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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 đ
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 donât 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, theyâll explain that this happens sometimes, since not every soul has a strong tether to Kenos and sometimes return to the Timestream. Theyâre fine and may even return to Kenos one day, but for now werenât 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! đ
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. Youâre in your favorite place, with your favorite people. Itâs 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, theyâre not stars. Youâre certain. Theyâre 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 youâre with, but theyâre frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.
So you run, even though you know you wonât 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. Thereâs agony as if youâre being ripped apart, and then—
You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a womanâs voice speaks gently.
Iâm sorry it couldnât be saved. But, come, itâs 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, itâs odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, itâs warm. Familiar. Important. You donât 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 youâre 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 donât 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 youâre born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.
And once youâve 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, theyâre not stars. Youâre certain. Theyâre 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 youâre with, but theyâre frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.
So you run, even though you know you wonât 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. Thereâs agony as if youâre being ripped apart, and then—
You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a womanâs voice speaks gently.
Iâm sorry it couldnât be saved. But, come, itâs 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, itâs odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, itâs warm. Familiar. Important. You donât 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 youâre 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 donât 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 youâre born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.
And once youâve 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 arenât people from Horos, after all, so theyâll have many, many questions. As Yima explains, the roots of the tree rise up to create caverns underneath, and itâs there youâll 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 youâre sure that youâve 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. Itâs confusing and unsettling, and strangest of all.. Youâre starting to feel ill, even if that wasnât 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 youâre enclosed in a room together. From the roots, a face forms in the wall. It speaks in a creaking, uneven tone, as if it werenât 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), itâs 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! Itâs more fun when you get in philosophical debates, right? Regardless, when your group comes to a decision, please record it here. These donât 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 choiceâŠ
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 youâre sure that youâve 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. Itâs confusing and unsettling, and strangest of all.. Youâre starting to feel ill, even if that wasnât 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 youâre enclosed in a room together. From the roots, a face forms in the wall. It speaks in a creaking, uneven tone, as if it werenât 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), itâs 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, itâs 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 theyâll die quickly after.
This can be done in groups of 2 to 4 players, and Loremasters recommend three if you can swing it! Itâs more fun when you get in philosophical debates, right? Regardless, when your group comes to a decision, please record it here. These donât 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 choiceâŠ
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, itâs fine! The tree was, uh, trying to take you back is all. Youâre fine now.
As long as youâre not going to attack him, he offers a friendly smile and a hand to shake.
Nameâs Cyrus. Sorry about the rude awakening. Letâs 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, heâll explain that he knows it sounds like something overly optimistic. Itâs fair to be skeptical. Heâll produce a small glass bead from a bag heâs carrying. It looks like the necklace he wears, though not lit up. Heâll 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 heâll hand to you.
Taking the bead into your hands, youâll take a birdâs eye view of your home world as if your consciousness is split, since youâll still perceive standing in front of Cyrus at the tree. Rather than a vision, the view of your world is absolutely real, youâre certain. Itâs a glimpse at the world that you thought destroyed, and if you focus on a particular place or a particular person, youâll 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.
Thatâs an iliachtida, a sunbeam, and when infused with Meridianâs 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 canât entirely disappear, so eventually, they can go home. Itâs a gift heâll allow anyone that wants it to keep it, but indeed, theyâll 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, itâs fine! The tree was, uh, trying to take you back is all. Youâre fine now.
As long as youâre not going to attack him, he offers a friendly smile and a hand to shake.
Nameâs Cyrus. Sorry about the rude awakening. Letâs 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-Bearerâs from the Tree, so heâs not going to be inclined to explain too much right away, since heâs on a mission, but heâll 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, heâll explain that he knows it sounds like something overly optimistic. Itâs fair to be skeptical. Heâll produce a small glass bead from a bag heâs carrying. It looks like the necklace he wears, though not lit up. Heâll 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 heâll hand to you.
