Black Hole: The Book of Iratus, Episode 79

Chapter 781

The group entered the small city where nature was just starting to eat away at the lack of maintenance, but what truly made the city a wreck was the destruction of physical altercations with windows smashed, cars set on fire, and paint scattered all over trees and buildings. The cracked pavement had broken glass scattered around it and a faint acrid scent lingered in the air, the result of burnt-out vehicles and graffiti-covered walls.

Salvos's ears twitched as the music from afar continued blasting.

Salvos: "Is it too late to go back for our ranged weaponry?"

Commercium: "I still have my pistol with me. We're good."

Iratus: "Just keep your wits about. We don't know if these people are normal travelers or bandits."

Malignitas, the one-eyed feline, paused to pick up a discarded bottle that had rolled into the gutter. The liquid inside sloshed lazily as he gave it a sniff, his tail flicking in amusement.

Malignitas: "Both. These are my kind of people."

Iratus looked over disapprovingly.

Iratus: "I hope not."

Malignitas: "You have a problem with me?"

The mouseboy crossed his arms.

Iratus: "You tried to kill us over a grudge with one person that you quickly dropped when we kicked your face in."

Malignitas blinked.

Malignitas: "...You have a problem with me?"

Resolutio sighed.

Resolutio: "Have any of you thought about paying more attention to your surroundings? Strangers are coming over."

The group collectively tensed, turning to watch as a pack of six figures strolled into view. They moved with the air of self-assured predators, their mismatched attire an unintentional uniform of rebellion. Black jackets gleamed faintly in the light, and bits of fur and dyed hair peeked out from under hoods as well as several piercings shinning from the sunlight.

Two rabbits, a red panda, a raccoon, and two humans made up the group. The first human, a pale boy with golden blonde hair and sharp blue eyes, smirked as he pointed at Iratus’s group.

Blonde: "Check out that drip."

The second human, darker-skinned and with a mane of long black hair, chuckled as he gestured to them.

Second Human: "Jet out of a flying car or something, right?"

Iratus gave a bit of a frown,

Iratus: "Excuse me?"

Blonde: "We want to know if you've come here to party with us."

The shark man shook his head.

Echo: "Scoundrels. I think we should leave."

The wolf man, Salvos, shrugged at the commit while the rabbit man made his own comment.

Commercium: "Yeah, I don't want any more problems than what is already on our plate."

Resolutio, still vigilant, swept her gaze over both groups, her fingers tapping idly against her maul.

Iratus: "Just hold on guys." He then turned to the strangers. "Tell me what is going on here."

---

Chapter 782

The raccoon man shifted on his feet, his leather boots creaking faintly against the cracked pavement. His eyes twitched, darting between the group before he finally spoke, his voice carrying an edge of nervous energy.

Raccoon: "Hey, hey, you folk are all new here. Hey, let me tell you, we are just having a party."

The faint breeze carried the distant thump of bass-heavy music. The raccoon's manic grin widened as he gestured vaguely toward the city’s heart, where flickering neon lights flared.

Blonde: "No, not just any party, the good old Festival of Blood! Haha!"

The racoon swiftly responded.

Raccoon: "Don't let the name scare you; it's just our special time of the year."

Resolutio, standing with her usual stoic poise, narrowed her eyes as the group’s chatter faded.

Resolutio: "It's some ninety days past the date for this particular festival, though."

The strangers' laughter faltered. Their expressions shifted from smug amusement to surprise. The raccoon rocked back on his heels, his bushy tail twitching with renewed energy.

Raccoon: "Oh my, are you a regular?"

Resolutio adjusted her grip on her maul, the weapon resting lightly against her shoulder.

Resolutio: "I only loosely am aware of it. One of your head people even offered an invitation to me when I first showed up here, Metam."

Raccoon: "The great lady herself? Well, if she invited you from back whenever, then you belong here."

Resolutio: "Thanks, but as you heard from my friends, we are still trying to decide weather or not to stay here."

One of the rabbits stepped forward now, a red-haired and red-furred man who seemed the eldest among the strangers though still just as young.

Red Hare: "Well, you’ve got about another twenty days before we pack up. Plenty of time to decide."

Iratus: "Understood. Now, can you tell us about what this Festival of Blood really is"

Malignitas: "Are you going to ignore the fact that Miss Old Goat Woman just admitted to knowing what we were walking into?"

