let's set d o w n some (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
groundrules) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
westwhere2021-12-02 07:00 pm
groundrules) wrote in westwhere2021-12-02 07:00 pm
Entry tags:
- 2ha: chu wanning,
- avatar: zuko,
- harry potter: hermione granger,
- harry potter: lily evans,
- kingdom of the wicked: wrath,
- mo dao zu shi: xiao xingchen,
- mo dao zu shi: xue yang,
- oh! my emperor: beitang moran,
- persona 5: akira,
- star wars: slick,
- taravast,
- tian guan ci fu: xie lian,
- warcraft: anduin wrynn,
- warcraft: wrathion,
- watch_dogs: wrench
the coup
Hello to our last Big Event of the year, covering 2-22 December and also subbing as our test drive.
Current players can play here or make separate logs & network posts. TDM tourists are confined to this playground, but can include network prompts in their top levels.
If you’re trialling a character, you can apply them until 21 December without a game invite. TDM characters can participate in the sign-up quests without taking up a slot, but cannot vote for event outcomes.
Taravast’s civilians take to spirited protests and seize the Palace of the Doxe. They intend to redirect Doxe Bonaccorso Spina’s attention and resources to his people, livelihoods suffered in recent undead attacks. The Merchant sends ‘help’ to oust the Doxe.
Amid the chaos, Vannozza Spina seeks to apprehend her grandfather. Her cousin Macaluso, Bonaccorso’s prisoner, can be liberated. Outgunned, outmanned and outnumbered, Bonaccorso orders the city burned down.
TDM TOURISTS: THE BARREN BONES
You wake up in shallow water, other supine bodies beside you. The nearby occupants of a desert outpost greet you with a coarse translation and communication device and introduce you to their leader, the Merchant. He rescues otherworlders who were summoned to serve as weapons for warring undead factions, sending them east — where forgotten beacons can return them home.
A. A FRIEND IN NEED
Unconscious new arrivals are delivered every few days, recovered from the dunes. They are submerged in oasis waters. Some characters wake weaker of body and mind, struggling to focus their thoughts or their supernatural abilities — effects that recede within one-three days. Others are plagued by a drowning sensation for one-two days.
- ■ Help fellow newcomers as they regain their strength with sparring, a calming voice or a warm meal.
■ Newcomers must share tents and carry out camp tasks: hold the night watch, man fires, kill viper nests and excessively large scorpions or, fate help everyone if you’re related to Xie Lian, cooking.
B. A FRIEND IN DEED
Soon enough, the Merchant reveals more otherworlders are assigned in the nearby magical citadel of Taravast, which is on the brink of civil uprising against the ruling Doxe Bonaccorso Spina. Your fellows need you, cavalry.
The Merchant sends the fresh conscripts on a three-day journey to Taravast across a desert canyon, granting supplies, horses or seats in shared carts.
- ■ Fresh horses wait at specific landmarks, but some suppliers trade steeds for the better coin of rich merchants evacuating Taravast. If you end up stranded, find help.
■ Weather forecast: frequent, cruel sand storms that challenge even expert riders. Collect anyone who gets lost in the dunes — particularly near wild cougars.
■ Some Taravast refugees crowd or pretend accidents to loot your horses. A select few diplomatic convoys offer assistance, or try to confiscate your rides.
OLD TIMERS: THE STREETS, RALLYING
Dissenting necromancers, healers and civilians begrudge Doxe Bonaccorso’s failure to ensure their safety and distribute repairs funds fairly. Many believe that Bonaccorso has been manipulated by Macaluso and Vannozza.
The initially peaceful protests exacerbate into after several days: demonstrators frequently come to blows with city guards around the 20:00 evening curfew. Protesters carry sharp and blunt weapons, small explosive talismans or banners. Some are ghost-summoning necromancers, others are sorcerers who command a small array of elemental spells.
- ■ Protesters try to enthusiastically conscript passers-by to their cause. Some assume characters leaving the Doxe Palace are nobility and try to kidnap and ransom them for an audience with Bonaccorso.
■ Merchants and the last few of Macaluso’s foreign suitors begin their exodus from Taravast and ask you to serve as escort in exchange for compensation.
