Ocean Shadows
Posted 5 months ago :: Last edited 2 months ago by Matriarchs-HauntEVENT: OCEAN SHADOWS
INTRODUCTION
The western winds are blowing more sweetly since the fog around Zolkanis has dissipated. Sea travel in the west has gotten easier, and the scars the War left on the world are healing better than ever before.
A new faction has also joined the playing field: Since no records exist of the western continent in known cartography, some adventurous souls have formed the Cartography Guild! The Guild has spent the last several months making new maps of the world using detailed equipment and laser readings. Their latest work: carefully exploring Paschmahaa to make topographical maps and take magical energy readings of the sea floor.
Which is where things get… strange.
The seafloor is brimming with magical energy.
Unprecedented amounts of magical energy -- and after some dredging, technology that hasn’t been seen since the Akadri wars.
Now, the Cartography Guild is partnering with Kembali Biotech to learn more, and Kembali has once again sent out invitations for an expedition.
We can only hope it goes better than the last one…
.
.
.
A crowd has been gathered in Zolk’s Arena in response to the invitation. It’s the only place large enough to house this many ketucari at once, not to mention the akadri, heldyr, hibridi, jordskar, lucedarians, and k-nomalies who have taken up the remaining bits of space. On a crudely erected stage at the front of the Arena, a grizzled smooth kadin with an eyepatch and several missing limbs looks over the gathered crowd. Beside her stands a hologram that might be familiar to some: Emdee Dielle. Both are wearing their friendliest smiles, but it is the kadin that stands at the podium to speak into the microphone.
“GREETINGS!” She booms suddenly, the microphone screeching. “MY NAM-”
Emdee’s hologram taps her arm and she cuts off. Emdee whispers something, and the kadin flushes, fluffs her feathers, and shakes herself. “Apologies, Indoor voices are not my strength--My name is Kartha, and I am the founder and lead explorer of the Cartography Guild! I’m very grateful that you all have gathered here today! My Guild has been working tirelessly since the fading of the fog to provide a more accurate map of Velukaelo, and we have started with Paschmahaa! Which is what brings us here. My Guild is small, and we’re making big discoveries! Too big, and worrisome. We ask that you join our expedition and report what you find! We will provide room, board, pay, and you can keep whatever spoils you find! All we require is that you be willing to get your paws wet!”
There are murmurs, questions.
Kartha listens to them: “What sort of danger are we putting ourselves in?”, “What’s the reward?”, “When is all of this happening?”, “What’s got you guys so spooked?”
Kartha listens. Answers. “The short version: Potentially mortal peril. There’s monsters in that ocean. Animals the size of the Gods. Bugs the size of armatherium. I’m only one ketucari, and my Guild? We ain’t fighters. We need bodyguards. We need more hands on the maps, we need more hands on the tools. And well, Something is watching us in those waters, and that Something is why I contacted Emdee. See,” Karta turns, motioning to her left, and a photo flashes onto the projector screen behind her. Dark waters obscure the shape of whatever is there. It’s large, front heavy with four legs, with a long tail tipped with thagomizers. It doesn’t look like it belongs in the water.
Its eyes are reflecting the flash of the camera.
“These creatures--we think they may be cousins to our kind: Offspring of the gods like our ryno and danuoc friends. But they’re skittish and surprisingly fast. We can’t keep up with them and they vanish deeper into earth, below where our equipment can take us. That’s why we need your help. If you can, we’d like someone to meet even one of these strangers--confirm what they are--and if they are indeed our cousins, try to re-establish contact that we suspect has been lost since the Akadri War.”
RULES AND PROCESS
You will be exploring a new zone through Three Phases.
Each phase will last a Minimum of two weeks and a maximum of a month.
You must go through the phases consecutively.
You may enter with a maximum of 3 individual ketucari. (They will be registered pre-participation)
If you miss Phase 1 but want to enter Phase 2, you may retroactively enter for Phase 1 as long as 2 is Active.
However if you miss both 1 and 2, you may NOT enter Phase 3.
Each Phase has a requirement of 10 total art pieces across all participants in order to unlock the next Phase.
>REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE<
>Starter Rental Here<
RULES
1: Players may enter each phase multiple times, but only one entry per day.
2: You MUST enter Phases 1 and 2 by the deadline in order to enter Phase 3.
3: Players may enter a maximum of 3 ketucari and/or humanoid companions for the event, up to 3 kets per piece.
4: Be sure to take note of any ADDITIONAL requirements for each individual Phase.
5: If your piece meets the minimum group requirements for activities, it may be submitted for rolling as soon as it is posted.
5b: However, Scouting is NOT fully unlocked in Paschmahaa until all Subzones are fully revealed, and your roles may be minorly altered if you receive a map for an unrevealed subzone.
REQUIREMENTS
1a: Minimum art requirements are a clean-lined full color or grayscale fullbody of your ketucari exploring the new zone: This can be a background or a prop.
1b: Minimum literature requirements are 300 words describing your ketucari exploring the new zone.
2: Props must be recognizably relevant to the zone or event.
3: If your piece meets group requirements it can be submitted as an Adventure, Skill Unlock, or Battle once the event is over.
