EVENT #3: THE COST OF INNOCENCE

[aionmods]

The Cost of Innocence

INVESTIGATION

As the Aions arrive in Venera, they will find the natural beauty of the city in sharp contrast to its uncomfortable aura. Though the sun still shines and flowers still bloom in a place filled with physical vibrancy and life, the air itself is impossibly still, as if wind no longer blows. You can taste the stagnancy of it when you breathe, and the pleasant sights only make that feeling of absence more haunting. The streets are mostly empty, with most of the city's residents hiding away in their homes, fearing the touch of whatever illness has caused this. That is, all the citizens besides those most affected, who wander the streets in a lifeless and painless daze.

Normally, Venera would be occupied by both Hylician and Achamite soldiers, but it quickly becomes apparent that both have abandoned the city, only guarding its furthest outskirts. Their reasons vary: the Achamite soldiers seem to take religious objection to the feeling of the city, believing it to be some trickery of the Innocent, while the Hylicians simply see it as a plague they have no interest in catching or spreading. Because of this, it will be easy for Aions of both sects to explore with little pushback from any form of law enforcement. The Kenoma will be directed into the city with warnings about the potential physical and spiritual danger while Pleroma will be able to sneak in mostly unbothered. After all, no one is eager to follow you.

Most shops and businesses are currently closed, though some uninfected individuals still nervously keep watch over their workplaces, fearing potential looting. It's difficult, but not impossible, to find people to talk to, and while the most plentiful wanderers are the infected, the reactions from those with their minds still intact will vary. Some will be eager to speak to anyone who looks like they're trying to do something about their situation, desperate for any source of outside help. If revealed you are an Aion, this may either entice them even further or cause them to retreat, as if fearing that you are somehow to blame for their plight. For those that are enticed, it will become clear that they hold onto faith that Aions are in Horos to save them, and will tell these new arrivals whatever they can without discriminating between sects.

The base level information that can be found is thus: the infection began at the same levels it has been in the rest of Horos, only for the numbers of the afflicted to rapidly accelerate upon the coming of the Innocent's Moon. Some see it as a form of divine punishment for their cooperation with the Regent, while the less cooperative citizens see it as a malady brought about by the Aions themselves, their only hope being that they will be able to clean up the mess they made. Some citizen have managed to corral their inflicted loves ones into their rooms and will be willing to introduce you; most of these individuals are past the point of conversation, and seem fully lost to whatever fantasy world they are experiencing. They are disinterested in eating or drinking and it seems like, without help, they are destined for a slow death of starvation and atrophy. That is, if their apathetic state doesn't result in a severe accident, as it has in many cases already.

Any other clues will take more dogged investigation. It will be a day or so after the majority of Aions have arrived in the city that the first signs of their own infections become clear.

HEAVENLY BODIES

The first to feel its effects will be the Innocents, Lovers, and Celebrants; like a voice has fully awakening to them, whispering of how their touch can be the cure to the others' pain. It bids them to take their fellow Aions into their loving embrace, to share this gift, as only suffering lies ahead. It expresses without words that it will be a shield for their Aion kindred, and that those that accept will become their outstretched hands to a cosmos that craves peace. Any form of physical contact with those three Legacies will either introduce or rapidly accelerate the infections experienced by the others, this effect only becoming more intense if the wielder intentionally forces the power of this strange entity into their victims.

Even without that accelerating touch, however, other Aions are not necessarily safe; the infection will still seep in, albeit more slowly. All Aions may experience a growing feeling of connection to the infected Venerans, as if the energy within them is being drawn into their their own bodies. As the Aion's symptoms worsen, the the ones suffered by the Venerans will gradually lessen, though not go away entirely. It seems that the Aions soaking up this strange power is enough to take the edge off of what is happening to the citizens: but at what cost?

Various symptoms will manifest in afflicted Aions with outcomes far more diverse and devastating than what the Veneran civilians have experienced. Visionaries, Firebrands, and Artisans will suffer the most catastrophic symptoms, the clash between their spiritual natures and that of the Innocence being the most extreme. This malady is characterized by its innate desire to quell its victims of their resistance, smothering them in artificial peace, even if it has to deprive them of their bodies and minds to do so.

