The Seeds of Unrest: the Iconoclast Oracle

[beleos]

RUNNING OUT THE CLOCK

The situation is bleak.

The Blight - and the massive labyrinth of roots tearing both cities asunder, spreading deadly flowers wherever they penetrate - have progressed to a point beyond catastrophe. People are dying in rapid numbers. Bearers are having difficulty keeping up with the spread of infection - even among one another. The collapse of Kenos seems inevitable; a cure will not come in time. You can do nothing but watch as each new day brings further disaster, ticking down the seconds until it all falls apart.

And then, you feel something seize your Shard. As if physical fingers have wrapped around it, as if it is being clutched through you by invisible hands, you feel invaded. You feel wronged. But before you can panic, a voice enters your mind through Communion.

“Excuse the dramatics, but there isn’t much time for pleasantries. The Trees are about to hit the point of no return. But there's still work to be done. The Tree of Life will take you where you can find it: the Oracle and the creature causing all this mess. Fix this when you find them. However you'd like.”

Have you heard Aetos’ voice before? Perhaps it is the first time; perhaps it is familiar to you. Either way, the last thing you will remember is a confusing jumble: a spell of immense and incredible power, one utilizing the Tree’s strength to shelter you. The sensation of every cell in your body coming alive, yet seeming to break apart and render you into billions and billions of tiny pieces, all hovering in different times and places across all the different iterations, timelines, and realities in which you have ever existed. A voice that speaks not through words asking your forgiveness, unspeakably sad.

And then, there is nothing.

AWAKENING

Your eyes open, gritty with the feeling of a long, deep slumber.

Perhaps it takes a moment to shake off the heavy veil of exhaustion, to recollect what you were doing before you fell into this state of hibernation - but as soon as you do, you feel an immediate sense of foreboding around you. It is thick in the air, oppressive and pervasive, and you aren’t left long to wonder at its source. You lay beneath the branches of the Tree of Life, but as your bleary eyes focus… you see it. The Tree is all but bereft of life. Its bark has withered down to gnarled wood, the soft lichen dried up, and the grass that should be alive beneath you is long dead and gone. There is not so much as a single leaf on its decaying branches.

It has been this way for a long, long time... you realize this with a feeling of intense dread as you see it - the beautiful expanse of stars, of the cosmos, of universes scattered like starlight above the tree's boughs, gone. In its place hangs a sickly, ominously low-hanging, and dying sun ready to sing the end of everything.

You can't help but wonder how long Kenos has been in this state, but a sense of gratitude fills you as you realize that the Tree expended the last of its energies to protect you, the Bearers, during your state of rest. Had Aetos worked with the tree to see you sent here?

The next question comes quickly: how much time do you have left…? And can you find the Oracle before that time expires?

ABANDON HOPE (DAYS 1 & 2)

The cornerstones are still active and will take you to whichever city you wish to see.

Highstorm and Springstar sit like empty monuments to the cities that were once filled with life - yet the first thing you will notice is they are strangely absent the signs of the Tree’s overgrown roots, the Blight, the catastrophic damage that you can recall all too easily. Instead, each city sits as those they were summarily abandoned overnight, leaving nothing but their shells behind. There is a stillness in the air that is unnatural and unsettling. Despite the lack of any sign of the citizens of either city, you cannot help but feel… watched.

Something terrible happened here. Best you find the Oracle before something terrible finds you, instead.

The burning of a dying sun beats down on you wherever you go, unbearable heat sending waves off the aged cobblestone streets. Perhaps it is your instinct to seek refuge in the shade - but linger too long about the shadows and that feeling of eyes on your back, of being unable to breathe, of your world closing in around you will grow untenable and drive you back into the light. If you hope to explore the ghostly shell of your city in search of the Oracle - or to sate your curiosity, some problem-solving might be in order.

