Complete Megathread Story Quest (Active World Event) As the World Turns

[Ishtar]

AP:: 0/3 0 AP spent
Location: Surrounding Area
Prompt: Lander Exodus
Narrator Tag: N/A

Niko sat amidst the other landers. Other landers, it was a novel way of thinking about things. He had to admit that he hadn't thought about it that way when he had suffered his third death. Becoming locked had been terrifying, a moment of hopelessness that stretched out for eternity. He was still himself as far as he could tell, and his so-called friends had insisted that he was no different than the man they knew. But now, sitting here, he thought about how awkward they had been around him. How suspicious.

He pressed his lips together hard and wrapped his arms around his legs as footsteps approached. He glanced up as the pair that had been accompanying the Pale Lady stopped at his side. Jacques and Teresa. Jacques stared at him for a long while, it was the stare of a man trying to reconcile two very conflicting emotions. Finally, Jacques knelt down;

"You aren't one of them anymore, are you?" The hatchetman asked.

"That's what she said," Niko said quietly.

"You don't think so?" Teresa asked, hands on her hips.

"I... believe her, I feel different than I did before... just..." He hesitated, "I still have my Starcalled powers."

"And?" Jacques asked.

Niko stared at him and let out a breath, "...you seem awfully okay with it. I figure you have a problem with the Starcalled."

Jacques narrowed his eyes and stood up, "I do. I always will. But I see now that once they fall that third time they become one of us, then they will be made to understand the cruelty they've brought upon us. Our Lady made that clear to me."

Teresa glanced to the right at the robed man that had been threatened by the Starcalled earlier.

He stared back at her, rubbing his fingers over the holy symbol hanging around his neck. He looked down at it bitterly. "My god did not raise a finger for me in that moment," The man said in a hollow voice. "Invisible, and untouchable. But yours..."

Teresa snorted and glanced towards the glowing being standing before a crowd of landers, her hands outstretched as her gentle voice rolled over them. She smiled a little, "I... don't think she is a God, friend. But whatever she is, she is what we need."

Rolls

Ishtar's inner circle grows as she evangelizes her word througout yet another group of landers.

Roll Result
1d3 (1) = 1
Impact Landers | Ishtar | Lander Exodus

 

[Chrys]

《⋯《 ⋯ ❖ ⋯ 》⋯》

❰ Adventurers Guild ❱

AP: 1/3 (-2) (also spending 2 WP)
Location: High March
Prompt: Greed of the Pauper
Narrator Tag: @Pandora* @Skyswimsky*

Chrystopheles Goldenbooty made his way to High March with a few miners in tow. Most of those miners were landers employed by his Golden God Mining Company in Lyrwick, which meant that even though they may fear his status as a Traveler or a Starcalled or the God of Rocks, they still feared being unemployed and going hungry even more. What a perfect situation for a stone-cold-hearted capitalist like the massive mountain man.

Soldiers of gold, huh? With no visible flesh? Does that mean that if we can knock them unconscious and drag them all the way back to Lyrwick, we can sell them for a lot of money?

Chrys was under the impression that since these soldiers had no flesh, they were most likely automatons, and therefore, they could be sold like property. This was of course a very problematic view, as he also held the same belief with the magia, most especially one Tetsunosuke whom he tried to sell that one time while they were unconscious. Fortunately for Tetsunosuke, Chrys was stopped by his own overthinking. Otherwise...

"Greetings, peasantry! I have come to meet with these so-called golden soldiers who are rounding up the impoverished miscellany of this once-great nation in the hopes of making a very profitable business deal for them and for myself. So, if any of you illiterates can just point me in their direction, that would be greatly appreciated."

Asking around seemed like a fool's errand to Chrys, so instead, he went the route of harnessing his Starlit Troupe background and playing the fool of a merchant. Instead of wasting his time banking on his luck that a random lander would offer him some information, he thought that making a grand entrance as a truly despicable character would gain him more attention. After all, these days, people tend to pay more attention to dumbasses than actual talent.

Rolls

As a businessman capitalist man of commerce himself, Chrys was informed through Endra's Favor of the presence of these golden soldiers in High March, and after remembering how @Kamala Graham had once told him of that time she fought golden soldiers with other "cute girls", he decided to take it upon himself to rock their world. The soldiers', not the girls'. -2 AP & -2 WP (I think?)!

Roll Result
1d100 (72) 5 = 77
Chrys | Greed of the Pauper

 

[Seigi Ling Ling]

AP: 1/3 (2 AP spent)
Location:
Camp Hope
Prompt:
Melodious Excitement
Narrator Tag:
@Pandora*

As Seigi continued to interact with Hylia, she noticed how more and more eyes set their sights on her. Uncomfortable, would be the thought of a normal person, but Seigi wasn't a normal person! If anything, she enjoyed more attention?

"Awhh..." Though she dropped her shoulders for a second as Saya was pretty much M.I.A. "I, uh, don't celebrity-sing, that's a you-thing! The Seigi-thing would be to sing together!" She pressed on, before Hylia became a bit more docile again. Something about the whole dissonance and lots of other words Seigi wasn't too sure about.

Unless she was directly told to go, the young woman wouldn't understand though. "O.A.? Evil queenie? What are you talking about? And also, I have to let you know that the little bit of Dissonance I carry has been there for five or so years! And I am mighty fine." Seigi crossed her arms and pouted ever so slightly.

