I'M JUST PACING BUT HE'S SMARTER --- open, return

[capt. salem]

LIES A THOUSAND HORRIFYING MEMORIES | | |

//Thanks for the patience! I'm making a tentative return now, though I may continue to be spotty for a bit; still adjusting to new surroundings and trying to get Salem's plots in line, lol.

If Salem didn't know any better, he'd think by the surprised glances from a few npcs after he'd left his house for the first time in... It'd been like a week, right? Two weeks maybe? Well anyways, he'd have thought everyone had assumed he was dead or something.

His arms were full of papers, his unshaved face had turned into a scruffy near-beard instead of the shadowy way he liked to keep it, and there was something wild in his eyes that made Salem uncomfortable whenever he caught a glance at his reflection.

He shoved his way into the casino, disregarding everybody there and spilling his papers onto the closest table. The people who'd been sitting and chatting immediately glared, but Salem put one hand on his revolver and the npcs grumbled but still stood up and walked off. He immediately began pouring over the papers; some were scraps of hastily scribbled writing, while others were pieces of maps with pencil lines marring them in jagged, unpredictable lines; most however, were written in a sort of geometrical code.

"Hey, one'a ya assholes needs to be good at cracking codes." Salem piped up, looking around the casino. His gaze was wild and unfocused, not madness but not entirely sane at the moment. "Well? Speak up if you're fucking literate, at least."

[justify]I feel the unbearable weight, [abbr=Goes by Salem or Monty | He/Him or They/Them Pronouns | 28yrs Old | 6'3"| Officer of the Badlands | Former pirate captain | Sexuality is a unlabeled free for all, romance is questioning]&[/abbr]
I sense the ripping of my shame, [abbr=Medium-Hard Physically | Hard Mentally | Attacks with whip, scimitar or revolver | Open to capture and maim if requested / discussed prior | Not open for death | Difficult but not impossible to defeat or subdue]&[/abbr]
I hear the sigh of indifference [abbr=Guy Fieri aesthetic | Neck-length dull brownish-grey hair | Bright green eyes | Three piercings on both ears (two on top cartilage, one large on lobe), and a lip piercing | Scruffy beard starting to grow in | Both pinky fingers cut off]&[/abbr]
(IC Opinions)[/justify]

[CATALYST]

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.

.

.

//accidentally closed the tab when I had a bit more than a paragraph written love that for me

Much to the displeasure of their boyfriend, Cat was as immaculate and clean shaven as ever. They took pride in their appearance, even if other people thought they looked edgy or dumb or both. As long as they were happy with themself, why should they care what anyone else thought? Not that they were immune to judging other people's appearances - they weren't. No one was, it was human nature, part of determining whether or not someone would be a suitable partner. It was one of those base instincts. Granted, some people were harsher than others, some people judge fewer things, and some people don't take what they see on the surface into account. But there's always a visceral reaction, isn't there?

Cat can't help but look over at Salem when he storms in - the days of being able to ignore the door of the casino opening are well behind them. They watch as he makes a beeline for the nearest table, effectively kicking out the previous occupants. Pale blue eyes were still on him when he demanded someone capable of cracking codes, or at least capable of reading.

"I'm right here, Salem. Fug is it you want?" They left the couch where they'd been lounging, walking over with a glass of not-quite-clear liquid. They took a sip as they came to a halt next to the man, peering down at his disorganized pile of papers.

[spoiler=IF YOU DONT KNOW NOW YOU KNOW && INFO && 09/02/19]GENERAL  welcome to the end of eras, ice has melted back to life
⇥ Given name is Scott Mathew Darrow ⇥ Goes only by Catalyst or Cat
⇥ Assigned male at birth ⇥ Agender ⇥ They/Them pronouns only
⇥ Twenty-one ⇥ Born 11/27/17 ⇥ Sagittarius ⇥ Real time aging
⇥ Boss (leader) of the Badlands ⇥ Ex prisoner of the Badlands
⇥ Ex cultist (Mourningstar) ⇥ Ex member of the Young Rogues

RECENT EVENTS  done my time and served my sentence
⇥ 09/02/39 ⇥ Returned from vacation
⇥ 08/23/39 ⇥ Went on vacation with Gavril
⇥ 08/21/39 ⇥ Oversaw their parents' vow renewal
⇥ 08/16/39 ⇥ Witnessed their boyfriend get shot

APPEARANCE  dress me up and watch me die
⇥ Catalyst is 6'2" tall; they possess a lean and muscular body, one that has a variety of old scars adorning it. One of the easiest to notice is one that stretches down their right cheek. While not a scar, one very notable marking on their chest is the "BL" brand. They have two piercings, one in their tongue and the other in the cartilage of their left ear. They typically dress in dark colors (favoring jackets with some sort of writing on the back), and their hair is black. They're not all dark, however, as they have pale blue eyes that peer out from beneath medium-sized eyebrows.

