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etrayalogs2026-01-23 01:07 pm
etrayamods) wrote in etrayalogs2026-01-23 01:07 pm
Entry tags:
- !mission log,
- arcane: viktor,
- atla: toph beifong,
- circle of magic: sandrilene fa toren,
- co e33: gustave,
- dc comics: barbara gordon,
- dc comics: bruce wayne,
- dc comics: dick grayson,
- dc comics: jonathan kent,
- devil may cry: dante,
- devil may cry: nero,
- devil may cry: vergil,
- final fantasy vii-r: vincent valentine,
- final fantasy x-2: paine,
- final fantasy xvi: dion lesage,
- jl gods and monsters: kirk langstrom,
- metro last light: pavel morozov,
- original: knife,
- original: ranvir al-fayruz,
- person of interest: harold finch,
- person of interest: john reese,
- person of interest: sameen shaw,
- persona 3-r: junpei iori,
- superman (2025): clark kent / superman,
- to be hero x: yang cheng (e-soul),
- vox machina: vax'ildan vessar
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
📌 — 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.
no subject
And he wouldn't blame her if she cried now either, nor would he think any less of her. Tears are not a sign of weakness in his book.
Dante's slightly relieved to hear about the bird. If it's who he thinks it is, that kid has more pride in his little finger than most people have throughout their whole body. It's probably not the worst thing in the world to give it a knock.
He does wish it hadn't come at the cost of Selina getting injured, though.
He's not expecting her to come out with another alias, and when she does he finds himself tilting his head as he looks down at her in slight surprise. Bats, birds, now cats?
"You know I'm starting to get a real funny picture of what your world's like with this whole animal theme you guys are keeping up," he tells her with a smile. "But I could see how you'd be a cat."
And in keeping with her newly unearthed moniker, he moves his hand to run his fingers through her hair, stroking lightly.
"Do they call you that because you want them to or is there a deeper meaning behind it?"
no subject
"It's an interesting place." To someone who doesn't live in a world where people have super powers, vigilantes, and a variety of costumed heroes and villains, she imagines this must all sound ridiculous. But Dante seems to take it all in stride. She appreciates that much.
"Because I want them to. People like cats," despite the pain she's in, it's easy to smile, to relax under his attention. "Cats are soft." And cats are intelligent. Resourceful. Independent. Push boundaries set for them time and time again. It's hard not to see herself in cats.
As much as she thinks she probably shouldn't, she finds herself rolling slowly, carefully, onto her uninjured side. Curling closer to Dante to stretch an arm across him.
"Do you like cats?"
no subject
"I've got nothing against cats, they're cool. I'm not sure they like me much," he muses, continuing to stroke her hair once he's satisfied she's not about to topple over. "I don't get many strays begging to come live with me, but I wouldn't kick one out if it moved in. I'd go out of my way to get one down from a tree if they needed me to."
With her injured side exposed, Dante takes extra care not to manhandle her and cause harm as he brings the hand in her hair onto her shoulder.
"It's funny you're a cat, I thought to myself at New Years that's the kinda animal you'd pick if you had that schtick. That or a fox."
no subject
"This cat likes you," she reassures with a soft hum, watching him curiously for a moment. "I'm sure there are plenty others who would, too." Though she hasn't seen too many cats around Etraya beyond the kittens Damian had brought to live with her for the time being. But she thinks they'd like him, too.
"Good guess."
Her hand splays against his back, legs shifting a bit around his between her own. "My costume is much better than Robin's or Batman's."
no subject
"I can see myself becoming a cat person," he muses, and leans in to kiss her on her brow, pressing his forehead to hers when he finishes. "And I can't wait to see what the costume looks like. Do you have one of those little masqueradey masks too?"
He brushes his hand up and down her arm, trying to bring some warmth to her.
"You warm enough, babe?"
no subject
And she thinks she must be a fool for it. After Bruce, Valmont... She doesn't deserve someone as wonderful as Dante when she's hurt the people before him.
It's not enough to stop her from curling closer, tipping her head to brush their lips again with a small smirk. "Not one like Robin's, but I have one," she replies with a soft hum.
