#cs:event

[cursedserpenthq]

IC:

Months ago on Luna Island, one crew member betrayed the others and secretly divulged the Cursed Serpent’s true mission to the Luna Island Coven and Pack. Since then, the crew has been consumed with rooting out the traitor in their midst, but their efforts have been unsuccessful.

On the eve of their departure from Westburgh, the common sailors had a midnight drink together. The first sailor indulged a little too much and wound up drunker than a skunk. When the bottle was nearly empty, the sailors got to talking about all that the crew went through on Luna Island. The very inebriated first sailor made an offhanded comment about speaking with the Luna Coven Supreme. The second sailor, who was not nearly as tipsy, found this odd. While many of the crew members spoke with the Luna Coven Supreme during their weeks on the island, all of them had been upfront with that information. In the months that had passed since the crew escaped their near deaths there, the drunken sailor never mentioned any conversations with the island leaders. 

The second sailor pressed the drunken sailor. Realizing too late that they had let something slip, the drunken sailor tried to explain away the situation. They claimed that they had gone to the Luna Coven Supreme and the Luna Pack Alpha before the trial in an attempt to see what it would take for the island leadership to let the crew go free. Again, the second sailor found this odd. Everyone knew that the crew’s own leadership had been the ones to investigate what it might take for the Islanders to let them go free, and they couldn’t remember anyone on the ship talking about the drunken sailor’s efforts...

Although the conversation and the suspicious feeling in the second sailor’s gut were pushed aside during the chaotic escape from Westburgh, they were not forgotten. Once the ship was at sea and it was clear no one was going to die from their injuries, the second sailor began to focus on what the drunken sailor had divulged and remembered a rumor they’d heard around the ship. Though someone had certainly tried to keep the information under wraps, there were whispers that the person who betrayed the crew on Luna Island was a werewolf. The second sailor didn’t know much about the creatures other than what they’d observed while on the island, but they figured testing that theory was worth a shot. If the first, drunken sailor reacted poorly to silver, then the second sailor would go to the captain. It wasn’t a lot to go off, but it was more than the crew had discovered in months. 

While the sailors were straightening up the bunks, the second sailor handed the drunken sailor a handful of items that they “found” underneath a bunk. In the pile of stuff there was one pure silver necklace. When the necklace touched the drunken sailor’s hand, they yelped and dropped the entire handful of belongings. When they flipped their hand over, the second sailor could clearly see an ugly red blotch of burned skin. 

Once they were done cleaning, the second sailor went to the Captain’s quarters to report everything that happened to both the Captain and the Musician who happened to be there. The Captain called for the First Mate, the Quartermaster, and for the accused sailor. Together, the ship’s leadership questioned the drunken sailor, who buckled under the pressure and confessed.

A full crew meeting was immediately called.  As the sun set and the Cursed Serpent rocked in the evening waves, the Captain detailed everything the drunken sailor confessed to. Apparently, the drunken sailor decided to go to the Luna Coven Supreme and Luna Pack Alpha on their own to save themselves after the other crew members failed to negotiate a deal that would save everyone. In order to convince the Luna Island leaders to meet with them, the drunken sailor admitted to them that he was a werewolf and understood why they lived in isolation.  In exchange for their life, and for help getting off the island, the sailor told the Luna Island leaders everything about the Cursed Serpent’s mission, why they were really on Luna Island, and what they were willing to do to get what they came for. The sailor’s betrayal ensured that the crew would be found guilty at their trial. When it was clear that the crew would actually escape their death sentence, the sailor decided to go with them and pretend like they had never gone behind their backs. For months, the sailor kept their secret and watched as their crewmates turned on each other. When the Navigator was accused of being the traitor, they stayed silent and planned to let her take the fall and even let her die if she was thought to be guilty. 

Now, it’s up to the crew members to decide if the sailor’s confession holds true. In order to sentence the sailor to death, the majority of the crew must agree that they are guilty. If the crew finds the sailor to be guilty, they’ll be put to death using a silver sword.  If the crew finds the sailor to be innocent, then they will move on and the search will continue...but the memory of this confession will never fade from their minds. If there is a tie, the Captain will make the final call.

