TDM + GAME OPENING 🎉

[beleos]

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

Comments

[zauneyete]

It's certainly... ornate.

[ He looked above his head at the lights. The word didn't sound like an oath, but it's close. Like something this fancy was too dressed up for Silco's tastes, even if he looked like he fit in perfectly. Silco had always had an odd sort of... disparity between where he thought he belonged, and where he looked like he belonged. The eye, of course, helps bridge the divide.

His eye flicked to the door again, as if the woman was still there, but it's more of an idle thought as he considered the conversations. Vampires (while they existed on Runeterra) were the sorts of things in fiction to Silco, and he had never thought that the ones here were real. He had thought it was like those costume partiesinvited... ]

Hm, these Vampires certainly aren't real where I'm from. [ A beat. ] Was her information worth the time?

[ He did not, however, ask what it was. Game recognizes game, etc. ]

[cutlery]

Oh, absolutely. Besides it simply being interesting to learn more just from an intellectual point of view, she has lived here in Highstorm for nearly two centuries. The Tomes have been interesting in providing a history of Kenos and Highstorm, but I prefer the frank honesty of hearing it in person.

[ Silco may not have asked, but in this, he doesn’t mind sharing in the slightest. It’s nothing particularly sensitive, but his way of getting to the information was manipulative. That’s as second nature to him as breathing was for humans.

…Oh, and this information would also later be used for a fun outing of breaking and entering with Jinx. If/when Sebastian finds out about their connection, he’s definitely going to get a laugh out of this coincidence. ]

But, yes, do mind your neck. Everyone seems to be polite about it, at least? I suppose Lady Yima exerts enough control to keep more impulsive citizens in check.

[zauneyete]

Heaven forbid I... what is it they do? [ A beat. ] Oh yes, become someone's snack. I think they'll get sick from all the toxins.

[ He says it so casually, but when one lives in a polluted city underground for most of their life, it's a fact of like that his blood is probably already swimming with plenty of foul things. Or being a shard bearer has already fixed that, but Silco likes to think he's still himself. He hasn't been dissipated. Yet. That had to count for something. ]

I suspect she knew a lot more than either of us could learn in a few short days. Anything of particular interest?

[ Well, if he was going to share... ]

[cutlery]

[ The idea at least gets Sebastian to snicker, since it would be a delightful little irony and unintentional self-defense mechanism. They may not have spoken about where Silco came from beyond the most general of generalities, but Sebastian can at least make a decent guess, if without details. From Silco mentioning that he lived underground, he imagines something like significantly more complex mines than he’s seen, and from that, he would hardly be surprised that it wasn’t exactly good for people. Beyond that, his guesses were rudimentary, though it doesn’t stop him from a playful response. ]

Well, it would at least be funny, provided they are not too greedy, of course. But regardless, I must say that you are quite lively for having toxic blood, you know.

[ Maybe humans can just deal with that? He has no idea, honestly. His contract with Ciel was the most extended time he’d spent with humans, so their resilience against injury and the like was still something he was actively learning.

He sits back comfortably with a thoughtful hum as he considers what she had shared with him, but his first response is a light shrug. ]

It was a somewhat mixed variety. We talked of some names that wield a bit more influence and power than others, but I do not know how of interest that may be in context. Shard-Bearers rank above even them in the overall social hierarchy, essentially, as we may speak with Lady Yima more freely.

[ slash Sebastian isn’t allowed to learn anything that interesting in that respect bc I won’t let him, but, ]

Though we did talk for a bit about another island out in the “sea” by the name of Alenroux that was at least mildly interesting in one part. Have you heard of it?

[zauneyete]

[ Silco's half-fierce smile at the statement about toxic blood is his only response. It's almost something that doesn't quite fit on his face -- the look of a monster that peeked out for just a moment, flitted to the surface from under the depths, before it slunk back into the dark depths, and Silco smothered it like he did most things. Silco had, after all, felt his blood mingle wit the pollution and toxins, and while it didn't linger...

The effects did.

It's only momentary, before he's back to smoothing his hair, and sipping at his drink, to listen to Sebastian move on with the conversation. He was interested to hear more about what he'd heard, and listened, intent. Nothing so far was new, that the Shard-Bearers were considered important, and that they had access to Yima's ear was expected.

