aionmods | PLOT & INVESTIGATIONS

PLOT & INVESTIGATIONS

Story Plotting

The catch-all page for plot inquiries, NPC threads, investigations, player plots, plot suggestions, and everything else under that banner. Frequency of replies to NPC thread requests will be subject to mod availability, but we will do our best.

INVESTIGATIONS

This is where you come to seek out conversations with NPCs, have your character investigate the setting, or otherwise declare that your character is doing something we should know about. We are open to doing unsolicited NPC call-out threads but reserve the right to cut them short/handwave if they don't seem to be going anywhere or to limit their scope if we are overburdened. NPCs are not always guaranteed to be up for prolonged conversation, but you can try. To attempt to contact an NPC please put their name in the subject line. For conversations of general plot importance, we may ask you to make an closed log.

For investigations, you can freely use this page to have your character seek out information about the characters, setting, or plot. We do ask that you keep investigations to 1-3 inquiries at most, and to have those inquiries be somewhat related. If you want to investigate things that are completely unrelated, please put them in a separate comment. Additionally, please be specific about the approach your character is taking to find out information; their method will greatly impact how well it goes for them.

PLAYER PLOTS

Aion Teleos is designed to be open to player plots, and would be glad to accomodate them! Let us know in a comment below that you/your character is doing and how you'd like to approach it as a player run event. Please put the words "Player Plot" in the subject line.

PLOT SUGGESTIONS

If you don't specifically want to run a plot yourself but have some vague ideas of an event type you think would scratch an itch for the game, please let us know. We don't guarantee we'll use these ideas, but we will keep them in mind when designing future events.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Hi mods!

Following this thread, Emet has proposed the idea of getting a few Kenoma/Pleroma together to talk about their motivations. His intent for this is to find out what motivates the Pleroma and try to use that info to convert them.

However! He would not do this in secret. He would like to run this by the Regent to include what he's doing, why, and backup plans in case it doesn't work. I would post an OOC post later asking for volunteers, but that would all depend on how the Regent respons to the idea.

Would it be possible to get a thread with the Regent to do this? Ty 😌

Yes, we can do a thread about that! Assume that Emet-Selch will be granted at audience with the Regent after the business with the new arrivals has concluded. Make a closed log with what his opening pitch to the Regent would be, dated to the start of May. (You can make the log now.) The meeting will be happening in the same hall dinner took place in, but with the tables removed so only the Regent's throne is there.

Additionally, since this will be taking place after he's been on probation for a month: what has been up to in the meantime? Will he participate in collecting anyone from the shrines? Has he been providing services to the other Kenoma? Most importantly: is he going to apologize, as requested by the Regent? This will affect how his conversation with them goes.

I'll get on that log here shortly.

As for the behavior for the month, he has been contributing and did go to the Shrines in order to collect Kenoma. I'll give you some links...

He provided information about Pleroma here, here, and here.

He offered his services for teaching magic here which is mentioned to all the Kenoma here.

He is teaching the other Kenoma magic here. (Teaching the principles of magic. Not teaching new skills that they didn't ask approval for.)

And he went to the shrine here, here, and here. He didn't engage anyone in a fight, but he is trying to pick up Kenoma before others can get there.

As for the apology, I think he would swallow his pride and do it. But he also wants to make clear why he did what he did and emphasize that their goals are the same.

Thank you for providing all these links, that makes it easy to check into! In this case, it may be better to start the log with how he will begin the conversation (IE any apologies or explanations he's going to offer) since that will really color the tone of the rest of their discussion. Then we can go from there.

Here you are!

Hi all. In light of this thread (The thread linked in the comment before this), I wanted to write this up as sort of an explanation of this Player Plot and ask what you wanted to see done with it going forward. I’m sorry if this is over-formalized it’s just the way my brain likes to organize information.

Setup: This plot has been facilitated by Emet-Selch’s proposal that the two sides understand one anothers motivations. While this can simple be "the other cause is bad" without any expansion (if that is true to their character), it would be more interesting from standpoint of playability that these motivations are expanded on by that character.

The first instance of this meeting will occur in May and include (up to) 4 players as a proof-of-concept. (Abel and Eleven for Pleroma and Emet and some other individuals for Kenoma.) After of which, this can be expanded slightly in one of two ways:

Option A) Meetings continue for a short period of time or as players demand for it/mods deem it useful, and the Regent ICly appproves. Subsequent meetings can involve 7 or 8 individuals at a time. (Abel, El, Emet (+1) and 2Pleroma/2Kenoma) until resolved.

