her left hip.
Player's online availability : Usually evenings.
Registered: Apr 30, 2015 7:48:47 GMT -8
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Post by Lamina Manira on Oct 18, 2017 13:56:04 GMT -8
"What the..!"
Her eyes widened. This was something beyond what she could control.. what good was resisting something that controlled her own actions? Rogue tears still streamed down her cheeks, reflective of her multifaceted struggle, and fear shot through her mind again as she realized that this painting apparition had far more control than was ever fair or sensible.
Now, she felt she couldn't fight it. She backed up, her first instinct to place the painting out of measure... could it even walk out of its picture frame?
It'd take a second for her to realize that her own arm only reacted upon impact with the painting's ethereal sword. Perhaps it was possible to defeat it, but she needed a second to gather herself.
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The Isran Empire
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 105
Registered: May 23, 2017 16:46:10 GMT -8
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Post by The Isran Empire on Oct 18, 2017 14:12:56 GMT -8
The painting struck without hesitation, taking advantage of Lamina's confusion. It lunged forward, jabbing its blade towards Lamina's abdomen. The sword flicked out of the painting again, steel shining. Surely it had to be real, something like this couldn't possibly be a painting!
"What's wrong, Lamina? Afraid of your own sword? Think about all the people who you've cut with it, how do you think they felt? What would mother say, hmm? Imagine if she could see all your victims. Her little girl, a killer! Raising a blade against other people for money. What kind of person does that?"
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Lamina Manira
Main Character
Roleplay posts: 504
Age: 14
Physical Description: Complexion: Fair.
Build: Petite
Eyes: Emerald green.
Hair: Dark brown, just past shoulder length, choppy with a small sidelong left tie of hair, similar to ponytail or topknot, tied from the left side of her head.
Distinguishable markings: Horizontal scar, left shoulder.
Clothes and Equipment: - Knee-length, sleeveless black dress of a slightly thick, padded fabric.
- Black leggings for lightweight and modest cover.
- Leather belts around waist and chest for tying clothing and hoisting weaponry.
- Black leather boots that guard just past the ankles and protected at the toe by exterior metallic steel plating.
- Varied colored bangles of metal, 3 on the right forearm and 4 on the left.
- Long red ribbon tied around left elbow to hang freely. Has sentimental value.
- Thread of assorted beads that tie hair. Has sentimental value.
- Red feather worn with tied hair. Has sentimental value.
- Sometimes a mortuary sword, sheathed at her left hip.
Player's online availability : Usually evenings.
Registered: Apr 30, 2015 7:48:47 GMT -8
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Post by Lamina Manira on Oct 18, 2017 14:27:12 GMT -8
Again Lamina presented the forte of her blade, pronating her wrist such that the length of her sword had a slight downward tilt to it as she directed her weapon to deflect the painting's thrust slightly to her right side. While the sensation of fighting this thing was very strange, she had confidence again to step forwards, closing distance in the time the ethereal weapon could retract. Now, closer to the painting, she wondered if she could keep the fake Lamina's weapon 'pinned' aside, or if it were possible for the picture to retreat or backstep in its own picture frame...
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The Isran Empire
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 105
Registered: May 23, 2017 16:46:10 GMT -8
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Post by The Isran Empire on Oct 18, 2017 16:12:37 GMT -8
Lamina would be able to keep her opponent's sword pushed off to the side, her arm feeling as though she were straining against her own muscles. The painting pushed against the sword, but was unable to resist against her superior leverage. However, she smirked at Lamina's clear mental anguish at remembering her previous victims.
"That got you, huh? Don't want to face what you've done? Go on, then. Strike me! Make your latest victim yourself! I bet you can't. You don't have the guts to do it."
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Lamina Manira
Main Character
Roleplay posts: 504
Age: 14
Physical Description: Complexion: Fair.
Build: Petite
Eyes: Emerald green.
Hair: Dark brown, just past shoulder length, choppy with a small sidelong left tie of hair, similar to ponytail or topknot, tied from the left side of her head.
Distinguishable markings: Horizontal scar, left shoulder.
Clothes and Equipment: - Knee-length, sleeveless black dress of a slightly thick, padded fabric.
- Black leggings for lightweight and modest cover.
- Leather belts around waist and chest for tying clothing and hoisting weaponry.
- Black leather boots that guard just past the ankles and protected at the toe by exterior metallic steel plating.
- Varied colored bangles of metal, 3 on the right forearm and 4 on the left.
- Long red ribbon tied around left elbow to hang freely. Has sentimental value.
