[WORLD ONE | OCTOBER INTRO LOG]

[spellbindmods]

Who: The new coven members and old blood
Where: In and around the hub island
When: Day 92
Open/Closed: Open to All

All characters are told briefly what their powers are by Genette -- no extemporaneous details. For instance, if your character has the ability to detect lies, they'll be told as such -- no warning about limitations, repercussions or the like. They'll also be given a variant of this letter so they aren't totally ignorant of the situation -- though of course adapt this letter to the current setting and surroundings of the game.

This setting may be familiar to you -- maybe you caught a glimpse of it when you first visited. Maybe this is your first time experiencing this weird world and the panic is setting in. If you're totally lost, a tall human woman with a long scroll of paper will stop by to give you the run down. She'll also give you a letter, which may give you more questions than answers since the information is a wee out of date. (Maybe someone else can fill in some gaps for you). What is at first painfully obvious is that you're ill-equipped. Any magic or powers you had previously are suddenly replaced with an empty hole in your being. That's not all that's gone, but perhaps that's what's most pressing. Another thing you may notice is that there are others just like you, wandering around and just as confused. If you feel so inclined, you may want to ask around and see if anyone else knows what's up. A ▢ If one of your characters isn't looking to introduce themselves to others, someone's willing to do it for them. Genette is trying to make sure all newbies are accounted for and have a buddy, so she's grabbing them when she finds them and tossing them at the first coven member she sees. "Hi, so-and-so, this is so-and-so! They're new, so show them the ropes -- be friends, okay?" You get the gist. Your character may be paired up with another newbie, a seasoned character or both! Five times, even! Timelines in RPing are weird! B ▢ Let's say that instead of milling about and doing nothing entirely productive, your character has decided to try and venture off to find a way off this huge floating rock. That's nice -- but be warned that the forest is filled with interesting things. For instance, they've happened to find a hollowed out tree that happens to be where a hoard of land crabs are living. They move fast -- run quick! C ▢ Other characters may want to establish shelter before they do anything else -- and that's their right! The problem is that if your character wants to be well-supplied, they're going to have to do things for themselves. There's something of an assembly line set up, but not a lot has been done in way of making things workable. Genette wanted all new coven members to have a little food parcel to take to their hut, but time constraints, you know? If you want any food for now -- or for later -- you may want to cook some of this (poisonous) eel, salt some boar jerky or cut into one of these rabbits. You've also got some berries to eat in the meantime, if you want something simple!

By the time afternoon sets in, everyone should be a little more adjusted -- or, they should at least be a little more aware of the situation. From there, things still need to be done and exploring is always an option! D ▢ For those characters who want to stick around the base camp, there's something worthwhile in discovering the buildings around the area. One such building is the mansion, which contains extra supplies and a renovated kitchen. The kitchen is now functional with electricity and running water, with a few raw ingredients for making whatever your character would like. It's minimal, but also not totally useless. E ▢ If you mill about too long, you'll be put to work. Run into Genette and you'll be sent to pick western part of the island to look for strawberries, wheat and deer (good luck hunting if your character doesn't have the capabilities, but maybe someone else can help?). Run into Genette and she'll offer your character an ax to chop wood with (is this a wise idea? probably not), or a request to go fishing in either a stream or the ocean attached to the island on the eastern side. Or your character can do both if they so choose...? F ▢ With all of these new people milling about, telepathy is on the fritz again. At least, it certainly is for those who are new! Your character may not realize their broadcasting frustrations to the network, or maybe a stupid secret. Their mental filter is certainly broken, but that's at least a great conversation starter. Night finally falls on the exhausting day, and it's time to rest. Thankfully the island is beautiful at night, especially the sky. The night is filled with space worms, relaxing mist and wondrous sights in the stars. G ▢ Adding to the excitement of the beautiful night, Genette has set up something of a...talent show? In an effort to get new coven members acclimated with their magic, she's asked them all to use their magic in some way -- it may take a volunteer, or maybe they can show it off all on their own. In any case, show me what you got. H ▢ Of course, some characters aren't going to be up for this fancy display and will want to go about their own business. There are plenty of places to sit and stew on this island, both private and in plain sight. The stars are spectacularly bright, and the higher up your character gets the less it seems like night time. If they're lucky, they may catch sight of a shooting star, though it's of course much larger than usual. They're directly in space, after all! I ▢ Wildcard! How will your character interact with this new and unusual world?

