❪ october plot conclusion; wyver takes ❫

[natha]

THE END TO THE EPIDEMIC     On the morning of November 3, there is a palpable buzz on the streets as both the natives of Wyver and Olympian refugees share the same sentiment: excitement. Word will quickly spread that a cure to VIOLET2710 has finally been developed and is ready for mass dissemination. Throughout the city, the cure can be found at any of the numerous small temples and outposts of the Altar of Volkkra. The shamans of Volkkra will happily distribute the cure to any of the ill in need of it, without restraint. A joint venture between both Olympia and Wyver, citizens of both are granted equal access. As the lines form, the shamans will ask that able-bodied persons administer the cure to themselves and to others. Don't let the needles scare you! It'll only hurt a little. At each of these outposts, signs will be posted giving credit to those who aided in the creation and manufacture of the cure: Claire Fraser Amaterasu Pike Trickfoot Charles Xavier Alan Foster (Bruce Wayne) Keyleth Rosalind Lutece Shinjiro Aragaki Mipha Wrathion Dorian Pavus Merlin Morrigan Clarke Griffin Rose Lalonde Peter Parker Linnaeus Zelda John Watson You Watanabe Jean Grey Mikleo Daenerys Targaryen Dylas Frankenstein Waver Velvet As they distribute the cure, the shamans will note that those receiving the cure should give thanks to those named. Without their contributions, it may have taken much longer for the cure to be found and created in large enough quantities to save everyone. SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?     With Olympia and Wyver's fragile alliance still in effect and a cure to VIOLET2710 distributed, Olympia finally opens its gates once again to Refugees if they feel a little homesick. High-speed transportation will be available at record low costs as politicians, merchants, and other business owners desperately hurry home to salvage whatever they can from the terrorist attacks. Refugees are advised to remain in Wyver until food rations can be recovered and the water can be decontaminated. However, those more personally attached to Olympia may discover that the city is preparing a mass call for volunteers that will go out in the near future. In the meantime, and understandably, you should do what you can to help the Wyver people. The Dragon city has started posting quests, not only for you to do your part, but for the Wyver people to gauge your worth as visitors to their sacred land. Thesa also has an interest in the unfolding events. Refugees have now been exposed to both lands, and certainly some will find themselves more invested in one side than the other. Darma finally wakes from slumber to observe, and while she is thankful that Refugees are immersed in her world, there is something foreboding on the horizons. On the night of the 3rd, Darma will appear in your dreams for a conversation. It has been some time, Refugee... ah, no, certainly not for me. I am Darma. It is my hope that Sael as served you well in my place. The Natha do not feel, but I must express gratefulness that I am able to return to you. My greeting extends to both old and new faces. As we watch you, we see that this world and its people have begun to influence your hearts. In time, your loyalty to either of these lands, to Olympia or to Wyver, shall affect how you are seen by the other side. As observers, we are unable to provide either region a winning edge. Thus, once you pledge loyalty to one, you cannot use Thesa to teleport to the other. Choose wisely, or choose none at all. There is no war for those who do not wish to see it. For those who do... if I may be prudent— this alliance will not last. Keep your friends close, Refugee, for they may not remain so if your allegiances conflict. You will wake before you get a chance to reply. THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM IN THE UNDERGROWTH     The locals often speak of a cursed place deep within Wyver territory, confounded by the spirits of dragons who passed long ago: those who still wish for vengeance on the people of Olympia for their untimely deaths. Though these stories began as nothing more than urban legends among the raiders and shamans, over time the idea has become mainstream. So much that the rumors have started causing unrest between the people of Wyver and their guests. More than a few people within Wyver have used these rumors as justification for opposing the current alliance with Olympia. Many Wyver locals see these rumors as a sign that their ancestors disapprove of the alliance. As a result, those in charge have decided that it would be prudent to mitigate some of the anxiety from either side. Those who are willing to look into these rumors further will find themselves lead towards the darkest parts of Wyver, deep within the Undergrowth in a region devoid of light. The faint of heart will be advised against delving further. Common among these rumors are accounts of people being attacked by an unseen enemy, or talk of possession and out-of-body experiences. Those who press on will find that the culprit is none other than a new, undocumented beast. This creature is able to camouflage itself perfectly to its environment. This, paired with darkness of the deep Undergrowth, makes this beast nearly impossible to detect with the naked eye. The creature also release a noxious gas that can spark a range of emotional responses: some may grow hysterical, while others may be consumed by despair. The effects only last for minutes, though some may linger in the back of one's mind for hours after. While the creature does not actually attack people directly, the other beasts of the Undergrowth may take advantage of its victims. Fortunately, Wyver is not looking for the creature's capture. They respect the delicate balance of the jungle as they see themselves as its protectors. For now, they only desire more information about this creature in order to assuage the people. Good luck and do your best to keep your wits! ALRIA'S FULL MOON     While Olympians worship the ever-present light of Thesa, the people of Wyver are captivated by the smaller, yet ever-changing Alria. Alria cycles in and out of the night sky much like what denizens of Earth would remember