beleos: (Default)
beleos ([personal profile] beleos) wrote in [community profile] kenoslogs2022-10-14 03:08 pm

TDM + GAME OPENING 🎉

Who: Shard-Bearers, new and old
What: Seeds take root
Where: The Tree of Life, Highstorm, Springstar
When: October 14th and onwards
Warnings: Potential for (mild) body horror, death, dismemberment


I. BEARING FRUIT (new characters only)
It starts out as a pleasant dream. You’re in your favorite place, with your favorite people. It’s a moment of idyllic comfort.

And then, it goes wrong.

The sky turns dark above, and as you look up, you see the black expanse of space spotted with faraway pinprick lights of stars. Yet, they’re not stars. You’re certain. They’re watching you. A billion eyes all looking down, and they spill forth as if sky itself was a dam holding back those dark waters. You reach back to the people you’re with, but they’re frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.

So you run, even though you know you won’t escape it. You glance back and see it not overtaking, but consuming. The landscape around you is being devoured, and you can see it cracking apart. The world itself is breaking, and it cracks under your feet. You fall, and the billion eyes chase after you until the darkness swallows you whole. There’s agony as if you’re being ripped apart, and then—

You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a woman’s voice speaks gently.

I’m sorry it couldn’t be saved. But, come, it’s time to wake.

You wake with a start, cradled by soft, velvety plants, and sticky with a sap that smells faintly of honey and iron. You can see the veins of the leaves that hold you, lit warmly and gently by what looks like a crystal embedded above you. Yet, it’s odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, it’s warm. Familiar. Important. You don’t know why, but you know you must hold onto this, because now it feels wrong for it to be suspended in these leaves. So, you pull it out.

The light starts to fade, but only in time to see as the leaves cradling you immediately start to soften and crumble, and with it comes a torrent of dirt. Soft, loamy soil starts to fill the space around you in the dark as you’re buried. Or, rather, you already were. You reach out through the dirt desperately, and your hands finds a root, so you pull while you clutch that precious crystal so close that it almost feels like it sinks into you (in your panic, you don’t notice that it does). You reach out again, and this time, your hand hits open air and plenty of sturdy roots around to grab.

From a seed you’re born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.

And once you’ve clawed your way out of the soft earth and the roots, nearby, you see the soil shift. Another hand comes up to grasp desperately for something, anything, just as you had been.

II. MORAL HAZARD
There are new Shard-Bearers at the Tree of Life, and Yima has asked that the earlier arrivals go to greet them and help them. These aren’t people from Horos, after all, so they’ll have many, many questions. As Yima explains, the roots of the tree rise up to create caverns underneath, and it’s there you’ll find the new Shard-Bearers. And indeed, with careful steps to not slip on the mossy roots, down you go. Perhaps Communion will help you find the new Shard-Bearers, but it might be a confusing process for them.

The roots all start to look the same, to the point that you’re sure that you’ve already been through this passage. You turn around, and most of the people you had come here with are gone, if not all of them. It’s confusing and unsettling, and strangest of all.. You’re starting to feel ill, even if that wasn’t something normally possible for you. But continuing forward, you do eventually find an unfamiliar face of a new Shard-Bearer. They look no better than you feel.

Before introductions, however, roots around you shift suddenly until you’re enclosed in a room together. From the roots, a face forms in the wall. It speaks in a creaking, uneven tone, as if it weren’t used to speaking at all.

Give to take. A sacrifice. To live.

LET'S PLAY A GAME...

As the Dryad will explain, characters are now trapped in a room and have been poisoned by the spores that the lichens underfoot release. An antidote lays beyond the roots the dryad has curled around you, but to access it, you must make a sacrifice.

Characters can pick one of the following options, but the decision must be made unanimously. If one character takes a drastic action (such as murdering another), it’s counted as a failure for the group.

  • Each of you must offer up a personal/treasured memory. The memory will be shared in Communion with all characters assembled, and then will be destroyed. No character will retain the memory or memory of its Communion.
  • Each of you must offer up something physical. A finger, a toe, an ear, it’s your choice. The dryad will offer a knife if this is chosen that will sever the body part of choice cleanly and immediately stop any bleeding.
  • Offer up another. Kill one person in the room.
  • Refusing is also a valid option. Characters will get more ill as they debate until they start to find it difficult to breathe, and they’ll die quickly after.
The following is OOC knowledge that will not be known IC: The consequences of this game are about intent, and thus are not real. When characters are freed from the tree’s thrall, they’ll have their memories/body parts/life intact.

