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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 2024-02-07 01:10 am (UTC)(link)
    [ His lips twitch before he manages a smile. Subaru can't promise he won't try to intervene again if someone is in danger, but he can...invest in some fighting gloves.

    He did hear something about provisional resources during his first month here. It seems sensible to protect his hands now that he's sesn for himself how enfeebled he currently is. ]


    I'll do my best.

    [ He will — this much he can honestly say. ]

    [personal profile] ex_fend346 2024-02-07 01:12 am (UTC)(link)
    [ coughs at the fact that he just left a version of Tokyo— ]

    Let's both do our best for them, then.

    [ To find them and get through all this until they do. ]

    Does your brother look like you?
    eightfoldfiend: (I know a murder when I see one)

    [personal profile] eightfoldfiend 2024-02-07 02:22 am (UTC)(link)
    I have never heard of a Kowloon.

    [He looks Silco over, eyeing him closely. If the other man is lying about what he wants, Yuber can't detect it. He expresses himself in a way that seems very controlled and controlling but the demon has encountered many meticulously dressed, quiet humans who yearned to watch the world burn.]

    This world you want sounds entertaining. I'd like to see it.
    eightfoldfiend: (Okay everyone out of the gene pool!)

    [personal profile] eightfoldfiend 2024-02-07 02:24 am (UTC)(link)
    ...Was it in your hand?

    [He asks after a moment. There is another question wrapped in this one: "What happened to your hand?"]
    cyfaredd: (flirt)

    [personal profile] cyfaredd 2024-02-07 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
    Of course. Even if I were to go back to Wales, instead of my new home. Nobody asked me if I was interested in a non-negotiable, non-refundable, involuntary vacation to a world on the brink of all-out war, did they.

    [ A bitter, almost humorless joke, but he smiles at her reassuringly to dampen it. ]

    But I must admit... the idea of creating a new world isn't such a bad one either. Who wouldn't be intrigued by the possibility of a newer, better place for all to live the rest of their days?

    [ But judging from where they are right now, Gray didn't opt for that one. Smart girl, Howl thinks to himself. ]

    Of course, it's not an original idea either. History is replete with men with the same ambitions. And most of them are famous for having failed.
    cyfaredd: (laugh)

    [personal profile] cyfaredd 2024-02-07 03:51 am (UTC)(link)
    [ The sound of the celebration is quickly fading away as they meander away from the Tribune courtyard and through the gardens lining the path back to the front gate. Howl is completely absorbed in his new companion, his eyes passing from her golden eyes, to her plush lips, to her extraordinary cleavage; he squeezes her side as she juts her hip into her hand and thinks about what the rest of her is going to feel like in his palms.

    This had all gone so well up to this point, hadn't it?
    ]

    My name is Howl. Wizard Howl. But you can call me whatever you like, Madame Akua.
    settingup: (keep screwing that bitch)

    [personal profile] settingup 2024-02-07 03:59 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Sorry, Grace. It's not you, it's a recently swiss cheese'd memory that's making this particular topic both confusing and uncomfortable for Atsumu right now.

    He does relax as he moves to grab food himself, seemingly content to pretend none of this ever happened in the end. Let the newbie enjoy her food and avoid probing the gaping holes in his memory.
    ]

    No problem.
    semicharmed: (loves his collared shirt/sweater combo)

    [personal profile] semicharmed 2024-02-07 05:01 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Matt hums sympathetically, sipping from his glass. ]

    Do you want to be understood, by the rest of us?

    [ He wants to ask more hows and whys and what's-it-likes, himself. But he's worried that they'll sound as stupid as the last thing he said, and be ... for want of a better word, dehumanizing.

