beleos: (Default)
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
    narsinssist: (pic#16811504)

    [personal profile] narsinssist 2024-01-26 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
    [ He's a theater kid, that's what.

    Raphael blinked.
    ]

    Weird? I'm only describing it. What is odd about that?
    semicharmed: (new development)

    [personal profile] semicharmed 2024-01-26 04:16 am (UTC)(link)
    [ The distance between them didn't strike Matt as odd or insulting. He couldn't relate personally, but plenty of people liked their space. What did strike him was his companion's regard. Intense, piercing--like he expected to stare holes through Matt and glean some insight through the apertures. Matt's answering gaze was a good deal gentler, but every bit as curious. In clear hazel eyes, there was no sign he found it weird to have a low-key staring contest with a stranger.

    He was on the verge of asking, Have you met me before? (It'd be the third time here, if so.) But Byleth spoke again, and laid the question to rest. ]


    Oh ... hi Byleth. It's nice to meet you. [ Matt smiled, warm and a little bit sheepish. ] I'm extremely a newcomer. I just got here, ah ... few days ago at most. I'm Matt Jamison. [ Should he also say a profession? ] Urban planning student.
    escardos: (pic#16002353)

    [personal profile] escardos 2024-01-26 04:18 am (UTC)(link)
    I guess I am! No need to be angry over spilled milk.

    [ spilled milk being his death, spilled milk being the fact that the world has apparently been destroyed, spilled milk being....well, a lot of things. in flat's mind, he holds no grudges against the snipers that were just doing their jobs and he also seems to hold few feelings regarding the fact that the world has somehow come to its sudden end. at least this isn't his fault, is all that he can think of.

    and besides, there's something far more important to focus on right now. no, it's not the fact that he's in a new world. it's— ]


    You're a Servant?! Man, that's awesome! Can you tell me who?!
    settingup: (easy come)

    [personal profile] settingup 2024-01-26 04:23 am (UTC)(link)
    Other stuff too... probably.

    [ The last word trails into a mumble, before he quickly pivots to gesture to something else he doesn't really recognize, some kind of vegetable dish. ]

    Try that too.

    [ A clear sign he's trying to avoid this particular line of conversation. He has absolutely no idea if what he's pointing to is good or not. ]
    escardos: (pic#13770497)

    [personal profile] escardos 2024-01-26 04:26 am (UTC)(link)
    [ flat tilts his head to the side, giving rin a look that clearly says that he doesn't really see where she's coming from. to him, the answer is much simpler. ]

    I don't see why the world would need to prove that it's worth saving. If you want to save the world, then you should do it because you want to, not because it's worthy of it. [ a pause. ] I mean, if you want to curse the world instead, then I also think that's fine. Just as long as you're doing what you want and you don't regret it later on.

    [ in that sense, flat is also someone who moves forward. or, perhaps, it's best to say that he moves as if the world were nothing but an empty expanse, rendering any sort of direction useless. so long as he's moving, it's good enough for him. ]

    There's no value in either option. That's why both options are priceless!
    fursuit: (Default)

    1/2

    [personal profile] fursuit 2024-01-26 04:34 am (UTC)(link)
    [ ...That's way more than spilled milk. Like, kudos for being chill about it, he guesses, but there should at least be some sense of... Something, right? He can't exactly call it self-preservation, considering, but the reaction is definitely way too light-hearted.

    Are all mages just total weirdos? He thought Daybit was probably an exception, but y'know, maybe that's why not many people caught on about his whole deal, now that he thinks about it. ]
    fursuit: (Default)

    [personal profile] fursuit 2024-01-26 04:35 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Whatever. If he's cool with it, that's probably better for him. He laughs and waggles his cigarette at Flat playfully, like he's scolding him, but there's no bite behind it. He's being playful. ]

    That's brazen, ain't it? You were worried about the secrets a second ago, but not mine?

    [ He pops the cigarette into his mouth and gives a lazy shrug as he grins. ]

    'Cept, I don't really care, so sure.

    [ He's on another level, after all. It's arrogance, but he feels it's deserved, since it had taken extensive cheating to fit his spirit into the parameters of a Servant in the first place. Knowing his name wouldn't change a damn thing. It's why there's a little glint of something sharper in his eyes as he gives his name, since it's interesting to see how mages react to it in particular. ]

    Tezcatlipoca.
    tresemme: (🍼15)

    [personal profile] tresemme 2024-01-26 04:36 am (UTC)(link)
    [ the most frustrating part of being tony is that he’s aware of his own youth. he grew up because he had to, and parts of his mind went with him, but he’s still struggling with the reality of being three years old in the middle of a galaxy-spanning war.

    and now, this. the galaxy doesn’t even exist anymore, if these people are to be believed.
    ]

    I do want them to die.

