epidemiology | EVENT ★ WINTER WONDERLAND, THE RECKONING

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EVENT ★ WINTER WONDERLAND, THE RECKONING

HAPPY (NONDENOMINATIONAL) HOLIDAYS

When recruits arrive back at Oska, they'll find the place already full of other ALASTAIR teams visiting Oska, and the castle and grounds entirely decked out in festive cheer. The castle is draped in purple and white finery, with a light dusting of unmelting snow everywhere -- even inside, somehow. Don't worry, the indoor snow has been enchanted to be strangely warm.

Dagny has taken it upon herself to add a little plant life in and around the castle: mistletoe, of course. It can be spotted growing in little sprigs out of chinks in castle walls, around from wooden doorframes, or even sprouting out of other, unrelated trees. You're never really safe from mistletoe. And what would the use of mistletoe be without the enchantment?

Dagny has made sure that there are enough variant species of the mistletoe to offer something for everyone. Recruits may find themselves stuck under any manner of mistletoe, trapped until they fulfill the mistletoe geas.

The Classic: This is the standard magical mistletoe, that traps people in a lightly shimmering sphere until they exchange a kiss. Any kind of kiss will do, just pucker up!
The Papilion: This is similar to the classic, but its berries come in brilliant shades of orange and pink. It will only release its catch after a butterfly kiss.
Clinging Merriment: This mistletoe is all wrapped up in itself, and climbs whatever surface it's on in twisting spirals. All it wants from its catch is a hug, but make it a good one!
The Lively Stepper: This mistletoe seems to shiver in some unfelt breeze, and if you listen closely enough, there's a gentle chime of bells that fades when you lean away from it again. People stuck under this plant will have to dance together, to whatever music they can find or make.
Whispering Mary: This mistletoe comes with deep purple leaves and seems to hide within itself. Only after a secret has been shared from each person trapped under it will it flower open and release them.
Evening Gown: This mistletoe is a gaudy display, with brilliant green leaves and splendid white blossoms instead of berries. It will only release its catch after they compliment each other -- and the Evening Gown always knows when it hears a genuine compliment, and accepts no substitutions!
Catflowers: Dagny didn't put this kind out, and has named them after the suspected perpetrators. She's been trying to take them down when she finds them, but there might be a few she's missed. This thorny sprig of mistletoe will only release its catch after they've punched each other. Sorry about that.

THE WINTER BALL

Exciting news, passed from recruit to recruit and team to team: the castle will host a ball soon! It's set to be on the second night of team Audentes's arrival in Oska, and it's going to be a truly extravagant affair. Nothing to wear? No fear! The wardrobes in each recruit's room will open upon an enormous display of fancy clothing in a multitude of styles. Once you've settled on one (and somehow, the wardrobe knows the difference between trying on and settling on), the rest of the outfits vanish the next time it's closed.

The festivities start as soon as the sun begins to sink. Music filters through the air, growing louder to guide partygoers through the castle and into the dance hall, which was definitely not a room in existence until today. The music flows from no discernable source, sometimes swirling orchestral pieces, sometimes something with a heavier beat, for a different kind of dancing. The selection is as varied as the ALASTAIR teams tend to be. Listen long enough, and you might even hear something from your own home universe.

A large glass flower shimmers in the center of the room, under which various recruits have taken to leaving presents for one another. Be sure to stop by and check the brightly wrapped parcels for your name!

MirrorBowler

Team Audentes in particular gets a special gift. The north side of the room is decorated in an unmistakable Christmas theme, complete with an enormous, glittering tree. The care put into these decorations definitely has a personal touch, it might even outshine the rest of the hall's decor. Each member of the team has a lovingly wrapped box complete with a bow under this tree, and upon opening it will find a small, intricately detailed, never-melting ice sculpture of themselves -- very possibly in a ridiculous pose. Those who were acquainted with former teammate Nicholas St. North will find that their sculpture features two figures: themselves, and North himself.

