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 Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 11:24 pm
The Journey to the Homeland
After Mintaka's investigations and reassuranced the world was safe enough for others to come to, she has put together a trip into the world to search out the answers. Not wanting to be alone - as she's sure she'll miss something and it never hurts to have company and back up - she's called on all of you - plushikat and owners alike - to join in the quest.
The world, Aeretres [Ah-eh-reh-truh-es though not quite as many syllables] is a magical world, with not as much science and technology. They have some low-grade machines, based on steam. Details of that shall be elaborated upon later as needed. What does exist is very well-kept and away from most prying eyes.
The major players are those with the most magic; wizards rule on high often, and when there is a leader such as a king, they'r pretty much relying on the word of their wizardly advisors. Magic makes the world go round here, and those without the gift are treated much like dirt. They exist, they live, but they don't have much freedoms and liberties like we enjoy. Still an existence is that, and they work day in and day out to provide for themselves best they can, and give the rest to their lords and ladies.
Those who do have the gift of magic often keep to themselves ... they either live alone somewhere isolated, or among the 'nobility' - you rarely will find those with the gift among the normal people. Those that are are often outcasts from the 'society' of magicians and nobles... and they're often much easier to deal with.
Where do Plushikats fit in this? They are the magical familiars of the magical people, created by their masters. They aide their masters in their experiements, and often will defend them to the death. However... some have gone wild, either after the death of their master...
...or because they ran away. Those who are wild are often skittish, some are very feral, and avoid contact with anyone unless they must. Don't underestimate the wild ones, for they are quite smart, and very quick and clever.
To be spotted by any kat means likely many things know you are there, and to be found by one bound to a wizard, means you're likely to be visited...
*more later?*
The Conditions
In order to join you must have signed up and be cleared in the Expedition Sign-ups. Other then that... yeah. You're allowed some freedom, but expect me to have NPC reactions to some things. Do realize you're in somewhat dangerous territory here, and keeping a low profile is wise.
All the kats will be especially feeling tense - with reason or not. In some cases it's like deja vu almost. [[Nanda, Edward, Rosaleen especially, Tenae might as well.]] Somethign about the place makes them all uneasy, and a little afraid to be themselves and romp too far. [[This is not to limit, so much as the feeling of home is like. Something about the place just doesn't feel right - and anyone else sensitive to magic may also feel a great unease.]]
When we actually arrive, you'll get the feel for things. The world itself ... you'll see, but don't expect a utopia is all I can say.
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Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 11:29 pm
A Cast to be Had...
Those of note, important to the expedition shall be recorded here.
Varisce Syndrite
King of the region, he reins from the capitol Charenne L'sol. Although a compitent man in his own right, King Syndrite still bows to the wil and advice of the wizard Ardiore T'Pharexente. The king sees people as he wishes, and is very select about hsi company - only the most powerful and magical may see him. He's a little naive, but quite shrewd at times, and has little love for the port town aside that it supplies new and exotic thigns for his castle. Rumors circulate he has no magical ability but a few will attest it is no lie.
Ardiore T'Pharexente
THE wizard of the land, all others must look to him. Apparently quite powerful, but keeps to himself. Advises and pretty much directs the king. Not much is certain about this man...
Tirafan Gre'charel
Tirafan used to be the wizard of these lands, before Ardiore came. Most will agree they wages a mage's duel and Tirafan lost. A few people whisper Tirafan simply vanished form the world to another. There is a grave for him outside the capital city, at the lake's edge - well a headstone, for these was no body...
Yvendar M'rist
Wizard and watcher of the Port Town Dandriel Shathe. A twin to the Wizard of the River. Some speculate he isn't a wizard, but others will say he ahs and seen him work his magics.
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Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 11:30 pm
Who's Where, and What?
Tracking of who's where, and other notes of persons. To be updated as much as Min can, but sometimes that mght be hard. This will actually get somewhere on arrival. whee
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Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 11:31 pm
The Lay of the Land
((A map! Mintaka can make maps!))
