acatamods: (Default)
acatamods. ([personal profile] acatamods) wrote in [community profile] acatalepsy_logs2019-06-13 09:27 am

world # 6: joikull.









welcome to joikull.
QUICK LINKS

COMMENT SECTION:MOD QUESTIONS | BEYOND THE WALLS | TASK SUBMISSIONS
WORLD INFO:WHEN YOU WAKE UP | JOIKULL | NEW MAGIC | BEYOND THE WALLS | JUMP SUMMARY | MOD NOTE


You're lying in bed, when it happens. There's an odd pulling sensation in your stomach, and people who have been through this before know that the Jump is about to occur. You have time to grab what's closest to you, and that's about it, before you suddenly wake up in... a bed? But not your own.

The first thing you notice: the temperature.

You were comfortable when you fell asleep, but now it’s very, very cold. Even if you pull the blanket up over your head, the chill seems settled into your bones. How did it get this cold? You were sure the flurries at the Temple last week were not in your bedroom.

When you finally peek out to face the rest of the world, it will start to make sense. Your room appears to be made of ice now. You are, as far as you can tell, inside an igloo. Your blanketed bed is made of wood, but everything else inside is ice. The door. The desk. The floor. It’s all carved out of the stuff, to an expert degree, sure, but it’s still ice.

Just when you begin to wonder what in the hell is going on, there is a ping on your watch.

A NOTE FROM YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD WITCH.
"Hello, dear Traveler! It worked, it worked..."

Astoria's expression is cheerful and chipper, on the watch. Those who have done this for awhile know that Astoria typically reaches out before the Jump, but for the second time in a row, she seems to have managed to contact you afterward.

"You are now in Joikull! It appears to be a bit cold, so I sent you with some coats and things in your rooms! Make sure you wear them. ♥ I feel a darkness in that world that is hard to explain, a bit warm but -- "

Astoria's voice suddenly stops there, and her brow furrows slightly. The image wavers, ever so much, and Astoria's eyes suddenly shift off-screen, her mouth opened slightly, her brow furrowing in confusion. There is a sound of a voice offscreen, but it's a bit too muffled to make out. And then, Astoria says:

"How did you get here?"

But the image cuts, after that. You have little time to wonder what the hell that was on about, though: you're busy pulling on the fur-lined coat that Astoria has seemingly left you, and set off to explore . . . what had she said, again? Joikull?


WHEN YOU WAKE UP.
Welcome to Joikull!

➜ It hits you in waves — the icy cold, biting and relentless. Whether you’re accustomed or unaccustomed to the cold, the temperature is a drastic contrast to that of the Temple’s. The walls around you are a transient white, and it’s not long before you realize that they too are forged from ice. There are 2 other beds in your room, both of which are occupied, and the wood underneath you begins to creak.

Suddenly, an elderly woman enters the room, clanging a silvery white (is that more ice?) pot and pan. “Rise and shine, darlings!” she crows out before standing at the center of the room. “It’s time for breakfast! She beckons you to come downstairs, and should you follow her, you’ll be sure to discover that practically all of this newly discovered...inn? is also forged from ice.

➜ The dining room is grand — it’s fitted for a castle of sorts, but this appears to be the norm around here. The tables are overflowing with food, ranging from warm stews and breads to chilled meats and sweet, frozen delicacies. And when one plate runs out, Joikull’s civilians rush to simply fix another one out of thin air. And while there are plenty of other natives here, none of them seem to be eating. In fact, they seem to be looking excitedly at you to eat instead. You've got to be hungry, don't you?

➜ People are quick to make conversation with you, and if they notice that you’re cold, you may get wrapped into somebody’s embrace or asked if you need to huddle for warmth. Perhaps you’re better off asking one of your Circle members?



JOIKULL: MORE THAN JUST THE COLD
The city is built on the top of a mountain, with cliffsides surrounding each side. With the help of the stone and the ice, the city itself is grand in scale. Buildings and homes and places of business have all been expertly crafted and carved. Lives happen here, as they do in any city, and they all seem to surround themselves with ice, snow, or the continued existence of it. The magic is particularly curious, as it doesn't seem to match the rest of it, but there doesn't seem to be any clue as to why.

