Vanyel's Map: Blackavar Island

[spoofer]

Characters: Vanyel and any others who signed up here! Feel free to use the CR meme to plot.
Summary: During the late-summer fair, Vanyel acquired a means to create a map, which in turned showed the existence of an island that no one has seen, despite flyovers and long-distance scanning. He has now organized a party to explore it. This log is for casual interaction, camping, and hiking, as well as mod-run plot factors that may affect the "war."
Date(s): October 5-8
Warnings/Notes: Potential minor injury, booby traps, etc.

BLACKAVAR ISLAND

Dead winds' and spent waves' riot

OUTBOUND FLIGHT

All aboard Tony Stark's jet, except for those of us who have flight capability and prefer to go it alone. The airship still looks battered and lacks a weapons array, but can carry eight passengers easy, and most daemons besides. It's a smooth flight over the water, that you may wish to spend chatting with your fellow passengers. Reassuringly, the sensor feed seems to match the map that Vanyel generated exactly, including the shape of the coastline, the location of the city, and the distance to the wall of light opposite the land the interdimensional membrane. All that's missing is the island.

However, as the ship approaches the expected location of the island, the light and water begin to distort, flickering and shredding like a mirage. The next moment, the island emerges, swirling with strange mist. Just like the map shows, it isn't big— a couple miles in each direction at most, but it's steeply mountainous and heavily forested.

TAKE A HIKE

There's a variety of weird shit to look at. The Island Effect is exaggeratedly strong here, primarily regarding the fauna.

The bald, pointed-eared fairies that are merely finger-height on the mainland are as tall as adult humans here, and you might see them peeking through the trees then darting away, unwilling to communicate. In the meantime, the green-backed bison are pygmy, coming in at hip-height, and rambling around beyond the treeline. Likewise, the massive sea dragons are down-scaled to the size of dolphins. Still aggravatingly aggressive, though.

Fortunately, Tony parked further up the beach.

It's warm. Far more humid here than on the mainland, thanks to the churning mist, the flora more jungle-like than deciduous sort back East. The trees press in close, and the incline is steep, promising a challenging hike, albeit one filled with interesting and picturesque natural discoveries. Plenty to bitch about, as you have a look around.


Fortunately, there doens't... seem to be anything particularly creepy to worry about as you break camp for the night, at least in terms of nocturnal predators and the like. The fire will keep away animals who are otherwise attracted to the scent of s'mores.

INDIANA JONES AND THE MYSTERIOUS RUINS

As the search progresses, four stone ruins are scattered throughout the forest. The architectural style bears unmistakable resemblence to the temple at the back of the city, although these are smaller, masked by rotting, toppled trees and half-submerged into dirt. Most of these are marked on Vanyel's map, with a symbol:
✞
But while you're poking around empty arches and derelict rooms, watch for booby traps here or there. Arrows, pits, nets. All of them brittle and rotted now, more liable to drop you on your head than break anything you can't spare— but traps nonetheless. You may have to help disentangle your fellow man from some of that.

At The Stone Door

For some reason, the only door that looks proper sealed looks almost identical to the one that led to the Memory Share chamber. However, instead of the same jet-black stone that characterizes much of the Temple, this one is a warm shade of brown, coarse, and the elaborately graven surface has held up well to the test of time that defeated most of the traps elsewhere.

No handles, no locks. But when you speak, the carvings begin to glisten oddly.

Footnotes

1. Once characters reach the door at the last prompt on this page, mods will be "NPCing" several of these threads. Completed threads will affect the "war plot" coming up end of the month/next month.
   
   
2. Note any violence or injury in your subject headers, thank you.

Comments

AT THE STONE DOOR

[spoofer]

[Mod-run threads to follow.]

GROUP ENSEMBLE: ALL PARTICIPANTS

[spoofer]

The party arrives at the door. It's stone, enormous, sealed.

The air is colder in here, but just as clammy as the humidity swimming over the island outside. Shafts of sunlight come down through square windows cut in the ceiling— or maybe it's you who opted to come in that way, rather than on what everyone else established consensually as 'the ground,' which had sloped down to this apparent point of entry.

But no matter how you got to the door, it's clear that there's no going around it. There is a bewildering tangle of forest and stone above, and impenetrable earth below.