It is not without treatment, however. It will gradually become apparent that feelings of intense suffering or upset are capable of purging the infection, that clash with painful reality seeming to wake them up from their trance and reduce or eliminate physical symptoms. The more intense the distress, the more effective it will be. Fortunately, this heightening of Aion spiritual energy has the added consequence of making empathic communion connections far more acute. Instead of just transmitting and receiving emotions and thoughts, Aions will find themselves more easily able to enter the delusions and memories of their kindred, drawing them out and manipulating them for this purpose. The catch is that they will only be able to access what is on the surface of the other Aion's mind.

When an infection is reduced or expelled this way, the energy causing it seems to be dispelled from the city, lowering the intensity of its ambient effects. While similar can be done to Veneran citizens to help treat them, the energy will not leave, and will either go into the Aion casting it out or return to the nebulous source of Innocence and eventually infect someone else. Something about going through the Aions specifically seems to act as a filter, as unpleasant of a way as it is to help.

IN THE SILENCE

For those unlucky enough to develop complete, or near complete, infections (IE. a full Innocence petrification) a presence will awaken within them regardless of their Legacy. It will urge them to join with it, to embrace the peace it offers, and to become the extensions of their will in this ravaged world. With an infection of this intensity, there will be little they can do but to hear its call. What exactly this would ultimately entail is unclear, but there is the sense that his entity is looking to join with you on a spiritual level. If your character becomes infected to this degree please let us know under the Committed Actions toplevel below along with the context of that transformation and whether or not they are being cured from it. You may receive some additional information in return!

QUESTIONS

What is the best way for Aions to travel to Venera?
The quickest travel paths are for Kenoma to take a boat from Achamoth, which will take about a day, and for Pleroma to teleport to the Celebrant's shrine and take either a carriage or river boat to the city (there are offshoot rivers not marked on the setting map). The riverboats would be the faster option option of the two, and would also take about a day. The carriages/delivery carts would be slower and take a couple days, but have relay access to horses and therefore could keep going overnight. Characters with flight are also able to use that, though flying right into the city might cause a bit of spectacle. Then again, none of the local law enforcement is eager to chase you at the moment.

Are Veneran civilians experiencing the same symptoms as the Aions?
Veneran civilians are only experiencing apathy/loss of self/daydreaming and maybe the loss of pigments/color for advanced cases. The more body horror orientated effects are Aion only and are being caused by their body's spiritual makeup.

Can 'cured' Aions be reinfected?
Yes! Even if cured or treated, symptoms can return or worsen again. This will keep happening until the build up of Innocence energy in Venera is entirely expunged, at which point the illness will fade away across the continent. Whether or not the Aions mere presence will be enough to trigger that is yet unknown, but it does seem to be helping lessen the effects suffered by the civilians, at least.

How long does the infection period last in Aions?
Chronologically, we are considering the infection period of the plot to last 2-3 days.

Comments

Emet-Selch | Champion | Kenoma

[lachtara]

( Will include both Open and Closed prompts! If you would like something else not listed here, Feel free to poke me at weenwoon or CrimDa#8229 on Discord. )

Researching in Achamoth - Closed to Silco

[lachtara]

Many of the other Kenoma had left for the city some time ago. Emet-Selch, true to form, has decided to stay behind and see if there is any valuable information he could find to assist the Kenoma from afar. Given his understanding of the cities importance, it would be an invaluable asset to keep under their rule.

So he makes his way into the library and seeks to find anything about the town and about the sickness in general. Perhaps this is something that had occurred in the past? Maybe within recent memory of those who lived within the city? Anything they could find may find itself in service to their goals.

Of course, it seems that he is not alone in this endeavor. Someone familiar also roams the isles of books. Emet-Selch throws him a glance. "Oh. Have you decided to stay behind?"