➜ Do you want to build a snowman? No, really - in one of the parks there seem to be a large group of natives (all swirling snow and ice and all) who are collecting snow into forms and figures. They'll ask for your help, if you're willing to grant it, and while putting together the snow and ice you'll find that you're able to create...a new person? Or at least a new native, with an energy, personality, and appearance all their own! They will also want to be your new best friend, so I hope you're...ready for someone to follow you around at least for a day or two. No worries if you've decided to do some crafting on your own, though. They definitely need the magic of the natives (and not the new, warm kind) to actually come alive. So if you want wanted to make something on your own, you're quite safe.

➜ The city seems to basically be made of ice. And by basically, we mean almost entirely. The use of wood and fire and food and really, anything that isn't ice and snow, is all vaguely new and foreign to the natives. You may be asked, even walking down the street, how to use a specific item or what to do with it. If asked, they got it through the magic, it looks quite fun! They just need....some help! Or it's possibly you can see a native using something in a very incorrect way. Will you step in?

➜ You're more than welcome to explore the city. The natives are all quite trusting and eager to welcome you into their lives! But something you may notice while you do so is the...well. Way that everything seems a bit off. It's subtle, so much that you might not even notice it, but the walls of this building definitely seem to be...melting. No, that can't be possible, can it? The natives will argue with you, say that everything is fine, but actually no - you're looking at it now - and it's definitely melting. Like. Very much so. But what can you do?




A CELEBRATION OF VISITORS

Joikull’s people are more than amiable enough — and they’re at their prime during their festivals. This celebration has been hosted with the intention of welcoming the Circle, and it certainly shows. They’ve up and concocted makeshift buildings to accommodate their festivities, and a circle of flora forged from ice surrounds the premises. There are stalls, games, and food for all, alongside people eager for your company.

➜ It's only natural that in a winter wonderland, you're expected to get creative with snow: well, it appears as though Joikull has taken a bit too far. There are games ranging from the average game of rope tow to full fledged snow wars. People have gathered into teams, and fortresses have been constructed from the ice — the objective of this game seems to be to destroy your enemy's defenses. With the power of magic, everyone has a bit of an advantage...and a disdvantage. Apparently, the winners will be receiving a day's worth of shopping fully on the house.

Or you could play rope tow. That's an option too.

➜ Food is integral to any festival. Today, plates of curry are offered from vendor to vendor — now, curry may seem a bit random, but this is the first time they've been able to make it due to the sudden surge of magic! Does it taste alright? Some plates are far spicier than they should be, but it's the thought that counts. Wash it down with pineapple upside down cake-on-a-stick, or a few gourmet popsicles (all of which which happen to be enchanted with a random side effect unbeknowest to you.)

➜ Keeping warm is likely on your mind right now. The vendors have rustic, sizable antiques to offer, varying from lanterns to wooden carvings to glass orbs, but they also have a collection of weavery to offer as well. Oversizes dresses and jackets seem to be in style right now — but there are ponchos and hats to suit your needs as well.

➜ Once the sun begins to set, Joikull’s citizens get into position, all circling the center of the festival grounds. Suddenly, they hook arms, joyfully dancing and shifting from person to person. It appears as though they’re square dancing — either find or a partner or get roped into a dance unwillingly! The goal is to dance until you’re the last pair left; the flashier you are (perhaps with the aid of magic), the more attention you’ll draw to yourselves.

BEYOND THE WALLS.
The decision to venture down under the fortress to get beyond the walls is one you will need to make on your own, as the natives are quite adamant about the fact there is nothing wrong and nothing to see out there. It will actually take you, and other Circle Members, to even find the door that will lead you out of the city - an old, dusty, boarded up doorway. Boarded up with wood, strangely enough.

Your decision to investigate is entirely up to you. If you signed up here, it will be your or your team’s decision on when, and for how long.

The natives weren’t wrong - the trip will be dangerous, but there are enough supplies for you to bring with you to survive, as long as something else doesn’t get in the way.

For those who have decided to go off into this journey, direct your attention to The Beyond The Walls Log!

TEAMS/GROUPS/ADVENTURERS
Zari, Wanda, Steve, Bucky, and Nate.

Hisoka

Pigdge, Shiro, Firo, and North.

Roy, Riza, Maes, Molly, and Konoha.

Vex, Vax, and Percy.

Ruby, Ren, and Carmen.