His eyes drew to Sebastian, when he asked about the island. ]

That's the vacation spot, yes? I heard the days are supposedly warm and sunny... Ideal, according to some.

[ Not Silco, obviously. ]

And that nobody sticks around at night. It seemed to be a... breadbasket, so I have focused more on learning about Highstorm. [ Then, curiously, he leaned forward. ] Did you hear something?

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian sees the flicker of darkness move across Silco’s face, but it only draws out the tiniest thread more of a smile from the demon. He doesn’t know the depths of Silco’s hatred (though he’s certainly been getting more of a picture as of late), but he can recognize the flicker for what it is. They both have monsters lurking unseen just beneath their calculated composure, after all. Sebastian’s just happened to be literal.

So, no need to point it out, is there?

He nods lightly to confirm Silco’s assessment of Alenroux’s finer points, though he does offer a little elaboration for them. It’s clearly not the most interesting part of what he’d heard, but all information could be useful, in his own opinion. ]

So indeed. It is a massive island compared to Highstorm and Springstar both, from the sounds of it. It also certainly helped explain how relations between the two cities are considerably kinder than Horos. Alenroux itself seems to necessitate cooperation, which is very interesting, at least to me. It adds a unique factor to otherwise standard political considerations, since from the sounds of it, conquering it for one of the other would only be a short-term gain.

[ Wars are easy and justifiable to start over food, after all, which is why it intrigues him. But. That truly is just a straightforward interest of politics and strategy, and one that’s easily understood. Alenroux itself offered a mystery beyond that, though. ]

There are creatures that emerge during the night, apparently, and ones that are no minor trifle. They are quite capable of killing even powerful Shard-Bearers, based on a brief story she told me. [ He shrugs ] Now, the rest must be taken with a grain of salt, as who knows where the line between reality and a tantalizing story lies, but… If true, it sounds as if these creatures may be drawn more to Shard-Bearers.

[zauneyete]

I suppose you can't starve out the other side without shooting your own foot, hm?

[ It's an interesting prospect. Silco knows how it is, to be somewhat dependent on those one considered their enemies. There's something that they don't have in Zaun, and that's ample verdant land. There's nothing to farm, and while they could live off of trade from Bilgewater, some of the castaways are thrown off from topside.

There seems to be a natural symbiosis to Springstar and Highstorm, and it's not something he's unused to. It's also different, than what he'd seen in the last world, where the breadbasket had been... relatively subjugated. This didn't even have a set population, it seemed. He assumed the buildings remained, but... ]

Curious, though, that they seem drawn to shard-bearers, hm? I assume she gave you no indication as to what that was about? [ Was it their natural power? Were they predators, knowing that they were encroaching on this world? Silco had seen enough that he has multiple theories now, but without investigating... ]

I wonder what they hope to gain, by attacking ones like us? There must be < em>something that draws them in.

[cutlery]

[ He nods to the political considerations of Alenroux, since there’s not much he feels he needs to add there, or at least not over the intrigue of the rest. Silco seems to have enough of a tactical mind already to not need Sebastian’s input on the impacts and politics of such a delicate balance, so he simply moves on. ]

Very curious indeed, and unfortunately, no. It was something I even pressed on, but she did not seem to know any more than that. I suppose it is enough to keep most away.

[ With how he says “most”, it’s also clear that he’s excluding himself. His interest is caught, and so he’ll pursue it. For Sebastian, it’s as simple as that, since it’s how his whimsy works. Lady Yima’s goals me be all well and good, and he’ll follow them loyally, since she’s given him something he deeply wanted… But it’s not immediate. This is essentially how his boredom presents. ]

I can make a guess, but it only be that, and it is based on my own experience… So, who knows how it may transfer here? But the Shards are indeed the vessel for the soul. It is something I can see, to put it simply. [ He shrugs, but also with that, gives the implication that he does indeed have his natural abilities back at this point ] By that, they are incredibly valuable, at least to certain creatures, including my kin. I do not find it impossible for it to be something as simple as that.

[zauneyete]

[ Intriguing, to Silco, was the fact that Sebastian could see souls. He had the idle thought -- because who wouldn't? -- that he wondered what his soul looked like, but he supposed it didn't matter. He didn't suspect Sebastian could see his history through his soul -- the only real fear he had about it -- but it was still a curious statement to make.

