lifeaftr | April Intro: The Flower Ripens in its Place

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April Intro: The Flower Ripens in its Place

INTRO LOG: APRIL

Who: Everyone!
What: New souls arrive to the archipelago of LifeAftr
When: April 3rd and onward
Where: Ziziphus
Warnings: Mark as needed!

A9: Sow the Seed
Unbeknownst to new arrivals, the archipelago of LifeAftr has recently seen the appearance of a new island, as chosen via voting - and they have been unceremoniously placed there instead of upon Ensō, where most newcomers would typically appear. It's probably for the best that the island of Ziziphus is so outwardly peaceful.

There are worse places to find yourself, all things considered. The mana pool glimmers with a greenish light, the stone ring containing that peculiar fluid set firmly into the earth. The surrounding land fits neatly into that general aesthetic: rippling fields stirred by the occasional crisp breeze alternate between amber-golden and rich, verdant green in coloration, and irregular patches of color signify the presence of a great deal of flowers of all sorts.

It's a peaceful scene.

We're sure you're all about to make it go horribly wrong.

B9: Reap the Harvest
For the unluckier, or the more adventurous, something far less tranquil awaits. Perhaps you woke up on this particular map square instead, or you saw fit to journey a little farther, just to see what might happen. In any case, you'll quickly discover that this may not have been the best idea, when an ordinary grassy mound abruptly detaches itself from the ground, hauls itself upright on bristling legs, and starts scuttling near.

SPINDLANKS have now been unlocked in the bestiary.
What might initially appear to be a leafy hillock will very quickly prove to be something far more...mobile, if you get close enough. That clump of grass and red ferns will abruptly hoist itself up on six vine-like tendrils, crawling for its prey like a very large, mossy spider. While it's fully capable of swiping at its foes with its massive, leafy arms, the spindlank's favored method of dispatching its prey is simply to scuttle forth until it's positioned directly above you and drop down. If its weight does not crush you and choking on the clods of earth doesn't smother you, don't worry; the spindlank intends to eat you alive with a set of fleshy jaws set deep in its center, buried somewhere in its underbelly.

For despite their appearance, spindlanks are very much carnivorous. Their size can vary from anywhere between six and ten feet tall when their appendages unfurl entirely. They are, in essence, very large plants, and thus can be easily dealt with, if you can burn them.

Just try not to get overwhelmed.

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

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.

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 )

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[The pat to her head makes the wolf's eyes squint shut into small, black slits as she utters a happy whine from deep in her throat. There's something she can sense from this man, and it seems the feeling is mutual. As her looks her over, and traces the tip of his finger along the ring of red painted fur on her forehead, Ammy yawns and blinks her eyes up at him, letting her tongue flick over his hand a bit.

So he can see her markings. Her tail begins to wag slowly and Ammy's lips pull up slightly at their corners. It's not unusual, given the peculiarity of his own aura - she still can't quite place what he is either. Certainly not anything truly wicked, otherwise he'd have already done her in, but there is something...odd there. It's a power born in darkness, but not evil. More like the calm of night, or something similar to it.

Emissary? Ohoho, not quite - though she has one of her own, and how she misses him so. Her dearest little Issun...her companion and greatest friend. It's been so long since she had a chance to see or hear his voice... Ammy hopes he's doing well, like anyone and everyone else she knows back in Nippon. Shaking her head to the man's question, Ammy stretches out a little bit then shifts to make herself more comfortable.

Sorry, Krav, but you're not getting an easy answer out of this canine.]

[Can't you throw him a bone, even once?? Gosh.

Still, he squints a bit as this dog appears to clearly smile at him, and he rolls his lips in his mouth a bit as he presses them into a line. Is he being toyed with right now? He feels like he is. This happens, on occasion, when gods need to cross domains or he needs to carry a message to the Celestial plane. They pat his head, call him little bird, like he's a child. Just because a thousand is young to some people doesn't mean he regards it as such. He isn't just an errand boy- he is an aspect, a piece of her. It would be nice to garner some respect for that.

Despite it, though, he does know a happy dog when he sees one, and continues to pet her head gently, pausing only for ear scritches.]

I sure hope you can understand me, because I'm going to feel like an absolute idiot if you're just someone's pet.

[Does he... does he try to send a mental message? Is that kosher to someone else's dog?? Why is he thinking about this so much? Idly, he reaches into the breast of his suit pocket, and produces a pristine black raven feather, turning it in his fingers. If Ammy can pinpoint energies, this may be the strongest of them all- a direct link (though currently muddled) to the goddess of death. But it seems to bring him comfort as he runs a thumb over it in one hand, like he's trying to sort his thoughts about what's going on.]

[That certainly gets her attention. All at once Ammy is on her feet, standing and looking straight at the feather he's holding between his fingers. She's a bit stiff, her nostrils flaring as she tries to get a whiff of any scent it carries. All she can sense is the strong presence of death coming from that there feather, and her tongue flicks out from her mouth over her lips, ears folding back somewhat. Even if Kravitz has never once encountered a dog, he'll at least know that she's feeling a bit uncomfortable, and can sense something otherworldly from the feather.

