festivals and mur--ahem, investigations 🎊🔍

[beleos]

COMMUNION WITH YIMA

After given some time for recovery and for Yima to hear reports of what transpired at the Tree of Life last month, a Communion message gently flows through the minds of each Shard-Bearer. They will have to choose to accept this message, and once they do, they will be greeted by Yima’s voice resonating pleasantly in their heads. She first apologizes for their harrowing experience with the Dryad, and that she hadn’t anticipated such a violent reaction from the Tree; she believes that their experiences point to an imbalance within the Tree itself, most likely brought about by the soon-to-come arrival of the Oracles.

She has spoken with Cyrus, and they have jointly decided that an investigation into the matter - and potentially the destruction of the Dryad - may be required to purge its influence from the Tree. Yima requests that any who would willingly seek out the Dryad volunteer to do so and will be outfitted with a ward against any tampering to prevent them from falling into the creature’s clutches a second time. It will take her a bit to fashion enough of these wards - but she anticipates being ready toward the end of the month.

She concludes her message with another heartfelt apology for your suffering, that she would not have sent any into such a situation she believed were truly dangerous. That being said, she takes responsibility for your ordeal and asks that if there is anything she can do in recompense, you have but to ask.

Yima will be available for Communion chatter here!

FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE - HIGHSTORM

Takiltu is a month cycle the natives of Kenos regard with some amount of reverence and a hearty helping of excitement: the first part of the month (November) is spent reflecting on and celebrating the differing cultures and worlds each Kenosian represents. The second part of the month (December) is spent celebrating unity and togetherness, to come together with friends and family, to be kind to others and share in one’s wealth - whether that comes in the form of knowledge, monetary gains, or the exchange of gifts and one’s time.

Each city celebrates differently, the flavor of their festivals a reflection of their people.

In Highstorm, the first thirty days of Takiltu are spent in Remembrance. The city is decorated with string lights, paper lanterns, candles, and torches to illuminate the streets in beautiful colors and shimmering magical illusory shapes. The focal point of the festival takes place in The Court, where the reflecting pool has been especially decorated with arrangements of flowers and lights. Festival stands erected around the Courtyard peddle paper lanterns as well as refreshments, fanciful decorative items, and enchanted jewelry that is said to make one’s recollections of the past temporarily clearer.

The pool itself is the main attraction, here; citizens who approach its waters and gaze into its depths will find its normal abilities to reflect memories enhanced. The images are surreal for their clarity, vivid - and normally, one is requested to look into the eyes of those most precious to them whose souls remain lost, to pay homage to their memory and sacrifices, and to wish them rebirth in the new world to come. A purchased lantern is then lit and sent skyward where it floats into the moonlight, joining the others hovering above.

But this year, there is an addition to the usual fanfare. Emet-Selch has been asked to assist with the festival; as long as he is given permission, he can recreate the memory displayed in the reflecting pool. Yima has granted him a temporary blessing which enhances his natural creation abilities - a gift for their people she is grateful for. Your character can choose what it is they see in the water - whether it’s a place, a person, or the feelings of a certain point and time, he will temporarily recreate it around you. Everyone will be able to see this conjuring and interact with it while it is functional. It will last between 15 to 30 minutes before dissolving into beads of light that slowly trickle skyward before disappearing. You’ll be told to light a lantern, send it adrift, and that this will give peace to the part of you and your Shard that surely aches. But does it…?

Elsewhere in Highstorm, the High Theater has been painstakingly decorated and aglow with magical floating motes of light; the interior has been transformed into something of an Art Gallery. The pieces within are dedications to parts of worlds long gone, as well as the people in them; some are beautifully painted landscapes of exquisite, far-away places beyond the imagination. Some are more mundane and familiar snapshots of life in a home world not too different from your own. There are portraits of families, loved ones, and those the Zenites long for most. This is their time to mourn, to grieve, and to appreciate their pasts - the pasts that will lead them to a brighter future, one day. They must move on into the future, but treasuring that which came before is equally important to them.

Should you touch any of the motes of light that are around the art pieces decorating the Gallery, you will find yourself able to feel, hear, see, and taste a piece of the world the piece represents. Some of these are warm gatherings over a dinner table with family; others are heart-wrenching expressions of loss and bitterness and pain. Be cautious which you choose. Oh, and do be careful not to stand too closely with someone else when you touch one, or one accidentally touches you - the experience is absolutely contagious through Communion.