He ran a hand down his lips, thinking of the prospect. That the creatures were so interested in consuming shard-bearers, it would make sense that they had an attraction toward their souls. Their shards were different than how others held their souls, and while Silco was pretty sure a beast would eat anyone they came across, the fact that the shard-bearers were of particular interest was... interesting.

Silco could see why the Demon's interest was piqued. ]

I noticed you said most. Are you thinking of taking a little trip, to see what happens?

[cutlery]

I am. My curiosity is piqued, so I can hardly resist. If it is something close to my kind, then negotiations can be made. There are lesser demons that are also less socialized, shall we say, since our realm simply worked very differently.

[ He shrugs casually, since he’s not sure how likely of an option he finds that, but it’s definitely not impossible. Most lesser demons and their ilk would despise Springstar and Highstorm both, so fleeing to Alenroux to hunt was perfectly logical. Now, whether such creatures even existed in Kenos or not was more the problem, but that’s also part of the answer in his shrug. ]

And if not, then I should at least like to learn more of it. Not that I will go alone, mind you. I am sure that there will be others interested to learn more about this particular mystery, so I shall simply join such an expedition. My skills will be handy, I am sure, and it is useful to me in turn. If it is indeed drawn to our Shards, then I shall not be the only beacon in the dark for it to find.

[ That’s the trade-off of getting a demon on your team, apparently. He probably would indeed be useful to have, but… You’re also bait. Whoops! ]

Or at least, such were my immediate thoughts. It is very possible that I find something else which may be more worth my while before it catches others' interest. There is much to learn here in Kenos, after all, and I very much dislike feeling under-informed.

[zauneyete]

Subject to your whims and interests, hm?

[ He asked, as much as he answered. ]

I'm sure you'll find plenty of people willing to traipse into the darkness there, and find what lurks. If the residents are anything like they were in Horos, you'll probably have plenty of... well-meaning types that want to put an end to whatever hunting is there.

[ A smile lifted one side of his face, and he understood, of course, that Sebastian wouldn't really mind if some were used as bait. Silco wouldn't either, actually, and he might even be interested in nudging the names of... some along, if the prospect were suggested as an actual event in the future. ]

I wonder if you could capture one of them... and see what makes it tick, while you're there...or what would happen to them when the sun comes up, if anything. If they haven't been well studied, I suppose you could learn plenty about the beasts that stalk the night. Who knows, perhaps even a way to make them useful.

[ It could not be Silco, of course. He doesn't have nearly the power of a demon like Sebastian, but he doesn't discount the use in his investigation. ]

[cutlery]

[ He laughs first as he shrugs, since the question has an easy answer: ] Always. What can I say but that I am a whimsical sort…?

[ Though it’s a joke, naturally, even if it is true. Sebastian’s particular expressions of whimsy were unique, after all. And, as this particular interest proves, sometimes not safe for anyone else… ]

But, yes, I was hoping that was the case. I did get the impression that at least some of the former Pleroma that remain may be so inclined. They were incredibly kind to me when the situation could not have been more dire, after all. I am sure that goodness could not rest easily knowing there is such a troublesome creature.

[ It’s weakness, in his opinion, and exactly why he had played nice. He was a troublesome creature, after all. For every eye plucked out with vicious efficiency, he felt the need for ten times more people who would consider him nothing but a polite, if odd presence. It was how he worked best. ]

I would very much like to capture one, whatever it is. There is uncertainty with that which makes it difficult to plan for, but not impossible. I will admit, I am simply a bit of a brute when it comes to something new. [ He says it so politely and casually, as if he were talking about the weather, and indeed, he continues just as smoothly. ] Ah, and to that note… I am very pleased to share that I am indeed more whole in my ability than the Regent sought to give. Not fully, mind, but certainly more.

[zauneyete]

So kind of you, to repay them with the opportunity. [ Silco says it, but the knowing tone is clear. The opportunity to get hurt, or serve as bait. Silco thinks it's rather funny, and the way the skin crinkled at one eye was enough of an indication of that, as he considered the idea. The former Pleroma would try and step up, thinking that they were doing something good, and well.

Sebastian was of a like mind to him, wasn't he? He didn't care about the lot of them, and that meant they could be used without concern for the repercussions. Then again, Sebastian was a demon, and likely didn't have to worry about a threat to his life, if things got too... dire.

