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
    a_noble_flame: (004)

    Alice L. Malvin | Pumpkin Scissors | Unharmonized Harbinger | New Player

    [personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-01-29 02:51 am (UTC)(link)
    BEARING FRUIT;
    [For a moment it's all Alice can do to breath beneath the loamy soil. Inhale, exhale and drag together the pieces of her scattered thoughts as the soil crowds around her.

    What was it she had told Lieutenant Vitter? That she was used to drowning above ground? For a moment the memory of resting against her older sister as she struggled to breath comes rushing back -- Sophice, Elise, what had happened to them? What had happened to her men? Where has she even been last?

    Fight.

    Without further thought she reacts, grasping above her and wrapping a gloved fist around whatever she can. She jerks and pulls, pulling smaller roots near completely loose in her fervor to make it to the surface.

    To anyone else above it's either a terrifying sight or a comedic one depending on their temperament. A gloved hand is followed swiftly by a crown of bright blond hair. Her teeth are gritted as she breaks through the rest of the soil and shortly a set of fierce blue eyes settle on whoever is nearest by. She looks like she's ready to fist fight anyone who comes near her.

    Then she abruptly stops and blinks. She studies whoever it is and then just as fierce as her gaze had been before it immediately softens. She lets go of a huge breath and more or less slumps there halfway out of the dirt like some kind of groundhog that gave up immediately when it saw it's shadow.]


    What in the world is going on.


    LEARNING;
    [In Springstar there is plenty to arrest Alice's attention. She does attend whatever talks she can and seems extremely focused on them, particularly Cyrus' rousing speech. She doesn't miss the sad look he ends off with though and seems to be quietly thinking over it. It was very much what she expected from the speech of one who led but the crowd seems to hold no desire to be roused from it. Perhaps the talk of victories was overstated?

    What ends up arresting Alice's attention the most though is the score of militants stepping out to the training grounds. Her own outfit is obviously some form of uniform as well with it's long coat and the insignia on her upper arm. She looks downright longingly towards where the militants depart to, only realizing anyone else is close by once they're gone. She looks more than a little sheepish before she murmurs:]


    ... I don't imagine they would let me train with them, would they.

    [It would do her so much good to get in there and spar some. Even if most of those militants tower over her in size.]

    [In Highstorm Alice is just as attentive when she shows up to those gatherings. Amusingly when Yima does start taking bearer's hands and eventually does the same with Alice the blonde herself looks friendly but not precisely awed by her. She stands at ready attention like she would for anyone higher up the military ladder. She even nods as the woman speaks but doesn't seek to ask her questions or stop her after.

    Once that's over though and others have dispersed to smaller gatherings Alice herself takes up a spot. She's not very good at general socializing when she has something on her mind. When she's offered a drink she makes a 'stop' motion with her hand.]


    I'm sorry, I can't drink alcohol.

    [Later though before she leaves Highstorm Alice decides to take a moment at Benny's. It seems to be extremely popular considering how many locals direct her towards it. It is very busy but it's also very rowdy. Alice has mostly watched the scuffles that have ended up cropping up as she ate but once she's finished she casts a glance over the way of whoever is running the place behind the bar that night.]

    Would you like me to stop any of this?

    [Meaning yes, she'll jump into the middle of these fights is someone needs throwing out. So far it hasn't gotten that bad, mostly minor arguments and the like.]


    MONSTERS;
    [Alice is chiefly getting to know the lay of the land so to speak. From Springstar to Highstorm and now onto Alenroux the trip has gone alright so far. The locals have been fairly open with her given her lack of faction allegiance just yet and while earlier she was in a state of deep thought it seems that she has sat her thinking aside for now so she can talk to the locals. Most seem to come away with the opinion that she's "an overly serious woman but very friendly and polite" which really is the best boilerplate description of Alice ever spoken.

    Rather than being solely bound indoors though Alice actually goes out at night specifically when she's told of the monsters outside toward the north end of the island. At least she does ask for information first before she goes out? That's a plus when it comes to her!]


    Shadow creatures ...

