New Island: Chol

[lifeaftr_mods]

NEW ISLAND: CHOL

As our updated Locations page can attest, as of December 14th, a new island has risen from the depths of the surrounding oceans. Explorers now have a new and uncharted land to chart in full, laden with dangers and resources alike.

Transportation
Thanks to the diminutive size of the island, the Storyteller can guarantee the presence of a mana pool for the purposes of travel...though not, it seems, the presence of any additional avatars or altars on the island itself. Which is good, considering that Monsun's avatar is still around as long as their island is! As long as characters are certain to make their intent to travel to the new land clear, they can be spirited to the mana pool as they would via any other. Although you can certainly try boating there too, if that's your poison.

The mana pool is present on the A1 square, should the characters choose to arrive via that method.

The Storyteller is, as always, certain to impart the name of this new land via dream.

CHOL has now been added to the Locations page.

Here it Comes, This Rising Tide
The first difference between Chol and the other lands explored will become apparent not long after characters have arrived. For one, Chol is populated. A rudimentary encampment has been set up close to the island's fertile center, consisting largely of tents and other simple, portable structures. The people there apparently don't live on Chol on a full-time basis. In fact, one good look at them will indicate where they live on a full-time basis, when they're not occupying land. Meet the Jormun. While most of their kind live on the ocean floor, far from the sun's rays, this particular group has surfaced for a specific purpose. A group of middling size has taken temporary residence on Chol, and several more of their kind can be seen swarming in the waters near the island. A diverse people, the Jormun come in many shades, shapes, and sizes; no two Jormun look the same. Some are more monster than they are humanoid, while others resemble certain other sea creatures. Some walk on two feet, some slither with a snakelike lower body, some have crawfish-like lower halves that allow them to scuttle along the rock with chitinous legs, and so on. Some are sharklike, some with the lower half of an octopus, some striped, some coral-patterned, and still others have the bright, lurid complexions of something extremely poisonous. Players are free to visualize them as they like, within reason!

The Jormun are an intelligent, fiercely loyal people that favor creativity and strength of leadership. They possess some basic magical properties, with technology roughly equivalent to that which one might see in Greco-Roman history.

If contacted, characters will be directed to the leader of this particular expedition. She will introduce herself as Muninshhashvark, but will happily shorten it to "Munin" for the ease of land-dwellers such as your good selves. She understands that not everyone can fluently speak the odd, hissing dialect of the Jormun.

Characters on good terms with the Jormun stand to gain much by it. Not only are the Jormun willing to trade, but those who they call their allies will be guaranteed safe passage by boat, as the Jormun will assist in fending off potential dangers.

But now for the next big question: why are they here?

Doesn't It Feel Like Our Time is Running Out?
Munin will explain that this is part of a trial in which she might prove her worth of a leader. In her efforts to demonstrate leadership, loyalty, and compassion, she has chosen to forge a path to the surface and perform a great duty for the people living there, and not a day too soon. As December rolls into January, Munin will gravely inform travelers of one dire truth:

LifeAftr's sun is dying.

This would be, naturally, quite catastrophic for just about everyone.

However, there is hope, as Munin will hasten to explain. The sun will die, yes, but it will also be reborn. In the coming weeks, the sun will die and rise from the ashes on the island of Chol, which it seems exists purely for the purpose of ensuring that LifeAftr does not languish in absolute darkness.

Yet this darkness cannot be wholly prevented. Even with the sun's rebirth, there will be a week long period of continuous night. The temperature will drop, and the sky will be empty of all but the light of the stars. Once the week of perpetual night begins, the Jormun will advise characters to be ready for a fight, no matter where they are currently located; there are many creatures that flourish in this period of time that would like nothing more than to destroy the sun before it can be reborn, and watch all perish in the unending, hardbitten cold of the eternal dark. Not all of those that dwell in the dark the seafloor have good intentions like the Jormun do, after all.

This period of darkness will encompass ALL islands available on the map. This event will include a high risk of death, either by freezing or by one of the many unique creatures that will emerge during this event. As a result, death penalties will be reduced. But! Don't fear, adventurers, for you have plenty of time to prepare. As we've hinted on our OOC update earlier, this event will occur in proper in late January; the Jormun are happy to inform characters weeks before it hits, so characters have ample time to prepare ICly!

