❪ event ❫ khalo? can you hear me?

[natha]

In normal circumstances, this would have been near the time in which you're called upon to greet the newly awakened. Unfortunately, I speak to you to inform that we must postpone that — there is trouble on your horizon. What, I cannot see for sure. We shall continue to monitor the situation, however — we - ... we — [feed cuts off.] OLYMPIAN PRESERVATION     The city of Olympia is preparing the send-off of its most prized artifact: the heart of the ancient dragon, Ysverai. In doing this, they've transformed the palace court into an exhibition detailing the centuries-old war between Wyver and Olympia. Sculptures of Nithor the Exalted and his men and women in clean, white marble, while their armors are polished in perfect gold. Among Nithor are the sculptures of stallions in all shapes and sizes that also aided in the great war. Further in the exhibition, one may also find other artifacts of much older weaponry, rusted by its time in the earth, and items found from a time when humans feared the dragons. The Royal Guard has increased its numbers in wake of such a public event, particularly because the heart will be in display also. The heart is not what one might expect it to be: about the size of an average human, the heart's core is surrounded in stone, a red glow emitting from its still beating core. If that were not unsettling enough, one might also find that lingering around this particular exhibit will have undue affects on one's inhibitions. You'll notice your heart has fallen into sync with the organ, and your more selfish desires will come forth. Things that have long been buried will rise up and place you in a state of unease, encouraging paranoia about your companions intentions. Allow it to fester, and one will carry this feeling with them long after you've left the scene. It's probably a good thing this is leaving Olympia — perhaps it's a source of so much conflict you've endured. It's easy to become mesmerized by all the historical artifacts that are present in Olympia's exhibition. Some even seem mystical or, like Ysverai’s heart, to hold unspeakable powers. Others are just a little eerie. Either way, Olympia prides itself in its generosity and their grand displays, and so refugees are urged to learn more about their artifacts by spending the night in Palace Court. Though, someone should probably mention that there are rumors of strange, almost occult things happening around these relics at night. People speak of armored soldiers casting shadows that have the ability to walk on their own, or gemstones that catch the moonlight in a certain way and show you visions. But those are just silly ghost stories, right? TALL TALES OF KHALO VILLAGE     Because of Khalo's proximity to Wyver, it's no surprise that they would catch wind of the peace talks between Wyver and Olympia. In response, for the first time in centuries, Khalo Village has willingly granted passage to outsiders — but visitors will immediately find out that one cannot just simply walk into the village. Visitors will need to inhale the smoke of a fyrra herb in order to enter the premises without falling into slumber. Khalo is notably different than what refugees are used to. Visitors, specifically refugees, will find that they are exceedingly accommodating. The Khali are very intrigued by the outsiders, thus they're treated with much respect and given instant access to some of the best lounges and fyrra the village has to offer. In exchange, the village is interested in hearing about your journey thus far. Whether it be through a conversation with another individual or the Khali themselves, they'll very likely to have been eavesdropping and recording the tales of their exploits. Why, exactly? Perhaps it will not be immediately clear, but if you happened upon a venasou, a tamed Khali creature, it may have guided you to their Enchanted Library. Upon entering the library, visitors will notice that it is quite the happening place — but not because it's occupied by the Khali, but because there seems to be an assembly of magical quills seemingly writing on their own. The quills are mostly undisturbed by the intrusion and will not stop writing even if parchment is taken from it; it will simply produce another piece of paper and continue its tales. If you happen to read the parchment, you may notice that there is a daunting similarity between your story and the ones being written here. Tales of Thesa birthing new races and sending them from the sky, for example, are very popular in Khalo Village. They mark July 15th as the day in which the Moon Goddess, Thesa, created more people in her image and brought them to El Nysa as saviors. The coincidences don't end there: specifics about your home world might be found in the writings if you search deeply enough — but it's not without its exaggerations. These stories are given all sorts of poetic and literary forms, from short stories to limericks, biographies to something similar to haiku. If asked, the Khali will inform visitors that the enchanted library has access to vague parts of your memories, and thus it is duty-bound to record. The Khali have not seen stories as strange as the ones being made by refugees, which is largely why they are interested in them. NOTE: This is entirely optional! You may make up your own "stories" (fanfiction) and it could be as accurate or inaccurate, or as serious or silly as you'd like. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors of the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works — KING AND KIN. If one is willing to delve deep, they may also find parts of Wyver's past that have been removed from their own archives. These pages will recount the tales of Shanrian and Rasyc. Though a lot of the narrative seems to divide at certain points in the story, it becomes obvious with some quick reading that Rasyc is not only the son of Shanrian, but that he glorifies the Wyver of old, more bloodthirsty and brutal than it is today. Unlike his father, he does not take kindly to Olympia and the threat they will always pose for their people. He has not forgotten Olympia's past sins and he believes that, in his foolish quest for peace, the king has gone soft and no longer possesses the real will to fight. His present voice in affairs of state is not a loud one, as he chooses to speak in whispers and move in the dead of silence. In these quiet murmurings, he boasts of his unwavering belief in the power and dignity of his people. Of how they should all return to what they once were — the kingdom, its citizens, and naturally the father who he had once admired greatly. Though perhaps it can be argued that any estranged son would wish the same. It's difficult to pinpoint what becomes political and what is and always will be more personal for him. But, it hardly matters. It's clear that Rasyc will stop at nothing to achieve his objectives, even if it means never returning to place he calls home. Even if it means turning his back on his own father, Shanrian, King of Wyver... DRAGONFIRE. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors to the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works. In particular, tales of Ysverai, the last of Wyver's great high dragons. Ysverai is most commonly known for being slain by Olympia’s past king and legendary hero, Nithor, but here in Khalo he is depicted in another light. Ysverai is known to the Khali people as a wise being, old as the first inhabitants that walked El Nysa. The creature spoke in the common tongue to the early settlers, guiding them to refuge when his kin began to dominate the land at the cost of its own isolation. It ultimately becomes a tale of sacrifice, for its stand with Nithor became a testament against the Olympian Empire's long reaching influence. At the bottom, there is a quotation: Your hearts will fill with greed and malice the moment my own stops beating. Take care in the Eye of the Storm. Find strength in one another, before it is too late. It seems to end there. Refugees are naturally allowed to question the natives. However, keep in mind that many of their replies will seem more like speculation than fact. But maybe that can be fun too? If you have no interest in the library and the tales they've woven, feel free to explore any of the other areas of interest. Khalo Village is thrilled to be open for you all. THOSE THAT SEEK PEACE, AND THOSE THAT SEEK --     The morning of the 20th is marked by fairly dismal weather. The sky is overcast and a downpour seems imminent. Regardless of the poor forecast, those who signed up to assist in this mission will be required to come early in order to receive their briefing. Members of Group A: ▸ Jon Snow (song_of_ice) ▸ Daenerys Targaryen (dorzalta) ▸ Loras Tyrell (triplerose) ▸ Terra (earthy) ▸ Alisaie Leveilleur (adelphoi) ▸ Solider: 76 (personalwar) ▸ Ardyn Izunia (daemonized) ▸ Mai(maipokerface) ▸ Olivier Armstrong (wallsofbriggs) ▸ Atsushi Nakajima (gekkajuu) Members of Group B: ▸ Kale (kaleorbekaled) ▸ Diana Prince (wondie) ▸ Pheonix Wright (objectionattourney) ▸ Revolver Ocelot (shashka) ▸ Frederick (pebblestone) ▸ John Sheppard (impavid ▸ Ianto Jones (torchwoodteaboy) ▸ Lena Oxton (quevarly) ▸ Allura (quintessent) Due to the rain, members of Group A will have to immediately stop by the checkpoint at the East Watchtower. Additionally, the Royal Guard and Knightryders are well-prepared with extra cloaks for those who may require it. They also will provide basic refreshments such as water and bread. People are encouraged to take what they need prior to their departure on this mission. The checkpoints are a bit far between, after all. Members of the envoy will also be encouraged to utilize this time to become familiar with one another. Maybe some introductions are in order? You never know who will end up having your back... For both groups, the paths will be relatively straightforward with evenly spaced checkpoints along the way. The only issue seems to be the downpour, really. The rain is unforgiving and the roads easily become unstable and increasingly difficult for the carriage to be drawn through. Hence, there may be more than one occasion where you will be expected to lend a hand in prying out its wheels from a particularly pesky (and muddy) pothole. Or perhaps you will be called upon by a fellow guard to assist in getting a particularly stubborn creature out of the path ahead of you. Seems like it may be a longer journey than you expected. Dirtier, too. While weathering the conditions may have been a bit tiring, this journey isn't too bad, right? Well, maybe not. GROUP A. Once the carriage gets through the worst of the terrain and finally manages to depart from the watchtower, it won't be long until the group is met with a physical roadblock. A large tree trunk will be set down the center of the road, acting as a blockade. But, before the group can react or begin crafting a plan around this obstruction, the carriage will be attacked without warning. At first, it's unclear where the attack comes from or from whom, but you don't have the leisure to deliberate this. You hear one of your fellow guards mention something about bandits frequenting these parts, but maybe there's more to it? Either way, your task is clear: protect the artifact, Nithor's skull, and fight the bandits off. You'll be encouraged to try and capture them so that they may later be turned and questioned by the authorities. GROUP B. With clear motives to restock and collect a few more materials for the carriage, it's evident that the envoy will appear restless to arrive at the second checkpoint. However, despite their unspoken delight at seeing the South Outpost from a distance, it's clear something has gone awry. There will be several hooded figures awaiting them right where the mud path meets the cobblestone of the Outpost's road. Soon, several more of these figures will come to flank them from both sides. While they seem like bandits, at least from their physical appearance, there is something far more polished in their movements. They will be attacking the envoy in concise, practiced formations. For those who are more perceptive, it becomes obvious that they are moving around and acting as decoy to one central figure. This member is likely the "leader" of their group, but no matter how one may try to close the distance between themselves and this mysterious leader, someone will constantly get in the way of that. The fighting also seems to act as a distraction since by the time everything is cleared up... only two things are missing. The leader of this group of bandits and more importantly — Ysverai's heart. NOTE: Those RNG'd to thread out the capture and questioning of the bandits will have starters below. For everyone else that signed up, you will still have the opportunity to capture the assailants even though they were not selected to thread the interrogation; you are free to make up your NPCs with the same basic guideline: they will not reveal their motive or their organization. You may turn them in to authorities (Wyver or Olympia or otherwise) or find creative ways to get rid of them. FINAL OOC NOTE     To reiterate: you may use this log as a general mingle for everything from the May Outline, including all Khalo Village activities. In other words, your top-levels don't necessarily have to be related to the prompts written here. An AC-eligible thread in which your character participates in anything mentioned in the May Outline and/or Khalo Village location page may be submitted for 2 REP POINT FOR EITHER OLYMPIA OR WYVER. SUBMIT THE THREAD FOR OLYMPIA OR WYVER HERE OR HERE RESPECTIVELY BY June 10th 11:59 PM EST. For those who participated in this month's plot-related portion, to receive IC recognition for it, a summary of the thread must be submitted HERE by June 8th 11:59 PM EST. Please direct all queries to the question thread below. Thank you, and have fun! QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs ● bestiary taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp ● quest bulletin calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[poolhall_killer]

