MISSION 005 PT 2 & ARRIVALS

[etrayamods]

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⏴

Comments

ii. baron | mha spoilers (anime-friendly)

[wannasmash]

Is the hospital abandoned? What the heck is happening? Midoriya begins to find evidence of gunshots, and he modifies his gait to a quieter tread. He can't truly be a stealth Hero with his armored shoes, and he didn't select that as his specialty anyway, but at least the rest of his green jumpsuit and bracers are lightweight and don't lend themselves to rattling.

Very strange too, that it's all the mirrors. Was it to combat someone's Quirk? Midoriya stops in the doorway as he finds the apparent vandal. Nothing about the TV show appears to be strange until something in it speaks Riz's name. Midoriya has never been less of a fan of breaking the fourth wall than in this moment.

He turns Danger Sense on. "Hey," he says gently so as not to startle Riz. "Let's get out of here."

[stresstokens]

Normally, Riz is keen enough that he would be able to hear Midoriya a mile away. It's not hypervigilance, he'd argue -- it's just being wise enough to know when you should stay on your toes, and Riz just happens to think that you should always stay on your toes. Here and now, though, he remains eerily still, not even noticing the thump of Midoriya's footsteps as he wanders through the Gukgaks' small one-bedroom apartment, not until he's right behind him.

He jumps a mile high once he speaks, a hiss of alarm wheezing out of his chest as he scrambles backwards, winding up jumping atop one of the counters with one hand immediately reaching for his firearm, eyes wide and pupils heavily constricted, thin chest heaving with movement.

"Fuck," he manages to say. "When did you -- how did you --"

His eyes dart from Midoriya and the television set. "You shouldn't be here. I didn't think anyone else would..."

This is where he belonged, Baron had told him, cold and alone. Nobody had come looking for him. And Midoriya's a nice guy, sure, but it's not like he's found him on purpose.

"Why are you even here, man?"

The skeletal figure in the television scoots a little closer to the screen, its deep, pitted eyes staring directly at Midoriya, a coy smile playing across its stark-white face. It speaks in a high, lilting voice, some amalgamation of a generic European accent colouring its words. "I had to bring someone, Riz Gukgak. All of your other friends are busy. And this one doesn't know you yet." It looks like almost a trick of the light, the way that his finger appears to reach from out of the television, towards Midoriya -- but moments later, it seems to be nothing more than a trick of the light. "Except for that messy, messy, messy mission. You should have brought me along. I could have helped. Someone died, didn't he?"

[wannasmash]

It's honestly shocking Riz didn't hear him. He wasn't trying to sneak up on him. He immediately puts his gloved palms forward as a signal to forestall a potential firefight. (Why is Riz carrying a gun?!) Riz doesn't want to shoot him—Danger Sense tells him this—so why give him any reason to change his mind?

He's about to tell Riz he simply got lost, but the skeleton is speaking to them. He stares at the screen. It must be a two-way transmission. Someone here is taunting Riz. How did they know this information?

"That's nothing to smile about," he snaps at the person on the screen. "What do you want?"

The range in tone from gently inquisitive to upset is unexpected from someone who's usually so mild-mannered. Midoriya is terrible at defending himself, but if someone else gets picked on, it sets him off.

[stresstokens]

Riz had known by now that Midoriya wasn't the sort of person to turn tail and run. As mild as he may seem in casual conversation, nobody jumped at the chance to join in on the mission in Moorecroft except for those who were more than willing to make the riskiest move available in order to chase down the truth, whether that was through sheer curiosity, the desire to fix everything that was so obviously broken, or a bull-headed determination to break every rule at their disposal. Still he had hoped. He doesn't want anyone else to be here, as cold and frightened and alone as he's been all of this time. The shame and humiliation runs too deep, Baron sinking their fingers into his greatest insecurities and refusing to let go.

If his friends were to learn about what he's been thinking all this time, what's been haunting him -- he doesn't think he could bear it. He can barely bear Midoriya being here either, jaw clenched and eyes steely, as though Riz deserves to be defended from this creature instead of chastised for bringing it into existence in the first place.

"I'm not smiling because someone died," Baron says, voice lilting. "I am simply happy to finally spend some time with my beloved. Are you not happy to be here?" Baron leans forward, forehead looking as though it's pressing directly into the screen. "If you do not wish to spend time with Riz Gukgak, then I don't think you should be here either."

"Dude, you can't reason with it," Riz interrupts, tone urgent. "You should get outta here. This one's my responsibility."

[wannasmash]

Beating down someone picking on Riz doesn't necessarily bring him satisfaction. That's just another form of being mean. Midoriya is more concerned with defending someone else. His compulsion to save others defies reason. He ought to take his own safety into account more. That's what his friends say.

His shoulders tense at Baron's words. He can feel the start of anger welling up inside. He feels a little sweaty, but he sweats easily anyway. He doesn't want to blame Riz for their current circumstances. He isn't so interested in punishment. Anyone who seems to be in distress, he wants to help them. He might be oblivious in some respects, but he's very finely attuned to noticing when someone needs help. The only question is if they'll take it.

"No." He edges closer to Riz. "This one's being creepy. I'm not leaving you alone here. If I'm leaving, you're leaving with me. C'mon."

He holds his gloved hand out towards Riz. If Riz stays, he stays, but his hand is there for him regardless.

[stresstokens]

"I've tried," Riz bursts out, swatting away Midoriya's hand. "I've been trying! It won't work. He's not gonna let me go until he's gotten what he wants from me, whatever the hell that is. I'm not telling you to leave without me as, like, a sacrifice play or whatever. It's not that I don't want to leave. It's that I can't."

He jerks his head over to the windows, pockmarked with bullet holes, littered with broken glass; it's clear that he's been trying to get out of here to the best of his abilities.

"So if I'm stuck here, I'd rather not just drag someone right down with me." He glances over at where Baron is leering at them, smile unmoving, then flicks his fingers. As though on cue, the front door swings open with a vicious slam.

"Right again, Riz Gukgak! You're very good at giving people permission to leave. A shame that you are not nearly as good at getting them to stay." A bony hand crawls out of the screen, fingers tap-tap-tapping against the edge of the television as though waiting patiently for Midoriya's response. "You may leave, Midoriya. I have no use for you, if you do not choose to stay. You are not saving him. Riz Gukgak is in no danger. I would never hurt my romance partner."

[wannasmash]

Midoriya flinches his hand back, not in the way someone fearful might, but in the way someone resigned to not being liked would. It's an old habit from earlier years when everyone in middle school refused to be his friend. He looks a little sad. He doesn't reach for Riz again.

"Riz-kun, you deserve to be free too."

He rounds on the TV, instinctively shouldering in front of Riz. He becomes incandescent with anger at Baron's words. He yells with surprising force,

"You're tearing him down, not to mention holding him hostage! There's more than one way to hurt someone! I could never imagine hurting someone I love like that! Let him go now!"