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

[cloakedinruins]

"Da Qing is much older than that." He pauses for a moment, a slight moment of that automatic need to cover his tracks before remembering that he invited Ginia here to tell her the truth. "He's almost as old as I am, in fact."

Looking at the bottle of wine, Shen Wei hummed lightly and then decided that a wake wouldn't be proper if there wasn't something to drink. So he picked it up and opened it with a practiced hand; his alcohol tolerance was next to little, but he has tended enough work gatherings to at least learn how to do that. As he poured it into both glasses, he continued speaking.

"He rides the biggest one around the garden calling it his noble steed. I think he plans on using them as an army. That is, once he manages to figure out how to make them move faster."

[unlucky7]

Is there a single person that looks their actual age? Ginia knows she shouldn't be surprised, but it earns a slight raise of her brow. Especially as Shen Wei continues with the cat's exploits. Perhaps age is truly a number and no reflection of anything else with some.

"If he begins rallying the nekomata around, we might have a problem."

The great alliance of feline and reptile is to be feared. If he gets the birds on his side, they're all doomed.

Ginia takes one of the cups and looks down into the liquid. What's there to say about Zhao? He doesn't seem to be the kind that would want them to sit around moping over him.

"To Zhao. A dumbass, a romantic, a friend, and a lover." As her message plays, Ginia raises the glass.

[cloakedinruins]

This was not something that could blamed on just genetics, not really. Why Shen Wei was sure that his power may be able to copy a longevity power at some point, the actual blame laid in the weird warping effect of the Hollows.

"Thankfully he's focused on the great turtle army for the time being."

Shen Wei has seen this alliance and so far it has resulted in a systematic control over who gets the tastiest morsel in the garden and the best sunniest spot for a nap.

Picking up his glass, Shen Wei smiled softly, eyes old against the youthfulness of his face. "To Zhao Yunlan. My beloved, past, present, and future."

He taps his glass against Ginia's.

[unlucky7]

Past, present, future. There's a story there, but isn't that partially why Ginia is here? She takes a long drink of the wine. It's a little too cloying for the morning and mood, but it'll do. It's not like she can get drunk anyway.

With the bentos best saved for the residents of the temple, Ginia helps herself to some of the bread and preserves. A shinki is always a little bit hungry, but the energy is nice and food tastes good. She remembers her manners enough to not wolf down the food as she types out a message.

"Back on Valentine's Day, Zhao and I ended up on a blind date and he admitted he'd set things up to get a date with you." And they both know how that turned out. "I always wondered if he was drawn to you in some way, but it seems like there's a bigger story."

[cloakedinruins]

Shen Wei only takes a small sip, not needing to pass out from having too much and already feeling the tingle that alcohol gave him. It makes his hands a little unsteady as he selects a roll and spreads some creamy apple butter over it.

His huff at her words was only half-surprised, a small smile curling his lips. Setting the buttered roll on a small plate, he got up to pour himself some tea and then hold out the pot in a silent offer to her.

"I'm not surprised. We... always been drawn to each other. For me, the first time I met him I was just barely twenty and it was during the times between the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States. Save, he was called Kunlun of the Mountains at that time."

[unlucky7]

Tea is certainly welcome. Ginia accepts a cup, letting the warmth seep through the ceramic into her hands as she thinks. While she can recognize the names for what must be significant periods of time, her mind draws a complete blank to the actual periods. A long time ago is all she can assume, but that feels lacking too.

"Sorry, I'm not sure when that was. History isn't my strong point at all."

[cloakedinruins]

He comes back to the table, taking a seat and folding his hands on top of the polished wood. He would have thought she might have a rough idea of the time, but since she didn't, he needed to explain more. At least it wouldn't be too far-fetched, at least so long as he kept it simple.

"If you want a time frame, most people say that it was between 600 BC and 450 BC in China. Give or take a few centuries here and there. Time was a bit muddled due to some of the forces involved."

The Four Hollows were not the only objects meddling with natural forces. The meteor had caused its damage as well as a few Dixigrens with more than normal powers. Shen Wei sometimes wondered if his added into the damage done despite his relatively young age.

"The stability of a single nation fell apart and split into seven warring factions, not including the smaller clans, the wandering sects and bandits. A lot of the histories claim it was because of instability of the original nation but in fact it was due to a very large event that nearly destroyed the entire continent. A fallen meteor in fact."

[unlucky7]

Her grasp on US history is shaky at best, Japanese history better only because it's more relevant to her job. Any knowledge of Chinese history is definitely out of the question. The timeframe raises new questions about Zhao, but she has a hunch he'll explain.

But she can't resist making a small joke.

"Looking good for your age."

Sip.

[cloakedinruins]

"Yes, well, Dixingrens are naturally longer lived than humans, but even so, I'm practically immortal."

