Forum Games

[center] [img]https://i.imgur.com/XM1xGJS.gif[/img] ------------------------------------------- [size=5]Registration is: [color=green]OPEN thru Aug. 9[/color] [LIST] [*]The event will run from Aug. 9 to Aug. 22, ending at 1200 FR Time [*][color=red]This is an event that involves cooperative play and reading. If you do not like cooperative play or reading, this event may not be for you.[/color] [*] This will be a semi 'pick-your-own' roleplaying/adventure event in which your choices (or the choices of the masses) will dictate which way I take the adventure [*] While the use of Discord is not mandatory, many who have played this event before will be using Discord to coordinate their actions. Additionally, there are channels for roleplaying and storing important logs on the event Discord. Thus, it is highly advised that those who intend to play be familiar with, or comfortable with, using Discord. [*] Anyone who wants to play is welcome to participate in the event. There is no monetary contribution required to participate, but donations are appreciated. [*] This event is intended to be a nine-day event composed of 18 "events", most of which will be 18 hours long, some of which will be split into a 'main event' and an 'interim period'. [*] This event revolves around teamwork. While it is possible to play as a solo player, cooperating with others is heavily emphasized and may be essential to progress in 'the best route'. [*] This game is designed to accommodate [color=green]approximately 30 players[/color]. While I will try to accept as many players as possible, there may be a point at which I have to stop accepting applications. Should this point be reached, priority will be given to those who have played prior Event of Exploration: Sunless Sea events due to event continuity. Beyond this, there will be a waitlist available. Waitlisted players may be brought in at later points depending on active player activity. See the Signups area for more details regarding signups and the player limit. [br] [*] Unless explicitly stated, Pings in the forum will not count as submissions, as I would like to have a PM record on hand. Spreadsheets [b]are[/b] valid submissions, and one person may submit for all persons present, but I will still require [b]either[/b] a ping or PM from each person involved. [/LIST] [img]https://i.imgur.com/2y7beLV.gif[/img] [size=4] *[size=5][b] [url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1apboOaPZixgdtwP61rISvSC8VwoUerPFirVm7LjlhR4/edit?usp=sharing]Player List[/url][/b][/size] * [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/forga/2887039/1#post_44010827]Mechanics[/url] * [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/forga/2887039/1#post_44010821]Signups[/url] * [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/forga/2887039/1#post_44010822]The Story Thus Far[/url] * [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/forga/2887039/1#post_44010823]Current Event[/url] * [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/forga/2887039/1#post_44010832]NPCs[/url] [center][b]Official EoE Chat Room[/b] (copy and paste to access) [code]https://discord.gg/zkH5fx4[/code][/center] Want to support the game? Throw this nifty banner into your signature! [img]https://i.imgur.com/vnfnSuk.gif[/img] [code] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/forga/2887039/1][img]https://i.imgur.com/vnfnSuk.gif[/img][/url] [/code]

[center] [img]https://i.imgur.com/HwcbESP.gif[/img] If you are interested in signing up please fill out the following form and post it below: [code] [b]Name:[/b] [b]ID Number:[/b] [b]Flight:[/b] [b]Time Zone:[/b] (please respond in FR Time +/- X, i.e. FR+2) [b]How much do you think you will be available for the event?[/b] [b]Have you participated in any Event of Exploration before?[/b] [i]@Xairathan's Note- please read at least the Mechanics and Event sections before the Event starts. You will be asked to submit your dragon and inventory at a later time.[/i] [/code] [b]More details about signups:[/b] [LIST] [*]Slots are first come first serve. 15 slots are priority for previous EoE entrants, but will be given to the general public if no one claims them. [/LIST] ------------------- [b]Dragon/Inventory Form[/b] While this form is not mandatory, it is helpful if you wish to customize your character prior to the launch of the campaign. For the first time, the campaign will attempt to accomodate existing dragon backstories into the world of Traveler Returning. This is mostly intended for returning players, or for players who wish to try and immerse their characters in the world. As the setting of Traveler Returning is intentionally a mystery, players may not be able to have their full intended backstory included; nevertheless, players may submit their ideas here, or via PM, and I will attempt to include them to the best of my ability, campaign willing. [code] [b]Dragon Name:[/b] [b]Dragon ID or Link:[/b] [b]Profession:[/b] (optional) [b]Connections to Setting:[/b] (optional) (This can be a connection to another dragon in the party, to the details given in the introductory write-up, or general lore/backstory for your character that I may try to include if it fits with the lore/direction of the campaign. Examples of this might include: priest/priestess of a Deity, astrologer/astronomer (yes, either), inventor, etc. Regardless of backstory, this will not influence the Traits a dragon can pick up unless they are also a Legacy dragon.) [b]Other Information:[/b] (More pertinent information. If you wish to avoid spoilers for your character, please send this form via DM) [/code] [img]https://i.imgur.com/mPBGObW.gif[/img] Due to the shorter nature of this Event of Exploration, the usual credits and prize shop will not be in use. Instead, all players who have been active for 60% or more of the events will receive a festival apparel prize based on which ending of the story is achieved. Furthermore, players who are active for 75% or more of the events may be eligible for randomized event prizes. The value of the "best end" prize totals approximately 300 gems as of current writing.