(event) WAY DOWN WE GO

[vestigemods]

EVENT LOG: WAY DOWN WE GO

AUGUST 14TH - 24TH

► THE BASICS

Not halfway into the month of August, the lake starts to recede - slowly at first, but then in great leaps and bounds until only a foot and a half of sun-warmed standing water remains. The lake going dry is concerning, for certain, but it's hardly the least of our problems... because on the lake bed is a hatch, askew and emblazoned with an unknown but eerie insignia, and beyond that hatch lies nothing but trouble.

Over the next few days, a brave and reckless team of explorers delve into the cave beyond - what is later revealed as a maintenance tunnel, just before the ceiling of that very tunnel caves in and traps them from both sides. Their supplies are limited, and phone signal is shaky at best. And what's worse, not more than a day or so later, the lake begins to fill back up, water pouring down into the open hatch. Can those who remain stage a rescue in time to save the explorers from drowning?

► MOD NOTES

• This log is a general dump for all log threads pertaining to August's Way Down We Go event - and in lieu of the lack of catch-all for August, you can feel free to do non-event log threads here as well! Go ahead and utilize vestigenet for any event-related network posts you'd like to make.
  
• The main chunk of the event takes place between the IC dates August 17th (reveal of the hatch) and August 22nd (the latest the spelunkers can be freed before they drown). No rush leaping on this event post, since I know most folks are honestly still plotting about it.
  
• All event information can be found on the July Event Infopost!
  
• Please take special care in this event to label your top-levels with identifying information such as the IC date, any prompts specifically pertaining to event roles (spelunker, rescue efforts, etc), and/or 'non-event' for any non-event prompts you may include. Just trying to keep things organized!
  
• I'm going to help solidify the plotting efforts over the next few days to help make sure everyone's on the same page, but none of it will be set in stone just in case latecomers want in too. If you want in, chime in on the spelunkers, rescue efforts, or support roles top-levels as applicable!
  
• Any questions can be directed to this top-level or, for a quicker response, to Trace on discord/plurk.

Comments

quintalian. ota. event + non-event.

[kinkprofessor]

dark depths (cave-in/spelunking)

[ He's woken up in worse places. There was that one time on some hick planet that he'd been coated in mud and other questionable fluids with spotty memory of the night before-

But this is different. He wasn't under the influence of anything. Or was he? Sometimes it does kind of blur together. Regardless of the how, he decides to try and discern the where. Likely a backwater world he was assigned to in search of some obscure magical artifact. He'll try to contact Zenith in a bit to fill in the gaps in his memory, but for now...

He decides its time to stretch out a bit. That's quite literal, really, as he pulls his arms out as far as they can go lengthwise. He stands on the tips of his toes. The man sighs and flexes the muscles of his back before there's suddenly a gaggle of tentacles slither out from under his clothes. They're bioluminescent, too, so easily noticeable in the dark. While not quite a good source of light, they do help him navigate his way a little easier at least. ]

Mm, now let's see what we can find... [ Probably not a whole lot, honestly, but he's determined nonetheless. And if he happens to slide a tentacle your way? Well, hello! ]

the woods

[ Fresh air.

He really does take the little things for granted. Also, he might be detoxing and being cramped in a cave with little to no room to breath wasn't helping matters any. He feels very zen out here in the forest, even for as unsettling as it is, and takes a moment to meditate.

Of course, his version of meditation includes all of his limbs. Don't mind the man in the middle of the forest suspended from branches by tentacles and doing breathing exercises. Completely normal, rest assured. ]

wildcard / plot with me!

(( ooc the obligatory hmu option for if you have any other ideas, want to plan something specific, etc. you can find me at soulblossom or discord @ Rose#7613 ))

The Woods

[timetoplaynow]

[Jon is also trying to clear his head. When is he not? Most of the time his head feels too crowded, dark whispers haunting him. Lurking at the back of his brain.

He was thinking of what direction his research might take when quite suddenly he comes upon -- this.]

Well it's not the strangest thing I've ever seen, but it's up there.

[kinkprofessor]

[ He isn't usually so brazen, really, but considering there's stranger things than him here- Why not? ]

You're supposed to meditate with your whole being, [ he says to that, one eye opening as he looks down at Jon with a small smile. ] This is all of me.

[ Those tentacles of his start to shift and slither down the trunks of the trees before he's tip-toeing back to the ground again. The extra limbs begin to recede beneath his sleeves, back to the pockets of skin on his back where they usually hide. ]

But consider me curious now: What is the strangest thing you've seen?

