[Metaplot] - Summary Thread - A Collection of Past Metaposts

[Dragonflight Pern]

Table of Contents

Arc 1 - Time Flies
Parts 1-3 Parts 4-7 Parts 8-11

Arc 2 - Shadow Games
Parts 1-3 Parts 4-7 Parts 8-10 Part 11

Arc 3 - The New World

 

[Dragonflight Pern]

Arc 1 Summary Post
Parts i-iii

Metaplot!
i. An Introduction

News of Malvren’s new gold was quick to spread. As was news of the new Crimson. A clutch with two fertile females… it was indeed a truly fortunate clutch. More then one of the Old Weyrs had taken note of this most recent Hatching and many were curious as to why these young Weyrs were managing so well. Malvren seemed to have no trouble replenishing its gold population – the new gold was sentiment enough for that – and Trine seemed to be following suit. Even the transfers from the two New Weyrs had seen a marked drop in fertility; one had even gone three clutches without a single gold.

The Weyrs were in trouble. Golds were becoming rarer and rarer and for the Old Weyrs at least, the increasing number of duds was contaminating the purity of those Weyrs. Indeed only a handful of Weyrs seemed only midly affected by this pandemic of infertility: Trine, Malvren, and Xanadu.

How.

That was the question on the minds of the Benden Weyrleaders when they sent their best healer to interview the new Weyrlings and Weyrleaders of Malvren. It was an unexpected visit, a bold move on the Old Weyr’s part to intrude on some of the busiest days new riders had to survive.

The conference with the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader was short… crisp. Benden was not fond of Malvren and the feeling was mutual. The animosity between the two Weyrs was well known… Benden had always sought to maintain the self-appointed prestige of Head Weyr, prestige and influence that was quickly being diminished by the uppity New Weyrs. The Atypical Dragons had been a controversial move but they’d served to capture the attention of the weyrfolk even though they were weaklings born from duds and a drain on resources. The only Atypical Dragon the Old Weyrs acknowledged was the White Dragon of legend and even then… that figure had brought about the chaos of today’s world. No, the Old Weyrs were not happy with the Atypicals and were even less amused by the fertility of the New Weyrs.

“If that is all, Masterhealer Givon? There are things that we must tend to and your arrival was most abrupt and as I said, we are simply lucky. Give my regards to the Benden Weyrleaders, hm?” Eirlyn spoke evenly, businesslike, though it was obvious from the look in her eyes that she was not entirely pleased with this impromptu visit.

H’trel was likewise unamused, “Send a firelizard first next time. This is a Weyr, not a Hold you can simply walk into at any time. Even if Benden so urgently needs this information, I didn’t think it would entirely lose its sense of propriety…” The jab was, perhaps, not as subtle as the Weyrleader meant it to be and the healer stood up straighter, pushing the pair of thick glasses up the bridge of his nose.

“That is all, Weyrwoman Eirlyn,” He flicked through his skins, reading his notes, “Your dragons are all well maintained, their health and activity levels are high, the herds you feed them are the same as Benden’s… And Feynath’s running tally is six golds out of nine clutches, and three crimsons. Are you aware, Weyrleader H’trel, that the Golds you have transferred have not laid golds in nearly four Turns? All they provide are duds…” The tone of his voice was not mocking but held a certain superior note that set both the Weyrleaders’ tempers alight.

“Perhaps you should consider the conditions around them, then, Masterhealer. Isn’t it well known that stress and troubles can hamper a queen?” Eirlyn replied after a moment, oddly smooth in her reply, “I am no healer but I know my dragon. In any case, you have two days to get your interviews with my Weyrlings completed. However, if you detract from their work or I receive complaints, you will be escorted out.”

“Personally.” H’trel finished, a wry smile on his lips.

The Healer gave a curt nod and left, tapping his noteboard as he meandered down the stairs, already having dismissed the tense Weyrleaders. Once he was out of earshot, H’trel sighed, “I really hate how pushy Benden’s getting. Not even a foreword this time.”

Eirlyn nodded, “I wonder what they’re up to…. I don’t trust him. Have one of your flits follow him.”

“Already done.”

IC Notes

• Masterhealer Givon arrived via a Brown Dragon (Rider: Y’vin) without fanfare or prior notice
  
• His meeting with the Weyrleaders was noticeably short and the poor mood of both the Healer and the Weyrleaders could only suggest the meeting had gone poorly
  
• The rumour mill favours three theories: i) that Benden is requesting the new gold be transferred to them, ii) Benden is inquiring about Feynath’s ability to clutch so many golds, and iii) the dislike between the Weyrs has reached such a point that the Weyrleaders refused to communicate face to face
  
• The new Weyrlings will be approached in the two days following the meeting with Eirlyn and H’trel; they will be asked their opinion of the Impression, the health of their hatchling, and how they are caring for the hatchling
  
• Masterhealer Givon is highly intelligent, clever, and greatly talented in his Craft

OOC Notes

• If you want to participate, PM the mule (Label it Meta Interview – CHARCTERNAME) with your Character’s In-Character answers to these questions :

Benden Query

1. What is your opinion of the Hatching and Hatchlings that were produced? (Everyone)
   
2. How healthy is your dragon? (Weyrlings, Riders)
   
3. How are you caring for your dragon? (Weyrlings, Riders)
   
4. Does anything special stand out about how Hatchings are handled? (Everyone)
   
5. Does anything special stand out about how Flights are handled? (Everyone)
   
6. Are there any illnesses your dragon is more prone to suffering from? (Weyrlings, Riders)

• The Healer will be interviewing Weyrlings, Riders, and those who attended the Hatching so everyone is welcome to participate
  
• The meeting is known of, but the topics that were discussed are not
  
• No RPs are being offered with the Healer
  
• Masterhealer Givon leaves immediately after he's completed the interviews.
  
• You have from May 19 to May 23 to send a PM

Metaplot!
ii. So There's This Healer...

In the middle of some paperwork, Eirlyn nearly sent her stack of skins toppling when a rich brown flit popped into existence right above her desk and chattered at her as it waved a scroll case wildly around. A message, it seemed, had arrived via a very accurate brown. Quirking a brow, she settled the flit and took the scroll as she murmured for it to wait. The writing was neat and crisp, almost beautiful and familiar. Abigail, the Weyrwoman, corresponded with her on a regular basis but the tone of this letter hinted at more strenuous conditions than normal.

Quote:

Dear Eirlyn,

I hope this letter finds you well. Congratulations on your new Weyrlings my friend, I hear Feynath clutched almost the whole spectrum. They must be close to two moons old by now, yes? They grow so fast! N’rak thinks he should place a bet with H’trel on when she will clutch a lucky white! It’s silly but men will be men and they do so like to boast.

I wish, however, that the reason for this message was merely a social call but it is not. Remember that Masterhealer Givon you spoke to me last correspondence? He has arrived here – and with (un)surprisingly good timing. Brakiath has just laid her clutch – Havenith gambled his way into catching her again. I swear by the First Egg that bronze is either crazy or extremely calculating! You should have been there my friend, Moroth and Havenith were neck and neck throughout the chase. But I digress.

Perhaps I should start at the beginning… Brakiath Rose, was caught by Havenith, and life went on. A few days after that, Crimson Alumanth Rose as well and lead a merry chase for the browns, giving victory to Secuth. As always hers was a sporting Flight, short but twisting and playful and everyone assumed that was that. Then… a sevenday ago Brakiath laid her clutch, followed the next day by Alumanth! Normally this is cause for celebration as there are now twenty eggs on the sands but Masterhealer Givon has arrived and there are mixed opinions.

He arrived three days ago requesting permission to observe the Hatching process. As polite and formal as he was we couldn’t turn him away – he’s Benden’s best and he hasn’t gotten in the way at all. But, I must confess, that after we’d agreed to let him observe I remembered your saying something about him. You seemed unimpressed by the healer but that seems at odds to the front he’s putting on here! He’s even helping in the infirmary and teaching some of the Journeymen Healers while he’s here.

When he’s not there he’s sitting in the Stands observing Brakiath and her clutch. You know moody she gets when she feels pressured… and the same with Alumanth. It’s her first actual clutch so she’s particularly snappish and protective. Her rider’s beside herself trying to handle this, and I can’t blame her. Remember your first Clutch? I think it’s difficult for everyone their first time. Anyway, he’s nice enough to the Traditional Riders but I’ve had reports of snubs towards the Atypical Riders… and that’s not all.

There’s been a rumour circulating that he’s hoping to bring more healers here to observe. I can’t believe how brazen he is! Granted, I haven’t received an official request yet, and neither has N’rak, but rumours sometimes have a nugget of truth in them.

Pardon my rambling, there’s so much going on here that I’ve had to write this is steps – I keep getting interrupted.

The reason for this letter is this: Did he mention anything about Fertility to you? Or bringing in more healers? He keeps going on about inferior Malvren queens and a lack of proper golds in the Old Weyrs. I’ve never known an inferior Malvren dragon in my life. All I can say is I’m not going to let him prance about my Weyr but I’d rather know a little first.

Regards,
Weyrwoman Abigail of Trine Weyr
Weyrleader N’rak of Trine Weyr

Eirlyn sat back in her chair and stared at the scroll a moment. So Givon and Benden were trying to push Trine around now too? Her brow furrowed. And he was apparently trying to attract bees with honey this time around. Games… what was Benden trying to do? The Old Weyr had always been a proud one… perhaps this was their version of asking for help? Declining fertility was definitely an issue but Weyr politics shouldn’t play into that at all…

She just didn’t get it. What were they after? It was something to speak to H’trel about when she saw him next. Abigail wasn’t the most forceful woman on the planet, and neither was Brakiath… Eirlyn chewed her lip as she fished out a skin and began to pen her reply.

Quote:

Greetings Abigail,

Forgive this short reply. You find me well but terribly swamped with work.

He interviewed my Junior Weyrlings and several of my Riders while he was here, questioning them about our practices and diets and other healer things. He didn’t speak of other healers, however – he was here for too short a time. I do not like the man, he postures and peacocks like a headstrong silver.

He complained about our golds to me as well and I can only think of the environment as being detrimental. Their attitudes are entirely different to ours after all… they could be stressing their queens too greatly.

I would keep an eye on him.

Good luck!
Weyrwoman Eirlyn of Malvren Weyr

Tucking the scroll into the case and handing it back to the anxious brown, she stroked his head and offered him a tidbit of cheese from her bowl of snacks. He snatched the treat, gobbled it up with obvious pleasure and poofed Between.

At Trine, the little brown burst into the air in Abigail’s office and chattered at her. She took the scroll, read it, and nodded. Her expression was one of concern as she looked over to N’rak, “Eirlyn says he should be watched. It’s good to know I’m not the only one who doesn’t trust him. Something’s up.”

“Mm…” N’rak nodded, turning away from the window to look at her, “Let’s play along for now and see what he’s up to. It’s not like Benden will send dragons, they’re not that stupid. And he might just be politically tone deaf… healers are a special group unto their own.”

Abigail laughed, “That is, indeed, true.”

A knock came at the door then and one of the servants poked her head in, “Weyrwoman, Masterhealer Givon would like to speak to you. He says he’d like to look at the eggs.” She smiled, “I imagine without facing an angry Crimson or Gold.”

The Weyrwoman’s gaze slid to the door and she sighed, setting the scroll in a drawer before she stood. The brown whisked away, buzzed N’rak then poofed off somewhere while Abigail flexed her hands, “I’ll down on the Sands if anyone needs me N’rak. The paperwork’s done, mind handing it to the Headwoman? Her supply orders look good.”

The Weyrleader nodded and drifted over to her desk, “Have fun with the healer.” The wry grin he wore bespoke his lack of envy for the task at hand, to which Abigail grimaced at him.


IC Notes

• Masterhealer Givon arrived a few days after both Gold Brakiath and Crimson Alumanth laid their clutches.
  
• He is generally pleasant, if reserved, and supremely interested in the health of humans and dragons alike - including diet, activity, and habits.
  
• Givon has been overheard speaking about bringing in extra healers to help him observe - though whether he means Trine healers or Benden healers is unclear as nothing official has been requested.
  
• The Masterhealer is spending a lot of time near the Sands for both Brakiath and Alumanth
  
• Brakiath has 14 eggs, including 1 Gold Egg
  
• Alumanth has 6 eggs and it is her first successful Clutch (She's 5 Turns old)
  
• The Malvren Hatchlings are now 2 months old and are beginning to hit their growth spurts (they become senior weyrlings at 6 months).
  
• News of the healer's visit to Trine is common knowledge but the letters between Weyrwomen are not. It is known, however, that the two converse via firelizard on a regular basis.
  
• Trine is celebrating two successful clutches and in a flurry of activity are out on Search.
  

OOC Notes

• Your character is free to react to the events of Trine Weyr.
  
• How a double Hatching is handled is not clear to Candidates or anyone else, really. It is very rare so there can be speculation on how it will be handled.
  
• Masterhealer Givon will have spoken to many people about the Crimson clutch and the Gold clutch, his notes kept is a clipboard of skins that he doesn't let others look at.
  
• Because he has more time to form a personal opinion, he is refraining from conducting the same kind of interview as he did in Malvren.

Metaplot!
iii. Invasion!

Things had gone from awkward to tense.

Nobody was happy and yet the Weyrleaders had their hands tied. The ‘Invasion’ as it had come to be known in mocking terms among the riders – never in front of the Benden folk, or the brass of Trine – had been a sudden occurrence. Several bronze riders had appeared in the skies above Trine carrying a team of Healers rumored to be handpicked by Masterhealer Givon himself. An announcement had come soon after, carried on the thoughts of Gold Brakiath herself and the Wingleaders of Trine had been dispatched, overseeing the hasty construction of temporary guest quarters for the some twenty healers Benden had imported.

And while it had be a surprised to the general population, Weyrwoman Abigail and Weyrleader N’rak had seen it coming for nearly a fortnight. Those in Benden had brought up trade many a time, everything from the fine Benden wines to the temptation the Old Weyrs presented Craftmasters across the world. As of yet a young weyr, and dependant on the savage forests around it, Trine found itself caught in a dilemma: deny Benden its research team and endure a boycott of Trine goods in Benden territories, or allow the research and ensure the safety of its own territories. In the end, Benden had found its first check in this political chess game and arrangements had been made.

Situated on the outskirts of the Weyr, the Healer’s Quarters had become the command center for the adept, if haughty, Givon. Each day small groups of weyrfolk were taken aside, regardless of station or rank, and asked questions about the Weyr. And, without fail, at least one healer was stationed at the Hatching Sands for both Brakiath and Alumanth. Brakiath, used to the gawking and wonder that went with a clutch took the irritation in stride but Alumanth… Alumanth already had a reputation for being feisty and her first clutch was not a meek affair. More than once she’d already driven the Benden healers out of her nesting area and tempers had run hot. Gold Brakiath had already had to order a bronze down and Alumanth silent to keep the peace.

The riders that were assigned as dedicated conveyance between Benden and Trine were housed near the healers, in the spare weyrs. Most complained of the sandy and hot conditions and the weyrfolk, long used to the conditions of the south, took perverse pleasure in the Invader’s discomfort.

Around the simmering cauldron of irritated riders and pompous healers, the Weyrwoman was trying to organize a double Hatching, with a Touching looming on the horizon and the arrival of a new gold the reward for everyone’s hard work and diligence. The Candidates, it seemed, were kept busy night and day with their lessons, helping riders – both Benden and Trine – and in preparing for the grand events. They too, were not spared the questions of the healers, questions that echoed the surveys given at Malvren.

Trine, it seemed, had become a hotspot of activity in recent weeks.

IC Notes

• Gold Brakiath had her claws full handling the tempers of dragons and her own clutch alike and her patience is wearing thin. Her, and Abigail’s, abilty to lead is being tested in this time and while they’re not perfect, their leadership skills are beginning to shine.
  
• There are conflicted opinions among the populace about the wisdom of allowing Benden’s presence and so all opinions are welcome to be voiced.
  
• However, Crimson Alumanth’s irritability has added an element of chaos to the already unsteady atmosphere that leave many worried or likewise annoyed with Benden’s presence.
  
• The Candidates are indeed being run ragged with hands-on lessons and drills on the format of the Hatching and the Touching. A double Hatching is an infamously difficult to do and the Candidates are expected to not screw up.
  
• All members of the Weyr are being questioned in a similar fashion to how the Weyrlings of Malvren were. There are pleasant healers among the ‘Invaders’ but there’s a certain desperate, clandestine buzz about them that has many a person’s curiosity piqued.
  
• Drama. There’s lots of it. Emotions are running high, especially among the more patriotic riders, and fights are not unexpected. Severe repercussions, however, have been put in place to dissuade the dragons and riders from fisticuffs.
  
• If you receive meta information, please RP with that information/instruction in mind.
  
• Malvren has heard of this brazen move and does not approve. At. All. Protests and communications have been opened between Malvren and Benden but they don't seem to be getting anywhere as there's technically nothing wrong since everybody agreed.
  
• In announcing it's disapproval of the treatment of Trine, Malvren has openly declared its alliance with Trine. Some say this is a good move, some it's a poor one. All say it will effect the future of the current Sr. Weyrlings.
  

Quote:

TRINE WEYR
Saykiro: SilverShieldwolf
Prompt Participants: Saykiro
Information: You’ve been truly busy recently, with most of your chores centering around the age-old ‘go fetch’ all apprentices and young members of society have to endure. In your case, you’ve been noticing that the stores of rubbing oil have gotten surprisingly low and more recently you’ve noticed a definite lack of oil. Seems someone’s been stealing the stores, but in such low quantities you’d be hard pressed to prove it’s not from daily use.

Around you, you’ve also heard murmurs of missing medical supplies and food stores in similar fashions to your missing oils. Could this have something to do with Benden’s ‘Invasion’? It seems odd for such things to go missing in a normally close-knit community. But why? That’s a question that you have yet to have answered.

