kenoslogs | TDM + GAME OPENING 🎉

Entry tags:

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, αιώνιος ήλιος

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, луны-близнецы

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Dimitri's motives are perhaps a bit more selfish. He just wants to forget for a little while or ease his headache or just... try to unwind. There's not much learning for him here. Still, he forges on as best he can. He pauses, peering at Kaeya and he's slightly startled to find that the other man has an eyepatch as well. He almost wants to ask about it.

But, well, that's just rude.

So he settles for replying. ]

Well... I'm glad to hear that.

[ He takes a few steps in and carefully begins to sink into the water with a long exhale. He gives Kaeya another look, as if he's trying to think of something, and then he finally says: ]

...are you one of the newcomers? Or a native of this place?

[ Now that Kaeya can get a better look at the other man, he can't help but feel as though he's seen him somewhere before. Their eyes meet for a split-second, and he keeps that easygoing smile plastered on his face the entire time. It seems he isn't the only one who is curious. ]

One of the newcomers— although I didn't wake up under that possessive tree.

[ His head tilts. ]

Is there something on your mind? Or on my face?

[ Because he did notice the man Looking. ]

[ Oops. Caught looking. His cheeks flush a little and he clears his throat, taking some time to sink into the water before he actually replies. ]

...I apologize. I couldn't help but notice your eyepatch. It... isn't a common adornment and I have one of my own.

[ Which is a little obvious. He leans back against the lip of the bath with a soft sigh. ]

It was rude of me to stare.

[ Kaeya can't help but laugh, equal parts amused and fond. Can't avoid feeling that way when the other practically submerged himself underwater. How cute. ]

I was looking at you for the same reason. That makes us even, doesn't it?

[ No apologies needed, that is. ]

So you'd like to hear my story, hm? How about a trade?

Well... I can share what I can. It's a bit of a long story, after all. But I can cover the important parts.

[ Dimitri sighs, still a touch embarrassed. ]

But that sounds like a fair trade to me.

Even if it's a long story, I'd argue that we have some time before the heat becomes dangerous enough for both of us. Or we can always save the details over a drink or two.

[ Kaeya doesn't seem too bothered by Dimitri's embarrassment. He takes it as a sign to go first— ]

In any case, there's nothing too exciting about my own story. I like to tell others that I inherited this eyepatch from my grandfather, who was an infamous pirate, but what really happened is...

[ He trails off. Not so much for dramatic effect, but because a memory makes itself known right there and then. He tries not to think about a sword covered in bright flames while he continues. ]

A dragon caught me off-guard when I was minding my own business. I suppose it didn't take kindly to having its young snatched from its nest.

[ Dimitri inclines his head in a nod and settles in to listen. The water, at least, seems to be doing an excellent job at chasing away stress and any sore muscles he might have at the moment. His attention, however, doesn't waver. He has that going for him. ]

Ah.

[ He purses his lips. ]

Stealing from a dragon - whether it's young or its treasure... seems like a perilous endeavor in the first place. Was that what you were doing? Or were you simply in the wrong place at the wrong time?

[ It's true— the water is at a perfect temperature, making it quite effective at keeping Kaeya relaxed the entire time. Whatever tension that crept up on him due to the sudden flashback is now gone. The only thing missing is a glass of wine, but he can have one of that later.

He rolls his shoulders casually. A shrug. ]

A green adventurer decided that it was a brilliant idea to steal its egg for a pouch of mora. I happened to be in the area thanks to a mission for the Knights, and when I saw what was happening with the dragon and the adventurer, well...

[ He taps his eyepatch. ]

Got a souvenir for all that trouble.

[ A glass of wine honestly wouldn't be terrible. Although if he drinks too much, it tends to give him a terrible headache. He makes a low noise. ]

You're a knight, then. Interesting. We have our own orders where I come from.

[ He pauses, still mulling over the story. ]

I suppose it's my turn? I will... try to be brief. [ He frowns. ]

Sudden war broke out in my homeland, between the Adrestian Empire and the Church of Seiros. During the early days of the war, while my people were still preparing, members of my court... my uncle... decided that they wished to take the throne for themselves. They attacked me. Imprisoned me.

[ He trails off. He is silent, gaze distant as if he is reliving something. ]

With the help of steadfast allies, I managed to escape. But... not before I was gravely wounded. I healed, but... [ He shrugs. The implication is there. ]

I once was the Cavalry Captain for the Knights of Favonius, yes. That's no longer the case now.

[ Considering everything, y'know. World's gone and all.

Anyway. Maybe if Kaeya was a better person, he might feel bad that the other man believed every single word he said, but he isn't. Barely counts as one, really, so he settles in his corner of the bath, content to listen to the story now being told.

The smile on his face withers into one of understanding. ]

Family can be unpredictable sometimes, hm? You never know what it would take for them to betray you.

[ In Dimitri's case, it sounds like it was greed. In Kaeya's ... well, he only has himself to blame there, really. ]

It's a good look on you, in any case. I'd say it adds character.

[ Dimitri, of course, has no reason to think that this man would lie to him. After all, what would be the benefit of it when they are all strangers already? He shrugs his soldiers with a little shake of his head. ]

...I have heard that before. I am unsure if I would rather have the use of my eye back or not.

[ His smile fades a little. ]

It was... a lesson that needed learning. [ Although he wouldn't say that in earshot of Dedue or the Professor, all things considered. ]

[ Kaeya can only huff quietly. ]

You learn to make do. It's not so bad having a blindside, but I do understand it can be a disadvantage sometimes.

[ The additional statement has him raising an eyebrow, and this is one of those things where he doubts he'll get an answer even if he asks, but here he goes anyway. ]

And what lesson was that?