This can be done in groups of 2 to 4 players, and Loremasters recommend three if you can swing it! It’s more fun when you get in philosophical debates, right? Regardless, when your group comes to a decision, please record it here. These don’t have to be fully threaded out to be recorded, so the conclusion can be discussed OOC if you prefer. Actions can be submitted until October 21st, after which groups will be informed of what comes of their choice


When a group receives the antidote, they'll be released from the tree's thrall... But will have a hard time waking up. It feels like something has grabbed onto their spine.

III. DREAMING OF HOME
You may wake with a start from your deliberations (or arguments) with a jolt of pain from the base of your spine as something is pulled away rapidly. A dark-haired man who looks to be in his thirties or so holds you carefully, but as soon as you start to regain your senses, he sets you back and holds up his hands.

Woah— Woah there, it’s fine! The tree was, uh, trying to take you back is all. You’re fine now.

As long as you’re not going to attack him, he offers a friendly smile and a hand to shake.

Name’s Cyrus. Sorry about the rude awakening. Let’s get your friend here unhooked too.

And indeed, glancing over, you can see the person you met in that room laying nearby, and it looks like a vine has snaked underneath them to exactly where something had just been pulled from you
 Best not to think about it, maybe. Or if you've been unlucky enough to be one of the last people rescued, you might find vines and roots starting to grow into your skin. It's fine!

CYRUS, THE TRIBUNE

Cyrus is the NPC heading up the Meridian Faction, and is available to thread with under this header. Cyrus has come to the Tree of Life to help rescue the Shard-Bearer’s from the Tree, so he’s not going to be inclined to explain too much right away, since he’s on a mission, but he’ll stick around once everyone is successfully freed from Prompt 2 to speak with anyone that wants to. The following is just an OOC summary of information in case you do not need to thread with Cyrus:

Cyrus will gladly introduce himself to everyone, and will further explain his position in Meridian and Springstar (see the NPC Page) and the goals of Meridian itself (see the Faction Page, save for the italicized section). But most importantly, he’ll explain that he knows it sounds like something overly optimistic. It’s fair to be skeptical. He’ll produce a small glass bead from a bag he’s carrying. It looks like the necklace he wears, though not lit up. He’ll explain that the force of Meridian is a gift and can be a tether to your home, if you let it. As his fingertips light up, the energy is infused into the bead, which he’ll hand to you.

Taking the bead into your hands, you’ll take a bird’s eye view of your home world as if your consciousness is split, since you’ll still perceive standing in front of Cyrus at the tree. Rather than a vision, the view of your world is absolutely real, you’re certain. It’s a glimpse at the world that you thought destroyed, and if you focus on a particular place or a particular person, you’ll find the view shifting rapidly to it. No one you watch is aware of your presence, but simply continues about their daily life, whatever that is. But after about a minute, the view will fade as the light in the bead also fades.

That’s an iliachtida, a sunbeam, and when infused with Meridian’s light, allows someone Harmonized to it to check in on their world, he explains. It also acts as an anchor that tethers their soul to their world in the Timestream. With it, their world can’t entirely disappear, so eventually, they can go home. It’s a gift he’ll allow anyone that wants it to keep it, but indeed, they’ll be unable to use it again without first Harmonizing to Meridian.

To help manage threadload for the Loremasters playing Cyrus, we ask that you only tag him with the character you are most likely to app. Similarly, new tag-ins will not be accepted after Monday, October 17th.

III. SPRINGSTAR, αÎčώΜÎčÎżÏ‚ ΟλÎčÎżÏ‚
After your ordeals at the Tree of Life, perhaps you’re drawn to Springstar, the city of eternal sun and the seat of Meridian.

It’s currently (and fittingly) Spring in Springstar, and the bustling city is coming back to life after finishing up winter. It’s not as if the winters are especially harsh here, but you’ll quickly get the sense that the people of Springstar are vivacious and happy to celebrate. You’ll find the Entertainment District to be the liveliest, whether it’s at a rowdy bar or a brothel, but no matter what, you’re welcome with open arms and without question.

