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Entry tags:
- !event,
- arcane: silco,
- arknights: gavial,
- black butler: sebastian michaelis,
- culture (the): demeisen,
- enderal: jade the prophetess,
- ennead: set,
- expanse (the): amos burton,
- fate/: flat escardos,
- fate/: quetzalcoatl,
- fate/: rin tohsaka,
- fate/: sakamoto ryouma,
- final fantasy xiv: cid garlond,
- fire emblem: claude von riegan,
- fire emblem: dimitri a. blaiddyd,
- fire emblem: shez,
- fire emblem: yuri leclerc,
- granblue fantasy: eustace,
- legend of zelda (the): link,
- life is strange: chloe price,
- marvel: nebula,
- oc: liem talbott,
- oc: matt jamison,
- persona: goro akechi,
- pumpkin scissors: alice l. malvin,
- suikoden: yuber,
- tsubasa reservoir chronicle: subaru,
- vampire hunter d: d
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.
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.
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:
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!
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!
no subject
Hey! I'm here, I'm coming. You're gonna be okay.
[ Is this a trap??? Is something a person with some degree of self-preservation might ask. Instead, Matt's seized by anxiety that he has no idea if this person or people is or are gonna be okay, and that the last words they hear could very well be a rotten lie. He doesn't know how this most-likely-magical fire works!
Matt's tired. He's really tired. But a shield spell is easy enough, especially with some of the plant clippings he's gathered from the burnt-out courtyard. Matt pulls one out, sets it ablaze with a flick of his wrist, and focuses a moment.
To thee, dispeller of the night, O Agni,
day by day with prayer bringing thee reverence we come.
As he continues towards the fire, he's now surrounded by a translucent sphere of glowing gold light. Out loud, Matt calls: ] Hello?
no subject
The closer Matt gets, the more that he'll be able to feel the intense heat radiating off this strange fire. It flickers like a candle flame wavering in a breeze, but many hundreds of times too large. This odd flame isn't moving the way a fire this size should, suffice to say — and in the blue-green glow, different colors start to emerge... Two horizontal slits with with blue centers widen and close rapidly, like blinking eyes, and two lines of purple flames rise above them like eyebrows. Below that, a row of white-pink fire flickers, like a mouth full of sharp teeth...
Wait. That's not what it's like. That's what it is. This fire has a face, a pretty terrifying one, and it's watching Matt draw closer with anxious desperation in its eyes. ]
Agggni?
[ It speaks aloud in a similar voice as its mental voice in Communion: high pitched, with each word pronounced carefully and slowly. Matt might recognize its accent as being the same as a certain wizard. ]
Never hearrrd of them... But prrraise to Agni if it means you're going to help usss out of this mess!
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Uh.
... Okay! Well, on a scale of 1 to Sveinn, this is a YIKES. But Matt doesn't have time to process what he's seeing here: He's not sure how long his shield can hold up against heat this extreme. ]
Agni's a fire god, [ he starts to explain, before realizing skip it. ] Never mind--how can I help? Are you stuck?
[ At the back of his mind, he tries to place the voice. It's familiar, even while it's unfamiliar. ]
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[ The fire squints, like whatever he's about to do or say is almost too embarrassing to go through with... but it can't be helped. So with a sigh, its face disappears and it starts to shrink in size, down and down until it's the size of a man instead of a building, its overwhelming brightness dimming with it... until there, below its main "body," is a pile of oddly-shaped rocks. The closer Matt looks at them, the faster he'll realize that these "rocks" appear to be the broken pieces of some type of stone statue or sculpture — there's part of a hand, and a ribbon bowtie, and a diamond-checkered pattern etched into a sleeve...
And at the base of the pile is the statue's head. A male face framed by two large earrings and short, teased bangs. Frowning deeply, as if frozen in the moment before bursting into tears.
The fire's face appears in the space behind the pile of broken pieces, looking down at it like a disappointed parent who knows that their child is too young for a scolding to do any good. ]
...He did this on purrrpossse. He thought that hiding under meee would keep anyone from coming overr here. Howl! Howl, get up!
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Oh my God, that's Howl?
[ Matt stares. ]
Okay. Okay. [ A person not made out of stone would, under normal circumstances, be dead right now. Matt glances back to Calcifer, eyes wide. ] So unless you have a better idea, I'm gonna try to ... put him back together.
