Winter Event 2018/19

[shardofwinter]

» Premise «

There is a storm in the Nexus. At first it was light snowfall, but then it came down harder. The wind began to whistle and then howl. Snow turned to sharp sleet, and any leaves desperately clinging on after Autumn were ripped away as the trees threw their branches this way and that. Eventually the Nexus is transformed into an arctic snowscape. Even on days where the air is still, it's dark, and visibility is eternally low.

Perhaps people noticed the torches lined up throughout the Nexus. Perhaps they were disregarded entirely. And maybe, just maybe, someone noticed their glacial march towards the buzzing hubs of the multiversal meeting point. At some, indistinguishable point, they inch closer in unison. Those who try to observe this will only manage to see that they are in one place one moment, and closer the next. The ring tightens with each passing day, relinquishing its protection from the dangers outside. 

Some days the wind roars with a ferociousness matched only by the animal howling that accompanies it. Other days are still, thick with fog that shroud the Wilds and abandoned buildings. People talk about seeing shapes moving in the distance, hearing whispered words, or seeing glowing eyes: Perhaps they're survivors, or scavengers, something worse, or just hearsay.

The storm rages hardest outside the protection of these torches, and the figures that people warn each other of never pass the boundary. But that boundary is shrinking. This Winter, time is the ultimate enemy.

» OOC «

The first post will be after the New Year so we can all take our time enjoying Christmas and all the chaos that follows. All effects will end 20th March with the Spring Equinox. 

As with all events - This is an Opt In event. You do not have to participate if you don't want to.
To characters not participating in the event, everything can be perfectly normal as per the mun's preferences. This is one of the many joys of playing in a multiversal Nexus: Two universes can exist simultaneously. That being said, if you have chosen to stay out of the event please do not use a character unaffected by the event to interfere with the event. E.g. If character A is in the event and interacting with character B out of the event, please do not use the character B to solve character A's event related problems (e.g. By giving them food/blankets/etc). It ruins the fun and the point of the event. 

This is a character driven, endurance event.
It gives you the opportunity to play out what your characters would do in a dangerous Winter situation. Will they rail against the storm and try to find or fight the cause? Will they focus on protecting themselves, stealing from others for their own comfort and survival? Will they organise others? Will they participate in searches for food or survivors? Understandably I am not going to RP out all the Nexus NPCs, so you are all free to write NPCs acting appropriately. I know a lot of you folks have done it before, but if you need an NPC or few for anything and you're not sure how to, how they'd act, or you need someone to play them then just message me! We'll sort something out!

PINpoints and Portals
PINpoints and Portals are acting up this Winter. While some are working normally, others are unreliable. People using portals or PINpoints to supply the Nexus will soon find their method of transport on the fritz until it goes completely... or they cease supplying the Nexus.

Use this post to help plot and plan and let others know what your characters will be doing.
People will have to work in groups and fulfill certain roles which could make for some very interesting character interactions. Here are some suggested roles:
Maintaining the perimeter - it might sound boring, but someone's got to keep an eye out.
Helping refugees - They will need food, blankets, a dry place to stay, and basic necessities. That's a lot to cover for so many people.
Being the refugees - It's ok for characters to just focus on keeping themselves alive! Or for them to do something stupid and get into trouble.
Keeping the peace - Not everyone will get along. Cabin fever is bound to start up some disputes.
Scavengers - There could be some gems left behind in the dangerous, icy wastes. Is it worth risking it? And will your character share their spoils or keep them for themselves?
Thieves/Opportunists - Hey, not everyone is going to play by the rules, and hunger, fear and the cold will drive people to do crazy things. The weak, tired, freezing refugees are prime targets.
Expeditions - There won't be enough to go around forever. Hazel ensured that there were caches hidden about the Nexus, and there might be other sources of food or warmth. There might even be other survivors out there.
Each group will need to organise itself. Someone will need to be in charge to make the tough decisions, and someone will need to help keep everyone in the loop. If you need any ideas, message me and I'll see if I can help, or comment here and see if other players have a thought!

I am planning on making two posts:
1. The Start of the Storm - A post introducing the event, where people can react to the problems ahead and organise themselves.
2. Into the Darkness - A later post with activities for people both inside and venturing outside the perimeter.
Players are encouraged to make event related posts of your own with characters dealing with the storm. I'd advise you put a storm/event related title on it just to show folks it's event related and keep things easy to understand.E.g. The Winter Storm: Character searches for food; Character's Winter Storm Struggles.

If you have any questions at all, let me know! Ask myself or one of the mods! Whether you're not sure how to navigate a character interaction when only one is involved in the event, or you've got an idea you would like to discuss: Shoot me a comment, or a PM, or a Discord message if you're on there!