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beleos ([personal profile] beleos) wrote in [community profile] kenosooc2024-01-12 02:07 pm

JANUARY TDM + SETTING UPDATES


BEARING FRUIT (NEW CHARACTERS ONLY)
It starts out as a pleasant dream. You’re in your favorite place, with your favorite people. It’s a moment of idyllic comfort.
And then, it goes wrong. The sky turns dark above, and as you look up, you see the black expanse of space spotted with faraway pinprick lights of stars. Yet, they’re not stars. You’re certain. They’re watching you. A billion eyes all looked down, and they spilled forth as if the sky itself was a dam holding back those dark waters. You reach back to the people you’re with, but they’re frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes. Their bodies jerk, and convulse, as if controlled by puppet strings, reaching out to try to grip your hand, your shoulder, your wrist, but you know you should pull away. Something iswrong. If fingers or appendages meet your skin, there is a chill, that runs up your body, from the tips of your toes, up your spine, a full-body experience of wrongness. Would your loved ones feel like this, when they reach out?

So you run, even though you know you won’t escape it. You glance back and see it not overtaking, but consuming. The landscape around you is being devoured, and you can see it cracking apart. The world itself is breaking, and it cracks under your feet. You fall, and the billion eyes chase after you until the darkness swallows you whole. It's coming for you, it will not stop, it will not relent, and there is nothing that can be done. What a fool you were, for ever thinking you could escape. There’s agony as if you’re being ripped apart, and then—

You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a woman’s voice speaks gently.

I’m sorry it couldn’t be saved. But, come, it’s time to wake.
Your senses come to you slowly. Are you here for days? Weeks? Longer? It is difficult to say. All that you are is inert, and still. You can feel parts of you that form, but they hurt, like your body is fighting through a layer of...something. Something that keeps you from a gentle regrowth. You feel a chill, next to your heart, and while your form grows, it also fights, trying to both find a form and fight against some darkness that clings to you, like it's trying even now to consume your soul. It has a taste of it, you can tell, though not enough to take from you. Enough to know you, and while your body grows, this darkness slowly, slowly ebbs away, as if it can no longer touch you when you are whole. Something protects you, a presence. You can sense it, just like you can start to sense the presence of others. Some are close by, you can tell, winking in and out of existence just like you are. Falling in and out of consciousness like you do, as you are all collectively regrown. A groaning, creaky voice hums in your ear, with breaths that thrum and hum, like a gentle summer breeze through the leaves, and it tells you: Try to reach them. Welcome their calls. Can you hear them? Through communion. Your emotions are laid bare, in this space. Will you allow them to project? Will you try to control them? Will you reach out to your fellow new bearers, and soothe their own worries, or exacerbate their fears?

Eventually, after a long time, you wake with a start, cradled by soft, velvety plants, and sticky with a sap that smells faintly of honey and iron, an acrid scent lingers, like the edge of rot that has been swept away. You can see the veins of the leaves that hold you, lit warmly and gently by what looks like a crystal embedded above you. Yet, it’s odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, it’s warm. Familiar. Important. You don’t know why, but you know you must hold onto this because now it feels wrong for it to be suspended in these leaves. So, you pull it out.

The light starts to fade, but only in time to see as the leaves cradling you immediately start to soften and crumble, and with it comes a torrent of dirt. Soft, loamy soil starts to fill the space around you in the dark as you’re buried. Or, rather, you already were. You reach out through the dirt desperately, and your hands finds a root, so you pull while you clutch that precious crystal so close that it almost feels like it sinks into you (in your panic, you don’t notice that it does). You reach out again, and this time, your hand hits open air, and plenty of sturdy roots around to grab.

From a seed you’re born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.

And once you’ve clawed your way out of the soft earth and the roots, nearby, you see the soil shift. Another hand comes up to grasp desperately for something, anything, just as you had been.


A LITTLE ISLAND HOPPING
With the new Shard-Bearers present or en route, it is Kathova and Cetina who approach the established ones, requesting that they form mentorships with the new souls to assist them with the integration process. To this end, they have both provided a centralized zone in both Highstorm and Springstar for a series of small, seemingly casual gatherings, they happen over the span of a week, so new visitors can get the chance to spend time in both cities before they make a decision.

Additionally, as Springstar and Highstorm are holding their events over multiple days, the knowledge-hungry can participate in both informational sessions -- the tones and opinions held by both cities are doubtless to differ.

For those established bearers of the opposite faction, however, your faces are known amongst the populations of our sister cities, especially the administrators of both Meridian and Zenith, and if you try to attend the parties of either city, you will be turned away, with varying levels of aggression, depending on your tier of harmonization. New bearers are free to notice if someone tries! It seems you've stumbled your way into an escalating war.