as lunar phases, and those who are familiar with that may notice it is very similar to their own. And likewise, the creatures, men and women of Wyver are affected when Alria transitions into its full moon phase. DRAGONS & LUNATICS — The dragons are restless. Perhaps because this particular full moon is accompanied by far more human scent than they are typically used to, but there's no doubt that they are eyeing humans as they do fresh prey. That is exactly why humans or human-like refugees will be tasked to tame a particularly rowdy dragon stable. The dragon mounts at Lhongha Stables have broken free from their homes, roaming aimlessly in the deep undergrowth. You and another will be advised to strip down to your undergarments (it's hot, relax a little, human!) and lure the dragons back to the stables with your bodies. Rowdy dragons do love their human flesh! "Just a hunch," says the owner of the stables, "But I bet they'll come running faster if they smell your human blood." He laughs as he hands over a pocket knife if he sees you're not carrying a weapon. The owner assures you that the dragons have been trained not to attack unless told to, but who knows how serious he is about that? JUNGLE HEAT (NSFW) — The full moon affects Wyver in other ways as well. While Olympia has a district blessed by Thesa's light all year long, Wyver only feels it at a certain time of the month. "The Heat" lasts for a full week starting on a full moon. You'll see it everywhere. Olympia has its lust confined in a single district, but in Wyver, during the phase of the full moon, the lust is everywhere. The people of Wyver will be friendlier then, offering you ale and meat. They sing songs of destroying their enemies up north, but even the native Olympians won't be able to will themselves to be angry when Alria shines upon them. Perhaps you'll be find yourself affected, too, by Alria's light. And it's okay to get touchy; it isn't like the locals care about public displays of affection when they most certainly are getting handsy themselves. THE PACT OF VOLKKRA — Shamans, too, participate in celebrations of Alria's full moon. During the event, the shamans will give pairs each a couple of blessed dragon teeth necklaces. Wyver tradition states that if a shaman approves you as a pair, then you are granted a chance to form a Volkkran Pact. This pact, the shaman will explain, will bond a pair as an unstoppable team, granting one another a small influence on each others' powers. "King Shanrian and his Pact, Counsel Shenya benefit from this. Shenya was granted physical strength, and our King his Counsel's perception. It has made quite a difference." THE VOLKKRAN PACT AT NAMARAK SUMMIT     Despite being mistaken for a pair, there is no need to take the shaman's advice. The necklace will disappear if the Pact isn't completed in a week's time. However, if the Pact's benefits might be something of interest to you and your partner, then you'll be advised to travel further south, until you reach Namarak Mountain. At the summit, you'll find an altar, where you and your partner are expected to return the necklaces and make a vow to support one another. The shaman there isn't particularly interested in what you do to complete the Pact. In fact, many people who attempt the Pact tend to... go a bit further than is necessary, when it can be achieved through a simple kiss between the partners. The Volkkran Pact's effects are immediate upon physical contact. Each Pact can be broken through a special process with the head Shaman, but there needs to be at least a month's time before one can sever it. The pairs may be fake and still receive the benefit of the Pact, though they may find that sharing power with someone they are not truly committed to is a mistake. NOTE: Players may be creative about what powers can be shared. The recipients of the such powers can never be granted its full strength, but it may be strengthened with Wyver REP rewards. Please note that PCs does not need to pledge allegiance to Wyver in order to keep the Volkkran Pact; they will only need 10 Wyver REP in order to strengthen it. Refer to the questions thread below if you have any questions. BUILD-A-BLADE WORKSHOP     Sirod, the weapon's head shopkeeper, is interested in procuring a few materials for his clients. While these clients have already collected the claws of larger beasts and various other parts needed to create their new weapons, they are still missing some rare, necessary items. In particular, they are still missing the following: High Prisms — These tiny crystals attach themselves to the branches of older trees. They tend to hang near the tops of them, hiding in the shadows of the leaves. Unfortunately, retrieving them requires one… to climb. Hopefully you got a lot of tree climbing practice as a kid. Who knew that skill would ever come in handy? Crystal Drop — These are normally found near bodies of water. Especially water that has been enchanted, past or present. The drops tend to cling to the floors of these mystical streams and lagoons. Those seeking them will also have to be careful not to be affected by the water’s properties. Perhaps that's part of the trick of gathering them. Frozen Mylan Root — Mylans are a type of live vegetation that grows on Namarak Mountain. Constantly roaming in the warm seasons, they root themselves into fertile earth during the winter where they sleep until spring, making the snowy mountain ideal to acquire the roots. Plucking them from the ground takes strength, and slicing them will prove equally difficult... and of course, there is a blood-curdling scream when you wake it from its slumber. Well, it wouldn't be a real test of strength and emotional fortitude otherwise. Those who retrieve any of these items will be rewarded 100 Silver. FINAL OOC NOTE     An AC-eligible thread for 2 WYVER REP POINTS may be submitted from this log. SUBMIT THE THREAD HERE by DEC 10th 11:59 PM EST. We will no longer be providing overflow posts. In an event where the post hits CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals or create their own catch-all post. These threads remain eligible for AC, AC Rewards, and REP. 1 SILVER = 1 US DOLLAR. QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[shashka]

