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kaisou2023-08-03 04:57 pm
Krusnik Mission Log (CONTENT WARNINGS AHOY)
Krusnik Mission Log
CONTENT WARNINGS: The following log will involve discussions of kidnapping, stalking, child abuse, and human experimentation. Proceed with caution.
So let's take a moment to recap: amongst the numerous groups connected to the paranormal, one of the more infamous ones is Krusnik. For years, Krusnik's name was synminonous with the darkest parts of the world. Known for taking children no one would miss and other such people to do God only knows what to them, they're a group that seemed more like a horror story than anything real. There's been many efforts to try to stamp them out, some more successful than others, but they always managed to slink away into the shadows and survive another day.
In the past, Krusnik didn't usually go stateside. Too much risk, was the theory. However something must have changed, as they've decided to try their luck in Kaisou. Perhaps it was the active Spirit Vein that led them here, or more possible... the otherworlders that no one would think twice about if they disappeared. Gaining their hands on some of those would be a great benefit to Krusnik. And if they happen to get their hands on one or two escaped prisoners in the process...well. So much the better.
Like hell they will.
Thanks to the combined work of many factions and people; the alarms have been sounded. Alba, the researcher who asked for help a few times, has been revealed to actually be Georg Weissmann - a high ranking member of Krusnik. Now it's time to gather the wagons, make sure those vulnerable are protected, and as for Krusnik itself? It's time to root out these demons wearing human-skin once and for all.
Within the CityWhile only one Krusnik member had been identified in July, it turns out there's a sizable crew of them within the city. There's several operatives scattered throughout the city. Alba himself is no where to be found in the city, but plenty of his lackeys are. They primarily target the young (or young looking), though it's possible they may go after some slightly older people if they have particularly strong magical energy. It's never very many of them at a time, usually only one to three, and they seem to be focused in areas with a high concentration of supernaturally inclined people (except, notably, the Zodiac apartments and Cathedral Hill). Usually they will attempt to strike when they think someone is alone or their guard is down, so staying in groups and making sure there's someone keeping constant watch is a good way to deter them.
Though the groups are small, they are dangerous in their own right. All of them have been trained for combat to an extreme amount. Not only that, but they have magical abilities in some form or another, some who may rival the Libra app users thanks to years of experiments done to their bodies. Their modus operandi leans towards using stealth tactics to get the jump on their target. Not wanting to make their presence too known while in the city, they will tend to flee if they're met with a confrontation that'll draw attention. These aren't people who can be reasoned with, as they are nothing short of fullblown fanatics to their cause. Though, if you wish to capture and get information about their operation in the city, certain interrogation methods aren't out of the question.
In HyruleHyrule was a dangerous enough realm on its own, but the presence of Krusnik operatives have heightened that danger even further for some. Just like in Kaisou, they will try to strike potential targets when they see an opening in groups of one to three. Since they are away from the prying eyes of the city, these Krusnik members will be more willing to have more drawn out fights in order to obtain their targets. Most of them are more than willing to fight to the death for their cause and have the combat ability to back that up, so you best be prepared for a challenging fight.
However should you manage to capture some of them alive, it may be possible to obtain information about their operation using interrogation tactics. As it turns out the leader of their operation and the target of the Black Order, Weissman, is in Hyrule itself. He's set up camp at the Coliseum Ruins in the southeastern part of the Hyrule Fields. The Black Order has been ordered to kill him on sight, so that'll be their destination. If there's anyone looking to dissuade them from carrying out their mission, they're going to have a tough argument to sell.
When you arrive there, you'll find that the place is covered in a red sludge that is toxic and painful to the touch. You'll have to do your best to avoid contact with it as much as you can. Once you get into the coliseum itself, well, it turns out Weissmann knew you'd be coming for him. This isn't the first attempt to take him out, after all. So as soon as you step into Coliseum, Weissmann will call down to you from his ledge he's using as his vantage point. Before you can react, he'll cast a spell that conjures an evil-looking eye before everyone who looks upon is magically immobilized. Now that he has a captured audience, he'll go into a full villainous speech mode. From mocking the Black Order's shortcomings, to emphasizing that all Krusnik is doing is trying to unlock humanity's full potential. "You could have the power of gods," he says "But instead you hold yourselves back with pointless barriers you call morals". He'll even callously speak of the "progress" the former victims have made: first lamenting that Johan would give up the power of his possession after failing to control it - a true failed experiment. Subject Zero, he notes, has clearly allowed her growth to stagnant while in the outside world. Kohinata, on the other hand... well, the Water Spirit he possessed himself with was weaker than Weissman would like, but it was still some progress.