SPRINGSTAR, αιώνιος ήλιος

In Springstar, the seat of the Tribune becomes available for such an event. While a section of the building itself has been reserved for the meeting between fresh faces and experienced Shard-Bearers alike, the hustle and bustle of Heliopolis continues around them -- acolytes still gather their robes and tomes, hurrying from their quarters to lessons. A score of young militants march in step across the yard to the training grounds. The higher-ups amongst Meridian have taken it upon themselves to wrap up their Year's End and New Year's festivities with a celebration of their recent victory over the Harbinger Oracle, as well as a celebration of the possibility of new shard-bearers. One does not have to attend every day, but Springstar's celebrations do tend to be multi-day affairs, and everyone from the scholars to the titled nobility seems keen on greeting new bearers. The tribune himself, Cyrus, welcomes bearers with a rousing speech at midday each day, speaking of their victories and their battle to stand for the worlds now lost. His speeches are met with polite applause, but is it a bit lacking in enthusiasm? Cyrus seems to brush it off with little offense, but perhaps you notice, that his eyes crinkle slightly, and he may look a touch... sad.

The celebrations are in the Seat of the Tribune, with tables draped in white-and-gold-trimmed fabrics fare filled with fare typical to Springstar's slowly brightening summer -- platters of hard crumbly cheeses and stuffed doulmades, roasted meats and fish, like souvlaki and psari plaki. There are plenty of grains and other dishes that elude to the abundance of both Springstar and Alenroux, and bearer efforts there.. The atmosphere is ambient with informality and friendliness, though topics will inevitably stray towards philosophic or political, Springstar's meeting grounds are decorated with handsome chaise lounges and slouching klismos chairs in small, intimate groupings. This is a forum in the classical sense, where people are encouraged to speak freely, no matter the topic. Though excitement charges the air, the gathering at the Seat is much more muted than what transpires outside the center of the city.

The church, too, celebrates the victory. Now that the Year's End celebrations have passed, the head of the church, Hieropoios Natalia Theodora Vaso Helios offers proclamations daily to those who will attend. Her tone has turned in tone toward driving forward, for now, that they have two Oracles of 3, Meridian's light is in favor, and she offers blessings and venerations toward the bearers who support their efforts to restore worlds. Bearers who attend these masses will feel their discord ebb from her words alone, and their shards will feel warm to the touch for some time afterward, even if they are not harmonized. If they ask anyone within the church, they will be told that it is Meridian's light filling them.

One would assume after a victory, that the mood elsewhere in Springstar is jubilant, but while there is still the occasional party outside in the summer sun in the Psychagogía district, there is a hushed tenseness to the city of eternal-sun. Stay too long, and you will eventually find the reason why, when scared locals speak of disappearing friends or family members, and there are whispered rumors of attacks. Some accuse the denizens of the Below, and others whisper about monsters in the dark. Though they have captured the latest oracle, the hope that normally follows such excitement is... tentative, at best.

HIGHSTORM, луны-близнецы

Eternally in opposition, Highstorm uses the manor's courtyard as the location for a series of events over the next week, inviting bearers new and old to join them in celebration. The members of the Highstorm council have set the small gathering in the court beneath Yima's tree, and next to the reflecting pools. The Lady Yima herself is in attendance and oversees the gathering from the balcony of her manor above. She will visit the grounds sparingly, generally when a new bearer is afoot, but she will direct any questions to either Kathova, or her more established Zenites, as she has many people to greet. Though she will take the moment to hold each new bearer's hand that visits and tell them each: "You have the potential to hold the key to a new, and better world. We believe in what you can do, and what strength you will find in Kenos. Let the memories of your loved ones, and your world, guide you to the right path, and know that your loss will be honored when we achieve our new world," before she glides away.

There are few places to be seated in the Manor's courtyard, resulting in bodies milling about as they flow and ebb between smaller gatherings, clustering in small-to-large groups with small platters and shimmering flutes of drink held in their hands. Yet, as you look, you’ll see that the selection is also quite interesting. The foods and drinks on offer are from a multitude of worlds, and so you may find a new favorite! Or something not suited to your palate at all. It’s at least a chance to be adventurous. If you try something and don’t like it, might not want to say that out loud, lest you insult someone who’s from that world. More established Zenites are encouraged to attend to help draw in new Zenites, and both new and old inductees alike are encouraged to speak about what their vision of a new world would look like. The reflecting pool itself is at the center of the courtyard, and if one looks in, they can see their memories reflected back at them. Though... if you look for too long, something seems to try and reach out for you. Can you feel the allure of dark fingertips, ready to brush against your face? If you stare too long, an attendant will pull the bearer back, just before they land right in the pool, offering unsettling remarks of “that has been happening more lately, the last person it happened to disappear. We even drained the pool, but couldn’t find them!

