EVENT ★ THE BOOM

[futurologists]

EVACUATION Under Undyne’s supervision, recruits will be directed to begin evacuation procedures on the islands closest to Nalalona, where the volcano resides. Nalalona itself is unpopulated, so there’s no need to spend time searching for Nalawi here, but the closest islands may be in danger from errant debris following the forced eruption. It’s up to you if you want to tell the Nalawi the details about what’s going on. The older, more religious may have a problem with the sacrilege of forcing an eruption, and may become belligerent and aggressive. The younger ones may agree with the idea and ask what they can do to help. You have two weeks until the bomb is ready to be launched, but don’t be fooled -- it’s not a lot of time to waste arguing with some stubborn deer. Either way, the Nalawi should be moved southward, away from Nalalona. The southern islands are well beyond any danger, but getting there will be difficult without powers at full strength. Better hope you know how to sail a boat. SCAVENGER HUNT: NALAWI EDITION The following items will need to be scavenged by recruits in order to assemble the bomb: METALS: Metal ore can be found and harvested along the more rugged terrain of Nalawi, but there's also the strange, more refined metal scraps and sheets in the depths of the water, remnants of an old war. OBSIDIAN: Also known as volcanic glass, obsidian is easy to find and useful for makeshift weapons, should the recruits have any extra. Fragile, but sharp. FISH HEARTS: The local fish use a strange chemical compound that helps oxygenate their blood, most highly concentrated within their hearts. The Nalawi also share this trait, but will not take kindly to people trying to kill them. SEA URCHINS: Plentiful, but prickly. The toxins in their needles can cause severe fever and hallucinations, so handle with caution. NALAWI WILDFLOWERS: Red flowers with black stems that need to be ground into a powder. Breathing in the pollen or the powder will induce strange allergies in any recruit, causing one of their senses to go haywire for fifteen minutes -- they might lose it completely, or perhaps they’ll find themselves seeing things that aren’t there or hearing their companions talk about them behind their back. Effects can continue into the second part of the event, if players wish. COCONUTS: The coconuts on Nalawi look more or less the same as regular coconuts. However, the coconut water here is also highly flammable and volatile -- raittling or handling them indelicately may cause them to explode. On the bright side, they're extra delicious. WOOD: Trees are made of it. CONSTRUCTION The blueprints provided by the ALASTAIR NPCs are detailed and well-drawn, with thorough enough instructions that even laymen could put it together with enough time and effort. However, local, monkey-like creatures will be drawn to the commotion and ingredients. Expect them to sneak around, pulling wires in their curiosity, knocking over coconuts, and otherwise causing trouble. What happens when fish hearts are mixed prematurely with wildflower powder? Let's hope no one finds out. There is one difference between them and normal Earth monkeys -- the Nalawi monkeys have fins. They seem to be a strange cross between fish and monkey; try not to think too hard about how that happened. The monkeys are largely nonaggressive, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t annoying. They’ve never seen anybody who looks like the recruits before, and will be understandably curious. At best, they’ll crawl all over you while you attempt to combine highly reactive ingredients. At worst, they’ll be curious about what happens when they throw said ingredients at you. At the end of the day, they’re just cute, sociopathic little fish-monkey toddlers. NOTE: When all the scavenger hunt ingredients are prepared properly as per instructions, they will create a stable compound with no ill side effects. Incorrect combinations and accidents may result in whatever problems that players would enjoy playing out. DEMOLITION With the bomb and catapult complete, the risky plan to restore the magical flow to the land can commence. Under Pearl's direction, the bomb will be launched from the base of the volcano, landing and detonating exactly as planned. The blast is so powerful it can be felt in the ground below, reverberating through the heart of the volcano. The plug of ash and steam is burst, lava spewing forth in a violent eruption. The effects can be felt immediately -- the air turns muggy and hot, and characters that have lost their powers will feel them return in a rush. Some will find their powers uncontrollable and unpredictable, and will need to get out of range before they accidentally start shooting lightning bolts into the sky. In this state, powers are likely more of a hindrance than a boon. And those without powers will want to get out of the way, since things are about to get… interesting. There's another resounding bang. A second explosion, clearly not linked to the first. Something blasts outward from the inside of the volcano, sending lava, ash, and rock spewing out for miles. It's difficult to see exactly what is escaping from the new opening in the side of Nalalona, but you'll find out soon enough. Countless impish creatures made of flame crawl their way out of the hole. If you listen closely, you might hear them laughing. They’re actually quite intelligent and seem to understand what characters say. They’re hot to the touch and will burn any flesh that comes into contact with them, so all attacks will need to be at a range. A non-violent way to defeat them is to lure them into the water, although some are smarter than others and may start luring characters towards them, compelling them to follow like moths to a flame. Anyone who lets their defenses down will find themselves more and more hypnotized until they’re following the fire imps back into the volcano; the only things that can break the spell over them are their fellow recruits, whether it’s through defeating the imp, knocking the victim out, showing them reason, or any other alternative. There are also larger, more menacing fire golems that lumber forth. Despite their hulking size and molten rock pouring from their mouths, they're quite a bit faster than they look, and near unstoppable once they sense body heat. They will chase relentlessly, plowing or scorching through any obstacles to get to their prey. Each one has a glowing, vulnerable core, but it's not easy to reach -- they're only exposed while attacking, or after its sharp, obsidian exoskeleton is shattered away from it. This can be done via rockslides, cleverness, or brute force, but be careful not to get slashed up too badly in the process. Golems will also not follow into bodies of water or approach active geysers. The major threat, however, is lava. Contrary to popular media, it's not safe to stand around it in any capacity. It pours quickly down the side of the volcano in a wave towards the recruits. Characters will need to escape the lava's path as well as the creatures that have been set upon them, while helping any of their comrades who may need an extra hand. AFTERMATH Once the eruption ends and the lava cools, characters may investigate Nalalona itself. There is a temple nestled inside of it, where the second explosion occurred. It seems the shrine there has been converted into some sort of prison, wrought iron bars raised all along the sacred grounds to keep something penned in. Whatever was being kept there has been whisked away, though it must've been recent: there are signs of life such as freshly scuffed earth and maps with scrawled notes that don't seem to match any Nalawi handwriting. Each one has an area of westward, open ocean circled fervently. Strangely, there are no remnants of food or water to be found. Whoever was holed up in here simply didn’t need it. For characters capable of studying the volcano (or asking the ALASTAIR NPCs), the strange energy readings are now gone. For magical or otherwise supernatural characters, the power surge will only last for the duration of this log. After that, players have one of two options. POWER BURNOUT: After the sudden spike of powers, players may opt for characters to completely lose their abilities for the time being. For magical characters, this means they can retain non-human characteristics, but will be reduced to a physical, mortal form. This means they will no longer require magical energy or similar substances to survive, but will no longer have any supernatural abilities. POWER REDUCTION: Similar to what's already happened, characters can continue to coast on nerfed abilities. This will remain in play until otherwise noted, so please pick whatever option is most sustainable for you. Please note this is not optional: magical characters will be affected in one way or the other, and all powers (including AC Rewards) will need to be removed or severely toned down. OOC INFO The actions in this log will take two IC weeks. Gathering, construction, and evacuation will take up the bulk of this time. REMINDER: we always take player plot suggestions! Please see the suggestion page here. If you have a question about the Nalawi mission in general, please use the mission overview page to help keep questions in one location for easy player reference. The questions thread below should only be for questions that pertain to this specific log.

