❪ 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

[thetaintedsorrow]

[And here Chuuya thought he had the upper-hand for once. God damn it. He quickly covers the bitemarks he’d forgotten about with his hand, blushing and grumbling and being tsundere.

He supposes its only fair, considering how many marks he’d left on Shell.]

Ha fucking ha. Now I’m definitely not telling you.

[Except he probably still will if he’s persuaded to.]

[meinwaifu]

Oh, don't be like that. [Gonna leeean in closer.] What if I were to give you a matching set on the other side?

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Chuuya might still be blushing (maybe a tiny bit more now), but he doesn’t back down or go full tsun just yet.]

You’re gonna have to sweeten the deal more than that.

[He’s not saying no to the biting, though. It seems like he’s getting better at bargaining, at least.]

I wanna know something else about you. A weakness. You already know mine, aside from being human.

[The fact that Corruption is a death sentence, for one. If anyone capable of mind-control ever found that out...]

[meinwaifu]

Oh? You wish to know the weaknesses of a demon?

[Now that's interesting. Just how important is this information that Chuuya is holding back? He's even more curious now.]

And pray tell, just what would you do with that information?

[thetaintedsorrow]

[The information that Chuuya is holding back could be either useless or incredibly important depending on what it might mean to a demon.]

Who do you think I’d tell? Or are you worried about a mere human exploiting those weaknesses?

[Chuuya crosses his arms, standing just a bit taller.]

I don’t plan on doing either, by the way.

[meinwaifu]

I know better than to underestimate humans -- as well as the importance of distributing sensitive information to as few individuals as possible, regardless of loyalties.

[He thinks on it for a few moments, before clapping his hands together.]

But very well! In exchange for information about that which lies inside of you, I'll tell you the weaknesses of a demon.

--but not here, of course. These things might be listening, you know.

[GESTURES AT THE QUILL it's totally writing porn right now. Clearly having a demon around is a bad influence on them.]

[thetaintedsorrow]

Then it’s a deal.

[Chuuya won’t deny that he’s a tiny bit smug about getting a demon to agree to his terms, so he won’t fuss about the location of their talk.

Yup, that quill is going to town. Damn. It’s getting kinky too.]

Then poof us somewhere else. I don’t care where.

[meinwaifu]

Fufu... oh, I think I have a place in mind.

[Is Chuuya ready to learn just how goddamn extra Mephisto really is? Because just in case he didn't already know, he's gonna remind him. With a snap of his fingers, no longer are they standing in the library. Instead, they're floating quite a ways above it, just above the canopy of trees that covers Khalo village.]

[And as soon as they're up there, a rather luxurious couch appears along with them, practically scooping them up into it. And of course, a large pink umbrella (with a bizarre bat-like appearance, hmmm) stretches out over the length of the couch, keeping the sun off them.]

[...if he tries to get a better look at the weird umbrella, it'll chirp at him.]

[Demons are weird, man.]

I'd say this should do nicely!

[thetaintedsorrow]

[He’s well aware of how extra Mephisto is, but he still isn’t expecting to be transported above the library. Way, way above it, actually, and if Chuuya weren’t used to heights because of his ability, he might just be a little freaked out right now.]

What the-

[And now he’s being scooped up into a couch and provided shade by a very...unique umbrella. That’s chirping...

Demons really are weird.]

...I mean I guess this works.

[But the question is, who spills the beans first?]

Well? Me first or you?

1/2

[meinwaifu]

You could at least sound a little more impressed you know!

[COME ON THIS IS COOL?? He hasn't been able to properly show off in months!!]

[But okay, clearing his throat--]

[meinwaifu]

Well, if you're going to offer-- why don't you go first? You're the reason we're making this little exchange in the first place, after all.

[And maybe depending on just how interesting the information is, Mephisto might offer a bit more in the way of explanations for his weaknesses.]

[thetaintedsorrow]

It’s a neat trick.

[Sorry Meph, Chuuya might be impressed, but he’s not going to fanboy and stroke your ego. Not today, anyway.