As always, we'll have a thread for questions and comments, and we encourage you to make use of our Mod Contact page for private correspondence!

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( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

Comments

QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

[lifeaftr_mods]

Re: QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

[crosslaced]

do the Jormun refer to their leader with any honourific or title?

[lifeaftr_mods]

Not at the moment, as Munin herself is not yet a leader - her efforts on the surface are part of a trial to prove her worth as such.

TRADE POST

[lifeaftr_mods]

For ease and convenience, we are happy to streamline OOC trading of goods and services with the Jormun below. Simply fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!

Character: Character name and journal
Offering: What are they willing to trade?
Looking for: What are they trying to obtain? We can't promise an exact exchange, but we will inform you of the closest analogue to what you're looking for so you can decide if your character would be interested!

<b>Character:</b> Character name and journal <b>Offering:</b> What are they willing to trade? <b>Looking for:</b> What are they trying to obtain? We can't promise an exact exchange, but we will inform you of the closest analogue to what you're looking for so you can decide if your character would be interested!

[ratsinadaze]

Character: Gobbet | ratsinadaze

Offering:
- x1 Sweet Clover
- x1 Busted PDA (She will point out it's got copper wiring and can be disassembled for scrap metal)
- x1 Devil Rat Fetish (She will admit that it's non functional, but very pretty and a good focus for summoning magics)
- Her services as an assistant in scouting or hunting

Looking for:
- Canteen or waterskin
- A better spear
- A little spear fighting training would be good, too
- Information about Chol, the Jormun, or Munin.

[lifeaftr_mods]

For her resources and assistance, Gobbet will receive the following from the Jormun;

One Rakshik. A sturdy canteen made of some kind of leathery, durable material, perfect for carrying all manner of liquids. (It’s fashioned from the bladder of a very large undersea fish, but it is clean to use.)

One Schlacknorkcvic. Similar to the Tidepool sickle in appearance, this watery weapon is the Jormun equivalent of a training staff: blunted at both ends and unerring smooth despite its bumpy, almost living appearance.

Schlaknorkovn. Also similar to the Tidepool sickle in appearance, this watery weapon is the Jormun equivalent of a spear: the long hilt blunted, while the pointed tip boasts wicked teeth and sharp spikes of coral. These weapons are unerringly balanced.

The Jormun will happily provide information regarding the topics of interest; in regards to Chol, Gobbet will discover that the island has always been uninhabited- the land itself is constantly under the whims of the rebirthing sun, after all. The impact that it's revival will have will likely reshape the land completely, leaving it rather inhospitable once the battle has concluded.

As she spends time with the Jormun, she will find the species to be just as varied in personality as they are in appearance, though all work as an intensely strong community with little conflict. There is already a great respect for Munin, and most Jormun are confident that she will prove to be a truly great leader for their tribe- one of several that resides deep below the ocean's surface. She will also discover that the Jormun are capable of residing on land due to natural magic that allows them to bear with the change in lighting, air quality, and pressure, though this cannot continue on a long-term basis.

Feel free to respond with any additional questions geared towards Gobbets points of interest!

[shatteredlenses]

Character: Ignis Scientia, shatteredlenses

Offering:

• Eggs
• Coffee plant seeds/young plants if preferred
• Information on how the aforementioned plant beans are grown and made into the 'Elixir of the Gods' (tm)
• Witch Hazel Plants and information on their use
• Recipehs and cooking tips galore should there be any interested chefs in their midst.

Looking for:

• As much information/history/legend on these cycles of the sun going out and being reborn as he can get.
• Cooking utensils
• Medical Supplies
• Cloth

1/2

[lifeaftr_mods]

For his trades and his assistance in cooking surface foods, the Jormun will happily provide Ignis with the following:

A variety of cooking utensils. Mostly geared towards prepping fish and sea vegetables, such as kelp and seaweed, these interesting items are varied and often rather sharp. For Ignis, he will find these tools, though difficult to name, resemble the items he may have used if looking to create sashimi or sushi, including multiple containers made of smooth shells with which to stash any ingredients he may wish to keep. As the Jormun live below the surface, it should be noted much of their cultural dishes are prepared without needing to heat the food.

