epidemiology | EVENT ★ EXPLORATION

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EVENT ★ EXPLORATION

With the storm gone, the water surrounding Komo has calmed considerably. Much of the affected area is in ruins, but thanks to ALASTAIR, a large contingent of Komo survived the disaster. However, with parts of Komo uninhabitable, they need to be able to reach Nalawi’s other islands. With their technology so limited due to dependence on their Gifts, it’s all they can do to build a few tiny, shoddy canoes, powered solely by elbow grease. They only fit two regular-sized people (but four Nalawi), and the wait time is long, but they do the trick. If you aren't willing to wait, you can always try to get creative.

Strangely, though, anyone trying to use their magic to cross the waters will find that their powers are beginning to dampen. Similarly, anyone with superhuman abilities at all will find them waning, albeit at different rates. Those without any special powers at all will be completely unaffected.

But that's nothing to worry about, right? It’s time to see the rest of Nalawi.

PU’ULAI

PU’ULAI is the centermost island of the archipelago and by far the largest. Most of the travel between islands is to and from Pu’ulai, as it’s the cultural hub of Nalawi and the location of Nalanni’s largest temple. It’s very populated during the day, but isn’t a residential area and clears out once the sun goes down.

The first thing you'll notice is that the deer hate cats. The citizens of Komo are far more likely to let it go, but if you have anything slightly cat-looking with you here, at best, you'll be yelled at. Some Nalawi try to start fights, and no one but Komoans will allow cats anywhere near their homes or inns. Recruits might notice children running away from cats, screaming, "Dakal!"

THE TEMPLE, referred to as Nalanni’s Garden, is closest to the Nalalona volcano on a neighboring island. The regular ash from it was viewed as a good omen from Nalanni, who’s rumored to live within the volcano, but it’s been months since anyone has seen any activity from it. The temple is dark as obsidian, which is coincidentally what it’s made of. There’s a copious amount of brightly colored flowers around the temple, hence the name. The gardens are free for anyone to walk through, as is the temple. One image is constant throughout the temple: an inhumanly large, vaguely feminine being made in stone and fire, a walking volcano. It would be easy for such a woman to look frightening, but she looks welcoming and caring, arms outstretched to embrace her children.

Inside the temple are more murals of Nalanni, but also some curiously unrelated to her. They depict the Nalawi fighting against large, predatory cat-creatures, finally culminating in their enemies attacking Nalalona. This is when Nalanni reappears, striking them down. The temple is tended to by several Nalawi of varying ages, all very welcoming to strangers, especially those they’ve heard heroic tales of. News traveled fast once the Komo villagers crossed the waters and spread the news of their timely rescuers. There are plenty of Nalawi in the temple, making offerings and asking Nalanni to return to them -- some are hopeful, but others appear desolate.

CITY HALL is where the ten members of the Council convene. No one is allowed in, as they’ve been discussing the changing state of Nalawi nonstop for days. There’s a group gathered around the hall each day, hoping their leaders will emerge and announce their plans, but nothing has happened yet. It’s a good chance to sit around and listen, though -- you’ll quickly find out that Nalawi is a meritocracy; the Council have the strongest Gifts of anyone in Nalawi, determined by a nationwide competition to prove their worth every time a seat opens. Some of the more disgruntled deer whisper that some must have lost their powers by now and no longer deserve to sit on the Council.

A few arguments are beginning to break out around the city hall, and even a few scuffles. Luckily, their weakened powers have also dampened the damage they’re able to deal, and no one has been injured too badly. Just try to be respectful -- otherwise, you might upset the wrong person. Those hooves can hurt.

ELSEWHERE, there's a marketplace where traditional Nalawi clothing can be bought, among other things, inactive spas shut down due to dormant volcanoes, and maybe -- if you’re very lucky -- you’ll stumble upon a ferry that still works. It’s unlikely, though, and haggling with its owner will be difficult. You could always steal it, but you wouldn’t do that, would you?

You can always explore the SURROUNDING ISLANDS, which are mostly residential areas, similar in theme to the parts of Komo that haven't been destroyed.

Oh, and if you're disrespectful to the islanders or were at any point rude to the people in Komo, you might wake up to find a bunch of tiny, adorable Nalawi around your bed, swinging around bars of soap in socks. Don't worry, they won't actually do anything but threaten you for a minute before storming out. ...Yet. The moral of the story is 'don't mess with the Nalawi.'

OOC INFO

The entire map of Nalawi is now available to characters. Updated location information can be found here.

