Let's do the Test Drive Again

[wolof]

I. 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 looking down, and they spill forth as if 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.

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. 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.

You wake with a start, cradled by soft, velvety plants, and sticky with a sap that smells faintly of honey and iron. 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.

II. BOUGH-BREAKER, ROOT-QUAKER

There are new Shard-Bearers at the Tree of Life, and Yima has asked that their elders return to the Tree to greet them, to bring them forth and answer their questions. She warns that it will be unlike the last time, for the Dryad's presence has gone -- the root-caverns of the Tree are damaged, the previous actions of some of the Shard-Bearers have left it injured, blackened by ill intent. Be careful, Commune where you must, but be aware that the Tree has reacted to its injury and will seek out the space within your Communions to make its agonies known.

All will experience the consequences to the actions of the few.

Whether awakening within or descending once more into the cavernous, root layer of the Tree of life is precarious; passages are maze-like, with claustrophobic squeezes and sudden chasms. Worse yet, is the miasma that hovers in the atmosphere. It leaches into your eyes, your skin, the space below your fingernails and drags through your lungs with every inhalation. Images of explosions, of fire and the sensation of shrapnel tearing through you begin to spark like fireworks within your mind. The pain builds, souring as it does.

The ambiance here is revolting. Great chasms have opened in the environment, threatening to pour inattentive Shard-Bearers into the Tree's deeper underbelly. The cloying, dark vapors around everyone dull the senses, until those you may have entered with are gone, or perhaps new bodies have joined you in the rancid space. The miasma urges you towards your baser desires, your desperate violence, and even as the Tree's pain evokes a sense of desperate self-defense, your Shard warms upon your body.

Somehow, the Tree still seeks to Commune with all -- pressing its need upon you: a single flame. A roaring pyre. A chilled ember.

THE GAME IS AFOOT

The Tree of Life cannot communicate but in abstract images and sounds, but the general gist of its need is eventually grasped by all Shard-Bearers: the miasma present is the result of an attack upon the Dryad that once lived among the roots of the Tree. Actions taken by other Shard-Bearers have left the Tree in dire straits, deeply wounded and unable to prevent itself from naturally lashing out in its own defense as it dies. It cannot let go of those it has imprisoned, until they have revealed their nature to it - until it knows it can finally, finally let go.

Characters can decide amongst themselves how to deal with the threat of miasma. It's easy to figure out, as your shards will naturally want to absorb what's similar to discord within your shards, but just like with discord, holding hands, or joining together in some way will allow the pain to be shared amongst everyone in the group. There's no such thing as failure, but if a character decides for the group, there may be the opportunity for intervention…

• Characters may choose to take on the role of a martyr, accepting the Tree's miasma ( its pain ) upon themselves as the sole sufferant. They will experience excruciating pain and lasting effects, but will spare others from this trauma.
• Characters may also choose to share the pain among themselves, though doing so will require Communion to be shared between all parties -- this will result in the temporary collapse of boundaries and barricades, and emotions and memories may flow against their will into others.
• Characters may also decide to do nothing at all, whereupon their decision to take no action will result in the miasma growing stronger, denser and more cloying until they are rendered unconscious and ejected from the roots of the tree.
• Have you a choice unique to your character that wasn't mentioned? Might you try to heal the tree's pain, or perhaps harm it further? If you're making the attempt, make sure your group is aware and submit your record of action to the link included below!

This can be done in groups of 2 to 4 players, and three is a recommendation - if you can swing it! It’s more fun when you get into philosophical debates, right? Regardless, when your group comes to a decision, please record it here. These don’t have to be fully threaded out to be recorded, so the conclusion can be discussed OOC if you prefer. Actions can be submitted until JANUARY 9TH, after which a tally will be taken of decision and filed away for later, devious uses.

III. TWO CITIES, ALIKE IN DIGNITY BUT WE ALL KNOW YIMOMMY'S WHERE IT'S AT

Having just celebrated the dual-natured festivities known as the Year's End Festival and Qiasu, Springstar and Highstorm ( respectively ) are wrapping up the period of time where Kenos a celebrates unity and togetherness, coming together with friends and family, to be kind to others and share in one’s wealth - whether that comes in the form of knowledge, monetary gains, or the exchange of gifts and one’s time. While the core festivities are over, many of the residents of Kenos are still caught up in the celebratory mood; those who are not, have begun to fret and whisper about a rumor that has spread throughout both cities.