And while you acclimate yourself to your circumstances, you cannot help but note you feel wrong inside, somehow…

EXPLORATION

• If your characters choose to explore previously unreachable areas, please use THIS TOPLEVEL to report when they get there in the thread! We will get back to you with what is discoverable in that location.
• The following areas are off limits for exploration: below Yima’s Manor; below the Church of Heliopolis; Alenroux; Kowloon.
• The Great Trees of both Highstorm and Springstar are in a similar state to the Tree of Life and will not respond to Communion.
• Generally speaking, items will be of poor quality. Most will look as though they’ve aged thousands of years. Others will be in half-decent shape, but sparingly so. Oddly enough, it doesn’t seem like the whole city has aged at the same rate, so especially diligent rummagers can find worthwhile supplies. Please consider this should be rare and don’t go overboard!

NOTES

Here are some prompt reminders - see the full thing at the OOC Summary!

• Characters will have a diluted connection to the Zenith or Meridian.
• There will be periods powers are weakened or non-functional during days 1-2 (up to player discretion).
• The sunlight results in scorching; the shadows cause claustrophobia and fear while outdoors.

THE RITUAL (DAYS 2+)

The place you started your journey to Kenos is also where it seems it will end. As soon as the first Bearer makes contact with the Iconoclast effigy, you are collectively drawn to the roots beneath the Tree - like a pang sent through your Shard. Your objective has been found. The Oracle awaits.

Trusting Aetos seems like a fool's errand, but you must put your hope in the Tree. What choice do you have left? It's time to find what lies at the end of this.

Bearers descend, your steps echoing in the dark, cavernous space. Once brimming with life and vitality, the roots are now dried and brittle like the bones of some ancient leviathan that died long ago. As you make their way deeper into the earth, the deadened roots twist, leading you to a vast chamber deep within it; the air here is thick with the smell of decay, and the faint glow of luminescent fungi and mosses barely illuminates the space.

To your left, the Bearers will notice what has drawn them here - and the object of their search.

An effigy sits on the ground between two darkened tunnels. The effigy is made of gnarled, dead branches woven together in a humanoid shape; its hollow, empty eyes are sightless, yet you cannot help but feel it is watching your every move. Branded on its forehead is the Iconoclast symbol carved into the rough wood.

Once all Bearers are present, the Ritual will begin. Your means of exit have been sealed off, and you are trapped, slowly deteriorating together…

NOTES

• Bearers will have access to the Ritual Chamber which is a very wide, open space with the effigy situated against the far wall from the entrance. Several smaller tunnels off-shoot from the Ritual Chamber. They all run to dead ends; some are very small or narrow. This may afford you meager privacy away from the group.
• Once a Bearer steps into the Chamber, they can no longer head back out the way they came. They’ll find themselves automatically walking back into the Chamber as if of their own volition.
• For brevity’s sake we won’t list them out again here, but the complete description of effects Bearers will experience days 2+ is available in the OOC Summary.
• The effigy is impervious to damage.
• It Is Watching You.
• In a dead-end root tunnel attached to the Iconoclast’s Chamber is the Blighted statue of an Otter that may be familiar to some… Please see THIS TOPLEVEL for more information!

THE PURGE (DAYS 5+)

The sap has festered in your veins for what feels like days. It’s impossible to tell how much time has passed; this place has no sunlight. The effigy watches as you remain trapped, huddled together around it, unable to leave as you find yourself sick with the affliction of the Meridian, Zenith - or both.

And then… something finally gives.

Though it does not move and speaks no words, you feel the effigy offering you guidance. Knowledge. Much like the Tree speaks to you in impressions and feelings, you are conveyed wisdom you did not have before: a way to take what you want and rid yourself of what you do not. A way to make your convictions known to all who would hear them. A way to be known. To write your path in blood, be it yours… or theirs.

When all is said and done, only one force - Zenith or Meridian - will gain its favor.

Show it who you are. Show it what resolve looks like to you - and what you are willing to do to attain it.

NOTES

Here are some prompt reminders - see the full thing at the OOC Summary!

• You can Purge your alignment through various methods: Trading, Corrupting, or using the Effigy itself.
• All characters will understand the end goal is for everyone to Harmonize; the alignment with the higher rate of Harmonized Bearers alive when time’s up wins the Oracle’s favor.

