etrayalogs | Mission 013 Log

Mission 013 Log

Mission Summary

Genre: Survival / Exploration / Spooky

Premise: Mesa is a wild, lawless land of megafauna, from feathered dinosaurs to redwoods soaring stories high. Etrayans must document what remains of a world on its way out and then get out alive, surviving in the wilderness for two weeks while fighting off a hostile environment. Most importantly of all: beware the dark.

Tone: Dark and philosophical. Is this a world worth saving?

Objectives: Take samples and record for posterity what happened on Mesa. Demonstrate appreciation of what is lost and the capacity to preserve it.

❬ all that men presume ❭

While Mesa is full of life even now, with large creatures roaming the continents and making themselves comfortable, there are traces indicating that at one point this wilderness was constructed. The Citadel, a galaxy-spanning empire, had wanted to collect creatures from the numerous inhabited planets they could reach, and selected Mesa as the location for their conservatory given its lack of sentient residents. Once a carefully maintained vacation destination for Citadel elite, landscapes were meticulously groomed and animal husbandry was rigorously planned to create fascinating creatures across generations.

A good idea, in theory. Perhaps even in practice, given that whilst the rest of this galaxy has collapsed and died, this particular planet is still standing, along with all the creatures that had been transplanted onto it to call it their home.

Now abandoned by the Citadel, Mesa returns slowly to its original state: a deserted planet much like Etraya was before Aurora and Borealis's cities had been developed on it. Which is why Aurora has sent the Etrayans abroad: gather data on those who still live amongst Mesa's population, so that these creatures will not be forgotten as their predecessors have been.

Aurora's portal brings characters to a bare base camp, previously visited by a spare few of her bots in order to outfit it with just enough to allow them to survive. Simply called the Lux, their base camp takes the form of a massive spire with a built-in high-powered lamp at the peak, which bathes the entire outside of the building in light at all times. Some rooms hidden within the facility provide darkened spots to allow Etrayans to rest safely.

Aurora had told them that they must make sure to not be out in the dark -- hopefully the spire's eternal light as well as how carefully the entire outside of the structure is lit up offers them enough of a reminder to listen.

Possible Hooks
• Taking stock of your assigned team that you've just met, sharing supplies, and getting ready to leave on your assignment.
• Building up the base to serve as a safe respite for the time on Mesa.
• Returning to camp between assignments for a breather or because you've spent a little too long out in the dark.

❬ a conservatory left behind ❭

Mesa's ecosystems are dominated by megafauna: creatures of immense size and stature, often with lengthy lifespans and narrow biome niches. Most are locked to their environments, adapted precisely to the area they reside in, with little chance of surviving outside of their specific ecosystem. A swamp titan would not survive the cold tundra that the ice leopards call home, and the ice leopards cannot survive in the ashy, hot environment that let horned beetles thrive. Smaller animals may exist amongst them, but they are significantly less common. Many rely on the larger creatures for survival: feeding off of the parasites that attach themselves to their massive bodies, or nesting within their fur.

Much of the wildlife exhibits ancient evolutionary traits, behaviors and patters long-since established with no signs of further development. They no longer evolve with time and generations but instead have settled into their place on their planet.

The megafauna are not the only living beings on Mesa. Scattered across the planet are traces of civilization: abandoned ranger stations, research laboratories, and observation outposts. While these locations appear as if the technology within them was at one time advanced, it has now become nonfunctional, left to rot without maintenance over the generations.

Yet some of these structures still contain life, the descendants of the humanoid beings that established Mesa long ago. One may consider trying to extend a hand out toward them to offer what assistance they can give - but none of them will be friendly.

Long abandoned by those who had once brought them here, these people have become opportunistic predators, fiercely defending what facilities they were able to keep partially functional. The darkness that plagues the Etrayans also appears to plague them, and without light, the same ill fate would be their demise.

They do not travel far, choosing to maintain their own livestock and supplies to ensure they are never far from the light. After all, they know the greatest threat on Mesa is not the wildlife, but the dark.