Further into Highstorm, the Greenwood Yards attracts many visitors during the dead of Highstorm's winter. The doors are (proverbially, we can't let the heat out!) open, to bearers new and old alike. Attendants there will explain that this season is the best for starting some of the seeds that will grow well into early and mid-spring, but most seeds need warmth to grow. They will ask visitors to find a partner, to hold their combined hands together, and to offer shared warmth to the seed, and they will explain that seeds grow best when they come from the combined care of more than one individual. Bearers will eventually have to separate, but they will notice that the small seed in their palms has started to sprout. Visitors will also be welcome to turn fertilizer with the laborers at the yards (What's in it? Don't worry about it!) and there will be sessions held by the staff on the local flora and fauna, so consider this your primer on the native plants and animals of Kenos!

The denizens of Highstorm are putting out their bells and whistles for the new bearers, as they have less to fear in the streets (or do they...?) so feel free to stop by Benny's -- watch out for any fights, or participate, I'm not your mom -- or feel free to visit the Tomes, where a certain coffee shop has opened up a cart in the largest library in the district, offering drinks to comers and goers, which are becoming quite popular. This particular barista often offers drinks based on their shards, but as a little winter pick-me-up for the denizens of Highstorm, there are several new drinks offered for visitors! They even have a menu on display for bearers to select from!
CHEERS TO A NEW YEAR

  • Springstar Sunrise - One using the crushed vines that populate Springstar in their warm season, which makes bearers want to reach out and hold hands.
  • Scorching Slowdown - One using water from the Scorching Isles that makes bearers grow cold, and time seems to warp around them. (This one DOES contain a modified touch of the Blight that bearers once healed, but if brought up, an attendant will shake their head, and impress upon the patron a sense of calm. It will not hurt you.)
  • Xanadu Xing - that makes bearers feel warm and totally relaxed. A spa in a cup, and you’ll feel like you had a therapy session afterward!
  • Worlds Edging - A drink that makes bearers start to feel...amorous. (The Aphro Drink)
  • Highstorm Hiccup - A whimsical drink that gives the bearer hiccups! Do they float a little? Yeah, but there’s no fans over your heads, don’t worry
  • Pastoral Punch - A fruity concoction, it’s made from the crops in Alenroux (think a Sangria) and when drank, it fills bearers with warm memories, and reverie comes easy.
  • Yima Yammer - a tongue-in-cheek drink, it fills a bearer with the uncontrollable urge to talk
  • Cyrus Concussion - This drink puts bearers into a deep sleep. They have pleasant, warm dreams.

ALENROUX

The pastoral farmlands of Alenroux are seeing a resurgence of life and community, since the establishment of combined Meridian and Zenith forces, and the subsequent attempts to eliminate or displace the monsters that ravaged the island at night. With a more stable population, some of the workers have established homes, and have started opening their doors in the sunny, lush farmland, which is reachable by cornerstone, and oddly? Alenroux has taken to advertising their new interest in tourism. The small farming village has started establishing shops with wares, crafts, cooking classes, and wine tastings, pretty much an agro-tourist's dream! Drink beverages crafted by refugees from distant worlds, or dishes from other worlds! Bearers are encouraged to visit, and stay the night with a multitude of Alenroux's homes opening their doors for bearers to stay in their Bed and Breakfasts.

However, while the days are 24 hours long, so are the nights. Alenroux natives do not leave their homes, and staying in for a full day's time can feel like an eternity. You'll have time to get to know your hosts, but the night is haunted by the cries and howls of monsters in the distance, particularly on the north end of the island. Should a bearer step outdoors, they will find monsters still roaming. Take one on, if you dare, but watch out! Shadow creatures lurk until you least expect it, and may try to lure you in with a familiar voice, a soft promise, the lingering scent of a loved one. What you find in the woods might be just a run-of-the-mill big monster to fight, or it might be something deadlier, a shadow, mimicking a loved one, trying to draw you into the darkness.

KOWLOON

Though Kowloon is something of an open secret amongst those in Springstar, it was normally left to lay in the belly underneath the sunsoaked city topside, like an afterthought. Only those who already knew where it was, could make their way through the dangerous maze of tunnels and corridors that leads from the Springstar sewers, down into the Below, and then further into Kowloon. The Below is dangerous to all but the most powerful, as in the dark corridors, creatures lurk, and people make dens and nests within. Some will warn new bearers away, citing that there are Dark Things within the tunnels and that they don’t encourage anyone to stay down there for long. If you remain unharmonized, it's recommended that a guide assists you on the way down. Fellow shard-bearers who visit frequently are recommended, but particularly savvy types can find their way down on their own.

