kenoslogs | THE SOOT OF IGNORANCE: RISING ACTION

THE SOOT OF IGNORANCE: RISING ACTION

BETWEEN UNCONTROLLED ESCALATION & UNENDING PASSIVITY

The moonlit city of Highstorm has always been a tranquil location.

Its people, passionate about the steady leadership of Zenith's leader — Lady Yima — begin their movements slowly and deliberately. Following the lead of their most trusted Shard-Bearers and the word of their Lady, activity in Highstorm begins to increase in the vicinity of Yima's Manor. The Court, the town square outside of it, becomes a hotbed of bustle and voices. Personnel and attendants rush around with documentation, stirring others to action. A select few figures gather the full force of their long-standing houses, calling on family bonds and their own castellans to assist the efforts that build over the course of a few days.

For the tranquility of Highstorm is only ever punctuated by its decisiveness, its faith that their path is the correct one — and now, they will prove it.

In a trickle-down effort, from the most loyal Zenites to the newest, the news unfolds for them: Amos Burton has been tasked by Lady Yima herself to turn the tides back in Zenith's favor. He is to end the life of the 34th Tribune, Cyrus Marcius Germanus Kokkinos, alongside the fortune who have found their way into Zenith's graces. In the earliest hours of the invasion, the figure of Yima herself steps out onto the balcony of her quarters — the highest point of the Manor — with her robes soft around her body and hands extended to her people. Her silence is punctuated by glowing feelings of pride that flow through the hearts and minds of every last sworn Zenite, bolstering their resolve and encouraging them with the cool, ever-flowing might of the people who look to Zenith's Shard-Bearers for their victory.

She sees them off with unspoken sentiments of love, confidence in them — the whispered promises that she knows they are ready to see the war through. And perhaps none of them will know that it is the last time they see her.

For in the sun-dappled sprawl of Springstar, their target awaits them.

The bustle of the city has always been without reservation; the bright and airy attitudes of militant citizenry look on with confidence and celebratory warmth as their Shard-Bearers have brought them to a marginal advancement over their enemies. While Tribune Cyrus's popularity has waned, there are alternative avenues they have begun to explore — the figure of Agapitos Voreen has become deeply popular, with savvy statements, an easy confidence and a willingness to deny Zenith any room to breathe, he is a shoe-in for future Tribune, whenever the next elections are held.

Which is why, in between one moment and the next, the city is rocked by the efforts of their opposition. Zenite-aligned Shard-Bearers and the small house armies of Yima's most loyal core families fill the streets with chaotic distractions, ranging from duels with the Helios Legionnaire to direct attacks on civilians. ( Where does your character draw the line, if they care to? Will it matter in the long run, do they believe? ) Appearing from several Cornerstones hidden within the city's confines from missions long past, tracking the movements of Legionnaires and Shard-Bearers alike from the placement of listening gems and tracking spells, even rising from the bowels of Kowloon to trap the city in a pincer movement — Highstorm goes on the offensive.

Springstar puts up a valiant resistance in return; however, within twenty-four hours, Zenite Shard-Bearers will have hunted down, cornered and slain the Tribune. In that moment, Meridian-aligned Shard-Bearers will feel a splitting pain: the suddenness of having an integral element of their power ripped from them, the sensation akin to being crushed, gasping under the weight of Zenith's swell. The last trickle of emotion from Cyrus for them is a gentle warmth, fondness and forgiveness and the purity of his confidence in them. He believes in them, he always has, and he prays and hopes for their victory even though he will not be around to see it become reality, now.

His death is announced the following day by his assistant Cetina, the deer-morph girl choking back angry tears as she — with a furious and tearful General Ayo Zaman and the somber, mournful figure of Hieropoios Natalia at her side — lambasts Highstorm for the act of aggression, attempts to rouse the city and Meridian's hope, and pledges that she will not let her best friend's murderers escape her vengeance.

Hours after Cetina's message, in the far corner of Highstorm — following the people's celebrations and rejoicing in their strike, the delight in the might of their Shard-Bearers and the renewed passions of their people in pursuit of their victory — a brilliant, golden beam of sunlight pierces the eternal night of the city.

