You have spent the last few days on Thesa Station, taking in the knowledge that your world is no more. Perhaps you've made some friends (or maybe an enemy or two). Either way, you aren't expected to spend all of your time on the Station. El Nysa needs you, after all, and you promised you'd help the planet thrive. Are you ready?
Submit an AC-eligible thread with a new character as a participant for 2 OLYMPIA REP POINTS OR 2 WYVER REP POINTS, respectively, HERE or HERE. THESA STATION
All refugees on the station are called to the hangar where a large-scale teleporter has been set up; everyone will be sent to the planet together. Simply step onto the space between the arrays and wait. Before they depart, all new refugees will be given a starter kit!
 You may have heard about earlier technical difficulties, but don't worry. I promise everything is in perfect working order this time. I'd say I tested it myself, but since that's not exactly possible, you'll just have to trust me! (Please.)
The older refugees will also be there to guide you to ensure no one is left confused... or behind. Make sure you wait for them — I've been detecting something odd so I'll be having them meet you at the landing site. Good luck, refugees! Not that you'll be needing it or anything...
The arrays begin to hum and glow, quickly building into a brilliant wash of light. It creates a column that travels all the way from Thesa Station to the surface of El Nysa. With the night sky as a canvas, the beam can be seen all the way from Olympia and Wyver — a view that has the natives whispering of blessings.
As a sudden but beautiful aurora splays across the sky, the refugees down on the planet receive a message asking them to travel to the landing site — and warning them to prepare for what may come of the strange readings Zasere's gotten from the teleport itself.
Traveling through the light leaves the impression of blinding starlight, a strange sense of weightlessness, and a disorienting moment of total sensory deprivation. The radiance of your teleport hangs bright in the sky above you, a shimmering aurora that reflects off the calm waters below, visible for miles all around.
You've landed on a peninsula to the east of the South Outpost. There's little here — scattered trees on spring-barren plains, with a few overgrown, dilapidated structures poking out of the brush. All is quiet save for the keening of animals and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. This lonely desolation is hardly the bustling cities and vibrant cultures you were promised back on the station...
BY CAMPFIRE'S GLOW. But waiting for you is a group of your predecessors, and with them, a veritable tent city, with portable stoves, coolers of food and drink, comfortable bedrolls, and cheerful rings of bonfires — all that you need to make merry of the night, courtesy of Overseer Voss, who has, thanks to his interest in blessed meteorological phenomena and refugees, decided to make a holy expedition of the affair.
Settle in, meet new comrades, and enjoy yourself, for you've safely completed your journey. But don't wander too far from the fires — the dark is closing in, and there's a strange, electric feeling in the air, the scent of ozone drifting on the breeze. And what were those odd readings Zasere mentioned?
A SHEPHERD OVER THE FLOCK. The spring sun dawns on a grey morning, already burning away the fog rolling in off the sea. It quickly becomes apparent that Voss and his entourage of acolytes have been up for hours, hard at work. They've set up a brightly-draped stage and a travel pulpit, magically enchanted to amplify his voice, and as the sun breaks over the horizon, Voss is all set to do what he does best: proselytize.
 As our Goddess has sent Her blessing once before to herald the coming of those touched by Her light, so She has done once again! Here you see them, those surrounded by the light of our Goddess, each of them bearing the mark upon their skin of Her holiest of hands! Do you not see? Do none among you bear witness to the righteousness of Her message? Perhaps this is why our people have shamed themselves in front of our Goddess—
[ He continues for another 15 minutes... ]
Nevertheless. See you them before us now! See them as they are, coming to our gates with Her reminder, that these people must be treated with the utmost respect and care. Thesa's divinity is not to be treated with such flagrant disregard! Those who She chooses are not ours to use as mindless fodder, to hurt, to torture — shame upon those who allowed such deeds to shame us under Her watchful gaze!
To those of you who have just arrived here on our doorstep, be not afraid! The Temples of Thesa welcome you to our home with hearts and minds open! Should you ever find yourself in need of solace, seek out the Temples, as there are no greater allies to you than those of us within the Temple walls. You are welcome all to Olympia!
As he steps away from the enchanted podium, he can be heard saying aside to an acolyte, "How was that? Heavy on the shame, but I think it went well!" While he will not leave the area immediately, his acolytes will politely turn away attempts to speak with him and remind anyone interested that they can leave a message at the Temples.