4: Each Phase has Bonus Prompts with their own prizes!
REWARDS
REWARDS ARE CUMULATIVE!
REWARDS ARE PER PLAYER UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE
For Entering 1 Phase:
25 Gold
One bundle of [player’s choice of low-to-harsh herb], a flask
10 scraps of leather
“Cartographic Helper” Title, worth 5 LP! (Per ket)
Entry into the mystery raffle at the end of the event!
Cartography Gear Apparel (per ket, does NOT need to be equipped to the ketucari who earned it) [You can find it >Here<]
Entering 2 Phases:
75 Gold
Two bundles of [player’s choice of low-to-harsh herb], a Binding Reagent
20 Copper Ore
Player’s Choice of Paschmahaa OR Zolkanis Fauna (random color)
A special event background. This background, "Streets of Paschara" will also be available through Scouting! This Background is linked to the ketucari they entered with!
Player’s choice of 1 new starter slots. New Starters are: Corondum ST-3126, Rauri ST-3127, Vara ST-3128, Paleeka ST-3129, Razure ST-3130
Randomly colored Gila Monster.
For entering all 3 Phases:
100 gold
Three Bundles of [player’s choice of low-to-harsh herb], a flask, and a binding reagent
25 Iron Ore and 10 scraps of leather
If your Ketucari was Honoroable in Phase 2: They gain the "Ally of Paschara" Title, worth 15 LP!
If your ketucari was Notorious in Phase 2: They gain the "Nemesis of Paschara" Title, worth 15 LP!
Player’s choice of 1 Starter Slot (not including Firn, Atlach, Eros, Baker, or any of the Wanderers/Former Wanderers)
A Semi Custom*
Player's choice of color Gila Monster.
Additionally, every piece that meets minimum group art requirements will receive a randomly sized treasure chest!
*Semi Custom Details
Buff/Bronze/Brown/Charcoal Base
Standard, Ryno, Danuoc Build
You may unlock the Garoch Build by completing 1 Bonus Prompt.
Gene Combination Options:
Buff/Bronze/Brown/Charcoal
NEW GENES AVAILABLE
New Genes Include: Flow (Rare), Chain (Uncommon), Halos (Common), Hearth (Common), Skink (Uncommon), Streak (Common)
1 Rare + 1 common
Or
2 Uncommon 2 common
Or
1 Uncommon 3 common
Or
4 Common
Feathers count for rare
Horns count for Uncommon
Cloning Vats may be used.
RAFFLE
Entering any phase of the event allows you to enter into a (temporarily) mystery import raffle!
The imports will be revealed in Phase 2. You will be able to gain up to 4 “tickets” for the raffle, but you can only win once unless there are fewer winners than imports, or someone opts out.
There will be 6 imports.
When rolled, Winners will receive a number, 1-6, and they will be asked to respond within 48 hours with their top picks in order of preference. You get as many picks as your number.
Failure to reply within 48 hours will lose them their slot.
With the release of Phase 2, The Strangers are now revealed!
PHASE 1: Black water
Phase is Open Until: January 15, 11:59PM PST
Phase 2 Opens at: December 1st if 10 pieces are received, December 15th otherwise.
PHASE 2 WILL OPEN DECEMBER 1st
Subzones: Oversea, Hataar’s Drop Off
The black waters of Paschmahaa lap at your ship. Kartha could only take a few ketucari onto each ship, but she was true to her word. The Galleons are HUGE and have been built so that a ketucari can be comfortable. Everyone has been allowed to look at the weird energy readings if they so wished.
And now the time has come: Time To Get In The Water. You’ve been given gear to detect magical and electromagnetic readings. You’ve been given swim gear, you’ve been given a waterproof watch that reads your biometrics to make sure you don’t drown yourself by going too deep, and you’ve even been given a waterproof pencil on special paper as well as Several waterproof cameras and camera bots, and goggles to protect your eyes. Kartha is suiting up right next to you.
“Remember, we’re here looking into a particular creature.” Once more, Kartha shows the picture. “If at all possible, find one of our watchers! And follow them!”
You’re put in the small research boats and turned loose into the toxic black waves.
The waters are Dark. You can’t tell if it’s soot, ash, the centuries of toxic fog, or the lack of plants.
It’s probably the lack of plants, the water was much greener near Leto.
The water is dark, but you understand now why the ship is parked a kilometer away and why your team was put out in little boats: It looks like someone sank the Singing Vale: spires and mountains and crests of stone split the ocean floor into valleys. The spires reach up to the surface, where they become islands brimming with lush greenery.
There is no “up” in this place, unless you’re at the surface. The water is dark, murky, it’s hard to see the light at the surface. And you know it goes Deeper.
In the distance, something roars. You hope it’s not the domain guardian.
Your task is simple: explore every nook and cranny of this dark ocean. Hope that the Guardian--Kartha called them “Chayandhal”?--is friendly rather than hostile.
And most importantly, investigate the fauna. Kartha said there’s something Big, like, Twice the size of a Ryno big, and well. Something keeps Roaring.
!10/10 Pieces Received!
