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middleofsomewhere2021-09-16 05:59 am
voidtreckermods) wrote in middleofsomewhere2021-09-16 05:59 am
Wings of Wonder: Ongoing
"We do not apologise for acting to protect our own. But Hemla has given you their trust, and we will pay back on the debt of any harm given.You say you are here to help - then do. We will lend out resources needed, but expect to see results. Help at the farm, help us investigate - help in whatever way your talents provide.
'Give, get back' -- this is the way of our people. Every person has a purpose, a place, a skill. In return, speak to us your cost.
If you truly have the power to help, then you will be respected. We would expect the same rules to be applied to us."
Despite rough beginnings, relations between the Voidtreckers and the sali people are neutral. They do not fully trust the Voidtreckers, will not allow mindless entry into the East village (Nossofh as they call it -- 'Home'), and visits inside the commune building in the South will be limited. However, appointments with the sage can be made for those who have some skill with crystals, magics, and energies. Those who have spoken with the Forever One on the arrival island may also be granted access, if they wish to speak.
They will have tasks for the Voidtreckers to do, jobs that are necessary. Sali will be doing the same, and will be working within the same spaces at them. They will not stop Voidtreckers from setting up camps and give permission for them to settle on the centre island, under Helma's - the Forever One - protection.
While there may be some tensions, the sali will not attack the Voidtreckers. But now, plans must be made how to proceed, as the skies from the south bleed red...
WINGS OF WONDER: ONGOING
A TL;DR notes version of event/prompts: (click to show)
EVENT BASICS:
- Contact with the sali has been made, and relations have come out neutral. The North and East bridges have been fixed by Voidtreckers, with materials sent to the South too by them.
Ongoing runs through N8 to N11, when the finale also starts. The following is a TL;DR for what will be going on at the islands, at the time.
NORTH: Fixing the aircraft found on top of the mountain, finding missing sali in the woods, dead and alive. Helping to transport goods to the aircraft so it can be fixed, and also spruced up/modified. Also still good for fighting characters.
EAST: This is where you send characters who would want to work on designs, magical crafting and so forth. They won't be in close contact with the rest of the Voidtreckers, but is good for nerds. Voidtreckers who help here will be allowed to ride mounts to the central island if they leave, as the sali recognise they will be too exhausted otherwise. And so you guys can still have threads with other people.
SOUTH: Birds will be mainly coming from this direction, so fighters can still do patrols. Mainly needs those willing to do labour, rear animals, skin dead animals and so forth. Characters can also get involved with repairing clothes, washing and cleaning, if they can't last long doing land work.
WEST: The Reds that went this way will have found out that going through the interior or around will not get them far, and more birds showing up makes the area more dangerous. On N8, there is an operation shared with the Voidtreckers that they are doing a mass transport of goods from the West, to take North. Help fighting off the birds they attract is needed. From then on, it's better advised to stick to the other islands. Reds who like to just fight will be good in the South as patrol.
WORK TO DO. There is much to be done. Buildings need to be fixed, places need restored after the storms. But more than that the general needs of life don't stop. Farms need tending, animals need caring for. There are jobs for anyone willing to work.
The different islands need the following:
NORTH ISLAND: Fighters, those willing to labour and repair, and those willing to search are needed.
EAST ISLAND: Those with experience in magic and energy, crafting (making designs, modifying; blueprinting is involved) are needed.
SOUTH ISLAND: Fighters, those willing to help out with farm work, meat skinning, clearing up the surrounding farm area. Also those who can push back the birds.
WEST ISLAND: Fighters, during N8. There is help needed to protect the sali as they transfer materials and the Forever One stationed there, and to rebuild the bridge. Otherwise, the island will be deserted while plans are made by N9.
CENTRAL/ARRIVAL ISLAND: There isn't much that's needed but for birds to be taken down who might hover over, or get attracted by activity. Those who can supply Hemla with energy are appreciated. The sali here will act as communicators to other sali for Voidtreckers who don't want to make long journeys.
Voidtreckers should decide what will be a better use of their skills, and move accordingly. While faster methods may be found over time, initially, using those who can flight and walking are the only options. The North and East bridges have been patched up, and the South Island has materials for the bridge. West's bridge will be fixed by morning of N8.
The different islands need the following:
NORTH ISLAND: Fighters, those willing to labour and repair, and those willing to search are needed.
EAST ISLAND: Those with experience in magic and energy, crafting (making designs, modifying; blueprinting is involved) are needed.
SOUTH ISLAND: Fighters, those willing to help out with farm work, meat skinning, clearing up the surrounding farm area. Also those who can push back the birds.
