voidtreckermods: (train)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] 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.


[ TASKS ]
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.
[ ARRIVAL ISLAND ]

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
    - Exhaustion
    - Confusion
    - Weakness
They don't last more than a day but it might be best they find a buddy to watch over them whilst it does.

[ EAST ISLAND ]
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.

[ SOUTH ISLAND ]
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.


[ NORTH ISLAND ]
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. )
[ WEST ISLAND ]
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.


OOC NOTES

NOTES: OOC info is here, map is here, info about powers/magic here. Ask questions here, submit shenanigans here, submit rewards here.

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.
blitzcheer: (who asked you!!)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-09-21 08:22 am (UTC)(link)
Tidus does training with the weights ... sometimes. How long he'll keep that up is to be seen, though he doesn't mind keeping to the smaller weights (and he'll get Inigo to try them out yet!).

But Tidus ohhhs appropriately, admiringly, and he reaches out to give one of those arms a fondle.

"Got more muscles since the last time I saw you, did you? You know what you can give them a show of?"

And he reaches for Inigo's upper leg, giving it a squeeze - a call back to certain legwear.

"Show them what you look like in a pair of Tiduses."

Even Tidus has to scoff after saying that.
flatteries: (it takes the courage to start)

[personal profile] flatteries 2021-09-21 05:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Inigo is able to keep up the proud - almost overconfident - expression when Tidus squeezes his arm.

But the moment the other squeezes his leg instead, even if it's over his pants, Inigo lets out a shriek. He even hops backwards, like he's trying to flee from the touch. B-Bro, you can't do that without a warning! He needs to adequately prepare himself, dude!

Not even the joke can stop it from being flustering, and there's definitely a faint pink hue on Inigo's cheek as he glances at Tidus.

"Don't act like this is a shorts world!"

Please, Tidus, are you going to introduce those to the sali? .. If they don't wear them already, anyway. Inigo has been so busy with other stuff that he hasn't really been paying all that much attention to them..
blitzcheer: (ummmooo)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-09-21 08:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Gotcha.

Tidus knew that leg touch would get a reaction - either annoyance, or the one he gets now. Does this count as scandalous flirting in the language of Inigo's people? With how he acts about legs (his own legs, anyway), it might be. But then, Tidus knows it's messing around enough not to be bothered about what ideas people are getting.

Who cares about what they're doing anyway?

"Why not? All that hard work, you'll keep the cold right off." The sali wore more something like short skirts, but they were far to be the people to care about clothing. Tidus assumed so, anyway - they'd probably be more bothered they're messing around on supplies, first.

"A hardworking guy like you'll impress these folks no problem."
flatteries: (you look like you've been)

[personal profile] flatteries 2021-09-22 08:28 pm (UTC)(link)
This joke has entirely come back to bite him in the ass, apparently. Because even though Inigo would love a little validation from time to time, the idea of him impressing.. the people around here.. with his legs of all things?

(Granted, it's not exactly what Tidus means there at the end, but it's where Inigo's brain goes all the same.)

That's a thought that threatens to straight up murder him on the spot. He is not going to show any skin to any sali, thanks!!

"I-- I'm just glad they can use the bridges again!" He sputters.

Please, he's not going to claim credit for it with them or anything like that. It feels way too much like putting himself into the actual spotlight.
blitzcheer: (water five four up)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-09-22 09:18 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hey, you'll impress them with the bridges too!" It doesn't have to be one or the other; but indeed, there's a different kind of impressing to be had in either case.

But Tidus's mind seems to go somewhere else - other than diving right back into teasing, or something along the lines of DIY. There's a pause, where Tidus wonders what the sali do for entertainment, if they have drinks in their village, and then what would Inigo even be into? And he knows what that is, but-

"By the way... you want me to ask one of them if any of them know about the flowers around here?"

You know. Random thought. Just asking.
flatteries: (this was gonna be easy)

[personal profile] flatteries 2021-09-24 07:01 am (UTC)(link)
"The flowers?"

It seems to come as a momentary surprise to Inigo, since he glances over at Tidus, seeming surprised by the turn in the conversation while, at the same time, contemplating what Tidus is bringing up. It leaves Inigo to hum before he speaks.

"It depends.. Do you think all flowers around here might be like the ones we saw on the island we started out on? Because I went back to look at those again, and they made me feel dizzy." So they're not exactly prime candidates to take along back on the train. The last thing Inigo wants to do is cause some flower-induced disaster. "It kind of seems like this world just really doesn't like us."

Somewhere between all the hostile wildlife and the fact that people's very powers or nature seem to be constrained by the world.
blitzcheer: (those nights you recall)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-09-24 09:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's not that bad." Yeah, a lot didn't like them - especially not the birds - but considering how the worst offenders in being West was the wildlife and stones that the sali had set up, when it came to the flora...

"There's gotta be something around. And you just want one flower, right? We can keep our eyes open. But I'll still ask - 'case there's any somewhere someone else could pick up. Jingyi's moving around a bunch."

And if Tidus has to go far to pick up any flowers, he's definitely asking Jingyi for a ride.
flatteries: (and if you close your eyes)

[personal profile] flatteries 2021-09-25 07:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Please, Tidus, you will reconsider that when you head into the forest and meet the spiders.

.. or maybe that's just Inigo's aversion to bugs talking. In fact, it's probably that.

And it's not even that fact that Inigo's brain keeps lingering on. Because he listens to the rest of what Tidus says, and.. well, it just makes him smile. He knows it's not like the other is going to go hunting down flowers because he wants it.. he's just doing it for Inigo's sake. Because he knows how much Inigo likes flowers, and Tidus keeps giving him flower-related gifts for it.