Oh? And what kinds of stories did they spin about you and your life?

[Venom almost lets out a slight purr when he's patted, suddenly feeling like a lazy cat.]

The quills wrote about how my superior was a hero and that I married a king. And it was all done in haiku.

[steponme]

[It takes a few moments for Shell to figure out what Atsushi's even talking about -- no, he just read the story himself, he's pretty sure it's about a wereworlf--]

Wait, you mean-- really? This is true? ...er, mostly, I guess?

[He'll offer the story to Atsushi if he wants to see how accurate it is. And aside from a few exaggerations, it's fairly accurate to the time he was kidnapped by the mafia and had to escape before he was carried out to sea!]

[...well, except for the part where Akutagawa and Kyouka's roles seem to be switched and heavily embellished. Which means the page he's on has a very interesting little moment of Akutagawa and Atsushi holding one another as they flee the exploding ship.]

[He wouldn't blame him for ripping the book in half tbh.]

[braidedwonder]

[ Well that's one way to be remembered. Duo laughs despite himself, maybe a little more loudly than he might normally, but that's not the way he thought the other man would remember him, exactly.

Funny, of course, but not how he thought he'd connect him. ]

Well, only sometimes. You don't have to worry. [ There's a thoughtful hum as Linneus mentions he feels rubbery, making a so-so motion with is hand. ]

I'm mostly just.. warm. But it seems like it's hitting everyone a little different, which is kinda funny...

For the record ya look pretty sturdy.

[inaurare]

That will be nice.

[whether the healing or the place to rest - or both - isn’t clear.]

I had healing, in the end. For my hands first, then the rest of me. But it was different, depending on who did it. Sometimes like lights; sometimes like sparkles. Sometimes just warm...

[nysan]

[ Teeth grind against each other as he feels the blade twist, but perhaps as some final attempt to stand his ground, Zain does not cry out. He breathes heavily as he brings the hand back to him, using the last of his wavering strength to rip the fabric of his sleeve around his bleeding hand.

I want to live. I want to live. That much was true. So he pushes the life of a prisoner from his mind, doesn't allow it to intimidate him and satisfy Ardyn. Once he manages a knot, he lifts his head back towards him, voice low and hoarse. ]

Everyone... Everyone believes that they are the hero of their own tale. [ He's drifting — favoring one side, gaze becoming unfocused. ] Perhaps that's how you became this... creature. But I just ask... you try to spare him, as you have me. He knows not of what he will wrought. Maybe if he can find redemption, you too...

