Scene #6382: A Spider's Nensplaination

Owner	Pose
Chrollo Lucilfer	The inside of this particular abandoned warehouse in the nameless city is a dark and gloomy affair. There's a full moon casting it's rays through a few of the remarkably intact windows high up, illuminating spaces where massive shelves once were. Now most of the place is dusty, empty concrete, but the man setting up this meeting has gathered a few basic amenities. A few chairs and tables, some crates, even what looks like a makeshift bar from planks and even more storage crates has been set up. There's beer, wine, and whiskey in a cooler as well as soft drinks on offer along with assorted glasses. Even with the moonlight, the place is dim, and so there's a few candles lit in various places. Chrollo himself sits on a crate, a ring of candles around him as he reads. There's a pile up to his waist of books already as well as what looks like some sort of old school handheld video game system with several cartridges beside it. From all appearances, he's completely absorbed, face and his coat cast in shadows. His face is calm, lacking interest or excitement in what he reads. His dull grey eyes seem equally placid, or perhaps simply expressionless as he waits for his new companions to arrive.
Crys Gattz	So this was the place? Crys might stand out a bit from the eyepatch, her clothing, the eyepatch or maybe the violet eye and pointy ears? Either way, the newman seems to be in decent enough of mood as she enters, she does not seem bothered by the state of things here. It's not infested with elrich bio horrors, things from some crazy alien hell. She takes a moment to scope out the whole area for a moment. She'll wait patiently for her host to take notice.
Staren	A figure walks in in the hooded robe of an Assassin. It approaches... the drink cooler. It pours itself a soft drink and takes a long sip. And then it turns towards the circle of candles, and pushes back its hood, to reveal... ...Staren says, "I guess you just prefer places like this, huh? How's the uh... human experience research going?"
Septette Arcubielle	In a desolate environment like this, Septette is audible some time before she's visible. There's a soft clink-clink-clank on the asphalt outside that swells to a crescendo as she nears, then drops to a quieter volume and duller timbre as she reaches the building and makes some effort to muffle it. The figure that appears will in no way live up to any expectations set by that noise. A young-looking woman with a purple shawl and earmuffs ambles in from the deserted city, gives Chrollo a glance and Staren a nod, and makes her way over to the makeshift bar before acquiring some ginger ale in a simple glass. "Most folks don't bother making these sorts of introductions," she says in a voice that sounds like it's being played off an aged vinyl record. "Have you got something special to say, or are you just keen on making a good first impression?"
Chrollo Lucilfer	The book closes as Crys and Staren enter, Chrollo looking up after a moment. A quick snuff of one or two candles, the man is on his feet as he starts to approach the two. He gestures to the game system on his pile of reading material. "Good evening, both of you. It's been enlightening, at least as far as why Shal likes them. As for that human experience, it feels too disconnected." It might help if he was playing something other than monochrome-esque 8 bit titles! Septette's arrival and subsequent question has a twitch of his lips to a smile on his otherwise impassive face. "I think partners, especially bandits, should know things about each other. The good first impression is a bonus. That's why I wanted to explain...and show...why I need your help." Then he's giving a nod to the group as he walks to the bar, pouring himself a drink. After a sip or two, he finds himself a crate to park himself on again. "So let's start with the basics. My name is Chrollo Lucilfer. I lead a band of thieves. We kill and we take what we want. All of that is in the report. And some of you might know..." A nod to Staren in particular. "That aside from my missing associates, I want find out who I am, and what I should stand for." There's the slightest hesitation here for someone so expressionless. Admitting it makes him frown slightly. Siiip. Half the drink down, and he's up again. He eyes Septette for a moment, drawn by that particular aura around her. "The reason I asked you all here today is to show you how I've been trying to do that. First, have any of you encountered the force known as Nen?" Right about then, the man simply begins to /glow/. A deep purple aura surrounds him, the life energy suffusing him with light concentration. "In my world, this ability called Nen is a secret. It's life energy, and a practiced user can manipulate nen to become stronger, faster, more perceptive...one of my men could shrug off a rocket launcher to his bare chest without a scratch." His eyes narrow just slightly for a moment. Then he chuckles. "My defenses aren't that good. But you understand how useful it can be. And there's one more thing." His finger goes to his lips. He even gives a wink that could be charming to some. The man's voice lowers, letting in the Concordites to the secret. "A person is able to express themselves with Nen, their emotions and goals, by creating their own personal ability that's unique entirely to them and their 'Nen type'. Enhancers that strengthen themselves. Transmuters that change aura to other substances. Emitters that detach aura and use it in the world. Conjurors, that summon creatures and objects made of Nen. Manipulators, that control people and objects. And Specialists, that defy all of these." He lets that all sink in. "Any questions so far?"
