❪ event ❫ the indulgence

[natha]

WE TAKE OUR FILL     Darkness has engulfed you. You're floating in space— awake or dreaming, you're uncertain. Try to take a look at your hands or any body part of yours, and you'll see nothing but darkness. Still, you can't deny that you're moving. You feel as though you're cutting through the air, zooming toward an unknown destination. You don't know how long you'll have been moving when you see the light at the end of the tunnel— and when you're finally there, the light nearly blinds you. You and your fellow Thesaens will have seen a flash of the same thing. The end of the world, of El Nysa; a disintegrating planet, done in by its own moons. It's likely something won't ever forget, itching on the back of your mind as a reminder that something must be done in this past to change the future. When you wake, the first thing you will notice is how cold it is. The Nadril of the past is quite a bit more frigid, but luckily, you are not alone — you wake with roommates, in rooms set aside for your use. While you slumbered, arrangements were made. You are provided with supplies for traveling and an assurance that you can return when you need it. The time you have found yourself in is a simpler time. The tensions that were so prevalent where you came from are nowhere to be found— there is only excitement in the air on the road to Olympia, in anticipation of the upcoming revelry. Masks and costumes are available to purchase in Olympia itself and by tailors who have set up shop on the roads leading into the city — but before you leave Nadril, you can take your pick of what they have there, if you prefer. Before you leave, Nurray offers up some words of caution. Take care while you are out there seeking the god. Our experiments left us with some subtle changes in the small amount of time we were testing them... revealing yourself here may have further-reaching consequences. Do your best to blend in. Should you stand out to the natives — or worse, the Natha of this time — we may not be able to protect you. ...oh, and have fun at the ball, I suppose. It's back to horseback and carriages to Olympia, however; there is no active hidden railroad that would've otherwise enabled a fast travel to the golden city. Luckily, Nurray has provided those as well, but she offers no further instruction. By now, you should be well aware of the treacherous road ahead. FREY'S INDULGENCE     Olympia was a proud, welcoming city— the Empire does little to combat potential invaders with security, instead opening their borders for all, especially on this auspicious day of Frey's Indulgence. The security is lax at best, not sparing so much as a glance at any paperwork you might have to enter through the North Gate. Here, you might find that there is much more peace to be had; not only for the holiday, but a recent small victory against the Dragon Kingdom of Wyver that had led them retreat to the far south to lick their wounds. All throughout the streets, citizens throw handfuls of flower petals and confetti. There's dancing and music and drinking, encouraging all to do the same. It becomes apparent that Frey's Indulgence does indeed live up to its name; debauchery is the name of the game, and everyone is playing it. But you are from the future, and some of you are those with exceptional reputation. Reputation is a system developed by the Natha to track your progress in world immersion, which is counted based upon your involvement with the world. As such, some of that transcends time. Those with high Olympia REP will be regarded with much scrutiny as well as admiration. You will be treated as lost royals, showered in gifts and wine— and of course, easy access to the Frey's Indulgence ball in the evening. Adversely, those with high Wyver REP will be met with ostracization, making it easier for you to perhaps infiltrate and stay hidden. Prolonged conversations or exposure to a native, however, will cause them to be suspicious and assume you a Wyvern spy, resulting in immediate imprisonment. Tread carefully. I. THE BALL Orbs of light hang in the air, drifting through the grand ballroom as if they’re alive, wandering through the crowd. With all attendees disguised by ornate masks, there’s no telling by a simple glance who is a fellow Thesan, and who is a native to this time. All that can be immediately discerned is who is together, outfits painstakingly coordinated with care to ensure opulence. You and your partner have donned such an ensemble yourselves; in doing so, you’ll be welcomed to the party with bows and curtseys. Along with the pleasantries is an open bar, serving all manner of wine. The alcohol itself isn’t anything odd, but there are rumors of an enchantment that besets anyone who drinks it. The darker the red, the deeper the feelings for your partner grow. Sheer white or golden amber wine will help you express your feelings, words tumbling from your mouth without restraint. Glass after glass only intensifies these effects - along with, of course, a state of inebriation. Those who stay true to their mission will find several devout couples interested in the rumors they seek. Despite wearing more revealing clothing than most, they are a furtive collective; those who win their trust may be led into a smaller room down a hallway decorated in golden statues. At the end there’s a sitting room, plush red sofas and several mirrors adorning the walls. Drape yourself comfortably and continue your chat, though these devotees may get idly handsy with each other - and look at you suspiciously if you don’t do the same. Intimacy and pleasure are acts of worship in Frey’s name, after all. For those enthralled by the party, a truly magical spectacle awaits. As the festivities reach their apex, the orchestra will curtail its ballroom dances and - after a moment of silence - begin an epic arrangement to accompany the show. A giant stained glass window that occupies the entire back of the ballroom begins to shift, the shapes moving in an animated, wordless story of Olympia’s rich history. Battles with dragons, Frey’s conquests, and an appreciation for beauty in excess flow seamlessly into one another until the room fades to black. Then, the glass shatters, a kaleidoscope exploding over the room in slow motion until it hangs, glistening, a decoration over the masquerade. Reach up and claim a piece for yourself, as is the tradition. When fitted together with the shard your partner owns, the glass will reflect a story that is unique to the pair. A warm reminder of the connection you and your partner hold. IN THE WATCHFUL EYES OF—     The Natha watch from high above, unreachable to you for now. Just as every Olympian eagerly awaits this celebration, the Natha too look forward to the jubilation each year. They’ve been observing for centuries, watching the masquerade take hold as a tradition and last decade after decade. They’ll notice if anything is strange. Whether that be a small comment - even one made in private to your fellow traveler - or a more audacious departure from the norm. For those who keep their voices hushed, there will only come the feeling of being watched. A little more weight on your shoulders, and perhaps some fatigue may drag you down, but it’s nothing to be too concerned about. Those who make light of their position - flaglantry disregarding their disguise or the customs around them - have more to worry about. The Natha mark them immediately, increasing their observation. The side effects of being at the epicenter of the Orbiters’ focus can range from heightened anxiety or unease to a complete loss of one’s sense of direction. For now, the Natha simply watch and monitor - whether they act in the future depends entirely on you and those you travel with. It may be wise for Thesaens with high Natha REP to stay close to someone who doesn't— that seems to throw off your scent, if only just a little bit. FINAL OOC NOTES     Due to the tardiness of this event, you are only required to post one proof for AC this month, rather than two. We apologize for the delay! 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

ii

[prizeneck]