"Sure there's the occasional bad thought and tendency, BUT nothing you can just say 'No.' to and carry on with CONVICTION, Guts, and Effort!" Really. "I've... seen people that got hit really bad. But I am in no danger whatsoever!" If Nanami wasn't actively trying to hide for the time being, she would have surely inserted a snarky comment.

Rolls

Roll Result
1d100 (22) = 22 +25 + 10 = 57
Seigi asks Hylia to have a concert together, also asking for O.A. and to elaborate on the evil queenie bit, while telling Hylia she carried around Dissonance for five or so years but hasn't become edgy yet.

 

[Pandora*]

ACTIVE WORLD
Surrounding Area: For the Fallen| @Catherine Haust

"Good night, my Goddess."

You were floating.

It was so bright you might as well be in complete darkness. Were you asleep? Perhaps you had forgotten to log out, or perhaps you didn't. It's all very difficult to discern but your mind and your soul are still "you".

You see it in the distance as the light starts to part and a glimmering golden structure comes into view. It looks so familiar to you. Yes, it was a Courthouse. Where was it? Where were you? Was it a sign from the goddess you cherished so to offer such deep and continuous prayer?

Regardless you won't find the answers in this state and so...

You wake, right where you had laid yourself.

Your UI tells you you might need to log out soon. You haven't gone to the bathroom in some time.

<???? was unlocked. When and where? Who can say?>​

 

[Rael]

Independent Agent
Storyteller, Scribe & Record Keeper for hire.

AP: 0/3

-1AP​

Location:

Camp Hope IV+​

Prompt:

Camp EX+ Champion Edition Redux​

Narrator Tag:

N/A.​

He cannot deny her, or enact his will without her permission. His combat prowess, his urge to protect, all shackled by virtue of the pact forged with one another. Written in blood, for the sake of the vestige he could recognize the visage of his mother in, stone torn asunder as he watched on.

Rael sees the anger rise in her construct's eyes, follows his line of sight to see him stare at the distant figure of the man still spouting his curses at the two, and says nothing.

Act, and condemn them and every other Starcalled within the immediate vicinity to possible hostility with the new arrivals from Tertoria, if such sentiments hadn't already leaked to the young envoys. Act on impulse, on the desire to quieten the accusations, and... Prove him right.

She couldn't ask for forgiveness, either.

She would, if she felt guilty.

That's scary.

The elf holds her tongue, because to speak lies in the presence of those suffering from the fallout of her decisions would alleviate no one's pain.

When she thinks of those trapped in the game, of their real circumstances, it is impossible to feel some semblance of shame rising at the back of her throat. Genuine, or not, it sits quietly and prickles her skin with indecision at the worst moments, reminding her that she didn't have the right to do what she had done.

And then she remembers.

She remembers the consideration quickly given to the potential benefits of such a choice. She thinks of the testimonies heard over the passing of months, of the battles fought, and she remembers her want for a solution to it all.

She remembers how, when presented with a unique opportunity to grasp at it, she had reached for it.

And didn't look back.

The consequences, the pain, the loss, the destruction... All of it had come as an afterthought.

Her hand parts over an emptied tent's flaps, stepping inside its obscured interior.

---

Rolls

— Action: The Warrior & Summoner duo arrive at the tents that once served as the communication hub within the camp.​

Roll Result
1d100 (28) = 28
Rael | Camp EX | 1815

Roll Result
1d100 (74) = 74
Rael | Camp EX | 1815 | Adv. Roll

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

AP:: 1/3
2 AP spent
Location: High March
Prompt: Greed of the Pauper
Narrator Tag: @Pandora*

One second, one blink, and her blade went through an invisible neck and dropped a helmet on the floor. The surprise, accompanied with the fact this armor turned out to be a talkative ginger, didn't quite match up. Her namecalling went unheard, but her single eye fixated itself onto her the second she regained control over herself.

"Calm down. Breathe." She sheathed Last Hope before anything else could happen, digging in what exposition this young woman gave her out of nowhere. If this wasn't a pocket issue, then Endra's Favor weren't aware of it, or worse, turned a blind eye to it. "You speak like you know what you are doing, despite having a bunch of tincan killers nearby." Which sounded, frankly, just as suspicious as the soldiers themselves.

For one, why wouldn't she be under control of whatever these Landers are right now..?

"First, I want to know who this 'she' is before you start explaining anything else. And second, assuming that armor works to get past these guards, I'm gonna need it." She said, cutting straight to the point as her gaze flickered across their surroundings, but nothing seemed to stand out beyond the conga Landers themselves. None of them more aware than the last.

"One last thing... You said they were nuts. What did you heard them speak about?" Afterall, some elaboration could clarify why exactly they would 'gut her in a second'. She didn't want to answer with violence, but as it stands, it would leave her with no choice should she not be able to move past them and follow the Landers to wherever they are being led.

Someone pulling the strings, a girl who somehow knows more than she lets past her tongue, and a group of soldiers attacking anything that isn't under a spell. Given the fact they are under one, that means they are safer like this than with her intervention, for the time being.

Her hand went back to her sword's hilt once again...

Rolls

Fiora prepares herself for a confrontation, but first sought some answers out of the ginger woman herself before deciding the best course of action.

Roll Result
1d100 (82) 50 + 10 = 142

Fiora Di Angelo | Greed of the Pauper | 1815

 

[Avius]

AP:: 2/3
-1 Druid
7 Free actions (Darkness -Magia without a cause -[594 roll count])
Location: Nearby Hall of heroes
Prompt: To the fallen
Narrator Tag: Um... please no...?

