- Realm of Construction -

[rotabyss]

~A man sits at his keyboard in his office building. He looks at a calendar and nearly falls off of it. Where did the time go? An events coordinator should not be this comprehensively far behind! He hastily shuffles through miles on his computer, looking for the right program to get things started, and finds it. From the experimental NPC library #13, he brings an old Character to new life.~

A man sits in his extra-dimensional Manor. He sits by a large fireplace, the light dancing off his emerald green eyes. It had been a long time since he had last been called upon, despite being a master of ceremonies, but he was no sort to complain. He simply adjusted the monocle seated in his left eye, then stroked his spruce moustache as he thought of finer days of merriment. It was just as the reflection started that he felt the familiar pull of being called into action. With elegance and excitement, he hefted his majestic form out of his chair and made his way to his mail slot. Here was where he typically received his information about the world he was meant to assimilate himself into, and today was no exception. The dossier was waiting for him , and he grasped it with all haste. The setting was medival high fantasy, in a world based on light. He could work with this, as it was his favorite kind of world, and as such he had the most outfits for such an environment.  

[rotabyss]

The Man sat beside his fireplace as he read his assignment in his dossier. Packaged with it was a newspaper supposedly filled with current events of the world he was heading to. He hadn't looked at that yet, as he liked to focus on his duties before he engaged in reading for entertainment. His employers had tasked him with designing a multi-user event, the likes that world had never seen. As he read the specifics of what he was and was not allowed to do, wheels began to turn in his brain.

He had firmly grasped his rules, so now was on to the extracurricular festivities. He laid the file on an ornate end table beside his armchair, picking up the newspaper in its stead. The words of the top headline were hard to grasp: "A God Slain! Who Are These Mysterious Warriors?" The Man was startled, but as he saw the associated picture, a smile crept across his lips. Reminiscing aside, he would have to make extra certain that these two ruffians were unable to make a casual stroll through his event.  

[rotabyss]

The Man took a healthy drink from a nearby coffee up as thoughts of his event swam through his mind. Despite his excitement, he could not help but return to one of the faces of the men who fought the Boar people had been calling 'Bakugami'. The Knight clad in white armor, cloaked in ice, filled The Man with reminiscence. Would he even recognize him now, or would he play his role in the world he was overseeing and not make a bother out of it? Only time would tell, he supposed. Only wiling time away at this point, The Man rose from his chair and strode into his chambers, where a vast walk-in closet was beckoning his attention, metaphorically of course.


He stopped in front of a full length mirror, and took the chance to admire himself. He inspected his physique, an admirable amount of muscle toned with a sportsman's precision, complemented by his emerald green eyes which contrasted his mahogany dark hair. His moustache was full, but knowing its proper place just barely at the corners of his mouth. Before choosing the garb he would wear to his event, a more important question was presented as he opened a massive second closet perpendicular to his normal one: What hat would he wear?  

[rotabyss]

The Man stood in front of rows upon rows of Hats on their own miniature pedestal, and each with their own engraved golden nameplate. There were so many shelves that an unfortunate soul who wandered in, not knowing what to expect, would easily lose themselves forever. Fortunately for this Man, he was no ordinary soul. He was the proud proprietor of this Haberdashery for one, and as such knew its contents like the individual fingerprints they are. He had been to many worlds, each one requiring either their OWN hat, or an updated hat if a return trip was needed and improvements upon the previous hat could be made. Few hats he owned could be worn for all occasions. He took all of this into account as he drifted towards the shelves most applicable to his current realm.

He paused for a moment, admiring an admiral's hat with a plate-sized ship's wheel affixed to the back, held in place by a star. He sighed. This had been his first attempt to join a world that was not in a fantasy world, rather a militaristic one. To say it did not go over well would be an understatement. He couldn't help himself though, despite some wishing otherwise. He continued on, catching passing glances at some of note: A Ten-Gallon Hat with tiny cylinders that would shoot confetti on command, a Hard-Light Circlet stylized to look like a crown of laurels, a Derby that showed accurate time circling around its band, to name a few. It was what some would call a small eternity until he reached the back wall. This contained a selection of his favorite hats, the ones he was proudest of.