CELEBRATION OF CHERISHMENT - SPRINGSTAR

While Highstorm’s Festival of Remembrance is a more demure and reflective time, Springstar takes a much different approach to the season. In true Meri nature, the Celebration of Cherishment encapsulates celebrating life in all forms - and that means parties! The Psychagogía is the main hub of excitement considering, but festivities can be found in almost every single district of Springstar. Wherever you go, something is happening and someone is trying to rope you into having a good time.

The city has been decorated with bright and colorful multi-purpose magical ivy-like vines that sprouts buds that bloom over the course of the month into gorgeous flowers. These flowers are considered sacred, and their blooming is a momentous time of joy and good fortune. Each flower is left intact; disturbing one is tantamount to a war crime by the natives, so don’t get observed if you try to pluck one!

The Psychagogía is incredibly lively, teeming with people and events; almost every venue is peddling some kind of ‘Cherishment’ celebratory sale or discount. The first portion of the month includes what the locals call “the meri-ment” (and seem quite chuffed about that pun), in which Kenosians are encouraged to go bar hopping and taste the wide variety of specialty ales and liquor unkegged only around this time of year. Participants are highly encouraged to share stories of their worlds and cultures, to tell those they mingle with tales of the worlds they will one day return to and why they’re special, unique - to celebrate their one-day return.

Alongside this comes a great deal of outdoor grilling, fresh meats and vegetables sending tantalizing scents everywhere you go once the evening hours arrive. Some of these food and drinks can cause… interesting… effects if you consume them in excess, especially at the Emotional Damage - so try to show restraint. It would be a bit embarrassing to find yourself strangely infatuated with the first person you lay eyes on after your fifth night out on the town, or feeling compelled to express warm feelings aloud you wouldn’t normally commit to another. Luckily, it only lasts a short period of time - but beware the wicked hangover afterward. Strangely enough, if you’re suffering, you feel oddly compelled to seek out a little TLC from someone else - someone with whom you might have some unresolved feelings toward, positive or negative. Is it longing? Anger? Jealousy? Unspoken affections? Love? Whatever it is, you're more likely to seek them out for some care.

At the Coliseum, nightly brawls between Meris take place and the usual assortment of monsters are temporarily taken out of offer. This part of the festivities is one where each Kenosian is encouraged to settle any differences or misgivings with others and to get it out of their system, cleansing them of bad mojo - “leave it in the ring,” as it were. Despite beating each other bloody at times, most combatants willingly stop before it gets too serious and fighting to the death is not permitted. You must embrace your adversary before you leave, and your ‘bad blood’ will be considered purged and settled so you can start anew.

The Empório district is celebrating consumerism, because of course it is! All the usual goods are on a considerable discount, and for a brief time, gardening tools and supplies are free! The reason for this is that Springstar’s citizens are encouraged to plant one seedling in the gardens in Katoikitikós once the flowers lining the city have gone into full bloom. It is said this honors gods across cultures and time as well as invites good fortune. You are encouraged to plant a seedling in a group or pairing, as space is limited - and there are superstitions regarding this togetherness resulting in more favorable results. Should you plant a seedling with someone else, you might indeed find that something is beginning to blossom between you… Based on your Aspects, you might find yourselves feeling closer and more connected - or repulsed depending on your compatibility. This effect will last through the month after planting. Should you check on the seedling later, its health will be reflected in the state of your relationship. Friends will find the little plant thriving; enemies will find it is sickly and dying.

For those Shard-Bearers who have already harmonized with the Meridian or who have quarters in Heliopolis, you will find the communal meals much more lavish and indulgent than usual. There may even be a taste of home waiting for you among the spreads on offer, or some comfort food you haven’t had in a while. It is encouraged to share anything to your taste - or even to share why it is meaningful to you via Communion. Or you can just eat. You do you, man.

Once the flowers have bloomed and the festivities reach their peak, one might find the city loud and boisterous and sleep a little more difficult to come by. Springstar is absolutely thriving and alive - and you, too, feel more invigorated and energetic despite any lack of zzz’s. Should you leave the city, however, this effect will vanish and you might find yourself unnaturally fatigued and in need of more rest than is customary. Returning to Springstar will slowly build up your stamina again. This effect lasts until the end of the month.

THE MYSTERY OF ALENROUX

Once celebrations are in full-swing in the cities, some characters (i.e., any characters that choose to participate in this prompt) will be contacted by Cyrus or Yima, depending on their faction or whichever they feel a stronger inclination towards if they are currently Unharmonized. Both will explain that there’s something that they’d like you to investigate, but also to prepare and be careful, since this request doesn’t come without danger… A Shard has been lost in Alenroux, and they both hope you’ll be able to retrieve it.

