On a cold December morning, the main doors leading into the Embertorch, the Explorers League's headquarters, burst open as a colossal figure entered, his festive clothes moistened with melted snow.
HOHOHO!
Zeus' uproarious entrance instantly alerted all of the Whistles who were there, including the wide-eyed Childress.
Where in the nine hells have you been all this time, old man?!!
Childress, who was carrying a box of decorations, immediately let it drop as she rushed over to her adoptive father.
OHO! Childress, MY GIRL! You're all dressed up for the holidays. GLORIOUS!
A-ah, n-no... I uh. OY! Stop dodging my question. You've been gone for so long that one of our ledgerers offered to draft your will.
NON NON! As you can SEE. I am NOT DEAD! I've come to YOU in FLESH, BLOOD, and GLORY! Hoho. You see, ASTOR asked me during our trip last year to channel the FESTIVE SPIRIT and become the LEGENDARY HERO known as MANTA CLAWS. And so, I've been out in the WILDERNESS, honing myself into becoming FATHER WINTERSDAY himself!
Pretty sure he said Santa Claus, big guy.
Welcome back, Master!
Kiryuu walked up to Zeus with Feodan in tow. Both men had an endearing expression on their faces.
FEO and is that KIRYUU, you've come back? OHO! Now, now, whether it's SANTA CLAUS or MANTA CLAWS does not MATTER! What MATTERS is that he travels ALL around the WORLD to make children HAPPY!
Anyways. Why are you here, old man? It can't just be for a simple meet and greet, knowing you.
Childress sighed, knowing full well that that's how her father has always been. Zeus lived in a completely different reality from them. Meanwhile, Zeus eyes lit up as his glee and excitement threatened to boil over.
Oho... I have PROCURED us a SLEIGH with Arctic Reindeers and HELPERS, who will be making PRESENTS for us to deliver to the good BOYS and GIRLS all around Arcia! READY UP, we will be going on an ADVENTURE!
Hmmm? You're kidding, right? You, who randomly shows up here after 7 months of complete silence, to ask me and the whistles to do something so crazy.
Heh... Do you seriously think I would say yes? If so, you are GODDAMN RIGHT! Whistles, prepare to sortie, we're going on an ADVENTURE with the old man, WAHAHA.
Zeus was so moved that a bead of tear escaped from one of his wrinkled eyes.
Ohoo... I've RAISED my girl so WELL! The APPLE of my eye!
Together, the father and daughter pair leaned their arms against one another and let out an uproarious laugh that filled the league's lobby with great warmth.
If you were in the starcalled capital of Finweald at the beginning of December, you might have seen recruitment posters pinned sporadically throughout the city and at small taverns, seeking to gather those who were interested in joining Zeus and Childress in delivering presents to children throughout the explored regions of Arcia.
Should you inquire those who might be in the know about it, they would try to convince you to pass up on it since it was one of those charitable journeys, which meant little profit to be had.
If you were in the business of making children happy and spreading the starcalled festivity all over Arcia, however, the poster mentioned a time and a place: the First Friday of December at the Embertorch, Explorers' League Headquarters.
If you were a whistle, the trip shouldn't have been news for you since you've likely helped Childress with preparations even if you didn't plan on going with her.
· - · ❄ · - ·
If it was your first time at the League's HQ, you would have to crane your neck a bit to look up at the wooden behemoth that was the Embertorch, built atop an equally massive bridge that arched over a rustic cobblestoned square, which couldn't even be seen anymore as it had been blanketed by snow.
There weren't many people there, but of the ones present, you would have easily recognized them. Even if you didn't, you would have immediately been spotted by Zeus, Childress and Kiryuu, or one of the giant reindeers that were a head taller than the joly giant himself... without their antler (roll a 1d3 or choose who noticed you).
WELCOME WELCOME! I am GLAD that YOU have made it HERE! Come and have a HOT CHOCOLATE. We are about to HEAD OUT!
Zeus beamed as he ushered you toward a steaming pot where a heavily-dressed faerin with a white bob cut was pouring the chocolatey drink into a cup to hand over to you.
HEWOO, I mean h-hello! I am Uzuna of the Uwuru Nomad Clan. Yes. That is me. Nice to meet you-ru.
