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abraxaslogs2023-12-17 09:52 am
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxaslogs2023-12-17 09:52 am
Entry tags:
- !event,
- altaïr ibn-la'ahad; the magician,
- alucard; the hierophant,
- cassian andor; the tower,
- castiel; the hanged man,
- cirilla of cintra; the devil,
- claude von riegan; the wheel of fortune,
- dan heng; the high priestess,
- hilda goneril; the lovers,
- istredd; the high priestess,
- kell maresh; the magician,
- kyle; the hanged man,
- prince wilhelm; the tower,
- rhy maresh; the lovers,
- river tam; the fool,
- steve rogers; the hierophant,
- thancred waters; strength,
- the doctor; the fool,
- wanda maximoff; the hanged man
EVENT #16: THE ISLAND - IC INVESTIGATION LOG
Event #16 - The Island
As requested, the Summoned from all three nations will be allowed to revisit the island where the abductions, experiments, and subsquent escape occurred nearly one year ago. Officials will send representatives on this trip: Jolene Sybell of Thorne, Reva Hym of the Free Cities, and Isar Hart of Solvunn. Although they won't be available for private conversations, they're there to lead the expedition and answer any questions you have.
The excursion will take place on DECEMBER 29, after the Singularity and all magic has returned to full strength. A portal will take you directly to the island, where you'll have 48 hours to accomplish what you need. Tents will be set up on the surface for resting.
The excursion will take place on DECEMBER 29, after the Singularity and all magic has returned to full strength. A portal will take you directly to the island, where you'll have 48 hours to accomplish what you need. Tents will be set up on the surface for resting.
For the main Wintertide Event Log, click HERE.
The Expedition
CW: Disturbing imagery (text and visual), death, folk and body horror, other dark themes.
At the start of December, officials will inform each Summoned Conclave that their request has been granted. You'll receive a letter detailing the date and time, as well as instructions on where to take the portal. When you step through the portal, you'll land directly on the island.
The expedition carries risks. Representatives have scouted the area beforehand to ensure its relative safety, but considering the cave's collapse and its flooded areas, they can't make promises. You're advised to bring personal weapons and protective equipment and are told to dress warmly. Be sure you can handle some hiking.
You'll see an unusual figure join the expedition. She'll introduce herself as Lorelai. If you're from Solvunn or were one of the Lost, you might recognize her.
◎ All characters are welcome to participate, including new arrivals. You do not need to have taken part in Event 12 to make this trip. However, if your character was not part of Event 12, they'll need to tell officials why they want to join. As long as the explanation is reasonable, such as wanting to help recover bodies, they'll be allowed to go.
◎ To learn more about Lorelai and interact with her, see the Investigations section.
◎ To learn more about Lorelai and interact with her, see the Investigations section.
Exploration
Island Surface
Collapsed Cavern (Pit)
Underwater
Above ground, the island is muddy and wet, and the temperature is cold. Where the ground hasn't turned to a bog, the dirt has hardened from frost. Trees show signs of the same blackened rot that was present during former investigations. The air is thick with a dark presence that leaves a strange grimy sensation over your skin. The more sensitive you are to magic or the Singularity, the stronger the feeling.
Desiccated corpses drained of life, both animal and human, litter the ground. Some animal carcasses - especially birds - are fresher than others, suggesting they died recently. Although many months have passed, it seems time has not been enough to help the island recover.
Follow the faction representatives. After a short trek, you reach the mouth of the cave. Here, a mangled mass of crushed bats and birds lay at the tunnel's mouth. A dried, bloodied residue sticks to the surrounding rock walls with bits of bone on the ground, as if a body was spread into a paste around the area.
Collapsed Cavern (Pit)
To descend into the cave, you'll need to navigate the tunnels. Some of them have collapsed, so be careful of potential rockslides and falling boulders. The worst of the blockage has been removed, but some areas still need you to clear the way by hauling off the rocks. Make sure you don't slip or fall - or worse, cause another collapse.
