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expiationlogs2023-05-19 08:15 am
{EVENT #2} ADVERSITY 168518.2092
| MOD NOTES: 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. You can find the OOC poll here. Please pick from the corresponding options with the appropriate character journal. If you use a personal journal or a journal not part of Expiation, your votes will not be counted. Remember that if your character did something different than what is in the prompts given, leave a comment in the OOC poll entry and link to your comment in the option made available. Our State of the Game, which will include results of this event and changes of the world, along with some future goals and events we would like to work towards will be posted 1 week from today (May 26, 2023). The various prompts are, of course, optional. Consider that taking part and not taking part both have their potential effects on the world and how Expiation moves forward in terms of overarching storyline. |
A FAMOUS DISAPPEARING / REAPPEARING ACT
Those who were plagued by nightmares and visions after venturing into the forest awaken to find that a mark has appeared somewhere on their body. It’s unclear what made it, but its function quickly becomes clear. Upon discovering the mark, whispers begin to sound in their minds, beckoning them to a secret clearing in Pessiria Forest. Something awaits them there.
After some time, a faint image of an unnaturally tall, lanky man appears in the mind. He wears a hooded robe that bears several runes resembling the strange marks and is surrounded by acolytes wearing identical robes. Raising a single hand, he calls the afflicted his Branded, and presents them with a simple offer: “Pledge yourself to my glorious cause, and you shall be granted overwhelming power to twist this world into your personal paradise.”
The offer repeats itself in the minds of the afflicted, slowly intensifying over time. It's clear that this man will not relent unless he gets what he wants. Those with strong willpower, however, may be able to reject his dark offer.
I. A TEST RUN FOR NEW POWER
For whatever reason, you have chosen to accept the whispers’ offer. Some may have been overwhelmed by the mental link that demanded your fealty, while others found the offer of overwhelming power appealing. Regardless of your reasons, this decision finally brings you a strange peace, as the intense demands are replaced with your promised reward. Now, the brands start to feel like a blessing as they begin to spread across your body. They feel good and natural—almost as if you have found a missing part of yourself that you had never known.
You begin to feel an unknown power coursing within your body, but you aren’t entirely sure what it is. Some will gain powers associated with the mind, allowing for psionic powers ranging from telekinesis to possession. Others will gain a mysterious power to cast elemental and blood magics that they had previously never been able to use. Once you reach the secret clearing, its nature and usage will become clearer to you.
Things are odd at the place you’ve been summoned to. In the clearing, you’ll find strange stone monuments and tablets containing text in an indecipherable language. At the centre of this collection of monuments, descends a pit-cave with several winding paths, each containing cells with bruised and battered prisoners. The more perceptive among you may notice that these are the people who have gone missing over the past few months.
You and your fellow Branded are free to do as you like. Will you make these prisoners into experimental pawns to test your new powers with? Or will you try to resist the power you’ve accepted?
II. ABDUCTION
Unlike your possessed fellows, the brand doesn’t take. The whispers intensify with each passing hour, demanding that you give in. Still, for some reason, you never accept their offer. Perhaps somewhere in your heart, you know that this is wrong and have managed to hold on through pure force of will. Maybe your latent powers managed to hold the brand’s influence at bay despite their constant demands. Either way, the hooded figure knows that it has been denied a thrall, and it does not take rejection lightly.
A piercing shriek can be heard from the forest before all hell breaks loose. Shadowy figures emerge from its depths and press into Aldrip. If you are claimed by the shadows, your character will be enveloped in darkness and pulled back to the hidden grove. This will take you out of the action for the duration of the event, only to reappear in Aldrip sometime after the chaos subsides. However, others may choose to flee from the shadows and seek help from other Chosen. This is optional, primarily for those who need a reason to be absent from the event for a portion of the time. For characters who are present and unbranded, consider this an opportunity to interact with those who are, and to be susceptible to their abilities, or experience an odd desire to serve or otherwise demonstrate loyalty toward them.
SPEAK NOT OF THE OLD ONES
Unfortunately for those who were marked, their struggle mostly goes unnoticed in those critical first moments. For most people, it just seems like just another day. Some strange people are rising at strange hours of the morning to venture into Pessiria forest, but for the most part, life goes on as usual. While some of the Chosen may find themselves struck by a sense of unease, the locals go about their normal lives, unaware of what is to come.