Despite going off without hitch, the new refugees' arrival isn't entirely without incident. It seems that the "blessed" beam of light that brought the refugees down to El Nysa brought something else along with it — a sliver of the Storm. At least the beam was short enough that only a small fraction managed to squeeze through.
But it's enough to wreak a little havoc around the landing site and along the road back toward Olympia and Wyver — and even, for a few days, in the cities themselves.
THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE. The Storm is an undeniably destructive force, and that's proven with this small sliver's effect as it ripples across the continent. While there's no visible sign of its presence, strange phenomena soon begin to appear, corresponding with Zasere's odd readings.
They're innocuous little things at first. A sudden silence, animals going quiet, insects stilling. All technology, no matter how advanced, ceases working. You discover when you check with a friend, the clock on your phone is twelve minutes slow even though you'd swear only a minute had passed — time missing. Walking through the woods takes longer than it should when brushing past one bush leads to brushing past that same bush again — and again, and again, the area looping on itself. It keeps you trapped, going in circles for minutes, even hours, before finally releasing you in a random direction.
Or perhaps you'll feel a sense of deja vu, like you've walked down this road, taken this turn, seen that bird fly from this branch before. This is the second time that cat has crossed your path. The person you're meeting, you already know their name; you're certain you've already met.
WE GOT COWS. The Storm sliver also ushers in sudden, localized weather anomalies — heavy storms, blizzards, strong winds, and more. Affected areas range from just a few feet wide to nearly half a mile. One minute, the sky may be sunny and clear, but the next dark storm clouds roll in, unleashing torrential rain. Small tornadoes surge along the road, kicking up winds strong enough to knock people over and carry objects away. Hail hurtles down from the sky, but only in a ten foot radius. Temperatures fluctuate wildly between one extreme and the next, from heat waves to cold snaps. Soupy fog blankets the area, thick enough that you can barely see your hand in front of your face. Good luck finding your way!
FORGETTING IS SO LONG. The visions come on suddenly and with very little warning. One second, you're carrying on as normal — but the next, you blink and find yourself (and anyone near you) somewhere else completely. You may recognize this place as a moment from the past, one that you lived through. It's a memory, your memory, and it now replays around you in exceptional detail, unnervingly lifelike. Or you may not recognize it at all. It might belong to the person next to you, or to someone else entirely — a memory that the Storm has swallowed up.
Either way, the scene plays out just as it once did, and there's nothing you can do to stop it — or escape it. The memory surrounds you to no end: every door you open leads nowhere, every hallway you turn down continues on forever, every horizon you flee toward hangs just out of reach. And linger too long or turn the wrong corner, and you may find yourself abruptly stuck in a completely different memory. It's almost tempting, then, to give up, to let the past sweep you away...
But this isn't the full might of the Storm. Look closely, and you can see that in the walls of this trap, there are minute, hairline cracks, a facade of fractured glass. Imperfections in the memory where the real world is breaking through. It seems the only way to escape these memories is to find those cracks and break through them — by force, by will, or by some other method entirely.
The time is coming to make a choice — perhaps not a permanent choice, but unless you want to spend the rest of your nights out under the stars, you'll need to pick which city you will initially spend your time in. On the horizon, you will see that people have arrived to help you make that decision...
A FORK IN THE ROAD. Refugees and the hyper-religious wishing to hear Voss speak are not the only ones out and about under the light of the aurora. Citizens of both Olympia and Wyver have flocked to a point on the road midway between the cities and where the refugees have appeared, and they all have the same goal in mind: convincing the newcomers who have just descended in the blessed light of Thesa to come to their city and not the other.
They've come with bribes — that is, examples of what their cities have to offer. If you spent much time at the exhibition up on Thesa Station, you might recognize some of what's being shown off, though the offerings here are markedly more tangible, and shown off by hawkers wearing substantially fewer clothes.
A herd of pegasi accompanies the Olympians, while a line of flying serpents is stabled at a tent bearing Wyver colors. Refugees are given the chance to experience solo flights and are told that if they prove their loyalty, they may have the privilege of owning such fine beasts one day themselves. The Olympians have also brought couture clothing, jewelry, and makeup to offer a taste of Olympian splendor, while the Wyver delegation has brought along fine weapons, sense-enhancing jungle plants, and small vials of diluted dragon’s blood (drinking confers a temporary boost in strength) to demonstrate their might. The Olympians speak proudly of the glory of the Temples of Thesa; the Wyverns speak of the Volkkran Pact and inform newcomers that they can make a pilgrimage to the summit of Namarak Mountain at the next full moon.