Staren	"Mmm. You might want to try some different games..." Staren comments. Staren gives Septette a slightly skeptical look. "I thought this was a Concord meeting. Not that I don't like having you around, but how'd you hear about it?" Chrollo introduces himself. "I want you to find out who you are and what you should stand for too." He tilts his head at the mention of Nen. "I have not. ...But what you describe sounds a lot like ki, or essence from some worlds." When Chrollo mentions specializations, he adds, "Okay, that part seems pretty unique." Staren takes a long sip from his drink, and sets it down on a crate before crossing his arms. "So, what's your special ability?"
Crys Gattz	Crys Gattz bows slightly. "Humanity knows how to have a good time." She grins a bit at that and she seems to relax for the most part as Staren arrives she looks to her longtime friend. "Hey old man hows it going?" She now looks at Septette for a moment. "Good questions there." She looked back to their host she listens and hummus. "So organized, to a degree I take it." She seems a bit uncertain but she will hear this guy out after all she can't argue about blood being on her own hands after all with the life she's been leading. "Nen? I'm afraid not, as for life energy I can manipulate my own, though not in the same way as you seem to be able to. I get it Nen reflects the person using it where mine is more standardized. I appreciate you taking the time to let us know what you can do and you are looking for who you are? So you are actually putting your life span to something that isn't a waste."
Septette Arcubielle	"I wouldn't be here if I weren't told about it, would I," Septette answers Staren in a sweetly bright tone. "If I'm working to facilitate Concord goals, it certainly benefits them to let me know who their allies are and what their goals might be." She adds something about this being far too many refreshments for three people anyway under her 'breath', before taking a sip of ginger ale and folding her arms to listen to Chrollo. At first, she doesn't reciprocate his curious gaze in quite the same way- but when he flares with visible color, her eyes light up with a flicker of lavender and sweep over him in rapid saccades. "I can't say I have encountered anything quite like that," she says with affected slowness, pretending to turn the novel idea over in her head. One gloved finger taps the side of her glass, and a thumb-sized polygonal ice crystal materializes to fall into the ginger ale before she takes another drink. Maybe it's a casual display of what he seemed to be searching her for; maybe she just thought it was a bit too warm. Staren already has the obvious question covered, so she takes a bit of a different tack once he's finished: "How do you intend to go about finding what you stand for? Determining one's ambitions is a singularly thorny ambition in itself."
Chrollo Lucilfer	"I'll ask you for some recommendations, then. The others always said I had terrible taste in media." Comes Chrollo with a short nod. "Good, then. I want to meet others with these 'ki' and 'Essence' abilities. Hmm. The mere words sound fascinating." His bows rise just a bit, and greed lurks in his eyes for a moment. He doesn't answer Staren's most pertinant question immediately. The man looks to Crys again. "Finding the rest of the Phantom Troupe comes first. Or replacing them. ...Can you demonstrate? I prefer seeing these things with my own eyes. When Septette materializes that piece of ice? Chrollo's eyes flicker to it immediately. That same sort of mixture between greed and rapt fascination comes to him even from such a small demonstration of power. He can't tear his eyes away for a moment. "I could use as many allies as I can get right now." Chrollo states bluntly. As for ambitions? "Just like my Troupe, the Concord's members have different ambitions and means to those ambitions. By helping those desire flourish, I can get a better insight into each of you, and in turn, find a new way to see myself. But more importantly, how to see things through the lens of our enemies and those we want to steal from." Drink down again, that aura around him intensifies. He holds out his right hand, and the nen forms into a book. It's black, with gold on the bindings and red on the cover. A large white hand print sits across words that say 'Skill Hunter'. He motions with the book to the group. "I'm a Specialist. This is my ability, Skill Hunter. While I have a number of bothersome requirements...once I fulfill them, I can steal the abilities of other people when I have this book open to the page it's contained in." A smile, full and warm, blossoms on his face. "There's nothing more thrilling than learning about the abilities of others, making them your own, and exploring the darkness in their hearts." He sounds a little /too/ into this whole thing. He closes his eyes for a second, and then he's back to that mask of calm. He opens the book. Begins to flip pages. They're disturbingly blank. "I think you all see the problem, and why I'm dangerously weak right now."
