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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ It's both a relief and an annoyance to see someone he recognizes--but somehow, the breath that he releases is more amused than anything else. He remembers this guy quite well, actually, and there's something pleasurable about seeing him again. It means that there's a little more permanence in this place than he had originally thought.

With a faint smile, just at the corner of his mouth, he pushes himself up onto his feet, brushing off his pants deftly with one hand. ]

Then we both go missing. Think you could tolerate that much of me?

[ Though he takes a few steps closer, they're careful: he doesn't want him to think that he's crowding him, intent on forcing him to stay within the camp boundaries. ]

Come on. A walk might wear you out.

[ Rather than wait for him to move first, Cloud brushes past him, his steps slow and measured as he heads out for the very edge of camp. ]

[ Walking hadn't exactly been what he'd had in mind, but it seems petty to ignore the offer now. With a quiet exhale that isn't quite a laugh, he moves to follow after, catching up after a few strides. ]

You feel it too?

[ Good to know it isn't just him, at least. Zhou Zishu is comfortable with a certain amount of paranoia, but hearing things in the dark is a bit of a step beyond. It doesn't stop him from being a little too alert as they walk, but at least he hasn't drawn his own sword yet. ]

I'm surprised anyone is sleeping.

They're worn out.

[ And in a way, he understands it--it's hard to be traveling so much, especially for those who may not be used to it. Sometimes it feels like something that's difficult for him to do, even, like he's done it so often that it becomes monotonous, a boring task. ]

Not sure if it's the forest, or the...people.

[ It seems better to be polite: it's not that he's saying that he suspects anything, especially from the place they've just come from, but it can't be ruled out entirely. ]

Did you feel anything back there? It all seemed pretty normal to me.

[ He hums faintly in response, only slightly dubious, though whether that's at the idea that there's any level of tired that would allow someone to sleep through mysterious noises or at calling a few days worth of travel exhausting is unclear. Either way, his eyes slide towards Cloud at the question, one eyebrow lifting wryly. ]

Aside from the snake people?

[ Oh they'd been fine, but not exactly what Zhou Zishu would consider normal. Still, it's a question worth answering. ]

Not that I noticed. Letting us trade only to ambush us to take it back seems like a poor use of resources.

[ There's a soft snort of breath, almost like a laugh. ]

Aside from the snake people. I'm guessing that's not normal where you're from.

[ Honestly, it isn't particularly normal where he's from, either. Most of the snake-like creatures are monsters, after all. ]

I don't think they mean any harm, and I doubt they're after an ambush. Unless...

[ His gaze narrows a little; he shoots his companion a look, playfully suspicious. ]

You didn't steal anything, did you?

[ That look is meant by a wide-eyed expression of overblown innocence, held for a second or to before it melts back into quieter amusement. ]

You think someone did?

[ Fair enough of an assumption in that case, but it still wouldn't explain this sort of fear campaign. If the Rumpitur people had a valid grudge, he'd think they'd be more upfront about it. Though Zhou Zishu will be the first to admit that he knows very little about how snake people operate. ]

No. This feels like something else. [ Exactly what, he has no idea. But it's not people. ]

[ There's a faint nod, brief, before he looks back out towards the trees. ]

Caught someone doing it. You're right, though. I doubt they could do something like this just because someone stole a thing or two...

[ It's too widespread, and even if it were magic, he doesn't think they'd be so quick to notice and devise a plot like this. A soft breath, then, as he swings his gaze back to his companion. ]

What does it feel like? To you.

[ He meets Cloud's eyes for a moment before his expression goes distant as he gives it some genuine thought. If it's an ambush, it's a poor one, and it hasn't come close enough to be something tracking them. Really, the closest he can think is-- ]

Like someone is trying to scare us.

[ There's a theatrical quality to it all, the way the whispers are always just to quiet to be heard, the way the sound is all around them. Carefully planned to cause a fear response. It's a workable enough tactic, he's used similar things himself, but why? ]

Someone's idea of a prank, maybe.

[ It's not an unreasonable suggestion, and he lets it sit between them for a moment, nodding faintly to acknowledge his approval--not like it's needed. It's true: in a way, it could feel like how children tease each other, whispering little ghost sounds into the dark to frighten those around them.

Then again, he doubts that something like this would be just for the sake of a prank--maybe he's just too jaded. ]

It's probably working. At least on some people. You seem the type that's hard to shake.

[ A small hint of a smile. Maybe he's wrong. ] Not afraid of anything?

[ That just gets a slightly arched eyebrow in return, and a decidedly dry look out of the corners of Zhou Zishu's eyes. ]

Not of this.

[ Strange noises in the darkness. What's the worst they can do, kill him? They can get in line. It doesn't put him any less on edge, but he's always tense to some degree or other. Being wary is different.

And he'd wager Cloud thinks similarly. ]

Or else we wouldn't be walking towards it, hm?

[ Well, the man makes a point. He would laugh, but he doesn't want to draw attention to them. ]

Maybe we're both just tired of running. [ A joke, but one that's wry. ] Whatever's here can try, if it wants, but I doubt it'll take us.

I'm too heavy. [ With a shrug of his shoulder to indicate the buster sword. ]

But if you're not afraid of this kind of thing, then what are you afraid of?

