❪ 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

[punshots]

[ The groan with which that is met is quite spectacular. Prompto runs his hands down his face. That Alisaie hasn't brought it up at all is hardly a good sign. Even with her being sick, she's well enough now and hasn't yet exacted her revenge. It's not a question of if, but when, and how. ]

W-well! Youuu know what they say about destiny bringing people together... [ But he's not so sure they needed to have this particular thing in common. ]

Anyway, you must be pretty....uh, experienced at getting people out of trees now, right?

[punshots]

[ Oh man...she's rich?! Rich and unfamiliar with s'mores...she must have a fascinating backstory. ]

I bet you'd be great at it. Plus, then - you can totally start your own jewelry-making business. Be all...entrepreneurial.

[ He's got big words. ]

[punshots]

[ Yeahhh, if nothing else, Prompto certainly knows how to make a first impression in a big way...

But even given his predicament, at the mention of Alisaie's name, he lights up, all bright-eyed and grinning, as if he's no longer, you know, hanging from a tree, but instead floating on air. ]

She told you about me? [ Look, he knows how she is, getting her to talk about that kind of stuff can be an Event. Color him impressed! And flattered. ]

[cutefaced]

...

I don't know what that means.

[tagging out of order but this is the quickest, easiest tag to write so y'know what, here it is]

:*

[punshots]

It's not quite that simple. The crystal is sort of...sentient? Like, not just anyone can use it. Ol' Emperor Iedolas tried aaaand, well - you don't wanna know how that turned out for him. It really only worked for the person who holds the Ring of the Lucii.

[ Yeah, he knows how it sounds. ]

[illuminating]

[She raises her head to tilt it and brings ears forward in her listening to him. While she understands that natural sunlight isn't always completely necessary (deep ocean floors no one's reached yet comes to mind), it's still something of a concern. Most life needs it, and she's been attempting to puzzle if this jungle simply has a different way of flourishing.

Troublesome as the creature's been to people like Ocelot, there's some chance it looks after this place. Which, that internal terror she cannot feel same as him aside, wouldn't it make it bad. So much is different on this planet.

Her ears go down, and he'll see her shoulders lift and drop, a heavy, mother's sigh. A missing Oh, in missing soothing voice. He might expect it, but all the same, she moves toward him now, all passivity, not bothering to smell him over since she feels well acquainted enough with him, and immediately slips her muzzle to his fingers. Sometimes, it's probably good her intangible woman's shape couldn't materialize into the tangible on none celestial surfaces, because there's many people she'd constantly grab the hands of, and right now, Ocelot's one of them. That muzzle to his fingers is her trying to convey the same comfort.

But even in wolf's body, she's watched boys snatch their hands away from mothers who were being too much. They're grown; they don't need mothers anymore. Difficult as getting her points across can be, this shape is often a blessing.

The creature is afraid of her. It can feel and see her light, same as him, though it has some better grasp of why she glows, and so long as Ocelot's open to her traveling with him, before much longer, that dread ought to slip away from him, little by little. It isn't going to antagonize him so long as she's at his side or not far from him. She's seen it and smelt it, too, but it's always swift to get away from her, searching deeper darkness to feel safe from her.]

[shikomizue]

[Trees are less annoying, less tiresome, than people, on that they could agree. But Takasugi held nothing sacred in his path, be it life or beauty or centuries-old monuments of nature.

As ash, all of that is indistinguishable.]

Don't keep still well, hm? [He knows the answer, but he takes the small talk while he can get it, prepared to take out his kiseru and light up while Mikazuki climbs for the crystals.]

[originallutece]

Yet.

[She has no idea if he will, frankly, she was never so well-versed in Arthurian myths, but it seems the kind of thing he might run into.]

What on earth is a Sidhe? [Listen, she really isn't well-versed in any mythology, frankly.] And is it clotting? We might need to get you some proper bandages if it's not, but I don't think I cut you that deeply.

you're cute (blush)

[defenses]

[ in vane's less than glamorous youth as the village crybaby, he may have not have appreciated it. but, as it stands and as adventure-loving as he is now, he can't deny the rush of adrenaline that comes with. it's kind of like how he felt when he first got on a sky ship. there's something rewarding in the height and everything else, and he finds himself grinning. with the high velocity and the wind in his face...

he probably looks a lot like a dog with their head out the side of the car window. it's that level of enjoyment. ] Uwah? Really? They're missing out! [ except, maybe it would be better in different terms. vane stares back, only to: ]

Uh—? Was it your body that baited him or mine?