And maybe the question makes her lips curve into a bit of a wider smirk. "I could be warmer," she replies, arching carefully to seal the front of her body against his. But she does let out a little sound of discomfort, shifting a bit, before settling. She's definitely sore.
no subject
"Then I really can't wait till I see you in it. It'll be like meeting you all over again."
He waits a moment, letting her adjust to press against him and curl his body around hers when she comments about being cold. He frowns a little.
"Well that won't do. Hold on a sec..."
It takes a bit of doing to wriggle his way out of his coat and keep contact with Selina (and not hurt her in the process) but Dante somehow manages to get it off his shoulders and drapes it over her. It swamps her, naturally, but it should at least give her a little warmth.
He closes his arms around her to add more warmth.
"Better?"
no subject
To people who aren't like her, who don't live a double life behind a costume and mask, it's hard to explain the inevitable second introductions that happen. The other persona they're exposed to and working through how they might react to them versus the person they've already known. It feels like less of an issue here in Etraya where being Catwoman carries so much less weight, where her reputation isn't whispered about between angry scions or criminal headlines. But it is still introducing him to a different side of herself.
It'll be interesting, that's for sure.
She's still as he adjusts himself, all the wiggling, tilting her head at him. He doesn't hurt her at all during the process, but he still finds the sudden warm weight of his coat swallowing her and the way she's wrapped in his arms after to be a welcome surprise. She hums, pleased, letting herself burrow closer as she noses gently at his collar. "Much better," she replies, shameless in the way she lets one hand slip under the end of his shirt to rest at his waist.
"If I'd known you were going to spoil me this much, I would have told you sooner about what happened."
no subject
He kisses the top of her head and folds his arms around her tighter, holding her closer to share his warmth. Maybe he can make his own third impression on her at some point. His Devil Trigger might not be something he'd advertise, but he gets the feeling Selina doesn't go about broadcasting her Catwoman identity to all and sundry either.
Maybe he'll show her someday.
"Seems only right to look after a patient," he tells her softly. "If I was gonna spoil you I'da brought you flowers and chocolates. Maybe a good book. You're just gonna have to settle for me I'm afraid."
no subject
Normally, she wouldn't take well to being called a patient. Would insist she can take care of herself instead of needing to deal with anyone fretting or fussing, but she remembers how it had felt with Valmont after everything. The comfort and safety she'd found in resting there with him during a time when she was tired, hurt, and vulnerable. It's the same here with Dante. She doesn't feel the need to hide, to insist she's fine. She can just... enjoy the presence he brings in that moment.
"This is more than enough." She tilts her head, leaning up so she can leave a soft kiss against edge of his jaw. "You're more than enough," she amends after, voice low but sincere.
"Tell me something about home. Something you miss."
no subject
“Something I miss, huh?” he muses, letting one of his hands idly travel to Selina’s hair and start combing his fingers through the silky dark strands. “Besides people, you mean? There’s a few faces I’d be happy to see show up here for sure.”
His small inner circle of trusted friends and allies certainly springs to mind; Lady and Trish have been a constant presence in his life for so long it feels strange not to be able to just stop and talk to them when he’s needed a sounding board.
He hums his consideration, fingers stroking Selina’s hair as he does. Is there anything he really misses? Old haunts carry not necessarily pleasant memories.
“It’s hard to say. The one thing I’ve spent most of my life missing is here; getting used to that kind of glosses over missing the other stuff.”
no subject
"What's the one thing?" She wonders, tucking her hand under the edge of his shirt to trace her fingers up and down parts of his spine.
She thinks she has an idea of what it might be, but she'd rather Dante tell her than assume. It's a chance for him to open up a bit more, but she has no intention of pressing if he doesn't want to share.
no subject
"It's my family."
He doesn't want to make this about him, about his past and the harm he's had to battle and inflict to bring Vergil and Nero into his life as this precious, functioning family unit he'd willingly battle the armies of hell to protect. But he wants Selina to know the parts it won't rip him open to talk about, so he takes a breath before continuing.
"I spent most of my life thinking I was the only one left, and when I learned that wasn't the case, my brother and I weren't exactly seeing eye to eye on a lot of things. We didn't patch things up until last year. Well, last year for me in any case," he corrects himself. "It's been longer for him."