PERSONALITY  if it feels good, tastes good, it must be mine
⇥ Catalyst is ambitious, with the cunning and ruthlessness to reach their goals by any means necessary. They can be brutal when they feel it is needed, however when it's not they won't bother. They tend to be rather aloof and apathetic to most things and people, with some very rare exceptions. Provided those around them don't cross a few specific lines, they're content to leave them be, though they've been known to take an interest in some people, which seldom has a positive end for whoever their interest is in. They can be manipulative, and will often encourage people to make bad decisions. Those that stick by them will be rewarded, but those that do not will be cast out, as they've been outcast for their entire life and have learned to appreciate loyalty wherever they can find it. Even during the most stressful of situations, they usually keep a firm grip on their temper and keep their calm, though when they do snap and lose their temper, it is uncontrollable. They're remarkably observant, often able to deign much from subtle clues in what people say, how they say it and how they act.

RELATIONS  dynasty decapitated, you just might see a ghost tonight
⇥ Molly Darrow x Austin Darrow ⇥ No biological siblings
⇥ Adopted parent of Molly Valentina Darrow-Lupei (Mo)
⇥ Pansexual/Panromantic ⇥ Very much taken ⇥ One Crush
⇥ Not looking but it happened ⇥ Rarely forms romantic attachment
⇥ Holds most people at arms length and doesn't get close

INTERACTION  i'm taking back the c r o w n
⇥ Hard physically ⇥ Hard mentally ⇥ Doesn't let their guard down
⇥ Is most comfortable with close ranged-weapons ⇥ Dislikes guns
⇥ Brass knuckles ⇥ A variety of knives ⇥ Carries a handgun
⇥ Will kill/capture/maim in certain circumstances
⇥ Will leave things be in others ⇥ Will start & finish fights
⇥ No kill/capture/maim without permission
⇥ Attack in bold #0d0d0d and tag @/Bryne
⇥ Peaceful powerplay allowed but they may react negatively
⇥ Dislikes almost any sort of touch unless they initiate or agree to it
[/spoiler]

[ADDY.]

[align=center][div style="background=transparent; borderwidth=0px; bordercolor=; width: 420px; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 125%; text-align: justify; font-family: arial; color: black"]

— did salem spend the last week or so in a goddamn asylum? man seemed like a lunatic as he strolled into the casino, going on about codes. each word was just begging addy to put him in a fucking straight-jacket. the thought was all-too tempting, but as his gaze turned to search for catalyst, he decided that was something they could do. it was almost a relief to see that the leader was already up and moving towards salem, ready to deal with whatever shit salem was going on about.

but the redhead didn’t have it in himself to simply stay out of the man’s business. he had barged in here after locking himself away for a while- he was practically asking for company at this point. catalyst was already interrogating salem.. addy took it upon himself to take one of the papers from the messy heap on the table, starting to glance it over. “this is what you’ve been up to?”

[capt. salem]

LIES A THOUSAND HORRIFYING MEMORIES | | |

Appearance was the last thing on Salem's mind. Who cares if he looked like he just crawled out of a ditch and managed to tear a hole in his straitjacket big enough for him to wiggle out? It didn't matter, none of that fucking mattered.

His eyes focused on Cat, his posture relaxing a fraction at the familiar sight of his leader. They barely got along most of the time, but the familiarity was good; it helped ground him and remind himself that these people weren't all spooked sheep. "Can you crack this? I need to know what it says." Salem said, scooping up some of the pages written in that strange geometric code and dumping them in front of Cat. He gestured to one of the pages in particular, as it had the most recent date written neatly in the top left corner.

And suddenly, Addy was there. Salem's eyes darted over towards the redhead, sizing him up none too subtly with a cautious stare. But something in his head reminded him that yes, Addy was an ally, he didn't need to act as though this man was his enemy. "Yes? It's Stephen's diary, or what's left of it. I went back to check the area and- I found this. It's perfect, nearly destroyed but full of so much vital information."