[zauneyete]

In the same vein that it's true to form that Emet-Selch would have stayed behind, to coordinate from afar, it's also true that Silco would not be willing to put himself into the heat of the event so readily. After all, the rumors drifting out of Venera suggested that the people there were acting odd, and sick, just like some of the reports from other cities.

Silco wasn't about to go hang around with sick people. Leave that to the healers, or physicians.

"Ah, I suppose I'm not the only one here, then," he said, his tone clipped, and a little bored. "Yes, I thought it would be more useful to skulk in the library, while the rest of them scuttle about with their feet on the ground."

Silco, it seemed, wasn't interesting in scuttling about. "It seems I'm not the only one who thought that was a better idea."

[lachtara]

Warm a warm reception. Not that he expected anything less.

"I intended to stay behind long enough to see if there is anything of use here. Sicknesses like this one are rarely a new occurrence." Emet-Selch traces a finger along the spines of the books and carefully reads their content. Which one sounds like it could pertain to the matter at hand...? "Developing a cure or treatment if one has already established would be such a waste of time."

Communion Reports - OTA to Kenoma

[lachtara]

Eventually, the need arises to travel to the 'front lines' to address the happenings in Venera. What an unfortunate chore.

As he busies himself with readying to leave, there is an unspoken tension from the Communion. It feels as though someone is trying to reach him but having some amount of difficulty - or perhaps apprehension - in doing so. Emet-Selch focuses his attention on the link and asks flatly, "Yes?"

Perhaps whoever it was would respond in kind.

[subsist]

The struggle mostly comes from the fact that Kaeya is beginning to feel an odd sense of peace creep up on him, as if telling him that he shouldn't really be worrying too much about what's happening. He has a reason for why he he's attempting to contact Emet-Selch, but oddly enough, he can't seem to remember what it is now.

That's the general sense the other man on the other side of the line will be able to glean from Kaeya once their connection finally becomes much clearer.

"Hello," almost sing-songy, at ease, "Shall I try contacting you at another time?"

[lachtara]

The question on Emet-Selch's face is clear. Why contact him only to offer to do it later, and why sound so... lackadaisical about it all?

"You have my attention now." Sigh. "If you will indulge me with how the city fairs?"

[fightforthejoyofit]

The first report Zenos sends, when they arrive in Venera, is curt, almost professional - we are here, we have commenced investigations, stand by for future updates.

The second, a day (or some days? Time is becoming rather soupier, the more of it which passes) is... very much not that. In the time between reaching out and Emet-Selch's response his attention wanders enough that the flat yes? has him bristling with an irritated what do you want, old man? before remembering that no, he invited this.

... why, exactly did he invite this?

Emet-Selch might well be able to detect, under the message Zenos actually sends back - an equally-flat "Are you still in Achamoth?" - both the seductive whisper of the contagion suggesting wouldn't it be easier to just hang up, walk away, maybe have a nap in the sun somewhere? and the almost-draconic snarl of oppositional defiance that's currently answering it.

[lachtara]

It's... strange. So strange that Emet-Selch has to take a moment before replying. "I am still in Achamoth, but I will be departing for Venera momentarily." In fact, he makes for the door now.

"What is the status of those in Venera." It comes across as an order he might give someone under his rule.

[hikikosaurus]

There's apprehension every time Alphys tries to reach out mind-to-mind this way. For all that their induction to the Kenoma involved leaking their worst experiences and feelings out for all to see, it still feels too revealing to share her thoughts themselves, unfiltered by satire and self-mockery to reshape it the way she could her online ventings. She pushes on anyway.

"Ummm... Not to push you, but, are you coming?"

Some anxiety at the overreach, at what might happen if she doesn't speak up and take initiative to reach out, a thread of lingering responsibility for what others do - and a newer thread of wanting to lay down not just her crown and its responsibilities, but all need to do anything.

"It's just, I thought it was mandatory, but I haven't seen you around, and... Nobody's figured out what's causing it, or spreading it, so... we could really use the help!"