WEST ISLAND: Fighters, during N8. There is help needed to protect the sali as they transfer materials and the Forever One stationed there, and to rebuild the bridge. Otherwise, the island will be deserted while plans are made by N9.
CENTRAL/ARRIVAL ISLAND: There isn't much that's needed but for birds to be taken down who might hover over, or get attracted by activity. Those who can supply Hemla with energy are appreciated. The sali here will act as communicators to other sali for Voidtreckers who don't want to make long journeys.
Voidtreckers should decide what will be a better use of their skills, and move accordingly. While faster methods may be found over time, initially, using those who can flight and walking are the only options. The North and East bridges have been patched up, and the South Island has materials for the bridge. West's bridge will be fixed by morning of N8.
ON ARRIVAL ISLAND. Five sali will come on N7 to fix up the broken buildings here, using the cuttings of the long grass, and drying them out with their own talents. They will accept help in doing this, and will offer to show a few Voidtreckers what to do, but will expect them to fix up the rest themselves, unless they offer services for help. A few of the buildings may make a good resting point, with an enclosure to keep off the wind and a cooking hole to sit around, but Voidtreckers will find their attentions split between the islands. Still, the centre island is only of important as a crossing point, and for the Forever One that stays there.There will not be too much activity here over the next few days. Voidtreckers are welcomed to camp here, and sali will also come through here, helping to move the leftover overgrowth, moving through the two areas. The South and West bridges still need fixing (while the East and North bridges have been taken care of).
FOREVER ONE: HEMLA. Two sali stay after the rebuilding on N7, to take care and help Hemla. Hemla is distracted, attempting to work on the energy problem for Voidtreckers, and keep the island safe. But the Forever One will take time for anyone who wishes to speak to them, and will accept help and energy. By the morning of N8, they will have a request. The sali will explain it to any Voidtreckers who come through the island, holding out clear white crystal stones. Hemla is attempting to harmonise their energy and the world's, at least with a middleman in the form of stone. They warn there will be possible side-effects, and ask Voidtreckers to only take one at a time, and to bring it back later.
Through days N8-10, these crystals will have a variety of effects, lessening over time. Those with magical skills/who use energy are asked to take one. They will need to supply Hemla some power, and then after carry it on them. The possible side-effects are:- Dizziness
They don't last more than a day but it might be best they find a buddy to watch over them whilst it does.
- Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Weakness
EAST VILLAGE/NOSSOFH. It is still a treck to reach the East Village, especially for those who don't have any way to fly or cover large distances; and for those that do, they will arrive exhausted.
The village is still very wary of the newcomers, and those that arrive are stopped and questioned. Those with legitimate business are allowed in and as the days go on more individual sali will be willing to exchange information or help. There are sali who will roam out with Voidtreckers to fight the birds, and those wishing to patrol the East Island will be told to help in the North or South - the sali of the island can cover the vital areas.
The two main areas of interest within the village are:
( SAGE'S HOUSE ) The invitation to help the energy weavers comes during the call on the SCAs on the morning of N8. Within the village is the sage's house, the largest building that sits in the centre, legs supporting where it has be built out over the hill. Voidtreckers are welcomed here if they ask, and those wishing to learn means of purifying the infected sali, and to help with their crystal research are best suited to come this way.
Those needed: magical experts, those strong of mind, volunteers with energy.
They will work amongst the sages, the sages in training, and the Forever Ones. In truth, these people are all one and the same, and Voidtreckers that come here will figure out quick. The Forever Ones sit, completely stone, while the sages are in various states, with limbs crystallising. They rarely speak, though the less-formed may do so with the Voidtreckers if inclined. However, those training are the ones that provide the needs of the more experienced, as well as speaking.
Working here will be difficult, exhausting on the mind and body. The sages-in-training will communicate and explain, but much of the work is done through telepathy, and crystal work - tools that will be difficult on the Voidtreckers. But it is good for the Voidtreckers to be here, so that their reactions to the crystals can be documented, as well as a way to keep them safe during their stay, and also their companions.
( CRAFTING SMITHIES ) While the Sage House works on energy and modifying crystals, for those with experience building, designing, modifying, they will find their talents more useful in supporting the creation of prototype weapons that the salis have planned.
A request for help in this will come on the third day (N8), through the hacked SCA channel. Anyone who believes they can help make efficient blueprints - and even make them better - are asked to come on down, and those with experience crafting. The plan is to make an equivalent of air cannons and air megaphones, using a mix of air and power gems. There is sure to be a lot of backfires, especially for the Voidtreckers. The sali will also be taking crystals adjusted by the sages that will hopefully allow the Voidtreckers to use the weapons being made too.
