#plot drop 001

[zhaoycn]

location & time: the gardens of sotera, late morning after the masquerade.

availability: open to all !

NIGHTMARES plaguing her night's rest aside, Zhao Yan had been having a swell time in Sotera. Alright, nightmares, the jesters, the absolutely creepy idea of a hidden kingdom and subsequently an entire civilization apart ; she'd been having a good time.

The mask were pretty, people were - mostly - polite, everyone had been having fun ( until the jesters had arrived but she had promised herself she won't be thinking about it anymore ) and overall she had met with some old friends, and made new ones.

a success.

Strolling down to the gardens after finally kicking into gear, Yanyan had been standing beneath the Datura tree. The flower had closed once more, the moment the night had turned into day. Perhaps it was for the best - the flowers had been... a little eerie, looking quite a bit like some monster's long forgotten trumpet.

Still, it had reminded her of home, of the village called Frigoria she had lived in her entire life. It had been filled with the Datura. Turning towards the sound of footsteps, Yanyan smiled to the intruder.

"The garden looks rather lovely in the daylight. Though, it is a shame the Datura only blooms at night. They are quite the sight once their flowers open."

[ruinationsrp]

PLOT DROP 001. - VEILED DANGERS

Location & timeline: The royal palace & the gardens of Sotera ; after midnight, February 13th, 1276.

The night was still young and in full swing, filled with laughter, merry chatter, and bodies swaying in the rhythm of Amusement’s instrument, and Joy’s alluring song. As it usually goes in such festivities, no one truly paid any attention to anything, or anyone, aside from themselves, and their current dancing partners ; the excitement, uniqueness, and anonymity of gilded masks giving everyone an opportunity to shed their everyday disguises, and turn more nature, more… primal, all the while retaining the mysteriousness of their identity. Most of those who had heard Joy’s thinly veiled warning, brushed it off as a jester’s tune, and paid no further attention to the details of the song. It was a blessing to everyone in attendance -

But, it was also their wicked curse. 

The first disruption came with the bell - twelve rings to announce midnight has come - and a sudden change of air was not subtle, not to those who paid closer attention. Joy and Amusement parted ways, the latter taking a seat in the corner of the room, slender fingers toying with the strings of their lute, while the other theatrically waltzed, and glided, towards the gate which led into the dining room. Joy stood in front of them, their porcelain white mask with a blood red grin turning towards the guests, their red eyes fixing upon every soul in the room - they can recognise most of the guests, by their masks and through their power, and their attention lingers the most over the esteemed guests ; The Queen to Be, the Spare Princess, the New King, the Lord of Illusions, the Lost Princess, the Ancient Queen, the Wicked Cousin, the Prince of Bones and the Princess of Ice - all rulers, or closely tied with the rulers. But, the wolfish smile beneath their mask stretched, sharp teeth hidden by the porcelain, for they know something only Amusement knows ; surprises are on the way, and the little royals of the Three will not enjoy it one bit.

Amusement, its matching porcelain mask with a sea blue painted grin, turned its attention towards Joy, subtly inclining their head in acknowledgment as they played the song on their lute - amused by the tense posture in the Wise, the Admiral, the Whisperer, the Strategist, the Physician, the Warrior of Steel & Silver, the Adviser and the Bone Carver ; they might feel something amiss, but they cannot pinpoint the reason - and by the time they find it out, it will be far too late. 

Joy claps, drawing attention towards its bubbly, jovial presence - but, while most of the guests are blind to the strange glint of their painted smile, there are some who frown, blinking as if to clear the fog in their minds. “Dear friends, dear friends! We have an announcement to make!  Joy and Amusement follow no King, but the King of Thorns, they listen to no Queen, but the Queen of Sorrows, and belong to no Kingdom, but the Kingdom of Hollows! Dear guests, dear hosts, allow us a parting joke! For the hour is late and even the Jesters must rest! Yes, allow us to show your beloved King!” 

