January Intro: I Know the Winter's Getting Colder

[lifeaftr_mods]

INTRO LOG: JANUARY

Who: Everyone!
What: New souls arrive to the archipelago of LifeAftr
When: January 5th and onward
Where: Chol and surrounding waters
Warnings: Mark as needed!

The Overview: New Lands
New arrivals will not be waking in the typical hub of activity; instead, they will find themselves coming to on the small island of Chol. While the island's fringes are little more than an unforgiving spread of craggy, canyon-like rock and coastal cliffs, the island dips down to form a fertile divot of edenic woodland in its center. The people living there will even be helpful and polite to you, should you inquire after them.

All new arrivals will additionally awake with knapsacks, their names stitched to the front. The contents of said knapsacks can all be found in your acceptance notices!

Icebreaker: This is the Winter of Our Youth
Unless you're someone with a fondness for the cold, you'll undoubtedly be waking with more than a slight chill in your bones. The appearance of the island of Chol has signaled a coming event of great import in LifeAftr, and unfortunately, the signs of that event's approach have already been set in motion. The temperature has begun to drop as the sun's rays begin to die, faster and faster, leading to an impressive cold snap in the ocean waters - particularly those surrounding Chol.

It is for that reason that you won't be waking on Chol, per se. Instead, you'll be waking on a thick crust of ice that's mantled itself over the ocean waters, freezing solid enough to bear your weight...for the most part. The ice won't hold forever; it isn't meant to. If you happen to be particularly vivacious in your waking, or especially active in general, thick cracks will start to spiderweb out from underneath those impacts with low, warning chunks and wrenches of fracturing ice. Better hurry to land soon, unless you care to take a little dip into those freezing cold ocean waters.

Mainland: When We Pick Over the Past
Should you make it to the land of Chol, braving the iced-over waters surrounding its craggy shores, you'll encounter something at least as startling - the people who have elected to set up a rudimentary encampment upon its lands. While a bit on the scalier side, the Jormun are nonetheless allied to you land-dwellers, and will welcome you to the island. Most will be preoccupied with preparations for an approaching siege, but many will comment idly that the cold is a sign of the coming battle. Some may point you to their leader, known to most as Munin, but others will venture hospitality based on the actions of those land-dwellers that came before you, who were successful in allying themselves to this sea-dwelling people.

Those who might have braved the cold a little too fiercely will quickly be offered some rather rough blankets - perhaps more on par with burlap sacks in terms of texture - as well as a hot brew that the Jormun call brrkshavak. Heated to a boil just prior to being served, the drink will be more than adequate in warming your weary bones, though it bodes mentioning that it is both scalding hot and made with a fleshy kind of undersea herb that is akin to crushed chili pepper in taste.

It'll warm you up, all right.

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As a final note to those who participated in the Test Drive Meme, bear in mind that those threads, if all parties involved would like, can be game canon in the form of dream-like memories involving a place very much like this one, though the layout is considerably different.

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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

ox | juuni taisen

[geniusofslaughter]

A: AWAKENING.

[ Ox breathes out hard as he awakes, feeling the bite of the cold first. His eyes open as he looks around confused at his surroundings. This isn't what he had expected, but it also is not unexpected. Lying on his side, he can pick up the sound of something beneath the cold ground and realizes that he's actually on ice. ]

Well. [ The first thing to do is to pick up the knapsack that has his name on it. It would appear this is of some importance. He takes a peek inside to see what is present: nuts, hammer, tin pots, rubbing alcohol, some sort of jug filled with an unknown liquid and a pendant that has some unnatural glow to it. His lips press together in thought before he slings it over his shoulder. ]

First, it is best to reach land. [ He is bewildered; he is dumbfounded, but standing around will not get him anywhere. The sound of water just beneath the ice indicates that it could very well break -- so leaving is for the best. But he stops as he notice someone having issues.