( Many more residents are attempting to get rid of their excess stock, and may attempt to pawn off kitschy goods and, strangely, unclaimed gifts for people they claim they have no memory of, or simply do not exist. )

With the new Shard-Bearers present or en route, it is Kathova and Cetina that 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 small, casual meet-and-greet to be held before the new Shard-Bearers are unleashed upon Kenos as a whole.

Additionally, as Springstar and Highstorm are holding their events on different days, it is possible for the knowledge-hungry to participate in both informational sessions -- the tones and opinions held by both cities are doubtless to differ, and some Shard-Bearers who have chosen to harmonize with either faction may even find their way to the opposing faction's session as well. After all, the year's end is still lingering in the air, and cooperation is the current name of the game.

SPRINGSTAR, αιώνιος ήλιος

In Springstar, the seat of the Tribune becomes available for such a forum. 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.

Tables draped in white-and-gold-trimmed fabrics fare filled with fare common to Springstar's warmer climate -- fruits and wines, savory smoked meats and roasted vegetables, a series of meze platters and souvlaki skewers have been lain out to encourage forum participants to snack as they speak. The atmosphere is light, ambient with informality and friendliness, though topics will inevitably stray towards philosophic, Springstar's meeting grounds are decorated with handsome chaise lounges and slouching klismos chairs in small, intimate groupings.

HIGHSTORM, луны-близнецы

Eternally in opposition, Highstorm provides the Manor's courtyard as the setting for their informational meeting. Here, formality is of utmost importance, with attending Zenith loyalists and residents dressed in beautiful, albeit austere attire -- they are, after all, standing before Lady Yima's home. A buffet-style luncheon is spread alongside one of the largest reflecting pools, wherein you may gaze and find your memories revealed in retrospect upon the water's surface.

There are few places to be seated in the Manor's courtyard, resulting in a milling of bodies 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.

RUMOR MILL

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 the meet-and-greet has concluded, twin missives from both of the 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.

No matter how conversations between player characters go, everyone will walk away with the following knowledge to ensure new players do not feel "behind" in terms of what has previously happened on Kenos TV.

• Cyrus, the head of the Meridian faction is a native aristocrat of Springstar, who provides characters with an iliachtida, or sunbeam. This item tethers a character to their world, ensuring it does not fully disappear. His stance involves the idea that, using Meridian's light, worlds can be restored and you may return home.
• In contrast, the head of the Zenith faction is Yima, who has been the head of Highstorm since - arguably - its inception. She provides characters with a Shard of that they love most, to protect and hold. Yima believes former worlds to be lost, and looks to the future instead.
• While Harmonization occurs as the characters' Shard ( literally the manifestation of a character's soul! ) accrues the natural energies generated by Meridian or Zenith, Discord is also as natural an occurrence -- a symptom, in fact, of that process. Discord is best reduced by someone from the opposite faction, and is also influenced by the Aspect of one's character.
• Cyrus likes enchiladas.
• Many individuals recommend the following locations to new arrivals, as a means of enjoyment, involvement or further information-seeking: Highstorm's Court at Yima's Manor remains a great area for reflection and self-discovery, while the Tomes - a series of libraries - possess a magnitude of amassed knowledge, both foreign and relative to yourself. Heliopolis, the capital of Springstar, is the core of government and administration, and houses many avenues towards involvement in the goings-on of the city. Likewise, the Psychagogía District is the beating heart of entertainment within an island known for its passions.
• Rumors of past exploits linger on the lips of many. Did you know that one of Meridian's Harmonized slew one of Zenith's before the eyes of countless bystanders? That there was an expedition of Meri and Zenite Shard-Bearers dispatched to Alenroux, and some came back brutalized! Did you hear that the Shard of a Zenite is being held hostage by the Meridians?
• The new marking that has appeared upon your character's body is known as their sign of Aspect, and supposedly correlates to the fundamental truths of their soul. A Shard also exists, and is known as the characters' soul itself.

NOTES

Welcome to Kenos! As a reminder, all new players need an invite to play in the game, which 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 happens sometimes, since not every soul has a strong tether to Kenos and sometimes return to the Timestream. They’re fine and may even return to Kenos one day, but for now weren’t able to make the full journey.

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 Highstorm and Springstar prompts, both cities will be fully open and accessible to all characters once they are saved 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 Navigation page and check out the locations!

FOR NEW PLAYERS:

When characters emerge from their cocoon/the ground, characters may be wearing their normal clothes, or they might be 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 in which Faction they'd be drawn to.

New characters will not have access to any canon abilities on the TDM.