Speaking of... ]

Oh? [ He lifted an eyebrow. ] You have fewer restrictions than before? [ A beat, curious. He leaned forward, slightly. ] I suppose this will be to Yima's advantage, and the Regent's detriment. Anything interesting that you couldn't do before?

[ Testing the waters, curiously. What would Sebastian be willing to share? ]

[cutlery]

Of course. If they are so magnanimous, then it is an excellent cause to serve. And I will gladly protect their shards in return, should things go poorly. It is only fair.

[ At least so far, none of the Pleroma had earned his ire enough to destroy or abandon their shards in this sort of scenario. It may be just an expression of his whimsy, but he does mean it seriously. Unless he’s given further reason or direction to pursue someone viciously, simply delivering them the experience of death satisfied his baser instincts.

But! No need to get into that, since Silco is intrigued, as he had hoped. He leans back in his chair and gives a light glance over his shoulder to see if any eyes are on them as he speaks. ]

Oh, a few things. Most of them were things that I was able to do in Horos, but not so readily. You may have seen that I was able to control my form at will, but that was limited. It is not so any longer. I could be a crow, a wolf, or even my real face, if I so chose. But from the shadow that I may shape there is also—

[ It’s as he’s satisfied that they’re being ignored that he leans forward again. It’s partially to lower his voice a bit, but also for the small demonstration. He gestures generally to Silco, but it’s to show his open, empty palm, since as he lowers it to the table between them, his fingers close around something small and there’s the clink of something being placed on the table. It would seem like a sleight of hand, if not for how flickers of dark, impossible shadow linger against the white of Sebastian’s gloves, if only for a moment.

Sebastian moves his hand to reveal a small and ornate knife, though for its decorative properties, there’s no question that it’s functional. ]

—Creation. Still not in full, mind you, but I can at least accept that I shall no longer be making mansions and strongholds with a wave of the hand. Otherwise, if I have seen it, I can create it with my will alone. This one is a gift, should you want it.

[ It’s a more fitting gift than Sebastian knows, but it truly is little more than a coincidence… Considering what he does know of Silco’s background combined with his personality, it’s just the sort of thing just seems like something Silco might have use for and enjoy the dark humor inscribed on its blade: ]

“Che la mia ferita sia mortale”—”May the wound I bring be fatal.” The Corscians definitely carried out their vendettas with style, no?

[ There is, of course, one more thing. But he’ll get to that one as its own point, since it’s surely the more important to be brought up to Silco in particular. ]

[zauneyete]

[ Silco's lips curled into a little smile, at the phrase. It was...surprisingly fitting, and his head tipped as he looked the knife over, as if by looking at it from one way or another, he could puzzle out where it came from. Watching it be materialized out of nothing was downright mystifying. Even Hextech, for all of its wonders, had never been something that could make something out of nothing. Oh, what he wouldn't have given, to have such an ability -- or someone to provide such a thing.

Hesitantly, his fingers wrapped around the knife, and he admired the inscription on the blade. He tested the fit of it, the feeling. The lean handle, and the fine adornments. A little... ornamental, but Silco was not without his own fondness for the finer things in life, and with the words...

It was so, remarkably fitting. ]

I don't even know who these people were, I feel a kinship with them, for the sentiment alone. [ His fingers fiddled the blade, closed, then open in a flash, before he closed it. Adept fingers, as he'd had to learn, as a boy, to use something and he'd never had the fists of men like Vander or Benzo to punch his foes into submission. No, Silco had needed to be smart, and quick. The knife was a surprisingly welcome gift. ]

Thank you. I lost mine, in the incident under the tree.

[ "Lost", he says. "Gave to Jinx", he means. ]

You must be quite pleased, to regain such things. It was... an interesting adjustment, to suddenly be without the powers we once had in Horos, and I'm sure losing them from your own was an... adjustment. [ Silco couldn't imagine being satisfied with relinquishing even a scrap of the power he'd once had, and if he had it for longer than a few months... He'd be even angrier. ]

[cutlery]

[ He watches with interest as Silco tests the blade. It’s both to take it in as praise of his good “work” and to fill in a little more detail about his background. He’d assumed that Silco would at least be familiar enough with knives and the sort for personal defense, considering his rougher background, but the deftness with which he handles the blade confirms it. To the thanks, he nods to accept it graciously. ]

Of course. The Tree really was an annoying trouble, so I will gladly replenish such a supply.

