LANDFALL | TAVIMBI | FEBRUARY MINGLE LOG

[ironwood]

Characters: ALL!
Date: January 27th to ???
Location: City of Hatal, Tavimbi
Situation: After anchoring Tu Vishan to the coastline of Tavimbi, the city of Hatal welcomes kedan and Foreigners alike.
Warnings/Rating: Add warnings as needed.


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The southern port city of Hatal is used to getting its fair share of visitors, so after the initial surprise of having a continent-sized turtle washing ashore and parking there like it's going to be a while, the Tavimbians recover with admirable poise and begin processing the new arrivals through their customs procedure. After providing a basic summary of their informátion (age, species, duration of tenure on Tu Vishan, and list of "potentially disruptive abilities") they'll be issued a pass stamp, which they must keep on their person while in Hatal. It's made of a brassy metal, a little larger than a credit card, and inscribed with their information, their date of arrival, and whether they've had any run-ins with the laws in Tavimbi (it will be stamped accordingly by the authorities if such happens.)

Once that's all taken care of, visitors will be welcomed to Hatal!

OOC: There are starters in the comments for various areas of Hatal, or you can use the rest of the post for anything on Tavimbi which doesn't fit under those headings.

---

LINKS
Hatal Exterior - The Metal Heights | The Causeway Level | The Reservoir Level
The Artery Level | The Lorn Level | The Jagaiz Rings | OOC Post

Comments

The Artery Level

[ironwood]

This level has somewhat restricted access, in that the Dexedi don't want people aimlessly wandering around the metal corridors when there is sensitive equipment being used. Anywhere near the Xunutane, especially, requires an escort by one of the supervisory Dexedi, although some of the research labs can be accessed without a chaperon.

These labs study everything from converting energy into more efficient streams for powering the various systems in Hatal, to how to better integrate the nutrient baths for the food terrariums on the Reservoir Level, to continuing to enhance the comprehensive telecommunications frequency employed by the various Tavimbian cities to stay in contact with one another.

The Dexedi, at least, are quite friendly with visitors, especially technologically inclined ones, or at least those who show a willingness to learn about it. In fact, those who ask may be given a brief lesson or two by some of the Dexedi during their off hours, including demonstrations of some of their labwork.

Closed to Charako

[hadthehighground]

Since his arrival in Hatal, Obi-Wan has sensed something interesting. A power not unlike the Force seemingly concentrated in the heart of this city. Naturally this deserved further investigation which led him down to the artery level. Only to discover that access was restricted.

After asking a few questions, including a request to see the Xunutane himself, he was politely directed to Charako. The supposed mediator between the Dexedi and the visiting Foreigners.

[ironwood]

Charako is a shorter Muin woman with dark skin and a shock of lime-green hair that matches her eye colour, making her part of the "chromatically correct" segment of Muin. She wears a practical Dexedi foreman's uniform, which easily identifies her among the other workers on the level, and greets Obi-Wan amiably but doesn't stop walking, beckoning him to follow.

"You'll have to keep up," she says, striding down the corridor. "I've got a power bleedover in the Rakar district that no one can see to pinpoint, and one of my researches apparently gave herself Tur'rayo poisoning while experimenting on some new samples, so I want to check on the containment in that lab. You and your people have kept the customs office pretty busy, I hear! I don't make it up to the Causeway that often, too much to do down here any given day. What was it you needed, again?"

[hadthehighground]

Obi-Wan easily follows without complaint, taking moments to look around as they go. This city is rather fascinating to him, as are the people. The Muin especially are a rather attractive and friendly people he's come to find, and Charako seems no different. In fact he can easily tell by her words that she's passionate about her work. He likes her already.

"Actually, I have some questions about your power system. It's source is a crystal called the Xunutane, correct? I would very much like to learn about it."

[ironwood]

"I was told that'd be an area of interest for the visitors," Charako laughed, never slowing her steps and glad the man could keep up. "Yes, the Xunutane powers almost everything in Hatal. There are a few old systems that still run on geothermal power, but only because it's not practical to change them over. A lot of people remark on the smell, actually. Hope it's not a bother for your lot, we don't really notice it."

