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ximilialog2023-01-29 02:10 pm
- ! event log,
- ace attorney: ryunosuke naruhodo,
- adventure time: finn mertens,
- fear street: ziggy berman,
- grishaverse: the darkling,
- gundam seed/destiny: yzak jule,
- pacific rim: newton geiszler,
- red vs blue: felix,
- star wars: cassian andor,
- the old guard: andromache,
- wheel of time: rand al'thor,
- yakuza: zhao tianyou
MISSION: THE DIE IS CAST, PART 2
● ● ● M I S S I O N 1 1 . 2
Dawn breaks over the court in grey skies, clouds drooping sadly over the horizon, as Finn (and whoever he has managed to get to train with him that day) arrives at the Knights’ Guild… and meets the beaming face of Jun Shortaxe. It is clear that the depressing weather is not dampening his spirits.
His voice booms brightly over the Guild’s courtyard, but he seems to think better of the volume as his next words are quieter, only for the Orbers to hear.
And indeed, when the next day comes with the sun finally peeking out behind the veil of clouds, it is not only Jun waiting for the Orbers but also Alena Ironspear, decked in full armour, and the Great Mulgrowe, hooded and deep in conversation with a bird.
When it seems that all Orbers are present, Jun urges his horse forward and raises his hand in greeting.
Next to him, Alena nods.
The Great Mulgrowe nods below his hood, eyes slowly opening. He pulls back the fabric to reveal the scaled countenance of a dragonborn druid.
MULGROWE
When next Jun speaks, it is with a gravitas that he seemed to lack before.
Hopefully you were ready to leave at once, as the former members of the Songbird Brigade don’t wait for long — it is within the next few moments that the group is split up into three, with each party heading off to their separate directions.
After some quick decisions on who to go with, and some even quicker good-byes, the groups are all ready to go — and so, with Jun, Alena, and the Great Mulgrowe wishing each other good luck, they each take their newly-formed party and get ready to travel: Jun by the roads, the Great Mulgrowe out in the wilderness, and Alena with the aid of Rahiel’s temples and teleportation.
1.0 Those following Jun Shortaxe will find that the roads that lead from Alydhion to South Naelor are well maintained, so whether you are on horseback or have chosen to put your feet to good use by walking, there won’t be too many rocks in your shoe by the end of the day. As you travel, you may hear Jun humming to himself, in a tone that’s actually not bad:
Follow the road
Rich or poor,
Your troubles unload
The path will take you
Stronger it will make you
The adventure that awaits!
So close the door,
Follow the road
Rich or poor,
Sing with me this ode
To whatever the fates
have in store for you!
The tone of the travelling song is catchy, and perhaps you'll want to join in (and learn another song that the illustrious commander of the Ximilia has composed).
As the road is long and darkness falls quickly in the evening, you are required to make camp — so find a good spot on the side of the road, set up your campfire, and spread your bedding around… or, if you’re not a fan of staying under the open sky and watching the stars, you can always try and find a thicket of trees to stay under, or a cave where you’ll be safe from any sudden downpours.
2.0 The journey through the Forests of Gha’har throws you into the middle of wilderness, away from the comfort of roads: instead, the Great Mulgrowe will lead his group through thick bushes, over fallen tree trunks, and under the canopies of the tall, old trees of the forest whose presence seems almost oppressive. There are moments when you may look around and feel as if everyone around you has disappeared; moments when the trees rustle above you with a quiet, menacing sound… only for it to be broken by the trill of a bird, or perhaps a druid friend among your party, settling the trees once more.
Eventually, you will hear it: the unmistakable sound of water. From behind the trees, you see the river gleaming in the sunlight like a silver snake, twisting this way and that as it flows towards Naelori Lake. This means that you have finally made it out of the Forests, and traveling by the riverside is a nice change in scenery… at least until you’re required to cross the river in order to make it to South Naelor. Well — better be ready to get your feet wet, or figure out an alternate way of crossing the river with dry shoes!
3.0 Whereas Jun and the Great Mulgrowe lead their respective groups immediately towards South Naelor, Alena takes hers back to Harsby; the reason for that becomes apparent when right outside the borough, a beautiful temple surrounded by flowering vines comes into view. It is the temple of Rahiel, and Alena explains to the group that she is only able to teleport so many people from one temple to another — and the one closest to the ruins of South Naelor lies at the mouth the Gulf of Ifyln.