    [With familiar voices even. Alice mulls on that information a moment as she stands outside the doors of where she had been staying here in Alenroux. After a moment of rolling it around in her mind she perks a brow up.]

    A sword should do the trick, maybe?


    WILDCARD;
    [Feel free to find Alice wherever you like. If there's a fight going on she'll probably jump in and try to help out. If you want to debate the good and bad between going Meridian or Zenith then please do! Maybe you just want to call her short and try to bully her? Feel free! PMs are open for any plotting or questions.]
    muchalucha: (pic#16286404)

    learning

    [personal profile] muchalucha 2024-01-30 04:23 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Whenever there’s one of the little gatherings for new people, Quetzalcoatl makes a point to attend. It’s not exactly to try and sway people or anything like that, but she just likes meeting new people! Besides, getting here in the first place can be really strange and scary for people, so a friendly face is probably something they need.

    Alice does stick out for her uniform, but to be fair… So does Quetzalcoatl. At over six feet tall and wearing bright, revealing clothes, she definitely stands out too! But as a god, she’s very well used to it. She edges closer just in time to hear Alice’s longing comment, then laughs a little. ]


    If you ask nicely, I bet they would, yes! Or if not, we do have a big Coliseum for lots of sparring too! You like that kind of fun too?
    a_noble_flame: (015)

    [personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-01-31 01:23 am (UTC)(link)
    [Oh? A Coliseum? Alice looks intrigued and equally has an instant ready smile for the brightly-colored woman.]

    Certainly. It's important to keep up with training after all. If one slacks they'll have to redo what they have learned plus some.

    [This is where she would rest her hand on the pommel of her short sword but yet again she's reminded of it's lack. Excuse her as she looks just a tag disappointed once more.]
    muchalucha: (pic#16415685)

    [personal profile] muchalucha 2024-02-01 07:17 pm (UTC)(link)
    , it’s true! It’s why I go there any time I can! Plus, it is just fun to perform for a crowd!

    [ Not that her skills get dulled, exactly… But that’s the benefit of being a god, in a way. She’s just also a god that’s a big fan of lucha libre, so the Coliseum had easily won her heart as a result. She gives an enthusiastic nod, then looks down the street to get her bearings a bit, since she’d been wandering. ]

    Ey, do you want to see it, maybe? It’s not super far, so I can show you where everything good in it is!
    a_noble_flame: (008)

    [personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-02-01 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
    [The mention of a crowd turns Alice's expression a little thoughtful. It had been years since she sparred in front of a crowd -- other students at the time of course but it was somewhat the same. At the offer to be led there Alice visibly brightens and is quick to nod.]

    If you don't mind, miss.

    [How kind of her. Thus far she hadn't really met anyone unkind though but she also hadn't Harmonized yet. Coming from a war torn country she knows well enough not to overlook kindness though when coming into a foreign land.

    She almost rattles off her whole rank and designation as she might on any mission but this isn't precisely a mission, is it. She's not here for war relief ... or at least not yet anyhow.]


    I'm Alice Malvin. Thank you for the assistance. I tend to have a good sense of direction but I've not been here quite long enough to learn the lay of the land.
    muchalucha: (pic#16286304)

    [personal profile] muchalucha 2024-02-05 04:29 pm (UTC)(link)
    ¡No hay de qué!

    [ She responds brightly and even gives Alice a cheerful thumbs up. A fellow enthusiast for the more, uh, physical arts is already a friend in her book! But Quetzalcoatl also just likes to fight, honestly… At least her preference is purely of the recreational variety.

    She starts to lead the way towards where she’d been looking, and her smile stays bright and sunny as they get to introductions. ]


    It’s nice to meet you, Alice! I’m Quetzalcoatl—And as Meridian as they come, probably! [ what with being a god of light, after all… ] You’ll get used to all the navigating, yes! Springstar is a little complicated and crowded, but that’s why it’s nice, I think!
    a_noble_flame: (064)

    [personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-02-06 10:30 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Her name is a mouthful but she's bright and eager. Alice particularly like the eagerness already. It makes the smaller woman brighten considerably herself.]