Charako turned her head to address one of the Dexedi workmen as they passed without missing a beat. "Did the pressure seal solve the problem in Sil-24?"

"Yes boss," the worker answered, also not stopping his task. "Up to 75 again."

"Good, good," Charako replied, before adding to Obi-Wan, "So what exactly did you want to know about it?"

[hadthehighground]

"Oh don't worry, a little sulfur never bothered me." Mustafar was so much worse anyway.

Obi-Wan then waited patiently as Charako conversed with her associate. When she returned her attention to him, he got right back on topic.

"I'm curious about where it came from and how you tap it's power. It feels similar to an energy that I'm very familiar with in my home galaxy. I was wondering if there was perhaps a connection."

[ironcoin]

"Where it comes from depends on who you ask," Charako answered, amused. "I assume you want the scientific explanation, since you came here instead of going to the Sabonile Temple. The truth is, we don't know a lot about the Xunutane's origins, beyond what we've been able to determine from trace elements it puts out. Our best estimate is approximately 6000-7000 years ago, pieces of one larger piece broke up in the atmosphere and fell across most of the continent."

[hadthehighground]

Stroking his chin thoughtfully, Obi-Wan listens intently to Charako's explanation. It's quite fascinating really.

"Oh I intend to visit the temple as well," he says with his own amusement.

"I see, that would explain what I'm sensing. That the Xunutane is connected to others." There's a another thoughtful pause before he continues. "Would it be possible for me to see it?"

[ironcoin]

"Good luck with them," Charako says laughingly. "I don't mind the Sabonile by and large, but they've got some ideas that just don't mesh with how things really work. I'm all for revering Hapoyela, but I can't let it stand in the way of progress."

Charako nods at the question. "I'm heading to the main chamber shortly," she said. "You can tag along, sure. And the Xunutane is part of a web, would be the easiest way to describe it. You've got something similar in your world?" Her green jewel-bright eyes gleam hungrily.

"Don't suppose you'd feel like sharing more details on that?"

[hadthehighground]

"In a sense, yes."

He was most grateful that she was willing to allow him to tag along. Obi-Wan also certainly didn't mind sharing details either. It was a fair exchange of information after all. Thus he launched into it as they walked along.

"We call it the Force. It's an energy field that connects all living things. Some, like myself, are able to sense and manipulate its power."

[ironcoin]

She's intensely interested in that. "All living things?" she echoes. "Even people? How do you sense it? What are the requirements for being able to sense it? And manipulate it how?"

[hadthehighground]

Obi-Wan nodded at the initial questions. Yes, even people. Her enthusiasm bringing a smile to his face. He can relate with her eagerness to learn. He is much the same way.

"I can feel it's energy, just as I can the Xunutane's.Those who are sensitive to the Force are born this way. Though it takes a considerable amount of training to use it effectively. As for how, there are many ways to use the Force."

With that he reaches out to summon a tool nearby to his hand. He didn't often give demonstrations of his abilities but in cases like this it was easier than trying to explain.

"I can also feel your presence and sense things before they happen."

A watered down explanation really. It would take a long time to go in depth.

[ironcoin]

Charako whistled in appreciation of the talent. "Now that's quite a trick," she said. "I know other people come from places that have magic, because we get a lot of visitors from other continents, but it's still a sight to see. You know I have to ask though, what does my presence feel like?"

[hadthehighground]

While he didn't care much for his abilities being referred to as magic, he knew that was the easiest thing people could relate with when it came to the Force. Thus he often let that slide. Just as he will now.

"Energetic," was the first word that came to Obi-Wan's mind. "I sense an admirable intellect and a pride in your work."

[ironcoin]

Charako beamed at the descriptor, because she had worked hard to reach her position of foreman with the Dexedi, largely in part to those very qualities Obi-Wan had listed off. And sure, it was possible that he was just attempting to flatter her, but she could hardly claim to be entirely immune to flattery once in a while. Her work didn't leave much time for a social life, some days.

