may mod plot log
When: May 7 to May 31th
Where: Thisavrou + New Worlds
Warnings: none in the description; please label your headers where appropriate!
thisavrou monthly info ( the tmi )
⋆ Storm Update: On day 29 (May 9), the typical structure of the storm surrounding Thisavrou seems to shift visually with the clouds and intermittent flashes of lightning forming new patterns. At the same time, Ingress technicians detect a strange energy signature emanating from the facility at low levels, almost like a leak. There is no obvious effect at first, but by the end of the day, that energy begins to flow across Kauto and Chioni with curious results.
Residents of the planet will soon discover that they have acquired strange superhuman (or superbeing, for those who aren't human) powers. Those who are particularly social or who have been around for a long time may realize that these powers resemble abilities wielded by those who have come through the Ingress in the past, or even those who have never set foot on Thisavrou but are from the same world as someone who has.
Effects of the odd energy vary – people may discover they can read minds, cast magical spells, or have become invulnerable. These powers may also replace ones they already have. The level of control is just as unpredictable—someone may be a natural with their new abilities, or be in great need of a tutor!
By day 33 (May 13 OOC), the effect has faded, and the technicians soon decide to restrict the days that the Ingress is active going forward.
[[For more information, check out this OOC post!]]
⋆ While Kauto has always been known for its temperate climate, the slow changes have accelerated as the onslaught of the storm around Thisavrou shifts. A noticeable drop in temperature from the norm finds the planet settling at an alarming 54° F / 12° C during the day. And at night, temperatures fluctuate between this and 40° F / 4° C. All residents who tend crops will discover that some plants and other vegetation have withered without the warmer temperatures. An evacuation of all scientists and researchers on Chioni will be announced within the month due to its incredibly unstable surface temperature of -60° F / -51 C during the day and -150° F / -101° C at night. Access to some of the furthest burgs have been restricted until further notice because of this.
⋆ Savrii Notices:
As recently made public in Deputy TOD’s broadcast, a foreign presence has infiltrated Thisavrou using the bodies of its recent travelers. Presumed both intelligent and hostile, the contaminant has prompted a rapid response from the Savrii. Testing and Decontamination Centers have been established on Kauto and Chioni, and all persons who have traveled off-world in the last two cycles are called to present themselves for examination.
The basic procedure will last about six hours: medical tests, technical analysis, and a high-powered chemical wash designed to “make any stowaways run screaming”. All of this in addition to prolonged questioning as to their recent points of contact both on Thisavrou and outside. Parties who demonstrate cause for concern (including, of course, acknowledged contact with the contaminant) will be flagged in the Savrii’s database and required to return for twice-weekly visits to continue the procedures. Other than the phantom emptiness described previously, characters will feel no side effects of their exposure at this time. They may, however, find casual passerby avoiding them after a visit. Medical secrecy only goes so far against fear of plague, and that chemical wash also stains most creatures a cheery yellow-green.
Whatever its effect on your life personally, the social effects of the incursion are difficult to miss. Whispers and fear turn to paranoia and full-blown fights, and Thisavrou's population centers are packed with heated debates about safety versus exploration-- or sometimes, versus the explorers themselves. A small black-market trade in preventative medicine (real or otherwise) has sprung up, and rumors claim that the full list of infected persons can be bought too: by those who have the right connections and a lot of cash to pay.
Combating this upswing of violence and disorder? Thisavrou's intermediaries. Combination police force and negotiators, the intermediaries have always been crucial to the rule of law on Thisavrou. Recent events, however, have seen them advertising their presence more: some wearing a strip of silver cloth to mark their status and availability to help. If approached by one, characters will experience a supernatural sense of calm. They will find their concerns met with sympathy and understanding... but somehow also the exact right words to talk all parties down. Whether that means persuading your neighbor to leave you out of his conspiracy theories or explaining why you need to report in for testing... well, that depends on you.