[ Since he’s erroneously assuming that Silco might have run into a similar “trouble” as he had. Not much carried over from Horos indeed, but grudges, well. They did. He doesn’t get into the fact that his death was an annoying trouble, though, since while he might pettily complain about it normally, the conversation is continuing in such a way that Sebastian doesn’t want the perception of being weak in the slightest. ]

Oh, it was infuriating, to be honest. [ Still is, in a way, but he laughs it off with a dismissive wave of his hand. ] Horos stole my power, but it also stole my very being. It is as much a part of me as a limb or a sense. So, yes. It is a relief. Even if it is incomplete here in Kenos as well… These concessions I will allow. I imagine even Lady Yima would have some reservations about allowing all that I am. There is a reason that I was only allowed to the human realm when a deal had been struck.

[ Since, objectively, it does make sense to him. Most demons weren’t agreeable like he was. Allowing an invulnerable, immortal demon freedom in a world of mortals could be a dire mistake that might be unable to be corrected. He wouldn’t be so arrogant as to think so for himself, but there were more powerful demons than he, and they could easily end the world, were they given such a concession. Somehow, he imagines that’s not exactly what Yima had in mind to accomplish it.

But it’s irrelevant. He’s gotten to his ultimate point, and he brings it up casually. He doesn’t want to be completely open about his interest in the prospect, after all, lest it reduce his own bargaining power. Silco may not realize it yet, but he’s already engaged in a game with Sebastian, after all. ]

Though interestingly, Lady Yima is indeed more permissive than the Regent. In these obvious ways, of course, as she has indeed given me my power. But she has also given me back the ability to barter it.

[zauneyete]

Yes. I should think the Dryad will have quite a few of us looking for their death. Including me.

[ But the conversation moved on, and Silco doesn't explain more. Doesn't explain the violent pain, the blood, listening to his daughter practically whimper that he couldn't just pass out on her, or that he had to watch her cut off her own hand. That they'd fought even for the antidote as they slowly faded beneath its eyes, barely conscious, quickly fading --

No, the conversation moved, and while Silco had a moment to think on it... Sebastian had much more interesting things to speak on, that soothed his angry soul, and piqued his curiosity. When he spoke of power, of bargains.

Silco's eyes barely moved, but it's there, in the one blue eye, the way they widened slightly, flashed with -- hunger.

He's naturally suspicious, of course, as Silco often was -- always wary of betrayal and the prospect of being stabbed in the back, and yet... There is a part of him, that wonders why Sebastian is so willing to speak on his powers like this. Silco's own power lays a secret even now, he'd hardly thought to share with the rest of them that he still retained his power -- he suspected Yima had been the hand in that, he remembered that electric shock of cold in his shard -- and he wondered if Sebastian had been similar, and why it changed now.

Or if it wasn't, why he'd never noticed before.

There was something he hadn't quite picked up on yet -- the name of the game obscured in this moment to him -- but even still, he felt the flash of hunger for such power. A desire so wrapped up in his complexes and needs, that he wanted it, whatever it was.

Idly, he offered: ]

Quite interesting. I would think with all of us... shard bearers, there's a plethora of options, but could anyone offer you what you want for it, that you received before your world's destruction? I should think that it's...different, isn't it?

[ He didn't truly know the specifics, despite what Sebastian had said before, about them missing the mark with the power, and then he'd consumed them. That hardly seemed to be what he wanted, right? Silco had called those men weak, for lacking the resolution to do what was needed, but what happened when they were successful? ]

Or is it all the same, in the end?

[cutlery]

[ As clearly as if Silco has said it plainly, Sebastian sees that flash of hunger. It’s not a surprise, of course, since he very intentionally had been trying to draw it out. That feeling is the temptation that he wants Silco to focus on, obsess over, even. But there’s no outward change in Sebastian’s expression at it. His wider smile instead comes at Silco’s questions, though it’s still genial. And at first, it doesn’t seem like he’s answering those questions. ]

You know, I have never failed in one of my contracts. No matter the wish, I have always delivered precisely what my masters asked. They could be kings of a realm, win the heart of the one they love unrequited, live in luxury… Or, in the case of my most recent master, he asked for more power than any other.