HELP NEEDED:
➜ Calling all able-and-solid-bodied workers! The festival is in need of some hard working hands to help, you guessed it - CARVE SOME ICE. There are new structures in need and new buildings that need help and they need as many hands as possible to carve into these huge blocks. Their new magic just isn’t working fast enough!

➜ Are you interested in food? Cooking? What about trying to teach the natives about said food and cooking? Because somehow, this magic has created a way for them to find food - mostly veggies and salted meats - but they’ve never eaten before! And this looks fun! Share some of that knowledge and experience, yeah?

➜ There are booths set up all along the main street of Joikull sporting a variety of games, crafts, fortune tellers, drinks and food, and everything else in between. And boy- do they need help managing! Ever wanted to work in the service industry? For an entire population of ice people? Now’s your chance.

➜ Clean up! Each day, as the sun begins to set, it will be time to clean everything up and put it away. Even with the new and fun lights everywhere around, making the job much easier than it would have been previous, it’s still a bit more…..difficult. Can you tell a small ice statue from the next? How about sweeping up snow off of…snow? Have fun! Because the natives are leaving you pretty much on your own.

➜ One of the larger establishments (Marietta’s Mansion is the name carved above the front door) is a working and busy tavern of sorts. Natives move in and out of the large open space chattering loudly an excitedly about all of the newest and brightest things they’ve seen. But what Marietta, yes the owner, can’t seem to keep any of her native workers on task. Spend too much time in here and she will put you to work - carving new seats out of the walls, cleaning the tables, figuring out some way to keep everything from wearing down and melting…it never used to be this difficult for her before!


lumberlady: (なんか言った?)

[personal profile] lumberlady 2019-06-21 06:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Gosh, I don’t know how but-

[She locks her legs to make sure she doesn’t step on Sheryl’s feet or anything by accident as she lets the other girl move around, relaxing once it seemed she’d found a spot. Because really... she wasn’t wrong, Konoha was indeed emitting a little bit of warmth, which she tries to somehow channel downwards, curling a bit protectively over the songstress.]

Is that comfortable?
lumberlady: (聞こえた)

[personal profile] lumberlady 2019-06-21 07:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks!

[Said only once she’s sure he isn’t going to fall, carefully putting all hooves back on the ground before she turns around in a careful shuffle to watch him and see for herself what the problem was, nodding along.]

Yeah... is there anyone in the Circle with fire? I don’t think I’ve seen anyone...
lumberlady: (それで?)

[personal profile] lumberlady 2019-06-22 01:15 am (UTC)(link)
[Oops- It takes Konoha a second to get a good look at him, prancing away and sort of incidentally warding off other dancers from bumping their way with her rather large posterior. He apologizes and all, yet...]

Are you really okay?

[It seems way too redundant to say he looks cold, but.]
lonered: (95)

[personal profile] lonered 2019-06-22 01:17 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah. Just distracted.

[By the shivering. Keith isn't exactly one for easy smiles or anything, but he manages something at least less of a scowl.]

You seem to be enjoying yourself at least. You don't mind the cold?

[Maybe he's a little envious on that one.]
foundafamily: (14.1)

[personal profile] foundafamily 2019-06-22 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah. [He nods and starts walking, slowly at first and without any real direction. If she indicates another direction, he'll change course.]

The smaller stuff is one thing, but if the walls come down, these people don't seem ready for whatever's out there. They don't even talk about it.

[It could just be more icicles and snowballs, but Firo doubts it. Anyway, you should always be prepared.]
foundafamily: (pic#7645517)

[personal profile] foundafamily 2019-06-22 03:02 am (UTC)(link)
So? It's the responsible thing to do.

[But they've established that the resulting person would probably be taken care of just fine, so he doesn't argue further for the moment.

...Instead, he sighs and leans down to start gathering up some snow. In spite of his protests, he is curious about this whole process. For now, he's playing along, though also trying to keep his lack of enthusiasm clear on his face.]


It's been ages since I've made anything like this...
teratias: (02. Excited)

[personal profile] teratias 2019-06-22 12:21 pm (UTC)(link)
I know someone who has fire as a part of their regular po--

[Waitaminute.

Waver stops in mid-tie, a look of surprise, delight, and embarrassment combined etched on his face.]


