❪ 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

[inaurare]

It did that as well. But while it happened while we were making the walk in - I don't think that helped me.

[a little hum as Chuuya mentions home; he has heard of this Japan, if only from others.]

A little. I’m not so practised in those...

[and the practice he has had hasn’t been in that book. The one he has brought with him is purely for his studies of plants, notes in a flowing, looped hand, a few landscapes and sketches of clusters thrown in to better show how the plants grow together]

Were there no gardens in your ‘Japan’?

[thetaintedsorrow]

Can’t imagine wandering around high in a forest was very fun.

[It really is a neat collection of sketches, and Chuuya’s eyes dance over every page with a sense of wonder.]

There were. Just not where I lived. The city was all high-rise buildings and concrete surrounded by ocean. There were little parks and stuff here and there, but my job didn’t allow a ton of leisure time to explore nature. That’s part of why I had to come here and look around. Olympia is nice, but there’s nothing like this there.

[inaurare]

It wasn’t particularly. At least I was in a group - I’d a few people to look out for me, thankfully.

[and at least he was aware there was a problem... though the flora has proved to be almost as psychedelic as he thought it was]

Mmm. It is less... tamed in the south; I thought so the first time I visited Wyver’s forests. [there are sketches from Wyver as well - the three places very distinct in his sketches between colour and maintenance.] Of course one has to be careful as well - if one hasn’t done their reading they could easily touch or step on something that might hurt them...

[that’s partly why he is filling his sketchbook. Perhaps it might be useful later...?]

[thetaintedsorrow]

That’s good.

[Chuuya flips through the book to the illustrations of the plantlife in Wyver, and from the looks of things it really is as wild and untamed as people say it is.]

I’ve only visited Wyver once, and I was in a bar most of the time.

[Of course he was.]

Oh yeah, I stepped on a mushroom that turned me tiny on the way here. Luckily someone found me and dropped me off in the village so they could cure me. I was like, thimble sized.

[inaurare]

A bar...?

[Linneus knows there are bars in Wyver, and Olympia too. But of course he hasn't ventured into them himself...]

A number of the establishments here seem devoted to smoking their herb, I have noticed.

[an observation - there's nothing wrong with the smoking, in pipes or otherwise, but it was not... precisely a social activity, where Linneus came from. One simply rolled and smoked as they liked, where they liked.]

The size of a thimble? [mimicking with a pinch of his fingers] That must have been an adventure, but it's a miracle you were found before you were stepped on!

[thetaintedsorrow]

Heh, yeah. You should be careful though, some of the lounges around here have a more potent strain of fyrra that has some side effects.

[Like serving as an aphrodesiac. He’d hate for Linneus to go into the village uninformed, so he might as well warn him about it, if he didn’t already know.

Chuuya crosses his arms with a huff.]

Yeah. Luckily someone passed by and took me back.

[Speaking of being tiny...]

You know, you’re one of the only people who hasn’t made a short joke in my presence.

[inaurare]

I saw. Though I imagine the lounges are a a little more comfortable if one falls victim to the side-effects...

[certainly more comfortable than a rest area at the side of a footpath, anyway. It's good that they both had people to help them, though, when they fell into trouble.

a curious little tilt of his head]

Why would I...?

[People are made the way they are made. A little amusement is one thing, but it's only fools who point and laugh.]

[thetaintedsorrow]

I dunno. Other people find it funny. Not that I really care, it just gets old.

[Linneus isn’t the type of person to poke fun though, and for that Chuuya is grateful.]

So what is it that you wanted to see the most in the village?

[Chuuya is pretty sure that Linneus didn’t come here for the fyrra.]

Have you been to the taming fields yet?

[inaurare]

All of it? My main interest is in plants and their uses, but I heard the Khali were secluded, and I wanted to take the chance to visit in case it doesn't come again.

[he would rather not think of it that way, but Olympia and Wyver are not always open for each other. Khalo doesn't have to be, either.]

I have not yet, no, but it is on my list. Have you been?

[thetaintedsorrow]

True. Who knows how long it’ll stay open?

[Chuuya nods. He’s taken a little trip there with Atsushi.]

Yeah. The Mossleys were really something. Apparently they’re drawn to people who share a strong bond.

[inaurare]

[a little nod of his own. All the more reason to absorb all they can.]

Mossleys. I've heard of them; I should like to see one, too. They say they are very gentle, for their size - is it true that flowers grow from their horns...?

[how fantastical, if they do...!]

[thetaintedsorrow]

They sure do.

[Chuuya reaches up to remove his hat and reveals a small, pink flower resting atop his head. It was the only convenient place to store it, after all.

He takes it in hand, very gently, and lets Linneus take a look.]

They enjoy having them picked. Guess it doesn’t hurt them, because it licked me after.