Instructions: Saykiro’s noticed that someone’s been stealing oil from the general store for the Weyr but hasn’t noticed who’s taken them. With rumours of supplies going missing in the Kitchens and the Healer’s quarters too it’s up to him to figure out why – it wouldn’t be a far stretch to associate the theft with Benden’s arrival, however.

Keep this PM private. Only share it with the others who have also received this PM.

Silbakor and Optheli: magnadaerel
Prompt Participants:Silbakor and Optheli
Information: The grapevine is, as always, a rapid delivery system of information. Especially among the traders were flits convey messages anywhere around the world. And recently, one flit arrive at your caravan with a note scrawled in hasting writing from a friend of the caravan in the North. It seems there’s been upset in the markets up there, rumblings of anti-South attitudes and goods but it’s not just the usual grumbles in protest of the more ‘exotic’ exports the southern continent has. Trine has come up in several circles and word has it Benden Weyr’s spearheading a boycott on Trine goods. However, Benden’s a Weyr and Weyrs have little involvement in the goings on of the Holds. Considering the upheaval in Trine lately, could the two be related?

Instructions: The caravan’s abuzz with the information sent on that flit but many question its authenticity – the Weyrs are renowned for their Weyr-only mentality in political matters so it doesn’t make sense. Silbakor and Optheli are welcome to investigate the truth of this message.

Keep this PM private. Only share it with the others who have also received this PM.

Ofelia, Farellen, and Gabriel: Rown, Revel1984, elfgurl1234
Prompt Participants:Ofelia, Farellen, Gabriel
Information: Flits! And lots of them! It seems the Benden Healers are great fans of these sprightly fellows and you’ve noticed a great influx of them since the ‘Invasion’. You (Ofelia, Farellen, and Gabriel) even witnessed a fair of flits streaming out of the halls of the Weyrleader’s Wing of the Central Compound but with not obvious reason as to why. One of those flits even had bits of a paper clutched in its claws. One of the Benden Healers saw you three witness this little event and immediately caught you up in questioning, whether to distract you or to intimidate you is uncertain. What could those flits be up to? And what was that paper they’d grabbed?

Instructions: Investigate the flits – ask around about them. Most of the Benden Healers will deny seeing the fair, including the one that interviewed you, but the Trine Weyrfolk, already disgruntled, will be more inclined to talk. Gossip among the Candidates and visiting Traders especially seems to abound with stories and theories, maybe one fits with the sight you saw?

Keep this PM private. Only share it with the others who have also received this PM.


Xan (Blue Opeth) and V’tur (Brown Iweith): TawnyAngel and Naree
Prompt Participants:Xan (Blue Opeth) and V’tur (Brown Iweith)
Information: Fighting, it comes with the conflict. As members of the same wing, Xan and V’tur were on their way back from a Wing Drill when raised voices caught their attention. Already familiar with the trouble that was brewing, and the problems that arose with arguments between riders, a brief pause revealed that not only were two riders arguing, they were physically fighting as well. It was, after all, hard to miss the grunts and the wet smacks of fist against flesh. Their dragons, you’ll have come to learn, had narrowly avoided injury in an earlier event – the Benden’s Brown had gone after a wherry at the same time as the Trine’s Black and the Brown had inadvertently forced the black to ground. It had been a spectacle as the black had challenged the brown, the riders already storming out to check their dragons. But it wasn’t just the fight that you noticed that was worth remembering (the brown rider started it, right?) it was the utter contempt with which the Brownrider spoke, citing the backing of not just Benden but all the Old Weyrs.

Instructions: Reporting this altercation has its perks… Xan and V’tur are welcome to do so, or to corner the Brownrider at a later date. And that snappish remark about the Old Weyrs? It seems hard to believe… and with how pompous the Brownrider was being, chances are it was bluff. Still… is there weight to those words? It could prove disastrous… Feel free to investige this remark or report it.

Keep this PM private. Only share it with the others who have also received this PM.


Kytara and Akaya: DarkHikari and AnimeEyeshime
Prompt Participants:Kytara and Akaya
Information: As harper apprentices, a few people have come to you asking about the events of the Weyr – Candidates, they said, are the perfect go between for Weyrfolk to Rider and who better to facilitate that then the harper Candidates? However, two rumours that stood out to you were these: Trine and Benden are in perfect agreement, at least at the Weyrleader level, and that Benden’s presence is only to assist in the running of the Hatching. After all, with mainly Healers arriving, it’s not like there’s any truly bad repercussions right? Once the Hatching’s over, they’ll leave and that’s that. Either that, and your source seems torn between the former and the this one, where the story teller is absolutely certain that Benden’s just using Trine to get at Malvren. The two have been rivals for decades now, Trine’s just caught in the center. That is, if Benden isn’t trying to negotiate stronger ties with Trine in order to slide Malvren out of the picture. It’s a three-way tug of war and, as far as the source is concerned, Trine’s stuck in the middle.

Instructions: It’s up to the Trine Weyrfolk to make sure they come out on top, regardless of the situation, right? Well these rumours certainly seem to back that mentality up. And, as they say, there’s a bit of truth in every rumour… these are two powerful arguments. Kytara and Akaya would do best by finding that nugget of truth but they do seem pretty logical theories. It’s up to you to believe or disprove the rumours!

Keep this PM private. Only share it with the others who have also received this PM.


S’ren (Brown Tereth) and C’amil (Crimson Cheryth): elfgurl1234 and JetAlmeara
Prompt Participants:S’ren (Brown Tereth) and C’amil (Crimson Cheryth)
Information: You were in the right place at the right time, it seems. A lucky break, as you caught a conversation between Masterhealer Givon and one of his subordinates…a rather heated discussion. In his hand, you noticed a sheaf of paper and from the way he was waving it around and ranting about cross-Weyr communications, it has something to do with the Weyrleaders. He never actually said what was on that paper but he jammed in onto his infamous clipboard with such derision you’re certain that he’s got a deep dislike of someone at either Trine or Malvren.

That, and that clipboard has grown since he first arrived… all of his files must be there. The reason, it’s been said, for this entire snafu is somewhere in those pages. When Givon spun away, presumably to continue to his studies, a flit appeared in the air between the two figures and chattered at the subordinate. A moment later, the two had parted ways and the lower ranked healer was hurrying away, lead by the flit but the why or where is unknown – following them would have been too obvious.

Instructions: It might be prudent to ask around about any flits conveying papers… it’s fairly certain that the paper Givon had probably shouldn’t have been in his possession. And, figuring out what the flit and healer were up to might also prove fruitful. Still, it’s all awfully suspicious… but how does this piece of the puzzle fit into the larger picture? Investigation might yield some surprising results.

Keep this PM private. Only share it with the others who have also received this PM.


Salin: Xaotl
Prompt Participants: Salin
Information: Healers conversing are normally not a surprising thing, but when they’re tucked into the alcove and speaking in low tones and in the shadows it makes one wonder. You only heard a little of the conversation as you walked by but it leaves much to think about… They spoke of the ‘Invasion’ and of just ‘getting it over with’ and ‘compiling environmental data’. They laughed at the idea of stealing eggs, though the tone suggested more nerves then amusement and with one muttering something about ‘none of the Old Weyr Queens producing’ it might not be that much of a stretch to believe a thief is afoot. When they noticed you immediately after, they went silent, glaring at you until you left. A flit, however, soon streaked by you, paused at the pair and then disappeared between.

Instructions: Mystery is afoot. Thieves and Queens and Data all seem to swirl about the enigma of the Benden Invasion but you have no proof and two possible conspirators you’re certain would deny everything if you brought the issue to light. Check around, see if anyone else has noticed things gone missing, suspicious flits… even talk of egg nappings. Maybe connecting the dots will reveal a larger picture.

Keep this PM private. Only share it with the others who have also received this PM.

Cayxia (Green Minth) and E’lai (Green Eltimioth): DarkHikari and AnimeEyeshime
Prompt Participants:Cayxia(Green Minth) and E’lai (Green Eltimioth)
Information: The rumour mill’s been incredibly busy recently, what with Benden’s Invasion and all. And the greens are in a tizzy about all the foreign males that are showing up, gossiping with everybody who’ll listen, and some interesting tidbits seem have taken root. Nobody remembers where these rumours began to circulate but they’re spoken with the air of authority one can only ascribe to the truth. Some say the eggs are in danger… that there’s thieves afoot or even spies. Some have seen apprentice healers come and who better to sneak into the Hatching then a prospective Candidate to steal away the queen egg? It would be a dangerous move but who’s to say this current stunt hasn’t been brazen already? Some of the less willful swear they see thieves and spies in the shadows… and profess a growing potential for disaster. Still more, there’s talk that the Traders and territories of the Weyr are involved as well… that Benden’s bullied Trine into submission with threats of trade action. Everyone knows that the Weyrs take no part in the affairs of the Holds but at the same time exert incredible power over the face of Pern. After all, without the Dragonriders of Pern, Thread would devour everything… but would Benden be so rash as to force that sort of stale mate?

Instructions: That’s a lot to process! Cayxia, E’lai and company are sure to want to find others who have heard similar rumours. The more who know, the more likely the rumour’s true, right? They might even be able to dig up a ‘spy’ or two if they put their minds to it… people sure seem convinced there’s one, or both, lurking about!

Keep this PM private. Only share it with the others who have also received this PM.


Viskal and Zalrhan: Murphys_Law and Sacinda Path
Prompt Participants:Viskal and Zalrhan
Information: Sometimes it pays to be a Candidate, right? You’re expected everywhere and denied few places. Ah the perks of apprenticeship. But is it still a perk if you’re told to assist the ‘Invaders’? Recently the two of you were told to help a healer with some chores – mostly collecting random plants and foodstuffs he said was for dinner that night – and when you were dismissed, you noticed two riders talking with excitement. Stuff like this doesn’t happen very often and, at least for those two, occupying an inferior Weyr is well worth the drama… and wouldn’t it be fun to finally sink Benden’s teeth into the uppity Malvren? They mention whispers of similar action at Malvren itself and some of the riders can’t seem to wait. You hurry on before they suspect you’re eavesdropping and miss the rest of the conversation.

Instructions: Uh oh! There’s apparently trouble brewing for Malvren as well! It’s hard to imagine that proud Weyr succumbing to Benden’s pressures, though… so could the riders just be fantasizing? Shards know that they seem to enjoying this ‘Invasion’. Maybe telling someone about this would be a good idea? There’s bound to be indications elsewhere if it’s true.

Keep this PM private. Only share it with the others who have also received this PM.

 

[Dragonflight Pern]

Arc 1 Summary Post
Parts iv-vii

Metaplot!
iv. Disaster

The eggs were hard, the Hatching would be any day now and bets were being taken on whose clutch would hatch first. Wouldn’t it be something if the Crimson’s clutch lead the whole event off? Or would good old Brakiath’s clutch shine through? The two mothers were even more fastidious in defending their clutches then before, requiring a constant mental reassurance from both their riders. Brakiath, especially, was stressed. Refusing to leave her clutch but also having to handle the myriad of other things among the dragon population left the gold irritable.

Then disaster struck.

It had been early evening and Alumanth’s rider can been on her way back when a snide remark from a brash and haughty Bronzerider had stopped her in her tracks. “Excuse me?” She retorted, turning slowly to face the brazen Benden rider.

“Y’heard me. You’re bonded to an abomination. Weak begets only the weak, I’d be surprised if your red behemoth even clutched a proper colour.” He sneered, taking a bite of his sweet roll as he leaned back against a wall, watching her. He’d been a trouble maker since he’d arrived, avoided by most Trine and Benden riders alike. Still, his position as a Bronzerider made it possible for him to remain – carting several healers back and forth at once had it’s appeal.

“You’re not at home, Bronzerider, and your comments aren’t welcome. Shove it up your sharding arse.” She shot back, entirely affronted, “Need I remind you, my ‘behemoth’ is a mother while I hear tell your own golds apparently fail at producing the next generation. Funny, several of our golds went north, good as their colour, and you managed to break them somehow. Don’t talk to me about abominations and proper colours, rider.”

The bronzerider had pushed off the wall then and towered over the Crimsonrider, anger flaring in his eyes as he raised a hand, “Don’t you dare talk back to me! If I didn’t have to be here, you can bet your freakish arse I wouldn’t be. We’ll take what we need and be gone, nice and painless as long as you remember your place,” His expression was hard, “under my heel.”

“Under your heel!?” Her voice had risen, anger sparking in her own eyes and she’d slapped him hard across the cheek, “You unintelligent barbarian of a dimglow, with a dragon to match! Get your sorry arse out of my sharding sight and go milk your Weyrwoman as I’m sure you’ve been taught.” She’d turned away but she was grumbling, a sound not unlike a dragon’s rumble – Alumanth hadn’t missed the encounter and was winging her way to Hers, a great crimson flurry of anger and muscle.

The bronze, who’d also been paying keen attention, winged over and cut Alumanth off, his bulk filling what space Alumanth hadn’t, all hissing and mantled wings.

“You ignorant, selfish little b***h!” He swore, his hand on his face where it had turned primly red and he wheeled, catching the Crimsonrider square on the jaw with a vicious right hook and sent her reeling.

Alumanth saw, and felt, that and her already red eyes whirled an even deeper hue as she rushed at the bronze. Hers was hurt and this arrogant dragon was standing between them! The stress of the previous weeks and the tension of the moment caused something in the Crimson to snap and with a desperation borne of fear and pain and anger, she tore into the bronze.

The bronze bounced away as best he could, roaring in Alumanth’s face as they shuffled back, his feet narrowly missing crushing a few of those who had gathered to gawk. When he broke away and blinked Between, taking to the air, Alumanth was quick to follow and the duel was taken to the sky. Green ichor splashed across the ground as the two fought, the Bronze’s own temper flaring as he was forced to defend himself, fueled by his Rider’s outrage.

However, the bronze was significantly bigger then Alumanth and when he went on the offensive, the fight hadn’t even taken a minute before the Crimson’s wings were ripped and she was sent plummeting to the ground. The confusion of her emotions, and the blind panic of her Rider’s meshed with the intolerable pain as she landed hard on the side, shattering a wing and a leg, made the usually grievous but not fatal fall a disaster.

There was a keen of greatest distress as Alumanth’s eyes whirled white.

Alumanth’s rider screamed then, a piercing, heart-rending scream as she fell her knees, having clawed her way free of those holding her. Her hands, however, reached into empty air. Where once a broken Crimson form had lain, there was nothing.

Alumanth had been lost to Between.

Her rider was left sobbing in uncontrollable hysterics as the crowds closed in around her, the quiet, stunned murmur of a death witnessed and drama unfolded rippling through the ranks.

Too late, Brakiath’s roar that dared defiance echoed and silence as the queen settled on to the ground and stalked to the bronze in question. Normally docile and well tempered, her eyes whirled a hellish red-orange. The way the bronze cowered away then blinked between left many feeling sorry for him, despite the events of a few heartbeats before. A gold’s wrath was a legendary thing, and if anything, the death of Crimson Alumanth deserved that at the very least.

A few breaths later, Weyrwoman Abigail and several other of the ranking riders burst onto the scene, the skies filling with Trine dragons as they tried to keep the crowds under control. Benden dragons had, unsurprisingly, made themselves scarce in the time it took for the events of that evening to sink in.

The Sands after that held a hollow silence, Alumanth’s rider was found dead two days later. A healer had said she’d stolen some of the strongest anesthetics they had and had overdosed on it, her end had been swift and painless. Alumanth’s eggs were moved then, carefully picked up and joined with Brakiath’s, a little separate but still under the gold’s baleful, protective watch.

IC Notes

• Crimson Alumanth and her rider are dead. Alumanth was slain in a brief, but emotional struggle and her rider soon took her own life.
  
• The Bronzerider has been Banished from Tine and sent back to Benden, however his fate there is uncertain. Needless to say, he is no longer present in anything remotely involving Trine.
  
• Abigail is FURIOUS with Benden. All Benden riders have been separated from the main population of Trine, for their own safety and for the peace of mind of Trine's inhabitants. They eat in separate areas, sleep in separate buildings... they have been ostracized.
  
• Anyone who starts a fight, be they Trine or Benden is hereafter imprisoned. More severe altercations may result in harsher punishments.
  
• Most of the Benden riders have left, out of respect and humiliation. Those remaining are the Premade dragons just announced plus a few other NPC Benden dragons.
  
• The Healers' presence has died down considerably after Alumanth's death and they seem much more withdrawn and quiet in their approach. This has eased some of the tension.
  
• There are plans for a formal and high publicized Memorial Service hosted in joint by the Benden Weyrwoman and Trine's Weyrwoman.
  
• The pressure from Benden has eased considerably after the tragedy and some have even whispered that Alumanth's death gave Trine space and leverage it might not otherwise have.
  
• Some say it's too little too late, others say it's a blessing in disguise. Either way, it's a tough time and a heavy shadow's fallen over the joy of Hatching.
  

OOC Notes

• Consider the only Benden riders to be RPd with the Premade dragons that were recently won.
  
• Any fighting will result in severe IC repurcussions. Period. Trine's brass is not. happy.
  
• If you own a Premade Dragon, you convey shifts of healers to and from Benden once in the morning, once in the evening. Passenger number varies by size.
  
• Bronze Galvanth, is for better or worse, the ranking rider after the tragedy. However, Abigail's got her eye on him and so does Brakiath - so be careful, this is your only warning.
  
• Arguments and disagreements are a-ok. Anything that escalates beyond that are not.
  
• It's become even more important that the reason why Benden is in Trine and why they're staying after such a huge event be discovered. In that vein, all the personal plot arcs that were given out are still in effect. You have until August 07 2010 to get what you want done, including staff RPs.
  
