❪ 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

[lahaine]

Close is not enough when pitted against someone whose very being is sustained by it.

[ The bitterness to the statement was obviously there to cover up any other emotion, like sadness or regret. If there was one thing about Jeanne and Jeanne Alter, is that both did not regret. Everything they had ever done was for a purpose, and they accepted the consequences.

Glancing out of the corner of her eyes at him, she would furrow her brow in slight confusion. ] You keep telling yourself that. [ The scoff was an attempt to throw him off.

Setting her jaw, she would rise to her feet, picking up her sword from the ground, but not pointing it towards him or making any hostile actions. ] Yes, well this beloved Rielle isn't here, now are they? So as far as anyone's concerned, there is no need to "return the favor" or associate with someone like me.

[likethelight]

[ At least it's something he's used to having to explain even in his world. He's not even an "exorcist" like most people would understand that and there weren't many of them.. the slowly losing side of a war and all that.

He waves a gloved hand lightly, smiling sheepishly at that. ]

Where I'm from — there's a holy war. An Exorcist exists to fight akuma, weapons made from human souls. We protect people from them, and save the souls in the process. And investigate a lot of strange events, really.

But my master once said — we wear really noticeable uniforms so scary things will attack us instead of other people. [ Akuma don't exist anymore so, well

time to improvise and start extending the General Idea of it to everything that applies ]

Not that... he meant dragons, but I guess the general sentiment applies.

[sparsity]

[ Having grown up in a barracks of a couple hundred other guys, modesty sort of escapes him as a concept, even with women. Chalk it up to him just lumping general nakedness all together when the situation calls for it. Good causes, and all. Canting his head aside, he offers up a nod, his gaze not catching on anything untoward, because he's not that kind of protag. ]

Then let's go. He said they'll try to find the tallest trees, probably...

[ Though her question makes him pause, realizing what she's referring to after a long moment. ]

Oh, the whiskers. No. I got them when I was little.

[regives]

[ She's at least helpful with brushing the snow off, dusting some that managed to get into his hair. ]

Thanks for the compliment. Though I already know that you're a little above ordinary so maybe you'll be able to catch up. [ Or she'll slip up. Who knows. But her attention turns from that of their future snowball fight and back to their path, eyes scanning the blanket of snow for little tumbles of weed indicating a mylan root. ]

Oh, look over there! I found one! [ They're easy to spot, thankfully, and Leanne hurries to the root with a wild smile on her face. Once within reach she squats down, wrapping delicately gloved fingers around the green of the root before attempting to pull it out. ] You know what I just realized? [ Said during mid-tug. ] I'm not a hundred percent sure what you did back at your world. Like I know that you guys were basically living in sky islands but... that's it.

[adelphoi]

[ she does not doubt his sincerity. she couldn't. prompto doesn't have a dishonest bone in his body which, let's be real, is as often troublesome as it is admirable. she believes with her entire heart that he loves her, that he would marry her right this moment if she asked it of him.

she only hopes he will love her still, in time. it's true, she needs time, time to.. to think, to stabilize, to assure herself that she's not doing something entirely, foolishly rash in eloping with him on a mountaintop. reckless though she is, a hefty portion of her thought process is grounded in cold logic, and while her heart shouts yes, yes, yes, her mind hesitates, she has fears, insecurities, that will take time to assuage. time to get her feet under her and convince herself that this is all real and true.

but for now, this is an important step forward. it's solid, and meaningful, and the weight of the ring on her finger does not feel heavy and restrictive but instead light and airy and warm. she's happy, so happy she's fit to burst with it.

so she laughs, bright and genuine, slipping forward to crawl into his lap, her arms loose over his shoulders. remember when he screamed that one time she tried to get into his lap, ah memories. alisaie kisses his mouth again, then his cheek and jaw and ear. ]

What now, then?

[ she murmurs against his skin, slow and soft. ]

Would you like to.. [ another, slower kiss to his ear. ] .. try out your new abilities? [ a trail of kisses beneath his ear. ] Or mayhaps.. [ down his throat. ] .. stay here?

[ sophie's choice up in here ]

[demonly]

...

[ Is that even possible.... he still looks uneasy while watching the other pull all the medical supplies out. ]

How...How do ya know it works?

1/2

[likethelight]

[ Slaine that's a warped half-truth if ever he's heard one and he squints for a moment at the number of red flags that go up. Are you...

(his nose twitches for a moment, gaze jagging down to the glass in hand before back up to Slaine)

— have you been drinking? ]

[adelphoi]

[ you know, she should have seen this conversation coming, really. it's pretty important. but alisaie had had other things on her mind while she was ill, and since the moment she woke - well, there have been no end to the happy distractions.

now though, she lapses into thoughtful silence, and drops her chin to meet the shine of his eyes, one hand lowering to slip over the hand he has over her middle, soft and reassuring. ]

There's nothing I would like more. [ a beat. ] If.. if it is something you want, as well. I suppose we should also ask Peo his opinion.

