expiationlogs | {EVENT #1} ADVERSITY 131425.845119

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{EVENT #1} ADVERSITY 131425.845119

THUS DO WE HUNGER

MOD NOTES:

Welcome to the first event!

Please direct any questions to the corresponding comment below. Note that characters can be involved in multiple prompts (whether you choose to thread that out or not), and that character decisions and actions taken on these prompts will affect future events, storylines, and relationships with other peoples of Expiation.

In two weeks from this event, the moderator team will be posting a poll on the OOC community that will allow players to share what actions their characters took and two weeks after that, there will be an announcement made sharing said results, how those actions have impacted the state of the world, the game's story, what information can be used ICly, and so on.

The various prompts are, of course, optional, so you're not required to travel to Rumpitur if you don't wish to. You're not required to help the locals or other Chosen during the food shortage. There is an option to simply not be involved, and that too can have potential repercussions on the future of the game's overarching story and other characters.

WE'RE STARVING HERE!

HOW TO REPAIR A REFRIGERATOR 101

Do you remember the fishing tournament where a variety of locals and Chosen alike submitted a bunch of fish for a very modest and unimpressive wooden sculpture? Well... about that...

Aldrip's refrigeration has catastrophically failed and as a result, the food stores that the locals have been keeping are now on the verge of total and utter collapse. The townspeople are in an absolute uproar. According to them, this has never happened before and though they would normally just pray to Those Who Were There for a resolution, they kind of need something immediate. Otherwise, all residents of Aldrip are facing the very real threat of starvation.

The good news is that you can help!

The more handy of the Aldrip townsfolk are going to get right to work on repairing the refrigeration units. At present, the only units that exist belong to those who are making food and providing them to the townspeople. This means people like the tavern keepers, the inn, bakers, and other miscellaneous cooks, are those who possess and control these refrigeration units. If you've got some handyman skills, put them to work, though be aware that working on repairing the technological malfunction might just be an electrifying experience. Literally.

THE ALTERNATIVE TO COOKING MAMA

There sure has been a lot of opportunities to cook, but now Aldrip needs cooks and would-be cooks like never before!

Those not necessarily good with repair work might find themselves better suited for hunting the local wildlife, whether that's on the meadowland plains or taking, yet again, a fishing pole into hand. A good deal of the meat, vegetables, and fruit that was already preserved has spoiled and will need to be replaced hastily if people want to continue eating.

With bodies going to retrieve replacement food, there's suddenly an open and demand for people who either already have experience with cooking or just really want to learn. There's no better way to learn than some truly hands-on experience. For those with some cooking in their background, even if it's simple at its best, the kitchens are free and available. You might not have your choice cuts of meat or whatever else you might be accustomed to preparing, but fortunately the dried spices and herbs aren't impacted by the food shortage. Consider making something flavourful or just really spicy. (Alphen, we're looking at you.)

If you haven't cooked before and you're one of those who's just dying to learn, pair up with a buddy in the kitchen, or fumble along. Beggars can't be choosers, after all, and we're facing a crisis. Maybe the threat of having no food will encourage people to try whatever you make, no matter how black, crispy brown it might turn out.

The more innovative and creative individuals may find a way to dry / dehydrate anything caught or harvested. Or we can just have a huge impromptu grilling adventure where people hold raw meat over fire. Your choice!

WE'RE OFF TO SEE... THE NAGA?

WE COME IN PEACE

Aldrip is hardly the only settlement on the continent of Expiation and though the various peoples of these settlements can often stick within their own, when times are hard and adversity encroaches on livelihood, they're not against seeking the aid of others. Some of the more well-travelled of the Aldrip locals are planning an expedition to visit Rumpitur, an impressively-sized village on a peninsula to the east of Aldrip.

They are ready and willing to take all volunteers who are interested in accompanying them to barter for food and other potentially needed supplies. The visit to Rumpitur will require travel through the Pessiria Forest, a thick veil of trees that one can be easily lost in, but if everyone's together, then it shouldn't be an issue.

Consider joining the expedition and getting to know some of Expiation's other peoples.

