EVENT #07: ASPHODEL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

[vivalamods]

EVENT #07: ASPHODEL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PLANNING

The Corsairs have been mobilized and preparations are underway. As negotiators are dispatched to Vindess to prepare for the evacuation under Imperial noses, the crafters and suppliers set to work, preparing the new settlement and whatever airships can be spared for the evacuation. Some Corsairs have even taken it upon themselves to build or “liberate” more airships for the effort.

As always, when the goal is certain the Corsairs move as one. Together, they will see Asphodel completed. All hands are needed, the question is, where do you lend yours?

MISSIONS

Prepare Asphodel: Get the new settlement of Asphodel up and running to receive the refugees from Vindess.
Priority: Critical
Challenges: Corsairs will need to keep the settlement hidden while also making suitable housing and preparing farms and other amenities to sustain life. It will require a large amount of excavation to get in order, as well as construction of homes, furniture, and other facilities. The work will be backbreaking and the timetable is extremely aggressive.

Prepare Citizens for Evacuation: As the citizens of Vindess toil under Imperial lockdown, the Corsairs must prepare the entire population for evacuation.
Priority: Critical
Recommended Roles: Negotiators and Infiltrators
Challenges: Corsairs will need to convince the entire population to evacuate. There are a number of methods that can be employed, while many are going to be reluctant the Imperial crackdown has shaken the settlement and unease is high. There is evidence within the Imperial offices that Infiltrators can recover that show mass executions with lists of “dissidents” have been scheduled for April which the Corsairs might make use of if they choose to investigate. Other options include capturing potential dissidents and taking the entire willing population while executing or taking prisoner loyalists, or other methods the Corsairs determine for themselves to make this happen.


Acquire Airships: The Corsairs always need more airships, and moving an entire population will require heavy effort and can use as many ships as can be mustered.
Priority: Optional
Recommended Roles: All
Challenges: The Corsairs don’t have the major Ether Stones that serve as the airship engines and will need to either capture or salvage resources to increase the size of their fleet. While the Corsairs have been investigating airships that don’t require Ether stones, that research is still a distant dream, but some Corsairs may want to spend some time pushing that investigation along to see if they can make it a reality sooner rather than later.

back to navigation
code credit

Comments

VILLAIN: Vindess

[allthepowersofhell]

[[As usual, please refer to Maleficent's opt-out / permissions post! Threads can be individual or in groups.]]

1. The spying of ravens
Wherever you go in Vindess, black birds are watching.

In fact, there are so many ravens that their numbers are startling; their caws a frequent sound across the beleaguered town. And there's something curious, as well.

If any Corsairs are not careful - if they are seen doing anything suspicious in the presence of the ravens - they'll find that there's more ravens about. That they seem to be following them.

And if the ravens see any citizens of Vindess talking to the Corsairs, those same citizens soon receive a visit from Imperial soldiers.

These ravens it seems must be avoided - or perhaps dealt with.

2. A casual stroll
Perhaps even more alarming than the ravens is the woman now walking the streets of Vindess.

With green skin and horns, she's clearly Planetouched. And with her rich, fine robes and escort of high-ranking Imperial soldiers, she's also clearly nobility.

As her squadron of soldiers harass the locals - interrogate them, rough them up, in some cases even execute them on the spot - Maleficent stands to the side. Watching, with a small smile on her face.

Until she sees someone who strikes her interest, for whatever unknown reason.

"Tell me, dear," she says - with that same smile that she wears when her soldiers beat a civilian to the ground - "Tell me of your life here in this quaint little down, under the sweet protection of the Emperor."

1. Tag in here rather than giving Maleficent a prompt in Ilphyl's TL

[spacetogrow]

Since Ilphyl's plans for helping in Vindess involved their own wildshape, they had noticed the ravens. At first it was simply because they knew ravens were smart and social enough that they could drive off even a larger bird, and a hawk suddenly becoming an elf was a big clue that something magical was going on.