Suggestions from the Voidtreckers will be listened to, and there are other gems around, ones that can be made for specific functions.
The village is still very wary of the newcomers, and those that arrive are stopped and questioned. Those with legitimate business are allowed in and as the days go on more individual sali will be willing to exchange information or help. There are sali who will roam out with Voidtreckers to fight the birds, and those wishing to patrol the East Island will be told to help in the North or South - the sali of the island can cover the vital areas.
The two main areas of interest within the village are:
( SAGE'S HOUSE ) The invitation to help the energy weavers comes during the call on the SCAs on the morning of N8. Within the village is the sage's house, the largest building that sits in the centre, legs supporting where it has be built out over the hill. Voidtreckers are welcomed here if they ask, and those wishing to learn means of purifying the infected sali, and to help with their crystal research are best suited to come this way. Those needed: magical experts, those strong of mind, volunteers with energy.
They will work amongst the sages, the sages in training, and the Forever Ones. In truth, these people are all one and the same, and Voidtreckers that come here will figure out quick. The Forever Ones sit, completely stone, while the sages are in various states, with limbs crystallising. They rarely speak, though the less-formed may do so with the Voidtreckers if inclined. However, those training are the ones that provide the needs of the more experienced, as well as speaking.
Working here will be difficult, exhausting on the mind and body. The sages-in-training will communicate and explain, but much of the work is done through telepathy, and crystal work - tools that will be difficult on the Voidtreckers. But it is good for the Voidtreckers to be here, so that their reactions to the crystals can be documented, as well as a way to keep them safe during their stay, and also their companions.
( CRAFTING SMITHIES ) While the Sage House works on energy and modifying crystals, for those with experience building, designing, modifying, they will find their talents more useful in supporting the creation of prototype weapons that the salis have planned.A request for help in this will come on the third day (N8), through the hacked SCA channel. Anyone who believes they can help make efficient blueprints - and even make them better - are asked to come on down, and those with experience crafting. The plan is to make an equivalent of air cannons and air megaphones, using a mix of air and power gems. There is sure to be a lot of backfires, especially for the Voidtreckers. The sali will also be taking crystals adjusted by the sages that will hopefully allow the Voidtreckers to use the weapons being made too.
Suggestions from the Voidtreckers will be listened to, and there are other gems around, ones that can be made for specific functions.
STATE OF THE FARM. The South Island is a mess. There is a large clean-up operation in place and Voidtreckers that can help clean up and haul debris will be welcomed.
As well as the storm damage there are quite a lot of animals that have been killed, even by the storm directly or as a result of them turning and attacking the sali or Voidtreckers. The Sali are not ones to waste resources and so there is a drive to skin the animals and preserve the meat as quickly as possible. Any Voidtreckers who are willing to help will be paid in portions of meat.
FARMING, GARDENING. Here nature seems to have won the war. Many of the buildings look like they have been left to the wild for decades and not just a week or so. Buildings need fixed, plants need cut back and brought under control. Weeds need to be removed so that the plants for food can be allowed to thrive. Gardening at its most extreme, the first step is to identify which plants should be growing here and which ones are results of the Red Storm.
Many of the animals have escaped because plants burst open fences and gates. Rounding them up is one job, making sure there are enclosures to keep them is another. It's going to be a lot of hard work and of course the farm animals are not the only creatures out here, wild creatures will attack both the farm animals and any one else.
It's hard labour, but the sali will give to those that work with them. They will locate drinks safe for them, share the abundance of food, so they can see what agrees with their diets. They will answer questions about their people and their world during world and during breaks; and as the days go on, they will invite them inside to eat, or will join them at their own camp, bringing meals.
UNWANTED VISITORS. The birds still attack. Every day and night patrols are needed to fend off the constant threat of bird attack. The Sali have fighters stationed here too but there aren't enough, they need help.
The Forever One Enshala works to keep the red shroud from getting too close to the farmland but her power is still weak and so there are gaps in her defences. It is easy to get overwhelmed since the birds often flock together, concentrating on weak points and bringing the storm with them.
Keeping the storm away from the farm is vital, the Sali will share food and resources with any who join them in this constant vigilance.
FOREVER ONE: ENSHALA. There is a Forever One here, but unlike central island's welcoming Hemla, they will only speak to Voidtreckers depending on the subject. They will accept donations in energy, but otherwise they work hard to try and keep the island safe, to push back the red storms they return again through the days, birds carrying it on their wings.
