006 - Connecting Lines, Connecting Lives

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Connecting Lines, Connecting Lives New Imprints ▲ Comments The Ground Shakes
It begins unremarkably enough, with the light tremors of the ground so small they might easily go unnoticed, or else dismissed as the movement of some creature nearby. As time goes on, however, those little tremors begin to grow in both strength and duration, the length of time shortening between each one. To begin with only small, light, unsecured objects are rattled loose by the rumbling of the ground, but as the tremors grow in strength there is a growing danger of much larger things being moved.

The realm’s clear lack of understanding of how things work cannot be relied upon in such a situation. If the tremors have grown strong enough to throw all the books of Hammerhead to the ground and throw over all the clothes rails and capsule machines and furniture in the Academy, then what if they grow strong enough to move the heavy blanket of snow atop Mount Silver? What if they grow strong enough to damage the caverns within?

Then there is the question of how, or why, the realm has made the land shake. It must surely have picked up the idea of an earthquake from someone, right? An answer to the question is not immediately forthcoming, but should one stay low to the ground and listen, they might well hear the muffled, distorted sound of screaming.

Creature Chaos
As the rumbling and shaking continues, it is clear to see that the local wildlife has been disturbed, and they seem remarkably active. Critters can be seen running and flying to and fro, and any who go out to investigate may find themselves the center of attention. Brushboys may paint arrows on the ground in an effort to lead them somewhere, or bluurgobos might actively offer rides, or the flying cat-like creatures will excitedly circle someone before attempting to lead them somewhere. Going along with them will lead to one of two places:

1. The meaty, pulsating, cavernous tunnels of Mementos shudder and convulse in a way quite unlike before, and closer inspection will quickly reveal why. The flesh has been cut and torn, hacked apart, leaving gaping and bleeding wounds to spill over the subway tracks. Whichever critter has brought someone here excitedly gestures towards the wounds, and as it does a giant and painful shudder goes through the tunnels and shakes the earth. All those earthquakes… could this be the source?


2. The road to the Hammerlocke Citadel Ruins are as long as winding as ever, and precarious with the risk of an earthquake dislodging snow and rock from the mountainside. The animal that has taken the lead is on a mission, however, as unclear as that mission might be. On arriving, it turns its attention to a group of the spiky, bear-headed beasts that are lazing about as though the land is not currently shaking and quaking around them, and tries to draw their attention. Clearly, these bear heads are expected to do something, and they aren’t doing it.

First Words
Though the tremors have finally stopped, they have left a significant change to the World in their wake. Where the ground above was once flat and untouched, there now lay cracks and fissures that glow with a strange, but enchantingly warm light. There doesn’t seem to be a single area that has been left untouched by them - though the number of cracks are denser in some places than others, it’s difficult to find a place completely devoid of them. Could this be the world’s attempt at trying to heal itself?

If all of that wasn’t enough to warrant investigation, the sound of whispers that appear to be coming from they might do the trick. Upon closer inspection, however, it becomes apparent that the whispers aren’t coming from the lights, but from inside your own head. Focus a little more, and some of the voices may sound familiar…

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Comments

[wouldntglidingbefaster]

You speak of inaction, yet I don't recall you attending my performance. You must be quite gifted in both meddling and clairvoyance.

Am I not allowed to at least take a break? I'm not exactly built for hiking up and down mountains all day. I didn't even think to pack any supplies! Ah, what am I to do, stranded on this desolate peak with naught even a drop of ale to soothe my parched throat, nor a flame to warm my frigid hands? Is this truly the end of Venti the Bard?

If only some benevolent soul would lend me their aid, such a foul end could perhaps be delayed...

[he slouches back against the ruins dramatically. look at how tired and cold he is... how could you be so cruel, telling him to get up and go back to work like he hasn't been trying his best??

just, you know, ignore how he had the strength to ramble at length. that's clearly an unimportant detail.]

[crystaltower]

If a frail old man can manage, so too can you. You yet have the energy to complain... I daresay you have the energy to seek warmth and ale as well.

[Oh, he might be known as a kind, generous soul, but he has limits. Even if he did have the desire to help someone clearly capable of helping themselves, the known world is shaking itself apart! Priorities!

Ugh, now he's just thinking of the terminally idle population of Eulmore...

Clearly deciding Venti is a lost cause, he turns his attention back to the Brushboy, which is currently trying to grab the attention of the ignorant Cacteddies by drawing arrows on the ground, and walks up to its side to address one of the pink ones. Now, how is he to motivate the thing?]

...I will drag you if necessary, I assure you.

[wouldntglidingbefaster]

[He continues to wallow for a moment longer... until it becomes obvious the Exarch isn't going to humour him. Welp, he tried! It's kind of uncomfortable like this, so he straightens himself back up again.]

I wouldn't recommend that. They may seem a passive bunch, but they can deliver quite the needling. [to which he lifts a bit of his cloak, having taken the brunt of a needle-spray when he happened to play a little too loudly near a sleeping cacteddy. It's nothing to be concerned about in his case, but if one were to agitate them into an intentional attack, well...]

Hmm... perhaps we just haven't been motivating them correctly. If one cannot be moved by duty or prestige, would a reward not be more enticing?

[crystaltower]

I would like to think ‘the world remaining in one piece’ would be sufficient reward, but ‘tis clear such creatures do not think that way.

[Were it not for the Exarch’s hood concealing his face, Venti would be on the receiving end of quite a look - are you truly as unmotivated as a simple-minded sabotender, stranger? Though upon seeing the results of the needling, he does give a small nod.

Perhaps he could simply make sure he uses the crystal arm when attempting to move the cacteddy?

Hmm... food is the usual reward for beasts. He has none to hand, but perhaps they will understand his words.]

Ah, but if I only knew what manner of food they might prefer. If one would accompany me to Wall Market one day, perhaps I might offer them a selection and find out?

[The pink cacteddy he was addressing doesn’t seem to move at all, but an orange one draws closer with its hollow eyes staring at him.]