Resolutio shot him a sidelong glare but didn’t bother turning to fully address him.

Resolutio: "Until I saw what everyone was wearing, I had completely forgotten about the festival."

---

Chapter 783

Red Hare cleared his throat, adjusting the straps of his worn leather vest as his red-furred ears flicked forward. A faint chuckle escaped him before he began.

Red Hare: "Alright, let me explain. The Festival of Blood? It's just our party. We come together, share food, trade what we've got, and, well... let loose. The Nexus Prime is a cruel place, and everyone in it deserves better, don't you think?"

Iratus: "Ah, so you guys already know about Nexus Prime. Saves me from giving the lecture. Though I have to ask—why are all of you so weird and... strange?"

Before the strangers could answer, Iratus's group erupted into a chorus of overlapping responses.

Echo: "Narcotics."
Salvos: "Too much coffee."
Malignitas: "Drugs."
Commercium: "Has to be drugs."

The blonde human from the other group barked out a laugh, his sharp blue eyes glinting as he raised his hands in mock surrender.

Blonde: "Hey now, not so loud. There’s more than one way to get a rush. You lot should know—this place pulls in things from all times and places. There’s plenty here that’s stranger than drugs"

Iratus: "Most of time from what I am aware of."

Salvos: "The Nexus Prime might only be able to pull in people from a select few time periods, but did Venatio ever mention if the same rules apply to items or locations?"

Iratus: "Huh, either I don't remember or I never asked."

He turned back to the strangers, his voice even.

Iratus: "Thanks for the info. We’ll take a look around. I assume we won’t run into any trouble?"

Red Hare: "Nope, nope. Everyone’s welcome to join the party. Just follow the music and enjoy yourselves."

As the strangers turned and sauntered back toward the heart of the city, their laughter mixing with the beat of the music, Iratus’s group gathered in a loose circle.

Iratus: "So... should we explore this party?"

Echo snorted.

Echo: "I don’t recommend such a thing."

Malignitas: "Speak for yourself. I’m going in there and living it up. Heck yeah!"

Salvos: "Do we even need to talk to these people?"

Iratus: "We need recruits to fight Purple City. If anyone here’s of sound mind, we should see if they’re interested in moving to our settlement."

Commercium grinned wide and launched into a mock conversation, switching voices as he went.

Commercium: "Hey, friend! Want to live in an awesome settlement? Full of air conditioning, meat every day, and safety from all the monsters in Nexus Prime?"
(In another voice): "Sure, what’s the catch?"
(Back to his original voice): "A super-xenophobic settlement one month over there wants to kill us all, and we need you to help fight them."

Iratus let out a chuckle, shaking his head as some of the others smirked.

Echo: "Your charm does not betray your rabbit visage."

Commercium: "You're right, I am charming."

Iratus: "It’s almost night. Anyone going in, meet back at the sign near the entrance a bit after dark."

There were some murmurs of agreement, and everyone started to enter the city; even those who were against going in went into the city.

---

Chapter 784

Iratus wandered around the outskirts with Echo, finding only the normal items, broken windows, smashed cars, and defiled hedges. Since he didn't find anything worth noting, Iratus ventured into the heart of the city, where people and stalls were concentrated, while Echo refused to go into it.

Echo: "I'll just keep walking around." I have no desire to entertain brats."

Iratus: "We only met a few of the partygoers."

Echo: "It's all I need."

Iratus shrugged and wished Echo the best as he left for the city.

Blaring lights, smells of various foul substances, and hastily setup shops and wagons with various people peddling wares was what Iratus walked into. Hidden away down a pathway made of smashed vehicles, Iratus saw Resolutio going over an armory, or rather a small shop selling various armaments. 

The goat woman picked up a ceremonial sword, clearly dull but made of pretty metal with a decorated scabbard. It was a particular shorts word that made Resolutio's eyes react. This shopkeeper was a very elderly human woman whose skin was ragged and saggy and her hair was dark gray.

Old Human: "Yeah, that's an old, uh, I don't know that word." Her accent proved that the universal language wasn't her forte. "Valor had some real gladiator games. Only three hundred goatfolk, from what I heard, ever managed to win one of these. Granted, it was for gladiators who were slaves rather than career ones."

Resolutio: "I appreciate the lesson, but unfortunately I am from those times."

She took the scabbard, and with a clack, the bottom part of it opened up.

