EVENT #14: ANOMALIES - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #14 - Anomalies

OOC event plotting | Coordination Post | Wrap-Up

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Over the last several weeks of summer, leading up to AUGUST 20, the appearance of rifts, and the subsequent creatures, has become a disturbingly common appearance. The average citizen has taken the changes in stride. Some have even integrated these creatures into communities as pets or beasts of burden. Nonetheless, these unprecedented appearances have resulted in rumors. Is the cause the Summoned? Have they carried a dark curse back from the Feywilds? Are the Old Gods offended?

A Coordination Post will be available for communications between mods and players. Report notable actions and events, or track Developments. Though we encourage you to take advantage, using the Coordination Post isn't required to participate in the event.

Anomalous Threats

Dubbed Anomalies throughout Abraxas, suspicion and curiosity turn to terror when much greater threats - called Anomalous Beasts - begin to fall through large rifts. Where did these creatures come from? Why have they arrived? And is this only the beginning of something far worse?

Arrival of the Beasts

The Anomalous Beasts tumble through open rifts that appear in set locations throughout Abraxas. You won't know where those rifts are at first, but it steadily becomes obvious as reports from locals come in. The beasts won't stay put, either. At random intervals, the rifts will suck the Anomalous Beast back through it and spit it out at another location somewhere in Abraxas. It might be in another city or in another faction altogether. It appears these beasts are not limited by borders.

Fortunately, each rift area only holds one Anomalous Beast at a time - so you won't have to face multiple threats at once.

Tracking the Beasts

Soon, you discover that the rifts are in stable locations. The beasts can go into one rift and out the other, but the area where the rifts appear doesn't change. You can use this to your advantage. Officials will set up portals to identified rift locations, allowing you to focus on an individual area - even if you can't predict which Anomalous Beast arrives from the other end.

Many of these locations are important to the locals. While confronting the threat, you'll want to minimize damage and casualties.

If you're tempted to try and go through a rift, you'll get a nasty shock that sends you flying back. Of course, if you happen to witness a native Abraxan attempt the same - whether out of fear or by accident - you might not want to try yourself: upon contact with the rift, any native Abraxans will be vaporized in front of your eyes. You should probably stick to travel via portals.

Arcanum Effects

Each Anomalous Beast bears a glowing Arcana sign on its flank. Be careful if you match its Arcana - you may begin to take on the beasts' animalistic traits, absorbing its aggression, hunger, or fear. These sensations can overwhelm you, causing you to mimic its behavior. Is your will strong enough to resist? Or will you succumb completely, becoming one with the beast?

You can get help from another Summoned of a different Arcanum. They'll feel compelled to make physical contact, absorbing some of the effects into themselves and lessening its severity by sharing it with you. This effect will remain while you're near the Anomalous Beast - as long as it's alive - but with effort and help, you can mitigate it and overcome the powerful sensations.

Types of Beasts

The types of Anomalous Beasts arriving might be familiar to you. Maybe you heard stories from another Summoned. Maybe you remember seeing it from your home world.

If you know what it is or its weaknesses, you can share this information using the Network or by word of mouth to help others defeat it. As for the beasts you believe have no way of being defeated? That may be true to your world. But you're in a different world now with strange powers, abilities you've never heard of, and spells you might've never seen before. These factors can change much. No matter the beast, there will be a way to defeat it.

To review what characters will be facing and each beast's Arcana sign, see the List of Anomalous Beasts on the OOC Plotting Post.

Faction Assistance

While the factions have asked for your help given the overwhelming number of threats that arrived at once, the factions can hold their own in many battles. They'll be able to assist you, and familiar officials may even arrive on the battlefield. General NPC actions are outlined below. You can assume they'll come to your aid based on those descriptions as needed.

Portals to each rift location will also be established within the first 24 hours. While the portals won't take you directly into the fray, they'll be near enough that you'll have the chance to arrive on time to mitigate damage or confront the threat.

You can request more significant aid or resources from an NPC using the Coordination Post.

There is no influence requirement to make a request, but influence and your character's relationship with faction NPCs will be taken into account to determine the outcome.

Thorne

In Thorne, assistance will come from the following:

◎ Jolene Sybell. Jolene will arrive at the front lines as needed. She has offensive spells but specializes in healing and medical magic. If you're wounded, she can mend you quickly or stabilize any grievous wounds so someone can take you to the infirmary.

◎ Soldiers & mages. Thorne's soldiers are concentrated in Borrel, while Castle Thorne has skilled mages. They'll be able to offer shields, offensive magic, and wards to help in any battle.