Rumpitur is home to a race of naga-like people with scaled features, tails, sharp teeth, and forked tongues. Their way of life is considerably more simple in comparison to some of Aldrip's fancier advancements. They are skilled combatants and a fishing people, whose diet primarily consists of seafood. In Rumpitur, one may take note of their many-in-number stone constructs, depicting a notable and perhaps significant naga.

Although they may seem intimidating at first glance and can have terse ways of speaking, they are amicable enough and will be willing to do business with Aldrip and her citizens.

OR MAYBE WE DON'T

The visit from Aldrip, which is a rare occurrence indeed, results in much confusion for the Rumpiturian people, and this may or may not be considered a blessing to those who could be more unscrupulous in nature.

Although the visit to Rumpitur is meant to be one of peace, locals of Aldrip and the Chosen alike have the opportunity to steal supplies from the people. If they choose to do this, they may find that there are no immediate repercussions for this course of action. The likelihood is that this visit has caught the Rumpiturians so off-guard that they're not expecting to be robbed. Of course, how this will impact things in the future remains to be seen...

Individuals may grab as much as they can carry, depending on what they've brought with them. The locals of Aldrip who planned this expedition provided convenient-to-carry containers that can be filled with anything retrieved from the village and her kind. Larger containers will require at least two people to carry when filled, so perhaps you're inclined to work with a partner-in-crime. Just remember that for every action, there's a consequence, even if you're not seeing it right away!

Rumpitur will not notice that they are missing inventory until well after Aldrip has left and travels back through the forest to town, so no one need fear the chasing and hissing of snakes into Pessiria.

Probably.

HOLD ONTO YOUR VALUABLES

IT'S NOT REAL... RIGHT?

Those who've decided to brave the forest will find on their adventure to Rumpitur that it's rather straight forward and proceeds without incident.

The sky above the trees is a difficult thing to see, blocked out by the way the evergreens stretch and imposingly tower above. At times light may scatter through various openings in branches, but it is a largely darker atmosphere, and at night requires the assistance of candlelight or related.

Travellers with the courage to make way through the forest with the others may hear occasional snaps, cracks, whispers, and more enigmatic sounds that are difficult to justify with logic. Of course, whether this is all in the head or something truly more sinister at play is up for debate. Despite the strange occurrences that one may experience, no members of the Chosen will find themselves harmed or otherwise physically disturbed initially. That said, some may later find themselves haunted by strange dreams and visions of the forest in the future if they are especially sensitive to such things.

Were those sounds real? Were you just hearing things? It's probably wisest not to investigate further. At least, maybe not now...

COUNT YOUR NUMBERS

Aldrip has a great many stories about Pessiria Forest and many of the other towns, landmarks, settlements, and people scattered across the continent. Most of these stories seem to depict folklore or a certain mythological feeling about them, implying that many of the locals don't truly believe in any of the more macabre tales. Pessiria Forest has no shortage of poetry and song that pertains to its supposedly 'holy' grounds and mysterious happenstances.

There are several alleged accounts about people having gone missing in the forest, due to how complicated it is to navigate by one's self. The more people travelling together, the safer it is purported to be.

Before leaving for Rumpitur, heads have been counted to ensure that wherever they start is also where they end up, however, for the more observant, one may find that the returning party is short of a few heads. Maybe some of them stayed behind to further the diplomatic efforts with the Rumpiturians. Maybe they're going to catch up later. Maybe they took a different pathway through the forest with some of their mates. Maybe there's something more untoward going on.

If this is brought up to the locals, the leaders of the expedition will warily make note of it and conduct their own investigation. At least, they say they will. Either way, it's suspicious no matter how you may turn it. Perhaps put heads together with another and see if you're just miscounting.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

If they are deities, there must be a hierarchy. Whether they recognize me or not, power is obvious and speaks for itself.

{Don't remind him that he can't free himself or anyone else from this world. He knows and it rankles.

Runyu peers up at the statue in question and he looks unconcerned.}

A god wouldn't choose such a meaningless existence. {Who would want to turn into a stone for an unknown amount of time?} It could be a spell and all spells can be broken.

