video; un: Dr. Disraeli

[delilahs_death]

[Appearing on screen is one Dr. Jezebel Disraeli, who looks thoroughly irritated. He also looks mildly disheveled and sickly, somehow appearing even thinner than his normal lanky appearance. Behind him, a large dog paces and whines, glancing at his owner all the while.]

So. I surely can't be the only person in this damned place who is completely unable to eat. Or eat food, rather.

If it's not the whole town, then I assume it is those who share my blood type, since that seems to determine everything around here. Vileblood, I believe I am called.

In any event: I believe I have stumbled upon a solution for those who might be afflicted.

[With pained grimace of a smile, he holds up a set of vials in his palm.]

Arsenic. Cyanide. Strychnine. All of which are deadly poisons, and all of which seem to be the only thing I can eat without wanting to promptly pass out on the spot. I imagine anyone else afflicted will be the same, since this does seem to be the sort of sick joke we would be afflicted with.

So, if anyone is in need of a poison or two, I suppose I can assist. I have a decent supply.

Before anyone asks: yes, I do have a lot of poisons.

Yes, I study poisons and made some of them myself.

No, I have not poisoned anyone in the town.

Although, believe me, I've been tempted.

Comments

[subject_013]

I appreciate your rationale. However, I still owe a repair and replacement bill to the tavern keeper, but the satisfaction of educating that insolent wag is worth the price. However, I suspect I'm banned from that establishment, along with the wag.

[delilahs_death]

At least he has also received the ban. If nothing else, your punishment is also a way that he will suffer in turn.

And then if you encounter him in the future, it will not be in a place you are barred from.

[subject_013]

At least justice was rendered where it rightly belonged. And I have a partnership with a Hunter who's not above hunting Hunters and Sleepers gone wrong. If you see a figure wearing a Plague Doctor's mask and a feathered cloak, perched like a vulture on a rooftop, it's probably them.

I should invest in a bottle of literal paint thinner...

[delilahs_death]

I'll have to keep an eye out for them -- I don't believe I'm acquainted with such a Hunter. May I ask what their name is?

[subject_013]

They go by the name Locrian. I suspect it's a pseudonym, as who names their offspring after the darkest of the classic modes of music? Introduce yourself as a friend of mine and I'm certain they'll warm up to you.

[delilahs_death]

Mm, one never knows -- I say this as the child of a man fond of horrific names for his children. But no matter. I will keep an eye out for him and make sure to say hello.

[subject_013]

[A dry noise in his throat.]

You have my empathy. Sometimes I suspect would-be parents often strive too hard to give their young charges unique names.


They're elusive to say the least, but the best way to find them is to watch the rooftops. They're fond of watching from above. Good way to get quick visuals on any Beasts on the rampage. I've had a few close calls myself. Thank the shaper of this city for the narrow twisting streets.

[delilahs_death]

[Wryly:] And sometimes they enjoy their children's discomfort.

You make a very good point, one I will have to remember. I am not sure I have ever climbed onto a rooftop before, but I may have to start now that we're in this winding place.

[subject_013]

That they do, all too often. [With a note that he knows this all too well.]

Watch the rooflines, if nothing else. They're not shy, but neither is their prey. Admittedly, given how close many of roofs are, sometimes travelling over the roofs is easier than travelling through these twisting streets.

[delilahs_death]

Mm, I can certainly see the advantage. Less foot traffic, for one.

[Not that he himself could ever attempt such a thing without snapping his neck.]

Who is their prey, may I ask?

[subject_013]

Mostly the Beasts who come out of the night, but at times the Hunters who lose themselves to the madness of the Hunt. You might call them a Hunter of Hunters. I'm not sure which is worse: a soul lost to suffering and Corruption or a guardian lost to overzealous watching.