riverviewlogs | exploration mingle: WHAT LIES BENEATH

Entry tags:

exploration mingle: WHAT LIES BENEATH

who: everyone in Riverview!
what: exploration mingle: a dungeon crawl
when: May 15 - June 15
where: The River and what lies beneath.
warnings: likely violence; please put any necessary warnings in the subject lines

what lies beneath

One of the major and most highly-valued cultural concepts in Riverview is that of exploration, expansion. Especially now that, with the recent influx of new arrivals, as the portal kicks into high gear for reasons not entirely known, the Inhabited City, already comfortably full, is rapidly becoming overpopulated. With all the refugees from other worlds pouring in from day to day, the city's safe space and resources are being taxed to their breaking point.

Right now, exploration and expansion is key, and each month, the government has decided to focus on a particular objective, in order to unite citizens in expanding, securing, and supplying the city for everyone's benefit.

the story so far

Exploration & Expansion Progress Report ● Flooding in Riverview ● The Guardians of the Deep ● SUBMIT YOUR THREAD

After a successful completion of last month's goal - an initiative to clear out and clean up the amusement park, the Government has turned its attention to slightly more practical matters.

For the past couple of months, there's been some serious flooding in Riverview Quarantine that's resulted in the evacuation of many riverfront properties, leaving many residents in emergency relief shelters. In April, the reason for the flooding was discovered, as the Guardians of the Deep emerged from the swollen river and communicated with mages from Garmarye Magic Research. As April wore down and May began, the Guardians have been gently guided out to sea in the first yearly migration they've had in the many generations before awakening from hibernation.

That's all well and good, but one wonders...if they were called Guardians...what were they guarding?

how it works

● Phases: Each prompt is a different phase of the operation. Characters may partake in whichever part of the operation they choose, whether it is a large and prominent part, or a more of a backseat or support role. Characters may participate in as many phases as they wish.

● Completion: When next month's exploration mingle goes up, the mission featured on this exploration mingle will be considered complete, and game canon, providing the entry has 200+ comments on it.

● Submissions: If your character and/or your character's team has threaded something out to completion, or if you have added and solved a complication to the mission via player plot either on this log or elsewhere in the game, please use the "submit your solution" link above to submit that information so it can be added to the Progress Report.

● Thread Rewards: This month, I have created five different items as rewards with three power levels for each item. Any character participating in a completed thread with at least one other character, for any phase prompt by July 15 will be able to pick a keyword corresponding to one of these rewards when they submit the thread at the link above, threads in each phase corresponding to a power level. Every character participating in a completed thread will be eligible to receive an item. Completed threads must take place on this entry. Details of what the reward items look like can be found at the submission link for use in threads.

● Entry Reward: The reward for completion of this month's exploration objective will be a piece of worldbuilding/lore about the Portal and the first people on the moon.

phase i: the labyrinth

Teams of mages and divers have managed to find what the Guardians of the Deep were guarding. It turns out that underneath the river, there is a labyrinthine maze of tunnels and caverns that appear to be created rather than natural. Divers have managed to bring up a few pieces of rubble that have been dated back approximately 1.8 million years, which is around when historians of the Quarantine theorize that the first sentient people came through the portal and ended up trapped on the moon. Not much is known about these First People, but it is theorized that whatever structure is under the river was created by them, originally beside the river and lost to time, buried by a change in the river's course.

And obviously, everyone wants to explore it!

With a bit of construction and magic, a barrier has been created in the river that splits the flow and allows access to the entrance to the waterlogged underground structure, and initial drone exploration has given explorers a very rudimentary idea of how it might look inside. Circular and at least as wide as the river (perhaps wider), there is a series of labyrinthine tunnels that surround two layers of inner chambers, one in the shape of a ring and one circular.

Phase one of this month's mission is to make it through the labyrinths, mark a path through for anyone following, and clear that path of any remaining monsters or barriers. Characters who complete this objective and hang back to guard the exit route for those going further in will be considered as having completed Phase I for a Level 1 reward.

phase ii: the inner ring

Once the way has been cleared, a smaller group of explorers can move inside the ring-shaped chamber inside the labyrinth. The area looks like it is divided into rooms, living quarters that contain the remnants of lives left behind. A picture of the type of people who lived here emerges through the artifacts that explorers may find - clothing and stone relief carvings not worn away by the river water show what looks like a peaceful reptilian people, druidic and in tune with nature; bipedal with long, serpentine necks, they seem to have achieved peace on their new home before something happened to wipe them out.