Phase is Open Until: January 15, 11:59PM PST
Phase 2 Opens at: December 1st if 10 pieces are received, December 15th otherwise.
PROMPT: Please respond to any previously posted part of the event, be it the introduction or the Phase 1 Scene setting.
REQUIREMENTS [ART]: Clean colored or greyscale fullbody +prop(s)
REQUIREMENTS [LIT]: 300 Words (+100 per ket).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT: If your ketucari is in the water and does not have Thick Skin or Aquatic, they must have SOME sort of swim gear such as a snorkel, incorrectly worn swim trunks, flippers, a wetsuit, water goggles, or some sort of life rope. These are dangerous and unknown waters and the Cartography Guild is more than a little worried about getting sued if you drown.
COLLABS ALLOWED. All collabing players must have a ketucari present, and the finished collab must meet minimum group requirements. Collaborations count for as many pieces as there are collaborators. Maximum three 3 kets per piece.
BONUS PROMPTS
Bonus Prompts can be completed within your pieces to net you extra rewards. Each bonus prompt can only be completed twice.
A: Show your ketucari interacting with Kartha (+10 gold, Kartha must also be a fullbody)
B: Show your ketucari interacting with one of the new fauna (chance to “capture), 100% for low tier, 75% for medium, 50% for harsh)
C: What’s the strange shadow under the waves and Why Is It Watching You? (+1 Raffle Entry)
D: Lingering Toxic Fog is rolling in… how do you deal with it? Is it safe under water or do you have a gas mask? (+1 Large Trinket)
E: The current seems strong wonder whyCRAP THAT’S A ROCK (+2 Scar Packs)
F: Chayandhal has swung by to say hello! (+30 gold and 25% chance at a Legendary Codex for either Ambrosia Ale, Scenic Hologram, Ancestor's Blessing, or Bottled Glamour) (Chayandhal should be a minimum of a headshot)
Phase 1 End.
You’ve been investigating for weeks. Long enough that you’re beginning to get mighty homesick, and longing for the land. For these weeks you’ve seen nothing but dark waters; no the small islands don’t count, thank you. On the bright side the team has gotten good at diving! It seems everyone has spotted the strange creature that keeps to the shadows at least once, now and curiosity is piqued.
Also a bunch of explorers have decided they’re taking some local fauna home--Kartha seems less than pleased about this and keeps looking nervously to the north where Chayandhal is believed to be patrolling--and others have been getting a huge haul of ore and stone, but that’s not why you’re still here.
No, the reason you’re still in these waters is because one of the explorers found an artifact. At first glance no one thought much of it. Even Kartha almost dismissed it out of hand as unimportant! Before she recognized the shape -- and opened her mouth in a wide grin.
Caked in mud and grime and covered with dark circuitry, was an old gun. Akadri make, but Different somehow. It’s long dead and dormant. The Engineers take a look at it, bright eyed and bushy tailed, and there are many questions asked.
The ketucari who discovered the turret says they found it around a strange undersea mountain, near the trench in the shadow of Zolkanis.
Efforts redouble, the search is focused. The strange undersea mountain is located--a massive rugged dome surrounded by flat shelves extending outwards. These shelves are indented and the dips have collected pools of heavier water thick with seit and huge fish: The rims almost look like the paths around rice farms!
And there are Lights here. More machinery. Robots? That tend to seit and fish. Some are inactive, abandoned, crowded around and on top of more turrets.
Active turrets.
Near the mountain proper, and off further west directly under Zolkanis’s floating islands, are Active turrets. Their sights track the expedition part. Getting too close causes them to glow an eerie blue and wail. And when they wail, other turrets whir and wail into life, illuminating the sea floor in a blue light.
Kartha makes the executive decision that everyone needs to leave the water.
Phase 2: The Strangers
Phase is Open Until: January 20, 11:59PM PST
Phase 3 Opens at: January 15, 11:59 PM PST if 10 pieces are received.
Subzones: Oversea, Paschara Gardens, Zolk’s Crater
Once on board, Kartha explains the situation in her booming voice.
“WE’VE FOUND SOMETHING BIG, EVERYONE!” Kartha has climbed onto the roof of the captain’s cabin where everyone can see and hear her. “AT FIRST LIGHT, I’M GOING TO PLACE BUOYS LOADED WITH LIFE LINES AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE MOUNTAIN. THAT WILL BE OUR NEW AREA OF FOCUS.” Her voice shakes the massive ship’s floor. How can one kadin be So Loud?
“Are we still looking for our supposed cousins?” someone near the front asks.
“AYE!” hollers Kartha. “WE SUSPECT THAT THEY MAY BE FULLY AQUA--”
A Sound interrupts her. A CLANG and heavy splashes. On the starboard side of the ship, a grappling hook has latched onto the railing, as thick as a Mountain Glider’s claw, and attached to it, hauling themself up the side of the ship, is… a ketucari?
Their head is broad, jaws heavy as a bullchomp’s. They drag themselves up with more dexterity than they should be capable of at their massive size--twice as large as a ryno--and hook a hind kill claw onto the railing when they crest it.