Taking the bead into your hands, youâll take a birdâs eye view of your home world as if your consciousness is split, since youâll still perceive standing in front of Cyrus at the tree. Rather than a vision, the view of your world is absolutely real, youâre certain. Itâs a glimpse at the world that you thought destroyed, and if you focus on a particular place or a particular person, youâll 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.
Thatâs an iliachtida, a sunbeam, and when infused with Meridianâs 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 canât entirely disappear, so eventually, they can go home. Itâs a gift heâll allow anyone that wants it to keep it, but indeed, theyâll 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, αÎčÏÎœÎčÎżÏ ÎźÎ»ÎčÎżÏ
After your ordeals at the Tree of Life, perhaps youâre drawn to Springstar, the city of eternal sun and the seat of Meridian.
Itâs currently (and fittingly) Spring in Springstar, and the bustling city is coming back to life after finishing up winter. Itâs not as if the winters are especially harsh here, but youâll quickly get the sense that the people of Springstar are vivacious and happy to celebrate. Youâll find the Entertainment District to be the liveliest, whether itâs at a rowdy bar or a brothel, but no matter what, youâre welcome with open arms and without question.
Of course, if youâd just like to use the chance to explore the city alongside your fellow Shard-Bearers, thatâs fine too. Itâs easy to get lost in the crowds of Springstar and see all the city has to offer.
Itâs currently (and fittingly) Spring in Springstar, and the bustling city is coming back to life after finishing up winter. Itâs not as if the winters are especially harsh here, but youâll quickly get the sense that the people of Springstar are vivacious and happy to celebrate. Youâll find the Entertainment District to be the liveliest, whether itâs at a rowdy bar or a brothel, but no matter what, youâre welcome with open arms and without question.
Of course, if youâd just like to use the chance to explore the city alongside your fellow Shard-Bearers, thatâs fine too. Itâs easy to get lost in the crowds of Springstar and see all the city has to offer.
IV. HIGHSTORM, Đ»ŃĐœŃ-Đ±Đ»ĐžĐ·ĐœĐ”ŃŃ
Or maybe Highstorm, the city of twin moons and the seat of Zenith is more to your liking. Itâs certainly the quieter of the two cities and is a relaxing, meditative place if thatâs what you prefer. The chill in the air is constant, since itâs Autumn in Highstorm and the eternal night doesnât help keep things warm, exactly. Snow isnât out of the question at this time of the year, but itâs beautiful in the moonlight.
Because of the cooler weather than Highstorm is prone to, youâll find many of its delights inside rather than outside. Libraries and museums are popular in the more introspective city, though itâs easy enough to find something that might please you. For example, the indoor hot baths are popular at this time of the year too. Youâll find the people are kind, if cool-tempered, though if you mention the fact that youâre a Shard-Bearer or allied with Zenith, theyâre 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, itâs best to stay in the city. Wandering out into the marshes and forests isnât advised. Of course, if you do, just contact a Loremaster to find out why. ♥
Because of the cooler weather than Highstorm is prone to, youâll find many of its delights inside rather than outside. Libraries and museums are popular in the more introspective city, though itâs easy enough to find something that might please you. For example, the indoor hot baths are popular at this time of the year too. Youâll find the people are kind, if cool-tempered, though if you mention the fact that youâre a Shard-Bearer or allied with Zenith, theyâre 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, itâs best to stay in the city. Wandering out into the marshes and forests isnât advised. Of course, if you do, just contact a Loremaster to find out why. ♥
NOTES
no subject
[ His smile turns a bit soft at that, since he regards the entire conversation that brought that about rather fondly, if also like a stupid weirdo alien⊠Sebastian had been surprised by Emet-Selchâs genuine interest in demons, not as the creatures they were, but as a people. It was a rather novel consideration, and while he didnât feel his kind were necessarily deserving of it, it was a kindness not lost on him. It was just also one he didnât know how to consider, honestly.
Though as he thinks of that for a moment, it does bring something else entirely to mind, and with a small laugh, he brings a hand to his chest. ]
My goodness, here I have been chatting away, and I have yet to even introduce myself⊠My apologies even more for disturbing you, but my thanks for your kindness in being so willing to chat. [ He smiles genially, then dips into a light bow. ] Sebastian Michaelis. It is a pleasure indeed, sir.
no subject
That such a thing is possible here is wonder enough all its own...
