{EVENT #1} ADVERSITY 131425.845119

[expiationmods]

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.

Comments

i-a

[inemeraldfaith]

[The attempt is admirable. Aerith has stood by watching Rin and her efforts which are done with the purest of intentions. She can't actually picture Rin doing anything to the contrary. She can be a bit reckless at times. Excitable. But it seems that with everything she does, she really is attempting to give it her all. It is, in Aerith's opinion, exactly the kind of thing others need to see and be inspired by.

Some would say that intention has little to do with things, but truthfully, she's inclined to believe it means more than it seems.

With a sympathetic expression, it doesn't take her long to gently offer the back of Rin's shoulder an encouraging touch. It's subtle and light. Just because she's fine with invading the personal space of others doesn't necessarily mean others are okay with her doing such a thing.]

I'm sure he'll be fine! He's probably dealt with much worse. Besides, you were just trying to help.

[maiestas]

[Oh man. Rin truly was just trying to help, but the fact that she managed to shock someone during the process doesn't make her feel good. In fact, she looks completely apologetic, as the man finally gets over feeling some of those shockwaves in his body. The man managing to laugh it off as he stands up finally, and continues the repairs on the fridge with the temporary help of Rin's lightning magic just powering it up enough.

Still, as Aerith comes in and touches her shoulder, the woman spins around and the look on her face is almost comical. She looks distraught, and horrified that she hurt someone, but she does calm down a bit once she sees Aerith and her words do resonate with her. Her own hand reaching out to touch Aerith's, as she gently pats it in turn. Her cheeks puffed out almost sheepishly.]

I'm glad I didn't use a lot of my power back there or else he would have been really fried to pieces.

[The technician still can't help but laugh. A bit more nervously this time.]

It's good to see you, though. Have you been helping too?

[inemeraldfaith]

[At least the technician is laughing. Understandably, even if he was genuinely hurt, he probably wouldn't be interested in deliberately concerning anyone, especially anyone who was trying to do their best. Her smile is apologetic and sympathetic wrapped in one as she folds her hands together.

The good thing is that in the face of adversity, Rin really doesn't look any worse for wear aside from the concern that's transparently crossing her features.]

Let's save that power for when it's really needed. [Hopefully, it never will be, but Aerith understands it's better to just assume that eventually, they'll probably have to fight something. Someone.] I'm trying to help where I can. I don't know anything about repairing this stuff, though. Doesn't mean I shouldn't help where I can. I'm just doing the same thing that everyone else here is trying to do.

[maiestas]

[Honestly, Rin is starting to wonder if the technician needs a healer or something. She can't help but take a long, hard look at the man who seems to be just fine, and up on his feet not a second later. She feels even worse when the man seems to bow at her, and return to his work again, which makes her even more weirded out that they were just so nice here. Rin huffing out softly, before she turns her gaze over to Aerith again with a sheepish look.]

I'm the same way. While I am good with my hands, I'm not that good, and fixing stuff really isn't my forte. But! Maybe you could heal the guy up for me? I don't know how strong that electric current once, and while he looks fine, I honestly can't help but worry.

[She scratches the top of her head again, not being able to help but fret. Rin peeking over at the man again, who seems to have went back to doing the repairs for the fridge. Slowly moving herself in that general direction, and tugging at his short sleeve, so that she can get his attention. Worriedly explaining the situation, and pointing at Aerith in case he needed to get his wounds healed. The man only laughing, and shaking his head at the both of them all too happily.]

Guess not.

[inemeraldfaith]

[Aerith wears an apologetic smile. Technician’s just trying to do his job and in they come quite possibly making things worse, even when they’re trying to make things better. But chances are that Aldrip understands their motives are pure ones. They could just sit around, doing nothing, expecting the townsfolk to handle things on their own. Which… is probably exactly what happens when anything else like this has occurred.

If… anything like this has happened before. She can’t get a real good handle on that, honestly.]

Uhm. I can see what I can do.

[She also has largely avoided making use of the materia slotted into her bracelet. Not because she doesn’t want to use it, but she doesn’t know if it’ll actually work. It is entirely likely that this planet has its own lifeforce. And people like herself are also filled with life, are they not? It’s not as though she can’t use herself as an anchor point if she had to.