NOTES

• A reminder that the Harmonization tally will take place on Friday, the 19th and be open through Monday, the 29th. The results will be released on Wednesday, the 31st OOCly.
• Don’t forget to submit any deaths to the Death Tracker, with a gentle reminder characters will remain dead until the event conclusion!
• Reminder to fill out the SETTING POLL ASAP if you haven't already!
• Have some MUSIC if you'd like. LYRICS here!
• HAVE FUN!!

CODING

Comments

[hauntedking]

[ In another time and place, Dimitri would be able to sympathize. He understands that bone-deep weary feeling, that urge to just give up. To want to walk away from everything, the wish to not be responsible any longer. If they weren't under pressure, if he weren't already half-blinded by anger, then... maybe they could have had a conversation about it.

But they're not in that situation.

Instead there's just anger. Anger and resentment and utter despair. ]

You're sorry.

[ The words tumble out. ]

Do you really think that will make up for the lives you're snuffing out by siding with them?

[ He can't let her run, some part of his brain screams at him. She has to pay. He takes a step forward. ]

If your ideals are so flimsy, then you have no place here-!

[appeale]

[ it only takes that one step towards her — and like a rabbit, Rudbeckia bolts. the worst part is knowing that she can't possibly outrun him. she's a short, thin, flimsy shell of a woman and adrenaline can only carry her so far, which won't be enough against someone who is so obviously familiar with the battlefields of a historical fantasy genre piece... nor is there far to run, trapped in this cavern like a cage. that helpless despair burns inside her, licking around her ribs and up her throat, and in a sudden burst of impotent anger, she cries out: ]

Do you think I don't know that?! I don't belong anywhere!

[ she can see the ending she's inevitably running herself into. she ducks under and around roots, gasping for breath, but by the time one catches her foot and she trips sprawling into the dirt, she's already reached a dead end. the massive roots of the Tree behind her dig into her spine when she turns around to face Dimitri, a cornered animal on its last legs.

no one is going to save her. nobody would care one whit for her death. and she still just— she just wishes anyone— ]

I'm well aware of my place! So why can't you just leave me alone!

[hauntedking]

[ He is all fury and anger and despair now, his gaze narrowed as he pursues her. He doesn't care who sees or who questions it. They have to win this time. They have to make sure that their worlds live. And if she doesn't have the conviction to make a proper choice, then he can at least remove her from the equation. The balancing act. ]

Because I can't let you snuff out that life.

[ As if it's really her responsibility. It isn't, of course - but Dimitri has been stressed out. And he's a little lost in his own head. He slows a little as he approaches. There's no where for her to go, after all. Even if he has to duck slightly to avoid ramming her head into the packed earth of the chamber. ]

This is the path you've chosen.

[ He growls. ]

Accept it. Or run from it, if you can-!

[ He lunges. ]

[epiprocta]

[ He's not sure why he intervenes, to be honest. Gen's hardly the type to play hero -- not really, not any more, not since that word (hero) was polluted for him -- and people whose wellbeing he cares for are few and far between. Those he would actively step in to protect, even rarer. And that girl? That spineless, underhanded, groveling piece of shit? What does he owe her? She can get fucked for all he cares. Really.

... so maybe it's just that days of shitty conditions have rubbed his nerves raw, and he's hardly in the mood to put up with Dimitri's sanctimonious growling. Maybe it's just that the Zenith in his veins renders him too restless to sit still, now that he's Harmonized once more. Or maybe it's that hearing Ruby's pathetic, pitiful whinging reminds him of many years back when he'd still bothered to play-act as the local hero once in a while, and he decides to relive those glory (ha!) days on a whim.

Whatever the reason is -- Dimitri's lunge is interrupted by a hard piece of tree root coming hurtling through the air to bean him right in the head.