But enough trouble linking Corsair contact with Imperial attention made Ilphyl inclined to focus on the ravens as an area they might have some expertise. Especially seeing some out to sea over the last month. Cue a black and white stray cat trying to watch for ravens returning to the roost one evening, without seeming like it's doing more than noticing some very large birds that might take offense to its presence.

They will need to occasionally duck back into a safe spot to take a breather, so it's not perfect. Especially if they are trying to also get other work done that requires hands or a voice.

[OOC: Malificient can catch Ilphyl either as a cat, or when they are recovering their use of wildshape by resting. Let me know if I need to change this.]

(Ilphyl did mention to the other Corsairs they were investigating the ravens, because they are aware that things could happen. On the other hand, getting caught by Imperials is also possible.)

Works for me!

[allthepowersofhell]

As Maleficent strolls the streets of Vindess, a raven comes to land on her shoulder. It caws into her ear.

"Oh? Our wayward servant is here?" She says. The raven caws. "What a pleasant surprise. Let's go have a conversation, shall we?"

And with a signal for her imperial guard to keep pace behind her, she follows the raven. It guides her through the little streets and alleyways of Vidness...until she enters the one in which a black and white cat currently resides.

"Why, what a curious feline!" she exclaims, as she steps forward to garb Ilphyl by the ruff. Despite her words, it is not an expression of surprise.

Re: Works for me!

[spacetogrow]

Ilphyl can read tone well enough. They try to twist out of the grasp and bite -- the longer they stay in wildshape, the longer they delay answering questions, and they have to guess that the guards are prepared for a shapeshifter.

At least they can wait for an opening to get access to their own spells, without being dogpiled. (Ironic choice of words for someone who is currently a cat)

[allthepowersofhell]

Maleficent's grip tightens. Her nails dig into fur, and she seems utterly unconcerned by Ilphyl's ferocious scratching.

"Oh? So you are a vicious beast?" she says lightly. "And here I thought this was a meek, dedicated and obedient servant of the Empire...but it seems I am mistaken."

[spacetogrow]

Right. Well, he was out of options for the cat form, and clearly they were spotted, so time to shift back and hope the change in weight from a 10-20 pound feline to a 100+ pound elf creates an opening so Ilphyl can get clear enough to cast a spell.

At this point, they aren't sure if they can get away -- stupid idea going to Vindess, really, even in disguise -- but if they can create enough ruckus, it will alert other Corsairs that Ilphyl was captured. They are guessing that they won't be killed immediately. Even if a rescue isn't possible, at least the Corsairs will know they have been compromised.

[allthepowersofhell]

Perhaps if Maleficent did not have an excellent understanding of shapeshifting herself - and perhaps if she did not have prior knowledge that Ilphyl possessed this particular ability - this sudden shift would have created the opening they desired.

But Maleficent, it seems, was prepared for this - and her grip remains as tight as ever. Now her nails dig into Ilphyl's elven neck, as she leans in closer.

"Why, what a lovely face I see before me. But what a pity...for this is the face of a loyal, dutiful servant of the Empire. And yet it is worn by a treacherous beast."

[spacetogrow]

Ilphyl recognized that they weren't going to talk their way out of this, and that either the woman was talking for her own benefit, or as a show to the guards. And that whatever was going to happen was probably already decided on.

"Your Empire were the ones who brought me here. If you take something out of its native environment, you shouldn't be surprised if it doesn't behave how you expect."

Look, Ilphyl tended to like animals better than people, because they understood them. People who were surprised when an animal lashed out were just not observant.

[allthepowersofhell]

Ilphyl was right about one thing; what was to happen had indeed already been decided on.

"And what a poor guest you have been. But if you prefer to align yourself with common animals, rather than embrace the gifts the Empire has given you...then very well."