And of course, what party would be complete without the food? The kitchen has really outdone itself with its spread of delicious foods, suited to all appetites and palates. From gently steaming roasted bird to strangely colored foreign piles of tiny quivering spheres, there's something for everyone. Including the alcoholics among us: the punch is delicately spiked with that incredibly strong drink of Nalawi, which leaves a pleasantly fruity aftertaste and an immediate alcoholic burn. (Any children partaking will find that their cups have somehow filtered out any alcohol and are strangely juice-only.)

ICE MAZE

Outside the castle, the courtyard has been transformed. Giant shimmering ice walls have sprung up seemingly overnight, forming endless, winding pathways: an ice maze.

Stepping into this beautiful, gleaming maze immediately cuts off all sound from the castle life around, so loud just a moment ago. Inside the maze is only the crunch of light snow underfoot, the sound of one's own breathing, and the echoes that bounce faintly here and there.

Throughout the maze one might find bits of warm, inviting clothing. A pair of bright red mittens, a puffy coat that fits perfectly to the wearer, a scarf woven in brightly colored, warm wool. If a maze-goer chooses to ignore and walk past this clothing, they might find that something begins to follow them. It starts as just an unsettling feeling, but put off accepting the clothing for long enough and it may turn into lurking shadows in the corner of an eye, a black shape that's there in one second and vanished in the next. A faint yowl may float down a corridor, vaguely feline if only it weren't so deep. Whatever that came from must have been large.

Accepting and wearing just one of the offered clothing chases away this unwanted visitor immediately, and in just five minutes more the ice maze will finally bring you out the other side. Don't take any of its gifts, though, and the maze may just lead you to meet the Yuletide Cat instead. (Which just so happens to be Cherenkov and Crowley sharing a giant cat costume. Don't laugh, they worked hard on it.)

THE VILLAGE

Far outside the castle, the village has been brought back to warm, glowing life. Or at least, that seems to be the case. Team Hearthstone was recently on a mission to recover an item called the Time Catch, and has used it to temporarily, visually turn time back to a time when the village of Oska was populated and lively.

Humanoid villagers, all in various shades of purple and blue, hurry to and fro, talking and laughing in a language that goes untranslated by the magitek jewelry. They don't react to any of the recruits, though, and trying to touch any of them will have your hands passing straight through them. Even the restored village around them is just an illusion. One can walk straight into one of the villager's houses and find the warmth of the fire and aroma of the roasted fowl to be completely believable -- but trying to take a seat at the set table will send you crashing straight to the ground to sit in the illusion-covered rubble.

THE SQUIDGE PARK

After the festivities wind down, you may want to visit the newest addition to the Oska grounds -- the brand new squidge park. After Audentes's success in its mission on Zeta-12, ALASTAIR has been gifted with a clutch of squidge eggs to look after. Audentes need not worry about the squidges in their absence; there will always be someone in Oska to make sure the jelly-like aliens are being nurtured properly.

The squidge park is located off the greenhouses in the courtyard; it's an enclosure containing many artificial habitats so the squidges may interact with different environments to help them grow. Right now, they are just eggs, but with enough love and care, they may "hatch" (read: their amorphous blob selves will grow limbs and enter the larval stage) before Audentes even ships out again.

OOC NOTES

Blind date assignments for those working to complete the Lonely Hearts Club bounty can be found here. ICly, the match-ups are publicly posted in the ballroom for all to see.

The other ALASTAIR teams present consist of everything from humanoids to strange creatures; feel free to handwave them in your threads! The only stipulation is that transferred characters (ex. those who have dropped) are not present. The party lasts for one night, and the following day the rest of the teams will pack up and leave Oska to Audentes. The ghostly village-that-isn't will revert back to ruins at this point, as well. However, all other winter amenities will remain for the holidays!

Following the party, characters can expect to be in Oska for several more weeks, with the next mission starting in late January. A more detailed calendar for next month will be up soon!