His eyes, inevitably rested upon three. A.H. 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0. The Man had not named these hats himself, rather, the public at large had called them that, and he merely abbreviated it. A.H. 2.0 was actually the first hat he had ever worn before the public at large, and as such held tremendous sentimental value, as well as being iconic of his particular style. It was your run of the mill Black Top-hat, but with an emerald green hat band, small white wings on the sides connected by large golden clasps, and a large yellow crescent moon resting in front like a Japanese helmet ornament. 2.5 was an attempt to make slight improvement, swapping the wing on the left hand side for an ornament that resembled flames. This, however, was largely a failure. 3.0 was a return to form for the most part, however, the world he entered in had no options for the wings on the sides of 2.0, so he disguised the flame ornaments as wings by painting them white. it wasn't the best option, but it worked pretty well. His hands drew themselves closer and closer to 2.0, unlocking the glass case it was kept in for its safety, and holding it in front of him. He couldn't help but smile as he looked inside, the letter work inside reading "Awesome Hat 2.0".

He donned the hat expertly, his hair and scalp both seated comfortably in the warm embrace of his cherished hat. With vigor, he briskly walked back to his normal closet, shutting and locking the door behind him. Back in his proper closet, The Man donned a pristine white button up, smooth black dress pants, black dress socks with an emerald green cross-stitch, black polished loafers, an emerald green vest with gold trim, a white cravat, and a fine black overcoat kept open with gold buttons. The Man admired himself once again in the mirror, taking in his iconic look, and couldn't help but smile as he placed his monocle back over his left eye and left his closet for the foyer.

The Gentleman had finally returned!  

[rotabyss]

The Gentleman strode into the Foyer and grabbed a pen and pad of paper. Now that he had the beginnings of his idea, he was ready to unveil his event to the world at large. He wrote a note to the world, and attuned his manor to it. Once done, he sent his message through his mail slot. the message was a little over the top, but grandiose statements WERE his bread and butter after all. he returned to his reading room, and made his way to a filing cabinet. Inside he grabbed a thick folder, packed full of paperwork. He adjusted his monocle as he opened the folder and began skimming through it.

Inside were the names of former associates, as working on events necessitated a group effort. He may be a wonderful and distinguished host, but he would never state that his were one man shows. As The Gentleman skimmed through, he thought about the roles that needed to be filled in his show:

Announcer
Commentators
Referee
Cameraman
Clean up/ Repair
Enforcement
Musician

Well, at least the Announcer job was well taken care of, he supposed. The other roles were vital to the success of his event, however. Not only did they have to be skilled, but they also had to fit into the world, so as not to be overly jarring to the theme. This was a challenge, but not one that was insurmountable. He HAD worked with an astonishing number of talented individuals in all SORTS of worlds. SURELY there were resourceful individuals he could enlist. Despite himself, an eager smile swept across The Gentleman's lips as he began taking notes.

Announcer
Commentators
Referee
Cameraman
Clean up/ Repair
Enforcement
Musician

 

[rotabyss]

The Gentleman had considered many colleagues for this job, and it was beginning to become a bit of a bear to choose among them. That was when he heard a rasp at his door. Inquisitive, but delighted, he perked up from his paperwork and shouted a merry "Come in!"

In strode a face he had not seen in some time. Even now, it was largely concealed behind a black mask that had a mirrored set of 3 yellow-orange stripes carved on each side under his cheeks, like an animal had clawed him. He wore a long white coat, open in the front with black fur trim around the collar and the cuffs of his sleeves. along the shin line of his coat were the same 3 set yellow-orange stripes, but much longer and broader, with a single stripe on each side of his waist. there were also a set of three stripes on the forearm of the sleeves on each side. His shirt and pants were a muted lavender-blue, and each were loose fitting but still clung to his body. The Gentleman couldn't help but notice his hat. It was a slim cut Black Tricorn hat with an azure blue feather sticking out of the left side.That was when The gentleman finally took in the man's eyes. they were a steely-blue/grey, and seemed like they had seen much hardship and travel. He also noticed that the man's hair was a blue-grey as well. The Man spoke finally, "I'm sorry, I hope I haven't interrupted anything."

The Gentleman gave a reserved but earnest smile, "Lucien, my friend! Just one of the ones I was wanting to see! Please, sit down a while!" he gestured to a chair opposite him across the length of his fireplace, which had not been there previously. A Gentlemanly host must always be prepared, even whenst caught unawares.