Possible Hooks
• Encounter various wildlife while out on assignment, and perhaps run into another team.
• Build an observation blind shelter with your teammates and hole up there for a few days, hoping to document your species of interest.
• Discover and explore an abandoned structure.
• Come under threat from the residents... or try to reach out to them.

❬ hatchlings ❭

The chelonians, one of the species in one of Mesa's warmer climates, has struggled to maintain their numbers over their centuries on the planet due to their inability to change their ways.

Hatchlings are born several kilometers away from the beach shores, burrowed deep into soil to protect them from predators that may seek out their eggs during high tide. These creatures are massive, large shells encasing a significant portion of their bodies with only their heads and limbs visible from under it.

These creatures are rare and difficult to spot on Mesa: they breed slowly, live for centuries, and their offspring very rarely make it passed their first few hours of life. They often hatch in the dark of the night, making them extremely susceptible to predators that lurk in the dark, waiting for prey too small and too fragile to protect themselves. Large winged beasts swoop down from the skies, picking up the newborn chelonians to enjoy a fresh meal.

Without them, their ecosystem begins to collapse: kelp beds and forests fail, and entire food chains unravel.

Etrayans with interest could assign themselves a simple, unofficial mission to find the burrows and protect the younglings as they manage to break through their shells, then help them into the ocean so that their kind may survive to see the sun again. They must set up light sources and wait beside the burrows to make sure these massive creatures not only escape their eggs but do not become lost on their journey to the water. Following them to the water is critical, as their eyesight, even with a light source, is quite poor -- and they have a tendency to lose their way.

No one's asked them to do this -- the whole planet is slated for destruction, so maybe this entire venture is pointless -- but maybe this is something worth doing anyway.

Possible Hooks
• Idealistic types see the chelonian hatchlings struggling to make it to a beach and step in to help. Considering how large they are, this might be a struggle for them, too.
• Cynical types question what the point is.

❬ night falls ❭

Mesa's darkness is not merely the conventional absence of direct light.

The planet itself has no moon, and when darkness comes, it is absolute.

Remaining in the darkness has several consequences, and the effects accumulate over time, progressing along a spectrum rather than in tidy stages. This only seems to effect those from Etraya and the humanoids living within their bases, not the animals brought to reside on planet. Remaining within light sources suppresses the effects, but the moment the planet's rotation angles them away from this galaxy's star, any Etrayans caught outside of the light will find themselves succumbing to the effects.

Characters were warned not to stay out in the dark, but they were not told why they should not.

If any of them prefer not to find out and remain at base during one unfortunate night, they'll find out why anyway: the power cuts. The surrounding terrain, once held at bay by artificial light at the Lux, is swallowed whole. The air feels heavier and the atmosphere itself feels weighted.

Blithe apathy sinks in. The ability to listen to reason slowly leaves those left in the darkness. If they do not find a light source quickly, they will be able to feel the physical effects of the darkness set into their skin, potentially ending with permanent changes.

Those remaining on base may work together in order to bring the power back on, utilizing any personal abilities in addition to fixing the damaged circuits in order to bring everything back online. But they had better react quickly -- the longer the darkness remains, the worse the effects become, and maybe someone who was once trying to help is now trying to hurt...

Possible Hooks
• Help restore power after it cuts at the Lux.
• Underestimate the darkness effects, assume your light source is enough, and slowly fall prey to the pleasant apathy. You'll need rescue.
• Stumble onto another party's camp and need their help to be coaxed back to sanity.

❬ MISSION NOTES ❭

📌 — Please make sure to use the major events comment thread specifically to announce character actions that have a significant impact on the mission outcome or other characters.

📌 — For all questions relating to this mission, please refer to the mission queries comment on the plotting post. Other questions can be directed to the FAQ.

🔵FULL NAVIGATION🔵

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Distinction? You mean that mark I gave it?

[ Vax watches as the orb flies past and into the building. ]

I never meant to damage it permanently.

Do you regard scars as damage? I prefer to look at them as marks of what one has experienced.