When you finally reach the pit deep beneath the earth, remnants of the horrors within confront you. The smell of death, rot, and unidentifiable herbs is overwhelming. Scattered at your feet are what's left of the blackened corn that some of you subsisted on. Fungal growths have sprouted in their place, pulsing and glowing.
The bulbous organic growths that once confined its captives have deflated into a gelatinous mass, its digestive fluids having eaten itself from the inside out. Dissolved corpses can be found still trapped under the mass, their skeletal remains rubbery to the touch. Other bodies appear to have succumbed to terrible lesions. Some were consumed so thoroughly that they became bizarre humanoid roots. Others still show signs of having been crushed under a massive beast.
Four disturbing statues are spread out across the area. The melted wax candles - now unlit - suggest they're shrines of some kind. All four shrines are severely damaged. The intestinal mace carried by one is curiously missing.
You might remember exactly what happened here or you can ask a Summoned who was there for details - if they're willing to talk about it.
Underwater
The western end of the island suddenly ends in a series of fresh jagged cliffs, so new that the erosion of water has yet to smooth the edges. A swirling whirlpool appears to have torn a large section of the island into the depths, washing away sins and secrets both...or most of them. Barnacles have formed on the rocky ledges. More disconcerting are the bloated bodies in various states of decay and mutilation that have risen to the surface.
You'll be able to help gather those remains or dive into the water to investigate what lies beneath. Officials - and the Summoned who were here - will be able to tell you that an altar once sat in this area where the terrible rituals took place.
Key Tasks
Hidden Threats
Uncovering Remains
Purification
Two major threats have survived the island's collapse:
Mages have set up a protective barrier to keep the creatures out, but it won't hold forever. Guttural screams and explosions of magic rumble the ground and air after each attempt to break through. You should act quickly to make sure the situation doesn't worsen.
- The bone serpent, a creature whose sharp-spiked legs grabbed many unfortunate victims from the pit. With a substantially decreased territory, the bone serpent has become more aggressive and territorial. It's missing one limb while its other legs show signs of damage or scarring. It attacks wildly, relying on its massive size and strength to overcome its opponents, and hides within the dark depths above. The only warning signs it leaves are the carcasses of its prey. It'll require multiple people to take it down.
- The ceiling monster. Its claws and blood are corrosive, and removing its head will disturb the swollen sack on its neck to cause a similar explosion. Due to its ability to respawn when killed, the captive Summoned trapped the beast in a narrow tunnel. With the cave's collapse, it's now loose once more. You're advised to lure it into a trap designed by Free Cities scientists, where the creature can be set ablaze to prevent it from regenerating, ending its reign of terror for good.
Uncovering Remains
Due to the haste of the rescue mission, exacerbated by the rapidly flooding cave, only the living could be extracted at the time. Now, you've returned for the dead. Many of the bodies are in a disturbing state as described above under Collapsed Covern - not just from decay but from something that appears to have been done to them before their deaths.
Few of the bodies can be easily identified and not all of them are on the ground, either. Some are up on the high ledges, which you can reach by climbing up using climbing rope that's provided. Scattered bones or limbs may need reconstruction or to be matched upon return. You can also recover small objects such as jewelry or other innocuous possessions that weren't taken from the captives.
Your task is to collect everything you can. Luckily, you won't need to handle the corpses themselves. Officials will send along attendants who will do the job for you to ensure everything is properly contained. You simply need to direct them to the area.
Purification
Each faction is focused on one of three hazards on the island. Thorne wants to dispel all traces of corrupted magic, Solvunn wishes to cleanse the destroyed shrines to ensure no other dangerous entities remain within, and the Free Cities aims to remove all contaminants. Formally, you're charged with helping your faction with their task, but no one will stop you from pitching in elsewhere.
- Dispelling
Thorne will provide a pouch of small jelly-like orbs the size of marbles. The orbs are clear and pre-enchanted. Your job is to place them around the island where they'll begin absorbing unstable magicks. Once absorbed, the orbs will change into different colors. Collect and sort each orb by color. Additionally, you'll need to guard the orbs from curious or hungry critters on the island. Rodents, lizards, and palm-sized beetles may try to snatch what they believe is a tasty berry. Critters who consume a ball will explode into a gory splatter. It's not dangerous, but it can get a bit gooey, so you'll want to avoid bursting too many lizards or beetles.