[timetoplaynow]

[Oh how interesting. Much more entertaining than the self proclaimed Killer Croc. Or Jervis and Edward, with all their riddles. No, he'd much rather study someone like this. Someone potentially entertaining, someone scientifically interesting.

His smile turns slightly more genuine as he watches the man come back down from the trees, and he crosses his arms. Eyeing up his new... friend.]

Well now, I'm afraid some of that would violate doctor-patient confidentiality. But there is a man who dresses as a bat that roams around the city where I come from. He's not part-bat or anything. Just chooses to dress like one. For fun.

[kinkprofessor]

[ He's just as fun a test subject as he is a scientist. He would know since his tentacles are the product of his own experimentation. ]

That sounds hilariously absurd but also somehow fascinating. [ But there's a little bit there that he latches onto. Doctor. ] But let me say, from one doctor to another, it's nice to meet another intellect.

[ He extends a hand to shake. Careful though, Crane, it's a little... slimy. Not sticky, really, just obviously a sheen of something that isn't quite sweat on his skin. ]

the woods.

[mannerless]

( funnily enough, they've found themselves in the woods for quite similar reasons. perhaps wei wuxian isn't out to meditate, but some time amongst the trees seems like the best proper remedy for spending the better part of a couple of days working in the overhot bottleneck end of a dirty, dank cave.

he plans to find somewhere out-of-the way to sit, perhaps even nap... but what he finds instead is a man dangling from a tree by some sort of squid-like limbs?

his brow knits, a perplexed sort of grin spreading across his face as his hands find his hips. ) Those truly are attached to you, aren't they? ( rather than bewildered, he seems fucking fascinated by this. if the man ignores him and chooses to keep on meditating, he'll certainly take a hint and excuse himself politely, but if he seems like he's being acknowledged by so much as a glance: ) Can you move them each individually?

[kinkprofessor]

[ All work and no play, as they say! This isn't exactly play, of course, but it is far more enjoyable than anything else he's experienced here yet.

Yet.

He knows he isn't alone and suspected his appearance would eventually draw attention. He didn't anticipate it being such good-looking attention, of course, but he's certainly not about to complain about that. Time to put his best tentacles forward. Literally and figuratively. ]

They truly are, [ he answers, eyes opening in time with one of his tentacles reaching out closer to Wei in a friendly gesture. ] I can. They're just like extra limbs, an extension of me. It takes only a little effort and- [ Another one, at that, starts unwinding from one of the branches its tethered to so he can step down to the ground. ] -there we have it!

[ Please, do be fascinated. He so enjoys it. ]

[mannerless]

( his grin only broadens as the tentacle extends toward him, because truly, this is unreal. well. it's entirely real, but the precise sort of 'real' he might have trouble convincing others (at least those from his own world) that he witnessed.

and now the man just kind of lowers himself to the ground, as easy as that. wei ying supposes it is as easy as that, if the tentacles really are just like extra limbs. )

There we have it, ( he echoes, then exhales a laugh. ) I'm sorry, I can leave you to whatever it was that you were doing if you'd like. You're just the first, ah, tentacled gentleman that I've met? ( okay but throughout the obligatory attempt at something resembling manners in some shape or form, his Inventor's Brain has taken over, so there's barely a pause before he continues on with, ) Gods, those most be- horrifically useful. Are they good for, say, writing and tinkering? Or just for branch grabbing and such?

[kinkprofessor]

Oh, I'm your first. How exciting!

[ Sorry, he saw the opportunity to be a creep and went with it. It's all in good humor though, of course, if the amused touch to his smile is any indication. ]

It's no bother, really, I wasn't doing anything pressing.

[ Since Wei doesn't seem bothered by them, the tentacles extend towards him. Only four are out, for right now, since all of his might be a bit overwhelming even for the fascinated. If allowed, one of the appendages might even suction to his person by curling around a finger or two.

Interestingly, it won't be cold. Instead, it's warm like flesh might be and has the texture of damp velvet. ]

They're prehensile so it is possible. I usually use my hands still for writing, but things like tinkering and cooking- They are absolutely useful for that! Among other things.

