December Adventure: Turn Your Face Towards The Sun

[lifeaftr_mods]

NEW ISLAND: CHOL

Who: Everyone!
What: There's a brave new world to explore
When: December 14th and onward
Where: Chol
Warnings: Mark as needed!

The Overview: Chol
On the dawn of the 14th, characters will awaken from a brief, rather harried dream with the Storyteller who has advised of a new island accessible through the mana pool. Welcome, adventurers, to the island of Chol.

The edges of Chol are unremarkable, craggy bits of cliff and rock, gradually sloping upward into a vaguely mountainous region. While there's not a great deal of natural life growing here, characters may nonetheless notice the odd prey animal scuttering about, only to vanish in the steep cracks running along the cliffsides.

Once the island's hardened exterior is crossed, the rocky canyon gradually gives way to a gently sloping valley that, the further down you go, reveals an atypically verdant center. The contrast is not sharp to the point of unbelievability, but it's clear that the valley is where the most life is sustained in earnest. The rock dips in an almost craterlike fashion to favor the fertile heart of the island, around which the people who live there has established a rudimentary encampment.

Chol Outskirts: Do Not Break
As described above, the island of Chol is composed of mostly rocky ground, with very little fertile soil. Further examination of this land will prove that the composition is hardly a natural one- the dips, valleys, and sharp rocks reminiscent of craters that scar the land. It's not surprising that no one lives here.


There is, however, still things of interest to find here. Scouting Jormun will be happy to stop and direct characters to camp, whilst others yet may have goods to trade. All will point anyone with questions to the center of the island, where their leader resides- but if you're willing to accompany them in their scouting and hunting duties, you may just find this amphibious race warming to you quickly.

Chol, C3: Just Carry On
At the sloping center of Chol, a veritable village of tents can be found, with Jormun hurrying to and throe. In the center of this point, they seem to be busy building walls and spiked partitions- and surveying all of this is their mighty leader, Muninshhashvark. But please, call her Munin, if that's easier for your less wet tongues. Here, trade is at it's peak, with plentiful interesting items on offer- for the right price. Adventurer's can feel free to wander through the encampment, though try not to get in the way of anyone who looks particularly busy.

Munin however, though in the center of everything, is more than happy to be approached-- by anyone willing to look past the fact that she is an eight foot tall snake.

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For OOC information about Chol and the Jormuns, please see our recent OOC information post!

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Feeling a tad adrift? Make sure to check the Locations Page, which has details regarding the starting areas and a handy map for those who feel better with a bird's eye view!

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LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Comments

MUNIN | OTA

[aftrnpc]

The great Jormun that adventurers will be pointed towards towers over most others- but not all. Still, she makes an easy (and striking) figure to locate, pointing some towards a trench being dug out around the area as she looks over what seems to be a map.

One might think of her as incredibly competent- or even find her intimidating. But as a non-Jormun approaches, she turns towards them readily, remarking through a series of hisses and clicks that, whilst heavily accented, translates well:

"Take care not to be stepped on, small one." She seems a little anxious about this. "The Storyteller would not praise us for crushing you."

[greatcleavage]

The Giant would love it, though., Roy though uncharitably. With the positive aspect enhancement of Monsun no longer in place, his cynicism had surged to the fore, along with a private conviction that this whole adventure was some ridiculous Kickstarter side story. It would sure explain a lot, including the Storyteller's insistence that nothing was as it seemed and what he understood didn't apply here. But whatever brought in the backers, right?

Ugh. Maybe he should just live on Monsun from now on. He had kind of enjoyed not being bitter.

He bowed, however, letting no sign of his internal thoughts cross his face. "I assure you I'll be careful, Lady Muninshhashvark, and thank you for your concern." The hissy-snarly language certainly didn't come easily to Roy, and his pronunciation wasn't perfect by any means, but he'd spent some time practicing her name. Roy felt that doing so was respectful, and respect was a very important starting point for good relations (as well as basic human decency). "Though I hope I'm not quite so easily crushed."

[holdmyhand]

They're.... amazing.

"Oh," she mumbles, feeling, well, extremely small. "Yeah, thank you so much! I, uh! Do...you all live here, now?"