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/ksIaD2O.gif[/img] [b]Event of Exploration: Sunless Seas[/b] A prolonged period of peace in Sornieth is disrupted, as things of this matter often are, by a letter delivered to several clans across the land. The message is simple: select your strongest; gather at the westernmost docks on Sornieth; prepare for the worst. This group of adventurers, soon to be known as the Second Crew, are ushered onto a rickety boat. A lone dragon named Kaworu informs the crew of their destination: the Outlier Sea, an expanse of ocean where dragons live entirely disconnected from Sornieth itself, a stretch of space entirely its own. The Second Crew's first matter of business is to assemble the rest of Kaworu's group- the First Crew, so named for their attempt to sail east back to Sornieth, the first act of its kind. The reason, Kaworu explains, is abundantly clear. A shadow threatens the Outlier Sea, and they believed it to be the Shade. Upon attempting to return to Sornieth, their vessel was struck and ambushed by the forces of the Shade, casting all but Kaworu adrift and necessitating the search for the remaining crew members. With their names and reputations, surely you will be able to rally the disparate factions of the Outlier Sea and combat the Shade. After many trials, all but one of the First Crew is finally assembled once again, and just in time. The most daunting challenge remains: the breaking and entering of Darkwater Hold, the most foreboding fortress in the Outlier Sea. Those who enter it once cannot return; thus, it is upon the Second Crew to breach its walls and reclaim the last member of the First Crew. This is done just in time, as the Shade begins its approach eastward, clearly intending to break free of the Outlier Sea and attack Sornieth as well. Led by the First Crew, Sornieth-dwellers and Outlier Sea denizens alike ally to fight the Shade back. After a protracted battle, the alliance is victorious- though the Shade cannot truly be killed, it is soundly defeated and sent packing to nurse its wounds. The Outlier Sea saved, the Second Crew returns to Sornieth, the balance of both realms upheld and the peace preserved for another day. [b]Event of Exploration: Sunless Seas II[/b] And yet, such a peace is not to last. The Shade recovers faster than anticipated, striking a dire blow to the Outlier Sea. Several settlements are sunk, plunged beneath the waves, taking the First Crew with them. A battered boat washes up on Sornieth's shores, piloted by neither dragon nor magic, with only a single request- to reunite the Second Crew and whoever will come to help. Familiar and unfamiliar faces alike return to the Outlier Sea to learn of the Shade's latest deeds. It has wrenched open the three Outer Gates that border the North, West, and South edges of the Outlier Sea, which lead to destinations unknown. Through them have poured Outsiders- monstrous creatures that defy logic and explanation, known only for the fatal ease with which they slay dragonkind. After seeking an upgrade to the battered ship, allowing it to dive beneath the waves, this group of dragons discovers that the First Crew was able to fortify a library in the final moments before the attack, and has survived on limited air and supplies until a rescue could come. Finding familiar allies, the Sornieth-dwellers turn their sights to sealing the Outer Gates. To do this, a specific ritual is needed: seven Heralds must gather in Darkwater Hold, restore the Heart of the Outlier Sea, and seal the Outsiders back behind the Gates. Exploring old destinations, the dragons soon encounter, by chance or by destiny, the Heralds: five somewhat renowned dragons, and an odd hatchling dubbed 'Meep' that somehow snuck into the hold. The sixth Herald is the ship herself, at least in part. Having known of the Shade's plan one of the Heralds abandoned her mortal body in order to pilot a ship to Sornieth and ferry back a crew of dragons to aid the Outlier Sea in its battle to come. At Darkwater Hold, the crew reclaims this Herald's body, and with all seven Heralds in place, conduct the ritual. In doing this, it is revealed that Meep is the true Heart of the Outlier Sea, and with the balance of the Sea corrected, the dragons now turn their sights to fighting back the Outsiders. The battle is fierce, taking place simultaneously beside the three Gates. Dragons from all across the Outlier Sea come to take part in the struggle for the only land they've known, ultimately proving victorious. The Outsiders beaten, they retreat behind the Gates while the Heralds and First Crew focus on defeating the Shade. Again, it cannot be killed, but this time it's beaten back beyond the Gates as well. With a final burst of power, Meep seals the Gates before relinquishing his abilities, turning into a normal hatchling. Their mission complete, some Heralds opt to go to Sornieth with the group- now dubbed the Third Crew- while others decide to stay in the Outlier Sea. However, they warn the crew, it is likely that one day they will be called again, this time to a final battle with the Shade. [b]Event of Exploration: Outer Gates[/b] The Shade does not make its reappearance as was forewarned, at least not in the sense that the dragons of the Outlier Sea expect. Instead, a request comes from beyond the Gates themselves- a ship piloted by an eccentric dragon named Entelechy, and her apprentice, Apophis. Gathering what dragons they can, veterans and newcomers alike, they set sail: not for the Outlier Sea, but for a rift that Entelechy herself creates. She explains, as they travel, that the Shade has been regaining its strength and will try to breach the Gates again. As such, it's best that they confront the Shade before it's fully ready to strike. Almost immediately, it becomes apparent that rules are different in the Sky. Dragons don't adhere to