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

[veiledflame]

There had been a long moment of silence drawn out after Suijin's demand as Sotero hesitates, his fingers tightening around Votelli's hand as he wavers, trying to decide what to do. Although for the little god who still wishes to keep those who raised him safe, it's not hard to decide on who to give up, when it comes down to a choice between his parents and the figure that these gods are now demanding to know.

His gaze darts up to Votelli's face for a moment, as if asking if that's really what he should do?

[fleetforestsprite]

Votelli looks back down at him. She'd crouch if she thought it would help persuade him, but he was probably feeling cornered enough - and yet what she had to say might not help matters. That's why she'd hoped someone else would convince him, one way or the other, so it wasn't just her... but it seemed like she was lucky to have received so many among the new gods and shinki to speak with. Sotero clearly hadn't.

"Telling her his name won't help your parents. They did bad things. They hurt people. Don't you see? They're to blame for Talos dying, not her. Maybe instead of thinking about what your parents would want, you should think about what your Big Sis Talos would want. I think you should tell them his name... and your parents' too."

[veiledflame]

Sotero winces when Votelli reminds him of the fate of Talos, ducking his head in what almost looks to be shamed when she advises him to offer up both. It was true - even if he loved the couple who had raised him and kept him safe all these years.... They hadn't kept Talos safe. He knew they wouldn't have kept Votelli safe either. That wasn't fair at all. His will wavers again and he's caught for a drawn out moment of miserable debate before he comes to a decision.

Shoulders squaring as his small form straightens, Sotero looks up to meet Suijin's gaze, an almost-defiant little tilt to his chin as he stares her down. Almost as if he, too, is trying to decide if she'd been telling him the truth or not. "Taniguchi Shoto. Taniguchi Miu. And..."

He pauses, his gaze drifts away from her, behind her, finding the other assembled gods and their shinki waiting with sharp anticipation. And then, without a moment of hesitation, his eyes lock with someone in the crowd, his reddened gaze narrowing for a moment before he lifts a hand and points directly at one of the shinki standing in Amaterasu's entourage.

"It was him. He said his name was Sabimei. he was the one who let me into Takamagahara."

[sweetspringwater]

Suijin - along with many others - whip around to stare in that direction before Sotero has even said aloud the traitor's name. There's ultimately no action taken until the boy speaks, though.

The handful of Amaterasu's other shinki nearby, immediately jump away from Sabimei to join with some of Suijin's, Fuujin's, Raijin's, and other old gods' shinki in a wide circle with borderlines thrown straight away. It's bigger than any Ablution spell normally would be; it's just one borderline after another trying to prevent an escape or retaliation.

Suijin takes one step towards him, a rasped-out attempt at an even tone that is the closest to 'angry' anyone has seen her. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

[shiningspell]

There's only one reason Sabimei is at this gathering in the first place, and it's standing right in front of him. To not be prepared for the possibility that the rogue gods would out him would be unacceptable, to not even be there to defend his own name.

Not a 'good' name, anymore, but a name he had worked so hard to have mean so much more than it once had. Perhaps it's for that reason that he remains calm when he's surrounded. If he lets the accusation catch him off guard, it ends here.

Or perhaps it's resignation. It's difficult to tell from the outside, but he doesn't raise a hand against the borderlines. He knows the strength of these shinki better than most but their own gods, and numbers will ultimately out.

Suijin's tone does make him swallow. It's not often one sees the calm goddess this close to rage, but his tone remains level as he responds. Surely anyone would be as surprised to see that. "What word do you have but that of a rogue god that I have done anything, Lady Suijin? There's nothing to say this is any more than an excuse to sow further discord in the Heavens."

His tone is carefully polite, but firm in his denial. If they really want the truth, he knows they'll get it, but for now, he's resolute.

[kokuyoyo]

Over to the side, where Temple Lie Tieugai is quite certainly in attendance, its exemplar finally shifts into movement. Not to join the borderline prison, or toss out an accusation, but to merely slide his fingers into the hair at the back of his partner's neck. Chikusa and Ken have spent all of their existences alongside one another, so, while Chikusa may not understand people, he understands Ken. While everyone is focused on the event before them, he's focused on the way Ken's hair bristles and those muscles tense to fling himself at the prison. Under his breath, he murmurs some things in Italian to his partner to calm him down. They'll act when they need to.

Only when he's finished that does he look back up at the shitshow occurring before them, gaze dead and piercing. It takes some effort to make his normally quiet and slow voice rise up to be heard by those in attendance, but, in this case, he thinks it's effort worth it.

"Amaterasu has dozens of shinki. I doubt the cult knows all their names, without access to the Far Shore. How would they be able to give one of their gods a name to pin the blame on? Why name someone fairly high up in the order, with something vaguely resembling prestige behind them, instead of someone further down the ladder who would be easier to accuse?"