Given what it was, that projectile won't be more than enough to startle him a little, hardly enough to cause any damage. But as long as it's halted Dimitri's immediate course of action, it's done its job. If Dimitri turns around to see the source of the disturbance, he'll spot Gen standing there, leering back; days of shitty living have rendered him bedraggled, but there's a manic look to his eyes, and there's a sliver of pale teeth visible past the curve of his lips. ]

Weren't you some noble fucker? S'that really what you should be doing, huh? Cornering poor, defenseless little girls and making to ravage them, ah? [ He laughs -- a short, sharp, grating bark. Gen's stance is held low, and it's obvious that he's prepared for a fight; he doesn't dare shift his attention away from Dimitri, even when he speaks at Ruby next. ] And how'd you get yourself caught up in this bullshit? Thought you'd always manage to worm your way outta these situation with your whole innocent act.

[appeale]

[ one moment, Rudbeckia had braced herself, wondered miserably whether death here would feel the same as her first had—and then it's as though her heart starts to beat once again, a shuddering breath escaping her. she isn't... dead. there's a ringing in her ears, so loud she can hardly understand what Gen is saying at first. Gen? of all people, not Set, not anyone who purports to be a good person and might at least rescue her out of sheer pity alone. in the moment that she most needs somebody, it's Gen who appears.

she isn't someone that has the luxury of choice. when there's a lifeline available, she has to take it, even if it's one that might burn her hands in trying to grasp it. though—first, she has to get past the lion in the room. her eyes are similarly fixed on Dimitri as she slowly, carefully, attempts to crawl towards Gen. ]

I... I'm with Zenith right now, so... [ her end of the Communion is too dark and muddied to pick out any particular feeling on that, though it certainly isn't a statement that brings her any comfort. ] I-It's not something I can avoid.

[hauntedking]

[ That voice distracts him from the traitor in front of him. That part of him that's descended into his own version of darkness and madness turns on the interloper with a snarl that's more feral than anything else. Something vicious and angry, like a beast more than anything else. The thrown object hadn't hurt him - but it does distract him. ]

Innocent? Innocent? She's Zenith. She may as well be putting the dagger to their throats herself!

[ It's not meant to persuade. It's just anger and hurt, lashing out in an overwhelming wave. An expression of grief and guilt turned into something sharp and hurtful. ]

If you're going to stand in my way, you're no better.

[epiprocta]

Oh, can it, you dramatic asshole. Do you fucking hear yourself?

[ He'd been the one to demand answers, but he's just as quick to cut Dimitri off with that dismissive growl. It's not like he's really interested in talking, after all -- whatever sanctimonious answer Dimitri gives just gives him further excuse to escalate this to a fight.

So while he does slowly shift his weight on his feet, giving Ruby a languid come-here gesture with one hand to indicate that she can take shelter behind him, the entirety of his focus is on Dimitri. There's the quiet click of gears and the grind of metal cables when he flexes a gloved hand at his side, checking to make sure his prosthetic limb is working well. ]

And when did I ever say I was any better?

[ It's a challenge, a taunt, demanding that Dimitri attack him. Because Gen doesn't even care if he wins or not -- he's just hungry for that familiar rush of adrenline that comes with violence. Just something to distract him from his thoughts while he's trapped in this miserable place. ]

[appeale]

[ that one gesture is all she needs — he's given her permission, and he's here to pick a fight, which means she can rely on him to intercept if Dimitri lunges at her again. Ruby gets to her feet and runs to Gen's side, quick to put herself a stride's distance behind him. he may be protecting her now, but she doesn't think he'll care if she's collateral damage of her own carelessness. he isn't the shining knight in this story.

still, he's all she has at the moment. so she stays where she is and waits. ]

[hauntedking]

Then die with her.

[ Dimitri's voice rushes out in a growl and he lunges. He's strong, even as weakened as he is by his time here, and he comes on in a ferocious rush, bearing down like a wild animal with bared teeth and bare hands. He intends to simply sweep him out of the way, to hurl him aside with his strength and make an end of it.

