March Adventure: Swim with the Current and Float Away

[lifeaftr_mods]

NEW ISLAND: AI'TUOH

Who: Anyone who feels brave...or particularly lawful
What: A city worth exploring, and a people worth meeting
When: March 10th and onward
Where: Ai'tuoh
Warnings: The themes you might associate with strict punishment and rule-based dystopias will abound, along with nonconsensual drugging/sedation for those found guilty in the streets. Otherwise, mark as needed!

The Overview: Ai'tuoh
The dawn of the 10th will see the appearance of the promised island on the horizon. The smooth, even planes of city walls rear across the expanse of sandy beach, but beyond that, no particular discerning characteristics can be immediately glean. That same morning, characters will awaken from a brief dream, wherein the Storyteller will advise that the new island accessible via mana pool - and they suggest, with some trepidation, that you do not make the location of said mana pool on the new land immediately obvious to the natives. It's clear that something has put them on edge, though they've yet to say what.

Welcome, adventurers, to the island of Ai'tuoh.

Our City, Our Rules
Ai'tuoh is home to a sprawling city, built of smooth, sandy stone. Its architecture is simple, precise, and uniform, valuing utility above all else - function to the exclusion of form. The homogeneity of the people of Ai'tuoh extends beyond the similar, monochrome spectrum of their apparel. Despite the gradations of skin color and the subtle shifts in the shades of their hair - all falling within established limits, of course - they all appear to be more or less human. But most striking of all is the stern warning emblazoned across the city's gates. It translates as follows:

May those who violate our law be cleansed in the Standing Water.

The Unerring Law of the people of Ai'tuoh can be found in the library, which contains little besides some five hundred copies of the same dispassionate lists of various laws, most of which you've probably already broken by the time you've entered.

If you plan on stopping by, we'd recommend taking the time to explore the docks first - those that frequent that particular area are rather more forthcoming to travelers. You might find someone sympathetic to your plight, willing to offer some helpful hints.

Holding Cells: Awaiting Your Trial
Those unlucky enough to be caught by the concealed militia taskforce of the city will be sedated on sight of their violation, and will wake in a small, smooth-stoned room. There are no windows, and only one door - and it won't be opening under your duress. The holding cell into which you've been deposited is beyond barebones; while clean and uniform, it lacks even the basic commodities of a bed and bucket. It seems that there's no need to plan for keeping prisoners in the long term. No one drops by to visit, and no one addresses you if they pass through. Your only company is in your cellmates, who you might be able to hear through the walls, provided you raise your voice over the soft, buzzing hum that permeates the air; a magical suppression field, to ensure that those with particular talents cannot exert them to break the law's hold.

The barracks are sorted into clusters of several buildings, each with variety of cells hidden in secluded pockets. To contrast the uniformity of the city itself, there is no such order here; the buildings are designed to be difficult to break into, and even harder to orient oneself in.

Those who are being kept in holding until their cleansing will not be in complete isolation forever. There are a number of militia who patrol the prison areas to ensure peace is being kept...and some might even be open to conversation.

---

For OOC information about Ai'tuoh and the city's laws, please see our recent OOC information post!

---

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!

---

LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Comments

[aftrnpc]

Many find them overwhelming. [The barkeep agrees mildly; they gesture to her clothes, nodding in thought.] For example, some find the absence of color in our clothing conservative; it is a law that all uphold. Your own garments would not pass within the city walls.

[tenthstreetbred]

[Shepard looks at them in surprise, then looks to herself. After a moment she lets out a huff.]

At home, this was considered pretty mild in comparison to what civilians would wear. Do these laws extend to more than just clothing?

[aftrnpc]

They extend to all. Every aspect of life abides to the Unerring Laws of the Clear Water. [They inform in much the same tone as they have spoken all else.] It is confusing to most visitors; those who are smart, however, adapt.

And if you would forgive my momentary lapse of compliance, I see you as being one such individual.

[tenthstreetbred]

[She can’t help a small smirk at that comment. You’re damn right she’s smart. But she’s also foolhardy and headstrong, something that will kick her ass later. For now, however, there’s information to get here.]

The Clear Water? What’s that about?

[aftrnpc]

[A pause. Kenning sets their cleaning aside, turning towards her and resting their elbows on the counter.]

Before entering this establishment, you would have seen the small island to the north of us, yes? That is the isle of the Clear Waters.

It is used to purify those who break the law. Needless to say, one does not return from that process.

[So it may be to your benefit to avoid it, Shepard.]

[tenthstreetbred]

Purify? I'm guessing that's a euphemism for killing them.

[That's what it sounds like. And yes, of course, she will absolutely avoid that, mhm, no Clear Waters for her.]

There's no leniency? No court of law for judgement?

[aftrnpc]

Purification is purification. Before arriving to this island, I saw many methods. Fire, stoning... and here, water.

[So that would be a yes, Shepard. As far as this humble bartender is concerned, it probably is death. Or close enough.]

Not on Ai'tuoh; all its citizens know the Unerring Laws. Visitors are expected to know as well.

Ignorance is not considered a valid reason for violating it.

[tenthstreetbred]

[Shepard’s brow furrows as they speak.]

But why is purification needed? What is the basis for that?

[She shakes her head.]

It doesn’t seem fair to expect visitors to know these laws unless they’re spread throughout this world.

[She pauses for another moment and then looks to them curiously.]

You’ve gone to other places like this before? How many other populated islands are out there?