[lachtara]

"Oh? Worried that I may find myself outside of the Regent's good graces?" It's said with a hint of amusement. Half because of the mere idea of someone being concerned, and half because it's already happened once in his brief stay here.

With a smirk, he moves on. "I will arrive in Venera soon. First, I wanted to see if there was anything in the annals of the Achamoth Library that could help us. With the city under the Regent's rule, it stands to reason that they would have some public information about it."

Investigations/Around the City - OTA

[lachtara]

a.) Exploring
Emet-Selch wanders the streets upon his late arrival. The uneasy quiet here is telling that something is not quite right, further supported by the sight of people laying in the streets or standing as they stare at nothing in the sky. His gaze searches the area and he oh-so-casually steps over the bodies of any of the city's natives that lie in the road as he makes his way through.

He sees someone on the far side of the square underneath a trellis of hanging flowers - which also seem to have been flecked with a noticeable white color. Regardless of whether they are Pleroma or Kenoma, he approaches them and comes to a stop at their side. "One must wonder what awaits us here if the guards themselves would rather not venture inside."

b.) Investigating CW: Slight Gore
Now, what of this illness?

The sight of one inflicted individual seems to capture his attention. Emet-Selch makes his way to them and crouches down at their side to get a closer look. The person is marred with white feathers and their complexion is beyond deathly pale. They clutch a fist full of feathers, it seems that they sought to pull them out. They writhe in pain, crying and muttering about someone who they beg to 'forgive' them. One cannot help but notice that they all share the same pale features and lethargy as one touched by a Sin Eater would.

He reaches for them and puts a hand on the side of their face. Some of the sickly white bleeds through to his fingertips. The cries are cut noticeably short as they begin to crumble away in his hands.

b!

[salvageable]

It's been a couple of days since Dokja's arrival to Venera and he's already grown accustomed to the near lifeless bodies littering the streets. He's heard vague stories of slow recoveries for the city's people once the Aions converged upon this place, but in some sort of a reversal, it seems like it's now the Aions themselves who are succumbing to the contagion. There's a correlation here that he hasn't been able to fully grasp just yet, but with his mind holding stronger than most (for once), he's at least able to continue in his investigations.

Which leads him to come across this disturbing scene. Dokja wordlessly watches on as the sick individual crumbles away before it fully registers what it is he's seeing, and then he's hurrying over to try and yank the man away from the already disintegrating form.

"What do you think you're doing?"

[lachtara]

Emet-Selch glances back at whoever it is that has approached him and shoots them a look. "What do you think I'm doing, having a cup of tea?" He huffs and gets to his feet.

"I am trying to see if there's anything to be done for this one but they are far beyond help." Without being touched, the ligaments of the townsperson crack all the more.

a!

[passio]

Dextera knows well that Emet-Selch is not a friend to the Pleroma, as none of the Kenoma are, but their encounter before had been cordial—Dextera remembers him as even being friendly, although most people would probably not categorize it that way. That’s the only thing that keeps him from skittering off at the sound of a voice, but there’s a guilty look on his face as if the man is capable of reading Dextera’s mind for the solutions he was already turning over in his head.

As the guilt subsides, though, his natural bend to authority takes its place. He looks to Emet-Selch without running away, though his head is bowed slightly, and his expression seems to ask only one thing: what can they even do here?

[lachtara]

The expression, demure hunch, and the question in his glance are all silently noted. Ah, the flicker of fear he's so often seen in the eyes of others. Even so, Emet-Selch does not comment on them.

He passes by and pauses as he gets a few steps ahead of the boy. Emet-Selch looks over his shoulder and leers expectantly. "Well? Are you coming or has your enthusiasm for exploration dulled?"

A

[dragon_rider]

For a city under the Regent's control, Hiccup can't help but think it's too easy to get into. The soldiers that would usually guard it are well outside of the walls and seem keen to ignore anyone going in — as if noticing them would mean having to go in. It reminds him a lot of the talk of Odin's Scourge and how quickly people ran the other way and refused to do anything more. Unfortunately, the Scourge turned out to be real and he knew better than to think this was some passing phase —

It's a plague sweeping the country, after all.