[drehnifusbahi]

[It doesn't, at a distance, look all that different from the puzzle doors found in some Nordic ruins, the ones with 'dragon claw' keys and rotating sections. But as they get closer, it becomes clearer and clearer that this door isn't one of those.

Still, there has to be some sort of trick to opening it - especially since there's clearly no other way forward. So he'll be examining the door itself and the area around it for any hidden pulleys or switches or bits that rotate - only to stop and stare when he notices that the chatter from the rest of the party seems to be doing.... something.]

[ex_stony881]

The drop in temperature leaves Kaz shivering; he'd rolled up his trousers and shirtsleeves on the beach, and is still glistening from the unfamiliar humidity. Most eyes are on the door they've found, barring their way, but he's seen enough traps so far to be wary of boxing into an enclosed space, and after cursory acknowledgement that they're currently at an impasse, has moved to the back of the group. Though his leg is aching from weather it's unused to, Kaz barely uses his cane as he climbs back up the slope to find the best vantage point, where he stands idle lookout, speaking to nobody.

[spoofer]

As the lull in the conversation falls between the party members, the door changes subtly. Where there had been a faint light in the circular patterns, this flickers a moment like a candleflame threatened by a breeze.

And then it abruptly fades completely, going dark. Just shadows in carvings.

AMANDA & AYMERIC

[spoofer]

As Amanda and Aymeric proceed into the tunnel, the ground slopes downward slightly. The light dims. However, it doesn't get as dark as it probably should considering the windowless interior, and soon it becomes apparent why. There are lines running along the stone, faintly luminous, and blue in color, casting an eerie glow up against their faces.

[remarkablymodest]

Standing a good bit taller than Amanda and with sword and shield at the ready, Aymeric likely looks every bit the 'protector' role. He's learned not to judge books by their covers - Era was a shining example of that, a tiny Auri woman who could slay primals without thinking twice - but is armed more as a precaution than anything else. While things have seemed so far peaceful, the rationally cautious side of him can't help but wonder if they might be being led into a false sense of security.

He supposes only time will tell. When the lines start to light their way, the faintest of smiles comes to his lips. Blue. No doubt Amanda could have gathered by now he's partial to the color, his armor and sword both blue gilded with gold and silver. Maybe a good omen for their expedition further into the tunnels. He's not foolhardy enough to say as such, however, in case he 'jinxes' things. "At least the caverns were kind enough to give us a guiding light," he starts, an attempt to make conversation. Them talking had worked to open the door so it only makes sense to try the same now.

"I have to wonder what the energy source is. Or if it's perhaps organic somehow?"

[miss_brilliant]

Being as fascinated with space as she's always been, and given that the color reminds her of the iris of a Gate, Amanda can't help smiling faintly at the blue glow as well. She's gazing around, looking for signs of...she doesn't know. Whoever might have built the door, perhaps. She has to think that it was a 'who' for the moment, even if that who might be something far less mundane than a normal civilization. Her time at SGC and in Eudio taught her to keep an open mind, not to discount any possibility. And, well, Clarke's third law was sort of cliche at this point, but it also holds a lot of truth in her mind.

She chuckles a little, nodding. "I was wondering the same thing," she says, sounding not exactly distracted but--focused on something besides her companion, definitely. It's the problem of being an academic who had studied alien cultures before coming here, her attention is drawn to every little thing that might be a clue as to what this place had been. "I was in a place that collected energy through the physical contact from its inhabitants, before, so anything's possible. It could definitely be--the stones, maybe?" She gestures a hand vaguely back towards the direction of the door. "I'm not a geologist, though, so I definitely wouldn't be the best one to examine that."

[remarkablymodest]

If he minds her attention being divided between himself and their surroundings, it doesn't show. Truthfully, there's a lot of things he's noting himself. Anima runs a hand along the faintly glowing walls and offers a bit of extra brightness in the dark. "Be careful," Aymeric says to the tiny creature. He doesn't know exactly what contact with those lines might do and it's better to err on the side of caution at the moment.

"Nor am I too well versed in a miner's work," he admits. Era was a botanist but he wasn't sure if she dabbled in mining all that much. He'd have to ask one of these days. "Though this place you mentioned, how did they extract the energy from physical contact?" A lot in this place sounds foreign to him but he admits that concept isn't one he has come across yet. Era had mentioned a handful of people coming from a city like this - with denizens from all over the 'multiverse' - but hadn't caught its name or any of the details."