However, that quiet was only the calm before the storm. After some of your fellow Chosen venture into the forest, a piercing shriek can be heard across the entire region as a gargantuan creature emerges from the earth a mile away from Aldrip. At first, all you see is a giant tentacle made of dark crystal. However, the abomination’s upper body soon emerges, flailing its limbs in an absolute frenzy. Golden tendrils course across its frame and into the ground, draining the life from the surrounding land and leaving rot in its place. Meanwhile, its many tentacles could fell a tree in a single swipe.
This unnatural event causes Aldrip to erupt into absolute chaos. Most of the Aldrip locals take to the street, taking anything valuable they could find in their homes before sprinting away. Others cry out for some kind of divine intervention to save them from their trial. However, there is no order to the escape effort, leaving most either trapped at the city, or at risk of being trampled in an onslaught of fleeing locals.
III. TAKING ON THE UNKNOWN
If the Chosen are to have any hope of dealing with this impending crisis, they need to act soon. For now, the strange beast flails about clumsily, almost as if it is unaccustomed to its corporeal form. However, there’s no telling how long this will last. The golden tendrils emerging from the creature’s body seem to be sapping the life out of the nearby land, strengthening the monster as it prepares to finish climbing out of the ground and destroy Aldrip.
Several opportunities seem obvious at first glance. Brave Chosen may choose to take the gargantuan creature on directly, banding together to bring it down before it can reduce Aldrip into a lifeless husk. However, those who are not as proficient at fighting may instead try to do something about the spreading golden roots that are sapping the life from nearby area. It might not be as glamorous, but it will buy valuable time, nonetheless. Either way, this is not a one-person kind of job. You will need help from your fellow Chosen if you want to see this through.
IV. WHEN CHOSEN CLASH
Characters who have accepted the brand’s offer will hear a call in their minds. It’s the hooded figure that granted you the power you’ve been gifted. His order is clear—the creature’s rebirth must not be disturbed. Protect it at all costs. This will give you a fantastic opportunity to show off your new powers. Band together with your fellow Branded to cause a little mayhem or face off against the unbranded as they struggle to stop the behemoth.
Fighting against former comrades will not be easy for the Chosen. Those bearing the brand have all gained strange powers based on their personalities. They include possession, mind control, elemental and blood magics, the ability to create areas of silence, life draining, or even the ability to capture others in shadowy grasps. Worse yet, the Branded are becoming stranger by the minute. As the Brand spreads across their body, their behaviour becomes increasingly violent and erratic, drawing out the worst of their personalities.
Some of the Chosen may discover a strange quirk about the new abilities that have appeared among the Branded. While the abilities may be powerful, Chosen who act selflessly to help their enthralled comrades will discover that they have become entirely immune to their influence. It won’t remove the mark itself, but it will equalise the playing field for those who want to convince their comrades to renounce the hooded figure.
THE ONE WHERE THERE’S A WILDCARD
V. LEADING—OR BENEFITTING FROM—THE SITUATION
As the creature’s scream resonates across the nearby area, residents of Aldrip begin to panic and flee from their homes. Unfortunately, such processes are often messy. In fact, plumes of smoke are even emerging from a few houses that were left just a little too hastily.
Whether you decide to assist in the process or decide to take advantage of the mayhem is up to you. The evacuation effort could almost certainly use some people to arrange the panicking mass into an organised exodus. Alternatively, you could try and attend to people who can’t get out on their own. Whatever you choose to do, people rarely forget the faces of those who personally come to their aid, and the villagers will almost certainly feel indebted to you if you ensure their safety.
Chaos can also bring opportunities. With everyone leaving their homes, there’s almost certainly plenty of unattended valuables left in the town. If thieving is up your alley, the opportunity to loot to your heart’s content is ripe. Just make sure that no one is watching. It would be a shame if one of your more justice-minded Chosen saw you doing something naughty, after all.