Following the opening of travel to the planet Deslora, an unscrupulous individual smuggled back clownbee larvae. In the weeks since, the clownbees have become a mildly invasive species in certain areas of Region 3. Victims of clownbee stings report an irresistible urge to smear garish makeup across their faces and the need to consume as much sugar as possible. Citizens are cautioned to listen for telltale sounds of buzzing and honking, and be wary.
An organization that purchased samples from the planet Aueia several months ago is opening an exhibit at a museum in Region 1. Those who participated in gathering objects from the planet, as well as any who care to attend, are invited to attend a small opening reception for the exhibit, where they will be presented with a small gift from an ardent lover of that world's wildlife: a small whale carving made of stone with mild psychic properties. When touched with bare hands, the holder will receive a mental picture of someone who means a great deal to them, with perfect clarity, as if they saw them just a moment ago.
⋆ Mission notices have been posted to TABs for anyone interested in earning a little extra cash. Available missions are listed below:
Day 28 (May 8th) - While recent events have been difficult, the Department of Ingress Contingency Coordination is impressed by the rapid response of all Savrii in coming together to ensure public safety. A few holdouts, however, are rumored to be hiding their conditions-- and thereby putting not only themselves, but the entire population at risk. The department will therefore offer a reward of 100 sencs to citizens willing to report these cases, with an additional 200 senc bonus if the persons involved have been directly exposed to the contaminants. As Deputy TOD puts it, "you're only SAVING EVERYONE'S LIVES". Day 36 (May 16th) - EN-Line systems throughout Thisavrou have begun to suffer a strange outbreak of mechanical failures that are leaving commuters by the wayside. Rumor claims some of Chioni's insectoid residents might be to blame. The Savrii will pay 50 sencs to anyone capable of confirming the problem, and 300 to anyone who solves it.
ingress travel info
⋆ Missions are jobs or specific tasks listed on the TAB once new worlds are open for exploration. Be sure to check if Clearance Levels are required to accept some of these missions.
⋆ Clearance Levels are given to visitors for the length of time they have been on Thisavrou (or traveling on the Moira). Each CL offers access to certain things or incentives that others will not have. As of this month, security will be in place outside the Ingress to ensure no clearance violations occur.
⋆ The Ingress powers Thisavrou in every way: economically, socially, and as a literal source of light and heat. However, between the biohazard incident and the recent escalation of the storms, the hazards of free travel can no longer be ignored. As a result, on May 10, the Ingress will be sealed against intrusion.
While sealed, Ingress travel must be directly controlled by the technicians. Instead of directing the open channel of the Ingress, technicians will be opening access to specific worlds, and closing it immediately after. As a result, traveling parties will have certain timeframes to leave and to return. Missing your schedule can result in being stranded offworld until the next travel period comes. Additionally, no new arrivals will be able to appear while Thisavrou's Ingress remains sealed. ((For OOC ramifications, check out the new app schedule!))
* Due to the closure and a recent push for regulation, no new worlds will be opened for exploration at this time. However, travel to established worlds will still be permitted, especially by individuals who have made contact there before. This opens up the opportunity for...
Revisiting Old Haunts
⋆ As many concerns have been brought up about the risks of their own Ingress travel, the Savrii are united in one certainty: that manipulation of the Ingress by other parties poses a far greater risk. A colony buried in the ruins of Thiri has been discovered engaging in their own in-depth studies on the use of Ingress energy. The Savrii consider this behavior to be a threat to the stability of all universes, and as with the Midway Hub, intervention is required at any cost.
A team is being sent to destroy all research data and technology onsite, along with anyone who interferes. As the colony's population is expected to interfere in its entirety, full combat gear will be provided to all volunteers. The mission will be supervised by high-clearance Savrii, and pay 250 sencs to each volunteer. All volunteers must be of at least Clearance Level 3, or personally vouched for by someone who is.
⋆ A year ago (by their local calendar), one of Thisavrou's established trade partners was approached by a pirate ship, one that had stolen from their world before. When the ruse was discovered, they attempted to force out the invaders, and in doing so, suffered a tragedy beyond proportion: the loss of an entire world.
