EVENT #3: VORRUN WELCOMES YOU

[diceofthegods]

A CALL FOR AID

Charlie comes on the network with a grim expression. Some papers are held in one hand and Dimitri stands like a statue behind him.

"I have received an urgent request from our neighbors to the east, Vorrun. Their council has heard of your good work for the local communities and has requested assistance with a sudden influx of aggression in the local wildlife and a disturbing trend of monster attacks. Vorrun has suffered losses in the past and the current population is struggling to keep these assailants at bay.

They have requested our help in not only fending off the attacks, but figuring out the source of the issue.

We will secure transport to Vorrun via a small wagon caravan.

This is wholly optional and you may stay in Town if you like! Or, you can visit Vorrun as a tourist during this time. I just ask that you are polite and sensitive to our hosts. We will be leaving tomorrow at eight AM. Dimitri will remain in Town for those who do not wish to attend."

To do what, exactly? Well... Now might be as good a time as any to begin testing your skills as a newfound dragon.

To those that will be traveling to Vorrun though, Charlie ends with: "Thank you, we hope to see you bright and early!"

HAPPY HELPERS

Vorrun is a city-state located in a steep valley nestled between two mountain ranges. As such, it is blessed with a verdant landscape and plenty of rain. The mornings often come covered in mist that lifts throughout the day but adds an ethereal quality to the locale.

The people of Vorrun tend to be largely Beastmen due to this being a sanctuary for them. Very few children of men live in the city, but there are some here and there who have earned the local's trust and respect. The architecture is reminiscent of what some offworlders recognize feudal Japan.

All around, the locals go about their business as usual. There is an undercurrent of anxiety due to the recent attacks yet most appear to be doing the best they can to remain optimistic. They are also wary of newcomers given the rather isolated nature of the place. Once you engage with the people though, they are overall polite and friendly.

While offworlders learn for more information on how they'll be helping as Charlie and Nobu meet initially, there are a handful of things to do around the city-state.

⁂ Hot Springs - Vorrun has natural geothermal pools that anyone is free to use. There is a venue that is co-ed, but also one separated by sex for people's comfort. Choose whatever suits you or you're most comfortable with! For those bonded with dragon souls though, they'll find that the physical draconic features of their half-shapes may be more pronounced in the warm waters.

⁂ Community Service - If you're Ardyn Izunia, this is mandatory. For everyone else or the non-combatants among the population, the people of Vorrun need help similarly to how those in Town might. Running errands isn't the most glamorous thing in the world but it will help endear the local populace.

⁂ Enjoy The Local Plum Wine - If you help out around the city-state, then you might also be offered some of the local delicacy: plum wine! This drink provides an increase in luck. This will be subtle, but offer you an advantage in nearly everything you do for up to eight (8) hours after consuming it.

⁂ Hide & Seek - One of the favorite people in Vorrun is a lovely tanuki woman everyone simply refers to as 'Ma.' She is one of the kindest and most welcoming individuals that will be come across as she offers food aplenty and matronly advice.

She does have a request though for people visiting: find her kids and tell them that supper is almost ready. How many? Oh, well, it's hard to keep track but she thinks only about twenty or so are scattered around Vorrun still. The rest are working, patrolling, or already here at home.

Ma will warn people though that her children, being mischevious tanuki, have likely disguised themselves as every day common objects throughout Vorrun. Their disguises aren't very good (their tail might be obvious, they're too wiggly, most inanimate objects don't giggle) so they shouldn't give you too much trouble at least!

HUNTING FOR ANSWERS

GAL-OTHY-MOS by Hiroyuki Sawano

1:15 / 5:09

▶︎

Click here to listen.

Hiroyuki Sawano is a Japanese composer, arranger, lyricist, pianist, and music producer best known for his work on many anime series, video games, television dramas, and films. His pieces tend to have exceedingly strange titles, featuring numbers, symbols, and letters from various different alphabets. He stated that he decided this because he wants "people to be able to listen to the songs in their own way and have their own reaction."

code

After a day or so of delegations and working through red tape, offerworlders are allowed to investigate among the mountain range. Their instructions are provided by Nobu who appears to be an authoritative leader.