Of course, if you’d just like to use the chance to explore the city alongside your fellow Shard-Bearers, that’s fine too. It’s easy to get lost in the crowds of Springstar and see all the city has to offer.

IV. HIGHSTORM, Đ»ŃƒĐœŃ‹-Đ±Đ»ĐžĐ·ĐœĐ”Ń†Ń‹
Or maybe Highstorm, the city of twin moons and the seat of Zenith is more to your liking. It’s certainly the quieter of the two cities and is a relaxing, meditative place if that’s what you prefer. The chill in the air is constant, since it’s Autumn in Highstorm and the eternal night doesn’t help keep things warm, exactly. Snow isn’t out of the question at this time of the year, but it’s beautiful in the moonlight.

Because of the cooler weather than Highstorm is prone to, you’ll find many of its delights inside rather than outside. Libraries and museums are popular in the more introspective city, though it’s easy enough to find something that might please you. For example, the indoor hot baths are popular at this time of the year too. You’ll find the people are kind, if cool-tempered, though if you mention the fact that you’re a Shard-Bearer or allied with Zenith, they’re more likely to warm up.

Though much like Springstar, it may just be more interesting to explore the city with a fellow Shard-Bearer. And as a resident may warn you, it’s best to stay in the city. Wandering out into the marshes and forests isn’t advised. Of course, if you do, just contact a Loremaster to find out why. ♥

NOTES
  • Welcome to Kenos! As a reminder, all players are required to fill out an application, which are now open. This does include characters/players from Aion Teleos, so please don’t forget to fill one out! Any character/player that does not submit an application will be swept from the communities and the Discord after applications close.
  • Activity Check is optional this month, but is highly recommend so Christy can check her fancy program so that you can earn Activity Reward Tokens! Activity will be able to be submitted shortly after applications close. You can find more about how we do AC here.
  • This log is Game Canon. Any characters who are not apped to the game will disappear. If Cyrus or Yima are asked, they’ll explain that this happens sometimes, since not every soul has a strong tether to Kenos and sometimes return to the Timestream. They’re fine and may even return to Kenos one day, but for now weren’t able to make the full journey.
  • As a reminder, your character has a Shard somewhere on their body that encompasses their soul, so keep note of where you're sticking it on their person for reference! Additionally, they have a tattoo of their Aspect somewhere on their body. Please be mindful this Aspect will be assigned to you upon approval and whatever you choose for the TDM may be temporary (for new characters)!
  • For the Highstorm and Springstar prompts, both cities will be fully open and accessible to all characters once they are saved from their rather harrowing ordeal at the Tree of Life. For prompt ideas and any general information about the cities and what you can find there, please see the Navigation page and check out the locations!

    FOR NEW PLAYERS:

  • New players are welcome to join our Discord Server if you haven't already!
  • When they emerge from their cocoon/the ground, characters may be wearing their normal clothes, or they might be nude. Up to you!
  • At some point in the days after leaving the Tree of Life, new Shard-Bearers will have a dream, even if they're usually not capable of sleeping. All new players should read this post, since this details how they'll learn about both factions and their goals and should help them make a decision in which Faction they'd be drawn to.
  • New characters will not have access to any canon abilities on the TDM.
  • Your character will be offered temporary housing either at the Heliopolis district or Yima's manor for the first few weeks after their arrival. They will also be given a stipend for basic supplies like clothing and personal effects, and food is served in the cantina (Heliopolis) and at regular meal times in the Dining Room (Yima's manor). Once they Harmonize, they will get personal permanent chambers and a fancy retainer in their Faction's city. Wow! 🌈

    FOR OLD PLAYERS:

  • Characters may be Harmonized to their Faction (if that makes sense for the character, of course!) by the time of this log. This is more for IC reference, and just wait until application acceptance to do the OOC paperwork!
  • General reminder that your character won't have access to their powers until they have Harmonized.

  • CODING
    cutlery: (where sound?)

    [personal profile] cutlery 2022-10-22 04:55 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ oh well you see the a stands for (I am taken out by a sniper at 50 yards) ]

    Oh! [ As Sophia explains, it's definitely an oh of recognition, and Sebastian nods. ] Why, yes, I am familiar. It was indeed a scandal, though between you and I, a remarkably strange one. Humans' standards for what is considered "decent" change so rapidly that I have difficulty keeping track at times.