{He likes his head on his shoulders, Kexing, if you don't mind. Then again, he can't blame the man for being on edge. Based on the noises, they are being tracked and there are rarely good reasons for that.}

I have my own way of resting.

{Runyu waves and the blue orb follows him as he peers around the campsite.}

It's curious that they haven't attacked. I don't think they want our lives.

{At least not yet.}

[Sephiroth smirks and crouches down, so his face can be seen more clearly. He still doesn't descend from the tree, enjoying the sense of power he gets from being up high.]

Oh, I don't know about all of them.

[A gloved hand gestures through the air at their surroundings.]

This forest is a mystery as well. Do you feel it?

{Ladies are ladies. Runyu treats women (most women anyway) with respect - at least verbally. He needs to work on being less possessive with his wife-to-be, but it's not like he has ever been given love without a price tag.

Aerith is free of all of that and he finds her sweet. He wants to make sure she has what she needs.}

Do you dislike that jacket for some reason? {Ah clearly not.} We barter when we are able; you needn't strip the clothes from your back. I don't think the Naga would do that either.

[ Not much of a negotiator, Marianne has been idling by the crates of goods watching the others when she hears his question. She shakes her head. ]

I don't know. Their way of life seems quite different from the people of Aldrip.

[ The ways of worship in this land are foreign to her as a devotee of the Goddess. Marianne dips her head in greeting. ]

Hello again.

[ Just because he can, Zhou Zishu makes a show of studying him intently before widening his eyes in mock innocence. ]

You look like you're expecting trouble.

[ Well, he did ask.

But Zhou Zishu can only be so irritating to someone unfamiliar, especially when he does at least seem to be reaching out. He lets his expression slide back into something more neutral and gestures to his seated position. ]

I'm not intending to sleep.

I'm not sure that's completely true. Of course there are things that should have a price to pay.

[Times and places, Vholran. Circumstances.]

I was planning to catch some more food that we could hold onto, but there's got to be another way of handling this. You're basically punishing the people here for not just giving into your commands. If food is withheld from you, you'd starve, right? Think about it this way, you'll catch more flies with honey than you will with vinegar.

[In the midst of trying to keep herself incredibly busy, Kisara hasn't had a lot of time, thankfully, to linger on the past. It's always there in one way or another, of course, but in this circumstance, the matter at hand is considerably more important. Somehow it makes it seem like Dahna's problems can, for once, take a momentary backseat. It won't last forever, but it's just enough that it's almost a reprieve.

She wouldn't be surprised if some of the others might feel the same way.

As such, when she crosses paths with Dohalim who... looks like he's headed somewhere, it does manage to knock the breath out of her for some moments. She isn't really sure where to begin. She almost never does when it comes to him. They stumble around one another and maybe that's just how it'll always be.

This is not a day for casual pleasantries either. They both likely have things they should be doing. She has, initially, the intention to simply move past him since he's opened the way for her, but instead, she pauses. Against her better judgement—]

What are you doing?

[It's very likely she says it only because she trusts other eyes to keep watch over those who are still within sight. She could do it herself, of course, but there is only one Kisara. Someone has to be willing to at least scout a little, even if it's not very far out. Even, perhaps, to backtrack to Rumpitur and take inventory of the people who've elected to stay behind, for whatever reason.

Marc's reaction is entirely warranted. She interprets it as something akin to disbelief and perhaps even a touch of annoyance. Disapproval? It's another situation where Kisara realises that in many ways, despite her experiences on Dahna, she is still the same person she's always been. She's still eager and willing to put herself in harm's way for the sake of other people, sometimes without even thinking it.

An admirable and noble heart to some, perhaps, but...]

I wasn't planning to go too far in. Someone reliable needs to be keeping an eye on the rest here. It'd be nice if a bunch of us were on top of that, but I think most of us are probably pretty tired. I trust you, though.

[A dangerous thing to say, perhaps, but he seems to genuinely have the interests of others in mind. To her, that's good enough for the time being. Beggars cannot be choosers.]

They sure do. Maybe they just have an extra sense for knowing what's important to people.

[Kisara isn't sure whether she should be impressed or a little concerned. Turning to set her attention onto Law more properly, she folds her arms across her chest thoughtfully.]