Staren	Old man? Staren looks surprised at first, then comprehension dawns. He looks somber. "You're getting pretty old yourself. If you ever want a new body, you need only ask." He looks back to Chrollo. "Sure, I can reccomend some stuff." Later he'll give Chrollo a proper computer and a list of the Multiversal equivalents of Papers Please, Crusader Kings 2, This World of Mine, Undertale, and the like. Chrollo needs as many allies as he can get? "Well, the Concord can certainly help with that..." He scratches his head. "I fear my own ambition is a bit difficult, though. Somehow making it so that noone in the Multiverse has to suffer to the unfair extremes they do now, while still able to grow and learn and prosper... Figuring exactly what such a world /looks/ like, let alone how to get there or specific implementation details..." He sighs. And then looks at the book with interest. Although his tone is duller as he echoes, "The darkness, huh." Beat. Staren takes a deep breath and lets it out again. "So, what are the requirements? And what kinds of 'skill' can you steal, exactly?"
Septette Arcubielle	One could get the sense that Septette is studying Chrollo right back- an impression carefully cultivated through the movement of her eyes and her precise body language to retain a degree of doubt while still being obvious. It's a deliberate deniable signal: 'I see you seeing me.' "You're reliant on others, and you've found yourself alone. It's become necessary to find others who need you as much as you need them. And the Concord is always looking for more... influential people. Do I understand the gist?" Her tone implies she thinks she already does. "I can be of substantial help in some respects," she continues, finishing off her soda and letting the ice crystal rattle in the empty glass, "and none at all in others. My ambitions are a simple arithmetic, and you'll find no 'darkness' in my heart." That last statement comes off as subtly... wrong. Coming from a normal person, it ought to sound like a boast or philosophical speculation. Septette says it with the dry conviction of a physicist describing basic constants. Is she some sort of zealot, or just arrogant?
Crys Gattz	Crys Gattz says "Sure I can give a sample or two." She takes a moment and there's a crackle of lighting about one hand she keeps it under control for the most part and bounces it between her hands. It vanishes replaced by fire, which burns for a moment before during into a inky darkness, and finally nothing. I can do some other things too but I'd rather not make a mess of your place here. I tend to fight up close and have a few other tricks. I have been about the multiverse for a long time, second only to Staren here so far as the Concord goes." Then Staren makes the offer. "Given how other attempts to fix things have gone? I'll consider it what needs to be done is research to fix the problem I'm not just going to save myself and let the rest of my species suffer." She pauses for a moment as Staren suggests some games. "Not a bad list. I might suggest might try to find Confederate or Union fighter the last versions launched on the net just before the Union and feds went kaboom." I'm also in Union one." Now their host gives an idea of what he can do. She pauses at the bit about darkness. "Sometimes its best to leave the darkness sleeping. For it can consume beyond what one might expect." She holds the red ring she has about her arm for a moment and seems lost in thought a bit and a single image fills her mind the monolith upon Ragol where the Falz was fought by her companions and a Union operative so long ago. She snaps out of it. "As for my own ambitions live, smoke it while I got it and look for things to take down to cut some of the cancer out of the world."