This is as good a time as any to compare your plans with others around you and exchange contact information before going your separate ways with people who are going to the city you are not. When you’re ready to go, don’t worry about safe passage — the natives of each city will gladly escort you there in luxury.
OF WHITE AND GOLD. The people of Olympia are ecstatic that you’ve come to join them... So much so that they’ve prepared a grand tour of the city for the new arrivals. You will be introduced to the major businesses in the city, including businesses that they are proud to point out were founded by refugees.
Refugees who have been here for some time already are encouraged to pair up with newcomers to introduce them to the parts of the city they like best. To facilitate this, they’ve made arrangements with many of the business owners: new refugees who visit their shops (and older refugees who escort them) are given discounts!
Just a few examples of many: the Wyvernest offers free desserts to first time visitors with the purchase of a drink, refugees who visit the Silk Wyrms can have one custom (though not exceedingly expensive) outfit made for them for free, and visitors to Shades Darker are offered a half-hour session with one of the prostitutes at half price… or access to a private room, if they seem to have taken a shine to one of their companions on the tour.
Lastly, tour guides will point out that over the course of the next week, the train to Flona Cove will allow new refugees to board for free so that they can experience the seaside for themselves. With the weather finally starting to warm, this is as good a time as any for a visit to the beach, isn’t it?
OF RED AND BLACK. Life in Wyver is typically a sink-or-swim sort of experience — but in light of the valor recently displayed by their predecessors, the natives are now more willing to assist in getting newcomers settled. The entire journey here they have been talking up the virtues of their city… and now is the time to show everything that's on offer.
The well-known businesses in the city are prepared for the influx of newcomers. Some are giving out discounted samples of their products while others are offering a more hands-on experience: in exchange for working a few hours, they will give training in whatever task is being performed.
At the Forged, newcomers can learn the basics of crafting simple weapons (and take one of their successes home), while visitors to spas near the lagoons are trained in the art of massage. Those who wander to Falmi’s Ring can learn the art of pugilism or how to keep (and fix) books if they're more inclined to the gambling that goes on. Newcomers interested in Wyver's dragons can get hands-on experience at the Fields of the Exalted's nursery. While they walk from place to place, a guide may point out a job posting from Highwind Hires, noting that refugees can make a name for themselves outside official channels.
The last stop on the tour is the Undergrowth. The guides speak of the jungle in reverent tones and caution new refugees not to wander too far in. They warn never to explore alone, but also urge refugees to take time to familiarize themselves with it; after all, the jungle is an important part of life in Wyver, and those who are going to be living here should understand it as well as they do.
You've chosen your path, refugee, but that doesn't necessarily make it a permanent one. Watch out for the strange effects of the Storm, which linger still in the two cities and everywhere in between for the next few days before dissipating just as mysteriously as they came, but otherwise enjoy the welcome and make yourself at home — after all, this is home now.
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Sam Tarly | Game of Thrones
[ Sam felt a sense of trepidation prior to stepping onto the transport, but he couldn’t deny his curious nature and what this exploration may lead to. He follows the lead of others and mirrors their actions, getting the impression that they knew what they were doing. The process makes him feel queasy and Sam is hoping that it doesn't take too long for him to reach his destination. He closes his eyes for a few moments, breathes in deeply and then suddenly the queasy feelings ends; is it over?
He opens his eyes to take a good look around, watching other people head towards something that resembles a campsite of sorts. It's familiar and yet not at the same time - Sam doesn't know what the coolers were and the fires didn't look like they were set for cooking on. Still, he won't deny himself food and a warm fire to sit in front of. The company would be nice as well.
It isn't long until Sam makes his way towards one of the tents, finding it empty. Good. This one he will claim for tonight. Not that he wasn't opposed to other people stopping by, but he also needed somewhere to sleep. Sam leaves his bag down before examining a nearby cooler to see what was inside, discovering that it contained food and bottles with a clear liquid inside. He lifts a couple of the bottles with the word 'beer' on it and another container with 'vegetable soup' written; it was all very well and good but how was he going to open it?
Sam frowns and glances around for something that would pierce the soup container, then realises that he would need a way to heat the food up.