[justify]I feel the unbearable weight, [abbr=Goes by Salem or Monty | He/Him or They/Them Pronouns | 28yrs Old | 6'3"| Officer of the Badlands | Former pirate captain | Sexuality is a unlabeled free for all, romance is questioning]&[/abbr]
I sense the ripping of my shame, [abbr=Medium-Hard Physically | Hard Mentally | Attacks with whip, scimitar or revolver | Open to capture and maim if requested / discussed prior | Not open for death | Difficult but not impossible to defeat or subdue]&[/abbr]
I hear the sigh of indifference [abbr=Guy Fieri aesthetic | Neck-length dull brownish-grey hair | Bright green eyes | Three piercings on both ears (two on top cartilage, one large on lobe), and a lip piercing | Scruffy beard starting to grow in | Both pinky fingers cut off]&[/abbr]
(IC Opinions)[/justify]

[CATALYST]

.

.

.

.

Cat kept their gaze pinned on the papers before them, trying to make some sort of sense of the mess. "Maybe. Is it in order?" As long as having things on different pages wasn't part of the code, it would be good to have everything in order so they'd at least know where to start.

Salem's response to Addy almost got by them. Almost. They paused, then slowly lifted their head to look at the former Captain. "It's nearly destroyed and that's perfect? Seriously?" They shook their head and returned their gaze to the remains of the journal. "Fuggin' A." Cat muttered under their breath.

[spoiler=IF YOU DONT KNOW NOW YOU KNOW && INFO && 09/02/19]GENERAL  welcome to the end of eras, ice has melted back to life
⇥ Given name is Scott Mathew Darrow ⇥ Goes only by Catalyst or Cat
⇥ Assigned male at birth ⇥ Agender ⇥ They/Them pronouns only
⇥ Twenty-one ⇥ Born 11/27/17 ⇥ Sagittarius ⇥ Real time aging
⇥ Boss (leader) of the Badlands ⇥ Ex prisoner of the Badlands
⇥ Ex cultist (Mourningstar) ⇥ Ex member of the Young Rogues

RECENT EVENTS  done my time and served my sentence
⇥ 09/02/39 ⇥ Returned from vacation
⇥ 08/23/39 ⇥ Went on vacation with Gavril
⇥ 08/21/39 ⇥ Oversaw their parents' vow renewal
⇥ 08/16/39 ⇥ Witnessed their boyfriend get shot

APPEARANCE  dress me up and watch me die
⇥ Catalyst is 6'2" tall; they possess a lean and muscular body, one that has a variety of old scars adorning it. One of the easiest to notice is one that stretches down their right cheek. While not a scar, one very notable marking on their chest is the "BL" brand. They have two piercings, one in their tongue and the other in the cartilage of their left ear. They typically dress in dark colors (favoring jackets with some sort of writing on the back), and their hair is black. They're not all dark, however, as they have pale blue eyes that peer out from beneath medium-sized eyebrows.

PERSONALITY  if it feels good, tastes good, it must be mine
⇥ Catalyst is ambitious, with the cunning and ruthlessness to reach their goals by any means necessary. They can be brutal when they feel it is needed, however when it's not they won't bother. They tend to be rather aloof and apathetic to most things and people, with some very rare exceptions. Provided those around them don't cross a few specific lines, they're content to leave them be, though they've been known to take an interest in some people, which seldom has a positive end for whoever their interest is in. They can be manipulative, and will often encourage people to make bad decisions. Those that stick by them will be rewarded, but those that do not will be cast out, as they've been outcast for their entire life and have learned to appreciate loyalty wherever they can find it. Even during the most stressful of situations, they usually keep a firm grip on their temper and keep their calm, though when they do snap and lose their temper, it is uncontrollable. They're remarkably observant, often able to deign much from subtle clues in what people say, how they say it and how they act.