Heh. You've come after all. Prepare yourself. Boiya/girlie, we've got some back-breaking work cut out for us. Children are no joke.
Childress greeted you with a smile while her arms are crossed. Everything about her, from her festive costume to the way she beamed with excitement, was completely different from the usual cool Childress. No matter how far you stood away from her, you could feel the intense energy radiating from her.
Before you could say anything, however, an arm could be seen draping over Childress' shoulder. It was Kiryuu coming in hot with a dad joke.
Pretty funny, huh? Considering how her name is-OORGH
Kiryuu finished his joke in wheezes as Childress elbowed him in the throat, all the while ushering you toward the sleighs.
The reindeer looked at you with its big dead eyes. It attempted to communicate.
Makes reindeer noises and eats your hair. Make a DC 50 mastery or DC 75 expertise to avoid it. If you fail, no amount of screaming is going to help you. God is dead.
· - · ❄ · - ·
And so, time passed quickly as the express crew finished getting ready for the lengthy journey ahead. Food and drinks were packed, and other essential provisions were secured onto one of the many cars attached, one after another, to form a sleigh train, which would be pulled by 12 giant reindeers that Zeus had somehow pulled out of his butt.
If you were remotely perceptive, however, you would have noticed that the faerin, who introduced herself to everyone as Uzuna of the Uwuru Clan could be seen running around and tending to each of the titans that dwarfed her. While they respond aggressively to anyone without beast arts or presence less than 30 (or neutral if 30+) they adored her, indicating that she or her clan might have supplied the reindeers.
When it got closer to the departure time, Zeus waved you and the rest of the crew over to him for a quick briefing.
If we WANT to deliver PRESENTS to ALL the good BOYS and GIRLS in TIME, we must FIRST head north and meet LADY WINTER, OHO!
Zeus gestured for you to take out the map that had been passed out earlier.
Meanwhile, Childress thumbed toward Uzuna.
The western part of Zalra is very well navigated by this one's clan, so she'll be our navigator for that part. The old man's got us covered beyond that, right?
It's been a WHILE, but my memory of it has YET to FADE, OHO!
Zeus looked northward, his eyes appearing softer than usual, though it might have been your imagination.
We've got to stop midway though, to replenish and seek shelter from all of the nasty Zalran crystallites. Feo headed out a week early to get things ready for when we arrive.
Now then, finish PACKING and get WARM and COZY, boys and girls. It's ALMOST time for ADVENTURE, OHO!
[ Well then, what will you do? ]
Journey to the North
Guidelines
Up to 2 characters per OOC account can participate in this mini-game, you may interchange them throughout the event.
Each character can make up to 2posts per cycle.
Each post has a max wordcount of 250 words.
A post can either be a line of dialogue or a small paragraph.
There is no reward for participating in this special event other than what is earned at the end!
If you would like to expand on your interactions with other characters, you may do so in the official Zeusterday Express comms.
It is okay to jump into this megathread at anytime. The Zeusterday Express will be stopping at specific locations so you can flavor your character being there.
Mechanics
Unlike regular events, you must write your post first and then use the site to roll.
After you post, go back and edit your post, adding your roll to the total tally in your post template.
If you accidentally forget to roll on the forum, you may roll on Discord using: ?r 1d10 CharacterName | 1560C1
▣ Current Location: Finweald, Astorea ↳ Next Stop: Northern Zakaden, Zalra
▣ Current Objective
Meet and greet and prepare for the trip [ 1d10 ]
Flat roll, no modifier
After the cycle, the end score will be compared to an average across all posts, changing how the next cycle progresses. Nat-10 and nat-1 are the wild cards that will affect the calculation and change things up in big ways!
You don't need to do anything but:
Code:
Post here
▣ Attire: Describe or link to a reference picture of what your character is wearing here
▣ Preparation Progress: XXX
@Kamala Graham - Childress put her hand on your hatted head and gave you a tender and familial rub.
I'll leave all the little devil spawns to you then, snow-cheeks. Ahaha!
@Little Doggo - Zeus scratched his head as he attempted to pronounce the string of gibberish you shouted at him, but ended up biting his own tongue in the process.
