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Let's do the Test Drive Again
I. BEARING FRUIT (NEW CHARACTERS ONLY)
It starts out as a pleasant dream. Youโre in your favorite place, with your favorite people. Itโs 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, theyโre not stars. Youโre certain. Theyโre 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 youโre with, but theyโre frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.
So you run, even though you know you wonโt 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. Thereโs agony as if youโre being ripped apart, and thenโ
You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a womanโs voice speaks gently.
Iโm sorry it couldnโt be saved. But, come, itโs 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, itโs odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, itโs warm. Familiar. Important. You donโt 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 youโre 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 donโt 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 youโre born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.
And once youโve 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.
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, theyโre not stars. Youโre certain. Theyโre 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 youโre with, but theyโre frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.
So you run, even though you know you wonโt 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. Thereโs agony as if youโre being ripped apart, and thenโ
You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a womanโs voice speaks gently.
Iโm sorry it couldnโt be saved. But, come, itโs 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, itโs odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, itโs warm. Familiar. Important. You donโt 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 youโre 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 donโt 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 youโre born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.
And once youโve 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.
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 interventionโฆ
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 interventionโฆ
- 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!
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 oneโs wealth - whether that comes in the form of knowledge, monetary gains, or the exchange of gifts and oneโs 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.
( 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, ฮฑฮนฯฮฝฮนฮฟฯ ฮฎฮปฮนฮฟฯ
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.
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, ะปัะฝั-ะฑะปะธะทะฝะตัั
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.
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.
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 Psychagogรญa 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
no subject
Eh, pretty tall? Just over 185 centimeters I think. I'm not too sure exactly.
[Considering the perfect health the Noah keeps him in, doctor visits are a thing of the past. He does know he's a little shorter than his older brother, so he estimates based on that.]
I'll wait for you out here. Hard to miss me, given the ruins of my suit.
no subject
Ok.
[ Lottie decides to effectively wing it, and just assume this is a man of average height and above average fashion distress. She's out in view some minutes later, looking only slightly frazzled for the detour she's decided to take on.
Her hair is a vibrant green, and her clothing today is comprised moody browns and blacks โ her heels match, a nice cherry on top to the high waisted number she has on. At least her turtleneck is weather appropriate, looks snug in comparison to the gaudy (huge) faux fur coat she has in her arms. She does recognize him, approaches him after openly flinching at the familiar suit. ]
Um, hi.. Are you the [ Fuck. What's his name?? ] suit dude?
no subject
A short and succinct agreement. Tyki waits in the courtyard, feeling quite out of place in his disheveled attire, though hopefully not for much longer.
The first he notices is the shock of green hair, brow lifting โ he's never quite seen anything like it โ but given the aesthetic tastes of some of his family, it's not too startling. She's dressed well, besides that. It seems he's found the right person to help him regain his image of a proper gentleman. Tyki, for his part, gives a short nod.]
That would be me. A little too obvious, eh? [Now he's eyeing the coat, wondering if it was brought for him.] The name's Tyki Mikk. What should I call you?
no subject
Lottie! Call me Lottie.
[ The coat is brought for him โ really, one of the longest ones she has in her collection. It's the first thing she grabbed when she thought of someone needing to hide an outfit (she usually utilizes this for strategic party reveals but, same thing, right?). She brings it up, holds it up against his body to see how much of him it'd cover. There's a contemplative hum she lets out, brows twisting up. ]
This might look kinda goofy? [ But everything looks great on good looking people? So it'd probably work for him?? ] Sorry, this was the only thing I could find that'd cover you up. Did you wanna give it a try, Tyki?
no subject
[Very vivid, very voluminous, very L'Oreal. His hands extend out, palms up, ready to accept the coat. Although vanity needles him, it's easy to smother; given his current outfit, there's really not much that would make it worse. Not even an oversized faux-fur coat. Truthfully, seeing how the Earl likes to dress, maybe he can pretend it's a costume.
We're coping.]
Should be fine, give it here. [And once surrendered, Tyki will slide it over the ruined suit โ all most significant tears and dirt-smudges concealed in an overwhelming amount of fluff. He gives a lopsided smile.] I'm just fortunate you happened to be on your way out, I think. Better than getting strange looks. So, where to?
no subject
(Definitely a little silly, though, she'll admit.. In a cute way!!) ]
Well, who would I be if I ignored a cry for help? [ Rude, is what she implies. ] Think of it as the universe doing us both a solid.
[ Plus, like he said, she was already on her way out โ she gets to help someone out to make herself feel good and buy clothing! Win, win!! After he gets settled into his new outfit, she gives a tilt of her head at the gates framing the entrance. Starts with a few steps towards it before going into a full walk (the click of her heels setting a nice rhythm), wanting him to follow along with her. ]
There's a lot of good higher end boutiques close to here. Easiest way to get their stuff seen by us, and they're pretty nice with their sales.
no subject
That's kind of you.
[Put into a good mood, Tyki heads after her, briefly raking dark hair off his face; he must have lost his hair tie somewhere on his way out of the ground. Though her words bring him pause โ he's followed her out the gate and down the street before flashing a self-aware, sheepish smile.]
... You know, the problem is I don't have any money right now. I was told once I settled in with either Meridian and Zenith I would get a small allowance, but I haven't had the chance just yet. [This is a dilemma.] I wouldn't want you to pay for it. Hmm, how watchful is the local police around here?
[Is he thinking about stealing clothes? Yes, he is.]
no subject
..Uh, I don't know? [ A pause. ] I never really paid attention before?
[ Yet she still answers.. Even if she doesn't want to commit a crime!! ]
I mean, I guess you could, the coat is.. [ Big enough, she wants to say, but then she catches herself. ] How would you even do it??
no subject
Often with these things it's a matter of confidence. [Something the girl at his side doesn't appear to be emanating, but that's all right, he can work with it.] Most people aren't eager to start conflict with someone else unless they're sure something's wrong. So if you act like everything's peachy โ because it is, [emphasis here, with the flash of a smile,] then who are they to question you?
[Tyki takes the lead at the next corner, once they reach the street populated with a variety of boutiques and cafes, awnings lit by that moody eternal twilight. He feels right at home here.]
Was there anything you wanted to get for yourself while we're here?
no subject
Some tops.. Maybe a coat, or two? Just wanted something warmer for the weather..
[ She is still reeling from the fact that she's just met this man but already, here they are, walking around like everything is fine when he wants to steal. And the worst thing is.. She kind of wants to see what'll happen?! After all, the more they walk together, the less antsy she's starting to feel (turns out, that smile insisting everything is peachy works on more than just shop keeps!). Her heart still thrums every so often, eyes darting to try and find the store she's looking for as she follows him. ]
What are you looking for? Another suit?
no subject
Probably, just to replace this one. I can be more picky later with my wardrobe. [Gold eyes glance Lottie over, appraising her sense of style. His smile is broad and handsome.] You'd look much better in this coat than me, I think. More fashionable.
[He stops on the street, eyeing a small boutique with clothes in the windows featuring waistcoats and trsouers, very Victorian era gentleman vibe.]
How about over here? You don't need to go in if you're worried, I won't take long if you'd rather wait outside.
no subject
Well..
[ Brown eyes, in turn, take a proper gander at the window display. Then they ease their way over to Tyki โ moving up, down. He really is down bad, and it'd be criminal if she left him by himself. He's a fresh arrival after all, right? Right! This definitely has nothing to do with the fact he said she was stylish!!
Lottie nods to herself before putting her hands confidently on her hips, ]
You'll need help trying stuff on, right?