40 - May Event: Mystic Messengers' Mark

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
When: May 15th
Where: Votelli's Forest
What: The boar and deer population of Japan has boomed in recent years as hunters age and people move away from rural areas. The people have called upon the gods to help with this "pest" issue.







All over Heaven, gods receive invitations stamped with the chrysanthemum of Amaterasu. Each and every god has been invited to join the old gods on an old-fashioned hunt to do something about the boar and deer populations on the Near Shore. Votelli's forest has been chosen as the location of this sacred hunt, as it offers an expansive landscape for the sport as well as opens up the opportunity for many of the gods - both old and new - to speak to Votelli herself face to face. Other activities are planned for those who do not wish to hunt, such as an archery contest and a demonstration of Takagari - the Japanese art of falconry.

Face to Face

Votelli and Sotero wait in the forest with whoever will join them before slowly, cautiously exiting. They don't fight anyone who wants to stand in front of them as they appear before the Heavens for the first time, but they feel compelled to step in front eventually. There, all in attendance can see them for who they really are: very young gods.

Votelli appears between 12 and 14, a lithe teenage girl. Historically very timid and easily spooked, she has found a certain measure of confidence... while still holding tight to Sotero's hand. She wears newer, finer clothing compared to her first outing, provided to her by her friends. Her hair is just as long and black, though. Those who saw the goddess fighting in the Cultist Compound might mistake Votelli for her young sister. And Sotero their younger brother.

For Sotero looks 10 - but a lanky, tall boy who in reality acts much closer to 6 years old. Normally very brash, petulant, and loud... he stays close to Votelli and doesn't resist holding her hand. His expression is not playful or sly this time, but very focused - putting on a brave face like he might very well have to protect Votelli instead of the other way around.

Suijin is the one speaking for the Heavens. "We have been told that the two of you wish formal acceptance into Takamagahara. Is this true?"

Votelli speaks first: "It is." Then she tugs gently on Sotero's hand. "... Yeah. It is," he eventually echoes.

Suijin lifts her broad hat. "Do you renounce all allegiances to the cultists who created you? If so - name them."

Votelli nods. "I do. ... His name is Imai Takeru." Sotero looks worried, turning to Votelli. "But they're my mom and dad!" He turns back to Suijin. "You'll hurt them if I tell you!"

Suijin shakes her head. "Only gods of calamity kill humans. We will sever their ties to you. They may continue to live in peace if they never again use the kind of magic that created you." Sotero looks unconvinced, at which point Suijin looks a little frustrated. "I expect a name before you are granted formal entrance to Takamagahara, but perhaps another name will suffice as a peace offering between us - an act of faith until all of these human spellcasters are discovered."

Sotero gulps, while Votelli holds him a little closer.

Suijin speaks again, with a more commanding tone: "Rogue God Sotero - name the one in the Heavens who allowed you entrance into our domain. Name the traitor and we will know your true intentions."

(Prompt continues as one thread below, allowing for characters to interject before Sotero speaks again.)

Event Bonus:
3+ comments in this thread gains 100 followers / 10 exp per thread.

Face to Face (Before/After)

Before: Prior to the above prompt, if any characters would like to provide words of encouragement or solidarity, that can be threaded out individually! We will provide a top level each for Votelli and Sotero with a "Before" subject line.

After: Since the above thread will resolve somewhat peacefully, Sotero and Votelli will be around to speak with characters individually during the bento lunch. We will provide a top level each for Votelli and Sotero with an "After" subject line.

Event Bonus:
3+ comments in a thread with either Votelli or Sotero gains 100 followers / 10 exp per thread.

Gathering for the Hunt

The hunt starts early in the day, but not so early that the gathered gods can't enjoy a handmade bento lunch before getting started. Each god and shinki who arrive will find themselves in a clearing at the edge of the forest, rolling green surrounded by the lush backdrop of thick vegetation holding the prey of today's hunt. Blankets are spread over the grass in inviting splashes of color and tables are set up with stacks of bentos, a variety of foods and snacks and drinks available for any craving or preference, no matter how varied or strange.

Those who were here and involved in the Hungry Forest event might also find the setting very familiar. And perhaps a little unsettling, if they'd been among those kidnapped and held captive within its depths. Although today the expanse of thick trees and shadowy underbrush seems like just a normal forest, lacking the draining effects and other dangers it had once harbored.