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[Sorey isn't usually too far off from his seraphim friends, and it's kind of hard to get too far apart with the smaller Islands sometimes. So he's still close enough to notice something of a commotion brewing, instantly registering Edna's familiar figure and umbrella. What was going on? He's quick to approach, apologizing as he works his way through the growing crowd and hears her voice.]

Edna? You okay? What's--oh, the Normin thing with your umbrella? That's what they are talking about?

[But why would the deer people seem.....afraid of that? It's just a charm or whatever, isn't it? Sorey isn't sure, but he's still instinctively getting between her and the crowd as best he can. Trying to figure this out and how to diffuse the situation.]

[man that Nalawi is DEFINITELY asking for a Rock Lance up his butt--

--But she can't misbehave, no. It has nothing to do with ALASTAIR's reputation, and everything to do with her own dainty image, and the fact that The Great Shepherd is nearby. Still, at this rate, Nalawi are seriously gonna give humans a run for their gald in Edna's book...]

...Coming out was a mistake. That loud lout is treating the Normin like a calamity or something.

[She's not mad enough to shift her attention, in any case. If anything, and as much as she would never admit it, Sorey's presence and intervention HAS managed to instantly calm her down a bit. These mortal small fries are insignificant in the grand scheme of things, after all.]

[At the very least, once Sorey seems Edna is evidently calming and decidedly not anywhere near showing off her control over the very earth under the Nalawi's feet, he manages to relax somewhat. Even if he himself isn't quite sure how to deal with this, aware that the Normin are still important to the earth seraph. He can't exactly ask her to ditch the little charm on her umbrella.]

Maybe it's because they've never seen one before? If they're scared...ah, I can keep it in my pocket for you for later?

[Which would keep it safe and out of sight for the time being? He's not sure if she will take him up on it but it's one possible solution for now so this doesn't keep happening.]

[So little faith, Sorey... Edna is a proper lady ok, and a proper lady doesn't pick fights!

...They just get very ticked off and may start to raise their voice. A little. Like right now.]

Don't censor my freedom of expression, Sorey. The Nalawi can't expect us to slap trigger warnings on everything we say, do, or wear, especially when they just take offense and don't explain what the heck's going on.

[a beat.]

Do you know what a 'Dakal' is?

Tri--what?

[Sorey has no idea what a trigger warning even is, Edna. These Nalawi probably don't either for that matter. But that last question makes him pause as he considers for a moment.]

Dakal....ah! Those kids mentioned something about 'Dakal' being real. Ghosts too. Something about a 'Dakal' ghost? I didn't catch a lot, cause their parents told them to be quiet.

Trigger. Like when a memory gets triggered by something reminiscent to a certain thing or event, but bringing specifically feelings of distress and anxiety. Say a young and unfortunate boy got mauled by a large dog and lived to tell the tale. The memory was so traumatic that the child is now triggered by dogs. One day he picks up a picture book about pets, and gets triggered when he comes across pictures of dogs. Do you think he gets to complain? Should the book about pets have written on its cover, 'trigger warning: dogs'?

[...

F-for better or worse, since she's still explaining this in a crowd, the Nalawi are now murmuring among themselves (probably over such a strange tale...). Some of the tension is dissipating, at least, and a few couple are leaving.]

So something spooky? You didn't press for details?

[A beat.]

Normins being scary, pft. As if.

Oh....I think I get it.

[It makes sense. Sort of. Sorey considers this for a moment before looking to her Normin charm and then back to the locals.]

You think something like that happened with them? They got attacked by this...'Dakal' thing they think looks like the Normin?

[But ah, then she's questioning him. About his time at the temple. Sorey almost looks sheepish as he gives a shrug, rubbing the back of his head.]

Well, they didn't really seem to want to talk after that. And we were in the temple at the time, so.....[It really didn't seem a good time or place to be pouncing with a million questions, even if the kids themselves would probably have been happy enough to answer if not for their parents.] But it's something? Maybe if we ask some other kids, they'll help explain? I don't know what's got them so worked up, but they probably have a reason for it, right?

[Bless thy purity, Sorey. Putting up with her ~~tumblrspeech~~ tangents of questionable relevance all the time...

She shrugs.]

Who knows. I may be more mindful if they explained first and asked politely second, but there's no way this 'Dakal' can look very similar to the Normin.

[...

And she raises her voice, booming through the plaza despite her size.]

HEY! I'm sick of this, and I can't be the only one. Can someone just explain to us what 'Dakals' are, so that we can leave and everyone gets their peace and quiet back?

[...