This is the section of the world we are dealing with. The numbers are explained below. Our portal to and from Gaia is at the red X... aka #1!01 :: Landing PointOut landing point is in a forest, by a small lake/oasis. The plants grow a little rampant, but nothing we can't get through. There's actually a small clearing right here allowing us room to camp/plot/rest. The water is crystal clear and fresh, slightly cool, and completely untainted - even by magic. It was chosen by Mintaka for it's rather 'remote' location away from the plains, and yet it's nearness to the main city of the region. Going west is not wise, as the forst only grows more and more thick... and more dangerous untamable creatures live that way. Even the wild kats don't go too deep in this forest past the water supplies. 02 :: Katatakatch ForestsThe Katakatch is a dense forest reguion filled with many birds and small mammals, and some larger predators. Only the fringes are really safe. Going to deep, you're liable to be dead. Most peopel stay clear aside the insane and the ones who want to discover... which are far and few between because most never come back. Common folk won't go in too far, or stick near the water where it's "safe" and less dense. Some people say even the trees are alive in some parts... 03 :: Charenne L'sol, Capital CityL'sol is a rather dour, unplesant place, and probably the only thing comparable to a "city" there is - anything else is much too small aside maybe the port town but no one much cares about that place unless it doesn't provide it's trade from beyond the sea. Everyone ends up in L'sol once in their life, and for most, that's all they ever want again. A monarch lives here, Varisce Syndrite - but as always even the so-called king is ruled by his advisor of magical powers. Of course, this advisor has no want of living in a city. You'll find most of the population here has minor to medium magical ability aside those in the outer slums of the city, who have none. They're also working the farms in the grasslands around the city. It's nice, in a bland way, and you'll find plushikats are either 'tethered' or otherwise bound to their human in a physical sense, or nonexistent. Non kat stays free in the city in plain sight. 04 :: The Grasslands, HavendeThe grasslands near any sort of settlement are being farmed for produce, and some livestock as well once out apst the farms. Other then that it's all wide open land that's fairly flat and covered in grass. Small mammals and birds live here, and you're lucky if you can find a tree - unless you're near Katakatch Forest. The ground is fairly fertile and you'll find that it has low magical properties.... except in some places - typically near the towers - which seem infertile, dying, and lacking magic. Any wild plushikats often stay out of sight here except at night, and often hide underground. 05 :: Tower XanvedexThe largest of the towers in this region, and home to the King's advisor, Ardiore T'Pharexente. The wizard is rarely seen by most people, and dislikes company greatly. So much so you can feel the unwanted nature when you step into the area near his tower where the grass wilts. People speak strange rumors about this place and say dark, ugly magics are worked here. It's not too far from the truth - at least to some but the rumors go around. He came from another land across the sea where he supposedly took out a good dozen other major wizards before settling here and upsetting the only other major contendor for power, the beloved Tirafan Gre'charel. Tirafan's passing and the new kings rise were somewhat suspect, but no one's been fool enough to do anything and things haven't been that bad yet... Tower Xanvedex is hard to miss once away from the trees, a dark finger rising from the land itself. 06 :: Calico LakeCalico Lake is the major source of fresh water for the people, fed by small rivulets and underground springs. The water is crisp, clear and refreshing, if not little low in it's magic properties as well. Fish are abundant here as well as waterplants which have some medicinal value. Some poeple rumor there's a monster in the lake, but there's no proof. It gets pretty deep towards the center though. 