[ Which doesn't strictly necessitate dropping his shield spell, but Matt lets it go anyway. If Calcifer doesn't stop him, he will indeed start trying to reassemble the Howl statue--vertically if possible, horizontally if necessary. Matt has a pretty good head for puzzles, and his hands are used to coaxing small parts and pieces into taking on new shapes.
He'd feel better if he had some glue, though. ]
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[ The fire sighs and shrinks down further still as Matt crouches in front of the pile of rubble. Despite how inherently wicked the face within the flames looks, its expressions are very human. Which usually isn't enough to get over how terrifying the face itself is... but it can help, depending on the person.
The fire isn't watching what Matt is doing, though. It peers at Matt himself. ]
Will you be alright withouut it? [ the shield spell, he means. ] Yourrr "Agni" is ssstill protecting you?
[ With the way the fire asks... is it impressed? Or is it just curious, or even uneasy? ]
Mmmost of the people I called out to didn't evennn hear me. Or they did, and they were to scarrred to come this clossse.
[ so what's your deal, guy. ]
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I don't know who's protecting me right now, [ Matt admits, as he sets a broken piece of hand beside one that seems to represent stone fingers. Gently, he coaxes the two as close to each other as they'll go. ] I ... made a deal, I guess you could say, to get my power back. But I still believe in him. I believe in a lot of gods.
[ Luckily, Howl isn't in too many pieces. It only takes a few minutes to lay him out on the ruined floor, a few more to be certain he has him in the right configuration. Matt has saved Howl's head for last. He feels oddly invasive looking at the expression on his face, as if he's spying. But at last, Matt picks him up, settles the final piece atop his neck, and ...
Nothing happens.
Matt waits to see if maybe Howl just needs a minute.
And nothing continues to happen. He frowns sharply up at Calcifer. ]
I ... really thought that could work.
Um.
Okay, okay.
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Instead, a thin skinny tendril in the vague shape of an arm flickers out to point with a finger-like wisp at one of Howl's hands. ]
You'vvve got the second and fourth fingers ssswitched here. [ Withdrawing the fire-arm, it sighs. ] But that shhhouldn't have made a difference. He could've switched themm back on his own after.
[ The fire has continued to shrink all this time, and at this point, it's the size of a large but manageable campfire. It flickers upwards from the rubble of the Manor, burning from some unseen fuel source among the refuse. ]
He's being ssstubborn. He doesn't want to pull himself together.
[ From the way the fire talks, this seems to not be the first time something like this has happened. ]
He needs something more. Like... a ssslap in the face, metaphorically. Although a real slap might do...
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[ How did Isis put Osiris back together, again? The myth has multiple interpretations, so there might be wiggle room. Matt remembers something about Isis taking the form of a bird and breathing life back into Osiris with her wings. And that makes him think ...
His mouth curls into a sheepish grin. ]
Okay, um. I'm going to try something kind of out there, and if it doesn't work, I will totally try slapping him. [ Matt shifts closer to Howl's broken form. He glances up to Calcifer, trying to get a read on his ... flames. ] I promise I'm not trying to take advantage.
[ The thing is, the way Matt sees it, breath is life. Spirit. The indivisible essence of what it means to be on the earth we're on, in the bodies we have. On his knees, he bends gently towards Howl.
O beautiful youth, come to thy house. Cross the firmament, for your foes are not, and I am your daily protection.
He tries not to touch him too much: just fingertips to his cheek, so he can orient himself a little better. And he presses a soft kiss to his lips. ]
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Ohhh, no! Uh, s-sorry!! [ he shrieks,
as the pieces of stone suddenly clamp back together with loud rocky clop clop clops, and with a burst of sparks like fireworks, stone turns back into cloth and flesh and hair, and Howl is laying there on the ground once again, hale and whole.
The expression of despair on his face immediately wavers with the realization that there's another person with their face in his face. Wait, no — not just that, but — his... his mouth?!
Without warning, one hand shoots out, aiming a closed fist directly at the side of Matt's face. ]
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Okay, he doesn't pass out. But he falls fully over, hands smacking to the rubble-strewn floor as he tries to catch himself. ]
Fuck! [ he exclaims.
With a decided lack of dignity, Matt scrabbles around so as not to give Howl his back. He sits up, clutching his throbbing cheek, and groans. ]
So ... you would've liked it better if I did hit you.