OOC: 

To cast your role’s vote, please comment on this post with either a simple “guilty” or “innocent”. If you write multiple roles, be sure to cast a vote for each and identify who is casting which vote. (Ex: Maeve - Guilty, Jax - Guilty). ALL crew members, even those who have only recently joined, are allowed to vote. Please cast your votes by THURSDAY November 12 at 7:00 P.M. EST at the latest. 

[siren-scng]

Lyra was sitting on the deck’s railing, finally able to enjoy the sunshine after the storm, when the water started to roil beneath them. She hopped to her feet, clinging to the guard rail as the ship rocked, eyes growing wide as the color drained from her face at the thing rose above the surface of the water. She stared, mouth agape for a long moment, finally realizing that the stories her people had shared were anything but myth. “Monster,” she exhaled, swallowing her fear as the creature drew nearer. She had her throwing knives with her, but she doubted that would even scrape his scaly skin, and she turned and raced towards the ship’s fishing tools. “Where’s the goddamn harpoon?!”

[jax-harper]

“What in the name of god is going on up here!” Jax charged onto the deck, his face alive with both anger and fear. He’d gone downstairs after they made it past the rocks to have a quick meeting with Ved but had quickly been interrupted by the ship violently shaking. He whipped his head around, then caught sight of something - no somethings - popping out of the water. It took him a moment to process the sight, but once he realized what was happening, he snapped into business mode. “All hands on deck!” he roared, dashing to the side of the ship to get a better look. “Everyone! We need to blow this thing out of the water!” 

[jasperxsilvers]

“Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!” Jasper said watching the heads emerge from the sea in front of him. He had only come up to see if the fog had passed when the monster appeared. Letting out a scream, he had no idea what to do. Never in his years of being on sea had they ever came across something like this before and if they had he would have used his magic. Now, that part of him was dormant and that left Jasper realizing he had no idea what to do about this. How he could help. “What do we do!?” He cried out trying to get any idea how to help. He was just a cook after all. 

[ava-rider]

@cleptaar​

The ship rocked underneath her feet violently, like a wild horse trying to shake off its rider, trying to flee. Above her, the sea serpent bared its teeth, all sharp angles. Ava grinned, and did exactly the same.

Her weapons hadn’t done much so far. Of course not, harpoons were meant for whales, for sharks, not for this. Not for monsters. Something else would need to be done.

Ava caught a glimpse of a familiar face and laughed. Yes, just who she needed.

“Hey,” she screamed over the noise. “Magni! I need your help! Remember my alchemy bag? It’s underneath my book. Be a dear and grab it for me, would you?”

[cursedserpenthq]

IC:

What started out as a simple exploration of the deserted island the crew grounded at turned into an eventful evening full of questions and reunited family. While searching the island for animals to hunt and suspicious activities, the crew heard a human noise by the shore. A closer look revealed that the painful sound hadn’t come from a human after all. An injured merman was on the beach, helpless aside from the one weapon he carried.

Quickly, the crew’s musician, Lyra ( @siren-scng ), came to realize that the stranded mer was her brother, Arroyo ( @arroyo-sin-pollo ). Arroyo told them all, truthfully, that he was injured during the recent storm and carried far away from home by the vicious sea. Dozens of questions came to everyone’s minds, but there was no time to waste. Arroyo’s injuries were so grave that Captain Harper ( @jax-harper ) decided to transport the mer back to the ship in order to help him.

After Arroyo’s major injuries were tended to, the crew questioned him. Arroyo revealed that his colony, which is Lyra’s former colony, was engaged in a major power struggle between Lyra’s mother, Wylla, and their brother Ayden. Mers in the colony have begun to choose sides and the colony is especially vulnerable.

That wasn’t the only secret Arroyo had to tell. After the rest of the crew was sent to work on repairs and were out of earshot, Arroyo told Lyra and Captain Harper that Ayden took control of the jewel the colony protects - the Water Jewel. The severe storm that left Arroyo injured and the crew’s ship damaged was caused by Ayden’s unpracticed use of the Water Jewel, and if he isn’t stopped, more storms will surely follow.