Instinct told him he shouldn't have come, but his desire to learn and help dragged him there anyway. Thankfully, this early on in their stay, it's easier to not immediately get infected. He's only spoken to a couple of passing Venerans who looked healthy, offering to carry their groceries home for a few passing words. Most are skeptical, reasonably, occasionally someone is willing to talk — It's why he's saying his thanks and stepping away from a doorframe when Emet finds him.

He's a man that Hiccup recognizes from the time they were talking about potential enemies, but he doesn't show it in his expression. "Oh, I could wager a few guesses. None of them pretty," he mentioned with a shrug of one shoulder, a wave of a hand of the other, "I'm more interested in why they're so unwilling to help their own people and expect us new guys to have any idea on how to fix it." Like, really, it doesn't make much sense to him — Some of the Venerans were blaming them, but he's not sure why.

He's pretty sure he hasn't seen anybody concocting strange illnesses, but maybe he's watching the wrong people.

[lachtara]

Emet-Selch shifts his gaze to the boy. The statement is... funny, in a way. So much so that the corner of his mouth tugs back into the slightest smile at hearing such optimism.

People often focus on their own lives without consideration for those around them. As long as their own lives can continue with as little inconvenience as possible, then why lift a finger for the sake of altruism?

"I gather the natives have not welcomed your help with open arms?"

b!

[sunfall]

She's also been wandering the city to get a better idea of how extensive the sickness is. It doesn't seem to be affected by any of her healing, unfortunately, though her magic has at least allowed some of the people to stir towards it when they've been trapped in their malaise. It's a good enough sign that there is still hope to be had, but beyond minor and exceedingly temporary changes, nothing else seems to have worked. And those are in the cases where changes have not been so extensive.

But deeper into the city, where all seems too quiet, the people there are sometimes changed beyond recognition. She has never rightfully seen a plague with her own eyes but she has seen something similar enough before: the twisting of a person from man into monster because of a veritable excess of dark, of twili. This seems to be the opposite. And though she's fully considered the toll it took on her people, to witness someone's destruction is another matter entirely.

When she finds Emet-Selch and the person (or creature) he is with, she pauses. Her voice tumbles out before she has time to stop it. "What are you doing?" For a mercy, it isn't accusatory for the moment, though her concern is as plain as day. The look in her eyes as she watches the crumbling of the afflicted, however, betrays something else: familiarity.

Purging the Sources - Closed to Gen

[lachtara]

A cure had been discovered in the passing hours, but so has the revelation that certain carriers amplify the sickness. They needed to find those sources and be rid of them if there is any hope to quell the illness once and for all.

Since there is no tried and true method for finding them, the most they could do is wander the city and search. Given the lethargy that they exhibited it would only be a matter of time before they were found.

Emet-Selch continues the search until he happens upon... someone. It takes a moment of observation to recognize who it is given the abhorrent arrangement of wings that protrude from where they should not be. When he finally does make the connection of who it is, Emet-Selch sighs out loud. Of course it is Gen. "Are you quite incapable of staying out of trouble?" He calls.

Suppose he would have to fix this to prevent the illness from spreading further. With that, he approaches while muttering under his breath. "A right bother this is going to be..."

[epiprocta]

Gen finds himself standing in a small clearing, somewhere where he can get a good view of the scenery past Venera's borders, when he comes to his senses. Not that he has any memory of how or why he'd gone there -- it's growing curiously difficult to keep track of the time, but he can't even bring himself to worry too much about the way his memory's been coming in disconnected jumps and stutters this past day or two. In fact, it's strangely difficult to worry too much about anything right now.

So even when he hears a familiar voice speaking from somewhere nearby and spots the motion of someone approaching, it takes Gen a moment too long to tear his eyes away from the distance mountains near Achamoth that he'd been gazing towards and instead look towards Emet-Selch.