Luna would be better about avoiding the walking (or slithering) paths of her new neighbors, but even being physically tiny doesn't keep her from being very excited! Neighbors! From! From the ocean!

[ratsinadaze]

Gobbet's journey from the mana pool to the bustling heart of Chol has been a short and easy one. Following the sounds of life and the smoke peeking over the hills from campfires has lead her directly to the encampment. The creatures here are unlike anything she's ever seen - fish, snakes, crabs...the whole ocean just up and waddled onto land. She'd heard of merfolk, of course, but this was something entirely different.

The locals had been kind enough to point her to Munin when her questions turned from trade to curiosity about their kind and culture.

"Will do, ma'am." Gobbet approaches with one hand raised in a lazy greeting, her trademark lopsided grin on her lips. Her attitude is friendly and open. It's the closest to respectful or reverent she'll ever get. "Nice setup you guys have here. Been up on the surface long?"

She's assuming, of course, that they naturally dwell in the sea. Something must have drawn them up onto solid ground. She just hoped it wasn't something dangerous.

[thesnowyowl]

Chris will admit it. He's terrified at first. "New island" sounded a whole lot like "new resources" and while he hasn't found a ton of those yet, he has found the Jormun encampment and has been pointed towards an eight foot tall snake creature by sympathetic passerby who seem to realize how out of his element he is. This is simply so far beyond his experience that it takes him several minutes to stop staring at these impossible creatures and start making his way towards some answers.

At Munin's words, Chris lets out a breathy, nervous laugh.

"I'll, uh. I'll keep that in mind." He sighs. Better to just get it over with. "Look, I'm sorry to be blunt here, I'm really not used to...any of this. But what is this place? What exactly are you? I've never seen anything like you and your people. It's...absolutely incredible, to say the very least."

[souris_keteer]

For a moment, Mickey wonders if he's being teased about his height (again), or the also possible thought that compared to her, everyone is small. The latter is actually kind of refreshing.

As for now, Mickey respectfully bows his head and even takes off his hat for the moment. "Thank you for your concern, your ladyship." She's the leader, so she has a title, right? "And thank you for letting us talk with you. I'm sure my friends will have a lot better questions to ask than I do, so I just wanted to make sure you knew how grateful we are!"

[unpurify]

The Batter was fairly tall, Dedan taller and Japhet and Enoch dwarfed everyone else. So craning his neck to look up at the being before him wasn't an issue and the sheer scale of the Jormum wasn't frightening either. Just strange based on appearances alone, but the Batter was trying to do less of that lately.

The Add-On behind him still hummed with a quiet energy, but that is normal for Alpha. A reflection of a reflection of a being that was powerfully violent and quietly kind.

"I will be careful." He does note Muninshhashvark's tone but continues on for the moment. "You know the Storyteller?"

Re: MUNIN | OTA

[deranged_practicality]

The map helps. Isabella can think of people who consult maps as people, rather than creatures. Otherwise, well, she is curious but also very aware about how small and comparatively helpless she is. But it won't get better if she doesn't speak, so Isabella comments, "I will stay out of the way. What are you building?"

[ishotyouuu]

Small one. At six feet and change, it's been a long time since Wade's considered himself small, but he supposes anyone would be considered diminutive compared to this statuesque stunner. It's not every day that he's gotta look up to address someone, and the sight of such an impressive specimen looking down at him with that mouth full of sharp teeth and those sharp, piercing eyes causes a shiver to run down his spine.

Munin would be surprised to learn that it's definitely not a shiver of fear. There's just something about a big, tough woman that gets him all a-flutter.

"You can rest easy, ma'am." Wade flashes her his most winning smile, somewhat mitigated by the fact that his mouth is covered by his mask. "Some of us can handle a little... pressure."

[prettypurpleparlor]

[Muffet gives her a friendly, reassuring smile, and curtseys briefly.]

I appreciate the consideration, lady- I assure you, I shall be cautious. It's a pleasure to meet you and your people, though I hear tell that the circumstances are somewhat more perilous than one might prefer...?