[poolhall_killer]

The explanations vary depending on who you ask. Some feel that sort of affection should be between them alone and not for others to see. Others feel it's inappropriate because children might be present. But tonight seems to be strictly adults-only, so that argument falls apart.

Personally I feel a bit jealous since I don't have someone like that in my life.

[He's always had his longings, but retained his solitude for the sake of his master's happiness.]

[defenses]

Can you believe that's not the first time I've heard that?

[ probably, yes. but, still he gives lance a firm pat on his back. ]

But, what happened to your spirit back there—? Does Big Brother Vane have to bring it back?

[defenses]

[ stick in her bones?

he supposes there were somethings like that in this world. kind of like how he can't stand pumpkins on impulse. though, maybe that was more like light emotional scarring? he seems to debate over this before shaking his head. ] A professional... [ he gives a small smile as he holds a hand out to her. ]

You think you could teach me?

[illuminating]

[It's the same for her: limitations.

And even before Thesa. She had pulled herself asunder, and before The Storm came, was seeking out those parts strung up in the stars. She's only been aggravatingly limited more, but she doesn't think of this, it's not often she does bother to take the time to think or find clarity, she's too action-oriented for it. For all she knows, he's at his full potential, and if Issun was with her, he might scold her for instigating. She hasn't stretched much, besides.

There is, however, a noticeable moment of hesitation. One of her ears slowly shifts back, an indicator of uncertainty, and the top of her muzzle becomes less wrinkled. He almost sounds convincing.

But isn't that like them? The deception.

That hiccup of reluctance, a moment of nearly giving him the benefit of the doubt is snuffed out in a second, rapidly transitions into her foreboding growling turning into ugly, gruesome snarl, pink gums and long teeth, and she does leap for him, reflector spinning off her back midway through landing in attempt to strike him, the fire surrounding it spiraling intently.

Nothing more? prickly, and this all conveyed to him in this single, lunge of an attack. Do you take me for someone without experience?]

[rememberher]

[ No, not food. Well not yet at least, but she doesn't have a bottomless pit for a stomach like he does. Besides, there is so much more to focus on other than the siren call of sustenance.

But it's funny how just that little bit seems to put her in a good mood. Maybe it's the energy in the air (...actually she hopes not, considering what it's doing to some of the other people here). Or maybe it's the feeling of knowing that she doesn't have to feel so alone for once.

Strange how something so simple could raise her spirits.

Which is why, letting go of his hand once he reaches the ground, she swings both hands behind her back. Turning to face him while walking backward, she smiles brightly. ]

I'm not sure yet, but I'll know it when I see it!

[ That's part of the fun, right? She's never been much of a spontaneous person, and even if it is a bit of a stretch, it's nice. Enjoying someone else's company.

And luckily, he won't be left in suspense for long, because as she turns to look where she's going, Lux stops, watching a group of people gathering around a particularly busy square. The sound of music and drums floating through the air, the small blond slowly makes her way through the crowd to find out what could be going on. What are they all watching?

It's not until she finds herself at the front of the crowd that she realizes what's going on, and she stands up a little bit straighter then; shoulders raising slightly as she blinks in surprise.

There are people dancing in the middle of the streets... ]

[triplerose]

[ He scrunches his nose. It sounds odd to him, of course, if only because he's used to proper parties and masquerades and things where high born lords and ladies are all on their best behaviors in order to impress. He casts a look around at the revelers. ]

Well, I'm certain we're under no obligation to entertain their customs if we don't wish it.

[ Which does seem a touch rude, particularly if they're going to possibly become citizens of this place. Though no one's come round to force it upon them, have they, so ignoring it probably won't be too frowned upon. ]

[triplerose]

[ And not just a smile, either, because the comment makes Loras laugh, even as he turns his head to hide the faint blush of embarrassment. He'd been miserable when they'd arrived here, and he knows it, but it's better now. He can't remember the last time he felt as good as he does in this particular moment. ]

I'm certain you'll forgive my behavior from our first meeting. It's nice to see a familiar face. You've been well?

[ He has no idea if Jamie had been struck with the illness or not. He certainly looks well - even if he's got an odd taste in clothing. ]

happy working song.

[illuminating]

[It's a bit of an accident that the wolf Diana met before is stumbling across her in this conscious predicament now.