- Cleansing
Solvunn will ask you to perform a cleansing rite used for places of worship fallen under dark forces. You'll be given a pot containing a red substance and brushes made from twigs harvested from the island. You'll paint eye-shaped runes on and around the shrines to call upon the Cardinal God known as Misrklen, Patron of the Unstained. His presence is marked by a distinct fizz or hiss, followed by a popping that grows louder and louder. Solvunn's Elders will perform a chant until the ritual is complete and all of the red substance is absorbed into the ground.
- Decontamination
The Free Cities has determined the most thorough way of removing hazards is to burn them. You'll be given a pistol-sized flamethrower and a thick gel to spread on each item to ensure the flames don't spread out of control. Once the gel is consumed, the fire will naturally go out. Main hazards to burn are the deflated organic bulbs, the rotted corn, any odd fungal growths, and parts belonging to defeated monsters. The flamethrowers are prone to overheating, so be sure to give it a few minutes to cool down every once in awhile. Otherwise, you might risk minor burns to your hands.
Investigations
As you explore the cave and its submerged sections, you might be interested in interacting with some of the things in your environment. In particular, the shrines, the mysterious woman named Lorelai, and the submerged altar stands out to you.
Shrines | Interact
Lorelai ('Hydnellia') | Interact
The Altar | Interact
Characters can investigate or interact with any of the items provided in whatever way you want: poke it, smash it, try to talk to it or use your abilities on it (within reason!). We'll do our best to make sure every interaction yields something interesting.
See here and here for examples of how investigations and interactions work. The ones available on this log will play out on a smaller scale.
See here and here for examples of how investigations and interactions work. The ones available on this log will play out on a smaller scale.
Shrines | Interact
The shrines, as described above, are situated around the pit. Stained with wax and blood, they no longer emit any strange energies or whispering voices. All of the magic contained within is now gone. You might recall that unlocking the shrines unleashed an enormous creature, causing the cave to collapse as it fled. It was last seen disappearing into the ocean, but where is it now? Your answer might lie in the shrines that once trapped it. Though broken and missing pieces, you can attempt to engage with each shrine such as relighting the candles, using magic you possess, or anything you can think of. You can also coordinate with others to test something on all four shrines at the same time.
Lorelai ('Hydnellia') | Interact
Originally called Hydnellia, Lorelai is a former Acolyte who, along with her brother, helped the Summoned escape. The Summoned agreed to let her and her brother return to the Tertiary Settlement where they live in their old home. She is the only non-Summoned survivor of Josselyn's ritual experiments. Lorelai has requested to join the trip to find closure and help recover bodies from her community. She is quiet and polite, and very grateful that she's been given the chance to make a new life. You can speak to her at any point.
The Altar | Interact
Beneath the water lies an altar that's now broken into pieces. To reach it, breathing enchantments will be provided that'll allow you to swim and see beneath the water, as well as protect you from any contaminants. You'll need to dive a distance down, but not too far - about 30 feet. Those held in the room during their captivity might recall a disfigured woman inside the mouth of the altar. What happened to her since is unknown. Perhaps you might try to find out?
A Decision
After the excursion has concluded, the Summoned will be sent home to their respective nations. Conclave representations can call a meeting to discuss the results of their investigations and what steps might be next. They can do this using any method they prefer, whether that be in-person, in the Horizon, or using the Network.
Most importantly, Summoned who were part of the abduction incident, as either the Lost or the Spared, will be asked to decide if they want to raze the island or restore it.
Vote HERE by December 31 at 11:59 ET.
Most importantly, Summoned who were part of the abduction incident, as either the Lost or the Spared, will be asked to decide if they want to raze the island or restore it.