Lucien sat down in the chair, taking care to un-sling the double necked guitar from his back. It was a fairly standard affair on first glance, save that the body of it looked like a snarling wolf head in profile, with the necks coming out of the upper and lower jaw respectively. The Wolf Head's fur was a pale blue layered on white accents. "How have you been, Gentleman? I couldn't help hearing you were planning one of your Events, so I thought I'd save you a bit of trouble deciding."

The Gentleman gave a knowing smirk of mischievousness"I see word has already spread quickly." He removed his monocle, and began to polish it. "I AM in the market for a musician for this Event. Can I count on your accompaniment for it since you seem to be so forthcoming?"

Lucien's eyes smiled as he gave a chuckle as he gave an idle strum of his guitar. A pale blue light ebbed out of it as wisps of energy formed a ghostly band behind him, expectantly. "I think I could get he band together. Any requests, or is the set-list mine to choose?"

The Gentleman re-affixed his monocle with a wry smile. "Oh, you know I don't have much ear for that sort of thing. i trust your expertise on this one as you have never let me down before. just something exciting to get one's blood pumping for an all-out brawl."

Lucien nodded in affirmation as the spirits ebbed away, not actually having been used. "I assure you, it will be a performance the likes of which this realm has never seen, old friend. Leave it to me." With that he rose from his chair, and left The Gentleman's estate.

The Gentleman picked up his notes, making necessary adjustments for this new acquisition "I'm looking forward to it. They always are."

Announcer
Commentators
Referee
Cameraman
Clean up/ Repair
Enforcement
Musician

 

[rotabyss]

The Gentleman looked at his adjusted notes, and saw a name that suited his purposes perfectly. An invitation was sent their way at the speed of thought, and just as swiftly a knock on his door could be heard. "Ahh, yes! Come in, make yourself at home!"

A woman strode through the foyer, her body a collection of earthen brown shifting stone and sediment. She initially had one connected appendage that sprouted from the ground. her eyes were a sandstone tan and her hair was black sand. as she glided across the ground, bits of clay and gravel trailed behind her. "Gentleman, how good to see you again!"

While The Gentleman's demeanor was a refined joviality, as she eked close to the carpeted sitting room, he threw on hand towards her "Marbella my dear, pull yourself together before you enter the sitting room, if you please."

Marbella managed to stop just shy of the carpet, motes of red clay almost teasing the fibers as they descended from her like the mouth of an Antlion's den, she she smiled and took a deep breath. All earth left behind her seemed to magnetize to her as her body took on a more defined female from with separated legs. She let some tan sand cling to her body to make an open backed Swimsuit top that crossed her front. it had two bands of red and black sand that bordered the top edge. Across her thighs hung and almost shamanistic robe/loincloth that reached her newly formed knees as her skin tightened into a mud-brown polished marble. She flashed a smile with teeth like moonstone "Better?"

The Gentleman nodded in gratitude "Indeed. Thank you, and sorry for the delay. Please, take a seat."

Marbella walked to to the chair opposite The Gentleman, and sat down, sighing in reminiscence "Has it really been so long since we last saw each other, old friend? I almost forget which world it was that we last saw each other!"

The Gentleman leaned back in his chair, and stroked his chin in thought. It truly HAD been some time since he had seen Marbella last "Was it that Weird West dimension?"

Marbella snapped and pointed to her would be colleague "YES! I can still picture the hat you wore there!" she gave a mischievous grin "That was something else."

The Gentleman chuckled, embarrassed as memories flooded back to him. A ten gallon hat with a green hat band with a gold trim along the brim. It was adorned with two Painted Eagle feathers on the left hand side and had the main body of a dream catcher adorning the front. The strings of it were Mahogany brown and the rim was gold. Garish thing, that was. He cleared his throat sharply to break the silence, and signal the topic needed to change. "Yes, well, back to business. I am sure you have heard of the Tournament I am putting on, yes? Well, I wish to employ you for this event. I need a cleaning/maintenance position filled for the upkeep of the arena, and I figured the mistress of the lands was handily the best candidate for the job!"

