❪ 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

[axiomed]

[ a. thank you (for the memories) ]

[ Seeing his name up did wonders for the ego, even if Charles knew he played a small part. He wasn't expecting much in the way of thanks or even praise. He was just grateful it hadn't come too late (as many things have recently.). Still he had work to do and he had cures to administer. But they often got sidetracked. ]

Yes I am Charles Xavier — No there is no need — [ Faintly exasperated. ] — Can you please just let me give you the medicine? Then you can get whatever you like off your chest.

[ b. form a pact (with me) ]

[ The rituals were fascinating. Charles could get himself lost for hours, listening to the history and conversations, watching the way others interact. The Pact of Volkkra reminded him a little of Rogue's powers and as such, he was chatting animatedly with the Shaman until another person approaches and the necklace is pulled out.

Charles pales. ]

Oh. I don't think that's a good idea.

[ c. wildcard ]

[ you're welcome to write your own prompt / pm me asking for one / ping captainkink. Please check his permissions for telepathy stuff. ]

a!!

[tailorable]

[ Eggsy holds his hands up in surrender. ]

Alright, bruv. [ faintly amused rather than irritated. ] You shoulda said you wanted to play it Notting Hill style from the get-go.

[ y'know, pretending-you-aren't-famous style. ]

[axiomed]

[ Charles blinks at the accent, the faintest tendrils of familiarity sinking in. ]

The place in London?

[tailorable]

[ Any time Eggsy finds another Brit, he now wonders whether they're an actual Brit or a fantasy one. ]

Yeah, y'know. That film is set there — the one where the big-name American actress pretends she ain't famous, and pre-sleazy Hugh Grant pretends he doesn't recognise her.

[axiomed]

[ Fake actual brit? That's probably it. ]

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that movie. I'm from the 80s.

[tailorable]

Shut up. [ said in the way that means the opposite. ] So you're one of them retro types. Sick.

[ like Jean and Rosalind. ]

I'm Eggsy. [ A beat. He extends his hand to shake. ] Eggsy Unwin.

[axiomed]

[ It is Jean's name that has his eyes narrowing slightly, even if his demeanor does not so much as blink. Charles may be honest, but he has a great poker face when he needs it. He shakes his hand warmly. ]

Well, I was around when retro first started. So perhaps I am an original in my own right.

[ You're still uncool, Charles. ]

a.

[hylights]

[Oh, Charles, she understands. Zelda's own name is up on the board too, and she's been fending off gratitude all morning. She overhears Charles protesting to his latest patient, and smiles a bit to herself. When the cure is safely injected, she heads over, tapping him on the shoulder.]

It's a little tiring, isn't it?

[axiomed]

To say the least.

[ He runs an irritated hand through his hand. ]

I understand the impulse, believe me, but it's getting in the way of our work.

[hylights]

It is, a bit.

[Zelda has taken to not introducing herself, lest it get in the way of treatment. It's not the best system in the world, but... she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, looking out over the lines of waiting people.]

Hopefully we can get through everyone today, though.

[axiomed]

At least the lines are dwindling.

[ He glances at Zelda, his expression softening. ]

How are you? You look tired.

[hylights]

Oh-- [Zelda's surprised by the comment. She hadn't thought she looked tired. Certainly not compared to Mipha, who was run off her feet. Wasn't it natural to push a little harder when so many were counting on you?] I'm all right, really. There was just a lot of work to do to get to this point. I'm sure we'll all rest easier now that the cure is made.

[axiomed]

It certainly helps but there's no reason to exhaust yourself either.

[ Says Charles Xavier, voted most likely to exhaust himself. ]

b

[shikomizue]

[Takasugi hasn't spared the apparent rituals more than cursory recognition. He may as well be familiar with the customs of the locale in which he resides, though he takes no interest in participating.

He'd sooner sit in his room and indulge in the memory of a culture lost back home.

Only incidentally does he approach, and stop, to glance at the waxing sunset behind overgrown homes - this Shaman is quick on the uptake.

With a glance to the man at his side, Takasugi smiles. He's not one to miss an opportunity for profit, however strange.] I'll take his necklace as well then, in case he changes his mind.