the elements of the Eleven, but rather to elements in space. Stars rule the sky, governing with the sheer force of their light: what their light touches is guided by Law, and to kill a star is seen as sheer madness. Nonetheless, two tyrants control certain portions of the sky: the Azure, creating a kingdom of death; the Halved, a grieving star that plunges its realm into lightless chaos, forever seeking vengeance for its slain brother. Between the Halved and the Shade, the dragons of Sornieth are soon put to the test, forced to evade attacks whilst attempting to gather enough dragons for an alliance. With the Sky fractured into so many kingdoms, however, it's a colossal undertaking, nowhere near as easy as uniting the Outlier Sea. Losses are taken early- Entelechy falls into a dark void while holding off the Shade, and corrupted heroes from kingdoms past are brought back by the Shade to fight in its name. There are victories, however- knights from those fallen kingdoms are awoken as well, and with their assistance, the dragons of Sornieth begin to carve a foothold in the tumultuous sky. Eventually, they decide on two courses of action: to kill the Halved, bringing peace to the greater portion of the Sky so that they may settle on combating the Shade; and to seek the power of a Star for themselves, so that they may have a champion. The first is somewhat easily accomplished: there are many in the Sky that would be eager to see a star, much less the Halved, die. In the chaos that follows, they wrest the throne away from another rival ruler, uniting kingdons that were fractured for millennia under one of the knights, newly crowned the king. Apophis then urges the crew to come with him to one of the strongholds of the Sky, a place where those who enter cannot leave unless changed, or else escorted by a warden. There, they encounter a dragon who is compatible with the power of a Star, a nameless cultist once defeated and imprisoned, their existence known only to Apophis and his mentor. Agreeing to join their cause in exchange for freedom and this power, the dragon joins the group and takes on their new name, given by Apophis: Entelechy. The mission to kill the Halved goes as smoothly as it can. However, its dying throes open up a vortex in space and time, threatening to pull the crew and their allies in. Entelechy opts to stay behind and use her powers to contain the blast, vanishing in the process: in truth, being transported several thousand years into the past, where she will defeat and rehabilitate her past self, and meet Apophis. Their goals complete and the Shade nearly at full strength, the dragons of Sornieth gather at the center of the Sky, preparing to make their final stand. The death of the Halved, combined with the recent upheavals in power and changes to the domain of the Sky, begin to create wefts in time: places where past, present, and future collide. Through one of these wefts, a truth about the Shade is revealed, while one opens up to the moment Entelechy disappeared before. Reaching through, a dragon pulls Entelechy into the present, and with the final member of the party returned, the group prepares to confront the Shade at last. In a battle much like those before, the denizens of the Sky, save for the Azure's kingdom, bring the full force of their power to bear on the Shade. Though the Sky is its original domain, and the seat of its power, it's no match for the elements of Sornieth and the Sky, the ability of a Star, and other allies that were made along the journey- including some other deities of the Sky. At the end of the struggle, the Shade is captured and caged, bound by the powers of those deities. Half of it will remain in the Sky under watchful guard, while the other half will be taken to Sornieth and entrusted to the Gaolers. Her duty done at last, Entelechy passes her powers on to the new ruler of most of the Sky, and along with Apophis and several other allies, returns to Sornieth with the others. [/center]

[center] [img]https://i.imgur.com/9i4bh1L.gif[/img] [center] [columns] [color=transparent]>>>>>>>>>>[/color] [nextcol] - - - - [b][url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1apboOaPZixgdtwP61rISvSC8VwoUerPFirVm7LjlhR4/edit#gid=695358691]Player List[/url][/b] - - - - [nextcol][color=transparent]>>>>>>>>>>>>[/color] [nextcol] - - - - [b][url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EZRqFc8RG85QU_FyApmv_Al1jjqzMz5uEO9IaMH6pzQ/edit#gid=0]EoE Event Log[/url][/b] - - - - [nextcol][color=transparent]>>>>>>>>>>>>[/color] [nextcol] - - - - [b][url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/10NVAjjygirYGX2frPfYOQY7vyv_TeFM2oaTA2XVYvBg/edit]Stanari's Linkhub[/url][/b] - - - - [/columns] [center] [b]Epilogue[/b] ----------------------------- A bolt of lightning, a blast from Mordred’s sword, a flurry of explosions from W’s launcher, your own fury-driven elemental power. All of this slams into Marius, driving him back and throwing him down upon the uneven rock. You’re certain that he’s down for the count, if not severely concussed. In the back of your mind, you wonder how one might go about healing this- a question for another time; a worry that you’ll confront later. Azrael lumbers over, swinging his heavy blade, advancing upon the place where Marius lays. "Thou art beaten, O usurper of souls," Azrael intones. "Thus, I pass upon thee thy judgment. Thou hath transgressed against the gods of Stone and Salt, and for thy crimes, thou wilt answer. I bar you from my realm until thou hath atoned. By my name, the bell tolls, but it tolls not for thee." With that, Azrael brings his sword down- one sharp stroke. It passes through Marius as though cutting through water, and yet there is no blood. Timius' body simply goes limp. A faint silver mist surrounds Azrael's sword, and he brings it before his helmet, scrutinizing it intently. "O Dragons of Sornieth," he says. "Thy vessel, if thou wilt." One of your number darts forward, holding a small object up in their claws. You see