In an instant, the balcony upon which Yima had stood and the rooms beyond it — in fact, the entirety of the Manor, is engulfed in fire and light. The Manor falls, crumbling in upon itself as debris cascades into the living quarters of Shard-bearers and partially topples into the Court beyond. While the Tree of Life, the Reflecting Pools and many businesses around the Court escape extensive damage, the Manor itself is in shambles. And in the wake, many Zenite Shard-Bearers will feel the suddenness of having an integral element of their power ripped from them, the sensation akin to being crushed, gasping under the weight of Meridian's swell. In the wake of the strike, there is a deep silence within them.

Any attempts to contact Yima are met with the same silence a Shard-Bearer feels when reaching out to another who has left the world entirely. And with that, both sides are left to pick up the pieces and weigh the consequences of their actions.

ADDITIONAL MATTERS

During ( and in the wake of both assaults ), there is plenty for any Unharmonized Shard-Bearers and more moderate Meris/Zenites to partake in. Damage has been wrought to both cities at differing times, and there is a degree of life lost no matter the best efforts of those who value innocents over the price enacted by acts of war.

In Springstar, the citizenry has been ravaged by attacks stemming from the depths of Kowloon: as monsters in the form of both individuals with unusual appetites (cannibals and vampires, for example) and heavily-drugged, superpowered addicts have been finding their way into the city, slaughtering civilians indiscreetly, picking fights with the Legionary, and engaging in general criminal mischief and violence. Following Zenith's assault and subsequent assassination, the city will be on high alert and be deeply hostile toward Zenith-aligned Shard-Bearers, as well as mistrustful towards any Unharmonized ( for good reason: they might still Harmonize with Zenith! ). After the day of the attack, the attacks drop off significantly, but do not vanish entirely, for now that some have gotten a taste, it will take time for Yura to reign them in once more.

The people of the city turn to their Shard-Bearers in the wake of their Tribune's murder; even though his popularity had waned, it isn't as though his death doesn't affect them! Deeply concerned and frightened for their future, they demand information about what will be done to protect the city from another assault like this? Some civilians will turn to the church, or perhaps community leaders, but it seems very few turn to the legionary, after they were so focused on the attacks that they missed the forest for the trees. Their trust in their military leaders is waning, and they’re looking for answer. Some community leaders have tried to soften the hurt and anger of Springstar’s people, but they look toward those whom were not a part of the current establishment to answers.

In Highstorm, Yima's Manor lays in shambles, but the rest of the city is unharmed. Shard-Bearers who were living in the Manor will find that their living quarters suffered from the collapse and subsequent fires, but any precious items/belongings they had in their rooms can be recovered after sifting through the rubble. One of Yima’s most trusted, Florence, seems to be taking the reigns of control, and while there are still pockets of the manor that remain on the outskirts of the building itself, she encourages any Zenites who had not moved out to move on quickly, since what is left should be used by any newcomers who need shelter, and not those whom have had the opportunity to make bonds, and have allies that they can rely on.

The main issue now plaguing Zenites is the sudden, overwhelming crowd that begins to gather in the Court, demanding information from them about Yima's safety — they are frantic, and rightfully concerned about further assaults of that incendiary degree from Meridian. The city will be on high alert and be deeply hostile toward Meridian-aligned Shard-Bearers, as well as mistrustful towards any Unharmonized ( for good reason: they might still Harmonize with Meridian! ). The Manor itself is almost entirely destroyed, with only a shell of the outskirts left, and though those who are left are already trying to sift through the rubble, they are often overcome by their sorrow, and it is not uncommon in the wake of Meridian’s destruction to find some of Yima’s most loyal in distress, for the loss of their leader.

A LIGHTHOUSE AGAINST THE ENCROACHING STORM

A few months ago, all current Shard-Bearers experienced a mass dreaming event, full of teeming darkness and a pervasive sense of terror. Following the death of Cyrus and the "presumed loss" of Yima, all Shard-Bearers will receive yet another dream.