Old Human: "Hey!"

But then a lethal scrap with paper inside fell out.

Old Human: "Uh."

The goat lady opened up the leather and showed the paper.

Resolutio: "My last will, sort of. This is my treasure."

Old Human: "What are the odds? Regardless, I am a believer in destiny, and if this is truly your reward for winning the pits, then may it return to you."

Iratus rubbed his chin and continued into the festival.

---

Chapter 785

Iratus stopped as he saw a round table in the middle of the street where a crowd had gathered. Sitting at the table were various felines and Malignitas as well. Women clad in provocative jester attire weaved through the throng, their exaggerated smiles plastered on their faces as they distributed mugs of water. Each woman added a small packet of salt to every mug with an air of theatrics, eliciting cheers from the onlookers. Then, to the crowd's delight, a second packet was added. The excitement was palpable, the air alive with anticipation

Iratus tilted his head, his whiskers twitching with amusement as the participants grabbed their mugs and downed the briny concoction in unison. The audience erupted into wild applause.

A human stepped up beside Iratus, looking utterly out of place amidst the revelry. Unlike the others, who wore costumes or dark, sinister attire, this young man was dressed in plain, unassuming clothes. His wide eyes betrayed his astonishment at the scene.

Iratus playfully: "What, your people don't guzzle down salt water the first chance they get?"

Casual Human: "Won't that kill them?"

Iratus gave a chuckle.

Iratus: "Sounds like humans have terrible kidneys. We can't sustain ourselves on salt water, but we can sure drink it." He finished with a laugh.

The contest pressed on. Five more rounds passed, each punctuated by the same routine: the salt added, the drinks downed, the crowd roaring its approval. Participants began to drop out, one by one, until only a Malignitas and a burly tigerfolk remained. Insults flew between them and the tension in the air thickened, and Iratus could feel it seep into the crowd. The tigerfolk’s ears flattened, his piercing gaze locked on his opponent’s singular eye.

Without warning, the tigerfolk doubled over, coughing violently. His claws scraped against the table as he stumbled back, choking and gagging. He staggered away from the contest, defeated.

The crowd cheered, and the one-eyed cat was named the winner.

Casual Human in disgust: "That's barbaric."

Iratus: "What time period do you come from that people having a simple contest is uncivilized?"

Casual Human: "You people poison yourselves for nothing. Its... gross!"

Iratus could sense the distress within the human.

Iratus: "Are you talking about the festival or the drinking contest? Because I also find the festival a bit distasteful."

He gestured around, his paw sweeping across the chaotic scene. On one corner, people inhaled colorful vapors from ornate pipes, their eyes glassy and distant. On another, a group frantically shoveled brightly colored sweets into their mouths.

Casual Human: "It's all just a lot to take in; I don't even want to be here."

Iratus: "Then why are you here?"

Casual Human: "A certain warlord is here and has kidnapped someone important to me. I am here to negotiate his release."

Iratus: "A diplomat, negotiator?"

Casual Human: "I'm just negotiator."

---

Chapter 786

Iratus's ears twitched, and he looked over to see Malignitas and the tigerfolk talking.

Malignitas: "You did good, man."

Tiger: "I've never pushed myself that far before; what are you made of?"

Malignitas: "Its all in the kidneys."

They laugh.

Malignitas: "Even for festivals, no cat worth their weight in salt blows out their kidneys for nothing. Is someone getting married or what?"

Tiger: "No, but in a few days we will be celebrating a particular event."

Malignitas: "It better be a spectacular one with a crap ton of fireworks."

Tiger: "I don't know what fireworks are, but the holiday is the Day of Huitzilopochtli."

Malignitas: "That's Earthen speak."

Tiger: "Technically we missed the original day, but through divination, our leader found another day we may bring the god gifts."

Malignitas: "How do I get in on this?"

Iratus's attention moved to the human lad, who was starting to move back into the crowd.

Iratus: "Hey, wait, buddy."

Iratus caught up to the human and got almost in front of him. 

Iratus: "Hey, wait, buddy. You're not leaving without explaining that little warlord problem you just hinted at, are you?'"

The human sighed and looked around before talking.

Casual Human: "Look, I appreciate your curiosity, but this isn't your problem. It's complicated"

Iratus: "I live around here, so if there is a problem, then I need to know about it."