The yelling has stopped, but hushed murmurs and uncertain gazes among the Nalawi have taken its place. The unease is almost palpable. She may or may not have done that thing where she's gone off and intimidated the populace rather than encourage them to step up and say something useful instead...

...It's all up to u, Sorey. In fact, after a beat of silence, the good Shepherd may feel a small tug at the back of his cape. A small Nalawi is trying to subtly lead him away from the public scrutiny that the scene has caused. Can't fault them for wanting to not draw more attention, and can't fault them for picking Sorey over Edna either...

But yes if he chooses to break away from his less-than-sociable Earth Seraph companion and follow the small Nalawi behind some stall, they will quickly and nervously explain that the Dakals are a race that have warred with the Nalawi in the past. If they still want to know more, they can ask the residents of Komo about it, but anything resembling Dakals are a lot less welcome here in Pu'ulai. It quickly returns back to the crowd and doesn't leave time for questions or comments, merely wanting to help a bit without throwing more fuel to the fire.

Meanwhile Edna is still having a staredown with like. The (thinning) crowd that's gathered...]

[Sorey does indeed get distracted and follow when the young Nalawi leads him away. Listening to what he has to say instead of continuing just then to help try calm Edna down.

He gives a nod, thanking the Nalawi before running off, watching him disperse back into the crowd before returning to Edna, putting a hand at the smaller Earth seraph's shoulder.]

Not here, Edna. Just leave it, come on.....

[He's sure that it is probably better to wait till they are alone to try pass on what the Nalawi explained to him. And maybe once Edna has calmed down some.]

[Edna looks about as bright and eager as she always does... That is to say, she's glaring daggers. There's less loud noises now at least, and the original perpetrator Nalawi seems to have disappeared.

After one last sweeping look of accusation and irritation, she turns away from the remaining crowd with a small "hmph", and without further ado, physically vanishes from the plaza.

...That's what it'll look like to the Nalawi, at least. In truth, she just poofed back into Sorey. Thanks for being so convenient, Sorey.]

They're really trying hard to be as bad as humans. Guess it shouldn't be surprising, that prejudice runs rampant among all forms of civilization.

[Of course, the Nalawi start a bit, but nonetheless seem relieved if confused when she suddenly seems to just disappear like that. But Sorey for his part, is quite used to the whole vessel deal by now and just runs a hand through his hair when she does so and he hears her in his head.

It takes him a moment to try reassure them, and find somewhere a little quieter before he responds.]

They've never seen anything like us, Edna. They can't help being nervous about us suddenly showing up and all. One of them wasn't though. Listen....

[And here, alone, he in turn tells her about what that young Nalawi passed on to him, about what they had thought her Normin charm was.]

Big stretch between 'nervous' and 'raising enough ruckus to make a pack of hellions blush'. It's a wonder that they're not dripping with malevolence.

[She still sounds 1000% annoyed, in any case. She does hear him out, though, and remains quiet in his head for longer than she normally would, after he finishes.]

So they're not all hopeless. See, none of that would've happened if it just went 'excuse me miss, but that cute, harmless charm of yours reminds me vaguely of something bad within our culture. Can you please put it away?' Would it kill them to ask nicely?

I have been wondering on that. I don't think I've sensed or felt any since we came here with ALASTAIR and all.

[Malevolence, he means. Which of course he is glad for, but it does also make him perhaps a little uneasy. Still, there's a pause as he waits for her to continue, given she waits a bit before responding to his relaying the message from the Nalawi.]

They're just nervous, Edna. I'm just glad we've figured it out now, or some of it. For now, you're okay like this though, right? I don't mind, if you want to keep using me for now while we sort this out.

Not everyone's supposed to be able to perceive the Seraphim, either. The very fabric of the world has changed. It's probably something like a case of different house, different rules.

[She may sound bland and uninterested as usual, but this is a topic she's given thought to before, too. She's held off making any positive or negative opinion of it, however, even if no malevolence would also mean no hellions - and dragons. Things simply... are.]

...I guess. I may actually have been interested to learn more about the Dakal, if that one didn't make such an annoying scene to ruin my day. I'm in no hurry to go anywhere with Nalawi anytime soon.

[Still sulking a little? Yeah, but she HAS held off calling their entire race terrible directly. Thanks for the, uh, 'good influence', Sorey...]

...

What were you planning to do, anyway?

Yeah. I can't say it isn't a bonus that I don't need to keep holding my breath or whatever for people to see and hear you. But it's still pretty amazing.