Before anyone ventures beyond the clearing, the hosting gods and shinki are careful to explain the nature of today's hunt and also warn the newer gods and shinki about which of the beasts are fair game and which are not - namely the more tame sika deer, considered sacred to several of the gods and often seen as their messengers. The other creatures in the forest, however - the herds of roaming deer and the wild breeds of boar - are all fair game to the hunters, and in fact, there's already contests and wagers popping up on who will bring in the biggest trophy.

There are even rumors of one especially large and clever boar thought to dwell within the deepest reaches of the forest, rarely seen but of particular bane to hunters and trackers who have sought it many times over the years. It has avoided all pursuit, however, and its renown only grows with each passing year. Will this hunt finally uncover the elusive creature of legend?

Event Bonus:
A thread of 10+ comments gains 100 followers / 10 exp per thread.
Saving a sika deer from being killed gains an additional 250 followers / 25 exp per thread.

Ready Aim Fire

The clearing at the edge of the forest had been well prepared for hosting the Heavenly Host, both as a base camp for those entering into the forest in pursuit of their prey but also to entertain those left behind or not participating in the hunt itself. Those who remain outside the confines of the forest will find an assembled archery range for the non-hunters to still get some practice in or perhaps learn from one of the more experienced archers.

Contests take place throughout the day - some are distance based, each one with a varying range of difficulty depending on your level of expertise. Others have the range set up for challenges of field archery, adding in the difficulty of foliage or wooded areas and making aiming and targeting considerably more difficult. Some of the targets are even enchanted to move, hide, or dodge, creating some of the most challenging conquests for only the most dedicated of marksmen.

On the far side of the clearing - a very safe distance away from where any stray arrows might drift - several of the older gods remain behind to show off the art of takagari, or Japanese falconry. Once a sport restricted to nobles, warriors and samurai, many of the traditions and methods once practiced in the ancient days of Japan have been lost to history, but the finer details have clearly been preserved here among its gods. While the old gods hosting this practice remain in the background to watch over the proceedings (and keeping their favorite birds with them and out of stranger's hands), anyone is welcomed to approach the rest of the hawks and birds of prey, give hunting with them a try, or perhaps watch one of the experts in action.

Event Bonus:
A thread of 10+ comments gains 100 followers / 10 exp per thread.
Participants in a head-to-head Archery or Falconry challenge gains an additional 250 followers / 25 exp per thread.

The Great Hunt

The forest is quiet, other than the call of birds and the scurrying of smaller wildlife as the hunters enter. The ground is thick with tracks to be investigated by anyone with a discerning eye. Those who know what they're looking for will find thickly-layered paths made by deer, boar and other beasts of the forest who have wandered familiar trails into the undergrowth. Following these paths will find many hunters some easy targets, as the forest is lush with wildlife and the herds have swelled in recent years to the point of overpopulation. It will be rarer for hunters not to spot their prey the deeper in they go, but as the day wears on, it does seem to be getting more and more difficult to find those herds of deer and boar...

The deeper into the forest one ventures, the thinner and more scattered these tracks become. The deer paths seem to veer off before the forest grows to its thickest and should hunters keep pressing deeper, they'll eventually find that even the boar tracks start turning scarce. The call of birds becomes quieter and more elusive. The thick shadow of trees overhead makes the forest seem darker and closing in around you. Even the very air around you seems hushed and tense as if the very forest itself is watching your progress.

Not all the creatures avoid the depths of this forest, however. Approaching the heart of the forest, there does seem to still be at least one creature who frequents it, although the tracks are much more massive and sunk deep in the dirt as if pressed there by a great weight. Some of them are scraped and smeared as if that weight was dragged a time or two. Was the great beast that lurked here injured?

If good luck is with you (or perhaps that is bad luck?), you might be alerted by the sound of underbrush rustling nearby. But what bursts out... could it be the massive boar of legend or is it something more sinister? For there are several dark ayakashi that have also been lurking in the depths of this forest of late, hunting for prey of their own, their forms distorted and rotting and their eyes red and crazed - all the eyes that have now spread out across their blighted forms, that is. Should they spot you, they will give an enraged roar and charge, frenzied and driven mad from Blight. Hope you came prepared to be the hunter or the hunted.

