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expiationlogs2023-03-17 12:00 am
- !event,
- ai tsf: mizuki date,
- arcane: violet / vi,
- bungo stray dogs: nikolai gogol,
- final fantasy viir: aerith gainsborough,
- final fantasy xiii2: noel kreiss,
- fire emblem geneaology: ethlyn,
- my hero academia: izuku midoriya,
- original: astralin turnont,
- persona 3 portable: kotone shiomi,
- persona 3 portable: shinjiro aragaki
{EVENT #1} ADVERSITY 131425.845119
| 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.
no subject
But! He follows Kotone's lead and begins to peel the potatoes and carrots, throwing the unwanted bits and pieces on the bowl close to him.]
Yes, something like that. I used to have rather busy lifestyle at one point. While I wasn't working I needed to catch up with my studies so I had to rely on pre-made meals for the most of the time. [He answers as he starts to chop up the potatoes. At least he's very good with knife?? Look how nice and clean his cuts are!]
no subject
She hums and nods along to his description, bouncing her way through the kitchen to get together the herbs and seasonings she wants to suggest adding and setting them down in a neat line before taking some of the chunks of stew meat and bringing them closer, too.]
Yeah, there's nothing like instant ramen after you've been at school, and then had to work, and still have homework to do... You're pretty good at cutting, though! [She plops the onion and a few cloves of garlic nearby.] Can you get these, too? The onion always makes me cry.
[Where is that beef broth she'd been simmering with some of the bones... ah-ha! She bounces away again to fetch the pot. It's not needed yet, but it'll be good to have everything to show him how she'd prepare it. From across the room she calls,] What did you do for work?
no subject
A N Y W A Y]
I helped the police as a freelance detective. You could say that I was a bit of an idol. [Such modesty.
Akechi takes the offered onions, peels them clean and begins to cut.] I've read that there is a proper way to cut the onions so that the acid won't irritate your eyes. First, you cut it in half like this and then make another cut in midsection. Sharp knife is essential and-- [Aaand just when he makes the last cut onion's strong smell reaches his nostrils and eyes, making them water a bit. But look at this boy still trying to hold up his poker face here.]
Umm.. Can you hand me a paper towel?
no subject
She glances back at him and hums, weighing that information against the sight before her. He's attractive enough, she guesses, but,] A detective idol? I didn't know that was a thing. Sounds cool!
[She's reasonable amounts of impressed, at least. Naoto Shirogane hasn't quite made it big yet, so it's a novel concept to her. Kotone hoists the heavy pot in both hands, humming to indicate that she's listening as he starts to tell her about cutting the onions. Right, broth, then-]
Huh? Oh, yeah, sure. [She doesn't laugh at him. Outwardly, at least. While there's a bit of a mischievous sparkle in her eye as she grabs the roll of paper towels and offers it to him, there's nothing but innocence in her expression.] Was the knife not sharp enough?
no subject
[Bless Kotone's sweet spirit. However, there's glint of that usual irritation and anger that is so on brand for him in his eyes -- but! Only for a brief moment, chill down. This is good. He takes the towel, sets it down next to the cutting board and places the cut onions on it, hoping that it'll drain at least some of the acidity.
She might mean no harm but Akechi can't help but a scoff a little at the question. Well, what do you think?]
No. I guess I messed up a little there.
no subject
Maybe we can ask someone to help sharpen them? After this whole thing with the fridges is fixed, at least.
[Some of her secret laughter makes it to her eyes, but she manages to restrain it for now, backing up so she doesn't get hit by the crying chemical.]
I'm gonna start browning the meat a little. I like doing that first sometimes because then you can cook the onions in some of that before adding it back! You don't want a really high heat, otherwise it'll burn or get really smoky. I don't think I ever cook at high heat, actually...
[Shinji would probably know when to do that properly. She kind of just shrugs and gets to it, glancing over her shoulder to keep an eye on Akechi's valiant fight with the onions.]
How'd you get started with all of that, anyway? Helping the police and getting on TV? Sounds like a lot of work.
no subject
His eyes are really burning up by now but he's doing well with holding back any tears. Breathing through his mouth really helps. Without any further complaints he keeps chopping the onions, moving the finished pieces closer to Kotone.]
That well-- [Ok. How to put it without trauma dumping too much? He's already pretty much done with the detective act and doesn't really want to go back pretending to be this amazing person that gives a fuck about others...] It was just something I stumbled upon. I've always liked mysteries.
We haven't introduced ourselves, have we? I'm Goro Akechi.
no subject
I'm Kotone Shiomi. It's nice to meet you, Akechi-san!
[Hopefully the smell of lightly sizzling meat will help with the onions (it won't), but she does keep browning and setting them aside, humming softly to herself as she works.]
What else do you like to do for fun? Besides solving mysteries, I guess.
no subject
I have a few hobbies but like I said my work and school kept me busy enough. [He really had kept himself busy. With different inane hobbies and activities to strengthen the fake personality he kept up like his life was depending on it (and in a way it was). Again , stuff that's better left behind.]
The meat is starting to look good.
[He'd rather direct the attention to the task at the hand or even better -- at her.]
But what about you? You don't look older than me. I take it you're in a high-school, Shiomi-san.
no subject
[He sure is using a knife to peel those carrots, which is probably fine? She's done it before. But she comes in close and gently, but insistently, nudges him out of the way with her hip so she can get into one of the drawers and produce a vegetable peeler.]
Why don't you try using this? I think it's usually easier than using a knife.
[She sets it down on the counter for him to decide if he wants to use it again before returning to her meat, humming at the question. She doesn't generally talk a lot about herself, but maybe it'll make him more comfortable. She didn't miss that he didn't answer her question about hobbies, after all.]
I just finished my second year at Gekkoukan High, yeah. I'm seventeen. How old are you, Akechi-san?