Forest nearby Hall of Heroes

125 / 125

_____Druid did not like the lecture that followed his last prayer, not only from Sparkpaw but several people around him for mentioning the other god and then going on his tangent as if the gods actually heard him. Druid found it hard to believe it but if they had been so keen on the matter he would simply take his praying elsewhere as he was clearly not welcome after his last rant. Sparkpaw was a bit mad at him for moving away again but when Druid translated for the rabbit they understood and let him move to the woods.

_____Druid was more at home away from people, listening to the sounds of nature with the distant sounds of construction and repairs behind him as he found a nice bright spot to do his next prayer. His last two had been more for the people who had fallen, a general attempt to pray for them but his next would be for his fellow Faerin who may have passed away in the battle. Setting out a few things like berries and flowers on the rock he was kneeling near and started his prayer.

"Dear Goddess Rhiannon, I dedicate this prayer to you, though many claim you gone those of the Faerin still worship you as do I. As you sacrificed yourself for the Faerin as the story goes many of our kind had fallen during the battle and I hope they found safety in your embrace. To least know their suffering and constant hate towards them is if only a little unbinding them and you for their deeds..."

_____Druid would move to set a few more items on the rock to make more of a alter, watching as Sparkpaw even took it on themselves to set down a few wooden figures that Druid had made for her but was happy they offered them as a sort of tribute to the goddess. Druid's ears shifted under his hood as the winds would reveal his Faerin features for the first time in so long. He was one, but was an outcast even among them as he would settle down and planned to keep praying to the goddess for comfort.

Rolls

Druid TRIES to talk to someone he has never meet, seen, heard, knowledge of really... Comedy ensue.

Roll Result
1d100 (86) = 86
Prayer to Rhiannon | Druid | To the fallen

 

[Vashti]

AP:: 2/3
1 AP spent.
Location:
Finweald, MIT HQ
Prompt:
For Science!
Narrator Tag:
N/A

"A couch here," she instructed one of her automatons as they moved in tandem with her instructions. Where she pointed, they delivered. Steadily carrying and straightening furniture to make the area look not only presentable, but such that people would feel encouraged to rest there. "And here, and that rectangular table right in the middle. Perfect~"

As she busied herself with furnishing the commons, Vashti took the time to look around and take in the goings-on around the room. What had been an emptied out shell prior to her efforts, and nearly a ruin before she came to the Facility was now shaping up to be a desirable location. There were scholars and academics of many kinds already taking breaks and sipping coffee, tea, and other hot drinks around the tap; and when she looked off toward the labs, she was rewarded with the bustle of commerce. People were starting to use the things she had built.

That all of them had built- together.

It was enough to make her smile to herself. "Fulfilling, isn't it?" Vashti looked toward her mentor with a bright smile as the researcher brought over a drink for the woman, inviting her to take a break. "When people use the things you work hard on, and it makes life easier, or even better. That's the feeling so many people chase for their entire lives. I almost envy you, aside from the fact that construction isn't something I would enjoy."

"It's not as manual as I expected it to be," Vashti offered.

"I'm built for books and forums, not heavy machinery. My ideas are theories to be tested and proven, not inspiration to be brought to life by my hands."

"And I never thought I'd come anywhere near science, or building things, but here I am!" she chuckled. "You never know. One day, you might just surprise yourself."

"Perhaps one day," the woman agreed. "but between communicating between you and the design team and my own, everyday duties, I certainly don't have the time to spare."

"Am I keeping you?" Vashti asked suddenly, concerned.

"No, no," she shook her head. "Please, think nothing of it. That I can offer you insights and advice that will benefit the Institute means more than any shred of free time that I have."

"Careful with that martyr complex," the foxgirl joked, "you lectured me just the other day about obsession."

"Touche."

Rolls

Vashti puts the finishing touches on the common area of the MIT compound, allowing for people to rest and relax between their projects, shifts, and other duties. She plans to work on the classrooms and laboratories next to complete her share of the work.


1d100 (78) + 20 + 5 = 103
Knowledge | Vashti | For Science!

 

[Aalam Abungu]

Working Man
An old duty

AP: 0/3
3 AP spent.
Location:
Surrounding area/ on the bridge between Astorea and Tertoria,
Prompt:
A prominent Gardibrook figure approaches the location. T
Narrator Tag: @Pandora*

He took another long pull from his pipe, letting that smoke work its way into his lungs. That was something a pleasure he could only come from this game. He needed to get something done, and there was little else he could do for the bridge; there had been enough work put in that he could leave it alone for a while. Blowing out a smoke ring into the air as he turned his attention to the trees around him; they were going to need wood where he ended up, but for now, he was going to allow himself to take a second ad to think about nothing to let that peace wash over him for just a few minutes before he returned to the capital. He had been there when the palace fell, after all, and that was where he was sending people, so he would have to deal with that mess back there. They would need hands that were used to just working, and if nothing else, he was good for that. Reaching into his pocket and pulling out a seed, working it over his fingers before he pushed it into the ground and watched that flower sprout. It was beautiful to have the magic to be able to do this when before, he needed to take time before it took him time to put the gift together. Again that was a time long past, and he kept going back to it, shaking his head clear as he turned those eyes back on the bridge as he watched someone cross into the overside. It was the way they walked, that pace and motion, that was someone who was to do things differently.

