etrayalogs | MISSION 005 PT 2 & ARRIVALS

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MISSION 005 PT 2 & ARRIVALS

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: September 27th-???
WHERE: Throughout Etraya
WHAT: New Arrivals! With a side of mission 005.
NOTES\WARNINGS: Horror elements, including fear-inducing landscapes, distorted environments, unseen predators, mental/emotional distress, potential body horror, corruption, possession, brainwashing, and compulsion.

⏵ disrupted arrival ⏴

Your arrival does not go as anticipated.

Aurora, the AI that keeps Etraya in order, had been overtaken by the Im'mari earlier in the month, her systems corrupted by its influence. While efforts have been made to save her from succumbing to it, much of the city is still in disrepair.

New arrivals will not awaken in pristine hospital rooms, but will instead awaken within the Dhaliwal-to-wall Bookstore. Cots are laid on the ground surrounded by books. Kneeling beside them is a woman - or rather, Aurora, with her new body that is vaguely similar to the makeup of those from Connor's world. Her features are strangely serene, with light hair framing her face. Those capable may recognize that she is machine, rather than flesh and blood. Beside her, a vital monitor thrums as it monitors the newcomers, checking them over for any abnormalities that may require her attention. Those who may have arrived injured will find their wounds well-tended to.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Her voice is steady, tinged with something almost apologetic. She offers a slight smile, looking over her charges. "We are in the midst of a mission that has... gotten out of hand. My name is Aurora. You have been chosen to protect your home world, and I am here to assist you in achieving that goal. The multiverse has begun to fall apart, and Echo will only be able to protect some of them. You are here to show them the importance of protecting your world."

She will remain to answer questions for those who respond to her politely in turn. For those who opt to be unkind, Aurora will simply shake her head in disappointment and pull herself up to her feet, moving to check on her next charge, if any remain. Otherwise, she has other matters to attend to.

Each newcomer is given an earpiece to connect them to the others residing on Etraya before they exit the bookstore.

Welcome to your new home.

⏵ into the fractured city ⏴

Once the initial shock of arrival wears off, they're left with the daunting reality that is Etraya: a collection of islands teetering on the edge of collapse, still reeling under the influence of the Im'mari. The streets outside are eerily quiet, but signs of life and activity are scattered throughout the city.

Aurora provides a moment to gather their bearings, but the weight of her words hangs in the air: there is no time for complacency here. Etraya may be fractured, but it is still home. For now.

Whispers of Im'mari's influence linger in the city, and numerous individuals who have been drafted have become infected by it. Faint shadows seem to move just beyond sight, strange echoes sound in the empty alleys of Nova City, the hospital appears to be temporarily taken over by something otherworldly, and while many within the city are beginning to figure out their next steps in taking care of what's happening, others are left reeling, consumed by the fears that haunt them.

It may be wise to scout out a few safe zones among the untouched areas of Etraya. Ramsey Farm seems to remain... mostly peaceful, outside of the havoc caused by Mena the goat. The catacombs under the city proper also seem to have escaped Im'mari's notice - for now. And while it may be covered in snow and cold, the Wolf Cove also seems to be relatively peaceful.

Outside of safe zones, others who have been present in the city for long may provide useful information, if one were to seek them out. There are strange objects imbued with dark magic hidden throughout Etraya by Gorgug and placed strategically to affect those who come into contact with them. Those who are perceptive enough may be able to find and neutralize these objects before they spread further terror.

With enough effort, perhaps things will return to normal.

⏵ whispered influence ⏴

The air in Etraya is charged with tension, thick with the weight of something ancient and malevolent. Whatever it is has already begun warping the landscape, but what lurks behind the shifting reality is far worse. Im'mari, a fragment of the cosmic horror that ravaged Moorecroft through the night, managed to follow those who returned to Etraya on their journey back home. Its insidious presence creeps through the city like a shadow that refuses to lift.

This isn't just a fight against fear. It's a slow devouring, a feeding on the darkness that lingers in every corner of your mind.

Im'mari is not a distant beast; its very essence has embedded itself into the heart of Etraya, infecting wolves, plants, and even a few of those who currently call Etraya home. Its influence spreads like a whisper in the night, quiet at first, almost imperceptible. But with each passing moment, with each shudder that goes through one's spine as they face their fears, it grows stronger. The more one struggles, the more it feeds.

Can you feel it? The weight of it pressing in?

⏵ through the veil ⏴

The whispers grow louder.

Perhaps you see it in your friends. A little shift in their tone, the way they hesitate before speaking. Or perhaps it's something deeper--subtle changes, things you'd never normally question. Maybe they seem more irritable or doubt themselves in a way that feels foreign. You wonder: is this just the strain of the mission? Or is it something darker?