2/2

[likethelight]

... [ Weak grin: go. ]

Have you, ah — been enjoying the celebrations? [ Or whatever you call this. Must... reserve... his judgement... and maybe walk him home. But he hardly seems the irresponsible sort after all.

...

Self-destructive though, perhaps.. ]

[demonly]

F..F...Five hundred thousand?!!?

[ He looks mortified, barely even notices the money returning to his pocket. Who wears clothes that expensive... and why did his sick self think it was a good idea to burn them.... it's not like he meant to put himself in that much debt!! Has he ever even had five hundred thousand on him at a point in time? ]

There's no frickin' way that clown suit cost that much. [ HE FEELS BAD FOR DESTROYING IT BUT... HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE ] I'll starve for real if I have to pay that off!!

[ he'll have to eat crappy meals all the time like the cup noodles mephisto's weeb self loves so much:( ]

[1/2]

[rememberher]

[ She whips her head to look at him when he speaks, eyes somewhat wide in disbelief as he smiles effortlessly at her. Like he's saying something so simple—of course he would!

He would go with her, so she wouldn't have to face this alone.

She takes a slow breath then, not making any kind of effort to hide her look of surprise. The cat is already well out of the bag. But offering something like that without a trace of hesitation... ]

Allen...

[ Can she? Let someone in, even just that little bit? ]

[terrantrash]

...Mistakes were made.

<sub>[Is his answer to Allen's question, the half empty glass of water being turned around in his hands nervously. Allen might be grinning but he can feel the judgement being thrown his way.

Let him live.]</sub>

[wondie]

( she'll get the chance to explain her building jumping later. now is surely not the time, especially as the dragon starts to skitter along the sheer stone pavers. it seems the dragon is at least slightly slowed when it isn't in flight... a slight reassurance, considering the fact this entire plan hinges on staying out of the dragon's hungry jaws.

the populated route thoroughly blocked off, Diana carefully runs back across the roof. she crouches to watch the ascent of the pair, concern knitted on her brow though she does not try to step in or intervene. she rises to run another few steps to check the safety of the next road, and thankfully, it seems clear. )

Left! And be careful, the path grows narrow. ( in fact, would the dragon fit along such a winding stretch of pavers, buildings and the rock pressing in at both sides? )

[meinwaifu]

It was made using imported fabrics of the finest caliber and fashioned together by some of the finest designers in the world... but really, you're lucky your flames left my boots alone, or else that number would be significantly higher.

[And now-- for some ham acting. He sighs dramatically, turning to the side.]

Oh, but I figured you'd say something like that... but it's fine. Sure, those clothes were expensive, and they were the last remaining mementos I had in my possession from Assiah... but if you really can't think of any way to make it up to me, then I suppose I'll just have to forget about them!

[He can keep this up all day tbh.]

[likethelight]

[ S l a i n e. . . ]

'Mistakes'..?

[ No. What did you do. ]

[punshots]

[ The ring certainly does look nice on her, his own strangely - but reassuringly - warm against his skin, and he's admiring the sound of her laughter and how good it sounds, how impossible it would have been for her to laugh like this even a week ago - but all other thought is driven from his mind as she slips into his lap. His heart, which has really only just settled down again, jumps back up to beat relentlessly against his throat. And then she's kissing him, oh so sweetly, his fingers grasping her arms as his eyes lid heavily.

Looks like his bet was right on the money.

At least he won't be screaming this time - in, uh, that sense, at least. His head dips forward rest on the crook of her neck, already dizzyingly out of breath. ]

I wouldn't mind...an afternoon in.

[ As eager as he is for fireballs and lightning...it can wait a little longer. ]

[terrantrash]

I didn't want the drinks...

_{[Y'know, mistakes. Surely you make enough of them Allen that you know what they are by now.]}

But I felt obligated.

[punshots]

[ Even in the darkness, she'll be able to make out the unmistakable curve of his grin. ]

Well, yeah, of course I want to! I think we, uh, get along pretty well as roommates, anyway... [ He chuckles, pressing a kiss against her collarbone. ]

I don't think Peo will have any objections, either.

[ In his sleep, Peo continues to twitch and yip. ]

[cutefaced]

...you say that, but they're your handful, right?

[Don't front, Mephisto. She can tell.

She can relate, even. The people she spends her time with aren't her familiars by any means, but they're all sort of a handful in their own way. Still, she wouldn't change them for anything.

It's probably the same way with him and his little demons.]

Maybe when I get stronger, you'll introduce me to the others.

vicky are you gonna comfort her if she cries... lmao diana ur choices

[wondie]

( there's an odd sense passing through her as the water settles into her skin, though whatever it is still isn't enough for her to give up on her plans. it's not painful and that seems to be enough to convince Diana she'll survive a quick swim. she nods at his suggestion and has no answer, though the fact she dives in head first is likely an answer of sorts.

she isn't underneath the surface longer than she has to be. plucking the crystals isn't too difficult, though there's a few of them to collect and Diana does not intend to surface until she has them all. she has an impressive lung capacity, though she is a demigoddess, so that happens.