■ Palace guards retaliate with disproportionate violence when they catch crowds without magic users or experienced combatants. Rescue some demonstrators — but prepare to run — or scout the streets so they can escape.
■ The clashes separate some Taravast residents from food, commodities and healers. Be a friend.
■ In rare good news, protesters share with Wrathion and Slick their battle and coordination signs and passcodes.
■ Some crowd contingents are less spirited about this endeavour — try talking them out of this revolution business.
■ Characters without powers or weapons can resort to the arsenal Wrench and Aang recovered from looters: daggers, maces, swords, bows and five-six man-sized water serpents, who heed those who first summon them out of theirPokeballs.
ALL TOGETHER NOW: THE BARRICADES
Within a week of the first demonstrations, the protesters and Doxe Bonaccorso’s guards have devolved into vicious and regular violence. Civilian demonstrators have been joined by many necromancers wielding fresh corpses, minor sorcerers, healers and a handful of expert combatants, assigned by sympathetic gentry. Bonaccorso’s men conduct regular inspections and arrests. The demonstrators meanwhile set traps of magical ice and explosives.
Led by the lawyer Giacomo Zanardo and the healer Sebastiano Bianchi, the mob seeks to storm the Palace of the Doxe and persuade Bonaccorso back to his senses, which have surely been corrupted by his absent nephew Macaluso and niece Vannozza.
RISE ONE, RISE ALL
Existing characters are soon joined by fresh reinforcements. Everyone receives the Merchant’s transmission:
”It has emerged, vocally, that Doxe Bonaccorso Spina no longer serves the interests of his city, his people or our contingent. The most efficient recourse is to depose him. How, and whether you choose to instate one of his successors, is of no consequence to me. I send a wave of our new otherworldly associates to assist you. Fair fortune.”
- ■ Zanardo and Bianchi organise a last bout of midnight merrymaking before the Palace attack at dawns. Meet your reinforcements at a… large, cold, rudimentarily decorated warehouse in one of Taravast’s dodgiest district. Close your eyes and smell the salted fish.
■ Old and new characters can collect further plain weapons from rioters. Slick receives command of five NPC protesters.
■ Pacifists can scout the Palace of the Doxe to report back the watch patterns, or try to persuade servants to open the gates.
■ Come dawns, protesters seize the Palace, meeting fresh waves of Bonaccorso’s guards in the gardens before advancing inside.
■ The Merchant informs Eleven and Shen Qingqiu they are required back in Taravast. He cuts a deal with local warlord Anurr, who supplies two transporters orbs that will transport the duo immediately.
Because of overlapping timelines, your character can only be signed up for one of the three following missions. Each quest will be capped at 15 characters: first come, first served. You can vote on game polls irrespective of what mission your character pursues.
NOTE: TDM tourists can participate in the quests and do not need to sign up. They can include prompts for one of the parallel quests in their top-level prompts, or can tag around. However, TDM tourists don't qualify for the NPC RNG draw and cannot vote on Bonaccorso's fate.
A. LET IT BUUUUUURN, LET IT BURN
Counting the last hours of his reign, Doxe Bonaccorso Spina takes to the great balcony of his Palace to address the masses:
”My people, my loved ones. Twenty-two years ago, I came before you, a man ruined: my son and my daughter taken from me. Is there any pain greater than burying your children? Only today: to see the blood of your blood and the blood of your nation, united against you. To know your nephew made weapon of a blade and your niece of her gold, and your people are indiscriminate in their arsenal. You tear down my doors, sirs! You bloody my halls! And when you stand against your Doxe, you stand against Taravast. And why? Because I turned my eye from you for scant moments. Spoiled! Shameless! All I ever intended were more years in your service. For we must strike a permanent truce with the dead. To survive. Know that even now, I see you: you are strong, gifted, beautiful. How it breaks my heart to know I must bury my children again.”
After this, Bonaccorso orders the 20 court witches of Bessis currently at the Palace rain down fire from the northern and southern towers, unto the masses.
- ■ Current Bessis leader Margherita Moretti is instructed to call her sister witches to Taravast’s greater walls, where they might direct further fire upon all who oppose Bonaccorso.