Silence covers the deck while they shake the water from their sopping feathers. Their neck and back is covered in heavy plate armor, and they’re covered in scars. Old, dark scars. They stand on the deck as if they own it, looking over the gathered crowd with a disdainful eye.
“...Even smaller than I thought yeh’d be.” they huff with a heavy, unplaceable accent. “Yeh. Up top with the Mech Leg. Yeh Lead this pack? Gotten Bigger since we first saw yehr ship. Keep nosin round like yeh’v business wit’ us. Makin theeries bout us. Ain’t much fondness between us, is there?”
“And You are…?” Kartha’s voice is far quieter than it should be. The stranger flicks their ears and looks over the crowd.
“Depends why yeh’r askin.” they answer. “What, exactly, is it that yeh all want?”
And that Is a question, isn’t it?
Kartha comes up with an answer quickly. “When my Guild was investigating these waters, we spotted creatures like you in the gloom, and found strange energy readings. We just wanted to-”
“Land dwellers. Those who work with the Captors? We took to the waves to avoid yehr ilk.” The stranger interrupts her, glares at the various humanoids and akadri on the ship. “...We only came up cause the fog’s gone, and already yeh’r sniffin round?”
“Things aren’t like that anymore!” Emdee protests from Kartha’s side. “The war has been over for centuries. We’re trying to reunite the ketucari that were scattered by it, and recollect lost history, and ensure that everyone is safe.”
The stranger gives the holographic figure a critical look. Huffs. “Prove yehrselves then. …We don’t trust so easy as to let yeh walk straight to our home without proof.” They turn, look back at the gathered crowd, and smirk. “Must say tho. They’re nice days when we do meet friendly faces. Been some centuries. We’ll give yeh a fair shake. Convince us.”
Without further ado, they take their heavy grappling hook and launch themself back into the sea.
10/10 Pieces Received
Phase is Open Until: January 15, 11:59 PM PST
Phase 3 Opens at: January 15, 11:59 PM PST if 10 pieces are received.
PROMPT: The strange new ketucari have shown themselves! How do you handle your first encounter with them? Do you use Peaceful Means? Or Violent means? [Be sure to indicate that you are claiming Honor or Notoriety for this piece! This CAN be mixed across the ketucari in the piece!] [Honor/Notoriety on your first entry for each ketucari can be turned in for packs for 10 points - use the link to the comment!]
*If you choose violent means, for lore purposes please do not depict your ketucari successfully escaping the situation if you intend to continue to Part 3 with that ketucari.
REQUIREMENTS [ART]: Clean colored or greyscale fullbody +prop(s)
REQUIREMENTS [LIT]: 300 Words (+100 per ket).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT 1: If your ketucari is in the water and does not have Thick Skin or Aquatic, they must have SOME sort of swim gear such as a snorkel, incorrectly worn swim trunks, flippers, a wetsuit, water goggles, or some sort of life rope. These are dangerous and unknown waters and the Cartography Guild is more than a little worried about getting sued if you drown.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT 2: You must now include one of the Strangers as a halfbody or +50 words. This is in addition to a prop!
COLLABS ALLOWED. All collabing players must have a ketucari present, and the finished collab must meet minimum group requirements. Collaborations count for as many pieces as there are collaborators. Maximum three 3 kets per piece.
BONUS PROMPTS
Bonus Prompts can be completed within your pieces to net you extra rewards. Each bonus prompt can only be completed twice.
A: Include a second Stranger (+1 Raffle Entry)
B: Show your ketucari interacting with one of the new fauna (chance to “capture), 100% for low tier, 75% for medium, 50% for harsh)
C: KAIJU ATTACK! One of the giant fauna attacks your ketucari! (+5 Battle Scars)
D: What in the world is up with the fish and the seit divets in the ocean floor? (+1 Medium Paschmahaa Herb Bundle)
E: Show your ketucari interacting with or investigating some of the tech on the mountain. (+ Energy Core x1, Bearing x1, Shaft x1, Data Chip x1, and Garonite x1)
F: Chayandhal has swung by to say hello! (+30 gold and 25% chance at a Legendary Codex for either Ambrosia Ale, Scenic Hologram, Ancestor's Blessing, or Bottled Glamour) (Chayandhal should be a minimum of a headshot)
Phase 2 End
The game of hide and seek comes to a sudden end when The Ambassador’s grappling hook snatches the railing again and the ship LURCHES with the weights of the Strangers climbing on. There are 7 of them, including the first you met. They scatter about on the ship, laughing amongst themselves, speaking loudly as they do.
It is quickly apparent that they’re making themselves at home.
“Well, Landdwellers” Durai says with a loud, uproarious laugh, “Yeh’v impressed us! SOME O’ yehr ilk are gonna be rottin’ in our prison, but mosta yeh seem ai’ght. Even yehr Captors seem ta be good fish! We’ll trust yeh.” their scarred face is split in a wide grin. “Me an’ mine here are gonna escort ye, o’course! We’s brought supplies an’ tools for yehs.”
“Is… everyone invited?” Kartha asks, stepping forward.