[ considering that his father was a spirit medium, and that he'd recently discovered that he might've inherited those same powers, it would be a tad hypocritical to make a fuss about spirits and possession.

besides, he's seen far worse. ]

Hardly. [ he returns the grin. ] Enjoying the evening so far? Or trying to dodge strangers propositioning you.

[ Ocelot, for his part, had never seen the sense in waiting for the man he loved to notice things. if he had, that would've been a very difficult past twenty years. some people are just oblivious by nature, especially when you don't enlighten them. ]

[politrick]

[Must he take his shirt off... He could just roll up a sleeve, but alright - neckerchief first, then he'll get to tugging his shirt over his head.

But, ah-] You don't like magic, do you? But you want someone with you who has it?

[There's a touch of amusement when he says it, since he's had his fair share of "no really it's magic" arguments already in this world. Apparently this is a Thing, this science.]

Well, I have plenty, so I suppose you're in luck.

[courageunforgotten]

[Sidon? She really is out of it, isn't she? It also leaves him feeling a little guilty about waking her from whatever dream of home she might be having. Maybe he could leave her rest here, but as soon as something jostles her awake enough she'll be right back to work, and if she's out like a light here then what she needs is a real rest.

He shifts his hand when she moves in her sleep, enough to keep her from tipping completely and gives her another gentle shake.]

Come on, you're done here.

[One last attempt to rouse her. It seems a little presumptuous to just pick her up and carry her off to bed but if this fails, that's just what he'll have to do.]

