nysalogs | ❪ event ❫ khalo? can you hear me?

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❪ event ❫ khalo? can you hear me?

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!

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Congratulations, Shell, you're like the first person who doesn't just jump on the furry.]

Not... quite. That is: I do turn into a tiger completely sometimes, but then I don't really know what I'm doing... [Which, honestly, is more than a little scary, even if the tiger and him have gotten a little closer with time.] But that hasn't happened in a long, long time! So please don't worry about it.

[... Just so you know that you totally have reason to worry. No big deal.]

I can transform my arms and legs, though, and I can grow a tail... Anything except a complete transformation, I can do at will!

[Atsushi needs more friends with better manners.]

I wouldn't be worried at all if you hadn't said it like that... [Does he have to worry about getting mauled by a pretty-boy tiger someday?? Sure, there are worse ways to go, probably... but still.]

But that's really some power you have. I've never even heard of a weretiger before-- is it like the old stories, where something bit you to make you one? Or is it just something you were born with?

[Shell most people would die if a tiger bit them...]

[To be fair, most people asked. Just... not everyone waited for an answer. (Not that Atsushi minds, but it's the principle of the thing.)]

W-Well... If you do ever see a giant white tiger, definitely don't get close.

[He wasn't wrong to say that as he did. He thinks him and the tiger are okay, now, but he definitely can't count on the tiger being okay with anyone else.]

I was born with it. At least, that's what I presume. I've been the tiger for longer than I can remember.

[Were he a real detective, he might have concluded that his limited control over his ability hinted at it being something passed down to him by someone else, much like Kyouka got her ability from her mother (and Tsujimura got hers the same way). But all Atsushi knows about his parents is that they (supposedly) abused him, and left him to die. There's no connection there.]

I don't think that'll be a problem. [Because he definitely wouldn't get close?? But also his pheromones would be a pretty solid defense at keeping something away. Though he's not really sure how much, if anything, Atsushi knows about them from Reign.]

But I thought so! I just figured I'd ask, since people always assume things like that about me. For some reason, stories in other words always get things wrong.

...just like this one, actually. [Gestures at the book he was reading -- at least it got the general idea right??]

[The pheromones never really came up - or not in enough detail for Atsushi to remember, at least. But that's good. He's already asked Reign to stop him, if he goes full tiger; he'd appreciate the same from anyone else.]

People assume wrong about you? Because you're a vampire, you mean?

[Atsushi supposes there are a lot of vampire stories, but it's not like he ever made a study of them. He's heard some things from Reign, but he's not sure how commonly they apply, even for vampires from his own world.]

Yeah... they'll ask what I'm doing outside during the day since they assume the sun will burn me up. Or how I can do my hair without being able to see my reflection, or if I can turn into a bat or sleep in a coffin. Even Chuuya thought I was hundreds of years old when I asked him to guess, and I'm only 30.

[Not that he looks it -- they age slower, but they don't live that much longer than humans.]

Y-You definitely don't look hundreds of years old...

[Or even 30, but... wow, Chuuya. Wow.]

People will always fill in the blanks, huh? I don't know you that well, but when it comes to Reign? Honestly, if it wasn't for the teeth and the blood consumption, I wouldn't have guessed he was a vampire at all.

[... Atsushi, those are... pretty big vampire things.]

[Honestly, that didn't surprise him. Both Shell and Reign were abnormal vampires ~~#notlikeothergirls~~ after all -- maybe meeting a normal one would have made it more obvious.]

We're not really that different from humans. We can see in the dark, and we age a little bit slower, and can't feel cold, but... aside from that and our pheromones, I think the teeth and blood drinking is all that's left.

[He's says as if those aren't all pretty big things on their own??]

[Abnormal vampires and unusual were-critters... What a crowd.]

It must be nice, not feeling cold... Then again, it's also really nice to feel cold and then huddle up in some blankets to get warm.

[One of many luxuries that Atsushi will never take for granted.]

Are you sure that's not just the cat-side of you talking?

[Said with a soft laugh -- but he can relate, even if he doesn't get cold.]

But I guess it is pretty nice in the winter... but it also means we can't handle heat very well. The weather here is a lot hotter than anywhere back home. Reign actually took me to see Wyver once, but it was so hot, we only managed to spend a few hours there before we gave up.

[Read: Shell gave up. Reign's much more used to the weather by now.]

Hehe... maybe.