Event Bonus:
A thread of 10+ comments gains 100 followers / 10 exp per thread.
Defeating a blighted ayakashi animal gains an additional 250 followers / 25 exp per thread.

A Different Sort of Hunt

For those not interested in partaking in 'the Great Outdoors', there is a different sort of hunt available to those with more experience hunting targets on two legs instead of four. The Counselors, their shinki, and Amaterasu's white-robed shinki emblazoned with their chrysanthemums... they all make it clear earlier in the day that they're still hunting down the last remnants of cultists free out in Japan and the world beyond, tracking down the locations of where the remnants are hiding out. For those willing to join this second hunt - whether they needed "warming up" hunting the deer and boar or not - the Counselors will make their research available - clues, whispers, addresses, IDs... whatever they could gather up until today.

Several of Takamagahara's own gods and shinki are out doing the footwork needed to round up the numbers of those that remain at large and any of the new gods and shinki who would rather lend their aid to this cause will be welcomed. Track down any remaining leads you have or get a location of a potential compound or blighted areas from the Hunt's hosts to go look into for yourselves - The Heavens want all remaining cultist members found and accounted for and are putting forth every effort to see this accomplished.

OOCly: Players are encouraged to select locations for compounds or heavy concentrations of cultists within Japan and outside it as well. Many locations in Australia, Europe, etc. have been named in previous Missions as places where blight circles have been located. Any of these - and other places - are places the Cult could have spread to. Next month, these will all become locations where Finale actions can take place. "Check in" with where your character(s) are going, but you don't need mod permission!

Event Bonus:
A thread of 10+ comments will gain 100 followers / 10 exp per thread.
Cultist hub of activity discovered and reported back gains an additional 250 followers / 25 exp per thread.

In Summary:

• Join the old gods on a hunt
• Enjoy the meal and activities
• Speak to Votelli or Sotero
• Participate in the hunt - whether your prey be two-legged or four
• Fight the giant boar ayakashi
• Have fun~

Comments

[unlucky7]

Gathering for the Hunt
After sleeping for a week straight, some time in the outdoors is exactly what Ginia needs. The forest brings a light sense of unease because of the associations with it, but it's also just a forest. Votelli has renounced the cult and there are no cultists or spell tags draining the area. Ginia keeps an eye out just in case, but mostly she's looking for something else.

Armed not with a weapon, but with some rolls of adhesive-backed ribbons and plenty of deer crackers and vegetables, Ginia is on the prowl for the gentle sika deer. Dressed in more causal attire, Ginia deftly leaps branch to branch or lightly hikes through the forest underbrush. Whenever she spots a male sika deer, she carefully coaxes it over with food and wraps the ribbon around the top of its antlers. Hopefully that works as a good marker for people to leave the deer alone.

However, nothing ever goes as planned. Not all deer are so easily swayed and Ginia ends up having to give chase to a few. Perhaps accidentally flushing it into the path of a would-be hunter or disrupting someone's shot at a non-sacred deer. Or perhaps the deer are too easily swayed and even after Ginia finishes her makeshift tagging, it continues to follow her in hopes of more food.

First Aid Tent
Once Ginia is out of food and ribbons, she can be found back at the main area. Working with some of the other shinki at the first aid tent, she's busy teaching and demonstrating the Mend spell on minor injuries. Fingers in the halberd position, circle the injury while focusing on a borderline, close the circle by flicking the fingers away, then hold the borderline until the injury is cleared or stabilized. There's a sizable group discussing the spell and practicing it own their own.

"I, for one, find myself skeptical that such a young nora would master such a technique. It must be some kind of trick or some other deception involved." A shinki loudly declares.

Ginia, busy healing another shinki who took an unfortunate fall, stiffens slightly, but continues with her work. When the scratches are cleared, the shinki mumbles a hasty thank you and quickly leaves. Ginia sighs and sits back, wiping off her hands before reaching for her phone and typing up a message.

"Anyone else need healing or want to learn?" Her phone says in a digitized alto voice.

((ooc: Reminder Mend is a Tier 1 spell, don't forget to comment on the shinki spell page if your character wants to learn the spell!))