• I haven't forgotten about those who signed up from Malvren. Your part's coming soon!
  

Metaplot!
v. Crimson Funeral

Two days after the Hatching Feast, the funeral for the fallen Crimsonrider was held. It was a somber affair, her funeral pyre covered in the gorgeous blood-red flowers of the south in honour of her dragon. The small craft was moored at the peer, the tinder tucked artfully onto the boat’s deck, with her tier raised above the bed of flowers. Funerals were uncommon things at Weyrs but Abigail had felt this to be an important thing, to hopefully bring closure to those closest to Alumanth and her rider, and to show Benden just how much Trine valued all of its dragons, regardless of colour.

The funeral had also turned into a political hot bed. Abigail had thought long and hard on how to turn the events around and put pressure back on Benden and her plan boiled down to something so simple she was inclined to call it genius. The Weyrwoman was not pleased with the Healers’ presence, or the reports of missing goods, or missing riders, or the myriad of other rumours that had filtered up through the ranks and all of it could be squarely placed on the arrogance of Benden.

So when Malvren’s Weyrwoman Eirlyn arrived with her entourage, including the new goldrider and a few of her newest Senior Weyrlings, it had taken the Weyr by surprise then had made people grin. Trine was independent, yes, but Malvren’s presence as a clear ally at such an event was a stroke of genius. It said, all too clearly, that the Weyrs had their eye on Benden… and Benden, for better or worse, was indebted to both Malvren and Trine. Malvren because it did not pursue the same trade embargos Benden had and to Trine because the Weyr had taken the higher road, allowing both riders and healers to remain, despite having every right to bodily kick their people out. If asked, the Malvren’s camp answer was simple: They came to mourn the loss of a rare breeding crimson and her rider as any responsible Weyr ought to do.

It was a powerful move on the New Weyrs’ part, and an effective one. It was simply too bad that Master Healer Givon’s now infamous files had grown and he walked with an almost ludicrously smug smirk on his face as he stood with the Benden riders. The New Weyrs might have won this particular battle, but his attitude suggested he’d gotten away with the key to victory. It was all abuzz in the Benden camp – they were almost certain they’d found an answer, and only the Old Weyrs would benefit from it. The repercussions were obvious: the Old Weyrs would regain their prestige and proper, Traditional methods would reign once more.

The funeral, then, was about so much more than single death while not everyone could grasp enormity of the situation, those who pay attention could come to realize that something huge was afoot here. A saying often tossed between the weyrfolk was spoken frequently this day: The Politics of the Holds was for Land. The Politics of the Weyrs was for Lives. It held a certain ring to it this day at the funeral and none of the ranking officials tried to quash it.

IC Notes

• The funeral is taking place in Trine’s Environs – on the far side of the triple lakes. A large space has been cleared and tents erected for people to converse under. There are snack tables – mostly fruit and cheeses but no wine or spirits are being offered.
  
• Malvren’s presence is for a single day – the day of the Funeral – and that is all.
   
  
• It has also been announced that the Benden Healers and Riders will be leaving on mass in three days’ time. The last to leave with by Master Healer Givon and his personal attendants.
  
• This is a group ORP. Malvren Senior Weyrlings, Trine Junior Weyrlings (and Riders), and Benden Riders are all welcome to mingle. Keep in mind the rules Abigail imposed regarding conflicts.
  
• While the Senior Weyrlings should technically not have known how to go Between, Eirlyn had made special arrangements for the group when she asked if they would like to attend with her and received a majority vote of yes. They have spent the last four days training solely on going Between.

OOC Notes

• Malvren Characters Present: Weyrwoman Eirlyn, the Senior Weyrlings who chose to come, and three Wingleaders. H’trel was left in charge at Malvren.
  
• Trine Characters Present: Junior Weyrlings, Weyrwoman Abigail, Weyrleader N’rak, and anyone who wishes to be present.
  
• Benden Characters Present: Benden Riders, Benden Healers, Master Healer Givon. The brass of Benden has not made an appearance.
  
• [ORP Is Located Here] – It will be open for 1 week.
  
• RPs with Benden characters cannot be started after August 07 2010 – You have 12 days left. (ICly, the time between the Funeral and the Exodus is 3 Days. Keep this in mind.)
  

Metaplot!
vi. Winds of Change

In the weeks following the Crimson’s funeral, the rumblings and posturing of the Weyrs was frighteningly subdued. Even Benden, with its boastful pride and arrogant healer had quieted down – one might even say they withdrew from the global stage for a time. It was understandable, really, as their senior gold had Risen and her Flight had been disappointingly short. The Weyrleader had changed then, given up to a bright upstart bronzerider full of passion and youthful inexperience by the name of R’nvar. That had surprised everyone – his bronze wasn’t particularly large, or loud, but had proven to be a late bloomer.

Yirath, the Senior Gold, had taken the surprise in stride but the Weyr and the Weyrwoman, Kestril, had not. With the change in power came change in dynamics and a change in carefully laid plans. Too much rode on the stability of power to have some newcomer possibly ruin it all; especially after the dissent and influence caused by a certain Trine-tainted Bronzerider by the name of S’raid. Their review had gone as expected – a comment received and a front put up, at least as far as Kestril was concerned. The disaster at Trine had coloured her view even more, and not known for being particularly open-minded to begin with, the woman in whose hands the Weyr’s Power lay had chosen to tighten the reins rather then think. As usual, there was controversy even if most people agreed.

Thus, with R’nvar at the front of the pack and a disgraced W’lin causing trouble, the ranks of the bronzeriders were shuffled. It was just before this that S’raid had finally received the long promised flit with instructions to search out the Masterhealer Givon’s papers. Malvren and Trine, both now openly and obviously aligned, had kept tabs on the Old Weyrs (though one cannot say the reverse was not true) despite the quiet overt atmosphere, and had breathed a sigh of relief with that strike of fortune. It had resulted in the relative ease of a copied document sent first to Trine then forwarded and copied by Malvren.

The information contained therein had then exploded across the various information channels, grapevines, and rumor mills. Nobody could source the origin – the Weyrleaders of Trine and Malvren claimed ignorance with anything to do with the explosion of information across New and Old Weyrs alike.

What quiet there had been was now shattered as the Old Weyrs bickered among themselves about keeping secrets and how to take what was needed, and the New Weyrs laughed in triumph over the victory they did not even know they possessed. And Benden, again receiving the short end of the stick, clamped up and refused negotiations with anyone, withdrawing to tend to their clutch and plot and stew. Rumor has it, though, that R’nvar is calling for forced acquisition and that the ever ambitious Kestril is plotting, manipulating her new Weyrleader. The truth, however, is perhaps far more sinister, as but a sevenday after the info permeated the Weyrs and Holds, dragons from the Old Weyrs were spotted a few times in the territories of Trine and Malvren. The reports were unreliable however, as they were few in number and brief at best – and with both Benden and their closest ally Fort denying involvement, it’s tied the hands of Trine and Malvren.

With their attention divided, then, between possible incursions by other Weyrs and the weight of information provided them, the people of Trine and Malvren have been called upon, a gestured echoed in Benden as well. Camps are forming and groups amassing be they Rider or Weyrfolk, and the world is turning towards something great. Purpose is strong in the wills of the Weyrs and anticipation high – hope, too, is blossoming among the Old Weyrs as an answer is found even if old prejudices long set to simmer have begun to boil once more.

You see, Masterhealer Givon’s report was... groundbreaking and world-changing. The cause of the gold-drought in the Old Weyrs was, in fact, a matter of biology. He had explored an old, AIVAS-based concept in a last-ditch grab at a fix and had found that the diets of the Old Weyrs had lost something vital. A simple food chain, the problem was at the very base. The plants the herdbeasts fed upon, and in turn the wherries and dragons, no longer contained specific nutrients essential to dragon fertility – explaining why the Trine and Malvren imported golds’ fertility also declined in the Old Weyrs. However, the records of Benden indicate that the plant is extinct because it was also useful in a plague treatment several generations ago, leaving many more questions than anyone set out with. Why do Malvren and Trine continue to prosper? Are the plants truly extinct? Is this really the answer? Where are the plants? What do they look like? Can they be propagated again? At what cost will it come?

First things first, however, the existence of this plant must be confirmed. And if it is not, then whatever is actually maintaining the New Weyrs’ health must be identified.

Above all, and perhaps a testament to the grandeur of dragon kind, it was only thanks to the hardiness of the Dragons that the decline has taken so long to become so apparent. It is no one Weyr’s problem and has its roots in a past all of Pern shares.

The call has gone out.

The path has been set.

Who among the Dragonriders of Pern will answer?

IC Notes

• The Benden Weyrleaders’ names have been introduced : the Weyrwoman is Kestril of Gold Yirath and the Weyrleader is R’nvar of Bronze Hollath; the fromer Weyrleader is W’lin of Bronze Bruinth.
  
• The clutch on the sands a few weeks after Yivrath’s Flight was small, only about 9 eggs, again with no gold egg.
  
• Benden is quietly fuming, plotting, and while there is hope growing it is also a very tense, terse Weyr at the moment.
  
• W’lin is causing trouble – he’s uppity, angry, and obviously very sore about losing his Weyrleadership to an upstart. Some say he’s got it in for R’nvar, others say he’s a free agent now to work with with Kestril.
  
• Weyrwoman Kestril is a hard, manipulative, ambitious, and a power-hungry woman who looks out only for her Weyr. She is often describe as hard and unbending, and utterly traditional. Some might say she wears the pants in the Weyr.
  
• Bronzerider R’nvar is relatively young and, raised to be the Benden Bronzerider he is, he’s anxious to well by the Weyr and is currently a little drunk on the power Weyrleadership has elevated him to.
  
• S’raid little adventure is NOT common knowledge.
  
• The cause/possible answer to the problem of the Old Weyrs’ fertility is, however, well known. Everybody knows some permutation of the truth – some know a closer truth then others.
  
• A call has gone out from each Weyr to its respective Riders and Weyrfolk, calling for volunteers (this is what the sign ups are for – specifics will come later).
  
• The reports of Fort and Benden dragons in New Weyr territories is just rumor – there is not hard evidence as of yet.
  

OOC Notes

• Thus begins the next step in the metaplot arc. Sign-ups now will be for the coming events that center around these new developments.
  
• Alpha Clutch has been training to Flame and have recently begun to finish up that training – lessons are done one-to-one – please note if you want RP specifically for your character.
  
• Beta Clutch is nearing graduation to Senior Weyrlings but they are unable to fly as of yet.
  
• Gamma Clutch will take place towards the end of the month, possibly beginning of October depending on schedules.
  
• Sign up for meta! xD
  
• More information regarding the meta and OOC Instructions will be forthcoming; feel free to have these events flavor your RP until such a time, however.
  
• As always, if you want RP with a Weyr NPC, please request it and one of the staff will take you up on it.
  
• Cut-off dates for Metaplot Related RPs will be announced later on, similarly to how cut-off dates were announced before.
  
• If you have questions, please ask them in the main thread or in the Q&A Thread in the guild.
  

Metaplot!
vii. Mission: Herbs Ahoy! Part 1

The call had gone out and the people of Pern had answered. Weyrfolk and Wingriders and Weyrlings alike all bustled in the busy days of a Weyr-wide organization. Malvren was near festive in its bee-hive of activity and Trine, too, had amassed chart upon scrolls of names that had been split into categories. The Old Weyr Benden was on the cusp of a Hatching and yet it too moved with a determined grind. Riders were more frequently absent there, however, and word would occasionally flicker out of clandestine turnings within the hierarchy of the Weyr. Whatever it was, the Weyrleaders were tightlipped, after the leaking of Givon’s report they would not chance anything at all.

For Malvren, the organization was swift and relatively hassle-free, as their Weyrlings had recently graduated to full Wingriders. The camps had been sorted into those with dragons old enough to fly and flicker Between and those without dragons. All would be useful and all would play a part in the history that was sure to be made.

As far as Trine went, it was more difficult for them. With Weyrlings barely promoted to Sr. Weyrlings, they were only just beginning to fly. Long-distance travel would yet be difficult for these ones. The fully fledged Riders were grouped similarly to Malvren’s while the Weyrlings hung somewhere between, too young yet to play directly into the turn of events.

Even as the groups were organized and preparations for search and collect missions completed, one studious Harper found a guide to the herbs described by Masterhealer Givon’s report. The scroll was heavily damaged but the images were in tact enough to name the Mystweed family of herbs responsible. Copies were made and handed out, the teams drilled and lectured on the spare information the ancient scroll contained.

This information spread from one Weyr to the next, and without ire all the Weyrs accepted the good news with baited breath. This small gesture, it seemed, might have done much to repair the politics of the Weyrs for some in Benden spoke well of Malvren for the first in ages. Kestril did not. But then, many didn’t think Kestril could muster up a positive word in regard to the New Weyrs.

With information in hand and groups organized, the masses of volunteers were set about their tasks.

IC Notes

• The Weyrs are BUSY! Very very busy. Everyone who volunteered has found themselves swept up into plans on a massive scale. Even those who did not volunteer have become busier, taking up the slack that vacant positions have left.
  
• Candidate duties are doubly intensive now and range the whole spectrum of things, classes are short and brief and to the point as they are being conscripted by Riders and Weyrfolk alike to aid in chores that allow hands-on training.
  
• The Mystweed is a family of herbs and is a non-cannon addition to the herbs. It looks like it grows in concentric circles with spade-shaped leaves edged in a lighter green. It collects dew in the morning and is easily identified in late-day by the moisture still present at the heart of its leaves. It prefers shade and moisture but is well adapted to the heat of the tropics as well as the pronounced seasons of the north. When dug up, there is a fist-sized bulb at the center of the leaves with roots trailing off. Everyone knows this information
  
• All Riders who are able to Fly and go Between have access to all the Environs. The Search, however, is taking place in Trine and Malvren Environs.
  
• If you have a character in Trine who’s a Sr. Weyrling, they are just learning to fly. An RP will open shortly for mid-training. After this RP is complete, Trine Environs will be open to you as well. Benden and Malvren Environs will NOT be open to Trine Sr. Weyrlings.
  
• If you have a non-dragonriding character, you are involved in sorting, categorizing, and trying to successfully transplant the inbound samples. This applies to all Jr. Weyrlings, Weyrfolk, and Candidates who signed up.
  

OOC Notes

Dragonriders – Malvren, Trine, and Benden

• This Event has a 4 week window, from October 01 to October 31.
  
• You have been charged with going into the territories of Trine and Malvren to search for the Mystweed as described. Nobody knows how common, or rare, it is so you have both find out and gather what live samples you can.
  
• To do this, Dragonriders go out on Missions. Missions are RPs consisting of at least 2 people from a Weyr. A Maximum of 4 total per mission RP, please, so nobody gets stuck.
  
• Because Malvren Riders are able to investigate Trine Territories and vice versa, you can have a mix of riders from both Weyrs in a single RP. However, the samples ONLY go back to the appropriate Weyr.
  
• Players can have up to 3 RPs running simultaneously but no more, when one finishes, you can start another.
  
• To figure out if you find anything during your Mission, you may roll 1 hundred-sided dice up to 3 times during the RP. If the number you roll is a 99 or 100, you find a living sample. If you roll 90-98, you find a dead sample. If you roll anything less than 90, it’s not what you’re looking for.
  
• Mystweed is RARE. This is meant to be difficult! Don’t despair, though, this is only the beginning!
  
  Non-Dragonriders – Malvren, Trine, and Benden
  
• This Event has a 4 week window, from October 01 to October 31.
  
• If your dragon cannot yet fly, or go Between, or you have no dragon, you’ve been charged with raiding the records or successfully transplating the inbound samples. These two options are the Missions for Non-Dragonriders.
  
• Players can have up to 3 RPs running simultaneously but no more, when one finishes, you can start another.
  
• The Missions are done in shifts, thought the people on the shifts vary. No cross-Weyr RP is allowed.
  
• If you choose an RP to be a Record Raid:
  -five times during that RP you may roll 1 hundred-sided dice. If you roll 99-100, you find very useful information. If you roll 85-98, you find information of interest. If you roll 70-84, you find potentially interesting information.
  -all information gathered is given to the Harper in charge to collate and sift through.
  
• If you choose an RP to be a Transplant Attempt:
  -you do not need to wait sample-collecting RPs to occur, assume this happened off screen
  -you do, however, only get 1 plant per person to work with
  -maximum group of 3 people per Transplant Attempt
  -Each person must roll 1 hundred-sided dice three times (separate posts). The average of these rolls must be above 65 for the transplant to take.
  - Mystweeds are fickle plants. This is meant to be difficult! Don’t despair, though, this is only the beginning!
  
  
• The Group Division in the sign-ups will come into play later on, don’t worry.
  
• If a pre-determined number of Mystweed samples are successfully transplanted AND a pre-determined amount of information bits are collected, it will spark the next step of the metaplot so activity is rewarded!
  
• Be aware that every RP that starts as part of this meta is subject to chance events. Chance events are things the Staff determine and then inject into RPs, be they for Dragonriders or Non-dragonriders. So be aware stuff could happen at any time!
  
  

 

[Dragonflight Pern]

Arc 1 Summary Post
Parts viii-xi

Metaplot!
viii. Interlude

Pern was holding its breath. The teams had been sent out but many had failed in their collection of Mystweed. Even those live specimens that survived the trip back were fickle in their transplants, with an incredibly high mortality rate. It seemed that in their drive and their hope, the Weyrs had fallen prey to short sighted plotting and had all but driven the plant to extinction.