Caducus Primary is no more. The mission announcement also notes that their sister planet, Caducus Secondary, also suffered massive losses in their efforts to force reparations from the murderers. On Day 35 of the current cycle (May 25th), a gathering is being held in the field of shattered glass where Caducus Primary was, to piece together a monument to the fallen. Thisavrou has pledged to send a delegation to assist. The pay will be minimal (30 sencs, to cover a missed workday), but this mission is open to all clearance levels.
[[ooc: For questions, comments, or additional information, check out the OOC post here.]]

OTA | new arrival
[Stepping out into cold and damp is not what she expected. She expected to be out in the open air, in the heat of Eos. But nope. There's the sound of water and the air is cold, heavy. She's thrown, staggering a step, with a hand automatically going out to grasp the nearest solid object for support. Eyes a little wide behind the visor, mandibles flared off her jaw enough to show teeth.]
[This is not what it should be. And also? No one else is around. No Drack, no Ryder. No Kallo chattering in their ears. This doesn't even look like a Heleus planet.]
[Regaining her balance, she steps away from the structure, one hand automatically going to her opposite wrist. Glowing orange keys spring into existence while she keeps punching in attempts to raise the others -- the Tempest, or the Nomad. Or Ryder. Anything.]
C'mon... tell me someone's listening out there.
[Which about when the waves of Escoria abruptly pick up, sending her staggering for a brief and precious moment.]
[SPLASH.]
Dammit!
[At least she's got hold of the dock. But now the tall turian woman is significantly more damp and annoyed than before.]
2) KAUTO | R1 marketplace
[At some point, Vetra Nyx finds herself in a more familiar situation. A marketplace. Granted, this is unlike even Kadara Port -- because the alien life here is like nothing seen in either Heleus or the Milky Way. Some make even the hanar look tame.]
[Considering her size, she stands out reasonably well amid the crowd. Making her way slowly but surely through them all. Occasionally stopping to browse, or take notes on a glowing device at her wrist.]
[Sometimes without even looking down at the holographic keys.]
I'm guessing no one here's going to take credits, huh?
[There's a wry note in her voice -- one that seems to echo slightly on every word. Unfortunately, they'll all tell her 'no'. Some of them might launch into an explanation about sencs, but, for the most part, she'll just keep moving on.]
[Got to start getting the lay of the land somewhere, right?]
2.
So it's almost a complete coincidence when she hears the statement behind her, subharmonics tinged with layers of wry irony her ears could never hope to pick up. Turian. Straightening up from the booth as casually as her surprise would allow, she glances sideways — a female Turian.
Hoodie up, she sidles after her mark, curiosity stilling her tongue for the moment.]
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[Great.]
[And here she is, without backup. And without the weight of her name and occupation behind her.]
[Her steps slow. Lingering more often at booths. Striking up more conversations. Heading for an even more densely populated area. One where the majority of the populace is somewhere around her height.]
[One where it might be easier to lose this tail.]
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So she slows, too. Rather than a aggressive technique, she hunches, and lingers, dropping back into larger groups, sidestepping whenever possible to walk parallel, rather than behind — and sometimes, even ahead — always just out of shot. As inoffensive, nonviolent as possible. After all, at this point, it was just an introduction she was after. If she didn't want to lose her, she'd have to play her cards right.
As they enter the main market centre, and the crowds get bigger (in some cases, taller), she melts away, riding the outer circles of the milling populace. Despite the appearance of a busy centre, there was strikingly few true entries and exits. Ringed with shops, and larger traverses, there was only a handful of side paths, and even then, only one or two covered enough to serve as getaways.
Eyeing the most likely option, she moves carefully, setting herself up for brief sightings everywhere but the final option alleyway — then doubling back, sight unseen, to disappear down the route herself. Either her Turian would be careful enough to fall for it — or rash enough to see through it, and follow.
If Vetra does venture down the "right" path, she'll turn the corner to find one Commander Shepard, hoodie down, seated informally atop a crate. Leaning on her knees, empty hands folded between them, she nods a greeting.]