Given that he did have to re-write his basic biology in order to make himself sick enough in order to poison his twin, Shen Wei was certain that he couldn't really be killed at all any more. Injured, yes. Sick to where he needed an I.V.? Of course. But killed by someone else or die of old age? Not really.

"Rather, old age won't be the cause of my death."

He picked up his cup of tea and took a small sip, setting it down and taking a bite from the roll. As he chewed, he thought about how to explain things before giving a mental shrug. She has been here for longer than him. Hearing about the fighting from when he was young probably wouldn't be the strangest thing Ginia's heard.

"The meteor drove my people from our homes underground and destroyed the environment. Factions appeared as people grabbed for what they could get, and a warlord from Dixing decided to declare war on everyone that did not call him king. My parents tried to stay away from the conflicts but they died, leaving my brother and myself alone. I tried to get us some where safe, but the warlord caught us. He beat me badly and threw me off a cliff and took my brother, and if it wasn't for my ability, I would have died.

"I spent over ten years trying to find my brother when the group I was leading fell to an ambush. We were near the mountains and a strange man appeared, shot our attackers and then fell out of sight. Later he was introduced to me as Kunlun."

[unlucky7]

Shen Wei certainly falls on the end of the more powerful and unusual individuals she knows, but the story he continues with isn't that unheard of. There are always conflicts, plays for power, loss and suffering.

And sometimes, a dashing rescuer. Ginia smiles as she eats, trying to imagine Zhao a little more rugged and with a bow and arrow. Horseback optional. It's not too hard to imagine.

"Dashing and mysterious. Love at first sight or was he a pain in the ass?"

[cloakedinruins]

"He was very dashing," Shen Wei said, lightly, dipping his head to hide the small smile. It does little to cover the way his ears were turning pink.

"And very weird. He spent about half our first conversation making faces and playing with his hair."

He didn't understand that at the time. He was a young warrior and one of the Alliances strongest fighters and there was this man that was half legend to him cracking odd jokes and smiling at him. Shen Wei had been flustered and uncomfortable and a little attracted and it did not make any of their later conversations easier.

"You have to understand that among most of the people fighting against the warlord, I was their strongest asset. A powerful weapon that most people treated with a level of reverence that this whole place -" he waves a hand at the temple outside of the kitchen dismissively "- feels normal. He treated me as a person. It didn't help that Lord Kunlun of the Mountains was a near legend himself. I was young and he... all he asked from me was to take my mask off and smile."

[unlucky7]

Who knew Kunlan-Zhao Yunlan flirting with Shen Wei right off the bat was a universal constant? The way he treats people, that too is a constant of his being. Ginia's smile turns a little sad at the reminder he's gone. She got to know him as a friend, that much is valuable.

"That sounds just like him. I like how talking to him always felt easy. Unflappable, but you could count on him to be serious too." His advice is still on her mind. Love is still scary. With how long shinki can live, with how fleeting their generation is, with the mistakes she's made, acknowledging the feeling is still too nerve wracking. "Was he human?"

[cloakedinruins]

"Yes, he was human."

In the months they traveled and fought together, Shen Wei knew that human or not, Kunlun had been a gift. He treated all of them fairly. He kept their spirits up with jokes and strategies that no one would have thought of. He planned and practiced and lived with them and never made any of them feel like they were worthless. That kind of leadership was something that Shen Wei wished he was able to copy.

"Our forces came up with a way to heal the planet using old technology and pieces of the meteor. We moved them to a site to turn them on when the warlord caught wind of our actions and tried to take them. Rather, my brother who had absorbed the warlord's essence and decided to finish destroying everything. We fought and the tools - the Hollows - activated. Da Qing was knocked out, my brother was encased in stone, I was thrown into a mountain. And Kunlun vanished."

[unlucky7]

An evil twin brother determined to destroy the world, a band of heroes trying to save the world, lovers separated at the end; it's a very dramatic turn of events. In a different situation it'd feel almost unbelievable, but reality can be grander than fiction. The only thing saving this from a tragic ending is Zhao clearly came back into his (and Da Qing's) life.

"How long did it take for the two of you to reunite?" It still doesn't change the fact they were separated. For however long they were together, perhaps any amount of time is too much.

[cloakedinruins]

"Long enough for Da Qing to forget a lot of our shared past, and for the stone around my brother to weaken so he could start influencing things again. There had been a murder at the university I was working at, and I was on my way to a class when one of his people fell out of a window. When I looked up, he was leaning out to see if he was injured."

That moment had hurt. Shen Wei remembered everything about Kunlun - the scruffy little beard, the mop of hair, that lazy grin and those foxfire eyes. But he looked at Shen Wei like he was a stranger, a really weird stranger since Shen Wei couldn't stay collected when they shook hands.