■ Ten witches will climb each Palace tower, targeting protesters. Sign up and discuss how characters can slip the witches sleeping herbs with their water, kill them, feign fresh orders from Moretti, etc.
■ The witches of Bessis have historically received the patronage of the imprisoned Macaluso. Many recently retreated from court, embittered by Bonaccorso’s support for the rival Attaryl. Moretti is reasonable, if loyal, and possesses a conscience. She rides out to bring further Bessis assistance.
■ Team up, pursue and capture Moretti down the chaotic streets of Taravast. Two characters — chosen on 10 December through RNG draw from the signed-up crew — can participate in a NPC thread to talk her down.
B. OFF WITH THE OLD MAN’S HEAD
Informed by Wrath and Wen Qing’s faction that her grandfather prepared to possess her body, Vannozza Spina moves to apprehend Bonaccorso.
Following his speech, the Doxe holes up in his quarters, guarded by several dozen Attaryl witches — masters of illusions, telekinesis and mind control. They will try to briefly steal or dim characters’ senses, thrall them into seeing their allies as enemies and crumble walls and statues upon them. The witches are easily defeated through physical means.
- ■ Characters can charge in militarily or infiltrate by presenting as palace staff or Attaryl reinforcements. Those who previously assisted servants can receive spare uniforms and directions. Sign up here.
■ In-game characters can vote until 15 December to decide Bonaccorso’s fate. Two characters drawn via RNG can share a NPC thread for a short discussion with him. Wen Qing and Wrath can optionally have a separate talk thread, given their participation in Vannozza’s plotline.
C. SAVE THE HIMBO, SAVE THE WORLD
Macaluso Spina’s attempt to persuade his Doxe grandfather of the merits of retirement condemned him to house arrest, awaiting trial on charges of assassination. He is secluded in his wing of the Palace of the Doxe, guarded by two dozens of Bonaccorso’s men and by illusion traps devised by Attaryl witches.
Characters can hear footsteps, men giving chase, the muffled voices of Macaluso or their companions, all unseen. A mirrored hall leads you back to its beginning, as your reflection mocks you — until you break a mirror.
- ■ Characters who have helped Palace servants can receive tips on guard numbers and locations, or corridor shortcuts.
■ Sign up here. Two characters picked via RNG draw on 10 December can share a NPC thread to discuss Macaluso’s next steps. Alina Starkov can have an optional separate thread, for her involvement in Macaluso’s plot so far.
QUESTIONS
OLD TIMERS
no subject
He raises his glass to take another very careful sip of the drink, uncertain whether it would be better to continue sipping it as such or just down it all at once, when he catches Wrathion's jerk of movement out of the corner of his eyes.
He frowns slightly, studying Wrathion as he sits forward again and slides him the food. It had been subtle, and Anduin had been hardly paying attention, but the gesture had been -- just this side of unsubtle. His coverup only smooth enough for someone who does not understand Wrathion's physicality.]
What is it?
[You're not as smooth as you think you are.]
no subject
He supposes it shouldn't be a surprise that he noticed, but the feeling of being caught out is still there. Wrathion runs his tongue over his teeth, carrying on unpacking and arranging food as if to suggest nothing is in fact wrong. See? He can still do things, he isn't limited in any way. ]
My initial encounter with the Beastmaster included some... unpleasantness. The injury is mostly healed now.
[ Mostly, just not unfortunately fully. ]
no subject
Anduin hones in on that word as well, especially since Wrathion had been intending to involve himself in -- whatever the next day might bring, and he is only mostly healed. From an injury that had happened several weeks prior, no less, if this had been caused by the Beastmaster when he had only first arrived.
It bothers him to think of Wrathion in such danger. It bothers him as well that Wrathion knows he is a healer and he is still trying to hide this from him. That he would be hiding it still if he had not forgotten himself, just then.]