As well as the storm damage there are quite a lot of animals that have been killed, even by the storm directly or as a result of them turning and attacking the sali or Voidtreckers. The Sali are not ones to waste resources and so there is a drive to skin the animals and preserve the meat as quickly as possible. Any Voidtreckers who are willing to help will be paid in portions of meat.
FARMING, GARDENING. Here nature seems to have won the war. Many of the buildings look like they have been left to the wild for decades and not just a week or so. Buildings need fixed, plants need cut back and brought under control. Weeds need to be removed so that the plants for food can be allowed to thrive. Gardening at its most extreme, the first step is to identify which plants should be growing here and which ones are results of the Red Storm.Many of the animals have escaped because plants burst open fences and gates. Rounding them up is one job, making sure there are enclosures to keep them is another. It's going to be a lot of hard work and of course the farm animals are not the only creatures out here, wild creatures will attack both the farm animals and any one else.
It's hard labour, but the sali will give to those that work with them. They will locate drinks safe for them, share the abundance of food, so they can see what agrees with their diets. They will answer questions about their people and their world during world and during breaks; and as the days go on, they will invite them inside to eat, or will join them at their own camp, bringing meals.
UNWANTED VISITORS. The birds still attack. Every day and night patrols are needed to fend off the constant threat of bird attack. The Sali have fighters stationed here too but there aren't enough, they need help.The Forever One Enshala works to keep the red shroud from getting too close to the farmland but her power is still weak and so there are gaps in her defences. It is easy to get overwhelmed since the birds often flock together, concentrating on weak points and bringing the storm with them.
Keeping the storm away from the farm is vital, the Sali will share food and resources with any who join them in this constant vigilance.
FOREVER ONE: ENSHALA. There is a Forever One here, but unlike central island's welcoming Hemla, they will only speak to Voidtreckers depending on the subject. They will accept donations in energy, but otherwise they work hard to try and keep the island safe, to push back the red storms they return again through the days, birds carrying it on their wings. 
NORTHERN. The sali will explain an expedition was taking place, to investigate the North Island in general. The group must have been assaulted by the red storm - the birds - while travelling, and crashed, scattering the survivors with the infliction of red storm.
MISSING. Help is needed to locate the still-missing sali, both dead and alive. Any Voidtreckers who offer to help will be asked their methods- the Sali want no harm coming to their own. They will hand out blow darts with sleeping powder laced bark stems and they will be asked to either bind or leave behind any powerful weapons. Especially powerful weapons that the Sali don't recognise like guns.
The sali will set up a small camp by the woods, where sali can be brought, dead or alive, to be transported by cart. There will also be one above on the mountain, trained sali using air-crystals to push back the lingering red storm from the site.
AIRSHIP, SUPPLIES. Hearing that the ship is still on ground, the Sali are keen to fix it up. Its state is no problem, and they believe it's the answer to meeting the birds head on. Initially on N7 to halfway through N8, materials will need to be transported by climbing gear and going through the forest.
However, they will then have access to carrier airships. With a crate/carrying space on the bottom, and a space on top for two people two sit, only so much material can be lifted up at a time. Voidtreckers will not be able to immediately, but by N9, and by being a familiar face, those who want to fly the ships can*. These can also be used to transport anyone from the upper mountain, to down.
Once the metal and materials are at the air ship, it's going to be all hands on deck to fix it together.
(* some of the mini-ships have a prototype attached that allows the air gems to be activated by the sound of music. singing, guitar playing - there's even an alboka and taepyeongso-esque instruments already attached on some, acting as a steeing wheel. )
MISSING. Help is needed to locate the still-missing sali, both dead and alive. Any Voidtreckers who offer to help will be asked their methods- the Sali want no harm coming to their own. They will hand out blow darts with sleeping powder laced bark stems and they will be asked to either bind or leave behind any powerful weapons. Especially powerful weapons that the Sali don't recognise like guns. The sali will set up a small camp by the woods, where sali can be brought, dead or alive, to be transported by cart. There will also be one above on the mountain, trained sali using air-crystals to push back the lingering red storm from the site.
AIRSHIP, SUPPLIES. Hearing that the ship is still on ground, the Sali are keen to fix it up. Its state is no problem, and they believe it's the answer to meeting the birds head on. Initially on N7 to halfway through N8, materials will need to be transported by climbing gear and going through the forest. However, they will then have access to carrier airships. With a crate/carrying space on the bottom, and a space on top for two people two sit, only so much material can be lifted up at a time. Voidtreckers will not be able to immediately, but by N9, and by being a familiar face, those who want to fly the ships can*. These can also be used to transport anyone from the upper mountain, to down.
