{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

[scythedance]

[There's a moment of silence that fills the room, and he can't help but look at Shinji with a look of concern. His head tilted to the side, quietly waiting for the younger man to respond. His look of concern quickly shifting off into a soft, but visible laugh. Something about him quickly sulking and deflating quite interesting to see in a matter of seconds. Luckily, he doesn't say anything about it, and quickly shakes his head.]

I do not think they mean any harm. Perhaps you have something that they may find of use.

[That's all he could really think of, to be honest. Still, he didn't want Shinji getting into any trouble with the naga. He's glad that his interference was enough to get anymore bad looks coming his way.]

Ah, yes. Flowers. My wife is a florist by trade, and quite the gardener. I... Suppose it is silly of me to be gathering flower seeds in her name. However, if she took one look at the agriculture of Aldrip, she would be rather upset that I did not plant any flowers. So... Here I am, gathering flower seeds, and perhaps, if I am lucky enough, some vegetable seeds.

[He doesn't have much on him, really, but the nice people of Aldrip were willing to give him some items to barter with, so...]

Perhaps you would be interested in gardening, Shinjiro?

[prophylactic]

[As always, thanks for sparing his dignity, he appreciates that. He's quite good at regressing into a sulk, very practiced at it, and takes the requisite seconds he needs to feel more composed than a minute ago. The feeling of tight dread immediately before a real fight breaks out is one he knows well, and he really... really doesn't want to start shit and ruin this entire diplomatic journey? For the whole city? Yeesh. So he's a touch flustered, still, but he'll hide it in his coat collar.

Okay. He's good. Crisis averted. For now, unless that naga comes back still mad even with the flower seeds.]

....I only brought this axe, [presently, hung at his hip on a belt he also had to borrow,] and it's not mine.

[So hopefully none of these naga try to bargain for his hat or something, because negotiations will crumble. Hmm. Flowers, instead. That's a wholesome idea, gardening for his wife...]

It's not silly. ....I think it's nice for you to do. It's, y'know— meaningful, and stuff.

[very cool shinji you are nailing it]

I've never grown anything before.

[scythedance]

[Who in the fuck carries an axe around that's not theirs? ... Okay, not that Astralin is one to judge. The man is himself is carrying around a whole ass scythe on his back, so he doesn't make a comment on the axe. Luckily, he's managed to bring a few things from the city to trade, and he's quite the spokesman when he wants to be. Even if crippling anxiety is right behind him while he does it. Luckily, he's just good at pretending, or else they'd both be in trouble.]

Yes, perhaps you are right. Well, I will try by best to make a garden worthy of her name. And... Perhaps I can also procure some farmland in the meantime. The villagers have been awfully... Kind, to say the least, so I hardly doubt that I will have the trouble.

[He smiles, and notes that Shinji is very cool!! In fact, he finds himself unable to stop himself from smiling at the younger man.]

I would be more than happy to assist with that. Perhaps, when I am able to receive some farmland, you could perhaps help me care for some animals as well. I do think you may have a natural hand in it.

[prophylactic]

[Listen, it's entirely his own fault that he dramatically left behind all his equipment like an hour before he woke up in this place, so— he has to borrow an axe until a better option presents itself! And whoever owns this would probably be sad if he just gave it away, ergo, he is stumped when it comes to the (literal) tools of this particular trade.

Or: "no tradesies :(" which is more in line with his usual allergy towards explaining himself. Gardens, meanwhile...

It does sound like a... nice thing to do. Just nice, without bells and whistles and a whole big to-do made out of it, which Shinjiro appreciates on a basic kind of level. Simplicity is so rare and should be cherished, he thinks, but hm what's this now? What? Who, him?]

Me? Like with horses and stuff? [He met a horse just today; very exciting stuff.] I, uh... If you want. Yeah. If there's something I can do.

[It's something to do, if nothing else, and productive at that— considering he'd anticipated just wasting time unless someone asked him to come throw a punch at something, looking after some farm animals is... hm! Better! And as a member of Shinji's mental list of Good People, Astralin's requests take priority, anyway. ....Maybe he won't share that part, ahem. Embarrassing.]

What'd I say last time? Whatever you need. [well, something like that,] So... no problem. ....Where'd that guy with the seeds go?

[scythedance]

[Astralin himself lives a very simple life despite there being a war back in his world. He could continue that life in Aldrip if he wanted to, albeit a bit lonely without his spouses. Still, he would have to make the best of it for now, and he tries not to think about the loneliness that might finally settle in once he's settled. For now, focusing on the friendships that he's made here, and what friendships he'd make while being here.]

Horses, cows, pigs, sheep... I suppose whatever I could find. I would not mind a few dogs and cats myself, to be completely honest. And I recall you saying that you had a dog, so perhaps it would be good. We could both keep busy.

[Astralin can't help but smile, before he sighs in relief. Full glad that Shinji seems to want to help him, which made him happy. Though, before he can say anything, he's quickly turns his attention toward the naga that does return with the special seeds that he had been wanting. They were special flowers that he wanted to grow that were native to his land and seeing the naga return with the bag. Astralin looking at his own bag of Aldrip seeds, before sliding it over so he can take that bag.]

Thank you. I got preoccupied with excitement about the farm and animals... Heh.

[Oh my god, he got a chuckle.]

[prophylactic]

[His new life has some fun new kids—]

That's not a bad idea... This girl I met taught me how to handle a horse on the way here. [He shrugs, like, he's no expert, but he knows how to approach an animal, at least? It's a step in the right direction. He's willing to try... farming.] Think you have to handle the plants, though. I've never even been to a farm before.