Comments

[spaceforged]

[Shiro falls silent and turns the question over in his head. It’s something he had been looking for. He’s just one among many here instead of a leader. But the habit to look at a group and see the patterns and who could be used where remain.]

The majority of us are fighters, soldiers, or anything close to it. Few tech experts. Most don’t seem to recognize any kind of computer or have limited knowledge about them. Only two pilots among us so far.

[reckoner]

Even the kids?

[ Even a glance around the camp yields a few. It isn't a novel or even shocking concept, given the mercenaries in his world, given even Homura, the solemn girl who spoke familiarity with firearms and bows.

Yet, many of those fresh faces don't have the same look. They couldn't have been fighters, soldiers... ]

Nothing to fly here.

[ Right? ]

Did it get dangerous on Aimintas?

[spaceforged]

The fighting was over by the time I got there. But it probably would have continued if the Uvi hadn’t been messing with the magic they had been harvesting.

[He grimaces, and shakes his head. He hadn’t much to say about the fact most even children know how to fight. But this he can say something about.]

They were killing a group of people called the Palai. They have magic in the bones of their mages. We didn’t know that at the time or what they would use it for. If too many of those bones are connected...they explode. That’s exactly what happened.

[It still can take his breath away if he thinks about it. All that loss in an instant.]

We couldn’t locate any trace of them. There were no survivors.

[reckoner]

[ That --

Hakuno had spoken of the Palai as small lizard people, and of a cobbler. She hadn't said they all died. Gaelio does not understand the mechanics still, how they managed to connect their bones, and Uvi is a new term.

It reaches even him. He closes his eyes, taking hold of it, of an emotion that no longer has a place, yet stirs from scarred over depths. Compassion for others, never mind an alien race, utterly unknown... How unwieldy, and dangerous to other ends.

Shaking his head, he wrests open his eyes. ]

So Qri mines from such sources, with our hands bloodied for her. [ If not directly, but it boded poorly for the future. ] Were any of ours caught up in it?

[spaceforged]

Only the Uvi were. We're not sure just how many they put together but the chain reaction wiped out their habitat within the ocean.

[He hesitates, as much as a mental connection with his team is perfectly fine. It's altogether strange to offer it to a stranger. Shiro traces a finger in the air.] The city of the Palai is beneath the water. The ocean up above us was the sky.

The bones and debris rained down for a little while.

[reckoner]

[ Useful, then grim, these descriptions. Contributing to a mental image that proves vivid enough, though there must be much he still does not understand, never having visited an alien world, though other planets within the galaxy.

This cut of land may count.

His eyes follow the movement of that finger. ]

Shirogane, right? [ Genette had said. ] Do you believe Qri wanted that outcome?

[ It may have helped in collecting the bones. If so, can he believe Fate in her design? If Fate, can it be one that should be followed? ]

[spaceforged]

[Did the Qri want this outcome? The question has been on his mind since he saw the bones. He folds his arms over his chest and gives it the focus it deserves. There’ no telling what the Qri wanted. Genette’s words are covered in a film of blind faith.]

...

I’m finding it hard to believe in her intentions. I want answers. [He wants to be wrong. But he’s been a prisoner before and thrust into an arena where he has to fight to survive. It colors his perceptions to be bound again. Even for a potentially good cause.]

I don’t want a repeat of that genocide on our next assignment.

[reckoner]

[ If her intentions could be comprehensible, or well-translated. Nonexistent though may be his experience with alien creatures, a mage purportedly connected to each world and universe likely weighed lives on different scales.