When he's finished saying his rage-inducing, sociopathic piece - he'll decide that's time to finish you all off. Not by his hand, but rather the Silver Lynel he found living in these ruins. It's a massive centaur beast, wielding a claymore emitting flames. He'll release it from his spell, which it's now angry enough to charge and attack everyone who are nothing more than sitting ducks while under Weissman's Evil Eye spell.
Fortunately, for those who came prepared, there are ways to counteract the spell. Barrier spells will deflect the spell entirely, and extremely strong willpower stands a chance to make the spell's hold break. And if someone manages to break Weissman's concentration (by say, shooting him)- that'll break the spell entirely. Whatever ways you manage to free yourself from his magic chains, it's now up to you to fight off the Lynel and get to Weissmann. Weissmann himself, caught off guard by the surprise resistance, will use elemental magic to defend himself. How you deal with this man is up to you, but it's clear he'll be a threat as long as he keeps breathing.
Once Weissman and the Hyrule team are dealt with, there is only one more thing that needs to be dealt with: the demon's den that is their base of operations. You can find out information to its location either through interrogating captured agents, tailing their agents, or looking into a trail of breadcrumbs in the form of undertown gossip. Eventually, enough leads will bring you to a cluster of warehouses. Most seem to be just regular warehouses, filled with various stocks for businesses in town and for more illicit business ventures. In the middle of these stands a warehouse which outwardly doesn't seem any different from the others. By design, it is made to fit in, be inconspicuous. The inside, however, is a much different story.
You are not alone, first off. There are plenty of Krusnik goons to fight- who will quickly leap to defend their organization. They will fight back with weapons, elemental abilities, with everything they have. And they will fight tooth and nail. Worse still are other, younger members of Krusnik- former captives who have been beaten down and fully indoctrinated into Krusnik's cause. They will not listen to reason, and they will die for this. There's a couple among them that seem to no longer even have presence of self at all and act more like mindless weapons - results of Weissmann's handiwork, it'd seem. Some are exceptionally powerful- if you have the ability to sense them, you will quickly realize these people have been possessed by monsters and demons. There is no benevolence here. Mercy might not be an option.
The bottom floor of the warehouse is filled with rows upon rows of shipping containers. They all have padlocks and chains around them, but none are currently locked. Opening them, you will find a mattress in the back corner, with chains and shackles bolted to the side of the metal wall. Almost all of them, thankfully, are empty- but there's a few that house the three app users (Takame, Vergil, and Rose) who managed to get grabbed. All three of them are alive, though their harrowing physical and emotional states serve as a stark realization that the horror stories about what Krusnik does to victims are anything but stories.
The upper level of the warehouse has a few rudimentary lab setups. It's clear this isn't anything high-tech or powerful, but the remnants of something that once was. Mismatched equipment can be found everywhere, vials and medical equipment scuffed and cracked- things grabbed in a hurry from a crumbling coalition. It's not all scientific, of course. Ancient tomes line the walls, equally damaged and hodgepodge together. Pages are marked which indicate powerful deities, sheets of notebook paper pushed in amongst the pages, with scribbled theories on the best methods to give a "higher rate of spiritual contact". As any former Krusnik captive could tell you, and as is plane in front of you now, all of the methods are grizzly. Means of pushing a person to the brink of death, to try and induce a possession of a spirit. Ideally, of a god.
The furthest room on the top level is an office. Sitting in a chair is a well-put-together man. He's clearly heard the ruckus of all the fighting but hasn't stepped into the fight himself. He welcomes you with a smooth, relaxed voice, like you've dropped in for a cup of tea and not to root out an evil organization. If given the chance to talk (and oh boy, will he talk) he'll explain he is Philip, he's the second of command of this current operation, and you Libra users have it all wrong. Krusnik is trying to understand the Spirit World, the GODS, better. They are simply reaching out to touch the heavens, to bring this power down to mortal folk. He had memories of a previous life, where this was used to better another world. A lost world. That the touch of a god would give everyone an equal playing field, would rid the world of pain and suffering, why would anyone not want that? He does his best to make kidnapping children and forcing them to become vessels for powerful beings by bringing them to the brink of death a reasonable thing to do. Of course, it's not and you can deal with him as you see fit. Once he realizes you're on the attack, he will lash out- his arms turning into green goop - which he can mold into spikes or just straight-up try and suffocate you with it.
Work together to take this guy out. And make sure you do a thorough job doing it- there's always a chance he might reform if not eliminated completely.
Eventually, once Philip is defeated (be sure to be VERY thorough with taking him out) you can check around the office. There's a computer where the attempts to hack Libra originated from. From the scattered paperwork, they will find candid photos of the escaped Krusnik members- there are also candid photos of current otherworlders, especially the minors. All have scribbled notes, times, days, places- an attempt to work out a routine. The beginnings of a plan to try and capture them.