The crystal-topped staff there is raised high in her other hand, as the crystal begins to grow a bright, sickly green. Electricity crackles through the air, as she gathers what is clearly immense power.

"A beast you are, and thus a beast you shall remain. Never again shall your true form give you peace or comfort; for it shall be anathema to you."

And as she speaks - as the curse settles deep within Ilphyl's bones - they will find that their form is shifting. They are transforming into wildshape, and yet it is a transformation not of their own choosing.

At the end, Ilphyl is once again a small, black and white cat.

[spacetogrow]

Magic to forcibly transform someone existed in Faerun. Ilphyl could tell this was not that because they still had their mind -- a polymorph spell usually left someone's personality intact, but it was hard to think like a human in the brain of an animal. But wildshaping was different magic -- Ilphyl might have some feline instincts guiding them, but they still could reason.

Their reasoning told them that whatever happened, best to get out of here before the guards realized how easy it was to cage a cat, even a cat who could think like an elf. They bolted for the nearest climbable surface, following the feline instinct to get off the ground.

[allthepowersofhell]

As they run and flee, Maleficent makes no moves to stop them. Her soliders do nothing to stand in Ilphyl's way.

But as they run, they will hear the sound of her laughter echoing behind them.

1

[freearcadia]

Harlock was merely passing through Vindess on his way to scout a path to something more near and dear to his heart, trying to keep to the shadows and backstreets. The pirate's steps slowed as he grew increasingly convinced that he was being watched, his good eye scanning - seeing naught but ravens.

...He has been seeing a rather lot of ravens lately, it is rather strange but he can't figure out why that is as he tenses.

[allthepowersofhell]

Ravens, ravens, and more ravens. Wherever he looks, there the birds are. They are not all looking in his direction - but still he will feel it. That sense that they are watching.

Except for one - which turns, and flies away into the town.

[freearcadia]

The pirate is suddenly struck with a dim memory of an old movie with birds he saw once while heavily sleep-deprived with the way it felt like they were all watching. He quickens his pace to a brisk walk, intending to put distance, whoever or whatever is watching didn't seem intent on showing themselves soon.

[allthepowersofhell]

The birds continue to multiply. More and more appear, perching on every surface.

The wind, still just a moment ago, begins to grow and howl. The sun disappears behind dark clouds, leaving behind only shadows.

And when Harlock turns the corner from one street into the nexts, he will find himself face to face with a woman. Tall, horned, with pale green skin. Wearing rich, deep purple robes that could only belong to nobility, and carrying a crystal topped staff.

"Why, what a rush you are in," she says. Her voice is light and serene, as if this were an everyday encounter. "And where might a common citizen of the Empire run to with such rapidity?"

[freearcadia]

The sudden darkness and the wind picking up only added a edge of unreality, that he had walked onto an old horror movie as he continued to make his way until the woman caused him to start.

Rafflesia? His mind jolted in shock before he took in the full picture and realized that this wasn't the Mazone Queen - those were horns, not the spikes of a crown and with this kind of atmosphere, her skin would've turned chalk-white... and this woman had a certain air that he could not quite put his finger on.

Regardless of who she was, he knew that this question wasn't just mere pleasantry even as he gave a half-bow, his good eye watching her with a wariness from a life of uncertainty. "Pardon me, I am not certain as to what business it is of yours where I am going, My Lady."

[allthepowersofhell]

"Not my business?" She gasps, one hand delicately raised to cover her mouth. "Why, what an awkward mistake of mine, to overstep in such a manner...I hope my inquiries have not distressed you."

Her hand lowers, and her gaze turns harsh and her voice ice cold.

"But I am only a Duchess. Kin to the Emperor himself. What reason could I possibly have to ask about a dear subject of the Empire?"

And what right does a mere common-born man have to deny her whatever answers she wishes? None at all, of course. Not in Empire.

The ravens maintain their vigil.