[He wants to say he's not a cat. He really wants to say he's not a cat. But that's just too awkward - and it's not like he's insulted or anything! It's just strange to be equated to his ability. Maybe... a little dehumanizing? But, coming from a non-human, that's clearly not an insult.]

It really is hot there, isn't it? Even most humans would have a hard time there during summer, I'm sure.

[So don't feel bad about being unable to handle the heat, friendpire!]

At least Olympia is a little cooler - and Flona has the sea breeze, too.

[Live ur best life Atsushi, be the cat]

Wait, really? I thought humans just didn't like the cold...

[They're so fragile?? Maybe that old story about Goldilocks and the three bears was more accurate than he thought.]

Ah, but you're right about that! I think Flona Cove has had some of the nicest weather so far.

[While they're having pleasant conversation over here, on the table nearest them, one of the magic quills seemingly awakens from writer's block and starts aggressively writing a story.]

[A very embarrassing story, that seems to start off with Reign proposing to Shell.]

[Be a cat, not a pussy!! Words to live by.]

Oh no, as many people have trouble with the heat as with the cold, I think... Maybe the cold is worse, but it's also easier to guard yourself against, provided you have enough money for clothes and the like.

[So fragile, much mortal, wow.

Meanwhile, it's hard to ignore a quill that suddenly jumps to life, and Atsushi's curiosity so often gets the better of him (go figure, that's the one thing he's like a cat for): he goes to check what's being written, and -...

.....]

M-Maybe we should leave...

Wait, what is writing now--

[Ah.]

...well, at least it's accurate this time.

[That counts for something, right??]

It's accurate?!

[Wait - for real?! Atsushi knows that Reign and Shell are close friends, of course, but Reign proposing -...

Well, it's sort of cute. But also really unexpected!]

[Oh, so he didn't-- well, this was a few years ago for Reign. It makes sense he would have never mentioned it.]

Ah... yeah, it is.

...but we're not married. He took it back a few days later.

He... took it back...

[Wow. Atsushi considers himself something of an expert in embarrassing himself, but he's not sure even he would have done something like that.]

Isn't that a little -... He must have wanted to marry you, right? Those kinds of feelings don't change overnight.

He did, yeah. But... it's complicated.

[Complicated in a way that has him looking disheartened.]

[...and in a way that the quill will be more than happy to spell out, going on to include some narration about how the two of them could never work -- since they were both abnormal vampires.]

[Atsushi doesn't mean to invade Reign and Shell's privacy, but seeing the quill in action holds his attention more than it should, and combined with the lack of answers he's getting...]

What does "abnormal vampire" mean?

[Aren't vampires always abnormal?]

[Please excuse Shell while he tries in vain to take the paper away from the quill, but after a few seconds, it just materializes a new one and keeps on writing.]

[SIGH]

It's a term used for vampires who... aren't the way a vampire is supposed to be. Or at least, how most of them tend to be.

[Maybe he can explain this in a way without touching on the TMI aspect -- even if that part is kinda sorta the only part that explains why he and Reign wouldn't really work as a couple.]

[After all, Shell is shameless enough to confess his sexual deviancy to a stranger ~~why is he like this is I stg~~, but if it's something Reign isn't going around telling people, then he should respect his privacy!!]

If I were a normal a normal vampire, I probably wouldn't even be talking to you. Most of them see humans as just... livestock. [God, even he winces now when he says it. The longer he's here, the more terrible his world really starts to become in his eyes by comparison -- and he already thought it was a dreadful place.] They're cold and cruel... and they use their pheromones to exert their dominance over everyone around them-- humans and vampires alike.

I see... [Sorta kinda. Reign did touch upon the topic of most vampires being mean, Atsushi seems to recall, but if details were mentioned, he's long since pushed them out of his mind.] In that case, I'm very glad I only know abnormal vampires.

But why would you and Reign sharing such opinions be a problem? If anything, it seems like feeling the same would be easier in a relationship.

[Bless this sweet summer child.]

[DAMN so close.]

Atsushi... how well do you know Reign?

Enough to be his friend?

I know he's a kind person, and he likes fragrances, and he's fond of animals too...

[Not at all. The answer is: not at all.]

[He's not sure whether to be mad at the quill or Atsushi's curiosity or his own big mouth-- but for some reason, his mind just decides to think this is all Reign's fault somehow.]

I see... that's good! That you're friends.

[Come on he can do this he's an Overlord!!]

But you know, sometimes there are things friends don't tell each other about. And I-- I kept something from Reign for a long time. I didn't tell him until after he proposed... and it changed things a lot between us.

Being abnormal was only part of it.

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