ERA & VEX

[spoofer]

As Era and Vex proceed into the tunnel, the ground inclines slightly. The light dims. However, it doesn't get as dark as it probably should considering the windowless interior, and soon it becomes apparent why. There are lines running along the stone, faintly luminous, and yellow in color, casting an eerie glow up against their faces.

[astralera]

Era had met Vex before, and though she found him strange he was also rather amicable. That he seems unlikely to give her disapproving looks if she pushes herself is also a nice bonus. Aymeric had been hovering just a tad too much and though she adores her friend and he was subtle with his worry, it was slowly getting on her last nerve.

Before stepping very far into the corridor Era pulls out her grimoire and quill, scribbling a familiar geometry in it to augment Emeraldd with Titan's aether rather than Garuda's. A scant few seconds later Emeraldd leaps into a backwards somersault in a shower of aetherial sparks, then lands on its feet once more with fur coloured a lovely yellow instead of its usual blue.

With that accomplished, Era puts her grimoire away and re-equips herself with her rapier. She's quite excited if she's being honest - it's been a while since she's gone any adventuring for the sake of adventuring.

[vexy]

Vex was decked out in a sleeveless leather shirt, paired with leather pants, heavy boots and the bracelet Era had made him. He still wasn't certain if it helped any, but it went with his clothes so why not? Also, he definitely wasn't hovering over her, as he seemed to care about nothing other than himself.

"Oh, great, hiking," he said with a sneer on his lips as they began to walk up the slight incline. Keyword: slight. There was no real reason for his complaining other than for the sake of hearing his own voice. Does Vex know how to shut up? He's never actually tried.

"Agh, bloody hell!" He yelped when her daemon went nuts and growled out angrily. "Warn a fella, yeah?! Why is everything yellow in here? Red's much more my color."

Worst. Adventurer. Ever.

"Bet ten seashells the lights go out in five, four, three..."

KENZI & SHEPARD

[spoofer]

As Kenzi and Shepard proceed into the tunnel, the ground slopes downward slightly. The light dims. However, it doesn't get as dark as it probably should considering the windowless interior, and soon it becomes apparent why. There are lines running along the stone, faintly luminous, and red in color, casting an eerie glow up against their faces.

[upside]

( shepard, gun draw, takes the lead in this endeavor, stepping forward rapidly, but quietly. a soldier, if there ever were. she's happy to have kenzi with her in tow, if not for skill then -- certainly for her colorful commentary. never a dull moment.

shepard doesn't have as visceral reaction to the color red as one might expect, but she still pauses when the lines start up, turning back to face kenzi. )

Hey, ( she nods. ) you know how to shoot a gun?

( on her person, there are a visible few firearms. she raises her eyebrows expectantly. )

[moshennik]

[ kenzi makes a face for a moment before glancing at gi jane's massive gun on body collection.] I know how to use a sword? [ as if that's helpful at all.

as helpful as the boots she's wearing.]

Why....? Did you hear something?

VANYEL, KAZ & FARRAIGE

[spoofer]

As Vanyel, Kaz and Farraige proceed into the tunnel, the ground slopes downward slightly. The light dims. However, it doesn't get as dark as it probably should considering the windowless interior, and soon it becomes apparent why. There are lines running along the stone, faintly luminous, and purple in color, casting an eerie glow up against their faces.

[ex_stony881]

Kaz is torn between keeping to himself and continuing to try and make conversation to further the theory that it's their interactions with each other that are helping them progress through this strange place. At the very least he's willing to take the back of the little party of three, came clicking on the stone as they walk forward.

"I don't suppose your map had anything to say about this?" he asks Vanyel, meaning both the way the tunnels have split and the luminous color of the rock alongside him; which he adds regarding: "Careful not to brush against the walls. Bright colors in nature are usually something of a warning sign. Though I'm beginning to wonder if any of this is really 'natural'."

[drehnifusbahi]

And Vanyel is more than willing to take point - seems only fair, when he was the one to drag them all out here.

He gestures as they enter the tunnel, a quick turn and flick of his wrist that produces a glowing, bluish-white orb of light, no bigger than his fist, that coats up toward the ceiling and bobs there, providing a little additional light.

"My map is a bit more concerned with the topography of the island than its cave systems, I'm afraid," he answers, glancing back toward Kaz.

