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

[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."

[dredefulchilde]

Well, this is frustrating. Joss scowls, and reaches for another arrow, but Ginia catches his attention before he can fire it. "I'm simply not used to these bows," he claims, ignoring her much more reasonable criticism. "Give me an English longbow, and you'll see what I can do."

He looks somewhat embarrassed when Ginia comments on his clothes. "My mu--Ayumu picked them out. I thought hunting might be a bit more practical in jeans and trainers, but she won that argument." Not that he'd actually argued. He's still in the honeymoon phase of living with his Mistress again. He's thrown himself into the family life like never before, becoming a loving (if overly attached) foster son and doting big brother.

(He is, however, still wearing one of his customary scarves. It's red this time, matching the red nagajuban under his black kimono.)

He takes a steadying breath and another shot. It's slightly better than the first; at least it hits the target, though it's very much off center.

"This is bullshit," he pronounces.

[unlucky7]

He was going to say mother, wasn't he. Ginia smiles a bit, having seen Ayumu earlier. It's a relief mostly for Joscelin's sake, but she had grown fond of chatting with Ayumu too. She'll have to catch up with her later, bring a templewarming gift or something.

She watches Joscelin take another shot, better, but still repeating the mistakes he's refusing to acknowledge. Ginia steps in and takes an arrow from his quiver before he can fire again, taking position herself. It's not just taking a stance, but it's grounding yourself, becoming a solid pillar. Draw with the inhale, hold air in her lungs, steady her limbs. It's not a matter of hitting the target, it's about flowing together, bow and body as one.

Ginia releases on the exhale, arrow flying and hitting the target slightly off center. There. Better. She smiles and acknowledges her shot before turning back to Joscelin.

"It's only bullshit because you're refusing to learn."

[dredefulchilde]

Oh, he hates it when Ginia is right.

For a moment, his eyes flash with an old hostility. It very much mirrors the look he had worn during their first meeting, back when she had thwarted his bullying of the other young shinki. She's so utterly infuriating when she does that!

He grips the bow so hard he can feel the wood begin to splinter under his fingers. It will shatter completely if he holds it any tighter. So instead, he takes a deep breath and attempts to put Ayumu's training into practice. He's ruled too much by passion; she's teaching him patience and moderation. Maybe those lessons are paying off.

When he opens his eyes again, he's far calmer.

"I've just about broken this bow. Let's give archery a rest and take a walk." He grins brattishly. "Robot-voiced bitch."

[unlucky7]

Funny now. With Ayumu back, Ginia doesn't feel as much a need to mitigate Joscelin's temper. She cares about him, but today she has her own problems to deal with. She sets the bow down, hand sliding into the halberd position in case she needs to put a borderline between them. To some surprise, he handles his own temper, though she assumes that's Ayumu's influence. The goddess said she was trying to teach Joscelin more productive means of his strength an energy, believed in the good still remaining in him. There is good in him, she's seen it herself.

But at the grin, at his demand, at the insult, Ginia's expression hardens. It's very slight, but the kindness and patience fades from her eyes, her mouth tightens.

"Don't ever call me a bitch again." Her signs are measured, but there's a sharpness as she signs them. She picks up her bow, grabs another arrow, and sighs, taking up form to shoot again.

[dredefulchilde]

Joscelin is honestly perplexed. Why is she so upset with him? He handled himself so well just now. “I was just joking,” he says, taken aback. The confused puppydog look isn’t even feigned for once.

He sets the ruined bow down and turns away.

“Sorry,” says the child who rarely, if ever, apologizes. This, too, is Ayumu’s influence. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

[unlucky7]

Ginia doesn't answer him right away, though she accepts his apology. It's certainly a change from how he would react only a few months back. Maybe even a month ago. She focuses on the shot, on the tautness of the string, her muscles, on clearing her mind and steadying all shakiness. The arrow flies with a sharp twip of the bow string, landing solidly in the target.

Then she lowers the bow and turns back to Joscelin.

"No, you shouldn't have. There's nothing funny about calling me a bitch or making fun of the fact I can't talk. Thank you for apologizing though." Her signs aren't as sharp, but they are firm as she signs them.

[dredefulchilde]

Joscelin at least has the good sense to look bashful and awkward as he nods at Ginia, gnawing at his lower lip. Message received. Ginia does not take well to his assholish tendencies.

Nearly a full minute passes in pregnant, awkward silence as he shuffles around nervously, at a loss for what to say. Normally he talks enough for the both of them, but instead he's fiddling with the bowstring of another weapon, one he hasn't yet destroyed.

He looks very much like a real ten year old right now. One who's knows he's been caught with his hand in the cookie jar and is apologizing for it, not because he actually has seen the error of his ways, but because he doesn't like being scolded.

"Are you angry with me?" he asks eventually.

[unlucky7]

Ginia makes no attempt the fill the silence as she takes another arrow from his quiver. It's a little easier to breathe now, the edges of anger burning away and solidifying into something more solid. The feelings of a shinki are what they are. She tempers them to not worry Chris or Ebisu, but there's nothing wrong with anger either. She glances at him after her arrow hits the target.

"Yes, I am." Her hands hover as she considers how she's feeling. His words, whether said by him or anyone else, is completely disrespectful. There's no space in her life to let people chip away at her being. He's a child in some ways, an adult in others, and she's certainly spoiled him, but there's still a line. "Angry and disappointed." 

[dredefulchilde]

“You’ve certainly a right to be,” says Joscelin eventually, pointing out the obvious. “I’m a beastly little shit sometimes.” He doesn’t know why he does it, why he feels the need to push away and insult even those closest to him. Maybe he just needs to share the emptiness and self-loathing that gnaws inside him.

Or maybe he’s just a brat. Probably both.

“I’m sorry Ginia.”This is much more sincere. “I don’t know why I say such things, but I’m assuming that I should go now. Goodbye.”

He unties his sleeves and begins to gather his things.

[unlucky7]

Shinki can only act the way they know how. Their generation is different in that they regain memories to fill in the blanks of their life, but the majority of them are still based off instinct. Whether he's a brat because he's an elder vampire or a boy used to having his way doesn't matter; he's still responsible for his actions. It's time she holds him responsible too.

Ginia nods at his apology, accepting and believing the sincerity. She'll let him go because she's not in the mood to entertain his feelings, but she still stops him.

"You will apologize for breaking the bow and replace it. I know you have the wages to cover it."

[dredefulchilde]

He nods, signaling his agreement and willingness to do so, and hastily beats his retreat.

He’s just discovered that he really doesn’t like it when Ginia’s mad.