"Yeah, just.. one would be fine. Thank you." That 'thank you' sounds super genuine, because honestly, moreso than the thought of actually having a flower from this place.. Just knowing Tidus is looking out for him like this is even more touching, making him smile happily. "I don't think I saw any particular ones out in the forest, but then again, I also haven't really been looking."

He gestures at the bridge. "You know.. I kind of got a one-track mind when I started having this idea." And flowers just stopped mattering for a while. Especially since Inigo got into work mode.
blitzcheer: (know what that means?)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-09-25 07:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"I never took you for a carpenter guy! But I guess Purple's job was something about making routes and helping people get around. I thought you'd wanna be out there fighting back birds."

Getting his sword out and getting involved that way. It's surprising, but not in a bad way. Tidus turns his gaze onto the bridge, connecting the North and East.

"You like this better than fighting?"

Taking a chance to get busy in a way that doesn't have to involve life or death? ...well, falling's a possibility.
flatteries: and so was your food (your waitress was miserable)

[personal profile] flatteries 2021-09-26 11:30 am (UTC)(link)
"I don't know." He hadn't really thought about it himself. It was just that not a whole lot of people seemed like they had time to help with this, so he had just decided to throw himself into it even harder. Besides, he isn't too sure what he can do about the whole bird problem - considering he's not exactly a ranged fighter compared to other people, and the sali seemed to be working on a solution of their own already.

But as he tries to consider Tidus's words, he shoots the other a faint smile as he continues.

"They're both rewarding in their own ways. But at least this.." There's a slight pause. It's never easy being too honest about this stuff, even to the people he trusts the most. But he's trying. He really is. "At least this doesn't make me think of back home as much."

Of that terrible future, and all the fighting he did there, day after day after day. Not many missions got on a level of fighting that made him remember those days, but a few sure have, and it's never too great. Even though Inigo works his butt off all the same.
Edited 2021-09-26 11:30 (UTC)
blitzcheer: (wibbly wobbly)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-09-26 11:52 am (UTC)(link)
Tidus can understand. If you don't have to fight, if you can give in other ways - then why not? Tidus isn't sure what he would pick for himself - doesn't give himself the time to think or consider it. But he does smile, tugging up the edges, a smile that's warm.

"Good." It's simple, straightforward. Good. "Even Taiki can help you out with this too, right? Moving supplies, anyway - dunno how good he'll be at hammering. But he's better at flying than either of us."

And he'd be good for keeping watch, anyhow. Anything that makes him feel better - Tidus should check on the guy, see how he's doing. Make sure that he isn't feeling funny in any way, thanks to this weird world.
flatteries: (i could spill my guts out)

[personal profile] flatteries 2021-09-26 05:51 pm (UTC)(link)
The mention of Taiki makes Inigo smile practically instantly.

"He's visited a few times. Thankfully it's not too hard for him to do so, since it's not like there's any real fighting happening out here." Thankfully the birds seem to be staying away from here.. for now, anyway. But as long as there's no birds here, it doesn't seem like there's any danger in letting their precious kirin buddy hang around. "He told me that he's feeling tired, so I usually just try to let him rest whenever he's around here. Just having his company for a while is enough."

He can imagine Taiki probably didn't go out west much though, where Tidus was - if not just because the red team parts of any mission are usually the ones that involve the most fighting.
blitzcheer: (2many icons bro)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-09-26 05:59 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh yeah? Does he tell you to join him?"

It's a thought that comes quickly, easily. Tidus could see it happening: Inigo fussing over Taiki, and Taiki fussing over Inigo, in his own subtle way. That's the way you have to get Inigo, and it's not like either of the two mind the other's company. And as long as someone is giving Inigo that nudge now and then to take a break.

Look at Inigo and Taiki having fun while he's not around!
flatteries: (you don't gain a single thing)

[personal profile] flatteries 2021-09-27 08:30 am (UTC)(link)
"He makes me eat," Inigo says, though he at the very least seems amused about it. Maybe he's caught on - if not partially - to the way his friends try to do this sort of stuff with him, but at the same time, he does keep falling for it each time all the same.

Inigo can't help it when his heart is much too soft for his friends.

"You should join us sometime, now you're here too." Even though Inigo knows that Tidus is planning on heading into the forest - but nothing is saying he can't come back for a bit when he needs some rest, right? "I'm sure he'd love to see you too."

And isn't that the important part? Keeping Taiki happy is their very important duty as his two loyal puppy friends.
blitzcheer: (star player you know!)

[personal profile] blitzcheer 2021-09-28 06:56 am (UTC)(link)
Telling Inigo to eat? Good Taiki. But there might be something about the last of what Inigo says, Join us sometime, like an appointment for the future. Either way, Tidus stands up from where he's been sitting, but saying at the same time- "Count on it!"

He turns enough to look at the other guy, a smile to the grin of a grin, then pumps a fist.

"The sooner I get going, the sooner I can get back! Call me if you need anything, alright? And I'll remember about the flowers."

To ask around. Nevermind if he's going to be surrounded by fighty- or building types. Someone might know, right?
flatteries: (i can see widows and orphans)

[personal profile] flatteries 2021-09-28 02:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Inigo laughs.

"Sure, you go ask Cassie about the flowers." .. he's pretty sure Cassie went that way before, anyway, unless she came back while he was working on one of the other bridges and he didn't notice her.. But it works for the sake of the joke, anyway. Inigo can imagine Cassie being interested in a whole lot of things, but flowers? Probably not.

And while there's a small baby part within Inigo that hates to see Tidus go yet again, he can pull himself together enough to get himself together and let the other go with a smile.

"See you later then. I'll be somewhere around the bridges, if you're looking for me."