It is almost as soon as everyone has stepped inside the temple, its walls decorated with paintings of the Seven Sisters, that Alena claps her hands together and a golden light envelopes you… and the next moment, you smell the sea air, and feel the cool breeze blowing your hair. When you open your eyes, feeling a little disoriented, you see the steep cliffs that line the coast from the open temple.
The cliffs don’t persist for long, though, and Alena quickly leads the group to the shore, where a small ship awaits them: just large enough to fit all of them below deck, you best hope you’ve got those among you who know how to raise the sails and steer the ship through the tides… and lower the anchor when it’s time to stop for the night. At least you’ll have a cosy rest in the ship’s cabins, or on the deck watching the stars.
However, don’t get too attached to your little ship: soon enough the river becomes too shallow, requiring you to make the rest of the way on foot.
However, the journey to S. Naelor isn’t without its challenges. The skies above might seem to darken one day, the heavy clouds splitting at their seams to let out a torrential downpour. You and your group might also stumble into the wrong place at the wrong time, not uncommon for many parties that travel through (and across) the boroughs. Whether by foot or on horseback, it would be wise to keep your senses alert and your weapon close. A battle of some nature is never too far away.
4.0 Past the crest of gently rolling hills you might hear the sudden rapid stomping of hooves against dirt as a party of bandit orcs on horseback appear, their shrill cries meant to scare and alarm you. Seek a place for cover or meet them with full force, weapons at the ready — if you’re traveling with Jun Shortaxe, he won’t be far behind, expression steeled into one of strength and determination. Within the thick, lush foliage of the Forests of Gha’har, if you’re traveling with the Great Mulgrowe, you may encounter winged bat-like creatures in the trees that squawk and cry as they fly out to attack you. Mind their sharp claws and sharper teeth — and anyone with the ability to communicate with creatures might want to utilize their skills to placate the flurry. Finally, steering the small ship on the river past Rahiel’s temple may seem quiet at first, but past the temple’s walls and emerging from the Gulf of Ifyln, winged kelpies appear to have caught wind of your group’s presence. Alena Ironspear will fearlessly lead the charge but she’ll need your help to keep the winged kelpies at bay and continue your journey northwards to Fort Gorlouch.
5.0 Along the way, whether through grassy plains and grey skies, the darkness of trees and thick foliage, or the sandy coast and the salty ocean waters, some of your party will experience some obstacles and immunities specific to their chosen race and form. Unnatural phenomena and sudden spots of darkness and flame appear to pop up like a presence following close behind.
If you suddenly become shrouded in a strange, thick fog, you’ll hear haunting voices and see visions of malevolent creatures all around you. You might try and swing your weapon forward as the voices command you to defeat every last creature trying to crowd in on you — but only your human party members will see what you can’t and will need to snap you out of the presence currently trying to control your mind, persuading you to attack your own friends and fellow crew.
While there is no shortage of dangers to be found no matter what path you travel, it might seem that there is something intentionally challenging your journey through South Naelor. While it is easy enough to take up your weapon against a stray bandit or wild creature (to some degree, anyway), it is much harder to cast off an avalanche of boulders from the nearby cliff edges, or to catch a fallen tree trunk that aims to block you and your path. Call on the orc-kind in your party to help, as their superior strength will allow them to swat boulders away like flies, or catch heavy tree trunks in mid-fall.
Some of you might find when you try to start a campfire, either during the day or the evening, for warmth or for cooking, that the flames might appear to grow hotter and larger than usual. Keep the fire going for too long and you’ll be (un)pleasantly surprised by the sudden voracious appetite the flame has for the measly kindle you have collected. It spreads and seems to grow into a predatory form that can only be challenged by those with an immunity to fire. Your tiefling companions will be able to tame and put out the fire before it does any more damage than singe your bedroll and turn your dinner to charcoal.