Azrael’s eyes narrow behind his massive helmet. “Really?” he says, sounding for once more like any other dragon than some pompous guardian of life and death. “Yes,” you say rather insistently. “Thou art strange, O dragons of Sornieth,” Azrael sighs. But he hefts his blade, taps it to the top of the clam held up before him. You watch the white wisps swirl slowly into the clam like the last dregs of a receding fog. And if Marius is screaming, you wouldn’t know- see, you don’t understand clam. “So…” you frown. You hadn’t really thought this one out. You didn’t really expect Azrael to go along with this. “Now what?” “Give him to me.” Your heads turn in unison to glance at W, stepping forward through the crowd of dragons, an impetuous claw held out demandingly. “Uh,” you say. “What are you going to do with him? Not eat him, right?” “Hah! Me, eat something that disgusting? I think I’d have to retire if I did,” W snorts. “No. I’ll take him back to Topaz, and he’ll face justice for what he’s done. Or else, maybe we’ll seal him in a stone and pass him down for a few dozen generations, see how he likes it in there.” “Just as long as he doesn’t escape,” you mutter, taking the clam and handing it over. “Oh,” W says, narrowing her eyes, “I don’t intend to.” She holds the clam up to eye level, glaring it down with sheer, unbridled fury. “Well. Can’t say this hasn’t been fun,” she says, stowing her launcher and clenching the clam in a claw. You’re certain you can see her claw tips raking little bits of the clam’s shell off. You don’t feel sorry in the least. “I [i]suppose[/i] that you can send me a postcard if you really miss me that much, but-” W shrugs. “I think I’ll have a busy schedule.” “What are you going to do?” you ask her. “Who knows,” W says with a grin. “Maybe go challenge that so-called king for his crown. After all, I’m the one who caught the ba--ard who killed our queen. That makes for a pretty good claim, doesn’t it?” You nod- you have to admit that it does. Satisfied, W rustles her wings, lifting off into the air. “Well then, I’ll be seeing you around, or not. If you ever need a hired gun, you know where to find me. Maybe I’ll even give you a discount if I like you.” With a peal of laughter, the Wildclaw soars off into the sky, turning towards Topaz. “Good thing we put him in a clam,” you muse to yourself. “I can’t imagine how she’d get home if it was anything less portable.” “Speaking of portable,” another dragon says, “What the he-- do we do with that?” They point at the empty body that Marius had once resided in. “I mean, we could carry it, but Olympus is kind of a long flight…” “Hey, Olga.” Magallan has approached the Skydancer, flying little Spiral loops around her. “You’re Salt now, right? Can’t you just, you know?” Her many limbs do what you assume is an approximation of some gesture you can’t make out. “Rearrange the continent? Make things all convenient? That?” “O-oh…” Olga’s feathers rustle. “I- I suppose I could. I never tried… I, um, I’m not sure-” “Lady Arsimilat.” Gray steps forward, claws clasped as ever around her pearl. “You’re Salt, now. Even if you think that you can’t do… something of that magnitude, I assure you, you’re capable of more than you can imagine. You just… need to be confident.” Gray nods, her hood bobbing up and down with the motion of her head. “L-Lady Reines told me that, before.” “I…” Olga frowns, scratches at her snout. Then- “O-okay. I’ll… I’ll give it my best.” “Well, if you’re all gonna be rearranging things, I think it’s best we head back home,” Mordred drawls from behind you. You turn to see the Guardian sheathing his sword, gesturing to Gin and Murasaki. “This place is fun n’ all, but we gotta get back n’ make sure nothing is permanently broken. Dunno how things will be once we get back to reality, so.” Mordred shrugs. “Was nice seein’ ya again! Drop by sometime, will ya? It’s so boring with all the formal visits n’ stuff.” Mordred rolls his eyes. “And I’ll have another limited pin next time you come, how’s that sound?” “We’ll give it our best shot,” you promise. Mordred nods, then waves at the other Sky-born dragons. “Alright,” he roars. “Let’s get back to it!” As he begins to fly off, you swear you can hear him murmuring something about his father still trying to enforce a bedtime. “Wait,” you say, and glance across the landmass at Ifrit and her companions. “What about-” “We’ll accompany you,” Saria says, stepping forward. Behind her, you notice a very flustered-looking Silence, along with a smug and happily bouncing Ifrit. “I think we’ve had enough of our realm and its gods for now- no offence,” she says, inclining her head at Olga. “We would like to see this Sornieth you’ve mentioned. Ifrit, of course, is happy to travel-” “Yahoo!” the young Banescale shouts. “Family vacation! Road trip! Road trip! Hey Saria, make sure you and Silence get your own r-” “Ifrit, that’s enough,” Silence groans. “Concern,” Ptilopsis intones. “Administrator:Silence is exhibiting high levels of stress. Recommendation-” “Not you, too!” You snicker, as does Mayer. Her Meeboos run energetic circles around you all, some bravely nosing at Timius’ body. “Right,” you say, reminded of your mission. “Olga, if you’d please?” “I… Okay. Um… hold on…” The ground beneath you begins to move, another rumbling, but gentler- more controlled. As the stars begin to blur, you realize that Azrael is no longer standing where he once was. He has departed, you think, or else retreated now that his duty is complete. What follows is perhaps the strangest flight of your lifetime. You remain on firm ground, and yet the wind whips by you as though buffeting your wings, which you keep pinned tightly to your sides. This makes no sense at all, but then again, when has anything in this realm ever made sense? Before long, you find yourself before Olympus’ great double doors. Olga frowns, the Time Temple hovering over them. “I think,” she says delicately, “that I shouldn’t just… try landing it here… Maybe if I-” In the next