Aerith takes some steps closer to the technician in question and she lifts a hand. What emerges from it is an ethereal stream of aqua, greens, blues, shades of white. It’s not blinding. And perhaps it’s just the nature of who she is, what she is, but it almost seems to resonate with her. As if it’s some kind of unspoken understanding. A wordless reverence.

But it seems to accomplish what she means for it to. At least the technician appears appreciative before he turns to continue his work.]

I think that should do.

[maiestas]

[Rin's a bit envious of Aerith to say the least. She's never been able to use healing magic, only able to heal people with her bad jokes and happy demeanor. So, when Aerith steps in, she's quietly watching from the sidelines as the technician receives the healing that he probably needs after such a jolt. Silence filling the air for a moment, before that healing spell that Aerith casts subsides, and the technician seems to be in good spirits afterward.

A sigh of relief is quick to leave Rin, grateful for Aerith's help. She would have truly felt bad if the man didn't get healed in some way, and it eased her anxieties. Rin bowing to the man one last time, before turning her attention to Aerith. An all too grateful smile appearing on her lips.]

Thank you for healing him. I would have felt pretttyyy bad if he didn't get healed in some way, but I appreciate it! I wasn't blessed with healing magic, so there's not much I can do that isn't just normal first aid.

[She scratches the back of her head, and sighs. Gently puffing out her cheeks a bit sheepishly, before staring over at the fridges.]

Wonder what's going on with these things.

[inemeraldfaith]

[Shaking her head, Aerith seems relatively quick to dismiss it. Of course, she might be happier just acting like she didn’t do anything to begin with. Reminds her of younger years with a younger version of herself was absolutely insistent that there was nothing special about her. That she didn’t hear voices. That she didn’t experience strange things. That she wasn’t who others said she was.

It has always been easier to not be herself, she supposes. As a result, she feels a bit thankful when she’s not put in a position where she has to explain anything. Instead, she smiles a bit bashfully and decides to cleanly evade it to the best of her ability.]

If it wasn’t me, someone else would have handled it. They have healers and priests and stuff. He was gonna be fine. [But they were there and they made something happen.] I don’t know anything about this kind of stuff, honestly. I bet Cloud does, though. Maybe… Zack? I feel like both of them probably know a bit about everything. Not that we need to rely on them, right? With perseverance and patience, we can figure out anything!

[Because of course they can. Or maybe Aerith just doesn’t want to rely on anyone else.]

[maiestas]

I guess that's true, but I'm glad you were here.

[Sure, it could have been any healer or priest, but she's glad that it was Aerith that was here and not anyone else. Not because she was special, but because she trusted Aerith and her healing ability. That, and it saved her any peak embarrassment that someone might have witnessed due to her own stupidity. And of course, Aerith was kind to her after witnessing such.]

I wouldn't be surprised if Cloud knew what to do! Although... Who's Zack? Never heard of him. Is that another friend from home?

[Although, she does nod in agreement. If they could fix this fridge, it would be a big achievement, and well. Rin does enjoy the spotlight every so often.]

That's true! But I don't wanna get in the guy's way... I think I might be scary to him now, so can you talk to him? ... Ehe.

[inemeraldfaith]

[Aerith turns the lightest shade of pink. What a sweet thing to say. Makes her feel warm and fuzzy right down to the core.

That lasts until about the point that Rin asks about Zack. Maybe she just hasn't run into him yet. And Zack's a hard guy to miss. She'll probably run into him eventually, maybe without even knowing it. Give him some time and she's sure everyone in Aldrip will know who he is. How to explain it at all, though. Assuming she's going to.

Somehow my dead boyfriend from home does not seem like the way to go about this.]

Yeah. He's another friend from home. [That'll work. It's up to Zack how much he wants people to know about him, after all. Talking about what he's gone through and what he's experienced is not something that she feels should be left in her hands.] I'll make sure you get a chance to meet him. You'll like him a lot. As for—

[Aerith's scanning the grounds for a refrigerator that seems to be available.] —Instead of asking for assistance, why don't we pick one and just play with it ourselves? It's already broken. We can't break something that's already broken, right? Consider it a learning experience. Then if we're hurting anyone, we're just hurting ourselves and I can patch us right up no problem.