Only We May Judge

The most unnerving thing for anyone who knew the true nature of the city was just how quiet everything was at any given moment, as if the entire world had been given the order to hold its breath and had complied without a second thought. Cars drove through the streets, people walked along the sidewalks, children played in parks, but all of it was done with a near robotic precision, a play being put on for no one in particular. For the average person who lived in the city they would say that this was nothing special, just another beautiful day in their beautiful world. It was only those who had already experienced the true depravity that existed behind the bright facade That would be able to point out exactly why this all felt so wrong.

Humans were messy, it was inevitable that something would go wrong should go wrong.Instead the only sound that cut through the mediocrity that the city seemed so comfortable with was the chiming of the massive clock tower that stood amongst all of the rest of the taller buildings within the city, declaring the end of another successful day. Children packed up their toys and met orderly rows and walked their way home, adults returned from their jobs, and everyone between moved with a certainty that didn't belong to humanity toward their next destination.

However there was one place in the city where the overwhelming feeling of control was lessened, the place hidden away from the ever watchful eyes of the Factory. Nestled within the more rundown area of the city, the place where the people who did the hard labor that kept the shine that each resident of the city was used to going. Among the uncared for houses was a building that only those in the know would be able to recognize as anything but another falling apart house owned by someone who worked too long hours to care for it. Within the walls was a bar, it served all comers with only the basic rule that one must wear a mask while inside never using their real names or exchanging any pertinent information. The music here was not the pretty Symphonies and orchestras that one might hear throughout their day on the radio, instead it was loud, it was chaotic and often messy. The drinks, unlike other bars in the city, were harder with actual bite to them when one took a drink. And most importantly to those who didn't just seek an escape but had totally been removed from the flow of the city, this bar held demons, and those contracted to them. a sanctuary to rest, to plan, and to prepare their next strike against the order that showed the life out of humans within the city.

Behind the counter where no ordinary escapee would think to look existed a much larger sprawling liminal back room, enough space to hold an army, though more often than not large swaths of it would go unused. Within one of these rooms sat a sullen and mangy young man dressed in dark blue, a colorful stuffed parrot holding to his shoulder. Defying all logic the parrot's body moved and whispered something into the young man's ear. “Well then Iago, once things are closed we'll gather together the troops, I believe they'll be quite interested in this.” the young man collapsed back on his bed staring up at an otherwise blank ceiling, letting the ambient music from the bar flow back.

Vincent and Iago

A woman entered the bar. Wearing a cloth mask that hid the upper half of her face, with a hood up to hide the rest of her head. Though upon closer inspection, the hood attached to a cloak along with the mask were an unusual color no mortal material could ever achieve.

Taylor naturally wondered why Lolth was VERY insistent on this, but was told that there was a good reason. The rest of her clothing is simply black and practical. An unusually large spider sits on her left shoulder. It is rather telling that her entire outfit is made of this unusual material... Lolth's silk (not that anyone can tell).

"And why did you insist on visiting this place again?"

Naturally, this was directed to the spider on her shoulder. The spider merely made a gesture which Taylor understood as "This is exactly where I wanted to go", not that anyone but Taylor understood that. Also, this is being whispered rather than spoken at a normal volume whenever she's talking to Lolth.

The spider did a few more taps and gestures.

Taylor merely nodded in reply to that.

"And you said you had to do...?"

More taps and gesturing from the spider.

"Ah, it seems that you can do whatever you had in mind then. Probably."

Taylor sits down at the bar, in a corner to observe. The spider (Lolth) follows suit.

Edited by sci300768 on May 5th 2024 at 8:50:17 AM

at the counter, a lady in a nice proper suit was tending the bar creating all sorts of mixtures with that unnatural precision that the city was used to.

The golden barn owl mask covering half of her face did show that there was more to them then a simple workers who all had similar, but silver masks.

Today was a fairly normal day at the bar and Ophiuchus was happy for it.