This one is a simple, direct thing: rife with a haunting sense of being watched, observed as if from the reeds and brush by a hunter. Whatever your power level, however skilled you are and confident you are in your place, your decisions, your heart will quake before the severe impression of something prowling at your heels. Just out of sight, but never out of mind. Every Shard-Bearer's shard will wrench free of their body upon waking, falling from their physical form as if to flee this sensation of something waiting, patient, for the right moment to pounce.

Echoing in the back of their mind, a wordless, shapeless promise lingers: Forward, or back. Back, or forward. Dart and weave, flit and flutter, scamper and scurry. We are here, now. In the back of every mind, what was in the process of coming before is — it is here, now. Looming right above, waiting for the outcome, watching for which way the last lives at the end of existence will flee.

Upon awakening from the mass dream-become-nightmare, Shard-bearers will slowly become aware of the exacerbation of previous events that have been persisting since October. These events are no longer subtle, and will impact everyone regardless of faction allegiance, with purposefully targeted strikes:

— Darkness has spread within Springstar. Wherever there is shadow cast by person, object or building, it has deepened, darkened, and grown in size. Walking through any shadowed area or touching a darkened shadow will fill a Shard-bearer who enters that area with feelings of dread, of something lingering just out of sight, of danger prickling along their spine, and entice them to run and flee. If they are not quick enough, an unseen entity savages them — aiming directly for wherever their Shard is hidden and held. They are being hunted.

— Light has spread within Highstorm. Starlight and moonlight seem to sear what they touch, leaving patches of bleached-white scars upon person, object or building. Being touched by the light or coming into contact with a white-scarred entity will fill a Shard-bearer with feelings of malaise, like they should simply lay down and accept what comes next. Suffocating hands waiting to pin them down. Even in the safety of the shadows, the scourging glow of any light reaches for them and rakes across their bodies, seeking the place where their Shard is hidden or held. Ravaging them with hot-and-cold burns. They are being sacrificed.

— Shard-bearers readily become lost in familiar places, as if their homes and bastions of safety and security have become strange ( estranged? ) from their minds. The route to that favorite haunt ( perhaps even their own place of business ) eludes them, and searching for it alone becomes an impossibility. It takes another Shard-bearer, at times, to aid them in breaking free of the mild befuddlement. You're just tired. It's just the strain getting to you.

— Citizens of both Springstar and Highstorm continue to speak about neighbors who have 'suddenly moved away', or the disappearance of a favored shop or cafe. Some mention favorite, useful landmarks vanishing, causing them to forget where they are coming from, or where they are going. When directly asked about this circumstance, they shrug and declare that it happens all the time these days. In fact, there's nothing to really be done about it. And if pressed, the citizenry's eyes go glassy and expressions become confused as they ask who, what, where, and why their Shard-Bearer has begun asking them such strange questions. None seem bothered by this strange occurrence, as if all is well and normal.

— Shard-bearers will begin to see familiar faces in crowds, standing on street corners, peering through their private windows, waving them down at their familiar haunts. People from their own worlds, loved and hated alike rush for them — adoring and hostile alike. Family members and friends who seem to attempt to meet their eyes before the crowd swallows them up; loved ones who should be captured in Shards try to flag them down, calling their names and asking them where have you been? what's going on?; enemies and abusers seem to advance upon them, pushing their way forth hungrily. And then they are gone, but not before leaving behind the impression, the strange sensation that, they are real. Really there. If only for a moment.

OOC & (IMMEDIATE) WORLD CHANGES

The full document for this event can be found here!

So, what does the world look like now that this has all gone down?

The world of Kenos ripples from the effects of our players!

Springstar is (mostly) physically unharmed, though the population has been reduced thanks to the number of murders and criminal mischief that has taken place during the attack. Damage seems constrained to things like broken doors and windows, looted property, and murdered civilians, though the severity is up to how many defend Springstar from the concentrated might of Ryad’s regulars, and a practical army of addicts rising from the depths below the city.

The leadership of Springstar is also shaken, though there are procedures in place for this – if one is particularly studious, they will recall that this is not the first Tribune that has been assassinated, though it is the first in a long while – and the Church and the Legionary have stepped in to maintain the peace while elections begin to be arranged.

