❪ 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

[meinwaifu]

I'd say that just about covers it.

[SAGE NOD yes good, glad they've figured this out and are now on the same page.]

But is that really so shocking? Goodness, I didn't think I was the type to be mistaken for some flustered teenage protagonist of a harem rom-com shoujo manga!

[devilcalling]

Oh, you're out if the role of the protagonist calls for a teenager!

[ Clap!

Someone may have just gained five levels in enthusiasm and, perhaps, joy. Someone else who knows of manga and its various genres? Be still her heart! ]

I can see you in a harem rom-com manga, but shoujo might not be the genre. Maybe seinen? Or maybe the mature storyline in one of those new otome games?

[meinwaifu]

[BE STILL, HIS DOKI DOKI KOKORO-- SOMEONE ELSE KNOWS ABOUT ANIME]

Oho, if we're going that route, I wouldn't place myself in a protagonist role at all! I'm far too unique for that -- if it's going to be a proper visual novel, you've gotta let the player live in the avatar's shoes, after all.

I'd say I'm more of the mysterious bad boy or school teacher archetype -- you know, the one with a hidden love route that somehow always gives the player a Bad End! And yet who remains the most enthralling route in fandom due to my sheer unobtainability.

[He's thought way too hard about this.]

[devilcalling]

[ The overwhelming majority of people would probably think so. Ryoko? She's going to think with him. ]

Those types, huh? Mysterious bad boys and school teachers are pretty popular. With a route like that, the sheer amount of fanfiction would be stifling, though. Everybody wants the unobtainable. You'd probably be solid for merchandise, too.

[ Like body pillows or perfumes and charms maybe? ]

Depending on which type you were, anyway. A regular anime or manga might be different, though.

[devilcalling]

[ She chuckles when Shell declines, but decides against pushing it. Sure, she could, but it's been too long since she's had company in this sort of setting and that's something she misses, something she wouldn't mind sharing with Shell, for that matter; though, she'd be somewhat pressed if asked to articulate it exactly, her own personal little why.

She snaps back to attention when he speaks again, pausing a minute. Oh yeah, people work for a living... to make money... for things... rather than, you know, living off their actual soft boy of a roommate, who does tend to get around a lot. Then again, so does she. Around Olympia, anyway. Hmmmmm. ]

What kind of work are you looking for?

[steponme]

[Ryoko's living situation is very #relatable for Shell, seeing as he too has been mooching off of his actual soft boy roommate.]

I'm not sure. I worked in upper management for my father's bank back home, but that's not the sort of thing you can just jump into. And I don't know if I was really qualified for it in the first place. [...]

But everything that I can find is either manual labor or working with food, and-- well, I can do the former, but the latter is kind of difficult. Since I can't exactly give any opinions or recommendations for customers.

[devilcalling]

Are you sure you want to get into the details of that sort of thing now?

[ She drops her cheek into her palm, canting her head just so. It's a fair question, she thinks, considering the state of that ripped pillow. ]

I'll tell you one thing, though. It's not a result of one of those flying potions that's being passed around here. I don't guess your eyes are either, though.

[steponme]

--oh! You finally woke up!

[Hopefully she doesn't startle at the size of the giant carrying her in his hands. He'll try and smile to appear friendly, but gee, those are some mighty big fangs he has. Especially when she's so smol in comparison.]

My name is Shell. I found you sleeping and floating down the swamp on a leaf. Does... any of that sound familiar to you?

[devilcalling]

[ At his father's bank... well, that explains the luxurious room in the memory wherein she first met Shell. Thinking back to his father, her expression twists a bit. ]

Your father didn't really look like the sort of person who'd assign an unqualified person to an important position.

[ Er, not that she'd personally know about that sort of thing, but -- ]

Hold on a minute now! You could give opinions and recommendations to customers. There's no rule that says they actually have to be from your experience, is there?

I saw everything

[steponme]

[He just sort of hums at that, not really disagreeing with her assessment if his father, but... well, Shell was on probation back home for a reason.]