[ Zhou Zishu studies him for a moment, impressively deadpan, before letting his eyes rest on the massive sword's hilt. ]

How heavy is it?

[ Avoiding the question? Perish the thought. But he might be too naturally cagey to give something like that up for free.

Also he genuinely is curious about the sword. The last time he's come across anything nearly that large it was wielded by an actual immortal. It's harder to gauge power here in with so many unfamiliar people, but he'd wager Cloud is something impressive. ]

[ It's a little obvious that he's avoiding the question--but honestly, with the tables turned, he would avoid it too. So he lets him have it for a moment, shrugging slightly at the weight of the buster sword at his back.

Honestly, after this long, he's nearly forgotten how heavy it is. ]

...Dunno. Want to give it a try? [ One hand reaches at his back, unclipping the sword from his armor so that he can bring it to the front, pointed down at their feet. His fingers squeeze around the handle, twisting it slightly in offer. ] I'll help you hold it if it's too much.

[ The offer earns him a sardonically arched eyebrow, but after a momwnt Zhou Zishu does shake his hand free of his long sleeve to reach out and take the offered hilt. His preference might be for something considerably smaller and lighter, but he's had his experience with heavy weaponry.

Even still, the sheer size of the thing still catches him off guard once he's actually holding it. A quick bit of qi manipulation to lighten the thing means that he can hold it without too much trouble, but there's very little that can be done about the bulk of it. ]

I would be genuinely interested to see you fight with this.

[ Seriously, how. ]

[ There’s something amusing—-and almost charming—-about the way the other man holds the sword, his hand freed from his sleeve to grasp it. Even though he doesn’t think it will necessarily be too much for him, he still stands carefully, one hand slightly outstretched as though to catch it if the sword should fall.

With a slight smile, almost unrecognized on his features, he gives a slight shrug. ]

I’m not that amazing. [ Which is sort of true. ] But maybe we’ll luck out and be able to cut down some monsters. You want to hold onto it for now while we walk

[ A tease. ]

[ He pauses in the middle of carefully flipping the massive blade around his wrist to try and get a sense of the balance of it to give Cloud a decidedly dry look. Another twist of his hand to finish the motion before Zhou Zishu offers it back to him hilt-first. ]

I'd hate to deprive someone of their weapon.

[ At least not when they aren't trying to come after him with it. Besides, if there is something out here, he'd like them both to be ready for it. ]

Do you get much call for cutting down monsters, where you come from?

[ There's a faint smile on his lips, but he does as offered--and takes the sword back, swinging it around to clip onto his armor, settled neatly between his shoulders. He doesn't think there's too much cause to have it brandished, out and ready, at this point. ]

You're very kind. [ With another hint of amusement in his voice, as they carry on. There's a soft shrug of his shoulders. ]

It's part of the job. Kind of took up mercenary work back home, after I...separated from the company I worked for. There's a lot of monsters out in the slums, since they don't care about anything but the city.

You have monsters, back home?

[ For all that his attention is turned back to the woods in front of him, he can't help but give Cloud a quick searching look at the mention of being separated from his company. It's only for a moment and Zhou Zishu almost visibly decides to let it go without asking, though he does make a mental note of it. Something for later, maybe, given the way Cloud had danced around it.

For the moment, he just lets out a huff of a not-quite laugh. ]

Only human ones.

[ Which, oddly, seems to put him in the minority if some of the other conversations he's had are any indication. What a strange idea. ]

You're the protective type, then? [ And right back to teasing. ]

[ That earns a soft laugh, almost smiling—-there’s a little nod of his head in agreement. ]

Yeah, we have those too. Human monsters.

[ —-which only serves to make him a bit more curious, but rather than push, he lets the conversation continue where it flows. ]

Protective type? Guess you could say that. If you’re worrying if you have to pay me, don’t. [ Another slight lift of a smile. ] Consider this a trial run of my services

Ah? [ He lifts a decidedly amused eyebrow in Cloud's direction. ] And what if I'm guarding you?

[ Though the idea of hiring someone to protect him is a novel one. Mostly people either stay out of his way or they decide to look after him whether he likes it or not.

And if he's returning the favor... ]

How much does one generally get paid for that sort of thing?

That would be a first. [ At least as far as his memory can take him. Even so, he finds himself smiling a little, despite everything in him trying to twist it away; there's something oddly comforting about being here, even when they're still wandering through a dark forest. ] Don't think I've ever been guarded before. Not the type that needs to be protected.

[ Still, at the mention of cost, he lets out a breath, snickering slightly. ]

...You know, it's a good question? Especially here. I haven't quite figured out what to do about my rates. Money's weird here compared to home. Last time I got asked to be a bodyguard, I was told I'd be paid in...well. A date. Can't exactly live off of that.

[ There's a brief pause while Zhou Zishu tries to work out if 'date' is a euphemism, before deciding it doesn't really matter. ]

Not unless they were extremely wealthy and extremely generous.

[ He's seen people form relationships for worse reasons. But mostly he's still poking at Cloud for his own amusement. ]

Could have set yourself up well. But I understand. [ The sad truth of growing up a noble is that Zhou Zishu has never had to worry about personal finances in his life. It's a strange situation for all sorts of reasons. ] Perhaps your skills offered in trade, then.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{EVENT #1} ADVERSITY 131425.845119

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