[In the same corner, looking more like he's part of security than exactly a guest, is this guy. He does have a drink near him on the counter, but it looks untouched save for the light film of alcohol on the glass upon a sway of the cup as it was slid over.

Under the minimalistic mask, Mamoru's lip curls with a snort.] Take it you're not a fan of parties, huh?

[beatupgrass]

I'm not a fan of this town. [Rocket can't even pull off a mask, but if he keeps his hood up, he can avoid anyone thinking TJ's therapy animal just ran off to get sloshed. He just has to be careful who sees his tiny hands.]

It's always been out to get me, since the first time we came here.

[He feels something push down on his shoulders and he frantically looks behind him, expecting to see someone who might have pushed him, his drink held up like he's about to smash it and knife someone, but there's no one there, and boy does that just make the matter worse.

More excuse to chug the alcohol, instead.]

[prizeneck]

[Leaning over the counter and resting his weight on his elbows, Mamoru focuses on the several groups of people as they enjoy the festivities.] What do you mean?

[Or so it seems, a lot of what Mamoru looks like he's doing he's actually not, hearing more focused on the refugee next to him than casting his attention forward. He shakes his head at Rocket's reaction.] Seems like our employers like to keep a close watch on us.

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket grunts, but he's a little concerned that saying anything further on the subject of Natha will get him bodyslammed like one of the many, many times he's been arrested.]

Back when we first touched down, I took a job that I thought was a good payday for some asshole in Olympia once, and in doin' it got framed for unleashing a virus that, incidentally, nearly killed me. Between that and some of the higher-ups, I ain't fond of it. And now thanks to my considerable influence in Wyver, I'm basically the worst to these jerks, and that's why I've been in TJ's pocket- nearly frickin' literally- all night.

[prizeneck]

Ah, that explains the collar. Didn't think you would enjoy something like it.

[But necessity means a lot, in this type of "business". Mamoru shakes his head.] This place sometimes sounds like a gang war to me.

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket tugs on the collar again.] It's a little demeaning, yeah. [Also mildly triggering, but he has worse anxieties. He definitely doesn't want to be arrested.]

But gang war about covers it. Just a gang war with dragons and more politics.

[prizeneck]

Do you think that the two would try to wipe themselves out if given the chance?

[He pretends to look at the contents of the glass in front of him, on the counter. He's still holding onto the concept of everything really being part of a conflict. Most things are, after all.]

[beatupgrass]

If it didn't happen in the present, it's probably not gonna happen this far back, but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't for lack of trying. Pretty sure the gods are the only reason they didn't. Maybe. Probably.

[Something pushes on him again and he swats his hand out like he can physically slap the Natha.]

[prizeneck]

[Yikes. Mamoru can't help but look around them, even though he's sure that he won't spot anything visually. Hearing cast sharp, gut trying to sense intent - except for the lightness of being that most people seem to have entered, he senses some weird pressure at the back of his head, but not much else.]

Maybe we should change the subject?

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket nods an affirmative... and then realizes who he's talking to, and decides to loudly announce:] So what about this whole Frey thing?

[It gets a few looks, but since his cloak is on, no one pays him too much mind. Drunkenly shouting about a god during a ball held in his honor is par for the course.

Satisfied that the Natha aren't slapping back at him now, he lowers his voice:] Have you heard anything?

[prizeneck]

[Mamoru can't help the grimace and looking around as if he, too, didn't know where this is coming from, must be some weird place, not from this corner, n o p e.

He shakes his head once things return to normal.] Not really. Other types of infiltrators may have better luck with the gatekeepers. The only thing I've realized by behavior pattern is that the wine is either just alcohol or it's spiked with something else.

[beatupgrass]

[Rocket, who has been drinking it, promptly spits it out... Off to the side and not on Mamoru's face, at least.]

Fuck. Every frickin' time they do this.

[prizeneck]

[Really? Do these guys have only one trick?]

They've done this before?

[beatupgrass]

Spiked the alcohol with something weird to make everybody susceptible to that touchy-feely crap? Yeah, it's kinda their brand at this point.

[He runs a hand over his tongue to see if he can get the taste of the possibly tainted wine out of his mouth. You will not best him, Olympia.]

[prizeneck]

[He frowns, actually looking

kinda disgusted really.] What's the point of all of that?

[beatupgrass]

'Cause they like it when people are touchy feely. Apparently, it's their god's thing. [He snarls.] Lusty phoenix, my ass.

[prizeneck]

They can't just be doing it just because, though.

[What would be the purpose of it.

But then again, this goes waaaaay beyond Mamoru's expertise.]

Can they?

[beatupgrass]

Look, all I know is that the first time I ever heard about this god business was when we went that Dranbu, and Barthala decided without our permission to screw with our brains so she could protect us.

So this might be a "just because" thing or it might be because Frey's got some sway on this and it's what he wants. Barthala's thing was protection. His thing is... Y'know.

[Disgusting.]