One of the other Strangers nods. “Course! In small groups, though. No more’n three with one’o us at a go.” she motions to the six of them. “S’all we got gear an’ eyes for, and should ‘elp yeh keep track ‘f yer crew, aye?” She stands and pulls something out of a pack on her back. Protective swim gear? “Yeh first, Cap. I’ll swim ye down myself, present ya to the Matriarch.”
There’s a long silence, Kartha watches the Strangers. “...What of those who haven’t returned from your waters?”
Silence rings.
“Criminals are punished here, Capt’n.” Durai’s voice drops low. “Theh’r meet’n the Matriarch as we speak. On less friendly terms. Yeh won’t get the same treatment as them, but theh’r stayin’.”
Phase 3: Paschara
Phase is Open Until: February 15, 11:59PM PST
Phase 3 Ends February 15, 11:59PM PST.
As of this update: Garochs and their new genes are appearing on CHarmed ketucari
Subzones: Paschara Gardens, Paschara, Zolk’s Crater
When your turn finally comes to enter the water, you are handed protective gear. A rebreather, an oxygen tank. Those who are entirely confident in their ability to handle the dark waters argue, but the giant ketucari insist, and leave no room for argument.
It’s accept the equipment, or stay here on the surface.
It makes sense once you’re down there. The weight of the water crushes you, as you’re guided back down into the depths. Back down to the seit paddies and the giant, slow, lazy fish that swim about them. Old akadri technology tracks your movements as you swim along a path towards the mountain. It’s so dark down here that you’re certain the seit is glowing. The fish definitely are.
The mountain is illuminated, however. Floodlights burst to life as you approach, and a section of stone Moves, scraping low and deep against the ocean floor to reveal a brightly lit tunnel behind it.
Desperate for light, you swim ahead of your guide, into the light. Your companions and guide follow after you, and your guide moves their hands animatedly to get your attention before pointedly grabbing the handlebars on the floor. You follow suit and there is Noise from all around you. A motor that shakes you to your core as you hold on for dear life and the water around you is sucked away until you’re left panting and shaking from the sudden Cold and your feet are back on solid ground.
It’s a hiss and whirr, next, and the metal wall in front of you opens towards you to reveal what you can only describe as a security station. A cluster of these giant ketucari stand next to a window, wearing sashes pinned with shield-emblazoned broches around their shoulders. They give your group a curious look, greet your guide, and resume their chatter, speaking faster than you can process their accent.
Your guide hurries you along, through yet another bulwark. Here, the mountain Opens. You stand on a walkway around a deep crater. Everything below you is illuminated with lines of gleaming toresul lamps, and looking up… there’s more, leading up into the peak of the undersea mountains. The walkway is carved of stone and expanded with glowing technology leading to further, more central platforms kept floating in stacks with the buzz of Talik. The walkways stretch for what must be a mile in any direction. “This way.” your guide says and steps onto a smaller platform framed at its corners with delicately carved stonework. Your group follows, and with a shudder and the hum of Greheli, the platform rises, a barrier forming around the stonework. An elevator, taking you up towards the peak. Up and up, until you stop and are ushered off onto a new walkway.
This isn’t a Tour, you realize. Your path is very direct. Looking around, you realize that there’s more of the sashed ketucari, guards (or something like them), flanking every possible route into the massive city proper. Some watch you warily, others smile and wave, as you’re herded deeper in. You pass between buildings where more curious eyes watch from the windows, as you’re led into what you can only describe as the open framework of a small castle. It’s festooned with colorful banners. The moment you step onto the grounds, the guards are armored, their faces hidden. Some are Armed, and they all wear banners of gold and red.
Eventually, you’re led into the intricate framework, to what is very definitely a throne. In it is a massive, tailless kadin, her fur a smokey orange, banded with brown and crimson. Her heavy head crowned with horns. She watches your approach with a grin.
Kartha already stands before her, visibly trying not to cower before another giant; Bald feathered, yellow, grey, and spotted under its ceremonial armor, the giant lifts its head at your guide’s call.
“Yeh took yer time.” it says. Your guide shrugs in reply and weaves off to the side after instructing you to sit, while they join the other returned guides.
“Be nice, Paleeka.” it’s the Matriarch who speaks, her accent more… antiquated than strange. “There’s quite a few of these strangers. Let our young’ins have a moment. As for those of yeh here… Make yerselves comfortable. If yeh have any needs, food, water, the like… ask Paleeka, and it’ll see to it yeh get a bowl. Course, if yeh misbehave, it’ll also ensure its guards take care of ye.”
You don’t have to wait terribly long before the remaining groups join you, and the castle, even as open as it is, is crowded. The Matriarch stands and looks over the crowd. “This all yer gathered, ‘cept the troublemakers who sought harm?”
“It… it is.” Kartha answers. “
“Excellent! Allow me to introduce myself! I’m Queen Corundum of Paschara! That one there? That’s my captain of the guard, Paleeka! Your friends have met it. The fools that went and caused problems. They’re fine, just servin’ time in the lower levels. As for you all, yer leader’s taught us ‘bout yeh.” Corundum shifts her weight atop her throne. “As has Durai. You’re investigating us.”