Casual Human: "I can tell you and that one-eyed cat are not apart of this party, and I am aware that you two, the black goat, the wolf, and the older shark guy, are from the same group."

Iratus: "Huh, you know, for looking like a clueless kid, you are very perceptive."

Casual Human: "Kid? I bet I'm older than you. Regardless, it makes my job easier looking so naïve. You guys are all wearing the same gear, except for the goat, but I've seen your interest in her back there, so I just assumed. Anyway, my point is, this Festival of Blood is hosted by a dangerous faction, and you would do well to flee while you still can."

Iratus: "If these are dangerous people, then surely they must be fought."

Casual Human: "This is my faction's fight; don't worry about that. After their parade ends, they are coming for us anyway."

Iratus looked around; each person around them was out of their mind in one way or another. In the distance, he oculd also see Resolutio coming over.

Iratus: "You should be more mindful when you declare such hostile things."

Casual Human: "I have a personal invention. Even if someone was sane enough to get in my way, they'd back down."

Iratus: "If I may ask, which faction do you belong to?"

The human gave a glare.

Iratus: "Data Error?" No response. "The merchants?" Nothing. "Old Crater Haven? Victorium's old crew?"

Casual Human: "You survived Victorium?"

Iratus: "Victorium's arch nemesis killed him, and we escaped together."

Casual Human: "Sounds like a fascinating tale. Regardless, I really must be going."

Iratus: "Purple City?"

The human stopped and turned back around.

Casual Human: "In a manner of speaking."

Iratus: "Were you not aware of the border we have?"

Casual Human: "I'm still new around here; I didn't even know there was another faction that actually made borders with Purple City."

Iratus: "I'm also not found of those people. Why are you even with them?"

Casual Human: "That's personal. Now really, I must be leaving."

Before he took another step, Resolutio stood in his way, holding up an old and stained envelope.

Resolutio: "Then you must know where I can find Metam."

---

Chapter 787

Iratus, Resolutio, and the human entered a large tent steeped in an atmosphere of mystery. The air was heavy with the rich, earthy aroma of burning incense, curling in lazy, translucent wisps around the ornate interior. A vibrant carpet stretched across the ground, its intricate geometric patterns catching the soft light of scattered lanterns. Plush pillows of all shapes and sizes formed a colorful ring around the space, inviting but somehow ominous in their abundance.

At the center of this lavish display sat a striking tanuki woman, her fur a warm brown that shimmered in the dim glow. Her form was voluptuous and commanding, and she reclined with the kind of ease that suggested both confidence and control. She reached out lazily to toss another handful of incense into a smoldering brazier, sending up a fresh plume of aromatic smoke.

Metam: "Resolutio, took your sweet time."

Resolutio: "Madam."

The goat woman held up the invitation, and the tanuki woman motioned towards the table. Resolutio and the human moved to the table to set their invitations down, and each one grabbed some sort of badge with the image of a bat terribly carved onto it.

Metam: "Roy, my boy, what brings you here? I mean, it is most dangerous for you here, you know?"

The young man stood at attention, with determination in his eyes.

Roy: "I need a way to get into Purple City, and Tristan is how I will do it."

Metam laughed softly, but more of a hollow laugh.

Metam: "Fool." Her tone was gentle, like a mother chastising a naive child. "You’ll die before they let you leave here with him."

Roy: "Then why invite me here?"

Metam: "Oh, I should phrase my words differently. I did not expect you to come, but if you did, then surely you would be a bother to someone I don't like."

Iratus, standing off to the side, folded his arms with a huff, his tail flicking irritably.

Iratus: "I am so out of the loop. Resolutio, do you just carry that old envenlop thing everywhere with you?"

Resolutio: "It's part of my pack; I just never thought to take it out. You wanted to find more people for your settlement, and this is how I will fulfill your request."

Iratus: "You're too kind."

Resolutio: "I am simply following orders."

Iratus: "You really are taking that whole serving thing seriously."

The goat woman’s eyes glinted, a rare flicker of amusement breaking her stoic facade.

Resolutio: "I hope you are not taking my pledge of loyalty as a joke."

Iratus raised his hands defensively.

Iratus: "No, no, I just wish I had more proof that I am worthy of such loyalty."

Resolutio: "You're other followers told me all I need to know."

Roy, leaning against one of the tent’s wooden supports, tilted his head, his voice carrying a note of curiosity.

