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Aion Mods ([personal profile] aionmods) wrote in [community profile] aionlogs2022-03-18 04:52 pm

EVENT #1: THE EMPTY THRONE (PT 2)

The Empty Throne Pt 2
ESCAPE
As more and more of the prisoners awaken to the Pleroma's power, it soon becomes clear that conflict is inevitable. Strength that was locked away blossoms once again, and simply waiting is no longer an option; those that remain in the cavern have made their choice, and they will not be kept there so easily.

By means that may not be immediately apparent, the Pleroma have found themselves able to cast a spell that will ensure their freedom... but only if they can last the half hour it may take to complete. Whatever this power, Xishen, the Aion orchestrator of the Kenoma's ritual, seems able to sense it. As it begins, she will appear at each of the Kenoma's sides.

"The Pleroma has taken hold of them," she says. "Stop them now, or when you see them again, it will be as your mortal enemies. If you believe in the Kenoma's promise, take a stand. The Regent is watching."

For those that heed her, it will not be hard to find the congregation of Pleroma, the first seeds of their teleportation magic taking form. What's more, the fires of their hope have been stoked by this new chance at survival, granted them a surge of energy born of the Pleroma, compensating for the poor state of their bodies. The tension comes to a head, between those that would follow the Regent's path towards a better universe, and those that would seize the wild power of the Pleroma to escape.

Whatever violence ensues, eventually it will come to an end. Despite the Kenoma's efforts, the teleportation spell will come to fruition, enveloping the Pleroma in a sea of light and warmth. The Kenoma can only watch as fractals of blinding color whisk the Pleroma away.

VALLEY OF INNOCENCE
You will find yourself at the Shrine of the Innocent, surrounded by a valley of flourishing wildflowers. As you step from the shade of the monument, you will find your arrived here just in time to enjoy a warm spring spring morning, the sound of birds and gentle breezes tickling your ears. The sun slowly drifts past the horizon, its rays reaching out to you, as if in comfort. The air itself is alight with a strange aura of peace, as if committing violence here would be a sacrilege. There are no man made structures as far as your eyes can see.

Flowers of all shapes and sizes can be found here, and so can fresh water and various fruits and berries. All of them are safe to eat, and seemingly grow in abundance. There are animals here as well, all the common types one would expect from a place like Earth, with the occasional odd addition. While you can try to hunt them, you will find yourself unable to follow through on any attempts to hurt the creatures here. In turn, they regard you as familiar, and will fearlessly wander close as they inspect these new arrivals. In the distance, you may even catch sight of what appears to be a unicorn, only for its ephemeral shape to disappear from sight just as quickly.

The Pleroma will find safety and comfort here for a time, before they recover enough to travel onward. At some point during the afternoon of the first day, they may spot the occasional humanoid figure moving in the distance; when attempting to move in their direction, they will find an assortment of clothing set out across the grass as if in offering. It will come in many sizes but in mostly plain colors, fitting a general aesthetic of 'things a fantasy peasant might wear'. There will also be some blankets, wrapped cheese, jams, jerky, and bread left alongside them.

While there are trees and brush enough to find shelter, the Pleroma will find they hardly need to while resting here. The weather will be picturesque, a comfortable temperature even at night, and there will be no disruptive rain or aggressive wind. Of course, nothing lasts forever, and even though there could stay here for days, what if the Regent's forces are on their way? Once again, they must find the strength to carry on.

THE TRIWATER
As the Pleroma vanish, those claimed by the Kenoma are left in the darkness of the throne room. The Hylician soldiers are clearly agitated by the fighting, but Xishen herself seems unflustered. She will only sigh before quietly coming to the aid of any Kenoma that still need it, providing some light healing magics and explaining that their work here is over. With the Pleroma gone, all that's left to do is to return to Achamoth.

Things move quickly from there. The camp grounds are packed up, and soon enough the Kenoma will be ushered towards the river at the edge of the forest, to board a particularly large river vessel. As the Hylician soldiers prepare to go their separate ways, you will be told that you are to take the Triwater river to the capital city of Achamoth, where you will finally meet your new master, the Regent. The vessel is big enough for all of you, and it will set off the moment everyone is boarded. Suddenly, the world of entrapment and ruins you've been living in since your arrival will be left behind, leaving you to ponder the nature of your future.

