EVENT ★ EXPLORATION

[futurologists]

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.

Comments

[boneafide]

Have you read them too??

[Papyrus would shout, if he had the energy for it. Instead it just sounds like he's only somewhat excited. How disappointing.]

Like, A Pirate's Ransom, and Love In Bloom??

[Fact: Those are bad books. They are very bad. But this is what happens when the garbage dump is your secondary source of books.]

[ex_mettacrusher33]

[Science Fact #2: Mettaton adores awful, awful romance stories. They are all he's had for so long.

Suddenly both of the robot's arms are out and he lets out a little mechanical gasp as he rolls over onto his front panel.]

WHERE WOULD I BE WITHOUT THEM?? OH MY GOD, AND "HIGHLAND BRIDE"?? (ALTHOUGH I'M NOT SURE WHAT THAT SERIES OF BOOKS HAD TO DO WITH BEHEADING IMMORTALS, BUT IT WAS VERY ROMANTIC!)

[boneafide]

Yes, that one as well! I had no idea we both shared the same taste in literature!!

[It's like they were MADE FOR EACH OTHER!!]

[ex_mettacrusher33]

HAHA! IT'S NO WONDER YOU'RE MY ASSISTANT, THEN. A STAR SUCH AS MYSELF CAN ONLY HAVE THE MOST TALENTED AND CHARMING PEOPLE IN THEIR STAFF!

[A leg comes out of the box. Just to pose.]

[boneafide]

Oh!

[He seriously reacts the same way any time he sees Mettaton pose: a mix of shock, surprise, and a little bit of reverence. And now also a blush, as he holds his cheek with his glove, shaking his head a little. ]

Well naturally, one as talented and charming as yourself should want similar people around!!

[ex_mettacrusher33]

[Fff. Mettaton makes another, stupid laugh, this time covering his "mouth" with the back of his hand.] THAT'S WHAT I JUST SAID, PAPPY. KEEP UP.

[The leg hits the ground with a soft thunk. Instead of withdrawing it, he just lets it lay there, looking for all the world like the worst piece of student artwork.]

...ARE YOU SURE EVERYTHING IS FINE? TODAY HASN'T BEEN... DRAINING AT ALL FOR YOU, HAS IT?

[boneafide]

Did you?!

[ He doesn't remember hearing it?? He must really be losing his concentration...

Especially so, with that leg out... Don't mind if his stare lingers for an extra few seconds longer. ]

Oh, yes! As in no. Not draining at all! I'm wide awake and working on things!

[ He says, leaning against a tree, with his eyes closed. ]

[ex_mettacrusher33]

[...Papyrus is significantly more tired than he wishes to admit. That's unfortunate. And possibly dangerous.

...not that Mettaton is tired. But he can't be having his assistant falling apart on him! Because PAPYRUS is tired. Not Mettaton.

The robot taps the ground next to him.]

WELL. IN THAT CASE, YOU WOULDN'T MIND JOINING ME? AFTER ALL, IT ISN'T AS IF YOU'LL FALL ASLEEP.

[boneafide]

You're right, in that I won't fall asleep! Of course I'll join you!

[Oh, an invitation to sit closer to Mettaton...

Well, it'd be rude to refuse!! So clearly this is his only option! And in his tiredness, he even dares...

To brush his shoulder against Mettaton.

The scandal!!! ]