Oho? What KIND of wishes do YOU have, little one?
Meanwhile, Uzuna smiled at you, flashing chipped and jagged teeth. If you stared too long, however, she would cover her mouth to hide it.
@Omega Redux - Upon calling Childress the forbidden word, you would have no doubt felt her large hand gripping your head as she lifted you and attempted to feed you whole to the nearest reindeer. Kiryuu barely managed to intercept in time.
@Sean - Zeus perked up when he heard your voice and immediately slammed his single hand down on your shoulder, driving you into the snow like a nail.
SEAN! The world is BIG, my boy. This OLD MAN'S got business to take care of FAR and WIDE. But WORRY NOT as I am standing HERE, in front of YOU! And where have YOU been?! You've been GONE for so long that your BEARD has become LONGER than MINE, AHA!
Meanwhile, the reindeers that got a taste of the starcalled hair had to be pulled off by a group of whistles before they let go and escorted to the gangline where they would be assembled for the sleigh run. Those animals, however, appeared a lot more comfortable around their victims afterward. After all, those people had been initiated into the reindeer's circle, if not as a companion, then as emergency food.
PWEEEEEEOOH! PWEEEEEEOOH!
A series of high-pitched whistles could be heard before everyone got too chummy with one another, signaling the party that the sleigh train was about to head out.
When he heard the call, Zeus headed toward the lead car and took the rein with his hand as he turned and looked back at the cozy little party that had decided to follow him on such a bizarre adventure. The festivity on their faces put a smile on his wrinkled face.
Why did you decide to take us, this time?
Childress, who entered the car after the weathered giant asked him as she leaned against the headboard and watched as Kiryuu hoisted Uzuna on his shoulders to chase down all the little people he mistook as children, namely @Ludmilla Orphys@Ronja Bubblyfoot@Omega Redux@Little Doggo and @Kamala Graham.
Oho… This bunch is FULL of surprises aren't they? Such passion and love for life can melt even the most FROZEN of ice.
Childress' lips curled up into a bitter smile as she stared at the group they had assembled. Both father and daughter understood one another far too well, and as such, the conversation did not need to continue.
PWEEEEEEOOH! PWEEEEEEOOH!
Once everyone got into one of the cars, Zeus let his booming voice howl down the train.
The TRAIN is now DEPARTING! Don't FALL OFF! You'll be EATEN by crystalized wolves, OHO!
Immediately after that, Zeus cracked the rein. The leading reindeers stomped their front leg as they jolted forward, putting the rest of the line into motion.
The sleigh train set off slow at first but quickly ramped up in speed as the reindeers gained unison and momentum.
· - · ❄ · - ·
It took a number of days to get out of Astorea where the train headed directly north. The conductor role was done in shifts, but with either Zeus, Childress, or Uzuna serving as the navigator whenever they weren't driving the train.
When the train entered the snow-covered Isulus, it veered off the beaten path and spearheaded through a hidden route that is normally not accessible outside of especially cold winters. The reindeers were essentially driving the sleigh train over mega shrooms that had frozen over, allowing them to bypass many of the hazardous terrains. The fact that the fungi population had largely hibernated also helped.
It took even longer to get into Zalra. For anyone who had never been to Zalra would have seen the partially crystalized landmass covered in a thick sheet of snow.
Thanks to the group's efficient preparation, it was announced that the party would only have to make a quick stop at the (1) marker on the map.
When the train stopped at the marked location, they got to see a camp full of nomads waving to them alongside Feodan, who towered over the faerins. Uzuna was the first to hop off the train and introduced a few of the people she had become acquainted with to her mom, dad, and five younger siblings, who all look identical to her and, in return, introduced her family to the concept of travelers.
At the camp, the reindeers were fed a massive amount of winter grass that had been deposited ahead of time while the party were occupied with loading up on new supplies that should last them until the next time they returned.
While talking with the nomads, Zeus promised them and the children that the Express would circle back to deliver presents after they finished their business in the north.
When the train began to set out, it would have been Zeus' turn to conduct. Childress stuck around the old man.
Are you sure the path is opened this time?
(She asked.)
Oho... stay your worries, girl of mine. The star portends our path forward!