RELATIONS  dynasty decapitated, you just might see a ghost tonight
⇥ Molly Darrow x Austin Darrow ⇥ No biological siblings
⇥ Adopted parent of Molly Valentina Darrow-Lupei (Mo)
⇥ Pansexual/Panromantic ⇥ Very much taken ⇥ One Crush
⇥ Not looking but it happened ⇥ Rarely forms romantic attachment
⇥ Holds most people at arms length and doesn't get close

INTERACTION  i'm taking back the c r o w n
⇥ Hard physically ⇥ Hard mentally ⇥ Doesn't let their guard down
⇥ Is most comfortable with close ranged-weapons ⇥ Dislikes guns
⇥ Brass knuckles ⇥ A variety of knives ⇥ Carries a handgun
⇥ Will kill/capture/maim in certain circumstances
⇥ Will leave things be in others ⇥ Will start & finish fights
⇥ No kill/capture/maim without permission
⇥ Attack in bold #0d0d0d and tag @/Bryne
⇥ Peaceful powerplay allowed but they may react negatively
⇥ Dislikes almost any sort of touch unless they initiate or agree to it
[/spoiler]

[DoI]

[align=center][div style="width: 390px; text-align: justify;"]codes were a very strange thing. people always had a code word for something, whether it be medical things, that someone was nearby, all of that nice stuff, but.. many were very complex. too complex for him, even though he spent his free time reading any book he came across, no matter how boring it might be.. and someone’s diary was something he had never read. it was a breach of privacy but.. a coded diary? now that was fishy.

“i uh.. i might be able to help? i-im not.. very good at it but i know morse code and a few codes but.. not a lot.” he said softly as he trailed behind cat, peaking out from behind them.

[ADDY.]

[align=center][div style="background=transparent; borderwidth=0px; bordercolor=; width: 420px; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 125%; text-align: justify; font-family: arial; color: black"]

— “why would someone write their own diary in code?” he questioned as he glanced over the pages. “s’fucking stupid.” perhaps it had been for this exact reason - nosy little shits trying to read it - but it still seemed stupid to have a diary, let alone use a whole set of code to make sure nobody else read it. just keep that shit pent up inside like the rest of the world.

he glanced at catalyst as the leader talked about possibly being able to decipher it. figures. what a know-it-all. addy for the meantime would simply stand there and observe, glancing over the code and knowing just as little as apparently everyone else. no wonder salem seemed like an absolute lunatic. who wouldn’t go fucking crazy looking over these pages of code?

the kid was there, now, talking about how even he knew a few types of code. the redhead’s gaze lingered before wandering back towards cat. “you and the kid have fun figuring that out. i’m staying out of this.” he didn’t want to have to deal with this shit- or end up going as crazy as salem appeared to be.

[capt. salem]

AND CHANCES ARE, THEY WON'T GO FAR | | |

tw: mentions of death/murder, Salem being generally very aggro
And just to make sure it's clear, this is all IC opinions ily guys.

"The order's written in the margins; I've got no way to keep them together." Salem said, scooping up some of the pages and organizing them neatly by date. "It's not entirely destroyed, that's what's perfect. Do you think I'm stupid?" Salem snapped, lifting his gaze to stare daggers at Catalyst. Some part of him knew it wasn't good to be so aggressive towards someone helping him, but that part was currently muffled by the other cells in his body screaming revenge.

And then there was a child, why was there a child? Wait, shit, it was a useful child. "Morse? I think I've got a few in morse. They're mostly- I think they're mostly nautical positions though, nothing I can use. Still, check my work." Salem said, scooping up a few other papers and shoving them towards Tinny.

"We'd all write in code, just in case we got killed and our belongings plundered. Stephen changed his though- I think they all must've switched their rules since kicking me out." Kind of ironic, though; Salem had been happy to implement such a measure a few years ago, since maps were pretty useless and they needed to record what areas were safe to sail and what areas had settlements, shit like that. He knew his crew used them for personal notes too, though.

"Fine, go get a sunburn for all I care." Salem snapped at Addy, not looking up from the papers as he spoke. If Addy didn't want to help, it was no problem to him; it wasn't like Addy was one of the cronies Salem could boss around, anyways.

[justify]No, I don't care what momma says, [abbr=Goes by Salem or Monty ✴ He/Him or They/Them Pronouns ✴ 28yrs Old ✴ 6'3" ✴ Former pirate captain ✴ Sexuality is a unlabeled free for all, romance is questioning]&[/abbr]
You'll wind me up, [abbr=Medium Physically ✴ Hard Mentally ✴ Attacks with whip, scimitar or revolver✴ Open to capture and maim if requested / discussed prior ✴ Not open for death ✴ Difficult but not impossible to defeat or subdue]&[/abbr]
Or you'll wind up dead [abbr=Guy Fieri aesthetic ✴ Ear-length dull brown hair ✴ Bright green eyes ✴ Three piercings on both ears (two on top cartilage, one large on lobe), and a lip piercing ✴ Five o'clock shadow 24/7 but can never grow a real beard  ✴ Both pinky fingers cut off]&[/abbr]
(IC Opinions)[/justify]

[CATALYST]

.