Dark eyes turn slowly from the feather to Kravitz himself, and there's a low rumble that escapes her throat for a moment. Ravens signal the Night in her world - they call just as the final rays of sun sink below the horizon...but they're also said to be used in darker magics, by witches and spellweavers that aren't as, ah...just as the usual temple followers. And seeing as how she feels such a great, negative energy from it...Ammy isn't sure if the object is cursed or not. She can never be sure nowadays, especially in this world.

But the rumbling noise in her throat becomes a low whine before she barks, ending with a soft growl before licking her lips again.]

[He startles when she does, back going straight, hands stiff at her movements. Is she... is she going to attack him? There's no way she isn't some form of magic, he's sure of that much. He shifts his hips away from her direction, one hand on the ground in case he needs to up and run- he realizes, much too late now that he's in a dangerous situation, that he likely can't fly in this state either. Damnit. Ammy may also notice, now that she's alert, that symbols of ravens are emblazoned all over his wardrobe- outlines of feathers pressed into black-on-black designs on his suit, his tie cinched at the top with a raven skull pendant, designs of the bird stamped into cufflinks and buttons. There's even a few (though decidedly nonmagical) tied into his hair, the expanse of dreadlocks that falls from his head. And still, he grips the feather, bringing it closer to his chest, over where he can feel the patter of his newly beating heart.]

It's... it's fine, see? No need to be bothered, it's... just a feather.

[She must be able to sense something. She must. If this doesn't work, he's going to feel like an idiot, but he also doesn't want to get the shit bitten out of him at this point, so...]

... I am an aspect and bounty hunter of the Raven Queen, the goddess of death. I make sure the dead do not escape their chains, and the living do not assist them. Are you... against that?

[Is he going to have to fight a dog? Gods alive.]

[The patterns certainly do catch her eye when they appear, and Ammy isn't sure what to make of them all. What to make of him, to be perfectly honest. She's already decided there's nothing inherently evil or wicked about him, and the way he leans away from her suggest no ill intent of threat posed to herself. In fact, he seems more scared of her than anything else. Ah...oops. Ammy always does forget that some people still view her as a wild and dangerous animal back in their worlds.

Making a soft groaning noise in her throat, Ammy licks the man's arm gently, in a pacifying sort of gesture, then turns her eyes back to the feather as he explains. A goddess of death, hm? That makes sense - the feather reeks of it. That's why she got so spooked all of a sudden. Even so, death isn't necessarily evil - it just...is. It's a force prevalent in the world and she respects it just as much as she respects, and embodies, its counterpart: life, and creation.

She shakes her head slowly before bowing it a bit in a quiet sort of apology. She didn't mean to spook this poor guy, but now she's starting to calm down after being given the full picture. He's a bit special, isn't he? Given such a great task by the gods. It reminder her of someone she knows, a little bit.]

[That dog is bowing. He knows it. This dog understands him and comprehended the concept of a god and what the fuck is happening to him right now. He swallows, bowing his head in return. He has no idea what he's dealing with here, but whatever it is, getting on their bad side is likely ill-advised.]

I'm sorry if I startled you, I'm not-- certainly not a necromancer, if that's what you were worried about. Nothing so unsavory. Just, uhm, remade from a piece of a goddess. Simple.

[Nothing from his tone suggests anything about it is simple, but he straightens up, tucks the feather back in his interior breast pocket.]

Though I suppose, uhm, not so much since waking up... here. Don't know how to deal with that yet. A little jarring, to be honest.

[Seeing as he was undead for uhhh the last thousand years. It's complicated.]

I'm sorry, I, I'm rambling. Is there... something I can call you? A name of any kind?

[Remade from a piece of a god? Oh, this sweet boy...he's so similar to the things and people - heck, even the other brush gods born of her power when she died one hundred years ago - that the wold can't help but start to laugh; a wheezy chuckle as her tongue hangs from her lower jaw. Should she tell him? It's probably polite...and the poor thing looks like he's really struggling. Still, it is hilarious to watch him fumble so, heh heh.

Ammy moves back when he stands, everything else sort of passing through her ears like a breeze. Sorry, my guy, her attention only spans a few minutes at a time if you're not feeding her. Ammy does, however, flick her ear back toward the man and her lips tug up into a tiny, canine smile. Hell, why not? It's clear he shows a deep respect for the gods, and it might be even more hysterical to see his reaction to the truth.

Touching the tip of her tail to the ground, Ammy paints a message on the ground in black, glistening ink--]

天照 [I am the great Goddess, Amaterasu.]

[Oh, he's absolutely being messed with here, and he knows it even before she reveals herself. He still isn't certain why he's babbling all of this to a dog, of all things, but his experience with gods has always been to treat even the strangest appearances as celestial; you never know who's watching, who might report back. But she smiles, he knows she does, and he opens his mouth to say something.

And then the message appears. And he shuts his mouth again, making a face like he's trying to suck his lips into his head before he finally speaks.]

Oh. I. Ah.