Kowloon itself is a thriving little beating heart underground, and much like its namesake, it truly is just a built-up city within a scant few blocks, the buildings are densely packed, and ascend to over 14 stories high. It’s massive, enough to occupy a large number of oddities, such as a hunting ground for monsters, and there are bars, clubs, casinos, and shops with wares from very nearly anywhere. Though if you ask where they get them, the owners of said establishments will dodge the question, or outright threaten you when pressed. Bearers will find that there are varying degrees of openness in Kowloon, after all. Don't ask too many questions, or you may not like how they answer. Kowloon is a place where you can satisfy your every vice, and that is meant truly. There are weapons dealers, drug halls, exotic liquors, and substances that could fill innumerable universes. Every world has its shadowy elements, and every world's shady types have made their way down here.

SETTING UPDATES
In both locations, information passes between all in a forum, spread and disseminated among the masses - it's a good opportunity for city residents, faction loyalists, and interested new parties to share and share alike. Once a day, after the meet-and-greets have concluded, twin missives from both faction leads are read out -- invitations for all present to explore the cities to their heart's content, and warnings about stumbling ill-prepared ( or at all ) into the Below, or worse yet, the Beyond. As Shard-Bearers new and old take in their cities, they'll all see it change throughout the month...

OOC, these are all updates to the setting at large that players both new and old are free to interact with as little or as much as they wish! Feel free to use them as prompts on this post, in your characters' on-going lives and arcs, or just let them go "That's none of my business" and ignore it. The world of Kenos is shaped by our playerbase, and these are some of the wider-reaching effects of various player plots and actions.

TRY TO JOT DOWN A FEW NOTES

As part of New Year's gifts to everybody, Yima and Cyrus gifted bearers with an enchanted notebook. They are embossed with your characters' names, and have some unusual properties. Bearers can now send each other little letters or notes, or they can address the group at large, should they wish to! This essentially serves as a network function. Please check out the AC requirements for more information about these special new gifts.

FRONT PAGE NEWS

After the last Oracle, both cities are abuzz with gossip. Normally, the oracle appearances were wrapped in secrecy, only the bearers themselves were privy to the internal happenings, and accounts tend to be scattered, as it's always relied on what the bearers can share. This time, the oracles were broadcast to the population at large, and bearer opinions have shifted wildly, based on how successful a bearer was. New bearers may hear the off-the-cuff snide comment about some bearers here and there, and they'll notice that the cities are not very welcoming to bearers of the opposite faction. The public opinion seems to be shifting as half of the oracles are captured, and their fates are being written by bearers new and old.

DON'T LOOK TOO CLOSE TO THE SHADOWS

Be wary, bearers. Whatever patches of darkness and shadow you encountered in the Harbinger's Labyrinth, seems to be making its way across Kenos. Things like patches of shadow against a building, the slightest flash of a familiar face rounding a corner, or even hearing your name called by a name long gone. Something is trying to reach you and tempt you to find it. The shadows are hungry. For something, and bearers new and old alike will be fine feasting for whatever reaches from the shadows. Step carefully, and watch your backs.

AAH! REAL MONSTERS

If the cities didn't have enough to deal with, Springstar is taking the most hits. The city of sun may not be dealing with as many patches of darkness (for truly, Meridian's light touches all) but that does not mean that there is no danger within the city of eternal sun. Attacks by people such as vampires, ghouls, and other intelligent, people-eating races are on the rise, and fearful whispers hint that they are coming from the Below, some even suggest that this is the hint that the balance is shifting. Kowloon has always existed with relatively little strife toward Springstar, but that seems to be changing. Be wary on the streets of Springstar, bearers, you may find that lurking around the corner are hungry murderers of varying levels of danger. The attacks are not... constant, but they have begun to increase in frequency. By this time in the month, they are moving to several times a day, and the legionnaires are having difficulty keeping up with the attacks. Even one of the more well-known Meridian higher-ups, Agapitos Voreen, has been seen fighting in the streets, flanked by his second, a large, emerald dragon-born woman. All of these combined efforts have not yet been able to turn the tide, and it's clear that Kowloon was always a threat, but one that until recently, had been kept well in hand.
OOC NOTES
  • Welcome to Kenos! As a reminder, all new players need to submit a request, and proceed through player screening to apply to the game. Apps are now open!
  • This log is Game Canon. Any characters who are not apped to the game will disappear. If Cyrus or Yima are asked, they’ll explain that this sometimes happens since not every soul has a strong tether to Kenos and sometimes return to the Timestream. They may return to Kenos one day, but for now, weren’t able to make the full journey.
  • As a note primarily for current players, closed toplevels/prompts are not allowed in this log. If you would like to interact with the setting changes in a way that isn't open to all characters (new and old), we ask that you instead make a log in [community profile] kenoslogs.