[ Dion has less scarring than others in the military, he knows. As a prince, he was well taken care of. But the scar he bore from shielding Terence remains, and he doesn't regret its presence, because it meant his childhood friend survived. ]

No, but...

[ The damage was caused by Vax, so he feels bad about it. ]

I've got a few scars, and I don't give a shit. But.. if I gave you a scar, I'd consider that unforgivable. And that sphere is yours.

I'd not wish to scar you either.

[ Of course he wouldn't. He'd hate to hurt Vax at all. ]

Yet I do not blame you for the results of a spar, nor should you. It did not hurt.

[ Vax looks a little uncertain, but he nods. ]

Alright.

[ He'll try to forget about it. There's one more pause. ]

If that one is distinct, maybe you should give it a name.

[ People do name their familiars. He'll let Dion ruminate on that as he steps inside and looks around the interior of the building lobby. ]

This is... not what I expected.

[ Taking in the sight of what he'd recognize as a reception desk after his time on Earth, Dion can admit to himself it was not what he'd expected either. ]

How curious... [ He drinks in the gloomy grey of their surroundings, the faded red carpet trailing along the winding hall, and the proliferation of dust and cobwebs littering the place. It seems long abandoned. ] Its purpose remains yet unclear, but there must be reason behind such a place.

[ Whether what it is will be a welcome or unpleasant discovery remains to be seen. But first, as they linger in the entryway— ]

My father told me I ought not bother naming them like pets.

[ It comes with the same numbed air of detachment certain past statements had, as though they were about someone else, though they are not. He remembers the admonishment well. ]

Looks like a fancy inn or a minor lord's mansion.

[ Vax's wandering gaze turns back to Dion as he says he was not permitted to name the spheres. There's a mischievous smile and he gently elbows Dion's side. ]

If your father told you not to, then you should definitely do it.

[ Dion probably knows Vax likely attempted most everything his father told him not to do. Just to do it. ]

[ In the building's better days, Dion could see that. Not that he fancies a conservatory would have lords, but an inn seems reasonable for most any world with people in it. He considers that briefly before Vax makes that suggestion.

Then he puffs out a soft breath that might've been a laugh if he'd lent his voice to it. ]

Ever the rebel. [ It's said with a smile, because that's part of who Vax is, and Dion appreciates him as he is. ] Though I confess I've not the first idea of what names would suit them best.

[ Names are important. His own had come from his great grandfather, he'd been told. ]

You've got time to think about it. You came up with a name for me, so I'm sure it'll be good. And suitable.

[ Vax looks around again and approaches the desk to see if there are any items or papers that might indicate something about this place. ]

So, what now?

I suppose I did.

[ He came up with a few, by the end of all that mission preparation talk. But then, he did have books to refer to for those names.

Setting the matter aside for the time being, Dion follows Vax over to the front desk. He examines the hooks on the wall behind it, finding a single key, its surface dulled by corrosion from moisture. ]

Do you suppose this can still be used?

[ Vax would surely know better than him, so Dion offers his find over. ]

[ It wouldn't surprise Vax at all if he pulled a name from a book for his light companion.

As Dion discovers a key, Vax offers to take it and when it's handed to him, he holds it, rubbing his thumb over it. ]

Hm. The teeth look like they're still in decent condition. It'll probably work.

[ He turns it over again to see if there's a number or anything on it. ]

Maybe it's for a room upstairs.

[ If something was written or etched into it, the corrosion makes it difficult to tell. Dion nods when Vax gives his assessment. The key seems as fine a place to begin as any. ]

Shall we see if we can find the door it's meant for, then?

[ This place shouldn't have so many doors that they can't locate the correct one, he reasons. ]

[ Vax wonders if they'll be able to find the door, but maybe the inn isn't as big as it looks after the lobby. No reason not to try. Not if he gets to hang around with Dion. ]

Sure.

[ He offers the key back to the prince. ]

[ Dion blinks at Vax, the waiting key, and then Vax again. ]

...You wish me to carry it?

[ Like he needs to guess at his friend's intention here. ]

[ Vax lifts his brow then smiles. ]

Well, yes. You found it.