Your character will be offered temporary housing either at the Heliopolis district or Yima's manor for the first few weeks after their arrival. They will also be given a stipend for basic supplies like clothing and personal effects, and food is served in the cantina (Heliopolis) and at regular meal times in the Dining Room (Yima's manor). Once they Harmonize, they will get personal permanent chambers and a fancy retainer in their Faction's city. Wow! 🌈

CODING

Comments

[cutlery]

Of no offense, I hope. It is merely the sort of question that means a new arrival, since I can at least say that the process of adjusting to the oddities of Kenos goes rather quickly. Well, minus the process of using Shards as a method of communication, but that is likely just my personal distaste for it.

[ Communion is just something that he only engages with when absolutely necessary. It would be fine if it simply didn’t include the empathic portion, but that’s still just because the resident demon finds peoples emotions overwhelming... ]

To your question, I have admittedly never witnessed it myself, but I have seen it used as a threat that was taken quite seriously.

[ He pauses with a thoughtful noise as he considers how to explain. Kenos alone was a bit much, so diving back into matters of Horos always feels a bit strange now. ]

A would-be execution, in short. Not here in Kenos, mind you, but I assume it would be the same were anyone to be sent to the proverbial gallows.

[joyd]

None at all. I don't mind being a rookie, though I'd like to catch up on things soon as I can. I've noticed that communication method... takes some getting used to, that's for sure. Convenient, though.

[No worse than Wisely digging around in his head, or Road in his dreams, but those are trusted family members. He's striving to adjust to Communion with relative strangers; better not to let anything slip accidentally. And his writing laves much to be desired, so telepathy saves him that trouble.

Meanwhile, Tyki helps himself to the canapé he'd chosen, chewing thoughtfully before he responds.]

Mm. I can imagine. When you say not here in Kenos, where do you mean? With so many other worlds out there, I admit I'm still reeling a bit over the possibilities.

[cutlery]

Indeed…

[ It comes with a sigh that clearly comes from deep understanding, but it’s still no more than a light beat in the conversation. ]

It is all quite a lot to take in, and I had the same impulse when I had first arrived. [ Though to say it, a thought occurs to him, so he adds lightly: ] Actually, I could certainly write up a bit of a guide, so to speak. It is the sort of thing I would have liked to have, but the thought of making such a thing had not occurred to me until now.

[ In fact, he’s surprised to realize that he’s been here for a few months and has yet to write a single document! He had such a busy start in Horos that the relaxed pace by comparison of Kenos had extended to even that. Which, on that point— ]

Regardless, you may meet Shard-Bearers who came from a place called Horos. It is where we received our Shards and it had its own rather messy conflict, but it seems even it was not immune to being destroyed. So far as I can tell, it has little bearing on Kenos, though. Truly, the most present is merely that some of us knew and fought each other beforehand.

[joyd]

Well, if you decide to, I'd be grateful for it. [He says even though he can barely read, but let's cross that bridge when we get to it.] Others too, I bet. Sort of help us get a handle on things quicker and skip all the obvious questions.

[The dream had helped — he still remembers it, cool and pale in his mind, touched by Zenith and Meridian's differing ideals. But Tyki is not trusting of strange dreams. Without Road, it's more difficult to know what is true and what is not. Speaking to the people of Kenos is a surer path.]

Horos, eh? So those who started there have a bit of an advantage over us novices at this, with the Shards and all. But when you say fought... You mean on opposing sides of the Factions? I was wondering if actual violence was going to be involved somehow. Had any close calls yourself?

[Looks can be deceiving, but to Tyki, this man appears only to be an unassuming butler.]

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian gives a small nod in return as his expression is thoughtful. It definitely gives the impression not that this is something that he’s considering, no, it’s very much that he’s going to do it. It doesn’t last, though, since as the conversation turns to Horos he shuffles the idea to his to-do list. ]

Ah, well— [ He laughs softly and with just a bit of sheepishness. ] Perhaps not so much of an advantage, at least in my case. There are people from Horos that were there a few months, but I had only arrived a few weeks before we ended up here instead.

[ Which may lead to the assumption that the answer to the question was “no”, but Sebastian gives a little shrug as he continues. ]

But the tension between the two sides there was certainly more vicious than here. Granted, there was a storied history by the time I arrived, so it was straight to work, essentially… I would not call them close calls, but I exchanged a few blows, yes.

[joyd]

[We love a dedicated and productive butler.

