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

[lifeaftr_mods]

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!

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LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Comments

laurent | ota

[crosslaced]

[enso islet #1, nighttime]
[The seas have been brighter in the evenings. Laurent watches the turtles from the southeast point of islet 1; he perches on the land’s edge for an hour or two each night, tracing the slow drift of lights with his eyes.

At some point, some of the turtles grow brave enough to inspect the coasts. Curiously, the blonde brings some seaweed and shellfish out to meet them, and finds out they’re in the market for both. There’s no beachfront on the islets and just a few metres from land the tide is already up to his thighs, the water full of fairy lights as a small crowd gathers around him.

It's unusual for him to look so… relaxed. But he does.]

[shatteredlenses]

[If something happens often enough on the islet, Ignis will eventually hear about it, and so he finds himself, one night, near Laurent's watching place. At first, he just listens to the sound of the waves as they wash in and out. There is a difference in the sounds as the water washes around rock, shore, and someone decidedly neither. He's caught in this strange place with regards to Laurent right now. Anger, understanding, worry all swirl in his head, though he suspects only one of those emotions will bring approval from the blonde himself.

Well, until he decides how exactly to approach the question of what happened with Gladio, there is something else he wants to ask, something decidedly less sensitive in nature.]

Will you tell me what they look like?

[Ignis means the turtles, of course. He can't see them, but he's heard they are magnificent to behold.]

[crosslaced]

[Does he think Laurent won't realise it's an innocuous attempt to segue into whatever he really wants to talk about? Or maybe Ignis is just waiting for a good moment to attack and let the tide do the rest. Goddamn, he'd better not be a turtle-whisperer. Laurent knows of nothing that could disprove this, though Ignis’ familiars are mostly birds.

Either way, does Laurent trust like that? No. His reply is casual enough, even if his body language suggests otherwise.]

Their shells are iridescent. So like lights from a distant celebration, maybe.

[shatteredlenses]

[Ignis doesn't need to see Laurent's body language to know he's not nearly so relaxed as he sounds. They've talked enough that he realzies Laurent's never really relaxed around anyone and that's without the added unknown that is the Gladio situation. Whether Laurent believes it or not, though, Ignis isn't here to cause him any harm. What good will it do?]

That sounds quite amazing and it seems they are docile as well or else you wouldn't be out there with them. Are you thinking of taking one as a companion?

[As he speaks, Ignis finds a nearby rock to settle on since there's not really anywhere else to sit. The segue Laurent is waiting for, doesn't come though. Is there really something wrong with neighbors sharing some talk instead of just moving immediately into the whole 'stabbing of friends' issue?]

[crosslaced]

[Ding ding ding! An astute observation. Obviously, how else do you think he’s lived so long?

Now that he’s no longer paying attention to them- his focus is entirely on Ignis- the circle loosens. One of the turtles starts drifting away from the crowd. The other shoe hasn’t dropped yet but of course, the real games are long games. Laurent’s patient. He can go hours of small-talk and not give Ignis an inch, so really, be his guest. ]

Taking one from the ocean seems rather cruel. And where would I keep it?

[shatteredlenses]

Why would you take it from the ocean?

[Ignis seems genuinely perplexed by this and for the moment is distracted from the real reason he stopped by.]

I would think such a creature would be of more use in its natural habitat, and it's not like it is hard to reach the water from here. It could scout the waves and search for things for you.

[He laughs suddenly.]

At least, in a perfect world. I have no idea how easy it is to train a turtle.

[crosslaced]

... can Man think of no alternative to ownership? Or do we just assume deference to us is always the best arrangement?

[His tone here is…. complicated. He's pensive, and the ribbon of unease within it isn't quite anger or accusation, but.

Oh well. After a pause there's splashing as he heads back to shore.]

Don't bother answering, it was rhetorical.

[shatteredlenses]

I was thinking more along the lines of partnership, but call it what you will.

[Does he answer just because Laurent told him he didn't need to? Maybe, though the shrug of his shoulders makes one wonder if he may have just wanted to get that clarification out there before changing the topic for good.]