At Lyra’s insistence, the Captain agreed to take Arroyo back to his colony, although they will stay some distance away from the actual territory to make sure Lyra is not in any danger of being spotted by those who exiled her. If she were to return to the colony, the punishment would be death. When they arrive, another mer will escort Arroyo home with a tale of finding him alone and healing from his injuries. This will also serve as an opportunity to determine just how bad the power struggle in Lyra’s colony is. No one on the crew, save Arroyo, Lyra, and Jax, knows that the colony is protecting the Water Jewel. However, if the colony is in chaos when the crew arrives, it might present the perfect chance to take hold of the Jewel - not only to save the world from the damage Ayden could do with the stone, but to add another jewel to the crew’s collection as well.

OOC:

All new starters should be set after the discord event. You are free to keep writing your pre-event threads.

No one except for Jax, Lyra, and Arroyo know that the mer colony has the Water Jewel, and no one else knows that the storm was caused by the jewel.

The crew has been informed that once the repairs are made, they will be returning Arroyo to his home.

Arroyo is telling the truth about how he ended up on the deserted island.

The crew will remain on the island to make repairs for the next week ooc and time may be extended if more threads are needed. Then, they will set sail.

If you missed the event or need to review the chats for any reason, the channels are titled “The Deserted Island” and “The Crew Pretending to Work” and can be found under the discord events category in the server.

[cursedserpenthq]

DATE: October 25, 2020

TIME: 4:30 p.m. EST

WHERE: Discord

IC:

Charles Cassidy ( @charleshere ) was released from the crew’s hold, but not everyone is sure that it was the right decision. Even the Captain is considering secretly taking Charles out in order to protect their secrets. As some members of the crew mull over the idea of attacking Charles, the issue of testing the Jewels takes over the ship. 

In the early morning of the day of their departure, the crew will put Maeve Callistor ( @grimxintcntions ) to the test. Under the careful watch of the rest of the crew, Maeve will guide Adeline Drake ( @adelinedrxke​ ) through the process of using the Memory Jewel. If she’s successful, the crew will be one step closer to unlocking the power of the Jewels. If she’s unsuccessful, there could be disastrous consequences.

Unfortunately, nothing ever goes according to plan on the Cursed Serpent. Right when the crew thinks they’re in the clear and the Jewel testing is going well, things will fall apart. Unwilling to let the crew leave with his grimoire, Charles will make a move to steal it back, putting the crew in a precarious situation. If Charles attacks the crew, they must fight back with equal force, and it’s unlikely that Charles will live to see another day. 

The distraction won’t bode well for Adeline, who will need almost complete silence and peace to properly use the Memory Jewel. Will she end up in the same state as Athena Thaddeus ( @athena-thadd​ ) with waking nightmares and flashes of memories that aren’t her own, or will her situation have more dire consequences? 

IF YOU WON’T BE ONLINE FOR THE EVENT

I am aware that 4:30 p.m. EST is late for some of our members, and that we all have busy schedules. If you cannot be online at all during the event, please assume your role was onboard the ship, but simply not in the middle of the chaos. They could have been guarding Adeline or busy prepping the ship to leave Westburgh! 

LEAVING EARLY

Leaving Early: It’s totally fine if you need to leave the event before it officially ends, so please do not stress. Just jump out whenever you need to!

Joining Late: If you join the event late, it’s totally fine! Just jump in whenever you need to. 

[cursedserpenthq]

Date: August 30, 2020

Time: 4:00 p.m. EST

Where: Discord

IC Info: 

After their encounter with Maeve Callistor, the crew is convinced that the woman is hiding something related to the Jewels of Destiny. In order to get to the bottom of her identity and what she may know about the Jewels, they’ve concocted a risky plan. During the last night of the Moon Festival, which is rumored to be the most lively night of the whole shindig, they will break into Maeve and Charles’ shop and apartment. They hope to find evidence that Maeve is the woman Bradway’s journals described or written instructions to properly use the Jewels. 

While the crew is searching, Maeve and Charles will come home to discover the break in. A fight will most certainly ensue, and a few crew members may even get injured in the scuffle. 

What they need to find & who will find it: 

Charles Cassidy′s grimoire - Athena, Lachlan, Billie

Sketches of all the Jewels (12 in total) - Adeline, Magni, Lyra

Sketches of events that the Jewels have played a part in since their creation - Zehra, Jax, Uridia

Maeve’s mother’s journal, which includes diary entries that detail her years of running from those who wanted her knowledge - Cyrus, Thaddeus, Jasper

A letter from Scott Bradway to Maeve’s mother - Alarik, Val, Ivy

[cursedserpenthq]

Date: July 24, 2020

Time: 6:30 p.m. EST

Where: Discord

IC Info:

To blow off steam, gunner Lachlan Rhodes (@lachlanatsea​) suggested that the crew have their own fighting tournament. Captain Jax put the idea to a vote and the crew unanimously agreed that it sounded like a great idea. The Captain made it very clear that the fights must take place on the ship so that they do not disturb the citizens of Westburgh....or make a bad impression.