MERIDIAN

“I’ve gotten word that a Zenith Shard-Bearer was sent to Alenroux a little bit before you arrived, and they haven’t come back yet. Normally, none of our business, but based on what some of the farmers have been saying, I think they’ve gotten hit by Discord. If it gets high enough, well… You don’t really have your mind anymore. We can help them through Purification. Even if it’s just for long enough to calm them down, it’s better than them being trapped in madness. It might be easier to dissipate them first, though, then Purify their Shard. They were last seen heading to the Northern forests. Let me know what I can give you to help, and make sure to help each other. Good luck.”

ZENITH

"Please heed my request, though I do not ask this of you lightly... One of the Zenith's children has been lost among the fields of Alenroux come nightfall and I fear the worst has befallen them. There are dangerous elements attracted to the presence of a soul, and the likelihood our brethren has been lost... it is great. Seek out the Shard - and if you are able to retrieve it, please do so. If it has suffered corruption too great to be saved or would place you in too great a danger to take back, then... I trust you to make the merciful choice. I place this in your hands and will give you whatever you require to see it through. Look out for your fellow Zenith and work together, as I do not want to lose more of you. Be well."

Both factions will offer their recruits access to standard weaponry and armor/protective clothing. If a character asks for more, they’ll be given a weapon or a piece of armor with minor magical properties which would normally cost 1 AC token to purchase. Magical weapons are on loan however. If your character takes these and/or chooses to keep it, please note this in your Committed Actions! If they choose to keep standard weaponry, Cyrus/Yima will just be disappointed in your dishonesty. :(

When you arrive during the day cycle, you’ll also find horses and magic hoverboards to use (they go the same speed tbh), because heading North to the forests is a bit of a trek, and you might not make it there in time on foot! As the sun starts to set, you’ll see the people in Alenroux start to leave, going clearly your opposite direction. Once night falls (Nov. 9th OOC), it doesn’t take long for things to change.

There’s just a sliver of a crescent moon in the sky, which makes the rolling hills and forests much more ominous than they were during the day. And as the stories say, it only takes an hour or two before you start to run into strange creatures. Closer to the Cornerstone, there are indeed strange creatures, and while they may not all look scary, they might present different kinds of dangers such as…

• A light in the dark looks like a fairy, but stare at it too long and you’ll find yourself hypnotized by a ghastly fish will lead you to a body of water to drown you.
• An innocuous puddle may form up into a mass of corrosive goo, complete with the bones and items of the last person it came across. When you slice it, it simply creates a copy of itself, so hopefully you realize this before you’re surrounded.
• A strange straw poppet (sans pins, of course) that possesses you once you touch it and will use your body to try and fight anyone else while your consciousness is trapped inside the doll. To be freed, you only have to destroy the doll, but you’ll feel the pain of how its destroyed even if you don’t bear any injuries from it.

However, as you get closer to the Northern forests, they become significantly more fearsome…

• With a roar, a massive, multiheaded beast descends, and each of its mouths is perfectly capable of taking a bite out of you. Watch out for the snake’s head in particular, since its venom will cause you to hallucinate your worst fears.
• As you come face to face with an odd creature, bioluminescence lights up on its skin, and the spins on its back quiver with a sound like a rattlesnake’s. As the spines quiver, you find it exceptionally difficult to take your eyes off them and move as it stalks closer slowly. You can fight blind, right?
• Diving in and out of larger shadows like its water is a slimy beast that’s incredibly fast. Its teeth may be small, but its tail is a razor-sharp whip that could remove a limb if you’re not careful.

These are just examples, however. There are many creatures lurking the wilds of Alenroux, so feel free to create your own monsters with unique effects.

It's a difficult trek North, and you may be tired from hours of running, fighting, or both… But eventually, a few people do find what they were looking for. They might have even missed it, if not for how their Shards suddenly felt like they were burning. From the shadows, a twisted creature of roots and lights which what looks like many crystals in a glowing mass appears and one of its eyes locks on you. It looks like now is your chance.

NOTES

Weather summary for the first 30 days of Takiltu (NOV & DEC):

Highstorm is in late fall, early winter season. Some flurries may occasionally fall and it is getting considerably cold out there! Bundle up!

Springstar is in the throes of early summer; the weather is climate and pleasantly warm for outdoor celebrations (but not sweltering). There are occasional afternoon showers, but they don’t last very long.