  • FOR NEW PLAYERS:

  • When characters emerge from their cocoon/the ground, they may be wearing their normal clothes or nude. Up to you!
  • At some point in the days after leaving the Tree of Life, new Shard-Bearers will have a dream, even if they're usually not capable of sleeping. All new players should read this post since this details how they'll learn about both factions and their goals and should help them make a decision about which Faction they'd be drawn to.
  • Characters who arrive and harmonize to Zenith will receive a bonus token!
  • When meeting with either Cetina or Kathova, along with their shard or sunbeam, they will be given a Kenotebook! Think of this as your text-based comm. (This is also opt-out, so if you want it to not be ready/lost, go for it!) Any AC with the Kenotebook must be doubled, so make sure you are aware of that!
  • As a reminder, your character has a Shard somewhere on their body that encompasses their soul, so keep note of where you're sticking it on their person for reference! Additionally, they have a tattoo of their Aspect somewhere on their body. Please be mindful this Aspect will be assigned to you upon approval and whatever you choose for the TDM may be temporary (for new characters)!
  • For the Island Hopping prompts, all locations will be fully open and accessible to all characters once they are freed from their rather harrowing ordeal at the Tree of Life. For prompt ideas and any general information about the cities and what you can find there, please see the Locations section of our Wiki!
  • New characters will not have access to any canon abilities on the TDM until they Harmonize, AKA make a choice of which faction they choose to support. For some characters, this may be an easy decision, but it make take others time. We just ask you keep this in mind!

  • CODING

    [personal profile] ex_fend346 2024-01-23 01:06 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Imagine if he'd actually said he traveled dimensions. Absurdity raised by an order of magnitude, thanks CLAMP. ]

    You are a curious one.

    [ Subaru states this impression aloud, a mild observation and little more. Flat had been very curious too, actually, but present company is far less outwardly energetic. What does curious mean in this context? Yes. ]

    You're right, I didn't travel recreationally. I'd have preferred to remain in one place, if I had that luxury.

    [ Moreover, he'd rather he and Kamui didn't have to constantly look over their shoulders...without all the worlds supposedly having met some sudden demise. ]

    [personal profile] ex_fend346 2024-01-23 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
    You being there helped me.

    [ Subaru may only be one person, but he doesn't hesitate to acknowledge that. Were Gray not where she was at the time, were it someone else, he may have been trying to sort out his hand situation alone right now.

    So, naturally, he's grateful for that. ]


    I hope they can find a way to prevent so many casualties. What I've heard painted a dire picture.

    [ And naturally, he worries. ]
    erbe: (097)

    [personal profile] erbe 2024-01-23 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
    Even if there is a chance, do you think that world has proven itself worth saving? That it has more inherent value than something new that could be built better?

    [Those who are truly dead cannot be brought back, after all. Perhaps "time stream" nonsense can by-pass that, but it seems like a waste to her. Rin has always been one to march forward.]
    erbe: (261)

    [personal profile] erbe 2024-01-23 01:52 am (UTC)(link)
    Hm? No, not really.

    [A lie before she washes down her food with a bit of milk tea.]

    I suppose I don't really dwell on much for too long. I'm the type of person who has to keep moving forward.

    [Well, more like if she doesn't keep moving forward it will all consume her without thought or mercy. Staying ahead of the past is making sure the weight of the world doesn't crush you like an Indiana Jones style boulder.]
    headhunt: (xxii ↪)

    karlach 🔥 baldur's gate 3 🔥 undecided

    [personal profile] headhunt 2024-01-23 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
    i. the roots

    ( this isn't what karlach would consider a good time. not by a long shot. there is nothing particularly pleasurable about being buried deep into the ground—even if the soil was loose, easily giving away against her claws. the dirt still burns against the constant heat of her skin, the smell of it bitter.

    still, she lets out a triumphant yell as she emerges from the ground like a bright, burning flower. it feels like a victory to be out. to escape her confines.

    there's a crystal in her hand, the same one currently rocketing upwards in the air in celebration, but karlach has nothing else. whatever clothes or belonging she might have had on her person clearly didn't come along with her. this would be a concern for her but her head still buzzes with all the voices that had been in it.

    a frighteningly familiar problem.

    but one she's forced to deal with yet again. if it's even really happening. there's a twinge of unreality to the whole thing like it might be some horrible fever dream or the side effect of some janky magical item or just some asshole wizard. the possibilities were limitless.

    so she lets out a little huff of air from her nose before whirling around on her heel. )


    Raaagh!