[His curiosity is piqued!! But oh yeah right introductions, that's a thing that's polite. Fortunately this is the one thing all swords are born knowing what to do. Also sing and dance and stab. What a skillset.]
There's no need for an apology; this discussion was just as interesting as my book. [A high compliment given it's a blood book... He'll raise his free hand after that, lightly resting it against his own chest in a much less rigid form of elegant self-introduction.]
I am called Matsui Gou. Is it "Sebastian" or "Michaelis"? [WESTERN NAMES. No one gets any honorifics though unless the whimsy strikes him, the perk of being fuckin ancient.]
crawls back after halloween... akiween...
Whichever you prefer, honestly. [ Sebastian laughs gently as he straightens back again, since thereâs a tiny joke for himself and himself only in there⊠When itâs not really your real name anyways, truly, he doesnât care. ] I am still getting used to Eastern names myself, so do pardon me if I have it backwards, but⊠Would it be Mr. Gou?
[ EASTERN NAMES⊠Truly two aliens struggling ]
Ah, but I am glad that I can at provide a good conversation. It is high praise indeed, since I am rather bookish myself.
also crawls back after akiween..... wild times
Anyway since the private Sebastian joke for Sebastians only naturally flies over his head, he just focuses on the rest of that normal statement, holding up a gentle hand in polite dismissal.]
That would normally be correct. [Except swords are fucking weird and most of their names are just Two Last Names™. More importantly:] You may simply refer to me as Matsui, or Matsui Gou. Whichever you prefer. [There are so many gotdam Gous on the loose.]
I have found bookish people to be capable of very good conversation, in any case. They have much to talk about.
places down two pumpkins in ur honor
Matsui, then. It is a pleasure.
[ Sebastianâs polite smile warms again as they move past introductions to return to a nerdâs real passion: books ]
So indeed. Especially so when we have diverse interests, yes?
[ Which, pick one and Sebastian probably knows which is exactly why he turns the question back to Matsui ]
Well, other than matters of blood and medicine, is there anything else that catches your interest, speaking of?
bongos them with my remaining halloween energy before i hibernate for another 365 days
He really is out here being the biggest of all nerds though huh. Matsui just inclines his head forward in a gentle show of agreement at the first comment. The question being turned back is a surprise, though; he's not entirely used to talking about himself. At least, not in the context of a Person™ rather than a mere Person Shaped Thing™.]
My interest...? [Like he's never had to consider this before in his entire dingdang life.] ...To be honest, I don't know that I have a good answer to this question. I did like the haiku from a competition that I heard about, and the idol lessons that Kotegiri hosted were enjoyable...
[MORE IDOLS.]
ah now your vampirecore self makes sense
Before he can think about that further, the last bit gets Sebastianâs expression to lighten in surprise. ]
Ah, is that so? What a surprise. I was a taught idol lessons myself for a bit.
[ He says it so casually like this is normal and not absolutely insane ]
yeah creaks my coffin lid shut
Is that so? I admit, that's a little surprising... [Not because of said anachronicity, but rather:] You do not seem to be the type who would enjoy the "idol scene". Outwardly, I would expect to see you at an operahouse or a playhouse instead.
no subject
[ Thereâs a question in his voice since heâs not sure, but he simply shakes his head dismissively. No need to worry about who did it first, since as with everything Ciel sets his mind to, his ruthless business acumen had crushed the competition thoroughly. ]
Well, my master demanded that such a thing be created, and so it was my job to make sure the group was up to the task, to put it simply. I had to learn a lot very quickly, I admit, so my understanding of the âsceneâ may be far from complete.
no subject
[At least in Sebastian's world, which is truly hilarious. They really said yes to idols in the 19th century and good for them.]