Notable city changes:

If you wander the Markets in Highstorm, you might notice some of the peddlers seem a bit wary of you. Hm, guess something happened around here! Probably totally unrelated, but Silco and Vander (or anyone with them) will be treated with nervous suspicion.

Similarly, if you're traveling with Set (or you're Set) in Springstar, you might occasionally find yourself getting strange looks. Ask Set why.

Faction updates:

There are no explicit changes in faction behavior at this time. This will be a staple in all future event write-ups to catalogue the fluidity of the conflict as it progresses, though, so we're including it here for posterity!

Event Notes:

The Reflecting Pool in the Courts of Highstorm can be observed normally with no addtional effects or can bring your memory to vivid life thanks to the help of Emet-Selch (and Yima). If you grant him permission (which can be handwaved), he will breathe life into whichever memory you have chosen to view! If this includes any NPC’s or interactive elements, you will be responsible for playing them out in any tags until they disappear. Please see Emet’s toplevel for any interactions you’d like to thread out with him as a part of this.

For the Gallery in Highstorm, the art depicted in and scenes experienced through the pieces are up to you to create! Feel free to go wild with any associated NPC's in the scene and worldbuild as you see fit. Highstorm holds a variety of citizens from across the multiverse, so you could feasibly go fantastical places, or experience something distinctly profound and beyond your imagination...

The drinks and refreshments in Springstar can be enchanted in just about any way you’d like, including bringing upon minor physical changes of the cute, fun, and flirty variety! Feel free to get creative (as long as you get permission from your thread partner), the Meris would also merrily insist growing extra fluffy, scaly, etc bits during the celebration will only help you party harder! 🥳

As reminders for Alenroux, once night falls, a character is not able to leave until sunrise, which is 24 hours later. If your character is dissipated, you can have a PC retrieve their Shard or the respective Faction they're allied with will send out a search party to find it. Remember to report character deaths!

CODING

Comments

[zauneyete]

[ Silco's lips quirked again. It was a different way of looking at it, and he couldn't say that it didn't make the bitter pill a touch better to swallow. Mind, it still required him to seek out someone and show his need -- something that made Silco rankle slightly.

It always would, probably. He anticipated that if he encountered people who were here, like Vander again, it would be inevitable, and his daughter was too far removed for any effectiveness. The only person he could have Truly trusted, and with Sebastian -- now elevated above most of those here -- also unable to do much, it meant Silco had a gap that needed filling. Someone reliable.

He would avoid it all he could, but... ]

I agree. It's...stifling. If you can find one... [ He said, with a curl of his lip. ] I think I only need one...tier of it removed.

[ He wouldn't remove that last tier without talking to Jinx. Heaven forbid he cut that link without telling her first. He'd already put her through the enough emotional distress in the past month. ]

You had effects from the dryad as well, did you? [ A slight twitch of his lips. ] It's been... inconvenient. I hope we have the chance to kill it.

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian taps a finger against his lips with a thoughtful hum as he considers it. He’d done a little research about Aspects and Discord after realizing how relevant they may be, and as such, the personality traits that tended to be associated with them. Plus, if he can’t help, that’s good for the process of elimination. Though since Silco hadn’t said his already, he won’t guess aloud. There’s another way to accomplish this and preserve his secrecy, perhaps. ]

Well, as it is a problem nearly everyone is facing or will, I could certainly send out a message to all Shard-Bearers under the pretense of playing matchmaker. There are enough helpful sorts that I imagine I would get a decent response… Then you could simply pick whichever respondent you find the least annoying to hold hands with.

[ Or whatever contact you choose, he’s not judging. If certain types were more efficient, then he’d pick those without question, so. ]

But yes, I did. [ He breathes out a bit of a sigh, though it’s far too casual for what he admits… ] Well, in short, Mr. Minegishi and a new arrival, Miss Morgan, we cut off some fingers and the like, but the second occasion was worse. Do you know the centaur woman, Miss Hayame? She and I came to blows in Horos, and I plucked out her eye. An action she was not fond of, obviously, so when we met in the Tree, she ripped out my throat with her teeth.

[ He shrugs with indifference since that’s just the explanatory portion necessary to actually answer the question. It hadn’t been a true death or dissipation, so he didn’t even value it as something he needed vengeance for. Besides, his indifference on the matter infuriated her more. ]

Well, it scarred up terribly a week after and was just as painful as the ripping itself at times. But the shared empathy or whatever it is was far worse, to be honest. Miss Hayame and Mr. Minegishi have never known happiness nor peace, I would say after being trapped with their anger for the better part of a week. I only knew peace when they both happened to be asleep.

