natha: (Default)
ɴᴀᴛʜᴀ orbiters ❰ mod collective ❱ ([personal profile] natha) wrote in [community profile] nysalogs2017-11-03 05:28 pm

❪ october plot conclusion; wyver takes ❫



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.
axiomed: (What you gain if you win)

[personal profile] axiomed 2017-11-08 07:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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: (pic#10797493)

[personal profile] shikomizue 2017-11-09 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
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: (You break like glass)

[personal profile] axiomed 2017-11-10 10:25 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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: (pic#10797496)

[personal profile] shikomizue 2017-11-14 02:48 am (UTC)(link)
[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: (Please put me at ease)

[personal profile] axiomed 2017-11-15 09:29 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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.
shikomizue: (pic#11082457)

[personal profile] shikomizue 2017-11-17 12:27 am (UTC)(link)
Or it can lead to one. [He shrugs, the broad statement brushed off with one of his own. One he believes quite firmly. Several times he'd stayed his hand, only for a moment, and each of those opportunities wasted haunt him.

What if he had done something different?]


You find that out by running headlong into a connection? [Coy, but he can't relate - he's never been so easily attached to anyone.] The best sort of connections form before you know it, there's no choice in the matter.

[Words not entirely his own, and they feel foreign on his lips.]
axiomed: (Try and find the other side of you)

[personal profile] axiomed 2017-11-17 09:23 am (UTC)(link)
[ Charles flushes slightly, a tinge embarrassed. Even now he can't stem that reaction. ]

Then are you willing to try it?
shikomizue: (pic#10797499)

[personal profile] shikomizue 2017-11-18 11:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[He's not looking to actually share anything along the lines of strength with this man. Takasugi would rather rely only on himself, his power, than give some and take from another.

No matter the potential.]


What, becoming partners for the night? [And all the implications thereof.]

Sure. [He's more interested in spending more time with this guy than the necklaces themselves.]
axiomed: (Not anymore)

[personal profile] axiomed 2017-11-19 09:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ Charles coughs slightly at the wording. He's not expecting much in that regard. But he was lonely and if it fell through . . . well, it wouldn't surprise him if it did. Finally, he nods at the shaman and lets the necklace slide over his head, resting quietly around his neck like a heavy weight.

And then it was like their minds were alive. Every thought, every emotion felt like a live wire, crackling with energy. A connection stronger than the spoken voice. ]
shikomizue: (pic#9306771)

[personal profile] shikomizue 2017-11-23 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
[What Takasugi had in mind was far more casual than donning the necklaces as offered. He'd rather get a drink and continue to argue in a meandering, vague cadence about the merits of confidence.

He denies the necklace with his hand held up, but the shaman insists - one has donned it, the other must complete the pair.

Takasugi takes the necklace with a lazily offered palm, dropping it around his neck with equal disregard.

Immediate and visceral, the change is like being thrown into icy depths of water. Shocking, all his nerves immediately alight with warning, but at the same time debilitating, his thoughts jumbled but stunted.

The one that breaks through first is confusion, though anger - the sort of thrashing a feral beast might lash out with - is not far behind. Takasugi lunges for Charles: his neck, his necklace, his shoulder. Whatever he can get a hold of.]