Stepping forward, he holds his hand out: ] It is very dangerous to stay here. Please allow me to escort you to land. Are you too frozen, perhaps? [ The implication being that even if he, too, feels the cold that he would still be willing to carry them to shore. ]

B: SHARE A DRINK

It is surprisingly cold. I had not expected snow. [ The dry tone which he speaks almost makes it sounds like he expected to arrive in this place at all. Again, that is hardly the case, but he cannot do anything about the tone of his voice. Ox feels the chill down to his bones, bringing an ache to his fingers.

He's grateful for the rough blankets offered. In return, he feels a debt owed and intends to fight in the siege mentioned. But that will be some time -- and it is best to tend to one's body before the battle begins. Digging through the sack, he locates the jug of unknown liquid. He's surprised that it still feels warm, and somehow, he's a little more inclined to try it over what the Jormun is offering.

Not because he does not trust the Jormun, but because what is being offered appears to be scalding hot and meant to be eaten at that burning temperature. No, thank you. He decides instead to locate a glass to pour some of the unknown liquid into. A pause as he holds up the jug. ]

I cannot say that this is safe or not, but I intend to take all responsibility if it turns out to be poison. Either way, it appears a lot less burning than what is being offered. So, I'll offer what I have to you, too.

C: WILDCARD

[ These don't work? Throw anything you like at me. ]

b.

[postictal]

[Thing is, he's kind of got a bad association with people who have horns.]

[All right, so maybe not a bad association. But it's not a pleasant one, to be certain. He doesn't think fondly of horned people, because his only experience with them boils down to "Ozuma isn't the most competent god this side of the cosmos," no matter how well-meaning he might've been.]

[So Ox's horns get a brief, narrowed-eye look before Tim allows his more typical chary uncertainty to take precedence. He nods in the direction of the jug]

...it's kinda like cider. Always hot, refills once a day. Everyone got one.

[geniusofslaughter]

Is that so?

[ He pauses to set his glass down so that he can lift the jug up to give it another look over. Well, it would be much like the banquet table, wouldn't it? ]

Yet you do not have the presence of one that is a fighter. [ The jug is set back down, as though to punctuate his sentence with the sound. Which means while it has pieces that remind him of the Zodiac War, it is not; none of the people present are meant to fight to the death. The presences that he senses from the people are not even close to those preparing themselves mentally for bloodshed. ]

Why are you here? [ Ox assumes his own reason and so wonders if the young man has come up with his own reason as to why he is now in this new world. ]

[postictal]

[To the point, and astute. Tim doesn't bother to glance down at himself - stocky, haggard, worn, still sagging over his jeans that are now more brown than they are blue, from all the wear and tear they've endured over the past few months. It's a pretty simple deduction.]

Yeah? What gave it away? [It's wry and rhetorical, and he shrugs instead of waiting for an answer.] Same reason anyone else is here. Just kinda showed up one day.

I'm guessing you just showed up too.

[geniusofslaughter]

[ He hums but doesn't answer, not that it seems his companion is awaiting a response to the question as to "what gave it away." ]

I did. The walk across the ice was not without peril, but it did not go as poorly as it could have. [ A beat. ] However, that is how we arrived here... it is not the reason as to why we are here.

[postictal]

The why has to do with the giant, talking bunny you probably had a wacky dream about before ending up here.

[Thanks, Tim. Be sure to write a pamphlet for all the newbies, because your polite eloquence and understanding is truly flooring.]

[geniusofslaughter]

Ah, that.

[ He holds his chin in thought. ]

I thought that may have been a waking nightmare from having to battle one whose name was Rabbit. [ Ox says no more on it as he gives a small nod. ] It did not seem to be particularly hostile. In fact, one may even call it to be exceptionally gentle as rabbits actually should be.

[postictal]

[That sure is a brand new type of coincidence. Put that one down for something that manages to catch him off guard, if only subtly.]