You're expecting me to yell at you about what happened with Gladio, aren't you?

[crosslaced]

And yet, your whole diatribe was about how they could be… “of more use”, was your words?

[Semantics.]

You do have a tendency to miss openings like this. It’s not my business if you do.

[shatteredlenses]

[Ignis raises an eyebrow at Laurent, but decides to let his 'addition' go unremarked upon.]

From what I've heard, Prompto gave you a thorough yelling at already. Congratulations. Few people have genuinely been able to make him angry. It takes real skill.

For my part, while I believe your reaction was a bit much, I also know well how hands on Gladio can be. He has a big heart and doesn't always stop to think that not everyone is comfortable with a man his size suddenly touching them no matter how friendly the contact.

[crosslaced]

Making people detest me is my best skill, just above squandering my gifts and lying.

[Once again, the smugness in his voice is a complicated affair. Perhaps the perceptive man can detect a hint of irony within. But his next sentence is hard and uncompromising. Can't you put aside whatever family quarrel you have and let your uncle help you, Damen had said in Arles, and honestly they are cut from the same cloth. He’s truly a good man. You are misguided, give him a chance. Laurent’s heard it all.]

I don't care how you think Gladiolus is amazing and beyond fault. If he touches me again the consequences will be the same.

[shatteredlenses]

You do so enjoy your 'I'm a terrible person' act, don't you?

[Ignis shakes his head and signs. Honestly, he's used to dealing with Ardyn. The act doesn't work with him anymore.]

For your information, Gladio is a lot more intelligent than most give him credit for. I have talked to him about it and I highly doubt he will make the same mistake again. Now, I know you are an intelligent man as well, so I will only say this once. I will not be so forgiving a second time. Trust issues and trauma are one thing, but if Ardyn can refrain from stabbing him, you too should have the ability.

[crosslaced]

Mmhm.

[It isn't clear at what point Laurent goes from neutral to unfriendly again. Once Ignis is done, there's a short silence- then the voice Laurent uses is his Politics voice, toneless and impersonal. At some point something went wrong, and now all of his guards are back up.]

Oh, I know that. What else do you want to make clear to me?

[deathfindsaway]

[Kravitz finds himself in largely the same boat; he's not typically given the time to breathe, to find himself at peace here. This isn't a place he usually goes- despite being here two months, he doesn't tend to explore, staying within the confines of his camp most of the time. But this time, he's following the turtles down the shorelines from where he'd seen them appear nearer to where he's been living. He almost doesn't see Laurent until he's close, stopping abruptly as he sees the other man ahead as he stands just beside the shore.

He thinks about just bolting, but he's pretty sure the other man has noticed by now, so he feels he should probably Say something.]

They're awfully comfortable. Around you, I mean.

[Nailed it.]

[crosslaced]

[ That's a man who doesn't look half bad. He also looks like the sad schmuck at a party who doesn't want to talk to anyone but gets cornered by the cordial, and honestly that's relatable.

They've bumped into each other, though, and even if they both want it Laurent also doesn't want to be the asshole. The one who says outright they don't want to talk, that one.]

I suspect it's the food. [Conversationally, like a guy whose strongest stat is Charisma. The blonde flicks some seaweed into the water as demonstration and the turtles are interested enough to investigate.] You'd be surprised how many animals respond well to food. I don't think they'll come onto the shore, though.

[deathfindsaway]

[Sadly, Kravitz is a strong Wis/Dex and not much else. Charisma is statistically his dump stat, like a trainwreck.]

Right, right. I imagine they came this close anyway for something regardless, so it would make sense they're investigating. Or food, or. You know, a reason.

[And there it is in action, folks, the disaster of the week. He clears his throat, trying to cover that with something less stupid to say.]

You certainly seem to have earned their trust, at least. It's not an easy thing to do.

[crosslaced]

[That’s pathetic.

But it's not as bad as Damen mansplaining Laurent's own assassination attempt to him, there's that. The blonde smiles.]