[As if they're old acquaintances, or whatever else the Shaman wants to see between them.]

[axiomed]

[ The shaman shakes his head with a frown. Charles turns his chair to face Takasugi, faintly sheepish. ]

I'm afraid they see that as offensive. It's meant to be between partners.

[ He swallows lightly at the last word. Partners. He hasn't had a partner in a long time, someone to connect and share his powers intimately with. It has been so long that Charles has all but given up hope that it could ever come to pass. ]

It sounds lovely, but I don't think I'm a good candidate.

[shikomizue]

Ah. [Takasugi lowers his hand with an apologetic nod - completely empty though his condolences may be. The thought of having a partner is beyond him, so dull in its lack of resonance that he's left bored by the entire ordeal.]

You should be more confident in yourself. [He's turned now, to face the stranger more than the shaman.] He's seen fit to approach you, after all.

[It could be a pep-talk, coming from maybe anyone else, but Takasugi's assessment is meant only in wry recognition of the situation. Despite his disinterest, he can't just leave the exchange to end with a mistake on his part.

He's not a man capable of swallowing his pride so easily.]

[axiomed]

[ It filters through his mind and Charles is unable to shake the melancholia that invades his heart. He presses his palms to his lap. ]

It is not a matter of confidence, I'm afraid.

What about you? Are you confident?

[shikomizue]

[Redirection, and Takasugi is more interested than before in just what the man thinks makes him so ineligible.

The possibilities are still too imbued with the mundane for him to pursue, however. Takasugi regards the question with a slight tilt of his jaw.

How he stands, hips lazily resting forward, arm balanced on the blade at his side, posture open and chest born with clothing low cut and as ostentatious as he can afford (not quite to his taste, sadly), would all imply an easy 'yes'.

But there's conflict, pride in what he's done faced with the realization that not for the first time, he's been left with nothing to show for it. His own weakness inescapable, even in the most benign of exchanges.

It doesn't show on his face.] Aa. [A noise of affirmation.]

Second guessing is a good way to get caught up in a mess, or worse.

[axiomed]

[ It is the man's mixed emotions that continue to stir Charles' interest. Perceptive too. ]

I no longer run headlong into a connection.

[ As much as he wants to, as much as he would like to. The temptation of the necklace, the promise it holds is beautiful to Charles. A sharing of his powers, opening the minds to meet and connect in a way nothing else does. His fingers itch to reach out and grab it. ]

A second guess can avoid a lifetime of sorrow. And again, I'm not a good candidate. I never was.

b.

[beknight]

Don't worry, I've already got mine.

[ He's a good mood, considering, although his mental demeanour is always the same discipline he always keeps it as. Perhaps more so, around Charles, not to defend against him, but so he won't have to deal with any unexpected spikes of emotion. Bruce doesn't trust that power is innocent, but he'd be a fool not to see the restraint and care with which Charles uses it. ]

It's completely safe, [ he tips his chin towards the shaman. ] if anyone you knew was thinking about it.

[axiomed]

[ Charles blinks, glancing back at the shaman uncertainly. ]

I'm not — I'm sure it is, but I haven't done anything like that. That kind of sharing is . . . [ He swallows. ] . . . looked down upon.

[beknight]

May I ask why?

[ He spares little that is gentle. In his mind, the question is not — there is a wealth of curiosity behind it, the desire to dissect. But above that is the desire to understand, and that's stronger. ]

[axiomed]

[ His grin is wry, twisted at the corners. ]

Too invasive. No one wants to share that much with another human being.

[ Never mind that Charles would. He would thrive on it, sharing his powers, his mind, his heart with another, completely and inescapably. It's why he loved Cerebro. It made him feel connected. Less alone in his head. Even as he reigns his powers in, it feels like a steel cage. In body and mind. ]

[beknight]

Or more like you haven't found the right person.

[ He's like Clark, that way. Wants to and can't, treasures the few people he can hold close to around himself. The comparison happens, and Bruce doesn't stifle the little warmth it brings. Clark would like him. ]

[axiomed]

[ Charles smiles faintly at that, despite himself. ]

I think even the right person would have a few hangups about my powers.