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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
    eventhandler: Made by kocchimocchi on deviantart! (released the controls)

    [personal profile] eventhandler 2024-01-23 04:04 pm (UTC)(link)
    [me staring into the distance about the possibility of royce being an AI because (redacted) and (foghorn spoiler noise) but god knows]

    [Either way, he gestures at him, and then gestures at himself.]


    I would assume we both are, but you are making the...distinction here. Are you not human?
    tresemme: (🍼23)

    [personal profile] tresemme 2024-01-23 04:09 pm (UTC)(link)
    No.

    [ a firm, confident response, as he lifts his chin and his hair swings back over his shoulder with a flip. he’s not human, nor is he an AI which is basically human to him anyway and he doesn’t want to be.

    in fact, he pities those who are.
    ]

    A lot of people around here are, but don’t make that mistake with me.
    eventhandler: Made by lineupmu on tumblr! (do what it takes to step through)

    [personal profile] eventhandler 2024-01-23 04:23 pm (UTC)(link)
    Hm! Interesting. Veryyy interesting.

    [He's pressing his fingertips together, tapping.]

    And what might you be, then?
    tresemme: (🍼18)

    [personal profile] tresemme 2024-01-23 04:32 pm (UTC)(link)
    I’m a…

    [ he pauses, remembering the song and dance he’s already had to go through explaining himself before. he sighs. ]

    I’m a different species, okay? You’ve probably never heard of my kind, but we’ve got more power than you can even imagine.
    eventhandler: Made by schemilix on tumblr! (you would open my eyes)

    [personal profile] eventhandler 2024-01-23 04:36 pm (UTC)(link)
    A different species.

    [How very fascinating. His fingers again go tap tap tap.]

    Power in what regard?
    tresemme: (🍼8)

    [personal profile] tresemme 2024-01-23 04:44 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ if he’s being lulled down a trap by a mad scientist, he doesn’t realize it. there’s been no situation in his short life where he’s needed to be anything but utterly proud of who he is, and he’s unafraid of showing off. ]

    Heh! Wouldn’t you like to know?

    [ …he says, like he’s not going to explain in less than a moment. ]

    You’re familiar with psionics, right? It’s as simple as breathing for me. I could stop your heart with my mind, or trick yours into thinking you’re drowning. I could even take this building— [ he jerks a thumb at the one royce was examining earlier ] —apart without lifting a finger.
    eventhandler: Made by artpaiges on tumblr! (made of precious metals)

    [personal profile] eventhandler 2024-01-23 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Royce Bracket would not want to have himself be called a scientist - mathematician is more his thing, architect even more so - but then again, dealing with a strange new species is something squarely on his resume. He lets out a hum, considering - (no, he is not familiar with psionics).]

    That's...power indeed. Truly abilities far beyond mine. [Not even the Transistor could "stop a heart with one's mind", but maybe he just hadn't unlocked all it's capabilities.] So, what's stopping you? Something such as yourself seems to ask to be...a dominant force.
    damnpire: (pic#12231840)

    [personal profile] damnpire 2024-01-23 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
    It is. [There is a belated pause here.] You are welcome here as long as you don't cause any trouble.

    [He's having a hard time. On one hand, he's running the store, so he's trying to do the whole...... industry etiquette. On the other......... vampire.

    D's situated fingers bear down very suddenly and sharply on Subaru's hand, pushing the bones beneath into place. One and done. For as VAMPIRES!! as he is, and as awful as setting bones are, D is very fast and sufficient in what he does to Subaru. It'll probably hurt, but it will at least be over quickly.]


    Have you Harmonized yet?
    slashing: (39)

    [personal profile] slashing 2024-01-23 04:56 pm (UTC)(link)
    I dunno. At least once? It's not the kind of thing I really pay attention to.

    [ people like therion are generally frowned upon by most governments. he falls into the "person to be eliminated" category without any revolutions, thanks ]

    There was a shitty king of Edoras who got overthrown and killed a few years back. His daughter replaced him, I think? The world goes on.
    tresemme: (🍼14)

    [personal profile] tresemme 2024-01-23 04:57 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ there are a number of difficulties getting in the way of things in his home world, which he still privately refuses to believe is gone—and here? he has no real drive to dominate, even if he thinks he could.

    however, luckily for tony, even he realizes that talking too much about his disadvantages or his morals in any case is a bad idea. fear is a better motivator for respect.
    ]

    I don’t feel like it. Like I said, you humans like doing what you’re told even without me forcing you.
    slashing: (19)

    [personal profile] slashing 2024-01-23 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
    True. Humans, demihumans, and monsters.