VI. FUCK IT, WE BALL (WILDCARD)
Just because there’s not a prompt for it doesn’t mean that your character’s actions aren’t acceptable. If you wish to do anything that hasn’t been directly addressed by the prompts, leave a message for the mod team to say what your character would do. If you choose to go down this path, note it as a comment on the OOC poll when it goes up, and leave a link to your threads so that we can take all actions into consideration for the next State of the Game.
no subject
I suppose it makes sense when you put it that way, but I cannot allow you to push yourself further. If I do, I would be putting a man's life at risk, and I cannot allow that.
[His hand extends out to the ice barrier that surrounds them. A bright light glowing around them for a moment, before Mlynar will notice spikes of ice extend out from the shield to counteract the tentacles hitting the ice. It'll protect them for a bit longer, Astralin thinks, and he turns his attention back to Mlynar, where he kneels in front of his friend.
He's grown quite courageous after some events, and his hands extend out toward Mlynar's stomach, to feel for his ribs.]
While my restorative magic seems to lack potency here, I can only do simple techniques. It will be uncomfortable, but I will be able to adjust your ribs back to normal. ... But as I said before, it is uncomfortable. You will be able to feel every bit of movement.
no subject
Still, such thoughts were quickly dismissed as his companion raised the healing magics. Astralin was likely trying to be kind, but Młynar still couldn’t help but find the idea funny. A bit of discomfort? He was a soldier, such thing was practically a part of his everyday life.]
I don’t mind. Once we get out of this, I’ll tell you about the time I kept fighting after taking a barrage of rifle fire back home. But for now, I’ll take that cure of yours.
[The knight struggles to take a knee, readying himself for anything that might happen. His body might be battered and bleeding, but even then, watching Astralin’s back was the first thought in his mind. Besides, it only takes a good arm to send waves of light at those damned tendrils.]
Rush it if you have to, and don't be gentle. I’ll handle it.
no subject
[Great. Rivoix took most of the damage between him and Hrist, and of course, he had to find someone similar to him. Still, it's almost endearing in a way, but now was not the time to think on that. He instead shifts a bit closer, and places his hands directly onto the ribs that needed to be moved back into place. Hands lit up momentarily, as he focuses the flow of healing energy into his fingertips and into the internal part of Mlynar's body.
There's a chilling sensation that's quick to fill Mlynar's body, but it subsides when Astralin motions his hands to motion those ribs back into place. It's careful work, and with the tentacle monster slinging it's tentacles around his shield, it's a bit hard to concentrate. Though, he does manage to move those ribs into place, but there is a fleeting sensation of sharp pains and burns from the movement.]
There we are. Just in time, I suppose.
[The shield dissipates finally, and Astralin shoot his attention onto the monster adjacent to them. His hand glowing blue, as he casts a rain of icicles down onto the monster in front of them. An attempt to hold it in place, as icicles pierce it's skin, but only for a short period of time.]
no subject
[He was about to make a joke about the whole situation, but he loses the opportunity when Astralin’s magic starts to kick in. Having everything move back into place felt unnatural, and downright painful at times, but the knight suppresses any reaction by biting hard into the collar of his jacket. The Ori man needs to focus, and Młynar has no intention of distracting him. By the time it’s over, the Kuranta knight lets out a deep sigh of relief. Hopefully, this will be a one-time kind of experience. Knowing his propensity to get into trouble, it probably won’t be, but he could hope. Either way, there’s no time to linger around this place.]
In time to fall back, anyhow. Its roots are everywhere, and so long as they remain, it’ll just keep on recovering as it drains life from the land. Ah- and forgive me for this.
[This time, it’s Młynar’s turn to take the initiative. Without waiting, the knight wraps a single arm around Astralin’s waist, before lifting him up onto his shoulder like the crate of flour he had carried just a small time ago. As soon as the Ori is securely in place, the Kuranta man begins to dash at superhuman speeds, blasting through the trees with enough speed to leave a small shockwave in his wake. In his mind, it’s the fastest way to get to a favourable position. It isn't glamorous, but he figured it was better to do it now and ask forgiveness later than to waste time explaining it and seeking permission.]
no subject
Well. Mlynar is certainly the only man other than Rivoix that was able to grab him so openly. It's an interesting position to be in, considering he's the one that always grabs Hrist when they're in trouble. So, it's a bit jarring at first -- body tensed up for a short moment. However, when he realizes that it's a strategic escape, he doesn't mind. He can only sigh, and trail off in a bit of laughter as he basically hands off Mlynar's shoulder with his scythe lifted up just enough so it doesn't drag on the floor.]