[Hey, so, what if he walked into the ocean and just kept going and lived there for the rest of his life, how about that, huh? He hasn't heard of her, necessarily, but that doesn't matter- it makes sense how she'd have sought him out, her reaction to his Lady's sigil, any strange feelings he's been getting this entire time--

Well, fuck, he hopes he made a good first impression.

Kravitz sputters a moment or two more before pressing a hand to his chest and giving her a very formal bow.]

I'm sorry, I-- I didn't expect to see a goddess, just-- if I'm intruding on your domain, my deepest apologies. I didn't intend to end up here.

[loud internal screaming.mp3]

[Ammy snorts the moment she sees the initial meltdown occur, and instantly begins to laugh - a hoarse, high-pitched cackle similar to that of a hyena - her long tongue bobbing as her cheeks pull into a huge smile. My goodness, her expectations were right on the money! He's adorable, and reminds her somewhat of that one Tao Trooper back in Sei-An City. What was his name again? The one who kept losing his mask...hm. Oh well. Ammy wheezes with laughter at the formal air he gives her begins to nudge him with her nose, bidding him to rise. She's never been the sort to take her godhood too seriously, after all.

However, upon rising, he will see that her form has changed. She does appear quite heavenly now - with deep, red markings covering her forehead, eyes, and swirling over her shoulders. Her coat is a pristine white, with curling tufts of fur lining her feet, tops of her forearms, and even her tail. A blazing red disc with a symbol of her own hovers above the wolf's back, spewing flames that burn with the seven colors of the rainbow. Her minor god form - the one most people with an affinity to gods or supernatural beings can see. In time, maybe Kravitz will even get a glimpse of her true god form...but not today. That requires a deeper understanding of who she is, and what she stands for.

Ammy stands a moment later with a shake of her head. This is definitely not her 'domain', it isn't even her own world. She yips for him to follow after, if he's done having a coronary, that is... She'd like to take Kravtiz to where he can find shelter and other people who'd be able to explain things far better than she could. He'll be much better off. Now, come on, lad.]

[He's still sort of considering running full tilt into the ocean as she chuckles, his face flushing a little more than he'd like. This happens too often for his liking among gods- not knowing if he should be formal or conversational, erring on the side of courteousness to avoid any serious misconceptions. After all, it never hurts to keep to structure. Celestial business isn't really his place-- even if he is more qualified than most mortals, he would say.

Kravitz stands as she pushes him, blinking a bit at her new colors. Now that-- well, that certainly looks godlike. He wishes there was something he could reference, some quick research he could do on her and her domain, but this will just have to do. Especially when this doesn't seem to be her home, either. He picks up his scythe from the ground, along with his nearby backpack, following as she calls him.]

So if this isn't-- yours, are you working with the god who is in charge here? My Lady will be expecting me back, even though I'm sure she'll understand if you need some assistance from me. Though I'm beginning to suspect this arrangement wasn't exactly... voluntary.

[But if this realm can even kidnap and trap gods... he may be in more trouble than he thinks.]

Not that I don't trust you, of course, I simply-- think it pays to be wary, that is.

[So full of questions, isn't he? Ammy yawns with a high-pitched sound, her focus starting to slip, but at the least she remembers to get him to where he needs to be go and not just...sleep... Ammy can't answer all those questions, barely knows what he's talking about in some cases, so...probably good to remain her silent self for now. Save them both the confusion and the effort.

Ammy flicks her earback to Kravitz for only a moment. Involuntary? Haha...that is a truth, but the local god here doesn't seem the responsible party. She trusts them anyway, and the Storyteller has been through...quite a lot to date. Perhaps even more than Amaterasu, in such a short span of time. They've had to deal with eons of blame and hate, and some of it unwarranted.

She leads Kravitz the distance needed to reach the Storyteller's temple - the dilapidated ruins upon the hills, covered to the brim with moss moss and vines. One day, if ever her full powers return, she'd like to try and fixing up the place for her sibling god. It'd only be polite - they are letting everyone stay, and have been so very helpful. Nodding her head to the entrance, Ammy yips at the man and stands off to the side to allow him to enter.

Find your answers inside, little bird. Hopefully the Storyteller is around and available for all those many questions. Ammy herself will staying back, catching a quick nap in the meantime.]

[Don't mind him, Ammy, he's just very anxious and trying to be Good so it can reflect well on himself and his Lady. He wouldn't want to embarrass her in any way. He's being charming, right? He hopes he's being charming. Regardless, Kravitz does his best to keep his mouth shut when she starts leading and less responding, and doing his best to follow.

It's a smaller period of time than he thinks is coming before they reach the temple, her waiting and obviously ushering him forward. It's... interesting. Not what he expected, from a so called god in power.

Maybe there is something else going on, after all.

Kravitz reaches down and gives her a tender head pat, along with some good rubs.]

Thank you. You've been quite kind, I-- I needn't take up more of your time. I'll catch up with you later, or. Whatever's comfortable. Regardless.

[He won't trouble her further.]

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April Intro: The Flower Ripens in its Place

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