Questions about this log, Oska, or the game in general should be directed to the FAQ. You may submit mission ideas or player plots at any time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Achilles is splendid indeed clad as he is in the trappings of a nineteenth century gentleman. His coat and tails are exquisitely tailored to show off his fit form, cut from fine wool of deep purple and trimmed in gleaming golden buttons. Beneath it he boasts a blue brocade vest, and around his neck is tied a silken ascot in a lighter shade. His shirt collar is crisp white, his slacks slate grey, and his boots sleek and black beneath the hems of his pant legs. His golden curls are pulled away from his face in a half ponytail: that which is bound is braided, but the remainder of his locks spill freely over his shoulders.

He grins at she who addresses him and with alacrity returns the compliment.]

I thought I gazed upon a deathless goddess when first you approached, fair-haired Sonia. Your radiant visage does soothe even the most savage of breasts. Indeed I should like to take pleasure in the wine offered by the sons of Alastair - where is another cup?

[ Her own clothes definitely aren't as warm as his probably are, being woolen and all. It's fine though when the room is full of people and cheer is in the air. She's already danced a little anyway.

The sad thing in all of this, though, is that... she doesn't understand the first part. That's a compliment? Right? But why is he talking about-- ...nevermind. ]

Please, take this one. I shall take another.

[The proffered cup he receives with a gracious nod, but he does not yet lift it to his lips, for it would be rude to begin drinking when she has not a cup of her own to enjoy.]

Then gladly shall I accompany you to the mixing bowl which boasts the strong drink of the cloven-footed Nalawi. Come now.

[So speaking, he shepherds her back to the banquet table where stands the imposing punch bowl. There he chooses one from the array of cups into which punch has already been poured, and this he offers to her. But then he takes up a third cup, and this he...promptly pours out upon the potted poinsettias that sit clustered around the table?]

Let us drink to almighty Zeus and the full host of deathless gods who upon Mount Olympus dwell, that we may continue to receive their blessings of good health and good fortune!

Very well. [ It seems fair for her to grab another while she can. She follows him along, taking the cup he offers then watching curiously as he takes another and ... pours it into the potted poinsettias on the table. ]

Oh! Shall I make an offering as well then? [ Mostly because it looks like fun...

She doesn't say anything though, just takes a cup and pours it into the plant next to the one he used. ]

Will that do?

[He had not anticipated that she would match his libations with her own, and there is something endearing to the earnest manner in which she attempts to follow this custom of his - for he has been among this company long enough to know well that his ways are not shared. For this effort his eyes crinkle merrily.]

Indeed, that shall serve the gods well, I should think! Shall we now sit that we might better enjoy that which fills our own cups?

[Not far from the banquet spread stand an array of round tables around which are arranged chairs, each one richly upholstered, and upon each table sits a wintry centerpiece of flowers spun from glass so that it might imitate the sparkle of ice.]

[ She's very eager to learn new customs though, which is why she jumps at the chance to copy him with this strange ritual. She has no idea what kind of effect it may have but... why not, right? ]

Excelente! [ She beams right back at him, proud to have done it properly(?) or at least well enough that he seems pleased as well. ] Where would you like to sit?

[ There are actually a lot of tables laid out so she isn't sure if he'd like to stick close to the tables, or go closer to where people are dancing to watch that. It's a bit like free entertainment, right? ]

[He notices how her gaze flickers toward the tables that edge the dance floor, where a disorderly array of party goers twirl and dip, shake and stomp, in all manner of dancing traditions, and thus he gestures in this direction.]

There we should better see the dancers, do you not think? So too shall we see how finely clad is each one, all in splendid array for this feast.

[So speaking, he offers his arm to her that she might loop hers with his and they can together walk.]

[ She looks slightly sheepish for being caught out, though she doesn't let it last for long. ]

I agree, it would be nice to watch them. Who would you say is the best dressed this evening? It is a little difficult to choose.

[ She ends up blinking down at his arm, not quite expecting it. It's why that when she curls her arm around his she keeps it loose, a little unsure about being quite so close to someone who is a stranger. It's more for formalities than anything else at this point. ]

[He intends the gesture as little more than a politeness, yet when she fits his arm into the crook of his and they together walk, he cannot help but delight in having a beautiful woman by his side, which has for so long now gone without such a blessing. It is at once a small revelry and a quiet ache.]

