(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

iii

[obeir]

As has become K's habit, at some point during the day and then sometimes again at night, he makes a circuit around the lake keeping an eye out for any changes. Just in case. On this day it isn't the lake itself that's changed, but he detects the presence of a captive he's never seen before. Possibly a new arrival?

He approaches at a deliberately slow pace, taking care to walk in such a way that his normally silent footsteps are now audible, and notes the woman's attire (or... lack thereof) with a curious look. Despite the fire, he feels compelled to inquire, "Are you cold?"

[seaboard]

She's a thin shivering thing, in her wet clothes that cling to her body half transparent in the water against the fine linen. It hid very little all told.

Which is why, when he steps close enough, and speaks, she gasps and whirls, desperately clutching her arms to her body. Then dropping herself into the water so only her head and shoulders were visible.

"No, no I am... not."

[obeir]

Well, damn. Her frantic reaction immediately makes him feel bad, and he raises his empty hands in what he hopes is a non-threatening manner as he takes a step back. Then, realising she may have been in the midst of bathing, averts his eyes to be polite.

"I'm sorry. Didn't mean to startle you. Or... interrupt," he says, sounding uncertain. "Would you like a towel? Or a blanket?" Even though she claims not to be cold despite that contradictory shivering, it hasn't escaped his notice that she doesn't appear to have anything to dry off with.

[seaboard]

"My clothes are... just there." It's ventured slowly, from the water her chin lifting to indicate since she didn't dare to lift her hand out of the water less she cause the impropriety of it.

"Please, I could hardly impose but if you... I would be glad for something to dry with. Or if not, could you turn around.. And permit me to dress? So I may... speak with you... In a more decent way. Though I would not be ungrateful if you closed your eyes."

[obeir]

"It's no trouble. I'll go get you something," he replies and can't seem to leave fast enough, quickly disappearing into the growing darkness. It's debatable who that brief exchange was more awkward for.

But, true to his word, he returns within just a few minutes carrying both a folded bath towel and a multicoloured quilt — they're both clean and still smell faintly of detergent, having been recently laundered. They're from his own residence.

"I'm back," he's careful to announce this time, and sort of... lightly tosses the towel and blanket stack close enough that she'll hopefully be able to reach them. Then obligingly turns his back to her. "Have you been staying out here? You don't have a cabin?"

[seaboard]

She lets out a sigh of relief, as he turns away. The slipping noise that follows that is her rising out of the water, in a slow stretch, smooth and quick as a fox, she darts for the towel to wrap around herself.

"I have not been invited to one of them, I should not wish to be imperitenant and take that which is not mine."

It's a simple explanation to both parts, why she has not taken a cabin and is staying out here. Ventured as she picks her way across the twisting roots and grass and dead leaves that stick against her bare feet. Briefly in the corner of his sight before she ducks behind the tree to her clothes.