Cyrus’s body is interred publically at the Church in Heliopolis for a week after his passing, before his body is immolated during a service, his soul returned to the Tree of Life. Those who attend will feel the light of Meridian fill them, and their Discord may be reduced by one level thanks to the warm hope that fills them, even as they despair at the loss of their leadership. Meridian calls to its most loyal, and asks them to do what they do best, show hope and unending resolve, when things look to be their most hopeless.

Highstorm is another story. The destruction wrought is more property, but the number of people who were within the manor is difficult to count until a week or two after the destruction has been evaluated, and cleanup has begun. The loss of life is not devastating compared to what was leveled upon Springstar, but perhaps the most distressing is that Yima is not present. Florence reassures those in Highstorm with her calming, but firm presence.

With few of Yima’s softer adorations to be found, Florence instead pushes the faithful to muster their will and begin the recovery efforts. After all, they have long proven to have faith in Yima’s guidance, and they should believe in it now when it is difficult. It is not the first time their fortitude has been tested, after all.

Her words fill those in Zenith with a sense of calm resolve, and they may feel their distress and discord from this destruction alleviating slightly. Highstorm’s government works smoothly without Yima, and those who are interested in history will be able to see Florence’s name throughout the annals, as one that would guide Yima’s faithful when the matron was in convalescence, or respite. What Zenith does best, after all, is build something new when faced with destruction. Consider this a primer for your new world, to help bring the faithful back from the brink of their despair.

The unharmonized have a choice, as they so often do. This time, however, the stakes appear even higher than before. The cities are not as welcoming as they once were, and those that have not chosen are beseeched by the civilians of both Highstorm and Springstar. ‘Do you not understand what they’ve taken from us, and what they will in days to come? You cannot let this continue, standing on the sidelines. Imagine the ways in which you could help us,’ they beg, and it feels as though your neutrality will become increasingly inconvenient, as time goes on.

What can we expect next?

As the month of Pelu ( aka March ) dawns, you will begin to feel it. Something tugs at you.

Those who have lived through more than one will feel that anticipatory anxiety rise, as the next oracle is coming. Are you ready to fight to claim it, even when it feels so dark, and even when everything feels different, and harder? Do you look to the stars, and dream of your home? Or do you gaze outward, into nothing, and dream of what you will make from the ashes?

Anticipate the oracle in the coming month of Pelu, and to learn more about those that will step into the voids left by Cyrus and Yima.

And as always!

Questions can be directed here!

Individuals less-inclined to busy themselves with either effort, or looking for a way to gain a foothold/explore the world can report here for exploration attempts. We recommend examining the Kenos Wiki's Locations for ideas, if you don't know where to start. Or! Ask someone in the Discord Server for a recommendation, we have long-time players eager to help.

Lastly, remember that Cyrus and Yima will be a little occupied this time around, but anyone who might ICly have reason to contact them regarding the brewing troubles can do so here!

CODING

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yuri, stay back-

[ Dimitri is alarmed, worried that Yuri is more seriously hurt than he lets on. He swallows hard and his attention focuses on the monster looming out of the shadows. He grits his teeth as the beast bellows and then comes forward. Dimitri steps forward, blocks the way to Yuri with his body, and braces for the attack. The two come together in a clash, the monster unable to find its way past the longer reach just yet - but Dimitri also doesn't land a blow.

This might be a long fight. ]

[ Whatever that thing is, it's strong. Standing taller than Dimitri, his opponent's body is covered in scales drenched with the blood of others. On top of those savage claws, the face sports large, sharp teeth to match. By all appearances, something of a cross between man and some kind of serpent.

They don't make them like that back home. ]

Be careful, Dimitri—

[ Yuri tries to straighten, to find some angle that would let him throw a spell around Dimitri, but his knee hits the pavement again. Biting back a curse, it occurs to him why his head's swimming like this, despite deeming his wound too superficial to have such a deleterious effect on him. ]

I think...it's venomous...

Good to know. Yuri - can you hold a little longer?

[ Dimitri's gaze must say on his opponent, however much he wishes he could glance back to check on his friend. His weight shifts and he circles slightly to one side, still interposing himself between the creature an Yuri. He can't let it through - another blow and he's sure Yuri will be in deep trouble. ]

As for you - come and face me!