Although there's wisdom in that, too. The truly valuable things are those which mean a lot to us. There's value in heart and in memories. Maybe they have an eye for that. Or maybe it's a test to see how committed we are to those memories. It's a good way of determining what a person's sense of character is like.

[If they were so willing to give up these more sentimental objects, then it might imply they don't have much heart as individuals and Kisara just isn't willing to present herself in such a way.]

[That's fair, and that's something that Rin doesn't blame him for doing. Not everyone has snake people in their world, after all. So, when Joel speaks, she nods her head in agreement. Patiently waiting for the naga to think for a moment, before it slithers off to find some perishables for them to trade. Luckily, there seems to be pickled food, and canned food.]

Good thinking, mister! I don't think I caught your name, by the way. I'm Rin~

[ Marianne nods. There were valuables packed among the goods. Luckily, she hasn't seen or heard of bandits around Aldrip. The area seemed largely peaceful. Though there were those rumors... ]

I don't know if it's true, but they say that people have disappeared in the forest.

You flatter me, Mizuki! You're more than welcome to try the uh. "Normal" version of the dish over there, if you'd like. I had to work with what I had, so I'm not sure if it's good or not, but I guess I'll see once the villagers start to eat.

[When she takes a bite of her food, the spice is almost an immediate kick. Her body visibly heating up upon taking the bite. Skin turning a bright shade of crimson, but she makes no visible change of facial expression when she takes that bite. In fact, she's acting perfectly normal.]

How've you been?

[Luckily, the technician himself doesn't look hurt at all, and he is laughing over the whole situation. But still, Rin feels awfully bad, and even more so when the technician simply waves his hands to signal that he was fine. Her gaze quickly turning to Vi now, but keeping a mutual distance between the two.]

Looks like he's fine, and the fridge did come back to life for a second... Maybe if I put a little less oomph into it, I can probably get it working long enough to for them to troubleshoot the problem.

[Maybe.]

Do you know anything about fixing this sort of thing, Vi? I'm sadly only good with tailoring; not very good with tech.

I do not think many people spend their time in a forest. It can be a bit... Odd to do so.

[He's only in forests when he's foraging or something like that. But this place was definitely very creepy. He could practically sense the spirits in this place, and it gave off a horror movie vibe, that's to be sure. Which what makes him a bit more protective over the younger girl, as he takes a step forward to actually stand by her side now, rather than away.]

The city... I have mainly lived in villages myself; although I do hear about cities from time to time from my husband.

[He chuckles at her comment, and snaps his fingertips to change that icicle into an ice flower. One that he gently hands over to her, should she so graciously accept it.]

Are you able to cast magic as well, my dear?

[Oh man, he's really giving off uncle vibes right now.]

[Be bold, Marianne. Ethlyn certainly is.]

We'll be all right. I have my blade and my healing staff. [It's addressed both to Marianne and the locals, who are looking a little uneasy in the conscience to be leaving them in the dark woods, but Ethlyn's confident smile as she pats her sword-hilt seems to be enough for them to continue.]

...All right. [She looks around the forested gloom until she reorients herself to the point where the horse ran off.] We need to be careful of our footing--otherwise the rabbit holes and tree roots will have us.

[Just those. Not ghosts, or anything else spooky, not without very good proof--just normal dangers, Ethlyn tells herself very sternly as she starts away from the trail.]

[ The fact that even she isn't sure is not encouraging, but the somewhat unexpected smile is much more curious. And possibly also what prompts Zhou Zishu to give her a thoughtful look followed by an easy nod. ]

Alright.

[ There aren't many, but occasionally the fact that he can't taste anything comes in handy. It also allows him to eat his own cooking. And he will absolutely eat it if offered and probably do it with a smile, but mostly he wants to see what she'll do next. ]

[Zack's watched the way that people from Aldrip, the Chosen and townsfolk, have been trying to barter with the snake people. He's still not absolutely sure what to think about the Naga, but, to be honest, he's not sure what he thinks about Expiation as a whole. It's not really anything like what he knows of Gaia, but that's probably a point in its favor.

