December State of the Game

[ateratmods]

STATE OF THE GAME

It's been an eventful two months in Aterat. The Aspects attempted to send everyone home after they lost touch with the Creator and failed miserably, resulting in an arcane explosion that has permanently damaged the portal in the forest originally used to bring people here. They made a post about it here and are still available for any questions or for anyone to talk amongst themselves.

The portal is now working and not working at random intervals, which may result in world bleed. In fact it has had that effect recently, in the form of a giant, demonic, nightmare-devouring bear. It was dealt with in short order, but the bad-emotion causing Sha are here to stay.

A Mage Tower has been discovered just outside the city walls...when did that show up?

As on OOC note, November Activity Check-In is live. You have until December 6th to respond!

Which leads us into December in Aterat. What might await as fall gives way to winter?

Offering Aplenty

Starting on December 1st, you may begin to notice the locals setting up small shrines outside their homes akin to family altars. They may include small painted portraits and personal items like combs or tobacco pouches. Oddly, atop these alters, they leave treats such as cookies or dried fruits in the evening. If asked, they will tell the questioner a curious tale: in the two years since Aterat has awakened, those who had not returned visited when winter fell, spirits would come to plague the living, but that they cease when appeased with remembrance. They will also encourage the questioner to do the same.

Those who have not offered meals to the departed by the middle of the month will begin to receive visits from spirits of the departed in their own worlds. They may be brief glimpses or longer visits, they may be happy or vengeful. Use your imagination!

Note: You can choose not to be visited as well. It's not an exact science.

A Solstice Ball

In celebration of the end of another year, and in an effort to alleviate some of the doom and gloom recently, Halcyn will announce the organization of a Solstice Ball to be held at the middle of the month. Seamstresses across the city will be providing attire at her behest (and that means for free). The announcement will come in the form of a wrapped package received as of this posting containing a voucher for a fitting at a seamstress in the market, and a white and gold invitation explaining the event as well as its location, which seems to be a reception hall and performance center that didn't exist.

If anyone tries to approach the listed address in the noble district before the evening of the ball, they will find nothing but a ruined and completely unusable theater with ruins of a ballroom attached. There will be a mingle log posted for this ball with more details, but get to your fittings, everyone! Halcyn would be hurt if you didn't attend.

Krampusnacht

As December moves to a close, starting on the 24th, snow begins to fall and the temperatures along with it. By the 26th, a blizzard will have engulfed the city in several feet of snow in places and temperatures will be in the single digits (Fahrenheit). In the dead of night the 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th, an ancient demon stalks the streets of Aterat. Residents will warn wanderers to stay indoors for fear of frostbite and to not become a meal for the creature who eats those who have been naughty this year. It seems a bit extreme, but do you really want to press your luck?

Please direct all questions to the "Questions" thread below, and feel free to use this post for plotting purposes! Enjoy your December, guys!

NAVIGATION

Comments

Questions

[ateratmods]

[faithfulsupport]

Are there specific days it might be raining or snowing or bright n sunny or whatever?

[ateratmods]

The 22nd-24th it will begin to rain which turns to freezing rain, which turns to snow, which becomes a full blizzard. Until then, temperatures are dropping, but there's no rain in sight.