[shashka]

Not much of a survivalist, are you?

[ neither is he but... WHEN YOU'RE IN SPECIAL FORCES sometimes you have to do things you really don't want to. ]

Or, we could skip the steps and just go to a butcher for fresh blood and meat.

[ the least amount of work for the most reward. ]

[rememberher]

[ She starts to glance over her shoulder, then stops because, oh right, he's partially naked. Let's not.

Also screw his logic, that doesn't apply here!! ]

A gentleman doesn't undress in front of a lady, Lance!

[ No nickname, no humor, no nothing. SHE IS A NOBLEWOMAN YOU CAN'T DO THAT LANCE!! Heavens above, she's going to die right. Here. Right in this spot.

People can die from embarrassment, right? She's about to find out. ]

[originallutece]

[Um, the poor man says, clearly a little hurt. It was Rosalind who had him strip down to his skivvies in the first place, so this really isn't fair, but on the other hand, whoever said Rosalind worried about fairness?]

Off you go.

[He looks quite displeased now, but it's not as if he requires her guarantee of safety. He can most certainly go playing bait to dragons on his own if he wants the reward so badly, and Rosalind's expression says all that, coolly and dismissively. And of course he's not stupid, not at all, so soon enough he does indeed go away, grumbling about her (which is rude, but oh well).]

Money is a powerful influence, Lady Sansa. There are people who do far worse for far less.

[But she seems amused.]

How are you feeling?

[competing]

[ his eyes widen at her outburst, and his hands fly up between them out of instinct. palms out, a universal sign of surrender, even though she cannot see. ]

Sorry, sorry!

[ look, once you reach friendship status, he kind of just forgets about boundaries. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ]

Would it be better if I let you know when I'm in the water, or do you want me to go in with all my clothes on..?

[ look... at least he's trying to make amends... ]

[motivation]

[ dutch hasn't figured it out. she's also not thinking too hard about it, which may be part of the reason she hasn't, inclined to take the victory, to feel alive and good for a while and to enjoy herself and the high spirits.

she's also not thinking too hard about the way the woman sitting at the table catches her gazes, about the tightening in her stomach when their eyes meet and hold. (for a moment, she's reminded of delle seyah, of the kiss that wasn't really one, of delle seyah and aneela — that's not a line of thinking she wants to go down.)

dutch grabs two ales and sits down on the other end of the table. ] Hi.

[likethelight]

[ please stop talking!!!

He rubs at the back of his head for a moment. Considering that with great reluctance. ]

Everyone has been acting a little odd... [ this whole country is going to give him a heart attack. First trying to tell them to go hunt dragons basically naked........... lux why had you believed them. ]

Maybe it's just how they honor their fighters. [ Because they had, kind of! And he kept going on about powers! Yeah that makes a lot more sense!! ]

You know, like a thank you.

[ that's his story and he's sticking to it ]

take a shot every time lance said "you know" in that last tag SURPRISE YOU'RE POISONED

[competing]

[ he visibly relaxes when keith gets close, touches him. like a ripple through the pond, he shudders and the tension pulling his shoulders taut releases, so much so that he's unconsciously begun to lean a little more keith's way. or maybe it's just the earth beneath his foot is unsteady. either way, a corner of his mouth quirks in something silently grateful when he's given that kiss, recognizing its familiarity (despite being on the other end) almost instantly.

the more genuine half-smile doesn't quite fade as keith finishes speaking, but it doesn't really grow either. rather, he just looks at the other like he's said something strange. ]

I'm already committed to you.

[ spoken like it's just. the most obvious thing??? standing as he is right now, hand held firmly in keith's hand, the other resting lightly over their mystery egg baby, still wearing that sharktooth necklace he's had to remove twice, and both times were completely out of his control. truly, he looks the picture of commitment. ]

This whole ceremony stuff... It doesn't have to mean anything more than we want it to.

