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 Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 7:11 am
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Chapter 3: Zena
|| IC ||
After a long journey, the Alkidikes, Shifters, and Leaf Tribe safely arrived in the strange, mountainous region known as Sauti. There, they were introduced to the Wind Tribe, a nomadic people with a rich, local lore.
Although tensions remain present between the tribes, their tentative alliance has remained intact. As guests in this strange and inhospitable environment, they have offered their services to the Wind Tribe.
|| OOC ||
||. Chapter 3: Zena will begin on Friday, August 3 and is scheduled to close one week later on Friday, August 10.
||. Following will be a our last Large Event before school starts back up!
||. Sign-Ups are permanently open; New characters may join the current chapter at any time, just be sure to post in the Sign-Up Thread first.
||. For the Meta, every 7 posts may be counted towards a PD/RP. They will stack (so, if you post 4 times in Chapter 1 and 3 times in Chapter 2, that will count as 1 growth requirement RP).
||. While participating in the Meta, you may not start any new RPs.
||. However, you may continue RPs that were started before you joined the Meta. You are also welcome to write Solos/Journal Entries while you are participating in the Meta.
||. If you have any questions, please post them in the Main Thread.
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 7:14 am
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Vescillea stood atop an immense, rough boulder. The three leaders of the western regions, Enki, Antiope, and Yansa, stood nearby, although not together; they were guests and strangers to this land and their tentative peace, thus far, had been steadily maintained. Everyone who had traveled to Sauti, as well as those who called this place their home, had been called together again, to this very spot. Vescillea stood patiently, a gentle smile tugging at the edges of her lips.
When it seemed a good amount of people had gathered, she began to speak. ”Thank you all for joining us here. You have been called forth to assist us on a short journey; certainly nothing compared to the impressive trek that you made coming here.” The woman smiled, looking around at the foreign peoples who had arrived.
”Our lore tells of a legendary beast living in the mountains. It is said to guard an ancient treasure. Nobody has seen this creature, but recently…” Vescillea paused, taking the time to gesture to a strange, tall, almost rectangular structure behind her. ”Strange sounds have been reported as coming from within this mountain. Shortly after the noises began, reports of stolen items, lost family treasures and heirlooms, started coming in. Recently, two members of the Wind Tribe have also vanished. We are unsure if this is where they’ve gone… but it’s our only lead.”
”We have tracked the noise as far as possible, but whatever it is seems to be coming from a place deeper than we have been able to access… until now.” A number of Wind Tribe men stepped forward, carrying some sort of immense machine. Hand-operated, it was roughly shaped from raw metals, rocky slabs, the claws and beaks of local animals, anything sturdy, sharp, and strong; a primitive drill of a strange sort.
”This device…” Vescillea continued, ”Should be capable of getting us deeper into the mountain than we have ever gone before, but we are unsure of what lies ahead of us… and so we would like to invite as many adventurers as possible to accompany us on this investigation."
"Your esteemed leaders have been kind enough to offer us their assistance. Those who wish to accompany us, please prepare for the unexpected. We aren’t sure of what lies before us.” |
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 8:08 am
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 2:58 pm
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 11:17 pm
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 11:58 pm
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Walking over to where Takoda was standing Chalcedony lifted a hand up to rest it lightly on his shoulder for a moment, gave him a smile, then looked toward the woman that had explained what was going currently, where everyone was going, what they were going to be doing, and he found himself wondering about it. They were going into a mountain to battle with a beast that the Wind Tribeswoman described as being 'legendary' and he didn't find that he liked the idea. Was it really a good idea to go poking at such a dangerous creature in its own lair? There was mention of an 'ancient treasure' but he couldn't really find it in him to care, not one that wanted for treasure really. Unless of course it was something that his people might want or need. Glancing around a moment he found himself looking to where Antiope was and what she thought of this. She must have allowed for this or their group wouldn't be here he was sure.
