expiationlogs | {EVENT #1} ADVERSITY 131425.845119

Entry tags:

{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

Don't you—

[For some moments, her brow furrows. She understands why wants to go. If anyone could have a good diplomatic conversation, it would be Dohalim. In the past, any time he's had a situation where he's had to go somewhere, where he's had to represent himself, or his people, she has been there to support him.

Her insides tug at her. Instinct tells her to do the same thing.]

You shouldn't go on your own. I will go with you.

[It's harder to say it than it is to think it. If she overthinks it, she just might back out. But if something happened to him when he wasn't under her watch, Kisara is not certain she would handle it well or with much grace. As a result, she straightens just a touch, as if she should still be a guardsman, as opposed to just... whatever she is when she's not that.]

I was planning on going anyway. We don't know what dangers are in that forest. I'm sure you've heard some of the stories the locals have been telling about it. We'll go together.

[He hesitates for a moment, the protest he'd almost voiced dying on his lips before he can speak it.

Of course she will go— and she should, should she not? He'd expected to see at least some of his companions among the assembled number, and he would be more surprised if she hadn't chosen to participate, but for just a moment, he is reminded of their previous relationship, the roles they had once played.

He does not need protecting. Even if he did, she should not be the one to do it, he doesn't deserve that— but is it vain to think that might be why she responded in such a way?

He shakes his head, dismissing the very thought.]

I have, indeed, and do not intend to let them deter me. I had thought I might find you among the expedition. Your combat expertise will serve the team well, should anything actually go awry in the woods, though I am confident the mission will be a success.

[There is an unspoken 'but' there, hanging in the air between them, and his expression shifts ever so slightly, worry tugging at the corners of his mouth.]

I will not be in danger.

You don't know that and I don't know that.

[It's a fool who assumes they're safe, after all. Kisara doesn't look convinced and she is, of course, just stubborn enough to do as she means to. Even if they didn't have the complicated relationship, it is feasible she would still want to use her shield to protect him. Their history is a complicated one and even their times here, so far, have been just as complex.

But it doesn't mean she wants something to happen to him. If something's going to, wouldn't it be right to come from her directly? Not that she thinks she'll do that again. Or attempt to do so. No matter how unsteady she emotionally feels in his company, Kisara is convinced she doesn't need Alphen around constantly to interfere.]

I can keep an eye on you, regardless. Just like I will for anyone else there.

[It's not special treatment is what she wants to say, but that's not necessarily true. Perhaps she is as much a guardsman here as she was back in Viscint, whether Dohalim wants her to be or not.]

[She can, perhaps, but should she? It is in her nature to protect others; it had been clear she had been well-suited to being a guardsman from the very first time she'd taken up a shield in his service, but that is precisely why he does not want her to feel as though she must continue to play that role here. She has served others long enough, specifically him.]

You are right in that such things are never certain, but I am not fragile.

[That, they both know. His position had necessitated personal protection, but he has never been helpless. Someone who could not fend for themselves would not have made it to such a position in the first place.]

I would be glad to fight alongside you, but you need not keep watch over me.

[Even though she had said it would be the same as for anyone else— it can't be, can it? Not with them. There's too much history for that to be true.]

[A protest sits on the tip of her tongue. It’s a protest that remains a part of the her that she hasn’t been able to exactly part herself from just yet. For all that an objective eye might say she should just embrace this newly-found freedom, that’s considerably difficult. It won’t happen overnight or, evidently, within a couple of months. It doesn’t help, she supposes, that she’s been spending so much of her spare time helping out the locals and trying to get involved where she can.

Maybe what she really needs to do is step back and give herself a break. Unlikely that she ever will, but…]

We don’t even know if we’ll end up having to fight anything. I just know that I’ll feel better if I accompany.

[She doesn’t say it, but she absolutely means to keep an eye on him. It’s not a part of herself that she can just shut off. Even if he ordered her to, she wouldn’t be able to make that happen and see it through. People aren’t like that. Their feelings do not simply shut off. Thoughts and habits a part of them do not simply die or disappear. It is very likely that he has his own plethora of habits that he too, is learning how to break.]

We can agree to travel together, can’t we? I don’t see the harm in it.

[Though her intention remains unspoken, he recognizes it for what it is. He can hardly argue against it, at least no more than he already has; just as he cannot change how he feels (about her, about the change in their dynamic, about anything), she cannot deny her own feelings so easily, either.

He drops his chin slightly, a small but distinct concession before he gives a brief nod of agreement.]

That, we can certainly do. We both stand to benefit— as does the expedition.

[Though she has not yet experienced their traveling of the realms alongside one another, he knows full well that work quite well together. Whatever conflicting feelings may still reside within her, this is a step forward. A step closer to being comrades once more, perhaps.]

It... does mean a great deal, that you wish to accompany me at all.