OOC Info:

Roles can participate as a fighter or a spectator. They can also place bets on the fights!

In order to ensure the event doesn’t run too terribly long, there will be two discord channels, and fights will take place in both. If your role isn’t fighting at that very moment, you’re welcome to have them jump between the channels for interactions.

If your role will take part in the fighting, please send an ask to the main with the character’s name and indicate that they will be fighting. 

Members have the choice to plot together and decide on their own who their role will fight or they can opt to have a random generator decide. Once decided, please send an ask to the main indicating your character’s partner (BOTH members need to send the ask so that I know it has been mutually agreed upon) or that you would like your role to be randomly matched.

Members have the choice to plot out who will win the fight or they can opt to have a random generator decide. Once decided, please send an ask to the main indicating who will win the fight (BOTH members need to send an ask so that I know it has been mutually agreed upon) or that you would like the fight to be decided by a generator. 

If you do not want your role to be a fighter in the event, there is no need to send in an ask. I’ll assume your role will be a spectator unless I hear otherwise!

I will reblog this post with a list of fighters and their partners whenever I receive an ask!

[cursedserpenthq]

Our discord event starts in just under three hours! I’ll be around all afternoon to answer questions and keep an eye on the main, so if you need any help, be sure to let me know.

[cursedserpenthq]

IC:

The brutal storm rocked the Cursed Serpent for what felt like an eternity. Wicked winds and forceful waves knocked the ship off course, and the days long assault caused more damage than expected. After discovering some major issues, the exhausted crew realized that they couldn’t rest and relax quite yet. An emergency stop needed to be made in order to repair the ship. If they attempted to continue sailing, they would surely run into deadly trouble.

Luckily for the crew, getting blown off course might have been a blessing in disguise. Once visibility returned, a small island was spotted not too far away. It was decided that the crew would ground there in order to repair the ship.

Surviving the worst storm any of the crew had ever seen wasn’t easy and repairing the ship will be hard work, but the crew is in for an even bigger surprise. For now, they’ve taken refuge on the island and have begun fully assessing the damage to the ship. Soon, they’ll come to find that they aren’t the only hapless souls on the island.

After only a day and a half on the island, the crew will find Lyra’s brother, Arroyo, and the story he has to tell them will change everything.

OOC:

The dash plot is now finished. You are welcome to keep writing your plot replies, but please do your best to finish them up in the next week.

Our discord event will take place on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 8:00 p.m EST. The basis of the event will be the crew running into Arroyo and learning all he has to share with them. More details to set the scene will be released on Friday evening.

I am aware that this might late for some members. If you can’t participate in the event at all, please assume your role will simply work on the ship. If you need to join late or leave early, that’s no problem either!

If you choose to write any starters before the discord event, they should be set on the island. If you’d like to hold off posting an open until after the event, that’s a-okay.

Please let me know if you have any questions, and get ready for some major plot developments!

[cursedserpenthq]

TW: KIDNAPPING 

IC: 

As planned, the crew broke into the Maeve Callistor ( @grimxintcntions​ ) and Charles Cassidy’s ( @charleshere​ ) shop and living quarters on the last night of the Moon Festival. Lyra ( @siren-scng​ ) and Magni ( @cleptaar​ ) ensured that there were no witnesses to the break in by knocking out anyone and everyone who was lurking in the alleyway. Once inside, the crew formed small groups to search the place. Athena ( @athena-thadd​ ) found and took Charles Cassidy’s grimoire. Lyra, Magni, and Adeline ( @adelinedrxke​ ) located sketches of all twelve jewels. Alarik ( @wolfalarik​ ) and Cyrus ( @cyrus-hartwin​ ) located a partial letter written by their former captain, Scott Bradway. Thaddeus ( @doctor-durant​ ) and Jasper ( @jasperxsilvers​ ) found a journal that appears to have been written by Maeve’s mother. Jax ( @jax-harper​ ) and Uridia ( @uridia​ ) discovered a number of gruesome sketches.

