❪ 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]

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.]

[thetaintedsorrow]

Yeah.

[Chuuya had lost his purpose the moment his world had been consumed by the storm, and yet he continues to live, continues search for some worthwhile cause to serve. One day he’ll find it, he’s certain, but for now he just has to survive.]

But we gotta keep going, cause living in the past isn’t an option. There’s nowhere to go but forward.

[inaurare]

[it's all right to live for oneself, for the time being - until some other cause shows itself. Linneus is having to remind himself that it is all right to do so and that it isn't selfishness. It's just he has never had the opportunity to before.]

...do you tend to avoid the station? The sleepers...?

[thetaintedsorrow]

Yeah. Only visited a couple of times.

[It’s far too frustrating to see people from his past that are right there and yet still out of reach.]

One was my boss, the other the woman that raised me, and then one of my subordinates.

[inaurare]

Mmm. I tend to avoid it myself when I return, too.

[afraid to look, afraid of what he might find. What if there was no one? What if there was everyone? He had almost thought to search, after the kidnapping when he was up at the station to be healed, but what good would that have done him? What would they have been able to do sleeping, what would he, save curling up to cry at their feet? Heaven knew Linneus had wanted to, for a long while, for whatever sort of comfort that might have brought him, but he had talked himself out of such foolishness. Pushed himself more toward those he now had, instead.]

But it must be reassuring. Knowing at least they are there - that they may wake, yet?

[thetaintedsorrow]

It is, I guess. It means they could wake up, but if they never do, then I think that’s a fate worse than death.

[In all honesty? Having Mori awaken would throw Chuuya’s new life for a loop. Without the Port Mafia to command, what would he occupy himself with? It’s odd to think about.]

Maybe your people will wake up too.

[Chuuya isn’t one to give false hope, but the possibility is there.]

Oh yeah, where’s Lula?

[inaurare]

Maybe they will.

[on that, his feelings of conflict have returned. For a time - during his kidnapping, and after - there was nothing he would have wanted more, the comfort of someone familiar come to get him, and he had been glad to accept the delusions his mind offered him.

It would be good, still, to see someone from home in the flesh - any of them, but it’s Xanthe he longs for and fears for the most. Because he knows well enough everything he has built here can so easily be taken away.

But eternal sleep... it might as well be death. Or worse, as Chuuya says. At least death is final; at least the dead can be mourned and moved on from.]

Lula is at home, still. I wasn’t sure how to get her past the barrier...

[but she has her babysitters! There’s Miss Claire, and all the daughters at the Sanctuary...]

[thetaintedsorrow]

[It’s odd how much you can miss something and yet never want it to return at the very same time...

Chuuya’s expression brightens with the talk of Lula. He really has grown attached to her.]

Same goes for Apollo and Daifuku. Didn’t want to risk it.

[A chuckle.]

She might try to eat the colorful flowers, huh?

[inaurare]

Indeed. It seems the only way to get in is to smoke the fyrra - I’m not entirely sure how one gets a llama to smoke...

[a little nod.]

And get more than an upset stomach for her trouble, I’m sure...! Better not to risk it, indeed.

[thetaintedsorrow]

Yeah, I dunno either.

[Poor Lula, she must be missing Linneus, even if she has plenty of babysitters...]

Did you see the pools in town? They’re pretty nice. You’re only allowed in completely nude, though, or else you just look like a pervert there to leer.

[inaurare]

I hadn't heard of this rule. I thought one was able to wear a swimming costume, at least? If they were an outsider...

[he must have misunderstood somewhere. Nudity doesn't bother him, but a public bath isn't exactly somewhere he would be rushing into...]

[thetaintedsorrow]

Eh? Maybe. But it’s a bath, right? Might as well get naked.

[Says the man without a hint of shame. He doesn’t expect anyone else to follow along, but Chuuya himself is used to public baths in Japan, so it wouldn’t be a big deal if he decided to take a dip later.]

We had hot springs in Japan. I really miss being able to soak in one.

[inaurare]

Perhaps. But I tend to prefer to do so in the comfort of my own home...!

[there is a time and place for nudity - in public isn't really it for Linneus.]

What is a hot spring?

[he knows both the words individually, but Chuuya can't just mean a little trickle of warm water burbling up from under ground...]

[thetaintedsorrow]

Suit yourself.

[Chuuya scratches his cheek, equally as confused that Linneus has never heard of a hot spring before.]

They’re like natural heated pools that form in the earth. They were a big deal back in Japan. I used to treat my subordinates to hot springs trips when I could. It’s nice to just soak and relax sometimes.

[inaurare]

[a thoughtful sound, a little hum]

We've nothing like that, I think. If they were, they certainly weren't in Ivore...

[and perhaps that's why it's a little strange to him. Even if it wasn't, Linneus supposes he would rather his own bath - a bath means the end of a day's work, unwinding, relaxing, getting ready for bed. A little everyday indulgence that he is happy to take in private.

There were bathhouses in Ivore, of course, but Linneus had never needed to step into one - the Teahouse had its own water, attached bathrooms for each of the courtesans and even the servants had places to bathe. The bathhouses were more for the lower classes, or servants whose masters couldn't even spare them a tin bath. Even then bathing was hardly undertaken in groups.]

...but it is common, where you are from? To bathe together?

[thetaintedsorrow]

[There’s definitely something to be said for a nice, long soak in the tub after a hard day’s work. Chuuya used to spend countless nights simply laying back with a glass of wine and some classical music as he soaked in a warm bath full of bubbles. When you grow up on the streets you learn to appreciate things much more, and such a luxury was something he simply had to indulge in once given the chance.]

Yeah. Pretty common. Usually men and women had different times that they soaked to avoid awkwardness. Not that it stopped perverts from spying on the ladies when they could, though.

[Chuuya wasn’t one of them, though. Peeping isn’t his thing, and neither are women, in the sexual sense.]

[inaurare]

Indeed?

[the habits and customs of other places are interesting, though Linneus... isn't sure about this one in particular. Perverts spying on the ladies]

I hope something was done about them - the perverts.

[thetaintedsorrow]

I usually kicked their ass if I saw them doing it. And yeah, they’d get kicked out.

[He’s just full of little tidbits of info.]

Anyway. It’s too bad I dunno of any hot springs around here, or I’d show you how nice they are.

[A yawn as Chuuya scratches the back of his head.]

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about home this much. It’s kinda nice.

[inaurare]

[a little chuckle at that - yes, he can imagine it somehow.]

...do you grow homesick, at all? In times like this?

[thetaintedsorrow]

[Chuuya grows silent for a moment.]

I did. For a while. Maybe I still do sometimes. But I’m starting to learn that it wasn’t what I imagined it was.

[inaurare]

The home you came from?

[Linneus understands, in a way. He's found several times that his home was not what he thought]

Might I ask how, if you're willing to say...?

(([cough] I... forgot about this one, maybe. Oops.]

[thetaintedsorrow]

Yeah.

[Chuuya looks angrier than Linneus has probably ever seen him...]

I found out that the Boss I worked for sacrificed the lives of a bunch of kids and a good man to further his own goals.