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⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Just in case.

[ His eyes close as he muses over what to share. Vincent has the unique perspective of an average person. His faith is honest and true, but he recognizes the madness surrounding those affected by it, as well. The cruelty and desperation that comes from the warped perceptions of their "belief." ]

So, how best to explain? I worship an entity that the congregation and I call "God." [ He rests his chin on top of his hand, musing aloud. ] She is also called another name: the Holy Woman. [ His hand drops to rest over his head, bowing in reverence. ] We believe that She will one day descend to Heaven and save Her faithful.

[ His shoulders shrug. ] There are disagreements, of course, on what that will look like and when, but it is what we all hope. [ His eyes slide to the side involuntarily as he lies. ]

[Huaisang just listens, completely oblivious to any hidden meaning to this religion Vincent's speaking of. It doesn't really occur to him question the man's story or probe any deeper into what he's saying, not at this time, anyway. Maybe later, he'll have more questions after he's had more time to adjust to their situation.]

Oh, I see. I suppose that's only natural with any group. Everyone has their own ideas and interpretation of everything, Which traditions are important, how best to honor certain beliefs, and so forth.

[He certainly has more than his fair share of disagreements with people back home. Huaisang just doesn't typically voice his opinions on much of anything where people can hear them most of the time.]

What is She supposed to save you from? Do you have fierce corpses and demons in your world, too?

Indeed. I'm glad you understand.

[ A speech (tirade) burns itself on his tongue. His fingers flex as he clenches them into a fist before breathing out his anger in a wistful sigh. The boiling desire to be right eats a hole in the side of his stomach, but he holds back - for the moment. Madness and fealty look very much the same. ]

Too? That sounds quite frightening. What is that? Like zombies? Fierce corpses, I mean. [ A simple means to deflect, but he is also interested. ]

Zombies?

[Headtilt at the unfamiliar word before continuing.]

Oh, they're the walking dead. Sometimes when certain conditions are met, people come back after they're supposed to be gone and need help getting to where they need to go.

[Or they get conscripted into being part of a security system in Huaisang's case. So far, only one person's figured out the the real reason he's allowing low-level undead to run loose around his people's ancestral tomb.]

Some are more dangerous than others so my people organize night hunts to put them to rest, among other things.

Huh.

[ It is the noise that he makes after the explanation. It sounds like zombies, anyway, but not quite. Night of the Living Dead, perhaps? ]

It sounds a bit like zombies, but not quite. There seems to be some level of intelligence to them if there is someplace that they need to go, am I right?

[ A slight pause. ]

Among other things?

[Huaisang is far from an expert on esoteric matters or really anything that's not directly within the direct scope of his interests. Still, he'll try his best.]

Well, yes and no. We're born with two souls, one stays with the body and the other moves on to Heaven and we entere the cycle of reincarnation after we die. The one that stays with the body, well, it's more like an animal's intelligence, I suppose. Fierce corpses aren't usually sentient. I've only ever heard of one that is.

[There's contradicting views on the matter and he spent half the time utterly lost during spirituality lectures when he still went to school. He may not be remembering everything he'd been taught clearly. Huaisang never was all that interested in that particular subject.]

As for the other things, well. Ghost, demons, curses, and the like.

Is there no way to ascend the soul left in the body?

[ But it seems like he can assume fierce corpses are similar to zombies. Interesting that there are also ghosts. ]

Does that mean you have angels if you have demons? [ He pinches his chin as he muses on this thought. His laughter catches in his throat. ] Of course, I'm sure some might not be able to tell the difference. [ His head drops to let out a little snicker. ] Sorry, just a little joke.

Angels? Ah, no. We have stories of immortals, fairies, and gods that dwell in a world beyond our own but I don't believe I've ever heard of angels before.

[It's honestly interesting to learn about these things from other worlds. He doesn't usually think about this kind of thing much but in a situation so fantastical, he can't help but wonder and question what he always just sort of took for granted was reality. So much of this situation and strange new world they've found themselves in beyond comprehension for him.

It's a more than a little terrifying, honestly.]

Can you tell me more about these angels and how demons work in your world?

