lifeaftr | June Intro: Let's Sea How Far We've Come

INTRO LOG: JUNE

Who: Everyone!
What: New souls arrive to the archipelago of LifeAftr as the island of Ziziphus begins to crumble
When: June 4th and onward
Where: Ziziphus and Ensō...and Monsun
Warnings: Mark as needed!

Ziziphus: At The Start Of The End Of The World
Since Bliss's destruction, the extensive root network they've threaded throughout every inch of the island of Ziziphus has begun to crumble. June 4th marks the beginning of the inevitable collapse of the island as it starts to sink into the sea...coincidentally coinciding with the arrival of LifeAftr's newest adventurers. Between the dead trees surrounding Bliss's empty husk, great cracks in the earth start to widen, the dead god's absent root system leaving vast gaps underground which simply cannot support the life above.

It almost sounds like thunder rupturing from the ground itself, wild tremors preceding each vicious boom until gaping chasms lay between venturing parties and the safety of the mana pool - only water waits below, for those unlucky enough to lose their footing.

And if the immense pull of mile wide chunks of landmass sinking beneath the waves isn't enough to suck you down, the heavy rain of debris from Ziziphus's rapidly destabilizing edges will certainly help. Want to avoid a watery grave? What you need to do is simple:

Escape.

Sorry, newbies. If you showed up on Ziziphus, you're in for a very athletic entrance to LifeAftr.

Monsun: Just Like Every Other Morning Before
Adventurers aren't the only creatures on Ziziphus attempting to outrun its collapse. Creatures great and small, from the largest spindlank to the smallest tigerlily will be heading south in an attempt to escape the worst of the quakes. Unlike offshore adventurers, however, these poor creatures don't have a mana pool waiting for them to escape through. Their extinction, it seems, is imminent.

Unless you have something to say about it.

Already exhausted from their attempts to get through to and then actively dispose of their fellow god, the Storyteller will break their traditional manner of communication to announce a potential solution to this problem with a single broadcast to the Stones of Far Speech in a strained, weary tone:

"The mana pools on Monsun are now open. If you are willing, save what you can."

True to their word, characters will discover that the island of Monsun will be accessible once more for a short period of time. From prey to predator, obstruction to catastrophe - multiple species of flora and fauna can still be preserved, should you choose to do so.

Be wary of the psychological effects of both sides of the island. Those who are new to our setting and wish to explore, the island of Monsun has a peculiar side effect to its stark divide: the eastern half is rich in resources, but brings out the very worst of you, while the western half is a tumultuous wasteland that accentuates your best qualities. More information on said island can be found on its entry on the Locations page, or its introductory info post.

Due to these efforts, the Storyteller will not be available for contact from the 4th to the 18th of June. Item Requests will also be unavailable at this time. They will, however, make a rather strained announcement to ensure all are aware that access to both Ziziphus and Monsun will cease on June 10th.

Ensō: I Wonder What It Means If It's Gone
The native fauna of Ziziphus aren't the only ones on the move, it seems. Those who wander the shores of Ensō will be delighted to witness the appearance of creatures akin to both turtles and dugongs drifting through the waters, gravitating around the island's eastern coast, rapidly gaining in numbers over the following days.

Kaleidoshells have been unlocked in the bestiary!

With spring close to ending in the archipelago, these peaceful creatures are looking to make good use of their natural nesting areas; hope you're open to sharing the beach for a little while. While a few braver individuals will make their way to the shores between C4 and D1 to begin digging nests, the vast majority won't be coming to shore quite yet.

They do, however, make a very fine sight around the waters of Ensō, especially in the evening. Luminescent, their rainbow patterns glow underwater, drifting mood lights for the increasingly warmer evening breeze.

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 )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The bushes part silently and dark armored figure lit by the purple glow of the markings on his armor emerges from the forest. It turns towards Legion and pauses, taking a step back. The mask disengages vanishing entirely but, the dark haired, young man keeps his distance.]

Might not be a good idea to stick around this spot. We get a lot of foot traffic through here. Unless you're looking for help?