[zauneyete]

I understand the feeling.

[ He admitted. After all, he was privy to the whims and mercurial shifts in Jinx's emotions at this time, but he didn't mind all that much. It was, after all, better than just guessing. ]

You went through it twice? [ He added, after a moment. Perhaps it had been better that he'd simply been through one, and hadn't fallen into another. He and Jinx had left immediately upon escaping from that creature. ] I was only through it once, but it had its own repercussions. [ He grimaced, remembering his hand, and how it had stopped working when he needed it most. ]

My hand stops working occasionally, thanks to the creature. It has been... grossly inconvenient. [ More so than the empathy, honestly. After all, it had kept him from using his gift from Yima, in a time he'd needed it most. ]

I do hope we'll have the opportunity to kill it.

[ He inhaled that awful cigar again, before he paused. ] I think I am not quite yet desperate enough to make you go asking through communion for someone to help me through my discord yet. [ Silco was, after all, fiercely independent. ] If you see one that might work, just nudge them in my direction? [ A pause, and his hands spread. ] As a...concerned "friend".

[ He hadn't forced Sebastian to honesty for a reason.</small. ]

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian’s petty complaining at least turns to a frown as Silco admits the difficulty with his hand. That does explain what he had witnessed in the square, since naturally, he had been confused about why Silco had faltered (not… that he thought it would matter all that much, to be honest). ]

Then indeed, all the more reason to find someone to assist you… At the very least, I did see the effects go away once this cleared up. [ He motions to his own eyes to indicate the black sclera portion, since the actual, tangible differences between tiers of Discord are a bit harder to pick up when they’re not so present. ] Well, taking a guess… Harbinger, perhaps?

[ Since by the process of elimination combined with a knowing the general traits, he figures Silco was either a Harbinger or Iconoclast. And, really, he would have guessed the latter first, but he doesn’t think their Aspects would be opposed. Though, luckily (?), it does mean he has a suggestion. ]

If so, I may indeed have an idea of someone to recommend. [ it’s lottie lmao ]

[zauneyete]

Hm.

[ He affirms, with only a note of acquiescence. There were some things Silco liked, but the hand was not one of them. He could handle the connection to Jinx, and even the pain in his wrist, but the loss of use had also lost him plenty of drinks and cigars at this point. He'd even set fire to some notes when he'd tried to use his lighter to light a cigar, and dropped it. ]

Yima suggested killing the Dryad will also take care of it.

[ Which. You know. He was planning on doing anyway. ] However, a faster solution...would be appropriate.

Who are you considering?

[cutlery]

Miss Lottie. I discovered by coincidence that she was of the Iconoclast Aspect, since unfortunately, ours are rather opposed… I was helping her with her hair after getting my Discord cleared up and found it returning.

[ It had been very annoying at the time, but now he can at least laugh at it, since it was just a matter of tracking down someone to get rid of the tiny bit that had pushed him back over the edge into Tier 2 again… Truly a comedy of errors on both sides, but at least Lottie is very firmly in the group of people that Sebastian likes. ]

Of course, if Lady Yima suggested killing the dryad, I am sure that will be a more fun way to dispel it. [ He may not feel the sting of pettiness where he’s eager to go chop down a tree, but he definitely gets it. ] If that is what you prefer, then I will of course assist with this matter as well if you would like.

[zauneyete]

Hm, I know Lottie.

[ He said. He doesn't sound... opposed, either. If there was someone that Silco could trust, it would be the woman he'd encouraged to give up the resistance to change -- to be a little bit closer to the monster they needed to be -- and he had spoken to her briefly already.

She might even be excited to help. ] She may be useful. I did get more discord than I'd bargained for. [ His tone darkened, as it often did, when reflecting on his old enemy, and his recent death. ]

I don't think killing the Dryad will take care of that, regardless. I will let you know if you're needed, but I think someone else will want to kill it.

[ Jinx. It's Jinx. ]

[cutlery]

[ In truth, he’s a little surprised that Silco sounds agreeable to the choice, if only because he wouldn’t have guessed that the two would get along. Granted, Sebastian had really only just met her and their conversations had been simple (though fun for him!), but it just didn’t seem like a pair of personalities that would work well together. He’s a little amused to be incorrect, but he keeps that to himself as he nods. ]

Then I will reach out to her and send her your way. I do not imagine it will present any issue.

[ Since, similarly, he also gets the vibe that she’d be more happy to help than anything. ]

…Though, do let me know when you wish to go? I shall leave the killing to someone else, since I would not be so rude as to steal someone’s kill, but I would like to at be nearby should my assistance be necessary.