[ """other things""" ]

forgive whatever this is, i'm at least half asleep

[mannerless]

( the humor is met with an amused huff, not quite a snort but something just short of it. game recognizes game and that game is 'bullshit'. it's almost refreshing to be on the receiving end of that bullshit once in a while.

when the tentacles extends toward him, it seems rude not to offer a hand in return - as if they're a separate and curious entity he's making introductions with. in return, one wraps around a couple of fingers and that's certainly an odd feeling. not at all like the seafood he's much more familiar with (don't look at him, he has no other frame of reference), and distinctly less damp than he anticipated a tentacle might be. most all of this plays out in his expression as he regards the tentacle on his fingers with a flicker of his brow, nose wrinkling in momentary confusion, though his grin never properly fades.

the words draw his attention back up to the man's face, and while some might be embarrassed by such a terrible mostly-academic fascination, wei wuxian is thoroughly unrepentant. instead he listens to the explanation (this new double-entendre, alas, is lost on him), and what he ends up latching onto is: ) Tinkering. What sort of tinkering? ( the question has slightly too much intrigue to be an idle curiosity - it's probably safe to assume that wei wuxian tinkers in some shape or form, himself. )

The Woods.

[porndealer]

[Here is one Nie Huaisang just trying to have any semblance of normalcy in this godforsaken place, out in the woods bird watching. Spying. Stalking.

Same thing.

Appreciating the winged beings of the woods, as one does, when he happens upon something very much not a bird nor winged.]

Wha-!

[The exclamation of shock escapes him before he can stop himself. He does attempt to hide behind the nearest tree, hoping he's not been spotted.

There will be a one armed short young man huddled behind a tree in a too big t-shirt and some jeans, with too much hair pulled up into the messiest of buns on top of his head.

Huaisang slaps the one hand he has left over his mouth and nose, hoping to muffle any more noise.]

[kinkprofessor]

[ Since that sudden, sharp exclamation isn't the tranquil sound of birds chirping or the rustling of critters in the underbrush, it throws the meditating man off his groove. Had someone come across him? When he opens his eyes, however, there isn't anyone to be seen.

Hm. Strange. Quintalian decides to investigate. Instead of moving down to the ground like a normal person would (though Huaisang has already realized he's far from normal), his tentacles snap forward to another tree and pull him along as they move. ]

Oh, [ he says softly, once he rounds a tree trunk and discovers the man trying to hide. ] Hello there. You aren't disturbing me, if you're worried about that. [ Yes. Of course. That's what he'd be worried about. Not the tentacle slithering down the bark towards him. ] In fact, I don't mind company at all.

[porndealer]

[Huaisang has indeed realized he's not normal. He's wondering what this person? Being? Could be. It looked part human at least, but those other strange appendages looked like some kind of monster. A demon even!

Hoping he's not been noticed, Huaisang stays where he'd hidden and hopes for the best, hearing a little rustling and then- oh no. It, him it looked like, had found him! Huaisang sees that tentacle coming at him and whines, arm coming up to cover his head as if that will save him.]

D-Don't eat me! I taste terrible!

[It's like his ears had just skipped over anything the that had been said in favor of freaking out and being a cowering idiot.]

[kinkprofessor]

[ This is adorable. Despite his best efforts, he can't help but crack an amused smile at the man's distress. ]

Oh, nonsense. I'm sure you taste wonderful. [ Oh, my God, why are you like this. ] But I'm not actually looking to find out whether or not that's true, I assure you.

[ ... Yet? Yet. Probably yet. Don't worry about it, it's fine. His tentacles slide and stick to the tree he's on to take him down to the ground finally. One still lingers near Huasiang but the others start to recede. ]

So there's no need to be afraid.

[ There's a lot of reasons to be afraid, just not the obivous ones! ]

[porndealer]

[None of this helps Huaisang feel any better. None. Zip. He's even closer now and Huaisang peeks up at him, scuttling back so he's right up against the tree.]

No no, I promise I taste very bad. You'd hate eating me.

[He's pathetic honestly, he'd be super fun to toy with if Quin was actually looking for a meal. His eyes dart around a little, wondering if he'd be able to run away without getting caught.]

What um w-what are you going to do then?

Spelunking

[coolmotivestillevil]

[ That sure is a bioluminescent tentacle slithering into view.

Of course, Geralt had heard Quintalian speak. It wasn't exactly difficult. The man sounded like a person, however, so the last thing he expects is to see something so obviously monster like. Is there something like a were-octopus or squid? Nothing he's ever heard of.

He frowns, equal parts confused and intrigued, and decides to follow the tentacle to its source. ]

[kinkprofessor]

[ It sure is! While he does have enhanced dark vision, his sight is actually better suited to the deep sea than cave lighting. Hence the tentacle probing along the way.