    [ he mumbles this, petulant, somewhat at odds with the gravity of the statement. ]

    …but I’m okay. Grandpa will come soon.
    escardos: (pic#13507852)

    [personal profile] escardos 2024-01-26 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
    [ the lie is as easily accepted as it is for her to say. not just because flat has no reason to think that someone might be lying to him, but also because even if they are lying to him, he doesn't mind.

    he shakes his head slightly, smile still fixed on his face as he straightens up similarly. ]


    Oh, I guess I am, aren't I? You're not? [ the term is still so new to him. it's so strange, like being stuck in a strange, isekai plot. ] But it's okay! I haven't been to that area yet, and if it's far away, then you'll definitely need the help. Oh, but if you'd rather carry them all on your own, then I guess I don't mind giving them to you! Whatever makes you feel more comfortable.

    [ because the last thing he would do is purposely make a lady uncomfortable! look how polite and normal he is! ]
    clockpunk: (042)

    [personal profile] clockpunk 2024-01-26 04:47 am (UTC)(link)
    Well, yeah. You don't want to be trapped anywhere, ideally.

    [ advances in space travel circa earth 2018 doesn't really bode well for his chances in the future, but then he's seen stranger things than functioning spaceships happen overnight. anything is possible with enough determination, right? ]

    I'd like to go sometime. See some friends of mine.
    escardos: (pic#13478922)

    1/3 ; tezca's idea of a "normal mage" being warped by daybit and flat is sending me

    [personal profile] escardos 2024-01-26 04:47 am (UTC)(link)
    [ flat was about two seconds away from asking the servant again with the biggest puppy dog eyes that he could have managed without magecraft. the only reason he was hiding things was because he needed to gauge his situation! have some mercy on him! tell him who you are! don't tease him like this!

    and then tezcatlipoca does and... ]


    What.
    gravings: (010b)

    [personal profile] gravings 2024-01-26 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Count on Flat to be supportive through thick and thin. Respectfully, as someone who managed to be very fond of her, Gray can't imagine anyone else who would be this excited about Mordred the Servant. ]

    How we met isn't really an exciting story. We met by chance, and she didn't like me very much. But she talked about King Arthur a lot.

    [ There was some manhandling and mild bullying involved, but just a little. Naturally, much of it revolved around their shared visage — but that isn't something Gray feels she needs to bring up.

    She grows somber as she adds belatedly, ]


    No one knew she was a woman when she was alive because she always had her armor on. And... she actually isn't here anymore. You've just missed her.

    [ Probably for the best. Gray isn't sure she'd have the power to moderate Flat's antics around Mordred, and Mordred tried to moderate other people's antics via threats of violence. (But Gray supposes that's what Command Spells are for.) ]

    She isn't the only Servant who's appeared here. But they all arrive without Masters, as far as I know.
    umurice: (104)

    [personal profile] umurice 2024-01-26 04:50 am (UTC)(link)
    [He may be young, but he is very strong. Also, idol logic says they can carry anyone without problems out of convenience, so Subaru is now a bride in his arms. Good enough.]

    It is all right. I am quite strong, so this much is nothing. It is better that you rest as we search though...

    [Hmmm...]

    Since I am not familiar with this place, I am not sure where to start looking.
    escardos: (pic#13478920)

    2/3

    [personal profile] escardos 2024-01-26 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
    [ he backs up a few steps. turns his back on the man claiming to be tezcatlipoca in order to review what he just heard. he believed that there was no damage left to his body, but it's a shame he can't do a more thorough check of his vitals because he can't confirm whether his hearing and information processing is fine or if he's actually hearing things.

    it's been a while since he's met a god. actually, would you even call that meeting a god, if they were all trapped inside ergo? on top of that, they tried to eat him... ]
    clockpunk: (035)

    [personal profile] clockpunk 2024-01-26 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
    Thanks. My brain has kinda given up on thinkin' about questions for now? If I learn anything else it's gonna hurt.

    [ he's joking! mostly!! but appreciates the offer nonetheless.

    fodlan sounded more like kenos than his own earth did, then. it is interesting to him that humans seemed universal, but creatures like dragons and wyverns weren't. ]


    Combat... aah, not exactly. I can fight a bit, but no training or anything.
    escardos: (pic#13478913)

    3/3

    [personal profile] escardos 2024-01-26 05:06 am (UTC)(link)
    [ but he abruptly ends the mental conversation with himself when he suddenly puts the pieces together into...some sort of shape. turning around, he looks at tezcatlipoca with an expression that is equal parts horrified, shocked, and impressed. ]

    Wait, if you're Tezcatlipoca, is this the underworld?! And was everything that we talked about before caused by that burst of electricity that happens for a few seconds before you die?!

    [ and here he actually wanted to be an isekai protag for a while. ]

    How do you know about anime?!
    gravings: (010b)

    [personal profile] gravings 2024-01-26 05:07 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Gray puts her hands up to signal that no offense is taken. ]

    I understand. For a long time, I couldn't believe it either. It feels like both sides only see what they want to see. It's like choosing between two religions.