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[Whoever this is, they're good. They've done this before. Maybe a lot more often than she has. No matter how many groups she ducks into, there's that flash of the familiar hoodie. She lingers for a while at a crowded booth, trying to wrack her brain -- which human has she pissed off the most lately? Someone from Kadara? One of Sloane's?]
[Shoulders are too big for salarian, definitely not krogan, didn't move like angara... legs are all wrong for it, too. And for turian. Could be an asari. But she can't think of any asari in particular she's crossed either.]
[Unless this has to do with Peebee's friend? Ex. Whichever.]
[A glance around shows the coast is relatively clear, for now. Which means it's a good time to duck out. Through the closest archway. Even if her hand strays idly to where her gun is.]
-- shit!
[And there's Hoodie. Right there. As she's drawing her gun and taking a long step backward. Halfway ready to activate her power armor and prep for a fight, even if this figure doesn't immediately seem dangerous.]
Have we met?
[Clipped and terse. Braced for anything.]
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But she does take a good, solid second to give Vetra a thorough, poker-faced once-over. Then, slowly, so slowly, Shepard brings her hands up to shoulder height, palms towards the Turian, shaking her head just as deliberately. It was a risk, exposing herself like this, but if worst came to worst, she could probably swallow the shot. Or two. Maybe three to five, max.]
Not even once.
[Her "female Turians actually met" count was... low. One good look at Vetra was all it took to confirm what she'd already suspected.]
Think I'd definitely remember it. [There's another pause, and a subtle shift.] My apologies for before — got a little ahead of myself.
[By all accounts, there might have been something to be said for just walking up and saying "hi".]
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[Then, very slowly, she lowers it. About the time the human -- this is a human, after all -- raises her hands.]
Then why follow me? [Something in her expression shifts. A lot more skeptical than on-guard. An expression she's had so much practice with, lately.]
["Got a little ahead of myself."]
You don't say.
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[Exhaling through her nose, she gives an almost imperceptible shrug.] Not a hell of a lot of Turians hanging out here — wasn't sure if I'd get another chance.
[Hands still raised, she stands up carefully, each movement pointedly broadcast. It's only when she stands that Vetra might catch a glimpse of Shepard's own sidearm — an M-77 Paladin, strapped to the small of her back, still snugly holstered.]
How about this: I introduce myself, you choose if you want to, and then I'll answer any questions you have about this place, or me. Anything at all.
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[It's an important distinction. Honestly. Especially considering this doesn't seem like it's Milky Way or Heleus Cluster.] You probably would have, if we didn't start shooting each other, first.
[The more she listens, the more she's sure she's heard that voice before. Seen that shadowed face before. Her attention, of course, flicks to the weapon. With her mandibles flicking against her jaw.]
Yeah. You go ahead. I want to see if I'll win a bet with myself.
[It's a significantly lighter tone than before. If this is who she's starting to think...]
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The name's Shepard. I was a Lieutenant Commander with the Alliance military, and CO of the Normandy SR-1 and 2.
[beat;]
How'd the bet go?
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Looks like I owe myself a drink.
[Immediately more at ease. Everyone knows Commander Shepard -- hero of the Citadel, first human Spectre, etc - etc. Hard to believe, really. If she hadn't fallen off a mysterious dock on an ocean planet, when she should have been covering Ryder's shenanigans on Eos.]
[She shakes her head.]
You're supposed to be six hundred years behind us. But, then again, I'm supposed to be on a desert planet.
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It's only the last comment that quirks her eyebrow, a shade of bemusement crossing her features.] I was out for a few years, but not that many. Six hundred?
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[Especially not from this source. No from Commander Shepard.]
[She tilts her head, expression something like a raised eyebrow.] Andromeda Initiative ring a bell? Maybe? Taking the Heleus Cluster by storm?
Or trying to.
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[It really is the least she can do.
But
Andromeda Initiative...............]
The civilian exploration program attempt?
[The bemusement deepens, brow furrowing.]
Used to see ad banners for it on the extranet all the time. Thought it ran dry of funds?
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[She's not. Because the vids and photos didn't really do her justice in... several ways. Ahem.]
If it did, then I'm having one hell of a dream.
A six-hundred year dream. They pulled it off.