The door opens, and Joy bends in a mocking bow - five figures enter, masked into crows with feathered capes adorning their towering, slender posture - and it seems like shadows fall from their shoulders, pooling around their feet - and a seated thing they carry on their shoulders.

“All hail the Thorned King!” Joy and Amusement stand in unison, bowing to the figure seated on the wooden chair - a figure made of branches and thorns, blood red garnets instead of eyes, and a silver forged grin melted into the dark wood,  and a crown of iron and thorns sits on its head. Everyone exchanges an amused glance, lowering their masks to truly look at the wooden figure, taking a step closer - 

But, then, the figure moves.

Red eyes, ablaze with magic, fixed upon the closest person in its presence. The silver cast smile widened, branches snapping as the creature wrapped its fingers around the armrest of the chair, gripping for support as it arose from its seat. The room falls silent, and it is then that the guests notice Amusement, Joy, and the five figures, all disappeared, doors to the dining room now closed shut once more. No one dares to speak, and it seems no one dares to breathe, either, as the Thorned King stands in front of them, taller than it first appeared while it was seated. Twigs and branches snap as it turns its head towards the Three Rulers of the Three, and from seemingly nowhere, a voice speaks ; 

“Hear ye, hear ye, we are more than what we appear! Hear ye, hear ye, there is something rotting beneath your trees, something boiling in the depths of your sea! Hear ye, hear ye, we are the Kingdom of Hollows, but you have long forgotten that this world held more than just Three! We are the hollows, hollowed out by the sea and the stone! We are the hollows and asleep we’ve been for the past millennia, or three! We are the hollows, but all hollow things have once been full and full once again we shall be! We are the hollows, and we’ve been asleep, but now we’re awake and ready to lay our claim! We are the hollows, so hear our words! Every peace must crumble, and so must you!”

Before anyone can truly react to the Thorned King’s words, its silver mouth widens in an ear shattering scream - and the figure turns to ash in front of everyone’s eyes. Terror and mortification grips the hearts of both the guests and the hosts of the masquerade, and the room threatens to erupt in chaos. 

But, the Old Queen is the first one to gather her wits, and with the help of both Sotera’s and Asteria’s dignitaries, she managed to soothe the terrified crowd, ushering everyone to continue the festivity, or retreat to their sleeping quarters. The night is ruined - in spite of some guests’ efforts to brush off the shocking event - and two dangerous questions are posed ; just who are the Hollows, and what did they mean when they spoke of the Three? 

Everyone hopes that the following day will answer more questions than it will ask ; but when the day arrived, the people found out that between the nightmares, and a sleepless night, they are feeling more afraid than ever.

Welcome to our first plot drop! This marks the true beginning of chaos - an empire might be in trouble with the Thorned King’s revelation, but luckily, the existence of Frigoria still remains unknown to the kingdoms of Sotera and Asteria. But, now even the courtiers and the royals of Frigoria are perplexed, surprised by something no one could have seen coming. During the plot drop, your characters are allowed to roam Sotera’s castle, interacting and, if it is in your character’s nature, trying to solve the mystery of the Thorned King and his hollows. 

In game, the event lasts from midnight, February 13th, until midnight, February 14th, 1276. On dash, the event will last until Monday, January 27th, until Sunday, February 9th, 2025. That gives everyone two weeks to write interactions, self paragraphs concerning “the riddle” of the Thorned King, your character's thoughts, doubts, fears, whatever you deem fit to explore! Please, if you intend of writing character reflections tag them with ruinationtask tag, and all plot drop related things as pd001! Of course, use the ruinationsstarter tag to tag all starters! Happy writing!

[thetriphq]

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄: 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄

May 12th is when our heroes arrive at Vortex. Giggles can be heard as everyone claims their own rooms and beds. The Crybaby's grandparents don't have enough rooms for everyone to have their own, but nobody finds trouble bunking together or taking couches for the summer. Once the newness wears off and night falls, The Wildcard suggests they go down to the beach and pitch a fire. The Nightingale jests that it's because The Wildcard is a pyromaniac, but they detest it. They get drinks, chairs, lighter fluid, and don't worry, The Worrywart grabbed snacks! One can only wonder what goes bump in the night in Vortex....