The Free Cities

In the Free Cities, assistance will come from the following:

◎ Marlo Reiner. The Prime Minister is as much a soldier as she's a politician. A former military captain, she'll direct the soldiers under her command on the front lines. She can provide cover in a fight or strategic advice. Her weapon of choice is a sword and a sidearm.

◎ The army. The Free Cities has the largest army in Abraxas. They'll be out in full force, providing combat assistance, protecting citizens, and offering medical aid. Any soldier will readily give you a hand on the field. If you aren't sure where you're needed, they'll direct you.

Solvunn

In Solvunn, assistance will come from the following:

◎ Isar Hart. Deeply devoted to the commune, the newest Council member will arrive with his ever-present companion Skaldi. A fierce and protective herding dog, she will fend off any threat. He's also followed by a few sheep that cast an unusual shadow. When attacking, they grow powerful ram horns and sharp teeth. Their muzzles elongate, resembling a wolf in sheep's clothing. Word is, Isar has a pact with Spyndlveiss, Guardian of the Flock.

◎ Elders and the Gods. Solvunn may not have a strong army or powerful mages, but they do have the Gods on their side. Elders will lead offerings and sacrifices - and the Gods will answer. While facing a threat, you might find something invisible blocks a blow or a wound suddenly appears on the beast. Though no physical presence arrives, you nonetheless feel the helping hand of something.

Ending the Threat

Resolving the threat involves not only defeating the Anomalous Beasts but also closing the open rifts. Fortunately, accomplishing the former will contribute to the latter.

Defeating the Beasts

Taking on the Anomalous Beasts is no easy task. You'll be faced with several obstacles while you fight them that might prevent you from defeating the beast: the rifts might suck the creature away before you can finish the job, you might be overwhelmed by your mind merging with the beast's, or you simply lose the fight.

In the end, one team will successfully defeat the beast. If you're one of the victorious, how you approach and finish the job is up to you. Take advantage of your surroundings, seek help and knowledge from other characters, and make creative use of your environment and skills.

And remember - defeating it doesn't mean killing it. The beast only needs to be subdued as a threat, whether through death or capture. Of course, once subdued, what happens to it may be out of your hands...but there's a chance that not all of them will be put down.

Requests for a victory roll will be accepted until AUGUST 23 at 11:59 ET. Only characters who win the roll can kill or defeat the Anomalous Beast. Please see the OOC Plotting Post for more information.

Closing the Rifts

With each Anomalous Beast dispatched, you'll notice that the rifts in the world start to shrink. The effect is subtle at first, but with every victory, it's undeniable that the key to closing the rifts is to bring down the Anomalous Beasts climbing through them.

Not every beast must be killed, but the majority of them should be for the rifts to close completely. By the end of the event, all of the rifts will have closed.

Across the Rifts

Each rift opens in a particular area. Each Anomalous Beast will have a "first sighting" at a specific location. Reports will surface as rumors, victim statements, and witnesses. Regardless of how the information comes to you, it likely catches your attention. Perhaps you hear a description that sounds chillingly similar to a monster you've encountered in your past. Maybe you're worried that the area has innocents who need to be protected. Or, maybe you're merely excited about a potential new species.

The beasts will move from rift to rift - not by choice. You might catch the one you're chasing when you arrive, or you might find yourself facing something unexpected. Your task isn't just to kill the beasts - the areas will need protecting, too. You'll have to work with others to do so. You could, for example, decide to have someone distract the beast while you evacuate an area.


[ Click the image for a larger version. ]

Each location is assigned a number that corresponds to an area labeled on the map above. Characters will have access only to their faction's territory on the rift map.

Kingdom of Thorne

◎ Castle Thorne (1) | IMAGE

Security in Castle Thorne has always been paramount. The thought that something could get within the castle walls is unheard of. Fortified by the kingdom's military and strongest mages, and boasting the host of the majority of Thorne's Summoned, it should be ready for any threat. That is, until something monstrous appears right outside the city's borders. Locals claim it slinks by on large tentacles with a single massive eye and a sense of foreboding.

◎ Frostwurm Tunnel (2) | IMAGE

Located northeast of Hayle, the snow-covered peaks are the perfect habitat for the Giant Frostwurms that provide valuable healing crystals. They burrow deep into the rock, creating a labyrinth of large tunnels. While the last time the Summoned were in those tunnels was not by choice, this time, you're asked to help protect the Frostwurms from what witnesses are claiming is a dragon or a very large wyvern. Except...dragons haven't been seen in Abraxas for many decades.

Due to the crystal's hallucinatory properties, the Summoned will be provided protective shield to prevent them from breathing in the air. The shield is invisible, causing the air around them to shimmer slightly. Be careful not to damage it in any ensuing fights.