With fewer and fewer samples being brought in, it seemed as though Pern was up against a wall. The dragons would diminish, bit by bit, it was feared. Some began to speak of the Crimsons as the new saviours, others began to consider alternative diets for the Golds… the spark of controversy lit a wildfire of discussion that transcended even the bias of Benden and the other Old Weyrs. There was open communication between all of the Weyrleaders and Weyrwomen, as Pern is nothing if not known for its ability to become a cohesive unit in the face of a common enemy. The newest additions to the goldriders were left with greater and greater responsibilities as their supervisors spent their days, or weeks, abroad.

Still, no answer was easily forthcoming and globetrotting took its toll. What, if anything, could be done?

It seemed perfect timing, then, when a grizzled, white-haired gentleman wandered into the Weyrbowl of Benden and cried out demands to meet the calculating Kestril and her puppet of a Weyrleader W’lin. By now, her domineering ways and W’lin’s seeming willingness to abide by the woman’s ambitions had spread by rumour to even to the Holds. She was a figure of power and passion, and he? He’d become something to be pitied.

Perhaps this man’s appearance had sparked something in W’lin… for when the calls came and the dragons bugled, it was not Kestril’s crisp, measured steps that met the stranger but the Weyrleader himself.

“What is it? There’s much to be done and the Weyrfolk are busy. Why are you calling?” W’lin asked gruffly, setting his stance and peering at the man. This one was lean and unbent by his years, he walked with a pride that was hard to miss, and the keen spark in his eye was disconcerting. His hair, slicked back with some sort of homebrewed pomade was held in place by the band of some strange eye pieces – large goggles with magnifying lens that made the eyes look too large for the body. Such things were unheard of and promptly marked the man for some sort of looney. “Nevermind. Your conspiracy theories have all been heard. Good day, sir.”

The begoggled man did not flinch as W’lin turned away, simply held his hands before him and smoothed fingers over first one then the other in a nervous tick. The wry smile, perhaps, should have given him away for it spoke volumes to his smugness. “I can make your Mystweed grow, Weyrleader. Yours, and every other Weyr’s.” The words were spoken evenly, in an unrushed tone like that of a daydreamer’s but the eyes that met Wlin’s when he turned back were far from unfocused. The man winked, “I am Archimonde, dedicated Ancientcrafter, and I come bearing an offer of help. Well?”

It is no surprise, then, that such a proclamation exploded across the Weyr and the Ancientcrafter was swept into the upper echelon circles within hours to speak his thoughts. Before the day was out, Kestril had begrudgingly sent word to the other Weyrs and W’lin, having muscled some spotlight from the Weyrwoman, was being hailed as both a crazy man and a wise man. It was a dangerous edge to walk, he knew… for if the man’s plan succeeded, he would be remembered as the one with the courage to accept the Ancientcrafter’s advice… and if not….. he would crash and burn, just as the legendary AIVAS had.

Archimonde’s plan was, as he put it, simple. His precious discs of libraries held notes and blueprints of a nature he believed would be suited to the task at hand. Having recently cobbled together a disc reader – his favourite labor by far – the picture was broken with static and difficult to read… but it followed the premise of a greenhouse. Only, he said, it was individual greenhouses, safe from even the threat of Thread. Glass, wires… the strange celled panels that were commonly found on the shores and in the ancient ruins was all that was needed, he claimed, and he could solve the worlds’ problems.

Strong claims and old biases, it seems, are meant to clash.

No one Weyr could make a decision… no single person shoulder the responsibility of tampering with AIVAS. Those who chose to tinker were crazy, not quite right… and yet brilliant at the same time. Dare the Weyrs dabble? The fiasco of AIVAS still circulates in the Harpers’ tales, mixed with the myths of grandeur and enterprise. Could another try be allowed? Any farmcrafter swears up and down they can best the Ancient Craft’s best, and to use such technology when it is known to be untrustworthy is foolhardy. Plants don’t need plastics and metals to grow!

And then still more news broke onto the face of politics. The collaboration of the great many people who spent their days pouring through records had, at last, pieced together nebulous pictures. Mystweed was once common across the globe, so common it was thought endless. And then a plague had struck and its properties were but one facet of a greater treatment… but the plague had spread quickly and viciously, creating an overwhelming demand.

And the records had ceased to mention any Mystweed. Some four generations ago, the plant had been plentiful… but now it was nearly extinct. None of the researchers could pin point why, only a ballpark date of plenty. Time, it became apparent, was also a key factor in the future of Pern.

A Council of Weyrs was called, and scheduled to convene at Malvren. All of Pern’s Movers and Shakers would be present, complete with delegations from each of the Weyrs. A Hearing would be held, the options weighed. Should the Ancients’ Craft be trusted? And, with a window of time now a potential option, would they dare risk riders? More than once, history confirmed, had time been a tool for the Dragonriders. Would it be again?

IC Notes

• Master Ancientcrafter Archimonde is the (in)famous man who presents opportunity. No one really knows what he’s about or where he’s from as he refuses to talk about it. Ask him about technology, however, and one is hardpressed to get him to stop.
  
• The Council is being held at Malvren, selected because it presents a neutral ground that is also fertile.
  
• All Transplanting is suspended until further notice! No one is to be picking the plants if seen, only marking their location. Searching is still allowed.
  
• Coincidental to the announcement of a timeframe being pieced together at last, the Beta Clutch has begun training on Betweening. Their training is rushed, however, and steps seem to had been skipped in an otherwise lengthly process. Teleporting is not allowed after dark or within the Weyr itself, nor is long-distance Betweening allowed – anyone who does so, will automatically be ICly lost and injured, so don’t do it. A note will be posted when training is completed.
  

OOC Notes

• The actual vote will be a shop-wide vote. Please post your vote in the appropriate thread, and vote per character. Also, vote as the character would. Options: Yay for use Ancientcraft, Nay for do not use Ancientcraft, rely on the Farmcraft instead. Each option is viable but ultimately sets the shop on different paths. This is a turning point for Dragonflight and it is important this be taken seriously – have fun, but remember whatever the outcome is, there will be repercussions!
  
• Remember the metaplot sign-ups? Yes? Awesome! The thread is still in Current Events if you’re unsure. In any case, those in GROUP B are among the delegations sent to Malvren. How this happened, ICly, was a lottery was held and people selected from that lottery, those who won get to join, listen, and vote. Those player-characters that signed up speak on behalf of their Weyr and have the unique opportunity to speak to the Weyrleaders of Pern. A thread for this Forum-Style Discussion will be posted as well – LINK HERE - each Group B character gets 1 Speech Post to address the Council and give their opinion. These Speeches will ultimately be what sways the Weyrleaders’ votes – the Staff will be making posts in the voting thread on behalf of the Weyrs as a whole from an IC point of view. It is the tally of the votes that will choose Drgaonflight’s future. Speeches can be made November 1 through November 8 only.
  
• Additionally, if you have an Adult Brown, Bronze, Crimson, or Silver, they are automatically among the delegates and are also allowed to speak.
  
• Those in Group B or have the dragon colours mentioned above are free to RP once the Council has been held – there will be mingling once the totals have come in.
  
• The voting thread will be open for 1 week – November 10 to November 17.
  
• More events will happen during the Council Hearing, so stay tuned!
  
• If you are in group A, don’t worry! Your part’s soon and just as exciting! ;D
  
• No more cross-Weyr RP is allowed, unless and only if you are part of Group B. Flits can be used to communicate goings ons of the Council, as I'm sure most people will be interested in just what's happening.
  

Metaplot!
xi. Time Riders

Malvren was strangely quiet for the two weeks Eirlyn and her ranking Riders listened to and discussed the reports of the Time Lost. It was a name many had taken to calling the scarred and shaken riders, a title that spoke of heroes and adventure. Some of the Candidates had even said they wished to walk in the footsteps of the Time Lost... the scars and injuries, for as grievous as they had been, had marked the group and matured them, hardened them.

Not a soul doubted their ability to face adversity.

Least of which was Eirlyn. She knew there were dangers and was grateful her riders had not been thrust into a fire they could not get out of and they had opened a path, confirmed a theory that now stoked the hope that had been flagging. Word was spread among the other Weyrs – she was not so foolish to think Malvren could, or should, control this bounty – and wings across the world were making ready to make the jump.

These tasks forces were trained quickly in the discipline of going Between Times. The reports of the Time Lost were circulated like key notes, considered and noted by leaders across the globe as the wheels of action ground into motion. There was purpose, there was incentive, and most of all there was opportunity. If nothing else, Pern was a realm of fiercely independent and capable people... there was, for the first time since the revelation about the plants, solid hope.

And it irked the Ancientcrafter something fierce. His greenhouses were not producing nearly as strongly as he promised and people were beginning to stray away from the finnicky projects. Benden, however, had backed the man from the start and their pride could ill afford the blow of abandonning him as well.

Still, the ire was seeded and it was not long after the return of the Time Lost that he redoubled efforts, determined to take what paltry plants the wings returned with and turn them into something truly worth while... and he made no secret that the only ones that would benefit from this drive would be Benden. Good, proud, solid Benden.

After Basic Training, as it was called, was completed, the various Weyrs began to send their Time Riders back. Three rules were established, a creed written in stone that each rider swore to.
One: Riders will not engage any people of the old times, for any reason.
Two: The priority of all Riders is to collect Mystweed and investigate the Grubs.
Three: Thread is not to be fought unless it imperiles the safety of the Rider and/or their Dragon – staying aloft too long may cause Old Timers to become aware of Time Rider activity.

IC Notes

• It took a few days but Weyrwomen and Weyrleaders across the world have started training their riders to go Between Times. There are rules in place, however, that include no Timing It without express permission and no abuse of said ability.
  
• The Creed of Timing is very important. Obviously it can't be followed at all times, regardless of situation but these are the rules by which all Riders swear to abide when they travel back in Time.
  
• The focus is and has been the Mystweed. This has not changed
  
• Mystweed is very very plentiful in the era the Time Lost found it, and much heartier too, easier to pick and transport.
  
• All of the Weyrs are involved in this, though each is independent in its actions.

OOC Notes

• Welcome to the Finale of the First Arc! This event will last 2 months, possibly 3 depending on activity.
  
• All Riders with Adult Dragons are elligible to participate, regardless of home Weyr.
  
• However, all RP would do well to have 3-5 people in them. If you wish to have RP between riders from different Weyrs, the RP must consist of at least 4 people (2 from one Weyr, 2 from another) as the Time Rider ALL travel in pairs and will have to run into each other in the past – they will not leave together from the present.
  
• There is danger and drama in every RP, and this will be determined by dice rolls at the beginning of the RP, including whether or not a rider gets Lost in Time. Please see this GUIDE on the process of determining your adventure!
  
• All Time Rider RP is to take place in the Time Warp Subforum and every Time Rider RP must include some sort of introduction where the group is leaving.
  
• If your character does not ride a dragon, they cannot go into the Past with the others – no carries, it is simply too dangerous.
  
• ALL Time Riders carry Firestone when going on a mission, no exceptions, but it is only to be used if the pair is in danger.
  
• There are rewards for activity and for participation that are innate to the way the dice work for the missions, including flits. Additionally, slots will be opening up for those characters are injured to include scars and the like on their dragon art – however, slots will only be available to those who are active.
  
• The grubs are important too. They do not exist in present times and it has left people wondering what they are and why they no longer live on the Southern Continent. In addition to collection Mystweed, the grubs should be investigated too.
  
• Mystweed is so plentiful in the past that there is no more need to roll for success of collecting OR transplanting the Mystweed.
  
• The Setting for the past is the wild and uncolonized Western Continent and Southern Continent – no riders should be stumbling upon communities and the like.
  
• If you have questions, please post them here!

 

[Dragonflight Pern]

Arc 2 Summary Post
Parts i-iii

Metaplot!
CHAPTER 2 : RIVALS

Ever since the Ancientcrafter had sequestered himself away in the ever-proud Benden Weyr, the community had been experiencing much prosperity. They were the major exporters of the precious Mystweed, even after new crops had been planted elsewhere in the world and many of the other Weyrs envied their private, high-yield supply. It seemed the Ancientcrafter had worked out a proper mixture of nutrients and conditions that had resulted in a healthy and fast-growing crop. Of course, some in the conservative Weyr disliked the long glass sheds and their misted up windows, and the smell within when one dared to venture in.

The political tension between Benden and Malvren had remained high, the Old Weyr often snubbing the New Weyr with slight remarks, subtle gestures, offhand remarks. The two Weyrs did not get along and the enmity between Weyrwoman Kestril of Benden and Weyrwoman Eirlyn of Malvren was becoming mainstream gossip. Even the friendship between Eirlyn and Abigail had been called into question, debated, considered… With tension rose gossip and with gossip rose misinformation. Some even went so far as to joke that when either Yirath or Feynath Rose, the other would too, just spite their rival and steal their glory.

And yet, despite the terse relations and strained pleasantries, the Weyrs functioned with minimal interruption to any of their services. They were, after all, Dragonriders, united in the common duty to defend Pern from the Thread that everyone now agreed would Fall sometime soon. If the Weyrs grew divided, peace could not last and the people of the world would suffer.

The seasons turned, shifting from Spring into Summer and then once again into Autum. The winds were crisp and cool in the northern Weyrs, snow already on the high passes around Benden when Ancientcrafter Archimonde went missing. Already a recluse, no one thought to question it when he went nearly two weeks without being spotted. When his disappearance was discovered, a cry went out from Benden… their prized individual was gone and with him the secrets to his mixture. No one had been able to get the eccentric gentleman to speak his speak of his inventions and it left the Weyr in a state similar to that of a disturbed bee’s nest. There was no trace, no evidence of where the man had gone… his quarters were full, undisturbed… and useless. Turning the place upside down yielded only notes about the growth and health of the Mystweed but no secret formula could be found.

It was among this baffling loss that Yirath Rose. She had been disgruntled for many days, disturbed by something she could not name and Kestril blamed the unrest in the Weyr for her foul moods. When she finally Rose, the gold blooded a handful of heardbeasts before she finally took to the air and with her came the Bronzes and Browns. They chased her valiantly, but the anger that had curled in the queen’s breast fuelled her flight, her vicious refusals when the males drew too close. One young bronze, too eager and too inexperienced drew too close and was smashed upon the rocks by Yirath, breaking a wing for his efforts. The rider’s cries of pain and terror had pierced through the murmur of the gathered riders, his frantic dash for his dragon halted lest he run from the ledge and dash himself upon the ground below as well.

Two more dragons earned rake marks along their bodies in the ensuing chaos of the Flight and when, at last, Yirath was caught, many wondered just what, exactly, would become of the clutch. Bronze Bruinth had won out, restoring W’lin as the Weyrleader and he had very nearly gloated in public as R’nvar and Bronze Hollath had limped off to tend to the former Weyrleader’s injuries – Hollath had a deep gash on his shoulder, forcing him to limp as he walked.

When the eggs were laid, it proved to be a massive clutch… which Benden full expected. However, even beyond the number of eggs that been laid, the eggs themselves were big. The gradient was still there…. With the obvious blues and greens among the sixteen shiny eggs, but up sized. How many bronzes had proud Yirath brought into the world? How many browns? Greens to rival the other Weyrs blues, surely! Theirs were the best in the world after all.

And the Gold. Yes the Gold Egg. After so long without, Benden had a gold egg. And not just any gold egg either. This crowning glory, this inspiring egg, was massive, well and truly massive. Whispers of a mammoth gold spread like fire through the Weyr and beyond as news of Benden’s achievement drifted out into the world. How big would she get? She would be Benden’s Star, the Weyr’s Pride and Joy. Not even out of the shell yet and the Weyrfolk were singing her praises.

And Yirath and Kestril? They preened under the praise in the public eye, made sure Malvren and Trine both knew of their fortune. Invitations had been sent out, encouraging the other weyrs to visit for tea and social calls, to discuss future relations… and yet the veil of political formality was all too thin, the message ‘come look at us, look at what we’ve go’ was all too clear.

Malvren and Trine’s ruling body had given grudging congratulations and made plans to visit. Was the egg really that large?

IC Notes

• Malvren and Benden are NOT getting along. Do not put Eirlyn and Kestril in the same room if you value your life.
  
• Ancientcraft Archimonde, responsible for the design, maintenance, and harvesting of the Mystweed in Benden is missing without a trace. No clues have been found.
  
• The new Weyrleader is W’lin and Bruinth, having usurped the previous R’nvar and Hollath, returning them to the office.
  
• Yirath has laid 17 eggs, nearly all of which are large for their size.
  
• There is, in fact, a Gold Egg. And it is big. Really big. Think Ramoth-big.
  
• The Malvren and Trine Weyrleaders and Weyrwomen will be visiting Benden for a few days for a Weyr Conference discussing the trade of Mystweed and the fall out from the missing Archimonde. (This is not a PC-Open event)

OOC Notes

• Thus begins the next metaplot arc - Rivals.
  
• The gold will be given away in a contest – see HERE for details.
  
• Clutch sign ups for Zeta Clutch are HERE

Metaplot!
CHAPTER 2 : Part 2
SHADOW

The Touching had concluded and the night has descended, crisp, cool and alive with conversation. Kestril had retired to her chamber for the evening, tucking into her customary mug of klah as she looked over the reports of the day, ignored in favour of reigning in the maternal instincts of Yirath. The Gold was grumbling and irate down on the sands, even now nosing her precious eggs around and complaining about the loud Candidates that had visited earlier that day. Kestril shook her head and tried to clear her thoughts, to push Yirath’s disgruntled ones away. There was work to be done.

Peace would not be had, however, and half a candlemark later, the woman rose to fetch more klah from the kitchens. Sure, she could have summoned someone to fetch it for her, but the Weyrwoman was fiercely independent and desired a quiet walk in the ancient halls. These halls, she had decided in her ever ambitious way, would soon see greatness again.