Welcome to our first plot drop! Interactions are not necessarily needed to be at the bonfire or for our first chapter, but they are encouraged to give everyone a jumping-off point! Keep an eye on the Discord for group-related channels as we gear up for our first interactive event! There is no time limit on how long this plot drop will last. We will simply move onto the next chapter once we're ready!

[echelonhq]

as it seems, the grand opening of echelon has been a mesmerizing success.   the climax of months of feverish preparation.   the kitchen,   though fraying at the edges,   delivered each dish with tantalizing precision,   and the front-of-house staff—draped in their elegance—moved through the opulent space with an effortless grace.   as the last patrons slip into the night,   the remaining staff seek a place to unwind and gravitated toward infierno. by the time you've set foot in the red-hazed lowlight,   you're already half gone.   the gritty,   glamorous epicenter of new york’s nightlife embraces you with its intoxicating allure.   the pulsating beats and sultry hum of conversation create a perfect backdrop for our heady celebration. in the crimson glow and smoky haze,   allow yourself to shed your professional facades,   reveal your true selves—exhausted,   exhilarated,   and victorious.   drinks in hand,   allow yourself to find solace in the club's shadowy corners.   there,   among celebrities and club kids,   where laughter intertwines with the rhythmic music,   a tapestry of fleeting touches and charged glances. revel in the afterglow.

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION.

again, all muses are allowed participation in this plot drop. you are more than welcome to continue any current threads as well as starting off new ones from any point in the night. in game, the plot drop will occur after closing time at 11pm onward, you may write any thread regarding after service drinks / parting or anything your muse may get up to after grand opening. this event will be in play until 5pm est this friday.

[gabevargas]

closed starter for @leylayilmz & @bellstrom location: golden hour beach bar

The bar heaved with people in costumes, drunk and letting loose. Gabe didn't know Briar could throw down like this, and he had to admit he was impressed. The place was popping, and everyone had put in so much effort with the outfits. He had chosen Jason from Friday the 13th to add horror to the night's festivities. Girls found slasher dudes hot, right? That's what Gabe argued when he received a few stares.

It had been a few hours already, and Gabe was already tipsy, texting Benny frantically to get his ass here. His mask lay discarded on the table as thumbs continued to tap his screen, pestering his best friend. He had agreed to some dumb trick-or-treat thing with a local mom and her kid. The thought of which made Gabe shiver. The idea of kids had always terrified him, yet his best friend was running around playing daddy. A far cry from the Benny of the Chicago days.

He felt someone hit his shoulder, and he turned to see a woman in a suit with what appeared to be an inflatable alien by her feet—the things you could only see on Halloween. "I think you dropped your buddy," Gabe teased, holding up the alien. His eyes finally took her in, and a smirk spread over his lips, dimples showing. "Women in black, huh? Sexy..." There was something undeniably attractive about a woman in a suit, the power. "Can I get you a drink?"

[devilselbowhq]