.

.

.

"These are geometric." They said to Tinny, still not looking up. These weren't their specialty, not by a longshot. It wouldn't be easy or quick, that was for sure. "If you've got something to hide, or generally you're worried someone will read it." At last they looked up, meeting the redhead's gaze. "I don't have a journal, but if I did you can bet your ass you wouldn't be able to read it."

Their attention shifted to Salem and - wow he really just opened up for that one, huh? "About 75%." He kept talking, explaining the background behind it all. "So if you've got experience with this, why do you need me?" They straightened up and crossed their arms. "I'm better at ciphers." Ah, ciphers... how fun and frustrating all at once.

[spoiler=IF YOU DONT KNOW NOW YOU KNOW && INFO && 09/02/19]GENERAL  welcome to the end of eras, ice has melted back to life
⇥ Given name is Scott Mathew Darrow ⇥ Goes only by Catalyst or Cat
⇥ Assigned male at birth ⇥ Agender ⇥ They/Them pronouns only
⇥ Twenty-one ⇥ Born 11/27/17 ⇥ Sagittarius ⇥ Real time aging
⇥ Boss (leader) of the Badlands ⇥ Ex prisoner of the Badlands
⇥ Ex cultist (Mourningstar) ⇥ Ex member of the Young Rogues

RECENT EVENTS  done my time and served my sentence
⇥ 09/02/39 ⇥ Returned from vacation
⇥ 08/23/39 ⇥ Went on vacation with Gavril
⇥ 08/21/39 ⇥ Oversaw their parents' vow renewal
⇥ 08/16/39 ⇥ Witnessed their boyfriend get shot

APPEARANCE  dress me up and watch me die
⇥ Catalyst is 6'2" tall; they possess a lean and muscular body, one that has a variety of old scars adorning it. One of the easiest to notice is one that stretches down their right cheek. While not a scar, one very notable marking on their chest is the "BL" brand. They have two piercings, one in their tongue and the other in the cartilage of their left ear. They typically dress in dark colors (favoring jackets with some sort of writing on the back), and their hair is black. They're not all dark, however, as they have pale blue eyes that peer out from beneath medium-sized eyebrows.

PERSONALITY  if it feels good, tastes good, it must be mine
⇥ Catalyst is ambitious, with the cunning and ruthlessness to reach their goals by any means necessary. They can be brutal when they feel it is needed, however when it's not they won't bother. They tend to be rather aloof and apathetic to most things and people, with some very rare exceptions. Provided those around them don't cross a few specific lines, they're content to leave them be, though they've been known to take an interest in some people, which seldom has a positive end for whoever their interest is in. They can be manipulative, and will often encourage people to make bad decisions. Those that stick by them will be rewarded, but those that do not will be cast out, as they've been outcast for their entire life and have learned to appreciate loyalty wherever they can find it. Even during the most stressful of situations, they usually keep a firm grip on their temper and keep their calm, though when they do snap and lose their temper, it is uncontrollable. They're remarkably observant, often able to deign much from subtle clues in what people say, how they say it and how they act.

RELATIONS  dynasty decapitated, you just might see a ghost tonight
⇥ Molly Darrow x Austin Darrow ⇥ No biological siblings
⇥ Adopted parent of Molly Valentina Darrow-Lupei (Mo)
⇥ Pansexual/Panromantic ⇥ Very much taken ⇥ One Crush
⇥ Not looking but it happened ⇥ Rarely forms romantic attachment
⇥ Holds most people at arms length and doesn't get close

INTERACTION  i'm taking back the c r o w n
⇥ Hard physically ⇥ Hard mentally ⇥ Doesn't let their guard down
⇥ Is most comfortable with close ranged-weapons ⇥ Dislikes guns
⇥ Brass knuckles ⇥ A variety of knives ⇥ Carries a handgun
⇥ Will kill/capture/maim in certain circumstances
⇥ Will leave things be in others ⇥ Will start & finish fights
⇥ No kill/capture/maim without permission
⇥ Attack in bold #0d0d0d and tag @/Bryne
⇥ Peaceful powerplay allowed but they may react negatively
⇥ Dislikes almost any sort of touch unless they initiate or agree to it
[/spoiler]