I guess not, but-- wouldn't that just be lying? Even if I could eat it, most food doesn't really smell appetizing to me. And that's assuming I'd even know what half the menu is.

idk what you're talking about

[devilcalling]

So what? A business is a business no matter what corner of the universe you're in. You'd learn the menu, of course, and the more you sell, the better it is for the business, the happier your boss will be. That means more money in your pockets, Shell! Everybody wins!

[ Probably. ]

[steponme]

I guess that's true... but I still think I'd rather find something a bit more financially stable than part-time work.

[--well, that and he doesn't really want to work around food when what he eats is such a constant source of stress for him. But he's not going to bring that up.]

What about you? How have you been settling in so far?

[impavid]

My certifications lapsed a few years ago now and polyps weren't really covered, you might want to ask someone else. Luckily I'm better with monsters, so you lead the way and let's see what we find.

[ He pulls out his phone and flicks on the light, warily watching their surroundings for signs of the power dipping again.

Any minute now, he thinks, something is going to growl or jumpscare them. He feels it in his bones. He's seen Alien. ]

bye

[insist]

[ it has to be clowns now ..... ]

You know that, at least. [ He also watches a lot of movies and loves the horror genre, so he's well aware of that possibility. Not that he would have been very worried either way, seeing as he's dealt with ghosts before and also has stupid godmod powers. ] But I'd be just fine. I don't know about you.

[ It's very important that he's rude to this guy he barely knows. ] Hurry up then, I hate wasting time.

[ Chop chop!!! He's already going and not waiting for Richiekun. ]

[torchwoodteaboy]

Ianto glances down at the sandwich in front of him. Picking one-handed at it a little as with the other hand he keeps the ice pack in place, but not quite feeling like bringing it up to take another bite just yet. Not with the strange bitterness in Jim's voice lingering in the air. He's right, after all. It may very well be a trap. But can they afford the time to hang back and wait while they do too much investigating otherwise? It's been a full day already.

"It's more than that," he says. "They're father and a son. That makes this personal for him. An affront, he... I don't know. Deserves some say in the matter, estranged or no. Is entitled to it? And since he doesn't agree with his father's actions, he's set forth to take matters into his own hands." Things always have a tendency to get messier when they are personal. When there's family involved. Ianto understands that just as well as any.

"At least we have some direction to go in at all, I suppose," he continues. "Going on the word of a captive, who could be leading us in circles for all we know, or yes. Worse, I suppose. But it's a lead." And Ianto is Torchwood. Might as well be dangling a carrot on a stick. After a full month of sitting on his hands, at least here is a mission. Even if he's not entirely qualified to solve it...

[arcane]

[ their first couple of meeting crosses his recollections momentarily. it's true that in a sense he "owed" him for his guidance. but maybe beyond that, he wanted to reward him for his straightforward approach to things. something arjuna never realized could be a comfort in a place where ones enemies aren't so clearly marked. in a place so far removed from the conventions of home. hence, he reaches a hand out. ]

Not especially, but I will hold your want in higher regard. [ there's something a touch formal to his speech. something that was more natural to him in a situation like this one. but he seems to catch himself, giving an almost awkward pause as he starts again. ]

Yes.

beautiful

[arcane]

[ a curse.

even arjuna is no stranger to that. that could very well be why it's displayed here so brazenly. he doesn't pretend to understand their intentions, but he does at the very least comprehend where this stranger may be coming from. ] Equivalent exchange, is it? [ but curses also weren't so easily removed. not without death, or some long and tedious form of making amends. he wonders if their plans for their heart were enough for that.

arjuna doesn't question it any further than he has to. ] Yes, I suppose it is. Centuries have gone by and that's the one thing that remains unchanged. However, as natural as it is to itch for war, I believe there are many who desire the opposite.

Those who believe war will grant them their desires. [ ...


... but panties? does he question this?? was that a common phrase in this age? ] Are you one of those people who... seek this twist?

