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

[glowup]

[Oh, yes, that's absolutely personal, isn't it. Anders elects not to press - what even would he need that information for - but he'll remember that. Cowards in the Meridian and "use or be used" in Zenith; both objectively terrible choices, but then, when has a choice ever been pleasant and easy when it comes to anything he's ever done? Hm.

He hums and shrugs one shoulder, barely cracking a tight smile. His plays are all very bad, historically, but as for canvassing,]

Free thinkers. Maybe a familiar face or two, but it would depend on the face.

[Hah. Boy, would it. He looks away again thoughtfully, because his play right this second is likely just to survive - an old fallback - and so he can't quite be bothered caring about the whole fate of the world(s) debate as much as the immediacy of these... sides. Both of them kind of shit at first impressions, if he's being honest.]

What do you think happens if the Meridian proves useless, and she proves herself a tyrant? Just a wild thought.

[zauneyete]

You never met the Regent.

[ He said, idly. Yima, Silco held no accolades for, no fondness. Just like everyone else, she was there to be used, because Silco trusted nobody (here) and would hardly be considered trustworthy himself. He would follow Yima's direction, because their goals aligned, but the moment they did not? Well. That was going to happen, of course. It's not like he would look out for Yima above himself. ]

When she proves herself a tyrant -- [ When, not if, selected purposefully ] -- Then she will be Dealt with. I can assure you, most of us here are not here out of loyalty to the person, but instead the goal.

[ Which he doesn't explain, but that's for someone else to go over. Silco doesn't play tour guide or informant willingly, much more interested in holding the information for payment, rather than an open exchange. You know, just Undercity things. ]

[glowup]

Well, now I don't want to, if they call themselves that.

[Just The Regent (tm), that's how it sounds... ick. That's a hard pass from Anders, whose problems with Authority multiply a thousandfold when faced with assholes who just go by A Title.

The goal - which he assumes to be this going forward and saying goodbye to their homes, or whatever - still doesn't sell him, but he's not entirely put off by the, ah... dedication to dismantling tyranny? That's usually a good position to take.]

Almost none of this has been reassuring, [womp womp] but that's good to know. Besides whoever you were thinking of when you scoffed at comfortable ignorance, earlier, of course.

cw for mentions of child labor & police brutality, eyyy

[zauneyete]

[ There's a flick of disgust across his face, borne from years of working ones own fingers to the bone, of growing up in the mines and the fissures, of stealing and looting, borne from working to be smarter and more adept than anyone else, if just to get out from under the thumb of Piltover's dominance. They had done everything they can, up and to rising up against the enforcers, to being beaten down or killed by them. Silco could lay his eye at Vander's feet for the toxins, but the injury that had opened his eye to the poison in the River Pilt had not been delivered by him, but by them. ]

The residents of a city called Piltover, of what they are over was myself and my city. Thankfully, they're gone, with the rest of my world, thankfully rotting in oblivion. If you're looking for reassurance, though, perhaps you should find someone who... hm, looks reassuring, hm? [ Look at him. Scarred, old, a streak of white through his hair that matched the ripple of scar covered by makeup, that eye... ]

I'm not here to make you feel better, or "join up". I'm here to make the rest of existence pay for what it's exacted. [ From him. ] From us.

[ Nice save. ] You'll have to find your own reason for existing here.

[glowup]

[Oh, he's getting personal again, huh. Anders raises an eyebrow out of purely morbid curiosity, wondering just how dreadful a city must be for someone to be thankful they're, ah, "rotting in oblivion." Kirkwall is a terrible shithole but there are still people in the place Anders would not see doomed to nothingness, so...

He shrugs, because honestly, he's been here for the free food and to stir shit from the start, and having interesting conversations has only been a bonus.]

Lucky for both of us that I don't need to be reassured of anything, then. Are you going to hit me if I say you don't look nearly as bad as some men I've seen?

[He says it like a joke but it is true, although he holds his hands up before that sounds, like, weird, because it is a weird thing to say, Anders. By way of explanation,]

I mean, I'm a healer. [And now cleverly boomeranging away from the topic of scarring and strange eyes, cough,] Usually, I can solve the problem of existing with a few drinks, if I must.

[zauneyete]

[ An eyeroll met the statement of drinks. He held a hand to his chest, a touch of that veneer back in place, now that they aren't talking about a place that Silco would allow his home (that he really would give anything for -- except you know) to remain in oblivion, rather than bring back. ]

As the former proprietor of a bar, it would be unconscionable if I didn't warn you away from finding your purpose in the bottom of a glass. Even if you have seen people who look worse than me.

[ Of that, he somewhat didn't believe, but well. He thinks he's had it the worse of Anybody Ever, so you know. Truly, he's suffered, etc etc. ]

Mind, if you do choose to find your purpose at the bottom of a glass, I would be interested to see how that would...impact your future here.

[glowup]

[Suddenly, the urge to knock Silco's drink out of his hand again rises...]

Hold on, you're turning me into the town drunk. That's not what I said.

[Can a man not make jokes in this economy, Maker preserve him. He feels only somewhat insulted by the implication, but mostly in the way that lets him make an affronted face and wave his hands in mediocre self-defense. Oh, no, the former proprietor of a bar is judging him, truly the grandest authority he's ever come across...

Still, he can commit at least partially to the bit.]

I doubt I'll be back here for a while— far too fancy for me, I swear every three steps I feel like I'm about to knock into someone's handbag that cost more than my life— but I'll keep you updated. If I can remember from under all those glasses.

[zauneyete]

[ Silco's lips quirk into the faintest ghost of a smile, brief though it was. If Anders happened to blink, he'd miss it, it's so quick. There's something about someone who takes things too seriously that makes someone who was raised on the streets of a cutthroat city like Zaun want to needle them. He resisted the urge to continue and instead shrugged, and added, with a snort: ]

Yes, and we can't have their fine purses being ruined, can we? It's not like they can't afford more.

[ For all his finery, he certainly didn't seem to care about other peoples' money, but wasn't that often the way of things for the rich? ]

But by all means, don't let me stop you.