Yeah, that'd be the Storyteller. They're...kinda the god in charge here, I guess.

And, uh, I dunno if you're - if gods are a thing where you come from, but if they aren't, or if you don't believe in them, [his hands go up, palms out, in a wearying gesture that implies he's had to cover this ground before,] I'm just giving you a heads-up now: you should probably rethink that.

[geniusofslaughter]

It is not as though I do not believe in gods, but I have no philosophies that relate to religion in that matter. Gods themselves are those that have a contract with other lesser-powered beings, right?

[ He decides as he speaks that he should just continue to check over the jug and pour a cup for his companion. Once done, he holds it out to the young man as he continues. ] This is a being that is offering something beyond life and death. Salvation. However, these creatures here are preparing for a siege.

They've offered blankets, lodgings, and safety in their time of need. As such, a debt is being born. Gods, too, have a debt with those that are weaker. I accept the words of the large rabbit that I conversed with to be true. I intend to assist these people for their much needed kindness and create a story from these actions.

[ Ox sounds like he wanders around everywhere in what he is saying, but ultimately, he says one thing. His abilities as a Zodiac Warrior brought him to this particular place by the will of the Storyteller. The debt owed to the Jormun is one that will be answered by the steel of his saber. The debt owed to the Storyteller will be given in turn. Everything for a reason and a place. He may not believe in a true god-like being, but he believes in settling debts.

A beat. ] And what will you do?

B.

[mamaterasu]

[The horns certainly earn a peculiar look from the white wolf that's been prowling the encampment, checking up on old and newcomers alike - offering the more shivery ones a snuggle with her and her thick, fluffy, warm coat. She makes for a very good space heater, after all, and the only thing Ammy asks for is perhaps a little snack or a few good pets for her company and warmth. But as she stops and peers at the horned warrior, she gives him a curious tilt of her head.

Is...is he talking to her? She looks over her shoulder, as if expecting someone else to be there, but finds no one in particular. I mean, it's not odd for people to talk to and unload on her - they tend to do it all the time in Nippon, and even here, expecting she could not understand or respond - so she's used to it. Still, being offered a drink is very generous. Her nostrils flare, taking in the spicy aroma of the drink she remembers getting herself. It wasn't hot sake, sadly, but it was still good...and certainly not poisoned.

Ammy takes a seat in front of the strange, horned man (seriously, what is up with that? Is he a demon??) and raises her paw with a soft whine toward the cup, thumping her tail against the ground and licking her lips. She, uh...she still has her own refillable jug, yes, and can 'sing' to it in melodic howls to get more, but...w-well, if he's offering...

>_>]

[geniusofslaughter]

[ A surprisingly small but tame wolf comes to acknowledge his offering. His head tilts in turn as he watches her carefully. Indeed, he came across a little bug warrior and holds his chin as he wonders. Is she responding to him, or is she responding to the smell of the drink that he's giving? He gives a small hum as he cannot tell one way or the other. ]

Miss Wolf, ma'am, can you understand me, perhaps? [ At times like this, it is best to be direct. He already is pouring some of the hot cider into a bowl for her even as he asks his question. Furthermore, in these times, one should attempt to show proper respect and due to another being when asking a question that is in part questioning their intelligence. ]

[mamaterasu]

[Amaterasu licks her lips, then perks her ears up at the question - my, it's always a difficult one she has to answer. While she'd love to play a mischievous little game and pretend that no, she doesn't understand and is only here for the offering, it's not a charade she can pull off for long...given so many others know she's a lot more intelligent than just a normal creature. With a nod of her head, the white wolf yips softly.

Yes, she understands you, strange horned man. Her eyes zero in on the dish, the heavily scented liquid - sweet, but pleasantly spicy as well, a tickle on her nose - and a line of drool begins to form around her chops, which she slurps up swiftly. Ah, truly...she is a booze hound, and while it may not be her favorite drink, she won't turn her nose up to the pleasant bit of the blitzed cider, and the warmth it provides. Her tail wags swiftly behind her, mouth open and panting a bit.]