Comments

Taking the easy way out

[boneafide]

[ Yes, yes he is talking way too loud. So loud that even this half-dying-from-lack-of-magic skeleton hears him, and stumbles his way towards the offensive-sounding human-looking being. Unfortunately, a shambling skeleton doesn't do much to help the natives feel much calmer, and a few of them run off at even the sight of Papyrus approaching. The ones that don't, however, are greeted to the sight of Papyrus putting a hand on Hyde's shoulder and "grinning" as one does when they don't have lips. Or skin. ]

Hello there, fellow ALASTAIR recruit!

[hydesout]

[Hyde would have normally grabbed anyone who laid a hand on him out of the blue, but he isn't doing so well himself. He puts on a strong front still, but he feels like a wilting flower. Utterly ragged, he could keel over.]

Oh, hello. [Another skeleton? He sure hopes this one's as much of a comedic genius. That's the reason he sounds pleased rather than growling at Papyrus right away.]

You want to give me a hand here? Tell them.

[boneafide]

Actually, I have something very important to tell you regarding this! Which I think we should be alone for. Go along, little deer people!

[Papyrus shooes away the remaining Nawali who seem grumpy but go along with it enough to leave, because this guy was freaking them out anyway. And, once they're alone:]

I don't believe we've met before! My name is The Great Papyrus! May just have your name as well?

[hydesout]

[Hey now. He was working on those guys, he totally had it in the bag, just a little more convincing and it would be a done deal?! (Yeah, sure keep thinking that)

At least this is starting out amusing though.]

The Great Hyde. What's it about?

[Maybe they got enough and he doesn't have to work anymore.]

[boneafide]

[Somehow, Papyrus grins wider.]

Well, the Great Hyde! A very good name there!! Anyway, my best friend Undyne is the one who is handling a lot of this treasure hunt for presents, and she said she'd prefer fish hearts!

[Which is not exactly her words. But he knows she would Not Like Nawali hearts.]

So let's stick to the plan, okay?

[hydesout]

[He can't believe this guy actually went along with that. Amazing. He should start telling everyone his name is The Great Hyde.]

I get what you're saying, it isn't terribly nice after all. But, if they could be more effective and easier to come by, why wouldn't we?

-Did you call it a treasure hunt for presents? [Tearing out hearts doesn't sound much like 'a treasure hunt for presents'. Why does he sound like he's 12 and 40 all at once.]

[boneafide]

[Hey, why do you think he calls HIMSELF the Great Papyrus? Eventually, some people go with it!]