Frequency: Bi-monthly until conclusion(?). These are meant to be small and controlled events that occur infrequently and with a few individuals, not in the place of monthly events. Results after each round are reported to the Regent.

Option B) Meetings do not continue and resolve themselves in either a kidnapping/brainwashing/murder plot (or other suggestion) at players/mods discretion.

Proposed Intent: To have characters meet and discuss their motivations under the guise of controlled gatherings (where things can still go very wrong). Given the factions are divided, it can serve as a method of cross-communication outside of combat and larger events for new and old players that isn’t meant to be casual fraternizing to keep tensions higher in conflict. Here, they may discover other characters backstories or other motivations. It is not meant for a vehicle to negotiate peace between two sides, as that is unachievable with their goals.

Proposed Result: Each side would be granted information. The Kenoma are given information that could potentially help manipulate others to their side, while the Pleroma could get ideas on how they can "save" the Kenoma. This also provides either side with the opportunity to execute player plots which could involve abductions, brainwashing, or murder if all players expressly agree to it. This also serves for a method to convince others to join the opposite side, to which volunteers can use this to support their character gradually switching sides.

So. With all that said: Do you think it's realistic to keep it going for a while or is it something which would be preferred as an isolated thing and wrapped up quickly? Or would it depend on how it goes ICly?

Thanks mods. 🙏😔

Hello there! We've reviewed this plot and here are our thoughts:

As was mentioned in the NPC thread with the Regent, they are ICly not particularly interested in hearing about the Pleroma's motivations, as they are fairly certain they can guess without the need for clandestine meetings. So, while that might be Emet-Selch's focus, it will be important that he remember that the Regent is not all that engaged by that aspect of it and is primarily interested in strategic information (mustering points, tactics, weak links, etc) all of which we assume the Pleroma are going to be reluctant to give.

However! Though we won't go into the details, the Regent does have some private motivations that can allow this to go on for a few meetings, even if Emet-Selch doesn't get anything they consider juicy. The exchange will be that this will have to end in treachery, with either the Regent calling the order to ambush/kidnap the Pleroma that have been trusting them or with the Kenoma in charge of the operation spurning that order and paying the price for it, which would be severe. One side will have to take the bullet, or perhaps a mixture of both.

Timeline wise we think it would be good to have the initial 4 person meeting followed by 2 eight person meetings. We would want the betrayal to happen (the 4th meeting overall) in September-ish as the Regent wouldn't be willing to endorse it much longer than that, barring any unforeseen clumsiness on the Pleroma's part.

This is what we think would be reasonable to shoot for at least. Naturally, it's possible that plots between now and then (either mod or player) may disrupt plans, but at least at the moment, this seems plausible.

Hi! Sometime between the recent TDM and the upcoming event (so first half of this month), Yuya would like to catch a moment to talk to Tehri about the history of the Aions, namely stuff like how long its been since they were hatching, the previous war, pretty recent stuff. He's kind of hoping to just catch her around Greentruth.

I am okay with just a summary response or an actual thread based on mod load.

We can do a thread! Though there is some information that is planned to be disseminated at later time through different events, Tehri could provide him some new information/plot points that he and other Aions can run with.

Please make a closed log dated at the beginning of May and link us here once it is up. You can handwave Yuya searching her out/requesting an audience and assume that it was granted at a convenient time for the both of them.

Sure! I've got a starter here but let me know if I should tweak anything.

Following up on Estinien's event investigation and conversation with Tehri concerning the larger forest dragons, Estinien is going to attempt to parley with the Tamfa as she suggested. Once the worst of his shrine fight injuries have healed he'll trek out into the woods and keep an eye out for the hidden presence of dragons neat the forest floor. He'll have his wings out and his Nidhogg dragon aura activated (that he gets from being infused with dragon soul/blood) in the hopes of looking familiar to them. In his canon he can sense other dragons, so he'll be trying to do that, whether or not it works.

If he doesn't get any results just from wandering around searching, he will call out his presence to them, saying that he wishes to parley with the Tamfa. Maybe calling them by name will help, who knows! He's also been feeding the little insect dragons daily (when he wasn't injured) and so him doing this may end up summoning some of them to start bothering him, which may also make an impression.

Estinien's initial attempts will have mixed results: the closer he is to the actual settlement, the less he will find. He may see dragons moving overhead and the shadows of them flying in the canopy, but these are not the Tamfa. It may seem to be fruitless for a while, with a few unnamed species watching curiously for a moment or two before flying away when he tries to acknowledge their presence.

On all instances the little dragons will be flocking to him since he has been spending so much time winning their favor. In the end, this will be what actually works to his benefit. With persistence over the course of a few days, Estinien can finally be approached by a Tamfa dragon he can speak with.