[ which is really more along the lines of sebastian just hanging out at the tree and reading like he’s waiting to pick up the kids from school ]

[zauneyete]

[ It is surprising that he gets along with Lottie. There were a few surprising individuals that Silco had met, who had been better company than most. Perhaps it was because he and Lottie had been both unusually normal people when they'd first arrived -- well, normal by an odd... metric, but still -- powerless and all-too human. They'd bonded over that, and while Lottie was bubbly to Silco's dour -- she continued to reach out, and Silco had pushed her to break through that past that was the old Lottie.

Last they'd talked, she'd been less panicked about their new world, and he wondered if she would strive forward into something new.

He nodded in thanks, but when Sebastian mentioned being nearby, he considered. ]

Hm. That would perhaps not be the worst idea. Last time we encountered the Dryad, we almost died from blood loss alone. [ They hadn't looked for the knife from the Dryad, and had instead used their own. Silco was normally remarkably intelligent, but... ]

We don't know what taking it on will entail. It would be appreciated.

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian cants his head slightly in surprise, since the blood loss is a bit of a surprise. Which, sure, that’s technically how he had died, but it’s a bit different when you have your throat ripped out. That’s rather expected. But since he’d also used the dryad’s knife earlier, its unusual property hadn’t gone without notice. ]

…Did you? Did you use the knife the dryad gave?

[ Since now he’s just assuming there were different knives maybe rather than silco and jinx just… going turbo… ]

[zauneyete]

[ Silco blinked a single eye. ]

What knife?

[ No, not they had not. They had not even noticed the offered knife. Of course, Silco had kept all of his focus on Jinx in the caverns underneath the tree, and Jinx was dealing with... being in a brand new land.

And also they weren't really paying attention to the dryad, as they planned their sacrifice. ]

We weren't given a knife. We used mine.

[cutlery]

Hm.

[ This is definitely a mildly perplexed "hm", but again, he has no reason to suspect the truth here, at least. He just assumes that a nature spirit is a contrary dick, since that at least fits stories of read of things like dryads. ]

Well, it did not matter with Miss Hayame, obviously... But when I was with Mr. Minegishi and Miss Morgan, the dryad gave us a knife to use. It must have been magical somehow, as it stemmed the bleeding you would expect from such an action considerably.

[ Sebastian shrugs, since, yeah, he's got nothing on this one. ]

How rude of the dryad indeed. You would at least hope it would be consistent on such things.

[zauneyete]

How lucky for you.

[ He said, with a sarcastic lilt, and a roll of his eyes, a touch of that sarcasm that Silco so often displayed, particularly when he was at a disadvantage. In this, it was the fact that he'd very nearly bled out underneath the tree -- and had fought harder than he should have -- to stay conscious enough to just drink a damn antidote.

Damn dryad. Clearly he and Jinx were without sin in this scenario. ]

I've not expected consistency from these types of creatures. They wish to play by their own rules. Maybe it was the fact that Jinx and I both tried to kill it before we finally cut off our hands.

[ Because. Yeah. They had. Of course they had. ]

[cutlery]

[ The sarcasm is immediately met with a wry smile and shrug, though it shifts back to curiosity as Silco continues. ]

Ah, well. That could do it, yes. I may not have met dryads before, but indeed, there is a certain… contrarian nature that is not unfair to assume of creatures of that ilk.

[ Also including him, naturally… Most creatures that could be considered “supernatural” tended to have a bad sense of humor, be petty, or both. Which, on the note of being petty, ]

All the better for you to finish the job, in that case. If you are feeling particularly vindictive, may I suggest cutting off its hands first?

[zauneyete]

[ Silco's lips bared into something a touch feral, almost exuberant, in how much he enjoyed the thought. ]

We might. [ He said, his tone said, clearly, that he thought it would be quite enjoyable to do that. ] I was considering strangling it to death too -- given that its curse was what got in my way last time I needed my hand.

[ He'd rather strangle Vander, but no. There was something better in the works, there. Patience would be the reward. ]

Hands might hold a sort of poetry. Maybe we'll use the same knife, even.

these fuckin guys,

[cutlery]

[ It’s offered lightly just in case it isn’t taken well, but once Silco smiles so, Sebastian breathes out a little laugh. He’s still getting to know his new master, and part of this process is also knowing where he draws lines. Clearly, Vander wasn’t an exception to the rule. If someone wrongs Silco, his wrath is bloodthirsty.