One Habel. A surprisingly easy name to say, even if the accent isn’t quite so familiar. A habel is the Jormun equivalent of an herbal kit- within, multiple jars of crushed herbs, as well as smaller, sea dwelling critters can be found within. The eager Jormun will happily explain that this kit contains:
-Five cures for seasickness
-Five cures for frostbite
-Five minor cures for cuts and gashes; magical in essence
-Five minor cures for 1st and 2nd degree burns

Unfortunately, the Jormun do not have any cloth to supply, though they promise him that when they leave Chol, he may collect the fabrics used to create their makeshift tents- most of which is medium to low quality material cut from lost sails.

[lifeaftr_mods]

In response to his interest in the history and legends of the sun cycles, the Jormun will happily share their lore on the subject, which spans back thousands of years. The timeline for when this occurs seems to very solidly sit between 100-150 years, and many tales speak of tribes and cultures come and gone who fought valiantly to protect the world from eternal darkness.

The sun, he'll be interested to note, is spoken of as if it is its own, living entity, and seems to be as capricious in tale as the gods.


Please feel free to respond with any specific questions of interest Ignis may wish to ask!

[shatteredlenses]

Oh dear, well he's definitely going to latch onto that 'speaking of the sun as a living entity' bit...after he thanks them for their generosity of course!

Follow up questions:

1.) He's going to ask why they speak of the sun as if it is a god/living creature. Of course, they've been talking about it living and dying but what else makes it seem that way? How has it proven itself to be 'capricious' in the past?
2.) Is there a way to communicate with the Sun? Perhaps an alter or temple?
3.) What did those past tribes and cultures do to fight the darkness?
4.) Is there a way to end this cycle of death and rebirth without...well...ending everything?

He'll start with those questions and go from there. Should the Jormun wonder why he is so curious about the Sun and the cycle of death and rebirth, Ignis will solemnly tell them about his own world's struggle with darkness and the price the King of Light will have to pay in order to bring back the Dawn.

Near the end of his questioning, he will pause for a moment and switch topics completely, 5.) asking if they happen to have any blind warriors among their people.

[lifeaftr_mods]

In response to the follow up questions;

One.)
The Jormun will advise that they speak of it as a living creature due to the fact that-- it is one! The Jormun describe the sun as a giant, flaming bird- something Ignis may or may not recognize as something akin to a Phoenix. Like most birds, it is rather capricious and doesn't quite have the ability to be thankful to those who defend it- aggressors and defenders alike have lost their lives to its rebirth.

Two.) As the sun is not a god and more beast in nature, it is not capable to communicate.

Three.) Much of this has unfortunately been lost to time, much to the Jormun's regret. Similar to recounts of ancient battles and victories in history, their records detail the triumps and loss of life to achieve them, rather than specific detail of these battles. Many, however, do make reference to fire and light as a weapon.

Four.) To their knowledge, no. The sun naturally goes through this rebirth cycle- like anything, it cannot continue forever.

The Jormun completely understand the seriousness of this issue, offering their sympathy and promising that, if there is ever a chance for them to do so, they will assist his world as he is assisting theirs.

Five.) And in fact, yes they do! As the Jormun are deep sea dwellers, many of their kind are born without eyes and function just as easily in their society as any other- in fact, he will easily be introduced to a half-dozen such warriors, many of which are held in high regard as proficient warriors.

[shatteredlenses]

WELP! "The Sun is a Phoenix" is certainly not the answer he was expecting, but it does explain a good deal and at least it's a lot more natural cycle than the one that his world is facing! Ignis will be glad of that.

He will be very thankful for their offered assistance, though also will stress he hopes they never have to see the mess that is to become of his world, if for no other reason that he is hoping to find someway to keep things from going so badly.

Ignis isn't going to properly be able to thank them for introducing him to the warriors, though at some point he will find a way to ask them--probably rather shyly (he might just be a little awed by how well they do without sight)--if they have any tips or advice for one who is attempting to relearn how to live and fight without sight.

[lifeaftr_mods]

The Jormun will respond to his needs as if he were one of his own- whether he asks or not, they will begin to teach him lower and upper body protection techniques to give him more confidence in moving through unfamiliar environments on his own, and advice on using his other senses to perceive the world around him.

