https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1NU2MTwaaHftW5YPrnA_FCKa-hVJlCB0JRcKVOEgYYnA
Notes page for the RP from 4/20/2024.
All PCs and young men from the southern air temple, located in the Patola Mountain Range.
Names: Jangchup, Sangey, Wangchen, Yungdrung, Ihen, Peshohn, Hii, Nollil, Rine, Lasu
PCs are tasked with guiding a hurricane that is approaching landfall and will destroy air nomad farmlands if allowed to continue on its course.
On their way to dealing with the hurricane they do see people running for shelter, some less successfully than others, within the air nomad colonies. The people have already been evacuated and anyone that seems to need rescue is actually an air nomad from another temple with makeup, a headband, a hat, or a sky bison wig covering their arrows. Them being outed as a distraction isn't a big deal, the PCs will have been told the area had been evacuated. If the PCs help those that need rescue or recognize them as airbenders in disguise that's fine. Ignoring them entirely, knowing the only things at risk if they don't prevent landfall are some farmland and their test of mastery, is not fine and they will be judged for it afterward.
It is not possible to enter the hurricane directly as the eye wall is too strong. No matter what the PCs do they will be thrown back. Flying over the eye wall is the only option (barring the PCs coming up with something different). Doing so causes the PCs to enter a low pressure area where they will need to use airbending to prevent suffocation.
The eye is characterized by a strong, but not insurmountable, downdraft with the ocean below being full of massive crisscrossing waves. The sky also turns purple.
The PCs will have lost their orientation upon entering the eye. The spirit of the tornado is one of excited power, warm and frantic. The PCs can opt to orient themselves based on the sun, on directing the typhoon opposite its current course (as best they can), or by trying to reach out through airbending to feel what the winds feel out to their furthest points like could be done in the swamp.
They don't have much time for discussion, though, as the downdraft will start to exhaust them.
The spirit of the typhoon is, itself, very disordiented, but having a good time. It communicates through impressions. The airbenders have to convince it to change course. Lying won't work as it can only feel intent, not understand the actual words. It doesn't get offended by lying but is confused by it and, so, is not convinced. It also isn't convinced by any argument regarding the destruction or, even, death it might cause. Death doesn't mean anything to it and destruction assumes it values things staying in one form as opposed to changing to another. The easiest way to convince it to move away is that landfall will weaken the winds and end the fun. It needs to head east.
Escaping the typhoon is part of the RP though so long as they don't try to go directly though the eye wall they can ride the winds outward with their bending.
They'll then be judged on their execution.
C&P:
In the serene confines of the Southern Air Temple, an unusual hush enveloped the lofty halls, with most of the masters conspicuously absent. Only Master Lasu remained, his typically jovial demeanor replaced by a solemn gravity befitting the occasion. Casting his gaze over the small group of hopeful airbending apprentices, he addressed them with a sense of profound importance. "Today marks a pivotal moment," Master Lasu began, his voice resonating with reverence. "A moment that will push each of you to the limits of your skill, resolve, and connection to the essence of airbending." His gesture swept toward the horizon, where foreboding clouds amassed, their dark forms tinged with the occasional flash of lightning. The distant rumble of thunder echoed through the temple, a stark reminder of the impending tempest. "A hurricane approaches," Master Lasu declared, his tone unyielding. "And with it, the imminent threat of devastation to our farmland. While, rest assured, everyone in the hurricane's path has been safely evacuated, I nevertheless offer you a chance—a chance to face this trial head-on, to prove yourselves masters of the very essence of airbending."
The sky gradually darkens as you glide towards the hurricane. The clouds churn and crackle with lightening. You’ve still a ways to go, though, as you glide over mountains, pockmarked with caves the nearby villages often use for shelter from storms.
The howl of the wind grows louder as you begin to be buffeted by rain. Below you eventually see air nomad farming villages swaying in the wind and storm. Master Lasu said everyone should be evacuated but you could swear you see a couple figures struggling in the storm.
The figures appear to be a couple of air nomad farmers in rustic clothes with large hats tied down over their heads. The two, both men, try to yell to you over the storm as they point down the path they were traveling towards the mountains.
Masters Yung and Wangchen ,test of empathy (mind)
Amid the chaos and rain it becomes more and more difficult to weave between the raging winds, let along keep your bearings as the sky grows ever darker into a deep, uncanny purple. At this rate you’re not sure how much further into the hurricane you can travel.
Your airbending doesn’t seem to do much against the wind as a whole as you feel the source of its power and spiritual will far away, in the eye of the hurricane itself.
Soaring up through the raging hurricane, you find yourselves in a surreal realm of swirling clouds and turbulent winds. The air grows thin, each breath becoming a struggle as the sun’s light begins peaking through patches of clear sky.
Test of skill (body)
As you reach the edge of the hurricane's eye wall, the winds suddenly give way to an eerie calm. The air grows still, and the clouds part to reveal a circular opening—a gateway to the tranquil eye of the storm. Gliding effortlessly over the edge, you find yourselves suspended in a peaceful oasis amid the chaos as truly massive waves criss-cross the ocean far below.
Test of connection (spirit)
As you begin to airbend it feels as if the eye itself focuses on you three and you’re overcome by a powerful impression of curiosity as the storm seems to connect to you, intrigued by your presence, but otherwise unaffected by your efforts.