◎ Whitehill Village (3) | IMAGE

A quaint village, Whitehill is an insular community established for many generations. Well-read despite their economic class, residents of Whitehill pride themselves on their magical knowledge used to help cultivate the Snow Petal, a rare flower that blooms only in their valley. Highly sought after for potions and elixirs, a small garden patch has already been destroyed by what appears to be a corrosive substance left behind by a large black wolf or wildcat. Residents fear this strange blight could devastate the elusive Snow Petal.

◎ Dukewood Lumber Mills (4) | IMAGE

Deep in the forests east of Nott sits Thorne's most profitable lumber mill. The sparkle of magically powered saws keeps the mill running at all hours. Although the land is owned by an aristocratic family, its residents are working-class. They earn a meager living for their families and fear not only for their livelihoods but their lives. Whispers of a shadowy figure with sharp claws spread through the workers, who remain on guard as they try not to let superstition get the better of them. Unfortunately, a few may be too far gone. They're even beginning to insist that the figure is...wearing a hat?

◎ Southern Farmlands (5) | IMAGE

The rolling hills east of Borrel are some of the most fertile land in Thorne. With harvest season drawing near, fields of green turn to amber for the most plentiful of crops: wheat. However, an unexplained fire in one of the fields has raised the alarm. Talk has arisen of a strange silvery creature wearing a crown. Witnesses claim it sits on wagons and anything that looks remotely chair-like. Or perhaps...throne-like? What could it be? Does it have anything to do with the fire?

◎ Southern Mountains (6) | IMAGE

This winding path between the peaks is an important trade route that cuts towards Borrel for those unable to cross the waters. While dangerous, many seasoned merchants will take this path to save precious time. Lately, though, the dangers seem to be much greater. Injured men stumbling out of the mountains claim their friends were torn apart by a multi-limbed insect the size of a full-grown gryphon. One describes black horns, while another insists it had hands grown over its torso. Whatever it is, it's hungry.

◎ Fishing Docks (7) | IMAGE

Home to dozens of fishing boats and trawlers, the docks and its nearby fish market are the lifeblood of Nott. These fishermen are skilled at traversing the lake - so it's unusual that one of them has gone missing. Whispers say the man was dragged under the waters by lurking black tentacles. Many are afraid to venture out again, claiming that something in the lake is watching them.

The Free Cities

◎ Fomalhaut (1) | IMAGE

Though the port city is a fixture in the Free Cities, no one is granted permission to approach the heavily guarded barricade that leads into Fomalhaut. A large sign reads NO TRESPASSING! Official Travel Only Beyond This Point! Another reads Deadly Force Authorized. A third states simply DISEASE. Fortified walls and barriers protect the valuable machinery powering the shields that enforce the quarantine. Lately, tensions have heightened due to heavy bipedal tracks and reports of a moving metal statue. A breach in the shield could devastate not just the Free Cities but all of Abraxas.

◎ Northeastern Mountains (2) | IMAGE

These sharp peaks span past most of the Free Cities' territory. The smaller mountains near Aquila are popular for mountaineers, geologists, and engineers looking to test their newest inventions at higher altitudes. Finding abandoned equipment is not uncommon. Recently, many travelers have fled the mountains, escaping an invisible entity that haunts the area. One scientist who returned injured insists that he doesn't believe in spirits but says that "an unseen force" caused him to slip and fall.

◎ Andromeda Bay (3) | IMAGE

A popular destination for rest, the waters of Andromeda Bay are a welcome reprieve during the hot summer months. Except, the crystalline blue waters have grown tainted with a pungent stench. People are fleeing the shores, warning each other that the a tentacled swamp-fish with a gaping maw has overtaken the bay. Locals fear this disruption to tourism will impact their livelihoods. Meanwhile, biologists are concerned the foul waters will disturb the delicate ecosystem.

◎ Cadens Barracks (4) | IMAGE

The barracks are familiar to most of the Free Cities Summoned. Now, the usually bustling and tightly run military hub is in a state of high alarm. Few soldiers are out in the open. Barracks and rooms feature hastily boarded windows and doors. Here and there are splashes of blood. Any soldiers out and about have their weapons at the ready. Injuries appear to be bites and vicious claw marks. There are ominous whispers of, We can't even see them.