Once the metal and materials are at the air ship, it's going to be all hands on deck to fix it together.
(* some of the mini-ships have a prototype attached that allows the air gems to be activated by the sound of music. singing, guitar playing - there's even an alboka and taepyeongso-esque instruments already attached on some, acting as a steeing wheel. )
WESTERN. The Reds find that their attempts to infiltrate the mountain from the inside will not go far, with dead ends and the red shroud finding ways in. More birds come from the south and even west, spreading the shroud farther around the mountain.
Another method must be found. Fortunately however, it will not be an entirely useless endeavour, as help is needed - one that promises a fight.
TRANSPORT. The sali in the enclosure and those who come from the village to help need aid bringing supplies from the enclosures, and also extra of the metal trees (from the White Forest), repair equipment, to take to the North island.
This island is still circled by birds, so those gathering and packing supplies onto transport air carriers - small boxy airships with a lower crate area and an upper navigating section, no bigger than cars - will need fighters to take down the birds as they follow after them.
Bow and arrows can be exchanged, as the salis know how to operate the air carriers. They are also transporting the Forever One of the West Island, so the cargo is fairly precious to the sali.
Another method must be found. Fortunately however, it will not be an entirely useless endeavour, as help is needed - one that promises a fight.
TRANSPORT. The sali in the enclosure and those who come from the village to help need aid bringing supplies from the enclosures, and also extra of the metal trees (from the White Forest), repair equipment, to take to the North island.This island is still circled by birds, so those gathering and packing supplies onto transport air carriers - small boxy airships with a lower crate area and an upper navigating section, no bigger than cars - will need fighters to take down the birds as they follow after them.
Bow and arrows can be exchanged, as the salis know how to operate the air carriers. They are also transporting the Forever One of the West Island, so the cargo is fairly precious to the sali.
Ongoing starts on N8 and goes until around morning-noon of N11. Finale goes up on 21st September (later N11-N12).
This log gives more of an indication of what's going on, to let you play out going ons, or imply them in the background and focus on what you want for Ongoing. Consider putting in Island locations than team colours into headers.
Remember to let us know anything your character does/might want do under shennanigans! Any conversations you want to handwave with the sali or Forever Ones can also be brought up here for discussion. Actual threads can be requested here.
Ongoing OTA - Arrival Island, N8 | East Island Sage School, Late N8~
On the day the sali explain about the crystals and Hemla's request, Elidibus may be seen taking one. His two day tour around the islands has already given him reason enough to follow advice. So he'd taken one, studied it like he studied all things, but also went around his business.
Even if the camp was only a waypoint for the Voidtreckers, there was still work to be done to keep it maintained. Giving advice, taking on a task or even learning a new skill from the sali are some of the things he might be seen doing. Only an occasion or two between these events could he have been caught paused, brow furrowed as if trying to puzzle through a problem before shaking it off and continuing.
Those that know him might then miss his presence in the early afternoon. The Ascian had realized the crystal's effects were catching up to him finally and had determined to work quietly to the side somewhere. Drying grass or placing important observations to his notebook. Or...
He can be found with his back braced against a small tree in a place that has been cleared of the tall grasses. Still in sight and range of the camp, but with just enough of an upward slope to keep his vantage out of direct sight. Elidibus is also quite thoroughly asleep.
Fear not, there is no real danger here. No purple flowers or sickly pallor. Sword and shield are resting within easy reach. Yet the breeze had been oddly nice and noteworthy observations had become small sketches over a spread of two lined pages in the notebook every Voidtrecker had been provided with at the beginning of their journey. While not master artist, the Ascian does have enough of an eye for the task. Natives to this world, people on the train, a few things from his world.
In time, the crystal's side-effects of confusion, weakness and exhaustion had taken their toll and led him to drift off to what appears to be an unguarded sleep. The expression of his borrowed body is for once- at least while it's been in his possession- peaceful. A hand rests on the open notebook and a wind lightly flutters the pages as if it's trying to somehow escape.
2. East Island - Sage's School: Nebula 8~
Once the invitation to the sage's school had opened, Elidibus had been swift to take up the invitation. Well, once he'd recovered enough from his ordeal under the first of Hemla's crystal in any event. But the school is where his interests currently lie; in finding out more regarding the world's laws, its aether and methods.
What better place than here? For Elidibus, the manipulation of aether is a birthright and something that's been trained since infancy. Teaching the fundamentals would be akin to teaching a fish to swim. But there is a lot to learn when the energy is spewing out the language-equivalent of random wingdings and the environment itself is mentally and 'physically' taxing.