[mamaterasu]

[Well, this is nothing like the Dragonian Palace Amaterasu had first (somewhat) likened these bizarre sea-dwellers to. It's only by the sheer knowledge and experience she has gained from living in this world that not all those that are monstrous in appearance are foes to be fought. Her reaction to the first Jormun was to be still, quiet, and observant. Only when she approached the scaly inhabitants as a friend, and proved she was not just a simple beast (offering up a, uh...s-somewhat rusty hatchet for trade, as well as some feed bags, fruit and vegetables), she was invited to meet their leader.

By the gods is she big, though. Ammy has to crane her neck quite a bit to even get a decent glimpse of her, and flashbacks of Queen Otohime in her immense, snakelike form come to the forefront of the wolf's mind. It is similar, and yet different at the same time. Still, there is a level of respect to be gifted to one so large and imposing. She holds herself very well, and Ammy bows her head down in greeting and as etiquette dictates.

Thank you for having me. It is an honor.]

[thermalwind]

It had taken him some time to get to the center of the island. Keith had chosen to assist in scouting and hunting. Going right to the center is something Kolivan would have frowned at him for. How can he ensure mission success if he doesn't arm himself with how these people interact?

For that matter plan an exit if it all goes south. Keith approaches the leader in silence, pulling back his hood and stopping when addressed. "What is coming that you need these kinds of defenses?" Straight to the point. "And where do you need more hands to help you."

There's a pause as he realizes he hasn't introduced himself. "I'm Keith," Blade or Voltron? He actually doesn't know. So he doesn't give it.

[raygunner]

"Is that so?"

The words slip out before Akechi can stop them. There's a pause in which he seems to reconsider things. The Storyteller doesn't seem to truly care about us. Gods are for fools, he wants to say, but he bites his tongue. It won't do well to possibly anger someone who could very easily take him out. Quite frankly, he doesn't intend to die here... or ever, if he can help it.

... He wonders when that changed.

"Forgive us for intruding on your home. And my deepest apologies if you've answered this often before I've asked, but... Is there anything to look out for here? Threats, specifically. While no doubt I can handle most things, it would be nice to be aware of what I may face."

[daydreamy]

You'd think that Kyouko, being just like your average anime girl and therefore tiny, would be at least a little intimidated by the sight of someone so huge -- and to tell the truth, she is a little. There's a reason she's approached this mission transformed and as Reflector Heart rather than her average self, even if she doesn't think things have the slightest chance of devolving into a fight. She just feels a little more... herself and a little more confident like this. Which is why when she approaches, she's able to do it with a beaming smile and sweep into a low bow with no apparent fear.

"Hi, it's so nice to meet you!" Her greeting is maybe not all that formal but it certainly doesn't lack in enthusiasm. "Thanks so much for letting us in here -- do you guys need our help with anything? It's what we're here for, so we might as well pitch in if you need us to!"

[yourattention]

Having recently had an utterly disaster of a sea voyage, Connor has a specific reason to seek out the Jormun once he learns of them. He wants to negotiate for safe passage and learn more about the potential climate changes because the temperature dropping to freezing fucked him over last time and he doesn't want a repeat of that.

Cynthia Murphy might not have been a great mom or anything, but she did teach her children manners and she definitely taught Connor that if you impose on someone you should give them a gift. Even if Connor's pretty sure that she never intended for him to use this knowledge to negotiate with merfolk, because the afterlife is apparently a lot more fantastical than Connor previously assumed. He doesn't have a lot to offer but isn't it the thought that counts?

"I brought you a gift." Connor produces a plastic bag from the pocket of his jacket. It's kind of beat up, but it does contain two whole joints in it. "Its, um. It's customary where I'm from to share this with people you want to become friends with."

Hopefully there's no one from a more modern time period around to question that statement, because Connor did not think this lie all the way through. His thoughts were basically 1) he needs safe sailing and 2) the only nonessential thing he's willing to give up is his weed because he's pretty sure the Storyteller can get him more.

"Do you have a light?"

[crosslaced]

Captain. Certainly. Though, as far as you can afford it, please take care around our young.

[The human who approaches holds himself with the poise of someone used to leadership, used to dealing with fellow leaders. He gives her a nod of respect, then stops craning his neck up in favour of looking over the camp.]

Is there anything we can help with?

[hellawrath]

Lup's heard a lot about the leader of the fish people and about some kinda global disaster from people coming through the store and just, general chatter around the island. So when the weather actually does start to change, she decides to check it all out for herself, despite her dislike of mana pool travel.