And just like that, they headed toward the northern border of Zalra, where the previously unknown sky was dark and moody.
[ So, how do you spend your time? ]
Journey to the North
Guidelines
Up to 2 characters per OOC account can participate in this mini-game, you may interchange them throughout the event.
Each character can make up to 4 posts this cycle.
Each post has a max wordcount of 250 words.
A post can either be a line of dialogue or a small paragraph.
There is no reward for participating in this special event other than what is earned at the end!
If you would like to expand on your interactions with other characters, you may do so in the official Zeusterday Express comms.
It is okay to jump into this megathread at anytime.
If your character is together with the Crystal Nomads for some reason, they can hop onto the train at that part.
Mechanics
Unlike regular events, you must write your post first and then use the site to roll.
After you post, go back and edit your post, adding your roll to the total tally in your post template.
If you accidentally forget to roll on the forum, you may roll on Discord using: ?r 1d10 CharacterName | 1560C2
To interact with an NPC, ping @Raid Boss, you may get a faster response in comms.
A new cycle will be posted in 60-72 hours.
(New) Energy. Since death is disabled for this event, we will be using EN as a resource in its place. Everyone starts with 100 EN, +10 for heavy, +15 for medium, +20 for light armor.
Cycle 2
▣ Current Location: Northern Zadaken, Zalra ↳ Next Stop: Uinterland
Scale (31 posts)
Average 150
Over-achiever 175
Super-achiever 200+
The scale is going to increase next cycle!
Criticals
Nat-10: 3
Nat-1: 1
Each pair cancels
Nat-10 doubles
Group's Result
174+10+10 = 194 (Over-achiever)
Faster trip, but did not get all the way to marker (2) on the map.
-20 EN for travel fatigue.
There are 2 kinds of scenes to RP out this cycle: Traveling or Pitstop. Regardless of what you do, add your roll to the travel progress. -30 ENONCE this cycle for travel fatigue (10 EN for general actions and 20 EN for C1's fatigue).
The prompts below are meant to aid you in RPing, you don't have to do any of it to win. The extra bonuses are all for fun or meant to help you complete your Wintersday Bingo!
▣ Traveling. During this sequence, you may freely interact with one another and the NPC. Below are a few activities you can do during the scene where the sleigh is in transit.
(Nat-10 Event) Reindeer Riding. (1d10) on a 7 or higher, the reindeer will let you ride it for a short time. Characters who had their hair eaten, have beast arts, or presence of 50+ may roll with advantage (roll 2d10 and take the higher value). -10 EN to repeat this action if you fail.
(Nat-10 Event) Frozen Snacks. (1d10) on a 7 or higher let you gather sweet frozen shroom chunks that can be turned into a tasty snack or ice cream. Characters who have Nature Magic or Ranged Weapons may roll with advantage. -10 EN to repeat this action if you fail.
Provide Refreshments. (1d10) to provide food, drinks, entertainment, or a way to keep other passengers warm.
Socialize. (1d10) Get to know people you don't know very well or hang out with people you are acquainted with.
▣ Pitstop. During this sequence, you may freely interact with one another and the NPC. Below are a few activities you can do during the scene where the sleigh is stopping at the nomads' camp.
Talk with the locals. (1d10) to make a good impression, +1 per 10 presence for the FIRST roll.
Help the sleigh train resupply. (1d10) to load up supplies quickly, +1 per 10 Fitness for the FIRST roll.
Provide Refreshments. (1d10) to provide food, drinks, entertainment, or a way to keep other passengers warm.
Socialize. (1d10) Get to know people you don't know very well or hang out with people you are acquainted with.
You don't need to do anything but:
Code:
[metercolor=1.00]teal[/metercolor][metertext=#35cabb][fa]fas fa-heart need-icon[/fa] 100 / 100[/metertext]
[metercolor=0.80]yellow[/metercolor][metertext=#efc738][fa]fas fa-bolt need-icon[/fa] 100 / 100[/metertext]
[action]
[b]Scene:[/b] Traveling (Astorea/Isulus/Zakaden) or Crystal Nomad Camp
Post here
▣ Attire: Describe or link to a reference picture of what your character is wearing here
▣ Action:
▣ Travel Progress: XXX
After the sleigh train began to run atop the snow-covered mushroom tops, which gave all the passengers a chance to retrieve the sweet frozen mushroom, @Kamala Graham failed to get any. Unbeknownst to her was the fact that her attempt made the car she was on sway a little bit, crashing into a massive chunk in the process. This chunk contained a bunch of small fungi with two tiny legs that would melt from the heat generated by the other passengers.