Still, besides Elidibus's capability to learn there are other things he can aid with. Helping others communicate with the sages and Forever Ones, even teaching and demonstrating to the sali who wish to learn and observe, the methods of an 'outsider'; something that could bring to mind the image of academics from two different schools comparing notes and seeing what can be incorporated into the others' methodology. With twelve thousand years of experience, it's likely there's something Elidibus can 'give' as payment for what he learns.
The Ascian had not been unduly surprised to learn the origins of the Forever Ones. Perhaps not entirely the 'ascended' beings he'd considered at first, but intriguing nonetheless. And worthy of respect for their willingness to give so much for the care of their world. Those who have talked to or heard Elidibus talking before may notice there's more... engagement in conversation with the sages than usual. The man who often comports himself with a vague detachment from those around him has if it can be called nothing else, warmed up to the sali, relatively speaking.
However Elidibus does not neglect his fellow passengers. Detached or not in manner, he does keep an eye on those who have come to the school. His reasoning may be biased; that if he's still learning his limits on this world the others are likely faring worse. But should he catch someone flagging a little, he'll approach. If not concern exactly, it's at least dutiful.
"How are you faring?" he'll ask. Or something like it; whatever will catch the person's attention without catastrophic results.
3. Wildcard (Elidibus will be sidetracked on N9 for Purple Kyoko's rescue.)
East Island
Which all led to him currently being half asleep on his feet.
He smiles blearily and waves at Eldibius.
"Oh hey, long time no see. Everything's cool here."
Define cool, Danny.
The Ascian has been feeling the strain himself. Protections or not, the combination of the tasks at hand and the gradual wear of the world's forces against his natural self are slowly accumulating. If nothing more at this stage, he's at least aware of the impact.
"I'm certain some part of you believes everything is fine." He will not say 'cool'. Nope. "Yet it's obvious you are not."
Elidibus indicates a direction. Whether by circumstance or design, the impact on the visitors to the school is not as harsh in that area and the Ascian intends to put it to use.
"Over there the strain is lessened. Pray make use of it. I'll bring you something light to eat."
First things first. Make Danny feel like this is just a brief respite and snack instead of the actual machination to get him to sit down (and sleep) before he falls down.
Not in desperate need of a nap?
At this point the main thing keeping Danny on his feet was stubbornness.
He wavers slightly even as he tries to wave it off.
"I'm fine. I mean, there's probably still some stuff I should be helping with."
Clearly not a nap. A full 8 hours sleep on the other hand, still on the table.
"I assure you do not have anything else you need to be doing right this moment," Elidibus responds firmly. His finger still points where Danny should be moving too if the Ascian has his way.
Quietly, he says to the youth, "Understand I am not unaware of what you're experiencing. Even with this vessel and the SCA device, I feel the strain of this world. When I give you the advice to rest, it is with good reason. Do not let foolish pride keep you from being of use later, simply because you feel there is more you can do now."
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Sometimes.
He cracks a yawn as he fights a sense of annoyance at the lecture, but then sighs and surrenders.
"Okay, fine. I'll rest. But wake me up if theres anything to fight?"
no subject
"I've arranged for some bedding. Find an empty place and I'll return with some food." As promised he goes to fetch water and a simple bit of food that won't settle badly on Danny's stomach. 'Bedding' meanwhile is defined as simple padding, Voidtrecker issued sleeping bags, and pillow.
The Ascian will return with the snack, though whether the youth has fallen asleep or not remains in question. Though it's at least partially expected, since the simple snack and drink are the type that will keep for hours.
no subject
"Okay," he agrees. And by the time Elidibus Danny had collapsed onto a sleeping bag. He wasn't asleep. Quite. He blinks blearily and struggles back into sitting up.
"Did anything happen?"
no subject
He leaves Danny to situate himself and offers over the water and snack. Nuts and dried fruits in a folded paper packet that can be closed again; the part that could have been left by the bedside if he'd been asleep. A bowl of a light soup and a small piece of bread. Probably good, but also nutritious and more importantly warmth to help coax the youth closer to the land of needed unconsciousness.
Once handing these over, Elidibus settles into a seat nearby. Yes, he is going to linger around to make sure Danny stays in place. The teenager is too impetuous to leave on his own.
"Is it easier or more difficult to hold a physical form here?" He may as well indulge some curiosity while the lad should be staying awake at least long enough to eat the food.
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East Island at School...