Ready Aim Fire
It's been a few months since Ginia did any form of archery, but the muscle memory isn't completely gone. She's certainly rusty, but she feels no shame as she starts at the beginner range. Her shooting is meditative as she releases her resentment and lingering sorrow with each arrow. The first few arrows fall short of the target. Ginia exhales and lowers her bow, rolling out her shoulders. Refocusing, she fires again, this time hitting the target in the lower half. Well, it's some improvement. All said, Ginia seems to be enjoying herself, taking her inexperience in stride.

As she finishes her last shot and waits for the rest of the range to finish so she can collect her arrows, she turns to see who else is around. With a wry smile, Ginia comments through her phone (or sign language to known individuals), "Guns are definitely easier."

Closed to Ebisu

[unlucky7]

Ginia knows immediately she's not in her bed when she wakes up. Her clothes are different too, a proper set of pajamas instead of the baggy t-shirt and shorts she usually wears to bed. Unease weighs in her chest as her left hand curls into the halberd position, blinking sleep away as she takes in her surroundings. There's a heart monitor clipped to her right pointer finger, an IV in her arm. A few vases of flowers and cards are placed on the nightstand and it takes a few more seconds for her to realize she's in the infirmary.

Feeling fine, rested even, Ginia toggles on and off her controllable nanomachines, making sure her pain dampeners aren't accidentally on. No pain at all, no trouble with any of the routines. Ginia sits up and pushes the blankets back, looking for any other injuries. None.

Unease lingering, Ginia looks for her phone and finds it conveniently on the nightstand, plugged in. The dozens of notifications will have to wait as she fixates on the time and date. Ten past 6 AM, May 15th.

How the hell did I lose a week? Ginia wonders even as the answer is clear. Isn't that a thing that happens to new generation that everyone treats as common fact? But having it happen to her...

No wonder she's in the infirmary. It's the most sensible thing to do when someone falls into a sudden coma.

Ginia pulls up the contact list and sends a message to Ebisu and his retinue.

I'm awake, feel fine. Sorry if I worried any of you.

[chibisu]

Just like that, in the blink of an eye, there's Ebisu teleporting directly into her room. "Jitsumi!" Beaming, he rushes over to her-

-and promptly tangles up his own feet, pitching forward and smashing his face directly into the tile floor.

Around the same time, there's the sound of wheels clattering down the hallway outside, and Kimi rolls into view on a rolling chair. Unlike what casual wear she's seen on him, or his cooking outfit, or office suit, he's in scrubs and a long white coat. "Hey! You had us- oh no, young master, oh... no."

[unlucky7]

There goes the happy reunion. Unlike most people in movies, Ginia has enough sense to not leap out of bed and rip out the IV in her arm. She removes the heart monitor and makes sure there's enough slack on the IV tubing before sliding out of bed. Despite what a week of steady sleep should do, there's no weakness or unsteadiness in any of her limbs as she walks with the IV stand to Ebisu's side and helps him up.

Blood trickles from his nose, though thankfully it isn't broken. Ginia tilts his head forward slightly and wipes away the blood with the edge of her sleeve. With no hesitation, she circles Ebisu's nose with her fingers, setting the mend spell in motion. Ginia glances at Kimi as he rolls into the room, smiling at his outfit and whistling lightly. Any further flirting will have to wait as she ends the healing spell.

[chibisu]

At least Ebisu is quite used to this sort of treatment, considering, well. Considering everything. So he doesn't raise any fuss when she hauls him up, and only smiles patiently as she cleans his nose. It's probably not worth using a mend spell over, but he won't tell her how to use her talents. "I'm relieved you've woken up," he tells her while she works and Kimi carefully puts the chair to the side where no one can trip over it.

"It seems like your muscles are still working fine," Kimi says as he finally enters the room proper, beaming. "That was the main worry, honestly!"

Closed to Shen Wei

[unlucky7]

Does anyone ever get the chance to say goodbye? It's always letters and belongings suddenly left or delivered, the person gone in the night, but it feels a little worse that Zhao Yunlan disappeared while she was asleep. How the hell was she supposed to know the last time she told him goodbye as he was leaving work would be the last time?