second, you’re falling. It’s not a long drop- just one that jars your limbs, puts a slight ache into your joints. Olga lands face-first in the sand with a distressed groan. “Oh,” she sighs, “maybe I shouldn’t have just… dismissed it like that…” “You’ll get the hang of it,” you say, helping her to her feet and carefully dusting her off. Sion takes the lead from there, guiding you down through Olympus’ halls. “Paracelsus’ lab is right here,” she says, stepping aside to let the Imperial through. “Yes, and you already gave me the intended recipient of that vessel, so all that’ll need is…” A quick jaunt up the staircase; a zap from Yuuki’s power pack to finish the job. Ereshkigal’s cage, its job done, dissipates into a fine golden mist. Timias’ head begins to lift, the Imperial wearily blinking at you as though roused from a very long nap. “Mm,” he grumbles. “My head… and why does it feel like I’ve been run over by a horde of Meeboos…?” “Timias!” Olga squeaks, ducking behind Gray as Timias’ head swings in her direction. “You got possessed,” you tell him rather matter-of-factly. “And then we hit your father in the face. A lot. Repeatedly. But he was in your body.” “Ah,” Timias sighs. “That would do it.” And he slumps back down, fully intent on continuing his nap. “I think Timias should remain here for the duration,” Paracelsus says. “Just so I can keep an eye on him. Make sure his body and his soul reconnect and all that. And provide basic first aid,” he adds somewhat pointedly. “I’ll return him to Caldera once he’s discharged.” “Actually…” Olga fidgets in place. “I… I was wondering if… maybe…” “Yes?” you say. “Well… you all told me about your adventures, and those dragons from your clans who saw the Sky, and about Sornieth, and… I’d like to visit. This was… it was scary, but it was also the best adventure I’ve ever had. But I don’t know if…” “You’re Salt now!” you say. “I’m pretty sure you could visit whenever you like.” “Oh. Right. I… I forget I can do that…” Olga smiles sheepishly at you. “In… in that case, um… I think I need to set my realm right, first. But… after that…?” “You’ll always be welcome with us,” you promise. “And if you ever have trouble, you can always count on us. But, um, maybe don’t pull us into a time-looping crazy world?” “Promise,” Olga says. “Then…” Olga takes a step back, Kagetora and Avenger dutifully flanking her. Riesbyfe, it seems, has disappeared into the depths of Olympus with Sion. You don’t think Olga minds, however. The land breathes beneath you- a long, beleaguered sigh. As it begins to settle, you swear you can hear a distant voice calling to you, as if carried like dust on the wind- a soft and grateful, [i]farewell[/i]. And then, you open your eyes. You are not in your clan’s territory. You are, in fact, sitting near the ruins of the Tower of the Eleven, as broken as you remember it. For a moment, you can’t help but wonder if that tower you’d seen at the beginning of this journey was Salt’s attempt to reach Sornieth for help, to call for a united front of eleven Deities to come to her aid. What she did not know, you think mournfully, is that the only time those gods had been united was when the tower had stood tall, holding their resting forms within. You, however, had made it. Made sense of your sudden awakening, the web of plots around you. Maybe one day, you think, Salt’s vision will be recognized. Or maybe it has already been, with you rather than the Deities. What ponderings you may have continued to consider are quickly interrupted by shouts of, “We’re here! Yay! Silence, Saria, I wanna go see the volcanoes! Let’s go, let’s go! Ptilopsis, wake uuuuup!” That would be Ifrit, already running off with Saria’s claw in tow, the rest of the ex-Calderans following in an uneven procession. Hatchlings. It’s good to know that they’re the same regardless of what realm you’re in. “So this is it, huh?” one of you asks. “I guess so,” you say, glancing from one face to another. So many dragons, so many bonds forged within those frantic weeks of wandering. How difficult it is now to part ways, when at first you’d wanted nothing more than to return to your nest and curl up for a nap. “Well… we’ll keep in touch, right? Boolean mail and all that.” “We will,” another dragon says, and their vow is soon followed by a similar chorus. With that, there is nothing more for you here. Several of you begin plodding off in different directions, while others collapse on the spot, in need of nothing more than a good, long rest. You are one of them, slumbering at the foot of the tower. Before long, you are deep asleep, the world at rest around you. ------------------------- How much time has passed since you returned from your adventure, you can’t tell. Time itself ran ragged, you are told, and yet you haven’t really missed much of anything. You chalk it up to the affairs of Deities and think nothing more of it. What followed was a series of tales told to your clan-mates, letters exchanged between the companions you made upon the road. A visit to a nearby doctor, just in case, followed by a pronounced bill of clean health- but maybe eat some grapes, just to be on the safe side. One day as you are settled in your room, one of your clan-mates pokes their snout through the threshold. “Hey,” they call to you. “Someone’s here to see you.” “Huh?” you reply. You haven’t been expecting any company, nor given any notice. “Come on,” they insist. “Don’t keep them waiting!” You follow your clan-mate out to the front of your cavern, rubbing the sleep from your eyes. Your claws soon drop away, soon wave with unbridled excitement at the two dragons standing at the mouth of the cavern: the first, a grey Pearlcatcher wearing an over-long hood; the second, a pale Skydancer with a short red cravat. “Um,” Olga stammers, lifting her claw in greeting. “H-hello. I got the right place, right?” You grin at her, ignoring the confused glances of your clan-mates. “Yeah,” you tell her. Then, to your clan-mates: “Hey, can someone get some tea going?”