The boat itself is well equipped and comfortable for what it is. A variety of colorful hammocks are hung in the lower decks and are open to be claimed for the journey back, which will take a day or two. The Kenoma will be offered a change of clothes of a similar style to what they already have if necessary, and there are plenty of blankets and cushions available to make life in the hold more comfortable. There are dice available for games of chance as well as some mystifying decks of cards that seems to have twelve suits with five cards each, themed around the Legacies. The twelfth suit is for the Regent.

Though the sailors controlling the vessel will mostly keep to themselves and leave the Kenoma alone, one of them will occasionally play harp music on the deck. Though they probably don't actually need help running the ship, they will let the Kenoma help them with chores and ship running tasks if they are so inclined; generally speaking, these sailors just seem like normal people, albeit a bit shy of their passengers. If you're polite to them, they may even gives you a river tour of Horos. On this ride alone, you'll get to see several magnificent bridges spanning the Triwater's width. At night, you are treated to a clear spring sky filled with stars.

As you make it closer to Achamoth, you'll notice the landscape shift, becoming mountainous and dotted with more and more military watch posts. The land becomes increasingly lifeless in a way that's hard to put your finger on, nature giving way to man-made creations of impressive architectural prowess. Soon, you will meet the person behind it all.

QUESTIONS
Can my Kenoma character fight against other Kenoma and/or help the Pleroma?
Yes, though if you do this you must describe what your character has done in a reply to the "Committed Actions" top-level below. This way, the mods can be aware of what happened and have your character treated accordingly. They are unlikely to receive immediate consequences if they don't hurt their fellow Kenoma, but their choices will follow them into Achamoth. If a Kenoma vs Kenoma conflict escalates into serious violence (attempted or successful) committed by the Kenoma rebel, Xishen will intervene and consequences will happen immediately which may restrict their actions until the next event post.

Can our characters leave the valley?
They can, yes, but really this event is just meant to cover the day or two they spend recovering before finding a more permanent place to go. You are free to have your character investigate the valley and probe the spaces beyond it, but please save any plans for large scale travel to the next event, which will be happening on April 2nd. The game will move into a 1:1 time ratio as of then.

Can our characters leave the boat?
Technically yes, but any Kenoma who wander too far will get in trouble. You are expected to report to the Regent, and behaving as if you are considering doing otherwise will not make an good impression.

Does the hope-based Pleroma boost last into the valley?
The boost to Pleroma characters will fade shortly after arriving in the valley, like coming down from a high. They'll have to recover the normal way from there.

[personal profile] velvetoversteel 2022-04-16 02:21 am (UTC)(link)
She's unbothered by his near-nudity, though perhaps when she was young it might have flustered her. Moiraine frowns at his words -- though perhaps she should have expected this reaction. Most men were wont to be this stubborn, especially in the face of seeming weakness.

"You need to rest," she insists, in a firm tone that suggests that she's right, Estinien's wrong, and that should be the end of it. "You'll reopen your wounds if you move too quickly -- and I suspect we have some time."

Moiraine is not a fool; she has no illusions that the Regent's forces won't be pursuing them sooner rather than later, and they certainly can't stay in this valley for the long term. But they need time to recuperate, to get their bearings before they move on.

[personal profile] velvetoversteel 2022-04-16 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
Of course.

[ It's a simple acknowledgement of the situation they're in -- defend themselves first, talk later. There are more important issues at hand.

Lumine seems an accomplished fighter, and despite her apparent youth she doesn't seem delicate or fragile -- and Moiraine is the last person to underestimate another woman -- so she feels confident letting her take a position at her side. She is not herself good with a blade, that's the strength of the Green Ajah, but the fireballs she weaves in response are as deadly as any sword. One singes one of the soldiers as it just misses him; the other strikes one in the chest, and he screams as it burns through his clothes and into his flesh.

Moiraine tries to ignore it. She's more used to fighting Trollocs than men -- but she will defend herself when her life is at stake, as it is now. ]
lachtara: (Coyness)

[personal profile] lachtara 2022-04-16 04:53 pm (UTC)(link)
So insistent. It still begs the question of 'why' he's been singled out for such a task, though that question is set aside for the moment. The chance to have someone provide him with information is valuable. He is but one person and it would only benefit to have more eyes, ears, and people to see this new world for him.