07 :: Quixa'tel MarshQuixa'tel - Quix or Quixa for short - is a nasty, unplesant place everyone stays away from... except whoever lives in that wizard's tower on the edge opposite the lakeside of the marsh. Oddly the marsh never seems to actually pollute the lake... but the marsh itself is hideous and smells funny, so everyone stays away from the marsh and any of the land past it, the tower, and to the forest. It's just safer, some say. 08 :: The TowersAnd assorted handful of other wizard towards are scattered about the lands. Some have names, although few speka them in 'reverence' for the King's advisor. Some just say all the other wizards are afraid... and among the magic-using circles of L'sol they're right too. No one's stupid enough, although those who might stand a chance are all in seclusion - one in the mountains and another in the desert. No one knows who lives at the tower of Quixa'tal although whoever it was was once a good friend to Tirafan as the rumor goes, but they haven't bene heard of or seen in a good twenty or more years... The tower at Quixa'tal has been nicknamed Hallowfire by the few brave enough to venture near, but they won't say why. The tower on the River and it's Port twin are inhabited by a quiet pair fo twins who watch over nature and sometimes come into conflict with Ardiore ... but nothing serious has come of it... 09 :: Dandriel ShatheYvendar M'rist, the wizard of the tower by Shathe, watches over the port town and is the twin of the more reclusive Elliseire. Yvendar dislikes what has happened at L'sol and is thankful for having watch over the next most important city - he cna keep up on things. Shathe is a much more plesant town, inhabited by an even mix of magical and not, and those without power are at elast respected slightly to mostly better. Yvendar himself employs the assistence of the non-magical at a fair wage, and not treating them as slaves like some would. A few rumors run that Yvendar himself has no magic, but his keepsings fo a Plushikat seem to indicate otherwise. The city itself was named after the first Wizard to set foot in this region. 10 :: The SettlementsMuch less cities as collections of farmers and workers, most of the outlying towns are small and humble, with only a few magicly inclined people who lead the places. They're fairly self sufficient and in a few cses, resent the wizards and try not to bow to them. Still, when trouble strikes, they do have to look towards them... One should be careful wielding magics in the settlements because some people get a little crzy about it and not in a good way... 11 :: The River MaphrerelFrom Calico to the sea, the river brings life through the grasslands. What lives in the lake lives here as well, and is a major travelway for shipping form L'sol to Shathe and back. It runs a ltitle deep and wide, so there's often small ferry ports running between and also ships going up and down the river itself. It's strong current discourages the average person from trying to cross alone by swimming. 12 :: CavesThe caves are pointedly avoided by everyone, including some wizards. There's often rumors of dark evils, and those stupid enough to go near foten end up dead. Still, some say there si great rewad and lost knowledge to be found deep within.... 13 :: Langrath HillsRugged yet somehwat fertile, the people who manage to live in this shadows of the mountains often survive on raising work animals or cattl-like beasts for meat and the hides in exchange for grains. An existence here is soemwhat bleak and unrewarding, but hardly anyone really bothers you here. One must be careful wandering ehre, asn one is likely to find predators waiting for a lonely person not paying attention... 14 :: Zyphrew SeaThe sea is a harsh, unwelcoming place, and only the hardiest sailor will sail out to find a port to trade with. There's good money in it though for the brave or stupid, and the rumors that come back from the sea captains and crews is ... mxied. Most will agree however none of the other ports and their lands are nearly as beautiful as this. Some even say that the sky is always grey in some ports, even when it's 'sunny' - and many other strange and not-so-wonderful tales. It at least keeps those here from trying to travel... 15 :: Wyliste MountainsNo one goes ito this region simply because it's jsut too dangerous, with many unstable and sheer cliffs. What lies beyond is unknown, and for most... that's perfectly fine. What may lie beyond may be too frieghtening for some and for others... the dangerous attempt to cross isn't worth whatever wonder could be beyond... 16 :: Desert Kylikik (unnumbered cause Min forgot) Kylikik is largely avoided because it's more a deathtrap then anything, often overly warm, if not unnaturally so. Still, a few do venture in in search of the cave and rumored treasures... or on rare occasions to visit the Tower Kylikik.
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Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 11:32 pm
Things to Know...
What can the Mages/Wizards sense/not sense?
Anything which affects the flow of magic - be it magic, innate, psionic, etc. - will get their attention. If it's a short blip, likely no, but anything which has a lasting effect or enough of a time affecting the ambient magic is liable to make ripples which will be sensed.