[unlucky7]

It's never easy being the one to remember and the one forgotten. Ginia may not have many memories, but it's a gut feeling. She sighs quietly, nods slowly as her expression turns sympathetic. Given the dream she shared with Zhao, they clearly fell back in love. Given how quickly Zhao moved here with no memories at all, they will always be each other's constant.

It's two more losses now. How many more times will Zhao fall in and out of his life?

Are there any more chances? Another sigh escapes as Ginia remembers her conversation with Zhu Hong. We...lost people. Three of them. The boss, the professor, and Old Li. Drunk and upset, speaking with a stranger, there'd be no reason to lie. Ginia's fingers tap against her phone, wondering what to say.

"It worked out though, didn't it? In your world, here. Maybe there's no force in the world that can permanently keep you two from each other. He could come back. Some do."

[cloakedinruins]

"I don't think that anything can keep us apart for long," he said softly, looking down at the pattern of wear in the table, remembering how long of a wait it had been before.

"Either this lifetime or the next, I think we will find each other again."

They found each other in that space created by the Lamp, right? He was sure that given enough time and force - because Zhao Yunlan would not let even an ancient artifact of unknown powers keep him from what he wanted. And in both times they had met, he had ignored all to grab onto Shen Wei and not let go.

He raised his head and looked at Ginia, a soft smile on his lips even as nods. "I may just take a few days to return to normal."

[unlucky7]

"No one is saying you shouldn't or can't be sad he's gone. But I don't think he'd want you to cling to his memory in sadness either."

Ginia can't say she'd be any better if she lost Kimi or anyone else close to her. She'd mourn, maybe rage depending, probably be a mess for days. She's had her losses, she knows how she is, but she knows things are different now too.

Once, in a dream only remembered by her, she promised Zhao to keep an eye on his friends. Ginia sets down her tea and food and walks closer. She gingerly takes Shen Wei's hand and squeezes it. Perhaps they aren't close friends and their connection is largely through Zhao, but that doesn't mean she doesn't care. There are few enough people here she knows, maybe it's time to get to know people better.

She releases his hand and steps back, typing swiftly.

"I'll do what I can, but if you're still sitting around in a week, I think I'm obligated to drag you out of the temple for fun.

[cloakedinruins]

"I admit that I'm very bad at that."

While he was good at push down his hurt and sadness, he still pined over Zhao Yunlan during the ten thousand years it took for them to be reunited. He knew that he shouldn't but he couldn't help the feeling that he lost a piece of himself when Yunlan had left him the first time. This time it might actually be worse.

There was no promise after all.

Shen Wei didn't expect that. His arm jerks as she takes his hand, and he raises his head, his eyes going wide and his face softening. Ten thousands and so many years old and yet he still felt and looked like a young man who never really interacted with people before. He tries, but there was always a gap.

"I..." She really would, wouldn't she? "I'll do my best."

[unlucky7]

"I'm not going to pretend I'm any better."

She can't talk, doesn't have to communicate if she doesn't want to. It's the unhealthiest thing to hide things from her gods, but there's a lot she still buries and represses. Bury the feelings deep down so they can't hurt her, but all it means is the weeds are slowly taking over.

It's so much easier taking care of other people. Shen Wei can have the space and time he needs, but she's not going to let him flounder alone.

Especially not when he looks so vulnerable. She smiles and barely holds back the urge to hug him. It's an expression she knows she's worn herself, in face of genuine kindness.

"You better. Otherwise I'm going to have to drag you to shows. And movies. Stuff like that."

[cloakedinruins]

If he knew they were similar in that, he may find it easier to take her at her word. As it was, he was spending a moment or two trying to settled his fractured control and reclaim his calm professor mask, but then she mentions shows and movies. For that, she gets an honest laugh and smile.

"Would it surprise you if you knew I haven't seen many movies?"

[unlucky7]

"I would wager the movies you've seen, Zhao was probably involved."

Zhao seems to be the kind that would spontaneously drag him out to a movie, or invite himself over for some Netflix (and chill). If he wasn't, she'd certainly give Zhao a few kicks toward some movie dates.

"But this means I really need to drag you out to some movies."

[cloakedinruins]

"I would say that your guess is right," he responded, eyes crinkling as he smiles. Most of them had been some really odd choices given the amount of movies they could access, but Zhao Yunlan sometimes had questionable tastes.

Well. Most times if he wanted to be honest with himself.

"I like musicals more than movies, or at least more than the movies that I've seen for the most part."

[unlucky7]

"I'm shocked you like musicals." A smirk accompanies her electronic words. There's no forgetting the video Da Qing posted for all to see. Beautiful voice.

"I'll keep that in mind. I should head out now. Heard Heaven is holding a hunt and meeting. You plan on going?"