Looking around passed her he could see the leaders of the Leaf Tribe and Alkidike Tribe as well, meaning that all four groups were going to be going on this venture. He really couldn't opt out, not if his people were going toward the dangerous that was that legendary beast, and definitely not if all of the groups were going. He didn't want to seem as if he were refusing or anything, making his people look bad. At the mention of stolen family heirlooms he found himself wondering of the beast that the blond woman was talking about was in somewhat related to the birds that he had a run in with a short time ago, they'd been doing the same thing in stealing heirlooms. Then again he didn't really see the birds being a big enough threat that they were going to get such a big, diverse group together to deal with them. Perhaps what he'd run into had just been a coincidence?
When the strange machine was carried forward he lifted an eyebrow, "That's... strange." He mused to himself, wondering where they had gotten the idea for such an odd device, one like nothing he'd seen before. When the woman explained it, that it was going to get them all deeper into the mountain then they'd gone before he found himself clutching at the shield he held a bit more tightly. So they were risking facing off with the dangerous beast to get back the missing people? He looked over at Takoda, wondering what it was that the Healer was thinking. It was clear enough that Chalcedony would be going, how could he not go when others in his tribe would be after all? He wondered if the Healer would go as well given that his powers would once more be needed, "I will be going, you can stand behind me if you are going." He murmured to Takoda, ready to use his shield to protect the Healer would be needed by everyone else going on this adventure.
*****
Treasure. It seemed to be the magic word when it came to Jacinthus who actually gave a rather pleased sound in his throat, "Mmm, treasure, huh? I want me a piece of that." He murmured to his sister, all for helping out if he were going to have a chance to get something like that. The 'legendary beast' didn't really frighten him, not in the least bit, in fact he wouldn't mind at least getting to be see something like that. He wondered if they would be avoiding it, maybe skulking passed it, or if they were going to be fighting it? A battle with a legendary beast, huh? If that was what they were doing he would see about getting a trophy off that creature to bring home with him back to the Leaf Tribe for sure along with the treasure, "This should prove to be interesting for sure. Let's see what we can get our hands on, Kei." He wanted to go, was quite excited to do so in fact, and couldn't help but to home that there was something awesome that they could get their hands on.
When his sister looked to him and grinned he couldn't help but to feel his excitement double when it seemed that she was as excited by all of this as he was, "This is gonna be great." He knew that he probably should worry about it, about the fact that they were going after something that had already taken a few people, but he really wasn't. This was what they were trained for after all, he just had to hope that the practice he'd gotten in thus far with his bow would be enough for what was coming ahead of them. If he couldn't hit something he trusted Kei to smash it with that new hammer of hers. Something he needed to ask her about in detail later but for now he would focus on their adventure to be.
*****
Standing among his sisters, leaning against Itzal, Rishima's antennae were twitching in a curious, if anxious, manner. So they were going to be teaming up with the other tribes so that they could rescue some Wind Tribe members, return their stolen heirlooms, and perhaps deal with some legendary beast? It was an interesting thought, would everyone be able to work together toward a goal like that? He looked around a moment, taking everything and everyone in with his mismatched eyes. He saw the Shifter he'd talked with standing with his people, saw his sister Jerarda, as well as many others, some of them new like the golden haired Wind Tribe members who had arrived to join them for this, "I hope this goes well." He murmured to Itzal who gave a sort of rumbling sound as if the beast were in fact agreeing with him on that.
Would Jerarda be going on this mission? Would his other sisters be going? He wondered about that, wondered what he should do. No, no, that wasn't a question, he wanted to go. He didn't want to stay behind anymore, in fact he was determined to keep moving now that he was able to do so. Now that he'd taken the first step there was no reason to slow down anymore, "We will go, alright, Itzal." It was a little scary really but he wasn't going to let that stop him anymore. Sure his heart was thudding in his chest rapidly at the moment at just the thought of going along, but he wouldn't let it make him hesitate.
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Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2012 8:59 pm
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It'd been interesting since her...conversation with Jerarda, that's for sure, and for the moment Phenyo was happy for the silence from her Sister. It allowed her to refrain from being short, and keep herself focused on the task at hand; she was intently listening to the Wind Tribeswoman speak...and when the machine was produced, her eyes widened.
They were going into the mountain? Underground? This...this could be bad. Dangerous. Scaling mountains was different, yes, but it was still in the open air with sky above them. Sure, the entrances to the Alkidike homes nestled under roots and trees, but this new mission was taking them into a place without a direct exit. This was into completely uncharted territory for her tribe.