    It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Quetzalcoatl.

    [Forgive her if it takes her a moment to get that out properly. She very much seems to want to say it just right.]

    It reminds me a lot of home in that way. My city is full of crowds on good days and there's plenty of alleys to get lost in.
    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!
    a_noble_flame: (075)

    [personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-02-08 11:45 pm (UTC)(link)
    You must be from much smaller towns then? Villages and such? I've been through some of those as well.

    [On the topic of food from all over though...]

    They do seem to celebrate a wide variety of cultures, don't they. That's common?

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    warmare: (武士)

    monsters

    [personal profile] warmare 2024-01-30 04:41 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Not many shard-bearers dwell in Alenroux. It is a far more dangerous place to live than Springstar or Highstorm, and simply by spending time away from those base cities shardbearers Harmonized with either faction accrued Discord that needed then to be cleansed. It was not until recent days that the island had even grown all that friendly towards shard-bearers, either, having resented their presence as interference in the past.

    But one does.

    The sound of hooves might herald the arrival of a rider on patrol, and at a distance the silhouette does seem to suggest that. A mounted archer, perhaps, there is a large bow in their hand... But what becomes obvious as the sound grows louder is that it is not a woman astride a horse. It is a woman who is half-horse herself.

    One who slows her trot at the sight of a human(?) woman outside in the dark, the hours monsters were most active, and fixes her with a second glance from the single eye not covered by a leather eyepatch, assuming that she is simply a citizen of Alenroux's slowly expanding settlement that she has not yet come to recognize. Except the citizens knew to barricade themselves in their homes during those periods, so what...]


    What business do you have that brings you out at this hour, woman?

    [... This is her being polite.]
    a_noble_flame: (010)

    [personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-01-31 01:42 am (UTC)(link)
    [It's little wonder of all places then this is where Alice would end up. At home District Zero was a war torn wasteland used to dump those others wished to forget and even with her contentious history she still ended up there more than once. Alice Malvin can never really turn her attention away from those parts of the world that need war relief the most.

    ... Or, well, something like war relief. It's all the same in her mind. So here she is and there comes a night patrol. She actually relaxes some seeing some form of protection here for the common citizens. She still didn't know the extent of the military's hold here, though if the marching group she had seen in Springstar said anything they were definitely present.

    Once it's clear that it's no night patrol though Alice looks momentarily taken aback by the sight. A widening of her eyes, a crease of her brow -- it's curiosity more than anything though. Once the half-horse person is close by the curiosity eases out of her features as quick as it had come.]


    I heard there was a problem with monsters here according to the locals. I intended to assess the situation.

    [She stops there and then looks sheepish.]

    Well, if I can find a weapon anyhow.

    [Why oh why was she pulled from her own world without that short sword of hers? The Mahne she didn't expect to see but she'd definitely had her short sword when everything just fell apart.]
    gravings: (027c)

    learning!

    [personal profile] gravings 2024-01-31 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Somehow or another, Gray's come to stand next to Alice in the crowd. One of those situations where the vertically modest are allowed to make their way forward for a chance at a view, perhaps.

    Gray glances over curiously from around the edge of her hood, feeling obligated to take notice by virtue of them being on eye level. It isn't a common situation for her, who's also used to being towered over. She takes in the uniform, then glances over to the soldiers marching down the way. ]


    You want to join them... just for the training?

    [ Gray's voice is audible but soft, as if careful not to impose on the woman's senses. ]
    a_noble_flame: (015)

    [personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-01-31 05:37 pm (UTC)(link)
    If they would allow me anyhow.

    [That automatically said she turns a glance Gray's way and gives a slight smile.]

    Once you get used to training on a regular basis it's hard to give up. I suppose that's how any routine works though.

    [She turns a brief glance back in the direction the militants went but now that they're gone her gaze easily slides away back to Gray. Apparently Alice is the sort to make consistent eye contact while talking.]

    I admit though group training sessions haven't been part of my routine in a long while.

