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
"This is a fever. On the streets, they have a... a sickness. They will wake up from it tomorrow. Like from their wine. And then? What good is a statement then?"
no subject
Wrathion makes an expansive gesture with one hand, folds his arms again thoughtfully. He seems focused on action, which is good if he picks the right actions.
no subject
The people, watching, no longer waiting, banging at his gates. He looks out of golden windows and sees men who have never grasped enough bread crumbs to feed their children.
"What is there left to say?" No, worse. "What was there ever to say?"
no subject
"I met the men who lead the rebels -- a healer and a lawyer. They believed, strongly, in Taravast. Taravast has always been safe, they told me. Bonaccorso has always been fair. Surely, he has become distracted by these political games? If only they could plead their case, surely he would listen?"
His eyes slide back to Macaluso again, and Wrathion gestures to the window.
"Now they have been betrayed. Outside these walls, fire rains down on your people. Their belief has been shattered. They want to know, what good is the conclave? Why did nobody stop this? What will you do now? They need organisation, practicality. Food and water to be distributed, dead to be buried, homes to be repaired. They need to know that you will not betray them, that this place will be safe again. That you will listen to what they say."
He pauses, considering.
"They suggested to me," he says finally, "a people's conclave, to help the interests of the people be heard. They may ask for that again."
no subject
The restlessness in him appears to dissipate, to settle. He raises a hand as if to stay whatever objection Wrathion has not even had the chance to whisper. "I have heard of this. Of people's voices. Elections. We have the piazza. We have... we have so many interests."
He counts them now, on his fingers: "Necromancers, witches, merchants, politicians, healers... we are a good citadel. A good people. This is Taravast, we are the sons of greatness. But we were born of many mothers. Can everyone's voices be heard without drowning someone else's?"
no subject
A blunt truth. There is always a louder voice, always money that buys agreement or silence. No matter how good the intentions.
"However," he adds, "the very suggestion of it implies they do not believe the current conclave speaks for the people. That is worth examining."
Was this a sentiment they felt strongly even before this? Where did it start? What ongoing issues have they had? Macaluso believes the citadel is good, that the people are good, but he speaks from a position of privilege. The conclave must make sure everyone is represented.
Still.
Wrathion hesitates, waves a hand.
"I would venture to say, however, that's a long term problem. In the short term, you have an angry crowd who want someone to blame and people in need of help. You need to appease them, and start relief efforts."
no subject
Changes to the conclave. Fair representative. Foreign, equitable, practical concepts. But one matter remains unspoken between them, and he is tired, already, before he speaks the words: "Is it relief they want...? Or a head?"
Can spirits be tamed, if they are not offered bloodshed?
no subject
He really is gentle. Anduin might have been a better person to speak with him. Then again, between them he and Anduin might have come up with the most bloodless, impractical plan.
How, he thinks, would he appeal to Anduin?
With emotion, most likely.
Wrathion lets his face fall a little, just enough to wear his sadness.
"I know it is difficult," he says, "to be betrayed by family. To see others supported, encouraged, and to feel as if your own life is unravelling. It is an ache that will take a long time to heal, if it ever truly does. But if they will not fight for you, then you must fight for yourself. It takes great strength to have a soft heart in a cruel world. You may feel as if the people outside these walls are violent, frightening, chaotic. That taming them is an impossible task. You must think of them like children. They are frightened of a danger they cannot put a name to. They do not understand. You must give a name to their fear, and then you must defeat it. You must be strong for them. They must see you are your own person, and that you are willing to bring them justice even despite the ties of blood. You cannot undo the things that have been done, you must focus on what happens now."
He pauses, turning it over.
"How that justice is offered is for you to decide, but it most not look forgiving. The people have no trust left for anyone here, and they cannot be blamed for that. You will need help to bring them under control so they will listen."
no subject
Become a hero, for all Macaluso feels himself crumbled, back bowing, eyes shuttering to a close. He breathes, how he breathes, and with him breathes wood and breathes dust and breathe the gilded accessories of a room accosted by centuries of Doxe dominion.
He is here, in the palace of his grandfather, of the countless noble men and women who preceded him in leadership. He intended to become the next name in that succession.
He must act now.
"I must become no better than what we defeated. I must... apply his lessons."
no subject
"Given how his rule has ended, I wouldn't say emulation is a sound goal. It also doesn't seem your style, if you don't mind my saying."
Does he think, somehow, that is the only way? Becoming someone else entirely? Becoming his grandfather simply to control the masses.
no subject
And Bonaccorso Spina has not help ingratiate himself in the favour of the masses, besides. Not of late.
no subject
"On this I don't disagree," he accepts. "You can make your rule your own -- or work toward passing it on later, if that would make you happier. Yet a transition of power is always difficult, and the circumstances make it particularly rocky. Be as ruthless as you can stomach, but remember one thing: all the people who have come to your aid have done so because they believe in who you are, in your values."
If Macaluso changes himself entirely to fit the role he believes he must play, then he will no longer be the person they sought to help.
no subject
Until it spoils into disaster.
"The people who have come to my aid... are strangers," he murmurs with bitter laughter in the wake of words he'd never thought to speak. It was not his gentlemen who rescued him, but Alina Starkov and her band. It is not his witches who counsel him, but foreign faces and the man, Wrathion. He is at the mercy of those he has ignored.
Passing a hand through his hair, he can barely condescend to acknowledge what might have become of him, if not for the grace of his unexpected saviours. "Have no worries. I'll see this through."
It is not his place to dismiss Wrathion — he hardly knows his place. But the sketched wave is there.
no subject
"Of course," he says, "but I must correct you on one thing -- we may be strangers, but a group of your people helped us get inside so we might rescue you. They were... spirited. One of them was wielding a harpoon."
The harpoon still amuses Wrathion.
"It didn't take me long to recruit them. Perhaps you have been looking for friends in the wrong places."
A pause, Wrathion weighing something up.
"The men leading the protest were Giacomo Zanardo and Sebastiano Bianchi. All they wanted, initially, was an audience with Bonaccorso -- to be heard. Perhaps you should consider granting them that audience. If you can win their favour, they might help."
The last piece of advice he'll offer. Macaluso has enough to think about. He gives a small nod again.
"Good luck."