Marbella smiled again as she leaned back in her own chair this time. "I can only assume it will be an outdoor Arena?"

The Gentleman smiled "I would have nothing less for someone of your talents. The ring may be built to the specifications you need to easiest facilitate your expertise."

Marbella smiled and stood. "Then expect to see me there, Gentleman. I'll make sure all fighters have an even playing field, so to speak."

The Gentleman began to show her out "I knew I could count on you."

Announcer
Commentators
Referee
Cameraman
Clean up/ Repair
Enforcement
Musician

 

[rotabyss]

The Gentleman had just finished sending all necessary invitations for interviews, when he heard a rapping at his door. Curious as to the swift turnaround, but nonetheless interested to see which of the parties had responded as such. "Yes, come in please! How good of you to come so quickly!"

It was then The Gentleman was met with someone he had NOT sent an invitation to. The figure walking towards him was that of a Plague Doctor. His robes were a wine dark red, with white leather straps along his forearms and waist. His cowl and hat were this same cream-white and wine-red respectively, but his mask was unique in that it was almost entirely alchemical silver, save for two red-tinged lenses for the eyes. The mask was polished to a mirror-esque surface which danced in the ambient light of the room, almost giving the figure a faceless visage in the negative space, only his eye lenses being visible in direct light. He walked with a Cane, also topped with an Alchemical silver knob grip, and he strode with purpose towards his host. "My apologies for the intrusion, good sir, but I feel as though you require my services. Even if you do not know it yet." His voice was stern and wizened, but oddly comforting in a way. It spoke with the experience that comes with such a profession, for good and ill.

The Gentleman was lost for words. He felt as if he should remember this man, but was drawing the most bizarre blank. Where HAD he seen him? "My apologies, you have caught me largely off guard. You seem to know me, but I cannot recall you at the moment. Would you care to jog my memory, good sir?"

The Doctor sat down opposite The Gentleman, giving a low, measured, chuckle. his movements, even his breaths, seemed to be deliberate and calculated. It was as if a wasted movement would spell some disaster unforeseen, but nonetheless real. "It is alright. A Doctor who does his job properly should only need to see his patients once, so we have not had much occasion to meet too often." He removed his hat, and gave a nodding bow. His cowl covered his entire head, leaving no trace of hair or skin exposed. "My name is Dr. Roderick Feelgood. Thank you again for my wonderful Mask."

The memories and realization hit The Gentleman all at once. "YES! I am deeply sorry to not have recognized you! You have changed your look so much since then, but I should've recognized my handiwork anywhere!"

Dr. Feelgood sighed wistfully, the firelight dancing off his silvered mask. "It has been some time. I trust your condition never came back after that event, yes? I would hate to know my treatment did not work as planned."

The Gentleman shook his head no. "The fact I can speak at all is a credit to your handiwork, and I will endeavor to never forget it again. You saved not only my livelihood, but my very life alongside."

The Doctor waved his hand dismissively. "I am flattered, but it was all in a day's work. Your condition gave me much aid as well. I've not seen such a Devil in a good while."

The Gentleman was taken slightly aback by this. "I beg your pardon? My what?"

Roderick gave a knowing chuckle as he began to wave his cane around, and Imps of varying sizes and sexes began to surround him, appearing out of thin air. One Imp, a male roughly the size of an adult hand, rested on the Doctor's hand that was resting atop his cane "You called, Boss?" Feelgood turned his head to look at him.
"Indeed." He turned to look at his former patient "The Gentleman, these are my...'Prescriptions'. You see, diseases and infirmities are evils that plague the body, causing one's own form to fail them." his grip around the knob of his cane tightened both visibly, and audibly with the aid of the leather gloves he wore. "
However, I have found that when extracted, these Devils can be turned against their kin, and used to heal rather than harm if used properly. I have merely made them perceptible for you in this instance."

The Gentleman was speechless, not out of any infirmity, just out of astonishment. "Well, how may I help you today, if I may steer the topic back around?"

The Imp atop Feelgood's hand continued to look expectantly at him, but the Doctor was focused on the task at hand now that it had been established "I wish to join your event, to gather more Prescriptions and aid the healing of your would-be Champions. I no longer need to remind you of the quality of my work, you having first-hand knowledge."