She'd serve a small group loitering around the bar a couple shots. For a moment her eyes would glimpse over to the newcomer. Staring just a bit longer then one should be comfortable with, before turning her thoughts back to service.

A young man who had already entered the bar was sitting in a corner, the cattle skull mask obscuring most of his face. If he was going to be honest, it was really uncomfortable, but it looked cool, and that made him happy. A jar of bright blue water hung at his side, and while it seemed innocuous, would occasionally whisper and make strange noises. He was already used to the whispering jar, so he didn’t mind it. He was bored, and broke out of his stupor to look at the girl who had walked in. She didn’t look like much, but what did he know? He went back to sitting around doing nothing and ignoring the jar’s whispers.

Netta Tartini

A spotlight turned on, focusing on the stage where tonight—and almost every night's—headliner stood, with both arms raised, already dressed in a showgirl outfit, albeit modified for more modesty. As a respectful hush fell, Netta lowered her arms and cupped her hands around the microphone, beginning her performance, with the porcelain doll sitting on her shoulder also leaning in and adding its voice to the melody.

"You had plenty money, 1922," they crooned, to noises of appreciation from the gathered throng. "You let other women make a fool of you—"

"Why don't you do right? Like some other men do; get outta here, get me some money too!"

It was obvious that the Judge was transformed, of course, with the golden harpbow being strummed by the doll, but with a song so light and delicate, was the girl really capable of combat? She certainly looked graceful, at least, as her nightingale mask was oddly appropriate but hinted at similarly fine-boned fragility.

Edited by JumpingFruit on May 12th 2024 at 1:55:13 AM

A1S1P1: Amidst Unlikely Peers

It was awkward walking in while a performance was already underway, the folk who'd interpreted instructions far less... Ornately than others had. Their mask was a simple disposable medical mask and as they tried to wander across the back of the bar as quietly as possible to not interrupt the show they glanced around to figure out where their companion had flitted off to.

Ah, there it was, darting overhead to land at the bar. They took a seat next to the bird and tapped the surface to hopefully get the barkeep's attention.

"L-lemon-lime soda. Thanks."

Edited by Pentigan on May 6th 2024 at 7:33:59 PM

Setsuna — The Bouncer

Standing near the door was a seven-foot wall of muscle. She was a judge, that much was obvious. Skin red as rubies, small horns jutting from her head, strong muscles bulging under her tailored suit. Large hands rested on the hilt of her club, red mask hanging sitting on her face, the dreaded oni sneering at the crowd in menacing glory. At a glance she was a force to be feared, a worthy bouncer for this renowned establishment.

But her countenance betrayed her. Her hands twitched, fingers drumming on the hilt, foot tapping up and down. Her mask hid her face from view, but it couldn't deafen her chattering teeth. To a casual observer there was a chance they wouldn't notice, but to those who knew her it was clear she was nervous.

Yet she was glad her face was covered. She knew it wasn't proper, but she couldn't stop staring at the songstress. Her song was enchanting, but her dress was gorgeous. Maybe she could give her some tips...

Edited by kkhohoho on May 7th 2024 at 7:53:42 AM

ARTEMIS - Put That In Your Pipe And Smoke It

Face obscured by a balaclava, a tired, young figure took a cigarette from its box, removed a dagger from where it was driven into the table, and lit the dart with a shower of sparks from the blade's edge. They took a long drag from the cigarette before blowing smoke into the air, contributing to the dim haze that the bar was already doused in. Purchased on a whim, a tankard of beer sat before them, still untouched.

For now, Artemis had decided the tobacco was better than the alcohol.

Edited by viridianskyes on May 7th 2024 at 9:11:59 AM

Taylor looked around and moved to the table where the woman in the golden barn owl mask is at.

Lolth seemed to look at Ophi with... concern?! Going by the rapid fire tapping.

"What is- oh. Oh..."

Lolth did even more tapping and gesturing. Something about Mammon's reputation and how this is her judge...

"Well, that explains a lot."