[geniusofslaughter]

I thought so.

[ Ox pinches his chin between two fingers and nods. It isn't just the response but the presence that he feels, as well. Wolves, themselves, are noble creatures and such nobility is not lost. But for him who has been on countless battlefields, he senses -- and pauses when she starts to drool for the cider that he's poured. Hm.

Setting it before her, he still tips his head in turn. Wolves are the soldiers of the world, too. Maintaining the balance of nature through bloodshed. At the very least, he can accept that much even if he feels his analysis of her presence might be a little off.

He clears his throat. ] I am Ox. Nice to meet you, Miss Wolf, ma'am.

[mamaterasu]

[This poor fool is going to be severely disappointed if he thinks there is anything noble about Ammy--erm, aside from being a goddess, that is. She sure as heck acts like a dense mutt than a noble predator or whatever... She has her moments of acting as she needs to, but the majority of her time? Is spent acting like what she is - a playful and fun-loving canine. Warrior, though...mm. That, she most certainly is. With tooth and nail, alongside an arsenal of weapons and powers befitting a god, she is not one to trifle with.

Though her powers and energy seem to be dwindling down, with the slowly dying sun. Ammy can feel in in her bones, but remains in good spirits. For now. She bounces a bit on her feet as he sets down the dish for her to drink from, and she laps it up greedily, spilling a few drops to the ground in her haste. It doesn't stop her, though - Ammy goes so far as to mop up her mess with her tongue as well, wagging her tail behind her. Only when he names her does she lift her head and set him with a dead-eyed look, making a noise like a low grunt.

Miss Wolf? Really? Come on, buddy...you can do better than that. Even Fido is a better nickname.]

[geniusofslaughter]

[ He blinks as it appears that he is being given a disapproving look. Ox blinks as he cocks his head to the side, slightly. Making a soft confused sound, his eyebrows furrow as he attempts to figure out what has her troubled. This may actually make him look like he's annoyed, but it is unfortunately his face and clumsy mannerisms around others. ]

Let's see. What is it? [ The cider appears to be well-received. His name may be given some odd look as he understands that it is calling himself after an animal. However, he does not think that a wolf would find that troubling. A wolf? Oh, could it be that she is not pleased with the name? ] I see. I am only attempting to be polite. It seems like you are displeased with it. I apologize.

[ His tone may come off harsh, like he believes she should accept what kindness that he is giving her. But he is the kind of person that just says his thoughts as they come to him. However, since he says his thoughts with a serious expression and tone of voice, it tends to get him into awkward situations. ] Miss, what would you like me to call you, then?

[mamaterasu]

[Oh gods, and the hard question comes once again... Why can't some people be a little more imaginative? Creativity is the spice of life, after all! She turns her head and breathes out a puff of air from her mouth, almost like a sigh, then shakes her head slowly. Honestly, some people are more blunt than her reflectors...

Grumbling low in her throat, Ammy stands up and uses the tip of her tail to write upon the ground. From the tip flows a deep, black, glistening ink. The source? Who knows, but it is certainly magical in nature. She swipes at the ground several times, drawing up one Japanese character. Whether or not poor Ox can read it will determine how much effort she has to put into this...]

造

[Create. Make something up. She knows you can do it, bro (maybe).]

[geniusofslaughter]

Come up with something on my own, hm?

[ He holds his chin as he finds himself mildly fascinated that she can write with her tail. Interesting. But she would like him to think up a name for her? Ox hums to himself before he kneels down to get closer to her face. ]

I have only ever named my weapon. It is called "Bayonet." [ Yes, he calls his saber "Bayonet", which obviously pales in comparison to what other's named their weapons, please have mercy on him. ] It seems rude to name someone without knowing them. Yet I suppose I did so by simply calling you "Miss Wolf." That is hardly a name. I shall attempt to think of a reasonable name for you that I can call you, then.

