lifeaftr | Returning Island: Ai'tuoh

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Returning Island: Ai'tuoh

RETURNING ISLAND: AI'TUOH

Who: Everyone!
What: Ai'tuoh returns to the archipelago of LifeAftr
When: March 20th, and onward
Where: Oh, what revolution you inspired...
Warnings: Please mark if anything comes up!

Pull Color From the Summer Skies
Ah, Ai'tuoh. A grim island to visit, indeed. The last time adventurers were here, they discovered a city full of draconian rules and a well-armed city militia more than capable of apprehending as many of those lawbreakers as possible. The island was left in a fiery conflagration following a bold rescue attempt of many of those imprisoned lawbreakers, most of whom happened to be the adventurers themselves. This sparked a subsequent conflict within the city itself, a boiling revolution that could very easily have changed the entire course of that city's history.

In a way, it did. At least, that's what you'll have to assume. The Ai'tuoh that characters discover, should they venture into the city, will be...completely empty. And not just that - it'll look as though it's been empty for a while. Almost as if generations upon generations have passed since you visited.

This means that you'll have, of course, free rein of the city. While most of the buildings are weathered by time - many of the older houses built from clay and such have decayed significantly - some are intact enough to have left some interesting tidbits for adventurers to gather.

At the city's heart, a pair of statues have been erected. Though just as weather-beaten as many of the rest of the city structures, it is still evident that one is of an elderly woman, and the other of a shorter though no less elderly person. The woman bears a torch; the other bears an open book. At their feet is an inscription:

To Commemorate the Liberation of A.E 2301

On the nineteenth day of the third month of the year of 2301, the Strangers who had come to our lands from parts unknown were doomed to be purged in the ancient artifact, that gift from the most Holy, the Standing Water. Rather than be cowed into subordination, the Strangers reached forth. They beckoned for us to throw off our shackles of Unerring Laws, and celebrate in freedom of mind and choice and body and soul.

We honor those Strangers for showing us that light. We honor also our great matriarch, MARI ZALIN, who led us to a new age, as well as her sibling and successor, KIRAN THE NINTH.

May we remember always their leadership and honor. May we walk free of either god that once ruled us, and free of the sins of our ancestors. May we choose our own path forevermore.

It's clear that both of these statues have been here for a long, long time.

Cold-Blooded in the Wave
The good news here is that the city that was once strictly controlled is free for exploration to any traveler's content! Though weathered with age and not nearly as plentiful as they were the days that adventurers first visited, you are all nonetheless free to wander the city of Ai'tuoh at your leisure.

[ ♆ ] Housing: The simple abodes have mostly succumbed to the elements and the inevitable forward march of time, but there are nonetheless plenty of small tools and useful tidbits that travelers can pick from the old ruins - old eating utensils, jugs, simple toys such as balls and creatures carved from wood. In case there was any doubt that the fiery revolution did indeed improve the quality of life, some houses will also feature murals and effigies that might seem familiar: depictions of white-haired boys, men in sweeping coats relishing in apparent destruction, lanky teenagers striking off in boats, and so on and so forth. It might be a bit odd to see yourself or people you know (or knew) portrayed in the form of dolls and paintings and tapestries...but that's exactly what this is. You all became household names, figures of legend whose stories were passed down across generations.

[ ♆ ] Library: While most of the older parchments and books have moldered away over time, some of the more well-protected and well-preserved writings have remained untroubled. Those seemingly infinite rulebooks that listed the same tired laws are utterly absent, replaced with thick tomes full to bursting of the island's rich history. Again, travelers who pick through the library may very well recognize writings that paint their exploits in rescuing their fellow adventurers from the Standing Water as a heroic turning point. Any writings that deal with the aftermath will focus on Mari Zalin and her younger sibling, known as Kiran the Ninth and their efforts in rebuilding society from the ground up - their rejection of the strict laws that once defied them and the sealing off of the Standing Water.

[ ♆ ] Markets and Warehouses: Just like before, most of the supplies to be found here are rather derelict with age. That does not mean that one can't find something useful, however. Old weapons and the odd item of furniture, as well as simplicities such as water canteens, sturdy jars or mortar and pestles can be found, cleaned, fixed up, and made use of, if travelers wish. Lucky folks might find larger tools such as cauldrons or anvils. If they don't mind cleaning off a little rust, those can make for some very useful things to have on hand!

[ ♆ ] Farms: What were once well-kept farms have now become horribly overgrown, though thankfully purely in the colloquial sense. The neat rows of crops have become thriving carpets of weeds. The area has now become little more than an enclosure for herds of cattle and livestock of a similar ilk, all of which have thrived with plenty of greenery to graze upon and who doubtless have not seen a human soul even once in their lives.