Chuuya reaches up to touch the bat umbrella out of pure curiousity. Is it alive?? Weird, but cool.

Right. Serious things.]

It’s name is Arahabaki. Some kind of god of chaos or something. The case files were destroyed before I got to learn more about it.

[Perhaps it’s better if he doesn’t know everything.]

Dunno if that means anything to you.

[meinwaifu]

[CAREFUL THE UMBRELLA BITES well, it won't right now. It's very good at its job.]

[Now, normally that delivery might have left much to be desired. Especially when it's clear that Chuuya doesn't actually know much about it.]

[But if the look on Mephisto's face is any indication, he's not disappointed by the answer. Not at all, in fact-- which might just make what he says all the more sinister.]

Arahabaki? Well, well... now that's a name I haven't heard in quite some time.

Tell me, this corruption form of yours-- is it, perhaps, something triggered using a chant of some kind?

[thetaintedsorrow]

You’ve heard of it?

[That grabs Chuuya’s attention away from the batbrella, eyes searching Mephisto’s face for answers. He’s not sure he likes where this is going, but since he’s already let the cat out of the bag...]

Yes. How did you know?

[Should he say it? No doubt it’s safe to utter the words if Chuuya doesn’t actually try to activate Corruption...]

Oh grantors of dark disgrace, do not wake me again.

[meinwaifu]

Ahh, so you can say them without summoning it! That was going to be my next question.

[Summoning, he says. Because he's pretty sure that's what they're actually dealing with now.]

Arahabaki is an ancient Japanese deity -- once considered a god of travelers. But when his patrons fell out of favor with the reigning emperor, all shrines dedicated to him were burned to the ground, and his name became synonymous with treachery and rebellion. And as is the case with so many fallen gods, he turned his anger and frustration towards humanity -- eventually earning his reputation for betrayal by turning his own followers against one another. In a way, he certainly became a symbol of chaos-- but he was no god.

[He reaches out and taps on Chuuya's chest, right over his heart.]

You have a demon sealed inside you.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Summoning? That’s an odd choice of words...

Until Mephisto explains in detail exactly what the being sealed inside of him is and the nature of it, and suddenly it all makes perfect sense. His eyes widen in shock as it all it sinks in, and he clutches at the spot that Mephisto had touched, right above his heart.

The information doesn’t change anything about who Chuuya is now, but damn is it still shocking.

Shocking, and yet Chuuya is truly grateful for finally being able to understand the being inside of him just a little bit better. A fallen deity, betrayed by humanity...

It’s almost tragic, really.]

A demon? The people who sealed inside me weren’t too far off the mark, then.

[A pause as Chuuya considers what this might mean.]

Then that changes things, right? On how to control it.

[meinwaifu]

[It's possible the Arahabaki from Chuuya's world is a very different being from the one in Mephisto's. But even if that were the case -- it's not like they have any other leads to go by.]

It changes things considerably, yes. For starters-- it means I know I can help you.

[And he's not just saying that to be cocky. He knows demons, he's knows gods... and with it being a Japanese demon, hell, he's probably offered assistance in maintaining the location where his world's version of Arahabaki still remains sealed.]

But it does add a new layer of difficulty... I don't yet know the nature of how you and Arahabaki are connected. If you are a human serving as a living seal, it would certainly explain why a summoning verse would allow you to access its power -- essentially forcing it to possess your body when using Corruption. But if you are a human serving as a vessel...

Well, that just begs the question whether you're the real Chuuya Nakahara, or simply a very confused and weakened Arahabaki.

[Enjoy your new existential crisis, Chuuya.]

[thetaintedsorrow]

[If only the truth weren’t scattered to the far reaches of space by now.

Maybe Chuuya ought to be having an existential crisis, but really, he’s never known the whole truth behind his past or his true nature, so this, while definitely news, isn’t going to shake him to his core like it would just about anyone else.]

Does it matter? I’m me. Even if Chuuya Nakahara wasn’t my original name, it’s who I am now. Doesn’t matter if I’m a god or a demon or a human, what I’ve done makes me who I am, not what I might’ve been in the past.