* DEHQ PLOT DROP 001

While the Children of Mothman have never been a stranger to the citizens of Devil’s Elbow, the equinox festival sure came to many as a shock. Most thought the group was harmless up until now. The ‘vision dust’ as they called it was actually neurotoxic dust and it is not harmful to most in small amounts, but the effects are a different story. Giving people hallucinations without their knowledge is rather unsettling and sent bystanders into shock in reaction, thus causing a domino effect which led to an overall state of panic. In result, there were fights, accidents, crashes, and medical emergencies leaving the hospital and clinic backed up. Even though the Eastern Atlantic Army ( Owen Westfall and his unit ) was able to work with Devil’s Elbow Peacekeepers to get the fans disabled and the festival ended a little over ten days after it started, by the end of April 2125 there had been over one thousand people hospitalized or treated and twelve dead in direct relation to neurotoxic dust inhalation.  The citizens of Devil’s Elbow are outraged by the results and are demanding answers from both the EAG and Afterglow as a whole. It was discovered by some that there is a medicinal mist called Serene that Afterglow Research Solutions has had available the entire time that neutralizes most effects caused from mind altering narcotics. The catch of this product being that it is only available from the EAA and Afterglow clinics and hospitals. This rumor has added fuel to the already wary undertone the presence of EAA units and uptick of peacekeepers in the city has brought. A paranoid sense that the Eastern Atlantic and Appalachia as a whole is becoming a military state, despite there being no proof to confirm such reasoning. Still, in order to quell the public’s concerns, there will be a special council meeting with a town hall afterwards to address how to handle the cultists in the future and other problems brought forth. So far, no arrests have been made and no extreme action has been taken. All other factions ( Jackals, Shamrocks, and The Silver Lining Militia ) have yet to make their feelings known. Last but not least, it is now known that there are giant moths in the environment, some with red and some with purple glowing eyes. It is unknown whether the eyes are caused by radioactive elements in their mutation or not, though some are attributing them to supernatural forces. Leaders of the Children of Mothman have promised the Night Mother will be addressing the eclipse soon. Afterglow Research Solutions and entomologists in the area are looking to get their hands on one of the species or observe them to find out more about them.

* OOC :

that wraps up the spring awakening event, thank you for being patient while kit got all the details together. going forward we promise to have it wrapped when the event ends if there is an event associated with it. now, what does this mean for your characters? that’s up to you. in the coming week there will be statements released from the shamrocks, night mother, and silver lining militia. since there’s no jackals president, either the next highest ranking member ( currently archer caine ) is free to make one or the group can decide to stay silent and individually react or not to things. as a whole and in general, this is a plotting point for you to use or not with your characters in their personal plots with others, to make connections, etc. if you have any questions feel free to send them to the main or ask in discord.

[agnesisolda]

starter for @veseniya-tqd.

where: some standing stones in the wildlands

when:  current timeline

note: thanks for lettin me be a big gurl and navigate a plot for us! lmk if you need anything changed

Only two nights had passed since the Kossith had taken and manacled dozens in their advance upon Aventia. Agnes had trouble sleeping, though the nightmares she'd had previously seemed to fade, and the hollowness of nothing within the dreamscape of her mind had been unbearable. The third night she'd laid her weary head down, something of a breakthrough occurred. Whispers, draped in the tone of the great goddess who shunned her, crackled through the dark and called to her.

'Come to me, 'o sacred daughter.

Agnes sat up, whispers resonated to a more urgent volume, clouding her mind, blocking all else, commanding her to stand and follow the command uttered to her. Something was wrong, she understood this, felt it within the marrow of her bones; shunned daughter, but still one who had followed such sacred beliefs. Hekate had always taught her followers to guide themselves based off their intuition and Agnes knew this voice was not her cherished deity, but still Agnes had to see it through.

What else could be inflicted upon her? The entirety of her soul had been scraped clean, plucked and scalded, over and over and over until she'd been released. Mere bait and the pain had been unbearable, unfathomable; still, Agnes had persisted, and she owed it to her heart, her mind, to see this path through.

'Come to me, 'o sacred daughter.

Spring waited cruelly around the corner; in the night there was the faintest chill produced by the calmest wind and Agnes walked, her soul hinging on the voice which beckoned her. She could wonder if she was dreaming, coherent enough to obey the path carved out for her, but unsure if this was true reality or a cruel dreamscape constructed for another violent delight. The Wildlands, such greenery and foliage, they'd been exactly the same as when she and Freydis had traversed them on their way back home from mending the Feywilds Standing Stones.

Her feet crunched twigs, bramble, flattened leaves until a clearing up ahead allowed her to halt. Of course, Agnes recognized the stones, but they were different, charged with an ethereal energy spliced by a wretched darkness. This was a dream - Agnes stepped into the clearing, walked confidently towards the stones which reflected such sudden onslaught of activity and stared, unafraid, into the glimmering pool which reflected back to her.