Ah, that is quite alright. I must admit, you are the only man other than my husband who has the courage to do that toward me, but it is fine.
[He's more than capable of walking, but he'll just enjoy being carried like this for the time being. The monster in question still pinned down by ice, and luckily, that alone is enough for it not to follow them.]
Just how far do you intend to run?
no subject
Far enough to get away from that thing’s attention. So in other words, around…
[Młynar cracks a wry smile at Astralin’s comment about being carried like that. Admittedly, the action is a little more spontaneous than his usual kind of behaviour, but it was the best option in the heat of the moment. Besides, there was something incredibly entertaining about being able to subvert Astralin’s expectations. Did the Ori think that he was one of those overly formal knights? If that was the case, he’d quickly learn that Młynar is a soldier first and foremost, with little care for decorum.
However, all things come to an end, and this strange experience is no exception. After some time, the Kuranta man presses his boots into the ground, kicking up a wave of dirt as he skids to a stop. The nearby area is nice and densely wooded, and should offer them the chance to catch their breath.]
…Around here. You’ll have to forgive me if I’m not as gentle about it as your husband. While we Kuranta may have horse-like traits, I fear that I can’t provide quite as comfortable of a ride.
[Only after saying all of that did Młynar finally lean over to offer Astralin an easy descent from his shoulder. There was just something far too funny about the idea of speaking to him while he was held up there, and he could hardly pass it up.]
no subject
Ah, that is quite alright. It brings me great comfort in knowing that you take the same initiative like he does when we are in a tight spot. There is no need to apologize.
[But ah... As much as Astralin loves to be carried, he figures that he can't stay on his shoulder for much longer. Carefully sliding down, and getting onto his feet with ease. Astralin readjusting his hair, and brushing some of it back as he stares down at Mlynar for a moment with an amused hum again. Honestly, just finding the entire situation to be rather hilarious despite the intensity of the moment just prior to escaping.]
My husband and his best friend often call me a string bean, so... I am not surprised that you were able to carry me with such ease. I admire your strength.
[Not that Astralin isn't strong. It's just nice to see someone else have the same, if not more strength than himself.]
But... Are you truly alright? May I have a better look at your injuries? Perhaps I can ease the bruising.
no subject
You speak so fondly of the man. I suppose that’s why the two of you are married, in the end- but it makes me wish to meet him that much more.
[Unlike Astralin, Młynar doesn’t really take that much time to regain his composure. His hair is only spared a single sweep back and out of his eyes, leaving the man looking uncharacteristically wild in the moment. Once again, this whole encounter was showing the side of the Kuranta man that was less than knightly. Still, he trusted Astralin to be the kind of person to not judge others for such things.
Besides, he could always get all groomed up and handsome on more formal occasions. It’s not like he doesn’t know how to do that sort of thing. It’s more that he doesn’t take much time for it outside of social obligations.]
I’m fine. You’re slender, lighter than most. If anything, I’m surprised someone so dainty would be so eager to fight on the front- agh…
[The knight doubles over as his ribs flare up in agony once more. During the rush of their escape, the adrenaline had managed to keep the pain at bay. Unfortunately, that wears off quickly enough, leaving him vulnerable to feeling the full effect of his injury, even with its partial healing.]
Correction. Perhaps I am less fine than anticipated.
[Młynar presses his back against a nearby tree, sliding back against it until he’s sitting back on the ground and lifting his shirt to examine the damage. A large black mark blooms over the whole area, providing evidence of the abomination’s raw strength and its ability to sap life from those it touches with its tendrils. The fact the knight had barely complained about it was evidence of his rather stoic disposition.]
no subject
[It's not the same as meeting him of course, but again, Astralin can't help but become rather protective of the two. He didn't want them here as much as he did miss them, because that meant that they would be under the mercy of the gods, or higher people here. It's something that he doesn't want to think about, and it's just a passing thought before he stares up at Mlynar with a rather surprising smirk on his face.