If you would like to thread out this encounter, one of the mods can NPC the Tamfa dragon for you!

Ah, wonderful, thank you! Should I make a closed log for it? I can start with Estinien noticing the Tamfa, if that works.

Yes, please! You can start with Estinien's latest attempt to try and gather the Tamfa's attention and we will introduce the dragon and have it approach Estinien. There is a very specific entrance for the Tamfa we have in mind.

I'm working on setting up the thread for this and I *did* have one question that I've overlooked:

Would it be possible for Emet to get a one-time use item that could facilitate escape in case something goes wrong at this first get-together? It's looking increasingly likely he would want to go by himself and going to meet three Pleroma by one's self without some backup plan seems a little... /squint

Given the brand is gone he does have the option to teleport, but maybe like a one-time use shield since he hasn't been in-game enough to manifest shield powers? I could edit his last tag in the log with the Regent to ask for one. I wouldn't anticipate this being a problem in the future since the intention is to bring people along.

Anyway, thought I would check. Thanks!

Hello! Given that Emet-Selch can teleport and has quite a bit of other magic at his disposal, the Regent would not consider additional protection to be necessary. They consider it to be his responsibility to organize this in an effective way, so while he can ask ICly, he will most likely be both denied and side-eyed for the request. The Regent already feels as if he has been underutilizing his abilities given what he is capable of, so him asking for more help with something like that would make a bad impression.

If he doesn't feel safe going alone they would think it would make more sense to just bring someone with him.

Here it is! Let me know if you need anything changed.

From the previous comment (now in the right place) - Seeing as the Aions are already revered so highly among the Achamites, would it be possible to eventually assume some sort of religious leadership/authority position, and if so how long would such a thing take to achieve/would anything specific need to be done?

For what it's worth, he's shown himself to be very good at motivating people in an alarmingly militaristic fashion, and he imagines the ability to do that in the Regent's interests would be a good thing to have in reserve if needed, which would be the primary reason he'd be interested. Otherwise, though, in times when it's less relevant to do things like that, he would definitely be keeping in line with the current rituals and practices, he wouldn't have interest in changing that or converting people to anything.

The approach he would generally be taking would be less one of demanding a position, but more as a proposal; as an Aion - and as someone that personally specializes in interpreting texts, the overseeing of ritualistic practices, and providing spiritual counsel - he would like the opportunity to work with the people directly and provide them guidance and leadership where necessary, and likewise to participate in services and rituals more intimately.

Apologies for our reply to this taking so long! We put it aside while the event was in progress, but we are now more available to work through it with you.

This is something that various Achamite churches would be willing to take him up on, since it would look quite good for them and their social respectability to have a real Aion on their side. In Achamoth, there are various churches with their own view on the religion rather than one Regent-dictated way of thinking, as the Regent themself doesn't get involved. This mean that their methods and the things they choose to focus on can vary. Father Paul would have had enough time to see what most of the major branches are like by now.

When picking which church he would like to represent, what sort of angles would he be most interested? Would you be inclined to support one that was very much in to the more brutal forms of ritual sacrifice they get up to? Or would be want to put his backing behind one that is a more gentle perspective on the Regent's philosophy? There are also some that lean heavily into the hedonism aspect.

Let us know what kind of traits he would look for in the practical branch he gets most involved with, and we can provide some more specific flavor. He'll definitely be giving whichever one it is some clout.

Hello there! Himeka and Ernesto are discussing supplies in Greentruth v. Godsblood and are trying to see if there's a way to start some sort of commerce between the two places. Knowing that Greentruth is low on supplies that help the overall Resistance effort but have a decent amount of food resources, they're thinking about trying to export some spices to have sold in Greentruth. Then maybe split the profits? They could use those jools to buy more supplies for the Resistance, etc.

Is this something that would be feasible? Even if isn't successful, I think they'd like to give it a shot. Thank you!

I also would like to apologize for taking a while to get back to you, but my health kicked me in the face. Otherwise, it's absolutely no problem at all - I figured you were busy with the event and I never mind waiting besides. (The event was a lot of fun, by the way! Thanks as always for the beautiful writeups.)

I thought that would be the case, regarding the Regent's lack of personal involvement and therefore the existence of different sects within the religion. When it comes to a matter of personal preferences, he actually isn't one to condemn the more brutal forms of ritual sacrifice; as much as he's generally a pacifist that's largely due to past issues regarding death, and he's come around to appreciating the general Kenoma views with regards to death being necessary. Those views also do align with his own views on the Church back where he came from - death is ultimately a necessity and a higher purpose in and of itself, and as such being prepared to give up one's life for a designated purpose (whether that purpose is outwardly meaningful or simply to further one's personal salvation) is a concept that he's entirely willing to further and work within the service of.