Once the unnoticed chunk had had enough time to thaw without interruption, many of the strange mushroom creatures began running in all directions, hiding in various spots and waiting for their chance to snatch food and dig into the train's food reserve.
Better catch them, or else!
Since @Ayna Nietzsche and @Kamala Graham nat-1s were used to unlocking this event, the car they are staying in is completely swamped by the little fungal devils.
(NEW) (Nat-1 Event) Fun Run. (1d10) to catch X number of these speedy little devils.
When the sleigh train was coming to a full stop at the nomad camp, you saw Feodan waving at you while surrounded by a bunch of fur-clad faerins looking curiously at you and the rest of the entourage. The way they looked at you was akin to children seeing animals at the zoo for the first time, which made sense... considering that they don't really stray far from Zalra.
The nomad camp was surrounded by half-crystalized trees that bore normal-looking fruits. Even from a distance, you can see children climbing up the branches to retrieve the fruits barehanded. It was rather brazen knowing how Zalrisis worked. But, a more careful look at the hills, the tents, and the abundance of non-crystalized beasts in the area suggested that the thick layer of snow covering everything provided some level of safety. So much so that the tents from which smoke where furrowing up to the sky did not have any kind of security whatsoever, though you weren't exactly sure why that was the case. It was really the first time such a big group of starcalled had made contact with one of the Crystal Nomad clans.
Uzuna was the first to hop off the train to run to her family, hoping to introduce her community to the funny foreigners, only to receive a direct shot to the face by a snowball that immediately brought her down.
SNOWBALL FIGHT!
That was when all hell broke loose as a bunch of faerin children stormed out from behind Feodan and began barraging the sleigh train with snowballs. Anyone caught in the crossfire would have been caked in snow in the no man's land.
Kiryuu, you're with Team Green! Come to me and don't get hit! Red will score points off of you. Everyone else, grab a colored band and get together with your team. The children of the Uwuru Clan have initiated their yearly snowball fight. As guests, who are imposing on their goodwill, we must repay their gratitude with a hearty competition!
Oy, you could have told me earlier! Ou-ouch, wait, you cheating bastards, I haven't even grab my band yet, stop throwing snowballs at me!
· - · ❄ · - ·
You hear that, old man? Hatboy and the mountain is challenging US to a snowball fight. Are you going to be able to step up to the plate with one one arm? Want me to roll a snowball or two for you?
OHO! I may have one LESS arm, but you KNOW what they say about BIG HANDS! You can just grab a BUNCH of snow and PACK THEM with just ONE HAND! RED TEAM, WITH ME! WE SHALL WIN THE FAVOR OF THE GODS!
(Let out a muffled scream.)
W-wait, I'm not ready yet!
It didn't matter, however, for the children were already split into the two teams equally and didn't give you or anyone else much time to split and prepare.
[ Pride is at stake. How are you going to do this? ]
Journey to the North
Guidelines
Up to 2 characters per OOC account can participate in this mini-game, you may interchange them throughout the event.
Each OOC account may make up to 4 posts every 24 hours.
Each post has a max wordcount of 200 words.
A post can either be a line of dialogue or a small paragraph.
If you would like to expand on your interactions with other characters, you may do so in the official Zeusterday Express comms.
It is okay to jump into this megathread at anytime.
If your character is together with the Crystal Nomads for some reason, they can hop onto the train this cycle.
Mechanics
Unlike regular events, you must write your post first and then use the site to roll. Put a in your forum's roll comment!
After you post, go back and edit your post, adding your roll to the total tally in your post template.
If you accidentally forget to roll on the forum, you may roll on Discord using: ?r 1d10 CharacterName | 1560C2
To interact with an NPC, ping @Raid Boss, you may get a faster response in comms.