Turning the corner to a side path she often used, a passage for supply transport in the busy parts of the day, she padded down the cool tunnel, hand trailing along the smooth surface of the wall. She’d grown up in these tunnels, knew them like she knew her dragon – the secret places, the public spaces… and lover’s nooks. Even now, she passed by chambers unnoticed, their doors slightly ajar, where she heard a couple murmuring lovingly to each other. It made her smile, to think on how the pair might react knowing she was near. As Weyrwoman, she could not indulge in the friendly interactions of the common riders – her lot was to lead, to ensure the future, to work with whomever rode the dragon Yirath deemed worthy of catching her. Indeed, love was not something Kestril had opportunity for.

Such was the sacrifice of the Weyrwoman, she thought, moving past the door to pad down the stairs that would lead into one of the cargo tunnels. The Weyr was a warren of them and most of the newly Searched Candidates got hopelessly lost in their first few days… she wondered, idly, if she might not happen upon one of them. As much as she was confined to the role of Weyrwoman, Kestril did so enjoy exercising that rank… none moreso then catching a youth off guard, her golden, elaborate knots shining in the Glowlight – you didn’t need to see a face if you saw that mark of office. Entertaining thoughts of trapping a Candidate or Drudge, she missed the shadow that swept around behind her.

The last thing she felt was the hot breath on her neck as ice cold metal slid across her throat and something warm – too warm – spilled down her front, left her gasping.

On the Sands, Yirath’s scream pierced the night – an anguished bellow of rage and sorrow impossibly deep. It was sudden, abrupt, and the whole of the Weyr leapt into life at their Queen’s roar. The firelizards were in a frenzy, the Whers shifted listlessly at their posts, their grunts and rumblings setting the stone to vibrating. And the dragons… the dragons took to the air, a wave of confusion and fear as a hundred eyes whirled yellow. Yirath’s eyes whirled a frightening grey-white as she abandoned her post at her eggs and cried out, screamed Kestril’s name, broadcasting to all the dragons of the Weyr in her distress.

It took nearly three hours to find the Weyrwoman’s body, collapsed in a pool of blood, her throat slashed. It was a Wingleader who found her, distressed and weary looking as he summoned the others to her. The healers officially proclaimed her dead, knew Yirath would soon follow the woman Between when the eggs hatched. The area was cordoned off and a grey pallor settled over the Weyr, leaving many to wonder – what now? With their only Gold soon to be lost to them… what would they do?

W’lin stepped into the role of leader of the weyr until a new Weyrwoman could be determined. The investigation leaped into the fore of the news, the Ancientcrafter forgotten in the unrest. Eyes turned to the Gold Egg on the sands, wondering if the Goldrider-to-Be would be capable of taking up the mantle so soon.

Some whispered no.
Others whispered yes.
Some whispered for change and supported W’lin’s decision to act as Regent until the problem could be solved.

A few days passed in which the Weyr went about it’s business, eyeing their fellows, gossiping as rumors spread like fire. No one had seen the assailant, the death had been sure and swift – no hesitation. Not even Yirath, in her grief and sorrow, could describe her Rider’s assailant.

But then the weapon was found, a well-used item but sharp edged, a Rider’s knife – should one get caught in straps – it was easy to conceal and not so out of place. Weapons were rare on Pern, after all. The fact that burned through the Weyr and enflamed them like kicking a hornet’s nest, was that the knife was wrapped in the colours of Malvren and the crest embossed in its surface. Some said it was probably stolen, others took it as hard evidence of Malvren treachery. It seemed to spark memory in people – strange dragons, strange riders…. The already fragile acquaintance between the two Weyrs shattered as Benden slapped boycotts on everything Malvren, quickly followed by a few of the other Old Weyrs.

The world reeled at the news and Malvren, caught as if in a storm, found itself at the center of the world – and not in a remotely positive light. Eirlyn’s protests and expressions of sorrow did nothing to win over support, leaving her to eye her ranks with suspicion, vowing to find the culprit if he or she was indeed of Malvren stock.

**You have until 11pm PST to post touching posts. This event happens AFTER that. Keep this in Mind.**

Metaplot!
Chapter 3 : To The Brink

Silence.

It is both a chilling, empty nothingness and a welcome embrace, existing in the vacuum between speech and action, thought and movement. It stretches on and on into eternities that span the time of a heartbeat. Lives are won and lost, courses found and discarded in the spaces that silence fills.

And this silence had grown too large, too pregnant with tension and intention not to snap and crackle like a whip crack across the world. Anticipation bred like rodents in the space between murder and Flight, an eerie, xenophobic solitude as Benden saw to its own and shunned even its greatest allies. The death of Kestril had been a heavy blow and the people of the proud Weyr twisted into grim and determined survivors. Thread was coming? Let it come, let it flay the foolish and consume the weakest – Benden’s losses would be minimal compared to those of the weaker lines. Yirath had borne twin golds and many metallics, Benden would bear her legacy and guide it into greatness.

Bitter, perhaps, but not unduly. The world left the Weyr to its devices, content to let the dragonriders stew and train and nurse their grudges. The lives of men were not so long that the venom that flowed between Malvren and Benden would not fade. Like a child that had been wronged, or a hornet’s nest that had been stirred, time was needed for peace to return – no one would dare strike a Weyr again, not with the security stepped up and punishment of law-breakers made severe.

Even the Lord Holders had tightened their belts and lifted their chins, not wanting to be among the causalities of some shadowy vendetta. The dragonriders grew fat on their work, split up their lands like so many pieces of bread without care… no the Holders held no love for the dragonriders, but neither did they harbor hatred.

And silence reigned.

For weeks, a tentative peace arced about the planet after Kestril’s Wake, songs of her glory spread by clever harpers and sung over and over for those who would hear the tragic tale of the Slain Goldrider and her mysterious murderer, still on the loose. The culprit was not found among the Malvren people, nor among the raids on the Holdless, and he was spun into a creature of shadows, a man driven mad to have killed a Weyrwoman. Children went to bed fearing the Goldkiller, adults sipped their klah over conversation that spun between the Goldkiller and the missing Ancientcrafter, still a favourite tidbit to toss around the fire.

Benden had not been faring as well since the loss of their Ancientcrafter and their Weyrwoman, their exports had dwindled to nothing and their crops… their crops were surviving but so close in quantity and quality of the other Weyrs that Marks no longer flowed in that river. Indeed times were bittersweet for the proud Weyr and many enjoyed the twisting rumors and drama that poured off the place like warmth from a heatstone.

Among those who spoke of the other Weyr’s misfortunes were Eirlyn and H’trel, discussing political matters and the problem of interWeyr tension. No transfers had come from the Old Weyr and none had left for it had been accepted, forced to turn to some other destination. Not all had been quiet in the ranks of the New Weyr, where Riders now watched each other with suspicion and set their dragons to watching the shadows. Wher patrols were doubled, having falling from tripled, and the great hulking beasts stalked the Weyr – a scene echoed in nearly every Weyr of the world.

Benden’s Whers rode the forefront of prestige and infamy now, their presence unmistakable, their size perfect to roam the halls for murderers and tunnelsnakes alike. Malvren’s Whers did likewise, grumbling about strange scents, catching Weyrfolk unawares and frightening them. For all the silence of peace, tension gathered like buzzards to a carrion field.

It was a beautiful night when H’trel and Eirlyn finally left to retire in their chambers. As Weyrmates, the pair shared a weyr near the top of the cliff, affording a beautiful view over the bay while their dragons slept in the hollow below their room, sheltered from the wind and rain and cold of a northern hemisphere storm.

“The Courier is due back tomorrow, we’ll have the meeting to finish our preparations. I don’t like this, H’trel, there’s been no news, no sighting… nothing.” Eirlyn sighed as she padded into the wash room to enjoy a hot bath, drawn by the servants who kept her chambers as tidy as they could manage – the woman was a living hurricane in her own quarters, too busy and too full of thoughts to worry much about picking up.

“Be that as it may, it’s Benden’s cold shoulder that’s drawing my attention. Do the fools really think we have reason to kill their queen? Shards if we wanted them ruined, we’d steal their eggs… or their Ancientcrafter and his potions. Bloody imbeciles.” He shook his head as his arm slid from Eirlyn’s waist and he watched her go to the wash room, contemplating joining her – the look in her eye as she paused at the door was most inviting.

Huffing, he touched the mind of his dragon and a sleepy, dream-laced response touched back a lazy quip about mates and glances filling his mind a moment to make him smile as he padded over to the dresser and began to undress.

Turning as he set his vest on the chair, he caught movement out of the corner of his eye and frowned, immediately balling his fists and striding to the door that lead into the room Eirlyn was humming to herself in. “Love?” She called, curious, “Are you coming?”

“Be right there…” He called back as he pulled the door shut behind him, putting himself between anything and his Weyrwoman, his lover… his wife.

Below, the bronze stirred, his eyes whirling orange and yellow as he lifted his head, sensing something wrong. Beside him the gold roused and H’trel bid the bronze answer vaguely. He did not want Eirlyn stumbling out into the knife of a waiting predator – he’d sooner take that blade himself.

His gaze swept the room, lingered on the fire as he let his peripheral vision feel out the room suddenly made menacing by the unknown. A servant would have announced his or herself… a shadow meant a thief, an intruder, or a murderer.

There. Movement caught his eye just as the figure lunged, broad shouldered and confident with the flash of a knife, firelight glinting of pearly white teeth bared in a grimace. Clad in black from head to toe, only the man’s mouth and eyes were visible, his build solid and strong – not to be underestimated. He grunted as he caught the man’s hand and was shoved up against the wall, the knife’s point coming perilously close to his throat. “Y-you…” He growled, eyes narrowing as he shoved back and hooked a leg around the other’s ankle, sending his attacker sprawling.

“You’ll still die by Benden’s blade…” came the snerk, a pitiless sound followed by a tilt of his chin at the door, “Both of you.”

Glowering, the Weyrleader advanced on the assassin as he rolled and sprang to his feet, half-crouched and ready. H’trel looked around for something useful to knock that knife away while keeping himself between the door and the assassin.

Below, the bronze roared his fury, woken fully now by the adrenalin, fear, and rage coursing through his rider’s mind. Feynath’s bellow followed on the tail of Firieth’s and Eirlyn pulled the door open with eyes wide, “H’trel!” Her gold had told her of the events transpiring.

It cost H’trel his life.

In the seconds it took for H’trel to glance at the door, as his dragon scrabbled at the window, great claws tearing grooves in the rock as he tried to reach his rider’s attacker, the assassin struck. It was in slow motion to Eirlyn as she watched, with clarity, the man drive forward, the point of his knife leading. H’trel twisted, caught the hand but too late and instead of piercing his heart, it dragged a bloody line in his chest, slicing through a lung in a mortal blow. The assassin paused, whispered something in the Weyrleader’s ear that made his eyes go wide. Coughing blood, he froze as Eirlyn screamed her rage, the towel dropping from her naked body as she advanced, the fury of a gold in her eyes as she took the iron fire poker from its rest, “You will die.”

Fury turned Feynath’s eyes red as she surged out of her den, her roars summoning every dragon to her as she roused the Weyr. Footsteps raced down the hall as shouts echoed around and Eirlyn brandished her poker like a sword. The man glanced at the door, at the window the bronze was harrying, trying to get to his rider – assassin forgotten – and smiled, giving a cheeky bow as he fended off a thrust or two of the iron poker and manipulated Eirlyn into opening his escape. Stepping back, he disappeared through the door to the bathroom and jumped from the window that opened onto the sea.

Outside, there was a flash of shadow as a blue, almost black, shape coursed by the chaos of the skies and scooped the man from free fall only to disappear in an instant. Dozens of eyes watched the blue disappear and none knew his name. Information exploded across the Weyr, minds touching minds like a fire spreading – the view, the image, the faceless man with the pearly teeth, the pain of a torn chest and bubbling, bloody breath… it flew across the Weyr.

And at its center, the queen roared her fury, enraged that her orders to bring the dragons to her had also summoned the assassin’s escape. The roars and challenges that she screamed to the sky eventually subsided into dragon sobs as the gold watched her mate and his rider die.

Within, Eirlyn was crouched beside her weyrmate, tears rolling down her face even as fury burned in her heart and held H’trel to her breast, caring not a whit for her nakedness. The men that answered the call had arrived just after the assassin leaped from the window and now milled about, unsure of what to do – it was obvious the Weyrleader would not live – but they did not want to leave the Weyrwoman alone. So, rank and file, they filled the doorway, and stood guard over their commander’s death.

H’trel lifted a hand, coughing as bubbles seeped up from his chest, and with a serenity only the dying can muster, he touched her cheek. Then his expression turned grave and he tried to speak, found only coughing, and tried again, managing only a few brief words, “Benden…. They-“ He coughed again, gasping as breath left him.

“H’trel! Don’t! The healers…” Eirlyn looked up, skewered the first man she saw with a gaze a fierce as any dragon.

His jaw worked but barely a whisper came out, “…ye love.” H’trel shook his head – he knew as well as any of the men watching that he would not survive this – and smiled for her as the light left his eyes. Beyond, the bronze screamed in rage and agony and was gone amidst the storm of wings. The keen resounded, strong and pure, in the moments after, echoed by Eirlyn as she rocked the body of her lover.

The silence was broken some time later when a brave soul stepped forward to offer the Weyrwoman a housecoat and she looked up, fire in her eyes. “They will pay. Benden will pay.”

IC Notes

• H'trel is dead, the assassin escaped and spoken evidence pointing right at Benden.
  
• All communication between the two Weyrs has been cut off - there are open hostilities between any riders from each of the Weyrs, other Weyrs have to be careful not to favour one or the other two much and not to have the two different factions in one place for too long.
  
• This ties into the newbie event in that there are strangers about. Could they be related to the disaster? Maybe, maybe not!
  
• Further Fallout Will Occur in the Next Update - 1 Week from Now

OOC Notes

• Well, this means there's no more Weyrleader in Malvren! Sad news, no? I'd call it bittersweet, as the next clutch due up is Malvren's and that means Feynath's Flight will be an open flight with NPC dragons AND PC dragons should they choose to participate. Any adult male dragon of the appropriate colours may participate.
  
• BE PREPARED

 

[Dragonflight Pern]

Arc 2 Summary Post
Parts iv-vii

Metaplot!
Chapter 4 : More Questions then Answers

Negotations between Malvren and Benden ceased almost immediately after the death of Malvren’s Weyrleader, boycotts and trade embargoes slapped up like so much red tape that impeded even the marine traffic that brought shipments from the Northern Continent to the Western Continent. Malvren cut itself off, refusing to engage in any talks. Economic sanctions combined with outbreaks of hostility left the world tense. The flow of Mystweed among Weyrs was severely disrupted and fears of a world topping into infertility rose to mingle in the tension between the Old and the New.

Social pressures began to lean on the two Weyrs as they postured and bickered. Some feared open hostilities would soon follow and no one could ever remember a time when dragon fought dragon at the behest of their riders. Hate and fear curled in the hearts of Malvren and Benden, forcing Trine to publically and loudly withdraw its long-time support of the New Weyr, effectively leaving Malvren on its own. If there was to be war, Trine would have no part in it – a sentiment shared with many of the Weyrs as old alliances and friendships began to crumble. The Holds fell into trouble as well as Benden Hold and its associated groupings loudly denounced anything of Malvren’s territories – the fish, the sand, the glass and wood and products of all the trades were not welcome in Benden’s Lands nor were the efforts of Benden welcome in Malvren’s Lands. Flits fluttered and popped across vast distances carrying the missives that directed the trade routes, effecting even the wandering Traders.

The world was quickly falling into chaos, and with no one Weyr able to direct the laws of another… even the greatest powers of the land had their hands tied. To send a gold in to command another Weyr uninvited was unthinkable, to send a precious gold into the line of fire unbelievable. Too few golds lived on the planet to warrant their sacrifice… it would be a bloody day indeed when Golds saw war.

It had been a difficult decision for Abigail, caught in the cross-hairs of two powerful Weyrs. Malvren was the oldest New Weyr and Benden…. Benden was a power unto itself. Trine was isolated, peaceful and had already suffered losses at the hands of another Weyr – they had no reason to run headlong into an international dispute. It had grieved her to send the letter to Eirlyn, had winced at the cold finality of the message: Trine would not support Malvren’s pursuit of economic, social, or military action against Benden. The flit that had returned had been in such a state of panic, the poor creature had to be ordered calm by another’s gold.

It had left her shaking her head as she’d wandered out into the evening to walk along the lake as Brakiath splashed in the deeper parts, barely able to submerge her bulk in the soothing waters. The fish would always leap and breach when she felt in a playful mood, tail whipping around and disturbing the fish enough to panic them – right into her lazily opened jaws. Abigail had warned the gold a million times she’d get fat fishing like that and then they’d have to deal with the angry fishermen when the stocks ran out.

This night Abigail wanted to see the stars, to roll in the grass and run barefoot in the sand like she did when she was a girl and Brakiath was still small enough to sleep beside her bunk. Never had she thought the job of a Weyrwoman would be so trying. Brakiath was massive now, a prime example of her colour, and Abigail a woman in her prime, long out of girlhood, shoulders slender and shapely but bearing the weight of a Weyr. She considered anyone who envied a Weyrwoman mad – it was work, work, work. Impressing gold meant marrying the Weyr, bedding whatever man was lucky enough to catch your dragon and giving him the power of a leader whether he deserved it or not (and then checking said power), it meant she had to count tallies, mete out punishment, don a mask of capability even when she felt vulnerable… and appearing brave and stalwart even she feared she’d destroyed a long time friendship for the game of politics. Eirlyn’s wrath was legendary and she bore grudges longer even then Kestril… but she did not bear them lightly. That her Weyrmate had died in her arms, for her sake… Abigail couldn’t imagine it and couldn’t blame her friend, not truly, but she’d had to set aside her personal feelings for the greater good. A thing she’d done so often as of late she felt the need to just get away.