    A wistful piece of him wonders if his channel-opening thing would work on Demeisen, and what it would feel like if it did. What's it like to be a starship? But they've only just met, and suggesting it would be weird and awfully forward. ]
    settingup: (i'm free to be the greatest)

    [personal profile] settingup 2024-02-07 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Even the ones that are humans don't seem to be that weak from what Atsumu has seen. If someone new was going to pick a fight with anyone, then it's probably true that Atsumu was the right guy to target. He didn't like to think of himself that way, but he knew he had a late start he'd been working hard to make up for.

    And he hadn't put in all that hard work to be scared off by this poodle boy.
    ]

    Yeah, you just go ahead and do that then.

    [ He makes sure to really lay it on thick so Tony knows how little Atsumu is afraid right now. ]
    zauneyete: (A Piltie and A Zaunite walk into a bar..)

    [personal profile] zauneyete 2024-02-07 06:49 am (UTC)(link)
    Haven't heard of it yet.

    [ He said, with a finger extended. ] You will, here. It will be difficult to not know it, in the coming weeks. We're on everyone's mind, these days.

    [ We, he says, as if if is something he is a part of, as much as it is Zenith. Then again, if Yuber makes his way into Kowloon, it will be hard to miss Draumahol, with the eye erected around the 'o', a defacement that had been automatic, and telling. It was hard to miss it, that the man ran a bar down there, when he left a signature the size of a storefront for all to see. ]

    Perhaps you'll see this world I envision. It is, of course — [ A hand to his chest, faux magnanimous ] — subject to the whims of my fellow Zenites, but I think my influence will hold something of import, by the time we have all of the oracles.

    [ Not if. When. ]
    umurice: (21)

    [personal profile] umurice 2024-02-07 09:40 am (UTC)(link)
    Perhaps? When we were young, we were told we looked similar. We have the same hair and eye color, but my brother is about five years older than me. So he would look more mature.

    [He thinks he'd be taller too. He was about Rinne's height at this age, so maybe-- well, he'll find out.]

    Ah! This looks like the clinic. Hold on.

    [He will gently lower him down now.]

    [personal profile] ex_fend346 2024-02-07 10:18 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Back to his feet at last. Subaru straightens his clothing with his good hand, carefully leaving the other at his side. ]

    Then if I happen to see him first, I'll let him know you're looking for him.

    [ He'd wish the same, if someone spotted Kamui before he did. His brother had looked so relieved when they'd finally been reunited, but now... ]

    May I ask his name?
    baltimores: (061)

    [personal profile] baltimores 2024-02-07 11:52 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Amos nods as he absently works to carve off a slice of pancake with the side of his fork. If they are getting a bit soggy now, then he can probably eat a bit while walking, no knife needed — and indeed, it works. He's able to separate triangular pieces from the main stack, stab them all with his fork and pop them in his mouth as he nods at everything Akechi has to say. ]

    Yup, yup, and yup. Plenty of Zenites have asked her to retrieve someone for them. I mean, it's just their shard. It isn't the entire person; not everyone can just... show up here, I don't think. Pretty sure it's dumb luck who's able to stay and who isn't, [ he shrugs, ] but at least then you're able to have someone who's important to you with you, right? You can keep them safe until we have a new world.

    [ Or at least he thinks that's the logic; Amos has never asked for anyone's shard for his own sake. Never would. A part of him has always been fully, purely Zenith — ready to leave the past in its entirety behind, continue moving forward only.

    He goes to work at his next bite of pancakes. ]


    But yeah, I don't think there's much more anyone can do than that. I mean, I've died a couple of times here, so it's possible to come back on an individual basis. You feel like shit for a couple of days after, but it really isn't a whole thing. Bringing back entire universes, though? Pretty big difference between that and the occasional person here and there.

    [ He huffs out a little sigh before going for his next bite of pancakes — Meridian sure are delusional, aren't they? It's almost kind of sad, if he had the capacity to think of it that way. ]
    baltimores: (083)

    [personal profile] baltimores 2024-02-07 11:52 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Amos blinks, a little slow and drawn out like a cat, as Matt poses a very obvious question — at which point he is moving to take off his coat. ]

    Shit. Yeah, sorry. It's fuckin' winter too, you'll probably want— [ he is freeing his other arm from the second sleeve now— ] to take this, huh.