It's a lot to take in, that much I can understand. [CAN HE REALLY THOUGH considering he was spat into existence with an ingrained knowledge of swordfighting, singing and dancing...] But there is something invigorating about being able to liven up an audience, isn't there?
this thread is going to make me lose my fucking mind
[ Which, to that point... Sebastian nods with a serious, but thoughtful expression. He may be a bit better at blending in with humanity than Matsui is, but if there's any wonder if he's just as weird as Matsui when it comes down to it, well. ]
So indeed. I was very impressed when I heard of the performances. [ His wording does imply that he got into the scene a bit on a whim, which isn't totally inaccurate, but. He's being vague to avoid explaining that he was technically kicked out of a concert and then learned more about it from prostitutes. You know! Normal things! AKI WHY IS KUROSHIT DOING THIS TO ME, PERSONALLY, ]
Song, dance, and poetry has always been a way to convey stories and information, but this was an impressive development. It is much more cohesive, if I had to pick a word for it? An idol performance sticks in your mind far more.
HELP braincells rattling around, same
But at least they can... for some reason... genuinely bond over an interest in idols........ This is it. This is the life they and thus we lead now.]
It does, that much is true. Though song, dance and poetry all have their own beauty and merits, there is certainly something to be said about the... "glamor" of an idol's stage.
[Even if he's still talking like an alien, he smiles in a way that does have some genuine fondness. Those are some of his happiest recent memories!! Just singing and dancing with comrades, and then performing for an audience. It's the little things in life.]
Moreover, it gives the audience something more to engage with. As much as I enjoy more traditional expressions of art, they are very reserved by comparison.
i'm getting less of them with every tag (fond)
Indeed. It is a very effective way to convey ideas and a story as well. The more showy a performance, the more memorable its presentation and messages, or at least that is what I noticed.
[ He nods sagely, like this is totally normal, but his expression lightens as he gets to something mildly more normal. ]
Ah, though that aside, it is simply just entertainment! The group my master created was very popular indeed. I was simply the one training them for performances and meeting their fans and the like, but my former master was devilishly clever in his marketing and branding. I am proud to say that we very quickly outshone a rival group.
honestly same wipes tear, nostalgic
I believe you are right about that. [About things sticking in the audience's mind longer through idol performances... Though that's perhaps just because of the idols delivering the stories, and the showy performance is the fancy dressing to top it off.
ANYWAY.]
Oh, my. That must be a clever master, indeed... It does take quite a lot of hard work and careful planning to become beloved by the crowds; I imagine that is the same regardless of the year or place.
we're back (derogatory) (fond)
Oh, yes, exceptionally clever and ruthless. I admit, when he decided to start a group, it was more born of pettiness and spite⊠But it turned out well enough.
[ Sure, it was all in the name of getting to learn more about Blavat and his operation, but with how things had developed? Sebastian is absolutely sure that it was 40% to find Elizabeth and 60% Cielâs ruthless and petty business acumen. What a funny little dweeb. ]
Well, and I did enjoy teaching the young men of our group, I admit! My singing is only passable, but I do enjoy dance a great deal. Modifying things for a stage performance was a very interesting challenge!
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Ah... It's a surprise that it managed to hold out well, if that is the founding emotion behind it. Rather, I would be surprised to see the momentum you enjoyed at the start become a sustained thing.
[He's underestimating the power of Ciel's pettiness, but Ciel is also underestimating the absolute soul-crushing insanity and intensity of the true modern idol life... GRUDGE ALONE CAN'T SUSTAIN IT. Only capitalism can.]
I wonder if it would be too much to ask if you may show me some of your choreography...?
[IT'S THE LIBRARY. Nothing is sacred to a sword.]
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[ ANYWAYS, on the definitely much more serious front (?!), Sebastian nods along and even chuckles as he thinks about his insane little master, but the request surprises him. This might seem like a reasonable surprise, but, no. This is an immoveable object (weirdo alien sword) vs unstoppable object (demon with no shame) ]
âŠOh, if you are interested, why not, I suppose? [ THIS IS A LIBRARY??? ] I do not know how it will work without the music, but if you are familiar with the art, it will hopefully not be too strange.