    [ Except choosing to be an atheist means a higher chance of fatality. It's an unfair scenario, she knows. ]
    fursuit: (Default)

    he has Concerns about mages now fr

    [personal profile] fursuit 2024-01-26 05:29 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Tezcatlipoca raises an eyebrow and cants his head a little when Flat just turns his back on him, since that's not... what he expected, reaction wise. The "what" made him think he recognized him, but maybe n—

    Oh, nevermind. He definitely does.

    The expression immediately makes Tezcatlipoca laugh, bright and joyful, because this is like pulling off a prank for him. He has a big, toothy grin (and some of those teeth are distinctly feline, not human—) as he laughs, and he ends up having to pull the cigarette from his lips so it doesn't fall. After all, that last question just turns it into full cackling. He has to catch his breath, and obviously, he has to answer the funny question first. ]


    Omnipotence, kiddo. Ain't like I'm watchin' it the same way you would, but I like the modern world. Anime's included in that, yeah?

    [ he's a low tier weeb though that only watches naruto or sword art online though smh ]

    But you gave me a good laugh and you actually know about some of my domains, so! Won't fuck with ya. [ WAS HE PLANNING TO? ] Ain't the underworld, don't worry. Like, you could probably still be dead, who knows, but I can't exactly confirm that for you until I— Well, that's a whole 'nother thing. You're just in another world. Free do over.
    clockpunk: (063)

    if his whole head of hair was spiralized that would be way worse.

    [personal profile] clockpunk 2024-01-26 05:30 am (UTC)(link)
    Hopeless, huh.

    [ it's different, then - hiiro's memory being one of despair, while chrono's last recollection was full of only hope. he frowns, fist curling tighter. ]

    Sorry. Didn't mean to bring up something bad.

    [ the group ahead of them had stopped again, a darkness visible beyond them. it seemed they were at the edge of the minor tree's canopy. ]
    Edited 2024-01-26 05:31 (UTC)
    clockpunk: (034)

    [personal profile] clockpunk 2024-01-26 05:38 am (UTC)(link)
    [ he's just a kid! with a few world-ending experiences under his belt! don't worry about it!!

    it does kind of explain his relative nonchalance, though. ]


    Yeah, well, I kind of had a freakout over at the tree. [ he jabs his thumb in. a direction. he doesn't really know where the tree is, in relativity. ] And part of me was pretty sure I'd mess things up, so it's kinda less of a surprise than most people might have? I dunno.

    [personal profile] ex_fend346 2024-01-26 05:41 am (UTC)(link)
    If...if you're sure...

    [ And just like that, he's carry-on luggage. Still goggle-eyed, he fumbles to pull his cape up with his good hand, lest he trip Hiiro with it. Since it seems that Hiiro insists, Subaru supposes it would be best to cooperate for now.

    Dawdling here might mean that creature comes back for round two. ]


    We could ask for directions, although...

    [ Hiiro carting him around might prompt questions in return. ]

    [personal profile] ex_fend346 2024-01-26 05:48 am (UTC)(link)
    It does feel that way.

    [ He agrees, because Gray has summed it up well. In the worlds he's been to, belief systems are so often like this. ]

    Where I come from, every wish comes with a price. These Oracles... I can't imagine they would be enough for one world, let alone a countless number of them.

    [ And so he doubts. ]

    Is harmonization even possible if you don't believe?
    umurice: (117)

    if it was then he can use it to drill holes in case he's caught in a cave in

    [personal profile] umurice 2024-01-26 05:52 am (UTC)(link)
    You do not need to apologize for that. It is not as though you had known.

    [He smiles brightly in turn, unfazed by it. For him, being stuck on something that was in the past wouldn't be any good, since there wasn't anything they can do about it. What they can focus on is the current.]

    Is that why you had been scared? Something of your memory prior to arriving here?
    settingup: (i'm free to be the greatest)

    [personal profile] settingup 2024-01-26 06:08 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Well, Tony is right about Atsumu's inability to go with space without a spacesuit, though the comment about dying from looking at the stars strikes him as weird and nonsensical.

    Hardly matters though, because what Tony charged him with first was an inability to fly, and while he's technically right about that too...

    Atsumu snorts loudly as he starts to walk--

    Up?

    Up, yes, into the air, several feet as he moves forward, before he starts walking back down towards the ground where he settles comfortably grounded with his his two feet on the floor.
    ]

    Wanna try makin' any more assumptions about my weak human brain and body, scrub?
    wolfish: (regard)

    [personal profile] wolfish 2024-01-26 06:10 am (UTC)(link)
    [ It's disheartening news, he knows. Assuming they believe what little bits they're told, it doesn't paint the prettiest of pictures by any means. ]

    That's what I suspect, anyway.

    [ He shrugs, ever aware of just how little they have to go on. ]

    But I'd like to think there must be something we can do. Something they don't know, or don't want us to know.

    [ Dancing to their tune may be all that shard-bearers can do for now, but even the leadership is assuming what kind of outcome victory would assure. With uncertainty, there may well be unexplored possibilities. ]