epidemiology | 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She recognizes Mabel from the network, at least. There's a relief there all the same, to know that When she hears that voice, Sakura turns, eyes initially a little wider before she gives a wave and a smile.]

Ah, you found us! I was hoping everyone would manage and wouldn't have too much trouble.

[And then she pauses, blinking and glancing to the present.]

You didn't have to....

Are you kidding? I've got a bloodhound nose for a party. There's no way I'd miss it!

[To the soft protest, Mabel gives a humble smile and extends the gift outwards.]

Hey, it's the least I could do. It's hard enough having to live away from home as it is. So why not make the most of what we have? It's your birthday and you should have a present.

[She presses the package into the other girl's hands.] Although you might not need this for a while. Maybe we'll get dropped into a blizzard next time.

[And should Sakura open it now, she'll find an expertly knitted sweater not unlike the one Mabel wears now. She's had mountains of practice at making them. Sakura's is a deep indigo, and decked with a crescent moon on the front and stars that spread out over it whole, from sleeve to sleeve and collar to bottom, front and back and everything in between.]

A bloo--oh! Like the dog!

[Sakura takes a moment, but she gives a light laugh at that, taking the offered gift when Mabel holds it out to her. She does have a point. Initially holding it to her as she thanks the other girl before getting curious and opening it.]

Oh, the moon! So that's what you were asking about before. You're not wrong that I probably won't need it here on the Islands, but I'll definitely keep it for later! Thank you.

[If only Mabel knew the real significance of the sun, moon and stars to Sakura and her magic. She hugs it to her, appreciating the likely warmth from actually wearing it already.]

[Her grin goes miles wide when the girl takes it. She twists her shoulders this way and that, hands clasped in glee.]

You're welcome!! I try to personalize all my work. I think it adds a little something special to it. Now. I remember you said something about whipping up a volley ball net.

[She wriggles her fingers, ready for crafting!]

Show me to it. Let's get this party going!

Oh! Y-yes. Graham-san is helping, and even some of the natives seem pretty curious about it.

[She's not sure how successful this will be, but then, she isn't worried so much about what 'team' might win but more that everyone has a good time. So Sakura claps her hands together and gestures for Mabel to follow her, leading the way to the area where the net is being set up.]

EVENT ★ EXPLORATION

Sure! Works for me.

that icon is too cute what the hell

She has the cutest icons. She really does.

it helps when you've got the power of clamp on your side

She does indeed.