The Gentleman nodded in affirmation. "This is true. having you around was unexpected, but I welcome it all the same! This will be a much safer place for all parties involved with you around, Dr. Feelgood, and I am glad to bring you on board. I will ensure you have the proper facilities at your disposal."

Feelgood nodded as he stood from his chair, hand still firmly on his cane. "I am inclined to agree, and glad you do as well. Good day to you, and may the rest of your conversations go as well as this one." The Imp sighed in relief and began to fly behind his master "FINALLY some work. I don't mean to criticize, Boss, but we gotta take more jobs more often." The Doctor did not visibly react to this, but did respond. "Your concern is noted, but unnecessary. We take the jobs we need. No more, no less."

The Gentleman shook his head in disbelief as he both added job to his notes, and struck them from self-same notation one after the other.

Announcer
Commentators
Referee
Cameraman
Clean up/ Repair
Enforcement
Musician
First Aid/Triage

 

[rotabyss]

The Gentleman returned to his notes, not knowing how to feel about his previous encounter. While he was glad to have Dr. Feelgood on his side, the fact that previously unauthorized persons were able to find his manor was a bit of bother. In light of this, He steeled himself for this eventuality going forward, and proceeded as per usual. If his timing was correct, he should be receiving his next guests any...

In strode a motley pair, a man and woman of approximate same age. The man was a Birdfolk, a Macaw specifically, dressed in White dress pants, brown polished loafers, Brown leather gloves, a black dress shirt, under which a silken Puice vest with curling and twisting embossed patterning sat. There were waves of copper painted on his beak, and holes in the back of his attire for his avian wings to safely poke through.The woman was a Lizardfolk, a Chameleon to be precise, and a Jackson's Chameleon to focus in even more. She was wearing a white dress with room for tail, white high heels, copper bracelets, and a vibrant pink feather boa around her neck. her horns were also summarily capped in copper as jewellery. Her current skin tone was a gradient of red hues, with her extremities and face gradating to the vibrant pink on her boa. She smiled warmly at The Gentleman, even as her accomplice did so in a more cynical fashion. "
Gentleman! It has been too long! Why don't you ever invite us anywhere?" The man snickered briefly, "Isn't it obvious, Sister? As always, he is intimidated by people with proper fashion sense!"

Externally, The Gentleman let the comment roll off his back. Internally, he was sighing in frustration that this puffed-up poultry was in his presence."Percival! Patricia! How good of you two to join me!" He removed his hat in a greeting bow, pointedly only at Patricia, donning it and looking at Percival only once doing so. " I see you have received my invitation. Aside from specific company, I would have none but the best for this event."

Percival rolled his eyes dismissively as his wings twitched. "Now, now, So-called Gentleman. You of all people know that you can't have one of us without the other."

The Gentleman sighed "Oh, but it is to dream."

Patricia raised her fingers to her brow and began to stroke it in frustration. "Guys. Can we please not do this this time? Why do you two always have to do this? It's been so long since we've seen each other, so let's just enjoy it!"

The Gentleman sighed and nodded "I suppose you are right as usual, Miss Patti. I shall overlook Percy's inability to coordinate his vests with a single article of clothing for now."

Percival's gaze hardened in passive aggression. "And I'll ignore how This Man can't seem to find a hat that can be tolerated within 50 feet of good taste."

Patricia stared sideways at her brother and forward at The Gentleman simultaneously, and equally as sternly. The Gentleman gave a playfully mocking raise of the arms defensively in surrender, while Percival huffed and looked over his shoulder while flexing his wings in annoyance. The Gentleman cleared his throat, and looked at the both of them in earnest. " Differences aside, the reason I asked of you is in all of my years as a master of ceremonies, all Tournaments I have run with you two announcing have been my best. Objectively. With a tournament in a new realm, I want to make as grand a statement as possible, and really light a fire in the belly of those both present and absent alike! While I have that ability in preemption and procession, your presentation is beyond my skill. So it would be my honor if you could grace my event. Even you, Percy."

Percival gave a wry grin, and clenched a fist. "I'd never pass up the chance to show a crowd how hopeless you are without me. Trust me, I'll be there."

Patricia sighed and shook her head. "What my brother means is, we'd be happy to join your team. I feel you bring the best out of us too, even if you and Percival don't bring that out of each other."