What a refreshing change from his noble little predecessor.

Sebastian brings his hand to his chin thoughtfully as he considers it further. If he wants his retribution to be sadistic, a demon has plenty of ideas along those lines. ]

Strangling may not be very satisfying, as it may not need to breathe so… If that is the case, I assume you want it to feel powerless, correct? There is a similarity in being immobilized, which may be necessary to remove the hands anyways. So— [ He taps at his neck lightly ] Stab in the correct spot with enough force and you will pin it by the neck. If it struggles too much, it will slice itself open and die that way.

[ Sebastian shrugs again as he drops his thoughtful posture, but his tone is lighter as he adds: ]

Ah, but using the same knife would be perfect, regardless.

just talkin' torture what's wrong with that?

[zauneyete]

[ It is truly nice to have someone around that actually understands what Silco wants out of his retribution. There had been Sevika back home, in Zaun, but here... there were so few that truly understood that Silco was a brutal, cruel man. Not by intention, but by design, crafted over four and a half decades of hard living, cruelty, and Piltover above looking down on them.

It should be unsurprising that he smiled, but he did all the same, and it grew, at the proposal, of what Sebastian suggested, further. It was true it probably didn't breathe, but that one wrong move would perhaps do it in... Silco did like that.

He nodded, clearly happy with the suggestion. ]

It is poetic, isn't it? I'm sure if we pin it by the neck, taking its hands would be easy -- and Jinx will bring plenty of explosives she'll want to try on it.

I don't expect it will live long.

they certainly see nothing wrong here!

[cutlery]

With explosives? No, I imagine not. But I have also been surprised before at just how resilient someone can be.

[ He laughs lightly as he shrugs, even though that statement would surely come off as ominous. To anyone else, at least. Considering Silco is clearly very open to the idea, then it gives Sebastian tacit permission to drop his mask just a little. He very much enjoys his perception as the gentleman demon, after all, since the former can overshadow the latter. ]

But if you would prefer it stay alive as long as possible, well, I will see what I can do. I cannot promise anything, since I have never attempted to do so with a dryad, obviously… But I am not too bad at being precise enough to ensure that humans stay alive as long as possible. I would not be much of a demon if I were not well-versed in torment.

"you guys have morals?" box on the scientific charts

[zauneyete]

Hm, and these creatures occasionally are a bit...hardier than most. [ He said, but it's with a tone of derision. The Dryad and That Thing are in the same category. Unknowable beasts who wronged Silco. Perhaps there is a distinct difference in power, but they fall into the same slot: must be destroyed.

It might just take them a bit. Which he didn't think Jinx would mind, if she wanted to force the thing to explode. ]

We'll see how it goes. I wouldn't want it to have the opportunity to escape, but the longer it withers and dangles on our strings, the better.

[ consonants enunciated harshly, Silco's lips peeled back, slightly into something almost feral, almost angry. To him, the crimes continued to stack up. The lancing pain in his wrist, the fact that he'd lost any number of cigars -- and the fight with Vander -- because of it, and the fact that it had done so to his daughter was enough to infuriate the man, drive him forward. ]

yea... yea

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian nods in agreement, since even if his experience with other supernatural creatures was limited, it seemed fair to assume that they were more durable. He has a comment on that but holds it as Silco continues, and right away, that bitter, vicious anger speaks to Sebastian deeply. It’s a rare emotion he can genuinely relate to, if not in this particular situation. Anything that gets the best of him will have it returned ten times over, and it’s clear Silco wants exactly the same level of retaliation. To anything, it seems. ]

Duly noted. I am sure we can learn a bit about how to make it wane and wilt. My apologies for this gap in my knowledge, but at the very least, I can promise that I will not allow it to escape.

[ An assurance offered first, but he hums thoughtfully as he considers it further. If this is what Silco might ask of him, then he may reconsider some of the spells that he had learned. There were a few he imagines may be more useful in situations like this. It’s nothing Silco needs to concern himself with, though, so he doesn’t bring it up. Instead, his secondary idea comes to mind, and he gestures generally toward Silco. ]

Why, with your permission… If it has a soul, may I eat it?

[ There’s a cruel chill in those words that would unnerve most, but he doesn’t think it will bother Silco. It’s why he barely even gives a pause between the question and his elaboration. ]

I have only ever eaten humans before. If the opportunity presents itself, I would enjoy trying others.