    [ And he is handing his coat over to Matt... blinks again, his eyes drifting downwards. And he hisses through his teeth. ]

    Fuck, I don't think I can help you in the pants department. Not unless you... you can tie my shirt around your waist? Would that help?

    [ Should he take off his long-sleeved shirt, too?? He can handle being cold and shirtless out in Highstorm for a little bit, he figures. Better than letting a freshly woken up Matt trundle through winter weather with borderline nothing. ]
    baltimores: (119)

    [personal profile] baltimores 2024-02-07 11:52 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Oh, yeah; now that she's loaded her plate up Amos moves in to do the same with his. It's not like he needs more helpings, but it's nice to have — that and, as it turns out, has led to a good conversation starter.

    He looks back up at Grace at her question. ]


    Me? I got a machine shop up north. Or a repair shop. Both, really, since there ain't much in the way of actual machinery here. [ Or at least not the kind a guy from a sci-fi canon is used to. Amos sets the tongs down, turns to Grace properly now that he's done — and now that he's had the sense to not take too much more food. ] There're bathhouses up by there too, and a greenhouse... I want to learn how to grow plants better, so I'm spending some time there.

    [ A thoughtful pause, as he decides to crack open one of his prawns then and there. ]

    The rest of the city? I mean, it's peaceful, but probably like anywhere else, you know? There's a library, an arena... Food and drink and that sort of stuff. You find what you like, make a home here.

    [ His smile is a bit more obvious this time. ]

    It's a good place to live.
    dreamflowers: (16937069)

    Jade "the Prophetess" | Enderal: Forgotten Stories | New player.

    [personal profile] dreamflowers 2024-02-07 11:52 am (UTC)(link)
    i. the roots
    [Dreams and visions of death and the end of the world weren't new to Jade. In fact, it kinda came with the whole "Prophetess" gig.

    [But this was something else entirely. One didn't need to be a Prophet to know that. Was it the Cleansing already? Had she taken too long? She expected it to hurt more. She had dreams about it sometimes -- the blinding light, the agony, like there was a fire burning her from the inside. This felt different. This felt... disconnected. The Sea of Eventualities fades, until not even a single Glance could show her one of the millions of possibilities that this could have gone differently. To pull her magic from one of those realities and change the outcome of this one.

    [But it's nothing. She's nothing. She always had been. Father was right about her. She was tainted from the start. She was an idiot for thinking she could simply run from all of it -- hide away in Duneville and not expect the consequences to finally catch up with her.

    [When she feels cognizant again, part of her refuses to move. So she lies still, stony, her limbs gone cold. It isn't until that particularly resistant, rebellious part of her kicks in that she tears herself up from the dirt, kicking and screaming.

    [And fuck it all, she is screaming. Her lungs expelling oxygen as she chokes somewhat on the dirt and sand in her throat, some semblance of life returning to her veins. Her tattered clothes fair no better, the shreds revealing hints of a scarred body on what now appears to be a half-feral, six-foot-nine tall elfin woman.

    [After several seconds of just... breathing, she glances around. But before she has the chance to prioritize anything else--]


    No...!

    [She's digging into the pockets of her leather pants, until she pulls out a necklace with a small black stone attached to it, carved in a strange star-like shape. The panic on her mein turns into abject relief when she brings the stone to her chest, and she sinks to her weakening knees.]

    Oh. Thank fuck.

    [Not all has been taken from her -- not yet.]

    ii. island hopping
    [There was once a time in which Jade would have delighted in excuses to join some drunken revelry. Not because she was a particularly outgoing person in truth, but because it was a distraction. That's all it ever was. Something to forget that the world is shit and she lived in a shithole country that was torn apart by three decades of civil war. That's why she liked taverns, or just anyplace where people can relax and enjoy themselves.