Basically, he's entirely here for the more brutal forms of ritual sacrifice, up to and including willing humans desiring to give their lives to a greater purpose. I mean, if death is going to be part of the ultimate outcome, he won't shy away from that in favor of sugarcoating it; he's also not quite as here for hedonism because of who he is as a person. He's certainly not expecting total support in Achamoth, especially leaning into harsher ritual sacrifices and the destruction of possessions and such as he is, but he's not above hoping that his influence as an Aion will help sway public opinion in his chosen branch's general direction, even if only slightly.

Hopefully this made sense!

Hello mods! As Misa and Ciel ranked up to Penumbral and would speak to each other over it, they would seek out Xishen together that very day to ask about the changes they experience. Aside from learning the new powers, they would also try asking:
1. What brought upon the change in them?
2. What does higher attunement mean, in an IC sense, and how far can this growth go?
3. Would Xishen tell them what her attunement level is?
We'd love a log, a summary of how those questions are answered would also be great depending on mod load. As they are both interested in spending time with Xishen too, the offer will be extended again, along with some small talk and pleasantries as general check-in since they saw her last. They'll politely and respectfully be on their way after.

Also asking for clarification: does True Sight allow Aions to perceive the attunement level of their peers, or maybe tell if there's a difference between two Aions who are on different tiers?

Thank you very much for your time!

Hello, mods! Please feel free to take your time and I'm sorry for putting more at your feet!

Since Hiccup's taken a particular interest in trying to learn about/help the communities they've come across in his own way everything in Venera reminded him of something(s). He remembers seeing winged creatures and the outskirts of a village at the Innocent shrine when they escaped. He doesn't really think they'd have much information, but he'd decide to go back shortly after Venera!

First he'd try to see if he can find the winged creatures for the sake of it (either when walking, trying to talk to the villagers, a short flight — saying as much for flavor than any expectation of meeting them)! But what he'd be most interested in is trying to interact with the villagers. He remembers them as mostly skittish, but helpful. Them and the mountaineers near the Visionary shrine are people he can't forget about, so he'd really want to see if he can make contact with them.

He wouldn't present himself as an Aion at first and would mostly act as a passing traveler happy to help with household chores in turn for conversation. He'd be mostly looking to learn about their village than anything else and be curious of any connection with the Innocence legacy they have.

Essentially, would there be anything more about the creatures but mostly the village if he returned and did a more thorough investigation? Is there anything more of me question-wise you'd like supplied? Obviously, if investigating it more is too soon that's all right by me!

Xishen would definitely be open to talking to them about this, and would quickly be able to identify the cause of the new effects and explain it to them. We're going to keep this to a summary for now, unless something beyond just attunement exposition is called for. If they end up wanting to ask about anything more dramatic, let us know.

In the meantime, since they asked, Xishen will be willing to sit down with them for tea or something of the sort while she explains.

1) Xishen would explain it as their spirits becoming more in tune with the Kenoma. The more the accept its power into their life, the more it will seep into their souls and empower them. The same can happen with the Pleroma. It's a sign that they 'vibe' with the nature of their sect.

2) In setting, the attunement tiers aren't academic terms or anything. It's more that it's easy to identify where someone is on their journey with the Kenoma based on what powers have become available to them. Xishen will understand that their vision has attuned to the spiritual, which means they are moving deeper into the Kenoma. In terms of how far it goes, Xishen will say that an Aion at their maximum strength could bend reality itself to their will, but a power that great doesn't tend to last forever.

3) As mentioned, in-character Aions don't tend to refer to things with a tier system, but Xishen will say that she is "a bit further along than the two of them." Without being pushed, she won't go into much more detail than that.

4) As for what Misa and Ciel can perceive, they can generally tell if an Aion is higher than them, the same as them, or lower than them. They will see that Xishen has a higher attunement than them, but not much more than that.

They would be able to funnel the plentiful spices from Greentruth through to Godsblood. In fact they'll find out that these items are rare and sought after given that few other than the Resistance live in the forests, and no one in Godsblood would openly show any ties with them. Because of this, sales will go very well for a while, but as time goes on Ernesto may find that NPCs are becoming more and more suspicious of how he is able to deal in these spices.

They would both earn a substantial amount of jools to live comfortable in Godsblood or to trade and barter for Resistance supplies as stated.

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PLOT & INVESTIGATIONS

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