The Wind Tribe had already lost two and while she understood the need for a rescue attempt, Phenyo was concerned for her own people. Her eyes shifted nervously to Jerarda, her primary concern even after their disagreement; she didn't even want to think about Jerarda getting herself lost down there, or worse...
"Let's stick together down there, Jera. Last thing we need is to be lost and alone."
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Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 12:35 pm
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Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 4:54 pm
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Nadhiri stood towards the back of the Alkidike group, fingers locked around her spear and unflinching gaze upon the Wind Tribe leader. If she was honest with herself, just for a moment, she would admit that the thought of seeking a strange beast into the earth was frightening. She didn’t want to climb into the mountain, not in the slightest, and certainly not for these people they had just found. Sure, they had been quite welcoming but Nadhiri was still uncertain as to how trustworthy they were.
Still, despite her reservations, she would go along. It was impossible for her to stay behind while her sisters went into danger. Not only that, but this was another chance to prove herself further. If she did not go, she would brand herself a coward. But that would not happen, because she would slay this beast of the mountain and prove her worth. She would show no fear.
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 7:02 pm
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Ayo sat atop a rocky peak, overlooking the group gathered together. One leg hung precariously over the side of the mountain, the other was pulled up with her knee to her chest. She could hear the words being said, the area creating natural acoustics. She knew personally one of the boys that had disappeared… and so, while adventure and treasure were always enticing, she felt a much deeper need to join the group on this expedition.
The woman’s bright, blue-green eyes scanned the crowd. She saw both the Shifter Healer and the Leaf Tribe Archer whom she had met earlier. There were many others gathered whom she had never seen before. The women… they all seemed to be female… with green skin and long, curved antennae were a particular curiosity, but something to be investigated at a later time.
The Wind Prentice stood, dropping easily from the mountain ledge, climbing swiftly and smoothly down from her perch, down to join the group who would be entering the strange mountain.
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 7:10 pm
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Vescillea smiled gently at the group. ”Good.” She called, motioning to the men who had brought the drill forward. ”Then our adventure begins.”
The group of Wind Tribe members who had been gathered at the front headed into the mountain. The entrance was clearly defined and the route that they followed was easy, at the beginning. The inhabitants of this area had explored this area often; it was spacious, a good place to hide if the weather turned ugly. Although it was not surrounded by enough resources to sustain a settlement, one or two nomads could usually be found, wandering around this spot.
They made their way through the passages, led by Vescillea. Yansa, Antiope, and Enki trailed behind, doing what they could to make themselves available to their own tribe members, who had chosen to accompany them on this journey. After all, they hadn’t had the opportunity to discuss this venture with their own people… these young adults who were still very much their responsibility.
The idea of encountering a monster was certainly a tad nerve-wracking for them.
As they moved deeper into the mountain’s cave, a deep rumbling began more and more obvious. It was not an earthquake – it was too frequent, too consistent, and the only movement was a slight vibration of the ground. Eventually, they reached a room that was rounded, empty, clearly a dead end. And yet, the strange noise had reached a peak.
”We dig here.” Vescillea commanded her people, who set up the drill-like machine on the rocky earth. They each took hold of a handle and began to circle the machine, causing the sharp nose against the earth to rotate. As they picked up momentum, as did the drill, cutting into the earth. Soon, with any luck, they would break through to a new layer… to whatever was making the noise.
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 7:18 pm
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 8:52 pm
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Shukri found himself becoming less excited and more unsettled the deeper they went into the cave, he disliked the way the earth felt under his feet. It was not the same as the feeling of a mountain about to shift with a rockslide or avalanche but it was still not right, even if to most it would be barely noticeable. The rumbling echoing throughout the area was less distressing to him and more distracting, Shukri knew the sounds of practically everything in his homeland but not this.
Shukri wondered if those from the other tribes could hear things in the rumblings that he was missing, their ears were larger and likely more sensitive than those of the wind tribe. Following along with the other wind members Shukri kept glancing back at the strangers, trying to see if they were picking up something more or different. It didn't look like it though.