A new cycle will be posted every 24-48 hours.
(New) Energy. Since death is disabled for this event, we will be using EN as a resource in its place. Everyone starts with 100 EN, +10 for heavy, +15 for medium, +20 for light armor.
Cycle 2.5
▣ Current Location: Uwuru Camp, Northern Zadaken, Zalra ↳ Next Stop: Uinterland
Each character may join a team RED or GREEN. Roll a 1d10 each time you post, aiming at a person from an opposing team (make sure to tag them).
I will publish a list of who is on what team. Be sure to track the scores carefully! You may aim at NPCs from the opposing team. (Red: Zeus, Childress; Green: Feodan, Kiryuu). NPCs will be throwing balls as well, so watch out!
At the end of the match, all attempts must be equal, which means that if one team has many more attempts than the other, I will roll for them, so their attempts are equal.
Scoring
(Nat-10) your team scores 2 points
(6+) your team scores 1 point
(5 or less) missed, nothing happens
(Nat-1) enemy team scores 1 point
You don't need to do anything but:
Code:
[metercolor=1.00]teal[/metercolor][metertext=#35cabb][fa]fas fa-heart need-icon[/fa] 100 / 100[/metertext]
[metercolor=0.80]yellow[/metercolor][metertext=#efc738][fa]fas fa-bolt need-icon[/fa] 100 / 100[/metertext]
[B][COLOR=#b8312f]Team Red[/COLOR][/B] / [B][COLOR=#339c2e]Team Green[/COLOR][/B]
Post here
▣ Attire: Describe or link to a reference picture of what your character is wearing here
▣ Target: @Name
▣ [B][COLOR=#b8312f]Red: 0[/COLOR][/B]
▣ [B][COLOR=#339c2e]Green: 0[/COLOR][/B]
As the battle intensifies and the Green Team pulls ahead, new alliances are forged and what was once allies turn enemies in the flurry of frozen white.
The posting cooldown has reset. All OOC accounts can make up to 4 posts for round 2.
Tactics
Any character may betray their team and switch over to the opposing team for this cycle.
All participants are getting slower as well from exertion, making it easier to hit them (5+ scores your team 1 point).
After the hearty snowball fight, a sharp whistle from an Uwuru older man signaled the end of the match. The fur-cladded faerin waddled through the snow to get to the middle and gestured dramatically like how one would imagine a referee for a snowball battle would.
"And the final score is... 33 to Red and 42 to Green. Green Team wins! Congratulations! Everyone is welcome to come to the big tent to warm up with a local delicacy. Anyone with a green armband may get an extra portion as part of your rewards!" the man chimed.
With the completion ending, Zeus stood up from where he fell. With how much snow he was plastered in, the old man looked like a sculpted snow figure. After wiping a thick layer off his face, he let out an uproarious laugh, "OHO! Congratulations to the GREEN TEAM, those were MIGHTY SHOTS. As for RED TEAM, twas a VALIANT EFFORT, don't look so DOWN!"
Childress similarly was unaffected by the result of the competition. Loss or no, she was looking forward to the tasty food that were going to be served. She spent some time talking with any whistle who came up to her, but constantly tried to find ways to excuse herself to the food tent.
"Uuu..." a groan could be heard beneath the snow-covered ground. It wasn't until Feodan dug up the source of the sound that they uncovered Uzuna whose skin had turned blue from being buried after the first shot that took her down.
Kiryuu meanwhile went and cozied up with the opposing team to make sure that there were no hard feelings between them.
· - · ❄ · - ·
Where the food was being served was the largest tent among the tents in the area. According to Uzuna, it was the chieftess' quarter. Within the tent, you can find a massive hearth with crystallites smoldering with a deep orange color. Somehow, these faerin had found a way to extract heat from the thing everyone feared.
The first thing you likely saw was a wrinkly old woman sitting across from the entrance on the other side of the pot. Given the way in which she was dressed in a colorful garment and had a large and decorative head garment on suggested that she was the head of the camp, the chieftess.
Uzuna quickly ushered you and the rest of the group into the tent, showing you where to sit and how to heat up the food.