    [ It's also terribly inconvenient for him, in this case! His particular appearance now was the result of refining to an "ideal" of human beauty, after all. It was supposed to appeal to men and women equally, since it was much, much easier for him to do his work (whatever that may be) when he's attractive. The newfound shame for male attraction though almost made it a waste... Luckily, Sophia is spared from those considerations, though. ]

    My, if you are aware of it, it really must have stuck around, then. I thought it would be a passing scandal, goodness.
    cutlery: (teach your kids to crack locks)

    [personal profile] cutlery 2022-10-22 04:58 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ every crow in kenos now like hellmo.gif for sebastian accidentally advocating on their behalf ]

    Oh, that is quite alright. Crows and the like are an understanding lot, at least. Why, if you do keep small treats though, they shall remember you. They are a bit smarter than people give them credit for.

    [ Though with how he speaks here, it might also confuse Gray, since he sure does speak like he's not a crow... It's fine! ]

    I have not personally known them to carry souls themselves, but it would certainly be poetic. Lovely, even. [ This is mostly his bad sense of humor as a crow demon, though... ]
    comelately: (sunday morning photographs)

    [personal profile] comelately 2022-10-22 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Well, he can't really argue with that. Johnny shrugs, scratching his neck a little. ]

    Not really...

    [ that's why he's here, after all! ]

    Aren't you worried about wasting money?
    cutlery: (the power of Doge compels you)

    [personal profile] cutlery 2022-10-22 05:01 pm (UTC)(link)
    Hm, that is true enough. I shall have to keep an eye open to see who may be in charge of such a thing, then. If nothing else, it would be very informative about the garden's habits, in a way...

    [ He at least doesn't object to the idea of them gossiping about it during teatime, since, yeah, he's gotten that sense too. No judgement on his side though, naturally. Sometimes that's just what you do! ]

    I could not tell, no, but they were not terribly alarmed by it. It did grow back almost immediately, much to my surprise.
    cutlery: (you are committed to sin.)

    [personal profile] cutlery 2022-10-22 05:11 pm (UTC)(link)
    Ah, how interesting! I have never been to Japan myself, or really the East at all... My work has kept me largely in Europe. Though I have been learning a bit more about Japan in particular, as of late. There is a great interest in its culture in England. [ a beat, then, ] Or, well, was, technically.

    [ He doesn't even get into Mr. Tanaka, though this is largely because I, Christy, still do not know how to explain Mr. Tanaka??? YANA PLEASE EXPLAIN ]

    Certainly shrines sound like a more agreeable way to consult divine powers. I do not believe his asthma is the result of "evil", after all...

    [ since he had it before he met sebastian. lmao. ]
    Edited 2022-10-22 17:11 (UTC)
    comelately: (so if you need a reason)

    [personal profile] comelately 2022-10-22 05:14 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ thanks, kaine, for understanding his trying-to-help-but-has-an-1800s-understanding-of-feminism ways, or at least not punching him for it... He doesn't fight her on it; he just takes the blanket back, looking faintly sheepish at being rebuffed. At her comment, though, Johnny does give her a dubious look. ]

    No offense, but this probably isn't the best place to teach guys manners...

    [ he gestures mildly at the building they're standing in front of. Brothels aren't exactly known for their respectful and open-minded clientele. ]
    Edited 2022-10-22 17:14 (UTC)
    cutlery: (what about Amoeba Gorillas?)

    [personal profile] cutlery 2022-10-22 05:14 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ between Ciel and Kaine, Sebastian is starting to wonder if his vibes are just Atrocious to women or something... haha jk he's not considering it all, but. He ignores her abrasive response, essentially, and nods. ]

    Yes. Before I was brought here to Kenos, I was in another world called Horos that certainly has similarities... But I much prefer Kenos thus far, mind you.

    [ He hums thoughtfully as he thinks of how to explain it, but ends up just shaking his head. ]

    Well, it was similar in that it is where we received our Shards, for one. And there is a conflict between two forces of philosophy, essentially... But Horos was decidedly more vicious about it, at least when I had arrived.
    cutlery: (is that blurry one nick cage?)