He has seen it at a smaller ratio. Gjallarhorn's order necessitating the swift crushing of rebelling colonists. His own blade had swung to that end, cog and dog after all.

...best not to reflect thusly, with this as the backdrop, with words like genocide heavy in the air. Preventable or essential to an elevated mage? ]

How do you intend to get them?

[ The answers. If they do not know whether Genette passes along their messages, or whether Qri deigns to answer.

[spaceforged]

There are two options to pursue. First, find out what writings might be around this island. People were here but we don’t know what happened to them. The mysteries here could help find out wha tThe Qri is about. Second, check the next world for history the Coven or activity they found strange.

It’s not much. But it’s a step in the right direction.

[He is no stranger to hard decisions. The Qri is a being with different priorities. But he won’t stomach a tyrant. There are ways to achieve the asked for goals without killing entire species. Shiro crosses his arms over his chest.]

That’s my plan for now. I’ll access and revise if more options become available. That’s all that can be done for now. [Answers are a goal. He can be patient and count the moments until his chance arrives.]

[reckoner]

[ Gaelio registers this: people before them. Something obvious enough by the mansion, by the interior, though he's hardly had time to do more than glimpse it. If the timing of their servitude to Qri held true, from Brie and Genette to their group arrivals, then -- no, but could he assume it had been built, when it seemed so out of place? Had those people served Qri?

He has not traversed enough of this "world" to conjecture. His finger taps against the back of the letter, which he now folds. Taps again against fold.

No, it's not much. But... ]

It's something. What's beyond the island? Is there a map?

[ Of the island and beyond. Really, if Genette was going to give them explanatory letters, she might have included something like a map on the back. At least if there's one, he might find something to write with and reproduce it himself on the parchment. ]

Or... a star map? How far are we from Earth?

[ Less likely, he knows, that such information will be forthcoming. And he should focus on the immediate, at least an entire island unknown, having seen only a bit of forest, a field, and this camp. ]

[spaceforged]

We don't have any star maps. But I think we're a lot farther from our versions of Earth than we ever thought possible.

[Geir had said beyond the island is just dead air. He can't fly yet so he can't check that for himself.

According to Geir, past the island is dead air. I'm assuming there's a barrier between us and space beyond. Whether we're actually in space...no one knows.

[He pulls away and motions for Gaelio to follow him over to a tacked up map.]

This is what we have so far for a map. Everyone adds to it as we explore more and more of the island. As far as we know, we'll always return here to the hub between our missions. Whether time passes here while we're away is unknown. For now.

[reckoner]

[ No star maps or charts, but his expectations had been low. How had she even gotten them to Aimintas, how did she pluck people from across worlds and universes? Scattered and random, purposeful and ominous, or in fact with good if alien intentions? Why bother dumping them onto this neutra, separated space?

Some of these questions ring redundant and no less futile when so phrased. He doesn't ask, listening and absorbing quietly, then following to the map. Unless Shirogane has a pen or pencil, he'll have to try to remember it, so Gaelio stares hard. At least it's quite simple.

The only trick: which way for south, west, north, east? How does the "sun" here operate? The huts line nearby, and they'd walked from the camp, meaning that should be North. Gaelio pivots slightly, placing it. Most things east, or northeast southeast, but a house and water. ]

That should be easy enough to test.

[ Half-distracted, answered as he sorts directions. ]

Well... thanks again. Any recommendations?

[ Make himself useful, survive... he can anticipate that. It's worth asking should the answer be less expected. ]

[spaceforged]

We can use people gathering resources. If you have any farming experience that's just as valuable.

[He slides into the role being asked of him as easy as breathing. He isn't the leader here but advising newer members is something he can do.]

Jay has been organizing mapping groups. Keep an ear out for them. ...Even if you don't run into him yourself at first you will eventually. He's been keeping track of our powers and abilities.

If your new ability is different from what you have at home. It doesn't hurt to pick up a new weapon to compensate for any drawbacks.