◎ The Badlands (5) | IMAGE

With frequent dust storms, difficult rocky terrain, and extreme heat, the Badlands are the last place you want to be. Most know better than to venture towards its heart. Bandits occupy only the more habitable edges around the area. The few souls who brave the landscape are hardened survivalists or soldiers on patrol. You should take their grim reports of a new fearsome creature seriously. They say it bursts out of the ground and spits deadly acid - melting one individual to the bone. Though the Badlands houses some of Abraxas's most dangerous beasts, this one appears to be new...and it might be coming closer to the city.

◎ Farhill Mining Camp (6) | IMAGE

The Farhill Mining Camp is the largest mine in operation. Rows of cheap housing are pressed together with little care, sitting dangerously close to the mines and the fumes that come with them. Jagged hills of varying height and stability make traversing the mining area tricky. Citizens of all ages work the mines daily, with children able to quickly squeeze through small crevices. The ground often shakes with the rumbling of machinery, but recently something else burrowed beneath has been sending quakes throughout the mine. Unusual dragonfly-like insects, glowing green, have also swarmed the area. With operations refusing to cease, a collapse could be disastrous for everyone involved.

◎ The Red Path (7) | IMAGE

Named for its iconic red sand on the surrounding hills, the Red Path leads to and from Libertas. Known for being relatively safe, merchants, travelers, and hiking enthusiasts frequent the Red Path for its beautiful scenery. When reports of frequent animal attacks begin to surface, word spreads quickly. Merchants now take the road warily, and many refuse to hike it. Surviving witnesses say the creature's enormous white bulk stands out starkly against the red landscape. Most injuries consist of burns, and scorch marks mar the area.

Solvunn Commune

◎ Tertiary Settlement (1) | IMAGE

The Tertiary Settlement is a rough place to make a living, but skilled fishermen have learned to thrive. Rundown wooden houses dot the shoreline as boats row out in the hopes that this day's catch will be the one to feed several mouths at once. Lately, the fishermen claim that an unusual leviathan has been spotted in the waters, something massive and grey. Unlike most leviathans, its teeth are blunt, and it doesn't seem to dive deep under the sea.

◎ Shrine of The Maw (2) | IMAGE

This wooden path lined with dark runes leads to a foreboding tree on a hill. This tree sprouts no leaves and sheds no bark. At the base of its trunk are lit candles. Old and new wax alike stains the tree's roots. This tree is the central shrine to Dyvoraetiir, Herald of the Maw. Dyvoraetiir consumes hopes and dreams, sending those who offend into despair. Intriguingly, the reptilian rock-like creature spotted here is not the threat it should be. Instead, witnesses say it's sluggish and disoriented...and other beasts who arrive through the rift will exhibit similar symptoms. Commune elders fear this is a sign of an angry god. They're desperate to protect the area from further disruption.

◎ The Offering Grove (3) | IMAGE

East of the Secondary Settlement is a popular ritual site. A winding spiral leads to the grove's center, where a large offering bowl sits. Offering bowls are common in Solvunn, but the Offering Grove hosts the largest bowl. Made from sanctified metals, it never rusts or erodes. Many travel to this site to make crucial requests or as a show of penance. Because rituals may take several days or longer, many are reluctant to undo their work and refuse to leave the site, despite the glowing pink light that shines from the shadows.

◎ Mountain Ritual Site (4) | IMAGE

Halfway up the cliffs is a small rounded platform. Crafted to divine truth and one's true path, this is where many seek their answers. The mountain air is said to provide a person with clarity and even visions. Elders have grown concerned by returning visitors who say they've glimpsed the face of a new God, a hulking figure with a decorative mask of hanging tassels.

◎ Forest Shrines (5) | IMAGE

Several shrines make their homes in the Solvunn forest, dedicated to Gods you might've encountered or heard of. The most popular shrine caters to all Gods of the land. Sacrificial bones rest beneath the arched altar, bones that locals whisper are moving. Elders fear not only upsetting the Gods but damaging precious and ancient shrines that served the commune for centuries.

◎ Feintak Ritual Site (6) | IMAGE

If you were here last June, you might've taken a journey to the hills just outside the Primary Settlement into a small wooded area that hosts a plethora of unsettling statues. Called "Feikinstaftaka" in the old tongue, locals refer to it as "Feintak" to avoid invoking the power of its true name. Used to remove high-level curses, performed only under the guidance of the Solvunn Council, this sacred area keeps a tight lid on dark magic - magic that could spell disaster should it be unleashed. Unfortunately, that might've already happened: a walking figure shrouded in shadows has been spotted in the area, and no one knows what it means.