What could make such a noise, could cause the ground to tremor and yet have remained hidden for so long? Could some ancient beast have really been living here for ages unnoticed, what would it have been eating and why had it been quiet until now?. If it was some mysterious monster what connection did it have to the missing items?
As they reached their destination Shukri gave a shiver and rubbed his arms as tiny bumps began forming on his pale skin. This rounded chamber felt unnatural, everything here felt unnatural and strange right now. The young man was no fighter but he'd almost prefer the legendary beast to this. A monster no matter how great was still only flesh and blood in the end and they were many. With the way the strange machine was chewing through the ground Shukri was also pretty sure it could tear the hide of creature. The world did not cater to Shukri's preferences however and so here they were in the noisy round room watching as the drill sunk into the ground bringing them closer to what was hopefully their goal.
A tiny bit of guilt nibbled at Shukri as he watched the ground crack and crumble under the force of the strange tool his people had created. He should really be thinking more about the fact that somewhere in this mountain two of his tribe could be lost, being held prisoner or Bergchi forbid dying. It was hard though to focus on the what ifs and fates of others when his body was telling him in no uncertain terms that it really really did not approve of this situation. It might have been easier if it was proper fear plaguing Shukri but no it was simply the wrongness of it all that had the prentice so on edge.
Still, he wasn't about to turn back now, the very idea of it left a sour taste in the young man's mouth. Unhappy as he was, and that was quite visible from the way he fidgeted, Shukri would press on. He needed to see this through.
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 11:29 pm
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Takoda posts in green
Keilana posts in brown
Jerarda posts in purple
The drill caused Takoda to be uneasy, he was glad to see that Chalcedony was joining him and noticed the shield his friend was now toting around. Surprised by the sight of it, pride bubbled up inside of Takoda, so happy and proud of Chalcedony for obviously passing a trail to get promoted. Wanting to inquire about his trails and how they went ...at the same time he didn't want to relive his own trails...for that was a nightmare he never wish to repeat.
"What do you think of this Chal?" He inquired softly as they moved along the drill ahead of them causing him to feel on edge every time he saw it. Would that thing really work to drill them deeper into the mountain? He supposed they would find out.
As they moved he spotted people he knew, Shukri and Ayo who were knew friends from the Wind tribe as well the others he had met before from the Leaf tribe...though that girl was now sporting a hammer...and he felt himself cringe. Nearly jumping when the drill started he clung to Chal for a moment until he felt settled on his feet again.
Keilana couldn't help by get more and more excited as they traveled up the mountain and then down into a cave, though she didn't quite enjoy the cave trekking as much as she thought, finding the close ceiling and the stuffy feeling with so many traveling down the same tunnel.
Hefting her hammer over her shoulder like the new toy it was, she wanted to go and show it to Animah, all proud that she had managed to pass her test and ask her if she had yet to do her own trails, but there hadn't been a chance yet, though she quickly waved for Animah to join her brother and herself on the walk.
As the drill started up, Keilana decided instantly she hated the noise it made, she used her free hand to cup one ear whilst the other was busy holding onto her hammer. The echo was loud and irritating and a bit intimidating. Moving closer to her brother she tried not to looking startled by the drilling machine but was failing at it.
Half turning her head as she heard her best friend Phenyo speak to her, there were a million and one things she wanted to say to her. Swallowing those bitter words though she only shrugged and then nodded her head, she noted that Rishima was joining them and she wondered how Rishima was fairing being mostly alone since she had brought ' her' to the tribe. Making a note to ask Phenyo later as well Rishima she only sighed as they moved forward.
It was...beyond strange to not have Jerarda boasting, and being her normally chatty self absorbed self. In fact she was quiet and moody, anyone could tell from her posture that she was prickly and it would only take on thing to set her off. What exactly that could be was...hard to tell.
Jerarda looked to Maya, whom she knew very little about and then to Nadhiri who had irritated her with the first encounter with the other tribes. At the moment though she just had ...vague recognition between them both as she kept her mouth shut and her eyes to the earth floor.
As the drilling started she felt herself cringe at the vibrations. She wondered if everyone in her tribe felt the way she did. It was horrid and made her feel sick to her stomach.
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 8:08 am
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