“We were also picking up strange energy--” someone starts to protest, but a sharp glare from the towering kadin silences them.
“That’s us. And a little problem we have.” she states, and hauls herself to her feet. “You call the land above our water ‘Zolk’. Well, when Igyera dragged it into the sky… they left a crater. And from that crater, we’re getting Beasts. We fight those beasts. If you wanna help, you’re welcome to. If not… there’s another task you can take on fer us. See… it ain’t just the Beasts. Paleeka?”
Paleeka steps forward. Then through the gathered crowd, back to a solid wall on the intricate stone framework of the throne chamber. It points at a screen that takes up the majority of the wall. The screen depicts the ocean floor, bubbling with black sediments and flashes of lava. And more interestingly, glowing bits of old Akadri technology, scattered about the ocean floor. Remnants of flying machines, turbines, at least one tank just in the slow panning shot, are scattered about.
Paleeka jerks its head at the tech. “Yeh can investigate that. We use the old tech t’ power the city and expand. Yeh want us to trust yeh? Work like one of us.”
For a long moment, tension hangs heavy around you.
And then Corundum laughs, stomping a foot on the ground. “Yer all so serious! You should see yer faces! Ach, yeh’ll be good company. Come! Stay in Paschara for a while! Yeh wanna investigate? Get to know us and ours! Just know… if yeh cause any problems, it’s my dear ‘leeka you’ll be answering to.”
And on that cheery note, the guides usher you all out of the throne room.
x/10 Pieces Received
Phase is Open Until: February 15, 11:59 PM PST
The two honor prompts are NOT mutually exclusive, you can do both in separate entries.
Notorious prompts are also NOT mutually exclusive.
If your ket was Honorable in Phase 2
PROMPT HONOR OPTION 1 - Paschara Exploration [ONLY IF YOUR KET CHOSE HONOR IN PHASE 2]:
You’ve been invited into Paschara as an honored guest! What sort of impression do you make on the Matriarch? On your escort?
REQUIREMENTS [ART]: Clean colored or greyscale fullbody +prop(s)
REQUIREMENTS [LIT]: 300 Words (+100 per ket).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT 1: Your ketucari, regardless of skills, must have a piece of protective water equipment: Goggles and a Rebreather are ideal.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT 2: You must now have either a background, Corundum, or one of the Strangers OR Garoch starters in addition to any props.
PROMPT HONOR OPTION 2 - Zolk’s Crater Exploration [ONLY IF YOUR KET CHOSE HONOR IN PHASE 2]:
Queen Corundum has given you two possible tasks: One, you can help fight the Vipertooth Leviathans and Greater Armored Raaksavar in Zolk’s Crater. Or two, you can collect or investigate old akadri tech on the ocean floor!
REQUIREMENTS [ART]: Clean colored or greyscale fullbody +prop(s)
REQUIREMENTS [LIT]: 300 Words (+100 per ket).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT 1: Your ketucari, regardless of skills, must have a piece of protective water equipment: Goggles and a Rebreather are ideal.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT 2: You must now have either a background, a Vipertooth Leviathan, Greater Armored Raaksavar, or your interpretation of the lost technology, in addition to your any prop.
COLLABS ALLOWED. All collabing players must have a ketucari present, and the finished collab must meet minimum group requirements. Collaborations count for as many pieces as there are collaborators. Maximum three 3 kets per piece.
BONUS PROMPTS HONOR (must be on the honor route)
Bonus Prompts can be completed within your pieces to net you extra rewards. Each bonus prompt can only be completed twice.
A: Include a second Stranger OR Starter (+1 Raffle Entry)
B: Show your ketucari learning about Paschara (Player’s Choice of Low to High Artifact)
C: KAIJU ATTACK! One of the giant fauna attacks your ketucari! (+5 Battle Scars)
D: Bring the A Team! Your ketucari works with another not owned by you to impress one of the Strangers (+1 Herbal Brew (one friend) +1 Strong Herbal Brew (2 friends). *Friends must be registered for the event).
E: Show your ketucari interacting with or investigating some of the tech on the mountain. (+ Energy Core x1, Bearing x1, Shaft x1, Data Chip x1, and Garonite x1)
F: Chayandhal has swung by to say hello! (+30 gold and 25% chance at a Legendary Codex for either Ambrosia Ale, Scenic Hologram, Ancestor's Blessing, or Bottled Glamour) (Chayandhal should be a minimum of a headshot)
If Your Ketucari Was Notorious In Phase 2:
*NOTE FOR NOTORIOUS PROMPTS: After completing one you may portray your ket outside of prison. You’re still locked to the Notorious bonus prompts
PROMPT NOTORIOUS 1 - Trial by…? [ONLY IF YOU CHOSE NOTORIETY IN PHASE 2]:
You’ve been captured and forcibly dragged before the Matriarch to be tried for crimes against the Garoch Subspecies. Do you try to escape? Do you accept your punishment for your behavior? Do you try to get a lighter sentence by sweet-talking the leader of this whole shindig? Maybe you’re doing community service?