[That everyone can see and hear the seraphim around here. Either it's because they have such resonance with ALASTAIR's penchant for magical or otherwise powerful people for their missions, or just something resulting from taking the seraphim out of Glenwood, for all Sorey can figure.

But hey, Edna's temper isn't quite as bad or violent, even if she's sulking so that's....a plus, yes.]

Uh, me? I'm not sure. I've mostly just been exploring and stuff for now, while we figure things out and help them recover with the storm.

Speak for yourself. I miss the peace and quiet. Guess I should thank ALASTAIR for broadening my horizons, there are definitely races out there that can give humans a run for their gald.

[Yeah it'll blow over, just give it some time...]

Anything interesting you've come across, maybe at the temple?

[Since this is Sorey, after all. Not that she's any interest, but it's a change of subject from prejudiced ignorant Nalawis, and that's something Edna can very much do with less of.]

...You are remembering that I'm one of those humans, right?

[Edna, please. But well. He does spend so much time with the seraphim, it could be easy for them to have moments where they forget. Sorey is kind of an exceptional and special case, after all.]

Ah, I did go to the temple. I overheard some of the children there, but I didn't get a lot before their parents told them off, I told you. I didn't get a chance to ask them more about it. The ghosts or the Dakal.

Yes.

[Like, not even skipping a beat. YOU SHOULD EXPECT THIS SOREY... Should have gotten used to it, too. But what better to dissolve bad moods than party banter?]

Not even anything more general? About their goddess, or whatever?

[Party banter is clearly the best way to cheer everyone up. Obviously.]

Their goddess apparently has something to do with the volcano, I think. Her name's Nalanni. Some of the murals shower her saving them from some sort of cats. Maybe that was the Dakal.....? But I think some of them are struggling - they want Nalanni back. Maybe something happened to her? The question is if we need to check, how can we manage that? If she's in a volcano or something......?

Right. Guess we can safely say that ALASTAIR was telling the truth with what little briefing they gave, at least. They DID say she was missing, and one of our objectives here is to find out what happened to her.

[And well, guess who hasn't really looked seriously. ...Yet, at least. Edna can be talked into it, but she sure wasn't going to be any helpful on her own...]

I'll also make a note that Nalawis have impaired vision, if they can that easily mistake a Normin for a cat.

Yeah. I don't see why they'd lie to us if they want our help with these missions. What about you, have you heard much yet, Edna?

[Of course he's used to having the seraphim around, but they aren't necessarily constantly together as they each have their own errands and interests. She might have been elsewhere and heard something he hadn't yet. It's worth at least asking.]

Not really. Nothing we don't already know, anyway. The Nalawi are losing their powers because their goddess is missing, and the founding structure to their civilization is coming apart because of that.

[It does, as a matter of fact, occur to Edna that she wouldn't have received such an extreme reaction to her Normin, if the Nalawi weren't desperate on top of everything else.

Just because she can understand that doesn't make her more understanding as an individual, however.

So after a short beat:]

It's a little familiar, actually. Things probably weren't too different, when the Age of Chaos first began.

So not a lot outside of what ALASTAIR already told us. But that's okay. We just have to keep asking around. We'll figure something. We have to; they're counting on us. And our powers are being affected too.

[Maybe not as much yet, but still. Though the mention of the Age of Chaos piques his interest.]

I remember Alisha telling me about it. The strange things that have happened outside since. I guess I just never really knew much if anything about it, in Elysia and all.

[And, of course, doesn't yet grasp the truth of it. Just how connected he is to all of it.]

You don't need to know everything about something in order to do something about it. Hasn't that been your journey as the Shepherd, from the very start?

[From not knowing anything outside of Elysia, to saving the world...]

So where to next, O Great Savior?

[Edna being Edna aside, she does sound like she's okay sticking around with him, at least for a bit longer.]

(OOC: Is there anything else specific you'd like to thread in this instance? If not, would it be alright to end the thread here and handwave the rest, and just say Sorey went off adventuring/looking/asking around while Edna just provides peanut gallery comment in his head?)

That's true....even from all the reading I did, I still wasn't really sure what to expect.

[The Celestial Record, for all the valuable information it did have, still didn't explain and record everything. No single book could hope to. Still, he figures they should keep asking around some, hoping for better luck if Edna keeps using him as a vessel so the Nalawi aren't freaking out over her Normin charm.

ooc: Sorry tags are delayed a bit! Course and work keep me busy three days a week in a row. Handwaving sounds fine to me! Edna has the perf commentary clearly.]

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terrormine - 2016-05-10 05:47 (UTC) - Expand

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EVENT ★ EXPLORATION

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