The Gentleman gave a pleasant smile "Then in spite of each other it is, Miss Patricia. I do look forward to seeing you both there."

The "Twins" began to leave, and The Gentleman looked again at his notes, realizing just how few roles there were left to fulfill.

Announcer
Commentators
Referee
Cameraman
Clean up/ Repair
Enforcement
Musician
First Aid/Triage

 

[rotabyss]

The Gentleman pondered over his list of crew members. He had quite an impressive roster. With so many experts in their fields, it would be light work to make this event all he ever wished it would be. There were very few roles remaining, but he had confidence that the candidates he was hoping for would respond shortly. He mused out loud, "There is only one person I can think of that I would trust to officiate a Tournament like this." "Then it is agreed!", a voice bellowed. It was a Man's voice, medium in pitch. It was a firm and authoritative tone, but not harsh, just one that seemed used to projecting over crowds and chaos. The Gentleman looked around, startled.


Descending from a thin cable adjacent to the blind spot of the chandelier in The Gentleman's sitting room was an older tan skinned man. He was about 5'7" and was still in good health and fitness despite his age. His hair was a dark gray, and was cut to a full business cut, no signs of hair loss present. He had a full mustache, thick and well kempt. His eyes were on the beadier side, and he some slight laugh lines but no other noticeable wrinkles. He wore a white polo style shirt, black slacks, black shoes, and a red bow-tie. "This series of battles, hosted by The Gentleman, shall be decided by me, Mr. Referee!"


The Gentleman's face softened as he recognized the man in front of him. He tipped his hat in greeting "Mr. Referee, my friend! How good it is to see you. You gave me quite the start, I must say. How long have you been up there?"


Mr. Referee's face brimmed with pride as he stood resolute. "An official never reveals their secrets, and is always ready to make an entrance when a battle needs to be officiated!" His face warmed as he looked to The Gentleman more directly. "It is good to see you too, old friend!" He watched as The Gentleman gestured for him to take a seat opposite him, and smiled warmly as he accepted the request. He stared at The Gentleman with his usual enthusiasm, now mixed with inquisitiveness, "So, what brings you out of retirement? It has been a long time since you have called on anyone else for an event, or myself at the very least!"


The Gentleman furrowed his brow lightly in thought. "I suppose nothing in particular pulled me from my proverbial Odin Sleep, save a mutual benefactor, and a new world to involve myself in." He watched Mr.Referee nod sagely. "That aside, I would like to know your plans for officiating the event. While I grant that you are impeccable in your judgments, I cannot recall you being able to enforce them."


Mr. Referee crossed his arms and nodded. "I do admit, despite my entrances, I am no match for any proper competitor you may have!" His face hardened as he pulled a black rectangular card of thin metal from a small pouch on his belt, and pointed it at The Gentleman. "Fortunately, I am not the one who enforces them! Black Card does!"


The Gentleman felt the edge of a blade on his neck before he could even process what was going on. He dared turn his head to look, and saw a visage he had not seen in a while. It was a Black Steel Golem, designed to look like a Samurai in light armor with a feminine figure. She had no visible face, as it was smooth and polished black steel. She appeared to be wearing shoulder armor, thigh and shin guards, a breast plate, and a fairly simplistic Kabuto. Her armor was all a fixture of her body, with minimal detailing in gun-metal gray, just enough to see that there WERE details. She wielded a Dark gray Katana and her body language suggested she had every intention of using it. "Fair enough! Call her off, if you please, I would very much like to continue hosting this event."


Mr. Referee lifted the card from The Gentleman's direct path, and stashed it away. "That is enough! The offender has been disqualified and complies!" Black Card lifted her sword from The Gentleman's throat and sheathed it in a flash."......" Mr. Referee nodded. "While she is impressive already, I believe she will need higher authoritative power from the Gods to truly enforce the rules! I have heard ugly rumors of people cheating the rules of the universe to gain power!" His gaze was vicious. "If one of them were to join your tournament, Black Card would need to be able to remove them effortlessly, and there is no way to account for anything they would be capable of!"