Unfortunately, the robbery didn’t go as smoothly as the crew had hoped it would. Near the end of their search, Maeve Callistor returned home and found the entire crew. She attempted to defend herself and her shop by throwing a fire poker. While it was not the best weapon, she did manage to wound Magni. Adeline and Lyra tried to subdue Maeve and get her to cooperate, but the woman would not stop fighting back. Captain Jax instructed a few crew members to take the injured Magni back to the ship and agreed to kidnap Maeve in order to question her and stop her from going to law enforcement about the break in. Athena and Uridia went looking for Charles Cassidy, who had not returned home by the time the robbery had concluded. 

It took some time for Athena and Uridia to track Charles down. They finally found him back at home. After attempting to get the man to cooperate peacefully, the women began exchanging threats with the sorcerer. Finally, Athena threatened to burn pages in Charles’ grimoire, and he agreed to come with them to the ship. 

Both Charles and Maeve are being kept separately in the stores on the ship. Unknown to the crew, Captain Jax placed an enchantment around each room to ensure that no magic can be used inside and to alert him if the captives get too close to the door. Rotating shifts will be used to make sure the stores are always guarded. There will be at least two crew members on the ship at all times. Over the next few days (IC, it will be longer OOC), the crew will question both Charles and Maeve. In addition, they will all have a chance to examine what was stolen from the shop and apartment.

OOC: 

If you missed the event or want to review the chats for any reason, they are titled “The Break In” and “The Hunt for Charles” and can be found under the discord events category. All new starters should take place after the Moon Festival and the break in. You are, of course, free to carry on and finish your old threads. You are free to assume that Maeve and Charles are being kept on the ship until an update is posted stating otherwise! 

[cursedserpenthq]

BONFIRE DISCORD EVENT

Date: May 17, 2020

Time: 4:00 p.m. EST

Where: Discord 

IC Info: 

The crew is in desperate need of some rest and relaxation, and luckily, Port Royal offers both. To have some low-key fun together, the crew will have a bonfire on the beach Sunday night. They’ll cook food, drink, and just hang out! 

[cursedserpenthq]

The crew is leaving Port Royal on Saturday. Beginning on Saturday, all new starters should be set on the ship. 

The ship has been fully repaired.

The intruder/Luna Island Sorcerer was not caught. Although it’s not certain, it’s assumed that he fled. This will come back to haunt the crew.

They are sailing north to track down a woman who dedicated her life to studying the Jewels of Destiny. Captain Jax hopes this woman is still alive and knows how to use the Jewels. The entire crew is aware of why they’re going to the new location.

IC, the journey will last a month. OOC, we’ll spend two and a half weeks writing their time on the ship. No events will take place while the ship is at sea, but there will be periodic plot updates, which won’t be full plot drops. The crew will focus on learning how to use the Memory Jewel and the identity of the traitor. They will fail in their personal attempts to use the Jewel. To volunteer your character to test the Jewel, please message the main. Whether or not the crew will discover the true identity of the traitor is up to that role’s mun. 

The crew’s intended destination will be far more populated and not as outwardly dangerous as Luna Island. The woman will be alive, and the crew will meet her. She will not reveal her identity immediately, and the crew will have to work to learn who she is. 

The woman will be a limited time role. The limited time role info and app will be posted a week before our crew arrives at the new location. 

There will be one dash event/plot and one discord event while our crew is at the new location. The event announcements will be released a week before each individual event. 

All in all, the crew will be at this location for about a month and a half ooc. 

The crew will learn how to use the Jewels of Destiny before departing on a search for another Jewel. The next hunt will not be as easy as the first. 

If you have an idea or would like to incorporate a plot for your role, please message the main to discuss it! 

[cursedserpenthq]

IC: 

The fighting tournament was a huge success. It seemed like all the crew members had a good time, regardless of whether or not they took part in the fighting. Once the actual brawls were finished, Athena ( @athena-thadd​ ) went into Westburgh to purchase booze so the crew could celebrate, marking the fact that the Captain might just be starting to trust her again. 