In the evening when the last of the daylight has disappeared past the horizon, the darkness may feel thicker, even blacker. For most of you it will seem difficult, almost impossible to see; you won’t even be able to see your hands before you. Only the dwarves in your group, possessing dark vision, will be able to decipher your surroundings and guide you to a safe place to wait out the darkness before it passes. (And thankfully, like a passing shadow, it won’t last for too long.)
Even your Brigade leaders appear to be having difficulty at moments. It will be more important than ever to chip in when you can and keep your fellow team members afloat as you trek through this perilous part of the journey towards the fortress. But one thing is clear at least: you’re getting closer.
6.0 It isn’t difficult to guess that the path to South Naelor is one less traveled — the dirt road is crude and beaten down by wagon wheels, hoof-prints, and feet but there isn’t much else around for miles. Aside from the random attacks from bandits and hungry creatures, and the strange happenings, there are also the natural elements to contend with.
Windstorms, rainstorms, and the changes in temperature (generally warmer in the day, cooler during evenings) are common in this part of the land being situated between the ocean waters and too far away from the shelter of Ffuren and the Jolnora Peaks. The plains experience heavy monsoons of rain at times, and with trees so far and few between it can get cold in the nights. The tides can rise, taking in a large part of the beach by the coastline, making it too easy to be swept into the water if one is not careful enough. Rain isn’t uncommon in the Forests of Gha’har either, and may require brief moments of shelter under the large leaves of the trees to escape getting soaked. The best thing to do during these moments is to find a cave or shelter of some sort and wait it out, catch up on some sleep, or once again go over your plans for when you arrive at Fort Gorlouch.
They say that it’s more about the journey than the destination, but sometimes it really is a relief to arrive where you want to be. The gates to South Naelor appear on the horizon in the form of long stone ramparts and large towers. Only ... these gates appear to be in serious need of repair, the walls partially broken, chunks of stone missing, and wooden posts hacked in half, leaving crude sharpened points directed at the sky. S. Naelor appears to be a court that had once seen better and brighter days, and it isn't hard to think that the court of Alydhion itself might one day see a future like this one. It is unclear whether this once majestic court had always been in decline or if this is a more recent event. Whatever the case may be, there’s only one way to find out … it’s time to ride forward.
7.0 The travels might begin to feel like they’re taking a toll on you but you and your party finally arrive — and in mostly good spirits, too. South Naelor as it stands feels nothing like the court of Alydhion, which seems so vibrant and alive by comparison. If anything, it is a court now mostly in ruin, an artifact in the history of this world. Over the centuries, nature has reclaimed some of the built structures, and rivers have carved wide canals through the land, connecting to the Gulf of Ifyln. Without needing to be told by your former Songbird Brigade leader, you might already begin to feel the prickle of goosebumps along your skin, or the hair rise at the back of your neck. It’s that sensation of expecting something dangerous that will keep you alert as the three groups converge just before Fort Gorlouch. The Great Mulgrowe bows his head in Alena and Jun’s direction, and Jun nods, opening his mouth as though to address the crew at large.
But just before he can speak, deep and guttural growls fill the quiet air from somewhere within the old fortress walls followed by the sudden blinking of bright light as though there are doors opening and closing to let these unwanted guests through. Claws frantically click and scratch against stone as the lanky greyish-white furred creatures, long-limbed and snarling with venomous teeth, rush out to meet the teams.
Alena’s eyes widen as she swears under her breath.
One of the patchy-furred beasts rises on its hind legs atop one of the half-battered ramparts and howls into the sky, commanding all of its brethren. One does not need to be a druid to understand their message: they mean to attack, and they mean to kill you.
MULGROWE
Next to the Great Mulgrowe, Jun squares his shoulders, a determined look in his eyes.
As if in response to these words, without hesitation, Alena seems to compose herself as though falling back into the old habits of their former party. She turns towards the Orbers, gripping her sword tightly in her hand.
The moment Jun hangs back to stand his ground, the Dremnin start to crowd forward, followed by all other manner of beast: some recognizable, and others that are unfamiliar, like a new kind of beast this world hasn’t seen. You’ll have to fight your way through some of these beasts to keep moving forward in search of the heirloom as Jun takes care of the brunt of it from behind.
F Y I
• If you have questions about any of the prompts or the mission in general, please direct them HERE.