    [ sometimes there are good people out there; people like ophilia, who might cry if she stepped on a bug. it isn't that therion is the type to do anything sociopathic - really, he's got a soft heart under all those barbs and sass - but, he's definitely no saint.

    but, ok. that's the situation, huh... well, it's none of therion's business either (he is also rude) ]
    Sounds like a hell of a time, I guess. How long's it been going on?
    slashing: (36)

    [personal profile] slashing 2024-01-23 05:04 pm (UTC)(link)
    Nice. A tour guide.

    [ is this sarcasm necessary. no, probably not. however it is therion's default mode (mean) and therefore it's what comes out of his mouth.

    besides, he can't imagine that advice like that in particular is given out of the kindness of someone's heart. the wording of it all is too suspicious, and therion is far too doubting to consider it anything but having another motive. he watches silco talk for a moment, expression unreadable behind the mop of hair covering one of his eyes and the scarf that almost covers his mouth, but he's sharp. watching, paying close attention. ]


    Lot of helpful locals in these parts. [ this... is also sarcasm.. because kowloon seems to generally have the vibe of unhelpful but it has a more amused twinge to the sardonic nature of it. it implies that's about what he expects of a town like this. ] The 'Shardbearers' even make their way around here? Seems pretty off the pomp and circumstance they got upstairs.
    slashing: (35)

    [personal profile] slashing 2024-01-23 05:07 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ stop i hated that

    anyway. great. that ruffles his feathers a little more than it should, though he doesn't show it besides a pinch in his brow. ]


    Great. [ dripping this time with sarcasm, as therion sets the dagger down and picks up a different one. that's just what he needs, random strangers showing up to teach him like he can't figure it out himself. he can gather information his own way, by raiding the tavern and listening to gossip and/or pretending to be nice!!!! ] You got any other sage advice?

    [ :/ ]
    eventhandler: Made by lineupmu on tumblr! (do what it takes to step through)

    [personal profile] eventhandler 2024-01-23 05:07 pm (UTC)(link)
    Is that so.

    [His eyelids crease a little, a glimmer of amusement in the way he smirks.]

    And you do not do what you're told, I would assume. Rebel through and through.
    slashing: (21)

    [personal profile] slashing 2024-01-23 05:13 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ therion listens to the tips he asked for, keeping his expression calm and friendly, but inwardly, he could not be more scathing. you have anything you always wanted to do? might be able to here. yeah, right.

    that's her whole thing, too, the lady. his eyes drift briefly past amos to find yima among the crowd of new shardbearers before they return, thoughtful, letting her speech replay somewhere in the back of his head. it's - kind of ridiculous, is what it is. he has no illusions about the idea of being anything more than a scuttling parasite, feeding off of others to survive. once a thief, always a thief. a place to stay is just a place to get kicked out of. ]


    Huh. [ he glances down at his hand, opens it and closes it in a fist. ] Yeah, I could do a little magic. Not really the scholarly type, but you do what you gotta do.

    [ a wildfire spell can keep you warm at night, for example. therion watches the dancing lights go over his head, and for the tiniest moment, he thinks a bit of home.

    ugh. ]
    ...So, harmonize's when you join up with a side, huh? Makes sense. No benefits to just being a third party.

    Let me ask you this. [ might as well. ] Why'd you pick this one? If you don't mind. You said it's great, but I'm guessing you didn't really know that day one.
    Edited (dw do not eat my tag) 2024-01-23 17:15 (UTC)
    semicharmed: (a little sad i didn't stop at 69 icons)

    [personal profile] semicharmed 2024-01-23 05:14 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Matt's frown only deepens as he peers back into Silco's eye(s). He's felt this kind of unexpected hostility before, but usually on the bad end of an invocation--not every spirit is happy to be contacted, even when Matt tries to filter out the unwilling or malign. Matt's surprised by the intensity of the man's regard; his gaze feels like enough to touch, to wound, all by itself. He seems to want an answer Matt doesn't know how to give.

    Crucially, this man seems to know him. And he's not the first. Matt really, really doesn't believe in coincidences.

    He takes a moment to breathe in, self-soothing. Easing the fight-or-flight out of his stance. His fingers have gone tense; he flexes them. ]


    I'm ... not sure how much salience linear time has right now. [ Again, his tone has the sound of an apology. ] But if I did anything to offend you, or upset you at all, I'm sorry. Shit's bad enough without adding to it.
    tresemme: (🍼2)

    [personal profile] tresemme 2024-01-23 05:20 pm (UTC)(link)
    There’s only one person who can tell me what to do. He’s the only one I respect.

    [ and since he’s not here—rather, he’s an inert shard in tony’s quarters—then no one can control him. ]
    eventhandler: Made by cottonbun on tumblr! (that somehow all of this mess)

    [personal profile] eventhandler 2024-01-23 05:23 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Not so different from a human being, though.]

    [He doesn't say that. Instead he's silent for a moment.]