- Thread of assorted beads that tie hair. Has sentimental value.
- Red feather worn with tied hair. Has sentimental value.
- Sometimes a mortuary sword, sheathed at her left hip.
Player's online availability : Usually evenings.
Registered: Apr 30, 2015 7:48:47 GMT -8
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Post by Lamina Manira on Oct 18, 2017 16:31:55 GMT -8
Didn't have the guts, huh... her mother's words left her seething in anger at her own self, and the portrait was the perfect target. Lamina had reacted in such a manner to set up just that very scenario, tempting her painting opponent to tease her more from a disadvantaged position. With the painting sword held aside and her leverage superior, the step forward just brought her closer, weapons "sliding" were the other one real... and with a single, upward stroke, Lamina went to cut a huge gash up across the portrait and end it once and for all.
"Haaaah!!" Her teeth clenched, and if she managed to damage the portrait without any ill effect besetting her, she would proceed to further slice it into ribbons.
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The Isran Empire
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 105
Registered: May 23, 2017 16:46:10 GMT -8
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Post by The Isran Empire on Oct 18, 2017 16:49:53 GMT -8
The painting raised her left arm in a vain attempt to protect herself from the strike, the smug grin never once leaving her face. As Lamina's blade bit into the canvas, the paint would swirl and blur, the sword vanishing. When it cleared up again, the painted Lamina was gone. Instead, her mother stood in the frame, split by the jagged rip in the canvas. She clutched her arm, and Lamina would see a bleeding cut on her arm where the painted Lamina had tried to block the attack. Her mother stared at her, tears in her eyes.
"Why, Lami? I can't believe you..."
Spiderweb cracks appeared in the painting, stretching out from the cut in the canvas. All of a sudden, the painting shattered, and fell to the ground in a shower of broken glass. The painting was gone, without so much as a speck of paint or canvas. For the first time since they'd entered, the wardens spoke.
"Congratulations, Ms. Manira. You've revealed the anomaly's true form...a mirror. An excellent showing."
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Lamina Manira
Main Character
Roleplay posts: 504
Age: 14
Physical Description: Complexion: Fair.
Build: Petite
Eyes: Emerald green.
Hair: Dark brown, just past shoulder length, choppy with a small sidelong left tie of hair, similar to ponytail or topknot, tied from the left side of her head.
Distinguishable markings: Horizontal scar, left shoulder.
Clothes and Equipment: - Knee-length, sleeveless black dress of a slightly thick, padded fabric.
- Black leggings for lightweight and modest cover.
- Leather belts around waist and chest for tying clothing and hoisting weaponry.
- Black leather boots that guard just past the ankles and protected at the toe by exterior metallic steel plating.
- Varied colored bangles of metal, 3 on the right forearm and 4 on the left.
- Long red ribbon tied around left elbow to hang freely. Has sentimental value.
- Thread of assorted beads that tie hair. Has sentimental value.
- Red feather worn with tied hair. Has sentimental value.
- Sometimes a mortuary sword, sheathed at her left hip.
Player's online availability : Usually evenings.
Registered: Apr 30, 2015 7:48:47 GMT -8
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Post by Lamina Manira on Oct 18, 2017 17:43:01 GMT -8
Yet she didn't seem to be of any mind to accept the praise. All she could do was sob, her legs giving way as she came to kneel on the ground. She rested her head in her free left hand, and cried. The emotion was just too much for her to bear, the sensation of loss rekindled... it would be a long pause before she responded to them. It seemed that upon its destruction, the mirror still managed to devastate her.
"I have to find her..." she said, her words choked but determined. "I have to..."
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The Isran Empire
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 105
Registered: May 23, 2017 16:46:10 GMT -8
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Post by The Isran Empire on Oct 18, 2017 17:54:55 GMT -8
As Lamina sobbed, she would hear the soft scrape of glass being swept up. The wardens would leave her alone for the moment being, seemingly content to let her cry without so much as a word of comfort. However, a few minutes later, she'd feel a gentle tap on her shoulder. Looking up, she'd see her tear-stained face reflected a hundred times in a warden's mirror mask. After a moment, she'd realize that it was a new mask being held out to her, made up of the shards of the mirror she'd just destroyed. The warden who'd somehow painstakingly crafted it within the last few minutes waited patiently for her to accept it, while the other two looked on.
"This is yours, Ms. Manira. Please accept it, we beg of you. There are precious few of us, and a member in the Sun Marshals would be a great help. Simply finding out about the existence of an anomaly just a few minutes earlier would be quite the benefit. You've earned it, Ms. Manira. It will help protect you from anomalies, at least a little bit."