REQUIREMENTS [ART]: Clean colored or greyscale fullbody +prop(s)
REQUIREMENTS [LIT]: 300 Words (+100 per ket).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT 1: Your ketucari must be in (or have obviously escaped from) some sort of restraint such as ropes, handcuffs, or a muzzle.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT 2: You must now have either a background, Corundum, or one of the Strangers in addition to any props.
COLLABS ALLOWED. All collabing players must have a ketucari present, and the finished collab must meet minimum group requirements. Collaborations count for as many pieces as there are collaborators. Maximum three 3 kets per piece.
PROMPT NOTORIOUS 2 - Jailbreak? [ONLY IF YOU CHOSE NOTORIETY IN PHASE 2]:
For crimes against the Garochs, petty or minor, you’ve been thrown into jail to await trial (or perhaps as a result of your trial). It’s a surprisingly cushy place, not the barren cells you might imagine, but more like a barebones bedroom. A desk, a shelf, some books. Writing tools, a bed. That said, the door is locked and you don’t really have a good way to tell time in here. What’s your plan?
REQUIREMENTS [ART]: Clean colored or greyscale fullbody +prop(s)
REQUIREMENTS [LIT]: 300 Words (+100 per ket).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT 1: Your ketucari must be in (or have obviously escaped from) some sort of restraint such as ropes, handcuffs, or a muzzle.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT 2: You must now have either a background, Corundum, or one of the Strangers in addition to any props.
COLLABS ALLOWED. All collabing players must have a ketucari present, and the finished collab must meet minimum group requirements. Collaborations count for as many pieces as there are collaborators. Maximum three 3 kets per piece.
BONUS PROMPTS NOTORIETY
A: Include a second Stranger OR Starter (+1 Raffle Entry)
B: Show your ketucari learning about Paschara (Player’s Choice of Low to High Artifact)
C: A fight broke out during transfers! Show your ket engaging in, escaping from, or tending to the aftermath of the fight. (+5 Battle Scars)
D: Cellmates! Your ketucari got locked in/ as neighbors with other Notorious ketucari not owned by you. (+1 Herbal Brew (one friend) +1 Strong Herbal Brew (2 friends). *Friends must be registered for the event).
E: Show your ketucari interacting with or investigating some of the tech on the mountain. (+ Energy Core x1, Bearing x1, Shaft x1, Data Chip x1, and Garonite x1)
F: Chayandhal has swung by to say hello! (+30 gold and 25% chance at a Legendary Codex for either Ambrosia Ale, Scenic Hologram, Ancestor's Blessing, or Bottled Glamour) (Chayandhal should be a minimum of a headshot)
Event End
There’s a sort of hush through Paschara tonight.
After a month of staying within the city, or at least visiting regularly, it’s almost starting to feel familiar. A month of fighting giants under the water, of learning about Paschara, of bonding and gathering technology.
It’s… been a long trip.
The garochs have been amicable. Just as eager to learn of the world outside their underground, underwater cities. Many have either already left, heading out into the wider world, or are planning their exit. Some have agreed to leave with the Guild. Others will make their own way.
So too, are members of the expedition considering staying. Or returning home only to collect their belongings and relocate to Paschara. Others are so homesick that they’ve returned home already, finding some method or another. More still are tired, frustrated, and ready to be away from all of the water, in spite of any friends they’ve made among their garoch cousins.
One can only really call the Expedition a success.
And yet there’s a somberness to the departure. Sorrow that the time within the city is over.
And yet, there’s an excitement, too. The garochs chatter amongst themselves, playing telephone with the information they’ve received from the members of the expedition.
The members of the expedition stand in a city square, on the lowest level of the city. Loudspeakers fixed into various structures reverberate with Corundum’s voice, addressing her people.
“A year ago the noxious fog that has kept us safe in these waters cleared. A year ago, the poison that kept us trapped here, faded away. A day we’d awaited for centuries, even as we built our home. Our Sire granted us a chance to live as ourselves, not as slaves of the Captors and their Mechanical Nightmare they called Aterrin. We must remember to thank him, now that we are free to leave.”
There’s a lull, a moment of somber silence. “Months ago, we spotted the first strangers in our waters. I do not regret the lockdown I ordered then, but I know how it hurt you, my people. Our scouts assessed these strangers. We watched them. And they returned with more of them and theirs. We’ve dealt with theirs that broke our laws, an’ those that treated us kind, we invited in. They’ve been kind te us, these strangers. They’ve shared their stories with us. Us with them. And now, it is with greatest honor as your Queen, that I’d like teh announce the official end of our cowarin’ ‘neath these waters! Done is the war that our Sire sought teh hide us from!”
Corundum’s voice swells with power and authority.
“Today, Paschara declares itself an Ally with our cousins up on land! We send off our guests back whence they came and with them any who wish to join! Today, my people, my kinfolk, my jewels of the deep! Today, we stand free! To those who have left or plan teh leave! Go with my blessing and the love of Paschara! Yeh’ll always be welcome home should yeh return! To our guests… you have our deepest gratitude, and we are proud to call yeh Friend. Go forth, tell yer world of us. An’ know that yehr welcome in these waters any time.”
It’s time.