And now she's looking up at an eight foot tall snake with huge fangs and muscles. Well. That's somebody's fetish for sure. Does she have to roll to see if it's her fetish? Shit. Lup clears her throat, hurrying past any feelings of-- awe, yeah let's go with that.

"Hail and well met, fish friend!" That's the height of Lup's diplomacy skill, right there. "I've heard a lot about you and I figured I better throw my particular skill set into the pot as well. So like, whatever's coming, how vulnerable to just a shit ton of fire damage would you say it is?"

[tenthstreetbred]

Shepard has been making her way over the island, observing and talking and soaking in as much of the culture that she can. It had been a delight to come to this new island to find it populated by a people who did not immediately try to kill them on sight. Where help is needed, she's there. Where information is, she's there, quietly listening and asking questions. It's not long at all before she's directed over to Munin and she heads that way dutifully.

When she sees her she's barely able to restrain her shock. Holy hell, she's huge! But all the same she gets it under control and holds out a hand to shake.

"I'll keep that in mind, ma'am. It's good to meet you. I'm Commander Shepard. I'd like to formally offer my services in protecting and defending everyone here on the island during the dark times."

LUNA | OTA

[holdmyhand]

( the cliffs )

[ what's that? On a cliff? It's not a bird, or a plane! But...it isn't a fish, either.

Luna may be afraid of climbing trees, but the jagged cliff face of Chol is easier to roam, and Chiffon keeps up with her easily, helping her with gentle pushes when she gets too close to an edge or when she needs some more stable footing. Together, the pair work in complete harmony. Well...that's what training together for so long will do.

With a big breath, Luna throws her hands out to both sides. The air feels nice up here, and there's!! So much to explore!! New islands!! ]

Have you ever seen anyone like them?! They're so amazing! [ she chirps to Chiffon, who's tail wags happily. ] I wonder if they all swim really fast. That'd be an amazing way to travel! How's my technique?!

[ she makes motions like she's trying to do the breast stroke, and then another where her arms fly around her in a butterfly-esque stroke...which....doesn't seem very effective for swimming.

Chiffon borks softly. Luna, no. Luna, stop. ]

( encampment )

[ for all the energy she has, it seems strange to find the child taking a quick break amongst the others positioned at this encampment. It's thriving, and definitely a sharp contrast to the rest of the island, where the pointy cliffs and the dangerous drops could certainly spell defeat.

she hugs her bag to her chest-- must be important --and rests her sleepy head on it while sitting up. She's been running around for a solid day now, and despite wanting to continue on, her limits are pushed in this new, rocky terrain.

Translation: it's nap time. She mumbles something quietly in her sleep, nuzzling the soft fabric a little more. ]

( field day )

[ wanna run into her on the cliff face? While she's wandering the encampments? TURNING OVER A ROCK FOR THE SAKE OF ADVENTURE? Go crazy. ♥ ]

Cliffs

[esper_magic]

[ High places were never a problem for Terra; in fact, she was fond of sitting in trees, or out on the cliff's edge. Despite almost falling from one - such is not the case for her today though. She's currently perched on the edge of the cliff herself, enjoying the breeze, when she catches word and sight of Luna doing... uh... that. ]

Do you mean the inhabitants here? They all seem nice. [ Not... that she's really talked to them. Or anyone. She's been keeping to herself more and more, with the exception of the few people she's met. Socializing is scary. Her quiet, small smile turns into a perplexed look at the... girl what are you doing. ]

Um... are you in pain? [ Being attacked by an invisible bee, perhaps? ]

encampment

[souris_keteer]

[Aw, Luna. Mickey wants her to be warm and comfortable, so he decides to make a few trips to get some big palm/frond leaves to cover her with. Although doing so may actually wake her.]

tim wright | 🅱️1 | closed to chara, ginko, tataru, and wade

[postictal]

[A downward slope lends itself a little too easily to being slid down with a rattle of rock and the catching of fingers against the cliff edge, but the bowl-shaped crevice looks like it might hold some promise. The soil might be fertile enough to bear something worth growing, and that's always a win. It's definitely not anything dangerous, or anything like that.]