Both of them looked around and noticed who was also there. The bouncer, smoker, performer (another judge as Lolth indicated and mentioning that this judge's demon really likes operas.), the guy in the cattle skull mask, and the guy in the medical mask. All of which were judges.

"I see why you chose this place."

Cue both of them going back to observing.

Edited by sci300768 on May 7th 2024 at 3:25:33 AM

The mask turned as the woman nodded at the order. "One Lime soda coming up." soon enough the drink would be placed Infront of them. "Word of advice, a mask that covers the mouth makes enjoying your stay in anonymity harder. Then with a little bit of theatre and a bit of her demonic magic, a metal straw that was designed to slip nicely under the mask appeared in her hands, allowing the newcomer to enjoy their drink without having to take the mask off. Just as fast as she had come, she left him to enjoy his drink.

As she was walking the barkeep took out her smartphone in one fluid motion. It was an older model, the age clashed with the rest of the bar’s elegance, it's cover was sturdy. Making it likely a cherished memento of sorts. Only once did Ophi glance at Taylor again, then her phone disappeared into her pocket as she began walking towards Taylor.

"Greetings to you Miss Weaver." She gave the pair a smile like any other in the city, perfect, it would not help calm any worries "Anything I could offer you today?"

Edited by Faelisya on May 7th 2024 at 3:26:07 PM

Ah, the golden mask lady noticed them. Miss Weaver? Eh, close enough!

"Just a glass of ice water please."

Said in a neutral tone.

Lolth taps away. The message is something to the effect of "This judge seems to be functional?"

"I guess."

Who is Miss Weaver referring too???

"Why did she call me that? I know about this place's rules."

Lolth taps away- and then realizes something. Miss Weaver was aimed at HER, not Taylor. Taylor does not know this. She calmly changes her tapping and gesturing mid message.

"So it's due to THAT? Huh, makes sense."

Lolth merely shrugged, it was technically true after all.

The man in skull was getting bored. Besides, the jar was getting to him. “This place is so droll. Maybe some joy could liven things up, hmm? Come on boy, give in.” The jar let out a giggle as it said this. The man rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, everlasting happiness, endless power, let me tell ya somethin’ bud, I’d prefer my sanity.” He gave it a light smack. “Your loss, my friend.” The jar let out another giggle. The man let out a little groan, before noticing the bar. He realized how thirsty he was. With much effort (his seat was really comfortable), he got out of his seat and made his way over. He gave the bartender a little wave. “Hey, could I please have a lemonade? Long as you’re not out.”

All those people gathering at the bar...Artemis guessed they should make an attempt at socializing. Those were other Judges, after all. Wouldn't hurt to get to know others in the same vein that they were in.

Stowing their dagger, Artemis rose with a grunt, stretching somewhat to stave off the feeling of stagnation that had begun to set into their muscles. They then took their place at the bar beside the bone man, tankard and cigs in tow. Shooting a momentary glance at their seatmate, they slid a lighter and box of generic-brand cigarettes over- a sort of handshake.

Edited by viridianskyes on May 7th 2024 at 9:32:00 AM

A1S1P2: Amidst Unlikely Peers

"Short notice, worked with what I had" the soda-enjoyer mumbled as they slid the straw under the mask and contented themself with watching those who had put far more effort into their costumes try their very futile best to not look like they were talking to the various toys, trinkets and shoulder-clinging animals they had each brought in. Their own, the pidgeon, preened a little before stepping over to his master's personal bartop space.

"Looks like we're right on time."

The medically-masked gave a wordless shrug and sipped their beverage.

The smoker, skull mask man, and the medical mask man are now nearby.

Lolth is... tapping away? Wait, Lolth is now making a her-sized scaled scarf..? Moving on.

"I suppose it's rather busy."

Lolth has been making an increasingly longer tiny spider-sized scarf. Like it's just noticeably growing in length. This scarf has the same unusual properties that match Taylor's mask and cloak.