Pulling the smoke into him and letting it drift out as he walked, moving at that slow pace that allowed him to take everything in until he was standing in front of the figure @Pandora* and blew out a ring of smoke into the air. He didn't reach for his bow or his pack as his eyes came to rest on the person. "Who are you?"

Rolls

Addressing the figure from Gardibrook.

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

AP:: 0/3
1 AP spent
Location: Tertoria
Prompt: Lander Exodus
Narrator Tag: No.

Bandits were one of the many things to worry about. Worse things lurked past a certain point: the road doesn't grow any quieter past the starbridge. It only grows worse as horrors zap out of Calamity Deep and curse the unsuspecting and lost. And that would include the former Astorean Landers.

Had she arrived a moment sooner things could have been different, but not by much. Not many of these creatures were left in the carnage that bursted flames and burnt down caravans as the minuscule attack from the combined might of Flyers and Crawlers in the middle of the night, while rare, often ended up being lethal. Most of these men and women had no means to defend themselves. But then, not many were capable when they didn't understood what they were dealing with.

Such mistake almost costed her dearly last time. Even now her blade remembers the corrupted flesh, as each cut across these First Orders made the patterns across her blade shift. What proved to be the hardest was to face the gargling, dying Landers she had to point her sword at and cut the throats of before the flyers could finish their job.

The last she wanted was for them to transform into something else entirely. She held herself resolute, her iris a flaming golden dot devoid of heart and emotion, as such was the only way to deal with these monsters: swiftly and without remorse.

Lander or not...

The carnage left her with nothing but the burnt remnants of a once hopeful group, with only few survivors under flipped over carts being left. Some who witnessed her struggle. Others, who saw her put an end to the lives of those who suffered a fate worse than death and became mindless beasts, or were in the process of.

In the end, all she had left was nothing but promises of safety. But mothers and children alike couldn't refuse even if some wanted to: As it stands, the elf is the only one who stood up for them when all seemed lost.

But if they would hate her for her iron-handed approach, however necessary, was gonna be up to them. All she could do was escort them far away from the cinders.

Rolls

Sumary: Arriving too late, Fiora encountered a caravan assaulted by dissonance flyers and crawlers alike, with the former almost creating things worse than themselves. Several died, others had to be taken out of their misery by Fiora, and very few got out alive, with her escorting them to safety.

Roll Result
1d3 (2) = 2

Fiora Di Angelo | Lander Exodus | 1815

 

[Luthien]

  Explorers League  

AP: 2/3, 1 AP spent
Location: MIT Headquarters

Prompt: Green Conspiracy
Narrator Tag: @Skyswimsky*

"Ronja's real body isn't her top priority right now."

It wasn’t exactly a secret for Lúthien, and yet she couldn’t help feeling a heaviness upon hearing those words from her friend’s mouth. It caused herbrows to furrow ever so lightly as she looked at Ronja as the glass was pressed to her lips for another sip unconsciously… before stopping as her mind finally noticed the bubbles that accompanied the rather refreshing drink.

"... did you guys figure out how to make ramune in-game?"

While the color was completely off, Lúthien was certain she’d never had a watermelon flavored anything that was green instead of the usual pink tones, there was no tricking her tastebuds—this was definitely a watermelon soda pop, and the similarity to a rather weebish drink she enjoyed was uncanny. It was enough to silence the little alarm bells in the back of her mind as Valen chided them for assuming he was another Starcalled, preventing the feeling of déjà vu from properly settling as the ranger now willingly sipped on her drink.

A few tidbits of information that Valen provided had certainly caused Lúthien to raise her eyebrows in response. While she’d heard of the rumors that hinted at the personality of others changing with each accrued death, the blonde had thought little of them at first… at least until she’d accidentally dove into a particular memory from Yugam many months ago.

"Furthermore, getting a heavy Dissonance affliction seems to skip the death requirement."
"Hold on, what?"

Now that was something she hadn’t heard before, and admittedly Lúthien’s knowledge of dissonance and how it worked had been very basic so far. She’d never felt the need to explore it further, a fact she now regretted… maybe they would’ve been able to release Ronja from Szofrit’s hold sooner had they known more about this cursed affliction.

"But first, be aware: The liquid you just consumed contains a potent poison. Venenum Diaboli Viriditas."
"Pbbbfffttth!!!"

Shed been about to swallow another mouthful of fizzy green soda when the MIT researcher threw a curveball in their direction, the revelation of poison in their drink quickly causing the elf to choke and spit it out before her eyes quickly shifted to the corner of her UI for confirmation. "You’re fucking with us… right?" The lack of an alert or notice from her system caused her to frown, crimson eyes narrowed as she gazed back at the green-haired man—if this was his attempt at a joke it was a very poor one.

Perhaps her face was too easy to read, or maybe the man had already accounted for this reaction into his calculations when he’d popped into the room with said drinks, and Valen’s explanation for the missing alert within the system was too solid for the blonde to poke holes into… had he really just poisoned them both?

"Now, for my question: Given this information, how do you feel?"
"Like I’m about to punch you square in the nose."

The glass she’d been holding was slammed down onto a shelf harder than necessary, but only after she’d considered pitching it towards the man’s face full force—probably best to avoid any damage to his brain for now. "Look I’ll play your stupid little game, but you better give that antidote to Ronja. Now."