Everyone is warned again about the increased aggression of the surrounding monsters, but hopefully a cause might be found.

It is recommended to work in pairs.

ABANDONED BATTLEFIELD

The war-torn remnants of an old battlefield from Vorrun's war with the orcs. Old, broken weapons and armaments stand as ghostly relics of the horrors that this place saw.

⁂ Possible Encounters: Poltergeist, Troll, Troll Mutate

⁂ Item of Interest: Ornate spear - Amongst a collection of broken spears, this one is intact and without wear

ROVAAN NAH'S GRAVE

In the bottom of a crystal clear pool, the massive bones of an Ancient Dragon lay undisturbed. This is the final resting place of the great Draconic Saint, Rovaan Nah: The Roaming Fury.

⁂ Possible Encounters: Allosaurus, Boar, Elk

⁂ Point of Interest: Black, oily sludge seeps from a rock nearby the water. It hasn't contaminated it yet but appears to be oozing that way.

MOUNTAINSIDES

The high cliffs make for a difficult hike, but for a dragon with wings, they are no obstacle. Lush moss hangs from every surface and the ferns are thick. This old-growth forest feels just packed with secrets.

⁂ Possible Encounters: Awakened Giant Wasp, Giant Lizard, Roc, Corrupted Orc

⁂ Item(s) of Interest: A bundle of scrolls is hidden in a tree somewhere. Trying to read them gives one a headache and appears to be in a language that is indecipherable to most.

CASCARA PASS

You can only come through this way with an escort from Vorrun. The pass is dark and full of winding passages. One could easily get lost if they did not know the way by memory. Take care and avoid deep pools of water here. Tempting as they might be to jump in, the escort advises against it.

⁂ Possible Encounters: Aurumvorax, Cloaker, Dire Flat Worm

⁂ Item of Interest: Abandoned along the pass is an old, charred painting of a woman in a veil, with inscription "fire purifies all" along the bottom.

WAYSIDE BAY

A hidden bay that Vorrun receives their trade through. It is a small but busy port is bustling at all hours and well-guarded. They will, of course, let investigators come through and see what they can find. Yet, they will be under close watch so no funny business.

⁂ Possible Encounters: Elemental Spirit (water), Flail Snail, Giant Enemy Crab

⁂ Item of Interest: Hidden by the sand under a dock is a Draconic Medallion. It is of obvious importance, but exactly what can't be determined.

Notes

⁂ If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback relating to this post then you can leave it here.

⁂ The partner plotting post for this event/quarter is up!

⁂ Please sign up here to see if your character finds the item/point of interest listed in the searchable areas. We will be RNGing for who finds them. Even if your character doesn't find the artifact mentioned in the post, we will be giving other clues, information, and so on to everyone that receives something if investigating.

⁂ These artifacts are also meant to spark discussion and theories among characters rather than actually answer what's going on here. We encourage those who find the artifacts to share this information ICly! All will be revealed... in due time! For now, have fun putting the puzzle pieces together.

⁂ The sparring requests page is now live! We hope it's a fun little surprise that people enjoy utilizing. It's for fun, mostly, but also to provide an IC avenue for characters to get more comfortable with their new dragon selves.

⁂ Thank you for your patience on this post as we recovered from a difficult April! We hope you enjoy visiting Vorrun and look forward to the changes we'll be making re: the quest board and a couple of other adjustments planned!

⁂ Full Navigation ⁂

Comments

[ardyn] back back back again

[threevirtues]

Ever since that little exchange on the rocky talkies, he and Ardyn have not actually met up with one another.

Ignis would like to believe that it's because his little tactic was effective. That Ardyn is so revolted by a little bit of courtesy and even the idea of forgiveness that he has purposefully avoided him. However, it is a bit egocentric, he must admit. After all, it seems that with no ties to the Empire, the man falls into absolute squalor and apathy.