And with all the Weyrs on high alert searching for the black-blue dragon and black-clad assassin, it had been nigh on impossible to find a moment to herself. Her Wingleaders had made her promise not to wander alone. Brakiath walked beside her as they paced the edge of the lake, glittering in the starlight, her heavy footsteps making a soft thud in the sand and leaving deep tracks. The gold walked with her head lowered to be level with Hers, one large faceted eye fixed on the woman as they conversed and dreamed of childhood tales and romantic getaways and simpler days. Anyone that attacked someone accompanied by a gold had a death wish.

The night wore on and Abigail was glad she’d brought a shawl as the mists of the heart of night began to settle on the grass and sand she was currently sitting on, wiggling her toes in the moist beach as she watched Brakiath wallow in the shallows like a giant horse. It never ceased to amaze her; her bonded was so beautiful, so graceful… so entirely incredible and she’d chosen her. Of course, came the answer, as it always did. It made her laugh softly. Of course. How could there be any doubt?

When Brakiath stumbled on something in the water and her forelimb when in far deeper then expected, the gold let out a surprised grunt-burble as her head went below water, sending a wave large enough to lap a fair distance up the shore, wings half flared as she caught her balance. It made Abigail laugh and she fell back into the grass to stare up at the stars and found only the shape of a dark man and the flash of something silver then darkness – she hadn’t even had time to scream. There’d been no noise, no notice, nothing…. Just the flash of silver and the gleam of white teeth as he smiled and swung. The mere fact that she’d moved as he swung meant the blow was not fatal, forcing him to raise the bar again to finish bashing in her skull. However, the first second the fear pulsed through Hers, the gold was out of the water like a shot, snarling fury focused solely on the man with the bar. Hers was quiet and grey, drifting in pain and fuzzy impressions of unconsciousness, but alive.

Teeth flashing she bellowed at the man loud enough to cause his ears to bleed as he turned a ran, the cocksure attitude fled before the rage of a queen. She chased him, bounding only three steps before she got ahead of him and lashed at him with her tail, sending him flying into the air. Snaking forward, wings mantled when he crumpled into a broken heap several yards away, she swiped at him but he didn’t move. Broken from the single powerful blow, the gold had killed her attacker’s assailant and the rage of protective fury began to subside, her mental call gathering the Whers and the others in the vicinity. She might be a dragon but she was not stupid either.

Nosing Hers, Brakiath’s eyes whirled orange and yellow as Hers failed to respond. Worry flooded her and she dropped to her belly, curling around the woman and blocking the world with her own golden flesh. When the healers arrived, Abigail was treated and bundled off to the infirmary while the broken body of the assassin was taken back as well for identification. They had their murderer at last – for only a man crazy enough to slay two leaders would attempt a third, caught and executed by the gold, and his arrogance had cost him his life.

But the question remained: Why? Why attack Trine? Surely it couldn’t be Malvren? Benden had no reason… had they gone mad? What was its leadership trying to accomplish?

A serial killer was a rare thing, a serial killer that targeted the very foundations of Pernese society unheard of… how had he escaped from Malvren and Benden? Why hadn't his dragon come to the rescue? In the week that followed, the body of the man was reviewed by Weyrleaders from all over the world. The only identifiers was a tattoo that snaked up the inside of one wrist like dragon's fire... no scars, no weapons beside the found pole, and his face was not known to the Riders Eirlyn could not positively identify the man – she’d only seen black cloth before – and so they were left with a million possibilities, none of which were good.

Now that Trine was in limbo, possessed of a senior gold but a Weyrwoman who had not yet woken from her coma, goldriders across the world refused to leave their Weyrs and young riders were shut in, protected like the greatest treasures and conspiracy theories took root in an already festering political climate.

Something needed to be done, and soon, before any further casualties were incurred – they’d already waited too long. Wher watches were doubled and tripled around the world as people, attracted by the drama unfolding, signed up to be among those who might protect. The ranks of the wher handlers swelled in the days that followed – dragons were too hard to obtain, Whers… whers could and should be the first line of defense, they simply needed more people.

A meeting of the Weyrleaders was called and representatives of each Weyr met at Southern Weyr, chosen for its world-centric location, to decide what each Weyr would do. Along with them, representatives of their various Weyrs provided security as dragons went to and from. Such a gathering of power – leaving Trine, Malvren, and Benden all without leadership for the duration of the deliberations – was bound to attract attention and the riders were determined not to have any more blood shed.

IC Notes

• Abigail is not dead, she is in a coma that she doesn't show any signs of coming out of.
  
• The assassin was killed but has not yet been identified or linked to the other crimes.
  
• The meeting of the Weyrleaders is in Southern Weyr, of similar climate and set up to Trine. Please roleplay accordingly.
  
• Benden and Malvren DO NOT get along. At all. (Though, of course, there are a variety of opinions on the matter, be sure a character acts in-character)
  
• All goldriders, PC and NPC (with the sole exception of Eirlyn) are under both political and social pressure to sequester themselves. Whether they choose to do so is another matter.

OOC Notes

• The meeting of Weyrleaders is mostly an NPC event, however there is an ORP for RP between whomever wishes to go to Southern Weyr. There is no restriction as Southern hosts the meeting but every rider and dragon are being watched, tallied, and reviewed. Whers and wherhandlers may also join if their wher is of the temperament to allow transport via dragon.
  
• There is a Shop Vote to determine the outcome of the Weyrleader's Meeting - see the top of the main thread for choices. The vote will be open until November 15
  
• There is a sign-up thread in the guild for metaplot following this, so be sure to do so if you want to participate a lot.
  
• You DO NOT have to sign up for the metaplot to participate in the ORP, however. Altercations in the ORP are encouraged but please roll a 1d10 if you do fight - the highest number is the 'winner', if there is a tie, it's stalemate.
  
• Any questions, please post in this thread.
  
• METAPLOT ORP IS HERE

Greetings!

Welcome to Dragonflight's Murder Mystery Metaplot Event!

Every group must complete the given form by going through the various routes of information gathering. There are three sources of information: The Personal Clues that were given out to each member of the groups (how these tidbits were obtained are up to the players); the Rumormill; and by Interviewing NPCs.

At the end of the event, each group will be able to present their findings and theories to those in charge of their Weyr. Any theory is welcome for presentation so don't be afraid if your investigation leans towards a less then positive light for your leaders!

The Rumormill
The Rumormill can be used and referenced as often as desired. It is a set of rumors in a randomizer. Some are useful, some are not. Every week more rumors will be added to the previous sets, increasing the number of rumors uncovered. There are rumors that may relate to player characters - these are rumors and not confirmed; however, how true these rumors are are up to the character's owner so feel free to treat rumors as either gossip or fact.

The Interviews
The Interviews are ORPs that last 1 week and will be lead by Staff. There are five zones with NPCs available for interviews:The Mess Hall, The Storage Rooms, The Rider Weyrs, Abandoned Rooms, and the Weyr Depths. The NPCs in these locations all have things to say and opinions relevant to your investigation but it is important to remember to think about what you've learned and take everything with a grain of salt.

The Personal Clues
These are simply clues given to each character who was signed up to the metaplot when they were open. Anyone can participate as long as they have an approved character and do not need to have been signed up.

A Note About Roleplay
The only required Role Play is in the ORPs, For the sake of the event, however, it is encouraged that the groups get together and chat and/or plot for their characters either in the main thread, an OOC Plot Thread in the guild, or even in the recently added Chat Room. The chats and plotting can be informal, formal, or semiformal as the groups choose. Roleplay outside the ORPs is welcome but should be finished completely by the end of the event's duration.

The Prizes

Every event has to have prizes yeah? Well this one does too!

First Place: The first place prize will be character art (lined, flat-colour) of all the members of the group (group shot or individual pieces). The prize will be awarded to the group whose theories come closest to the true plot. If they are all tied, the winner will be randomized via a dice roll.

Participation Prizes: Speech bubbles of your dragons' heads will be the prize for each character who achieves 15 posts minimum over all.

The Groups

Group 1 Benden
Bronze Stromath - K'en - elfgurl
Gold Suunath - Kindra - revel
Tsubarisk -Tsubari - silver
Brown Brumath - F'itz - tawny
Bronze Orthoth - C'mric - samuel

Group 2 Benden
Emkin magna
Green Microth - Dezima - kyrieko
Green Dinahsk - Dinah - meepfur
Blue Larth - Brynja - concinnity
Bronze Tyeth - N'mol - Rhia

Group 3 Malvren
Zeren - revel
Blue Kameth – Wykla - magna
Blue Mazamath – Adi - meepfur
Kerrit - thal
Crimson Moriath - Kleos - tawny
Orlina - Rhia
Blue Bolth - C'rci - Mortane

Group 4 Trine
Blue Lifth - G'brel - elfgurl
Green Toulonth - F'ren - revel
Blue Neptanth - S'kiro - silver
Kytara - hikari
Green Dynith – Optheli -magna

Group 5 Trine
Alilena anime
Crimson Maomith – Sanza - samuel
Blue Novath - N'var - hikari
Gold Cepheith – Narisa - kyrieko
Bronze Pipith - Set'al - meepfur

Group 6 Trine
Green Lunath - T'rel - thal
Black Zetath - Z'iv - tawny
Crimson Luvith - S'kagi - ryuu
Green Halith – Cetalese - Rhia
Green Velath - Eliza - Jet

Metaplot!
Reign of Chaos - First Fall

The investigations had proven to be a cornucopia of information for those of the Weyrs seeking reason and closure for the deaths of their leaders. Abigail still had not woken and many feared that she would not do so at all – a power vacuum was forming at Trine wherein the other Goldriders were being pressured to move for a new leadership. Abigail could not lead, it was logical the others stepped up or so the argument went. The results and theories that the investigation fed saw terms long unheard being tossed about with suspicion soon after the findings were released. The Oldtimers? …People began to wonder.

Was it a conspiracy of families? A centuries old grudge passed down through the bloodlines? But of what? For what? And, most importantly, why now? Trine grew restless, uneasy and many began looking in the shadows for enemies and trying hard not to show their backs even to friends. That W’lin might be behind it, having gathered those of the old blood with him, and with the purpose to manipulate the future of the weyrs… it was terrifying concept. With no real evidence to point fingers, the riders of Trine closed ranks, growing even more suspicious of any non-Trine riders to visit. They would NOT let their youth, their young riders be corrupted by a rising tyrant!

The people responsible for the findings were treated with a quiet sort of distance – no one wanted to upset them nor laud their achievements. These were the harbingers of terrible news… news that was sending the Weyrs into a tail spin of confusion and violence.

In Benden W’lin was outraged and indignant at the accusations being thrown at him. The findings of nearly all the Weyrs had him painted as some power-mongering tyrannical n’er do well. Even his own Weyr has turning hateful eyes upon him and his leadership was collapsing. More than once his Wingleaders called for him to step down, to allow a new Leader to be chosen – an unprecedented motion in the Old Weyr. With no adult queens, they would have no choice but to vote on a better suited Weyrleader.

Too many of the rumors and facts lead back to W’lin in logical, believable ways and even his most steadfast followers saw doubt grow in them. Two altercations happened in the days that followed the release of the findings – in collecting his daily meal, W’lin was attacked by a patriotic blue rider and given a black eye, only the interference of other riders prevented it from becoming an all out brawl; the second, his bronze had gotten into an argument with another bronze who saw the thickening tension as opportunity to assert his dominance… an argument turned into a fight and the fight saw both males badly injured, rendered unable to fly while they healed. Some wondered if W’lin wouldn’t be driven out by the hate and bad publicity the findings had stirred up.

Green Microth and Dinashsk, Blue Larth and Bronze Tyeth came to enjoy some infamy in their own weyr. As much as Benden prided itself on tradition and honour, having some of their own rat out their leader carried with it a double-edged sword. Few embraced them now… and only the Wher seemed to find acceptance in the ranks of her peers.

The reports circulating in Malvren, however, varied differently from the conspiracy-gripped Trine and betrayal of Benden. Those in Malvren were presented with the idea that the threat came not from the Weyrs but from the Holdless… a silent but present shadow on the fringes of society. Some questioned this at first – Why would society’s rejects want the bring down the Weyrs? Revolt chased the theory, supporting it and found fertile ground in the minds of Riders long used to the grumbling of the Holders who both depended on them and despised them. It was possible, in fact, that the Holdess wished to bring their corruption and chaos into the Weyrs… but that meant they might in fact be in league with the Holders themselves! The very suppliers now came into question and Eirlyn’s grief was given direction.

In her desire to verify the report, she dispatched several riders to scour the Holdless camps and interrogate anyone who knew the name of Flynn. Of course, Flynn’s infamy created a very large task for the dragonriders sent into the den of snakes. The dispatch, too, drew attention from Benden and Trine alike. Fearing an aggressive move on the part of Malvren, the two other Weyrs dispatched their own flights, among them prominent Wingleaders and people of power.

No one had cared to pay attention to the dangerously near Red Star.

The silvery sheen that rippled and moved with silence across the sky wasn’t noticed at first as three large groups came from Between and circled in knots of clashing colours. No formal wings, no real order… and below, the Holdess who saw this gathering of dragons great and small scattered, abandoning their camp and scurrying into hiding places even the riders wouldn’t be able to find.

Arguments sizzled across the sky and demands to touch down were issued as the paranoia that gripped the weyrs in the wake of the reports blinded them.

They noticed the Thread too late.

One dragon was caught full in the face and chest and fell, screaming, writhing its rider a knot of Thread attached to the bronze back. Nearly dead as it hit the ground, the sickening crunch of shattering bone echoed into the stunned silence of the numerous riders, and with its dying breaths, the dragon pulled it and its rider Between in an instinctive move for relief.

Bronze Darianth and Wingleader R’tur had fallen.

Two more dragons fell soon after, their screams of pain mobilizing the orderless dragons. The only stroke of luck for those caught in the first wave of Thread was that the Weyrs had begun production and stocking of Firestone some time ago, equipping every rider with the pouches by default.

Admist the chaos and pain, who will survive?

IC Notes

• It’s been about a week since the Reports were released. The chaos and suspicions that the reports incited haven’t had time to settle or fizzle as they probably would have given a little more time.
  
• This is a mass of boiling, aggressive, and a whole lot of other negative emotions, dragons and people who have just been thrown into a fight for their lives. It is a clash of survival, paranoia, animosity, and patriotism – keep this in mind.

OOC Notes

• This is the first fall for the shop. Standard Threadfall Rules apply. (This is a run-through to see how it works in large-scale)
  
• Only those dragons who are fully fledged riders were sent – no Weyrlings or Wherhandlers this time.
  
• There is a special bonus for this first event, please remember it.
  
• The clash is taking place here: [MAP LINK]
  
• [CLICK HERE TO FIGHT THREAD]
  

Metaplot!

And Silence Falls...

The Thread dissipated almost as quickly as it arrived and its wake, the injured were left to count the dead. Those who survived could count themselves lucky… a handful of bodies littered the ground, dead before they hit and unable to send themselves into the oblivion of Between.

It was decided without much opposition to land, to count heads. The Holdless had scattered to the four winds, lost for now. Despite the tension between the Weyrs, the very real suffering of injury permeated the collective attention – dragons needed to be tended to, riders checked over and assisted home… What had started out as a roiling mass of anger had quickly frozen into the numb disbelief of a war field.

Dragons of all colours and sizes had been maimed, some so badly they would never fly again, their wings degraded and twisted from the burning of the Thread. Others simply could not be found, thought to have vanished Between. A head count revealed the horrible tallies:

Malvren had lost 2 Wingleaders, 2 Wingseconds, and 9 Riders.

• Wingleader R’tur of Bronze Darianth
  
• Wingleader D’som of Silver Sikath
  
• Wingsecond G’ulad of Silver Boaerth
  
• Wingsecond W’ora of Brown Vitrieth
  
• Wingsecond V’atre of Bronze Oonith
  

Trine had lost 2 Wingleaders, 2 Wingseconds, and 11 Riders.

• Wingleader H’den of Bronze Banith
  
• Wingleader L’ton of Bronze Jeth
  
• Wingsecond R’mon of Brown Arananth
  
• Wingsecond B’dac of Browen Fiyeth
  
• Wingsecond S’ron of Brown Secuth
  

Benden too had suffered a heavy loss with the death of 2 Wingleaders, 3 Wingseconds, and 8 Riders.

• Wingleader F’vrel of Bronze Guinth
  
• Wingleader Ca’on of Bronze Daerith
  
• Wingsecond T’yl of Brown Xanith
  
• Wingsecond A’ot of Brown Punirth
  
• Wingsecond S’avr of Brown Qith
  

It seemed even fate had conspired against the Weyrs. Mostly left leaderless, the group descended to tend to the living and dead. The reality of thread was neither as glamorous nor as simple as the stories painted it – it was bloody, deadly, and riddled with panic… and the years of Fall had only just begun.

OOC Instructions: The Thread has stopped falling but people are still hurt, some
dying, some suffered minor injuries. Review the HP of the participating dragons and the lists of
casualties above and react accordingly. The Weyrs’ leadership and wings have been essentially
decimated – six of the world’s bronzes have been lost and numerous other colours.

Feel free to organize yourselves and send dragons back to the home weyrs with news of the
Thread and incoming injuries in the thread located :
[MALVREN]. [TRINE]. [BENDEN].

Post-Thread HP Injury Gauge
F'ren and Toulonth (rev) - 38/38
Nachith (Meep) - 41/47
Optheli Dynith (Manga) - 26/35
Z'fer Calanoth (Dizzy) - 53/64
Wykla and Kameth (Manga) - 32/45
Pipith (Meep) - 59/65
F'nel and Krith (moonlit) - 44/55
S'kor and Scarath (Manga) - 48/62
Kleos and Moriath (Tawny) - 57/62
Hatteth (Mewrose) - 53/53
Agenth (elf) - 61/61
Laith (elf) - 35/35
Tereth (elf) - 57/57

So what now?