Phase two of this month's mission is to make it through the inner ring to access the central chamber, and it's not all safe and peaceful. These were, after all, the homes of the First People, and even in a time almost 2 million years ago, people locked their homes before leaving them - and in this case, they seem to have known they were leaving for a long time and seriously wanted everyone to stay out. Expect every door in this ring-shaped chamber to be laced with traps both magical and mechanical, ranging from rock falls, pits with spikes, poisons, magical thorny vines, and potions or spells that induce hallucinations and elaborate illusions. Pretty much anything you might think of can be found there, as long as it is somehow related to nature, plant life, earth or water or wood or stone. Characters who make their way through the inner ring and stop to guard the entrance, or characters who are felled by a booby trap in the inner ring and have to turn back will be considered as having completed Phase II for a Level 2 reward.

phase iii: the central chamber

Once the inner ring has been mapped out and the traps safely sprung, the way is cleared to the central chamber, the deepest and most protected level of the structure under the river. It seems obvious to anyone who looks at the layout of this place that the whole thing was built to protect the center of the structure and lead people toward it at the same time - to what purpose? There must be something valuable here.

Phase three of this month's mission is to get through the door to the inner chamber and find what treasure might lie inside. The catch? Not only is the door guarded by complicated puzzles that shift and change for each new group that attempts to get inside, ranging from a riddle to glyph reading to games of shape and pattern, but once the door opens, intrepid travelers face another Guardian.

Much like the puzzles, the Guardian inside the central chamber changes form for each team facing it, and quickly adapts to counteract that team's greatest strengths. Whether the team is comprised of regular people or gods, the Guardian will be strong enough to give them an excellent fight. Summoned through magic, the Guardian will take on a different form each time, but has the intelligence level of a dolphin and the ability to understand some speech. Whether the Guardian is fought or tamed is up to each party's discretion, but it must be conquered in order to reach the center of the chamber, where a tantalizing, glowing blue orb sits on a heavily-decorated pillar at the center of the room, along with enough reward items for every member of the party.

Anyone who tries to take the orb, however, will find themselves knocked unconscious for a period of 10 minutes with no ill side-effects. Unfortunately, the orb itself will need to be extracted and studied by a team of senior mages from Gamarye Magic Research - but they couldn't have got there without the help of this month's explorers!

Characters who solve a puzzle at the door to the inner chamber and either tame or conquer the beast in battle, or who are felled while trying will be considered as having completed Phase III for a Level 3 reward.

phase iv: wildcard

Have an idea for a mission-adjacent plot, or want to make up an unexpected plot twist or problem and solve it with your character? Just write up a starter, and don't forget to give yourself props by submitting it for the Progress Report. Your mod will respond to any wildcard submissions with the power level of the reward the character can claim for the original content.

navigation
[Ancient Civilizations: Lost & Found by Alex Feliksovich; bonus inspiration artwork: The Secret Cave by Maxime Delcambre]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Aw. Here I was thinking you were gonna say you feel lucky because you're here with me.

[ He grins and winks at Victor, checking the bandages briefly as the doctor collects the knife. He readjusts his things, then takes his phaser out of its holster. The further down the path they go, the likelier the chances they'll run into some wild creature. He's not taking any chances. ]

That really goes without saying. Just like it goes without saying that when we're done here, you'll get very lucky tonight.

[He smirks, continuing on. Now he's paying attention to the walls and holding his palm out as they pass by. He's not touching but keeping close enough to feel any air that might be escaping. He stops to mark another spot. There may or may not be a hidden trap, but better safe than sorry]

[ Jim grins at Victor, eyes narrowing just so. ] Hush, now. Not when we're working, honey.

[ Before they distract themselves with flirty talk and innuendo, Jim turns his attention back to the labyrinth. They make it a little deeper for a while, finding one or two traps like the one before, but managing to set them off without getting hurt. At least the next people who come after them will be safe.

They follow down a corridor that gets narrower and narrower, ending up on a dead end. Jim sighs. ] Dead end. Mark it on the map.

[ He turns around to head back the way they came from. What he doesn't know is they were followed by a pair of wild animals, which are now waiting right after the turn to ambush them. ]

Yes, dear.

[He chuckles, getting back to work mapping the area and marking where they find traps. Even if they don't set off again for the next people coming by, it's still worth knowing where they went off.

He dutifully sketches the end, then turns to spool the string back. He doesn't see the animals until they've already pounced on him. One of them is more interested in his pack and drags him down trying to take it off. At first he tries to fight them off but then goes still, thinking it might make for an easier target if the animals are the only ones moving]

[ The creatures are fairly small, only slightly larger than a dog, but certainly stronger than one. Two of them make for an even bigger threat. It doesn't help that Jim's caught entirely by surprise when they leap at them, one of them turning its focus on the doctor.