Nor can I choose just one whose garb is the richest - although surely yours must be among he loveliest to behold.

[How easily such compliments flow from his tongue, like cool crisp water from a spring. Yet he is a man who abhors falseness and embraces sincerity.]

[ It's different to the way Souda compliments her, jumping over his words like an eager puppy trying to get her attention. It's also different from the way Lance talks to her, in his case saying things she doesn't understand then playing it off into something less... gross, basically.

It's why she does look a little embarrassed, though it's almost similar to princes who had been arranged to be potential suitors had acted as well. Acting overly charming and all that. ]

T-thank you very much. There were many options, but I felt that this was the most comfortable as well.

[To see her fluster for his compliment, to know that he has some effect upon her, is a delight all in its own, and for this his eyes twinkle mirthfully. They have by now reached an unoccupied table that borders the dance floor, and one of the seats he offers to her before he shall himself sit down.

Achilles tips back his cup to taste of the punch, at once sweet and sharp upon his tongue, and as he enjoys the lingering warmth that sinks down his throat, he surveys the dancers. His gaze then falls upon Sonia beside him.]

Is this to your liking, white-armed Sonia?

[ Her gaze tilts away this time, and she focuses on trying to ensure she doesn't trip over her dress instead. She's glad to take a seat, placing her cup on the table first so she can rearrange herself to be presentable. Only then does she take a sip of the alcohol, glad to have something that might ease her. ]

White-armed...? [ She looks at her arm in confusion, just because it isn't a phrase anyone uses. ] Though yes, I am glad to watch everyone having a good time. It has been a pleasant evening, has it not?

[Her puzzlement does give him pause, but he is swift to explain:]

I mean only that your fair skin is a fine treasure to boast.

[Look, that's just how women are described in Homeric epics. He could have gone with ox-eyed instead...]

Moreover, you speak true - for it is pleasant indeed to lay aside one's cares for an evening, even if tomorrow morning when dawn reaches its rosy fingers across the sky such cares must be taken up once more.

Ah! I understand! [ Not quite, but she's holding her arm out proudly like she should be doing that... her fingers splaying out to the air. ]

Though I agree, I believe that I have some training to partake in, especially with a knife. I am uncertain of how it happened, but I have accumulated many weapons during my few weeks here. This is not something I have truly used that often.

[ She taps her lip in thought, then. ] Though... it may be nice to relax a little longer as well, this mission has been more tiring than I had expected.

[It is his turn to look at her with bemusement plain upon his features for her odd gesture, yet soon enough the flow of conversation takes him.]

I would hardly object to a lengthened respite here in the house of ALASTAIR, after the days passed in Perdition's Rest have burdened me with so much grief.

[He speaks not of the mission itself: matters more personal had occupied him more so than concern for the plight of the wild-eyed Qorral. His countenance has sobered for the moment, as when clouds pass over the sun to darken the fields below, yet this too is fleeting. He looks to her now with polite curiosity.]

From who shall you learn these myriad arts of battle as you so desire?

[ Well, she takes things quite literally sometimes. ]

You have been sad? [ She looks at him in concern, mostly because she has no idea why. Not unless he lost someone back at Perdition's Rest. It was pretty intense there, after all. Sonia had fought off plenty of bandits and deemers when those attacks had gone down. Then there was piloting a fighter jet after so long. ]

Mm... someone I met, that gentleman actually-- [ She points to Giorno over in the crowd. ] --offered to teach me once we were back. I am uncertain of whether that offer still stands, but... it would be good to learn.

I would not wish to spoil your merriment by airing my grievances. It is best that we take pleasure in drink and thus cleanse our hearts of cares.

[Which he shall do now by taking another generous swig of the punch. Down his throat it burns and his chest feels warmer for it.]