It was the true epitome of a dream; everything was exactly as she could remember it, but the faintest details betrayed her recollection, the smallest of details constructed wrong. It had to be a dream - until, across the clearing, directly on the other side of the stones, Ages heard the faint crunch of other footsteps. Until another woman stepped into the clearing, one Agnes had never seen before.

"Have you been dreaming too?" It was an indirect wonder as to who this druid was and why, she too, had been presumably called here.

[fyrenxsolon]

starter for @nylathriasoulseer.

where: eterna

when: current timeline, maybe like a fraction before the madness of the last quest

note: seers aye

Fyren had let his protective nature of the Steel dragon place them in hiding for most of this time, abilities that had been untouched for decades under control of the Aetherian's still lay neglected, but his own impatience and teetering arrogance allowed Fyren to finally face himself. He could not do it alone, however, and that was where he'd come to discover this elvhen, a seer, a tether to ages long past. Entering her store, Fyren wasted no time, approaching the elvhen at her counter, "I've little interest in your spell scrolls, truly, I'm more interested in you and your abilities. I've heard of you, a seer, one of the souls." When a dragon vied for something, they normally made their demands pretty apparent and Fyren was sure they were direct to the elvhen.

[aurelientrader]

starter for @nylathriasoulseer.

where: somewhere in the silverlands

when: current timeline

note: auntie <3

Auri hadn't second glanced at the chance to leave Avalon behind; in hindsight, perhaps he should have taken another thought on abandoning such privilege on a whim, but it'd been nearly five decades since and he'd learned to live with what was. Silver, young, burdened by the remembrance of what the Light once felt like and the recollection of the wild terrain within; Auri knew scant about the family he had. Extensive, impossible to chart, his father had produced many heirs to a Sinarian fortune that none could touch; the silver elvhen knew he could never rely on him for aid after he'd lost his own pile of gold. "Nyla, right?" From his mother's side, a familiar face within the crowd of the Silverlands and someone he'd been following since the moment he'd heard the seer had set up shop with spell scrolls. It spoke of stability, it lent to the idea that Nyla was here to stay for the time being, so the elvhen turned failed merchant stepped forward in hopes she'd recall the youthful elvhen he once was.

[einolegion]

starter for @theegonurcan.

where: caer glas

when: current timeline

note: as discussed

As each day began, Eino headed out towards the border. It'd been many weeks where he had remained there, through the night, as each ray of sun rose on the sky and each star crept to the evening. The first night he came back to the Keep, Eino received a cruel dream, hollow and foreboding, and though it mentioned the Calling, such dream did not feel entirely tethered to it.

An apple in his hand, Eino looked out from the Keep to the world below, still relatively calm considering the sun had barely rose in the sky. He turned, barely sparing a glance at Nurcan, but nodded lightly in a brief greeting, "You don't look well." It was a kindness swathed in a strange voice of concern - Eino often spoke rather cryptically if he ever spoke at all.

[lia-lozano]

Location: Golden Hour Beach Bar - Halloween Party Starter for: @wesparkcr

She probably shouldn't have had that last tequila slammer. She probably should've refused it, smiled and walked away but when she was handed a drink, Lia was not one to smile and decline. Instead, she had thrown the drink back, squeezed the lime and was now wobbling slightly in the high heels of her glittery thigh high boots.

It had truly been an incredible night, from her time with Emil, plotting the murder of her friends for the inappropriate writing still on her ass cheek and just generally being able to truly have fun at Halloween. As Lia made her way across the bar, she had a truly stupid, drunken smile on her face. Especially when she saw him.

"Wesley!" She was only a few steps from him and after she had navigated them, very slowly, in her heels, she threw her arms around his arms and torso, squeezing him tight. "Hot brother number two, you look terrifying, it's great." Squeezing him again, Lia rested her chin on his arm as she grinned up at him. "Guess who's staying at your house tonight.."