• A voting post regarding the conclusion will go up on February 10.
• And finally, your soundtrack for this log: ♪ ♪ ♪
no subject
Not that Finn was some sort of psychiatrist or anything.
Chuckling at Yzak's pessimism, Finn kneels down to free Agatha from her backpack roost.]
Who rained on your parade, man? [His chuckles spike in volume for a moment, clearly amused at his own joke.] Our luck's been pretty good lately.
no subject
(okay no he does know, objectively, that that was a good one) ]
I can't say much of the shit we've come across since starting out here has been very good. [ He nods his head back toward the general way they came; he'd gotten briefly hit with the whole vision-seeing mind-control attempt, which really soured his mood (.... more anyway) considering it hits on an issue he absolutely despises - lack of control. Thankfully he hadn't been able to do any damage to those around him. ]
But I'll admit we did do pretty well getting through it. That, and I've little doubt that we'll complete the mission we're here for. We haven't failed, yet.
no subject
Has it ever been close? Like…did you ever think you weren’t gonna get it done?
[Unclear why he’s asking so much about not getting their task done, but it feels like it’s been on his mind lately. Maybe just a manifestation of some anxieties about the mission. ]
no subject
Every mission is a matter of wondering if we're going to succeed, and many of them left us feeling as though we just barely made it by the skin of our teeth.
no subject
Yeesh. Well, I guess I'm glad I got a kinda easy one for my first time. [Not that it felt that easy. Still, by comparison... the things making this trip difficult were his own fault, not the mission itself.] What was your first mission like?
no subject
[ He puts his flask away and grabs for one of the rations, ripping it open with help from his teeth. He offers some of it to Finn while he continues, because ... god damn, that first mission was such a long time ago now, wasn't it? ]
The first mission this current team was sent on was to a place called Gyeonje, where its Lord, Suk-Ju, had struck a deal to keep the inner part of his city prosperous. What he gave the orb in exchange for that was the outer parts of that city, resulting in those living on the outskirts to become cursed and turned into monsters.
We didn't know that at the start, of course. When we arrived to Suk-Ju we were simply told violent monsters controlled by a 'ghost' had been plaguing the city. This 'ghost' was actually So-Yeon, one of the citizens of the outer city who had managed to steal the orb, and used it to try to recover those who were infected. Her offer to the orb was ultimately herself - her life, and those more scientifically and magically inclined on the team were able to help all who were affected by working together and coming up with a cure for the plague.
And we made sure that shitty Lord learned his lesson, too!
no subject
It even had a happy ending. Finn's smile is still firmly in place upon its conclusion.]
Wait so that wasn't just your first mission, it was the whole team? And you guys fixed everything? [Stars practically danced in his eyes.] Wow.
no subject
[ He gives Finn a bit of a look when he notices how transfixed he is and how excited he looks as he listens. ]
I wouldn't go so far as to say everything. Not by a longshot. Many of the transformed citizens were killed long before anybody knew what was really going on. And So-Yeon's bargain with the orb was long underway before we arrived, so we couldn't save her in the end.
But her wishes, as well as the wishes of those the original bargain with the Lord affected were that things could get better. And when we took our leave, things were in place where that could happen. I have full faith that those we left to take care of that did the job.
no subject
Still, the keen energy dials back a few notches. Finn's smile softens, toeing at the dirt thoughtfully.]
These orbs really muck stuff up, huh? [The landscape was hard to see thanks to the rainfall, but Finn makes an attempt to scan it anyway.] Kinda weird that this place doesn't really seem so bad. Or is that normal?
no subject
For the most part, the places we've gone haven't been too bad. [ There are obviously exceptions, though. Like Badrock. ] When you consider that the orbs seek out chaos and bargains, it makes sense that we end up in populated, sometimes structured places. So the planet seems like any other, including the ones many on the team come from.
We don't always have to go through the whole changing our physical appearance thing, though. Thank goodness.
no subject
Yeah, but--like, okay, can I ask you a question that's kinda been bugging me? [ He gets started, whether or not Yzak is ready to answer. ] The orbs aren't all bad, right? They can't be all bad. They're going to undo our regrets once we're all done, so.
