Aion Teleos Network

Good day, everyone; if we've not yet spoken ere this day, then well met. I am Alphinaud Leveilleur, and we are come to you today—all you, of the Pleroma—with another call into action.

And I’m Hiccup. Maybe we’ve talked before, you might’ve seen me around Greentruth helping around… I was always taught we should take care of our own, which is why this is way past time. We need to get it together, now. Before another Venera happens or any new arrivals.

We discussed it at the campfire a few weeks ago, but starting this week we need to start preparing. Now, someone has already started help on the magical side — but we’re talking everything in between: combat, first aid, navigation, survival, crafting. Anything you might need when you find yourself alone. If you think you’re prepared, come by anyway.

I know from experience there’s always something more someone can learn. Everyone has a skill to teach. Even if it’s something like out-stubborning the enemy, you wouldn’t believe how effective that strategy is.

Indeed. Thus, Hiccup has agreed to hold sessions periodically to assist those who need this help. I implore any and all to take part, for it is imperative we are ready for everything the Kenoma may throw our way.

But we are not all combatants, I realize, and there are other means to help. Supplies of all sorts are in high demand, and are not always so easily accessible in the likes of Greentruth where the heart of the Resistance lies. Therefore, I am asking for those who can assist in this way to come forth, for 'tis my intention to personally oversee that we are all provided with what is necessary for us to rise above our adversaries.

For those willing, pray come forth to inform me what you are willing to contribute. And should you find yourself wanting for aught, you need only say the word, and I shall find a way to make it happen.

As will I. I mean, saying I grew up in a blacksmith’s stall isn’t for all talk. We need to help each other. I mean it when I say everyone has a skill to share, something to contribute. Rather you’re willing to fight or believe in fighting a war, we’ve all got one thing in common: We’re all here, together. We won’t survive if we can’t learn to not take everything on our own and trust each other. That’s what we’re here for today.

[ Alphinaud will let that settle for a moment, then: ]

That is all. My deepest thanks for your time, and may we prosper together.

Hello.

[ The voice is clear, and despite the fact that she's rarely spoken through communion, surprisingly clear, and with no lack of authority to her tone. ]

I have discovered that there are some among us who have come into some sort of magic, or abilities, since arriving. Some even have a gift from before they arrived, that has thus gone unutilitzed. [ Rand. ]

If we are to be at war -- to win against a foe with greater resources than we have, then we should utilize every advantage possible. I know I've spoken to others here, who have a great deal of competency with the arcane. I believe it would be best, if we pooled our resources, to teach those among us who are not so practiced. Whether it is powers granted in this realm, or... [ said with a bit of a laugh: ] simply magic, there are methods to make them simpler to call, or with practice, they can take less effort to use.

While I'm no professional instructor, I have advised others on the use of magic when they were new to workings before, and any sufficiently trained magister can instruct another on at least the basics, and I think we should do so before we find ourselves on the field again. Even if you are practiced with your gift, I am sure there is worth in working together, to learn how our respective talents can work together, before we allow each other to be exposed, or even worse: injured or killed.

[ A pause. ]

Consider this a...statement of intent, if you will. I normally favor staying in Godsblood, but given the...volatile nature of unpracticed magic, I think I will find myself an appropriately sized clearing near Greentruth, if others wish to join me. A scant few days of instruction, if you will. I do not think it will be hard to find, if you are in the vicinity in the next few days. If others are willing, perhaps it will be of use, to make this regular for practice.

[ ooc; I'll be intending to put up something of a loose open log for magic-based folks to collaborate/help out any characters who are just coming into new powers, want practice or instruction, or just want to strategize with magic-related combat in general later this week! ]

[ it’s not an intentional attempt at anonymity. dextera just has no experience with this kind of broad communication, and to him, there’s little point in introducing himself anyway. those who have met him may be able to recognize the emotional “signature” attached to the words newly displayed in their minds, and may be able even to attach the soft sound of his breath or the perpetually-uncertain expression he wears to the message he knows is about to be contentious.

but, it’s been bothering him since the events in venera. perhaps the seed was planted even before that, from his very first experience with the kenoma and having the pleroma overtake it to save him in the end. ]

Are we wrong?

[ it’s… actually not what he wanted to open with, but the panic of broadcasting a message so publicly has him blurting things out even through what should be the most temperate of mediums. ]

The Regent said it was the Pleroma that caused the disease in Venera. That force wanted us to live forever in delusion. I don’t want to destroy the world. I don’t want to make a new one either. I was happy there. I would have been happy there.

The distilled Kenoma tried to manipulate our thoughts. Didn’t you all feel that power when we escaped? The Hope that allowed us to fight? Are we still being manipulated?

[ Let's call it a few days since the selfie incident. Matt's been trying with mixed success to enter this world of psychic communion that their shards have given them access to. Mixed in both an emotional sense (he can't imagine any of his Kenoma kindred want him in their heads), and a procedural one (he's been trying to call up Abel for weeks without result).

Tonight seems to be different. Maybe it's the thinning of some veil, the dreams they've all begun to share. Maybe it's just practice. But this time, as Matt lies on his bed, focusing his mind with snatches of old poetry ...

Il est l’affection et le présent, puisqu’il a fait la maison ouverte

... he seems to make some progress. ]

Father Abel?

[ Tenuous, but there for the listening. If one's so inclined.

(Underneath Matt's psychic "voice," Abel may hear a faint duet: à l’hiver écumeux et à la rumeur de l’été.) ]

[Estinien still isn't sure how he feels about this method of communication, but now that it seems like something may be on the horizon, he'll sacrifice his mental well-being to get it done. He pushes inexpertly into the psychic realm, reaching out to all of those touched by the Pleroma.

It comes through roughly like his voice, but with a persistent sense of wary anticipation tinging it.]

Hail. This is Estinien Wyrmblood... with any luck, I have been able to reach you.

My dreams have been plagued by queer echoes of the selfsame vision we all had upon our arrival. It feels as if the shrines are once again stirring, and that more lost souls have fallen within their hold. If so, we can be sure that the Regent and their new thralls will one more move to claim the victims as prisoners.

( cut for length )