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Lamina Manira
Main Character
Roleplay posts: 504
Age: 14
Physical Description: Complexion: Fair.
Build: Petite
Eyes: Emerald green.
Hair: Dark brown, just past shoulder length, choppy with a small sidelong left tie of hair, similar to ponytail or topknot, tied from the left side of her head.
Distinguishable markings: Horizontal scar, left shoulder.
Clothes and Equipment: - Knee-length, sleeveless black dress of a slightly thick, padded fabric.
- Black leggings for lightweight and modest cover.
- Leather belts around waist and chest for tying clothing and hoisting weaponry.
- Black leather boots that guard just past the ankles and protected at the toe by exterior metallic steel plating.
- Varied colored bangles of metal, 3 on the right forearm and 4 on the left.
- Long red ribbon tied around left elbow to hang freely. Has sentimental value.
- Thread of assorted beads that tie hair. Has sentimental value.
- Red feather worn with tied hair. Has sentimental value.
- Sometimes a mortuary sword, sheathed at her left hip.
Player's online availability : Usually evenings.
Registered: Apr 30, 2015 7:48:47 GMT -8
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Post by Lamina Manira on Oct 18, 2017 18:37:58 GMT -8
"...Thank you...." she managed to say, after she came under some control of her sadness and anger, trembling but standing slowly to receive her gift. She found it an odd thing to be presented, something she would never wear on her own volition, but after her discovery of Ishtaroth, she was a bit more curious and open to such artifacts than she would have been before.
"What... is this..?"
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The Isran Empire
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 105
Registered: May 23, 2017 16:46:10 GMT -8
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Post by The Isran Empire on Oct 19, 2017 9:27:11 GMT -8
The wardens stepped back when she accepted the mask, allowing her to look it over. It was the same design as theirs, mirror shards affixed to a black leather backing. It seemed very sturdy and finely made, and sized perfectly to fit Lamina's face.
"Mirror-based anomalies are one of the most common types, Ms. Manira. We don't know why, but they make up almost half of the ones we run into. Therefore, every warden of the Department of Anomaly Containment faces an anomaly as their initial training. Once they've defeated it, it's used to create their mask. The power of the mirror will help you hide your fear. It takes the tremble out of your voice, makes you into a faceless sentinel to protect the people. It also grounds you in reality, gives you some minor degree of protection from the anomaly's effects on the psyche. Of course, it only helps if you've already got the mental strength, which you very clearly have. That was impressive, fighting against yourself. You were dueling against your own mind, and you won."
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Lamina Manira
Main Character
Roleplay posts: 504
Age: 14
Physical Description: Complexion: Fair.
Build: Petite
Eyes: Emerald green.
Hair: Dark brown, just past shoulder length, choppy with a small sidelong left tie of hair, similar to ponytail or topknot, tied from the left side of her head.
Distinguishable markings: Horizontal scar, left shoulder.
Clothes and Equipment: - Knee-length, sleeveless black dress of a slightly thick, padded fabric.
- Black leggings for lightweight and modest cover.
- Leather belts around waist and chest for tying clothing and hoisting weaponry.
- Black leather boots that guard just past the ankles and protected at the toe by exterior metallic steel plating.
- Varied colored bangles of metal, 3 on the right forearm and 4 on the left.
- Long red ribbon tied around left elbow to hang freely. Has sentimental value.
- Thread of assorted beads that tie hair. Has sentimental value.
- Red feather worn with tied hair. Has sentimental value.
- Sometimes a mortuary sword, sheathed at her left hip.
Player's online availability : Usually evenings.
Registered: Apr 30, 2015 7:48:47 GMT -8
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Post by Lamina Manira on Oct 19, 2017 9:58:20 GMT -8
"...I see.."
She stood up tall now, examining the mask with a slight bit of curiosity that broke through the clouds of her mind. This brought a little bit of closure to what had just happened, and she was glad she left with the burning desire to discover where her mother had gone... even if she had no functional way of making that pursuit. "Thank you..."
No longer did she fear the wardens or their complex prison, but she still had some questions.
"So... everyone locked up here... they were defeated by the mirror?"
She didn't feel too accomplished, but rather, wondered what horrors others must have seen. Somehow, she felt she had been let off easy, that she hadn't seen or experienced enough of life to begin to gather fears numerous and strong enough to turn against her to such a degree.