And she does not stop her. Why would she? It's not as if she wears clothes herself, or fully appreciates the use of them (to keep out the cold, aside), and so it's only natural and completely innocent to her. Besides! She understands. Fur itself gets logged with water and heavy in the off chance she's trying to swim, and she can only imagine clothes and heavier pieces of garment would only weigh Diana down too.

Still, she can't stop appreciative combination of dreamy (yes, from her) sigh and whine that slips from her as more is revealed. She sinks down to watch, paws hanging at the edge, chin resting on them. Don't be confused: she is not as bad as Issun, there's no perversion. It's an admiration of beauty and artistry, and that's that. A little jealousy, maybe. A tinge.

It's not as if she finds animals lesser, and it's not as if she hasn't become accustomed to this body, but where do people think the shape comes from? She, being the first mother, gently guided the development of life, at least in her universe, for the mothers that would follow into similar softness. Comforting form.

Though it would be a lie, too, to say there isn't some level of puppy crush, no ill-intent or the same desire mankind might have at seeing Diana this way. A pat on the head, nothing more. She can't help herself. Rao was gorgeously structured, as well, and it's difficult to ignore.]

[likethelight]

[ To be honest, when they approach the throng and there's the sound of music, at first Allen wonders if perhaps there might be a performance. And is in fact a little perked in intrigue at the prospect. How could he not? It's pretty Relevant To His Interests.

As for what it is, though.. ]

Ah.. [ Well, he's seen a few things like that in his travels. Not a lot of cultures that would just have an open dance happening in the middle of the street, though.

There's a moment of hesitation though. People seem really happy and that's nice, but.. ]

[originallutece]

You can relax. I shan't cut you.

[Unless she agrees to it, anyway.]

[rememberher]

[ She's never seen anything like this! Cheering in the streets certainly, but Demacians are usually much too tight-laced to actually dance in public like that. It's surprising, and not at all expected, and even before she realizes it, Lux is moving her head slightly to the beat.

It's hard not to, with a driving rhythm like that, and the way that all of it is almost infectious. She's danced before—plenty of times, it comes with being highborn—but not quite like this. It's much less prim and tidy, and more emotive. Expressive. Alive.

And while she's distracted by watching, Lux doesn't quite catch how the circle is starting to encroach out toward the fringes, pulling people in and—

Oh look, an Exorcist has been Caught. Quite suddenly in fact, by someone with a very strong grip, who will use that to try to pull him in. Clearly he should be involved in this.

Lux is still in reach, if he wants some help pulling him out, otherwise he might become an unwilling slave of the music if he's not quick! ]

[r3f4c70r3d]

[ Angel gives a quick affirming nod and takes those few steps forward till she's within Rosalind's range. ]

I...was not entirely informed about the contents of this job until well after I had signed onto it. There must be a better, or at least as effective way, to lure the creatures to us.

[baguablade]

[ No, he stripped to get chased by a dragon and he's gonna go around half-naked proudly!! Also he's not entirely sure where his shirt went...

He doesn't let that flicker of distrust dissuade him, though. Illustratively, he picks up a skewer of meat and waves it about. ]

Can you blame them? Epidemics are always bad. Who knows how long it's been since they've had hope here?

[ It may sound oddly like he's speaking from experience, but he pops a bite of meat into his mouth and starts chewing instead of saying anything more. ]

[adelphoi]

[ there was never any doubt in her mind that x'rhun would care for her things without fail, but still she sighs softly in quiet relief. it had been difficult to part with those items, but ultimately for the better, she thinks. always better safe than sorry.

so she nods, sitting back enough to offer him a tired smile. ]

I am more grateful than I could rightly express. How was your journey here?

[adelphoi]

[ wow ardyn???? 'it's good to see you have life... would be a shame if anything...happened to it' ]

You needn't be concerned, I am an expert tree-climber.

[ flex!!

but she slips down nonetheless, swinging down the branch until she's dangling from it, then dropping down to the ground and dusting off her hands. ]

Are you here for the prisms as well?

[punshots]

[ A breathless laugh escapes him, shallow in his chest but warm and airy. ]

Y-yeah.

[ As if his scattered state of mind isn't telling enough. He lazily rolls his head to the side, to tuck against her shoulder and look up at her with starry blue eyes. ]

A solid six out of f-five, [ He manages between contented sighs. Six out of five even seems to be a colossal understatement, but even now, he can't resist the opportunity to rib her, just a bit, nuzzling his nose against her sticky skin. Even that feels like it takes a monumental amount of effort. ]