Roy: "Why are you following a child? You look like a capable warrior and leader."

Resolutio turned her gaze to Roy, her expression unreadable.

Resolutio: "A general follows their liege, a captain follows their general, and a sergeant follows their captain. Each person leads and is the only one who can lead in their respective command, and yet each could be considered a follower."

Iratus smirked.

Iratus: "I guess I should award you the title of general."

The goat woman allowed herself a small grin.

Resolutio: "I'd have taken the role regardless of your wishes."

Metam clapped her hands suddenly, the sharp sound cutting through the thick air like a whip.

Metam: "Do you three have to talk inside of my home? Either talk to me or get out!"

The three exchanged glances before turning their attention back to the imposing tanuki.

---

Chapter 788

Roy stood tall, his arms crossed as he addressed the tanuki woman reclining before him.

Roy: "Right! Madam Metam, please help me locate Tristan and get him out of here."

Metam leaned back, a low chuckle escaping her lips.

Metam: "My goodness. Should I dare betray my loyal family to help an enemy who seeks my destruction?"

Iratus: "Purple City tends to do so."

The tanuki girl gave a sly grin.

Metam: "And you mouse-cat boy, you are seeking more followers to serve under your banner?"

Caught off guard, Iratus scratched the back of his head.

Iratus: "I... guess that's one way to put it."

Metam: "You are free to ask any non-affiliated traveler, but the prisons are closed for the next five days. So come back then and you will find at least some people worth your time."

Iratus: "Prisons?" His voice carried a note of unease.

Metam waved a hand dismissively.

Metam: "Same goes for you, Roy. I am not in the position to know the various workings of the Festival of Blood, but if you want my advice, wait until the prisoners are here before you commit to an action. Nothing happens until the prisoners arrive."

Iratus: "Again, prisons?"

Resolutio, who had been standing silently with arms crossed, finally spoke, her voice steady and deliberate.

Resolutio: "Malignitas told me we can recruit the people before they are killed for the ritual."

Iratus's jaw dropped.

Iratus: "What the silvered hell is this? These people capture random people and then kill them for a ritual?"

Metam: "Not random people. Criminals, mass murderers, and others who did someone here wrong."

Iratus shook his head, his fur standing on end.

Iratus: "I am so lost."

The tanuki woman leaned forward, her thick fingers tapping idly against the rim of her cup.

Metam: "There used to be three warlords who reigned over this part of the half world, but each one would fall to a sin lord. These Blood Festivals are what's left of the old guard to gather around and wash their woes away. However, if there is one thing we can do, it is kill those who took the people we love away from us."

Iratus: "I've seen a lot of young people here too though."

Metam: "As if people wouldn't have children, not to mention many youths find our parties and choose to become regulars."

Iratus narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

Iratus: "And the ritual killings?"

Metam sighed, her shoulders sagging as she set her cup down on a small side table.

Metam: "Some habits die hard. However, that was not my faction's specialty. We simply have no where else to be other than here, among enemies drinking and burning our brains out."

Iratus: "Would Victorium's warband have any relation to these former warlords?"

---

Chapter 789

Metam’s laughter rang out, rich and unrestrained.

Metam: "I can't say that I have ever heard of such a man with his own legion."

Roy: "Is this why you gave me an invitation?" These monsters that are going to kill a lot of people are your ancient enemies, and you want me to mess with them?"

Metam reclined further into her plush pillows, her tail curling lazily around her as she spoke with casual indifference.

Metam: "Honestly, I wish you would tay away, but your inervention would disrupt the ritual, maybe even ruin old Sucus's day."

Roy crossed his arms, his frown deepening.

Roy: "And who the hell is Sucus?"

Metam: "A blood-made being like myself or the other two here, but a creature not I nor any outsider knows."

Roy: "I don't understand anything you just said." He was starting to get frustrated.

Iratus, who had been pacing near the brazier, finally stopped and turned toward Roy. His ears twitched as he tried to simplify the explanation.

Iratus: "Skin people and human-likes were made from clay; people like Resolutio or I are made from blood. As for outsiders, do you mean the Invaders?"

The boy blinked.

Roy: "Invaders?"

Metam’s eyes narrowed slightly, her tone curious.

Metam: "What would you know of them?"

Iratus: "Some of them shot me; another group lived with me; two of them managed to get home, but our friendly grandma was gunned down by Purple City."

He turned to Roy.