Gods. [ His eyes darken briefly at that word before he steps around so that he can lean against one of the bookcases. Crossing his arms over his chest, he assumes "fairies" aren't the same as how he knows them. A lot of words that sound the same but aren't.

He should thank his background for times like these. If he lived a little more normal life, he might have been a wreck coming here and learning that the alternate dimensions aren't just parallel to his own. ]

I suppose. Angels are entities chosen by God to serve them in Her glory. [ His fingers twitch against his arms. He turns his head as he drags his eyes along the ceiling. Like if he talks too much about them, one may appear. ] They are empyreal. Meant to be in Heaven but can descend to pass Her word or save if -- [ He stops. ] -- I bit my tongue.

Anyway, demons are the opposite. Hellish entities that wish to promote the suffering and agony of humans. Their make and design are also celestial. Which is my joke before. Some would gaze upon an angel and yet see a demon in its place.

I wonder if you've encountered the same phenomenon.

I wouldn't know. It's not my place to question. As long as they aren't wreaking havoc on my people or in my domain, I don't usually give the nature of demons much thought. I leave that to those more spiritually attuned than myself.

[He does follow Vincent's gaze up to the ceiling curiously. He truly is an engaged in the discussion and he can tell the man sincerely believes what he's saying. That, in of itself, has also captured his interest, It's not a type of piety he's accustomed to seeing in the people he's accustomed to interacting with at all.]

But your faith sounds like a fascinating one.

A wise decision.

[ His eyes close as he swallows back the desire to scream. It's not out of fear but anger. Acid continues to burn in his stomach about how right he is, and he could get all the validation he wants from everyone around him. He feels a chuckle slither itself up his throat.

He could paint Claudia to be the greatest sinner of his world. His hand lifts to cover his mouth. Ah, there is petty and there is petty. Vincent steels his insides as he offers a faint smile. ]

Thank you. While most want to spread the word of their faith as far as they can, I am willing to lead by example alone. If that example is pleasing, please think of joining me.

[ Which is to say that's as much as he's willing to talk about the cult.

Spreading Her word might mean spreading Her influence across dimensions. But what if another Claudia appears? If She leaves Heaven in one world, would it be the same for others? Terrifying to think about; too unpredictable. ]

Of course. I may understand more if I observe you at work.

[He usually learns best through watching others from the sidelines. Their strengths, their weaknesses, their ways, and habits. And he's quite good at it, too. Particularly at observing others without attracting too much notice.]

A demonstration of your faith would be most helpful.

Haven't I shown enough?

[ Vincent tucks his hand under his chin as he takes a second to review the conversation. What has he learned and what has the person learned? Nothing damning for either one of them, he decides.

His hand drops as he smiles. Unfortunate. Vincent will only feel comfortable when he finds the bleeding wound still in someone's heart. If he knows that, it means he can damage them whenever he feels on the wrong foot in the conversation. Ah, well. Baby steps.

Even for someone like Huaisang who claims to be so weak, he'll have his use, too. As God wills it. ]

I'm kidding, of course. True demonstrations of faith and belief are something seen over time rather than in a single parlor trick. [ His stare, for a moment, doesn't match his smile. ] But still, let's call this the start of a friendship than the observation of my piety.

[Interesting. Huasiang makes a note of the odd mismatch in Vincent's expression and files it in the back of his mind for now, his own never shifting in the slightest. More out of reflexive habit after spending the past decade hiding himself from his enemy in plain sight, it's not even a conscious act at this point.]

Friendship sounds nice. The later makes it sound like I'm supervising you or something. It does sound a little odd when it's put that way.

[Finally, he puts his aside but doesn't get up yet, instead stretching his arms and legs like a housecat given human form on the chair.]

This place is bound to be lonely without friends.

Right?

[ Ah, friends. Vincent doesn't think that he had any. However, he does know how to, at least, act like one. What is a priest if not a friend and confidante? In any case, it's only human nature to not want to be alone. Only a lunatic could live saying they didn't need anyone. ]

I agree. So, I'm glad to make my first friend with you.

Likewise. It's good to have an ally in this place.

[Huaisang also knows how to play the role of friend. For the time being, his words and intentions are sincere enough but should they ever change, he's disciplined enough to keep so much as a ripple from ever breaking across the surface.]

