ioduanlogs | TO THE WATERS AND THE WILD

Characters: All
Date: February 7th-16th
Location: Throughout Aifaran
Situation: The Dreaming has unleashed Fairy Tales upon the city, and those sensitive to the Dreaming are playing them out.
Warnings/Rating: In Headers

Once upon a time, on a world where the planes collide, an extraordinary group of people were brought together to protect a place they didn’t call home. They waged war against a faceless enemy, and many people died, but using the power of the Third Plane, called the Dreaming, they finally defeated him. But not all was saved, for the magic that summoned them began to break down, and tears between the three planes brought new calamities, causing the Last Great Turtle to go between them in order to save his world, leaving behind only his offspring to protect the people who remained.

Over five hundred years passed, and the Planes did not calm, wreaking havoc on the world, tearing it apart and putting it back together. A coalition of peoples, all except one, came together with the now grown hatchlings to form a new nation, a nation of all shapes and sizes, all beliefs and deep magics. They learned to live with the movements of the Planes, showing great fortitude even as the heroes from other lands continued to appear and disappear, as is the nature of the Dreaming. For a time, things seemed to be at peace. But all peace is fragile, and the nation has unknown enemies far greater than those of old. Now the heroes must rise to unlock the newly woken mysteries unfolding before them.

So it began as all stories do, with heroes, a quest, and an enemy, how it ends is up to you…but until then, here is a little gift of tales and stories from your own worlds. Some roles have been reversed of course. A princess is now a prince, a king is now a queen, and since females can be thieves too, well, there’s some fun to be had. Then there’s the story about stories, a journey far away, shapeshifters, and a strange fascination with monsters and men. Maidens in towers, lost shoes, and mermaids. I have many stories, each with roles for you to play. So I hope you enjoy them. Perhaps they will offer some inspiration.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

OPEN - Yes, it's That Van Helsing Film

Devin doesn't really dress up. With the exception of the masquerade, he wears plain and comfortable clothing that helps him disappear into a crowd. Getting noticed got you killed, so everything is dull colors and practicality.

It takes him two hours to realize that he's wearing the black coat he bought specifically for that masquerade. It has sufficient pockets, sure, and it's light enough that even in warmer temperatures he's fine, but-- Devin is not at all certain what compelled him to wear it out today. He barely remembers putting it on.

After a little pondering produces nothing but questions, he leaves the coat hung over the back of his chair and goes about his work. Hopefully no one will see Devin as he walks home. Only walking... has turned into something a little more akin to striding.

VALDIS

Devin had asked to meet with the researcher at night. This was, presumably, because he had to work during the day rather than any aversion to sunlight (even if he'd been skirting into the shadows for days now). The Ioduan Academy wasn't yet empty, as a number of classes were held in the evening, but there weren't many people on the paths or lounging on the grass as normal. Things had been returning to a normal pattern as they moved further and further in time from the storm.

So a tall figure, well-dressed in black stalking towards the science building would probably catch someone's attention - which had to be intentional. Devin did not let himself be seen if he did not wish to be. He simply didn't care. The researcher he wanted to see specialized in biolectric-feedback, which... was interesting. When Devin had found a research paper in the course of his work, he hadn't wanted to pass it up for some reason.

The strange urge to hunt compounded with the letter that had appeared on her bedside table left Valdis feeling very confused. Vampires. Apparently there was one in the city, which she knew. The hunting him down and staking him, or whatever, was definitely new. Yet it felt like he was a threat, but Valdis didn't know to whom, since he'd never been one before. The hunt however, might lead to answers. Lacking stakes and silver, Valdis brought Revelations, it would probably do the job better than anything else.

His essence was easy enough to track, all the way to the Academy. The day had faded quickly, and though the grounds still had people around, there were few. A relief if this came to a fight, though she didn't know why it would come to a fight. The dark figure crossing the grounds caught her attention instantly, almost as if he wanted to be noticed, as if he was intentionally taunting her.

He knew she was out there as soon as she drew near. It wasn't uncommon to run into Valdis, but her presence here this late at night should have stuck out. Should have, but didn't. Devin was practically expecting her, like a moth to a flame.

All the same, it was enough for him to slow his pace and eventually stop altogether as the path widened to a circle. In the middle stood a commemorative statue, lit from below. There he chose to stand, gaze downward as he read the plaque. A test, or an invitation?

The light smugness was evident even at this distance, which wasn't unusual, the vampire had always been a jerk, though usually she didn't get the idea that she should be wary of him. He stopped at a statue, seemingly to read the plaque at the base of a statue. He had to know she was there, a certainty about his demeanor told her that, but he didn't call out or even act like she was there.

The orders had been clear, however, the Holy Church had commanded that the Vampire be killed. Valdis hesitated, Devin had never been a threat, why did Ban Om want him dead? She shook her head, removing the remaining distance between them, left hand resting on her sword. She could fight with both, but no need to imply a fight right away.

"Tell, me," she said as she stopped next to him, "Do stakes kill vampires?"

TO THE WATERS AND THE WILD

Contractually Obligated Ham | Open + Valdis

I make good life decisions

Don't we both lol

no subject