MISSIONS | April 2014

[ironwood]

Hello Chelonauts!

As part of the changes from our State of the Shell: Missions post in February 2014, we're expanding the known realm of Konryu and have updated and fleshed out the Setting page to include 8 new continents which are going to be gradually opened for exploration and development.

This month we have THREE prefabricated missions (fewer than March because of the scope of April's metaplot) but with plenty of opportunity still for player missions. We also have a comment header where you can suggest the sorts of missions you'd like to see in the months that follow! Feel free to be as succinct or not as you please, as we take these suggestions into account when creating the next month's missions based on this feedback as well as a comment for mission-related questions. Please don't hesitate to for more information or clarifications... we're still fine tuning everything to make sure players are able to get the most ICly and OOCly out of these missions.

MOD MISSIONS
Each month, a player can volunteer a character for up to three mod missions. Like other limited space elements in the game, we ask that each player only submit one character from their roster for the mod missions, though their other characters can be submitted for player missions, so long as it's one mission per character per month. To sign up, fill out the information below and choose your top three missions in order of preference. If there are more signups than available spaces for a mission, we will RNG characters into the slots. If your character isn't RNG'd into the first mission, they'll be added to the pool for the second mission, and so on for the third.

Mod missions will be tallied and their participants notified on the 5th of the month @ ~9:00PM EST. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that everyone who signs up a character for a mission will be chosen for one of the mod missions, as it is based solely on the number of signups for each one. In the event that your character isn't chosen for any of your three choices, you can still sign them up for a player mission before 9:00PM PST on the 7th.

This month's planned missions are as follows:

→ YNRADN (NEGOTIATION)
→ ENDAI (ASSASSINATION)
→ IASHU (EXPLORATION)

PLAYER MISSIONS
Player missions can involve either just your character or a pre-planned group, or even have open signup! Once your mission is approved by the mods, including any clarifications or extra information needed, you're set for playing it out. Remember that the mission can take place at any point throughout the month. For convenience purposes, we've also created the %missions tag in the log comm and we'd be very appreciative if it could be added to mission logs when they get posted.

MISSION CREDITS
Each mission your character undergoes (threaded out with at least ten comments from your character, across any number of threads in the log) is worth a credit, and each handwaved mission is worth half a credit. Please note: only missions that you yourself come up with can be handwaved. The 'mod missions' are ones where participation is considered mandatory, as you are filling a limited slot. If we notice a trend amongst any one player of signing up for missions and leaving their mission-mates hanging, we will be speaking with them to determine a suitable outcome.

Mission credits can be claimed on the following month's AC post, where they will be confirmed by the mods and added to a spreadsheet for tracking.

Mod Mission Signups

Player Mission Signups

<b>Player:</b> <b>Character Name & Journal:</b> Name (journalname) <- not coded! <b>Mission Choice #1:</b> <b>Mission Choice #2:</b> <b>Mission Choice #3:</b>

<b>Player:</b> <b>Character(s) & Journals:</b> Name (<user name="USER">) <b>Mission Duration:</b> How long will it take ICly? Is it happening on specific IC dates? <b>Mission Difficulty:</b> ★☆☆☆☆ <b>Mission Type:</b> <b>Projected Plot Impact:</b> What changes are the end goal of the mission? <b>Proposed Worldbuilding Changes:</b> What aspect of the setting are you interested in developing with this?

Comments

IASHU (EXPLORATION)

[ironwood]

Character(s): 5-6 needed
Mission Duration: Up to 1 week
Mission Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Mission Type: Escort/Protection
Projected Plot Impact: A contingent of a dozen kedan wish to undertake a pilgrimage to Iashu Shrine, located on one of the higher slopes of Tu Vishan's old mountain ranges and wish some Foreigners to accompany them.
Proposed Worldbuilding Changes: Exploring the shrine and discovering more history on the kedan before their arrival to Tu Vishan, and recovering a valuable magical item.

DOSSIER

The climb is dangerous and the weather is not promising to be great, given that Tu Vishan is entering something of a rainy season coinciding with spring. However the kedan insist that they must be at the shrine by a certain date and are determined to undertake the venture regardless. The mountain itself will prove to be in rather poor shape and the rains will trigger rockslides without warning. It will take approximately 18-20 hours of walking and climbing to reach the shrine near the summit, but it is best split over two days to take advantage of the daylight -- the higher they go, the farther from the shellglow they are, making it dangerous to climb at night. Added to this is the fact that while these kedan are all reasonably fit, they're a mix of ages and skill levels, and none of them are what you'd consider mountaineers.

In addition to the dangers of the mountain they will also pass through the territory of Etiz-mor, a large carnivorous avian that looks like a cross between a vulture and a sabertoothed tiger. They are migratory and are currently in their mating season, which is making them even more aggressive than usual. They're fond of dive-bombing unwary travelers on mountain passes and their long fangs are capable of sheering off limbs, or carrying a full grown humanoid off, and they will be especially hostile to anyone else airborne as it encroaches their territory. Given these risks, it's entirely possible that not all dozen kedan wayfarers will make it safely to the shrine and home again; this will be at the players' discretion.