Indeed your time would be well used in leaning these arts, that you may better meet the perils of the far-flung lands to which we are sent at the behest of the house of Alastair. Among the Achaeans, only sons learn to carry spear and shield, while daughters learn the feminine arts of spinning and weaving from their mothers - but among this crew stand many women blessed by Pallas Athena, whose hearts too beat with the war drums. There is no reason why you ought not join them.

[This is fully meant as an encouragement, you see.]

I would not mind so much-- [ It can't be worse than what Urahara's done tonight smh ] --if it would help. If not... then of course we may move on.

[ Though ah... there's a lot of fancy words in there. She has to listen intently to get the gist of it, even with translations going on automatically it's still a little much. ]

Actually... I come from a country that is rife with war, as children we are taught warfare as part of our curriculum. I have been able to operate heavy machinery for a long while now... it is simpler artifacts of war that I am unfamiliar with.

[His grievances would unfurl from his heart eventually, as always they must, but whether they shall fly free before her or before another remains to be seen. For now, her talk of her dear native land has captured his attention. In his features flickers pity, and he thinks on the children of Troy, the youngest of whom have never known peace but only endless siege and countless fathers lost.]

May the gods have mercy upon your fatherland and grant at last the peace every man, woman, and child must so crave. But tell me, of what machinery do you speak if neither swords nor spear nor bow are learned by your warriors?

[ She'd listen if that was the case, unbiased in it as she is. Though she probably would also get too moved by the story either way, just as she does with her beloved J-Dramas. Though it's his words that make her expression freeze over for a moment, her eyes clouding as she blinks to try and stop herself from thinking of fires, death, destruction... The damaged buildings where no one will be able to live anymore. The rage and violence people were led to. ]

Thank you. [ It's also she can say for a moment, trying to keep her voice as level as possible. ] Firearms, helicopters, tanks, planes... They may be much more complicated than you are used to.

Firearms I have seen, for these were the weapons favored by the wild-eyed Qorral, but the rest I know nothing about. Yet this cannot be a happy matter for you to think on while you heart is heavy with cares for your dear native land. Come now--

[He can scarce miss the coldness that frosts her countenance, and so he gestures toward her cup with his own, indicating that she drink.]

Your spirit shall be warmed thus. Nevertheless, I hope that patience and persistence shall be your constant companions as you learn the arts of battle.

Did you not see the machines in the sky that the Qorral had hidden away? Those were planes as well. [ Which she had piloted, yelled at Jesper most of the time... what a great time that had been. ]

But thank you, [ She takes a sip, longer than what most would do with alcohol of this percentage. ] I am certain that will help.

For those strange iron birds that cut through the sky, I had no name until now.

[What he does not say is that he had seen little of the battle himself. In his bitterness, born from the scorn with which he had been lashed, he withdrew from the mission before its close and concerned himself with only his own life and that of Patroclus, who is as an extension of his life.

But before he can delve too deeply into his brooding, the music shifts and at once the dance floor is filled with a mass of bodies following the same pattern of movement, with hips swaying and hands flourishing. Upon this Achilles looks in curiosity.]

What dance is this that so many have begun? And what music is this that now fills the air with such strange sounds?

Edited 2016-12-31 20:35 (UTC)

Ah, yes! Those are planes.

[ She'd spent a third of the time in the air, a third sniping from a roof top and helping others escape and a third...... helping interrogate some unfortunate deemers trying to go back. None of which paints her in a nice light, honestly. It's better she doesn't go into more detail.

At the song though, she perks up, sitting up straight in her chair and probably surprising him when she downs her drink in one go. Ah. ]

If you do not know it, I may teach you? It is a rather fun song. This is the "La Macarena", a famous song.

[His surprise is plain upon his features, but he reasons that perhaps it is tradition in her native land that one must empty her cup before she may rise from the table and dance. He himself takes another stout swig of the potent punch and rises from his seat with a grin wreathing his lips.]

Very well - I should be pleased indeed to learn this dance from a beautiful maiden.

[So speaking, he offers his hand that he may lead her onto the dance floor.

(And what a dance this is, composed of such wild gyrations of the hips! How utterly lascivious!)]

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i'm still crying

(sun)