The longer he's here, the less he thinks about Gaia, despite the ache in his chest for a letter from his mother or a message from Kunsel. It's easy to throw himself into things that keep him busy, but he's not exactly pleased to find one of the other people from Aldrip is trying to rob the Naga in a trade.

After keeping the "Chosen" from running off and returning the Naga's necklace, he goes to where he sees a familiar face and sort of gives Cloud a smile and wave as he approaches.]

You know, I've seen less shady characters down in the slums than this group. Seems a little short-sighted to steal from people who are trying to help out.

[Part of his time in SOLDIER has been repairing vehicles and other machines. And, well, he's always been handy. Coming from a small village in the sticks meant that he learned how to fix anything he set his mind on. So when the refrigeration units go down in the restaurants and inn, Zack was one of the first to offer his assistance to see if he could fix them.

This is the third that he's worked on today. Sweat is dripping down his face and he's really considering taking off his shirt to maybe get some wind on his skin. The only thinking keeping him from not doing that is the knowledge that his torso is covered in bullet holes that make it obvious that he shouldn't be alive. And he doesn't want to answer any questions, so he'll just suffer.

The familiar voice of Aerith, however, has him smiling as he looks up at her as she comes to sit next to him.]

It's coming along, but it's hotter in here than when I started. [He takes the motor to the fridge and puts it on the ground as he sits on his butt next to her.] Are you hoping to critique my work again?

[ Joel still isn't sure he trusts any of this, but beggars can't be choosers. Hopefully no one will die eating the food they just traded for. ]

Joel.

Even in a place like this, there are bound to be some folks who can't or don't want to follow the rules.

[ Even in his world, even before, there were criminals and bad people and people who did violence just because they could and they liked it. Joel sees no reason to think that this world is any different. ]

[It's been a while since Zack was a teen, but he's pretty sure that he was louder and more obnoxious than this kid next to him was. He faintly remembers his time in Wutai and Angeal telling him that he was only just a bit more important than his Buster Sword.

He's kept his eyes on him, though, especially as he's gotten jumpier as time goes by. When he grabs Zack's arm and speaks in a voice that's a bit higher than it should be, the former SOLDIER turns to the kid. He's grown up in a village in the middle of a jungle, so the sounds don't really bother him, but that doesn't hold true for everyone.]

Sounds like a wild animal going through the trees. Are you expecting something else?

[ There's nothing like seeing a horse and human connecting that warms her heart. Shinjiro has a bit of a gruff and intimidating appearance, but he must be a good person. Horses are good judges of character, at least Marianne thinks so. ]

Yes, I had a horse of my own, and I help out at the stables here.

[ She misses her Dorte dearly and hopes whoever is looking after her now knows her favorite treat is carrots and she likes rides in the mornings. ]

They're wonderful animals. I'm sure you two will become friends in no time.

[She could blame Balthier for being pulled out to help the humes that the Aldripians call "Chosen", but she does want to make sure that the area they are staying has enough food and supplies so the innocents don't suffer. And perhaps that is his influence. Viera tend to be a bit more closed off, looking for the value in things they do for themselves and the rest of the warren.

How else would one survive the Green Wood without a bit of selfishness?

She notices that he has separated from the rest of the group and falls into step behind him, keeping her senses open for any attack. There is something off, but that could be said for the whole of this world if anyone were to ask her. When he pulls his gun, she is careful to take out her bow as well. His words, however, do need to be addressed.]

It is strange that you would think that just because you cannot see that there is not something there. We have seen too much to be that naive.

[Fran is a decent cook, of course. And having watched Noel as he's made his bone broth has been a bit impressed, but she also knows that it will need a bit something if it is to appeal to more than just those willing to have anything other than starve.

She has carrots and potatoes in her hands and she takes up a position not that far from him before she pulls out a knife to quickly dice them up.]

There are not many options, but these will help to make your broth more appealing to those who cannot suffer.

[Her hands are not exactly conventional for the work she's doing, but she's made food such as this for herself, Balthier and Nono more times than she cares to admit.]

It will add more time before it is ready, but be more filling.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

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{EVENT #1} ADVERSITY 131425.845119

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