IASHU SHRINE
The Iashu Shrine is tucked on a small rock plain cut partially into the side of the mountain, about the area of a football field in a roughly crescent shaped concave with the top overhanging half, providing some shelter from the elements and giving them enough room to set up a camp. The focal point of the shrine is an 8' stone statue of a fearsome looking man with four arms, each bearing a sword and vaguely reminiscent in pose of a Hindu statue of Kali. There is a plaque on the pedestal proclaiming that this is the great warrior Daskel Iashu, who in addition to being a formidable combatant was also something of a philosopher and passages of his works (written in haiku-like format) adorn the walls of the shrine. The kedan pilgrims are all very reverent of the idol, explaining that this was a one of their own who lived prior to their race being brought by Eshai to Tu Vishan, when they were of very different and a warlike temperament. Half of the pilgrims will insist that this is actually Daskel himself, frozen in stone while the other half will say that's silly, and that it's only a carving. They'll banter this around between meditating on the haikus and praying for various blessings of strength, bravery and luck for a couple days during which time they'll largely ignore their Foreigner escorts until it's time to leave and head back down the mountain.

XURENU COMPASS
Around the neck of Daskel's statue is a bronzed chain leading to a large locket-like object. Though it rests securely into the statue as if purposely carved around it, both the chain and locket are actually separate and could theoretically be removed. If you do it in view of any kedan however, they'll fly into a screeching rage and give a tongue lashing about defacing their idol. Once pacified however, they will allow the Foreigners to examine the locket under their supervision. Inside the locket one one side is a mirror and the other is a compass, though it doesn't display the cardinal directions but rather indicators for YES, NO, and the numbers 0-9 just like a Ouija board. From the kedan's explanation, speaking the name of someone will cause their image to appear in the mirror at which point, questions can be asked about them and answers given in limited fashion. A few cursory tests seem to result in 50/50 accuracy, leading one to question if it's just coincidence or a genuine article.

OUTCOME

IF THEY LEAVE THE COMPASS AT THE SHRINE: The kedan will give glowing praise about the Foreigners once they're safely back in Keeliai to Evandau (and anyone else who will listen) and they will be well-rewarded for their assistance. This could include goodwill gestures like discounts at shops, generous gifts, etc. Characters can of course still tell others about the shrine and the compass including its unique ability, but they will be aware that anyone who wishes to use it themselves will likely end up facing the same perilous trek to get to it. Ultimately, it will positively impact how the kedan view the Foreigners overall.

IF THEY TAKE THE COMPASS BACK TO KEELIAI: If the Foreigners decide to remove the compass from the statue and return with it to the city, they have the choice of turning it over to the Emperor or keeping it among themselves. However the kedan will be livid at their shrine's desecration and badmouth those involved all over the city which may make things a little more difficult for day to day life (shopkeepers may refuse to serve them, they may lose a job under a kedan explorer, their suites may be damaged or graffitied, etc), the severity of which is at the players' discretion. Ultimately, it will negatively impact how the kedan view the Foreigners overall.

(Alternatively, you could just shove them all off the side of the mountain.)

[maipokerface]

Let us plot, my fine friends. Mai's a good shot with her knives to say the least so she'll be keen on picking things off before they can get too close. Generally she'll try to be non-lethal in her hits.

You're welcome to hit me up on iamthemurderer as well!

[flamingshortshorts]

Hello, it looks like we're in on this mission together. Your input here would be very much appreciated. Also any questions or ideas you have for how you want to go.

[definingfuture]

Let's steal the compass. :3c

Or, you know, enjoy playing yojimbo. Tony is going to get into so much trouble just for you guys.

[flamingshortshorts]

This is something we could definitely do some debating about it IC? Talk out the pros and cons and see what they come up with. I put up a plot post so we can hammer out a bit more detail before one of us puts up the log. Your input would be awesome.

[flamingshortshorts]

It's raining so Toro won't be at full strength (and he will whine a bit about that), but he'll still do what he can to keep some light up for them the further they get from the turtle's shell. And he'll be one of the people who think playing around with the compass is totally cool--although taking it is a different story, because running off with sacred artifacts never goes well in his opinion.

I'm down for any kind of plotting, there's a lot we could do with this little journey. Anyone want to deal with getting stuck under a big landslide and digging their way out?

Re: IASHU (EXPLORATION)

[washitaway]

Booker will be totally uninterested in the compass, honestly - not worth riling up the kedan over, in his opinion, but he won't argue if the group wants to take it, either.