    [Yet in this moment it might be nice. Grounding in a strange new world at the very least.]
    gravings: (017)

    [personal profile] gravings 2024-02-01 05:50 am (UTC)(link)
    [ When put that way, Gray can understand. She lived on a strict schedule for the majority of her young life, so she'd felt quite lost once she'd been cut free from it. Even now she values her chores and routines, and becomes a little troubled if she can't complete them regularly.

    In this woman's case, maybe it's like enjoying being part of a fitness group. It's probably too cute a way to describe a military organization, but. Gray thinks briefly, her hood tipping gently with her head. ]


    I could try introducing you to some of the legionnaires later. They probably can't include you in an official sense, but there are some that enjoy practicing with whomever they can.

    [ The go-getters, the jocks, the meatheads. Gray is a tiny bit like them too, though she'd never think to describe herself as such. ]
    a_noble_flame: (010)

    [personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-02-01 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Alice's smile ticks upward a bit.]

    I wouldn't ask to be included that way honestly. I do have to make up my mind between the two factions after all, yes? I doubt the troops here would want anyone who hasn't made up their mind to join officially.

    [She's heard some about them so far, particularly Meridian with Cyrus' talk. She's determined to her more about Zenith though before she settles her mind on either. That's likely after a good bit of debate as well.]

    I do appreciate the offer though. I would be glad to practice with whomever would like to.

    [Her hand instinctively goes to where the pommel of her shortsword out to be and when she fails to find it there she sighs at herself.]

    Once I have a weapon of course. Though borrowing one for practice should be suitable enough.

    [Look, she just really misses her sword, okay.]
    gravings: (005b)

    [personal profile] gravings 2024-02-06 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Gray follows Alice's movement toward some missing weapon. She can sympathize, really. Even though it's been quite some time since she's been in the same position, she feels for the Shard-Bearers suddenly thrust into this place -- and she's certain now that the woman next to her is a very recent arrival. ]

    If you wouldn't mind something secondhand, I have some weapons I don't use anymore. What sort do you prefer?

    [ She doesn't hesitate to make the offer. ]
    a_noble_flame: (004)

    [personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-02-06 10:26 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Alice looks momentarily surprised but it doesn't last. If she were in a position of having weaponry and someone else didn't she wouldn't hesitate either to lend out her own.]

    Typically I use a shortsword. I have experience in most types of bladed weapons though.

    [She tips her head a touch. New she might be but she's always up to talk about weaponry.]

    Do you collect weapons then?
    gravings: (083a)

    [personal profile] gravings 2024-02-09 06:04 am (UTC)(link)
    Collect...?

    [ It's a curious way to describe weapon ownership. Gray supposes there are people who collect weapons the way one might collect stamps or artwork, but she'd imagine those people to be quite wealthy. Decent weapons aren't that cheap, so the collectible ones must cost a fortune. ]

    It's nothing that fancy. There was a time when I kept breaking weapons, so it became more practical to keep a lot on hand.

    [ Her hood dips as she lowers her head, a bit embarrassed. It's terribly wasteful to go through weapons that way, but it's difficult for her to adjust her fighting style to less-than-indestructible weaponry. ]

    I do have a couple swords, though. And spears, halberds, shields, bows and arrows... I think an axe, too.

    [ Options! ]

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    hauntedking: (06)

    Monsters

    [personal profile] hauntedking 2024-02-01 04:21 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Dimitri has eased off on his trips into Alenroux as of late; the problem has simmered down. But he still finds time to take patrols out into the wilderness and ensure that the creatures who have been so dangerous to the island's inhabitants remain culled enough to allow the people to live their lives. That's why he's out after dark, anyway. He's confident enough in his own skill to think he can handle himself. It's a little surprising for him to find someone he doesn't think he recognizes as he approaches the small outbuilding, just in time to overhear her musing to herself. His tread pauses, his booted feet coming to a stop. ]

    A sword...? Are you intending to go out and track them down?

    [ He sounds a touch worried. He has no idea how skilled she is! He tries to give people the benefit of the doubt, though. ]
    a_noble_flame: (010)

    [personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-02-01 11:48 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Alice's hand instantly drifts up to where the pommel of her shortsword always sat, nicely within range of her right hand and everything. When she yet again hits nothing but open air she sighs out at herself once more.]