[ That to the beast, which hisses and lunges with lightning speed. This time claws skitter off of his armor and it's only through providence that he's not hit. He retaliates with a blow from the butt end that thuds against scales and doesn't leave much of an impression.

Well - they're evenly matched for now. ]

Yeah, I've— [ Blinking hard, Yuri tries to gather his words words. ] Marianne taught me...

[ Though she had suggested a detoxifying spell to help rid him of the symptoms of his allergies, this hews closer to its original purpose. He focuses his fast-waning energy on the spell, hoping to at least prevent further debilitating effects on his body.

A small burst of glittering light washes over him then, and in the moment, he thinks it fortunate he'd acted when he did. Just moments later, he's far too drained to cast another spell. Yuri hopes it will pass, as he blearily looks up to see the creature rear back and lash out at Dimitri's armor again, evidently attempting to tear through it. ]

[ Dimitri no longer has time to worry about Yuri; he's locked in combat with the creature as they both try to find an opening - although Dimitri refuses to go very far because he cannot let the thing get past him at Yuri. So instead he goes on the offensive as he deflects another blow with his armor and lunges, the blade of his lance scoring a sharp line through the scaly hide, drawing blood that oozes and spatters onto the pavement.

The creature lets out a shriek and retreats from the pain, a sinuous tail lashing out and forcing Dimitri back - they both have a bit of room and a moment to breathe. But there's still no clear winner... ]

[ Though his head is still swimming, Yuri can be sure at least that he'd neutralized the venom. Between that and blood loss, he could be worse off. He tries once more to stand, only to falter again. It's frustrating only being able to watch as that serpentine creature attempts to circle around Dimitri.

More frustrating still that if he tries to intervene he'll most likely be a liability. Rationally, Yuri is aware that his own king is formidable. The man he's gotten to know here has even more experience in battle, and with that comes knowledge and skill. Even so, he worries for the man. ]

[ Dimitri sees an opening and he takes it. He jumps forward with another yell, jabbing his lance as the beast tries another feint. This time Dimitri draws blood and the beast recoils with a shriek of rage and pain. There's a grim laugh and then he redoubles his attack, trying to strike while he has an advantage.

Just maybe it will work. ]

[ Dimitri's opponent only has so far that it can slither away, and unfortunately for it, it meets with a wall. By the time the monster tries to course-correct it's too late and Dimitri's lance drives home.

Another shriek, and the serpentine creature scrabbles desperately to pull the lance out of its body while effectively pinned. Though Yuri has never seen such an opponent, he doubts it will survive long that way. ]

[ Dimitri has strength to spare for his. He pinions the creature mercilessly - and only when he's sure it's winded does he draw the weapon back for the final strike. The creature shrieks and than collapses as another blow ends its life and Dimitri comes hurrying back toward Yuri, not bothering to look back. ]

Yuri-

[ He bends over him, offering a hand. ]

Yuri. Speak to me. Are you badly hurt?

[ Staying still had likely been the best thing Yuri could do, even if it had been frustrating to watch. He knows Dimitri can handle himself — he knows — yet the thought of something happening to him...

Yuri reaches, but he doesn't take Dimitri's hand. Instead, he grabs a fistful of Dimitri's cape, clutching onto it like a lifeline. ]

I just need a minute... [ He breathes, short and unsteady. ] Should've realized what it was sooner.

[ The venom. It's no longer a threat, but it had its impact on him. ]

Got to patch myself up, besides.

[ The way Yuri grasps on to him does little to reassure Dimitri. He kneels next to him, trying to support him with his arms. ]

Do you need healing? I know some magic that can help with that now. Please - let me try-

[ There's a flood of energy from him; healing magic to knit wounds and ease pain. He's more than willing to try what he can for the sake of his friend. ]

[ Yuri hesitates to ask it of him, when Dimitri should conserve his energy for whatever battles lie ahead of them. But he remembers the pride in Dimitri's eyes, the pleased smile he'd worn, when he'd said that he learned healing magic.

So after a few moments, he nods his assent. If he can get back in fighting form, he can make up for whatever Dimitri expends on his injury. ]

Alright... Just need to stop the bleeding.