I can do that! I mean, I'd need a piece of paper and you'd have to tell me specifically what you need, but...
traumaplate: (quizzical)

[personal profile] traumaplate 2019-06-22 12:30 pm (UTC)(link)
There's a difference between not thinking ahead and sending us somewhere the problem wasn't major until we were present. [Klan hasn't been here long, but judging by what she's heard about the worlds other than Faerun, Astoria tends to target worlds in very immediate danger. Whatever this issue is, it's probably about to get a whole lot worse in their time here.]

I'd suggest trying to look for a timeframe, but if the locals won't speak up about it, then that's going to be hard.

[Unless anyone else here turns out to be deeply experienced in the area of ice architecture.]
thedarkbond: (leaping knight)

[personal profile] thedarkbond 2019-06-22 02:02 pm (UTC)(link)
It's your fault for thinking I'm responsible, then~ [Which Ren is absolutely not, at least not when he can offload all his responsibilities onto someone else. He can be a functional adult, he just prefers not to be if at all possible.

In any case, when Firo bends down to start gathering snow, Ren does so as well, though not without a light smile at the unimpressed look on his face.]


I'm sure it'll come back to you, just like riding a bike. Besides, it's not like we have to make all of it. We'll need to leave a little bit for the locals.
lumberlady: (恥ずかしいな)

[personal profile] lumberlady 2019-06-22 04:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[By... the cold, she guesses, but. He doesn't say... Maybe a man's pride? She's not sure, and in the absence of surety she goes for the next best thing. Just answering the question.]

No, not really- The winters get really cold where I'm from, and I'm a jinba, so!

[Because that obviously just explains things. Plus- oh! It gives her a chance to ask naturally, doesn't it?]

Do you mind it?
lumberlady: (憧れ)

[personal profile] lumberlady 2019-06-22 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[Konoha can't help but be startled at his sudden revelation, but it's a useful one, in the end. He'd done some amazing things as far as she's concerned, like the ball magic before the lake exploration, so-]

What I need like... the size of the fire, or?
wraithes: (045.)

[personal profile] wraithes 2019-06-22 06:22 pm (UTC)(link)
That's true.

[ with half a laugh; she can't imagine sheryl not standing out, but inej is coaxed into the dance regardless of her own personal abhorrence for standing out. ]

But at least you're never short an outfit to a party.
mollymocked: (⚔ you can learn a lot from lydia)

[personal profile] mollymocked 2019-06-22 10:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[Molly mock-groans and goes to divide the party up between the two of them, taking one set to have readings done (they're pretty excited about it, actually) while the other half cooks, trading off when Ren's group has completed their dishes. In the end, there's a bunch of happy and contented ice people and plenty of food, and Molly sidles back up to Ren, pocketing his cards.]

So is cooking one of your many, many talents? [They have breathing room now that allows them to talk without having to hustle wayward natives around, and Molly is quick to take his respite. Most of the natives aren't even eating what they've made, but are rather showing it off as if it's artistry.] Maybe you should have taught them plating.
foundafamily: (???)

[personal profile] foundafamily 2019-06-23 01:15 am (UTC)(link)
Never rode a bike, either.

[He starts to roll the snow around to form what he hopes will be a good base for this snow person.]

So what'll we have them do? Come to think of it, I didn't bring a carrot for the nose.

[He says it all dryly because of course he didn't; this isn't at all what he planned to do today.]
fairysong: (95)

[personal profile] fairysong 2019-06-23 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
[At least people probably won't be looking at you when looking at the duo, Inej? Sheryl pulls her back in to link arms.] That was never a problem, even before I had this power.

But it's a lot more convenient like this. You know, I don't actually remember what outfit I had when I was brought here. That must've been two hundred outfit changes ago.
fairysong: (97)

[personal profile] fairysong 2019-06-23 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
[Comfortable?

Maybe not. Honestly, it's kind of weird to sit like this, having to wedge herself through Konoha's forelegs, and the slope of her front-- or rather, the front of her underside-- is a little awkward, and she's having to lean forward.

But Konoha is soft, and warm, and she's not going to complain.]
It's warm. That's what matters.

[She draws the blanket around her. And then it occurs to her; she looks up at her friend.] It's not uncomfortable for you, is it?
fairysong: (32)

[personal profile] fairysong 2019-06-23 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
[Also, now that Sheryl thinks about it, Zentradi are probably hardy enough to be able to withstand conditions like this. Given that they can handle everything short of hard vacuum just fine.