Zhao was a friend. She's sad for his disappearance, but it can't be anything to what Shen Wei must feel. Ginia runs fast to Shen Wei's temple, the backpack on her back carefully packed with a few bento boxes and a bottle of plum wine. After sleeping for a week, the run feels good, and she's at the temple in barely any time.

On any other day, she'd enjoy the decor a little more, but today she heads straight toward the entrance, inclining her head to Yeye and letting him lead her in.

[cloakedinruins]

One of the many many things Shen Wei has been trying to talk Yeye out of was his inclination of announcing the arrival of visitors like that of a head eunuch of an Imperial Court. It hasn't quite worked out, so to stop the soulless from announcing Ginia in full voice, Shen Wei appears before the second entrance and smiles, waving Yeye to go back to his work.

"I'm not sure why he enjoys playing that role here; it's not like I have a full court of anything," he said in slight apology. "Still, let's go some where a little less formal. The kitchen? I can make tea."

He was trying to sound a little less defeated than he felt, the pallor of his skin showing signs of a restless few days. He wasn't exactly wasting away from grief, but he did look a little more fragile even with his appearance halfway between the very human professor and his true self with his hair long and braided and his glasses gone.

"It's this way."

[unlucky7]

The natures and origins of soulless shinki are strange. Most seem to reflect the god they serve in a way that seems almost manufactured; Ginia watches him leave before looking at Shen Wei. He doesn't look great, but also expected from someone who lost a loved one. Better in some ways, though Shen Wei doesn't quite strike her as the kind to lay somewhere and wither away.

"The kitchen sounds great," Ginia types and plays as she follows after him. "I brought food and plum wine."

A few meals worth, for him and Da Qing. It's one less to worry about.

[cloakedinruins]

"Oh."

Shen Wei blinks at her words, eyes wide and slightly startled by the very human offer. He wasn't use to other people offering him food, at least not in that way. Students had brought him treats to either butter him up for something or to show their appreciation for his help.

"That's kind of you."

Past the second entrance to the open courtyard where the strange crystalline stature of a turtle snake stood. Pas that to the northern building that looked like wood and tile and paper until they were close to see it was of alien materials made to look like the more human counterparts. Past the sliding doorway to a hall lit by small glowing stones that warmed to a soft sun-like warmth down to the left and then the alienness opened to a very human kitchen straight from a modern apartment, all sleek steel and warm wood and solid stone. There was a large cat tree in the corner furthest away from the stove and the lingering scent of cinnamon.

"I'm not much of a drinker, I'm afraid, but the food is welcome."

ready, aim, fire

[dredefulchilde]

"Yes, but archery can be more fun," Joscelin replies, testing a bowstring. The bow seems a bit too long for his extremely short stature, but he's using it all the same.

"What shall we wager on the outcome of this match?"

Ginia may not have intended it to become a competition when she first picked up a bow, but it is now. Because Joss said so.

[unlucky7]

"And why is this suddenly a competition?"

Ginia looks a little incredulous at Joscelin. She knows he's capable of shooting and is a decent enough shot if he hones in on closer targets. Whether he's had more time to practice since then remains to be seen. While it's not so much a matter of pride and she knows she has a long way to go in practicing, she doesn't feel like boosting anyone else's ego today either.

[dredefulchilde]

Joss just grins. "Isn't it always? Just practicing's no fun. Though I could do without the kneeling and standing nonsense. I'd prefer a straight match to the traditional stuff." Still, he's dressed for traditional Japanese archery, wearing kimono and hakama thanks to Ayumu's influence. He feels a little awkward in it all, but he supposes it makes sense.

He watches an older shinki for the proper technique and then attempts to replicate the motions himself, lacking some of his usual grace. The bowstring releases and--

The arrow completely misses the target.

[unlucky7]

It's how it goes with kyudo. It's not only about firing the arrow, but also the meditative practice and discipline, the one prepares the mind and body. It's another reason Ginia is disinclined to make it a competition. It'd be nice having another hobby as a way to relax.

Ginia watches Joscelin's shot. He's a quick study, but he's also impatient. She waves her hand at him to get his attention.

"If all you're focusing on is hitting the target and dismissing everything else, you'll never hit it." She pauses and looks over his outfit. "Nice outfit, by the way."