    [He thinks of a glorious man, and his end.]

    [He misses him.]


    You may find our kinds are more...alike, more similar than you think. I'd like to think I'm the same way, hm.
    bakedapple: (official // gaze)

    [personal profile] bakedapple 2024-01-23 05:29 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ "Link-san"? He's not sure what that means, but presumably, it's some sort of title or manner of addressing someone from Akechi's world. One has to get used to little differences like that, especially among fresh Shard-Bearers, or you'll be stopping to ask questions constantly. So he just nods, takes the coin back, and rises to his feet. ]

    If you insist, but really, I don't mind. You should use your starting allowance on things you need, like clothing.

    [ Not on information, surely? Although Link being who he is, he can't relate to how information might be of equal or greater valuable than, you know, tangible resources. To Akechi's credit, kind-hearted Link has no reason to suspect that Akechi is declining for any reason other than politeness. ]

    Aside from the stranger side effects of the drinks here... I've noticed that they make me feel kinda weird after I drink them. I've been told it's the "caffeine," so usually I ask for something without it. [ And he gestures for Akechi to join him waiting in line. ]
    damnpire: (pic#15946978)

    [personal profile] damnpire 2024-01-23 06:49 pm (UTC)(link)
    [The brim of the hat lowers as he nods in acknowledgement. He might be one of the very few who quickly Harmonized to a particular city, but he does understand the consideration.]

    Yes, to Meridian.

    [Very funny. He really doesn't look like he belongs here at all, help.]
    semicharmed: (sleeping with the enemy)

    [personal profile] semicharmed 2024-01-23 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Matt has a number of questions.

    Still, he can't help but smile back in the face of the strange man's smile. It's beautifully simple, returning a smile. Inclining closer when inclined towards, letting his forehead press lightly to another person's forehead. Matt has never needed context for touch. It's the only way of communicating with others he feels completely confident in. Everything else gets messy, noisy. No clarity.

    Case in point: the man says I missed you, brother. And Matt has no fucking clue how to respond. Even through his confusion, he can tell he means "brother" like "friend"; but he can't quell the flickering thought that Katy-Rose would never be as happy to see him as this complete stranger. Matt swallows, ignoring the drop in his stomach.

    He wishes he could be the person this man is seeing. There's so much pain to go around right now, he doesn't want to add any more. For a wild second, he wonders how long he could keep things rolling if he tried to play along. I missed you too ... man. ]


    I'm sorry. [ A scrape to his voice, like maybe there's still some dirt working its way up. ] I think ...

    You might be mistaking me for somebody else.
    Edited 2024-01-23 18:53 (UTC)
    damnpire: (pic#15956292)

    [personal profile] damnpire 2024-01-23 06:56 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Every tag you keep giving me really just screams Royce, so I hope you get to RP Therion with Royce if you haven't.

    Maybe Therion doesn't need a dagger in general, D is thinking. Therion is very grouchy. It's giving him a little of Gen vibes, only without the scathing schoolyard bullying that goes along with it.]


    If you haven't already, it would be more beneficial to you if you Harmonized.
    slashing: (32)

    [personal profile] slashing 2024-01-23 07:14 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ i think they would probably hate each other like two cats in the same room

    therion needs so many daggers? apparently there are weird monsters and tall goths in your business running around this is a good reason for a dagger. he regards the second comment for a long moment, eying D from behind his hair fringe, like he's either judging him or about to judge him. ]


    Which one are you, then?

    [ someone's been doing his research. or, skulking around listening to people talk, maybe? then again, it's kind of hard to miss the talk about harmonizing. ]
    picketship: (doubt)

    [personal profile] picketship 2024-01-23 07:35 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Demeisen nods.]

    My feeling too.

    [And certainly there is some sense of urgency about the place, tangled up in the tense way the citizens of the cities here seem to regard each other. Stakes are, ostensibly, quite high. But it’s curious that this war for the fate of reality has also, supposedly, been going on for centuries—maybe even millennia. If someone is orchestrating this grand contest, they don’t seem to be in any rush to get to a conclusion.]

    Can’t find anything in the way of records about older generations, though. Supposedly the previous wars wiped them out, but it just seems awfully convenient.

    [There’s a wealth of other culture in Kenos’s cities, art and literature and stories from hundreds upon hundreds of places, but not a single surviving account of even the most recent conflict prior to this one? It stinks of artifice.]
    siriusly: (do i get any say in this at all.)

    [personal profile] siriusly 2024-01-23 07:44 pm (UTC)(link)
    Manabu scratches at the side of his cheek as he listens, feeling himself get that anxious flutter in his stomach again - that sense of teetering on an edge that could be as distant as a canyon or as close as a simple step.

    "Oracles...That was mentioned a lot, right? That's the thing I have to deal with? What do they even look like? What are they?"