[ So... ]
no subject
[ He's got a whole lot of mixed feelings about things himself. ]
The orbs are interlligent in many ways, though as Viveca and Degar have explained, the thing that sustains them is chaos. In order to cause said chaos that they seek, they require bargains. Without that as a catalyst, they can't really do much on their own.
And chaos? Is relative. Chaos is us moving from world to world that we should not be in, because even the smallest of ripples can grow into something huge, for better or for worse. Chaos can be a naïve child with a short temper using a "wishing pearl" to wish her mother would just disappear and having that quite literally come true. Whatever effects they can cause with their bargains, they will. Because while some of them don't seem as much, some orbs we've come across seem ... almost cruel, in how they keep their end of a bargain. One needs to be careful with how they word things, when they strike a contract with one.
[ He looks down, his left hand coming up to his right shoulder. And he thinks back to Giva; to Entr'i and what she gave up to Angrial in the end to save her life.
He wonders how they are. He hopes they're happier than he is. ]
And sometimes we've seen a contract with an orb save a life, where "chaos" can simply be giving up a part of oneself - such as one's ability to reincarnate in a world where a cycle for it exists. Whether or not it's worth it in the end is something each person has to figure out on their own. Because each price is going to be different.
no subject
Finn pets at Agatha's feathers, their softness providing a temporary anchor against the brooding tide tugging at his thoughts.]
It's worth it for me. [Finn says, sounding almost more determined to convince himself than Yzak. He regards the young man with newfound focus, really looking at him -- not just as a font of wisdom on the crew, but as someone who was very much still a member of it. Even after all this time.] What about you? Is it, y'know... still worth it?
no subject
[ The answer is quick, sure, no hesitation to it whatsoever. He hasn't wavered from what he originally came here to do, because he's long accepted the fact that his life is no longer just his, and so long as he's still breathing, he's be working to make a difference. To do anything else would be an insult, after all of the horrible things he's done.
And sure, this grand mission's seen a lot of hurt, for the last while Yzak's felt like the miserable butt of some colossal joke. But the sting of a weapon or the ache in his heart is not the same thing as a feeling of regret. He didn't want to finish this mission with more regrets than he came with. And so far, he at least has that much. ]
Because it's not a large number by any means, but there have been some who felt differently, and left. While others ... realized why they came here originally might not have been the best choice, so altered their reason for being here to make it worth it.
no subject
It was a heady concept. Maybe too much for him to fully comprehend, with his own regret looming so large in his head most days. The hour or two where Finn could make himself forget -- really forget -- about Fern were usually followed by several more hours spent in a recursive guilt spiral. Any other way of being didn't feel possible.
Finn doesn't address Yzak's answer directly. Lost in his own thoughts for a few moment, he comes out the other side with a new question. A personal one.]
Yeah. Like--like, you got to meet the person from the ornament, right? [Finn didn't know the person's name or even which ornament was theres, but he could still remember the way Yzak had been staring at it. It was such an intense thing, something he barely understood at the time. With each day, week, and now month that passed, Finn could feel himself looking back on that memory with newfound clarity.] There's a lot of good people here. Makes home feel less far away, y'know?
no subject
[ Ah, that's right. Christmas, and all of those ornaments that were put up to represent everyone who'd been on this current crew.
That all too familiar pressure bubbles up inside his chest. Yzak feels his expression tighten, and his gaze falls upon a random, small puddle forming near their feet to focus on anything else. The tiny splashes and ripples from the raindrops aren't unlike what the team of the Ximilia is causing in other worlds. And causing within one another. Only in his case ... one of those ripples was more of a great, overpowering wave. ]
Blue. That's his name.
[ A clarification, if not a terse one. If anything, for him, "home" has felt even further away than his actual homeworld has felt all this time (which was still pretty far) with the lack of Blue's presence here.
Still, he knows the point that Finn makes, because what he says is true. There are many here that Yzak is thankful to have alongside him. It makes this whole grand adventure feel a little less lonely for someone who doesn't have anybody from home here with him. So he puts his focus on that. ]
We've been incredibly fortunate, to have the allies we've both had and currently have. Ones that are willing to work together toward our primary goal, instead of having ill intent and being complete assholes when it comes to compromise.
no subject
Finn may have even said as much, if Yzak didn't move them swiftly forward. Still, he commits it to memory. Whoever that person was, they were gone now. That Yzak wanted to share it with him meant it had to be important enough for him to not discard like it was nothing. Maybe someday it would even feel okay to ask about him?
