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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
...You said you might be able to commune with the planet, but that is not a satisfactory answer.
I propose a bargain...
[He lifts his hand in what he hopes is a friendly gesture, but it comes out as a vague wave.]
I will tell you about Gast, if you tell me about this forest. Information for information, all to satisfy curiosity. A fair trade.
no subject
Let me put this another way for you. When it comes to this forest, I do not have an answer for you. I am not certain what I feel. I feel something, but I don't know what it is. Right now, I can't give you any information anymore than I could give myself information.
[Because she won't be sucked into a situation where he thinks she's lying and he starts prodding her for answers that she doesn't necessarily have. Whatever feeling she gets here isn't the same as what she has back home and she's not sure what that means. She would expect it to feel different. It's not home, after all, but it's that difference that she can't determine if it's just her being herself or if it truly has anything to do with what she can sense in this world.]
And I'm pretty sure you're not going to consider any of that good enough to talk about my father, so I'm not going to hold my breath.
no subject
...Is that so?
I'll take you at your word and honor my own. Your father...
[Sephiroth...
He hears the voice call to him, he's sure of it, but part of him also wonders if it is simply the rustling of leaves creating a sound like a whisper. Yes, he reasons to himself. That's it. He has Gast on his mind so he's hearing his voice.
Sephiroth, what happened?
No... there is definitely a voice. Sephiroth lifts his chin and looks out into the surrounding trees, his grin fading once more into a pensive expression. For a few long moments, he strains to hear the voice again but hears only the calls of nocturnal birds.
Without looking back at Aerith he murmurs...]
....It is here.
no subject
For the moments that follow, he looks...
Distant.
That same distance she's thought of before while in this very forest. Whatever he experiences, she can't say if it's the same as her own. If they are feeling the same way. If they ever have when it comes to anything. Maybe in his own way, he can sense strange things in these woods. She's not afraid, but she has to admit that she's not at all keen to overstay their welcome.
And 'welcome' feels a bit like a strong word. It's possible they were never welcome to begin with.]
What's here? What are you talking about?
[Studying him a few moments more, Aerith takes a moment to scout around them. She doesn't see anything. Doesn't feel anything outright. At least nothing more than what she suspects is her own preexisting apprehension.]
no subject
[A confession that is both annoying and exhilirating. He hates being at a disadvantage but, oh, to have so much to he can learn, so much power he can potentially add to his own... This entire world is full of mysteries and someday he will unearth them all, consume them all, and grow his vast pools of knowledge and wisdom.
Sephiroth...what happened to you?
The voice whispers through the leaves again, this time twisting from the voice of Gast to that of Zack. He remembers this question, from when he'd been addressing his mother in the Nibelheim reactor.
His lips twitch slightly and he reaches out to grasp Aerith's shoulder. The grip quickly tightens, becoming oppressive and domineering.]
Listen.
Do you hear it?
[Clearly she can't, or she would have reacted somehow. That, or she is much better at keeping her composure than he gives her credit for. He idly wonders if terrifying her a bit might create enough cracks for the forest to reach through.]
no subject
A largely fruitless attempt so far, even with the careful way she's attempting to cram her fingers beneath his.]
I—
[His question, however, makes her pause. What she can hear sounds... convoluted. It's difficult to pick one thing out of everything. It's an amalgamation of things. Am amalgamation of voices. Of thoughts. Of feelings.
What does he think she should be able to hear? She doubts that anything she may be inclined to say will actually be of use.]
...I doubt we're hearing the same things. When I experience things here, it's not just one thing. It's many. We should go back to the others. We're just inviting trouble if we stay around here.
[And it's not as though she wants to bring him back with her. She can just imagine what Cloud would say if he saw it. It's a lot to handle all at once, however. Whatever Sephiroth might be experiencing. Whatever she might be experiencing.]
no subject
[That's not what she said but it's what he chooses to hear. He is not Cetra, but he lived in the Lifestream for five years and learned that the Planet's cries could barely be heard in places like Midgar.]
Maybe it just needs some...help.
[Saying this, he releases her shoulder and raises a hand over his head.]
Hear me!
Wherever and whoever you are, show yourself. I wish to know you.
[Almost immediately the light in the clearing dwindles into pitch, even the stars going black. The trees rustle and something flows from the branches, then hangs over them as an even darker black against the sky.
Sephiroth smiles beatifically upward and the shape seems to lean down towards him, filling the clearing with shrieking screams. Screams of animals and people howling in grief and agony. Hundreds, maybe even thousands of them. Sephiroth ignores the cacophony as if it isn't there... but he knows it is. After all, he is the one creating it. This entire display comes from his power, not the forest. It's an illusion, one he hopes will draw an entertaining reaction from Aerith.]
If too old, please feel free to drop. Sorry for the wait!
He lifts his hand above his head, addressing… something. What that something might be, she can’t say. A thing. A person. A voice. A memory. Something he wishes to perceive. Something he can’t find freedom from. There’s no shortage of conjecture that she could drown herself in, but Sephiroth often has been and continues to be enigmatic. As much as she might want to unravel that mystery, sometimes it seems that it would be safer to avoid that.
In the end, he remains a danger. Even if he means to be a subtle and cunning one.
She doesn’t have a lot of expectations when she hears him continue. At the same time, if anyone was able to call anything into being, she’d expect it to be him. That’s what brought her to his side to begin with, after all. She wouldn’t know what to call it, and yet it’s encroaching. As if it could loosely drape over the two of them, accompanied by the burden of a weight that she cannot see.