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/lCqtkY4.gif[/img] [b][u]Traits[/u][/b] Throughout your adventure, you will be asked what course of action you will like to take. Each action you select will add points towards hidden "traits". You and your fellow players will discover these traits, as well as how many there are, as you embark on your journey. (When all traits have been discovered, the GM will make an announcement stating such). Your traits may open up new avenues of exploration, or close these doors to you entirely. Sharing the results of your explorations may benefit your fellow adventurers, should they have the appropriate traits. These traits work in opposition to each other (for example, a brave act and a cowardly act each giving the same trait value will cancel out, and your dragon will not gain a trait bonus). However, it is not possible to lose a trait via negative action (so a Brave dragon will not become cowardly unless by choice). Your dragons may only have three traits at a time. You will be notified when a new Trait is available. If you already have three traits, you will be asked if you would like to lose one to gain the new trait, or keep your existing three traits. Further details about traits may become clear as your adventure continues. Additionally, certain combinations of traits may affect what direction your personal exploration takes. [b][u]Legacy Items[/b][/u] As this adventure is tied to the previous Sunless Sea arc, items and dragons who have participated in previous events will gain a Legacy bonus. You may only gain one Legacy bonus, and this must be determined before the game begins. Available Legacy bonuses are as follows: [LIST] [*] Legacy Dragon - Explorer: You are an experienced member of the Second Crew, Third Crew, or Skyfarers. Your previous feats give you knowledge of the trials you may face. Depending on your dragon's background, you will be given a choice of a trait to select. The more events your dragon has participated in, the more traits will be available to choose from. You may not disclose the options you are given at any time, but you may disclose your chosen trait as soon as the game begins. [*] Legacy Dragon - Dweller: You have lived in the Outlier Sea or the Sky for some time. Your previous lifestyle gives you knowledge of the enemies you will encounter. Depending on your dragon's background, you will be given a choice of trait to select. This trait cannot be disclosed until discovered by another player. [*] Legacy Dragon - Seeking the Name: You have Sought the Name. You are irrevocably marked. Bringing a dragon who has Sought the Name will automatically force you into this legacy. [*] Legacy Item: You bring with you an item from the Outlier Sea or the Sky. (These include the Rings, Skins, etc.) There is no guarantee that this item will function in the way you had once known it to, but it will have some effect nonetheless. You (or anyone you pass this item to) will be able to wield some power from the Outlier Sea or Sky. Legacy Dragons who have chosen a bonus trait cannot use Legacy Items at any time. [/LIST] [b][u]Perks:[/b][/u] Players who choose to bring new dragons will be able to access Perks that veteran dragons cannot. These include: [LIST] [*] Encounters exclusive to newcomer dragons unfamiliar with the customs of the Sea and Sky. Navigate these carefully, but sometimes naivety and innocence may prove useful where knowledge is not. [*] Two traits exclusive to newcomer dragons. [/LIST] [b][u]Map Generation[/b][/u] Unlike previous Events, this map will be randomly generated as the adventure proceeds. There are a set amount of 'tiles' available, and thus, a set amount of encounters. However, your developing traits and the unfolding storyline may uncover new ground that was once thought well-trodden. Maps will be generated via RNG at the beginning of each event. However, the GM will ensure that all tiles have been encountered at least once before the sixth event, and again before the final series of events. Once a map is generated, your dragons are free to explore wherever they would like. They may explore a maximum of 2 or 3 tiles depending on the tiles available. It may be possible to force certain tiles to appear, but how that might be done is a mystery... [b][u]Multiple and True Endings[/b][/u] The ending of this adventure will depend solely on player interaction with the environment, story, and each other. Uncovering the "true" ending will lead to the best available prize, while uncovering any other "good" or "bad" ending will lead to a slightly less shiny prize. How to uncover the true end will be hinted at via NPCs in the storyline. [b][u]Dragons & Inventory[/b][/u] Each player should submit [b]one[/b] dragon to be their player character. You may change your player character at any time [b]prior to the beginning of the event[/b]. Your dragon is locked in once the event begins. Your dragon's stats may be used during the event, but unlike previous events, your dragon's stats may be altered at any time. However, if you alter your dragon's stats, [b]the new stats will not be used for the current event, and will only contribute to events following the alteration[/b]. Each player is allowed to bring [b]ten[/b] items and as many apparel items as their dragon may carry. Please submit your inventory by [b]putting your 10 items in your dragon's bio as icons[/b]. After you have edited your dragon's bio and dressed them as desired, please [b]PM Xairathan your Dragon's URL[/b] to officially submit them to the crew roster. In previous Events of Exploration, players were allowed to restock their inventories. Due to the condensed version of this event, "restock" events will no longer take place. Instead, players may randomly encounter merchant dragons on certain tiles of the map. Merchant dragons are not bound to any particular type of tile, but are rather randomly generated. The odds are stacked to generate merchant dragons more frequently than not. Merchant dragons will not take treasure or gems, but