◎ Abandoned Settlement (7) | IMAGE

A popular trading route skirts the edge of this swamp. Well-worn and overgrown, the few homes still standing are in disrepair. Despite its foreboding appearance, the swamp hosts small creatures said to be servants of all nature gods. Playful and harmless, they emerge to seek treats from visitors. They might be recognizable to a group of Summoned who undertook a delivery quest several months ago. Locals say the spriggans won't come out anymore, as if they're hiding. A small pile of crushed pebbles suggest a few have met an unfortunate end. Witnesses report stomping and a disturbing growl from deep within the swamp.

The Horizon

The world outside is not the only realm in chaos. Anyone who enters the Horizon, whether to retreat, recoup or connect with allies, will find unwanted visitors. Anomalous Beasts will appear here as they do across Abraxas. Their presence might damage your domains or cause unwanted environmental changes that you must contend with.

Unwanted Visitors

The Horizon is an unfamiliar landscape to the Anomalous Beasts. Unlike the Summoned, the beasts won't have the sentience to understand it. Their entrance is involuntary. They won't know how to leave on their own and will wander through the domains as if those spaces are real, reacting how they normally would to any sudden appearances or threats.

Of course, as the Summoned, you have full control of the Horizon. As you observe the Anomalous Beasts that appear, reports from outside begin to make one detail clear: when an Anomalous Beast is active in the Horizon, they're asleep in the real world - and will stay asleep unless they "die" in the Horizon or are disturbed outside. Maybe you could use this to your advantage?

You can use the Horizon however you wish, but some possibilities are:

◎ Coordinating with teams outside the Horizon to keep the Anomalous Beasts occupied and asleep in time for an ambush.

◎ Killing the Anomalous Beast in the Horizon will force it to wake abruptly. If done correctly, this will be advantageous, but if done incorrectly, it might cause more chaos.

◎ Studying the strengths and weaknesses of the Anomalous Beasts in a contained environment before approaching it in the real world

The Domains

The arrival of the Anomalous Beasts will impact your domains as they travel from place to place. Important fixtures or buildings might be broken or torn. Created animals or pets might be crushed or injured. Ominous wisps of malice linger like a foul friend amidst the wreckage.

Direct damage is not the only possibility. The Horizon is constructed from memories and influenced by emotions. As a result, the presence of the Anomalous Beasts can cause unwanted shifts and changes to your carefully constructed space. You may find a once peaceful area of your domain has grown twisted and dark from a hellish Anomalous Beast. Maybe a beast associated with fire has manifested pools of magma.

As is the case under all circumstances, any involuntary effects on your domain will cause a sense of unease, and you'll feel compelled to fix it. If you have a weaker connection to the Horizon - either because you don't go in often or don't create much inside it - you'll find these changes harder to mitigate.

On the other hand, if you have a stronger connection to the Horizon, you'll have an easier time retaking control of your domain and reversing the damage.

This aspect is optional. Impacts on your character's domain, if any, are entirely up to players. Characters can also help each other rebuild their domains.

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Comments

[invicto]

[ Finn may as well not even be talking to James, because he's definitely not listening. He sprints like he hasn't up until now, so close to catching up to the creature as it's drawn closer and closer to the rift—

It vanishes just moments before James manages to sink his blade into it. And of course, as soon as he gets too close to the portal, he's ricocheted away from it, flung hard across the air and onto sand, sliding into dirt for some good meters before he's slowing to a halt. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Finn stops right beside James, crouching down and glancing at him to make sure he's still breathing before turning his eyes back to the portal. He's still gripping the shortsword, still ready for anything to come out of there, but... it closes and disappears just as fast as it appeared in the first place.

There's still a couple of seconds worth of a pause before Finn's satisfied that nothing else is going to happen. Not right now, anyway. So he lowers the sword and turns his attention back to James, a hand moving to his arm as if that'll help him find some injuries. ]

You all right?

[invicto]

[ James's instinct is to push Finn away immediately, but at least he manages not to react so violently. Instead he brushes off the touch, shaking his head in an attempt to regain his focus, then stubbornly forces himself to his feet. ]

I'm fine. [ Except for the fact that he's enraged that piece of shit escaped him. That said, he's definitely bleeding from somewhere, as a reddened stain shows just past the cuff of his shirt, dripping down to his wrist. ] It's not going to show up here anytime soon. Forget it.

[hatejakku]

[ Finn stands, too, nearly taking James at his word. Realistically, he knows that neither of them are fine, but there's a difference between being banged up and being unable to stand. And yet, Finn's eyes zero in on the growing blood stain instantly, tracing the flow down to his wrist. ]

We know the rifts reappear in the same places. It won't be soon, but something will come out of it again eventually. I brought enough supplies to wait it out.