We don't know if it'll be more effective, and being a murderer won't be easier in the long run, will it?

[And despite this being the topic of conversation, he's still continuing to be pretty cheerful and educational, despite what they're talking about. ]

And I did! Calling it a "bomb" doesn't sound right to me. It's more like we're giving the volcano-god a present!

["Why does he sound like he's 12 and 40 all at once." Welcome to Papyrus.]

[hydesout]

Are you sure the volcano-god wants a present like that? Seems to me it might make them angry, more than anything else.

[But he shrugs, nonchalant.]

Anyway, it isn't really murder if they agree.

[boneafide]

I don't think giving them the hearts of their citizens is going to make them any happier either!

Let's just avoid all that anyway! For fun!

[Come on, pal.]

[hydesout]

[For fun...what makes it fun though...]

You'd be surprised. They tend to like that sort of thing, apparently. It might pop out and decide it doesn't even need to errupt anymore.

Or it could get a taste for blood and go on a rampage. Either way.

[See that would be much more fun.]

[boneafide]

You know, I think perhaps we should avoid things involving rampages and blood! They are often really not fun for everyone. Almost a "selective audience" sort of thing.

You know what is though? Puzzles! What say you we finish up this quest and then solve some puzzles or make them instead!

[He's Trying.]

[hydesout]

["Almost" makes him laugh. No, it's definitely a selective audience kind of thing. But who caaaares, his own fun is what matters.]

...What sort of puzzles? It's hard to beat rampages and blood.

[He's not opposed to the idea of puzzles, that can be fun. Depending on what sort.]

[boneafide]

I'm most certain that my puzzles would absolutely beat rampages and blood! You see, I am an expert puzzle maker! I've used all sorts of props in my deadly mazes before, like electrical traps, vicious spikes, and cannons, spears, you name it! In fact, don't tell anyone, but I'm thinking of keeping a few of the coconuts to myself, you know, just in case!

Now, doesn't that sound like more fun?

[hydesout]

[Okay, honestly that sounds pretty damn great, exciting, which is exactly what he wants.]

Well. You have my attention. If it's dangerous, I'm in. Anything else you could make use of?

[Although he's...not entirely certain he could do it in his current state.]

[boneafide]

Now that's the spirit!

Unfortunately, I... am not in the fittest of moods, right now. A longlasting case of seasickness!

[ Which is what he's calling it, when the real case is DYING FROM LACK OF MAGIC. ]

So instead I am simply planning out the course and gathering my own materials, as well as the treasures for the volcano god! My real question is... would you like to plan it out with me, or do you want to be my first victim??

[hydesout]

Having a tough go of it myself. [Not dying but...fading, it's tough to stay Hyde like this.]

Now that's a good question. You would be open to collaboration? I'm afraid I don't work terribly well with others, but for such a promising endeavour...

[Maybe he can pull it together.]

[boneafide]

I see.

[ He understands, truly. It's hard to keep up this level of enthusiasm he's known for when he actually wants to just lay down and literally never move again. But he fights the urge, regularly now. It's frustrating, but if he gives up... well. He's afraid he won't ever get back up. ]

I would, of course! You're lucky, I'm extremely fit for working well with others, even with those who tend to not!

[ Especially ornery murderers, like yourself, dear Hyde. ]

[hydesout]

[PAP SURE SEEMS TO BE DOING A GOOD JOB as far as probably anyone who comes in contact with him is concerned, but certainly Hyde.]

Then I guess we're in business, hm? It'll be spinetingling.

[Wow rude he's not a murderer. He's only killed like...okay a bunch of people, but they were all badguys.]

[boneafide]

[ As much as Papyrus was cheerfully talking about Not Murdering people but Definitely Setting up Deadly Traps...

Once Hyde says that pun- which he KNOWS is a pun- his grinning stops. ]

Honestly...

[hydesout]

What? Is that offensive?

[Hyde just goes on grinning.]

Come on, grow a pair.

[Literally because HE'S A SKELETON HE PROBABLY DOESN'T HAVE ANY. Hyde just laughs like he's absolutely hilarious.]

But really, stiff upper lip. If I've offended don't be afraid to show a little backbone.

[boneafide]

Ugh!

[He's too tired to throw the normal kind of tantrum he would upon hearing such awful skeleton puns, so he'll have to settle for Stern Words.]

I've changed my mind, you're not allowed to work with me if this is the sort of language you'll be bringing with you!

[hydesout]

You'll regret it to-marrow...

[OKAY NO HE'S DONE.

PROBABLY.]

Puns are just in my bones, you see.

[No but really.]

Alright, really now, I won't. Especially if you don't appreciate it, I would be wasting my best stuff here.

1/3

[boneafide]

...

[He still looks pretty annoyed, but after a moment...]

[boneafide]

... Alright. That first one was pretty good.

[to-marrow.]

3/3

[boneafide]

But don't think that this gives you a pass! I still would like to work with you, but I won't be impressed with a series of puns thrown out haphazardly!