Ever since the man came back, he's been less stunted with his emotions. Mlynar had also had a place in his heart as a good friend, and he felt like he could easily show his emotions in front of the man. Not only that, but seeing how... Less of a decorated knight he was made it less stuffy for him.
But then he calls him slender, and that makes him cross his arms. Only momentarily, of course, before his eyes widen at the sudden motion. Not hesitating to take a step forward once he's sitting on the ground and examining his wounds. Astralin curving his lips into a soft frown, and kneeling down to his friend. His hand quickly hovering over the bruise that's alongside his skin.]
My friend, I do believe my farm is close by... We should stop there so you can get proper rest. You are in no condition to fight, and I am sure there are people who can fight that abomination. Right now, you need to rest.
no subject
[The smile is returned with one of his own, despite the pain in the knight’s side. He damns the beast silently in his mind for stealing his life force, which he would usually use to recover in these circumstances. In a way, it was a perfect counter to an Arts user like Młynar. Still, he’s far too proud to admit that he’s out of the game for now, and simply stares up to Astralin with his orange-gold eyes.]
Ngh… As for my wounds, I should be fine. I can’t summon the energy to recover for some reason, but a knight doesn’t turn his back while others place their lives on the line.
[The Kuranta knight’s injury definitely looks bad, but the man has a damnable sense of pride that seems to trump his reason at the worst of times. Pressing his back to the tree, Młynar rises to his feet once more. It’s pretty clear that this is not the first time he’s done something like this, nor will it likely be the last. His status as a knight back home might be disgraced, but his belief in upholding his honour never wavers.]
Besides, I was in a good enough condition to carry you here, no? [It's not clear who he's trying to convince here- Astralin, or himself.]
no subject
You are in no condition to fight, Mlynar, let alone having carried me. Adrenaline truly is a good thing, but...
[He sighs, and takes a step forward. His hand reaching out toward Mlynar's chin, and tipping it up so that their gaze can meet. The man staring directly into his eyes with a rather concerned look on his face. Astralin keeping surprisingly good eye contact, as his hand begins to light up once more. The man using his healing abilities to transfer some of his spirit energy into Mlynar's body to give him the last boost of strength. His hand lighting up momentarily, before it dissipates.
Astralin would truly never do this with anyone he didn't trust -- not one to actually transfer some of his own energy into someone. However, Mlynar proved every day that he was to be trusted, and in turn, Astralin trusted the man with his life. So, in some small measure, this was the least that he could do.]
Come now. Let us move.
no subject
I said I am fine, I just- ah.
[Młynar’s struggles subside as he feels the flow of energy entering into his body, slowly replenishing everything he had lost during the battle. It’s a familiar, yet strange sensation for him. Back on Terra, medic-class operators used various techniques to do this sort of thing. Yet, the idea of spirit was alien to his world, and it came with an almost thrilling surge as it kicked his latent recovery back into gear. Vulnerable tissues quickly started to close, providing a faint idea of how durable the knight would have been back home.]
What in- what did you… [He struggles for some time to find the right words. For someone who can casually throw around light beams, magic and spirit energy are quite alien to him.] No, I won’t question it. It’s hardly the time, and I owe you now. I’ll follow where you go.
[With that recovery, it’s rather easy for him to find his footing without any kind of assistance. His Młynar’s thin sword then whips free from its scabbard, into a quick salute- the second that Astralin has received now. It’s a long-held tradition from his homeland of Kazimierz, done to show recognition, along with recognition of the debt that comes with good deeds.]
no subject
It is not a big deal. However... I do wonder if we should deal with this monster or not. I do not think that leaving it out in the open with the village so close by will be a good idea...
[He was battle ready for the most part, but he was a pacifist in truth. He left most of the fighting to his beloved wife and husband, who were strong in their own rights. This would be the first time that Astralin would use his weapon -- if he had to -- but he looks over at Mlynar with his head tilted slightly. Never one to really make decisions, since, again, he was a pacifist.]
I will go where you go, so the feeling is mutual. What shall we do? What do you want to do?
no subject
Still, his honour demanded that he at least do something to contribute.]
Then we’ll go that way. [A gauntleted hand points towards a small area near the beast. Large golden tendrils laced through the ground, draining any semblance of life from the nearby wildlife.] We might be in rather bad shape, but we can at least contribute a bit by taking out the roots. Then, I’ll take you up on that offer and pull back for some rest.