He sighs. "...I'm...'faring', I guess?" he sighs, holding at his arms. "...I guess...I'm not used to having to work with Weather in this way, if that makes sense..."
It may well not, unless Elidibus has taken great care to note the Stand while on the train- Weather Report is currently not out and about after all.
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"Weather...? Ah yes, the 'Stand', was it?" the Ascian furrows his brow and studies Emporio carefully. "We are all having to adjust. Not even I have encountered a world so adamantly set on repelling outsiders at a fundamental level."
That likely doesn't have much context when one doesn't know anything about Elidibus but he sounds confident enough to sound valid.
"Still, one shouldn't work to their limits in an unknown environment. If you have time to break from your current task, why not speak to me about how your Stand is functioning in this environment?"
Elidibus can learn a little more and Emporio can be doing something that is not exacerbating his condition.
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Which explains why summoning the thing results in the immediate suffering akin to anyone there without a nonmagical body.
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It would be hypocritical of Elidibus to criticize the train for pulling children into battles and risky missions. But he often wonders at its level of inefficiency in using the tools it picks up.
And despite his own past, Elidibus is not without regard for children's well-being. Whether it is empathy or simply habits of preserving and guiding that growth may remain forever up for debate.
"Ah, yes. The strain of this world on beings of aether would be a great burden." After a moment's thoughtful musing with eyes closed, Elidibus opens them again and looks to Emporio. "It would be better to allow your Stand to rest and turn to other tasks until we and the Sali find a solution. However, I take it you're here in hopes of finding a way to use Weather without the sickness?"
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And that was off-train. He's used to it. In any case, he shakes his head. "Oh- I'm already doing that, trust me... ...it's been a little weird, but I think it's helping with control a little more too? He used to come out as soon as I even thought about rain..." The woes of a humanoid Stand.
As it is, he nods. "Right. It would be pretty useful, even if only a small part of his abilities could be accessed; we'd be able to push the birds back easier at least."
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In all truth there is little he can do for Emporio, given Elidibus himself is still trying to find a solution.
"You could also provide optimal weather in the event the sali have lost their harvest in recent events. How long does the Stand's manipulation last?"
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But, anyway. "It would last as long as the phenomena normally would after it's formed- once the path of the wind has been changed, it has to put itself back to normal after all. But...no matter what, anything I do here would probably be undone once I'm gone, or at least after a few hours..."
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"I don't doubt this world would undo such work faster than normal," the Ascian agrees. "Yet I would be interested to see its effects in normal conditions." As interesting as it would be to see them here, it's a foolish waste of energy for a demonstration, even if they work out a means to let the child use Weather Report on this world.
"If it turns out you're unable to use the Stand, what other skills do you possess?" he then queries.
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When asked how he is doing, he seems to wake up from his own thoughts with a small jolt.
"Hm?" He straightens and attempts not to look like someone who has been tramping through foliage, helping to rebuild a bridge and then contributing energy on fall too little sleep.
"I am managing. I had already given one of Hemla's compatriots a significant amount of my energy before we had truly started the mission. I suppose I am still slowly earning it back. What have you learned from the Sali about the energy here? Do you have a working theory as to why it taxes our own?"
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Probably both.
"This world is not likely to give much back," Elidibus remarks when it comes to restoring personal reserves. "Though it is fortunate the sali are not so reluctant to offer aid." At least, working toward solutions that will lessen the overall strain and being willing to teach.
There is a pause as Elidibus collects his thoughts to answer Wangji's question. "Some theories, yes. From my own observations, I can say the world has been against outsiders for a long time. Whether it has always been or some catastrophic event occurred far in its past, I can't say. There is a sense of... a fractured state, perhaps." Inwardly there is a mild sense of frustration. To only be able to find so little is something Elidibus hasn't had to deal with in a very, very long time.
"Yet I have never encountered a world where the very flow of aether works against outside forces to such an extent. I would not be surprised to find this world has its own Will." The man speaks as thought worlds having wills is a natural possibility, like a planet having a large sea or a breathable atmosphere. "...Yet as alien as the aether is, I can't yet be certain. And the priorities of the mission have taken precedence." They are here to do something relatively more superficial than repairing a world after all.
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"No, I had noticed that it took a longer time to restore any energy from before." He murmurs, apocalypse is a good word for the floating mess the villagers are living here.
"It is truly a hostile place for the energy of any kind that visit." He listens to the rest of Elidibus's little musing on planets with burgeoning wills, he's completely blank about the idea of a world having much sentience.
"What exactly do you mean by 'will'? Does it wish to harm us?"
CW: Borderline FFXIV spoilers? Kinda.