"Perhaps." Emet-Selch does not provide a definitive yes - nor would he ever - but again he does not tell her to leave. In fact, he gives her an excuse to stay if she wished. "It sounds as though you have observed all you can for now." He motions to the cards in front of him and speaks with a sigh in his voice. "Come, let us try to entertain ourselves in the absence of anything new to discover."
lockedon: pid 30575014 (046)

u are a-okay, i am incredibly easy

[personal profile] lockedon 2022-04-16 07:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He really had pushed himself too far during the battle, and taken one too many direct hits past his limit. His head's pounding, clothing singed and torn from too magical blasts - tch, of course so many here would be proficient in magic - and there's really not any visible patch of skin that isn't littered with cuts and bruises of all sizes. But ignoring the tenderness of a broken wrist just recently healed, he ought to count himself lucky he's still able to talk and walk.

It's for the best that this man proceeds with valuing efficiency over comfort. They have neither the time nor the materials to waste on dawdling, and Eustace has never taken kindly to pity or preferential treatment. Even with clinical hands, the jostling and movement sends jolts of pain radiating through his body and there's clear tension in the stiff lines of his body as he sits, teeth grit together as he silently lets himself be tended to. It's not Makoto's fault that things ended up the way they did. No point taking it out on an unaffiliated third party.

He's only partly listening to Makoto, more interested in reviewing his earlier perfomance (honestly kind of paltry) but his attention shifts back at the murmured words. ]


Do you do this often?

[ Patching up randos on the side of a cavern, that is. ]
aquaveiled: (himeka-348)

[personal profile] aquaveiled 2022-04-16 08:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She turns to look back at Lumine and nods. That they found an escape that allowed everyone to leave at once rather than having to go back and retrieve who they can is amazing, to be honest. Himeka knows an opportunity like that shouldn't be squandered. ]

At least we've regained our abilities. Knowing they have too doesn't help, but it gives us a fighting chance if they manage to give chase.

[ After they've rested they will have a better chance. Plus, being out in the open rather can confined to the cave does give them more options as well.

She smiles as she allows her magicks to dwindle until they disappear. ]


Let me know if you need any touch-ups. I know some of the soothing effects are temporary.
aquaveiled: (himeka-364)

[personal profile] aquaveiled 2022-04-16 08:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Where I'm from? It's very rare. At least more than it was some thousands and thousands of years ago when the world was whole.

[ That's definitely a story. But the point being, this is not something people of her time are able to do easily or at all, in most cases. ]

Is Runeterra your star?
goldendeceiver: (ten thousand craters)

I-I didn't forget to reply back just because there was no notif in my inbox. idk what you mean

[personal profile] goldendeceiver 2022-04-16 11:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Fun is a very strong word. In the midst of all of that fighting though, Ernesto did manage to get himself unsteadily back onto his feet. It took a few attempts, and involved a little bit of very unnerving swaying and stumbling though, because his own right arm doesn't feel like it's going to work but so well right now as the pain radiates down it.

His legs are okay though, and as much as it hurts to have a dagger buried inside of him, it's not like the blood loss from it is enough to make him woozy. By the time he's fully up, he's able to catch sight of Dokja crushing Eustace's good stabbing throwing wrist, and despite the pain he's currently in, still manages a sympathy wince.

There's nowhere near enough sympathy in him to go try to help when he's got his own problems at hand though. He's upright, but he's a little unsteady on his feet as he takes a stumbled step towards the tightening circle of newly formed Pleromas.
]
coerthantorment: (13)

[personal profile] coerthantorment 2022-04-17 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
It's a tone that Estinien has heard many times, both from friends and from the healers that tended to the Knights Dragoon. Though part of him is inclined to resist out of sheer contrariness, the rest realizes that he isn't going to get very far on his own anyway. They'll all need to cooperate, he thinks.

He falls silent again, some of the tension leaving his body as he stops trying to get up. His gaze wanders, taking in their surroundings more clearly for the first time since arriving.

"...Where is this place?" he asks, mystified. "To think... that such a sight could exist in this realm, after all we've seen."

More importantly, he really didn't know if he'd survive to see anything but darkness again.

[personal profile] expiera 2022-04-17 08:40 am (UTC)(link)
[She's starting to get an inkling, whether she likes it or not. Just like that fool, this one is contradictory, too. For all the self-loathing and shameless flashing of masocidal a bright neon JUST LEAVE ME HERE TO DIE sign he may as well parade atop him at all times, he still fought, still chose as he had. Pleroma, as Xishen had called it.