In addition, they will provide him a Schlacknorkcvic under the guise of sparring, and teach him how to use it as a pointer. Similar to the Tidepool sickle in appearance, this watery weapon is the Jormun equivalent of a training staff: blunted at both ends and unerring smooth despite its bumpy, almost living appearance.

[shatteredlenses]

The Jormun have how acquired + 1 Advisor who is extremely loyal and self-sacrificing and will help them in any way he can both now and in the future.

(Really, he is so beyond touched and honored by their assistance he can't even...)

[dedamastai]

Character: Damianos (dedamastai)

Offering: It was Heavily Suggested to him that he offer his skills in tactics and diplomacy. Just kidding, he doesn't have skills in diplomacy! He just agressively friendships until people tolerate his presence. But he is really good at tactics and he has a horse that will . . . it doesn't like being a pack horse, but it will tolerate it. Also if any Jormun want to spar, he's down. He's really down.

Looking for: Laurent's love and approval Actually he wants a spear and honestly he will probably only ask for it if it seems like the Jormun want to give him something. He is literally doing this because Laurent asked him to. He is incredibly bad at having ulterior motives.

[lifeaftr_mods]

The Jormun, being a giving race with a tight sense of community, are more than happy to accept a warrior with open arms. His help (and his horse's, at that!) is more than appreciated, and Damon will find many Jormun willing to give him their time and attention. In addition to sparring with him, Damon will receive the following:

One Schlacknorkcvic. Similar to the Tidepool sickle in appearance, this watery weapon is the Jormun equivalent of a training staff: blunted at both ends and unerring smooth despite its bumpy, almost living appearance.

One Schlaknorkovn. Also similar to the Tidepool sickle in appearance, this watery weapon is the Jormun equivalent of a spear: the long hilt blunted, while the pointed tip boasts wicked teeth and sharp spikes of coral. These weapons are unerringly balanced.

[mamaterasu]

Character: Amaterasu | mamaterasu
Offering:
- A vibrantly colored and very detailed (albeit somewhat stylized) painting of Munin, to honor her in her quest for leadership. It can easily be made into a wall scroll as well.
- A few protection charms, which Ammy has blessed herself. They are pocket-sized, made of paper and coconut fiber string tied into a holy knot and painted with a japanese character that means "heaven".
- If they're gentle, Ammy will allow the Jormun to brush her and collect the stray fur for their uses and needs. She recalls Munin was interested in it, and while it won't be a huge amount, it's...still a decent load.
- Labor! Ammy is crazy strong and very fast. She can move heavy loads so long as she has a means of pulling, rolling, or pushing the object. She can also deliver messages amongst the Jormun from one point to another (they have to be written, though).
Looking for:
- Food and water, mostly - to give away to those that need it.
- A few weapons (knives and spears, mostly) - again to give away.
- Medicine and medical supplies (bandages and gauze mostly, as well as the medicine).
- A single, colorful bead. Or a shell.

[lifeaftr_mods]

For her trades, fur, and assistance in physical labor, the Jormun will happily provide Amaterasu with the following:

One Habel. A surprisingly easy name to say, even if the accent isn’t quite so familiar. A habel is the Jormun equivalent of an herbal kit. Within, multiple jars of crushed herbs, as well as smaller, sea dwelling critters can be found. The eager Jormun will happily explain that this kit contains:

(x5) cures for seasickness
(x5) cures for frostbite
(x5) minors cure for cuts and gashes; magical in essence
(x5) minor cures for first and second degree burns

It should be noted that these cures must all be taken orally, and are not quite the most palatable, in scent or taste.

One Schlacknorkcvic. Similar to the Tidepool sickle in appearance, this watery weapon is the Jormun equivalent of a training staff: blunted at both ends and unerring smooth despite its bumpy, almost living appearance.

One Schlaknorkovn. Similar to the Tidepool sickle in appearance, this watery weapon is the Jormun equivalent of a spear: the long hilt blunted, while the pointed tip boasts wicked teeth and sharp spikes of coral. These weapons are unerringly balanced.

One Rakshik. A sturdy canteen made of some kind of leathery, durable material, perfect for carrying all manner of liquids. (It’s fashioned from the bladder of a very large undersea fish, but it is clean to use.) It is filled with fresh water.

Several mats of edible seaweed. Rolled up tight in parchment-like furls, they should be easy to transport and distribute.