[The search party is eclectic in composition, but that hardly matters. What does matter is that three-fifths of them are at least armed, and the other two...]

[Well, Ginko's sturdy enough to prove difficult to actually aggress in a fight, and they're not too far off from the mana pool if they need to make a quick out.]

[It's fine, probably. This whole endeavor is fine.]

[achievementhunter]

[Totally fine, Tim. Which is projected with the confident manner that Chara takes the fore, always ready to play the part of leader wherever possible... even if it's unsaid. The rocky terrain really isn't too different from the underground, or a ruined castle in the mist- though the soil is a sight more spongy. They try to navigate their way onto rocks where possible.

And keep one eye on their party, just in case. Technically Tim's party, but then... since when has he minded them stealing control?]

Keep an eye out for any plants that look like they could be of use; this soil is probably abundant.

Muffet | OTA

[prettypurpleparlor]

[If you want to find Muffet on Chol, it shouldn't be too difficult- as long as you remember to look up.]

[Muffet is once again putting her purple magic to good use, stringing lines along sheer cliff edges and walking on them as casually as though she's going for a pleasant afternoon stroll, both helping the Jormun with their scouting and getting a better view of the island for herself.]

[Feel like saying hi? Want to ask her for help getting up there? Just kind of concerned about standing right underneath a giant spider? No problem, just call out and she'll hear you. Having a conversation with somebody standing on a magical spiderweb should be pretty much normal to you all by now, right?]

[souris_keteer]

[No matter how many times Mickey sees it, he still thinks the magic string is pretty darn amazing, and he'll give an impressed whistle to boot.]

How's it hanging, Muffet?

Mira | OTA

[encircling]

[ She's here hoping to find something helpful. The people she's talked to here are good people, and she wants to repay their kindness toward her by finding something that can assist them. So she's here with her bow and arrows slung across her back, and a worn sword at her hip.

... maybe it's overkill. Regardless, she spends some time near the camp. Mostly, Mira is watching everyone. Maybe she'll find some information. Either way, she sort of hovers at the edges of it, unsure of what she can offer.

And when she finds that things have become a little overwhelming, she goes to the outskirts. She isn't a fool; she knows she'll find little here, probably, considering the type of land. But it's quiet, and gives her time to breathe. She's not just doing nothing, though. She's testing her magic, which previously hadn't been very strong... outside of her healing. Here and there, she summons a handful of fire, or fingers of ice spread out from her, or a whirlwind swirls around anyone who comes by. Maybe the ground even shakes beneath their feet. ]

outskirts

[ungrieved]

[He watches her for a time. That's what he does to the people he haunts. He watches. He watches her with the fanciful bursts of things like fire and the chill touch of frost creeping out from outstretched fingertips, the rumble of earth beneath his toes, and he doesn't call attention to himself. It's possible that he hasn't yet adjusted to the fact that he's visible; no longer a simple spirit, but flesh and blood.]

[And therefore wholly visible, even while lingering on the periphery.]

[Except eventually he sees fit to speak after all, with a sort of idle turn to the words that suggests he's been dwelling on them for some time.]

Could trick someone into thinking there's a hydra around, y'know. Could be fun.

A4 - akira kurusu | closed to akechi

[covertizer]

[ akira had gone exploring. for a lack of something to do, and the restlessness and interest in there being a brand new island for everyone to explore - not one he was just coming into pre-explored with nothing left to uncover.

he had his bag with him, the blades asch had sharpened just in case, and the first aid kit he'd been given when he first arrived ... along with that dowsing rod, just in case he needed food or water while he was out and about. not that he was planning on being away for long.

for the moment, it seems like he's going alone - picking his way across rocky and uneven surfaces with a notable light-footedness, and a few maybe unnecessary hops along the way. ]

[raygunner]

[ It seems they had the same idea.

Akechi's been itching to do something. Monsun was a wash. Now with a new island, he's hoping there aren't any horribly nasty surprises. He's had more than enough of those--first with the disaster that was his worst qualities bursting onto the surface, and then--

... speak of the damn devil. Akechi watches him for a moment; he's already here, and he crosses his arms as Akira makes his way over. ]

Having fun?

[ you fucking showoff ]