❰ Summary ❱

❰ Flavor Check ❱
2d100 (Advantage) (79, 1) + 20 = 99
Awareness | Luthien | DC 75 | Hyper Sense

Valen... what the fuck. :mewtwolul:

Lúthien's resisted the urge to hurt the nerd researcher that just admitted to poisoning @Ronja Bubblyfoot and herself, and doesn't think twice to demand ask he gives Ronja the antidote in exchange for her continuing to play his little game.

 

[Alderein]

The Swarmkeeper
Unaffiliated

AP: 1/3 (0 AP Spent)
Location: East Brisshal
Prompt: Beware! Brisshal!
Narrator Tag: N/A

It has been a while since the last time Alderein logged into the game. He was absent during the whole Szofrit storyline. With his friends abandoning him, disappearing on him, he just didn't feel like playing the game anymore. But things change, and now here he was, lurking in the shadows, inside his swarm, watching the third patrol in the last hour or so, as they made their rounds, hunting down newly arrived Starcalled like the latter were animals. There's a good point to be made for that, though.

For the most part, the Swarmkeeper only observed the interactions between the patrolmen and the Starcalled. Sometimes, someone gets grabbed. Sometimes, he would feel the urge to intervene. Then the knot would untie itself, and everyone went their separate ways. This time was not one of those times.

"Like we said, girly," one of the patrolmen was overextending his authority, most likely fueled by his hatred, which was in itself fueled by his fear, of the all-powerful Starcalled. Compared to the landers, they were perceived as gods. Someone should tell the landers what these "gods" do in their world. Maybe that would allay their fears. "Starcalled ain't welcome here no more. Now come with us before we—"

Alderein didn't let the man finish his words. It wouldn't have been of any importance anyway. Instead, he sent his swarm flying toward them, stinging the bozos with a million furious points. Like acupuncture, except it was meant to harm, not release stress. The faerin used this distraction to keep himself hidden as he stabbed and pierced and took out the men with his tiny spear.

In a matter of minutes, they were all down on the ground, with the lucky pair running away from the scene, for their lives. The shocked newbies just stood there behind Alderein, one of them sprawled on the ground, all of their jaws on the floor. "T-Thank you, Mister—" He gave them one last look, a look of disdain, before he put on his mask again to keep any of his swarm from accidentally finding themselves inside his holes. And then, using the thousand buzzing critters as cover, he disappeared into the unknown with them.

The world has changed. This game has changed. Time for us to change with them.

---

Rolls

Saving newly arrived Starcalled from the wrath of infuriated Falderen patrols in East Brisshal.

"This prompt can now be done without spending AP, no rolls required."

 

[Toko]

  Explorers League  

AP: 0/3, 2 AP spent
Location: Honeyhome

Prompt: Beware! Brisshal!
Narrator Tag: @Skyswimsky*

The irony wasn’t lost on the lepus as one of the guards accused them all of being the same, a quiet "Tch!" escaping her even as the sharp claws of her lagomorphic feet sink themselves into the dirt road beneath them. "Mekuso hanakuso o warau… seems we’re all the same then."

Fortunately one of their companions seemed to have a keen enough eye for observation, quick to notice the rising tension before trying to deescalate the current situation when his friends’ threats didn’t have the desired effect on the two players. The Masked Dominion… nandayo? She couldn’t help the light tilt of her head upon hearing of this dominion one of them spoke, though that was soon pushed to the back burner as the soldier removed his boot from Esther and shoved the baker roughly into Yume's arms.

It caused the grip on the soldier she was helpfully restraining to tighten in response, and a low warning growl echoed from the lepus’ vocal cords when the man referred to her as a rabid beast. "... wakattayo." After all the last thing Toko wished was to bring even more hardship to Esther, and so she chose to unwillingly trust the soldiers would keep their end of the bargain as she released her hold on the man.

"There, he’s free… now unhand the boy." Her hand pointed towards the young magia player still restrained, though the scowl on the hare’s face was a clear sign that she wasn’t in the mood for any bullshit.

❰ Summary ❱

With Esther released and sent in @MayoYume 's direction Toko finally lets go of the soldier she's been holding... though he can probably feel the magical energy gathering around the hare in preparation if his buddies try to backpedal on their hostage exchange deal.

Not sure if I also get a Wandering Point…? XD

 

[Pandora*]

Hylia: Dissonance Extermination Squad
D.E.S Astorea Branch: Melodious Excitement | @Seigi Ling Ling

Theme
[

​

BUT nothing you can just say 'No.' to and carry on with CONVICTION, Guts, and Effort!"

The bubbly songstress was taken aback at just how confident this lady was. Hylia was often chastised by her peers for taking things too lightly and not being serious enough. Now here was someone that wasn't just possibly dissonant, but openly stating it and they aren't remotely bothered... but...

For as much conviction in belief, and deepness of despair, as one can hold. The dissonant echo is that much stronger at fruition. Fear not the serial killer or proclaimed mastermind, nor the indifferent and unmotivated. Rather fear the broken will of a strong belief, a mother's love, and a determination to solve the unsolvable. For those can bring forth yet another Titanius, and assuredly terrors far greater. The threat to all Arcians, even the countless that do not know us. That is why we are Star Chosen.

"F-F-F-FIVE YEARS?!!!!! OHMYELLA! ...ehhh."

Hylia covered her mouth and looked around. Of course, this was someone that was known for being loud and annoying to the more work-focused Tertorians. If she wasn't performing, she irked people all the time with her antics. There was a reason her fanbase was largely the younger half of the population.