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J-Just what are you doing — casting that sort of magic on me?! [ His hands are still balled into fists. If Matt weren't out of arm's reach, he might still be swatting at him. ] Was that really necessary! How dare you! Calcifer, did you put him up to that?!
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[ He assumes that's "terrifying flame buddy," but glances to him sidelong to confirm. His gaze returns to Howl. ]
I'm really sorry, choice looked like two things that violated your consent in different ways, and-- [ "I felt I was following a strong religious precedent" is a mouthful. Matt rubs at his jaw. ] I picked wrong. Clearly.
[ Though he bristles a little for that sort of magic. Yes, okay, it is deeply uncool to kiss people who haven't said they want you to! But the magic itself is blameless?? ]
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Don't you dare! No, I did not!
[ Which, uh, is a weird thing to say? Since Calcifer didn't say anything? But Howl is already getting up from the ground, seemingly ready to move on. ]
...This world is far too eager to push me into the arms of my fellow man. [ sighing, he holds his hand out to help Matt up, but refuses to look at him as he does, pouting to the side instead. ]
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The offer of Howl's hand, at least, feels like an olive branch. Matt takes it, and feels that same strange push-pull he'd felt during their own Communion. Like their molecules repel each other. A bit of minor chord in the celestial chorus.
While Howl's looking away from him, Matt glances back to Calcifer, trying to make a face that conveys is he okay now ...? ]
Well, ah--I will keep my arms as far from your arms as you want them. Any preferences on what to do if you end up in pieces again?
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Leave me there. To die.
[ Howl says this with such grandeur that he has to be joking, but — no, no, the grandeur itself is genuine. He's continuing to pout in the most self-pitying, self-important way. ]
I may as well just be a pile of rock, left out in the elements to slowly weather away into dust, if I'm really going to be stuck here in a place like this! I matched the rest of the rubble, at least! Better company than just about everyone else here!
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... Which he realizes is probably the worst thing he could do. Immediately, he says, ] I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you! I'm sorry you feel so upset, these are--objectively upsetting times.
[ See also, the rubble. ]
But I think you must be here for a reason. So if you crumbled into dust, we'd be missing out on whatever you're here to do--maybe something crucial. We can't afford to leave each other behind right now.
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Don't give me that. What reason could I be here for? To slaughter people like an obedient dog for incompetent leaders I've never met? Leaders who are no longer with us, by the way, if you haven't heard.
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[ Almost a scoff to the tone, or a recoil. ]
No, fuck that. No slaughtering anybody. Fuck both of them, to be honest. [ A pause. ] Maybe not Cyrus. I think he might've actually been a pretty good guy, at least as good as you're allowed to be around here.
[ Matt's been making a sort of soft eye contact, letting Howl have his feelings in a way that won't make him inclined to giggle again. Now he turns a sharper attention on him. ] You can clearly do incredible magic. I think there's way more going on here than a war, if we could just ... break out of this dichotomous thinking and find another angle.
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...Finally, someone with their priorities straight. Well —
[ he turns to Calcifer, who has shrunk down to his normal, fireplace-appropriate size at this point. ]
Perhaps we can talk about that later. You've obviously got some magic of your own, as strange as its application is. In the meantime, what are we going to do with you, old friend?
[ At this, Calcifer raises two spindly little arms from his flames and waves them around excitedly. ]
Ohhh, good! I wasss beginning to think you ffforgot about me! Like you alllways dooo.
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"Do with him" how? [ His gaze returns to Calcifer, who is still ... well, most people would probably find him off-putting, aesthetically speaking. Unusual at least. But he's a much more manageable size now. ] You seem nice to me. I'm sure people can deal once they get over their--
[ A wave of his hand. ]
Surprise. If they're surprised.
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The fire demon grins at Matt, showing off his flickering rows of shark-like teeth. ]
Nice! He called meee nice. Did you hear, Howl? [ One of his thin arms waves like he's patting himself on the chest. ] Mossst people don't even notice me. Like I told you before! I was calling jusst about evvveryone who walked by, but you're the fffirst person who came overrr.
[ During this, Howl bent over to pick up a mostly intact roof tile. He looks to Calcifer with a pouty expression. ]
That's because you're terrifying. You know that.
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Terrifying is subjective, [ Matt assures the fiery demon. ] And even if it weren't ... people have to learn how to manage fear for themselves. Some of it's good information, but sometimes it's just noise.
[ Or a chance to project, to let your own adrenaline-addled brain replace facts and available data with scary stories. ]