[freearcadia]

His lips curled as her voice went icy - he could tell this was someone not used to being told no. The pirate felt a certain - almost perverse - thrill in ruffling the feathers of such people, especially if she really is kin to the pompous tyrant he saw in that video. It was indeed a very dangerous game but one he can't resist, especially at the moment he wasn't actually in the middle of a mission. "That I wonder, surely someone of your importance would have much grander things to consider than that of a man simply following his own whims."

[allthepowersofhell]

Perhaps unexpectedly...she laughs.

"Ah, but I do a grand purpose indeed. The most noble purpose of all!" she says, as she holds out one arm. One raven breaks from the pack, to land on her outstretched risk.

"My pets tell me such of interesting things. Like a fleet of scattered ships upon the sea, filled with scheming little miscreants. Miscreants who dare to come here, to quaint little Vindess! And how could I, as an Imperial Duchess, allow such miscreants to come and go as they please?"

[freearcadia]

His eye narrowed as she laughs, recognizing it - the laughter of one who believes themselves to be in a superior position. The questions weren't just a whim, but intimidation, interrogation. Now how did she know... was it those birds?

His lips curled into a grin that is more like the bearing of teeth as he straightens up from the half-bow. "Miscreants, Your Grace - what a gentle way to refer to a Pirate such as myself." He is playing with fire but Harlock know at this point there is no way that this will end without either a fight or the garrison being called down on him - or at least that is what he believed.

"I care not what a Duchess may allow or ban, even the Queen of an empire that spans the very stars could not get me to bend my knee." There pride in his voice, an easy confidence. "And is it not in the nature of a miscreant to disobey?"

[allthepowersofhell]

Pride, and confidence. This man possesses both in abundance.

Such joy Maleficent will take, in taking both away.

"It is your very nature, is it?" She says lightly - as the crystal on the top of her staff begins to glow. "Well, and who am I - a mere Duchess - to argue with such a thing?"

She turns then, as if to go - and simply leave Harlock unharmed. But then she pauses, and looks back.

"But I have a gift, for such a miscreant. For a pirate."

The crystal grows brighter now, and as she raises the staff high a dark, oppressive force fills the air around Harlock.

"Hear my command; from this day forth while your heart may be full of defiance, your body shall be compelled by dutiful obedience."

A flash of sickly light, and the curse takes hold. And she smiles.

"Now...kneel," she commands.

[freearcadia]

Harlock tensed as she turns, he did not believe for a second that the Duchess would just leave it at that and was ready to defend himself - from her, any soldiers that may run to her call - or the birds.

He shield his eye from the bright light as the air suddenly felt heavier as if he was on the surface of Neptune, heavy, choking. As the light flashes, a slight sense of bewilderment crosses his face what on earth just happened?

As he starts to retort about how he refuses to kneel, his body suddenly trembles, as his knee starts to drop to the cobblestone, the pirate's face going from bewilderment to alarm and then horror as his arm crossed the knee and he bowed his head - a surprisingly perfect model of a knightly kneel.

"What did you...?" He rasped.

[allthepowersofhell]

"Why, I gave you a gift, little pirate," she laughs. "No you need no longer be troubled by your disobedient nature. Ah...but we still have your fellow miscreants to consider, don't we?"

She taps her chin thoughtfully with one clawed finger.

"Ah...of course. Here then, is my command to you, little pirate: return now to your fellow Corsairs. Bide your time, and give no warnings. And then when your allies are most vulnerable...strike, and kill them all."

[freearcadia]

He paled, even as he felt his blood growing volcanic, rage bubbling under the placid surface - treachery and betrayal - the things he hated the most, and this witch is forcing him to commit both!

"You... will pay," He managed to spit out, even as he lowers his head, giving a nod of acquiesce.

[allthepowersofhell]

She laughs. Because of course, his pain and rage and distress...it is all for her amusement.

And then she walks away, as her ravens all at once taken flight. She has given her commands; she trusts that they will be followed.