Although she stands her ground, she watches and listens to the change around them both. It reminds her of the first time they crossed paths. How does she know, in his presence, what is truth and what is fiction? She cannot help but be sceptical. That seems like the safest way to interpret him.
Warily, she turns her gaze onto him.]
What are you trying to show me?
you're good!
Something that will scare her, something that will unnerve her enough that she, too, will get visions of this accursed place. For accursed it surely is.
It had given him visions, he intends to make sure others have them too. And intends to understand why.]
The face of the forest.
[He lifts a gloved hand towards the looming shadows.]
Or have your Cetra eyes been so blinded that you cannot see it?
[He knows she can. It isn't the actual power behind the forest, it's his power, his illusion. It's an illusion of what he'd seen walking into this clearing.]
no subject
Aerith watches him gesture toward encroaching shadows, a pervasive force that she can almost feel, as if it is considerably more tangible than just core idea or concept.]
Your forest is not equal to mine.
[They aren't the same. And Aerith, presumptuous though she may be, is not inclined to let his illusions get the better of her. These little games he plays. This little roundabout exchange of cleverness that he enjoys pulling her into. Even should they touch her a little, Sephiroth must never know that.
In the presence of a man who may as well be fear incarnate, she must remain resolute and strong.]
What I see, you might not be able to see the same thing. It would be better for all of us to spend as little time here as possible, I think.
Feel free to let me know if I need to change anything in this tag.
Oh, you are far too clever for your own good, aren't you?
[One hand lashes out and grips her by the chin, forcing her face up towards his own.]
I know you see it...
The shadows, the voices... these visions come from me.
[Then, gently, he releases her face but he does not draw back to create distance between them again.]
Yet they are the forest's as well.
This is what I saw, what I heard when I arrived in this clearing.
Looming oblivion and the anguished, dying cries of our world.
[Slowly, the shadows around him dwindle and the screams subside until the illusion has faded away.]
This place torments us, or else it forces us to torment ourselves.
Don't you wonder why?
looks good to me :>
Shadows.
Voices.
Visions.
A combination, she imagines, of whatever is preexisting in the forest and what Sephiroth is capable of. He says it’s what he witnessed when he arrived. Is in unwise to take what he says with a grain of salt? He isn’t someone to put trust into. He isn’t someone worthy of trust. And yet he tends to bring up concepts that are deserving of additional thought and consideration. He asks things that she has likely asked herself.
It’s as the shadows begin to rescind that she realises though at some point he’s released her, she swears she can almost feel the lingering effects of his touch. Her attention flutters onto their surroundings for just a breath or two before it returns to him, as if he might just direct it there all over again.]
I never said I didn’t.
[Which is true. She has fought against playing by his rules, but she’s been careful not to outright dismiss him.]
I don’t have the answer to that. I don’t think you do either. Time and place matters, though. We both know that something is happening here, even if we don’t know what that is. But I feel like right now isn’t the time to start hunting for those answers.
no subject
If not now then when?
Will you wait until the power in this forest comes for us? When the lives of your precious allies are in peril, will that be the time to find answers?
[If everyone in Aldrip wandered into the forest and died it wouldn't make much of a difference to him. People die. They are very good at it. But he knows losing loved ones tends to upset most mortals. It's a useful threat to dangle over others.
He turns away from Aerith and looks up at the trees.]
Go, if you wish, I will not keep you here.
But I will stay. I am not yet done with this place.
no subject
[Does he even eat? Does he need to eat? It's occurred to Aerith that she's never given much thought to Sephiroth's humanity. Or whatever he might be. When Shinra gives their Soldiers enhancements, who knows how that really changes them.
Loosing a breath, Aerith shakes her head.]
I'm not saying we wait until the last minute. Just that we have to be able to survive today to fight until tomorrow. You might be special, but not everyone here is like you. I want to help them if I can. Where I can. You don't have to be a part of it. I wouldn't expect that of you, either.
[She could simply just leave, but she's not quite like that either. Aerith takes a step past him. And then a second. Turning enough to look back to him, however, she can't help continuing.]
I don't think you should stay here for too much longer either.
no subject
What's this? Are you worried for my safety?
no subject
[Because it's not really concern that she feels. Well, not for his safety. Maybe for the safety of others where he's concerned. It would probably be for the betterment of everyone else if something did happen to him. Aerith might not be saying that so directly, but she's certainly thinking it.
But if that happens...]
You might deserve a little more dignity than being taken out by a forest.
[She'd rather be the one thwarting his manipulative schemes.]
no subject
This forest holds no power over me.
[Said with the cold confidence of a man who sees himself as a god.]
Don't you worry. We will meet again soon.
And I will tell you about your father.
[Not out of the goodness of his heart, of course, but as a tool of manipulation. He hopes he can bend certain truths to make Aerith unstable.]
no subject
"And I will tell you about your father."
Those words make her pause. She's not sure she wants to hear anything more that he has to say. About her father. About anything else he might know, or thinks he knows. It continues to wisest to take all things that Sephiroth says with a grain of salt.]
One way or another, I think we'll always find one another.
[Whether they want to or not, it seems they are connected by way of fate. Aerith wishes she could determine if that was good or bad, however.]
Until next time.