will rather barter with you (or maybe even give you things!) based on your available inventory and traits. [/center]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/ILQHB15.gif[/img] This section will fill itself as you encounter more NPCs. What their importance may be is a mystery one can only begin to guess at. [quote="The Scientist"][columns] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/739708136209907733/740448198459523132/magallan_2.png[/img] [nextcol] TEXT TEXT TEXT [/columns] [/quote] [quote="The Scholar"][columns] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/739708136209907733/740448196878270485/wodime_2.png[/img] [nextcol] TEXT TEXT TEXT [/columns] [/quote] [quote="The Summoner"][columns] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/739708136209907733/740448199637991504/mayer_2.png[/img] [nextcol] TEXT TEXT TEXT [/columns] [/quote] [quote="The Mercenary"][columns] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/739708136209907733/740448206407598190/W_2.png[/img] [nextcol] TEXT TEXT TEXT [/columns] [/quote] [quote="The Keeper"][columns] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/739708136209907733/740448200594292777/ptilopsis_2.png[/img] [nextcol] TEXT TEXT TEXT [/columns] [/quote] [quote="The Guardian"][columns] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/739708136209907733/740448201529622528/riesbyfe_2.png[/img] [nextcol] TEXT TEXT TEXT [/columns] [/quote] [quote="The Atoner"][columns] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/739708136209907733/740448203320852540/saria_2.png[/img] [nextcol] TEXT TEXT TEXT [/columns] [/quote] [quote="The Loner"][columns] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/739708136209907733/740448204436275290/silence_2.png[/img] [nextcol] TEXT TEXT TEXT [/columns] [/quote] [quote="The Heir"][columns] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/739708136209907733/740448205254426654/sion_2.png[/img] [nextcol] TEXT TEXT TEXT [/columns] [/quote] [quote="The Contingency"][columns] [img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/739708136209907733/740449333601894430/ifrit_2.png[/img] [nextcol] TEXT TEXT TEXT [/columns] [/quote] [/center]

[center] [b]Event 15[/b] 1500 FR - Aug. 20 0900 FR [i]Please have all important submissions in by 0130 FR at latest.[/i] ----------------------------- A blur of lights. A procession of dragons trekking towards a gold-spotted landscape. Yourself, waving weary claws as guide posts, occasionally letting the periodic twitch of your tail do your directing for you. It should not be so soon that you feel the judder of the earth beneath your hindlimbs. There should be more time between when you must lift your eyes to the plumes of dust filling the sky, the cries of dragons and breaking rock, but that time is now. The crowd of dragons before you scatters, hurrying for their destination in a great uncoordinated mass. But all that there is to see, save the Calderan mountain, should be here- Your eyes scan the skyline, searching for any break in the stars. What you find is not a break of any kind, but rather a pause, an absence. An entire swath of sky glares with emptiness at you, its stars raked from the sky as if by a great claw, leaving only the unremarkable void. You’re tempted to look at it, but no- not now. There is no time. There- just below it. The whipping of white wind. The chill on the breeze that sends bitter shivers tingling down your spine. It is here. The icy mountain has arrived, and disaster follows in its wake. Another rumble- deep, like the roar of an Earth Imperial; like the hum of magic along the mantle of Sornieth. Your head snaps in the opposite direction, back towards Deadman’s Canal, just in time to see the second pale torrent that reaches for the heavens. A gout of water, foaming like blood, thrown up by the violent breaking of the landmass. Dragons on both sides try to fly to the other before it’s too late; you hear the wails of those dragons who thought themselves too brave to run, or too desolate to try and relocate. “Hold it!” you hear a dragon trumpet fiercely. There is a thump, like a claw being stomped, but so much louder. A wave of energy surges out from the heart of Deadman’s Canal, followed by another- and another, these two so similar in feeling. As you look on, you see two shapes alight upon the rooftops of the warehouses- one black, one white, magic surrounding their foreclaws. Great sections of the continent reach for its drifting counterpart, grasping like digits of a massive claw. Chains of red light anchor the rocky fingers to the surfaces which they grab. More movement- blue, purple. Two dragons sailing on the breeze in tight formation, chanting. A litany, you can tell from the parts you understand, of creation and destruction. Of crumbling iron and wood, sacrifices that coax the land into stilling. And as you watch, a white Mirror in a lab coat runs up to you, swirling something in a flask. “Hello there!” Yui chirps, squinting at the fractured continent with her four eyes. “Asuka says leave this to her. You’ve got bigger things to worry about, don’t you?” She gestures towards the mountain. “Tch, don’t bother,” another dragon snarls. You and Yui whip around, your claw drifting towards your satchel for a weapon. Your concern is, perhaps, unfounded, though- the speaker is merely a Wildclaw with red and black horns, a massive incendiary launcher strapped to her front, leaning against the wall of a nearby shack. “I tried to fly out to it when it was further out. Didn’t get through. S’ enchanted. That storm.” “What?” you say. “But it wasn’t before-” “He-- if I care what it was or wasn’t before!” the Wildclaw snaps. “I don’t give a d--n what your plan is with that place, but if that Marius ba--ard is going there, I’m going to [b]kill[/b] him. And if any of you get in my way, I won’t take to that so kindly.” “Then- then what do we do?” “We just wait until the enchantment goes away, of course!” a new voice chirps, accompanied by a chorus of little peeping noises. From another street