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Entry tags:
- !event,
- *npc: cyrus,
- arcane: silco,
- arcane: vander,
- black butler: sebastian michaelis,
- ennead: set,
- expanse (the): amos burton,
- final fantasy xiv: cid garlond,
- final fantasy xiv: emet-selch,
- final fantasy xiv: hythlodaeus,
- genshin impact: kaeya alberich,
- granblue fantasy: eustace,
- mortal kombat 11: shang tsung,
- oc: liem talbott,
- orv: sooyoung han,
- persona 5 strikers: sophia,
- tiger & bunny: barnaby brooks jr.,
- until death do us part: mamoru hijikata
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
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!
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! 🌈
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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. ♥
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
ii
Unfortunately, he happened to look up with a note of disgust to the man at the table next to him. Whereas Hythlodaeus has a certain... aura of calm about him, Silco is all sharp edges, violent. When he's smiled at, Silco only lifts an eyebrow, a note of sarcasm in his voice, when he says: ]
What, did I catch you staring?
[ Says the man, who very clearly could win a staring contest without trying. ]
no subject
[And what an eye it is, he thinks, as he studies Silco's face. After a moment of thinking, he gets up and joins the other man at the table, his smile wider. Well, he never did put much stock in appearances anyway- even if everything about Silco screams "get away from me."]
What are you studying?
no subject
Silco smiled, a twist of his lips, as if he'd wanted the man to come, instead of saying anything prickly. The veneer up, but it's as cheap looking as brass over iron. ]
Ah, some of the power players in town, their connections, and where they're from. Apparently the individuals in Highstorm are particularly long-lived. I think the connections between them will be... rather deep.
[ If Hyth took a look, he'd notice the books were... lists of records. Names, marriages, births, deaths, census records, coupled with a book of local events in he past century or so.
Well, he didn't have a mastermind class in a video game for nothing, eh? ]
no subject
Oh? How long-lived?
[He peers at the books, humming to himself. He can't say he's particularly interested in the affairs of those who live here, not in the way Silco seems to be.]
This is an intriguing project you've set yourself. Where do you assume it will get you?
no subject
[ It's vague, and he suspects, they could be longer? Silco has little experience with long-lived entities like that, he knows they exist, like Yordles, but he isn't precisely friends with any of them. They lived long enough that they were among the early established types in Piltover. It meant that they'd been there in the beginning, if not longer. Who knew how old that councilor Heimerdinger really was? ]
I assume... [ He said, with not as much abrasiveness as a weary sigh. This was why he should be doing this sort of research in his rooms -- Jinx chattering above his head about something, or the rather -- better to concentrate. ]
That if I learn more about the individuals here, I would know who is involved with what industry, who moves in which circles, and who we will be encountering. I'm used to knowing everyone important, and to not know anything about the powerful in this world leaves me at something of a disadvantage.
no subject
[Hythlodaeus does understand that most people here are not as old as he is. Silco is an adult and he will treat him as one, but that doesn't mean he's not extremely short-lived by Hythlodaeus' standards.]
I see, I see. I cannot say it has ever occurred to me to look into such things, I'll admit. I often kept to my own circles, and that was that.
[He spoke with many people back home, sure, but he was usually hanging around Emet-Selch if they weren't working. And Azem, when the man wasn't on his travels. One could say that Hythlodaeus was already well connected to the "powerful" of his own world, being best friends with two Convocation members and having been offered a seat of his own once upon a time, but he never thought about it that way.]
no subject
Right.
[ He said it, a mild sarcasm in his tone. "Quite young", right. One of those types, then? Some bored immortal -- or near immortal? -- and kept to their own circles?
Well, that could mean many things, couldn't it? He knew some Pilties who kept to their own circles, and those circles were most certainly the halls of power, and Zaunites whose circle included pretty much only the people who they'd grown up with. ]
I have a bit of experience, showing up in a new place by now. I've found that if I want to be effective, I must find a way to do so that isn't... conventional. [ A gesture, down at himself. ] I'm not exactly the strongest fighter there is, and my area of expertise is in... business.
[ Perfectly. Legitimate. Business. ]
no subject
[The sarcasm only seems to amuse Hythlodaeus, who indeed is tickled by the dry tone.]
Ah, then you were somewhere else before arriving here. Let me guess- Horos? A few of the people I've spoken to have mentioned such a place.
[It would seem Hythlodaeus has been busy gathering information too, though his concern is less for the people who were already here (for now) and more for the recent arrivals. As for Silco's methods- well, he supposes surrounding oneself with powerful people makes sense for him. Hythlodaeus sees nothing wrong with it, though nobody really had to do such a thing where he came from.]
What might I call you, by the by? I am Hythlodaeus.
no subject
[ Thanks to Yima, or so she said. Silco, as much as he had very willingly signed on with Zenith, had no clue whether to trust the statement or not, so he treated it with as much healthy suspicion as normal. Which for Silco... normally meant suspicious of ones every move by default.