Today, Finn isn't sure. He listens instead, comforted by those words. Yeah, even 'assholes.' That one reminds him of Ziggy.]
It's kinda cool, right? I can't remember the last time I was around so many people like me. [Fighters, healers, helpers, humans. The humans at home, the ones he'd travelled so far to meet, they were kind but sheltered. They couldn't understand him or the life he lived. The belonging he craved his whole life couldn't be found there. But sometimes, it felt like maybe he could find it with these humans instead? The thought was big and mostly subconscious, embarrassing Finn even without voicing it.] I think I see what you meant about it being worth it, y'know?
no subject
We did all come here for the same reason. [ To erase a regret, to change something back in their world; that alone gives them all something in common with one another.
Still, the question gets a curious look from Yzak, his head tipping slightly. ]
But what exactly do you mean by 'people like you'? [ In a place like this, that could mean anything! ]
no subject
Oh, uh. [It felt strange, to be asked so directly. A lot of the time he felt like he was on an observation mission or something, trying to implant himself into a pack of humans and have them accept him as one of their own. Now, his cover was blown. Finn felt like he may as well have just grown a tail and some floppy ears.] Just, y'know. Other humans.
no subject
And very rarely he'll pretend not to see obvious physical cues, like the way that pink creeps up Finn's neck and face and ears. So he is Perceiving. ]
You're not around other humans often where you come from?
no subject
Most of the humans on my earth live all secluded away in their own society. I never really met them until…geez. A couple months ago? [ He frowns briefly before affecting a smile again. ] It’s been kind of weird getting used to being around so many here. But nice too.
no subject
[ He sounds more curious than surprised. In a way, his own people ended up secluding themselves, though he figures the circumstances are vastly different. ]
And why weren't you with them?
no subject
Well, I was... for, like, maybe almost a year? I was born with them. [ That much he'd always known, at least. Finn pauses, realizing he needs to go back to explain. ] Y'see, there was a big war in my world a long time ago. It spread this mutagenic radiation over the world and humans had to sequester themselves somewhere safe from the poison, or they would mutate too.
[ At least, that's how Finn thinks it went. The story from Susan and from his mother differed in places; one more critical of the human regime than others. It could be hard to pick out the truth. ]
They had all sorts of restrictions on leaving and all sorts of protections from the 'mutants' outside. [ The word sticks funny in Finn's throat. He can still remember what they called his brother, how acidic and fearful the word had been in their mouths. ] And even after everything sort of settled outside, they just got used to living in their own little bubble. Nobody was allowed to leave. They had this huge guardian programmed to stop anyone who tried.
Nobody really knows how, but my Dad got past him with me. [ Finn screws up his face a little, frustrated at something beyond anyone's control. ] And then ditched me in the woods, but. Whatever. Guess he didn't want a baby cramping his style, or something.
[ He never got the answer as to why, and Martin made it very clear he never would. It was the kind of thing that Finn felt okay with most days, as long as he didn't think too much about. ]
Anyway, it's okay. My real parents heard me crying and took me in. But yeah, humans weren't really around when I was growing up. Just me.
no subject
Hmmh, so you were raised by mutants on the outside.
But— who the fuck would take a baby out there and then abandon it!? Why even bother?
no subject
He hardly has time to respond to that however, before the second question comes, both explosive and to the point. Finn’s preference to ‘not think too hard about it’ demolished.
He could probably spend a lifetime wondering that, and not only had his father refused to answer anything related to it, he was gone now. This time for good, taking any possibilities of answers with him. It didn’t make Finn feel good to consider, the uneasy reality of knowing there would never be a neat bow to tie up your life’s loose ends. He was still learning to be okay with that. ]
I don’t know, man. [ Finn pauses, looking distracted for a moment before continuing. ] Why does anyone do anything? I was pretty lucky though. Those mutants turned out to be pretty amazing parents. Better than he ever would have been.
[ That was…true. He was pretty sure.]
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