emerges a second Mirror, this one covered head to toe by a menagerie of familiars. Behind her, you catch the faintest glimpse of a Spiral looping through the air, a massive array of lasers deployed around her, fusing iron to iron and anchoring bits of Deadman’s Canal in place. “Mayer of the Ifrit Brigade, at your service!” “We’re not the Ifrit Brigade!” you hear the Spiral protest. “You know what I mean.” Mayer pulls a face. “Ifrit n’ Silence caught up to me and Magallan back in the Empyrean. We’re here to help.” “What about Ptilopsis?” you ask. “Saria?” “Heading to Olympus- another day’s journey away. As for Saria…” Mayer frowns, glancing at her Meeboos. They shake their heads in unison. “We, um. Haven’t heard from her, actually. She doesn’t have one of Ifrit’s stones, and no one’s run into her, so…” “She’s missing?” you say. “Until we can find evidence otherwise.” Mayer nods. “D--n.” This isn’t something you wanted to worry about now. It isn’t the only thing you have to worry about, either. At that very moment- almost instantaneously- two familiars smack into each other in the air above you, falling onto their backs with flailing limbs. The first appears to be a mechanical golem with a shield and a symbol etched into its back, orange eyes clicking and turning in confusion. The second, a white and fluffy quadruped, making indignant [i]fou[/i] noises as it rights itself, shaking a paw at the first construct. “Hey,” you say. “What’s this about?” “Lil’ guy’s sayin’ he has a message for ya,” Mayer says, leaning down towards the fluffy creature and picking up a tablet. “Must be on here.” As if on cue, the golem starts to chatter too, scrambling for a little remote, which it quickly activates. Beams of light shoot out of its orange eyes, throwing a projection out into the air in front of it. You glance back and forth between the two, lost in confusion. The Golem’s projection shows you only faint blurs, indistinct shadows that you can barely make out. A rectangular mass being flung about, like a brick tumbling down desert dunes. Something like smoke wafting in front of the projection, from top to bottom. Just a clip a handful of seconds long, repeating this same thing, over and over again. You turn your attention to the fluffy creature’s message, then. It’s simple, scratched in what could only be Merlin’s hand, two words to make your blood run colder than even Caldera’s winds. “It’s alright,” Yui tells you. “The First Crew will handle Deadman’s Canal. We’ll get into contact with anyone else we see coming through here. You take care of this.” “I’m goin’ with ya!” Mayer chirps up. “You can tell Magallan to stay or come with us, I don’t think she’ll mind either way.” “And I’m coming, too.” The Wildclaw straightens up, checking the safety on her weapon. “If there’s a chance you’ll run into that ba--ard, I’m not missing out.” To this, you simply turn the tablet towards them and show them the message. [i]He’s here.[/i] ------------ [b]Event 15[/b] For the following events, you will only be able to travel a maximum of 3 tiles per event. (For example, you can go Sornieth > Olympus > Topaz > Olympus). Furthermore, you will be limited to 2 activities per event, regardless of destination (for the above example, you could one in Olympus, one in Topaz, then walk back to Olympus to start the next event). Furthermore, the activities you will be able to do will be determined by which NPCs are present in those areas. Certain NPCs will be wandering, while others, listed below, will be fixed in position and only move when spoken to and told to move (for example, telling Merlin to go to Olympus will cause him to leave Albion and travel to Olympus). Once you have found a wandering NPC, you will be able to ask them to travel in certain directions, or give them ‘holding patterns’ to stay in a certain area. If not given a request, the NPC will continue their usual wandering route. NPCs move at the same speed as players, meaning a round trip from Albion to Olympus and back will take Merlin 2 events. Additionally, wandering NPCs may sometimes intrude on your activities without prompting, based on your past actions. [quote=”Stationary NPCs”] [b]Olympus:[/b] Sion (dialogue), Gilgamesh (crafting/scrying), Paracelsus (crafting - specialization: artificial creations) [b]Deadman’s Canal:[/b] The First Crew [b]Albion:[/b] Mordred (dialogue/info), Merlin (crafting/scrying), Nobunaga (crafting - specialization: weapons) [b]The Empyrean:[/b] Lanling (dialogue, character location info), Entelechy, Enjin [b]Blessed Tower, Pan, Piranesi, Topaz:[/b] None [/quote] [color=blue]For event purposes, please assume all NPCs are available to speak to and are (invisibly) wandering the map. If you wish to speak to a specific NPC, send a PM or Discord ping to Xairathan specifying which NPC you would like to speak to. If the NPC is unavailable, the activity will not be ‘counted’. If you request 3 unavailable NPCs in one event, then that activity cost will count as ‘1’.[/color] ‘Speak to an NPC’ will be available as an option for all events unless specified. [i]You may perform 2 activities during this event. Standard travel rules apply.[/i] [color=green]NPCs awaiting direction:[/color] Magallan [color=green]NPCs in Party:[/color] W, Mayer Task Suggestions: [i]It looks like the First Crew is taking charge of further damages to Deadman's Canal. W says that Caldera is safely guarded by an enchanted wind, and the mountain will not be accessible until the enchantment wears off. You have safely delivered the dragons of Deadman's Canal to their temporary destinations- it might be best now to turn your attention to the mysterious messages you recieved. [/i]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/ssL2O5V.gif[/img] [LIST] [*] Auraelia - Banners & Signature Work [*] Spectraldragon and Wesakechak - Chat moderating and plot contribution [/LIST]

(Claiming and bumping, we are now open)

(Also claiming this post because... might as well take the whole front page to save on postage. Will be deleted later if necessary)