    [personal profile] cutlery 2022-10-22 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ His genial smile stays perfectly in place, at least until she says "Piltover Enforcers," where his expression lightens to one of surprised, interested recognition. Potentially from that alone, Caitlyn might be able to make a guess at where it comes from, since there weren't exactly many options in their world-hopping situation... ]

    Oh, yes, they certainly do. [ He'll at least speak to what she says first, since even if his interest is caught, it feels rude to not respond to her words. ] Though I would say a detective does feel a bit more distinguished to I! My work of serving excellent tea and managing a noble household is certainly not so important, at least.

    [ He laughs a little as he bows his head, playful in his self-deprecation. But, to that recognition— ]

    Pardon my surprise, by the way. "Piltover" is simply an unusual term, at least to my ear... Would you happen to be a Shard-Bearer as well, by any chance? It was from another I heard the term.

    [ His interest is light and curious, but underneath the surface, it's far more than that. It's a sharp interest, because Silco was very guarded about where he came from and what he did. It was to the point that Sebastian almost considers the fact that he'd mentioned as much as "Enforcers" to be a slip that Sebastian had drawn out of him. And for someone Sebastian had considerations for at the moment... Well. It was to his benefit to try and draw out a little more, wasn't it? ]
    Edited (i second guessed myself he totally did say Piltover ) 2022-10-22 18:02 (UTC)
    comelately: (now we're floating like two feathers)

    sorry for the delay on this wegh

    [personal profile] comelately 2022-10-22 05:38 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ something wrong with them (affectionate)

    Huiwon's "solution" to giving up memories earns a pinched look of disapproval from Johnny, who hasn't moved from his spot on the floor. ]


    It's not clinging to the past, just - sometimes memories are all you have, and you're not gonna get a chance to make new ones. [ with a small sigh, he starts manually rearranging his legs so that he can sit more comfortably. ] You got a lot of faith your future's gonna all work out. You lose a body part, you can work around it. You lose memories, you lose something you can never compensate for.

    [ this is something he feels like he has an expert opinion on, for once - although he supposes Kaeya is missing an eye, too. ]
    lachtara: (Scale)

    [personal profile] lachtara 2022-10-22 05:46 pm (UTC)(link)
    Even if his attention is pinned on Hythlodaeus for the most part, he does flick a glance toward Howl in the midst of all it. It's enough to catch that wide-eyed look on his face that he distinctly had reserved for pretty girls in town.

    Ah. Well, Hythlodaeus tends to have that effect on people.

    There's no chance to comment on it - not that he would anyway - before his friend takes a seat beside him and starts fussing with his hair. Emet-Selch scrunches his face and tries to swat his friend's hand away with a few crabby waves of both palms. "I am quite capable of preening of my own accord, thank you." Even if the state of his hair pointed to the contrary.

    He huffs a sigh and places his hands back in his lap - regardless of Hythlodaeus decides to continue his fussing or not. If he continued then he would waste no more effort trying to stop it. "Are the new garments that I've fashioned to your liking?" He asks somewhat flatly.
    ktizo: (đŸŽ” but it's worth the risk)

    [personal profile] ktizo 2022-10-22 06:22 pm (UTC)(link)
    Hythlodaeus notes that he feels distinct... attraction, and it isn't his own. Curiously, he looks to Howl, letting Emet-Selch push his hand away. After a moment of watching him, he grins.

    "Yes yes, of course you are." He chuckles. "They're interesting... they certainly aren't as comfortable as our robes, but perhaps I'm simply unused to this form-fitting fabric."

    He leans towards Howl instead, eyes seemingly peering right through him. "What do you think, friend? Does this suit me?"

    He's confused about where this feeling came from, but it seems to be emanating from Howl- well, it surely wouldn't be Emet-Selch, which only leaves the other man in the room. How intriguing! And what possibilities it offers- he can't help but to want to tease him, now.
    regression: (pic#15851184)

    [personal profile] regression 2022-10-22 06:28 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Joonghyuk watches the memory, already having known it and of course internally nodding at his memory self for writing the proper and better way to resolve a scenario. It has been a handful of years since then, but he lefts Sooyoung's emotions swathe over him. It's nostalgic because he shares the same feelings for this collaboration—he's sure all of them did. Nothing made them happier and more alive than solving the scenarios to save as many people as possible. They rallied as their morale soared higher and higher.