Chrollo Lucilfer	Chrollo purses his lips thoughtfully. "You'd need to have a way to figure out the value of everything in a world, and how would need to have it. And that's just inequality. Racial tensions, nationalists, ambitious dreamers...you'd have to contend with it all just to make a single world the way you're dreaming of. And then, of course, there's people like myself. Bandits take what we want unless we can't or it's not worth the casualties." The signal is taken, and it only makes Chrollo that much more interested in this odd woman. It reaches his face a bit more visibly as his brows rises for just a second when Septette mentions ambitions and her lack of darkness. He openly studies her for a second. "You've seen right through to my predicament. The reason the Troupe has become so successful is because we've relied on each other. Skills, and abilities working together, we can take anything in the world. That interreliance has been the Phantom Troupe's strength, and I'd like it to be that way with the Concord as well." "Although I've never met anyone with a heart that logical. Not even Shal's. I find, Miss Arcubielle, that people are most honest when they're using their abilities." It's likely a light jab. The small smile says so. He nods to Crys' demonstration. "Oh, feel free to destroy the place. It's not mine, and I've found better hideouts in this abandoned city that I'll be using. Interesting, that you can change your aura into so many different types. You'd be labeled a genius. An Emitter, or a transmuter perhaps. I prefer Manipulator and Conjuration abilites myself." He still hasn't visited that apartment he now technically has. At least he's set up an 'official' bank account. Staren has the most important question. "In order to steal an ability, I have to see the ability with my own eyes, ask the ability user about their ability and have them answer, then have them touch the palm print on Skill Hunter. All within the span of a few hours at most. As for what kind? I've only stolen Nen abilities in the past, and I dont' know how Skill Hunter will react to an 'Elite'. But you mentioned 'Essence' and 'ki'. My gut says they would work. Just the words feel like abilities." The book dissappears as he relaxes his Nen. He snorts, and downs the rest of his drink. "And now I'm talking like Machi, to a group of reality-spanning men and women, without a single stolen ability I worked so hard for going on gut instinct. Feel free to insult me, it'd feel more normal than this ridiculous idea." It's small, but there's self-deprecating humor in his voice.
Staren	Staren doesn't comment on Septette's statement that there's no darkness in her. Perhaps he agrees? Staren watches with interest as Crys displays her MAGIC POWERS. Bouncing lightning between her hands is a kind of control he hasn't seen from her before, so that's neat. "Of course. I'd never suggest you abandon your people. But the longer you survive, the longer you can work to save them." He starts to look back to Chrollo, then changes his mind and looks back to Crys. "Send me copies of what you have on where your species came from and where we might find leads into the tools used to create you. It's high time we actually solved this instead of just talking about it." When Crys suggests the fighter, he gives a short heh and smiles. "It was a fun game, but I'm trying to find him those that will help him empathise with and understand people in different situations. Although of course he can have fun too." Staren shrugs at Chrollo's assessment of his goal. "Indeed. It may take a long time to figure out. But that's what immortality's for." He listens with interest as Chrollo explains how to use his skill-copying ability, ears perked and turned towards the new ally. And then Chrollo speaks of his own foolishness. Staren reaches out to put a hand on his shoulder and looks into his eyes, speaking with a serious tone. "You have ambition. You know it sounds foolish or absurd to some. But you reach for it anyway." He breaks direct eye contact and pulls his hand back to clench a fist. "That makes you more likely to change the world than all the 'heroes' who think only of keeping it as it is, or restoring it to what it was. For all their great abilities, whether born with them, passed down by secret orders, or honed to perfection by sheer determination... they will never use them to bring forth a vision of the world as it could be." Staren smiles at Chrollo. Then he lowers his hand and takes a breath. "Unfortunately, I'm not a mage or a martial artist. I can help you exploit this ability -- think of ways to use it, help you copy new powers -- but I'm not sure I have anything you could copy directly. Unless you can copy devices." He draws a laser pistol and shoots the wall without looking at it -- There's an explosion, a bunch of dust, and then a pair of tiny holes in the wall surrounded by cracks. "Can you copy that? Also, what's this about the darkness?"
Septette Arcubielle	"There is such a thing as an 'inherently honest signal'," Septette replies with just a drop of slyness to hint she caught the jab. "An action is inherently honest if it would be counterproductive or impossible if the signaled fact were untrue. A demonstration of power tends to be inherently honest, as it would be impossible without the power being claimed. Is that what you meant?" She seems preternaturally unbothered by Chrollo's naked examination. Most people posture either proudly or self-consciously when stared at; Septette does neither. Either she has sublime self-control, ice water in her veins, or she simply doesn't see Chrollo as a conscious actor who could judge her. It's like being totally unashamed of drinking milk straight from the carton in front of your dog.