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There's another beat, and she's shaking her head, waving her hands in front of herself.]
Okay, not another word. I'm definitely going to need alcohol for this. You fine with starting early?
[It's 6 o'clock in some universe]
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SUPER OLD TAG DROP THE HECKO OUT OF THIS
but then how else would she say she flirted with commander shep
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
wink wonk
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So...here he was, dressed in a long black robe and cloak that covered most of his body, with a black cowl that covered his face, still green from the decontamination process. It was the only part of his body that showed the effects of it, though, and he kept his head down so civilians mostly stayed out of his way. Somehow, Saren still managed to look grim and intimidating even while grocery shopping.
He had been stuck here long enough to accommodate to the locals, so none of the aliens were of particular interest to him. However, what did stick out to him was a Turian skirting the marketplace. Asking about credits. One with markings that clearly associated them with Palaven.
He doesn't recognize her as someone among Shepard's ilk. ]
Were you not briefed? The Milky Way galaxy is long behind us.
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[She says it without turning around. That's a turian voice. So of course, this guy, whoever it is, isn't going to get sarcasm -- too out of line, right? Her tone is flippant, and maybe she rolls her eyes.]
[While something about said voice sounds familiar.]
[But when she turns, there's just... a big... black blob. Cloak and cowl and no easily discernible features. Her head tilts, expression somewhere between skeptical and unamused.]
Nice outfit.
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[ Whatever that might be. Saren snorts. Vetra might not be able to identify him, but he recognized her now as the one Nihlus directed his attention to briefly. Some stray Turian, as far as he could tell, with no connection to Shepard. Which made her insignificant and not worth his attention. But still, part of him was curious. ]
Vetra Nyx, correct?
[ Saren poses the name casually, waits and watches for a reaction. ]
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[That thing all the human kids were fond of. They'd dragged half the other kids on any world they were on into it too. It was kind of cute, really. Too bad there hadn't been time to get Sid in on the action... in retrospect...]
[Her eyes narrow a fraction, when he says her name.]
Yeah. Who's asking?
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[ So intimidation factor, mainly, even if wearing all black isn't exactly discreet.
And it keeps the side-effects of the decontamination mostly concealed, from prying eyes that might be bothered by it.
He scoffs though, mandibles flaring at her little attempt to be insulting. ]
Saren Arterius. Saw your exchange earlier. [ With Nihlus, though he doesn't specify that. ]
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[But those thoughts are pretty much out the window as soon as he says his name. And the voice snaps into focus. No wonder she knows it.]
[There's an automatic step back. A wary hand moving for her weapon. What the hell is this? This guy is dead. And yet, here he is. Just a few feet away.]
... what do you want?
[There's got to be something. There's always something. The questions about how and why can wait until the crazy geth sympathizer isn't right next to her.]
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[ Saren chuckles, as though he knows he looks and sounds anything but friendly. He spotted the way she tensed as soon as he introduced himself, reached for a weapon. He could only assume what the Council said about him post-death. He doubted it was anything flattering or close to the truth for his rogue status. ]
I happened to just be passing through. There aren't many I've encountered from our galaxy here, and you would make only the third Turian resident. I was merely curious.
[ It was the truth, simply stated. Whether or not he'd be interested in dealing with her later and in what capacity would remain to be seen. ]
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[It probably shouldn't be possible to cram that much skepticism into the one word, but hey. She made a go of it. Never looking away from him, or totally relaxing. This is the man who basically attempted genocide of every living thing on the Citadel, went off on a crusade with the geth.]
[Needless to say, there's no way she's taking her eyes off him.]
Curiosity satisfied? I don't know you, I don't want to.
[Why can't there be a normal turian Spectre here? Why not Avitus? He was great. Normal and not dead or probably crazy.]
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[ Saren snorts, sneering a bit in Vetra's direction. From what Shepard told him, the explanation for his rogue status after death wasn't exactly flattering. Of course the Council wouldn't want to reveal the truth. ]
I presume you think I'm just a geth sympathizer. An easy enough explanation to swallow, I suppose.