Further investigation will yield Weissmann's personal logs, as you can always count on the evil scientist types to write down their crimes. Amongst the various records of stomach-churning experiments, unhinged manifestos, and detailed crimes against humanity- they'll gain context to why Krusnik was here of all places. It would seem the previous attacks on Krusnik facilities, those carried out by Abel and Zero, were basically fatal blows to the organization. What is here in Kaisou is the splintered remains of the survivors, trying to start again. There are notes of smaller pocket cells out there in the world- but it's clear this was Krusnik's last attempt to get a foothold and gain power once more. With this crushed, they have no hope of truly resurfacing again.
The last thing in the office is the filing cabinet. Weissmann had the key, so unless you looted it off his body, you'll have to pick the lock. Once inside, you'll be rewards with a treasure trove of documents about the organization. Not just their heinous experiments, but information on who gives them funding, who would help them get new victims, and so on. Perhaps Alba was planning on relying on these contacts again, or was holding onto it for blackmail. Either way, it's a treasure trove of evidence to help pursue justice against those who helped Krusnik. And in the very back of the filing cabinet, there's also a notebook containing information on a glyph Krusnik developed to help conceal their presence throughout the years. Maybe this could come in handy...someday.
With everything explored and dealt with, there's only one left to do: figure out what to do about the warehouse. Maybe it'd be good to alert the proper authorities or the Black Order or Zodiac to figure out--
Oh what you want to burn it? Well... okay, that works too. You did just take out a nefarious cult so...yeah, you can burn this building, as a treat.
OOC Notes
This is the catch-all long for the Krusnik subplot! Should you post about this event outside this log, please remember to use relevant content warnings. The original OOC plotting post for this event can be found here.
no subject
Which is exactly what the scumbags they're currently chasing after are trying to do, now. Realising that they've been cornered and boxed in, one of them attempts to try to climb the wall--only for some of those flying blades Nacht summons to slam into his legs and send him careening straight back down into the alleyway with a sickening crunch.
Jinwoo winces, as Tank, the giant bear he'd summoned--about horse-sized--rears up on its back legs and lets out a loud, echoing roar.
...The three Krusnik agents aren't going far, and the one that Nacht had knocked down is having trouble getting to his feet. ]
--Maybe leave Mr. Smashed pelvis for questioning?
Jinwoo mutters as he watches the other two try to decide--fight, or continue to run. ]
no subject
With one agent on the ground and Tank rearing up, another agent decides to take the chance to run back - right into the maws of her hound. It is not a quick nor painless death, as teeth clamp down and the beast savours breaking them piece by piece, and it only instils more urgency in the remaining two. ]
Considering what he just saw, he might be more willing to talk.
[ This is said in a quiet murmur back to Jinwoo, the chill in her expression fading as she glances up at him, before freezing back over as she casts her eyes to the demon and their companion down the alley. Even when one of Krusnik tries to take their chance with Nacht, Lapis still raises her voice enough to be heard. ]
The one on the ground, leave him alive. Do what you want with the other two.
[ Well, one is basically a chewtoy, so there's really only one agent left standing now. ]
sorry for the wait !! ; _ ;
[ Nacht sounds nonchalant, as if they were merely discussing which fruit tart to eat first, instead of who to spare while they brutally butcher the other two. Or something like that.
His next words are directed to the agent approaching him with a quarterstaff, charging a light-element spell. Perhaps they were assuming that all three of their opponents were aligned with Shadow, given the presence of spirits and demons - but it's always a bad idea to assume in a fight. ]
Do you regret working for Krusnik? Even if you did, it won't save you now.
[ Aware that light magic would hurt Jinwoo, he chooses to dash forward instead of waiting for the agent to come to him, his dagger held in a reverse grip so that his punch would cut open a wide gash on the agent's (unprotected) face. The agent's staff strikes him on his side, but its magic doesn't have as much of an effect - Nacht is also light-aligned, after all. The staff strike hurts, but his adrenaline overpowers the pain, and he stands firm. ]
It's time for you to suffer.
[ Three daggers appear in Nacht's other hand, sandwiched between his fingers because he believes in the rule of cool. He throws another punch, intent on driving the daggers through the agent's clothes and into their neck. ]
omg its ok i kept forgetting to reply to this im so sorry too
[ between the giant bear's crushing paws, Lapis' hellhounds, and now with Nacht taking the slow and careful way to dig into one of the other agents, the one they've decided to 'let live for info' is staring with a far-off look in their eye.