◎ Razing the island will strip it of all growth. This has the benefit of ensuring no corrupted creatures or flora can grow on it again, but will prevent nature from reclaiming it and will leave the area barren for many decades.Officials will allow the Summoned affected by this incident to choose, including those who didn't return to the island. You'll be able to accompany officials to execute the decision made. Individuals in each faction can vote to support one of the two choices. The majority vote will be the decision that reflects the Summoned in that faction as a whole. Officials will implement the option with the support of 2 out of 3 factions.
◎ Restoring the island will stimulate the regrowth of healthy vegetation and wildlife. This has the benefit of allowing the biome to flourish once more with nature, but may risk the growth of corrupted flora that needs to be removed every so often.
no subject
"We've mostly got the same set of powers, but we all like to use them a little differently." And although they all have more or less the same base abilities, or at least the archangels do, some of them do definitely get more practiced and more creative with particular talents.
He does have the tact to go a little more serious again himself when Istredd does, though that's partially because he can relate a little more than he has any desire to. He'll let it just seem like he's being empathetic, though, which to be fair, he is. Sort of.
"Kind of a lame destination though. I mean, it's an island, and it still sucks? No beach? No tiki bars? Who was in charge of this vacation package?"
no subject
"I teased Lucifer about never healing me, so I'll have to tease him about never making me a cup of tea either. He'll hate it." But it's good-natured the way Istredd is talking about it, like the way they interact with each other is very teasing. A glimpse into how they are with each other that only the people of Thorne get to see. They are usually more appropriate in public gatherings.
He sips the tea, as if genuinely confused about how it exists, but it does, so he drinks it. Bizarre. His kind of mages cannot conjure anything like that, not easily, the transfer of Chaos too dangerous without a sacrifice at the same time. He shrugs one shoulder.
"A woman by the name of Josselyn Creed. I didn't think to ask her about the tiki bars when we talked before she died." Istredd spoke to her the longest, but she was very open with her mind and her opinions. "I heard a bird god ate her in your neck of the woods. Well deserved." He likes the idea of one of her gods killing her. He hopes that haunted her before she died.
"Can you do me a favor?" He glances over. "I know you're probably not any more comfortable dealing with human emotions than your brothers, but can you keep an eye on the Summoned in Solvunn who went through this? Steve, Aloy, even Nero, who won't appreciate it."
no subject
Maybe also a jealous one?
Nope, no need to consider those emotions, moving on.
"Yeah, I saw. Classic case of making an example out of troublemakers." Not that Gabriel has a problem with the concept, it's just old hat by now. He's about to comment on bird gods in general, but then Istredd hits him with the earnest request out of nowhere, and uuuuugh old Gabriel would've had no problem with making some flippant comment and refusing.
But he's new and improved Gabriel, though he's really been wondering if this is actually an improvement.
"I've met Nero and Aloy. They seem like they're doing just fine." It isn't said dismissively, but it is casual, more a statement than an argument. He's slightly more serious as he continues, though. "But like you said, I'm not exactly the best at this sort thing. And even if I wanted to keep an eye on them, everyone in Solvunn does their own thing, so figuring out if someone's having a mental breakdown on the down-low is easier said than done."
So although he isn't opposed to the idea, and isn't exactly refusing, he's not so sure he could actually accomplish this request even if he put real effort into it. But if Istredd just wants him to keep a general watch, he's been quietly doing that for most of Solvunn already.
no subject
Gabriel's response is very pragmatic, and Istredd understands that, but he still can't help this curled concern in the pit of his stomach. He's yet to let go of that feeling he had down there, when he thought it was his responsibility to keep everyone alive. He was one of only two people who never got taken and experimented on, left to be the sane man in the midst of feverish madness, and he hasn't lost that instinct.
"Right, we're all doing just fine." Nero and Aloy included, although he knows both of them just well enough to know they wouldn't appreciate him involving anyone in their business. "Steve then, the boy." He is young, barely twenty-one if that, the same age as the kids he was in there trying to save. Istredd is older by human standards, although he's well aware it is nothing compared to billions.
"I was the only sane person in there for a time, they were all experimented on. Although some might argue, sanity wasn't involved for anyone. I worry, that's all. Stupid, I know."
no subject
Ugh. Ugh.