With all that said, more than the youth normally bothers to say at any given point, he hands over his phone to Hakkai while it's still filming and steps forward. He's standing up straight, for once, and keeps his hand still on Ken's neck. The other...

"...But if you really want to prove your innocence, then just submit yourself to me... and we can get the truth out that way."

[priforprince]

The ring of shinki casting protective borderlines will suddenly find themselves with, ah, baa-ckup: a second ring of plush purple goat robots rolls into formation, medieval shields and pikes mounted on the wheeled platforms that enable them to move. These goats also wear little plumed helmets with bumps to accommodate their horns. They are a maa-gnificent guard baa-ttalion.

Hanging towards the back of the assembly, the brilliant god Apollo looks away with a sniff and tucks her cellphone into a fold of the blanket she’s wearing to protect against this wretched illness threatening to descend upon her. She looks utterly unsurprised by this revelation.

In fact, she appears faintly, dismissively smug.

[unlucky7]

Ginia's gaze falls over to Sabimei as Sotero names him. In a position of trust, one of the ones who associated with them and would have an idea of who was arriving, a powerful magic user, he certainly would be able to aid the cult. The big question is why and as he stands calm and denies his guilt in a field of borderlines, it's clear he isn't giving up easily.

She inclines her head at Ayumu and Toyo - they'll have to continue their conversation later - and moves to rejoin her temple. No doubt there will be plenty of people ready to point out Amaterasu was wrong about the innocence of her shinki. There's a bit of smugness on her part too, but Ginia understands why the goddess would have the utmost faith in her shinki too. You're my shinki, you'll only do good. My shinki are the best. It's what Ebisu says all the time. Why would the queen of heaven be any different?

Ginia takes a spot with her temple where she can keep an eye on Kimi and Takami. Until Sotero is pardoned and all is put to rest, she won't stop worrying about the name on her boyfriend. Takami she always worries about with all matters of Heaven's politics, especially with the slow direction things are going in. All there is to do now is observe.

[hypomeneo]

Well, well, well...

There's an internal explosion of utter fury and Waver's lips curl back in a snarl as his eyes flicker to the children. Using children cannot be forgiven. Even above treason - a topic Waver finds he has strong opinions and feelings on. Even if Heaven's rot might make any potential motive understandable.

... and then there's the loss of Satya...

Rage goes cold and calculating quickly as he watches the swallow, because Amaterasu hasn't been blighted once, and what about this does Sabimei consider just and right? He isn't going to speak, not just yet given his overall low status as shinki, but given how his expression is turning to ice, it's clear what words Waver is turning over in his mind are barbed sharp as razors.

[towards_okeanos]

There's a steady hand on Waver's shoulder and a calm voice in his ear. Barely above whisper.

"Shh. Let the wolves have him."

Iskandar understands where that fury comes from. Even if he doesn't share the sentiment and doesn't care about any of the children. It is, of course, regrettable that they got involved but that is sometimes the way how things turn out. The young and impressionable getting used by the old and ruthless is nothing new. Sad but not new.

Treason on the other hand. That he cares about and cares a lot.

"Unless the man is innocent as he says. Though I wouldn't bet on it judging from the reaction of his own house."

Iskandar may not be very fond of all the politicking but he prefers to stay informed. His curiosity has definitely been satisfied by this most interesting of developments. Of all the people, this guy he wouldn't suspect.

[hypomeneo]

"Innocent? Like hell from that body language."

Perhaps it's a flaw of his and he cares too much. Waver's words are whisper soft and growled as he leans back. Regardless of innocence, which Waver has already stated what he's observed, there's no such thing as innocent before proven guilty in Heaven. One has to look no further than Ebisu's Temple.

Idiot. He half wonders if he's set up to take the fall, because who is fucking stupid enough to expose themselves like that?

"I'll hold my tongue. Promise. I'm more interested in hearing what he has to bloody well say for himself."

[towards_okeanos]

"It is evident he's not beyond suspicion. Otherwise, others in his Temple would be mortally offended on his behalf by such accusations. Yet, they are not."

That you are still able to care. It's not a flaw at all. It's a virtue. Never lose it.

Still, even if Iskandar is not that moved by the plight of the children, he is not completely indifferent to it. They certainly impressed him by their courage. There just is not much he can do to help them right now. It's their stand. They risked a lot coming here. They deserve at least to be heard.

"Good. I'm sure there would be excuses. People are able to explain almost anything to themselves when they believe they are right."

...and innocent until proven guilty is not exactly concept Iskandar is really familiar with either.

[hypomeneo]

"That is very true."

