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

[hypomeneo]

Yes. I don't want to leave him alone for too long. Maybe I'll even enjoy it.

I like chasing things. Granted they're cases, but...

[Waver's lashes dip; it does feel like they're all on a timer some days and not just him. He's not sure how to feel about that, but for Ginia...]

We're going to need help. Iskandar might be stubborn on this point, but I'm calling it. At least for meals in the next little while and for the drier prayers. Leave the combat related ones alone. It'll do him good to just focus on getting everything out of his system.

...

And I... Christ. I'm a mess. There's that. I need help.

[unlucky7]

[Making plans is what Ginia does. With a festival for Ebisu coming up at one of his major temples, they're in a bit of a crunch to make sure it all goes smoothly. Perhaps it's a good time to offload all their combat-related prayers and pick up the drier ones. Maybe drop off some of the prayers at museums and tourist sites, give them a few places to enjoy. Bento boxes too, she can also swing by some of the bento places on the Near Shore to supplement if the kitchen is too busy.

That's later. For now, Ginia sets down her food. She moves behind Waver and gives him a tight hug.]

[hypomeneo]

[Waver's expression cracks as Ginia comes up behind him and the corners of his eyes prickle with warmth. His breath hitches in a sob.]

... she left me a letter. Told me to allow myself to be happy. It wasn't wrong.

She... didn't understand I was. With the people I am with. My friends and family. That's separate from what I'm going through.

I...

[unlucky7]

[Ginia doesn't say anything. She holds Waver and gives him the space to get whatever words and feelings out that he wants to.

There's a letter from Zhao on her desk. A list of all his snack hiding places, gratitude for her friendship, and a reminder they don't have time to waste and that if it's love, she should go for it. Would he have ever told her that in person?

She can't pretend she doesn't have letters ready in case she disappears. Backups up all her research on the cult, complied so someone could pick up where she left off. As much as she rails against the idea and will sink her fingers into whatever handholds there are, stubbornly hammer in pitons and lash together whatever scraps for rope, Ginia is too prepared to not plan for a growing possibility.

But wouldn't it be better to say what she felt while people were still here? Not need to leave letters because everyone knows?

One day, maybe.]

[hypomeneo]

I... I don't know how to feel about that. Satya... wasn't the best at people. But. Christ. Did I not...?

[...]

She was - is - family. I hope she knew that. I hope she knew I loved her just as much as Iskandar.

[unlucky7]

['She did.' It's what Ginia wants to say, placing optimism above all else, believing in Waver enough that what he might have failed to say in words, surely his actions said enough. Ginia pulls away so she has space to type, remaining close enough to give him a shoulder to lean on.

She can't bring herself to say it because optimism is not enough, not with someone she didn't know well enough. Waver needs support, not hollow reassurance. Ginia struggles to find the right words, hoping what she would want to hear is enough.]

I think you did the best you knew how to, and I think she felt what you gave. Cherish her memory, follow her advice, and don't forget to tell the people still around how much you love them.

[hypomeneo]

[It is. Really it is.

Tears trickle down his face as he leans on her, one arm squeezing around. It helps fill the hollowness eating at him underneath the emotions he's trying to release with every breath... the grief he can't properly dwell on and process because to do so touches on too much and there's no going back from that.]

You're the best friend I could ask for, you know that?

[unlucky7]

[There isn't a single one of their generation that doesn't feel the loss of someone. It's always a slow trickle of names disappearing from the contact list one by one, but lately it feels faster, more frequent. Ebisu once said any of his shinki could disappear suddenly, from accidents or other events, but it's still a different kind of disappearance. The new generation vanishes without a trace, scant letters and belongings left behind (if they're lucky or prepared). Presumably home for gods, but what about shinki? All the theories can't stave off the dread of uncertainty of living on borrowed time.

Ginia squeezes Waver's hand, remains a steady pillar to lean on. Breathe, cry, let out as much as possible because a good cry helps. There might be more tears, more aching letter, but it's a slow healing process. She's inclined to say if she's the best friend around, then it's a dire sign of the people around. That isn't helpful though, to him or herself, and it's not as if Ginia doesn't know how much she cares about others.

Today's the day for helping the other people in her life grieve their losses it seems.]

I try, but I'm mostly returning the favor.

[hypomeneo]

[The terror for him is what death or disappearance will do to Iskandar. The terror is being left alone in the dirt and faced with the fall or with being forced to bend the knee for a god and the fall that way with the Name. Which Waver cannot do. The heartsickness comes from the lack of interest in finding real alternatives to the god-shinki pairing for the people who truly need it.

Waver smiles a wobbly smile as his hand is squeezed.]

Well, I've been trying in turn. [He hasn't been sure he's been succeeding in being a good friend for a lot of reasons, mainly keeping Ginia safe and away from the edge for a shinki reasons.] You've been great to me, really.

[unlucky7]

Even if I ambushed you and you nearly killed me?

[There's an unseen smile as she leans back against him. She sighs, and is quiet, reflecting on that day. Was it only three months ago? There was still snow then, still signs of the eruption. Now the remaining lava is simply a part of the landscape, the scorched earth and charred trees a passing reminder. Time rolls on and on and changes become part of the new normal.]