[ Well, it was more of a lingering thought in the back of his mind while he packed for this expedition, part of his 'just-in-case' scenarios. It's coming in handy now, since he's hoping to make James pause long enough to let his injuries be looked at before making the grueling journey back to civilization. ]

[invicto]

[ It doesn't hurt especially, but James can feel the injury, an older wound from another encounter that's just opened up. He can also feel the eyes lingering on the trace of blood that shows past the cuff of his shirt. ]

I know what you're doing.

[ He's not even going to pretend otherwise. Sure, there is a chance that thing will pop up here again, or maybe even a different one, but they have no way of knowing when, and from what James has seen so far, it could be a long wait.

But he's also in no mood to argue, so he rolls up his sleeve, removing the already loose bandage from the long claw marks on his forearm, while making his way back to his backpack. ]

This is nothing. It just tore open during the fight.

[hatejakku]

[ Immediately, Finn's gaze darts away from the blood trail and back to James' eyes, the innocent look on his face appearing to ask 'who? me?' once he's called out.

But James quickly giving in and already unwrapping an old bandage makes Finn another kind of excited, feeling like he won a different sort of victory. He was prepared to dig his heels in for a long argument. This works so much better.

He winces when he twists around, breath stuttering in his lungs, but Finn gets himself back on track with a light hand to his sternum before he follows James. ]

Then you won't mind if I help patch it up? I can take a look at it.

[ Finn brought plenty of bandages and salves and even a needle and thread. All basic stuff that an average field medic would cringe at but it's something. ]

[invicto]

[ Yeah, real fucking innocent. No one's buying it, Finn, especially not James. All he does is roll his eyes at it and absolutely ignore any attempt at offering assistance. ]

I've been patching it up just fine on my own so far, I can do it.

[ And he is prepared, just in case Finn's wondering. He pulls out a first aid kit, laying out some supplies for cleaning and disinfecting. The location's not ideal, too much sand and dirt threatening to get on the wound, but it's the best he's got.

The injury doesn't look infected at least, but it is bleeding a little after the effort of the fight. He takes a bottle of disinfectant and opens it with his teeth, pouring some of the content straight into the wound. ]

Get me that. [ He nods to the gauze near Finn. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Finn sits next to James with a wince, putting his back to the wind in a totally innocent attempt to keep some sand away. To be fair, it was mostly an unconscious decision since he still wanted to take a peek. And the wound does look like it's doing okay, even if this fight didn't help much.

Hate to tell you, James, but handing things over? That's assistance in Finn's book, and he gets it for him without hesitation. ]

How'd you get it?

[ The wound, he means. Of course. He suspects it was a prior altercation with one of these creatures. Finn hasn't gotten any open wound from the fights (yet), but he has been thrown around a bit more than he'd like.

Speaking of, since James is keeping any help Finn's willing to offer at a minimum, he takes the time to carefully remove his jacket. It's a little slow even though the wincing is reduced to just screwing up his face this time. He's pretty sure no ribs are fractured, but he presses his hand to the sorest areas to check, anyway. Hurts like hell and most of his attention is still on James' wound, but it feels okay enough. Will have to check the bruises later. ]

[invicto]

[ Oh, whatever. As long as Finn doesn't start hovering and fussing all over him, it's fine. It's the kind of attention he really dislikes. ]

Some invisible creature in the barracks. Don't know what it was, but it behaved like a wolf or something. Predatory behavior. I wasn't alone, though, and eventually it went back through the portal.

[ He uses the gauze to wipe off the excess disinfectant, as well as most of the blood dripping down his arm. It's not magically closed up, but the bleeding has slowed. As soon as he's got it covered again, it'll be fine. ]

Things have been a mess there since. Everyone's running around in a panic, the place is a wreck. Frankly, I'd love to run into that thing again and stab it between the eyes.

[ He glances up briefly, nodding at Finn's midsection. ] You're hurt?

[hatejakku]

[ Finn's not one to hover and fuss when he can tell it's unwanted. Well, unless there's a really good reason. The wound on James's arm doesn't look great but it's not a good enough reason. ]

Bruised. Sore. [ He presses a little higher, winces a little more, but it's nothing major. ] But no breaks, I think. Feels all right.

[ Sort of. Clearly. He lowers his arms to try relaxing his muscles a bit, letting out a sigh. ]

Stabbing them doesn't work, though. I tried. A lot. Need something special to kill those things... because all of this wasn't complicated enough.

[invicto]

[ No wound will ever be good enough reason. The only way Finn would be able to fuss is if James was unconscious, which— well, not impossible. Just not today. ]

If you're sure. [ He's almost allergic to offering help, but he does add, with a slightly tense press of his lips. ] But I can check, if you want.