Is this it, then? His show at buying time, the way he's opted to carry out his act?

What a troublesome and wretched creature, bitter and trashy inside AND out. It's always the stubborn and stupid ones. They'll take anything upon themselves for the sake of others, yet this one doesn't even have the decency to TRY appearing stable or reliable. Is that why she finds all this strangely irritating? Hm... It's not like her, regardless.

She's seen enough. That smile he manages comes off better put together than any other part of him right now, and that says quite a bit in and of itself, in her opinion.]


You're a mess, Dokja Kim.

[It's all he gets in response, while the icy cold look she previously bore falls flatter than an open can of soda left out for over 20,000 years.

...]
traversal: (Default)

[personal profile] traversal 2022-04-17 12:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ look, she wants an entire boar, but it doesn't seem like she can catch anything of the sort here. she'll just have to find one later in some forest or field or what.

in any case, lumine's smile widens and hands him another sandwich, quickly prepared in a matter of minutes. it's easy enough when you have a sword and the ingredients needed.
]

By the way, do you know how to fight?
traversal: (Default)

[personal profile] traversal 2022-04-17 12:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[ more options mean more chances of surviving, and lumine would choose that over being given only one path to take. which is why she doesn't really understand the offer of the regent, to accept destruction because they find it's the only feasible solution. it feels very ... suffocating, to say the least.

she stretches her arms above her head, wincing a little when she felt a bit of soreness on her side. but ultimately, the pain is mostly gone with only a bit of a sting remaining. very much negligible, that one.
]

I think I should be good. This isn't the worst injury I've had, so.

[ from falling down cliffs to getting thrown against a stone wall—she can deal with it from here on out. lumine offers himeka a grateful smile. ]

Look like I owe you a favour on a rainy day. Thanks!
hippocarnival: (✮ 144 ✮)

[personal profile] hippocarnival 2022-04-17 08:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[Watching her cut things with a sword is, honestly, kind of fascinating. It's ill-equipped for the task at hand, but she's making it work.]

Uh... [He looks down, then back up.] No.
superbshot: (Ah...what?)

[personal profile] superbshot 2022-04-17 11:18 pm (UTC)(link)
It is, yes. I'm from Piltover, the City of Progress. We...are more technological than magical, I'm afraid.

[It's all crazy for her.]

...what's your home called?
goldendeceiver: (no need to)

It's okay, I did that with one recently too. I fully understand

[personal profile] goldendeceiver 2022-04-18 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ Enjoy that apple, Yuya. At least some of them should rest and regain some strength when others are being paranoid like this. ]

As one group, or at least in small clusters for the time being. It might be easy to spot us if we all travel in a pack, but it seems like a bad idea for anyone to go off completely solo right now.
regretsor: (pic#15339309)

[personal profile] regretsor 2022-04-18 01:53 am (UTC)(link)
If you think it'll be helpful in the future, it wouldn't be a bad idea. We don't know how things will go as we go forward. It's better to be prepared than to lack something that you could have had.

[He's always in the mindset to always be as prepared as possible. Considering how the scenarios had went, he definitely doesn't think there's anyway of being overtly prepared in any situation. Especially if it seems like they'll be at odds going forward.]

We can train then. [Read: Bully.] Once you're recovered.
hippocarnival: (✮ 052 ✮)

[personal profile] hippocarnival 2022-04-18 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah. I hate to say it, but... I think we can trust each other more than anything else in this place right now. [It's practical, to recognize that they don't know who will and won't be sympathetic enough to help them avoid those soldiers. Yuya remembers the people around the Lover shrine, who were so uneasy at the sight of the Aions.]

We should stick together so we can look out for each other.
salvageable: (pic#15510878)

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-04-18 05:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ You have no idea is the blithe response dying to roll off of his tongue. If Dokja were to be asked about his current state, he'd think he did a relatively good job? He could have certainly been worse, as frightening as the thought is. As it stands now, he depressingly pats himself on the back for holding it together as much as he had.

There had been a few touch and go moments, but that's what happens when the splintering cracks in his mind and soul are as vast as they are.

The fingers he has wedged in between his throat and the whip start working to try and loosen the hold while he remains in her grasp. He doesn't look even slightly bothered by her observation or the cold look in her eyes. They're nothing irregular for someone like him. ]


I've heard that before.

[ And he has. Many times over. From the people closest to him. ]

I'm not something you should bother yourself with.