[arcane]

[ he takes a smooth leap from the steps. landing as if he had taken a single step rather than several. his feet make no sound as he begins to try and follow cain dutifully. it fails, if just for him being uncomfortable with the idea of cain trying to single-handedly carry all the books from the bottom shelf himself. so he begins to lead cain himself. he steps in front of the other man, trying to guide him by the sound of his voice as he responds.

only he pauses at cain's words, likely at a bad time considering he just began walking direct ahead of him, but hopefully cain figures to stop (maybe?), but arjuna is distracted enough by the words not to think twice about his actions. stories about real things. yes. but maybe out of sheer will (or denial), arjuna wanted to believe none were his own. he'd definitely prefer it that way.

he starts off cautiously. ] I wouldn't believe everything you read. Especially when it comes to other worlds. [ if arjuna could help it, in an ideal situation no one would read anything of his past or his shame. but, he seems to shake this off in favor of sticking to their current situation. ] As for this one...

What have you come across? Or rather, what would you desire to know?

[ was it just general, he wonders, or maybe the man had already discovered something. ]

[ofseraphim]

Yeah! [ Sorey seems a little slow on the uptake on that one, having not thought to classify the scent until Mikazuki mentions it. His initial observation had been simply that it sure smells a heck of a lot better than the rest of the swampy waters in this place, and far different from the abrasive sort of sting of sea salt. ]

It does. Plus, it’s got to hold some sort of significance, given how popular it is.

[ ...Is this a bad time to suddenly notice one of the Khali staring at him? And here he is, wearing nothing but feathers and a well-meaning smile. Ah, well...

Nevertheless, Sorey toes the water then, finding it as inviting as the look he was just given by a local, and stepping in further. ]

It’s warmer than I thought it would be!

[thetaintedsorrow]

I do odd jobs. Earn money in the fighting pits.

Protect the people that matter.

[tailorable]

[ the glib threat makes him laugh. another pause as he thinks it over. ]

Yeah, alright. Might be that I have cash on me.

[ might be, he says, when he looks well off for the first time in his life. technology's preferrable to magic, anyway. ]

[jesus_is_gundam]

Hm?

[His confusion only deepens, as it's not immediately obvious to him what she's talking about when she mentions his eyes. Without thinking about it, he starts to bring his hand up to his face, moving more on reflex than anything else. He stops suddenly, however, when it finally does dawn on him what she's talking about.

Oh. That.

His hand hangs there momentarily, until his fingers start to curl into a fist and drop back to his side. His gaze shifts a few inches to the side, which is the only indication he gives that the subject is somewhat uncomfortable for him, to say the least.]

That's not from anything here, no.

the number of bad auto correct swaps in my last tag is amazing, oh my god

[willrevile]

"Whether or not he deserves a say is a matter of opinion," Jim says flatly. "Neither he nor his father are elected officials."

Jim's opinion: monarchies are inherently abusive. He can't stand this sort of crap, and neither Wyver nor Olympia's leaders have done anything to change his mind. He's fully aware that democratic-style institutions can be just as bad, but he comes from a place of constant self-improvement.

(Also, socialism.)

"It's good to have a direction. I honestly think they should shut that stupid thing down up there. No good's ever come out of that cult as far as I can tell." But then he shakes his head. "I know that's brutally insensitive of me, it's a supposedly a religion, but-- damn."

[arcane]

[ that response was more practical than arjuna had expected. he presumed most men here purchases horses out of sentimentality or companionship. or at least that's the impression he got from most people— outside of the confines of war, that is. so it's a bit of a surprise. it was a little telling of the man's personality, if just by a bit. ] I see. I am also familiar with riding, so I was curious to see if others were the same. You would be surprised to hear how many people aren't as experienced... [ in his own age, very few didn't have any clue to ride one.... ]

Did you learn to ride here? Or from home? [ seeing as how the creature seems to be kicking around and moving further from them, he can't help but give an ironic smile. who knew these creatures could be so petty. hence, he moves his gaze away and focuses it on one of the more docile mossleys. a safe pick. ]

[inaurare]

How nice...! I learned a little how to draw fragrance from flowers, but roses were the most difficult...

[hard to do, without decimating the Teahouse's rose bushes. But the scent has always clung to him, somehow - or so he has been told. A couple of finishing touches; a little note in pen - fountain pen - to identify the bloom as a “Mossley Flower” before setting the page aside to dry.]

What manner of perfumes? Is this Reign's establishment...?