[”We both stand to benefit—”

Do they? If she wasn’t afraid of how he might answer, she’d be inclined to ask. To pursue as she is wont to do. Kisara is not a cowardly woman. At least, she has never perceived herself in such a way. Dohalim is a special case, embraced by equally special circumstances. But the history in her remains strong, both good and bad. Whether she wants to admit it or not, Kisara feels a certain kind of devotion for him.

Somewhere underneath all of her anger.]

You don’t need to say that to me. [Kisara begins with a touch of hesitance.] I’m doing that I think is the right thing to do. If something happened to you and I could have stopped it, Alphen wouldn’t let the rest of us hear the end of it.

[It’s more than duty, clearly, though perhaps a good deal of it continues to be that misplaced duty. Kisara still doesn’t know who she is when she’s not protecting him. She still doesn’t have an answer for it. But having just a taste of something comfortable and familiar is something she’d like to indulge in.

Maybe after all is said and done, she can go back to thinking overmuch about it all.]

I say it because it is the truth, just as you do as you feel because you believe it is right.

[He does not offer empty flattery, or say such things because he feels he needs to sway her, but simply it is because how he feels, as well. He has never been shy to say what is in his heart, for good or ill. He is, at times, too honest; he has learned that well enough to proceed with caution when he feels it to be appropriate, but more often than not, he is inclined to speak his mind.

Some things, he is certain, should not be kept to himself.]

But— regardless of your reasoning, I will be glad of your company.

[Again, perhaps it is a questionable thing. Truth. Dohalim's truth may not be equivalent to hers, or vice versa. Not that it renders his any less legitimate or valid, however.

For several moments, she doesn't seem to know what to say. If only she had the quick wit to meet such weighted things with appropriate response. Words aren't always her forte, however. Sometimes, she can deliver wisdom on silver plate. Other times, it is more like a sliver of wisdom spoken with a tongue of subpar metal instead.

She supposes in the end, all that really matters is that they seem to have struck some kind of accord, regardless of the reason for doing so.]

I imagine the others will probably come along, too. It won't just be me. I think we're stronger, more unified, when we're all together. Rinwell isn't here, and we can all feel that, but the rest of us are.

[There's Zephyr, too. Kisara wouldn't call herself the type to be 'homesick,' but there's a certain comfort that comes with the familiar. Not even she is immune to that.]

I quite agree.

[He brightens, just a bit; in this, they are certainly on the same page. He's glad to hear Kisara say so; she had not experienced traveling together as a team the way he had, and had every reason to doubt that the two of them would be able to fight side-by-side after all that had transpired, but weeks in this place along with confirmation from the others seemed to have gone a long way in proving how well they had all come to work together.]

For as unique and talented as each individual member of our group is, we are at our best when united.

[He had told Alphen the very same.]

This will be no different, I am certain.

We are at our best when united. I couldn't put it better.

[Nodding along, she takes a moment to stretch her arms over her head. It'll likely be a long trek. She's already taken the time to eye a map of the continent. She doesn't really know well the scale, how long it might take to get from one area to another. Better to leave now than to procrastinate, however. It looks like Dohalim is ready at any time.]

If you're prepared to go, we should make for the forest with the others. Otherwise we might end up having to go through it at night. I'd like to avoid that, if possible. It's harder to see at night, which means it's more difficult to keep an eye on others.

[Including him. He stands out with that red hair, but in a darker night, she can't imagine it would save him.]

[He nods firmly, his fingers curling against the strap of the bag he's brought along with him as he grabs hold of it.]

Yes— I've everything I need. I was heading that way when I ran into you. If you need anything from upstairs, I'm happy to wait for you to retrieve it— otherwise, you're quite right. There's no time to waste, and we'd best make good use of the light while we have it.

[The forest will be dark enough even before the sun sets. They'll want every advantage they can get. He gestures towards the front door, offering her a faint smile, a show of solidarity despite the dire situation they've found themselves in.]

Shall we?

I don't think there's anything that I need up there that I don't already have on me.

[Indicatively, Kisara lifts her hands and carefully taps on her armour. That's all she really needs, she's sure. She'd say something about food, but they won't be travelling alone. It is highly unlikely that they would travel all that way without someone packing some extra food for them all to ration and distribute amongst one another.

Survivalism, after all. People will do whatever they have to in such cases. And living, for the most part, sounds pretty great.]

I'll take point.

[She reassures him, though suspects he doesn't need it. In a way, she doesn't even need to say as much to him. Dohalim isn't her lord any longer, despite what she might have said to Vholran during his entitled little spectacle with the refrigeration units. Old habits break hard, it seems.

Even when she's not outright asking Dohalim for some kind of lordly permission, it seems there's a part of her that seems to still require it. Otherwise, she may just be travelling under proverbial water.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{EVENT #1} ADVERSITY 131425.845119

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject