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

[copeless]

[ ]

To... to sharpen your blade?

[ bro... this was not what they were expecting him to say... It's so out of left field that the regular level of shock at him casually dropping he's planning on slaughtering people almost flies over their head in favor of their disbelief. For a moment, they think it might be a poorly timed joke— but no, he's really serious, isn't he? Their stomach starts feeling heavier with dread.... ]

Um... I'm not planning on doing that, exactly, no...

[ They stammer, not wanting to lump themself in with this guy, but at the same time, they don't want to say anything that might set him off, since he's apparently gung-ho about killing. They don't want to be killed? What if they accidentally irritate him and he takes a swing at them? Their mind starts running down the rabbit hole of all the bad things that might come to pass if they get a bad grade at this social interaction, and their hands begin to knit against one another nervously. ]

B-But, you're right, I don't feel calm, because I can't... since I was brought here, I can't do what I normally might be able to do... maybe you also felt it...? Even if it doesn't bother you as much...

[ Their eyes flick around, first to him, then to the ground, then back to him, then off somewhere else at the party, accidentally coming off weirdly suspicious. They don't want to clearly insinuate their level of strength, just in case this guy really is as battle crazy as he's coming off. But they don't want to lie, either - they can't be calm like he is, ever since they realized their typical abilities were strangely absent, since being brought here. ]

[hurricaneofblood]

[ Uh.

Flamebringer rests his hand over his face; his palm firmly over his eyes as he remembers that he has been thinking this kid is, well, a kid. But he spoke honestly about his bloodlust. It might be because the children that were around him tended to not mind his occasional edgy outbursts of slaughter and death.

It really made him complacent. ]

No, I feel that... [ His hand has not left his face. ] It just means -- well, let's not into what it means. [ Because he'll just wind back into talking about killing. He breathes out a long, drawn out sigh. ] Anyway, who cares if you can't do what you normally can?

You have power, sure, but you also have yourself. So... if you want to cause a scene, cause a scene. Throw shit about and rage against the unfairness that you're in. [ And he finally lets his hand drop from his face, as he thinks he's saying something good. So, like, when he said he's rational before!! ] I'll cover for you so have whatever tantrum you want.

[copeless]

I... I think... I think I'll be fine....

[ Not the world's most convincing answer, especially because their hands have come up to their face to wipe at some cold sweat that's beginning to bead across the map of their (quickly paling) skin. Ultimately, they shake their head at his offer. They can understand what he's saying - that they're free to show their distress over the situation. It is normal to feel at least a sense of disorientation at being so abruptly displaced— in fact, when they'd first woken up in that strange tree, they'd done exactly what he's giving them the freedom to do now, by losing all control of themself and having a screaming, nervous breakdown. But now... even with lingering upset churning within them, they can't think of anything they want to do less than to draw more attention to themself. ]

I didn't have much to go back to, anyway... [ They'd betrayed the only people who had ever shown them kindness, and for what? Maybe things are better this way. Maybe if they believe that, it'll curb any encroaching sense of despair from being saddled with such a monumental loss as the only survivor. ] But thank you?

[ Is that what they should say? Ugh, they don't know, and they can tell they're sorely overthinking things. Is it weird to say thank you to someone offering to let you go ballistic? Now they're worried they're not only coming off pathetic, but also awkward. Maybe if they try to change the subject... ]

I also heard that that "Yima" person can offer something to us. S-So, not everything is...

[ Completely gone. Even if it's just one person... if they could just save the one person they care about most, then they could probably endure all this. They're curious if he has any interest in it - enough so to lift their head enough to try to gauge his expression. ]

[hurricaneofblood]

[ Flamebringer accepts the answer that they don't have anything to go back to without any pity or need to give sympathy. If there's nothing there, then they can create something for themselves here. His eyes roll as he thinks that while that's obvious to him, and may very well be what the kid's saying as well, he decides to say it aloud: ]

Then that means you'll have much to build for yourself here.

[ He then gives a small shrug at first before realizing that they're not looking at him. ] You're fine, and you're welcome.

[ Ah.

Normally, at this time, he would bring up the fact that he's intended to follow Meridian. Because of that, it means that the two of them may be enemies and he will look forward to slaughtering them on the future battlefield. You know, normal things that you say to people!!! To show that you think they're cool enough to kill!! A compliment!!

He looks to the side when they look up as he does have enough sense to know that a kid that seems this worried about upsetting him definitely will not see the compliment in him saying that he looks forward to when they eventually will come to kill each other.

Ah... ]

That so. [ Crouching down, he decides to talk a little more face to face. ] Well, then, what are you thinking of asking for yourself? Ah, yourself? What's your name? [ Yeah, let's just gloss over that topic!! Don't worry about his reaction! ]

[copeless]

[ They (mercifully) keep their pessimistic thoughts regarding what they can build here trapped in the confines of their own mind. Thinking about the factions makes them uneasy - they don't immediately see a place for themself among either of them, so what could they really build here? Maybe it's that lack of a vision that has them surrendering more to Zenith, not because they really want to believe in it, but because... at least then, they'd have a goal. When he crouches down, they meet his eyes warily. ]

...Crona. [ It takes them a second for them to answer, but they eventually do, giving him their name with a small nod of their head. ] I'm a sword meister.

[ That title had always been nailed on whenever they'd had to introduce themself previously— it just comes out before they overthink it too much. After realizing what they've said, they're torn between wanting to come off as non-threatening as possible so long as they're still robbed of their unnatural strength, and wanting to not seem entirely pathetic to this person. Will it be okay, to reveal it? It's not like they have anything to fight with at present, anyway, so it is what it is, whatever his reaction will be.

But as soon as that thought crosses their mind, inwardly, they feel a bit more pressure to regain their strength any way they can. Collecting innocent souls again if they have to, if it's the only path to do so. Darkly, they wonder if they're being hypocritical, in their nervousness in dealing with him: they'd be doing the same thing he's planning on, even if it's without the same motive behind it.

Best to just not think about it. ]

The truth is, there's someone who should have been saved, instead of me. If I could help her, then... [ They trail off. That would make aligning themself with Zenith worth it, they think. ] Do you mind? If I ask if you have something like that? And for your name...

[hurricaneofblood]

[ A sword meister.

His eyes shine a little. It's not a title that he recognizes, but he can always find appreciation in those that have taken up the sword. Let him rephrase, even if it is only in his head. He appreciates those that can take up the sword and not be arrogant about it until they have the skills to back up their bark.

He hums a little bit as he listens to the rest of their explanation. It's something that he can understand. There is also someone that he feels that should have been saved instead of him, but he knows that person would rather he restore the world than save their life. If he did something selfish, they may never be capable of forgiving him.

But Crona is young. Whatever mistakes they make, they'll be forgiven. So he accepts that selfishness with a smile. ]

I don't mind it. [ Ah, and if he has something, too? ] Yes, I do. But mine is a bit different than yours. I have to accept the selfishness of someone else's wish. If I didn't... I'd get scolded to Hell and back. [ Heh. ] And, I'm Flamebringer.

[ And he holds his hand out. ] Nice to meet you, Crona.

[copeless]

[ They've changed, recently — they don't even immediately jolt or inch away when he offers his hand to them, though they do think about it, just on instinct. It's still a foreign surprise each time someone willingly gets close to them, even for as simple of a thing as a handshake. Perplexed by the man's open willingness to be friendly, they take an awkward amount of time to return the gesture, not really grabbing on to his hand so much as just placing their own on top of his for a brief second — because, well, turns out they still don't totally know how an interaction like this is supposed to go. But they remember doing something similar with Maka, once... ]

Flamebringer, then...

[ True to their word, the skin of their palm and fingers is thoroughly calloused, the evidence of years of handling a sword. And after a few beats, Crona retracts their (clammy) hand, letting it return to its place on their own shoulder, gripping the fabric there gently. ]

I haven't met many other shard-bearers, so I still don't know how it's supposed to be, with the two sides... [ Are people on opposite sides sworn enemies? Are people on the same side allies?? They wonder how they're supposed to treat this man. He did say his aims are different from theirs, but at the same time, he believes the world is really gone. Whether this person is supposed to be friend or foe, they're not sure, but they can tell right now which they'd rather it be, based on his demeanor alone. ] But— n...nice to meet you.

[ Repeating the phrase back feels a little stiff, but they feel it's probably the polite thing to do. ]

[hurricaneofblood]

[ He reached to shake their hand without thinking. As an Infected, he should have known better but he did it all the same. Still, the awkward manner in which Crona shakes his hand back -- it seems like they're also not used to someone reaching out. ]

Well, the two of us don't have to be enemies, at least. [ Flamebringer decides to cut to the chase and say it out in the open. ] If we come to be enemies, I will always let you walk away from the battlefield. [ If it is within his power, anyway. But he decides not to add that little credence to his comment. ]

So, with that out of the way, we can just be friends. [ The word sounds awkward in his mouth. It's one that he is not too familiar with -- "friends." But for a young swordmaster in a new world, he can offer that much to them. Especially since he's noted how much they've trained their body. ]

[copeless]

[ Their eyes widen, hearing that word — friends — genuinely seeming blindsided by it. With the brazen way the man had admitted he planned on killing others, they'd thought he'd probably just try to kill them, too, if they ever became enemies. It'd be the necessary thing to do, in a war of the scale everyone around them seems to be implying there is. So why...? ]

How... can you say that to me? [ A faint disbelief colors their tone, but against their will, their face flushes a bit at the suggestion - they're really not used to being offered friendship so readily. It's not that they're opposed, but they can hardly believe it. Their apparent shyness following his proposal grows with each passing moment, it seems, and their voice is quiet when they continue, murmuring bashfully: ] You've barely met me...

[ They could betray him. They might try to kill him in turn. So why? Surely, there can't be anything about them that would inspire such mercy or kindness - frankly, they feel they probably earn the opposite in their actions, at least based on track record. ]

[hurricaneofblood]

[ Flamebringer clicks his tongue. ]

Isn't it correct to say that much to someone younger than you?

[ Well, it certainly is showing a lot of courtesy that he normally wouldn't. Sarkaz that are as old as Crona looks can already be dangerous opponents. Perhaps he is looking too far down on them? Could that be the issue? Has he hurt their pride?

His lips press together as he tilts his head to the side, trying to understand the response. ]

Honestly, I don't understand if I've offended or upset you. [ In his mind, there is a difference. Upset is more like scaring Crona like they've seen scared of him. Was that, perhaps, an act? But then why admit to it? ] Could you explain why you're unhappy with this treatment?

[copeless]

[ A bolt of panic runs through them at those words - their shoulders tense, hands raising up as if in surrender. With a shake of their hand and a widening of their eyes, they find themself stumbling over themself to try to put their feelings into words. ]

I-It's not that...! I'm not offended or upset.... [ Have they offended him in the process? They're beginning to understand the meaning of all of the Bearers coming from different worlds, each time another misunderstanding comes up between them. ] I was just surprised... that you would say something so kind. To someone you don't know.

[ Once again, their nerves get the better of them, and they fail to continue looking at him, retreating back to their comfortable state of staring hard at the tips of their shoes. ]

I haven't done anything to deserve it.... so I didn't know how to respond. I'm sorry.

[ The apology comes out like a reflex, already feeling like they're at fault for not just accepting what he'd said for what it was. ]

[hurricaneofblood]

Well...

[ He makes a face; it acknowledges that he's doing something unreasonable. But he soon is shrugging his shoulders, dismissing how unreasonable he is being. ]

It just means that you'll have to do the same. If we meet, you'll have to also let me go.

[ Flamebringer can't help but click his tongue at the suggestion. Closing his eyes, he lifts his hand to wave the idea away. His pride and honor wouldn't allow him to accept that "kindness" from Crona. ]

No, better yet, if you're able to take your shot to kill me, you should take it. [ And he smiles. ] Then we'll be even with each other.

[ "I won't kill you, but you should try to kill me. This is fair." ]