Psionics and low-level telepathies will not be picked up by them - this includes Dream-speak in minds, certain direct communications between plushikats and one-on-one talks between people, and Sandrien when he really feels like it. The very rare psionicist in the world CAN pick these up, but they're likely to not care, as Psionics are very much disliked in the world, so those who can, keep low profiles.
Innate powers unless affecting the draw/flow of magic or creating a certain scale of energy output [such as healing/growth/protective magics or even more offenive innates] are not detectable if they never draw on outside magics. Shapechange will never be noticed [or Mintaka alone would be in serious trouble!] as there are quite a few innate shapechangers in the world - well, they have the ability by magic or by innates. A small innately created flame will likely not catch too much attention as many animals [and some plants!] draw on magic in the air and sometimes use magics in shrot rejuvinating or protective bursts. So low-key thigns will be fine, unless too frequent.
In cities, magic use cna be a bit freer, but showing off too much will get word of mouth and likely the attentions of the magic class quickly about someone new using the gift who might be powerful and a potential rival. Innate abilities seen may be misidentified as psionics, so caution should be used with them.
Day-to-day magics used to help generally will be shrugged off unless in unexpected areas.
What about animalistic characteristics on people, like Sandrien's wings, or Mintaka's tail, etc.?
As I said, there are shapechangers in this world, and even a decent amount of human/animal hybrids, although they still aren't that frequent. Fully looks might be had and assumptions of being a magic user may occur, but most won't think you're THAT strange.
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Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 7:56 pm
Mintaka stands in the room, glancing around a moment at everyone. "I think we're ready then? Ah, yes... don't worry about any of us particularly standing out for our features... the mix here is as equally varied there."
She glanced around a moment at each person and each kat in turn. "I must stress to be careful though. While it is a magical world we are entering, use fo magic is watched by powerful people. The plushikats there are familairs to the wizards and magical user sof the lands."
This means that all with a kat are expect magic-user then? Li asks curiously.
Mintaka nods. "Yes. This can be good or bad depending on what we run into - some dislike magic, especially in more outllying regions. If you feel uncertain-" She pointed at the box resting on the table she ahd brought out- "tap the red crystal on the side. It'll alert me, and hopefully others as well. The blue is standard communication, psychic link. Only use these if we have to, it'll still be picked up as magical use and suspicious use will get the attention we don't want."
Sandrien muttered something under his breath while standing behind Mintaka, and shook his head. "Just be wise about it - the world's fairly low-tech and highly magical. Although devices like these aren't beyond them, they are something that means business, and I don't really want to stare down a wizard, personally. I'm ehre to be sure Mintaka makes it through in one piece."
Mintaka glared at him a moment. "Thanks for the vote fo confidence, you didn't have to you know. You could have stayed with Khariel." She pushes her hair back out fo her face. "Any plushikat seen running whild... may or may not eb a wizard's familiar. Be very cautious on finding one. We have supplies in the back room for camping out as well at the clearing I chose." She scratches Tiresias on the ehad a moment and nods.
"I'll double-chekc we have what we need." Sandrien disapears into the kitchen a moment.
"Any final questions before we make the jump? The portal itself is masked from detection, and is back through the kitchen. I'm leaving Mishendra and Karadontia to tend the store while I'm out as well in case anythig does wrong."
Smsara glides through the door and perches on Mintaka, clicking a few times. "Not leaving."
Mintaka gets a certain unhappy look a slpit second and nods, seemingly giving up a fight. "Anyway... if there are none, we'll head back I just want to be absolutely sure before making the jump."
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Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 8:16 pm
Rhiannon stood quietly (amazingly, for her) with Rosaleen draped across her shoulders.
Nanda sat by her feet, listening to Min. Will the transfer be instantaneous, then? she asked, trying not to fidget from a combination of excitement and nervousness.
Rosaleen's tail twitched, hitting Rhi on the side of the head.
"Hey, knock it off!" Rhi muttered. She tended to get cranky in stressful situations. "Sorry, Min." The elf-coon eyed Sandrien as he wandered off to the kitchen.