"*Ahem* ...sorrrry about that. T-That's a really long time ehehehe."

Seigi's questions were sort of a lower priority after hearing that so instead Hyllia reached for Seigi's bandaged hand.

"The evil queenie? Queen G! Oh she held me captive for a while and forced me to... uh anyway that's not important! We just need to find Priscilla so that Gardibrook's best fateline can be restored. That's where Max went! He's so loyal and handsome! Priscilla is a lucky ducky! Oh, I don't mean an actual duck but yepyepyep!"

The girl yabbered on at high speed as she got caught up in her own excitement of conversing with the Starcalled. Her nature and her job conflict quite obviously. She moved her fingers as if she was used to someone just giving her their hand when she reached for it. If Seigi didn't then she would grasp at it.

"If you give me your hand I can see if I can hum you a hymn to help you until you can get it taken care of. My songs are blessed to weaken dissonance auras and they can help hold off effects if you aren't too far gone yet! I don't think the others here will be okay with you just wandering around like that.."

Hylia's blonde head nodded rapidly in agreement with herself as she eyed the needy dissonant infected earnestly.

<Warning: Seigi must make a roll under 100 (+10 Dissonant Tag and +25 Nanami Essence) to continue to use any prompt in Camp Hope+/D.E.S. Astorea Branch. Each time, she must add a +10 modifier to her roll. If she rolls over 100 at any point, this place will be on alert and she won't be able to enter again for the rest of the Active World.>

---

Sarina Knights Lions Pride
Hall of Heroes: Lions and Tigers! | @Harper has until next ap refresh to respond or will be considered exited. | @Schilva Flasch | @Vina Skysong

"*Huff*... Oh nah we're just TRAINING!!"

Damn, Sarina should have known someone would think this was more than just a workout. Unfortunately, she was too high on adrenaline now to just calm down in an instant. She was raring to go! Also, the way that guy talked made her wonder... was he an NPC? Did he work here? Vin seemed to know him...

Schilva Flash... ok she didn't have a clue who that was but maybe she had a dream where someone like that existed? Hmmm... maybe it was time to wind down.

"Alright a last round so Schilva here can show us what he can do! Heh..."

A small sweat drop formed. As she noticed the fighting might have caused a little more damage to the training area than Levi might have liked...

"Come on then! Let's DO THIS!"

She spun her staff and went for the last series of attacks...

Adrenaline Rush!

Sarina is using her passive to grow stronger through the adrenaline of combat training! If she maximum buff before the tracker maxes out. She will kick her maximum possible ass... but become exhausted and unable to continue training!. Get as much training done as you can before Sarina burns herself out!

​

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

AP: 1/3 (2 AP spent)
Location: MIT Headquarters
Prompt: Green Conspiracy
Narrator Tag: @Skyswimsky*

"People of the land usually are less weird than your average Starcalled." Ronja excused her assumption with a small smile.

"So Ronja's suspicion wasn't completely unfounded... She had to deal with a dissonant creature before, and she had a really, really bad hunch about it, considering her User Interface worked in a funky way near it. Thankfully things didn't take the worse turn." She said, crossing her arms at the reveal that dissonance had effects that could bring to a direct death. It seemed like her life was in true danger at that time... She needed to thank Fiora even more for saving her at that time.

Ronja continued to sip the drink as the man continued to speak, but there was an abrupt pause when he revealed a supposed poison- One that initially had tricker her, making her eyes grow wide as she almost choked on her drink, watching Luthien's concerned words and threaten to the man.

Meanwhile she immediately searched through her taste buds analysis to this supposed Venenum Diaboli Viriditas, but...

"A-Aak-!" Ronja winced, holding her neck and reaching for Luthien's arm, tugging it as she looked at her friend's eyes. "L-Luthy... Ronja..." She coughed, with a weak and faltering voice, eyes brimming while tears started forming near them. "H-Her throat- It is closing, Ronja can't-- Ronja--!" She squeezed her friend's arm, gazing into her eyes in an expression that pleaded for salvation...

Until Ronja couldn't hold back a giggle, then laughed heartily, wrapping Luthien in a soft hug and smiled at her. "Don't worry, Luthy, Ronja is fine... And so should you be." She said, peering at Valen and showing a small playful pout. "You scared Ronja for a bit, she will get you back someday, Valen." Ronja swore a revenge. "Thank you." She whispered and squished her friend a little bit, loosening the hug and keeping a hand resting on her shoulder just in case she still wanted to throw a punch at the man.

But to say a lie like that without showing a glimpse of hint of it? That man was dangerous, in a way. Ronja didn't mind his sense of humor, but she would take everything he said with a grain of salt.

Relaxing her hold on her friend's shoulder, Ronja leaned away while tilting her head. "But more importantly... Do you really think the three deaths can be reverted? How that would work for the real body? If you have any idea..." She asked, with a curious and genuine tone in her voice and with her eyes clicking twice like camera lens. Would the man make a robot for those who are dead in real life? Would they become zombies?! The questions were many, and he probably didn't have the answer for it, but she wished to know what was in his mind.

"And well, Ronja wonders if Szofrit could affect our User Interface using dissonance, or if she was meddling with the same thing that dissonance does when it affects it."