After a few minutes, there's a little pile of unagreed upon colored scarf that trails back to Lolth... and Taylor's shoulder by extension. Said pile is starting to grow in size.

Edited by sci300768 on May 9th 2024 at 6:11:37 AM

"coming right up, miss" She'd say as she handed taylor a cup filled with a solid block of ice.

once that was done she would move over and hand a lemonade to the Cow skulled gentleman. "Here you are sir."

Taylor accepts her water and is now slowly sipping- this is a solid block of ice. She then proceeded to seemingly gently tap the side of the glass. Repeatedly. The ice slowly began cracking...?

Now Taylor waits.

Lolth's scarf on the other hand... has left a very obvious pile of scarf. Lolth just kept on making it longer and longer...

"Why is it so..."

Lolth shrugs and keeps on making more scarf.

"Noted."

Edited by sci300768 on May 10th 2024 at 3:26:46 AM

The bartender returned to taylor "ah, I thought you'd have trusted mine service more miss." she'd give her another perfect smile, but there was something behind it, a more malignant power, one that seldom understood others. Then She'd bring out a pair of tongs and place a heated steel ball within as it slowly melted into the ice.

"I apologize, I was unsure of if this was accidental or not. This is my first time visiting this bar. I do not blindly trust anything for everything equally."

This was sincerely said. And also technically true. Both demon and judge noticed the finer details, with Lolth who had raised a leg instead of an eyebrow (Taylor understood this... and Mammon by extension) upon noticing the malignant power. An eyebrow would go unnoticed on a literal spider.

She then sips her now liquid water after the steel ball cools down enough.

Lolth's scarf pile has gotten bigger. At this point it is unsubtle. Though she did tap away something that meant "The owner of this bar has a reputation they keep. They ensure it is a very GOOD reputation... and I know them!".

"Oh, that explains it."

Edited by sci300768 on May 10th 2024 at 4:17:55 AM

The man accepted his drink with a polite nod and a “Thank you kindly.” He then proceeded to stop talking and began to drink. He liked lemonade. His mom’s was his favorite. Mama… he wondered where she is now, if she’s okay. He’d visit her again sometime, he’ll make sure of it. He put down the glass and cleared his throat, beginning to look around the room. Trying to make small talk, he let out a small chuckle and said “So, uh, how was everyone’s day?” He immediately thought that that he should’ve kept his mouth shut, but the words were already spoken.

She heard the man with the skull mask ask a question.

Lolth's scarf pile is really big now.

"My day has been normal so far."

And that's all she was going to say for now.

A1S1P3: Scarf Spider

"So you guys are just being open about your weird animals?"

The medic-masked one lightly nudges the scarf pile with either their hand (if the pile is pining on the bartop) or their foot (if it's piling on the floor).

"Because spiders don't normally do that."

The medical masked man finally mentioned Lolth! Taylor looked at the medical mask guy and deadpanned her reply.

"This bar has a... certain reputation. My spider blends in rather well within this context."

Lolth taps away and is STILL making more scarf. Ok, the pile of scarf is absurdly big now and is on the counter. She has no plans to stop..?

Lolth's tapping comes out to be "I was wondering when someone would comment on the scarf.".

"That took awhile."

Edited by sci300768 on May 11th 2024 at 9:14:27 AM

Now that the scarf's grown to a rather considerable size (and that attention has been called to it) Artemis takes a moment out of their chainsmoking to comment on the pile of silk.

"When do you think that spider is gonna stop making that scarf?" They say, pointing a dart at the scarf. "We're all gonna drown in it at this rate."

Lolth's scarf pile has now fallen off the counter and is on the ground. She FINALLY finishes the scarf and stores it... somewhere? Who knows!

And by store, Lolth slowly rolls it into a neat compressed roll of scarf. At the same rate that she made it in the first place. There is now a roll of scarf that is increasing in size on the counter.

"Who needs that much scarf?"

Lolth's tapping translates to "Someone that is very very VERY tall!".

"Ah."