Unpleasantness. [Anduin repeats, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.] You said that he chased you.
no subject
[ That is indeed what happened. Anduin simply hadn't inquired more about that part, and Wrathion had chosen not to expand. It wasn't strictly useful information, and not a pleasant memory. He sits back again, studying Anduin impassively. ]
He and his flying creatures chased me tirelessly for three days until I came upon Taravast.
no subject
Anduin had imagined a desperate flight, Wrathion remaining one step ahead of the Beastmaster and the potential of being caught under his thrall, though the realization that the chase had lasted for three days, that it had come so close as that...
Anduin's chest constricts tightly.]
You --
[He shakes his head, squeezing his eyes shut tight for a moment before looking back at Wrathion, his frown deepening as he does.]
Let me see.
no subject
A frown flickers across Wrathion's expression in turn, and he hesitates a moment -- as if considering rejecting the offer.
Yet it would be inconvenient to remain even lightly injured while fighting broke out around them.
His eyes lower to his sleeve as he unbuttons the cuff and turns it up once, twice, then slides the sleeve upward to his elbow. ]
The salve I obtained accelerated the healing process. The swelling has gone and the gash has healed.
[ Considering he could barely move it at all before, it's really much improved. So, you see, he did do something about it!
... After someone approached him, and offered, but: details. The point is, it was looked at. ]
no subject
He's grateful when he gives in instead. It's delicate, this tenuous peace they have found. It may not be much, but with all the history between them, even this small gesture of trust has a weight to it.
Sitting forward slightly, Anduin reaches to brace Wrathion's forearm in one hand, turning it gently as he moves to inspect the wound in the light of the fire. Three weeks... Well, he supposes it doesn't look too bad, all things considered. Still.
He flicks his eyes back up to meet Wrathion's, and the dragon must obviously have known where this was going, right? He hopes so anyway, because he's certainly not going to ask before he's turning his eyes back to Wrathion's forearm, Light beginning to pool around his hands.
It only takes but a moment, the spell sweeping its way through any damage it finds and rushing to mend it whole. Once it is done, he lets out a breath. Wrathion can scold him all he wants, but he feels better for having done this nevertheless.]
no subject
All the same, Wrathion goes subtly tense. It heats his nerve endings, works through the damage then slowly fades. The lingering caress of it eases some of his tension unwilling. It's difficult to feel anything negative in the wake of the Light's influence, a trick which Wrathion has some thoughts about.
He studies Anduin, his expression. He's still holding onto his arm, he notes, with one hand. Perhaps waiting for confirmation it's better now? In comparison to what Anduin is capable of healing, the injury was minor. Surely he has no doubts? Still... Wrathion supposes he can offer something. He blinks once, slowly, and tries to formulate a reply a few times in his head.
Anduin's hand is warm. The Light has clearly addled his thoughts. ]
Thank you.
[ There. Will that suffice? Good enough. ]
no subject
Flushing slightly, he releases his grip, moving to sit back on his cushion as he does so.]
It is no trouble. It's the least that I can do, in return for...
[He trails off, uncertain as to how exactly to put it to words, vaguely indicating around them as if that might indicate it in some fashion. Wrathion may have only been here for two weeks more than he but he's certainly learned more than Anduin so far and it stands to reason that he is grateful for the information he has shared thus far. And -- for his company, if he's being entirely truthful with himself. Anduin may not have been chased for days by some brute like Wrathion, but it hasn't been the smoothest realization process either, coming to find himself where he is. It is -- comforting, to find a familiar face in the crowd.]
Is this where you have been staying?
[A neutral topic. It would seem so, at least, judging by how familiar he had been in leading them there, and with the supplies to hand. Reaching forward, he takes one of the offered rice cakes, toying with it for a few moments though he can't quite bring himself to eat just yet.]
no subject
Hmm. ]
Yes.
[ His eyes lift again, and Wrathion considers Anduin a long moment. ]
There were no personal effects that I could find. I presume the owners fled Taravast once the chaos began. You're welcome to sleep here if it suits you.
[ Does Anduin have somewhere else? He might have somewhere better, Wrathion supposes. Perhaps he might have charmed his way into something. ]
no subject
[Anduin blinks, the invitation surprising him a little. Not because it is unwelcome, of course, but because he had not expected it. Wrathion has always been hard to get a read on. He thought he understood him once, but. Their friendship had changed. Wrathion's decisions had seen to that. And now...?