I've had the fortune to spend more time with animals than I used to. I've picked up a thing or two.

[Have some charity, guy.]

Would you like to try your luck with them? They're not aggressive so far.

[deathfindsaway]

[He's Very bad at this and too gay to function. Please have pity. He hums along to the first part, but looks a little taken aback at the second.]

Wh-- me? Oh, I, I don't know if that would work, necessarily. Most animals don't tend to like me. I'm good with birds, though.

[Mostly because animals can sense death better than people and start wigging out. Then again, he's pretty fleshy here, so maybe they won't absolutely lose it.]

I wouldn't want to disturb your good time, as it were.

[crosslaced]

That’s a shame.

[Now’s a bad time to mention that he’s an androgynously pretty kind of dude with luxuriant pale hair, huh.

Laurent checks Kravitz out enough to figure he doesn’t have any obviously turtle-unfriendly artifacts, but on the chance that he does, or is allergic to reptiles or something, the blonde throws him two bones. At least there’s one functional gay in this acquaintanceship.]

I don’t mind if you want to try, though.

Come here often?

[deathfindsaway]

[Yeah, don't even get him started on that part, okay. He's a queer mess and obviously into feminine beauty type guys, considering Taako knocks him off his ass at every opportunity. But it's only going to get worse if he keeps denying shit, so Kravitz sighs, giving a little shrug.]

I mean, I, ah-- sure, why not, what could... no, we'll leave that there.

[He kicks off his shoes and socks, rolling up his pantlegs. The least amount of water damage here is preferrable. Then, he very carefully starts heading through the water as he answers.]

I live on Enso, actually, but I don't get out so much. It's not always safe to travel alone.

[crosslaced]

[Enso? He doesn’t know that the Walmart Elves live out there on the mainland like gremlins (albeit civilised ones, their tent’s pretty nice now), and instead assumes that maybe this man lives in the monkey compound? Who knows. Laurent steps closer to Kravitz, holding out some seaweed loosely wrapped in a broad leaf.]

Enso? That’s unusual. Most of us live on the islets, to my knowledge.

[deathfindsaway]

[He's like half of a Walmart Elf at this point, even if they won't leave him with the store yet. Not that he wants it. He just likes being respected enough to be trusted over a child, who gets more clout than him. Regardless, he takes the seaweed gently, standing a little rigid as to avoid water soaking his clothes.]

I don't really know where others live, to be honest-- my boyfriend's friend brought me to their camp when I arrived. Admittedly, I've explored a bit, but it seemed strange to just wander into what could be someone's home.

[Kravitz you've been here two months. How have you spoken to this few people in two months. KRAVITZ.]

[crosslaced]

[A boyfriend? Interesting, and on retrospect unsurprising. Laurent sprinkles some food into the water to lure the turtles near, since Kravitz continues to look mildly lost; at this rate the best thing to do might be to hurry him out of the water.]

Most of us live on the islets up north- it’s hardly civilisation, but I believe we’re very open to visitors. The population in general is.

You don’t have to camp out in the forests, if you don’t prefer it. [They do prefer it, but you wouldn’t be able to tell that the TAZ cast aren’t just camping because they can’t find the goddamn player housing, not from this guy alone. ]

[deathfindsaway]

[Laurent moves and Kravitz remembers suddenly they weren't just standing there in the water for no reason, hurrying to open the leaf to toss a piece into the water.]

I may look into it, but-- I think they prefer it. They're a bit of a... not jumpy, but private bunch. It's been kind of wild enough already, I can't imagine adding others to the mix.

[He's at least trying not to throw the plants directly at the turtles' heads. That's the best he's gonna do here.]

[crosslaced]

Ah. Well, if there’re any problems to be had, you now know where the rest of us are. Look, the turtles don’t mind you much.

[He can understand that. He can also understand that Kravitz’ best is not very good. No judgement, some people just fuck up their charisma rolls, he's in a decent mood so it's fine. Laurent watches the turtles circle them leisurely, and gently strokes a passing shell with his fingertips.]

What’s your name?