Iratus: "If only they knew she was from outside of Nexus Prime."

Roy: "Outside?"

Iratus: "We are in the future, and civilizations are still around and outside of here."

Metam’s expression turned thoughtful, her voice dropping to a low murmur.

Metam: "That's their secret? You clearly have more knowledge than most people I've met about the Nexus Prime."

Roy Sarcasticly: "Yeah, tell me about it."

Metam: "If you have some free time, I'd like to know more about the Nexus Prime."

Iratus: "I'm just here to find more followers."

Metam chuckled softly, waving a hand dismissively.

Metam: "You have access to any traveler here and five days from now when the ritual will begin."

Roy: "Please, madam, I also need assistance."

Metam: "Hmph. Those badges are of my make. Us three have our differing ways to handle inventions, but only I hand out badges. Among the guards, my men will respect the badge more than the other lords here, but make no mistake, not one will ever put it or any of you above the truce."

Roy: "This is more than I deserve. Thank you, thank you so much, madam Metam."

Metam: "It is hardly help, but it is all I can give."

---

Chapter 790

Iratus explained a few more things about the Nexus Prime before the darkness of night truly took hold. He and Resolutio, still having her new ceremonial sword, said their goodbyes while Roy only left for the city. The two headed for the large sign outside of town, passing all sorts of parties and various entertainment folk like jesters and novice musicians. 

Once everyone gathered, Iratus asked everyone for their report. The rabbit man was quite eager to explain his findings.

Commercium: "I made a few deals using barter. I need to come back to bake to deliver milk and stuff for several items."

Irauts: "Such as?"

Commercium scratched the back of his head, his nose twitching as he tried to recall.

Commercium: "Ah, jeeze. Can I even remember it all? Seeds, fertilizer, animal feed, veterinary supplies...oh shoot, yeah, they even have some extra chickens and rabbits around to buy."

The wolf man's ear perked up, and he tilted his head in curiosity.

Salvos: "I don't think I have ever asked, but does your kind eat rabbits?"

Commercium: "Yeah. They’re just beasts, and even some of our old myths say our bunny looks came from eating too many rabbits. Which is ironic, since you can’t actually survive on just rabbits. You’d starve to death."

Salvos: "How does that work?"

Commercium: "Rabbit starvation; you don't get all the nutrition you need when eating only rabbits."

Echo, the sharkfolk, raised his head from where he had been silently observing, his tone grim.

Echo: "I suggest that you don't come back. I've found some old sewers filled with a crap ton of old death. I found a mass grave, old corpses, and the like."

Malignitas: "Wow, you found it before I did."

Echo’s dark lips curled into a faint sneer.

Echo: "Sharkfolk like me might not have the same blood sense actul sharks have but enough rotting flesh to fill a city; how did any of you not catch it? How did Salvos miss it?"

Salvos: "There were so many dudes around, I tried to track down the female scents. And... uh... let’s just say the smells were bad enough already."

Malignitas grinned wickedly.

Malignitas: "I've heard about their beauties being the mother of the horde."

A brief silence fell over the group, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves in the cool night breeze.

Iratus: "Is that all to report?"

Echo leaned forward, his voice rising slightly.

Echo: "Be more shocked. A mass grave, blood everywhere."

Malignitas waved a hand dismissively.

Malignitas: "I'm still digging for information. Ah, right, there are prisoners being held somewhere."

Resolutio: "And they are going to be killed in five days."

As Iratus and Resolutio shared the details of their findings, the group listened intently, expressions ranging from concern to indifference. The mention of rotting bodies clearly unsettled Iratus, who frowned deeply.

Iratus: "Knowing there are still rotting bodies around does disturb me. Despite how friendly these people are, we should strive to be careful."

Malignitas snorted, his tail flicking dismissively.

Malignitas: "Pah, these people are good people. As long as they work with each other, they are respectable people. Its dirtbag who needs to fear them."

Salvos smirked faintly.

Salvos: "They really are your people, huh?"

Malignitas: "As if I'd rot my brains and body out on their whacked-out herbs and poisoned food."

Iratus: "Wait, is there food poisoned?"

Malignitas sighed loudly, rolling his eye.

Malignitas: "Not in the traditional sense. There is just so much junk in a lot of that food. I recognize some of the ingredients because of how banned they are in my time."

Iratus crossed his arms, his tone firm.