I found out that day one of my best friends was gone. He left me a letter. Told me I was stronger than I thought I was and I brought joy to people by being around them. That my emotions weren't a weakness. That I could tackle whatever was ahead of me.

[Oh, Lancer, you were always too good, too noble, too kind. The first of many to echo the lessons she's taken so long to learn, is still learning. Tears sting her eyes; she lets them remain.]

I suppose ambushing newbies was my way of making myself feel important and useful that day.

[hypomeneo]

[Only three months. It's felt like an eternity even if it also feels like a heartbeat. That's what bearing what he bears brings - a strange compression and drawing out of time.]

You know what they say about silver linings. Besides. That was actually one of the better parts of the day.

[One of the best had been Irisviel.

Waver doesn't like thinking of it, overall. It had been awful. There's so little to remember fondly.]

It did me a lot of good.

[Waver would say the same of Lancer if he could - as it stands, he can only now say this.]

He sounds like a hell of a guy.

I agree with him, though. You're an incredibly strong woman, who's done so much good for the people here just by being here. You're compassionate and generous and human and that in itself does so much.

[unlucky7]

If that had been one of the better parts, I'm sorry for how your day went.

[There's a lot to be said for a shinki's first day. All things considered hers had gone fairly well, though it'd also taken the better part of the day to find her god. That only a handful of the people she met that day are still in her life is sobering.

Seven months to the day. A dry laugh escapes. It also means she'll have been named by Ebisu for four months as of tomorrow. The longest she's been with a god. A sad number compared to the rest of her temple, but still much longer than others here.

Time is a construct and she wants to grab and break its hands so there's a chance to breathe.]

Lancer was one of the best.

Lay it on, flatter me with your sweet words and pretty face, make me swoon and break my heart.

[There's a small bump of her shoulder and a dry huff.]

People keep saying that, I guess I can't refute it. Turn the words on yourself though. Be unforgettable, Waver, be human.

[hypomeneo]

[He's told her of some of it. That near fall, being warned multiple times about the fall, and Amaterasu's shinki's treatment of him.

Implied a little more, like with Judar's fight with him.]

One of these days, I'll tell that story. Not today, though.

[There's so little to remember fondly. But it doesn't mean, even if he hates thinking about it, it should be forgotten.

Time marches on and they're all gasping.]

I wish I could have knew him.

[You did, Waver. You did.]

... and shock all who only know me for my vinegar, and never suspect me of honey. [There's a little huff as he closes his eyes as his lips tug up in a small smile and he bumps back.] If I'm to be a heart breaker, then let me also be a heart mender. Weld together the pieces stronger than ever.

[One day he'll... or someone else, will get you to believe it.]

I am. I always will be. That alone will be unforgettable.

[unlucky7]

[She'll remember that offer, but not hold it to him. Everyone has their stories to tell, whether they do so is up to them.

Heart-mender. Ginia huffs lightly, but if anyone could do that, it's him. Work your magic on the people around you, but do so for yourself. Or find someone who can do the same. That'll be Iskandar, Ginia suspects, though she's also fully unaware of the fine ways they're chiseling each other apart.]

We are very bad at not having serious conversations, but I think it's forgiven given circumstances.

[There's no stopping the steady trickle of people. All Ginia can hope for is there aren't any more losses in the next few days or any sharp turns. Steady would be nice; Ginia has mostly given up on peaceful.]

I say we treat ourselves to a nice dinner when we fill the cup.

[hypomeneo]

We are the worst.

[Waver rolls his eyes at himself, before his lips tug up slightly as he sighs, accepting.]

... but today...

[Waver smiles very quietly to himself as he gets an idea. Why not make it a memorable occasion itself.]

I say we make it as fancy and as an experience as possible. Like Kyoto's Kitcho.

[unlucky7]

[They've paid their dues. They can vent all they want.]

I do wonder what our lovers will say if we go on such a dining experience without them.

[A gentle tease. Waver and Iskandar have plenty time and money to go on fine dining experiences. Kimi... well, she hopes they can find time to go on a date. With Sotero pardoned by Heaven, it's one less thing to worry about. Maybe they can put things with the cult to rest too.]

But yes, fancy and memorable. And we'll enjoy ourselves and not talk about the things we always talk about.

[hypomeneo]

I believe they will demand us to make it up to them. Which means we should be secretly plotting something even grander to surprise them with.

[Which means giving Iskandar An Experience. Waver has a couple ideas.]

Yes. Anything but the usual. I've always wondered your opinion on Eurovision, for example.

[unlucky7]

Have you meet Kimi? I'm not sure I can surprise him with anything.

[Unflappable, shameless, decades of travel information and dining destinations, the kind of calm that will get him through any situation, the people skills to talk out of situations, yeah, Ginia is pretty sure there's nothing she could do. She doesn't mind though. 

Also they really don't have the time to go on a date with their schedules. The fact the chances of her having a nice dinner with Waver is higher than having a nice dinner with Kimi is funny and sad.

Eurovision... Eurovision... there's a vaguely confused expression as he mentions the singing competition.]

I heard a little about it but I'm not sure what it is? Some kind of singing competition?