There was a certain order to it all, where the eldest visitor (Zeus) got to sit next to the chieftess' left and it continued from there. Meanwhile, the eldest Uwuru tribe person sat on her right, eventually closing the loop. Since there wasn't enough space for everyone, some people had to sit outside of the circle. At least everyone had a thin furry cushion to sit on.
With a special pair of gloves on, the chieftess showed everyone a chunk of meat encased in crystal, which she had her right-hand person prepare an aromatic broth which she put atop the burning crystal. Then, the chieftess took a glowing chisel and cracked the crystalized shell around the meat, cleanly deshelling it. Everyone sitting around the circle was then given a paring knife and a small bowl. The Chieftess demonstrated the process in which the broth is spooned into the bowl and the meat is sliced and dipped in the broth.
After the old woman got her share, she passed it to Zeus, who followed the steps that were shown before he passed on the broth pot and the chunk of meat. The moment he had a taste, the man perked up ecstatically.
OOH! A-AMAZING! So juicy and TENDER! And the hot BROTH is thawing me to the BONE!
The broth and meat kept being passed while another portion was given to those who weren't sitting in the circle.
Next, it was a round of desert, with fruit preserved in alcohol and encased frozen condensed milk. Along the selection were various winter berries, plums, pears, and apples.
Some of the travelers started sharing their own food with the rest of the circle as well. While food was being shared, Childress had a side conversation with Zeus and Uzuna before she beckoned for everyone's attention.
Ahem! (She cleared her throat loudly. So, the next part of the journey is pretty tricky. We're basically at a fork in the road.
Childress looked toward Uzuna, who stood up and explained the situation.
Emm. For anyone who doesn't come here often, the landscape is always changing and routes are lost all the time. If it is everyone's goal to head up north then there are two routes to get there currently.
One is to hug the higher elevation bordering the Tangleweaves, which at this time of year can have some rough weather. The other path is to cut through the northern part of Zalra the nomadic tribes called the Bonegrave, which has some very dangerous enemies, but the weather should be less intense there.
Zeus joined the conversation right as Uzuna finished.
Oho, there's increased DANGER regardless of ROUTES so there should be a VOTE on which path the GROUP should take. We either deal with ROUGH WEATHER or ZALRITES!
The old man and I have made this trip before, so we can protect you to the best of our ability, but some caution should be had. Zalra is an ever-changing scape, and even experience can only get you so far. Should you not want to take the risk, then stay here and we'll pick you up on the way back.
[ Take the moment of respite and decide which route you would take. ]
Journey to the North
Guidelines
Up to 2 characters per OOC account can participate in this mini-game, you may interchange them throughout the event.
Each OOC account may make up to 2 posts this cycle.
Each post has a max wordcount of 200 words.
A post can either be a line of dialogue or a small paragraph.
If you would like to expand on your interactions with other characters, you may do so in the official Zeusterday Express comms.
It is okay to jump into this megathread at anytime.
If your character is together with the Crystal Nomads for some reason, they can hop onto the train this cycle.
Mechanics
Unlike regular events, you must write your post first and then use the site to roll. Mention what you are rolling for in the comment section.
If you accidentally forget to roll on the forum, you may roll on Discord using: ?r 1d10 CharacterName | 1560C3
To interact with an NPC, ping @Raid Boss, you may get a faster response in comms.
A new cycle will be posted every 24-48 hours.
(New) Energy. Since death is disabled for this event, we will be using EN as a resource in its place. Everyone starts with 100 EN, +10 for heavy, +15 for medium, +20 for light armor.
Cycle 3
▣ Current Location: Uwuru Camp, Northern Zadaken, Zalra ↳ Next Stop: Uinterland
▣ Camp Activities
Below are a few things you can engage in this cycle. Regardless of what activity you do, roll 1d10 to signify how well you're able to do it.
Interact with others
Make your own food and share it, see how well or how much the nomads enjoy food
Cozy up and sleep in the warm tent
Make a snowman outside
Cozy up with the giant reindeer
Play with the faerin children who are curious about travelers
Maintain the sleigh train
Explore the area around the nomad camp
▣ Recovery
Regardless of what activity you do this cycle, regain EN by the amount you rolled for Camp Activity.