The Gentleman watched as Black Card walked over to Mr. Referee and put a hand on his shoulder to comfort and console him. It seemed to work as he calmed down a fair amount from this provocation. "I assure you, you and she will have all tool necessary at your disposal to do your work as effectively as possible. I thank you for coming to help."

Mr. Referee stood from his chair, and smiled sternly. "I can think of nothing else I or Black Card would rather do! I must prepare! Come along, Black Card!" He began moving, and his metallic companion nodded in affirmation "..!" and she began to follow him. The Gentleman rubbed his neck, but chuckled to himself as he crossed their roles off his list. Two down. One to go.

Announcer
Commentators
Referee
Cameraman
Clean up/ Repair
Enforcement
Musician
First Aid/Triage

 

[rotabyss]

The Gentleman looked at the roster he had hired on so far. It was robust, but he knew that there was one still missing. He sighed deeply, and his gaze hardened in determination. " So, what do you think of all of this? I know you've been here."


In front of The Gentleman appeared a ragged slash in the fabric of his realm. Inside, nothing could be seen. A hollow void that seemed to hungrily devour the sight of those that gazed upon it. This did not last much longer, as a single eye began to form in the empty void. It was a luminescent white, with a pupil similar to a cuttlefish. Despite its glow, no form could be gleaned of its supposed host. "That is correct. You know I do not like revealing myself to mortals. I observe all. You have chosen reliably as your needs require."


The Gentleman nodded sagely. "Watcher from Beyond the Veil. I do not call upon you lightly, but I require your services for this task as well" He stood from his chair, meeting this outer entity on its terms. This may be his realm, but the being he was speaking to was no usual guest of his, and required a sufficiently different approach.


The Watcher's pupil narrowed, but the eye remained unblinking. It was vigilant, as if missing even the fraction of the moment that a blink would cause would be an affront to its purpose. "You would continue to borrow against our deal, for something this trivial, yet again? Surely you know the consequences of such a demand."


The Gentleman stood firm, but he was now beginning to feel nervous. He had called upon The Watcher in the past, but he was running out of these favors. "I am aware. This is the first event of its kind for this realm. A new experience. I call upon you to share your sight with those of this realm, so that all may see it as only you can. The result is worth the cost."


Like a succession of panels opening in a wall, a dome of similar tears began to appear all around The Gentleman. Initially, each housed their own mono-eyes; Some insectoid, some sheeplike, some horselike, and other with indescribable shapes that normal physiology could not account for. One by one, they began to play a single image inside of the rifts. It was The Gentleman, standing as he curently was, and looking around. This played from every conceivable angle, and some even displayed the image in different spectographic frequencies like Ultra Violet, Thermographic, and even X-ray. "I see all. I do not share all. The knowledge is mine and mine alone, yet you continue to rip this from my rightful grasp. How do you suggest that this is even conceivably shared?"


The Gentleman took a deep breath as he pulled you the pedestal which contained the Diorama still image of the battle against Bakugami. A chill ran down his spine as he watched all of the images of himself immediately vanished, being replaced by their original eyes. All of them stared intently as he turned the image slowly in his hands. "In this world, anyone can take an image and have it as a chunk of frozen time. Even if they took it from an odd angle, once created, it can be observed from any angle as thus. With this opportunity, I believe you would be able to use your infinite sight to take this rule of the realm, and create moving images to share with those who cannot be present. Your exclusive perspective would make this experience unforgettable for all."


The Watcher from Beyond the Veil observed silently, seeming to mull over this possibility. They continued to stare at the image, The Gentleman, and everything else. "...Will He be there?"


The Gentleman nodded. "I can not see a reason for Him not to. If He is performing feats such as this in the world, there is little doubt in my mind that He will be there."


The Watcher began to close portals one by one, until only the first eye revealed remained. "I will accept these terms. My service to you shortens once again. Three demands of this nature remain. I will not suffer this pain you invoke on me much longer." The portal closed, and The Gentleman was seemingly alone again, but knowing full well that he was always being Watched.


The Gentleman crossed the last role from his roster, filled with a newfound purpose. He had few more encounters like this left with The Watcher. He had to make this count. This would have to be the best tournament of his career yet!

Announcer
Commentators
Referee
Cameraman
Clean up/ Repair
Enforcement
Musician
First Aid/Triage

To Be Continued In
The Realm of Conflict