But things rarely work out the way people like. ]

[epiprocta]

[ Reckless as he is, Gen isn't a complete idiot when it comes to combat. And muscle memory is a powerful thing. Though Gen initially turns to meet that lunge head-on, Eustace's training has settled in well -- it's more reflex than conscious decision when he ducks under the swipe of Dimitri's arm at the last second, feeling the bottom of Dimitri's hand clip against his temple, leaving his canine ears aching and his ears ringing.

It's mostly adrenaline driving him when he throws his entire weight forward to catch Dimitri in a tackle, driving the point of his shoulder into the other's trunk, right at the sternum. Too bad he can immediately tell that he's easily outclassed in terms of physical strength -- it's like trying to tackle a boulder -- but that's no reason to back off.

Gen doesn't give the matter any thought before forming a knife-hand with his prosthetic arm and ramming his fingertips into whatever gap in Dimitri's armor he can find -- throat, beltline, junction of arm and chest. Whatever spot will let him drive the cold, unyielding metal of his artificial hand into more vulnerable, unprotected flesh. ]

[hauntedking]

[ Dimitri has spent most of his life training to fight, but he's also compromised by his own addled, overwhelming emotions. So he just barrels straight on, intent on finishing this. He feels Gen throw himself into him and there's a low 'oof' as the air is driven out of him and then a sharp jolt of pain as that metal hand jabs into his ribs. It hurts, but he's used to pain and he tries not to slow down. His feet shift as he braces to prevent himself from being thrown off-balance and he reaches down to try and grapple with Gen - and if he can, simply hurl him against the wall. ]

[epiprocta]

[ Gen claws at the edges of Dimitri's armor like a wet cat to try and maintain his hold, but there's only so much he can do against brute force; Dimitri hurls him against the wall, and he slams into the uneven wall hard enough for the entire tunnel to shudder around them. The impact leaves his diaphragm lurching, his breaths coming in shuddering, halting rasps as his vision spins. But even before he can gather his thoughts, the adrenaline rush of combat has him has him scrambling back to his feet, launching himself forth to snag at the biggest handfuls of Dimitri's cloak that he can manage. ]

I'm not done yet. [ The taunt comes guttural and choked, but Gen doesn't wait for a response before looking to Ruby and snarling, ] You! Run!

[ It would be a lie to say he's worried for her. But if keeping her safe would spite this holier-than-thou motherfucker, then he'll fight tooth and nail to keep her from Dimitri's hands. ]

[hauntedking]

[ Fortunately (or not) all of Dimitri's attention seems to be entirely on Gen for the time being. His good eye is narrowed, his teeth bared, and despite the ache from the metal hand jabbing into him, he wants to keep going. There's adrenaline. Pain. Anger. He curls his fingers around one of his arms as Gen claws and grasps at his cloak and he just squeezes. He may not have the incredible strength his crest usually gives him, but he's still strong enough to try and dislocate something. ]

[appeale]

[ I don't need you to tell me to run—

Ruby is frozen, but it is not in fear of what is happening right in front of her.

if running was what she thought was the best course of action, she would have already done it. the only impulse that drives her at all is survival. she hasn't run because she has two decades of experience telling her that it won't protect her; the best way out, often the only way out, is through. it's gritting your teeth and enduring until the pain stops. she has to think further ahead than this moment. what happens next, if she runs away now? Dimitri might still chase her, once he and Gen are through. or will Gen resent her for it afterwards, despite telling her to do it? they're both Zenith, so she needs his favour.

no, she can't run away from this. not by herself, at least. ]

Come— Come with me! You're going to get hurt, I-I can't just...

[ but she doesn't make to intervene yet. she's hoping that Gen will see reason. ]

[epiprocta]

[ Vaguely, he wonders if this guy is something other than human. Because he's been in his fair share of scraps and brawls by now, but that grip squeezing down at his wrist is still something special. He can feel his joint creaking under the pressure, the fine bones of his wrist and hand grinding together until his nerves are shrieking, and he almost loosens his grip on Dimitri.

Almost.