    It was a worldline where they didn't need to make sacrifices. It meant everything to them at the time, as their goal was to save one reader. The stories of the past allowed them to move forward, to wake up every day and survive.

    There are no words from him... Objectively, he thinks these two memories no matter how precious are reasonable sacrifices. They will have more happy and precious memories to cherish in the future. It is a small price to pay for their survival. What hee doesn't expect is for Dokja to panic. Instinctively, Joonghyuk hovers closer out of hidden concern and worry, but doesn't lay a hand on the other man.
    ]

    Steady your breathing, Kim Dokja.

    [ It is better to calm him down first. ]
    cryomance: (076.)

    [personal profile] cryomance 2022-10-22 06:45 pm (UTC)(link)
    Someone who can create at their will yet not a god... doesn't sound like anything she's really heard of, but she'll take his word for it.

    "An unusual mage then. It would be easier if I knew your name, otherwise I'm going to start having to call you pink-haired Kaeya."

    Just so she can catalog him under people to keep a close eye on in case his powers do come back, not that it matters much anymore. With Mondstadt gone, what is there to protect? She's having enough trouble deciding whether she cares if this world goes under, too. It's not that she's eager to die... but if there are more of her allies underground, waiting to resurrect, she should at least stick around to help them.
    sparring: (pic#15577562)

    [personal profile] sparring 2022-10-22 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)
    [She's not seeing clearly, how could she in this weird situation, when she's hugging Caitlyn against her, the only thing that makes sense in the world right now. But she does notice the strength in Caitlyn's arms, the strength in her body. She does notice that something has changed a little.]

    It's good to see you too, Cupcake.

    [Her voice is small but warm, and after a moment she pulls back so she can look at her, make sure she's okay. The last thing Caitlyn said gets her attention then, though, and a look of confusion crosses her face.]

    Catch me up on? Missed me? But we were just...together.
    subsist: (pic#15626838)

    (1/2) cw: mild plant horror, just in case,

    [personal profile] subsist 2022-10-22 06:56 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ The blood-curdling scream, the way the roots seem to rattle as if they're in pain, the sap dripping down the length of the blade, crawling towards Kaeya's skin — all signs are pointing towards the possibility that maybe he shouldn't have done that. Not that he gets a chance to rectify it; it's too little, too late. Amos comes in and takes the blade away from him, but he doesn't even realize what the other man is doing.

    Something pulses and manifests inside his veins, slithering about in search of someplace to take root, just like a sapling waiting for its turn to grow and bloom. Any attempts from him to move an inch are stopped short by the dryad exploring every nerve and every muscle, paralyzing him from the inside out while it begins to take over.

    There might be some panic in his eyes, or so he thinks. If one cares to look his way, he seems normal enough, if not a bit too quiet and way too frozen in place. He is the picture-perfect sight of stillness, but perhaps the silence that comes with it is foreboding enough. He doesn't— he can't react to what's going on anymore. No way for him to warn the others that they should run, even if there's nowhere to go.

    Because of what he did, the creature has to take matters into its own hands. Kaeya isn't the only one who has to pay the price. ]
    sparring: (pic#15577549)

    [personal profile] sparring 2022-10-22 06:58 pm (UTC)(link)
    [It's just not what she's used to. Even in quiet moments, for most of her life, there's been the dull roar of people around. Their voices, their conversations, the sounds of their lives, even the sounds of their various bodily functions. You get used to being surrounded by the sounds of life when you grow up in a bar, and the solitude had been something that drove her nuts about prison.

    Maybe that's why this place bothers her so much. Reminds her of being alone in that cold cell with only her memories to distract her, alongside the occasional sound of fighting or shouting.

    When the guy next to her says that the fortune might be pertinent, but that action is a more reliable way to make a fortune, she smirks, lets out a little, bitter laugh.]


    Heh, you got that right.
    cryomance: (077.)

    [personal profile] cryomance 2022-10-22 07:03 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Maybe it was too optimistic to think she'd finally get an extended vacation. It seems even death can't guarantee her any time off, and she's definitely not looking forward to an all-out war erupting or dealing with any strange monarchs who expect her loyalty and obedience just because she had the great misfortune of winding up on their doorstep.