    ( a sharp exclaim as she slams her fist into the nearest tree trunk. just to make sure she'd feel it. just to make sure that things are real.

    the small ache in her hand and the imperfect scorch mark of her fist against the thick tree trunk feel real enough though. )


    ii. between cities

    ( springstar greets her with strange decadence, a strong presence of the church—some things are the same anywhere you go, huh?—and a speech that the city's own people don't seem to believe in. karlach feels like she sticks out here, a big burning smear of red against these delicate creams and golds.

    she doesn't linger.

    highstorm is nothing like that. almost bewilderingly so, especially as lady yima takes her hands in hers with ease and sincerity. her promises feel a little too sweet and honeyed, but she seems to believe in what she's saying.

    more importantly, the courtyard is practically brimming with food and drink. there are no shortage of plates moving back and forth and it's the exact kind of party she wants to be at it.

    the kind where she gets to overeat and drink. the kind where—

    wait.

    karlach pauses as she glances down at one of the platters set out before her. she looks at it like it might be a trick of the light then lets out a long exhale after seemingly deeming to be real. no light tricks at all. )


    No way.

    ( incredulous.

    there is no way it could be the same thing, but the food on the platter looks suspiciously like one of the delicacies from the hells. the delicious kind they served at parties to mingle with mortals, not the dramatic type that the more sadistic denizens preferred.

    she's never tried one before. thought about it plenty. even had a couple opportunities to try one.

    but karlach never did.

    now here it is.

    she looks down at the platter and then to the crowd. )


    These are all safe to eat, right?

    ( please say "yes". )


    iii. touch me

    ( somehow things happened in a way where karlach has spent the last several hours within the greenhouses performing menial tasks. it had started as an initial request to pick up some large sacks, but before she knew it . . . she had spent much of her day all but officially working a shift. not that she minded!

    there was plenty to learn about the plants of kenos and people enthusiast about sharing this information.

    so, of course, when the request comes out to grow seeds through warmth—she's already all over it. unfortunately, they don't mean her particular kind of warmth. they're looking for shared warmth, the joining of the hands.

    and she could do that too. )


    Hey, hold my hand!

    ( all but shouted out as karlach extends her gloved hand, ready to be claimed by another. )


    iv. wildcard

    ( or do something else and i'll run with it! )
    furibund: (inkonic aru nebula (77))

    [personal profile] furibund 2024-01-23 02:02 am (UTC)(link)
    I never said I was from Earth.

    [ Clipped, a touch short, if only because of that cold feeling of being called a "machine person". It doesn't matter how accurately that may fit in some ways - it's not a choice she was ever given. A breath. ]

    There's billions of other planets in the universe. I'm not from Earth and there's nothing left to visit.

    [ The severity remains even if the last statement is dubious at best - She knows her adoptive father's ways. Knows how many planets fell, even if Luphom was limping along it was well and dead to her. She had no people to return to. ]
    furibund: (pic#16869620)

    [personal profile] furibund 2024-01-23 02:08 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Nebula rolls her eyes. For a place that isn't Earth - Terra, whatever - there's a lot of humans. A lot of comments on what humans would do. It's almost tiring. ]

    No one should let themselves be tricked by what they consider "normal". Any being alive is capable of murder and torture, it's rarer to find those who don't.

    [ Maybe it's not so rare anymore - this is the quieter part of her. The part that still remembers her Father's lessons a little too well. But she'd seen it time and time again as a Guardian; It's always the monsters that yell the loudest. It's always the monsters that twist innocent people into deadly things. ]

    ... The Legion tries. I am sure there are others who help. [ She would not include mentioning herself in that number, it's none of his business (she's rude). ] They've had their hands full.
    damnpire: (pic#12040373)

    [personal profile] damnpire 2024-01-23 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
    [The Royce inside of Therion grows every minute...

    D is just a li...big guy! He's just a guy! He thinks Therion should take the monster attacks more seriously, but that's okay. It be that way sometimes. He spent a very long time receiving the same reaction.]


    If not me, there will be someone else telling you how this world works.
    furibund: (022)

    [personal profile] furibund 2024-01-23 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
    Creepy.