WILL & ROSIE

[spoofer]

As Will and Rosie proceed into the tunnel, the ground slopes downward slightly. The light dims. However, it doesn't get as dark as it probably should considering the windowless interior, and soon it becomes apparent why. There are lines running along the stone, faintly luminous, and green in color, casting an eerie glow up against their faces.

[hasitsthorns]

After taking a brief moment to internally scream about the way the groups were divided, Rose was ready and raring to go. Like, so ready. Like oh my god, get her somewhere far away from the potential disaster that three man team-up might be because, once again, she's done an awful lot of not talking about things she should to people she should.

Once everyone else is out of sight out of mind, however, Will might notice Rose relax just a touch as they walk further into the tunnel. "We couldn't get, like, pink or something? Lame," she says, eyes cast to the cavern walls and the luminescent lines. "Hey, dude." Her attention's on Will now, giving the blond boy a friendly smile. "Do you think this tunnel has good acoustics?" She almost regrets not bringing her guitar.

[healingdork]

Will is amazing at picking up on other people's emotional states, so he picks up on things not seeming quite alright with Rose, but he doesn't bring it up because they've got exploring to do. He's a demigod and he knows it's probably not the best thing to get too distracted by talking when you're exploring some tunnel you've never been in before.

He laughs in good humor at her pink comment, giving a little shrug. "Are you asking me to sing to test it out? I thought you were the singer," he says teasingly.

Vanyel | OTA

[drehnifusbahi]

A. General Hiking and Campsite Shenanigans
[He takes point the moment they're off the jet - naturally enough, since it is his map. He's come prepared for as many contingencies as he can think of, his pack stuffed with healing potions, stamina potions, general provisions - and copies of the map, for anyone inclined to split off and explore on their own or in a smaller group.

Those who stick with him he keeps an eye on, especially those who have less experience with this sort of thing. His daemon, a dragonet, usually flies just above the group, but darts ahead at odd intervals, disappearing for a little while before reporting back - scouting ahead. Anything of note he's discovered is summarily shared with the group.

Like, for example, a spacious clearing not far ahead - with the sun starting to set, they'd want to start thinking about pitching camp anyway, and Zeymahd's suggestion seems like as good a spot as any.

He pitches his own tent, then helps out wherever else it seems needed - collecting firewood and water, making sure the food is stored out of reach of any creatures that might be willing to brave their fire, and casting a ward around the campsite. With all that done, he settles in by the fire to tend to his gear.]

B. Wildcard
[Choose your own adventure! Either toss a starter at me or hit me up to plot something for your character and Vanyel.]

pretend this isn't literally like 2 wks late

[remarkablymodest]

Greetings, ser!

[ comes a tinny voice from Aymeric's daemon. A wind-up miniature of one of his dearest friends. The little toy holds a sword and shield much like Aymeric himself though the sigil on it is different. ]

I hope we are not disturbing you. [ says Aymeric, polite as ever. He even gives a subtle bow of his head as he speaks, a humbling gesture. ] But do you happen to have a moment to talk?

[drehnifusbahi]

[Vanyel's own daemon, a greenish-gray dragon a little less than a foot long from snout to tail, startles at the address, wings flapping as it rears back.

Vanyel reaches over to stroke a finger down its spine, settling it, then looks up at Aymeric - and up and up and up. Gods and little daedra, if he'd thought that face and voice were unfair over the network...

But he's also aware that his girlfriend is somewhere nearby, and it might not be quite the done thing to overtly flirt with someone else when they're still trying to patch things up. So he restrains himself from responding with anything more than a polite smile and an] Of course.

[And he slides down the log he's sitting on a little ways, inviting Aymeric to sit down should he wish.]

[remarkablymodest]

[ Haurchefantd raises his tiny sword and shield in surprise at the dragon. What a formidable wyrm! (No, Haurchefant, you are just very small.)

Aymeric has made his peace with The Dravanians but does note this man's possible connection to dragonfolk. He is otherwise oblivious to anything else he should probably make note of like Vanyel's lingering gaze. Or maybe he does notice but figures there's no reason to comment on it. Yet. ]

Thank you, [ Aymeric offers in return, smiling himself just slightly before taking a seat. Haurchefantd meanwhile tip taps his way toward the dragon curiously, inspecting it with no shortage of caution. ]

Could I perchance have a look at the map that you've brought along? It was the ink that was enchanted and not the map itself, correct?