[zauneyete]

[ Silco in his angry spiral paused. It's a very good thing that Sebastian had restrained the man, as it is, Silco would find an entire reality to burn before he was satisfied, if left to his own devices. He takes it all personal, from the smallest slight -- but then again, if it all reminded him of --

Well, it's of little matter.

His lips curled at the question, almost an actual smile, or as close to genuine as the man can get. Because he thought of himself as a shark in a pond, and -- at least while the Contract held -- Sebastian was another shark that wasn't a threat to him.

Which, you know, would likely change at some point. He wasn't an idiot. However, he saw no need for cruelty, or denial. Not when questions like this were testing the waters on what Silco would allow. And why would he care about what happened to the Dryad's soul. There were few lines, that Silco would not cross, after all.

Sebastian might have chosen one of the men who lacked in the most power in Kenos, but he was one of the most bloodthirsty. So it's with that same smile, that he said: ]

You weren't joking, when you said you're a gourmand, hm? As long as you don't steal Jinx's kill, I don't care if you eat it.

[ A flash of a sharper smile. ] I hope it suffers, when you do.

[cutlery]

Not at all. I have the luxury of being selective, so why would I waste my time with anything but the most exquisite or novel souls?

[ This… could be a compliment for Silco, though it would likely be the oddest one he’s ever received, even indirectly. Of course, considering Sebastian’s tastes for a soul, it might not be all that complimentary in that context. But regardless, he’s pleased for the permission since he doubts many of his masters would have allowed him his hungers. It was a bit too close to looking at their future. ]

I should be able to snatch up its soul before it truly leaves, at least. Though it may be… [ He trails off with a thoughtful noise, then shrugs ] —Inelegant. Taking a soul while it is still alive is a bit more dignified but snatching it before it moves on is not so. Its agony should be exquisite, though.

[ A thought occurs to him, and his smile grows enough to show some of those sharper teeth that his polite smiles generally keep hidden. ]

Why, if you would like, you may Commune with me while I do it. I believe you would enjoy experiencing such a complete death as I do.

[zauneyete]

[ Some people, who were perhaps a little more adept with the arcane (eyyy) would think about the offer, and what it meant. After all, wasn't that going to be what Sebastian did to Silco someday? Consume his soul? Perhaps even Silco, for all of his clumsy knowledge about the forces beyond his control, could put two and two together.

But the difference was that the Dryad had done something to him -- and Jinx. It had made a grave mistake, and therefore, Silco thought of as if it should be tortured. he wanted it to suffer, and if there was a way -- even in death -- for it to die even more completely? For its soul to wither and crumble.

He smiled. ]

Now wouldn't that be quite the treat? I would enjoy that experience.

[ He blinked -- a single eye closed, but the other one watched Sebastian, almost delighted by the offer. How could he not enjoy that? ]

[cutlery]

[ It’s not as if Sebastian expected any other response, but he’s delighted with it all the same. While he still largely hated the process, Sebastian has been realizing how Communion can be useful in Kenos. He can send the pain of his own death crashing into someone’s mind. He can think of plenty of other memories that he could force through as well, making a whole new dimension to torture to explore. But this is the best version he could hope for.

Silco may not think of himself this way, but he’s a project for Sebastian, just as every soul that agrees to his terms is. He’s shaping it into the flavors that he loves most, which are all the complex feelings that come from someone giving into the worst parts of themselves. Granted, it wasn’t his impression that he would have to do all that much work in Silco’s case. He has a guess that he’d done most of that work himself well before they’d met.

But if he can encourage him to embrace them further?

Why, that’s delicious. ]

I had a feeling that may be the case.

[ Despite his vicious thoughts, his voice and laugh are as smooth as his smile slips back to one that’s more controlled. It’s still one tinged with cruelty, but it’s not so openly showing his nature. ]

And besides, it may simply be an interesting intellectual exercise if it works! I would be rather interested myself to hear what the experience is like from your point of view.

[zauneyete]

[ Can't believe Mr. "Make Them Worse" himself is also being made worse.

Silco laughed, and it's not quite indulgent, but it's close. His tone says, very clearly, that he appreciates the offer. He can expect what Sebastian means by "point of view", of course, but... Silco didn't feel fear over the eventual fate he'd been pulled into. It was just a soul, after all. Excruciating pain was nothing, agony, nothing.

It was power Silco wanted, and he wanted to hurt his enemies -- and yes, that included the Dryad. It was like a little free bonus, to get a little more pain and misery doled out as a part of it. ]

I'll be more than willing to share. It's a unique opportunity, I suppose, to get to feel that while you consume it? A bit like...knowing how the steak feels when it's being eaten.