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The Isran Empire
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 105
Registered: May 23, 2017 16:46:10 GMT -8
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Post by The Isran Empire on Oct 19, 2017 10:22:47 GMT -8
The warden shook his head. Stepping towards the door, he gestured for her to follow. The other two fell in step behind her, ushering her out the door. The mirrored mask felt cold in her hands, as though it had just been dipped in ice water.
"Not everyone in here has fallen prey to the anomalies. Some are simply bad. This is a mental institution, you know. However, it's a convenient place to put those who have gazed upon an anomaly and succumbed to it. The mirrors are fairly weak, but some others...I've seen people with their hair turned white, unable to speak a word after seeing one. That's why we exist. We take the anomalies and lock them away, protecting the public without them ever realizing what happened. Imagine if knowledge of the anomalies became public! People would try to study them, which would be disastrous."
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Lamina Manira
Main Character
Roleplay posts: 504
Age: 14
Physical Description: Complexion: Fair.
Build: Petite
Eyes: Emerald green.
Hair: Dark brown, just past shoulder length, choppy with a small sidelong left tie of hair, similar to ponytail or topknot, tied from the left side of her head.
Distinguishable markings: Horizontal scar, left shoulder.
Clothes and Equipment: - Knee-length, sleeveless black dress of a slightly thick, padded fabric.
- Black leggings for lightweight and modest cover.
- Leather belts around waist and chest for tying clothing and hoisting weaponry.
- Black leather boots that guard just past the ankles and protected at the toe by exterior metallic steel plating.
- Varied colored bangles of metal, 3 on the right forearm and 4 on the left.
- Long red ribbon tied around left elbow to hang freely. Has sentimental value.
- Thread of assorted beads that tie hair. Has sentimental value.
- Red feather worn with tied hair. Has sentimental value.
- Sometimes a mortuary sword, sheathed at her left hip.
Player's online availability : Usually evenings.
Registered: Apr 30, 2015 7:48:47 GMT -8
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Post by Lamina Manira on Oct 19, 2017 17:36:53 GMT -8
"But someone would still succeed..." she said quietly, audible but almost under her breath. Yet she still knew very little about these anomolies, and figured there was plenty of reason there were so many protections in place.
"The mask...it's cold.... Dont you get cold?"
She wondered if they were leading her out, or if she had to face more trials.
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The Isran Empire
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 105
Registered: May 23, 2017 16:46:10 GMT -8
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Post by The Isran Empire on Oct 19, 2017 17:46:24 GMT -8
The wardens ignored her comment about the research, leading her back up the stairs. As they reached the top, the smoke began to flow once more from the first warden's sleeve, curling around their feet and billowing out as they walked.
"You'll get used to the mask, Ms. Manira. It's cold, but it's not too bad on your face after a while. It's like walking around outside on a chilly fall day. A bit uncomfortable at first, but you may grow to enjoy it. Just keep the mask with you, and put it on when you feel necessary. We will know, and we'll come to your aid. Now, however, I trust that you're off to search for your dear mother?"
The smoke began to fill the room, and Lamina would feel the odd vanishing sensation once more.
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Lamina Manira
Main Character
Roleplay posts: 504
Age: 14
Physical Description: Complexion: Fair.
Build: Petite
Eyes: Emerald green.
Hair: Dark brown, just past shoulder length, choppy with a small sidelong left tie of hair, similar to ponytail or topknot, tied from the left side of her head.
Distinguishable markings: Horizontal scar, left shoulder.
Clothes and Equipment: - Knee-length, sleeveless black dress of a slightly thick, padded fabric.
- Black leggings for lightweight and modest cover.
- Leather belts around waist and chest for tying clothing and hoisting weaponry.
- Black leather boots that guard just past the ankles and protected at the toe by exterior metallic steel plating.
- Varied colored bangles of metal, 3 on the right forearm and 4 on the left.
- Long red ribbon tied around left elbow to hang freely. Has sentimental value.
- Thread of assorted beads that tie hair. Has sentimental value.
- Red feather worn with tied hair. Has sentimental value.
- Sometimes a mortuary sword, sheathed at her left hip.
Player's online availability : Usually evenings.
Registered: Apr 30, 2015 7:48:47 GMT -8
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Post by Lamina Manira on Oct 19, 2017 17:57:46 GMT -8
"Well... I just... don't know where to start..."
The reality was she could have been realms away at best, deceased at worst, and the worst was most likely. She began to feel dislodged from this world again, though this time more familiar with the sensation.