But... harm? The Ascian shakes his head.
"I am not sure if my theory is correct. There is something present. But whether it's this world's sentience or I'm similar discerning one of the Forever Ones of great power, I'm not certain. The aether of this place is too foreign. But it would be possible that some force is at work to resist every one of us."
Elidibus offers a faint smile. "One way or another, I don't think I would say it wishes us harm in a direct way, else we would be having more trouble and the Forever Ones would not be able to find ways to adapt to us. Perhaps it is better said that it shows it wishes us to leave by rejecting us."
Spoilers are a-ok
"If it does not wish to harm us, perhaps it seeks to protect by ensuring we cannot harm those that live here? It just seems a totalitarian method to do so."
He listens to the idea of aether with interest. "Do all worlds have aether? Is that what you call the energies of this place? I know of some places in my home world that had innate energy to them, but I do not think it was present globally."
He offers a softened face in response to the smile. "Mn. I do not think anyone is welcome here, and they are not shy about showing it."
Re: Spoilers are a-ok
The Ascian shakes his head, "Perhaps. Or it is protecting itself. But this is only one explanation for why this world's aether rebels against our presence. There may be more and I don't know if I will have the time to spend discovering the full truth."
Which is like saying there are more issues that need their immediate attention. And maybe not present it as the gospel theory Elidibus has imparted about why this world acts like it does.
But there are easier topics to speak about. Like aether, a subject Elidibus knows very well. The assurance that he knows what he speaks of returns to his voice. With it comes a faint smile. "All worlds with the pulse of life are comprised of aether. For it not to be present at all would be a barren and lifeless."
There is a pause while he muses. "This world is an anomaly, but it is still possessed of aether. All I've seen since I left my Star has not suggested any differently." He focuses on Lan Wangji again. "Aether runs through you. With your will, it's what comprises your soul. Without it you would be dead. I do not say this to claim your perception of what the soul is may be wrong. Nor that your words for the power you or others harness are flawed. Even on my world, many terms are used to describe aether's varied manifestations."
The Ascian closes his eyes momentarily. "Aether is the foundation of the forces behind existence. The way that fire burns," Elidibus nods to a hearth fire kept by the sali. "Or the fertile bounty of the earth beneath our feet. The way your very form is woven together to provide a vessel for this current life you live."
Elidibus pauses here to offer his listener a chance to react or question or offer insight of their own.
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"Then perhaps how you feel aether is different to the energies most can sense? I recognise life has a force of it's own, but I specifically meant places that seemed to have a Will or Intent of their own."
The follow idea about what makes him, him is actually a familiar concept although perhaps not in so many words. He nods, trying to examine each piece of this mental map as it's handed to him.
"I am alive, therefore there is aether." He muses, "We have a similar idea where I come from, in terms of the soul and what makes it. It is always interesting to hear other interpretations of what makes us, no matter how strange they may seem."
"You make aether seem like a force of nature, but greater at the same time. Is aether what makes nature as it is, the fire burning the way it does? Or is it the fire burning that makes the aether?" Wangji is being serious, he would really like to know but he's not sure how much they are talking in a literal or metaphysical sense.
"It does not effect what we do, only that we are?"
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The Ascian listens with a politeness that might be interesting; there isn't rejection of Wangji's theories or even with an air that thinking in such a way is inherently wrong just because it doesn't completely fit into Elidibus's own view of the world. Even if the subject itself is by its very definition that very subject.
"As to the thought that this world might have a Will of its own, it's just a theory. With the world's aether so unique to my experience, I can't say for certain." He offers Wangji a faint smile. "But aether exists regardless of whether the world has a Will of its own or not. I give you my assurance that I've experienced our Star with and without the presence of Lord Zodiark. His presence changed the laws which governed our world, but it didn't dictate the presence of aether. Indeed without it, He would not exist."
As to aether itself? Elidibus pauses, looking for the best words to speak of it again in order to answer Wanji's query. Never fear, the question is taken for what it is.
"Yes, I believe that is an apt way to put it. Aether comprises what we are. Its elemental aspects, and the primordial forces of Light and Darkness, change how it is perceived in a physical sense. Who we are is shaped by our Will." There is a pause before he adds in a quieter tone. "...And mayhap our memories." The man's manner indicates that something about memories holds a personal importance.
"Make no mistake. Aether can influence what we do, by carrying with it the will or emotions of another. And if heavily aspected without physical form, it can affect great change on one who doesn't have protection against it and tarries too long. Oft times to one's detriment."
There is a last thing he adds after a faint smile. "Also, aether comes first. Then fire."