He hasn't even had to stalk him to his home to find this out. It's easy enough to hear, if one only looks at the sort of posts he makes and the nosy enough people who try to get involved with him, such as Elidibus.

So that means it is just as likely that the man simply feel into some sort of drunken stupor and hasn't bothered to emerge for any socializing in the same way that Ignis does - even if really he only does so in passing as he gets ingredients for dinner or new clothes for the many individuals in his household (and Lady Lunafrey now, as well, of course).

A pity, really. Pastries only stay good for so long.

But the good thing about the Armiger is that it keeps things fairly fresh no matter what. (The real problem is keeping Noct and Prompto's fingers from them, really.) So he makes sure, the night before they all get up into the wagon, to make a fresh batch of Bell Berry Tarts.

Not that it's something which goes into effect right away. While he wants to ruin Ardyn's life quite soundly and make it so that he feels absolutely no desire to ever even look at his own again... well. All good things in time. The most important thing is and always has been how those he loves are faring, and, for a very early wagon ride, that means fussing over them to a degree. Making sure Noct is as comfortable as he can be considering the early mornig and an uncomfortable ride, keeping Prompto company while he's forced to stay still for an extended period of time, and simply enjoying Gladio's company.

There is Lady Lunafreya to consider... but, well. Ravus is her knight, isn't he? Ignis gladly concedes any further care and protection of her to him.

The busyness doesn't stop there, either. There are lodgings to consider, who stays in what room, making sure that they all stay focused on what they're really here for with the investigations, and various other little things like assisting those about town. There is a lot to do at any given time. Ignis won't let Ardyn think he's so important to take over his life.

Besides... There's always a perfect timing for these sorts of things. A good time to strike. Ignis remembers those lessons well, something that was shared in common both for politics and combat. A good bit of life advice.

The most impact has to be considered carefully, and you never know when you'll get your chance.

For his instance, it happens after he's made sure that all the others have come back from their investigations, and is simply out and about for a trivial little task. Just something he wanted to get done, but didn't need to. He spots Ardyn, all on his own, clearly dragged into a menial little task as a part of Charlie's demands for community service.

There's no better time than now. Ignis can realize that immediately. So he takes a breath, tucks all of his hatred and anger and bloodlust away into a neat little box far away from the light of day for now similarly as he has in the past when dealing with Citadel nonsense...

And fetches the pastries out of the Armiger.

"Ardyn!" When Ignis approaches, it's with a small smile on his face (which doesn't quite reach his eyes, don't worry about it) and a small bag held in his fingers. He's wearing the traditional clothing of Vorrun for now - a simple dark grey yukata with white birds on it, and a matching jackete - with no signs of his draconic changes. For now, of course. "It's good to see that you're out and about. How are you? I noticed you'd been a touch distant on the wagon as we all traveled here, but I was a touch preoccupied, I'm afraid. This is a lovely country, isn't it?"

[fatedfinality]

Although perhaps it is a bit egocentric, Ignis isn't entirely wrong. Ardyn being absent in this case is a combination of his own time blindness getting the better of him and avoidance. And while he almost considered staying behind to try his hand at battling Charlie and others, he was instead informed he needed to fulfill his obligatory community service hours by helping out in Vorrun. He's sure that Charlie just didn't want to deal with him alone for too long (but that only makes him want the man more, unfortunately for him).

He ends up on one of the last wagons in the caravan and sleeping soundly most of the ride. Ardyn is a night owl who winds down when the sun comes up generally so they're really cutting into his snoozing time here. They wake him up roughly and kick him out only for him to be directed to how he can help.

He can be found a local little shop helping to organize their inventory. His hair is tied up - he really needs to cut it again, but hasn't bothered - and he's even wearing a cute little shop apron. Hearing his name isn't something to cringe from on its own but it's who the voice belongs to that causes that reaction. Of course, he doesn't show any distaste on his face when he turns around and smiles in kind.