The fighter pairings and winners are below: 

Magni v. Cyrus - Magni won

Billie v. Ivy - Billie won

Zehra v. Alarik - Alarik won

Magni v. Jax - Jax won

Lachlan v. Tripp - Lachlan won

OOC:

If you missed the event or want to review the chats for any reason, you can read all of the messages in the “Fighting Tournament One” and “Fighting Tournament Two” channels under the discord events category. All new starters should be set after this event and after Cyrus ( @cyrus-hartwin​ ) and Tripp ( @satcrnalian​ ) learned of the last clue that will lead the crew to Maeve Callistor! 

[cursedserpenthq]

DISCORD EVENT: (taking place on 04/7/20 at 5:00 p.m. EST)

As dark falls over the island on the eve of the crew’s execution date and the full moon is high in the sky, the crew makes their move to snatch the Jewel and escape the island. 

The Captain gave the entire crew an option to go back to the ship if they didn’t want to take the risk of stealing the Jewel. Anyone who chooses to stay is expected to help steal the Jewel and get the crew off the island. 

The crew will be broken into three groups. The first, lead by @cleptaar, will be the distraction force. They will sneak into the forest to start a fire, then follow through to make sure the majority of the pack (who will be in their werewolf forms due to the full moon) and the coven are drawn to it. They may have to create other distractions in order to give the rest of the crew enough time to steal the Jewel and retrieve their weapons.This is a particularly dangerous mission due to the full moon and ferocity of the werewolves. 

The second group, lead by @siren-scng, will be in charge of the weapons retrieval. This group will need to break into the town hall where the crew’s weapons are being held. While the distraction will hopefully draw the guards away, there are a number of Coven members at the town hall at all times. The weapons are in the back room of the town hall that is locked with magic. @tinytemporarychraracters Alice from the Luna Coven will either be there to help break any locking spells or will give the crew something imbued with the magic that can break it. 

The third group, lead by @jax-harper, will steal the Memory Jewel. The Jewel is being transported from one council member’s house to the other the night of the full moon. The group will either have to steal the Jewel while it’s on the move or once it’s been placed in the new location. Due to some loud mouthed coven members, the crew knows exactly what council member the Jewel is going to. They’ve mapped the path from the first house to the second, and hopefully, there won’t be any extra protection around the Jewel. 

All three groups are to meet in the forest, to the west of the clearing near the entrance of the village, after their mission is complete. Together, they’ll make their way back to the ship and reunite with anyone who went back early. Hopefully, the werewolves will be distracted by the fire and won’t come after them. However, they will likely have to fight their way out. 

DRAMA:

While I’m happy to (and you all know I will) drop in twists and turns while we go back in forth in the discord, feel free to get creative. You want your role to screw up? Let me know and we’ll make it happen. You want your character to get cold feet and make a break for the ship? I’m here for it. You want your role to get into an all out brawl with someone? Go for it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. Due to the nature of this event, I ask that you do let me know or run the idea by me before doing anything major, but know that I’ll probably say yes to most ideas. 

LOOKING AHEAD:

There will be three discord channels for this event - one for each group. As the event goes on, roles can switch chats depending on where they’re located and what’s happening. The plan is for the crew to make it (semi-safely, I can’t promise there won’t be some dramatic twists!) to the ship with the Jewel in tow. Of course, that could change if enough of our roles do something wrong!

Once the crew is back to the ship, the event will end and all new starters on the dash should be set post-escape. 

Of course, you’re more than welcome to continue your older threads. Things move at a quick pace here, but please don’t feel pressured to drop things if you aren’t done yet. As an admin, I don’t mind the multiple threads on the dash as long as we’re all on the same page.

IF YOU WON’T BE ONLINE FOR THE EVENT:

I am aware that 5:00 p.m. EST is late for some of our members and that we are all in the process of adjusting our schedules due to COVID-19 restrictions. If you cannot be online at all during the event, please assume that your role went back to the ship early or participated by keeping watch for one of the other groups. 

IF YOU WILL BE ONLINE FOR PART OF THE EVENT:

Leaving Early: It’s totally fine if you need to leave the event before it officially ends, so please do not stress. For the purposes of the event, you can say your role decided to go back to the ship or that they simply quietly participated for the rest of the event. 

Joining Late: If you join the event late, you can assume your role changed their mind about going back to the ship, was busy doing something else, or something more dramatic! Just let me know if you have an idea that might impact the plot.