Someone help him please. ]
A fork in the road:
[ From his brief time at the Thesa Station Sam remembers some information about each of the cities and what they had to offer. It doesn't surprise him that the citizens would try to lure people to stay, to secure their allegiance and grow in both strength and numbers. The opulent items that those from Olympia displayed reminds Sam of the rich nobles of his own world. Families like the Lannisters. He takes a particular interest in the Pegasi, finding them strange and fascinating at the same time, wondering what manner of creature they were. Sam is also equally interested in the serpents and the dragon blood; once again he is reminded of his home. Or well, a particular family - the Targaryens. How fascinating would it to be to potentially see a real dragon for himself?
At the same time, his interest in Olympia is sparked by the mention of temples. Maybe they had libraries and books about the history of this world. Sam's desire to learn and seek knowledge had, for the most part, never steered him wrong. He also thought about Gilly and baby Sam; if they joined him in this place, he would want for them to well looked after. Would that mean having to secure wealth or a weapon to protect them? Sam was conflicted about where to choose to live. He didn't want to make the wrong decision.
He stands in the middle of the road, looking between each of the paths, hoping that someone would be able to help him make a choice through expressing their own experiences of whatever city they lived in. ]
Wildcard! Exactly what the word suggests! Hit me up with a prompt or contact me on plurk @marymoo or via PM and we will work something out!
A Fork In the Road
[After having seen his friend on the station and among the other new arrivals, Jon had felt a renewed sense of optimism and eagerness that had been lacking for the past month. While it seemed a stark contrast to the greeting the last set of arrivals received, he could at least be grateful that Sam would be met with kindness by the different cities.
He gave him a quick hug before looking around in mild amusement.]
What do you think of it all?
[He could almost predict how Sam would feel. He read so often and knew so many different stories. This would be familiar, even in its strangeness. The dragons, the clothing and cities, he could likely reference them to some book or tale he had been told.]
You should visit Wyver. Men can ride dragons easily, it's not like what they said about the Targaryens.
[Or Daenerys.]
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When he pulls back from the hug, Sam gives Jon a clap on the back and takes a moment before answering his question.]
I think it will be overwhelming for a short while, but I want to learn as much as I can. I want to see as much as possible. It's fascinating, all of this.
[Which would include reading and studying. Asking questions and seeking people out who were willing to answer his queries. Of course Sam was going to make comparisons between his home and this world, making notes along the way.]
Well, I don't know about riding any dragons...not right away, at least. I really do want to see them though.
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How long had it been since they had seen each other last? For him, it was near two years. Whatever else happened in the Night's Watch, he could at least be grateful for Sam and all the help he provided.]
There is a great deal to learn. You will have to watch what you say about the Natha and other worlds when you're living among the Olympians or Wyvern. But they have books you likely haven't read.
[Not that he looked at them. That had always been Sam's interest, not Jon's.]
There is a sanctuary for the dragons as well. I could show you, if you choose to live there with me.
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Watch what I say? I think I can manage that. [He doesn't deny the fact his words have gotten him into bother before.]
Being able to see dragons in a place built to protect them is something I would want to experience. Maybe I could even study them. [Sam is hopeful.]
Living with a friend would be a wise idea. At least until I get my bearings or you grow tired of me. [A laugh, before his expression grows more serious.] If Gilly and baby Sam wake up, I would like them to be somewhere safe. I would want them to be provided for.
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You have a way with words, Sam. I know that you will be all right.
[If it was a battle, that might be another matter, but Sam would be able to navigate through conversations with the natives.]
There is someone you should meet if you want to study dragons. The Targaryen queen is here, Daenerys.
[He gave Sam another hug, grateful that he could keep his friend with him.]
I am staying with two others, but we are going to find some place bigger. There will be room for you. By the time that Gilly and baby Sam wake, you will know your way around better.
Fork in the road
So when he sees someone at the crossroads, he can understand the hesitation.]
It's all right to take your time, sir. But if you have any questions, I will do my best to answer.
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He turns to look at the person who addressed him, acknowledging the man with a smile.]
Oh. Thank you. [A pause.] I suppose I would like to know how the city you live in has benefited you.
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[Being a constant traveler and finding a true home is difficult, but Venom's managed to settle in after several months.]
Wyver's a bit too wild for my tastes. However, their loyalty to the well being of dragons is admirable.
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I#ve always wanted to see a dragon. They exist where I am from but I have never had the opportunity to encounter one; all of my references about them are from books.