[ And he grows silent for a few minutes, staring at her. ] Miss Mizuki, maybe? Spelled with the characters, hm... [ Pardon him as he is going to try to draw up the characters. ] 美月. Like so? [ "Beautiful moon." ] I thought snow might be right, but the red markings... the moon can appear a red shade but it illuminates more than looks frightening.

I apologize. The best I can come up with is going off your appearance which is lovely. But... women are more than their looks, is that not right? And giving a name based off of that seems unkind. Hm, let me attempt to think of another one. [ And he goes quiet, again. ]

B

[thermalwind]

I'll pass. [He produces a jug of the same contents from his own pack and takes a swig from it. The pack itself is slung over one shoulder of his dark armor.] We all have one. No sense draining yours.

Anyway, it's not usually this cold here. The sun is dying and is going to go through some rebirth process. I can tell you what I know if you want. Name's Keith.

[geniusofslaughter]

As you say.

[ He pours himself a glass just for himself, then. The scent is sweet. Sweet and warm. A reasonable sort of drink to have after coming in from the cold. ]

Is that so? Is there nothing that can be done for the sun? [ What an unfortunate state to come into this world. Will that young professor he met be all right? What of other noncombatants? And himself, too. He isn't so durable that he could survive a cold brought on by a dead sun. But who could? ] I am Ox.

[thermalwind]

The only thing we can do is survive the siege. It has to renew itself. [He turns and points towards the middle of the island.] It will be in there, past all the defenses the Jormun are setting up.

It will be a week-long siege...did you get a small necklace with light on it?

[geniusofslaughter]

I see.

[ A siege, hm. ]

And so... there is no enemy? There is only waiting until it is over? [ And he nods. ] The one that offers light. That shall be our only light come the siege, then?

[thermalwind]

No, there will be an enemy. They hang out deep in the ocean depths and are taking the chance while the sun is being reborn to strike. I'm still looking into what sort of weaknesses they have. I know light slows them down. Heat too.

I don't think it would hurt to find more light sources. [He takes another swig of his drink, letting the warmth spread through him. It's a little chilly even in space armor to be out on patrol.]

I was told to ask after Rachsharnahac and Grasversherim to learn more about the last time they guarded the sun. They're elders who might remember a few tricks we can use.

[geniusofslaughter]

[ He hums as he unsheathes his saber to look it over. Heat and light, hm? ]

My skills lie in the blade. It would be too simple to see if I could have it coated in some flammable material to fight. [ The metal itself may end up yielding by the end of the siege. He tightens his hold on the hilt as he decides that may be worth it to ensure the survival of those noncombatants. ]

I do not enjoy the idea of fighting unfairly with these creatures. I realize they are attempting to gain some advantage, but I am unaccustomed to using any tricks like that, myself. [ A beat. ] Still, that information may be useful to others. Have you had a chance to speak with them, yet?

[thermalwind]

Not yet. Got busy helping set up defenses. [He raises a questioning eyebrow. Using tricks is unfair? If it's survival...]

We don't know how numerous the enemy is going to be. All I know is the Jormun are prepared to have deaths on their side. ...I fight with swords and knives. Not too picky, I can do either or dual wield.

I was thinking along the lines of a light around the island to guard fall back points. To protect weapon caches and whatever medical is set up. ...maybe fire arrows? It's all just ideas. We need to do something or we'll be quickly over run.

[geniusofslaughter]

Mm, I see.

[ There are a lot of unknowns. ] It becomes a fight with endurance at that point, doesn't it? To keep the fires going? Or whatever other light sources that there are... those will be what they should attack first.

[ He hums. ] Face the enemy as far out as we can and have the noncombatants fall back as far as they can away from shore. We'll gather the injured after the battle is complete. [ That's as much strategy as he ever uses. ]