[ Just because it would be a pain in the ass if Finn died of internal bleeding out here. Well, James could just leave him out here. But fine, maybe check that he's not actually dying first. ]

Bet a bomb shoved down its throat would do the trick, too.

[ Or maybe not, but James would've been more than happy to give it a shot. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Loss of consciousness would definitely be enough reason for Finn to fuss, that's true, but he'll likely try before any injury got to that point. He already expects an argument, verbal or otherwise, to accompany any fussing that may or may not occur.

For the moment, he's a bit too stunned by the offer to think about this situation the other way around. Call Finn crazy, but he's pretty sure that James would rather do almost anything else, and the idea of waving the offer away for that reason alone does pop into his head. Poor guy looks uncomfortable as hell. But James still offered. Bit hard to pass up for all the same reasons.

Besides, if nothing else, Finn can call him a hypocrite during that argument they'll more than likely have eventually. ]

... Sure.

[ There was a bit of pause there, one where his features were left carefully blank thanks to the surprise. James can gather whatever he wants from that.

Either way, Finn scoots himself a little closer to get in reach, putting some of their supplies to the side as he does so. ]

But uh- [ Y'know, back on topic to ease any awkwardness. ] Something like that might not be a bad idea. Even if they live, they'll still be in pieces. And... I could see them. With them Force. So anything's possible.

[invicto]

[ Fuck off, James will punch him if he calls him a hypocrite. Okay, maybe not. Depends on his mood.

But first, he'll finish wrapping his own injury, making sure to get the bandages tight around his arm. He doesn't really expect the creature to pop up again, but if they run into something else, he'd rather be sure it won't come unraveled again. ]

There's gotta be some other way. Where the fuck are you going to find some specific weapon, presumably native to a specific world, that's the only thing can actually kill these things?

[hatejakku]

[ Punch him. See what happens. The length of his surprised gasp might depend on his mood, too, but Finn wouldn't let that go without some kind of payback. Then they'd have an entirely different kind of problem on their hands.

But that's for another time. ]

I don't think them showing up here is no accident. Well... no coincidence, I guess. Too many people are familiar with these things. I'm pretty sure they came from our homes. So maybe there's some sort of connection between this planet and our galaxies that's not entirely broken yet.

Which makes me think that 'other way' is just working together.

[ And maybe he was right the first time. Maybe it's not an accident at all. Or it's all just Finn's paranoia talking. ]

[invicto]

[ Hopefully Finn would punch him back. He seems to have the kind of energy for that response, and also, yeah, James would like it. Maybe a little too much. ]

Makes more sense than these wildly different creatures all existing in this reality. [ Nikolai knew the shadow creature they ran into in the Horizon, too. ] Do you think it's possible it was someone who specifically brought these creatures here? Or just another freak accident?

[ James would believe both. Anyway, he sort of ignores the suggestion of working together, and gestures a hand towards Finn. ]

Get your shirt off.

[hatejakku]

[ Well, in that case, that's a whole other kind of problem than what he'd expect. A surprise attack, truly.

Anyway, Finn's thinking through his answer when he's told to take his shirt off. The request makes his mind stutter for a second, but it makes sense, so he does it. Almost slowly, unfortunately, and not exactly the sexy kind of slow. It's smooth enough sailing until he's lifting his arm over his head, then he has to stop with a wince before making himself continue.

With a grunt, the damn thing is finally off. He's got a muscular build hidden beneath his clothes, strong enough to definitely handle a few hits here and there. Aside from his year-old scars, there are a few scratches along his arms that don't go deep and bruises over his ribs and chest that his dark skin tone can't hide.

In fact, he looks down at himself and grimaces. They weren't that obvious this morning. ]

I think they're a byproduct. Nothing's convinced me yet that we weren't brought here by someone or something with intent, but these creatures feel more like a wildcard, unless the intention was to cause chaos... My theory is that their magic isn't flawless. They're making mistakes.

[ But then he shrugs with his good side. Er, well, the side that's better off. ]

Or I'm just paranoid, and all the magic here is causing enough chaos for everyone everywhere.

[ But as far as working together goes, Finn's pretty sure that their work here proves that. Sort of. If going back alive but empty handed was considered success. ]

[invicto]

[ Well, he's not going to be able to take a decent look if Finn's clothes are on the way, unless Finn's into having some guy fondling him over his shirt. Maybe he is, no judgment. But this definitely isn't that kind of party.

James could have helped with the shirt, but he doesn't, mostly because if their roles were reversed, he would refuse any assistance. Finn's not dying, just in pain, it's fine. He waits until the shirt's out of the way to shift closer, his own marked hands reaching out to feel around the obvious bruises first, trying to feel how hard the flesh feels. ]

Mm. I don't think you're paranoid, it makes sense.