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (10) + 25 = 35 (Failure)
Awareness | Ronja Bubblyfoot | Green Conspiracy | Awareness Flavor Check

Ronja pretends to be dying from the poison for a moment to prank Luthien, reveals she is fine and she is just joking, then inquires Valen about his plans regarding reverting the three deaths.

 

[Bluebird]

AP:: 2/3 (1 AP spent)
Location: Grania Trail - Western Brisshal
Prompt: Lander Exodus
Narrator Tag: N/A

The group she was protecting this time was strange.

They were another group leaving Falderen, but their destination wasn't Finweald. In fact, they seemed reluctant to mention their destination at all, only saying it was "somewhere safer". They had approached her for aid, but they radiated the same fear of the Starcalled as so many others.

And then there was the muttering. They tried to keep it from her, but they couldn't keep their guard up forever. They spoke of a "Pale Lady" in reverent tones. Someone who would guide them. Who would aid them. And though they did not speak, she could easily sift the emotions surrounding their whispered words. Hope. Anger.

Hatred.

"Are you sure you wish to break from the path here?" Bluebird wasn't allowed to see the map, herself. She only had the caravan leader's word that they were going the right direction. "The goblins around here are quite fierce..."

"It is the safest way." The man was staring at her in a way that could only be described as 'predatory'. Complicated emotions simmered under the surface, setting her on edge. "You have led us this far. Will you not accompany us on the final stretch?"

There was danger here, and she didn't need the whispers of the stars to tell her otherwise. The people of this caravan had been strange the whole way, but they hadn't brought any harm upon her. She doubted they could if they tried.

"...very well. I shall make sure you do not come to harm."

The man nodded solemnly, and returned to the caravan. Bluebird watched them, wings folded tight.

She would make sure she didn't come to harm, either.

Rolls

Bluebird helps a rather... odd group of Landers traveling to an unknown location. She follows along, unaware that they may be leading her into danger...

Roll Result
2d3 (2 + 3) = 5
Lander Exodus | Bluebird | +1d3 from Presence

 

[Hanno Futaba]

AP: 0/3 (1 AP spent)
Location: Astorea
Prompt: For a Better Tomorrow
Narrator Tag: n/a

There was still a barrier that locked the poor orphans away from a smile on their lips. If adults had a hard time to go through loss, children suffered even more. One or another older kid, some teenagers were a bit more resilient, perhaps because of necessity. At least one of them needed to be strong for the other, younger and even more vulnerable ones.

Gaps that were formed from the lack of family were slowly filled by the ones that acted as older siblings for those that were even weaker than them.

This sort of behavior brought a smile to Hanno, but that also came with the fact they were wary about almost anyone, including their caretakers or Lions that wished to make sure they were fine.

"It has been difficult." A caretaker sighed. "But slowly, we are getting there." They peered over the kids.

"Yeah. I can't really blame them either." Hanno frowned.

The gaze of a teenager, from afar, locked on Hanno's. There seemed to have some resentment behind them, something he wished a kid would never need to go through.

The caretaker sighed, rubbing their arm. "I knew him and his parents. He used to love the Lions, and wished to be a hero just like them. It is adorable, truly... But now..." Their gaze fell, and Hanno frowned his lips, before turning to them.

"He just need time." Hanno said. "Actually, I should give them time too. Staying around won't do any good." He said, mustering a smile.

With a brief head bow, he left.

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (3) + 15 = 18
GP Check | Hanno Futaba | 1815 | For a Better Tomorrow

 

[Lucille Fer]

‎

AP: 1/3 (2 AP spent)
Location: Embertorch
Prompt: Daredevil
Narrator Tag: @Pandora*

"Huh? ...huh..."

There was a rather apparent confusion worn at Lucille's face. Her hands crossed at her chest and head tilted to the side, fang glistening as it poked out of her closed mouth, she simply stared and observed Rettah for a while as she engaged in her shenanigans with other workers that were doing their best to fix the building. The wolf had her suspicions, but it was nice that they were quickly confirmed by the woman herself, green hair flowing closer and introducing herself. The Death Seeker.

"Oh. I see..."

Was there perhaps a tinge of disappointment in that voice? The golden eyes, often sharp and unyielding, now looked to the side as they narrowed. Then, a single sigh escaped the girl's mouth. She was indeed disappointed. She was looking for the Death Seeker... and what did she imagine under such a title? What manner of an individual was she expecting to find here?

Tall! Mysterious! Clad in dark and tattered armor! A giant greatsword strapped to their back! A dominating aura that would make others shiver, and steer clear of their path!

What she got was, in her mind, a showwoman that teased others. Even her powers didn't seem to align with Lucille's expectations. Where was the power of darkness? Perhaps all-consuming flames? Mastery of a blade that was so beyond one's imagination that the weapon could fall a God? Nay, just some silly little forcefield! Sure, it had enough oomph that it prevented some stones from falling, but as far as the wolf girl was convinced, she could do that with her own body as well.

"Ah, nevermind. Darkness lieth elsewhere... whistles are too loud, making beastfolk ears ring. Perhaps a different Death Seeker will be elsewhere in the capital..."

