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expiationlogs2023-03-17 12:00 am
- !event,
- ai tsf: mizuki date,
- arcane: violet / vi,
- bungo stray dogs: nikolai gogol,
- final fantasy viir: aerith gainsborough,
- final fantasy xiii2: noel kreiss,
- fire emblem geneaology: ethlyn,
- my hero academia: izuku midoriya,
- original: astralin turnont,
- persona 3 portable: kotone shiomi,
- persona 3 portable: shinjiro aragaki
{EVENT #1} ADVERSITY 131425.845119
| 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.
Negotiations - Because Rinoa and wild schemes is a true OTP
You've got a very good eye, but I just can't agree to that trade I'm afraid. [Butter couldn't melt in her mouth, her tone the consummate negotiator.] You see, it just wouldn't suit your coloring. But, would you know it? I have exactly the scarf for you. Give me just one moment.
[She turns to dig through a pack, shooting Marianne a friendly wink as she moves. It doesn't take her long to find what she's looking for. And it is, indeed a very fine scarf in a lovely swirl of red and orange. She'd packed this bag purposefully you see, when they'd been told a bit about their trading partners. Holding it up towards the Rumpiturian in question, she nods sagely. Yes, look at her she's very smart and knowledgeable.]
Yes, I think that's much better. Plus, just looking at this scarf makes me feel a little warmer, don't you?
[Because of course, being the fashion conscious girl that she is, Rinoa is well aware of color theory. Red means warm. So wouldn't someone from a more cold blooded species appreciate that? That's fivehead thinking there.]
love that for her <3
Oh, yes. I think that color suits you. It would also be brand new compared to mine.
[ The Rumpiturian reaches out to take the scarf, running a hand over the fabric to feel how soft it is. Two other nearby naga, drawn in by the energetic sales pitch, also gather around to admire the cloth. The colors stand out against the simpler everyday wear of the Rumpitur people.
Marianne's no salesperson, but she feels this is probably the moment a good merchant would capitalize on the interest in the scarf. She turns to murmur to Rinoa. ]
Did we bring any more?
The way I can picture this scene in my head so easily.
Why hello. I see you all have discerning eyes. Not a problem. I've even procured an assortment of carefully curated jewelry to perfectly compliment each scarf. But I'm afraid I only have a few sets with me.
[There's a glint in her eyes, because they surely do look interested. And people said daydreams weren't productive! This is going exactly how she pictured it would. That's why she'd packed in such a careful manner. Everything's coordinated and in sets because she figured that would increase their value.]
Pleas, give me just one moment to fetch the goods required.
[And then she's gone again, back to digging through the container she'd packed personally, indeed pulling out a few bangles to match the first scarf before pulling out two more scarves, which have a necklace and a brooch respectively. Rinoa took her role of salesgirl for one of the town merchants to heart after all, which is really coming in handy now. Then it's back to where she's left everyone, not wanting to be gone too long. Because leaving Marianne with them for too long seemed like a bad idea. First her scarf, someone might try marrying her friend next if they aren't careful.]
And here we are. I apologize for the delay! Here, these are for you.
[The bangles are given to the first Rumpiturian before she carefully drapes a scarf over each arm, showcasing the pattern of the fabric as well as the trinket that goes with it. Watching as the crowd seems to have grown again, glancing at Marianne with wide eyes before continuing. Don't let them see you sweat, right? She can do this!]
I'm afraid these are all I've got on hand, but if they're to your liking perhaps we could come to a more long term arrangement for additional goods in the future that will benefit both settlements.
no subject
She's relieved when Rinoa returns a short while later with the scarves and jewelry. How clever of her to throw in accessories as well. The naga are enamored with the accessories perhaps even more than the scarves, particularly the gold and silver ones that remind them of their own jewelry. Seeing the attention Rinoa is attracting and that wide-eyed look, Marianne attempts to pitch in. ]
Yes, we're happy to come back with more goods. I think it would be to the benefit of both our people to foster good relations.
[ The Rumpiturians nod and call for a few of their own to lug over the food they have to barter with. It's evident from the smell before they even open the crates that it's seafood. A lot of it. ]
no subject
[Honestly? She'd expected things to go pretty well with this scheme, but maybe not quite this well. It's a little overwhelming. But still, she knows enough to know that usually you're not supposed to accept the first offer.]
That seems most generous, but is there a chance for a small amount of vegetables as well? It's easier to preserve and will last the journey a lot better.
[Because while she can probably keep the seafood frozen for a while, that's a lot of effort. Plus, balanced diets are important for everyone long term. So any local veggies would be nice as a supplement.
There's a pause as they pull back to converse, before two smaller crates are brought out, ostensibly some sort of vegetable. Which causes Rinoa to smile, completely happy.]
And then, when you work out the sort of goods you'd like as well as how often, we can work on a price. But I don't expect you to answer me right away. Take your time since it's not like we're leaving immediately.