[ Didn't some native kidnap Summoned before to experiment on them? So who's to say there isn't some other group out there running their own experiments with these portals, and fucking up in the process? Might be they just didn't know what might come through, but decided to run with it anyway. Idiots. ]

I'm not going to be gentle. You'll have to stop me if it hurts too much.

[ There's a little amused press of his lips. Well, that's not suggestive at all. Anyway, Finn's not gonna get the same time to be amused, because James is soon pressing his thumbs right over the bruise, looking for broken bones or internal bleeding that could be going on there. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Finn didn't expect help with the shirt, not from someone like James who refuses assistance for his own wounds. Which is interesting he's offered this much help at all, even though Finn's about to regret in a couple of seconds. Still, while the first touches are tender for Finn, his skin doesn't feel harder or softer than any other guy tensing while trying really hard not to brace for pain.

He doesn't have time to offer up any more theories about his paranoia or make a quip about 'being gentle' or to even give that amusement a look of his own. Because James is absolutely not gentle. The first press comes so sharply, so quickly, that Finn's hand whips out to wrap tight around James's wrist. Then immediately lets go and digs into his own leg instead. ]

Sorry.

[ Instinct. Apparently, Finn was not checking correctly because this hurts a lot more, but he also understands the necessity of it and is even glad he's got someone else to help check. Or he will be glad once this is over. Right now, his jaw is clenched while he keeps telling himself to breathe.

Thankfully, nothing appears to be broken. Just hurts, bruised to all hell, but he's taking it like a champ. Not even wincing anymore. Mostly. Even when James comes across another particularly tender- ] Fuck-- [ Hissing doesn't count. ]

[invicto]

[ The touch is a little surprising, but James doesn't swat it away. Mostly, because Finn is quick to let go, and James simply keeps going, not particularly sympathetic to Finn's current discomfort. He's a big boy, he can handle it. ]

Don't start crying on me, alright?

[ He's teasing, he knows Finn won't. Anyway, he won't keep going for long, there's no point in just poking and prodding for the hell of it. Once he's sure there's no serious internal damage, or at least as sure as he can be under the circumstances, he pulls back. ]

Nothing seems to be broken or bleeding. But if it keeps hurting, check with an actual doctor.

[hatejakku]

Ha.

[ Despite the sarcastic reply, the edge of Finn's lips does twist up in a grimace of a smile from the teasing.

But soon enough, James is pulling away, and Finn takes some easy breaths. Still hurts, obviously, but he'll most certainly live. So he nods. ]

Yeah. Thank you. Don't think I could have checked that well on my own.

[ Probably would have been too wimpy about it unless he really thought something was definitely wrong. Ah well. That's what friends are for. But that's a thought he keeps to himself while he grabs up his shirt again. ]

[invicto]

[ James huffs, wiping his hands and putting away the supplies he used on his own injury. ]

Whatever. Just didn't want to have to haul your dead ass back to Cadens, calm down.

[ Please, as if he would have cared. But he's just having some fun at Finn's expense by teasing him, so details don't matter. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Since Finn's pretty certain his ass would not have been dead either way, he doesn't even think of those details. Instead, he laughs. And winces because it hurts to laugh, but that doesn't take away his smile. ]

I'm probably lighter than I look. You'd have been fine.

[ Another wince while he gets the shirt back on. Just the undershirt, though. It's easier that way and it's hot out here. And once it's passed the arm on the bad side, it's an quick enough task. ]

Would have been a quieter trip for you, anyway.

[invicto]

[ Okay, that draws an actual laugh out of James. He swats a hand at Finn's arm, shaking his head. ]

That would have undoubtedly been true.

[ Finn can laugh at his own expense, James likes that. At least it makes him feel like he can tease. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Finn laughs again just over the fact that he's made James laugh so freely. There wasn't any tension between them before, but it doesn't change that things kind of feel a little lighter for some reason.

Finn likes that. New goal in life, he supposes. Make James laugh. ]

Unfortunately for you, I'm plenty alive. [ He gathers up the rest of his things, pulls them closer, but doesn't get up as he looks over at James. ] You sure you don't want to wait for that thing to open again?

[invicto]

[ Ugh, you just had to ruin it, didn't you. Gross. ]

Yeah, I just can't catch a break. [ A long-suffered sigh, but then he looks more seriously at Finn, glancing at the empty area around them. He shakes his head. ] There's no point. Could be hours, could be days. I'm not keen on wasting that much time without knowing for sure.