Well, with so many leaders out of the picture... new ones have to step up! Expect a shop-vote based OOC 'election' of several Wingleaders and Wingseconds as well as a resorting of Wings in the wake of such heavy losses!

The specifics will be announced later this week, after the Silence of Oblivion RPs have had a chance to be enjoyed and will involve a sort of 'campaigning for office' style mechanic, similar to a student council sort of thing.

As it is for Wingleaders and Wingseconds, only Bronze, Brown, Silver, and Crimson will be applicable. Must be adult to be considered and preference will be given to already existing characters if there are not enough participants and a 'create a leader' option must be implemented.

 

[Dragonflight Pern]

Arc 2 Summary Post
Parts viii-x

From the Ashes, a New Generation Shall Rise
Come, Inherit the Glory of Your Ancestors

With the vacuum of power created with the heavy losses suffered by the
Weyrs, one of the first things on the list for Malvren, Benden, and Trine to
do is restructure their Fighting Wings. With Thread returning in a spectacular
blaze of tragedy, the importance of coherent wings and sound leadership is
all too obvious – the funerals being held to remember those riders who fell is
evidence enough.

However, with so many losses all at once, the conventional system isn’t going
to work since there’s no one to step up in some cases. Therefore a vote has
been proposed. Nominations from the Riders will be submitted and the Nominees
are expected to demonstrate their leadership abilities in a sort of campaign
process. Once the Campaign ends, the Riders will vote on who they think
has displayed the most charisma, capability, and responsibility, electing
Wingleaders and Wingriders.

Once this election is finished, the Riders will be allowed to cast their own
ballot as to who they wish to serve under in the Wings. This list will be a
preference list that the newly appointed Wing Leaders will sort through with
the assistance of their Weyr’s respective Goldriders. Once these new Wings
are set, they are set and cannot be changed so think wisely!

How this Will Work in Mechanics:

A Player can only earn 1 Wingleader/Wingsecond and 1 Second Candidatemaster/Weyrlingmaster maximum
We reserve the right to change limitations if there is need to do so

Also, it's a maximum of 4 Nominations, 2 per category.
Staff may participate in this event as well

The Nominations - Wingleaders, Wingseconds

• All players have 1 week to nominate potential leaders.
  
• Each Player can nominate up to two Characters – maximum of one character that they own.
  
• To nominate the character, the player must cite 3 times where the character has demonstrated leadership abilities in game – you must link to the particular post or screencap it and link the image(s). (examples should be spread out through the character's history)
  
• Only ADULT pairs can be nominated
  
• Only the following colours can be nominated: Brown, Bronze, Crimson, Silver
  
• Specify if the nomination is for Wingleader or Wingsecond
  
• In exceptional cases the small colours (Blue, Black, Green) may obtain Wingsecond status, if you believe a Blue or Green pair deserve this honour, write a paragraph as to why and link to 7 instances of leadership. (This is meant to be exceptionally rare)
  
• Nominating a small colour takes up one of your nominations, so think carefully before doing so.
  
• When Nominations are closed, they are final and the thread will be locked.
  
  
• The Number of Positions are As Follows:
  Malvren needs: 2 Wingleaders, 2 Wingseconds
  Trine needs: 2 Wingleaders, 2 Wingseconds
  Benden needs: 2 Wingleaders, 3 Wingseconds
  

The Nominations - Second Weyrlingmaster, Second Candidatemaster

• All players have 1 week to nominate potential weyrlingmaster and candidatemasters
  
• Each Player can nominate up to two Characters – maximum of one character that they own for these positions, you cannot nominate a character for both Weyrlingmaster/Candidatemaster and Wingleader/Wingsecond positions.
  
• To nominate the character, the player must cite 3 times where the character has demonstrated leadership abilities in game – you must link to the particular post or screencap it and link the image(s). (examples should be spread out through the character's history)
  
• Only ADULT pairs can be nominated
  
• Only the following colours can be nominated: White, Green, Blue, Black, Crimson
  
• Specify if the nomination is for Second Weyrlingmaster or Second Candidatemaster.
  
  
• The Number of Positions are As Follows:
  Malvren needs: 1 Second Candidatemaster, 1 Second Weyrlingmaster
  Trine needs: 1 Second Candidatemaster, 1 Second Weyrlingmaster
  Benden needs: 1 Second Candidatemaster, 1 Second Weyrlingmaster

The Campaign

• Players with Nominated Characters have 2 Weeks following the end of the Nominations to Campaign
  
• Campaigns can be short RPs in the guild or in the main thread, banners (must be made by the player campaigning), gathering supporters and followers, and a short paragraph stating why the character wants to be a Wingleader and what sort of wing they plan to run should be posted in the provided Campaign Speeches thread – any kind of speech is welcome, serious, funny, cynical, etc so long as it is in character.
  
• Players are welcome to Campaign as they choose, so long as it is within reason and they do not promise shop pets/favor
  
• This paragraph in combination with past actions and campaign activities should be considered and judged by all characters who will be voting.
  
• The Campaign Speeches thread will close 2 weeks after the Campaign has begun, Speeches not posted by that time will be considered as Characters dropping out of the races.

The Vote

• The Vote will last 1 Week after the Campaigns have ended.
  
• To Vote, players will PM the Mule with a list of their characters and what those characters’ votes are for each of the ranks
  
• Each character currently in existence may vote
  
• Characters can only vote for their home Weyr, so please group characters by Weyr and make it clear which Weyr they are from; failure to do so will result in the vote not being counted.
  
• Those without characters may make a Candidate and vote via that character but the character must be approved first
  
• At the end of the week, the votes will be tallied and the winners announced within a few days of the votes closing, screen shots of the votes will be provided on request if necessary.

Organizing the Wings

• The new wings will have a set number of slots available for PC characters, the rest of a wing will be NPCS
  
• Players will post in the Wing Preference thread a list for each character of their preferred wing
  
• The preference thread will be open for 1 week, any lists not posted within that time will have characters automatically assigned as the Staff sees fit
  
• The newly elected Wingleaders and Wingseconds (aka their Players) will then be responsible for sorting out who goes in what wing based on the preference lists, this will be their first In-Character duty.
  
• Once the lists are worked out and posted in the Active Wing thread, the Wingleaders and Wingseconds are expected to START ORPs for a meet-and-greet of their wing that they are responsible for running
  
• Wingleaders and Wingseconds who do not post a wing list or start an ORP will be assumed incapable of leadership under pressure and stripped of their rank, and the next-highest voted character will be promoted or an NPC will take leadership, depending on the situation.
  
• Wingleader and Wingsecond Ranks are prestigious ranks and come with a few duties – when something is required of you, you will be notified with what to do if it is metaplot-related
  
• Additionally, Wingleaders and Wingseconds are welcome to run Training ORPs whenever they like

Benefits of PC Wings

• These are Player-Run facets of the community – the more effort and participation there is, the more rewards there will be
  
• Completing Training ORPS gains 0.5 EXP for the dragon pairs that have participated PER ORP – a completed Training ORP requires at least 2 pages and 5 posts by at least 3 of the characters involved (separate players) and must include a drill of some sort, be it formation practice or firestone chewing [ONLY those with at least 5 posts will earn EXP]
  
• EXP earned applies to the Wingleader and/or Wingseconds as well as the Wing Members
  
• Only 1 Training ORP can be active at a time PER WING – it must be completed or marked abandoned before a new one may be begun
  
• Please MARK THE TITLE as completed when the Training ORP is finished.
  
• If 10 Training ORPs are successfully completed, additional EXP and bonuses will be awarded after the ORPs have been reviewed
  
• The mechanics of the drills are up to the Players of the Wingleaders and Wingseconds to determine as per the leadership style of the characters, refer to the dice mechanics of previous events for inspiration if needed or PM the mule for assistance.
  
• If a PC that holds rank goes inactive for 3 months, they will be demoted and an NPC will replace them

Benefits of PC Masters

• These are Player-Run facets of the community – the more effort and participation there is, the more rewards there will be
  
• The Second Weyrlingmaster and Second Candidatemaster are assistants to the head Weyrlingmaster and Candidatemasters, they provide supplemental lessons and tutorials that compliment the lessons given by their superiors - think of them as Teaching Assistants with a little more power
  
• Seconds can dole out punishment, within reason, but severe cases MUST be run through the Head ____master.
  
• Completing Weyrling and Candidate Lessons Grants 0.25 EXP PER ORP – a completed Lesson ORP requires at least 2 pages and 5 posts by at least 3 of the characters involved (separate players) and must include a lesson of some sort appropriate for Candidates or to the age of the Weyrlings involved. [ONLY those with at least 5 posts will earn EXP]
  
• EXP earned applies to the Second as well as the students
  
• Activities can include, but are not limited to: How to Oil, How to Care for Leather, How to Treat Wounds, How to Pick Firestone, How to Prepare Meat, How to Train Wing Muscles
  
• The First Flight Lesson will be saved for Staff-lead ORPs but a PC Second can run a lesson at any time
  
• Only 1 Lesson ORP can be active at a time – it must be completed or marked abandoned before a new one may be begun
  
• Please MARK THE TITLE as completed when the Training ORP is finished.
  
• If 10 Lesson ORPs are successfully completed, additional EXP and bonuses will be awarded after the ORPs have been reviewed
  
• EXP earned in this way can be stockpiled for when a dragon hits adult and officially joins the ranks of the Wings, please track your EXP in your journal
  
• The mechanics of the lessons are up to the Players of the Seconds to determine as per the leadership style of the characters, refer to the dice mechanics of previous events for inspiration if needed or PM the mule for assistance.
  
• If a PC that holds rank goes inactive for 3 months, they will be demoted and an NPC will replace them

READ ALL OF THIS
It is being given all at once so people see the whole of the event and can plan accordingly.
Participationg, and election, means you, the Player, are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the above.
Failure to do so will not be excused - ignorance is no excuse.

Metaplot!
Chapter 9 : A Spark Ignites

The First Fall had come and it had devastated the Weyrs. Even after Trine, Malvren, and Benden had lost numerous riders in that fateful engagement, the other Weyrs suffered for their inexperience as well. Dragons keened every day as the initial Falls of thread swept through the ranks of the dragons like a scythe. The slow, the inflexible, the proud… they fell in the first days of Thread as the three bickering Weyrs scrambled to get their Wings in order.

After nearly a month of speeches and campaigning and interviews and voting, the new leaders of Malvren, Trine, and Benden emerged with new knots upon their shoulders and heavy burdens of duty. The young and mature alike had been given opportunities to rise to the occasion and every one of them was expected to perform – or die in the effort. Such is the lot of the dragonrider, raised and trained to fight a faceless foe and never know the gratitude of those he or she saves.

It was a poetic injustice as far as the wherhandlers were concerned. The dragonriders had fallen to bickering and petty infighting in the months prior to the Thread, laying blame for the murders of their leaders on Holdless. Holdless! It was a mark of how sad things had become that the scoundrel Holdless had been able to strike such vicious blows.

The fallout of the murders, however, had not yet blown over. Some still suspected people beyond the single assassin, still needed to rout the Holdless Camps that the murderer had hailed from, needed to map and explore the every nook and crevice of the Weyrs to prevent such tragedy from happening again.

This fell, as all things with effort did, to the Wherhandlers.

Those of Trine cut back the jungle to a safer distance, patrolled and fought the cats that lurked in the shadow and suffered their own losses for it. Malvren, too, patrolled the Weyr caverns and tunnels constantly, torches kept lit, flits zipping to and fro as their operated as the eyes and ears of widespread handlers. Benden, too, being the epicenter of murders, had closed ranks and proved far more effective now then ever before. Those who inevitably got lost in the ancient tunnels were swiftly found, returned to their bunks, the store rooms guarded, tunnelsnakes made few…

The world over, Wherhandlers had stepped up, shrugged on the mantle of power that fell to them in times of Thread, and the world over they grew strong. Recruitment was up – rumors of dragons dead and riders made vegetables, of riders dead and dragons suiciding, of threadscore so bad one would never walk again, of twisting, grotesque bodies falling from the sky covered in silvery filaments… the stories of war were quickly spreading among the Candidates and reality was setting in. Dragonriding, for all its glory, was deadly… was a lifelong commitment to something far larger then oneself.

Thread had come and claimed only the first of its victims. Generations would rise and generations would fall, that was the cycle of Thread.

And it was because of this that some, fearing the obligation or the death, had abandoned the dreams of the dragons and walked into the arms of the Wherhandlers. With the influx of recruits, the prestige of the Wherhandlers grew as well. They were beginning to demand more recognition, more pay, more respect… and these things also drew people, playing to their sense of self-importance, like moths to the flame. It was not unexpected but it was yet one more pressure added to the growing list of the Weyrleaders and Weyrwomen of Pern.

The pressure was greatest, however, at Benden. Masterhandler Keller had stepped forward with a miracle shortly after the Wings were announced. Along with the rest of his brethren, he had scoured the tunnels, assisted or oversaw the mapping, continued the investigation the riders themselves seemed too willing to let fall to wayside.

It was during this investigation that the long-missing Ancientcrafter Archimonde had been found at long last. Many had feared him dead, he’d been missing for so long, but the eccentric man was scruffy and weary but none the worse for wear as Keller presented him to the Wingleaders and Weyrleader of Benden. The man responsible for the upkeep of the Mystweed had finally been returned to them. The worry of fertility would no longer be an issue for Weyrleader W’lin vowed to have the Ancientcrafter’s methods recorded by hook or by crook. Benden’s financial and political position would therefore be secured, regardless of the two runty golds the late Kestril had provided.

The miracle, did not stop there, however. Anciencrafter Archimonde had made the discovery of a lifetime, he announced, because he had found one of the ancients’ boring machines deep in the heart of the Weyr, where he’d been wandering for months. Long broken and mostly metallic junk, it would nonetheless provide insight to the machines of the ancient Pernese. His research was ongoing, yes, but he felt near a breakthrough… with the potential to defend Pern for centuries to come at the tips of his fingers.

The story was fantastical at best, echoing the well-known legend of AIVAS as the devastation they were now living as a result of its ‘solution’ to Thread. Skepticism twinned with hope and raced through the ranks of Benden, sparking heated debate. How the Ancientcrafter had survived, however, fell by the wayside as people bickered over whether to believe the crafter’s promises. Archimonde seemed relieved, then, when Masterhandler Keller stepped up beside the Ancientcrafter and gave his voice to the man’s, signaling the support of Handlers of Benden was Archimonde’s.

The message was clear, and clever: The Handlers would be the ones to support the potential solution where the Riders were too proud or blind to acknowledge it.

Trouble was brewing once more, it seemed, as the division between Handlers and Riders widened bit by bit, strengthened by the proposal of Archimonde.

News travelled fast and other Weyrs grew interested, their political pressure forcing W’lin to consider the research. He had refused offers of Queen transfers, citing the age of his young golds, and had allowed his Weyr to spiral nearly uncontrollably in the meantime. His popularity was swiftly falling and it was plain he must succumb to the pressures of the Weyrs. It was by this reason alone – though he couched it in more eloquent terms, of course – that W’lin condoned the research and swore to consider any possible solutions the Ancientcrafter might have.

Malvren’s voice had been among the loudest of those pushing for the solution – Eirlyn still bore a grudge with the viciousness of an angry queen – and the victory was sweet indeed for the woman who still held Benden responsible for the death of her beloved.

Far from united and even farther from peace, Pern now stands on the brink razor’s edge. If the Dragonriders fail, the Thread will consume them all… if they succeed, the divisions between the Weyrs, and the rifts between Handler and Rider threaten to erupt into open conflict.

IC Notes

• Remember Ancientcrafter Archimonde? He's back!
  
• W'lin's in trouble and he's not happy about being forced into accepting Archimonde's crazy ideas - everybody knows what Ancient Tech results in!
  
• Masterwherhandler Keller has stepped up in support of Archimonde, a powerful ally to the cause and a voice of reason. His influence is great but he seems to delight in smearing the image of the Dragonriders.
  
• Archimonde's research is ongoing - what, exactly, his solution is has not been revealed and he refuses to specify details.
  

OOC Notes

• Wings are now assigned and official. Time in-game was roughly a month for all of that to be sorted out!
  
• Threadfall's both glorious and gruesome - remember this when playing. It's not walk in the park.
  
• A Wherhandler event will be upcoming to reflect the IC recruiting. Anybody will be welcome to participate - stay tuned for that.
  
• Seems we've hit the calm before the storm!

Metaplot!
Chapter 10 : Dragonlight

Ancientcrafter Archimonde had retreated for days, never once emerging from his makeshift shop as the Wherhandlers of Benden hauled pieces of scrap from the machine he’d found day and night. He would allow no one to look in on his work and would often fall asleep in the shop, shoulders hunched and cheek pressed to the workbench.

When some began to wonder if he was just leeching off the Weyr, being useless as Ancientcrafters often were, Masterhandler Keller was summoned and the two retreated for conversation long into the night. They emerged the next day, Keller looking for all the world smug as a Bronze who’d caught a Queen and Archimonde’s nearly maniacal grin together revealed that something was certainly afoot. That something was announced shortly thereafter and Weyrleader W’lin came to regret his decision to support whatever Archimonde had proposed.

In some insane bid to shield Pern and bring Ancientcrafting to the fore of society, Archimonde proposed the following:

”Archimonde’s Speech”

These times are dire, my friends. The Riders fall from the skies for our sakes while those bound to the ground must wallow in their shadows. I say no more! No more should the riders sacrifice their lives! No more should the Weyrfolk and the Holders huddle in their homes of stone when Thread falls. I have found the solution, my friends, my kin.