[kira-aminu]

Location: Halloween Party Starter for: @niaxbailey

It was like she was a whole new person. From not working at the festival and letting her hair down, to dressing up and going, willingly, with her friends to the town's halloween party, Kira couldn't have been further from the timid girl who barely left her house if it wasn't for work or at her friend's insistence. It had been a hard year but as she stood at the party in a ridiculously too short white dress and a cat's tail pinned to the back of her skirt, she was just grateful that she had done it.

Especially when she saw her.

She had spotted Nia across the room and although the instinct would've been to scurry away and hide, she knew that wasn't who she could be anymore. Instead, she made her way across the room, swallowing tor relieve herself of her sudden dry mouth. "Hey, watch it!" Cringing a little, Kira reached behind and caught her tail just before it slapped into the same person again. "Sorry, it has a mind of its own." She'd hoped for a smoother entrance, but this would just have to do. As she finished the few steps over to Nia, she tried to keep the nerves from her face. "Hey, stranger."

[celayawitcher]

starter for @moon-hwa.

where: in borderreach, but far enough from aventia

when: aventia is dead and gone

note: monster hunt with my bestie that i don't remember <3

Three hurlocks stood off in the distance, a dense row of trees separated Celaya from them as they prowled. Stragglers, seemingly displaced from Aventia; she had to figure they'd been injured and must have blindly prowled on how to return to the fallen city or towards where their broodmother had once originated them. Brazen confidence was often her downfall, a staggering trait that still clouded her judgement even with her sparse mind.

Celaya froze, similar to hackles bearing on a prey animal, the moment rustling was heard from behind her. The dagger Lady Araceli had granted her before the city had fallen was held expertly between her fingertips, shooting up like a striking tiger; quiet and graceful before she was met face to face with a familiar face.

Familiar enough where she disengaged, dodging to the right to avoid swiping the other woman, "I know you." Stern, quiet, her eyes flit back to the clearing where the hurlocks seemed to sense a disturbance.

[wmu-cedes]

closed starter for @wmucody

Mercedes wrapped her arms around herself. There were too many people, all of whom seemed to be just as anxious as she was, and despite the fact that Brit had given her a 'survival' bag, there was only one person that she was yearning to see.

Her height put her at a disadvantage, but Mercedes had attempted to scan the crowd to the best of her abilities when she turned and spotted him. Ignoring the wave of relief that settled upon her, and instead thanking the Lord almighty that he was tall.

She made her way over to him as quickly as the crowd would allow and took a deep breath. "Cody!"

[ryujinseaborn]

starter for @blademasterdior.

where: we're on a boat (the leviathan to be exact) !

when: current timeline

note: as discussed tee hee

There had been little incentive for Ryu to retrieve Dior, and though the pirate captain was often never swayed by demands from anyone, there was that unspeakable familiarity within Kesor that drove Ryu to accept this missive. It'd be a long sail back to shore, and thankfully the elder of the Thalasir's had taken to skulking quietly at the other end of the massive ship. The younger of the two had been taken to be assessed of his injuries, which was fair to note that their medic on board was likely a sorry excuse for the title, but one which fit the bill all the same.

As Ryu entered the small area below deck, he shooed the pirate masquerading as a medic away with a mere nod, canting his head at Dior, "You and your sister owe me a lot of coin for this, so I hope that retirement of yours wasn't finalized." A lie which slipped easily off the tongue of a darkfriend, a louche grin was perched upon his expression. The infamous gladiator of Lysara in his debt simply because he said so.

[gabevargas]

closed starter for @coltonatwater location: golden hour beach bar

The embarrassment of the punch had worn off as the alcohol kicked in, and Gabe was having the time of his life again. Completely overcompensating for the earlier drama. Who could hate a guy who was having this fun, right? He saw Colt and slapped his shoulder before he shoved him lightly. "My guy, how are you doing?" He stepped back to look at him, brows etched in confusion at the costume. "Are you an eighties pornstar?"