[ ♆ ] Docks: Most of the docks are in a rather sorry state. The boats that still remain relatively seaworthy could do with a great deal of repair before we recommend you try taking them on any ocean voyages. Nonetheless, you're free to claim any one of these vessels for your own, provided you're interested in patching it up to sail it back to Ensō or the islets yourself! The inn that stood near them is still intact enough to go combing through, if desired. Most of the place is pretty devoid of much in the way of anything scavengable...unless any of you manage to locate the cellar, where the real prize here lies. There, you'll find barrels upon barrels of finely aged liquor. An old, corroded plaque will label the contents of these barrels as SPICED KENNING RUM. Rich in flavor and sharp in taste, those of you willing to figure out how to transfer these spoils to Ensō will discover that this liquor is both delicious and very potent.

[ ♆ ] Barracks: It looks as though the old cells that were once used to hold lawbreakers have long since been done away with, replaced with more storage rooms and dormitories. The maze-like interior has likewise fallen away to a much more standard layout to illustrate the changed times. The barracks now contain significantly less in the way of weaponry than they once did, though that's not to say they don't contain any. Those of you devoted to picking apart anything of use will discover that there are some old racks of sturdy shields of all shapes and sizes that might be able to be fixed up and taken back to Ensō, as well as some very simplistic, aged firearms that are more than a little reminiscent of certain types of hand cannons. Nonetheless, you can find plenty of gunpowder and ammunition in the barracks supply rooms as well. So try not to shoot your eye out if you decide to keep any of this stuff, all right?

The private docking, just like the public docks above, have mostly degraded to a point of unusability. Nonetheless, the small islet located to the northeast of Ai'tuoh will only be reachable by boat...or by wings, if you've got them. You can also venture there via hang glider, as long as you set off for the islet somewhere between the 22nd and the 31st.

Unfortunately (or perhaps, fortunately), it looks as though the underground chamber housing the Standing Water has been utterly sealed off, and has been for some time. A heavy stone gate has been laid into place, and cannot be budged by ordinary means. An ancient plaque declares the following:

SEALED BY ORDER OF KIRAN THE NINTH

Following the Liberation of A.E 2301, we hereby reject the practice of casting our unruly to the Standing Water. May this cursed place remain as ever a reminder of our sins.

Of course, just because this gate cannot be breached by sheer force doesn't mean it can't be opened. Those of you interested in doing so can reach out to us if desired!

Watch the Beauty Drown
Of course, there's a lot going on in the background as well. Characters are not required to go to Ai'tuoh; you're free to explore any other minor events listed on our Monthly Rundown post. You are also always free to create your own individual logs and posts as needed!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them over on our Monthly Rundown post!

LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I. The Needle Spins from the Center

[ It's with a deep exhale that Shiemi finally comes to a stop in front of a particular pair of statues at the center of this strange city on this island that, to her, seems rather unassuming and leans forward, placing her hands on her knees, huffing gently. The small green figure that had been seated on her shoulder latches onto the collar of her kimono, dangling for a very brief moment with a questioning exclamation of "nee" that she realizes immediately. ]

Oh! I'm sorry, Nee-chan.

[ She says it sheepishly, reaching with both hands to offer the Greenman a little platform to stand on. It's graciously accepted with another, happier monosyllabic exclamation as the blond continues to huff, albeit more softly now, still trying to catch her breath. She's carrying some things, after all. She hadn't really been sure where to leave them. She isn't as weak-bodied as she used to be, but that rope especially is a bit of weight and she's been walking fast and steady with determination, searching for whatever it is that brought herself and... there are others, she's sure of it because that cute rabbit, the Storyteller, had said so... to this place. ]

But... what should we do?

[ She sighs softly, a certain realization having dawned as she turns her eyes up at those statues. ]

I-I'm not really sure what we should be looking for.

[ It's a soft, somewhat sheepish admittance as her eyes find the inscription in front of the statue of the pair of elderly woman. It isn't just that, though. Glancing briefly up at the faces of those figures, it's the absence of people here that presses on her again. It's strange, isn't it? In a city so big, where people have obviously lived, there isn't a soul around. Maybe if she reads this...? It's here at the center, so she thinks it's probably very important. ]

II. There's No Place Like (A)

[ But just because Shiemi isn't sure what she should be looking for doesn't mean she's about to stop looking. Finding out what's bringing people to the Storyteller and this place is important, but other questions have also worked their way into her mind as she's walked the island, this city. Like, what happened that people don't seem to live here anymore? There are buildings, houses, farms, docks with boats, and a lot of plant and animal life around, but no people. Everything is so overgrown, like maybe it was abandoned...?

It seems lonely. No one's been here for a very long time, but that knowledge doesn't do terribly much to encourage Shiemi past the closed door of the house in front of which she's standing, gazing. As she starts to lift a hand, closing it into a fist, Nee pipes up and she jumps. ]

Nee-chan, y-you surprised me!

[ "Nee?" She doesn't lower her fist at the Greenman's question, letting it settle against the door. ]

Even though I know no one's here, it... still seems sort of rude to go in without knocking.