[meinwaifu]

[Is Chuuya ready for some good old-fashioned demon cackling? Because that's what he's going to get. It's not too often that Mephisto really shows his true self, but there's certainly something in the way he laughs that might just come off as distinctly unnatural.]

Yes, yes, that's it! That's just what I was hoping to hear! There's little sense in wallowing over the nature of one's existence. "I think, therefore I am" -- at the end of the day, that's all that matters!

[He's so used to dealing with angsty teenagers?? This is truly a breath of fresh air. It reminds him a bit of Shiro, actually but fuck if he's going to let his brain make that comparison, he'll gross himself out.]

Of course, it does matter in terms of how to deal with Corruption, seeing as it would likely end poorly for you if the connection between yourself and Arahabaki were accidentally severed. Sealing corruption might very well seal your personality as well, depending on just how tightly wound together everything is.

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Even if Chuuya isn’t truly afraid of Mephisto (wary, not shit his pants afraid), that cackle does send a chill up his spine. It serves to drive home the true nature of the being he’s dealing with right now, and makes Chuuya wonder just what lies beneath the surface that he can’t see.

What does terrify Chuuya, down to his very core, is the thought of losing himself in the process of sealing Corruption.]

That isn’t a price I’m willing to pay.

[He won’t sacrifice everything that he is to seal away a power he’s had to deal with all of his life.]

Maybe I can dampen it somehow. Make it not so powerful. Or at least find a way to knock myself out of it, just in case.

[meinwaifu]

But what price are you willing to pay?

[And now they're back to this. Mephisto already knows what he wants to suggest -- but it's not something he's going to offer for free this time. Before Chuuya can even hear his idea, Mephisto wants to know what he'd be getting in exchange.]

I meant what I said. I know I can help you control corruption. However, no matter how fond I may be of your company, I don't offer such services for free.

[Gross, he said he's fond of him... #feelings]

But if you're still struggling with ideas... I suppose there is the option of you simply working for me.

[thetaintedsorrow]

Fond, huh?

[Meph pls, you’re gonna make him feel a thing.]

And I already know you won’t do it for free.

[Chuuya knows damn well that he’ll have to to give something up to gain something. Equivalent exchange and all that.]

Work for you? Doing what? I can’t imagine you hiring for a normal 9 to 5.

[meinwaifu]

Oh, it could be any number of things! Perhaps something to put your particular skill set to good use... ah, I know!

[He claps his hands together and points at Chuuya with a grin.]

What if I were to employ you as one of my familiars? You may be human, but considering your rather unique make-up... fufu, it could make for an interesting experiment.

[Mephisto said it himself before -- with Chuuya's powers, were he a demon, he'd have made a fine familiar. And while he certainly didn't expect such a great excuse to come along this quickly, he can't deny that some part of him was planning on something like this from the start. He wouldn't have made a comment like that in the first place had it not been to serve some sort of purpose.]

[thetaintedsorrow]

[It sure does sound like Mephisto had something like this planned all along.]

What does that mean, exactly? Would I have to do your bidding?

[Mephisto asking things of him is one thing, but being at the demon’s mercy 24/7 is another.]

Is there a contract?

[Like in the movies when a person makes a deal with the devil or some other being to get what they want and end up paying dearly for it.]

[meinwaifu]

You wouldn't be my slave, if that's what you're asking. But there is a contact involved.

[He waves a hand, and as he does, the umbrella overhead spins around and slowly transforms its shape into a pink bat with its wings spread. Folding them up, it chirps and hops along the back of the couch, until it can reach Mephisto's waiting hand to nuzzle against it.]

However, unlike a typical contract with a demon, when I employ a familiar, what I offer is far more akin to a partnership! In exchange for lending me your power when I am in need of it, I offer you my own power and protection as needed, as well as my trust and loyalty. I would never betray my own familiar, nor would I expect them to betray me.

[And he adds with a snicker--] And I suppose it would be rather fun were I to require you to call me "master" all the time.