    That was my first thought, yes. The civilians here speak of them as something to fear after all. Intrusion on their safety is not something to be tolerated if it can be helped.

    [She's a soldier in charge of a war relief unit after all. If anyone ought to be qualified to see to the aid of a place like this it's her. She's jumped head first into far stupider situations with monsters of a far more human variety after all.

    Then here she is, rudderless.]


    Unfortunately I'm too used to having the ability to deal with such situations.

    [I.E. why'd she get pulled here without her sword? She certainly didn't expect her Mahne to be here, not after the beating it took before she ended up here but even her shortsword? C'mon.]
    hauntedking: (21)

    [personal profile] hauntedking 2024-02-02 12:23 am (UTC)(link)
    [ Dimitri's expression quirks into a soft little smile as he listens. ]

    I understand the urge completely. Wanting to be able to protect people is a noble impulse... and a noble calling.

    [ He glances out into the darkness, away from the building where they linger. ]

    These monsters... they can be difficult to deal with, although I don't doubt you're confident in your own skills - especially if you've had to deal with such things in your own world.

    [ He turns back to her with a broader smile. ]

    Fortunately, I can get you a sword, if you'd like. I command a military unit for Springstar... and I'm sure I can arrange for something from the armory. Although... perhaps not in the middle of the night.
    a_noble_flame: (015)

    [personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-02-02 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
    [Alice nods a little gently at the talk of the monsters' difficulty. She wants to ask some more specific questions of course given she assumes he's fought them before. Knowing one's opponents was always a good starting point even if Alice relied more heavily on just pushing through situations.

    He mentioned the military unit though and there she goes, immediately intrigued.]


    In Springstar? I saw a group marching there when I was in town. I don't suppose those were yours?

    [Her smile brightens considerably.]

    They were in very good form. It made me a little nostalgic honestly. It's been quite a while since I've had to do any marching like that.

    [It hardly felt like so many years since she was a fresh soldier.]
    hauntedking: (06)

    [personal profile] hauntedking 2024-02-02 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
    They might have been!

    [ Dimitri laughs and rubs the back of his head. ]

    I have to admit, being granted command of a unit was not on my mind when I arrived, but I suppose it does have its uses.

    [ He arches a brow curiously, looking over her with a curious eye. ]

    You're a soldier then? Or a knight? You're a shard-bearer, aren't you?

    [ Although most knights don't march, they tend to ride. ]
    a_noble_flame: (001)

    [personal profile] a_noble_flame 2024-02-02 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
    [She might be short but Alice does have the straight posture and mien of a soldier. It helps that her clothing is bound to be some form of uniform as well.

    Her hand rises unthinkingly just over heart where her shard rests at the moment. Like this it doesn't feel odd but boy was it strange a few days ago when she tries to pluck it out. It worked of course but it was very odd.

    Watch her amusingly snap to attention though.]


    I am Second Lieutenant Alice L. Malvin of the Imperial Army State Section Three.

    [Not that the rank or designation means much here. Nor would her family name for that matter. She looks momentarily thoughtful.]

    I'm not a knight but my family does have a history of cavalry service.

    [... Though not all knights rode horseback, did they. Hm. Moving on though, she does have to add with a slight smile:]

    A unit might not have been on your mind but if you have been given command then you have proven your abilities in the eyes of those who gave you that privilege. Take heart in the aptitude others see in you.

    [That has been a lesson hard learned for herself.]
    hauntedking: (25)

    [personal profile] hauntedking 2024-02-02 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
    [ He notes the movement and he finds it a touch curious, but he bows his head to her all the same with a smile of his own. ]

    I'm sure they're quite proud of you continuing the tradition. I...

    [ He does feel a touch awkward, but he's done this for so long by now it's fine. ]

    I am King Dimitri Blaiddyd of Faerghus, although.. it means rather little here when everything seems to be gone. Thank you for your kinds words. They mean a great deal.

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