"It's easier if you just give in."

And the more you listen, the more your world bends. You swear you hear something--a voice, someone calling out to you. Or was it just the wind? The scent of blood hangs in the air, though when you search, you can't find its source.

Suddenly you see it on the walls--a message, a memory from your past--something that grips you with a cold fear. It settles deep in your gut, but it's too late. The image lingers at the edges of your vision. Your mind is playing tricks on you, isn't it? Or is it something else? The longer you linger in the halls of the apartment complex, marketplace, or the hospital, the more the world twists around you. Objects shift in your peripheral vision - did that lamp just move? Did that thing lingering just at the edge of your peripheral vision just speak your name?

Im'mari is everywhere now, its influence seeping into the very walls. While Aurora has been freed from its web and continues to work to regain control of her city, Im'mari tightens its grip, refusing to give in. The stairs creep beneath your feet, the scent of rot clings to the food in the diner, and the hospital's medical rooms are empty... or are they? Was that a scalpel, or something else? Paranoia begins to creep in, the lines between reality and illusion blurring the longer Im'mari maintains control.

And grows bolder.

Words, sounds, and images warp the world around you. Faces appear in the shadows. Scents that shouldn't exist hang in the air, triggering memories you'd long since buried. Blood, ocean waves, familiar voices fading in and out. The longer you stay in these places, the more paranoia seeps in, eroding your defenses and wearing you down.

Many objects may seem harmless, but Gorgug's magic has imbued them with dark energy. As you pass them, the whispers begin. A stair creaks underfoot and suddenly you're back within a memory. A stone shifts, and you catch a glimpse of something that shouldn't be there. These objects are traps, set to trigger the worst within you.

Each time a memory comes to life, it seems to warp the world around you - the hallways stretch, the lights flicker out, and you're certain someone is following you. The paranoia builds, a creeping dread that won't leave. You have to find the source. Break the spell, or endure it continuing to spread.

⏵ cottage in the woods ⏴

As you travel deeper into the twisted forest, the air grows heavier, more oppressive. The scorpions that guard the way to the cottage scuttle through the trees, their pincers sharp as they block your path. Vanessa lingers there, her appearance changed, eyes glowing a fiery red. Black veins pulse beneath her skin with the same dark energy that courses through the Im'mari. Along with her are her guardians, ready to fight to defend her.

The closer you get to her, the more distorted the forest becomes. Light blinks in and out, disorienting you. You're not sure which way is forward, and the scorpions hiss from the shadows, attempting to lead you away. But you must keep going. Vanessa stands at the heart of it all - broken, feral, lashing out at anyone who dares to approach.

If you get too close, you'll hear the whispers.

"They see evil in you. You're no different."

If confronted, she may call upon her magic, using Verbis Diablo. But if you act fast, you can attempt to stop her before the words take hold.

⏵ NOTES ⏴

There is a header for new arrivals if they wish to talk with Aurora!

For all questions relating to this mission, please refer to the plotting post. Please keep an eye out for new comments, as we have many new characters and players arriving! All other questions can be directed to the FAQ.

⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

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Mission out of hand, indeed. Fabian wasn't paying any particular mind to Jason at first, seemingly moving somewhere with purpose, but something about overhearing the other's words seems to snap him out of it. He looks up, surprised, and then over at Jason. For a moment he stares like he's trying to process what he just heard, but then he takes a few steps over towards him, crossing the distance between them.

"Wait, are you new?"

There's some puzzle pieces slowly falling into place in Fabian's mind here..

"Are you for real? They dragged people into this place in the middle of this, and all they told you was that the mission got out of hand?" Jason, he sounds offended on your behalf!

Jason appreciates that someone else seems to understand the absolute ridiculousness of what he was told. Maybe he could get some more information about what's really going on.

"More or less, yeah," Jason replies. "And that the multiverse is falling apart? What the hell happened with this mission?"

Fabian lets out a sigh that sounds so deep that it's like he's breathing out his very soul.

"I wish I knew, man."

Seriously. He has no idea what's up with this 'mission', if you can call it that at all. It feels more like intentional torture, but at least Fabian isn't going to say that right away to a new guy.

.. well, not right off the bat, anyway. Maybe in a little bit.

"The multiverse thing is-- well, I know this sounds ridiculous, but that might have to wait until later. The current mission thing is a little more pressing. There is something out there that is--" Fabian makes some vague hand gestures - like this is hard for him to put into words, and he clearly seems a little bit worked up from whatever must have been going on, but he's still trying to Jason's sake. No way he's just going to abandon the newbies to this mess. "It's fucking up this place. In fact, we should probably get moving, it's not really safe to stand around somewhere right now. You want to come with me? I can at least answer your questions on the way."