[ He doesn't complete that thought. Zain collapses on his side, parallel to the skull that brought him here. ]

[beatupgrass]

No not that stuff. Forget that stuff. Just the badass stuff.

[He settles back into his chair.] Good to have you back, anyway. You wanna give this a go? [He gestures to the quills.

Which are currently dictating how Rocket got wasted one night and Tracer had to help him.]

[pebblestone]

[ 'My people are gone' is what he wants to say, the solemn weight of what the Storm has taken always heavy on his shoulders. But Thesa is but a legend in these lands as opposed to a gleaming structure in the sky, and so he holds his tongue temporarily in that regard. ]

There is very little I would not give for freedom, though I can speak only for myself.

[ Though perhaps the same goes for her. ]

And you? What is it about this master of yours that inspires such loyalty from you? Kings don't typically cast off their sons save for the greatest of sins.

[steponme]

[Ah, maybe he shouldn't have been saying so much after all... but that last bit has him curious. Since he has been curious.]

I've never said that. I mean, we never really talked about this kind of stuff back home, since... I was still hiding it. But I am a little curious-- since you did say you've been with others here.

[HE SAID IT TWICE, EVEN...]

[braidedwonder]

Wish I knew so I could knock 'em out for even thinking it.

[ Duo gruff it out with a bit of an eye roll that Jim may be able to hear, grumbling to himself in the aftermath anyways. It's so annoying. Even with all the wild designs on his version of Earth there was no such thing as something so foolish as tandem piloting or any expectation of making people work together to pilot a mobile suit.

For one it was impractical so far as the supply of pilots, and for two...

Well, friendship ain't magic when it's life and death. ]

If it comes down to it I may have to try it. Yuy would be better at it but if I left Scythe in that situation he might just jack it. [ Sure it wasn't his gundam with it's stupid big wings, but it's something that isn't tandem piloting. ]

Granted, Heero and I could probably work one of those ships just fine but then you're using two talentd pilots for the sake of one stupid ship.

If you're askin' me we might wanna be prepared no matter which one. For everyone's sake.

[beatupgrass]

[Most of that earns an eyeroll from Rocket who wants nothing to do with the purely historical aspects of things- he's interested in knowing if there was ever any contact from other planets, even if they have to be described in such weird bullshit terms as the "blessings from Thesa."

But that last bit...] You got something there. If a moon just frickin' appeared outta nowhere, that's bound to cause a fuss, right?

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket's snickering has turned into a full-on belly laugh and he might be in danger of falling over any second now.]

Dude, you're size of a finger. This is awesome. Look at you!

[Schadenfreude is a hell of a drug.]

[beatupgrass]

'Cause Yondu wanted to just let me go, 'cause he had a brain in his head and knew what I'd do once they caught me, and Taserface wasn't havin' it. There was some longstanding interpersonal conflict in the context, but I'm tryin' to keep it abridged for the magic feathers over here.

[He jerks a thumb at them.] I haven't even gotten to the best part.

[jesus_is_gundam]

I don't need luck.

I'm going to eradicate war because that's what Gundams do.

a;

[unprays]

Diana?

[ still in her quest to gather as much knowledge of as many things as possible, Sansa has headed to the library, incredibly fascinated by the enchanted quills that keep on writing, enough so that she hardly pays attention to who else is there — at least until she hears a voice she recognizes, and rounds a row of shelves to see her friend. ]

What's wrong?

[daemonized]

[He’s silent as the other hastily tends to his wound, watching as the focus drains from the man who will soon become nothing more than a prisoner.

There’s little need to keep up the facade of a grin as the other drifts away, far from the shores of consciousness. It fades from Ardyn’s face, becoming something considering, something serious in the lines of his brow. He says nothing, has nothing to say, but he knows — with dreadful poignancy — the rest of the sentence left unfinished.

He remembers, years ago, something he once uttered to another. In a world that was not this one, circumstances different, but the sentiment quite similar.  Only once the Crystal and King are no more...can I know redemption.

Ardyn scoffs, pushing these thoughts aside to let them gnaw upon him later, as Zain crumples. For now, in the fair distance behind him, he can hear the hurried sound of approaching footsteps and anxious voices. Guardsmen, come to see what’s happened, to help retrieve the broken skull, and to aid him in taking away their new captive.]

iii.

[fakers]

[ archer would have never taken mikazuki for the type to be interested in reading, so his curiosity is naturally piqued at the request. he holds out a hand, taking the book and glancing at its title. ]

...do you have some interest in dragons?