Sheryl's a little jealous.]
...well, I don't know. There's gotta be something other than ice, right? It can't be a world where literally the only thing that exists is water in various frozen forms. It just can't be!
fairysong: (23)

[personal profile] fairysong 2019-06-23 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
Or ever. [That's a bit of an exaggeration, but she's both rich and stylish, so if there's anyone who has the means and intent to do so, it's her.

She links arms, dancing around each other, then releases, turning towards him and taking his hands.]
I never thought to show you? How neglectful of me.

Wait until you hear the musical part.
fairysong: (11)

[personal profile] fairysong 2019-06-23 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
[Sheryl just stares at Pidge. She gets this expression as seen in the icon.]

Since when was that the only other option?
lonered: (Default)

sorry about the journal fail there for a second

[personal profile] lonered 2019-06-23 01:31 am (UTC)(link)
I'm not sure we haven't made things worse by being around before.

[He remembers Akvos and the rift and how it tore and destroyed everything. Keith has a feeling that all their travel as a group and individuals through that rift, trying to help as they may have been, pushed a world on the brink over the edge.

He shakes his head.]


The denial is a little weird. You're right about a timeline helping. There's got to be a reason they don't want to even acknowledge it.

[Keith grew up in a desert, so his ice experience involves cubes and that's about it.]
lonered: (S6-20)

[personal profile] lonered 2019-06-23 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
That a fact? Then I guess you've got a leg or two up on the rest of us.

[Which is good, honestly. If at least some of their number aren't shivering frost-bitten messes (though he has noticed that he hasn't wound up with frost bite yet despite the vague inkling that he likely should) when things inevitably go to hell here.]

I'm not exactly a fan. [He shrugs, which is almost visible under the blanket he's got himself wrapped in.] I grew up in the desert. It got chilly at night, but never like this.
thedarkbond: (judgebau)

[personal profile] thedarkbond 2019-06-23 02:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Wow, you must have had a pretty boring childhood... [Which could have been caused by any number of things, so Ren leaves it at that as he starts to pull together some snow to form a body.]

We could probably use ice for those parts...the natives probably have that sort of thing if they're out here building people like this, right? And I don't think any of them have carrot noses.

[Apparently the carrot nose point is being taken at least somewhat semi-seriously.]
thedarkbond: (Default)

[personal profile] thedarkbond 2019-06-23 02:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ren wanders off cheerily enough to go start teaching his groups. Despite the fact that Ren keeps picking up incorrect foods, probably on purpose if the general tittering amusement it keeps up among the locals is any sign, the cooking smells excellent by the end, and the food looks more than palatable even with the locals' inexperience.

At that remark from Molly, Ren gives a soft laugh and sets down the last of his own plates, all of which are plated in a very cutesy manner. There's even some food shaped to look like cat faces and things on there.]


Mmm, I don't have to cook for myself very often back home, but I know how to. One of my friends is even better than me, so I can't let him show me up, can I~? [A not very apologetic shrug comes at that.] But you're right, they seem more interested in the artsy part of it and not the eating part.
traumaplate: (quizzical)

[personal profile] traumaplate 2019-06-23 02:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[Klan definitely isn't quite getting what all the fuss is about, though she is used to humans being a little delicate about this sort of thing. She figures it's a biology difference sort of deal.] Well, apparently there's food, but if they're making their cooking tools out of ice, then I'm thinking they don't have a lot of options. So you might be dealing with this for a while, if we're here for as long as we were the last place.

[Sheryl would know more about the average world-jump length than Klan does, since she's been around longer, so she'd have a better idea of the suffering she's in for.]
traumaplate: (Default)

[personal profile] traumaplate 2019-06-23 02:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Going into a mission with an attitude like that sure isn't helping not make things worse. [Klan says that with all the straightforwardness of someone who's been through missions and more military situations before. Even if someone has an attitude like that from the outset, it's best to set it aside for the sake of making sure things don't screw up the next time.]

We might have to do some research, see if there's any records of when it started that the locals marked. Even if they just wrote it down as something interesting and not a problem, because it sounds like they've gotten more than just melting out of whatever this is.

[The food and things seem to be recent additions, so Klan's suspecting something weird going on there.]

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