Iratus: "Well, let's just be careful when interacting with The Festival of Blood."

Resolutio: "No, we avoid them at all costs."

Iratus: "Excuse me?"

Resolutio’s tone remained calm but insistent.

Resolutio: "Metam... something is wrong. The invitations, her motives. I’ve walked with politicians and generals before, and if there’s anything to know, it’s that we bloodforge have a keen instinct for empathy. Deception is easy to catch, but there are ways to avoid even that. I don’t know if it’s something she drinks or smokes, but I feel like she was using alternate means to avoid being deceitful."

Malignitas in a slightly mocking tone: "Which would be decitful itself."

Iratus: "Could have fooled me. You never showed any distortions in your body."

Resolutio: "Such thoughts only now surface."

Malignitas chuckled darkly.

Malignitas: "Classic goatfolk, slow on the upkeep."

Resolutio didn’t rise to the provocation, her composure steady.

Iratus: "Great. Well, it’s way past dusk, and we need to get back. Let’s discuss this with the others tomorrow."

---

EPISDOE 79: END

---

Episode 79 End Character Sheet
Name: Iratus Lionheart
Species: Mousefolk
Age: 16
Coverings: blonde fur, white gambeson (many repairs, some leather patchwork), leather gloves, tactical vest, tailorcraft backpack, leather plate helmet, delicate gold chain with a small pendant shaped like a lion's glare, flashlight, bronze breastplate
Weapons: long sword, 3 knifes, short sword, hammer, 1 dagger
Equipment: belt, belt bag, water skin, leathercraft backpack, 2 bags, 5 copper coins, 1 small silver bricks, 20 silver coins, 30 gold coins

Wounds: none

Relevant Community Stash: a fire starter, whetstone, several leather items, 2 glass jars, 8 bottles, 1 fish net, primitive sewing kit, a bunch of small wooden figures, wooden dice, metal scrap, lots of rusted metal, several small fish nets, sextant, some bedrolls, a tent, a large barrel, writing material, 64 cloaks and other clothing materials, some fabrics, 4 carts, 3 stitched tents, skin drum, beautiful arts of tropical scenery, floatation devices, wildlife figures, lots of tropical clothing, gas generator, four flood lights

Armory: 30 short swords, 23 knifes, 17 daggers, 21 metal spears, 4 arming swords, 4 long swords, 2 extra gambeson, semi-automatic rifle (no ammo), 3 hunting traps, 5 snares, 10 backpacks, 3 katanas, 3 short katanas, crossbow, several pounds of C4
Aestus: gambeson, bronze breastplate, leather helmet, metal spear, 2 knives, short sword, bronze long sword.
Victoria: bronze breastplate, gambeson, leather helmet, metal spear, short sword, crossbow, 2 daggers, flashlight
Resonanita: steel breastplate, gambeson, metal helmet, metal spear, short sword, 1 knife, compound bow, flashlight
Ignis: bronze breastplate, gambeson, leather helmet, metal spear, crowbar, 1 knife

Treasure: 13 copper coins, 2 silver coins 12 iron coins, a tarnished silver brooch, a small ornamental figurine, a few antfolk tapestries, some antfolk art, bronze lantern, bronze idol, some jeweled trinkets, iron lantern, silver lantern

Home Base, Tower: Large Storage Area (many crates, clay pots, and wooden chests), Basic Workshop Area (lots of tools, woodcarving tools, glue, sandpaper), Kitchen Area (many tools, many cutlery items, pots&pans, makeshift grill), Library, Armory, Infirmary Room (surgery tools, first aid kit, plenty of medicine and equipment), Children's Quarters, Master Bedroom (proper bedding, sensual antfolk sculpture), Six Bedrooms (proper bedding), four portable solar panels

Outside Base: Butchering Hut (modern butchery kit, smoking rack), Tannery Hut, Underground Storage Area, Garden Area (fenced in), Tool Shed (fishing gear and supplies, trowel, woodcutting axe, woodworking tools, lots of rope, rope ladder, plows, hoes, sickles, rakes, shovels, scythes, chisels, anvils), Wooden Wall, Small Cabin (Resolutio), Large Cabin (Winter Winds), Large Cabin (Dark Sky Family), Small Cabin (Fraus and Arcus) 2x Gravestones, Rabbit Hutches.