"You'll have to excuse me for being less talkative than usual. Early mornings aren't really my preferred time to be active." As they both know. Still, never let be it said Ardyn doesn't know how to pretend and play at pleasantries when it's necessary. "It is quite a nice place though. A good atmosphere and the views-" with a wink directed at the shop owner he's under the temporary employ of "-aren't bad either." If he's on good behavior, it's possible they'll let him go early and sign off on his hours so... Why not use a little charm where he can?

[threevirtues]

Ah, there it is. Some of the politician that had clearly held some weight in the Empire. All polite smiles and charm - even if that charm is the sort of hamfisted flirting that one might do in a cheap club. Ignis has certainly heard that sort of thing before.

Well, it was only common sense that this wouldn't be easy. If it were, then they likely could have solved so many of their issues a long time ago. He was quite prepared for that.

So Ignis returns the smile readily, although he tempers it just a touch with something like... hmm... pity. "Indeed, it is quite hard on you, isn't it? I hope you were at least able to catch up on some rest during the ride here. Perhaps there are things you could do in the evenings, if you had your heart set on helping." A hand to his chest as he stops besides the man. "If you'd like, I've come to familiarize myself with at least a few of the locals since we've arrived. Perhaps I could inquire on your behalf.

"Ah, but that's all business. Actually, I was quite delighted to realize I recognized you through the window." He gestures lightly to Ardyn. "I wouldn't want to interrupt your work too much, but are you perhaps due for a short break? We haven't had a moment to speak with one another, despite our promises to do so, and I had wished to give you something after all this time."

Pulling his hand back, Ignis curls it at his chin. "Ah, but only if you have a break to spare. I wouldn't want to interrupt your work too much, or be an imposition to the good owner of this establishment."

[fatedfinality]

"Oh, no need. All my complaining aside, this place has treated me quite nicely. I couldn't just put them out like that without my help. But your offer is appreciated." His words to the unaware sound perfectly cordial and polite; Ignis, no doubt, recognizes the barbs beneath at that hint of pity towards him.

But if schmoozing works, it does. Most people don't seem to care to dig too deep into whether or not his flirtations are genuine. In his experience, many don't really care if it is or not and he works that in his favor where he can. Like now, when he casts a questioning glance to the shopkeep about taking a break.

'Go on,' she says, giving a small huff. He isn't supposed to leave unattended, according to Charlie, but Ardyn's managed to weasel his way into getting what he wants yet again. Why would he change if his behavior is rewarded, after all? "I thank you, miss, and I won't be gone long enough for you to even miss me. You have my word."

[threevirtues]

If it gets on Ardyn's nerves even a little bit, Ignis will gladly get struck by a barb or two... Not that he's letting that show so clearly either. Just the same polite smile, even as he pays close attention to how Ardyn conducts himself around others.

Here, in a foreign town that's heard less about Ardyn or had a chance to speak with him at all, it seems like he really is doing quite well for himself... Ignis can't imagine why, personally. It's all the charm and fashion sense of a used car salesman. Still, he supposes there's no accounting for taste.

At least he's willing to play along for now, smiling back to the shopkeep. "I won't take him far at all, either, I promise," he says politely, which is true enough. The best thing to do in a situation like this is to make sure that Ardyn has eyes on him. And in this case as well, in the chance that the people here gossip well enough or even if they talk to Charlie directly...

As they approach the door, Ignis smiles brightly at Ardyn and pulls forth the pouch from where he'd tucked it away. "Ah, before I forget, here, my good man. The bell berry tarts which you asked me to make for the next time we saw one another."

So. If anyone asks. He simply helped Ardyn take a break, and even brought snacks for him.

Innocent and friendly.

As they step onto the streets proper, Ignis keeps talking. "I must admit, I remembered the recipe purely by luck! I have my uncle to thank, since he hardly minded when I watched so many reruns of old cooking shows. A few of the recipes I saw on there managed to stick, and that happened to be one of them. How fortuitous, don't you think?"