For What Remains [World Plot, Private]
Jan 7, 2024 22:02:48 GMT -5
Post by Vail on Jan 7, 2024 22:02:48 GMT -5
It still feels like a dream, something a newcomer would wish for before the coldness of their reality set in, and yet, it is real. The thick smog over the city of Darkveil had been broken, infiltrated by the bright blue skies that watch over the rest of Charon. Not a single resident could have foreseen such a radical shift in their lifetime, especially those like Vail, who had all but given up the city and its choking atmosphere, both physically and otherwise.
The fantastical story behind the transformation certainly wasn't adding to its believability either. The God of Rebirth rising from within Drakolt, only to be killed by mere adventurers rather than any states’ army. Yet Vail couldn't imagine any rational explanation that would substitute such absurdity.
The ash lander stands at the base of the volcano turned crater, looking up towards the peak of its rim. Its height, while still a considerable hike, is far less towering than the ash spewing monolith that once smoothed the region in unease. His last memories of the place involve him venturing where few have before, into obsidian-laden depths of the mountain. There he and several allies put an end to a crazed maniac who sought to consume Darkveil and the rest of Charon in flames. Their contract was successful, the so-called Ashen Father had fallen, being consumed by the mountain just like any other mortal who dared to venture too close. Yet according to the residents of Darkveil, the old fool had somehow succeeded, despite his defeat.
For all he knew, he was in another world entirely, having awoken atop soft grass that seemed just as out of place as the crater itself. The shrouded noblewoman and her maid, the jovial fellblood and his retainer, no one was there to greet him after their trial; other than the island, which offered more questions than answers. His trip into Darkveil hadn’t helped either, with the residents being far too focused on rebuilding rather than gossiping about an event that they likely didn’t understand. His only option was to see it himself, to ascend the corpse of the volcano he so dreaded, hoping to find something that might fill in the blanks as to what exactly unfolded.
There is a strange calmness to the mountainside, a stillness that stands in sharp contrast to the churning behemoth that once lorded over the region. It is an atmosphere that offers no comfort to Vail, whose memories of the place were bad enough before the mountain remind him of a graveyard. As the ash lander climbs onto the crater’s rim, he is met with an odd sight; the inner edge of the rim is lined with flowers. Not the Lux Lilies that had previously adorned the volcanic mountainside, but a rather strange mixture of yellow, orange, and red flowers, sprouting in groups from tall stems that encircle the edge. Peering over the ring, Vail can see multiple puddles of liquid within the crater, but a bizarre lack of further plant life. The hint of a strange scent wafted just below his position, serving as a proverbial warning against entry alongside the flowers. The entire scene elicits a sense of unease from the pale man, yet his curiosity continues unabated. He had spent his entire life venturing into places he shouldn’t, what makes this any different?
The ash lander readies himself to venture into the pit, carefully studying how to proceed downwards without slipping, when the sound of moving gravel comes from behind. His body turns immediately, readying itself to combat whatever or whoever approaches. Despite how the world around it may change, Darkveil’s reputation for violence endured, and he wasn’t about to let anyone get a drop on him.
His reaction is unneeded however, as a familiar face looks back at him.
Quest Name: Ring of Flowers
Participants: Exactly Two
Location: One of the listed locations below
Post Requirements: 6 posts per person, 200 words per post
Reward: +2 Renown, 1 Mystical Archive Ticket
Description: Strange things are occurring around these newly formed flower circles and help is needed in understanding why. Unfortunately, as one of the first groups of people to explore these phenomena, we are unaware of any specific strange or weird side effects interacting with these rings may bring, so be careful. Study the flowers, record what you see, hear, or even feel.
The fantastical story behind the transformation certainly wasn't adding to its believability either. The God of Rebirth rising from within Drakolt, only to be killed by mere adventurers rather than any states’ army. Yet Vail couldn't imagine any rational explanation that would substitute such absurdity.
The ash lander stands at the base of the volcano turned crater, looking up towards the peak of its rim. Its height, while still a considerable hike, is far less towering than the ash spewing monolith that once smoothed the region in unease. His last memories of the place involve him venturing where few have before, into obsidian-laden depths of the mountain. There he and several allies put an end to a crazed maniac who sought to consume Darkveil and the rest of Charon in flames. Their contract was successful, the so-called Ashen Father had fallen, being consumed by the mountain just like any other mortal who dared to venture too close. Yet according to the residents of Darkveil, the old fool had somehow succeeded, despite his defeat.
For all he knew, he was in another world entirely, having awoken atop soft grass that seemed just as out of place as the crater itself. The shrouded noblewoman and her maid, the jovial fellblood and his retainer, no one was there to greet him after their trial; other than the island, which offered more questions than answers. His trip into Darkveil hadn’t helped either, with the residents being far too focused on rebuilding rather than gossiping about an event that they likely didn’t understand. His only option was to see it himself, to ascend the corpse of the volcano he so dreaded, hoping to find something that might fill in the blanks as to what exactly unfolded.
There is a strange calmness to the mountainside, a stillness that stands in sharp contrast to the churning behemoth that once lorded over the region. It is an atmosphere that offers no comfort to Vail, whose memories of the place were bad enough before the mountain remind him of a graveyard. As the ash lander climbs onto the crater’s rim, he is met with an odd sight; the inner edge of the rim is lined with flowers. Not the Lux Lilies that had previously adorned the volcanic mountainside, but a rather strange mixture of yellow, orange, and red flowers, sprouting in groups from tall stems that encircle the edge. Peering over the ring, Vail can see multiple puddles of liquid within the crater, but a bizarre lack of further plant life. The hint of a strange scent wafted just below his position, serving as a proverbial warning against entry alongside the flowers. The entire scene elicits a sense of unease from the pale man, yet his curiosity continues unabated. He had spent his entire life venturing into places he shouldn’t, what makes this any different?
The ash lander readies himself to venture into the pit, carefully studying how to proceed downwards without slipping, when the sound of moving gravel comes from behind. His body turns immediately, readying itself to combat whatever or whoever approaches. Despite how the world around it may change, Darkveil’s reputation for violence endured, and he wasn’t about to let anyone get a drop on him.
His reaction is unneeded however, as a familiar face looks back at him.
Quest Name: Ring of Flowers
Participants: Exactly Two
Location: One of the listed locations below
Post Requirements: 6 posts per person, 200 words per post
Reward: +2 Renown, 1 Mystical Archive Ticket
Description: Strange things are occurring around these newly formed flower circles and help is needed in understanding why. Unfortunately, as one of the first groups of people to explore these phenomena, we are unaware of any specific strange or weird side effects interacting with these rings may bring, so be careful. Study the flowers, record what you see, hear, or even feel.
Ash Lands | Drakolt Crater | Red, yellow and orange flowers have grown around the rim of Drakolt Crater, remnants left over from Vulcadreaus. The smell of burnt flesh sits on the air while water is scalding to the touch. | While investigating the flowers, both members find that they have swapped bodies. Your mind is still intact, but you are now in the other person's body, gaining access to everything on their character sheet but losing everything on yours. Lasts the entire topic. |