[ that's not really that strange, all things considered. it's one thing when they're fictional magical creatures, and another entirely when they're actually beings that exist in this world. ]

sure!!

[summertimeblues]

[It's what he should expect, really. It's the kind of welcome he'd be doling out if he were still human-sized and coming across some other soul shrunk down to the size of a communion cracker.

Even so? He's leveling the ginger kid with a mighty stink eye. Get your chucks in now hotshot, get em while they're fresh out of the pot. Chances were this planet would find a way to bite him in the ass sooner or later.]

I'd say nobody, but the universe begs to differ I reckon.

[This has got to be the most goddamn humiliating position to find yourself in, scrabbling for purchase on the palm of some teenager's hand. Yet some ordeals can only be endured, not bypassed. So onto the hand he goes, doing his damnedest to standing upright on the soft, flexing surface of his skin.]

Word of advice: steer clear of the purple mushrooms. One step was all it took and now look at me! Unbelievable. [He grits his teeth, carding his hand through his hair.] It'd be too much to hope you're a master magician, wouldn't it? No sparkles from your fingertips to cure what ails me?

[beatupgrass]

No! [It's an immediate answer, one that defines the phrase "sound and fury signifying nothing," especially considering he draws back a bit the second the words are snapped and gives the lumbering (hah) brutes another sidelong glance.]

Okay, maybe a little bit, yeah. [He huffs and, with much trepidation, inclines his head in their direction.] But you're goin' with me.

[gekkajuu]

[Were he not at least a little affected by the smoke, the kiss would have shocked him; as it is, he couldn't panic if he wanted to. Besides, it feels good, and he responds carefully but without hesitation, molding his lips against hers before he moves them more purposefully. Everything feels so much, he gets goosebumps all over his back from sheer sensory overload.]

[gekkajuu]

[Maybe it's the smoke, maybe it's just the time that passes after he's left whatever magical barrier was put up, but as he's sprawled out on that couch with uncharacteristic shamelessness, Atsushi slowly but surely starts waking up. There's just a twitch of an eyelid at first; then his nose follows suit, and... he sneezes.

Yeah, he needs time to get used to the whole smoking thing.

Rubbing his nose with the back of his hand, he belatedly opens his eyes and sits up, trying to make sense of his surroundings. What's the last place he remembers being? Oh - but at least he recognizes someone!]

Chuuya-san..?

[poolhall_killer]

Oh! So you're a refugee, then. My apologies.

I'll be sure to get you to the town safely. They must have a remedy for this... ah... situation.

[He's going to definitely watch his step from now on. Who knows which mushroom causes such an affliction. So he'll carefully make his way down the path, keeping an eye on his passenger and guarding him from any hungry animals.]

My name is Venom, sir. Pleased to meet you.

[gekkajuu]

It might be? Let's see...

[Taking the parchment, he reads over it quickly, and... wow. Wow. It's weird enough to be best buddies with Akutagawa in the story, but at least that's only Atsushi's problem (and Akutagawa's, maybe, but he deserves everything he gets, anyway). Making Kyouka the baddie, though? That is offensive.]

This definitely isn't what happened. No - it is what happened, but it's completely wrong.

[Which arguably isn't the best explanation (or, indeed, any explanation at all), but even acknowledging the story's most grievous errors feels like giving it more attention than it deserves. Atsushi is tempted to wreck the text, but... it's still a book... and destroying it doesn't feel right. Instead, he'll focus on the things that are easier to address.]

For one thing: I'm definitely not a werewolf! Look!

[He holds up an arm and transforms it. Does that look like a wolf to you? DOES IT?!]

[ettersberg]

( thomas likes jim well enough — in that jim seems intelligent and the kind of man who has a good head on his shoulders. in that he's handsome, too, for all that thomas doesn't generally let himself linger on that. he isn't very forthcoming with emotion, but that is not jim's fault in any way.

right now, he can't help but linger on the handsomeness. )

I suppose I'm more used to it. ( he replies after a beat too long. does he prefer it? he doesn't know. )

[poolhall_killer]

[And Venom's going to find out just what he has. He's not had much of a chance to heal other than when he first learned the spell. He cups Linneus's cheek and concentrates, letting his gloved hand glow a warm blue/green.]

Do you feel anything?

[He moves his hand and continues with the spell, down to his friend's shoulder, then his chest.]

[inaurare]

Hmm...

[his eyes are closed, but he breaks into a wide smile, unrestrained for once.]

Tingles.

[and he can feel the passage of that hand as well, how it passes from his jaw and down]

And warm, too...

[his hand shifts just a moment - he wants to hold Venom's and see... but that would rather defeat the object of the healing. Whether it is working is hard to tell.]