First Aid Tent

[pure_radiantics]

[ Kairi raises her hand from the back. She'd been listening and, while she'd been hoping to catch Ginia at the next training session, this was just as good. ]

Sorry I missed that last example, Ginia. But it looked like you didn't have to use a hand sign to activate it, did you? Really is like Borderline, huh... so cool and simple.

[unlucky7]

[Ginia debates whether to continue typing to keep everyone in the loop, or to switch to signing with Kairi. With the group somewhat dispersing or uncertain about being around a nora, Ginia decides a partial one-on-one conversation can't hurt.]

I find signing "line" helps in the same way a person might say line to focus their borderline. But since it's been easier casting borderlines without signing the word with it, I've been trying to work on the healing spell without the word too.

[pure_radiantics]

[ She smiles, but goes back to focusing on the signing - and with the bit of chaos in the tent, she doesn't raise her voice like she normally would to keep up a vocal conversation even as she was signing. ]

Ohh... you know, I remember that... wow it's been so long since I had to say "Line" to make a borderline unless I'm teaching it. And since it's based on borderline, the sign you use is "line" instead of "heal" or whatever, right?

[unlucky7]

Yes, that's right. I suppose someone could use 'heal' or 'mend' as a focus word, but since it's based off borderlines, it's easier to stick with that.

[Ginia pauses and taps her knuckles against her chin in thought.]

I think it's possible to cast it without the physical motion. I don't want to try that yet with the precision needed. It's not a risk I want to take if someone's life is in my hands.

gathering

[incinerators]

[ pyrrha's keen on competition, and she's already beginning to hunt. namely, she's trying to go for a wild deer. she waits to take her shot, though, because she's unsure if it's one of the sika; but she hears its hooves kicking up dirt and grass.

there's another pair of footsteps along with it, though. pyrrha narrows her eyes, honing in on her target... ]

...Ginia?

[ she steps out of the bush she'd been hiding in. ]

Oh! I see you've made a friend out of one of the deer?

[unlucky7]

[Oh, hi Pyrrha. Ginia offers a quick wave as the other shinki comes out of hiding, pushing away at a deer trying to rise up on its hind legs to nibble at her hair. There's a strip of ribbon backed with adhesive dangling off her coat sleeve, the rest of the roll looped over her other wrist.]

Kinda! He's a bit of a brat!

[Ginia manages to sign hastily, pushing the deer back and managing to free the strip of ribbon and tape one end to an antler and wrap it around once.]

[incinerators]

[ oh. oh! that's what the tape is for. pyrrha's catching on, now. she puts her javelin in its sheath and runs over to gently, carefully place her hands on the deer's back. ]

I'll hold it steady for you if you need me to!

[unlucky7]

[The deer settles slightly, turning to sniff at Pyrrha for any food. Or to nibble on her hair, the deer is not choosy at all. Ginia takes the moment to secure the dangling tape.]

Thanks. Hopefully hunters will notice the tape and leave him alone.

[She gives the deer's back a small pat.]

Think it's effective or should I tape both antlers?

Ready Aim Fire

[alchemists]

[ Elfnein had been trying to learn how to use a bow and arrow through the day. Even after trying to use the shooting advice Chris had given her before all of her shots didn't hit the target. ]

Wouldn't the basics of aiming be the same with a gun and a bow?

[unlucky7]

The basics, yes, but archery and guns use different muscle groups.

[Ginia raises the bow and draws back, holding the position for a few seconds before carefully easing it back into a resting position. She then sets the bow down and mimes holding a rifle, holding that position too before relaxing.]

Shooting a rifle or a gun uses less muscle and back strength. You're still bracing for kickback, but you're also not pulling against the weight of the weapon.

[She shrugs and lets a small smile slip.]

Mostly I'm better with guns.

[alchemists]

That makes sense, guns are made to take the impact and force with the person using it not needing to do as much.

[ Elfnein really doesn't know a lot about non symphogear related gun items, but now's a good time to learn about it. ]

[unlucky7]

That's not to say kickback can't throw someone's aim off if someone isn't braced for it.

[A shotgun kicks far more than a handgun, and a few handguns pack a punch. Ginia hasn't shot many guns since her arrival, but it's a fact that remains in her mind as common knowledge.]

But shooting a gun and kyudo are also fairly different too. Kyudo is far more meditative in its practice.