When he hears someone approaching, that tentacle crescent moon curves towards Geralt and sticks to his arm. It curls around his bicep - not quite a squeeze, but definitely a grab - before an approving hum sounds further down the tunnel. The tentacle retreats back to the wall before slithering towards its source. A bespectacled, unassuming man in a lab coat that's smiling in a way that's just a touch more than friendly. ]

Well, hello, [ he greets. ] Being trapped down here suddenly doesn't seem so bad with company like yours.

[ Winkwonk, etc. ]

[coolmotivestillevil]

[ As soon as the tentacle touches his arm, his guard his up, grip firm on his sword. If necessary, he won't hesitate to cut it off. In fact, the pleased hum makes him tempted to do it anyway, even if it doesn't appear to be hostile.

When the owner of the tentacle comes into view, he straightens slightly, narrowing his eyes.

Great. Is he being flirted with now?

Deadpan: ]

We're not trapped.

[kinkprofessor]

[ Oh. There's a shiver of excitement, honestly, at the hand on that sword. He wouldn't mind a tentacle - or two - being cut off but that's thankfully (unfortunately, for him) not the case.

Yet. ]

Oh, what a pity. I was already thinking of fun ways to occupy our time. [ That'd be a yes. It's flirt o'clock. ]

Though I wouldn't mind getting out of here if you'd be so kind as to show the way.

[coolmotivestillevil]

[ What luck, so he doesn't have to deal with saying no to all of those 'fun things'.

He gestures back in the direction he came from. ]

Turn left. Follow the tunnel. Can't get lost.

[ So you can go by yourself. ]

the woods

[obeir]

[ Following the cave-in fiasco in which his inhuman strength had proven useful in supporting the ceiling — "architectural integrity management" can now be added to his ever-growing resume, he supposes — K's having similar thoughts about enjoying the fresh air while he can. He treks through the woods without a destination in mind, content to explore for a while and see where he ends up. It probably can't hurt to familiarise himself with more of the boundaries of his latest prison.

The startling sight of a tentacled man suspended from tree branches brings him up short. He cautiously draws closer until he's standing almost directly beneath the man, staring up at him with open curiosity, but saying nothing as he tries to puzzle out what it is he's looking at. Enjoy having the keen regard of an android, stranger. ]

[kinkprofessor]

[ It's a lovely day to meet new people, isn't it? He doesn't quite sense the man until he's closing in. Those aren't the footfalls of a woodland creature, he recognizes, but keeps himself steady in his meditation for just a moment longer. ]

Would you like to touch one? [ he asks, still hanging there. His eyes are open now and he regards the other with curiosity in kind. Human? Certainly handsome. He seems more fascinated by Quin than afraid and that's always a plus in his book as well. ]

As you can see, I have several to spare.

[obeir]

[ For better or worse, when encountering something new, K's first impulse is generally to investigate first and ask questions later, with fear rarely factoring into the equation. Which is why there's no hesitation when he answers: ] Yes. [ Followed by an attempt at being polite. ] If you don't mind.

[ Now that he's getting a closer look, there is something familiar about these particular tentacles... ]

I hadn't realised they were yours. In the cave.

[ He'd understandably been distracted at the time and unable to move to get a better look. And since there had been a distinct lack of screaming or other sounds of alarm, he'd assumed the tentacles probably belonged to a benign lake creature — not another captive. Interesting. ]

[kinkprofessor]

[ He'd make a good scientist for Zenith, in that case. Quin's investigate first and ask questions later (or never) technique has worked out for him so far. ]

Not at all, [ he says, unraveling one of the tentacles tethering him to the surrounding trees. He only shifts a little as the rest are enough to keep him suspended, for now, and losing one support doesn't put too much strain on the others.

The tentacle extends out towards K's hand first and twines around his fingers in an almost curious fashion. Feeling his skin and considering it. They do stick and leave tiny red marks in their wake but they'll fade fast enough. ]

Ah, yes, they're just like extra limbs! I can feel through them and it was helping me find my way through the tunnels.

[obeir]

[ As the tentacle adheres to one of his hands, K reaches to touch it with the other, running his fingers along the skin and marveling at the unexpectedly velvety texture. The suction marks don't appear to bother him — he's watching them form and fade with interest.

This is already preferable to his last encounter with tentacles, which had burst out of a cursed(?) magical ring like a hentai nightmare and destroyed his friend's home with a literal flood of ink. ]

Sounds convenient. What's their tactile acuity like, similar to your hands? Have you always had them? [ It isn't just the stranger's otherwise human appearance that makes him ask, but his dexterous control of the limbs. That seems to indicate he's probably had them a while. ]