Well, Anduin isn't certain what they are anymore. He would like to think that they remain friends, however strained. Wrathion is his advisor, if nothing else. He cannot imagine sharing a living space with the rest of his council, although. He supposes that it would be safer than staying with the strangers he has set up with now. He does at least trust Wrathion not to slit his throat or steal his things in the night.]
If. That would be welcome. I would not want to intrude, of course. I left what little I have in the lodgings the Merchant arranged for our party, but.
[Anduin hesitates.] It is not exactly. Secure.
[He may not carry the same responsibilities here, but he is still the High King of the Alliance.]
no subject
[ Which means staying together is a good move. They know each other well, Wrathion thinks. They understand each other much better than anyone else here. He reaches out, picks out a piece of jerky from his food stash. ]
Obviously you will be secure here, with me to guard you.
[ A little bluster, to cover for his faltering earlier. ]
no subject
This is true. I have seen some extraordinary skills in the last few days, though cannot imagine that everyone out there has a dragon looking out for them while they sleep.
[He takes a bite of his rice cake, chewing thoughtfully, before tipping back the last of the drink Wrathion had poured, wondering if he really should have any more, thirsty or not.]
I will need to go and retrieve my things. Shalamayne... Should not fall into the wrong hands.
no subject
Just checking.
Satisfied, he rolls the sleeve back down and buttons it again. ]
Take as much time as you need, and store whatever you like here. Would you like me to come with you to fetch it?
[ He isn't certain how safe Anduin feels. Would he prefer the company? Or is he content to just go and retrieve his things, while Wrathion stays put and waits? He doesn't want him to feel babied, Anduin is quite capable of looking after himself when he so chooses. ]
no subject
Even despite his request for company, still he asks:]
You do not need to return to the party?
[Logically, he realizes that his appearance here may have interrupted something of Wrathion's plans.]
no subject
[ He reaches for his coat, draws out the communication pendant from his pocket and dangles it for Anduin. ]
I presume you have one. You might use it too, if you find yourself in need of assistance.
[ You know, if Wrathion happens to not already be with him at the time. ]
no subject
He pats the front pocket of his own clothing, indicating where he has his own pendant in safekeeping.]
How does it work? I will admit I did not pay much attention at the time, I did not imagine I would have need of such a thing. Do the messages just play aloud whenever you receive them? [He squints at Wrathion's pendant questioningly.]
no subject
[ Anduin is smart, and Wrathion doesn't think he needs his hand holding in this. He slips the pendant back into his coat pockets and moves to shrug it back on, drawing his boots over as well. Just as he'd gotten comfortable, getting dressed again. He should have known better.
He stands, brushes down his coat and fastens it. ]
Shall we?
[ May as well do this while the party has large quantities of the locals distracted. ]
no subject
[Anduin casts a cursory glance around the mostly-empty room and wonders just how long they will be calling this place their temporary home. Not that he is complaining, of course. He would rather sleep here, with only these cushions for furniture, knowing he is safe, than on a bed having to keep one eye open.
Pushing himself to stand, he turns to Wrathion and offers him a flicker of a smile.]
I... Suppose this means that we will be roommates.
no subject
What is Wrathion meant to take from it? He has no idea. ]
If you object to the idea I can look for a larger place so you have more privacy. I picked this small one for myself in the hope of drawing little attention.
[ Seemed less likely other people would break into it. ]
no subject
Object...?
He raises his hands in front of himself, waving them back and forth slightly.]
No, no, not at all! I hope I am not intruding too much upon your space. It is a gracious invitation, I was...
[He hesitates, uncertain how much exactly he should explain himself.]
Attempting to lighten the mood. Poorly, from what it would seem. Humor is not among the disciplines they cover in training for the priesthood.
[Still, he Tries.]
no subject
I see.
[ He doesn't see, but Wrathion isn't about to admit to not getting a joke. He's just going to... start packing up all the stuff he literally just unpacked to put it back under the floorboards, since apparently they are leaving again and he never should have bothered to get comfortable. ]
I can store anything here you don't need for this short trip. We can leave when you're ready.