[ Come to think of it, he should probably teach that detoxifying spell to Dimitri, when the city is resecured. He may have need of it, one day. ]

[ The healing works. The bleeding, at least, slows and then stops as flesh knits itself shut underneath the work of the magic. Dimitri breathes a little easier and then wraps an arm around Yuri to hoist him to his feet. ]

Here. Lean on me for now, at least until I can get you somewhere a little more secure.

[ Independent as he is, Yuri recognizes it would be senseless to try to push away and reject the support. He'd sooner not burden Dimitri like this, but he knows it would be more of one if he fought him about it.

That's just how Dimitri is: kinder than anyone who has suffered so much ought to be. However... ]

We've still got places to be, Dimitri.

[ He still intends to go with him. Civilians need their help. ]

Yes and if you don't take some time to recover you won't make it to any of them.

[ His voice is deadly serious. ]

You don't need to risk your life, not right now.

[ He's worried. But can he really be blamed? ]

You shouldn't have to fight alone.

[ The words come with more adamance than Yuri had intended, but it's true just the same. If Dimitri leaves him somewhere safe, then he'll be out there on his own again.

Alone with those thoughts he's clearly struggling with. ]

And you shouldn't fight when you've been weakened as you are!

[ His expression softens a little as he glances down at him. ]

If you were killed or injured while trying to keep up with me in your state... I'd feel the guilt of it far too intensely.

I'm not going to go dying on anybody.

[ For one thing, he doesn't trust the impermanence of death to remain consistent. ]

If something happened to you because you had to soldier on alone, I'd feel no better about it. Don't forget, I've seen how hard another you pushes himself. Doubt you differ in that.

...probably not. But I also can't ask you to come with me when you're like this.

[ After a moment of thought, Dimitri solves a part of the dilemma be simply lifting Yuri entirely into his arms and starting to move off again. ]

Let's at least find a proper healer to look at you!

[ Yuri flounders for a moment in wide-eyed surprise before he plants a hand on Dimitri's shoulder for purchase. ]

...Dimitri, I am a proper healer. You did good work.

[ Yuri looks down at himself, and after brief assessment, he thinks he has enough energy. He casts the spell Marianne taught him once more, and the glittering light that washes over him (and collaterally Dimitri) saps the blood from his clothing and cleans it from his newly-mended skin.

He moves his other hand away from the spot, so Dimitri can have a look for himself. ]

You see?

I - if you're sure.

[ Dimitri examines him very closely, still clearly very worried - but he trusts Yuri. Enough to carefully set him back on his feet. ]

I couldn't live with it if something were to also happen to you, you know.

Don't let one blunder convince you I'm so fragile as that.

[ Something about those words makes his chest painfully tight for an instant. An instant is enough to compel him to lift a hand, cupping Dimitri's cheek.

His mother always said there was something uniquely comforting about a warm touch, though he's often doubted himself warm enough as a person to have that effect with anyone. Somehow, he's compelled to try in the moment. ]

Besides, I've got you with me, right?

[ The touch is... gentle. Dimitri blinks for a moment, feeling a wave of heat in his cheeks and a tightness in his chest. ]

I don't think you're fragile, Yuri. I know you're as capable as anyone. I just-

[ He offers a weak smile. ]

You do have me with you, at that. And I'll try to stay with you, for as long as I can.

[ Yuri offers him a soft smile in return, hoping he'd managed to reassure Dimitri. Rationally, he knows it was foolish of him to try and shield a man whose armor is far more protective than his own, but he couldn't help it in the moment.

The threat of something happening to Dimitri had spurred him to act before rational thought could kick in. ]

I'll try to give you less reasons to worry.

[ That last part is...he wonders what to make of it. But it isn't the time for that, he knows. Later, he'll invest good time into overthinking it, as is Yuri's way. ]

And I don't plan to slow you down.

[ His hand is still there, but look, he's just focused on Dimitri. ]

I'll try not to worry so much.

[ Dimitri laughs shakily, but he reaches up to cup Yuri's hand against his cheek. ]

But... thank you. I'll keep relying on you - and if need be, I will look out for you. Consider that a promise.

[ The thought of failing makes his heart ache. But for now they can't stay here, can they? ]

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