expiationlogs | {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

[She smiles a touch sheepishly. She’s actually quite fond of her jacket, which he seems to pick up. But he’s also put together that she is the type to simply give of herself until she has nothing left. Or little to nothing. There are some exceptions that apply.]

You’re probably right, but they aren’t the ones who are in need of things. We came this way to ask them for what they have. It makes more sense if we’re the ones to be giving up the more important things. If they were the ones coming to us, I’m sure the roles would be reversed.

[But that’s a rather hopeful way of looking at it. How just like her.]

{Aerith, Aerith Aerith.}

Let's find out what they have to offer first, hm? {He spreads his arms, revealing a bracelet on his wrist and a few charms hanging from his waist.} I have items that are not necessary to my survival. If what they offer is precious enough, I don't mind parting with them.

{And that lets her keep her jacket.}

[As he shows the bracelet encircling his wrist and the charms at his waist, she can’t help but think of some of her accessories as well. She has bracelets she could part with. She probably has other things besides her jacket. Why is it okay for him to give up some of his things and not for her to?]

Oh, these look important. I don’t know that you should be giving them away, even if it’s for the sake of getting things in return.

I can make new ones upon returning to Heaven. {Runyu reassures her. The bracelet is perhaps the last item he will give up; it is useful for his magic.} I won't relinquish them easily; what we are given in return must be great.

{He knows the value of himself and what he carries.}

Have you eaten enough?

Oh—

[Well, that’s nifty. Must be nice to know that he can just regain whatever he’s giving up. Of course, if he said that to the wrong person, they’d be able to take advantage of that. Aerith makes a note to protect that information.]

If you’re sure… [At his question, her head tilts thoughtfully.] Hm! I ate a little before we all came here? Not very much, though, because what I made didn’t exactly turn out very good. A guy came by and tried it and said it seemed fine, but I couldn’t even finish it.

[In short, she should probably eat more…]

{Returning to Heaven is the problem, truly. While he is cut off from the realm, his power is limited. Though her caution is appreciated. He will make a point of keeping her secrets in return should she share any.}

Let's get you something more palatable. {Humans require sustenance daily - he knows that much.} Everyone has differing tastes.

Oh, you don't have to do that...

[She isn't sure she's ever met anyone who cares about her well-being as much as he does. Well, Cloud, most likely. Zack, of course. Tifa, and the others, too, but that's different. Runyu barely knows anything about her and yet he's still incredibly thoughtful and generous.]

If I caused you some concern, I didn't mean to. I haven't admittedly thought much about food given what everyone's going through, but I guess it couldn't hurt for us to take a little break and have some of the local food. I'll eat if you join me!

Why not? {He is a bit awkward at making friends, a bit too eager, but he is genuine. Gallantly, he holds out his arm, offering her an anchor in the strange land while they wander.}

That sounds fair. I'm sure we can find something delicious. The fish seems our best bet, though...

{Runyu laughs softly.}

I have a difficult time eating it.

[It takes only a moment to eye his arm before Aerith happily curls hers about it loosely. For her, it may be easier to experience such things given that she often doesn’t seem to have much of a care for personal space. Or invading it when it comes to others. He seems to handle her with patience, however.]

Do you not like fish? I saw they had fruit when I was looking over some of their things here for trade. We could always try some of that instead. I don’t think they’d want you eating something that you struggle to eat.

{She isn't a threat and that makes it much easier for Runyu to expand his personal boundaries with her. Forgive him for being a lonely old god. Where cute ladies are concerned, he usually means well.}

It's just that I grew up in a lake. My mother is technically a fish, though of course she is an immortal. {Eating fish just feels like he is devouring part of his childhood.} I would prefer fruit. I don't think I've encountered any fruit deities, though I do know of fruit fairies and elves.

Your mother… is a fish?

[It’s probably not the strangest thing someone could say, though it ranks pretty high up there on that proverbial list of strange things. What a world he must come from where one can not only be a fish, but also be an immortal fish. What does that mean for anyone who goes fishing?]

Ohhhh. I can see how that might be a little weird for you, then. Good to know. Not that I do much cooking, but if I did, I’ll know better than to ever make something fish-like for you. Do you think fruit fairies and elves would have a problem if you had fruit?

Princess of the Dragon Fish, actually. She, like every god and spirit, usually held a human form.

{If that makes it a bit easier for Aerith to imagine a fish being a mother. But he was still raised in a lake, surrounded by fish that were both normal and immortal.}

You're too kind. {He smiles a little.} No, they wouldn't mind. Their duty is to grow the fruit so that it can be enjoyed, after all.

A princess...!

[And he's an... emperor, if she's remembering correctly. What an interesting place he must be from where animals can take the form of humans. She has a hard time picturing it, but just because she hasn't seen it herself doesn't mean it doesn't exist.]

I think fruit will suit us just fine. I won't be able to make anything fancy out of what they've got here, but we can split something. I know they have fruit. Then maybe you can tell me more about your mother? I've never met anyone like you before.

{EVENT #1} ADVERSITY 131425.845119

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If too old, please feel free to drop. Sorry for the wait!

<3 No problem!

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