[reckoner]

[ Gaelio shakes his head. No experience farming, nothing related to living off the land or subsistence. He does vaguely recall learning about various agricultural developments in history classes, both those that assisted with various eras on Earth, and those that helped colonies flourish on Mars and elsewhere.

The technical details, however, elude him, and he's not sure how applicable they would be here.

But surely he can handle gathering, as frustrating as it is to be thieved here with the excuse of Fate -- no, he corrects himself, that had been that man's word -- of assisting to preserve the vitality of every universe, a mission of importance to supercede his own, only to focus on basic survival.

But then, what had been those two years, but survival and preparation? Having to be wait again stings after coming within reach of his goal, but he's managed. He'll manage. The question of Fate looming.

His eyes close a moment, a word on an exhale. ]

Patience.

[ The cloud passes over his expression, until Gaelio focuses again: Jay, abilities, weapons. ]

Is there a stock? I've the most experience with firearms.

[ Or massive war machines, but he doubts this place has much in the way of either. Especially the latter. ]

[spaceforged]

Only a small one. We’re looking to improve that. Thankfully, we have no shortage of teachers for anyone learning something new. I could teach you hand to hand fighting if you need it.

[Or to some degree, blades, but he prefers to leave that to better teachers. His learning had been in a place where life and death were on the edge of his sword. Shiro puts that out of his mind.]

It’s all about patience. This encampment will find its feet. [He echoes the word while not sure if Gaelio had been referring to their situation or not.Whatever is going on in the other man’s head he isn’t about to rush ahead with his thoughts. He can easily remember how lost and overwhelmed he’d felt his first days as a member of the Coven. Sometimes late at night he still feels that sense that the ground beneath his feet is crumbling away.]

I don’t think we have many fire arms. But that doesn’t mean we can’t collect any on the worlds we’re sent to. So far it looks like we can stock up on supplies each time we’re sent out and build this encampment up.

[reckoner]

I might.

[ Years since last given training in that. Even Gjallarhorn officers, even Seven Star heirs in such positions, were expected to have some well-rounded competence. Though the focus had been on piloting Mobile Suits. Yet, in these last two years, the necessity of the mask had him training in isolation, lest luck knock it loose from the helmet.

In many combat skills he's gotten rusty.

A flicker of surprise when Shirogane assures as to the encampment, the livelihood of the whole farther from mind. Whether he should or shouldn't feel remiss for his neglect, he doesn't.

But it's a better, simpler excuse for his word. Gaelio nods, as though accepting the assessment. As though he hasn't at least ample familiarity with the ground's disintegration, with the fall. ]

Should the worlds have them.

[ If not firearms, then other weaponry. Gaelio glances sidelong, mouth wrenching wry, if briefly. ]

What is it, to be unable to imagine a world without war?

[ Or the anticipation thereof, prevention through force.

Brute force?

Anyway. ]

I guess I'll look around. Unless you want to play tour guide.

[spaceforged]

[‘What is it, to be unable to imagine a world without war?’ The words stop him cold. He stares at him unable to answer that. War has been part of everyone’s history. He has seen it play out in various ways since he entered space.

Humans. Galra. Alteans. He still feel the claws around his throat. He looks away over the camp. Even the Palai has it hidden in their past. The minute passes and he takes a step back.] I have to head out while there’s still daylight.

...and your question. I’ll think on how to answer that. [He mods respectfully and walks away. He has a lot of thinking to do and work that needs done.]

[reckoner]

[ More philosophical and rhetorical, rather than expecting an answer. Gaelio did not expect the question to have impact, his attention drifting over the near woods, and only returning with delay, startled (if not much and thus not visibly) by the intensity of that stare.

He catches only the tail end. His own thoughts of Gjallarhorn's peace and order knocked loose.

Shirogane moves to depart, and Gaelio returns his nod. ]

Take care.

[ But -- ]

There's no need. I doubt there's an answer.