[That city boy energy he brings to not understanding how plants work sure is classic. But ah, the naga's return makes him clam up again, sticking his hands in his pockets and looking away— in the way that he's definitely watching this exchange of seeds and listening in, but also trying not to make any eye contact lest this naga decide to be mad at him. Again? For the first time? Doesn't matter; he's not risking it.

So, ahem!! He'll emerge from his social panic shell after the seed exchange, at least. A whole chuckle from Astralin... is this the same guy that was so nervous about crowds when they met? He can't help but feel a little bit of warmth at the change. Friends...]

....It's fine. Better to have something to be excited about, right?

[scythedance]

Ah, most excellent. I am familiar with handling horses as well, should you need further assistance.

[Luckily for Shinji, the exchange happens without much issue, and Astralin procures the flower seeds that he wants. Not only that, but there seems to be an abundance of it, by the bag that he's holding now. One hand tightly grasping it with a soft smile that appears on his face. That gentleness and reminiscing of his wife never failing to put him in a good mood.

But it drops as soon as he realizes that he's in public, and standing in front of his friend. His eyes quickly darting away, as he brushes back some of his hair behind his ears.]

Yes, I suppose so.

[With that said, he does look fairly exhausted after the exchange. His social battery was nearly depleted after being cordial and practically an ambassador for the two. Though, there wasn't much he could do, since he still had to get food for the people of Aldrip.]

Now, we should probably... Find food for the people of Aldrip. I would not want anyone to starve because I traded everything I had for... Many flower seeds.

[prophylactic]

[Horse handling... Shinjiro's equestrian future is bright. He hums; he'll keep it in mind, of course, and privately begin to wonder how he should repay Astralin for his myriad kindnesses. The guy's been so nice to him, and offered him a space with these someday-animals, so...

Well, he feels like he should do something. Indebted is too strong a word; grateful doesn't feel impactful enough. Now, how does one express gratitude on a slightly intense level without coming across as kind of weird and intense, that's the big question... He'll workshop it.

Later. He'll workshop it later.]

You really traded that much? ....People like flowers. I don't have anything to hand over, but... I've got an idea, it just ain't the best.

[It's dictating recipes to various food vendors and shop owners, which is so much Talking he's going to have to do, but he'll make this sacrifice for his tired bud. Astralin can just come along for the ride.]

I saw some guys with eggs and stuff on the way in here. Let's go check 'em out.

[He will lead... to the egg zone.]

[scythedance]

[Good thing Astralin just isn't going to say anything to his emotions, per usual. He figures that. Shinji needs some time to figure things out right now, and that was okay. He wasn't one to ruin someone's rep by acknowledging their emotions.]

Quite so. However, trading some of these seeds back for food may not be a bad idea... I do have some rare seeds or two up my sleeve that we can barter with. They do not need to know where they came from.

[Never the less, he nods, and follows Shinjiro to the next area. Eggs weren't a particularly bad idea, and in fact, they didn't need to be put in the fridge. So, he follows behind the younger man, already reaching for some hidden seeds that he had kept on him, in case of emergency trading. Or something like that.]

What is your plan?

[prophylactic]

That'll work. Don't give 'em all back, though...

[Astralin deserves his fancy little garden... But yes, egg quest. He's already frowning again, because uh, maybe he should have found some paper and a pencil first, huh. Dang.]

I'm... going to offer them recipes. Dunno if it's gonna work— no idea what kind of meals they're into.

[They are Snake People, after all. Surely they must cook, but what if they don't believe in garlic, or something??]

....That's the best I've got.

[scythedance]

[Unfortunately, Astralin doesn't have anything on him that Shinji can write something down on. For now, he'll offer his unconditional support. It honestly wasn't a bad idea? They had to eat, right? So it's not like recipes from another world wasn't appealing.]

I do not see the problem. Recipes are valuable things to have, and I must admit, I would not mind having a look at what you have as well. When we are not bartering, of course.

[Once they reach the area where they need to be, he does take a step back. Still a bit anxious to be around people and all, but he tries his best to support Shinji from the side. The naga slithering toward them with a few cartons of eggs in their arms. The naga staring at Shinji and Astralin in curiosity, wondering what they had to offer.]

[prophylactic]

Maybe if I can write 'em down somewhere...

[Or if he fortuitously receives his own annotated cookbook in like a week, but that's for Future Shinji to experience!! For now it's purely what he can remember, plus the harrowing challenge of having to walk up to these strangers and recite what he can remember, if they even want his recipes...

So he's having a moment, for a second. He steels himself eventually, stepping forward to boldly ask the naga if they are familiar with croquettes! and well, would they like to be...

It seems to be going well. Give him five minutes.]

[scythedance]

[Astralin can't help but watch with bated breath, wondering if he needed to step into the situation again. Eyes staring directly at the naga, before the naga seems to... Actually be interested in the recipe! They never heard of such things before, and they slither away momentarily to get a pen and paper that Shinji so desperately needed.

Needless to say, there's a sigh of relief that leaves Astralin, and he backs up Shinji by nodding proudly at his. Well. Composure. It didn't seem to break this time around, and he didn't have to play diplomat between the two.]

Ah, croquettes. The humans have recently introduced that to our species... They are fried, no? Quite delicious, if I remember correctly.

[prophylactic]

[Rest assured, this is the most stressful interaction Shinji has had all day, and at least half of that is his own fear that this will instantly go south and he'll yell at someone again, and then he'll really have to fight a snake...

But no, it works out, and he stands there a moment watching the naga slither away before he slouches and breathes out a sigh. Pleasant interactions are exhausting. He's made it through this one solely because cooking is something he cares about, unlike, uh, diplomacy.]

Can't believe that worked... Yeah, though. You can fill 'em with a couple different things, but the main thing's the frying.

[A beat. Mm,] I'll make you some sometime.