(For a second, they look at him and think Creator.

It takes less than a moment to realize the inaccuracy of this assumption, but they are wary.)

We are aware.

(They've been bugged by people a lot today.)

So you're just observing your new surroundings?

[We. He notices that and shuffles it away for later as he sheathes the knife in his hand into its place against the small of his back.]

Has anyone answered questions for you? They usually do that pretty quickly.

We are aware of our location, the "mana pools", and that many entities of varying species have been brought here against their will.

(Funny how they keep avoiding direct answers to these questions.)

Anything you want to know that wasn't covered?

[Looks like some of the basics were covered at least. He's not wary or worried about this one. He just hasn't seen functional tech even living tech here aside from Shiro's machine arm.]

We seek to avoid excessive exposure to saltwater and organic settlements.

(Not exactly the nicest way to put it, but ...yeah. Without the support of those they call friends, Legion apparently feels like reverting back to typical Geth isolationism.)

Can you handle animals being around? [He pulls his hood back and mentally reviews what parts of Enso he's been over. There's a lot of water around.]

I can think of a few areas I've been to that might work. But it's not a good idea to isolate yourself here.

Yes.

(They consider this, headflaps rippling. As a creature that relies on strength in numbers, the dangers of isolation are obvious. However, there are risks to living alongside organics.

Additionally...)

It is unlikely that complete isolation will be possible.

(Islands aren't exactly big, and there are a lot of people.)

...and it isn't wise. A lot of strange things happen here. If you're by yourself help will have a harder time getting to you. So, maybe not too far away. Would that be acceptable?

[Animals are alright. That widens things a little, he shifts his stance, leaning more to one side.]

I'll tell you what areas work out anyway, just. Letting you know all I can.

Affirmative. Geth are not intended to exist alone. However, prior experience indicates that when synthetic life is at risk, assistance is rarely forthcoming.

(It's going to be hard to convince them to trust that openly again.)

[He isn't the trusting sort himself. He knows keenly what being burned by others does to the mind. Keith falls silent.]

Okay.

[He drops to his knees slowly and draws out a map made on the back of an animal hide. He spreads it out on the ground and studies it carefully. His fingers trace over the marks and stop.]

Here. It's not far from the shore but it's entirely away from water and a ways from any the temple and areas we've taken to rebuilding. Unless you'd rather somewhere else.

I don't have an accurate count of the islets population or the old compound. You could even just stay by the temple and have access to an escape route at any time you needed it.

(He doesn't get offended, or question further, despite his own organic nature. They appreciate it, more than they are capable of expressing.

When he kneels, they do as well.)

Acknowledged. Thank you.

[He pulls out a second map and lays it by the first.] This is Monsun, another island. It messes with your head. I'm...not sure if you'll escape that.

Probably not. West side brings out the best in you. East...the worst. Crossing the river will mitigate the effects.

West side also has sand hydras beneath the surface. Might be best for you to stay here on Enso.

(As the listen to the description of 'Monsun' their headflaps lift, flutter.

They make careful note of everything he says.)

Affirmative.

[The headflaps lifting is kind of cute. He's not the sort to comment but he sees it.]

Before I get going again...do you have any other questions.

(Too bad, Legion would be delighted to know.)

...Designation?

(Oh look, you've made enough of an impression of being a decent person that this robot that doesn't seem to like organics apparently somewhat likes you.)

I'm Keith. ...I live on this islet, right here. [He traces his finger on the Enso map to the islets. His finger rests on the bottom islet on the east side, right near the tip of its eastern side.]

If you come there and are met by a tall, dark haired guy with a scar on his face and white bangs. That's Shiro. He's safe to talk to too.

And as dramatic and sometimes really annoying as the smaller, skinny, tan guy with brown hair is if you really need help, Lance will help.

...what's your designation?

(They listen carefully, filing the information away.)

Acknowledged. We are Legion ...relict of the Geth.

Thank you.

Glad to help and nice to meet you, Legion. [He carefully folds up his maps and puts them away. Time to go.]

I'll see you around.

June Intro: Let's Sea How Far We've Come

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