Sadly, unlike Victor, Jim isn't as quick to figure out it's best to stay still. Seeing Victor stretched out on the floor underneath two wild animals doesn't really help him keep calm. He rushes forward, catching one of Victor's arms and trying to pull him to his feet and away from the creatures. One of them looks up and bares its teeth in a growl, and he instantly lifts his phaser and points it at the animal. ]

[Frankenstein playing dead. Victor doesn't particularly like doing it but between the two of them, James is the more capable fighter. So he stays still despite every part of him wanting to fight. If these things think he's dead, they'll lose interest in him.

But that only means their interest turns to James. He can't allow that. All his medical supplies spilled out in the attack. He slowly reaches for a needle, careful to make as little noise as possible. A quick glance to James and then he attacks, stabbing the creature that's baring its teeth at James. The thing yelps and whimpers in pain, then collapses.

Victor sort of crumbles next to it, staring at the ground so he won't have to watch it die]

[ The other creature seems more reluctant to approach when the first falls. Jim doesn't waste any time, and lifts up his phaser to shoot at it. The creatures out here seem to be more resilient than he's used to, and it takes quite a few shots to successfully stun it. Eventually the animal stumbles and falls on its side, unconscious but still alive.

He's breathing heavily, promptly turning and rushing back towards Victor. ]

Hey— Victor. You alright? Did they hurt you?

[Victor just sort of stares blankly at the creatures. He blinks a few times before focusing on James]

Just... scratched up. It's fine. I... I couldn't let it hurt you.

[Maybe he didn't kill it? If it took so much to stun, maybe what should've killed it just made it pass out instead. He gives the creature a little pat on the head and withdraws the needle, just in case it is just passed out. He takes a breath and starts gathering everything together]

My flashlight's broken.

[ He still gives Victor a once-over, studying him with his hands and making sure he really isn't injured or bleeding anywhere. Once Victor's up and moving, Jim shifts towards the creature instead, feeling carefully for a pulse. ]

They're still alive— for what it's worth.

[ It's a relief to him too. He doesn't like hurting the creatures out here. If he can avoid killing them, then he absolutely will.

Getting to his feet, he digs into his bag, finding a flashlight and handing it over to Victor. ]

It's not as good as yours but it'll do the trick.

Thank god.

[He wipes a hand over his face and into his hair. He gathers himself together and takes the offered flashlight]

I came out here so I could learn what sort of things people face on expeditions, and be a better doctor for it. I wasn't prepared for that.

It's fairly common, running into wild creatures. I've had trouble with a few a lot larger than these two, even.

[ He starts them back through the way they came, helping Victor spool the string again. ]

If you'd rather, we can go back. We don't have to keep going.

Yeah, I know.

[He backtracks them to where they took their last turn]

Of course we have to keep going. James, I spent too many years in Storybrooke avoiding this kind of thing. I don't want to do that any longer. Besides, I've seen a lot worse than those creatures, too.

Alright, alright. Then we keep going. [ He smiles at Victor. ] Daring adventurer suits you.

[ They make it back to their previous path, and this time around they take another turn. Jim keeps an eye and ear out for anything out of place, especially now that they'd come across both traps and wild creatures already. The closer they get to the end of the labyrinth, the likelier they are to run into even more trouble, so. ]

Like Professor Lidenbrock or Phineas Fogg.

[He is more attentive now, studying the ground, walls and ceilings more intently. And picking up loose rocks to toss ahead when they're ready go make another turn in case something is lurking. He might not have been fully prepared when he first got in, but he learns quickly.

One time he throws a rock, there's no following clatter. He pulls James to a stop]

Hold on. Let's just... look around that corner slowly.

[These mazes do come with bottomless pits, after all. Though since it's underwater, the rock landing in some water isn't out of the question either. Victor is running through all the possible things the rock could've landed on that would muffle the sound.

He glances around and it's... water, just high enough to reach their waists and stretches far enough that they can't jump across]

Hm. What do you think?

As long as you don't meet some beautiful widowed princess and marry her, I think I'm fine with that.

[ He smiles briefly at Victor, though he's sure the doctor knows already that he's just teasing. Turning his attention back to the path, this time he lets Victor take the lead, testing each turn they take for traps, while Jim keeps his phaser at the ready, should they be caught by surprise by another creature.

He stops when told, nodding and following Victor's lead. They don't move too close to the corner, peeking over just so, in case there's any trap waiting to get them. Luckily it seems to be just water, and Jim relaxes just a hint. ]

I think... I'm going to regret not having brought a change of clothes.

[ He smiles a little at Victor, then steps closer to the edge of the water. Of course there's a chance it's not just water. It might be, of course, just a creek coming from the river or something, but there could still be a trap just waiting for them to jump in.

Jim throws another rock, a little heavier this time, but it still doesn't activate any traps. ]

I brought some rope. We could tie it around me, I go across, then you tie the other end around yourself and follow after me. So if something tries to pull us under or anything, we can tug each other out of the water.