Mostly, he'll take his job at face value - physical protection of the kedan they're escorting! So I am down for all kinds of shenanigans - I'm tracking this whole thread and I am also easily reached via plurk at frodabaggins

Re: IASHU (EXPLORATION)

[flamingshortshorts]

What kind of shenanigans do you think would be fun to have on the journey there or back? We could definitely do some threads for the journal there, when they are at the shrine and one for the way back if we get enough ideas. This could last up to a week, so plenty of time for things to happen.

I made a plotting post below, that I'd love your input on, so we can get the details down and get the log going.

Let's Plot

[flamingshortshorts]

Okay I really think we're losing time here. Our mission will take up to a week for the there and back, so do we want to do a backdated mission set into the beginning of the month or start it today or tomorrow? Is there anything specific we want to have happen?

I like the idea of having a landslide they have to get through, but it could be a big one or a little one. Also from what I've seen they will be checking out the compass, but maybe not stealing it? I don't want to hash out all the details so that we don't have anything to thread, but I think having a general direction we're going in could help when setting up the log.

[definingfuture]

You are beautiful. I'm down with a landslide and escort shenanigans that were mentioned. I think Tony would be interested in the compass, and they do not need to steal it, but maybe Tony getting a little too handsy or a misunderstanding that the rest of the team can glare at him over? Not intentionally being invasive, but it's Tony.

Timewise I'm open to either! Backdate or start from here. Also, saber-toothed vultures? Anyone want to have an en route defense moment with those too? Maybe stirred during the landslide? Just an idea!

Totally unrelated to life, but I somehow want to get Tony naked.

[maipokerface]

Mai'll gladly supply eye rolls. She'd like a look at the thing but she wouldn't run off with it or paw all over it like Tony apparently would.

Also I vote yes on saber-toothed vultures if only so Mai can compare them to lion vultures.

[definingfuture]

Your crazy hybrids! Damn. :U

Should they bring some swizards for the non-flyers? Since keeping up might be hard~

[maipokerface]

Probably be a good idea, otherwise she'll just ride your back up, flyboy.

Also someone's gotta make some quips about the haiku poetry. I volunteer Mai for this too. And a landslide sounds like fun, fun, fun on a bun.

[definingfuture]

You can ride him up if you really want to, darling.

Oh, hey. Mai, you're having a down time. WANT TO DATE TORO OR BUCKY? AND/OR.

[maipokerface]

Oh u. You're not a matchmaker, Tony, stop that.

Also it'd be hilarious if they went off to do this just before all hell broke loose with the consoles and the event. Then they come back like, "... Okay, wtf happened here?"

[definingfuture]

Come on. Toro makes fire and I know how you like that. /eyebrow waggle
Bucky has a thing for projectiles. How could this be bad?

Yes, I agree! That would be ironic and great.

[flamingshortshorts]

Toro's curious enough that he would want a look at it too but want to put it back if the kedan were glaring at them too hard, so they could be the ones getting them side-eyed. The kedan really need to learn to loosen up, don't they.

I also approve of vultures. If a landslide happens and they dig themselves out only to get attacked by pissed off birds whose nests were disturbed. Funtimes all around. Well with all the rain and mud, there is ample reason for Tony to maybe have to take off his clothes so they can get washed out?

Also I think if we put the post up tomorrow we could have a fun time them trying to work their way back down the turtle shell with the blackout happening on the 17th.

[definingfuture]

Perfect. Tony and Toro check it out, Tony gets a little too into it and gets them nasty looks by the kedan who don't appreciate his extra interest in their relic?

Post-landslide stripping is totally manly? :D

I like that timing. And then there are explosions and they can all be like UM.

[flamingshortshorts]

haha That sounds great. But until that, they can have fun trying to figure out how the fortune telling works.

Post landslide mud-stripping is the most manly!

They leave for five days and look what happens. Toro's going to think Bucky blew something up.

[definingfuture]

Yes excellent. Tony will want to figure it out. He wouldn't steal it, but he'd be his usual "HOW DO YOU WORK IT?" self. Which we all know can be a pain.

mud-stripping becomes a new Tu Vishan sport. And Bucky got bored and threw his own party?

And look up. I'm playing wingman. :D

[maipokerface]

MUD STRIPPING.

[nowthatsfunny]

Totally wrong account but YEAH there needs to be a showdown with some of those vultures. Booker's had precious little chance to use his crazy-ass vigor powers, TIME TO RECTIFY THAT SITUATION.

And possibly accidentally injure someone or something idek

Oh and I like the idea of them getting back just as the event is starting and there are explosions happening, Booker will flip his shit with worry over Elizabeth haha

[definingfuture]

WATCH WHERE YOU AIM THOSE POWERS.

[washitaway]

THAT KEDAN WALKED RIGHT INTO IT

Nah, he's a good shot, it'd have to be some kind of extenuating circumstance XDDDD

LOG IS UP

[flamingshortshorts]

Here is the mission log! Sorry it's a day late, work wore me out.