[ Dion should get to carry it. His voice takes on an edge of teasing. ]

Unless you'd prefer me to bear its weight, my lord.

[ Dion considers this for a moment.

Places a hand on Vax's shoulder.

And, with an air of impressive solemnity: ]

'Tis a heavy burden, but I trust you are up to the task, good ser.

[ He manages to get through the whole thing before cracking a smile, but only just. Acting's not his forte.

But also, he lacks pockets. ]

[ Vax certainly has the pockets situation covered. He chuckles at Dion's response and tucks the key away for safe keeping. With any luck, they'll find the door quickly. ]

I would bear any burden for you, my lord.

[ He's teasing, but there's something sincere about it, too. ]

[ With the matter of who serves as key-per settled, Dion pats Vax's shoulder reassuringly. ]

I'll not visit too many upon you.

[ His reply is entirely sincere. They may be engaging in banter, but he doesn't fail to notice that Vax seemed to mean it. In the time they've known one another, Vax has lightened burdens Dion never thought he'd be relieved of, and he will always be grateful for his kindness. He'd never take it for granted.

With the words having been said, he glances toward the hall. ]

Which direction shall we start with?

[ Vax knows Dion likes to shoulder his own burdens, but he doesn't want them to weigh him down the way Twinside did. ]

Hm. Left?

[ No idea why. Random guess. Vax steps around the counter to proceed, but he takes the lead, since he's the one looking for traps. The lobby exits into a hall with doors. First floor rooms, maybe. Also probably some maintenance and broom closets in the mix. ]

Very well.

[ Dion falls into step just behind him, and his satellite drifts in place just off to the side of them. In close quarters like this, Dion's halberd is of little use, just as like to strike a wall as an opponent. His light will compensate if need be.

Of course, since the door was locked, they can hope no threats are in here to begin with. The layer of dust that coats their surroundings appears undisturbed, but Dion remains wary as they advance.

The first door they pass is ajar, but heavy bookcases have fallen just on the other side of it, blocking the way. ]

What might have caused that...

[ With the side door locked, they might not encounter traps inside, but Vax remains vigilant.

As they pass the door jammed with bookcases, a small frown appears on Vax's face and his brow knits, appearing unsettled. He could hazard a guess how the bookcases got there. ]

Maybe an earthquake.

[ Not likely, but he doesn't want to suggest some person was in there trying to keep something else out. If they were, Vax hopes they got away.

As he proceeds, he uses the key to test a few locked doors, but it doesn't work. ]

I'll bet the beds here are comfortable. We couldn't afford inns like this back home.

[ Dion's lips thin at the thought. It wasn't terribly often that he stayed in inns, rather than fortresses or army camps, but it had never been a question of whether they could be afforded. ]

Even while defending your realm?

[ It seems unreasonable that Vax and his comrades be expected to contend with such daunting foes, yet be denied even favorable respite. ]

[ Vax tries another door but finds the lock busted. ]

We were gifted a Keep after we killed the first dragon. But... when the others came, Emon was devastated. There was no more Sovereign to fund us.

[ Not that it mattered to Vax. ]

But I was used to it. We all were. At least we could enjoy Whitestone when we were there. That's Percy's family castle. Most of our time was spent on the road, though.

And no other leaders provided support...

[ He couldn't help but sound mystified, because how could he not be? The lack of resources and support are baffling to him, when it seemed the whole of Vax's world had been facing an existential threat.

Why would they not be afforded all they needed, where were the armies? How could so much be placed on the shoulders of so few? And few who are not living weapons, as Dominants are seen to be. ]

I mean no offense, but your world perplexes me.

They are more concerned with protecting themselves. As if that will keep them safe.

[ Vax frowns as he tries another door. ]

Even my father chose to hide his people in another realm rather than fight. He'd let Tal'Dorei and the rest of Exandria burn. It's not like he's ever cared about the rest of the world, anyway.

[ There's a pause as he looks to Dion to ask, ]

Would your father have sent his armies to defend another nation from an attack?

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