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Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 8:31 pm
Mintaka nods. "It's instantaneous, or nearly."
"She has no patience for waiting," Sandrien calls out form the back.
Idyl bounds back out, skittering to a halt and taking stock of the kats again. She jumps up to the box and pulls out the collars much like the people's wrist-items and pops one over her head. She notices Liarenne has one as well already on and grumbles, sitting by the box.
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Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 8:40 pm
Rhi smirked. Not that she blamed Min... she wasn't very good at waiting, herself.
Nanda nodded at Idyl. Careful, young one.
From her perch on Rhi's shoulders, Rosie peered into the box. The collars are a bit bulky... I hope mine doesn't clash with my fur. Useful things, though, she admitted.
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Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 9:04 pm
Terr gazes around solemnly, seated on Rytheal's back. ((OOC: I'll add him to the signups in a sec?)). Ryllika is sitting in front of Terr, looking both excited and apprehensive. "No questions here," Terr nods, double-checking a small pack on Rytheal's back.
Rytheal stamps one hoof, eager to go. "I have one. Is it only telepathy through the.. box-thing.. that will attract attention, or will normal mind-to-mind telepathy like the Plushikats do be a problem as well?"
Ryll manges to grin in greeting at Rosaleen, Idyl, and Li.
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Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 9:08 pm
"Plushikats might pick up on natural - if loud enough, so those gifted in such I advise using it, but the option otherwise is there. The bands should circumvent blocks... I haven't tested that fully though."
Mintaka shakes her head slightly. "Li doesn't generally here me and Tiresias or Samsara at all though, so some levels seme below or at least in the directed towards one person sense. There may eb a few people who can hear all telepathy though, but I don't expect to run into them any time soon."
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Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 9:10 pm
Pandara waited patiently holding Prescott close to her. She had never been on an exbidition to homeworld so she was unsure and cautious. She wondered if Prescott had any past life memories from the place, or pre-life memories in that matter.
Keelin sits waiting patiently. "hello everyone, I am Keelin! I love seeing more Plushykitties as Prescott is the BEST friend ever, well and Pandara!" She smiles cheesily and starts to play her panpipes. It is a nice soothing tune.
Prescott was calm in Pandara's arms but he was a little worried. "There will be no pain in this process will there?" He winced "I am not merely concerned of myself but am highly concerned as to the feelings and emotions of others involoved... in this... process."
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Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 9:21 pm
((Sig's a little large, Pandara. Might have to pick between or use a randomizer.))
"No, no pain. Wouldn't be doing it otherwise."
"Yeah right, you would anyway," Sandrien retorts, returning. "Everything is there."
Tiresias yawns a bit, laying down and waiting. He sniffed a moent at Idyl's tail and shugged a bit.
Mintaka snorted. "Don't mind the cynic." She beamed a smile to Keelin.
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Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 9:23 pm
Rytheal looks somewhat confused, but he nods and continues to ponder that. "Terr, your staff is poking me."
"Sorry," the human bends down, adjusting the staff's position in the specially built pack so that it doesn't bump against the Kyr's flank.
Ryllika cocks her head at the mention of the other Dreams. Why didn't Soli come? she asks, in reference to Terr's cherry-colored daydream.
Terr laughs. "Soli's staying home because... well, let's just say I was afraid he'd get hurt. He's not exactly the sharpest crayon..."
Ryll shoots Terr a reprimanding look, but otherwise says nothing. Instead, she turns to Mintaka. Are we ready? Who else are we waiting for?
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Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 9:32 pm
((sorry about the sig. I was kind of thinking it might be too large but wasn't sure. Fixed now, thanks for informing me instead of being highly annoyed the whole way through))
Keelin stopped playing to smile back. "So, why are we doing this thing anyway?"
Prescott snuggled further in Pandara's arms. He didn't want to be the nervous one of the group, he was usually calm but something just didn't feel right.
Pandara shot a glance at Keelin.
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