Horns blare, music swells all through the mountain. Guards stand, and the expedition is urged now to stand with them. Cheers erupt around the city.
A parade marches around the edges of the Paschara, joined by the garochs who seek to leave with the Guild. Streamers and banners unflurl from the ceilings and rails. Noise fills the air.
The melancholy is still there, lingering, but it’s painted over with bright lights, as the Expedition is led back out of the city and guided to their ships. Ships that have been joined by submarines shaped like whales, housing more garochs who seek to leave Paschara.
Finally, after months of adventure and curiosity, it’s time to return home. To normal life.
Until the next big adventure.
REWARD CLAIMS
THANK you everyone!
We hope that you enjoyed this event! It was an honor to deliver it!
Now, about rewards!
To claim your Semi-Custom, post >[Here]<
To claim your Phase Rewards, head on over to Submit Claims and put in the following Form:
**How many phases you entered:**
**Link to each of your participating ketucari:** (Can be done with the character feature instead)
**Link to the highest completed phase for Ketucari 1. Were they Honorable or Notorious in Phase 2?:**
**Link to the highest completed phase for Ketucari 2. Were they Honorable or Notorious in Phase 2?:** (erase if not needed)
**Link to the highest completed phase for Ketucari 3. Were they Honorable or Notorious in Phase 2?:** (erase if not needed)
**Herb Choice Phase 1:**
**Herb Choice Phase 2:**
**Herb Choice Phase 3:**
**Paschmahaa/Zolkanis Fauna Choice:**
**Starter Slot Of Choice:** (not including Firn, Atlach, Eros, Baker, or any of the Wanderers/Former Wanderers)
**Gila Monster Color**:
Raffle Winners!
You will have 48 hours to respond to >this post< with your preference list for which of the Strangers you would like to bring home.
Please only list as many Strangers as your win number or fewer. (e.g. If you're winner 1, only list your top pick, if you're winner 3, list your top three.)
You may list Fewer picks than your place in the list, but if all your choices are claimed before we reach you, you'll lose your slot. (e.g. you're winner 5 and you list two options and they're the topmost picks of winners 1 and 3, unfortunately you forfeit your raffle win and go home with base event rewards).
Winners are, in order!
1: Kid31
2: CosmicShenanigans
3: pawstepsinthesnow
4: ZooofAlexandria
5: CeriMond
6: AutumnDarkCloud
Thank you again to everyone for making this event great!
Matriarchs-Haunt Staff Member
SEMI CUSTOM CLAIM HERE
This will remain open indefinitely!
Buff/Bronze/Brown/Charcoal Base
Standard, Ryno, Danuoc Build
You may unlock the Garoch Build by completing 1 Bonus Prompt.
Gene Combination Options:
Buff/Bronze/Brown/Charcoal
NEW GENES AVAILABLE
New Genes Include: Flow (Rare), Chain (Uncommon), Halos (Common), Hearth (Common), Skink (Uncommon), Streak (Common)
1 Rare + 1 common
Or
2 Uncommon 2 common
Or
1 Uncommon 3 common
Or
4 Common
Feathers count for rare
Horns count for Uncommon
>Cloning Vats< may be used.
To claim, respond here with the following form:
**Phase 1 Entry:** [Link](commentlinkhere)
**Phase 2 Entry:** [Link](commentlinkhere)
**Phase 3 Entry:** [Link](commentlinkhere)
**Did you complete at least one bonus prompt?** Yes/No. (If yes, link the comment proof here)
**Semicustom type:** (Gene configuration)
**Basecoat:**
**Other Genes:** (can be used to change basecoat)
**Feather type:** (counts as a rare)
**Build:** (Standard/Ryno/Danuoc) (Garoch if you completed a bonus prompt)
**Horns:** (erase if unused)
2024-02-16 08:46:35 (Edited 2024-02-16 08:46:46)
Unfeature Comment
Kid31
Phase 1 Entry: Link
Phase 2 Entry: Link
Phase 3 Entry: Link
Did you complete at least one bonus prompt? Yes (bonus prompt a)
Semicustom type: 1 Rare, 1 Common
Basecoat: Brown
Other Genes: Vivid, Aura
Feather type: Smooth
Build: Garoch
Horns: None (can I use horn applicators on semis?)
2024-02-25 20:30:36
Feature Comment
Anarchie Staff Member
Your new Ketucari is ready! (You can use tokens on semis, this is done at Design Approval)
Sex: Player decides!
Genotype: Ee/Ss/Kk/nVi/nAu/wwh
Phenotype: Orange with Aura
Feather Type: Smooth
Build: Garoch
Ancestry:
SD: Corundum ST-3126
DS: Stilos ST-2590
2024-03-08 04:54:34
Feature Comment
Noirmori Staff Member
Phase 1 Entry: Link
Phase 2 Entry: Link
Phase 3 Entry: Link
Did you complete at least one bonus prompt? Yes link
Semicustom type: 2 common, 2 uncommon
Basecoat: buff
Other Genes: Rose, Skink, Lace, Halos
Feather type: smooth
Build: Garoch
2024-02-17 14:59:51
Feature Comment