    She'd only come to Highstorm because the constant sunlight in Springstar had been too much for her to bear and because Cyrus already ticked her off with his overzealous pedaling. No deeper reason than that. The free room and board were another incentive, but she's not going to pretend she isn't already having a mountain of second thoughts about even leaving her grave at this point. ]


    What if they both are? You said outsiders were viewed as almost gods in this other world. Naturally, both sides would be inclined to have as many as possible in their ranks... it would explain the unexpected generosity of strangers. The real question is whose faults we can bear to overlook.

    [ Mondstadt hadn't been without its own messy history, especially when it came to the noble houses and some of the knights. Kaeya knows that just as well as she does, but the few that were good and kind, intent on truly bettering the region, had been enough to outshine the bad. ]

    You've been here longer so you must have gauged the sentiments of the people in Highstorm well enough. Are they blindly loyal to this Yima?
    kenosnpcs: (Default)

    (2/2)

    [personal profile] kenosnpcs 2022-10-22 07:04 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ sap splatters like blood from the Dryad's mangled bark and vinery as Amos' onslaught joins the damage already suffered by Kaeya's attack. but everything remains still, quiet.

    until all at once, the vines twist, turn - shoot out from the walls like arms, entangling around Amos' wrists and dragging him back against one of the make-shift walls like chains. another pair seek to entrap Gen and Misa's limbs as well. if successful, all the occupants of the room - except Kaeya - will find themselves trapped against the deceptively hard walls of their 'cell.'

    Loremaster note: the Dryad's actions will come after Kaeya's in future rounds if necessary! ]
    galdorleod: ([tantrum] RUINED IT)

    [personal profile] galdorleod 2022-10-22 07:04 pm (UTC)(link)
    Howl blinks under the Hythlodaeus' gaze. His vibrant eyes seem to bore into him, as if he were... inspecting him. Studying him? No, not quite that. The wizard squints back at the beautiful man, and then he feels it: a distinct sense of curiosity that is not his own, open and calm and confident, in a playful sort of way.

    And then, realization strikes. Howl's squint reverses into a wide-eyed look of barely contained panic. His eyes dart down to Hythlodaeus' neck, where he saw his Shard and (most critically) a white Aspect mark when he first came to the door, but now it's covered by the cowl of his outfit. But, even then, as the seconds pass, he does not need to see it to know what is going on here and be thoroughly flustered.

    "Uh, yes, very much!" Howl finally blurts as he rises from his seat after an uncomfortably long pause. His desire to leave wrestles with his desire to not make his embarrassment so obvious, but he knows he has already failed the former in both Emet-Selch's eyes and within the bond he (unwittingly, up to this point,) shares with Hythlodaeus.

    "Anyway, I'll — leave you two to enjoy your morning, yes? So sorry to bother you! Don't forget about breakfast in the dining hall!"
    cryomance: (073.)

    [personal profile] cryomance 2022-10-22 07:13 pm (UTC)(link)
    No time but to merely participate in the cycle of life and death. Possibly even turn the wheel quicker.

    [ Is there a way to break the pattern... She's hardly the one to figure it out, being just an agent of her own land who's really handy at killing. Would she even want to break the pattern if Mondstadt could be reborn? ]

    As one of the first, did you also see the former world before this one destroyed? The one called Horos?
    cryomance: (048.)

    [personal profile] cryomance 2022-10-22 07:22 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ All that at that age... on the other hand, Klee is even younger and quite a menace with her powers. Really, it's Rosaria who should not underestimate anyone with a cute face.

    At the child's question, she merely shrugs. ]


    I do what I need to, but seeing as we're both unarmed and without magic, you're better off staying close.

    [ She's not sure how good the strange girl's hand-to-hand combat skills are, but Rosaria can at least manage fine enough without her spear or dagger if they run into trouble. ]

    I feel some cool air coming from this direction [ She points. ], so there's probably an opening up ahead this way.

    [ She starts walking, expecting the child to follow close behind if she knows what's good for her. ]
    cryomance: (094.)

    [personal profile] cryomance 2022-10-22 07:32 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ When the crow approaches to grab the worm, she does sneak in a little finger rub on his head, using the smoother parts of her clawed-gloves. It's so brief, Marlow might even be convinced he imagined it. ]

    Rosaria.