The way the other man speaks on the matter of Horos and battle is polite, concise, and practical. Tyki wonders a moment longer on the detail of that "vicious" conflict between the factions of a prior world, before he lets it slip out of mind, less important than the present. Yes, part of him would like to exchange a few blows himself — but that's a thirst for violence belonging to the Noah in him, and not anything that might benefit his situation here.

For now, at least.]

Well, you don't look the part of a warrior. But I've been surprised in the past. [Allen hadn't, either, and that boy could fight.] What's your name?

[cutlery]

Ah, of course.

[ It’s not so far into the conversation that he feels the need to apologize, but still, he gives a warm, easy smile as he brings a gloved hand to his chest and lightly inclines his head. It’s a gesture that feels a bit formal, but it’s still given in earnest than out of any sense of obligation. After all, it’s not the full bow that he had been far more used to giving. He’s at least largely stepped out of that part of the habit. ]

Sebastian Michaelis. It is a pleasure, sir.

[ He’s rather unfailingly polite, it seems. It’s likely a bit of a contrast as a result when he returns to the first point now that his introduction is given. ]

But, yes, I do hear that quite often… To call myself a warrior may be a bit much, but I am a jack of all trades, and so I take up contract work of all sorts. [ With a light ah, he corrects himself. ] Well, took, I suppose, since it does not matter so much here. But I have been essentially a mercenary before is my point.

[joyd]

[That minor formality is met with an easy smile, accustomed to its nature and feeling more at home within the Manor than he had on the previous islands. It suits the Earl's style, although the halls do feel emptier without the other Noah's antics.

Tyki, almost out of similar well-formed habit, nods his head in response, though his own gesture is not so polished as Sebastian's.]

Oh, don't call me 'sir', that makes me feel old. Just 'Tyki' is fine. Tyki Mikk.

[Mercenary catches his attention, as well as the claim to proficiency in other areas. Sebastian does give a sense of discretion and competency, but perhaps that's the attire.]

You say it doesn't matter much here, but I feel like those skills would translate just as well. Have you considered going back to your profession?

[cutlery]

Tyki it is, then.

[ He at least has no problem with matching the requested formality! He does consider adding a teasing apology for making him feel old as well, but thinks better of it, if only because they’re strangers. First impressions matter and all that. To the question, he gives a little nod. ]

Oh, absolutely. It is more that the contract portion of things does not matter more than my skill, or so I assume. I admittedly did not have much conflict with my choice of which side to pick.

[ He gestures lightly to the manor, then pulls his hand back with a slight shrug. ]

Lady Yima has picked up my contract, more or less. If my professional skills are needed, then I am of course happy to provide.

[joyd]

[Sebastian has made a good first impression on him, no worry there. While he speaks, Tyki is now making use of the bar, pouring himself a glass of whiskey on the rocks. It's almost natural to gravitate that way despite the fact he feels no real compulsion anymore to drink it. Something to occupy his hands as he goes through these well-learned steps, as he's done again and again at social gatherings.]

I could say the same. It seems more feasible to start over than to go back and recover what was already destroyed, but all that besides, Yima might be able to give me something I want.

[He'll have to speak with her first, though.]

How well do you know the lady? What's your impression?

[cutlery]

[ Hearing that Tyki wants something almost makes Sebastian’s smile grow a little bit. With that, he’s’ almost certain he’s talking to a future ally because in truth… Part of his opinion of Yima is that she’s perhaps similar to him, though it’s not one he tends to share. He just understands deals, especially when it’s someone offering you precisely what you want. ]

Ah, I cannot say I know her well. She is mysterious, that much I can say with deep certainty.

[ There’s a little laugh in his voice as he says it, so it’s clearly not a bad thing. He hums out a thoughtful note as he considers how to describe her, but comes to his conclusion quickly. ]

She is shrewd and determined, but not without kindness. She will give warmth if you wish it but will not impose it.

[ His smile turns a bit more wry, and he nods towards Tyki as he catches his gaze for this last point. ]

And if you want something, I imagine she will give it. That is how it worked for me, at least.

[joyd]

[Given all he's heard about Yima, it's only made Tyki more determined to meet her for himself soon. Hopefully soon it will happen. All of this discussion of her mysteriousness and power is enough to compel him; and there's no way to know for himself how to feel toward Zenith, as a permanent commitment, until then.

Sebastian's gaze meets his own, cool and level.]

Well, your confidence in her is encouraging. Now I'm even more curious.

[He raises his glass, giving a gentle cheers, ice jingling.]

Thanks for the information, I ought to go mingle some more with the other new faces. I'll see you around, it seems.

[With a genial smile, Tyki turns to leave, easing back into the luncheon crowd.]