    ["The sky can rain fire out there. In here, you'll always meet laughter and good humor." That's what Jespar had told her once. Blazes. Were they still even friends after the shitty things they said to each other? Jade intended to apologize to him the next time they meet, but... if the world really is gone...

    [Despite needing a distraction, Jade is still very hyperaware of the rising tensions of the world she's in now, and that she hadn't actually stumbled into some fantastical paradise of an afterlife after all (not that she ever believed in such things. A "last dream", maybe, but not an afterlife). From the war in Nehrim to having a front-row seat to her misguided countrymen's invasion of Enderal, she'd seen her share of war, though never actively participated in one. However, that didn't stop the forces of "fate" from trying to get her involved in one way or another.

    [While trying to get her bearings, Jade sets out to get the lay of the land, this time thankful not to be as frequently met with crazed red-eyed locals or animals driven to insanity by the Red Madness when out exploring. While in Springstar, she spends more time eavesdropping than making friends, casually nibbling on some cheese or bread while actively avoiding anything remotely to meat, save for the roasted fish. These things... taste similar to the kinds of things she's eaten on Vyn, but something about it feels off. Maybe she's disassociating, but it's hard to tell what feels real and what feels... just wrong. Her endeavors to obtain information fall short when she becomes lost in the moment, sitting in a chair whilst staring down at a piece of cheese like it's some bizarre puzzle she can't make heads or tails of.

    [Her trip to Highstorm is met with a far less welcoming approach. As Jade listens to Lady Yima speak, her face blanches somewhat at the talk of a "new world" and promptly rips her scarred hands away.]


    Nah, I've heard trash like that before. That guy was an asshole, too. No thanks. Sorry.

    [Jade doesn't care who hears her, be it Lady Yima herself or the people who support her. This time, she doesn't indulge in the promise of free food, her appetite withering by the end of the speech. She is not moved.]

    iii. cheers
    [Some time later, she overhears a few conversations, people referring to a "coffee shop" and "barista" -- words that are alien to someone from a world where such things don't exist. Or if they did, the concept was completely new to her.]

    A what now?

    [Jade sees the cart and the drinks being served to other people, but she doesn't trust it. Actually, she doesn't trust much of anything in this place.]

    iv. wildcard
    [ooc: Hit me with something else if none of these suit your fancy! Feel free to send me a PM or hit me up on plurk at [plurk.com profile] whippoorwill as well.]
    baltimores: (007)

    [personal profile] baltimores 2024-02-07 11:52 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Well, at least it's obvious Flat's listening. As much as Amos feels like this is maybe a bad idea... maybe it's not? How much can happen in ten minutes, anyway?

    Yeah, Flat is listening. He's taking this seriously. They're probably good. ]


    Alright then.

    [ And maybe that is a bit of warmth in his voice as he turns the handle, goes to step into the outside world and the darkness of Alenroux at night. It's a first for him, but maybe this'll actually be a good experience.

    Amos holds the door open for Flat behind him, but keeps his eyes peeled out for the darkness in front, ready to spring into action should anything be drawn to the little rectangle of light they've now created — and should anything get any ideas. ]
    umurice: (12)

    [personal profile] umurice 2024-02-07 12:29 pm (UTC)(link)
    Amagi Rinne. Does your brother look like you? I will also make sure to keep an eye out for him.

    [After all, two eyes are better than one, and if they're twins, they must look alike. (This is a bias.)]

    [personal profile] ex_fend346 2024-02-07 12:48 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ They're both named Amagi? Oh, wait.

    Is he giving his family name first, is that what this is...?

    Subaru notes this and sets it aside, because— ]


    Oh, Kamui looks a little different. His hair is a bit lighter than mine, and longer in the front, and his eyes are blue.