...Problem is, Jinwoo isn't sure if the look is fear, or if it's something else. Numbed, perhaps, to anything like fear.
Like the individual has already been through this. But worse.
Like fear wasn't an emotion they had any longer.
And that sort of feeling makes jinwoo's stomach flip worse than any sort of light magic Nacht could probably conjure up at this moment.
he tears his eyes away from where knives are digging in and painting the floor beneath their feet red. Doing his best not to let the smell of fresh blood curl his fangs too far down over his lips. Drinking from them is probably a poor idea--he has no idea what's in their blood. ]
...Lapis. Is it just me.
Or do they seem wholly unconcerned what happens to them. [ he gestures, at where Nacht's knife had cut open a nearly open flap of skin over one's face, and he didn't... even scream.
He doesn't even awknowledge it as they're told to suffer. ]
Or do they seem... wrong, to you.
[ fundamentally. ]
paps both of u
- But it's like Jinwoo said, there's something wrong. While she notes how he tears his eyes away, a flicker of concern passing over her expression, the lack of reaction from the agents is worrying. It's as if being torn apart, brutalized like this means... nothing. ]
It's not just you.
[ Ah, have they come across those that've been brainwashed? She steps forward, uncaring of the blood under her feet as a hand reaches for Nacht - resting on his arm to pull his attention to her. In most cases this would be incredibly dangerous, but she knows Nacht won't do anything to her. ]
Nacht, wait. You as well, Louis. [ The hellhound, the aforementioned Louis, pauses in it's attempt to turn the agent into a chew toy. Instead there's a growl as Lapis moves to kneel in front of the agent they were choosing to spare - they stare at her blankly, uncaring. ]
Tell me, do you care about what happens to you? [ No response, besides them trying to move to attack her. Not that they get far, considering their broken pelvis. ] I asked you a question.
[ Nothing. There's nothing there. Just futile attempts to reach to her.
She sighs, brows furrowing as she pushes herself to her feet. ]
They're husks now, I don't think we'll get anything from them. There's no known way to break them out of this state either... [ So killing them would be a mercy, really. ]
no subject
They're not even fun to fight.
[ Is all he says, wiping a smear of blood from his cheek. The dagger in his hand is stained with red, but he doesn't seem to care. ]
I can take them out cleanly. If you want.
[ No use torturing them if they won't even respond. ]
no subject
Just husks... not even real people. Puppets, for these Krusnik people. ]
They're like dolls. Doing what they're told, with little to no care about what happens to them.
Which means flushing out more might be difficult.
[ ...unless. ]
If we let one go, do you think he might lead us to more of his little friends.
[ he's... trying not to seem amused by the idea, but... if they were mindless husks, maybe they'd be stupid enough to... ]
no subject
Jinwoo's words actually get her to cant her head in thought, humming as she wonders; meanwhile the hellhound's growls dull down to a grumble at the hand on its head. Congrats Jinwoo, the demon likes you! Meanwhile Lapis' eyes glance over the agents... or what remains of them. Her hound has mauled one beyond recognition, and Nacht has beaten one so much already. After a moment, she nods towards Nacht. ]
Kill those two, if they aren't dead already. [ It may not be fun murder, but at least Nacht still gets to murder! ]
Let's see what this one does. [ Her healing isn't that strong, but it's enough to repair the damage so this agent can actually stand again. She steps back as she watches them, arms folded as she regards them with an unearthly chill. ]
Well? You need reinforcements, right? [ That word, "reinforcements", seems to have triggered... Something in the agent, as they stumble back, following some path seemingly engraved in them. ]
They're gonna lead us somewhere, either way.
no subject
[ Said casually, as if Lapis had just asked him to prepare breakfast. The first agent has already been reduced to a bloody mess, so there's just the second one left. While Lapis works on healing the third agent's injuries, Nacht gracefully advances towards his prey and conjures a projection sword in his left hand.
Perhaps out of courtesy, he decapitates the poor husk with a single clean strike. At least there isn't as much blood spilling from them compared to the first one... ]
I suppose I'll just cremate these while you two go ahead, hmm?
[ It would be rather inconvenient to leave their corpses here. Nacht isn't fond of getting into trouble with mundane authorities. Also Jinwoo might take damage from all the light magic. ]
no subject
He then stands up. ]
...Looks like Lapis just activated some sort of sleeper word in his brain. [ because there the guy goes--and Jinwoo is going to start to pace after him. Turning his head to look at Nacht with a nod of his head. ] If we get too far ahead, give us a call, we'll update you on our position. For now, we shouldn't let him out of sight.
[ he's pulling up his hood, tucking it around tighter so no sun can get in. ]
Don't leave any evidence. I trust you to take care of it, Nacht.