[That just gets a roll of his eyes in reply. He doesn't feel the need to remind James that his preferences lean more toward starship captains from Iowa.

He focuses on the task at hand, unrolling a strip of bandages and wrapping it around his hand. They got dirty when they fell out during the creature attack so he can't really use them to treat a wound. Victor dips his wrapped hand into the water, holding it under for a few seconds before pulling out]

Seems like it's just ordinary water. Get across as quickly as you can, though, just to be safe.

[ Jim still hovers close to Victor, worried something might happen. But it seems to be perfectly safe. The water doesn't even shift weirdly, and nothing jumps out at them either. ]

And here I was thinking about taking my time and going for a swim and everything.

[ He raises an eyebrow and his lips twitch into a teasing smirk, but then he's promptly digging into his bag, pulling out a piece of sturdy rope and a pair of waterproof pants. It might not make much of a difference, but it should at least cover most of his boots and his legs, so hopefully he wouldn't get too wet.

He puts them on over his own clothes quickly, then starts on the rope. ]

Help me tie it up.

Save that for our lake, babe.

[Okay so it's not technically their lake, but James will know what he means. He smiles a bit seeing all the stuff James brought along to prepare. Of course he would think of all this stuff, what with traveling galaxies and such.

Victor ties one end around his own waist first before doing the same for James. He's really hoping this path leads somewhere because he's not really looking forward to wading back through the water again. He gives the rope a sharp tug to test it]

Okay, we're secure.

[ He grins a little at that. Yes, he knows what Victor means. ] Will do.

[ Honestly, if he'd known, he'd have brought a full suit to wear over his clothes if he knew he'd be wading through water, so he actually feels somewhat underprepared. Still, it's better than nothing. He helps Victor secure the rope as tightly as possible, then hands over the other end to him before making his way to the edge of the water.

Crouching first, he carefully hops into the water, feet eventually touching the ground. He holds onto the edge as he takes a couple of tentative steps, then finally lets go so he can start making his way towards the other edge. ]

[Victor watches James wade through, eyes moving between him and the water. His body is tense, ready to pull James back or even jump in after him should anything happen. It all seems fine so far. This could be one of those fake-out traps that make you think it's something sinister.

Though even with thinking that way, he doesn't let down his guard]

[ Jim isn't feeling particularly reassured either, but he knows better than to let panic take over. He keeps walking slowly and carefully, testing the ground as he goes for any traps or triggers, but nothing happens. Eventually he reaches the other end, and sighs as his hands settle on the rocks along the edge. ]

I think it's fine. Just a random creek coming from the river.

[ He looks back and smiles over at Victor, then climbs out of the water, taking off his backpack, then the pants. ]

Want me to toss these over to you?

[He nods, grabbing the stuff when it's tossed over. While he puts them on, he theorizes vocally]

I's actually clever, having some parts of the maze be harmless and others be dangerous. It's like a test of fortitude and perseverance. Or a puzzle, making anyone who's going through figure out the meaning of the various traps. Are they signaling the correct way forward or just tricking you?

[He puts his bag on his head so whatever medical supplies weren't ruined by the creature attack can stay dry as he wades his way over]

Personally, I'm thinking optimistically about this trap.

[ He checks on how wet his own bag is while Victor puts on the pants and ties the rope around himself. Chances are he won't need it, but still, better safe than sorry. A creature could still show up, or the ground give in under Victor's weight. Jim would rather have that added safety, just in case. ]

It's likely that some of the traps are pointless. Or rather, that their whole purpose is to make you think you're on the right track. [ Most people would think that a trap would mean the right path, or else there would be no point to them. But misdirection could be their whole point. He smiles a little, pulling on the rope so it's fairly taut as Victor crosses the water. ]

You're cute when you get all smart and scientific.

Exactly! [His eyes light up as ideas start to roll around in his head] The assumption is that the more dangerous the trap, the more likely you are on the correct path. But they could just be playing to that assumption and misleading any curious explorers.

It might even be a warning system, where the dangerous traps are telling you that you're going the wrong way. It's fascinating!

[He chuckles, looking pleased] Then I must look cute to you all the time.

[He makes it to the other side and pulls himself out of the water, stripping off the waterproof gear]

[ He smiles and listens quietly while Victor elaborates on his theory. It all makes sense, though of course they wouldn't be able to prove it unless they mapped out the labyrinth in its entirety. Victor would probably enjoy that, but Jim has a feeling it would take a whole lot of time, and not be entirely safe when it's just the two of them.

He helps Victor out of the water, holding his bag while he takes off the trousers. ] Yes, as a matter of fact. I do think you're cute all the time.

[ Taking the trousers from Victor, he shakes off the excess water, then rolls them up and tucks them into a side pocket in his own backpack. ]

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