"... pops?" A low mumble, first. Almost indistinct. Then a bleary shake of the head; the wings clustered about his head and shoulders jerk from the movement, spewing downy feathers in their wake. Why did he even say that. His father isn't here. Probably. ... right? Gen groans as he drags a hand down his face, clawing stray feathers out of place. "No ... you're not."

But even with that clarification given, it's clear Gen's not entirely there at the moment -- his gaze is a little lacking in focus as he squints at Emet-Selch, like he's trying to more clearly remember who this man is. He feels so close, like the name's at the tip of his tongue.

Old Memories - Closed to Howl

[lachtara]

Repeated exposure to the illness has left Emet-Selch dusted with an unmistakable lack of color. His hair is completely white and his complexion has turned a shade more pale than usual. Even his clothes have taken on an obviously washed-out tinge to them; what was black before has begun to look pale gray.

The sacrifices have not been without their successes. It seems like they could finally be making headway on ridding the city of the illness once and for all. But it is difficult to persevere through the beginning throws of that very illness. He presses on, however, intent on finding a one of the sources. He has heard rumblings on who it could be.

With one look at Howl, it becomes apparent that those rumors are true.

Emet-Selch opens his mouth to call to him but he finds it difficult to recall ....a name. It's muddled as he struggles to focus. He can only think about the name of another - one who can not possibly be here, but whom he resembles...

[galdorleod]

Howl was among the Aions infected quickly and deeply upon entering the city, and he has spent most of the last few days wandering aimlessly. Unknowingly infecting the locals he drew close to, spoke to, or touched in an attempt to console or inspect their infection, Howl entered something like a trance, and it took him to the outer limits of the city, where the farms and orchards are. This was a lucky boon to people like Emet-Selch, who had been trying in earnest to rid the city of the infection, as one of its biggest sources had essentially quarantined himself. It wasn't until Howl was cured himself, and told how it was done, that he makes his way back into the city proper... and the way the disease has spread and progressed is somewhat shocking. Even as he can feel the sickness starting to creep back into his skin, bleaching his clothes and turning his golden hair the color of yellow chiffon, he continues onward. He's caused enough damage, it's time to help.

The increased empathic bond with his fellow Aions is one mercy among all of this, as it at least helps him find people that he can help. One person in particular is highly concerning, considering he has not been answering any of Howl's attempts to commune with him since he headed back into the city. Hells, they hadn't even talked after Howl was released from Dionys' custody, but surely that was the old man being aloof and broody, and has nothing to do with the present situation. Right?

When he finally finds Emet-Selch, he stops in his tracks from afar, taken aback by the change in his appearance. Perhaps it's just the low light filtering through the tall park trees, but... it does not look good.

Howl takes a deep breath and paces towards him with long, determined strides. Time to act.

"Old man!" he calls out, putting on a wide smile. Emet-Selch hates it when Howl calls him that. It should get some sort of reaction out of him.

Resting - Closed to Jae Ha

[lachtara]

Though the previous encounter had handed him a cure, but it had left him indescribably exhausted. His ligaments feel so heavy that it is a challenge to keep upright. Therefore, Emet-Selch resigns himself to leaning against a crumbling stone wall just off the beaten path.

He sits there, eyes closed, one arm folded onto his lap, listening to the uneasy quiet. This place lacked the hum of a thriving city. It sounds like a city on the verge of death.

Eventually, he can hear the crunching sound of footprints nearby. He cracks his eyes open to look in the direction that they came from, mentally bolstering what strength he has to escape if necessary.

[surefooted]

Sliding down from a nearby rooftop, Jae Ha's feet touch the ground lightly as he steps towards the stranger. This is what gives him away, he knows, and so he's quick to lift both hands as he makes himself visible, a small smile in place.

"Rest easy. I'm not here to hurt you."

The opposite, in fact. He'd seen his exhausted form from above, and not being one to leave someone in danger alone, Jae Ha has decided to move closer. This is not someone he recognizes from the Pleroma meet and greet, so he knows what that must mean. But it doesn't stop him from extending a hand.

"I'd like to help. You seem quite exhausted. Is it the illness that's been going around, I wonder?"