If I had a drink, I would toast to new friendship. After today, I could use one. I wonder if this place has any wine houses for comrades to meet in.

Mm.

[ He tips his chin in a small nod. Breathing in, he lets out a long sigh. There's a scream buried deep beneath the sigh. The madness of his town eats away the inside of his throat. His eyes roll along the ceiling, as he hums a little tune in thought. ]

A toast to friendship and the continued existence of our world. [ When this trial is over, he may end up dead yet again. The corners of his lips curve into a little smile. Why act as he acted? Why do as he did? Because his life is not his own. ] As God wills it.

Of course. May our worlds continue to thrive without us.

[Huaisang hopes his sect will be just fine without him. They usually manage when he's away and busy with other matters but there's no telling how long he'll be gone this time. Much like with his quest, it's better than they not know. The enemy they'd be facing now isn't one they can simply chop to pieces with their sabers.

He sighs, feeling like he wants to find a nice, private corner and have a good cry.]

"Without us?" An odd way to put that, but yes.

[ Vincent bobs his head along with what he says.

It feels very much like home; at the mercy of a god that should remain in heaven and one who cares. Things would be simple if God did not care and only loved. But unfortunately, She has a great deal of concern about the morality and guilt of people. And isn't that so much worse than an unfeeling God? ]

But at least we know that Echo and Aurora care for us, in their own way. That's something. [ Like before, as he does, he says the opposite of what he means and fears. ]

I hope this chance to save everyone is one given in earnest and not some kind of trick.

[For a brief moment, there's a flicker of genuine vulnerability in Huaisang's expression before he looks down. So much of this beyond his depth and understanding but he's trying to keep up a brave face., nonetheless.]

No one back home even knows they're in danger.

What would the payoff even be? Your upset? The trauma of failing everyone before you also fade into nothing?

[ Vincent gestures to him lightly. His tone of voice lacks cruelty and is more sympathetic despite what he's saying. ]

Everyone is in danger one way or another. Even those living in peace. [ He pinches his chin as he muses aloud. ] Think of this as a natural disaster. Only there is a chance it may pass by your world. Neither of us knows the criteria for that, yet, and so, viewing it like that... I hope takes some of the stress away.

[ For now. ]

But natural disasters are a sign one has fallen out of favor with Heaven.

[Oh, the pitfalls of being from an ancient time where understanding and beliefs about the source of misfortune were quite different from modern day. Huaisang bites his lip, clearly troubled. More or less troubled than he'd been before? It's hard to say.]

If this is happening now, does that mean our worlds have fallen out of favor with Heaven?

[This is probably the most thought Huaisang's given to anything that could remotely be considered religious in his life but here is thinking about all of this in terms he never considered much before.]

Possibly.

[ A simple answer for a complicated question. Well, his eyebrows do furrow at the idea that natural disasters mean that Heaven doesn't care for the people. He finds solace that some words have the same meaning in another world: "Heaven." "Hell." Even if the shape of that isn't quite the same. ]

But not yet. And if it is all lost due to the fury of Heaven, would the people knowing it is coming do anything to ease their hearts? We're the ones that are suffering while they are allowed to live well, so think of it that way and be happy for them.

[Those words help soothe Huaisang's nerves and unruffle him a little.]

That's a good point. If they knew anything, it'd just be harder for them. They'd be just as scared and confused and there's nothing they can do against someone who can end everything just like that.

[Ignorance can be bliss and there's some things Huaisang's learned in the past decade he wishes he could unlearn. At least, this way, everyone can go on a little while longer without this hanging over them.]

Indeed.

[ Running his tongue over his lips, he breathes in like he might say something else but his head drops as he shakes his head. ]

In any case, we should be so lucky. [ A light joke to lighten the mood. ] Well, I suppose we've done enough chit-chatting... time to see the end of the world, as it were. Or well, the start of the trials, hm?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

MISSION 005 PT 2 & ARRIVALS

vincent being like how to avoid being pinned as being in a cult 101

lmao beautiful go Vincent

gaslight gatekeep girlboss his way to a corner later

hahahahaha it's hard being a cult priest

IT'S SO HARD sniffle

Huaisang failed these classes but he's doing his best here orz

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and then a lot of things happened all at once