The man simply lived in a perpetual state of looking for betrayal around every corner. ]
I'm called Silco. [ He finally said, and he paused, to take a sip of his too-weak coffee, before he said: ] Do you always sit down with people you don't know, or am I just the lucky winner today?
no subject
[He doesn't elaborate on that statement. Dragging Caitlyn's name into this probably wouldn't be good for her.]
Oh, I simply enjoy speaking with different people. Especially here, where we're all from such different worlds! We surely all have such interesting stories to tell one another. Even the customs are baffling- where I am from, we covered our faces with masks and hoods, and wore the same robes as one another. But here, everyone bares their face to the world, and wears such different clothing besides!
[His story checks out, since he's still wearing his robes with his mask hanging from the front of them. He's only not wearing his mask now because it seems people stare a little when he does, and he doesn't like that.]
no subject
He looked down at his cup, but his eyes wound upward toward the man, a mismatched gaze, and it didn't seem to think that he'd heard much good, the way he appraised the man. ]
My reputation precedes me, it seems. I wonder what's been said about me, that your already know my name.
[ His tone is idle, but low. He certainly doesn't do any favors toward whatever it was that Caitlyn said in his mannerisms, but her assessment was never incorrect, but Silco would say she excluded the context for why he was like this...]
You must keep very busy, to talk to so many people, and already know someone before they even meet you. Some would even suggest that's the type who seeks out information about others.
no subject
[He rests his chin on his hand, elbow propping him up. And he grins at Silco's words, clearly amused.]
And if your assessment of me was correct? I am doing nothing differently to you.
[He gestures with his free hand to the books in front of the other man.]
Rest assured, I mean to do nothing malicious with the information I gain. But it isn't such a terrible thing to be in the know, is it? You should surely understand.
no subject
I certainly never accused you of doing anything malicious.
[ He pointed out.
In fact, while Hyth would say that he wasn't doing anything malicious, Silco, on the other hand, would absolutely do something malicious with it. That's the whole point of gathering the information, was to do something with it, wasn't it? He couldn't imagine doing otherwise. Why gather the information, if you weren't going to make use of it? ]
I'm mostly curious who's been talking about me. I'm not exactly... popular.
[ He knows there would be no reason, but to trash talk him. ]
no subject
[He regards Silco for a moment. It's fair, he thinks, to be curious about who has been spreading information about him. On the other hand, he's not about to give Silco a reason to target Caitlyn. It seems like she'll likely give him a reason all on her own soon enough, Hythlodaeus doesn't need to be involved in that.]
Why do you feel you're unpopular? Mayhap you simply need to smile more! A bright and cheerful personality goes a long way, you know.
[He taps his chin.]
Or perhaps a drink will loosen you up a little! We should go for one some time, yes? 'Tis true I have heard things about you, but it would be unfair not to give you the chance to present your side of the story.
no subject
My side of the story, hm? [ His tone is guarded. After all, there are very few who would have many stories to tell. As much as Silco sold himself as unpopular, he'd kept his actions to the shadows. He had sold out their allies in secret, and nobody had even known he'd sold Howl to the Regent. Even now. ]
I do not need a drink to loosen up. [ No, Silco didn't loosen. He was tense as iron at all times, a knife ready to strike. ] Although I will hardly turn down a single one. I know what my limit is, and when to stop. [ Then, he smiled, almost... almost, pleasantly. It's not quite there, but it's close. As if he were following his advice.
The look he achieves is a very sarcastic compliance. ]
I ran a bar for many years. I'm well aware of what secrets one can find from loose lips.
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Oh, the debates he could have with such a man! Somebody with such a unique perspective on life- a perspective none of his peers would ever have had! What could he learn, he wonders?
The oddly pleased look is not hidden from Silco, he simply grins at him. Ah, well, Silco's smile is unpleasant to look at but the intention is there, kind of. That is what matters.]
A single one it is... though I do wish you would reconsider! You're so terribly tense, I fear you will shatter in place should I look at you too intently. What is your preferred method of relaxing, then? We can do it together, and have a nice chat while we're at it.
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[ That smile was fixed in place, twitched at the edges, the fakeness of it apparent for all to see. His tone laced with sarcasm, he's putting on a show for Hyth, a tip of his head toward the man, before he finally returned to his normal, much more dour look.
He itched for a cigar, but he didn't indulge just yet. Instead, he folded his hands in front of him, and looked this man dead in the eye, one blue one, and one bright, angry orange one. ]
Do I look like the type that spends any time relaxing? If I wanted to have idle days, I would have had them, but I don't. I derive enjoyment from staying busy.
[ This is probably what happened, when one was working the mines as a youth. ]
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If you refuse, I can do little to persuade you.