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The Isran Empire
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 105
Registered: May 23, 2017 16:46:10 GMT -8
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Post by The Isran Empire on Oct 21, 2017 22:15:50 GMT -8
"We're sure you'll find her, Ms. Manira. Good luck to you. Remember, if you encounter an anomaly, we'll be by your side. The mask will protect you and hide your fear. It's proof that you defeated one anomaly, and can do so again. Don't forget that, and they won't get the better of you. Until the next time we see you...good bye."
The vanishing sensation would spread once more, soon completely engulfing Lamina's body and mind. Moments later, she would find herself once again in front of the arena, with some emotional trauma and a mirrored mask as souvenirs to show for her odd adventure.
[Exit]
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Empress Naoki
Famous
Roleplay posts: 2,238 
Physical Description: =========================
Empress Naoki is a curvaceous woman of average height, indeterminate age, and catlike features. Her hair is a dark auburn, often pulled back into a long braid. Her ears are both soft and fluffy, and her tail is never less than perfectly groomed. Amber eyes glisten in the shadows cast by her hair.
Clothes and Equipment: =========================
Naoki's wardrobe is to her as a frame is to a painting. Sometimes embellished with detail to be attractive in its own right, but never the focus. Usually simple but elegant, tightly fitting and highly revealing, used only to frame the beauty within.
Additionally, Naoki is, when clothed, often adorned with a small collection of accessories. She wears an earring, a brilliant cut amethyst, in her right ear. The silver signet ring of Isra is worn on her left pinky, marking her as High Lady of Isra. Directly adjacent, she wears the golden signet ring of The Isran Empire as its Empress. On the inside of her left thigh, there is a tattoo depicting a rose entwined with tentacles.
Allegiances: The Isran Empire
Player's online availability : Excessively often. Timezone: ET (-5)
Registered: Sept 12, 2015 13:02:17 GMT -8
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Post by Empress Naoki on Aug 23, 2018 17:50:05 GMT -8
For the fifth time today, Empress Naoki steps down from her carriage. This morning, she visited Dawnfire Forges, just in time to see the sunrise cast into molds. After that was the Arena, a surprise inspection of some of the city’s supply warehouses, and then a visit to The Library, followed by a break at the Sun Bath. Isra’s public institutions seem to be managing themselves well enough, but there are improvements to be made across the board.
Now, The Empress stands here, on this dirty road, before Dr. Ettinger's Home for the Mentally Infirm, Isra’s premier sanatorium. This is her first visit, never having been acquainted with the Doctor himself, only approving budget proposals submitted in his name. However, she’s heard much—perhaps too much, of what goes on within these creepily-steepled walls. Apparently, they have something they’d like to show her, now, and so The Empress is here to oblige.
With a Sentinel on each side and two more already at the door, Naoki approaches Ettinger's, bold as you please. Not that she doesn’t prefer touring about the city to a day spent sedentary on the throne, but whatever it is had better be good enough to warrant this whole setup.
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The Isran Empire
Dedicated
Roleplay posts: 105
Registered: May 23, 2017 16:46:10 GMT -8
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Post by The Isran Empire on Aug 23, 2018 18:28:19 GMT -8
The Empress's carriage would be greeted by a tall, bald-headed man in a long black robe. His beard was long and grey, but neatly trimmed. His long robe blew in the wind as he approached her, stopping a few yards away to maintain a respectful distance.
"Welcome, Empress. I am Dr. Jeremiah Ettinger, the proprietor of this institution. I trust you've had a good journey? Please, step right this way with me. I apologize for the sounds, and I'm afraid that you may find them quite...disturbing. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that it is simply a cost of doing business here. Your guards are welcome to follow with us, but I must insist that they leave us at a certain point. It is simply too sensitive, we cannot allow any more people in here than absolutely necessary. They'll, ah, upset the patients. I assure you, my own staff will be more than sufficient to ensure your safety."
As they stepped through the gates and into the atrium, the party was joined by four figures in hooded cloaks. Their faces were obscured by masks, which seemed to be made up of a mosaic of mirror shards. They didn't speak a word as they stepped behind the Empress's guards, their footsteps barely audible as they followed along. As Dr. Ettinger led the group through the atrium and down a flight of stairs, the screams and wails became ever louder. Every now and again a burst of maniacal laughter would ring out before being abruptly cut off. The doctor spoke, unfazed by the disturbing noises.
"I'd like to thank you for gracing us with your presence, Empress. I must admit, I didn't expect someone of your standing to come all the way down to a place like this yourself."
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