[panzersoldat]

[ Reinhardt, in his infinite wisdom, had left his armor behind them. He learned the hard way that the jungle and his J08 didn't get on well. So, it's just an old man with a very fancy looking hammer slung across his shoulders like it weighs nothing as they walk towards where the crystals are said to be located.

It's nice to have the younger knight along. To see that Loras is still well after all the craziness that has happened. And if it so happens that they have to go swimming, he needed someone along to do that. He's not about to admit that a man his age hasn't learned how. It's embarrassing. He just hopes they are close enough to the shores that they can get to them without really needing to go that far out. ]

I'm sure it must be something amazing, ja. Magic maybe? Magic swords made of crystals. Can you imagine that, Loras! Crystal swords! They would break on contact! [ He laughs as he makes a mock sword swing with the hand that's not holding the hammer. It's actually pretty funny to watch because it's clear he's never held a sword in his life. He swings it just like he would his massive hammer. He makes a sour face as his pretend sword shatters to a million pieces. ] Crash, all gone. All that work for nothing! Give me strong iron any day! Just like your noble blade.

[wondie]

Have you ridden a dragon before?

( now Diana is simply curious. she had never seen a dragon in the flesh before this place, though there had never been a doubt in her mind that they had existed. still, even for the amazon rather unimpressed by dragons, the thought of flying with one is still appealing.

once Hawke seems ready, Diana leaps to the roof of a building with little warning or pretense. she eyes the sky and their mark is clearly floating around overhead, though not as inclined toward the champion bait as one might have hoped. )

How do we draw its attention?

[shashka]

[ Ocelot is in a good mood after finally managing to get those crystal drops. It had been something of an ordeal, but after much trial and error, he'd managed to throw up the enchanted pool.

so, he's in more of a visiting mood. particularly when the stranger's comment gives him away as a refugee. ]

You a Marilyn fan?

[ he knows the reference well enough. his oldest friend had always had a thing for blonds, and which woman was more iconic than Marilyn Monroe?

a slight smirk spreads across his face. ]

I don't think I can refuse.

[ personally, he never saw the appeal. he was far more of an Eastwood or Wayne fan. ]

The undergrowth, I'm so sorry

[panzersoldat]

[ A knight knows no fear. His courage defends the helpless. His might upholds the weak.

He has to keep telling himself this as he presses through the forest. Pushes though and feels that gut wrenching feeling that he hasn't felt in over 30 years. But fear should not stop him. He must press on.

His hand wraps tighter around his hammer and he wishes he had put on his armor. It is just the gauntlet with the lion that makes his shield.

Reinhardt comes out from the brush looking much like a lumbering beast. He's huge and covered with the dirt and vines of the jungle. His hammer on his shoulder. He sees the guns and his reaction is immediate.

The world right in front of him is suddenly bathed in a pure blue light as his arm goes up and his shield flares to life, putting a barrier between himself and the guns.]

Reinhardt Wilhelm!

[ He announces his name very loudly but the shield does not fall. His heart hammers in his chest. ] Friend or foe!?

[originallutece]

[Well, that's . . . most definitely an incredibly attractive woman sitting across from her, isn't it? Sure is, and ordinarily that would be fine, she could absolutely take note of that and shove it to the back of her mind, but here and now--

Here and now, her cheeks flush just a touch.]

Yes, well.

[What were they talking about again? God, Rosalind, you useless bisexual--]

A release is all very well and good, and I'm certainly pleased they're finding it, I simply object to it happening right outside my window. Repeatedly. I'm almost certain it's the same couple, but frankly, I haven't stopped to check.

doctor doctor

[panzersoldat]

[ The old man isn't actually in line for a shot. He was fine. He doesn't want it! Doesn't need it!! might actually be a big baby that hates getting shots He's there for another reason. That reason being the young man in the office.

When it's finally close to his turn, he steps out of the line to avoid getting pocked and slides near enough that he's out of needle range and place a small brown satchel on the little stone wall.