[If Astralin wanted someone to lead, Młynar was certainly suited for the task. In his younger days, he had helped fledgling knights take to gruesome battlefields and find their courage whenever hope seemed to be lost. This was pretty much the same. The Kuranta man places a hand on Astralin’s shoulder, mirroring his friend’s act as he gives him a confident smile that promises nothing less than a perfect outcome, even when the situation was far more uncertain.]
How does that sound? We should get moving fast- unless you’re looking for another ride there. [The words are followed by a soft chuckle. Strangely enough, a serious man like Młynar manages to find the most levity in the chaos of battle.]
no subject
For now, though, he gazes over to the location Mlynar points at. Again, simply nodding his head at the gesture, before his words bring his gaze back to Mlynar. He's almost a bit flustered at the thought of the man carrying him again, and there's almost a look of disbelief in his features. Despite being a bit flustered at the thought, he merely shakes his head, and laughs.]
Now now... Anymore carrying and you are sure to make my husband a jealous man.
[It's said fairly jokingly, of course. But with that said, he does readjust his scythe in his hand. The other extending outward, and summoning an ice crystal for him to throw once they're in range. Astralin simply nodding his head, before his legs begin to move toward that direction. The hand that was holding his ice crystal now extending out, throwing it to create a barrage of icicles to hit the tendril extending out of the ground.]
no subject
[The statement is followed by a light sigh. That pursuit of his status was the reason he remained unwed for so long- along with the constant hassle of raising his two nieces. Still, it suited Młynar just fine. He likes a lifestyle that lets him focus on his work and refining his technique.
Still, Astralin’s display is what surprises him more than anything. Between this and the shield he had made earlier, the Ori is certainly quite the force of nature for a non-figher. The deluge of ice easily makes a pincushion of the writhing tendril, making it fall limp to the ground shortly after. It’s enough to make the knight pause, admiring his companion’s handiwork.]
I shudder to think about the kind of foes that would make you go into hiding, Astralin.
[Despite being wounded, Młynar is still a soldier, and he isn’t about to let a person he swore to protect outdo him. With a fluid motion, the knight grazes his fingers over a small black gem on his sword’s pommel, making the entire weapon flare to life with a vivid, golden glow. While his usual physical exploits may be out of the question, the Ori man’s healing restored his vitality enough to enable his Arts. Thus, a single thrust of his blade creates a beam of brilliant light, which slices through the air and pierces through any tentacles in its path.]
You would put quite a few of my old students to shame.
no subject
The kind that can steal other's powers if you are not careful. Our tyrant back home is quite powerful.
[There's a playful laugh in his words, and he can't help but wink at his companion. Mlynar one of the few where he could reveal his more playful side, despite the situation at hand. Although, there wasn't much of a situation, given the two of them were quite powerful it appeared. Astralin watching his companion in silence, as his blade slices through the tentacles that try and pursue them.]
I do believe we can rid of the main tentacle itself, should we strike at it's weak point. Are you ready, my friend?
[This time, Astralin pulls out his scythe from his back. Free hand enchanting the curved blade with ice.]
no subject
It’s something akin to a dance of steel. Each comrade works together, covering each other’s weaknesses and allowing the other to perform to the greatest extent of their own abilities. After awhile, it almost becomes like a natural flow, without much need for words to convey meaning. Instead, mutual trust carries everything. It’s a feeling that he had missed from his days fighting on the front lines so long ago.]
Friend, has quite the nice ring to it indeed- so ready when you are, friend. Together!
[The knight sucks in a long breath in as he prepares his wounded body for a final push, before pressing forth in a blur of light and blades, sending forth wide arcs of light to incinerate the lesser tentacles and clear a path for Astralin. The man clearly had a plan, and Młynar wanted to see it come to fruition.
The scent of burning plants, earth and tentacles brings back a few bitter memories in the process. Once upon a time, he had been expected to incinerate entire battlefields as one of Kazimierz’ so-called heroes. Yet, using those same powers to protect someone else awoke an unfamiliar feeling. It’s not quite redemption, but it’s definitely something that feels good.]