One Larrkssvon. Known also as lampas shells, these cut spirals can come in many shapes and sizes, but are all purposed towards acting as magical lanterns. A simple command of "hkcv" will light the middle stem up with a pink tinted glow that has a ten foot radius. "Lakv" will turn them off. If left on, they have a seventy-two hour lifespan before the charm on them dies out completely. However, the shell itself will remain, for whatever uses Amaterasu may prefer to use it for.

Feel free to respond with any additional questions geared towards Amaterasu's points of interest!

[crosslaced]

Character: Laurent crosslaced
Offering:
>He's been helping out with passing messages and scouting. He has not been offering his horse as a pack horse because these are riding horses and they have never carried real heavy weight in their life Damen. Potentially he's also been providing suggestions about the defensive fortifications.

>Also he brought you Damen. Look how much he's done for the camp already. Every soldier camp is much improved with a Damen.

Looking for:
mostly information. he'll be asking around about what kind of monsters the Jormun expect during the battle, specifically speculation about the nastiest monsters. what's the biggest they've seen or heard of? do they use magic?

Will also be looking for advice on hunting huge game. He'll ask to look at some of their hunting weapons! getting a spear or harpoon would be nice but entirely the Jormun’s prerogative.

[lifeaftr_mods]

In exchange for his services, the Jormun are happy to provide him with information, as well as the following:

One Schlaknorkovn. Similar to the Tidepool sickle in appearance, this watery weapon is the Jormun equivalent of a spear: the long hilt blunted, while the pointed tip boasts wicked teeth and sharp spikes of coral. These weapons are unerringly balanced. They are effective in both combat and hunting.

In response to his interest in hunting huge game, the Jormun's advice is obviously tailored to sea-dwelling creatures such as themselves, but the same basic principles can apply to a land-dweller. They recommend making use of a large group and a vast amount of patience; by stalking a large animal for days on end, one will eventually tire it out to the point where it cannot put up as fierce a fight as it would while well-rested and healthy.

In response to his interest in the night-creatures, the Jormun have limited information, but the eldest of their kind can supply him with some specifics. They will inform him that most of those sorts of beings are not very intelligent - that is to say, most are not as sophisticated as the Jormun, lack a spoken language, and do not generally fight with tools, though they cannot promise the same for all. They are largely predators who rely on singling out their prey to make a successful kill, separating one from a group to have their way. Most are also carnivorous, and will gladly take land-dwellers and Jormun alike for food.

None of them are sophisticated enough to make active use of magic, to the Jormun's knowledge, though they are certain that some have their own passive abilities and talents. Most Jormun do not actively seek out such creatures, either, and thus cannot inform Laurent on physical sizes.

[thermalwind]

Character: Keith | focusedroar
Offering:

x His services in whatever they need doing as has been what he's doing already. Keith has done anything that they needed a hand on. Shoring defenses, scouting, fought at their side, followed orders of anyone in charge that had orders to shout. And naturally, wielded the lantern in defense of them and theirs.
x Dowsing rod - he seriously has no need for this. Well according to him anyway.
Looking for:

- One saber or kukri sword, ie a slightly curved edged middleweight sword that fits the size of his Marmora blade. He'd show them that one and they have probably already seen him use it a hell of a lot.
- Canteen or waterskin.
- One knife.

[lifeaftr_mods]

The Jormun will gladly accept both the rod and the exchange of his services. In return, they can offer the following:

One Rakshik. A sturdy canteen made of some kind of leathery, durable material, perfect for carrying all manner of liquids. (It’s fashioned from the bladder of a very large undersea fish, but it is clean to use.)

One carved knife. The material, whatever it is, is sturdy despite its almost glasslike appearance. It is not the type of weapon the Jormun frequently favor, due to the lack of its long reach, but the hilt is smooth and the blade will cut into even stone without so much as scratching the blade.

While sabers are not of the Jormun's specialty, they can offer a Schlaknorkovn, which is similar to the Tidepool sickle in appearance, and the the Jormun equivalent of a spear: the long hilt blunted, while the pointed tip boasts wicked teeth and sharp spikes of coral. These weapons are unerringly balanced.

[thermalwind]

That works just fine! Trade accepted. He slips a little closer to armed as he wants to be.