[Which is honestly a way they'll probably get a better long term deal. Once she's had time to double check that she hadn't undersold them or anything like that. With a temporary agreement reached, they finally disperse and Rinoa looks around them at their spoils before... promptly sitting down on a crate.]
Whew! Who knew talking could be so hard? [Still, she's grinning as she looks at Marianne.] What do you think? Did we do alright in our first tag team?
no subject
Looking around at all the goods left behind, she can hardly believe they got this many crates out of it. It's not something she could've accomplished by herself. Her eyes shine when she meets Rinoa's gaze, and her hand makes a very small and understated fist pump. ]
Better than I ever hoped for. You're a natural, Rinoa.
no subject
[Rinoa laughs, looking at their crates with glee. They'd really done it!]
I think we're going to need help moving all this. No way we can move it just the two of us.
no subject
[ Marianne brings a hand to her mouth and chuckles. She can picture it. If there's anyone who can wrangle a few mercenaries for pennies, it's Rinoa. She's so bright and charismatic, she can light up a room, and her enthusiasm makes Marianne feel excited with her.
But yes, they need to find some way to move all the food. Luckily, she knows just who to call on. ]
I have a few friends who can help us.
no subject
[Which is the truth, she's always been more of the outgoing social butterfly type. Which meant trying to understand people and their needs. What they wanted. Stuff like that. She's young and makes mistakes sometimes, but she's trying.]
Great! I've always been more of a brain, not brawn type of contributor.
no subject
Please wait for a moment.
[ Marianne departs for the edge of the village to call on her friends, and when she returns, she leads two packhorses by the reins. ]
Rinoa, meet Willow and Juniper. They can help us carry the food back to Aldrip. They only ask for treats in return.
no subject
Oh! Why hello Willow, Juniper. [She's excited, but keeps her voice relatively calm. After all, she's an experienced dog mom. You can't just holler around animals! That's not how this works.] It's very nice to meet you.
[She can't help but walk forward, carefully holding her hand out for one of them to sniff before petting a silky muzzle happily.]
Why of course they'll get treats. I think I mentioned there should be some carrots in one of the crates. Horses like stuff like that, right?
[A glance then to Marianne, because she honestly doesn't know that much about them. Some book knowledge more than anything else.]
no subject
Yes, they're fond of carrots. Their staple diet is grass and hay. Vegetables are high in nutrients so they can't have too much, but it's the perfect snack.
[ She might be rambling a bit. She catches herself and wrings her hands in embarrassment. Marianne's always happy to share horse knowledge though. ]
With their help, we'll be able to carry everything back.
no subject
[Rinoa giggles even as she pets the horses, happy as a clam to meet them.]
And that's why they get treats. An early thank you for helping fill our bellies later.
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[ Marianne gives Willow an affectionate rub, leaning in and murmuring to the horse. 'This is Rinoa. She's my friend and she's got treats for you. Won't you help us move these crates so we can feed everyone back in town?' and 'Thank you, you're a sweetheart' can be heard softly spoken. She glances back at Rinoa. ]
Shall we pack up? Is there anything else you'd like to do in town?
no subject
[Rinoa hears her, but doesn't comment. Giving her at least an illusion of privacy of space to converse with her horsey friends.]
Think I'm out of everything I packed specifically. Figured we'd just be waiting for everyone else now.
[Maybe she'd been a bit too good at her job. Or maybe too hasty? Maybe they should have taken more time. Hm.]
no subject
[ Quick is good. It means they won't be trudging in the forest in the dark, and they may even make it back in time for dinner. Hopefully they've left a good impression on the naga and perhaps even planted the seeds for a long trade partnership.
Marianne reaches into one of the saddlebags and pulls out rope to tie up the crates with. ]
We can secure the food with this.
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[Rinoa watches curious, because she's... not at all used to this. Her experience would involve people packing them into the back of a truck and driving off. This lack of technology is wholly unfamiliar.]
You'll have to teach me how.
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[ Well, maybe not everyone, but if there are people who have chosen less legal means of securing food, Marianne is blissfully unawares. She lifts the fishnets of food from the crates and demonstrates how to secure them to the straps on the saddle so that they hang down, one on each side of the horse's flank. Another pack she slings over the horse's saddle and ties down with the rope. The horses are strong and trained and stay still as she works. ]
They should be able to carry four or five packs with ease.
no subject
[They can remain oblivious together. It's fine. Believing the best in everyone they've traveled with. After observing for a while, Rinoa steps in and starts to help. She's nowhere near as fast, naturally, but she's fine with being slow and careful. The stuff they're packing, it's super important and she doesn't want to risk something happening on their journey back.]
They're so pretty, sometimes it's easy to forget they're also big and strong.
[The horse she's working with gets an appreciative pat for that.]
no subject
[ It wasn't luck that earned them the food that they're now bringing back. Marianne isn't one to boast, but she thinks they can take a little credit. Especially Rinoa who did the heavy lifting in the negotiation. Marianne would be missing the scarf wrapped around her shoulders if it wasn't for her quick thinking. ]
Have you ever ridden a horse?