Conventional wisdom says don’t just follow a stranger along in a strange city but Jason considers his situation extraordinary circumstances so he’ll go along for now. At least he still has some of his Red Hood gear in case something should happen.

“Sure. I need to know just what the fuck I’m even in,” he says.

"So there's something taking over the city," he starts as they walk. "Something even worse than those beings that dragged us here, if you can believe it."

Granted, Jason may not have quite as much reason yet as Fabian does to not be the biggest fan of the people that put them here, but who knows. Maybe he's annoyed by suddenly being taken away from his world. Maybe he doubts the story he was fed as much as Fabian does. Either way, Fabian seems to have no trouble with venting this straight away, even if he may not know the other yet.

"I can't say I know for sure what its goals are, other than being shitty. It seems to be trying to make us come face to face with our own personal fears."

Jason furrows his brow at that. Great. It's like another one of the Scarecrow's schemes again except on a bigger scale.

"What kind of something? I don't suppose there was a gas attack recently?" He asks.

Knowing how stubborn Gotham's rogues gallery is, one of them suddenly getting dropped into this city followed by a BatFamily member would happen.

He shakes his head at that question.

Though it does make Fabian raise an eyebrow, considering how specific that question is.

"What, do you have experience with that sort of thing? Someone using gas to make people see their own fears?" He doesn't sound really surprised at the idea of it - it's entirely possible, Fabian has seen much weirder things in the past - but it doesn't sound like it's something he necessarily has specific experience with either.

"Unfortunately, yeah," Jason replies. "Back home, there's a guy who likes to do fear gas attacks. Breath in that stuff and you hallucinate your worst fears."

Judging by Fabian's response, perhaps the Scarecrow wasn't around then.

"Damn, man."

Still not sounding very surprised, but at least he's acknowledging that doesn't sound great to deal with. It's always annoying when places try to use your worst fears against you, one way or another.

Seems like they're both just unlucky enough to have landed in yet another situation that's trying to do the very same thing.

"No, it isn't him-- but if you have experience with it, that might be better. It could help you deal with it here." He sticks out his hand at the other, even though he doesn't stop walking. "My name's Fabian Aramais Seacaster, by the way. If you end up needing help here, just give me a call over the earpiece they gave you. My username on there is maximumlegend. The least we can do in this place is look out for each other when it's trying to tear us down."

Jason takes Fabian's hand and shakes it.

"Name's Jason Todd. I guess I got some things I'll need to set up some things," he says. "Like maybe making sure I got a gas mask on hand."

And build up a batch of antidotes for fear gas if there are enough resources for that kind of thing.

"How long have you been here?"

At least the gas mask makes a little bit more sense in the face of what the other has told him. Not that Fabian necessarily thinks it's a priority here, but-- then again, maybe the beings in charge here are going to use gas against them at some point. Maybe they're doing it right now, just like that person Jason dealt with back home.

So he doesn't remark anything about it, instead speaking up to answer the question.

"A few months now. About five or so? Almost half a year." He sighs, adding: "Way longer than I'd like to be."

That's for sure!

"They haven't given any indication whatsoever on how long they are planning on keeping us here either. I don't believe they want to let us go again at all."

Jason furrows his brow. It seems like their so-called hosts like to be skimpy on the details.

"And I'm guessing no word about how our worlds are doing either?" He says.

He shakes his head. "Nothing I've heard."

Which is a little concerning, considering one of his friends did disappear pretty recently, but Fabian is trying really hard to not think about that when there's so much else to deal with already at the current moment.

"Is there anything you're worried about back home then?" If he's asking. Though Jason could also just be worried about his world in general, given what they were told here.. "Or anyone? People you might be worried about could also be present here, you know. They don't always just take one person away from a world to put them here. Several of my friends are present in this place as well, and we all come from the same world."

"Nothing specific outside of what we got told about needing to save our worlds," Jason replies.

And truth be told, Jason's not entirely sure he's suited to save anyone on that large of a scale. Citywide? Sure. He's done it before. A whole planet or whole universe is another matter though.

Jason then furrows his brow.

"Not sure if I want to see anyone from my world get stuck here."

Especially if it meant fewer vigilantes to protect Gotham.

"Because this place is a shithole?"

Fabian raises his eyebrows as he says it. It seems a little surprised, but nothing too much. He can think of a few reasons why people might not want to see their friends here, even though Fabian honestly can't imagine how he'd get by if he had been the only person from his world present in this place.

"Or do you have some other reason?"

"Shithole and since when does anyone like being kidnapped?" Jason replies. His statement comes out so easily since it's true. None of his family members would be pleased to suddenly be here. It's just that the stakes are probably a little higher than it would be for most people.