[ With a touch of glib theatrics, he sighs and shrugs ]

It may have been circumstances beyond my control, but my last contract did break that streak. It is difficult for my little master to have gotten the revenge he desired so deeply when the world is no more. And it was a terrible shame since I worked that job for years, you know. All of that effort for naught. [ Here, he finally gets to why he’s led with this story, since his dramatics subside into a pleased smile ] That is, until Lady Yima offered me his Shard.

[ He gestures generally across the table, but it’s just speaking with his hands a bit more than anything. ]

That is my price. I will grant a wish, no matter how large, so long as my master is willing to give me their soul once our deal is complete.

[ His eyes are on Silco’s because this is the most important detail. His Covenants are generally struck when someone calls out to him, where their desire is so strong it nearly tears a hole through the realms to allow him out. There’s no question that they’ll offer up their soul to him. They wouldn’t be able to call him otherwise. But, this is different. He’s never had to ask the question, even if it’s only implicit here. Is a demon’s power something you’d forfeit your soul for? ]

[zauneyete]

[ The game Sebastian plays at, it does its job. Silco can feel his mind twisting over it, considering that possibility. How could he Stop, when the prospect was simply presented as something so possible. That option was...rife with potential. The thought that a demon's power could offer him total domination over his enemies was tempting, although while Silco desired power, he hasn't been tipped over the edge yet. No, he would need one more little facet to fall into place, something that hadn't happened. Yet.

It does not stop Silco from considering, winding his head around it, thinking it through. Thinking of what it could mean for him. Sebastian will be able to see the hunger in his eyes, or the way he ran a finger down his lip in consideration.

Cast, hook, and reeled in. ]

I cannot imagine the use of a soul, if I can be frank. At least to a human. [ Or so he thought. Perhaps there was something to it that he didn't know about, but he'd only heard the term used when one died, and when the preachers on the street tried to convert desperate and needy passers by. It hadn't been the sort of the thing Silco had spent much time contemplating. ]

It seems like something of an even trade. If it were me, of course.

[ If it were me, he said. Silco did have the feeling that this wasn't presented to him for idle curiosity. No. Sebastian was crafty, deliberate. He'd only known him briefly, but it was long enough that Silco had a high estimation of the demon. A rarity, perhaps, but Sebastian had certainly saved him, at great cost to himself -- or seemingly great cost to himself. It made him keenly aware of the prospect that Sebastian had brought up. That it wasn't done for no reason.

No, Silco didn't think this was idle chatter, even if the game was still obscured to him. ]

I'm sure you're already looking for a new... [ Master? Victim? Contractor? ] Soul, if the option is available to you.

[cutlery]

[ In Horos, there had been a few people that were surprised that Sebastian was a Celebrant. For what that Legacy was meant to represent, it certainly didn’t seem like a good fit for him. His perfect principles, his lack of enjoyment of vices, they just really didn’t lend themselves to being a pleasure-seeker.

At least, if your pleasures were conventional.

There indeed may be no use to a soul to Silco, and further, the gravity of the consideration may not even apply here in Kenos… But that’s fine with Sebastian. Perhaps it’s a deal that’s indeed more favorable to a human when his own world and realm was gone. It’s just the consideration that matters, as it’s moments like this that are a demon’s hedonistic delight. ]

I am. It is not something I am in a hurry for, as they are not something I need terribly often, but I am a bit greedy in my own way.

[ He laughs pleasantly as he shifts in his posture, since now that he knows that the matter of the “wage” isn’t a problem, he can get to business. At least in his own world, it was the wage that caused people to lose their composure, after all. But if you’re a less religious sort, then indeed, the potential gravity of the price isn’t so much of a concern. ]

This is also a rather unique situation to find myself in, I admit. I have never been the one to approach someone myself to offer a Covenant, as the rules that separated my realm from humanity’s simply made that impossible. [ Just that fact alone also makes it a better deal, to be honest. Without needing to offer a sacrifice to call him forth, it’s practically a bargain, he might joke, but he doesn’t want to oversell it. ] So given a choice of who I might serve, well… Do pardon my presumption, in part, but your ambitions tend to involve the sort of work I very much enjoy.