III. ANIMAL CR*SSING: the Shiemi Moriyama Edition, FRIEND CODE ???

[ Should you happen upon a particular farmstead today, there's a highly questionable sight available for general viewing. Namely, there is one (1) very dirty Shiemi Moriyama leading what appears to be a baby goat? Sheep? Some kind of four-legged baby livestock in some seemingly miscellaneous direction using some sort of apparently delicious plant treat that said baby is quite taken with. There is no telling how many hours she has put into winning this wild baby animal's trust unless a person is capable of accurately measuring time based on the amount of dirt and mussed hair she's got going on. ]

Come on. Just a little further and you'll be with the rest of your family.

[ Because leading a missing baby animal back to a herd where there are territorial males ready to aggressively defend said herd is an incredibly wise and safe thing. Nee pipes up encouragingly!! ]

IV. WHOOPSY-DAISY

[ It sounds like what Shiemi might have imagined a cannon to sound like before the gun -- cannon?? Went off in her presently shaking hands, hands that are both unskilled and unprepared to accept the recoil that blows her several feet back and onto her rear. The projectile very narrowly misses both her and Nee and pierces the ceiling overhead and to one side, but she hasn't really processed that between the gunpowder she's inhaling and the bits of ceiling raining down on her and she isn't really sure of her grip at the moment, whether to grip or let go --

Her hands decide to grip the weapon lowered sort of into her lap despite the ringing in her ears and how she's trembling. Nee is only just now popping out of her hair, coughing alongside her with the occasional exclamation of concern, and this, this is the state they are likely to be in should anyone happen to take an interest in a weapon being fired inside the barracks.

Maybe don't surprise her? That's a loaded weapon in those bruising, still trembling hands of hers, after all. ]

V. WILD CARD

[ Looking for something else? Drop me a starter or hit me up at

c_anon to plot something out. I'm easy! ]

[Yukio, of course, runs towards the sound of the explosion, mind already rushing through potential causes and ideas of triage, ready for anything.

Anything except rushing into a room and finding...]

Shiemi-san!? [Okay, wait, get confused later, assess the scene right now.]

Are you all right?

[ Her ears are still ringing, but she can sort of hear what maybe sort of sounds like her name? Someone's... here? That isn't Nee's voice. The smoke's mostly cleared, but when she turns her eyes, she isn't expecting -- ]

Yuki-chan?!

[ Yuki-chan, who she'd seen not that long ago, who'd been so upset, who she hadn't been able to understand, to help, and... and she'd messed up. She really messed up and that feeling starts to well up inside her alongside a certain realization as she sits there on the ground, gun in her still trembling hands, looking up at him.

Yuki-chan... looks different, very different from how he did when she last saw him. A little older maybe...? Bigger somehow and kind of pale, but it's more than that. Across his face, there's blue and above that, an eye set in his forehead, and that... are those tiny eyes in place of his moles? She isn't sure, not with the smoke having irritated her eyes and her hands too occupied to maybe touch them up with the corner of her sleeve, but she is sure that's a tail, black and kind of fluffy behind him. ]

I...

[ She wants to answer his question. She needs to answer his question despite the many she finds herself not quite grasping in this moment from the shock from firing and consequences of the recoil of that weapon. The Storyteller hadn't said -- and she hadn't hit her head just now, she's sure of it -- ]

I think I'm okay.

[ She thinks? Her voice is a bit quiet and she really isn't completely sure between her shock and surprise. She hasn't quite started to feel the bruising setting in, but it's already visible. ]

Good. [He says, taking charge of the situation.]

Put that down. [he reaches out, to steady her as he looks over her quickly. There's no time for concerns or emotional moments, not when he still has to make sure she's safe.] We need to get out of here before the entire ceiling collapses. Are you hurt anywhere?

[ Regardless of what hadn't happened, Shiemi knows. There's no question, no doubt that this it's definitely Yuki-chan here in the flesh and that tone, that take charge attitude helps rouse her the sort of odd daze that had taken her between her shock and surprise. It helps her find her fingers and her fingers find the weapon in her hands, hands she's realizing are throbbing, stiff, kind of aching, enough to see her flinch when she grasps it to place it down. ]

My hands...

[ They're bruised, bruising, but there's no time for that. Pieces of ceiling are still sort of raining down on them ominously, she can feel it. The gun's a heavy weight in her hands, but she gives her head two shakes and sort of heaves the weapon onto the floor beside her with as much care as she can manage. At least it doesn't go off again? ]

It's just my hands.

[ And her butt, actually, but that's not important. ]

I can definitely walk, so...!

Shiemi Moriyama | OTA | I'll Match Formatting!

IV whoopsy-daisy is right shiemi honey no

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tim wright | ota

i

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i

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Keith Kogane | Ota | Will match formatting

the road that we walk

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Aziraphale | OTA | Will match format

ii; 12 years later

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