    [ She's not sure why she's offering her name in return except outside of a misguided feeling of kinship with the bird. She's just glad no one else is around to bear witness to this, otherwise she'd actually feel somewhat mortified by her own rare display of affection, as minute as it is.

    Her body straightens up to its full height a moment later, bones popping from disuse before she glances around the field. ]


    What else is there of note to explore beyond Greenwood yards? You must have mapped a decent portion of the city by now, assuming you're an adult-sized crow.
    sparring: (smile)

    [personal profile] sparring 2022-10-22 07:33 pm (UTC)(link)
    Yeah? This kind of thing is most often a cheap trick where I come from.

    [It's true. Fortunes and fortune-tellers are usually just charlatans trying to make money off people who are naĂŻve enough to believe in things like fortunes. She's not sure she believes that anything will show up at the bottom of her cup when she's finished drinking the coffee in it, but if it does, she'll be pretty skeptical about it being true.

    When the girl says that if she's seeking an answer then she must be anticipating that she'll see something, Vi lets out a slightly bitter little laugh.]


    They said something would show up, so I figure they'll rig it so something does. Just to make sure people get their money's worth. Whether or not it'll be true or real is another thing. That, I doubt.

    [The truth of what she's saying is obvious in her voice. The other girl, though, keeps talking, asking her what she thinks it'll tell her that she doesn't already know. For a moment, Vi is quiet, just staring down at the cup with a little frown on her face.]

    I don't.

    [A pause, and she takes another sip of the coffee, as if to give the girl permission to eat her delicate little sliver of pastry.]

    I don't think it'll tell me anything I don't already know.
    warmare: (æ‚”ă—ă„)

    [personal profile] warmare 2022-10-22 07:54 pm (UTC)(link)
    [He squints, he chews, he apparently
 says something foul to the serving woman. Once she has delivered the message, the waitress tries to leave this strange interaction behind, but Hayame bids her stay with a raised hand while she considers her options for a moment.

    A moment in which more food arrives at that
 man’s
 table. Some of which is set out on the opposite side, as if for someone who is not there. Someone who could be her, if she just-

    Missus, I really- The Zenite tries to excuse herself while still maintaining service industry standards of hospitality, but Hayame’s withering glare keeps her in place. I have work
 And in Hayame’s defense, that glare is directed more inward and just manifesting outwardly, she’s not mad at the woman, she just
 Finally,]


    
 I will sit.

    [She had already promised service (ugh) to the restaurant to eat, but if they ran out of the food she longed to taste again
 With the impermanence of everything that surrounded them since the first moment she woke up on Horos, Hayame had lost the ability to tell herself “I’ll just come back tomorrow”. She might be dead tomorrow. This whole world might be “destroyed” tomorrow.

    And with that inspiring thought
 Hayame’s large form is navigated somewhat clumsily through the crowded seating, the free chair at Gen’s table is removed
 and a centaur plops her rump down onto the stone in its place, adopting a slightly awkward stance with her equine half arranged more like a dog would sit than anyone would imagine a horse would.

    
 There is no way she could stop herself, now. The food looks so familiar, so appetizing, and it’s hot and ready and right under her nose
 and even if her entire body is tense as if guarding against potential attack and she looks a bit like a food-aggressive pit bull


    Her palms press together and her head dips downward in a brief gesture of thanks
 before she picks up the bowl, and just the first bite makes her long tail suddenly whip out behind her, her shoulders round, and her fingers clench tight on the chopsticks.

    
 It’s delicious.]
    uproared: (it's time to forget the mistakes)

    [personal profile] uproared 2022-10-22 07:59 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Feeling ignored, Mordred growls; now needing to hunch over with both hands on her knees to keep herself up. But she's the only one not sitting, so that's a win for her. ]

    Spoken like a true coward.

    [ Treasured memories... what a joke. She doesn't have a single one of those. (Well, that's not entirely true. There's one memory that was precious to her at the time, but became tainted by everything afterward — enough that she wonders if it wouldn't be better to do away with it completely.) ]

    ... Whatever. If that's the only option, then I'll do it. But you bastards better forget what you saw, or I'll beat it out of your heads myself. [ With a glance at Gray: ] Mouse?

    [ She gives 0% of a shit about Eustace's opinion, but maybe 5% about Gray's. Maybe. ]