It's sheer, stubborn spite that instead has him lunging forth. His weight crashes heavily into Dimitri's back -- his balance still compromised as his breath comes uneven -- but at the same time, he jerks forth a fold of Dimitri's roomy cloak to snag over Dimitri's face. A dirty trick to be sure, but what else is he supposed to do when he doesn't have access to magic and he can't win by brute force? The metal of his prosthetic arm makes for a stronger, more unyielding grip when he coils it around Dimitri's neck from behind in an attempt at a chokehold. And while he knows it probably won't last long, he at least has to try.

Ruby's plea goes unfortunately unheard; even a glance makes it obvious that Gen's lost to the adrenaline rush at the moment, his eyes wild as he struggles to maintain a hold on Dimitri. ]

[hauntedking]

[ There's a yell from Dimitri as he's temporarily blinded and he loosens his grip to try and clear his vision, swiping his hands up to get the cloak out of his eyes. He can feel the grip against his neck as well and he leans into it - and turns in place to try and ram Gen into the wall. It's either that or lose his grip.

Either way, Dimitri's determined to shake him off. ]

[epiprocta]

[ Whatever smug satisfaction he feels from hearing that startled yell is very rapidly squelched when Dimitri reels forward, then smashes back into the nearest wall. The physical impact immediately purges every last breath of air from his lungs, his ribcage creaking from the pressure, and that chokehold on Dimitri does release as Gen staggers and slips.

Only to claw his fingers into that long, blonde hair on the way down.

A spiteful, breathless laugh escapes him between ragged gasps, and Gen abandons all pretense of dignity as he tries to claw at Dimitri, to inflict even a little more damage upon him while he can. ]

[hauntedking]

[ His scalp feels the yank as Gen puts his weight into it and he staggers with a yell of pain and anger. He can feel fingers clawing at him, can feel his eyes prickle with the start of involuntary tears as his scalp is yanked at. How dare he?

Dimitri responds like a beast. He snarls and descends on him, not bothering to try and throttle, but lashing out with closed fists, trying to land hammer blows against Gen's body, his face, where ever he can reach to make him release him.

If he has to beat him to a bloody pulp, he'll do it. ]

[epiprocta]

[ That first punch just barely misses him, clipping the side of his head; even that glancing blow is enough to make his nerves spike, a reckless laugh dying in his throat as his body alerts him to how dangerous this situation is.

Then the next punch hits its target dead center.

Gen immediately staggers back, field of vision spinning and ears ringing with tinnitus. And while his fingers remain clawed into Dimitri's hair, the next punch that slams into his jaw solves that problem swiftly, anyway. A punch to the side finishes the job that slam against the wall had started, and Gen finds himself skidding across the ground as his ribs fracture.

It's mostly spiteful reflex that has him immediately staggering back to his feet, placing himself squarely between Ruby and Dimitri, throwing out an arm to make it clear he's still protecting her. But his balance is wobbly and his vision is shot; there's blood drooling down his jaw from where the punch has shredded the inside of his mouth against his teeth. ]

'm not dead yet ...

[ So he says, but dirt scuffs underfoot as he stumbles back a step, almost straight into Ruby. ]

[hauntedking]

We can solve that problem.

[ Dimitri's voice is low and menacing, his pupils dilated, his breathing heavy. he's seeing red and Gen is the target now. He has to pause to catch his breath, though. Days of hunger and exhaustion are taking their toll on him and he can't quite muster up the strength for another follow-up. Not just yet. ]

Let's finish this.

[appeale]

[ there – she's been waiting for the right opportunity, and she feels that moment arrive like an animal instinct, jolting into motion. when Gen staggers into her reach, she hooks her arm through his without hesitation and pulls at him, while the stubborn bastard is too unsteady to dig in his heels. between the three of them, Communion swims with fear and rage and adrenaline, but there is a thought that rings out clear: I'm not going to die here, so neither are you. ]

Gen! [ not once has she used his name before, and now she snaps it, a sudden and harsh sound. ] He's going to kill you, for God's sake, just run!

[ she doesn't wait for his answer; she makes to break into a sprint herself with his arm still linked in hers, trying to spur him to the same. ]