From the bag there is a smell, a little like warm bread and meat. ]

For the hero of the hour. Don't forget to keep your strength of, my young friend.

[rememberher]

[ Okay but do friends seriously get naked in front of each other she has no idea.

She pauses for a moment, looking down as she seems to seriously consider her answer here. On the one hand... ]

...No, no you're right. It would be more dangerous for you to go in wearing all of that weight. Just—

[ Look, this is really hard for her to admit. He should be proud? With a deep breath, she slowly turns around, her eyes still closed. ]

A-am I all right to look?

[ You better be decent, L2. ]

[likethelight]

[ Lance don't be so pessimistic. ]

Probably by going beyond it, too. [ So helpful. They really are probably going to be at this clear until nightfall...

Actually no, he's going to relent and dial it back a little. ]

It isn't so bad if you think about something else.

Dragons

[panzersoldat]

[ If there is one man in the world that has zero shame, it's Reinhardt. Though perhaps it's the idea of getting to deal with larger dragons. He adores the babies in the nursery, this is true. But a real honest huge dragon, he's all but skipping to the stables with the idea of getting to see one. Maybe even wrestle it. Those glory-hound days of his misspent youth not so distant a memory at all.

So he's definitely going to get down to nothing but his boxer shorts. He's definitely a sight. Huge, this man is pure muscle with scars of a life hard lived from battle to battle.

He grins at Poe, a wild grin and cracks his neck and then knuckles as if getting ready for a hell of a fight.]

Yes! Let's find one of these beasts and show it who is boss!!

[ And then that wall of muscle is just going to happily job out of the stables looking for dragons to bring back home. ]

[rememberher]

[ But she's trying to explain—!

Also why wouldn't she believe them, she isn't exactly an expert in dragons!! (she kind of knows one by proximity, but details)

That does get her to settle down, however, a hand going up to touch one of the teeth hanging around her neck. A way to honor their fighters, huh? That... actually, if it is that, it seems kind of nice. Being acknowledged, if that's what this is. ]

I'm not used to that kind of thing. Having someone thank you for something like that.

[ It sort of slips out, and as soon as it does she smiles sheepishly. ]

Still, it seems a little over the top, don't you think?

[originallutece]

. . . hello.

[It's very hard to keep her eyes from darting up and down, but Rosalind's self-control isn't so poor, even now. And at least now she knows why she's panting after every woman who catches her gaze (and man, but frankly, men are easier to dismiss; she's had men. Women, now, women are entirely different, because she's never gotten to indulge with a woman before).]

Now, am I to take those--

[The ales, she means.]

--as a sign of generosity, or are you simply that intent on celebrating tonight?

[originallutece]

[Oh, that's interesting.]

I rather meant I would use an ability of my own, which many have falsely labeled as magic, to ensure you weren't hurt. I wanted to avoid you fussing when it occurred, but clearly the warning wasn't needed. What do you mean by plenty?

[motivation]

[ dutch hasn't really been with a woman before, not counting that one kiss with delle seyah. she hadn't hated that, but right now, whether someone male or female catches her gaze doesn't seem to matter at all for the squirming ball of want in dutch's stomach.

this woman is pretty. for a moment, dutch thinks of pawter, but the thought is quickly dismissed. ros doesn't look like pawter beyond the colour of her hair, and even that is a different shade. ]

I may be willing to share.

[politrick]

[Oh—huh. He'll do his best not to start picking at what counts as magic, he supposes. At least in the middle of potential danger...]

Well—what it sounds like. I... have magic. [A beat; after so many months, one would think he wouldn't be stuck on how that statement doesn't make sense to people, and yet. Every time.] It's part of me.

[competing]

Uh.

[ lance glances around, then hastily stoops down to pick up his shirt again. once he shrugs that back on (hair now sticking up at odd angles thanks to his haste) he fixes a reassuring smile at her. thumbs up, ready for her to see. ]

Yep, go for it!