To all of it. It's all he says.

But would they? Perhaps it's as he says, Amaterasu's house would want to present a united front against such accusations, and would only break ranks and turn if they only suspected him in turn. Perhaps it's a ploy to divert suspicion from the rest of them as well for the moment - going back to being the man set to take the fall. The events have been intricate and well coordinated. There's all the reason to wonder if there's been more than one traitor about. It would not surprise Waver if Sabimei is a sacrifice to keep other traitors safe by giving the new generation what they want.

Perhaps it's because Sotero is a god - a rogue god but still a god - and the word of a god is worth so much more than any shinki. Everyone jumped immediately, not just Amaterasu's house, there was no hesitation from anyone. Shinki are conditioned to follow, a god and Heaven is held supreme, and Waver doesn't doubt it would be easy for a household to turn against a member even for a perceived slight against their master, much less a betrayal. ... he's heard so many stories from the old shinki of Ebisu's temple about how easily a shinki can slip from favor or be damned.

Waver stands in deliberation, convinced of nothing save Sabimei's guilt in the matter but with suspicions. The events about to play out will tell.

[sassywelshcatgirl]

With the name spoken, Nia knew where she belonged. She stepped up -- behind Voltelli and Sotero. Ignore the fact that she isn't that much taller than the two kids, please. The set lines of her face make her look more mature and absolutely determined.

If Heaven turns this back on the two, she'll be ready. They have her support through anything.

[medicinemaster]

It's clear to Yaone, at least, where Nia's heart and loyalties lie. It's not that she desired for her shinki to pledge her life to her or anything like that. To swear fealty to another is a very serious and sincere promise. She hasn't known Nia very long, despite taking her into her temple, accomodating her and trying to be as supportive of her as possible. Rationally, logically - of course, she hasn't earned much trust or respect yet.

But hurt feelings don't always follow clear lines of reasoning and it's hard not to feel rejected. Or that she'll be able to fully trust Nia in the future. As inexperienced of a goddess as Yaone might be, she understands partnership well enough and a partner she can't count on for steady support could very well get her killed.

Yaone needs to get away for a few minutes and collect herself. Without a word, she quickly slips away from the gathering and into the trees.

[kagenonadeshiko]

Sabimei?

That's a name that Ayumu knows mostly through Chikusa and seeing him around training. He always sounded like a terribly boring individual but it's not a bad cover. It's easy to overlook someone like that in a crowd of more attention grabbing individuals. But what kind of idiot uses their real name? Clearly, Sabimei's too stupid for covert work. Her eye narrows as she studies him and his borderline prison from afar. It might hold but she doesn't know any of those shinki and given the sheer incompetence the Heavens displays on a regular basis, Ayumu doesn't trust them as far as she can throw them. Especially if it's possible that any of them were trained by them.

"Come, Asaki," she whispers as quietly and discreetly as she can manage, Toyo dissolving at her side and reforming into her vessel form - a simple kunai.

Ayumu tucks it into the breast of her kimono. It's more a precautionary action than anything else in case Sabimei somehow manages to break free. All of these borderlines are putting her a little on edge; arming herself and tucking Toyo away for safekeeping while she has the opportunity makes her feel better.

Once that's done, she calls out to the man in a cold but dignified tone.

"Did you murder Amaterasu-sama's previous incarnation?"

A bold accusation but Ayumu's nothing if not bold in situations like this.

[revolutionfalcon]

Shun is watching from a higher vantage point, on a branch of one of the nearby trees, but it's close enough that he can easily hear and see what's happening. He has no personal connection to either of the rogue gods, but if there was a possibility one of them could name more people to keep an eye out for, he wanted to be there for it.

Naming the traitor is definitely that, and Shun gives a sharp breath at it that speaks of irritation he's been holding onto for a while.

"So it's one of Amaterasu's lot, as expected. There were never a lot of options after it came down to people who could have set the fire at her temple, no matter what she wanted to believe."

Close to Amaterasu, experienced with spells - it's a fairly obvious combination. However, Shun leaves the accusation-throwing to others, merely standing ready to intervene if it comes to that.

[myblueskies]

Romeo had been watching as the heavens spoke to Votelli and Sotero. He had never seen Votelli before but he did know Sotero. When Sotero pointed at Sabimei Romeo looked over with big eyes. That was Sotero's boss? The person who told him that heaven was so bad?

But he's a shinki! And a shinki to Ameratsu! The queen of heaven! They were meant to be a team but Sabimei had been helping the cult who wanted to hurt everyone! He had brought Sotero into the heavens and told him to hurt everyone?

This was so bad! Romeo stayed silent but he did watch all the grown ups around him with wide eyes, waiting to see what would happen.