Diana does surface eventually, and places her gains on the rocky shore before she can lose them. her expression is certainly shifted from confident to something a little more vulnerable, though. she reaches a hand to her partner, ) Please, ( is all she asks, a little breathless, though hopefully it is clear enough that she wants a hand out of the water. she is quickly growing to mislike the feel of this place as well. )

[2/2]

[rememberher]

[ A smile slowly spreads across her lips, small and a bit apprehensive but still strangely bright. Something much more natural than the ones she had offered before. Something as warm as it is grateful. ]

You're a strange one, has anyone ever told you that?

[ Other than her, of course.

Looking away finally, her eyes cast toward the sky, she sighs gently. Leaning back and bracing her gloved hands against the top of the wall, Lux nods simply. ]

But I think I like that. It makes me think that, no matter what we find, it will still be okay.

[ And with a gentle laugh, she looks at him again, smiling almost as easily as he had. ]

I guess that makes the both of us a little strange, doesn't it?

[ The both of us. Because he did offer after all, and it would be incredibly rude for her to say no after he offered. And because, well...

This feeling, it's nice. Warm, and not quite what she's used to. Almost like a sense of belonging, and not one she quite felt back home. Is that strange? Even if it's just on the surface, feeling at least somewhat understood and accepted... It's nice.

Really nice. ]

[demonly]

Well - I didn't mean to destroy it... it was an accident...

[ Which coincidentally tended to be the excuse for all the other times he broke stuff at school. But this time it really was an honest accident. He might've presented himself as more apologetic instead of just grumbling, but Mephisto's pompous attitude is pissing him off. ]

Isn't the better part that ya didn't get hurt by 'em? I only burned yer clothes!! [ So he still had... Some Control, to an extent. It's an important clarification. While he's trying to be an adult about this, it just seems so outrageous to be in debt so suddenly all because of his actions under the influence of illness. ] Maybe they can be repaired...

[ He doesn't really remember the extent to which they were damaged. ]

[wondie]

( matt i cannot believe you will not tell your girlfriend about your dumb secret identity. maybe she'd like to know why you run around with socks on your face!!!

Diana stalls at his request that she let him take the lead. she's utilized his help in a dangerous situation before, she's seen that he has senses that far exceed what one might expect (whether he wants her to have noticed or not). she knows that he is not weak or incapable simply for the fact he cannot see.

however, that doesn't mean she's totally game on for him taking point when an angry dragon is involved. )

I can run faster, longer, and I am less susceptible to injury. ( Diana doesn't say this to take him down a peg, it is just reality. she seems like a way better mark for this, Matt, you can't throw yourself in front of a dragon to apologize, that's not how it works, especially when she has no idea you've got shit worth apologizing for to begin with! try a hallmark card or something, geez! )

[adelphoi]

[ alisaie can't help her delighted, quiet little giggle at his reply, her arms tightening around his neck while she burrows her face against him, thrilled and happy and excited all at once. how good it feels to have him against her, warm and healthy and wanting, how good it feels to be here, tucked away in this chilly corner of the world, vibrant and alive, with a ring on her finger and a warmth in her breast. gods, she cannot remember the last time she was so completely, unabashedly happy, so completely able to forget the things that pain her, at least for a little while. ]

A good answer.

[ she murmurs, her smile clear in the lilt of her voice, pressing in closer until she is seated firmly in his lap, until there is nothing at all in the world beyond these four walls, beyond the boundary of this bed.

how much time passes she cannot know, cannot say. she keeps him against her as long as she can, holds to him and needs him, and she does not stop demanding more and more and more until her body is sore and aching, her lungs burning, her head spinning, until she sheets are tangled and damp with sweat, until she is fully satisfied in a way that settles bone deep and turns her limbs to lead and her thoughts to cotton. time is meaningless. but when next she becomes aware of it the sun has dipped low in the sky, the rays of light that slant through the misty windows are a brilliant red-orange, and the world is quieting around them.

in silence she lies against him, her arms heavy and loose around his shoulders, her hair wild and stuck to her neck, her temples, her breath still shallow through the kisses she presses to his ear. it's silent all save for the sound of the crackling fire, and the soft noise of her lips moving against his skin.

silent, at least, until her stomach growls. ]

[meinwaifu]

[If he had burned his skin, it would have just grown back!! That would have bee much easier. If not significantly more disturbing, of course.]

Even repairing them would still cost a great deal. You'd need to perfectly weave in the new fabric to replace the parts you burned away -- and even then, there's the cost of materials to take into consideration!

[SIGHS DRAMATICALLY]

But I suppose you're right. It was an accident. And it would be unfair to force you to take full responsibility for something you might not even remember doing.

[H E H]

So why don't we make a deal instead?