(Nat-10) Gain 10 EN. You may restore another person's energy by 10.
After convening with the participants of the Express, Zeus and Childress gave one another a firm nod. The father and daughter pair did not need to exchange words to determine what they needed to do next. The years where they had been on the road together developed both of their ability to read one another like the back of their hands.
After they finished breaking bread with the Uwuru tribe and wrapping up the much-needed break, Zeus and Childress called out to the rest of the expedition, gathering them up at the sleigh train. The old man checked on the giant reindeers while Childress inspected their transportation, making sure the blades were still affixed onto the bottom of the sleigh.
When you and the rest of the expedition got back to the train, there was a last call-out before the train began taking off with Zeus taking hold of the reign, Childress sitting beside him and Uzuna hanging out from the side of the sleigh waving to her kin, shouting that she'll make the Uwuru proud as the expedition's guide.
Elder (Zeus), Leader (Childress), are you sure you want to pass through Bonegrave? It has been a while since our Journeymen have last enter that area so we won't know what we're walking, well, sliding into.
Oho. We won't KNOW until we TRY! Should Lady Winter let us, we WILL be able to speed past.
We're only passing through the fringe, which should be a short distance up north. We'll bail if there's any issue, little one. Heh.
Zeus turned to the rest of the expedition and called out to the flushed faces looking back at him.
During COLD winters in Hylands when the Sun Claws TRAVEL with sled dogs, they would shout out 'TOH!' when they run through DIFFICULT stretches of snow, INCITING the protection of the KAMUY.
We too should APPEAL to the spirits of these parts, for we will need their WISDOM and PROTECTION ahead.
Ready? 3. 2. 1.
TOH TOH TOH!
TOH TOH TOH!
TOH TOH TOH!
With a tight hold on the reign, you and your group ventured forth into the unknown, leaving behind the bladed trail of pioneer, which was quickly covered up by the intensifying veil of snow and winds.
· - · ❄ · - ·
« B O N E G R A V E »
· - · ❄ · - ·
It would take more than a few days to exit the long stretch of Zakaden where you begin to see more and more of the land features encased in a thick layer of reflective crystals.
The environmental transformation from natural to alien was gradual. Whenever the veil of cold and your heated breaths cleared up, you would have been privy to the jagged crystalline spires stretching up toward the turbulent storm clouds. Even when the spires' sharp and angular texture that normally sparkle and glimmer in the sunlight was hidden by the descending blizzard, you can feel how insignificant you were compared to these structures.
The spires were interspersed among crystal bones jutting out of the ground to form gargantuan arches, immortalizing the great beasts that once walked this land.
Not even the seasoned elder and white whistle could hold back their amazement at the spires and bones that seemed to go on forever, stretching out into the horizon. They could only marvel for so long before wincing from the stinging sensation around their eyes. Amid the snowfall carried by the powerful winds were speckles of crystals, which when combined with velocity was sharp enough to cut exposed skin.
Hood up and brace yourself! TOH TOH TOH!
Childress shouted over the wind-howls, her throat raspy from the crystal-laced snow she inhaled.
As the train continued on its path into the white veil, a feminine figure could vaguely be made out, her arm outstretched, pointing toward where the train was coming from.
Oho… not this year, huh, Lady Winter?
Old man! We need to turn around, now!
Zeus looked upward at Childress beckoning, returning the empty gaze of a giant which form was partly obscured by the snow.
HMM?!
It was difficult to tell what was happening in the intense blizzard, but whatever senses was the sharpest for you were alerting you that the death, in the form of boney hooves, was descending on the train.
GATEKEEPER World Boss 3
BOOM!!!
What came next was a complete blur as your mind was in complete disarray, your memory came back in fragments. The most significant of them all was of Zeus pulling a crystal dagger from his coat and crushing it with his bare hands, which immediately shrouded you in a sickening light as the force of the boney white completely crushed the sleigh train, throwing smithereens of wood and metal.
[ What was that? ]
[ Where are you? ]
Final Cycle
▣ Current Location: ???
↳ Next Stop: ???
▣ Displaced
You have been displaced. Roll a d6 on Discord to see where you end up, you may continue posting there or exit from this event without posting.
in your forum's roll comment!