[ Sebastian shrugs, languid and easy. Even if it’s implied, he does know this particular dance well. For someone that craves power in the way that Silco seems to, there’s a further temptation that comes with just stating it plainly. ]

Would you be interested in forming a Covenant with me, Mr. Silco? [ He pauses intentionally to let it sink in, but after it, his tone does lighten to add: ] You needn’t give me an answer at this very moment, that said. There is no rush. I can also answer any questions you may have, as such.

[zauneyete]

[ Was that the game?

Silco's eyes did not flash this time, it had become increasingly obvious to the man that if Sebastian was speaking on this, it was for a reason. It wasn't for either of their health, or education. Silco's eyes didn't need to flash, or widen, for Sebastian to not sense the hunger he felt. It was the silence that brought it forward. Silco didn't move, barely breathed, it was like he was encapsulated in time, held there.

It wasn't fear, oh no. Silco had already decided, that when this talk of covenants had come up, that if given the opportunity, he would take it. He simply hadn't...imagined that it would happen. After all, weren't there younger kids with foolish ideals about that would make much better work? Easier, certainly. Then again, he'd said it, hadn't he? The type of work that Silco would be involved in was work that he would enjoy.

There was no Zaun, of course, for him to wish for. If they were in Runeterra, he would have signed his soul away for a chance to raze Piltover to the ground, lay waste to it, and bring Zaun forward into the future. He didn't want them to live up in the sun, in their spires and majesty, but he wanted their dark, violent, bright city to hold all the cards, and the power. Let Piltover's people work fields and rooftop gardens to feed them for a change. He would have signed it off, right then and there, had he been given the opportunity to do so. He wouldn't have hesitated.

In fact, he would have been desperate.

Here, though. No, here, they were in a new realm. New rules. There was no beast to defeat, no Pleroma to subjugate. Although there was the Meridian, they seemed to be less... dangerous. Or at least Yima seemed to humor them more than she seemed to fight them.

He would have to think, on what "wish" he would ask for. ]

I should have to think on it -- at the very least, what to ask for. [ It would be easy, in the coming weeks, to think of something. Silco has not had the opportunity to see just how many of his old enemies are here yet. ] Do you have...restrictions? Not on the wish, but...

I should hardly think it acceptable, if I'm offered the opportunity, only to be betrayed, in the last moments. You understand the caution.

[ His tone is light, it doesn't hold the weight it should. Silco should think he could not trust someone, if they would find someone else more interesting. ]

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian nods agreeably, since truly, in this circumstance, he doesn’t mind. When establishing most of his Covenants, there was a bit of urgency to them. For one, just summoning him was a traumatic event for most humans, and it was an ideal time to prey upon that weakness and trick his masters into agreeing to less-than-ideal terms. But more practically than that, he truly wasn’t allowed to exist in the human realm untethered. It wasn’t as strict as having a timer or anything like that, but there wasn’t time to let them deliberate. ]

Take as long as you would like. To be completely honest, as Lady Yima did not ask for one herself, there is no one else I am currently considering offering this to.

[ Or more accurately, there’s no one else he thinks would take it as-is. He’d run into a few people where he could imagine a spark of interest, but he also imagines they would all balk at the price. ]

But I do understand perfectly, yes. Even I have my own principles, but the assurance of my word is not so strong as a contractual obligation, yes? [ He laughs playfully, but continues smoothly after a beat, ] It is worth noting that a Covenant with me is far more than a legal document. It is a kind of curse that binds me to my master, and vice versa. It is a contract enforced by magic, so violating any of its terms immediately makes the agreement null and void. That is, I may have my free will, but to go against the terms would make my efforts for naught.

[ It’s a bit of a preamble, but it helps make the weight of those terms clearer. Sebastian holds up three fingers as he continues. ]

And so, my masters may set three terms for our contract. And indeed, you may have one of them be that I cannot betray you. It was in fact a term of my previous contract. [ In his actual opinion, it’s a waste, but if it essentially takes away one of those binding terms, he won’t complain for it. ] And I suppose to give you an idea of the sort of thing you may demand… His other two terms were that I must obey any order directly given and that I could not lie.

[zauneyete]

Hm.