    [ His brother has lovely eyes, if anyone asks. ]
    tresemme: (🍼10)

    [personal profile] tresemme 2024-02-07 01:38 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ although this isn’t how tony usually talks to his friends, there’s something in atsumu’s demeanor that reminds him of his fellow nazca children—of course, tony’s friends are far superior, and they would flatten atsumu in an instant if they were here instead. tony is the merciful one. ]

    Sure. Now get going before you really start to annoy me.
    picketship: (talk1)

    [personal profile] picketship 2024-02-07 05:33 pm (UTC)(link)
    [The briefest flicker of surprise comes across the connection between them in response to Matt’s question—because Demeisen has never been asked it before. He’s never had cause to be asked; everyone he ever met prior to coming here already knew what an avatar was, or at the very least what a Mind was. The Culture was famous (or infamous, depending on your perspective) for its Minds, after all: the hyper-intelligent, unfathomably powerful machines that ran it and, if you were uncharitable or perhaps just melodramatic, ruled over it like gods.

    But the feeling is short lived. Demeisen only raises his eyebrows, blithe as you please, and says,
    ] Why on earth would I care about something like that?

    [Even if the people who inhabited the place he came from all knew what he was, none of them really understood him, or the ship he represented. He was perfectly happy with that then, and sees no reason to feel any differently now.

    A being that can’t or won’t make itself understood to people, remember? Emphasis on won’t.
    ]
    damnpire: (pic#12094812)

    [personal profile] damnpire 2024-02-07 05:42 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Wild. D isn't sure what to do about a remorseful, compassionate vampire because they were so rare on the Frontier. But he had gotten along with one more recently. A vampire out to kill his father.]

    I see. It isn't very often that those kinds of people receive sympathy from vampires.

    [Subaru... a unicorn.]

    Does your brother feel the same way?

    [Maybe Subaru also have a stupid, evil, reckless twin.]
    muchalucha: (pic#16414194)

    [personal profile] muchalucha 2024-02-07 08:04 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Quetzalcoatl at least doesn’t seem to mind, and she gives Alice an encouraging nod as she says her name, even if it’s a bit stumbled through. She at least knows that Nahuatl has sounds that aren’t common in other languages, so she doesn’t mind at all when it’s a bit of a learning process for her name. It’s just nice to have people try! ]

    Oh, that’s very nice, then! I know a lot of people feel a little overwhelmed because there’s so many people here… Like, I was excited about it when I first got here because the more people the better! But also, if one of my people showed up here, they’d probably be totally taken aback!

    [ Definitely, actually… ]

    It’s nice though, yes! There are all kinds of things to do in Springstar and all kinds of things to try. I love the food the most since it’s from all over!
    fursuit: (Default)

    [personal profile] fursuit 2024-02-07 08:05 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Tezcatlipoca nods along at first, since he agrees with the first part more than the last. It makes perfect sense for him as a god, though, considering the area he oversaw. It wasn’t exactly a place that really got cold regularly, even in the depths of winter. He’s a tropical climate kind of guy, so Springstar is more his vibe in that sense.

    However, weather aside, Matt’s last little comment is the one he latches onto. The trickster aspect comes out much more, because he can’t resist a chance to tease when it’s offered to him on a silver platter. He tosses a sly, cheeky grin Matt’s way. ]


    Oh, yeah? You a cuddler?
    kaientai: (110)

    [personal profile] kaientai 2024-02-07 08:15 pm (UTC)(link)
    Well... yes and no.

    [ even after a bit of thought, ryouma somehow manages to settle on the most noncommittal answer he can. ]

    Yes — because Chaldea has a Master — but it's also a whole organisation, so they have ways of generating enough power for many Servants to be summoned at once.

    [ and so it doesn't matter who summoned him at the time because it's easy to let people assume he's just one of the multiples. ]

    And no — because there wasn't a Holy Grail War — but sometimes other things would happen, and it would be Chaldea's job to go and sort them out. Singularities are pockets of distorted reality that can disrupt Proper Human History if they aren't repaired, and—... actually, some of those have Holy Grail Wars sometimes, so I guess that's also sort of a yes...