Talking to herself, Lucille would walk past Rettah, tapping her right index finger against her lips as her left hand lightly embraced her form just above the stomach.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎❰ Actions ❱
Dejected, Lucille opts to head elsewhere after realizing that Rettah does not match her vision of a Death Seeker - a towering dark stranger with a giant weapon, looking as if their name could be 'Guts'

Rolls

N/a

 

[Fina Drago]

‎

AP: 0/3 (1 AP spent)
Location: Hall of Heroes
Prompt: Find the Pride
Narrator Tag: N/a

Feeling thoroughly socially defeated by the group of uncertain lions, Fina had little left to do in this place. At the same time, however, she didn't have anywhere else to go, either. Recalling that she saw some familiar faces before, her feet absent-mindedly carried her over to where some training appeared to be taking place. The feline did not recognize the female knight who appeared to be the center of attention, but at least she did recognize Vina among the people that were there as well.

Finding the nearest object she could sit down on, Fina did just that. Letting out an exasperated sigh, she rested her elbows on her legs and planted her chin in her palms. If the vixen songstress turned around at any point, she'd at least offer her a half-hearted wave, though the training itself looked rather tiresome. Such action would probably demand a bit too much than the girl could offer right now.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎❰ Actions ❱
Simply resting. (Why did I roll high for this one)

Rolls

Expertise Check
1d100 (91) + 0 = 91
Presence | Fina Drago | Find the Pride

 

[Ishtar]

AP:: 2/3 1 AP Spent
Location: Surrounding Area - Western Brisshal
Prompt: Lander Exodus
Narrator Tag: N/A

Ishtar lounged among the trees. She'd lingered there for some time and already the corruption had begun to spread. Nearly fifty square meters of trees had begun to succumb, turning dark blue as their leaves took on an eerie glowing hue. Her bare, glowing skin made her seem like a ghost as she languidly stretched in mid-air, her pink eyes gleaming like gemstones in the night. She twirled the crystal ball floating over her palm, changing the perspective it was viewing. Her eyes narrowed and her lip twisted into a smile.

Nearby, the four most impressive people she'd gathered thusfar had assembled. Her first prey stood closest to her, Jacques was stoic as always, his grim eyes now hardened with resolve. He'd grown strong quickly after she had corrupted him. Next to him was Teresa who's personality had grown a bit more aggressive since she'd become corrupted. Niko was just past her, the UI-locked player staring at his knives thoughtfully. He glanced up in her direction and smiled.

She returned the smile and looked over at the last to join her inner circle. The man in robes from earlier who Niko's group had attacked. Ephram had been a priest at one point, renouncing his faith in a god that never showed nor cared and instead putting his energy towards supporting a being that he could see for himself. The exhausted looking man had taken her interest immediately. He would be very useful.

"We have more children incoming, Teresa and Niko, return to the lake and have my Faerin prepare for more. I won't have a single lander in my care go hungry," She said quietly, returning her gaze to the ball. "Jacques will stay with me, and Ephram?"

He turned and bowed, pressing his head to the ground. "I shall greet the newcomers, Pale Lady."

Her lips twitched upward, "You know your role, my Priest. Go say hello for me, dearie. Bring them to me and I will personally lead them."

"Your interest in this group is..." Ephram said hesitantly before catching himself, "N-no! Forgive me, I shouldn't question your grace."

She tittered out a delighted laugh, dismissing the crystal ball and clapped, "Oh Ephram! You poor thing! You've been repressed by that god of yours! You needn't be so frightened, ask me what you wish to ask, I don't bite, dearie!"

He swallowed and looked up, "Is there a Starcalled among them?"

Her smile widened even more and her glowing eyes sparkled with pride, "My you are smart, yes, and she interests me quite a bit. Be polite. She might be useful..." She glanced over at Jacques who tensed up at the words, "Don't be like that, Jacques. Why do you think I asked you to stay at my side? You never know with the Starcalled, but I have a good feeling about this one."

The hatchetman relaxed visibly and nodded, seemingly pleased that the Pale Lady had chosen him to stick close in case of emergency. Ephram sent a jealous look over in his direction before getting to his feet and bowing, the Priest quickly making his way through the trees with a pair of corrupted Faerin guiding him. She watched him go and cupped her face with her fingers, a flush coming to her cheeks, she bore her teeth and stared at his back. "My oh my, Bluebird herself, what a treat!"

---

Ephram made his way through the trees of the region cleared by the corrupted faerin, not a single Goblin dared go into the area at this point. With the two wicked things guarding him he was satisfied that he could handle any trouble that might come his way. More importantly, he kept his head held high. He knew that she was always watching through her divination crystal. His weary face cracked into a smile as he looked down at his hand, power running through it. So this was 'Mastery'. To think the Starcalled were simply given this when they came into the world. Fate was cruel.

"Ahead! Ahead!" One of the wretched corrupted faerin giggled, pointing towards the trees. "There! There!"

Ephram straightend himself up and watched the dense foliage, in the distance he saw flashes of torchlight. Aha. He drew on his new powers, stepping forward and vanishing into the shadows. He reappeared just a little bit ahead of the group, waiting in the shade of the trees until the first couple of Landers spotted him. When they did he stepped out and leaned forward into a bow, bringing his hand up to his heart.

"Good day to you, I am Ephram, one of the Pale Lady's Archons and her first Priest. I've come to guide you the rest of the way, children of this world," He paused and looked into the crowd, "My Lady has informed me that among your group is a Starcalled. You are welcome to join us, but please be mindful while you are in her domain..."

Rolls

Ishtar assembles her Archons and spots @Bluebird in her crystal ball, sending Ephram out to go meet with her and the landers so that they can be brought back to the Lake and the rest of her growing cult.

Roll Result
1d3 (2) = 2
Lander Exodus | Ishtar | Influence