[He'll take the drink and count that as a win, he guesses. This man won't bend as easily as Emet-Selch does, he notes idly.]
You will still tell me your story, yes?
[He'd hate to judge the man based on hearsay alone. He can tell Silco perhaps isn't a pleasant man on the surface, but who knows? The prickly types can have a softer centre for the right people.]
Another time, perhaps, but I would hear it all the same. I will find you for that drink, do not think otherwise!
[He offers up a playful wink.]
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I can assure you, I'm hardly difficult to find, particularly when it comes to bars. Let's just say they are... where I tend to lurk.
[ He had said that he ran a bar, right? Of course he'd lurk in them. Even though he literally was entirely disinterested in running a bar, and used it as a monument to the defeat of someone (he thought) was long dead. ]
I also didn't promise to tell you my story. [ He pointed out, with a single finger that tapped on the table, idly. ] After all, what good does my story do you? [ A tip of his head, now. ] Repair my sullied reputation?
[ But, Silco was not... entirely uncooperative. ] You may ask questions, and I may answer.
[ No promises, though. He was a slippery one. ]
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[He sighs a little as Silco points out his lack of a promise, but at least he'll answer Hythlodaeus' questions... well, perhaps.]
Where do you come from, first of all? What is it like there?
[What kind of place could produce someone like Silco? He only knows that the man is from Zaun- he doesn't know much else.]
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He has been open about where he is from, no secret needed, when it came to a land that was now dead, and buried. ]
I come from a place called Zaun. [ Well, technically, it was the undercity of Piltover, but... ] We're situated underneath, in the fissures, a city called Piltover. Supposedly, our actual ruling city.
[ That is said, with a bite. ] It is a hard place, we have nothing, we are nothing. We're made to support Piltover on our backs, and ask for nothing in return. Our children work the mines that we are all too old to do anymore, and they barely send their enforcers to us, lest they breath our poisoned air.
[ It's fervent, almost angry, but there's a tinge in there. There's one thing in this universe Silco actually gives a damn about other than his daughter, and it is Zaun. ] Our people are hard, they know that power only comes if one can take it. Our city is slathered in neon and in the streets now... now the enforcers don't go out of their own fear.
[ A smile, then. ]
That was...a recent change. In the past decade or so. I would say the next would bring even more changes, but...
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He recalls what Caitlyn said about Silco being dead where she came from, and decides not to mention it. He's also curious about how he supposedly poisoned Zaun's people for profit and power, and killed civilians... again, he doesn't feel that now is the time.]
Who are these "enforcers?"
[He's curious; their name doesn't lend itself to pleasant assumptions given what Silco has told him of Zaun, but what are they enforcing?]
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Oh, you don't know what they are? [ He'd guessed there was one person who would say anything about Silco here -- at least until a few days later, and he gets to beef it thanks to other old enemies from his world -- and Caitlyn was one of those said enforcers. ]
They're the authorities. Piltover's, more specifically. People who enforce the rules of a city disinterested in us unless we either make them profit, or we try to buck the yolk, as it were. Then they like to come down, maim or kill those of use who are causing any trouble, and then return to the clean air topside.
[ The refused to even breathe their air. It wasn't good enough for them, but it was plenty good for the Zaunites, down in the fissures, wasn't it? ]
They protect the moneyed interests of the city above, make sure we are... kept in line, kept quiet, and docile. [ Silco looked at him, with one eye eternally open. It's easy to imagine, with the punctuated consonants, that this man has experienced much of the... downsides to Piltover's authorities. ]
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How awful. I had no idea.
[That is to say, he was told how Silco is terrible, but not why he's like that. Hythlodaeus wonders if it has anything to do with Silco's appearance now.
Truly, it simply sounds like both "sides" are as bad as one another. Violence shouldn't be the answer. There's no pity in his eyes when he steadily meets Silco's gaze, at least. Silco doesn't seem like a man who needs it.]
I see that I have much to learn about you and your world, Silco. Perhaps attempting to do so here and now isn't the wisest idea. I will save any further questions for when we have that drink!
[He can only hope Silco will be as open to answering questions then. He offers him a smile.]
My apologies for stealing away your time. Please consider the drink we have to be my treat when the time comes.
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After all, he'd grown up working in the mines, and he knew Piltover's children experienced nothing like that.
What a place of privilege, to find the one black spot in a sea of it, and say that it was the one causing all of the problems. That he was the reason Zaun was the way it is -- discounting the poverty they'd all grown up in. ]
Ah, yes, of course. Your drink.
You find me, and you can... feel free to buy me one. [ He didn't need it, but he would accept. Drinks were not such a debt that he could not repay. ]
I'm sure you'll come up with plenty of...questions, in the time before then, hm?
[ He folded his hands, but it was not unpleasant. There had been no judgement from the man, and no pity, something that rankled Silco. It was, at least, a sign of respect, that he hadn't pitied him. ]
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