Yes! The Solution! It lay buried in the depths of Benden’s tunnels where I was lost. In the bell of the Weyr I found a glorious Ancient Machine, with bits to grind at the rock as no pick-axe can and wonderful, searing lights like focused Dragonfire that scorched and melted the stoneface. It was a Boring Machine, abandoned so long ago.

It lacked power – the reason I think the Ancients left it – but I have learned how to power the Dragonlights! Adapting them, arranging them in a net, I can separate the sky from the earth and burn the Thread before the Dragonriders can even mobilize! It will be a new era!

With Keller at my side, I have found enough components for a demonstration and would like to show you the epitome of Ancientcraft. For generations you have scorned my craft but now, now my craft will save you all!

The speech was rousing and found purchase in the hearts of many, but so too did it fall on deaf ears. The Weyr was torn – should the demonstration be held? It was agreed the Weyrs would vote and delegations from each Weyr would arrive to view the example Ancientcrafter Archimonde had devised. Most were skeptical, some were hopeful… and still others asked what harm would come of looking.

IC Notes

• Archimonde’s gone mad-scientist and has apparently discovered the solution to Thread – sound familiar?
  
• W’lin’s utterly regretting throwing his support behind Archimonde and his ideas but if this turns out, Benden stands to be the center of revolution.
  
• A vote is being held in each Weyr – to support the demo or to ignore the demonstration.
  
• The proposal is controversial, despite Archimonde’s faith in the subject, and a demonstration is being held to see if the Dragonlight is as effective as he claims. It will be held in neutral grounds and all Weyrs are welcome – provided, of course, if they vote in favour of the demo.
  

OOC Notes

• The Vote is a Shop Vote and the outcome of the proposal will depend on how the players vote. Voting in support of the demonstration will see it happen, and voting against will result in the demonstration not being held… but what else happens is secret! ;D
  
• The Vote will be open for 2 weeks and be a Shop Poll at the top of the main thread page.

 

[Dragonflight Pern]

Arc 2 Summary Post
Finale

Gather Round the Spectacle!
Metaplot Arc 2 Finale - Part 1

With the vote very much in favour of allowing the demonstration, the path has been chosen and the stage is set!

The Demonstration is an ORP open to all characters so long as they have a means of transportation to and from the grounds. The demo is located outside and away from Benden Weyr, in the terrain surrounding the weyr.
It's become a spectacle so get settled, enjoy and have fun!

[ Click Here for the Event Forum + ORP ]

Smoke and Mirrors

When all had gathered about the stage the Ancientcrafter’s smug smile as impossible to miss. All eyes were on him, right where they should be… it was all going according to plan. It was laughable, really, how smoothly the Weyrleaders and Weyrwomen had fallen into step at the slightest whiff of no more work. Keller was certainly correct in his estimation of the Riders. Indeed, the Masterhandler was nowhere to be seen – he had helped with the initial set up and moved on from there. There were many things to do these days, Archimonde knew, the least of which was this demonstration.

Clearing his throat, he tapped a small hammer against a bell to ring for quiet. It didn’t come easily. Two rings later and it was finally quiet enough for the crafter to not have to yell over the crowd. “Good afternoon my fellows! You have been called here for the purpose of viewing my newest invention, an invention we will all surely benefit from. For years the Weyrs and the Holds have shunned the wisdom of the Ancients’ technology but no more for I have found a way to harness the power of their Dragonlights! It burns hotter then any flame and cuts through solid rock, it sears through flesh and leaves no bleeding wound, these Dragonlights are the answer to many of our problems.

The machine I found these remarkable lights in could bend and warp these Dragonlights and it took me some months to puzzle out just how that was done. You see, they use a strange blend of mirrors and machinery to form their glowing nets. That… that was the crucial part.” He laughed and strode across the stage, his boots clicking against the wooden surface, “But I am no simpleton and the Ancientcraft had been my bread and butter. It was I who found the solution for your Mistweed… for your ailing golden queens. And it is I who has found your salvation! No legendary explosions, no ridiculous Betweening and reliance on rogue Riders… a simple, non-dragonman like myself has found the key.

I’m sure all of you are most interested in seeing it, and how my devices will work. Bear with me just a few moments longer my friends. I must explain its concept before I show it – oh and there is a slight chance of danger: dismemberment, death, injury, that sort of thing. Very standard concerns. The concept is this my friends: the dragonlights will form permanent barriers in our skies so that the Thread we all despise and unite against can longer fall past that point. It will be destroyed before it ever touches the ground.” He stopped at the left of the stage and something audibly clicked. The wood planks in the center of the stage shifted and drooped down, pulled back by unseen mechanisms as a dais was raised up. Gesturing with one arm, he smiled, “Of course, there will be no more need for Dragonriders at that point. The Holds will no longer offer tithes for decades on the chance Thread falls, families will no longer sacrifice their children to a life of chance and thin hope. The riders themselves will finally be able to retire permanently, a novelty rather than a necessity. The debate on the validity of the Atypicals will be moot once and for all because the dragons’ strength will no longer be the question. Our world will change, ladies and gentlemen, and it will change for the better.”

W’lin of Benden’s expression was sour as Archimonde’s arrogant tirade continued and he shook his head, face turning red with anger. He had not authorized such slander! What was Archimonde up to? He certainly had the audience’s attention – Rider and Non-Rider alike – but what was the purpose of angering the very people who would fund and support his decisions? Did he think playing his cards like this would further shame the Riders, force them into action? His hands curled into fists as he tried to keep his composure.

The Weyrleader’s expression did not escape Archimonde’s attention and he took a moment to bow before him, a sweeping, almost mocking gesture, before he righted himself and moved over to the dais. The machine was surprisingly small… a snarl of wires and tubes and glass lenses. Two more just like it sat behind the first. Picking up one of the devices, he hefted it high and walked along the front, showing it off. “This! This my friends, is the answer. Watch as I show you your future free of Thread.” He walked to the far side of the stage, set it down and touched a series of panels. The item whirred, coming to life as lights flickered inside. A shaft of light arced into the air and then split by some quirk of the technology into a handful of lines glowing red and angry in the sky. He likewise placed and activated the other two devices in the center and opposite side of the stage until the lines above had meshed to form a glowing grid above their heads. “Excellent isn’t it? Beautiful!”

Regardless of whether they had the fuel or the number of devices required to fulfill his promise, it didn’t matter. He was displaying his prowess, dangling hope before their very eyes and relishing the looks on the riders’ faces.

“And now, to prove to you my work!” A Flit appeared on his arm and he gave it a handful of string from the bowl on the dais and it disappeared once more. The form was visible above the grid only briefly as the ‘thread’ was released and threatened to fall upon the Ancientcrafter’s head. However, it touched the dragonlights and with a hiss disappeared into smoke, leaving nothing at all to trail down. “See? See! It is all so simple. So very elegant!”

Archimonde squared his shoulders and smiled as he returned to his place at the center of the stage, just in front of the dais. By his estimations he had another few minutes of power from the devices… and in less than that his survival would be in the hands of fate.

Around them, flits began appearing among the crowd, their chittering and calls full of panic and confusion. Conflicting mental images flickered through minds as scenes of blood and struggle inundated the attendees. What, and where, was going on was hard to discern but something was very, very wrong.

You Have until 1 pm PST to post your roll

Fallen

A golden flit appeared before Archimonde then, oddly calm in the growing storm of panic. The nod the Ancientcrafter gave was telling. Whatever was going on he knew. The Dragonlights shifted then, forming a protective cage around him as he chimed the bell once more. “Ah, you may have noticed… something is afoot. How very astute Dragonriders. The lot of you should be ashamed. As I speak, your Weyrs fall to more capable hands. The Revolution has come and you have turned your backs to your enemies you fools! This day, this very moment, shows how incredibly unfit you are to rule this world. Your strength is nothing – you walk into traps, you fight amongst yourselves, all too eager to embrace destruction, and for what? For what? You leech off the world, languish for decades and call yourselves heroes. You trust your youth to know what’s best and let lust guide your decisions! It’s appalling!”

The man paced from one side of his cage to the other, the air of victory about him. “The Wherhandlers have their move, fools, and you cannot sto-”

He was cut off, however, as a green rider exploded into the air above the gathering, dripping ichor from wounds all along her sides and her rider was clutched in her forelimbs. One arm was mangled, his shirt soaked through. Benden is lost! Benden is lost! Her shrill cries were spoken to all those present, her growls pained and confused.

The rider groaned as they touched down, his gaze briefly meeting Archimonde’s and he tensed, “YOU! You-aughah” His outburst became a pained burbling wheeze and his dragon growled at the Ancientcrafter, the flash of teeth stained with the blood of whers.

W’lin recognized the colours of his Weyr before the rider had even set down and, running, drew alongside the dying rider. “What? What happened?”

The rider coughed up more blood and shook his head, “We are betrayed. That b*****d Masterhandler Keller has corrupted the Handlers… marches through our halls as if he owns the place.” He coughed again, curling in his pain and spoke once more, “He uses the tunnels… small places dragons can’t reach… kills those who won’t join… cornered me.” He’d been reached to grab the Weyrleader’s hands but died as he did so.

The Green screamed, her eyes going white and she disappeared Between with her rider.

The Revolution had come and Masterhandler Keller was their head.

The machines spluttered and failed just moments after the Green died, and Archimonde was left standing on the stage, facing a sea of angry riders. He closed his eyes and smiled, ready to embrace his fate.

All Players have 1 Week to Choose Their Side - Each Character has the Choice.
Will they support the Wherhandlers or will they oppose the Handlers?
The Choice is Yours.

PLEASE NOTE

-Benden is no longer an available IC Weyr. No RP will be allowed in the Benden Forum until further notice.
-Once sides are picked, those from Benden but not joining the Benden Handlers become refugees; more will be posted on that once we get there
-Combat to determine the fate of Trine and Malvren will begin shortly, once sides are decided. (Any Weyr may come under control of the Wherhandlers, there is plotline for every outcome)
-Combat will be an open-field play style and all combat RPs will take place in the metaplot forum.
-ANYONE may participate in the Combat so long as they follow the combat rules. No character profiles will be required.
-More details on combat and associated events will be available once Combat opens.

-any posts that not filled in tonight when the thread is locked will be deleted
-Combat mechanics and instructions will be posted tomorrow
-Combat cannot begin until a side is chosen for your character

Show your Support! Put this in your signature!

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Vanishing Point

Here Ends Arc 2 of Dragonflight: An Alternate Pern's Metaplot

The clash of Rider and Wherhandler, of Dragon and Watch Wher, shook the world. Those Weyrs that did not suffer a coup turned suspicious gazes on their own Wherhandlers as Masterhandler Keller’s revolution blazed through Benden and Malvren. The coup had caught Benden flatflooted and they had fallen swiftly but Malvren had resisted and dragged the guerilla warefare out into nearly two weeks of deadly chess, the dragons at the walls and the riders within. Even Weyrwoman Eirlyn had joined in the combat, proprietary and formality be damned. With an enemy in her sights and still ragged from the loss of her lover, the Goldrider became a warrior queen, fierce and willful in the face of such adversity.

Will, however, only goes so far. The Wherhandlers used the size of their partners to masterful advantage, taunting, drawing and otherwise routing the Riders that dared set foot in the winding tunnels made dark and haunted by the cries of combat. With no need for light and long used to closed spaces, the Wherhandlers stalked from the shadows while their opponents – their oppressors – stumbled around, close to lamplight.

It was during one such press into enemy territory that Gold Feynath, commanding her dragons above, screamed in agony and flashed Between, the keen that rose then arced through the Malvren fighters, their dragons freezing in place as woe and misery rushed through their systems. The Senior Queen was dead...

Inside, the group that had fought alongside the Weyrwoman had been forced into a dead end and torn apart. Every Wherhandler knew the value of such a target and had strict orders to take her down if the opportunity arose. They fought valiantly, using the narrow passage to stem the tide of foes but endurance flagged and determined blows faded into weary, desperate parries. It was a long fight but ultimately futile. Masterhandler Keller himself had received news and arrived in time to watch his fighters harry the Weyrwoman and her escort… stepped in to take the victory himself. A cruel man and beast, his Gold tore the surviving men and women apart, their blood strewn across rock and body, her eyes a livid red swirled with green. Eirlyn was left cornered and vulnerable, far from the awesome power of her Queen; in that lonely silence, she faced Keller with defiance.

“Enjoy it while it lasts, Traitor, for so long as Malvren riders take to the sky, my death will only fan the flames of vengeance.” She wiped the blood from her brow, a smear of ichor left in its place, and sneered, staggering a bit from her injuries.

“Traitor, hmn?” Keller stepped forward, eyes hard and cold, determined… his truth shining for all to see, “I like it.” He smiled at her, running a hand over the bloody face of his queen wher briefly before stepping forward to catch the exhausted woman.

She lurched, the flash of a blade arcing across his face, leaving a jagged line across one cheek, narrowly sparing his eye. Blood cascaded down his face as he cried out and fell back with a string of curses. Kellesk surged forward with a deafening roar that drowned out the commanding ‘NO!’ as jaws closed around Eirlyn. Her life was snuffed in an instant of passion and fury.

Wherhandler Keller was left with blood and death as he forced his Wher onward, leaving his remaining supporters to clean up the mess.

Outside, the dragons’ fury became like lightning without a focus and their roars of anger and sorrow rocked the walls of Malvren. Their leader gone, their spirit broken, they continued to fight for vengeance but lacked the drive of before. Malvren fell soon after, forcing the remnants of Dragonriders and those loyal to them to flee and take refuge elsewhere.

The Northern Weyrs refused the Malvren refugees, fearing the plague of trouble they had been surrounded with would spread into their own ranks and forced them to the only haven left: Trine.

Trine had fared surprisingly well in the onslaught. Being an outdoor, ground level Weyr, there was little shelter the Wherhandlers could find cover in where the dragons could not reach them. The Resistance tore through their ranks, advancing steadily and in waves, gaining ground and forcing the Revolutionaries back further and further. The Infirmary remained untouched, guarded by a wild gold who saw danger in allies and enemies alike. Bodies littered the ground around the complex, the gold curled like a wyrm of legend on a pile of treasure.

When the dust settled, most of the buildings were damaged nearly beyond repair, resources and warehouses looted, the entire Weyr in a state of chaos. They had managed to break the defenses and scatter the Wherhandlers, preventing them from mounting an organized counter attack. Fleeing into the jungles to brave the dangers of Felines and others creatures that lurked in the green shadows, they left Trine to its defenders.

Upon hearing of this defeat, Keller screamed his rage and it is said he took the life of the messenger… making some wonder if his world could be as free as he claimed it would be. Others of the Riders had noted a certain Brown element to the revolution… a number of Brownriders had turned their backs on their heritage, their influence, to seek their fortune with the Wherhandlers and their promise of power for the deserving. It was a frightening realization that such discontent could curl in the ranks of the riders themselves. If their own could defect so swiftly… what dangers… what traitors lurked in their midst, even now?

As the storm broke over Trine and the violence ebbed, Gold Brakiath finally stepped away for a moment, the grey tinge to her eyes gone for the first time since her rider’s coma had begun. For the first time, too, she allowed people near the Infirmary… and, weak but alive, Abigail was sitting up her bed, propped up on pillows and looking confused. Her gaze kept shifting around, blinking as if she was having trouble processing what she was seeing.

An attempt at speaking was hoarse, croaking…. The unused muscles protested, causing her thought to manifest as wordless mumbles – at least until she closed her eyes. She calmed then and Brakiath rumbled, bespeaking those who found her, <<I could hear everything… see everything…. Is, is it over?>> In that moment, Abigail became known as Dragontouched. Her bond to her lifemate had likely been the only thing to keep her alive, the internal connection growing incredibly strong over the months of her slumber… a telepathic connection deeper than any seen yet.

It was over – for the moment.

Now began the long process of recovery – for Trine and for the newly claimed Wherholds of Malvren and Benden. Malvren had lost its leader and Trine had regained its… though crowding and damage now posed as much danger as the revolution itself. The community of Trine must pull together to reclaim the wreckage and begin anew.

For Keller it is also the beginning of a new era. With his territories won and a number of followers gained in the coup, the restructuring and delegating is set to begin before the coals of war have even grown cold.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

NOTES

• Malvren is no longer a Weyr. It has fallen to the Revolution and is now a Wherhold.
  
• Masterhandler Keller is the Lord of the two Wherholds but requires loyal, capable individuals to rule in his absence – this will become an event in the near future.
  
• Rules, regulations, and restructuring for the Wherholds will be announced in 2-3 weeks.
  
• As sister Wherholds, RP between Malvren and Benden-based Revolution characters is open at all times – it is assumed that there are enough dragons to allow frequent, fast transport between the two..
  
• If you are a Revolutionary, pick your base of operations: Malvren or Benden. This is your new home. The thread for sorting is here: [link]
  
  
• Weyrwoman Eirlyn is dead, killed in combat.
  
• Weyrwoman Abigail is alive but changed in ways not yet seen.
  
• Trine survived and managed to repel the revolutionaries.
  
• Trine is in ruins and needs to be rebuilt – player involvement will be used for the planning and mapping of an ‘official’ zone.
  
  
• ALL ACTIVE RESISTANCE characters are now members of Trine Weyr until further notice.
  
• ALL ACTIVE REVOLUTION characters are now members of Benden Wherhold and Malvren Wherhold until further notice.
  
• ALL INACTIVE characters (resistance and revolution) did not go to Benden or Trine but elsewhere, offscreen. To be included once more in the game play, they must pick a side (and therefore a location).
  
  
• Refugees from Malvren and Benden alike are bunking with Trine riders, feel free to pick your room mates! (Remember that the individual weyrs are small shacks with scoops nearby for the dragons to sleep – no caves)
  
  
• Dragontouched is a new status akin to HAD. It is shop controlled.