[ The plain honesty in his voice is apparent. He really is nothing special, and it would be best to recognize that early on for the sake of everyone. ]

[personal profile] expiera 2022-04-18 06:36 am (UTC)(link)
[She wrinkles her nose, as if smelling something unpleasant while appearing mostly polite about it. Why think back to the times when the people closest to him told him so, when he's clearly facing an enemy, a stranger at that?

A split second is all it takes. The whip blurs, and so does she. The next thing he knows, he's soaring through the air again, being sent crashing once more to the closest wall nearby with no consideration paid to his comfort. The painful contraction around his neck is released at the same time at least, it would seem that she's opted to unceremoniously throw him like a rag doll once more.

Except this time, nothing comes after. Once he manages to recover his senses, he'll no longer find her there. She's beaten him up quite a bit, and it would appear that she's had enough. Did she lose interest, or had something else catch her eye?

...It doesn't matter either way, so maybe he should take that as a good thing. Just stay there and rest up? He's probably seen better days, hm.]
traversal: (pic#15221787)

[personal profile] traversal 2022-04-18 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[ a thoughtful expression crossing lumine's face at that admission. caught up in a conflict like this and he's unable to fight ... it would be best to keep him and the others who couldn't fight in a safe location, then, especially given the capable fighters in kenoma. ]

Don't worry about it. [ she smiles at him reassuringly. ] There's a number of us here capable of helping you out if anything happens.

[ she's not going to ask anyone to fight, either. that's just unfair for them, she thinks. ]

But we should probably find a safe place to convene and plan things out.
aquaveiled: (himeka-212)

[personal profile] aquaveiled 2022-04-19 01:44 am (UTC)(link)
[ Suffocating is a good way to put it. She can only hope that their comrades on the other side aren't choked out by it before it's too late.

She knows her healing magicks can only do so much, but she cannot up but grin when Lumine says that it isn't the worst injury she's had. ]


No doubt that your "friend" has been the perpetrator more than once.

[ Pushing on her knees, Himeka moves to stand. ]

How about next time we just tag team properly?
salvageable: (pic#15623214)

[personal profile] salvageable 2022-04-19 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ He's going to lie here for a good few minutes and hope he never sees her again, actually.

Bye, stranger, let's do that again never. ]
hippocarnival: (✮ 086 ✮)

[personal profile] hippocarnival 2022-04-19 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
[She's right, but he still looks a little sheepish. This is a place really out of his element.]

Yeah. This place is okay for now but... I'd kind of like a roof over my head?
traversal: (Default)

[personal profile] traversal 2022-04-19 01:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ aa, he really shouldn't feel guilty or sheepish. even if he can't fight, if he was brought here, then there must be a reason, right? everyone has their own purpose, their own strengths.

lumine pats his arm, keeping the smile on her face.
]

Sleeping under the stars is quite nice too. So long as it doesn't rain, I suppose. [ with the skies above them so clear, though ... ] Want to see if those mysterious natives left camping items after eating?
traversal: (pic#15221744)

[personal profile] traversal 2022-04-19 02:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ lumine blinks when himeka mentions childe once more, letting out a bit of a laugh as she also gets up on her feet; at the very least, it's clear that her healing magic is very effective, now that her side doesn't hurt from chuckling. also, it looks like childe will have to be referred to as "that friend" from now on. ]

I think he'll very much enjoy that, unfortunately.

[ the guy gets a kick out of fighting, after all. and fighting the two people who managed to knock him down a peg? even more exhilarating for him, no doubt. ]

Are you sure you're up for being pestered nonstop?
goldendeceiver: (god knows you put your life)

[personal profile] goldendeceiver 2022-04-20 03:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ People are some of the most unpredictable forces of all, and with so many actively against the small handful that managed to escape?

Yeah, Joonghyuk is probably right about that.

The comment surprises Ernesto though, and his ears perk up at that, glancing at the other man in his peripheral.
]

You're interested in training me, Señor?

[ He pauses, a little surprised. If he's saying not until he's recovered, then he's guessing this man means the hand-to-hand combat part of this more than the medical bit, though Ernesto might be able to wrangle out some basic information on that from him too. ]

If we're going to be throwing punches at each other, we should at least learn each other's names, right? I'm Ernesto.

[ He turns his head fully now to look back at Joonghyuk, a friendly smile on his face. ]

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