Books: 3x woodworking books, weathered leather-bound journal, war game booklet, sketch book (from warband), Bathhouse Reviewers (entire 80 book series), cards, Fractura's Notes, Tempestas's Notes, 12 survival guides, 3 technical manuals, 46 fiction novels, 11 encyclopedias, 4 dictionaries, 22 cookbooks, 2 gardening guides, 3 crafting books, 20 educational textbooks, 5 religious texts, 4 diaries, 12 children's books

Year 2, Day 203
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TOWER FOLK:
Iratus of House Lionheart
mouse, male, blonde fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'6, age: 16, b day: 350
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Victoria Mother of House Lionheart
raccoon, female, gray fur, black hair, brown eyes, 6'3, age: 16, b day: 5, (preg 16 days)
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Aestus of clan Riversinger
otter, female, red fur, red hair, blue eyes, 6'2, age: 16, b day: 99, (preg 208 days)
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Ignis Yang
red panda, female, reddish-brown/white fur, black hair, golden eye, 6'4, age: 16, b day: 344, (preg 108 days)
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Resonantia Diamond Heart Steel
shark, female, blue-gray hue skin, white hair, blue eyes, 6'5, age: 16, b day: 2, (preg 235 days)
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CHILDREN:
Negligere Lionheart
shark, male, steel gray skin, white hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 2
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Ruina Lionheart
otter, female, orange fur, vibrant orange hair, blue eyes, age: 1, b day: 330
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Gula Lionheart
red panda, male, brown fur, dark brown hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 340
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Tenacitas Lionheart
raccoon, female, silver fur, dark blonde hair, amber eyes, age: 1, b day: 345

Frustra Lionheart
raccoon, male, gray fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 0, b day: 338
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NEIGHBORS:
Echo
shark, male, gray skin with a white underbelly, black hair, black eyes, 6'8, age: 41, b day: 142

Fraus
feline, female, bright gray, white underbelly fur, white hair, blue eyes, 6'7, age: 18, b day: 90

Arcus
fox, female, slightly dark brown fur, slightly dark brown hair, blue eyes, 6'5, age: 20, b day: 326

Resolutio
goat, female, black fur, black hair, blue eyes, 7'0, age: 52, b day: 13

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WINTER WINDS CLAN:
Studium of Winter Winds
fox, male, gray fur, black hair, blue eyes, 5'10, age 14, b day: 190

Fuligo Leaf Shadow
otter, female, black fur, blonde hair, blue eyes, 5'6, age 13, b day: 245, (preg 137 days)

Bellum of House War Knuckles
cheetah, female, blonde fur, blonde hair, blue eyes, 6'0, age 15, b day: 91, (preg 173 days)
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DARK SKY FAMILY:
Salvos Dark Sky
wolf, male, black fur, white hair, copper eyes, 6'8, age 27, b day: 66

Leitmotif Schlange
snake, female, yellow and red scales, naga bodied, gold  eyes, age 24, b day: 229, (preg 248 days)

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(farm)
UMBRA OCEAN FAMILY:
Procella Ocean Drinker
weasel , female, blonde fur, black hair, green eyes, 6'5, age 22, b day: 207, (preg 152 days)

Iter of Sanguinem Umbra
goat, male, white fur, blonde hair, brown eyes, 6'7, age 20, b day: 334
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(farm)
THE COBALTS:
Commercium Jade Blue Cobalt
rabbit, male, white fur, black hair, gray eyes, 6'8, age: 25, b day: 221

Abrasione
hyena, female, tan fur with black spots, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'5, age: 20, b day: 4

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Kuxatura Jade Blue Cobalt
hyena, male, tan fur, black hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 284

Vulnera Jade Blue Cobalt
hyena, male, white with black spots fur, black hair with some golden strands, gray eyes, age: 0, b day: 189

Ruptura Jade Blue Cobalt
hyena, male, pale tan fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 0, b day: 189
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LAST MISTAKE
Deficio
lion, male, gray fur, rich gray hair, green eyes, 6'6, age: 47, b day: 111

Confodere Oculi Acuti
hyena, male, dark brown fur, black hair, gold eyes, 6'9, age 26, b day: 239

Malignitas of House Brokensand
feline, male, light black fur, light black hair, brown eyes (single eye), 6'7, age 29, b day: 343

Liora Woodleaf
deer, female, Light brown with white spots, blonde hair, hazel eyes, 5'9, age: 25, b day 323