...a lesson about trust. And who can be trusted.

[ He smiles a touch bitterly. ]

But I know there are still those who I would give my life to, without hesitation. Even if the injury lingers.

[ Given the man's response, the look on Kaeya's face softens into something unreadable. ]

It's good that you've kept your faith in others. Not many would be able to do so after going through a betrayal like that.

[ It's almost like he's speaking from experience, but before they get too far into this particular topic, he's quick to offer another smile. ]

In any case, where are my manners? My name is Kaeya Alberich— might as well tell you that much now that we know a little bit about each other, hm?

[ And there he goes, offering a hand for a solid handshake. ]

Oh, of course. I apologize-

[ He nods his head and lifts his hand, as if to sketch the impression of a bow. ]

Dimitri Blaiddyd. King of Faerghus - although perhaps "formerly" would be more apt now...

[ He's a bit sad about that, in all honesty. He's holding himself together - but maybe it hasn't fully sunk in in yet. ]

[ While Dimitri introduces himself, Kaeya takes the time to study him — really study him, looking for any details he might have missed. What puts this strange, nagging feeling to rest is the fact that this man's eye lacks a specific pupil shape.

He would say it's a pleasure to meet Dimitri's acquaintance except it doesn't seem so appropriate given the man's last statement. His expression softens, but it's hard to read what it's supposed to be. ]

Even with time, it doesn't get any easier speaking in the past tense.

[ That's just his experience, anyway. ]

And it's only been a few days.

[ Dimitri sighs. ]

...I am not sure how to feel, in truth. Whether I ought to be angry or just sad or-

[ He sinks a little lower in the water with a frown, apparently not noticing how Kaeya is examining him. ]

It troubles me. I spent so long preparing and becoming someone who could lead them. And now they're all... gone. Just like that.

It has been a few months for me, but it's only recently that it was confirmed that my world is gone for good. It's cruel to be told that things are uncertain, that there might be a chance to bring back what was lost—

[ ... ]

In a way, it's good that you weren't left wondering for as long as I was.

[ Now, time to make this conversation a bit more productive. ]

I suppose the question now is what you'd like to do going forward.

I... am sorry for that. Truly.

[ Dimitri frowns. But he's not quite sure whether to reach out or not. He settles a bit lower in the water. ]

...restore it, if I can. I have been told it is possible, but...

[ Who knows if that's true? ]

[ Kaeya can only shake his head when Dimitri says that he's sorry, as if telling him it's not necessary. Nothing can be done about it now.

He watches as the man sinks further into the water, huffing softly. ]

Go any further and you might risk losing consciousness due to the temperature of the water. Be careful.

[ They should probably think about leaving the bath fairly soon, but for now— ]

You resonate with the Meridian's ideologies, then?

[ He's heard about what Cyrus was offering, that sunbeam... ]

Mmm. I know.

[ It's a bit absent-minded. He's thinking about other things. Not quite about leaving just yet. It's a lot. ]

...I do. I would feel as if I were betraying the people I was to protect if I were to pass up any chance there might be to restore them.

[ Although perhaps dwelling in the past like that isn't exactly healthy. ]

[ To hear Dimitri liken it to betrayal causes Kaeya to fall silent. It's something that crossed his mind, certainly, but at the same time, he can't tell if what Meridian is promising can be guaranteed.

Truly, what a difficult choice to make. ]

What Zenith stands for isn't too dissimilar— at least, not from what I've gathered thus far. They believe that what is now gone can be reborn and remade.

[ He pauses, wondering if he should say anything more. This isn't anything like the situation at Horos where they were forced to bring others to the Kenoma's side, and it isn't like he's made up his mind either.

Then again, all he's saying is just a repeat of what he's learned and not his opinion on the matter. ]

... Of course, I've no idea how they plan to start over, but Yima is the one who saved our souls from the brink of oblivion. I wouldn't be surprised if she can save the ones you've lost too.

...could she pluck the souls of all of Fodlan free from whatever fate awaits them and deposit them here? Could she bring them back? Give them another chance to live?

[ It's a touch rhetorical; he doesn't think that Kaeya really knows. ]

And even if she could... would that be enough? To have lost homes and lives and a place of belonging?

[ He's a bit distracted and looking off into the distance. ]

[ Kaeya wants to address what was said last— that a place of belonging can't exist without its people. Kingdoms can be rebuilt, but once someone is gone, that's the end of their story. However, instead of voicing any of that out loud, he focuses on the former subject. ]

... When I asked, Yima mentioned that she doesn't have the power to do so as she is right now, but that there is a way to guarantee its success. She wouldn't tell me how that's possible. Not unless I join Zenith, I suppose.

[ A beat. ]

That said, Yima was able to save someone I know and bring her here. She was lost to me before, just like the rest of Mondstadt, but now she's not. [ He has Diluc's shard too, but that's something he'll keep close to his heart. ] Of course, there is a chance that this is just a ruse to rally others to Zenith's cause, but who knows?

[ Lots to think about either way, he muses. ]

That... is a lot to think about.

[ Dimitri murmurs, his eye a bit unfocused. He feels... tired, all of a sudden. Maybe it's the bath. He closes his eye, as if to simply think, his voice trailing off a little. ]

I would rather restore what once was. Maybe that's foolish...

[ And he trails off again, as if the thought is unfinished and he's searching for the water.

Wait, is Dimitri asleep? ]

LET'S PLAY A GAME...

CYRUS, THE TRIBUNE

FOR NEW PLAYERS:

FOR OLD PLAYERS:

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i'm gonna laugh if dima passes out

watch it happen

dimitri............. i mean that'll be funny

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