"Bet that comes in handy more often than not," she surmised with a smile. "Then again, I'd be happy just to do that trick with the spanner you just did! Having my tools come zipping over to me would save me a lot of time. Don't suppose that's something you can teach?"

But then she came back to the original reason Obi-Wan had approached her. "The Xunutane is through here," she said, opening a large metal door to the inner chamber where it was housed. There were metal supports all around it, and it was very large... some people were quite taken aback by its size, when they first saw it. A metal catwalk ran around the exterior of the room, on which were mounted many devices and sensors, and two banks of monitoring stations occupied the far wall.

"Well, there she is," Charako said, pride evident in her voice. "The heartbeat of Hatal. Beautiful, isn't it?"

The crystal radiated no heat, though the light pulsed very gently, sending rainbow fragments of light bouncing off the walls and metal constructions around it.

[hadthehighground]

Obi-Wan certainly wasn't above using flattery, especially where it was deserved. He was coming to like this Dexedi quite well.

"It certainly has its uses," he admits with a smile. "And if you were sensitive to the Force, absolutely. Otherwise, I'm afraid not." He would likely be able to sense it if she were, though that wasn't the only way to test if someone was able to use the Force. "Though since your Xunutane feels similar, there may be all sorts of possibilities."

When they stepped into the room, Obi-Wan had to pause in awe as he beheld the giant crystal. It was certainly a sight, that was for sure. Not only for its mass, but the sheer beauty of it as well. "Oh... yes," he agreed with a bit of child-like wonder. He then looked over at Charako again. "I don't suppose you would allow me to meditate here for awhile?"

Closed to Skul

[purered]

Klaus was, frankly, at a loss as to what to do next as far as waking TuVishan. He wasn't an expert on turtles. If he were back in Jerusalem's Lot, he'd contact leading limnologists and marine biologists to start with. But here? He lacked his contacts, financial resources and sphere of influence. It was fortunate he wasn't a stranger to old-fashioned detective work which sometimes just boiled down to 'pick a direction and go'.

Of what he heard of the Xunutune, there was potential. It was something of great power and possessed of a vast consciousness - perhaps it could touch the mind of the great turtle and, if not wake him, perhaps find the cause of his comatose state.

The Dexedi were more than forthcoming about information as well. Klaus listened patiently, taking notes. It was looking more and more like a promising lead - if nothing else it would be worth speaking with the heads of the families, other foreigners, and the leaders and scientists of Hatal to discuss a possible solution and weigh the risks.

[skeletonenigma]

Skulduggery, by contrast, was quite used to old-fashioned detective work. The problem was that where giant comatose turtles were concerned, old-fashioned detective work was rather like trying to move a mountain with a plastic shovel. No one in Keeliai had any idea what to do; if they did, someone would have suggested something already. And no one Skulduggery talked to in Hatal had any idea what the continent-turtles were like, let alone how to wake one up from a deep slumber.

The only promising lead was the Xunutune. Half of Hatal dismissed tales of its more sentient exploits, and the other half of Hatal never stopped talking about the giant crystal as their personal saviour. In Skulduggery's experience, that usually meant there was something worth investigating.

He'd been down to see the crystal once already, but that was while wearing a false face. No one would recognise him, and Skulduggery didn't feel inclined to try convincing anyone he was the same person, so once he reached the artery levels he withdrew the disguise entirely and began looking for someone who would agree to give him a tour.

With a skull for a face, it was more difficult than it had any right to be.

Fortunately, Skulduggery happened to come across Klaus, looking as respectable as ever with his notes, his rapt attention, and his respectful demeanour. Skulduggery turned to face the Tavimbian woman trying to shoo him out of the corridor and pointed at the tall Foreigner. "See? That's my partner. Neither of us are here to cause any trouble. Would you mind vouching for me, Klaus?"