    [ She intones the word with the tiniest quirk upwards at the corner of her lip - amusement. It's such a simple word, it lacks nuance and yet it fit. Eternal night she could deal with if she had to - Knowhere was practically that, being in the head of a dead god. It was the colors, the pressure of pleasing this woman (this stranger), how they spoke of her that had set her on alert. ]

    [ It reminded her too much of Sanctuary II. ]

    [ She had no doubts that if this were years ago she would have joined Zenith. For the talk of how kind the Lady Yima was. Of how stead-fastedly devoted she was to her father, it would have been easy to trade that for someone like her. And then, where would she be? Another tool who's ultimate goal meant abandoning all those she left behind. ]

    [ She couldn't do that. She exhales a laugh, ]


    That's one word for it. The people there think she can do no wrong. That her gentleness is truth; Someone with that kind of power? They'll use you as a stepping stone and throw you down the cliff when you're not valuable anymore.

    [ ... Like Thanos. Like all the years of mistreatment when he decided she would never be the warrior he wanted, just a weapon to be used and not missed when she wound up dead. Like Gamora whom he favored and did just that. She cannot trust someone who promises the world they'd make is better. ]
    furibund: (inkonic aru nebula (54))

    [personal profile] furibund 2024-01-23 02:31 am (UTC)(link)
    As if you weren't just assuming stuff.

    [ It's another immediate answer. Is it a joke? That one's rather difficult to say, because her tone doesn't change at all. She considers the question, all the same, but it's not one she's much thought of. Some ships, like Sanctuary II, were big enough to practically be their own city. Others, like the Bowie, were good for a temporary home. Space was more roughly the equivalent of an RV ride across country for her - not that she has words for it. ]

    [ Not that she has the best answer either as she shrugs. ]

    Endless. [ A beat, added: ] You don't want to be trapped up there.

    kinaesthesia: (8)

    III

    [personal profile] kinaesthesia 2024-01-23 02:41 am (UTC)(link)
    [The greenhouse is an occasional stop for Gavial a couple times a week. When she first started poking around here (practically a year ago now… damn, time really does fly), it had been almost entirely in the interest of trying to lend a hand with the cultivation of local medicinal plants. And yet months later, she found herself tacking on another errand while on these trips: making sure all the plants Flamebringer had personally been seeing to when he was here stay alive and healthy.

    It’s not like she knew the guy very well, but it’s a rare little bit of sentimentality for home that she chooses to indulge in here. It was important to someone from home, someone who’s not here anymore, so… why not keep up the work? It feels like an almost un-Zenith way of thinking about something, but she’s never exactly been the best at being an ideal citizen here.

    So it’s as she’s wrapping up her check-in at that part of the gardens with a potted little herb carried a bit too casually in one arm that she finds herself suddenly accosted by a woman with a shout and an extended hand.

    And Gavial takes her up on it without even a second thought, grabbing one gloved hand with her own in a strong, firm grip.]


    Uh, alright. Now what?

    [She blinks at her, suddenly realizing she’s got no idea what this woman is on about—and her eyebrows scrunch together a little in confusion because… hey, is there something familiar about this gal…?]
    alliterating: (001)

    [personal profile] alliterating 2024-01-23 02:46 am (UTC)(link)
    Eh, maybe, but you definitely look like you're from my "dumb planet" so I figured you might know the basics!
    damnpire: (pic#12094807)

    [personal profile] damnpire 2024-01-23 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
    [Oh boy.

    Not afraid of stumbling, naked men, D doesn't move. But a hand does reach out of the long cape to catch Yuber by the arm. His grip isn't painful, though it's surprisingly strong.

    The long cape falls away from his shoulders on both sides. The space on his left is largely empty; the arm there is missing just below the elbow.]


    It isn't a good idea. [It doesn't seem like Yuber will likely listen to his advice, though.] Too much Discord will destroy you here.

    You will get back a little of what you've lost once you Harmonize to a side. Start there first.
    alliterating: (021)

    [personal profile] alliterating 2024-01-23 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
    Uh, depends on how you qualify magic. What about mystical martial arts techniques? Or honkai?

    [ Those are both very weird and strange and specific to her own universe, so it's not a surprise if he's never heard of them. ]

    Stuff like getting into your head. Making you wanna do things you normally wouldn't - or just totally replacing your own thoughts with whatever it wants them to be. Stuff like that. Or... other stuff.
    damnpire: (pic#12231838)

    [personal profile] damnpire 2024-01-23 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
    [The juxtaposition between fastly aging baby Tony and 10,000 year old slowly aging teenager D.]

    It isn't so simple. Each side is competing for Oracle power. Without it, neither side will be able to get what they want.

    There seems to be a threshold which needs to be reached before anything can be done. Whichever side has the most Oracles essentially wins.
    wolfish: (look)

    [personal profile] wolfish 2024-01-23 03:19 am (UTC)(link)
    [ The trouble with Yuri is all in phrasing. Meridian is Team Sunshine, incidentally.