"See, it's a lot more fun when you don't worry." The remark of course fits with a response to Istredd's explanation, but it's just as much a comment to himself as well. It really is a lot more fun not to care, or at least remove yourself from situations in which you have to care.
no subject
Istredd's older than he looks, and has a few more centuries to go, perhaps he can get up to a thousand, considering the magic in this place. He'll probably never be in the billions, but he's going to be around for awhile given the chance.
"That's why I'm a big believer that this place gives people the opportunity and space to change, in ways they couldn't do it in their sphere. It's what happened to me." Istredd became a leader in Thorne, something he never tried to do before. He considers himself responsible for the other Summoned, he keeps everyone informed through his domain instead of hiding secrets, he has become an emotional support system for Lucifer and others.
"I shouldn't have tried to drag you in. It's not your problem. The tea was kind enough."
no subject
Of course, this is also not his area, and he also doesn't care that much. Gabriel changes things about himself when he chooses to, and although external factors do influence that and certainly can have an effect on him, he'd told Lucifer once that no one makes us do anything. Ultimately, it's down to them and their choices, and another world is not reason or excuse for making--or not having made--changes. Not any more or less than their own worlds.
But since he prefers not to actually analyze this sort of thing in depth, and also doesn't have any desire to argue or debate, he doesn't comment further on the subject. Instead, in regard to Istredd's last remarks--
"Hey, I said 'no promises', not 'no.' I'll see what I can do, though let's be honest here: no one comes to me for reassurance, and that's for good reason."
no subject
Lucifer changing that is, with the opportunity and space. Istredd doesn't attempt to convince people from Lucifer's mind about basically anything, as he respects other people's experiences. The most he's said is to give him a chance to show he's changed, but from there, it's their choice. At the end of the day, his priority is Lucifer's happiness. And he thinks him reconnecting with his brothers will do that, but it's up to them and no one else.
"Is it?" Istredd raises an eyebrow as he sips the teas. "For good reason, I mean. I don't know you well enough to make a guess on that, but you seem the most in touch with humanity compared to your siblings."
Istredd has a small pool of angels he's met, but it was implied to him that Castiel and Michael are a little more the usual type, and Castiel's been changed a great deal due to his love of the Winchesters. So he is intrigued by the idea of an archangel who seems more comfortable and interactive with humanity.
no subject
"But just because I understand humans doesn't mean I'm good at giving advice. Humans understand humanity better than I do, and a whole lot of them still really suck at that." He's selling himself a little short here, as there's actually plenty of overlap between the feelings of both angels and humans, and Gabriel can be reassuring and even compassionate if he wants to be. But most of the time he doesn't, because it's not only exhausting and not very fun, but completely ruins the entire vibe he tries to give off.
no subject
Yes Istredd knows all about the cage, and he's absolutely furious about it most of the time. But that's hardly Gabriel's problem. In fact, Lucifer had nothing really bad to say about this brother, compared to the others. To Istredd, that's intriguing. He can have multiple thoughts and feelings at the same time. Pain over the island, interest in Gabriel's story. In a way it's distracting too.
"Mages are definitely terrible at it. It's the unnatural power and elongated lifespan, also the way we were raised. Talking with normal humans feels strange." The majority of the humans on the continent would likely disagree they are humans. Mages are feared and respected, but not really on the same level. "But I'm almost a century, a child compared to billions of years old."
no subject
And as for mages-- "Sounds a lot like witches in my world. Long life span, and they mostly keep to themselves or each other, sometimes monsters or other supernatural beings too, but unless they're really powerful they usually know better than to draw attention from anything above their pay grade." Hence being loners or sticking with other witches. Unless you're on the level of someone like Rowena, messing around with demons or angels or gods is asking for trouble.
maybe can wrap here!
"Yes, that sounds about right." The mages only get involved in bigger conflicts when they have to, although they do meddle a great deal in 'lesser' situations like every day politics. He studies Gabriel, sipping his tea, and finds that he feels more relaxed. Whether it's the gesture or the chat, it made him less wound up. "Thank you, Gabriel. For this and for coming."