But I am more used to living in a place with structure, having grown up with it. [A shrug.] Perhaps a change in scenery would be good for me.
What are the people like in Olympia?
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By campfire's glow
Um...do you need help in finding anything?
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Ah, hello. [ Another smile. ] Yes. I do, actually. I need to find something to open this container of soup and also a pot to heat it up in. Can you help me?
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Oh, in that case, right this way.
[She motions for him to follow her over to where the portable stoves and other cooking equipment are, quickly locatin a can opener. She passes it over to him while searching around for a pot.]
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[Sam follows her lead, grateful for the help. When she hands him the can opener though, he looks confused for a moment and inspects the item for a short while trying to figure out how to use the thing.
Wonderful. Now Sam feels useless all over again.]
Um. Excuse me.
[An awkward look follows.]
Can you tell me how this works, please?
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ooc
campfire's glow
But for now, he can at least make sure the newcomers are as comfortable as they can be. Helping The People has always suited Margaery best, but Loras is not unlike her, and perhaps he can emulate a bit of her spirit this way. ]
Is everything all right?
[ He asks it when he comes across Sam, because the man seems like he might need the assistance. ]
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Thankfully, someone has already helped Sam a little with his problem and yet there was still room for another person to give him aid.
He turns to look at the man who had addressed him, offering a small smile. ]
I think so. Well, mostly. [ Gesturing to the can of soup, half-opened with the can opener; the latter appears broken. ] I may have made this unusable.
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I wouldn't worry too much about it. I think they've got plenty.
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campfire's glow
[Whenever they stop to make camp, Cayde typically hunkers down in one of the trees, ostensibly to watch for trouble, but it's a great vantage for people watching too. Seeing how they interact, who's good at what, all that good stuff. So it doesn't really take a long time for him to spot Sam and... Is he staring at a can of soup? Is he from somewhere without cans? Awful.]
[For a several hundred pound hunk of metal, Cayde is alarmingly stealthy when he wants to be. His feet hit the ground almost silently and he peers right over Sam's shoulder, practically resting his chin on it, squinting at the can in his hand.]
[Now the real question is how long will it take him to notice.]
sorry about the delay!
Sam was not part of that group. His talents lay elsewhere.
It also meant that he couldn't always tell if someone was right behind him. At least, not at first. He soon gets the feeling that someone was watching him or at least close by; Sam is unarmed but maybe he could use something close by to get the upper hand. He's faced much worse odds.
A few moments after that feeling, Sam looks over his shoulder to see Cayde standing there, too close for comfort. He lets out a small yelp of surprise before stepping away from him, almost tripping over his own feet in the process. ]
Seven hells! You don't sneak up on people like that!
or maybe I should apologise to YOU
I wouldn't really call it sneaking. I was really just standing here.
fork in the road
when Emma catches sight of Sam, it doesn't take much to understand that he's considering his options. she'd weighed the pros and cons a little after her own arrival, originally ending up closer to Wyver before she finally made her way to Olympia. aside from a few trips in and out, she's remained in Olympia (more out of her dislike for the Neverland-themed surprises that might lurk in the wild near Wyver than anything else). the last thing she needs here is flashbacks.
but assuming the new guy doesn't have those, he does have a choice to make. she stops beside him, looking at the space ahead. no one can make the decision for him, but it's not the end of the world if he changes his mind; they've already survived that.] Where are you headed?
so sorry for the delay!
Upon hearing a voice Sam turns to look at the speaker and offers the woman a polite smile. Her question wasn't a surprising one, but answering it may not be so easy. ]
Honestly? I am not sure yet. Both cities seem to have their advantages and disadvantages, but I have to think about people other than myself. If my family end up here, I'd want what is best and safer for them.
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[ she'd thought about what her family would be comfortable with, and realized they'd have the same Neverland flashbacks than she would. Olympia is a little more like an updated Enchanted Forest, complete with mythical creatures and places to study magic and protect the city. she assumes if - when - they wake up, it'l be a good choice for them.]
Do you have anyone awake who could help you make the decision?
[ some people are luck enough to have family already with them. for a long time, that wasn't Emma - but now that someone she knows is awake, she's pretty sure she made the right choice.]
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At the same time I don't want to be hasty in my choice. [ A pause. ] But I know that a choice needs to be made, and I'll keep that in mind once I've reached it.
[ When he speaks again, his tone is one of curiosity. ]
What made you come to your decision, then? If I may ask.
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