[purered]

Klaus looked up when he heard the commotion and recognized Skulduggery immediately.

"I beg your pardon," he said, excusing himself from the two scientists he'd been deep in conversation with, and strode over to the kerfuffle.

"Mr Pleasant," he said with a bow. "It's good to see you."

The Tavimbian woman gave Klaus a skeptical look, and he straightened up. "I can vouvh for Mr Pleasant. He's likely as curious about the workings of the Xunetune as I am."

[skeletonenigma]

"Thank you." Skulduggery turned back to the woman. "If I were some monster called upon to do someone else's bidding, I'd hardly be speaking or wearing a suit, would I?"

The woman, far from looking concerned that Skulduggery was a monster, simply looked irritated. She shot the skeleton a considered glare, then nodded at Klaus. "Keep yourselves out of trouble," she ordered. "And ask before entering unauthorised areas."

Once she'd vanished around the corner, Skulduggery sighed. "I think I'd prefer having to defend ourselves against hostile natives, to be honest. Less bureaucracy. Why are you interested in the Xunetune?"

[purered]

Klaus gave the woman a gracious bow before she stormed off. "Of course. Thank you, and I apologize for the misunderstanding."

He waited until she was out of earshot before giving Skul a small nod. "Bureaucratic red tape is truly a more dreaded foe," he agreed, before casting a look back to the lab. "The Xunetune is fascinating, as is its history within the city. I also think it may be key in waking Tu Vishan, though I cannot be sure yet."

[skeletonenigma]

Ah, excellent - someone else had the same idea. And with how wary of Skulduggery's true intentions the Tavimbian woman had been, they probably weren't the first Foreigners to try and see the Xunutane. The last time Skulduggery came down here, he'd simply asked for a tour and gotten one. Someone must have tried to strongarm their way in since then.

"It's not the only one of its kind," Skulduggery agreed with a nod. "Possibly not even the only one in Hatal, though it's definitely the biggest. What makes you think it might help wake Tu Vishan?"

[purered]

"The fact it may be sentient," Klaus said calmly. His mind wandered back to Zatanna's announcement about what she'd seen. Arched stones under water, a fragmented voice calling for help...

"Sentient and immensely powerful. Perhaps if Miss Zatanna is able to repeat what she did before with the aid of the Xunutane, Asti could give us more concrete answers in regards to how to help him."

He frowned, looking from Skul to his notes to the bustling interior of the lab.

"My biggest question is if they would permit it. The crystal is the source of Hatal's livelihood and many consider it divine. If they refuse outright, it could lead to unnecessary tension. If they accept and something goes wrong, we could doom an entire city."

[skeletonenigma]

Skulduggery wasn't as certain as Klaus seemed to be. There was every chance the crystal was sentient, yes, and it wouldn't even be the strangest sentient object Skulduggery had come across. But he was more interested in the Xunutane as a source of power. He didn't think it could contact Tu Vishan, not the way Zatanna's spell had - and he wasn't convinced Zatanna's spell had managed it, either. The visions they'd all received as a result of the venture were too fragmented, more like dreams than conscious communication. But you didn't need to telepathically contact a creature in order to wake it up. You just needed to make a loud enough noise.

"They might," Skulduggery mused. "With conditions, I'd imagine. We probably wouldn't be allowed to move the Xunutane. They'll probably only let us try once. And you're right; if something goes wrong, we leave the entire city to the mercies of the arctic temperatures outside. We'll need to be careful."

All of which, for the most part, went without saying. Skulduggery nodded to the notes Klaus held. "Have you seen the Xunutane yet?"

[purered]

Klaus suspected there was more to Tu Vishan's lack of consciousness than just being asleep. But he tended to always over-complicate things in his head - he honestly didn't know. But the big glowing crystal seemed like a good starting place.

"Not yet, no. I'd prefer to gather the information they openly share on the matter to see if it's a promising lead. Though even if it weren't, I wouldn't mind seeing it. It sounds quite remarkable."