    His focus slides back from the crowd to his companion and he shrugs. It's more of a weary slump of the shoulders than anything else. ]


    You'd think compromise would be the first recourse, yeah? But the way they tell it, they've done this dance before, and it's all or nothing for either side.

    [ He sounds openly unconvinced because he is just that. Seeing as no one has strayed too close to them, he can safely be candid about it. ]

    At the same time, records are conveniently scarce. Leaves one with questions.
    kaientai: (049)

    [personal profile] kaientai 2024-01-23 03:29 am (UTC)(link)
    Yep, definitely the real thing!

    [ it's funny because he feels like he can say that with more certainty than most people after what he'd dealt with not too long ago. ]

    But what do you mean by ordinary? Compared to what?

    [ which is a ridiculous question, he knows, because ryouma is well aware of what other Servants are capable of. then again, he's still under the assumption that he's the only person here who even knows what a Servant is. ]
    diegeticmusic: (to be free)

    [personal profile] diegeticmusic 2024-01-23 03:31 am (UTC)(link)
    [Pick sides in a war? How can she be expected to do that? And how does it just know!?

    This is all insane, but she just climbed out of the ground under some kind of magic tree, so she can't discount it. Still... She only has this one guy's words to go off of. She needs more information before she makes any decisions.

    At least she isn't being asked to make any decisions yet.]


    I'm... not so great at fighting. [Despite the whole godhood thing.] Do we really have to? Is there no one attempting to keep peace between the two sides? And... what the heck is an Oracle trial?

    [She knows what an oracle is, knowing one herself, but the rest of this is totally new to her.]
    diegeticmusic: (muses past lie within thee)

    [personal profile] diegeticmusic 2024-01-23 03:33 am (UTC)(link)
    You wonder?

    [She goes ahead and prompts for this part. She understands the war between Meridian and Zenith (as much as any newcomer can), but she's interested in any further perspectives.]
    diegeticmusic: (across the storming seas)

    [personal profile] diegeticmusic 2024-01-23 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
    Hah... Yeah. Well, you know what they say about best laid plans. Or... maybe you don't. I have no idea how universal that expression is.

    [Not that it's that important. But...]

    But, uh... isn't it... better when Good has control of the story?
    diegeticmusic: (i have burned my tongue)

    [personal profile] diegeticmusic 2024-01-23 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
    [Eventually there will come a time when a year feels like nothing to Grace, too, but she's still a little too close to mortality for that.]

    A butler, huh? I feel like that explains a lot.

    Having to fight even after getting pulled into another universe from a dying world feels a little unfair. But I guess what they say about death and taxes is still true here, too.

    [Too bad! But at least it seems like Sebastian is into it.]

    I don't really have any skills like that. My last job was pretty specialized. [Since she was basically a PR rep and spokeswoman for the gods.] But... I guess I can look into the art scene here. That's probably what I would be best at.
    diegeticmusic: (you will find your way)

    [personal profile] diegeticmusic 2024-01-23 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
    [Personally, Grace feels like her domain actually makes sense as far as having a god goes. Give inspiration, breathe life into new art forms, remember the forgotten crafts of the past... There are weirder things to be in charge of. Like wine. Or sex (no offense Eros).

    She's a bit surprised at his sudden concern for her wellbeing, but she appreciates it.]


    I am, thanks. I... thought it would be too overwhelming at first, but the memories come back slowly so that doesn't happen. [She gives a self-conscious shrug.] I like it. It helps me feel close to her. The last muse, I mean.

    ...Now, all this, on the other hand... [She waves at the party around them.] This I'm not sure how I feel about. But what about you?
    Edited (I forgot she hasn't said her name lol) 2024-01-23 03:53 (UTC)
    hauntedking: (20)

    [personal profile] hauntedking 2024-01-23 03:54 am (UTC)(link)
    ...whether we're being told everything.

    [ He shakes his head. ]

    There's probably truth to it. But it also feels... very neat. Welcome to the end of the universe; help us and we can give you exactly what you want.
    diegeticmusic: (you think youve strayed)

    [personal profile] diegeticmusic 2024-01-23 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
    [So this is all part of the war she's been told about. Hm.

    Grace watches the barista pull a pretty terrible move, giving the poor guy room temp coffee, and decides to do something about this. Even if they are in some kind of conflict, that's no reason to be rude so directly!

    She nods at the cup.]


    What'd you order?
    diegeticmusic: (of twenties)

    [personal profile] diegeticmusic 2024-01-23 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
    Uh... Not quite yet... I'm still getting a feel for both sides, I guess?

    [She eats the poor vegetable before continuing.]

    Have you, uh, Harmonized?