[inaurare]

[a little burst of laughter as the flower is revealed. Well that is a place to keep it, for sure. His fingers reach out, stopping just short of touching-

How marvellous...! I suppose if their name is anything to go by they must just grow. Is it a nuisance to them, I wonder...?

[hesitantly, reaching for his roll of pencils and brushes]

...may I? It will only take a moment, I promise...

[thetaintedsorrow]

[What can he say? It’s a convenient storage spot.]

Not sure.

[Oh! Linneus wants to draw the flower? Chuuya is perfectly fine with that.]

Yeah, sure. Go for it.

[He holds it out for Linneus to study.]

I dunno if I ever asked what kind of plants you like best. Just curious.

[inaurare]

[he'll find his own to press later, but since he has all of his supplies at hand he'd might as well get a sketch and some colour down while he has a chance. Just in case he doesn't manage to find a Mossley - they need to be attracted, after all...

a light hum as he sketches in little feathery strokes - though the flower takes shape under his pencil, coming to life with a little watercolour]

Mmm? I favour roses - my house used to grow them...

[but then there are some that have a bittersweet association; like the jasmine that used to grow in the gardens. Small shrubs, even smaller and more delicate flowers, and yet the scent would always carry up even to the rooftops, when he and Xanthe used to stargaze together.

Stroking his brush across one of the pans and applying a touch of detail to the petals tips-]

Freesias and lilies are lovely as well - lavender too - for scent...

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Chuuya will just pretend that he knows what freesias are, but at least he’s heard of the others.]

Roses are nice.

[Chuuya never cared much about flowers back home, but roses have always held a certain appeal. They smell nice, too.

He watches with interest as Linneus sketches the flower, the pop of color from the paints making it come alive on the page. It’s definitely impressive what the guy can do with art supplies.]

Those all smell pretty good. I have a friend that makes perfumes, actually.

[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...?

[thetaintedsorrow]

Yeah. Have you met him?

[It really is a beautiful drawing, and Chuuya is glad to have contributed to it.]

One of scents - “Wildfire” - was inspired by me.

[He’s actually not bragging, just stating a fact.]

I think it fits me pretty well. The scent and the name.

[inaurare]

I have, though I haven't yet visited his perfumery... I was gifted some perfume vials that seem to be for mixing, so I should like his input.

[of course, they may actually have a better home with Reign. Linneus does't often wear scent]

I shall have to sample it in person, then!

[thetaintedsorrow]

I’m sure he could come up with a scent for you.

[If he hasn’t already. Reign seemed pretty excited to make all kinds of new scents.

Chuuya’s expression softens as he studies the flower in his hands.]

Never thought I’d care about perfume. Or animals. Or flowers. Or anything but fighting and drinking and fucking. Can’t say I’m too pissed off about being proven wrong.

[inaurare]

I shall ask.

[the vials might be better off with Reign, now he thinks of it.]

Some people think it's not... manly.

[people like his first master. And while Linneus knows that Master Atros' opinion wasn't the be-all and end-all, it was shared by so many others who had wandered through his life. He cannot help, really, that it stays with him]

But it is good, I think. To be able to appreciate simple things.

[thetaintedsorrow]

Those people can fuck right off.

[Chuuya was raised by a woman who enjoyed dressing him up and styling his hair, and even putting makeup on him on occasion. Mr. Big Bad Mafia can appreciate feminine things...especially scandalous things best hidden under clothing.]

Perfume is just cologne with a different label and a more flowery scent. Nothing to be ashamed of.

[inaurare]

[a burst of startled laughter with the language. Not scandalised - Linneus has encountered a fair amount of swearing even if he doesn't himself - just surprised]

Ah. That they can, I suppose.

Isn't it strange, how things stay with us? I know that the view isn't necessarily correct but I've heard it so often...

[thetaintedsorrow]

Yeah.

[Chuuya’s expression grows solemn as he glances away.]

The past has a way of sticking with you. Even if it hurts.

[But now he’s looking back at Linneus, gaze intense.]

I dunno much about your past, but it seems like it hangs over you too. Like it’s something you can’t quite shake. Or maybe you don’t even wanna shake it, even though you know you should. I know the feeling, trust me.

[Boy does he ever.]

But if you ever just wanna vent about it, go right ahead. I don’t blab to anyone about stuff like that, so.

[inaurare]

[a little smile back in the face of that gaze- catching it a moment and dropping it.]

Thank you. I will remember.

[He knows the feelings Chuuya is describing all too well - and he could have asked whether he was really so obvious. Instead-]

But doesn't it hang over us all? The places we've lost, the people...

[he's not unique, in any sense. They have all lost - all have someone in stasis up on the station. And he doesn't imagine himself even a moment to be alone, in the things he has experienced. The upsets may be different for every person, but no pain is more or less valid than another.]