"What about you? You don't mind it?"

He had clocked in how surprised Fabian is.

He huffs. "Of course not. I hate everything about this stupid situation!"

The answer seems genuine enough. Sure, it comes really quickly, but not because it sounds like a lie. More because it sounds like Fabian didn't even have to think about it, his arms folded across his chest, a frown pressing down above his eye.

"But I think it would be an even worse shithole without some of my friends here." There's a pause, and then he quickly adds, like Fabian is worried Jason may draw a certain conclusion from that which is entirely contrary to the sort of impression Fabian wants to give off. "Not that I wouldn't be able to deal with it by myself if I had to!"

H-He's tough, okay, Jason! Make sure to remember he's tough!

"But having friends around sure helps, even if I wish they weren't going through all this shit too."

Jason nods as he listens. He gets the sentiment because that's how he's feeling too.

"Yeah. Misery loves company and all that. I'm guessing adjusting isn't as big of a hurdle compared to being solo here," he says. "How many other people from your world are here?"

"Three," he replies. "It used to be four, excluding me, but one of our friends disappeared only just the other day. I am really hoping that means she was just sent home, or that she somehow managed to find a way to return home."

Fabian wouldn't be surprised if it was the latter. Adaine is the smartest of them all, after all. If anyone could figure it out, it would be her - and he'd rather have her safe than have her here.

"So aside from her, it's just her older sister and my two other party members from back home with me. You will be able to recognize them if you see them around, really." Because they look pretty distinctive. Way more than Fabian does, since the only thing setting him apart from your average human is his pointy ears.. "My friends Riz and Gorgug-- They're both green, and Riz is super short, while Gorgug is incredibly tall. If you ever end up needing help in this place, I am sure you could ask them and they would help you right away. Even if you were a stranger."

They're nice enough for it.

"Just-- uh, don't ask Gorgug right now. Something strange seems to have come over him. And over a whole bunch of other people in this place, actually."

Jason frowns. That doesn't sound good.

"What something? What's going on?" He asks.

Fabian frowns. It's a rather serious frown - though it's not like Jason would know how unnecessarily dramatic Fabian can seem most of the time. But he definitely looks dead serious and pretty worried in this moment.

"It seems that there is some sort of force at work that's possessing people. And it-- It got into my friend." Hence the concern on his face, most likely. "I have no idea how it happened, or how long ago it even started. But it's been slowly getting worse."

Oh, that doesn’t sound good. Not for the first time today Jason wishes he had full access to his usual resources to help.

“You guys got him locked up somewhere for now?”

It’s asked without judgement as Jason would probably consider doing that too if one of his friends was possessed.

Honestly, it's a difficult question. The answer itself is pretty easy, but the question does make Fabian consider for a moment what they would do if they could get their hands on Gorgug. Should they just lock him up somewhere for his own good until they could find a solution to this whole thing? Fabian would hate to do that to a friend, but he's also pretty sure letting Gorgug run wild isn't really doing much good either.

It feels like a weighty thing to discuss with someone he's only just met, but.. hell, Jason is stuck in the same pile as shit as they all are now.

So Fabian might as well talk to him about it.

"No," he answers, pulling a frustrated hand through his hair. "I have been trying to chase after him, but it's been difficult to get a real hold on him. He's about two heads taller than us and the one of the strongest guys I know, physically speaking."

Y-You know, just in case Jason may assume Fabian is too weak to do the job.. That's not it, okay!! He's trying to save his personal pride here!

Edited 2024-12-26 16:17 (UTC)

Jason doesn't think Fabian is weak at all. If anything, he's quite sympathetic to his plight. He knows it's hard to fight against someone who's supposed to be an ally or friend. He knows he made hell on his family when he first came back as the Red Hood.

"At least he's not hard to miss. I'll keep an eye out if I see him too," he says.

"You would?"

There's a little bit of surprise in his voice. And it's not even just Fabian's voice, really. When he turns his head to look over at Jason, it's in his eye too, the way it widens a little bit as he stares at the other guy.

For a moment Fabian is quiet, like his brain is processing said surprise, and then he ducks his head. Something about him almost looks faintly embarrassed, like he isn't sure how to deal with the other providing him with a favor so easily. Especially when Jason doesn't even know that he's maximum legend, the way everyone back home does.

".. thanks, man." It's a little more quiet, but it makes the words sound weirdly genuine because of it. "If there is anything I can do for you, just let me know too. You can easily reach me over the earpieces we have, just look up 'maximumlegend.' I can't even imagine how hard this shit must be when you are new."

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leastdramatic - 2024-12-31 01:46 (UTC) - Expand

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