[ It's a note of thought, considering, as he put together the thought. It doesn't say a lot, but it has weight, as Silco considered the shape of what it was Sebastian was saying. He was not a man of few words, but he was also not a man of wasted words. Wasted words came with problems, and so Silco listened, hummed along, and considered.

Sebastian said there were three terms to hold to, for him. He would have have no trouble coming up with three, he thought, but perhaps there was a way to cover the bases that he required. Silco, after all, for all of his cleverness, was a man deeply suspicious of betrayal. Even if Sebastian had saved him during the event, nearing the last moments of Horos... He didn't trust him, even so.

Perhaps even less, that he had done it. ]

Your last master sounds like they were as suspicious as I. [ He finally said, as if he had something in common with his last master. Perhaps he did, but Silco didn't know who it would have been. He did know, however, that he would have to find the shape of his own wish, first. ]

Do you have things you may ask in return? [ He was curious. Was it just the soul Sebastian was interested in? ] During the contract, of course. I assume you could ask, but is there anything I am required to do?

[ As Sebastian likely suspected, the price wasn't what made Silco balk, but he also didn't dive into deals without considering the consequences. Then again, Silco suspected that Sebastian was a similar type. If he wasn't in a rush, then Silco would certainly deliberate freely. ]

[cutlery]

Oh, extraordinarily so. But my previous master also had an entirely different set of circumstances for us to meet in the first place. To give you the short version, he accidentally summoned me under extreme duress… Making a deal with a devil was more a matter of survival at the time than much of an actual desire for my service. I will also admit, I think his terms were rather shrewd, that said.

[ There’s a very light note of something like admiration at the last part, though it comes from a place that would be hard to predict. He can’t help but feel some sense of intrigued admiration when his masters are clever enough to know that words aren’t taken lightly by his ilk, after all. He appreciates cleverness deeply, even if it’s technically more troublesome for him. It simply makes things more interesting.

Though, to Silco’s question, he laughs softly and shakes his head. ]

I cannot. I find it to be better for both of us when my masters consider me a partner or a servant, since it improves our working relationship… But I am a slave, really. I can demand nothing of my master, only request. There is a reason that few demons choose to offer Covenants, relative to how many of us there are. Most find the idea of bowing their head so to a human detestable.

[ Sebastian cants his head lightly, since he knows that feels like a deceptively simple answer or that it doesn’t make sense for something as powerful as a demon to willingly enslave themselves. He is odd for it, even amongst his kind. But— ]

That is simply the evaluated price of a soul. It is not like stories you may have heard where I may drag it down to Hell to be tormented for all eternity. I consume it. My masters forsake whatever judgement day may have awaited their immortal soul. They simply disappear. That price is not one that I set, yet even in a world far away from where that rule was set, I am still bound by such a valuation.

[zauneyete]

[ The note of admiration is filed away. It seemed genuine, and while Silco could not ask for all three -- there was a very important sticking point that would have to be addressed in his own restrictions -- but he could likely find a way to get what he wanted out of it. To make sure that he could get what he wanted, without too much duress.

He could imagine a world where a demon would give him the letter of what he wanted, and no further, and while he wasn't knowledgeable on demons, he could think of what he would do, had he all the power, and who had to be leashed to a... lesser being.

And as Sebastian continued, he considered further.

He did not think that he should like having a slave. It was the sort of fare of other cities and regions, and Silco...he may not hold much empathy, but... he knew what a good working relationship was like. He knew what made for loyalty, or at least not outright hostility. He was cruel, and selfish, yes. Of course he was. He was a Zaunite.

Even still... he could imagine that treating Sebastian like less would... cause the demon to rankle.

No, that would be unwise. ]

Hm. Just gone. [ Well. Silco assumed that's what would happen to his soul in the end, anyway. That had been the plan all along. That it was complicated by new developments was not... something that Silco had dealt with yet, or a new plan. Single-minded pursuit of the goal had been on Silco's mind for some time.

Perhaps that would be something he would think of. Much later. ]

That's what I figured would happen, in the end anyway.

[ A pause, and Silco stamped out his foul smelling cigar, before he looked at the demon. ]

You've given me quite the...proposal to think about.

I do hope you'll give me time to consider my... wish. We're in a new realm, after all, with new possibilities. I would hate to ask for something without experiencing a little more of our new home.