Crys Gattz	Crys Gattz says "Interesting what I do is fairly standard when it comes to techs as we generally call them. I'll keep that in mind with Nen users." She smiles faintly at that though she doe seems to have an interest in Nan now and Chrollo from the looks of it. She also sees speaks about how his ability works. "Insult you? You have balls why would it and you don't come off as being full of yourself." She looks to Staren. "Won't save me till the rest can be. You might remember the whole affair back when you were a rookie in the union with the Black Paper Cartel. As for that, I'll do that hell we might be able to hit up Dr. M about it actually." "I was thinking of it's local multiplayer it's a good social game when your playing with other people in person." She looks to Staren. "With some worlds restoring it to what it was, would be making life better. Then again I just like killing demigods who pose a general threat, and who spends her money as fast as she can make it as I might be dead tomorrow morning."
Chrollo Lucilfer	Chrollo shakes his head, though does lean in as Staren shows so much enthusiasm about changing the world. "You're giving me too much credit. I just know that there's something missing, and I seek to fulfill it. If that involves stealing, creating a family of like minded individuals, and gathering more abilities to use...I think that talent and geniuses in fields like ours change worlds by simply acting by design or not. I won't be satisfied by fame or material things. I've tried." A simple nod. The explosion from the laser pistol kicks up a small wind, and the man's coat flutters. "No, only 'abilities'. Kortopi could create copies of 'objects' like that pistol of yours. I'd have to copy his ability in order to do that, or a similar Manipulator ability. Helping me take abilities would be more than enough, Staren." "One of my men, before he was killed, said that a 'bandit should live with their heart's darkest desires on their sleeves'. He was an Enhancer, so I prefer to be a little more subtle. But it made me think...if I can understand the impulses people have and use their Nen towards, I can better understand myself." To Septette? As he walks back t start refilling people's drinks as needed, he pauses during the task to lean up against the bar. He swishes his glass with a bit of ice. "Oh, it certainly shows that the holder of that power possesses the strength to use it. But how a person uses a power, to what ends, and the effects it has on the world is a statement about the user. A sly liar will naturally have an ability to change facts to suit them. A reckless, angry fighter will have a fist that can shatter stone. Oh, and always be wary of people with chains." To Crys, he inclines his head graciously. "I prefer being a diplomat. The Troupe can be...contentious at times." It's said with the kind of fondness a father has for his children. He straightens up. "Everyone, thank you. I think I've about filled your heads with enough information for one night. Drink, eat, there's a few beds in the office area if you want to stay the night. I'm moving in the morning. You all know how to contact me." With a small nod, and catching a bottle and a book, the man is heading off to catch some shut eye...and to plan.
Staren	Staren tilts his head to the side. "Well... Restoring it being an improvement is common enough that they're called 'heroes', yeah. But I think we can do better. We need a new word for what the Concord aims to be. Like a, higher level version of hero..." He holsters his pistol and rubs his chin. "Mmmh. I see what you're getting at now. Like my predilection for overwhelming force reveals that I'm bad at diplomacy and political negotiations. Is that a 'darkness'...?"
Septette Arcubielle	"I'm not certain the rest of the Multiverse adheres to similar rules about powers and personality so strictly," the peculiar woman replies evenly as she pours out her ice, "but it is a weak pattern at minimum. Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Lucilfer. As for me, I have various ongoing situations to attend to. I look forward to meeting you again. Staren, Chrys- you as well." She turns around to head for the door, and seems to realize only as she reaches the threshold that she's still holding the glass. From behind, all that's visible is that she raises her hand to her face... and then there's a quiet crunch, and she steps outside. Her audible footsteps continue for a dozen paces outside, then abruptly stop. She has, as she might say, excused herself.
Crys Gattz	Crys Gattz says "Thank you for your hosptilaitya nd I shall enjoy the food and drink you got for us who am I to let it go to waste." She will happpily enjoy it before moving on in a little bit. It was an interesing night and she was not certrin what might befall of meeting Chrollo but things might be a good deal different in the future not with this man and his companion. She also makes note of the warning about people with chains.
Staren	The others make their exits. No point in letting stuff go to waste. Staren opens the coolers and sucks up some of the bottles into his matter manipulator, leaving some for Chrollo in the morning. "I think you'd do well to talk to Nie Li about this Nen stuff. He could probably tell you a lot more." Staren calls after Chrollo, then walks out.