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Anyway, Ciel would probably have a hernia if he wasn't being dead or worlds away. Tragically for him, this truly is just immoveable object meets unstoppable force, as Matsui sees nothing at all wrong with an impromptu dance festival without music in the middle of a very serious city's very serious library.]
I am quite used to practice without the actual soundtracks, so it won't seem all that out of place to me.
[A little "go ahead" gesture. SHOW HIM THE DANCE.]
you writing that tag: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExpgYyjW8AQhhFB.png
[ But he sets his own books down gently with a nod and, yep. Sure enough. He is doing this. Sebastian nods along and gives a gentle clap of his hands to imagine the rhythm of the song before he does indeed just⊠start a whole danceâŠ
He is indeed extremely competent, though! He wasnât kidding to say he had skill with dance and choreography since heâs naturally graceful himself as well as possessing a perfect memory. The dance itself isnât overly elaborate, but itâs easy to imagine it being popular.
And truly at some point during this someone walks nearby, witnesses whatâs happening, and with a look, turns around and leaves. Pay them no mind.
Of course when the dance is finished, Sebastian breathes out a pleased little sigh and dips into a small butlerâs bow. He hasnât even broken a sweat?! ]
—Like that, essentially. Thank you very much for watching.
LITERALLY HELP
anyway this page alone is so much. HELP. Matsui doesn't even notice that patron woopering away, he's truly just vibing to Sebastian's little choreographed performance. Like, he is genuinely delighted to be here in this moment. The way this is genuinely the most he's smiled since he's woken up here and will probably the most he'll smile for the foreseeable future... even if it's still a tiny smile...
Once Sebastian finishes and bows, Matsui applauds - though, like, at an Inside Voice™ level of soft clapping.]
That was very good! The sort of thing that looks flashy on stage without tripping up the performers too much, and something that their fans can dance along to if they so wish. I'm certain that with the music and stage lighting and costume design, it's even more well-designed.
[SEBASTIAN DOESN'T NEED MORE COMPLIMENTS.]
https://frinkiac.com/img/S05E12/1023688.jpg
I would like to think so, at least. I can take no credit for the costuming, as that was the work of the tailor my young master uses, but the design of the stage and how the audience was arranged was my idea, at least.
[ Itâs all stuff thatâs very normal idol concert stuff to Matsui if Sebastian elaborated, but no in kuroshit universe, a literal demon was the innovator for them. Incredible. ]
It was an unexpected venture, but an interesting project to take on. The young master certainly kept me busy with a variety of disparate projects, I must say.
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[The fact that Sebastian managed set and audience design on his own along with apparent choreography is wild... Granted, this isn't a human here, but still!!]
May I ask what other sorts of projects he had you take on? Were they quite different from this?
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Oh, yes. Nearly every week felt like an entirely different skill set that I needed to learn.
[ IT WAS? ]
Besides my standard work as a butler, the young master required that I develop a custom five-star curry recipe, perform acrobatics in a circus, fake my death, navigate a sinking cruise ship, teach in a private school, and fight werewolves.
[ He says, as if this is completely normal, and with complete, harried sunniness. ]
To name a few things.
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Oh... [OH??? THAT ISN'T NORMAL AT ALL. WHY ARE THERE WEREWOLVES HERE. Matsui looks a little uncertain and also a little sympathetic, because he does not yet know that Sebastian deserves all the shit Ciel gives him.]
Even with how demanding people can often be, that seems like quite a lot, doesn't it? Though I suppose it is a good thing that he has someone so reliable to depend on, if these are the types of demands that he makes.
I KEEP STEPPING INTO RAKES IN THIS THREAD
[ boy that sure was said immediately! can't mean anything! ]
But I do make it a point to provide excellent service. I consider it to be a part of my guiding principles, you know? [ He laughs genially and softly as he gives a shrug ] I am simply one hell of a butler, after all.
LWMEAOMFESOFES im delighted to watch it happen every time
me, suffering,
me handing over this gift for our rp reunion
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