MARCH TDM + SETTING UPDATES

[beleos]

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.

TWO CITIES, ALIKE IN DIGNITY

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.

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 typical 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.

However, those who have attended the forum in the past or simply have a sharp eye may notice: food doesn’t flow as freely in a feast-like setting as before. It’s more subdued in presentation and portion because as you may hear, the Blight (see below) is an affliction that’s been affecting the food stores of Springstar and Highstorm both. The Meri are nervous about this and blame it on the Zenites since they had won the Oracle on the Scorching Isles (January's event) and with it, punished the Meridian, even if unintentionally. As such, those who are notable Zenites or who wear their allegiance openly may not be treated as kindly. The military also seems to be more present at the forum. These two things are related, as it turns out, because only a few days after the new Shard-Bearers arrive, an invasion will begin.

HIGHSTORM, луны-близнецы

Eternally in opposition, Highstorm provides the Manor's courtyard as the setting for their informational meeting. Formality is of utmost importance here, 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.

The mood of Highstorm is subdued as always, but still seems to be pleasant and joyous thanks to claiming the Oracle in the Scorching Isles. The Blight may be affecting the city and causing plants and the like to die, but there’s admittedly not much of it to be seen with Highstorm’s harsh winters. Maybe they’re not hit as badly as Springstar, or maybe they just haven’t noticed yet. Only time will tell. But regardless, notable Meri or those that wear their allegiance more openly will be treated politely, but perhaps with a little condescension. Highstorm is one step closer to winning than Springstar, after all.

para bellum (the occupation of alenroux)

A few days after new Shard-Bearers arrive, the word spreads quickly as the campaign begins: Meridian is invading Alenroux.

To those who have Harmonized with Meridian, they’ll be contacted by Cyrus through Communion 48 hours before the invasion begins. As he explains, Springstar is a city that depends on Alenroux far more than Highstorm (because of its much larger population), and with Alenroux currently under Zenite control, it’s imperative that they make sure that Zenith isn’t able to cut off access and cause a famine for Springstar. Zenith won’t be denied access to Alenroux or its bounty either, he makes that clear. This is just a matter of being proactive in their defense to protect their people. For the Meridian, their goals in supporting this effort are clear:

• Create secure outposts. Well-built, defensible outposts are needed, so anyone who can assist with building efforts, and quickly are appreciated.
• Defend the outposts and the Meri soldiers at large. Alenroux is still dangerous because of the monsters, and soldiers will be staying overnight. Fighting off monsters is something that will also eventually make Alenroux inhabitable.
• Prevent Zenith interference. Highstorm surely won’t be happy about this, so make sure that the soldiers and the outposts are protected from Zenites just as much as from the monsters that roam the lands.

And indeed, the invasion and occupation does come as a surprise to Highstorm. While they had noted the increased training of Springstar’s military, it was assumed to be in preparation for the intensified tensions of losing the first Oracle, not something as bold as an open act of war like this.

It takes some time for Yima to learn more about the events herself, but Zenith will also be contacted through Communion. With the air of a disappointed mother, she’ll explain that Meridian’s choice is regrettable since she thought they would be better than this. Yima explains that there’s no need to turn Alenroux into an open warzone and cut off both cities from their breadbasket. Instead, she lays out the following direction to gently break Meridian’s spirit first before turning to open hostilities:

• Collect information. Where are the outposts, how many soldiers are assigned to them, and what are their general movements. Scouting and spying will be valuable. Learning more about the Meri Shard-Bearers’ capabilities while they’re fighting creatures rather than Zenites is also useful.
• Create dissent. The people that work and visit Alenroux regularly have mixed feelings about the occupation unless they’re Meridian loyalists. Making the campaign unpopular with the people can push Meridian back without needing to raise a finger.
• Sabotage. But don’t get caught doing it, at least for now. Whether breaking defenses or leading more powerful monsters to the encampments, it’s best to break morale before needing to fight back openly.

If you’re unharmonized when all of this begins, then you’ll be finding out about it with the general populace. However, it’s a good opportunity to learn what a faction is about in a more hands-on way. Though you may not be privy to their private, factional discussions, both sides will still welcome the help of those still yet to decide.

SETTING UPDATES

In both locations, information passes between all in a forum, spread and disseminated among the masses - it's a good opportunity for city residents, faction loyalists and interested new parties to share and share alike. Once the meet-and-greet has concluded, twin missives from both faction leads are read out -- invitations for all present to explore the cities to their heart's content, and warnings about stumbling ill-prepared ( or at all ) into the Below, or worse yet, the Beyond. As Shard-Bearers new and old take in their cities, they'll all see it change throughout the month...

OOC, these are all updates to the setting at large that players both new and old are free to interact with as little or as much as they wish! Feel free to use them as prompts on this post, in your characters on-going lives and arcs, or just let them go "that's none of my business" and ignore it. The world of Kenos is shaped by our playerbase, and these are some of the wider reaching effects of various player plots and actions.

THE BLIGHT

During the events of the Scorching Isles, Shard-Bearers encountered an affliction upon the island and unintentionally brought it back to Highstorm and Springstar with them. Known simply as “the Blight,” this condition steals time from the things it infects. It most frequently infects inanimate objects and will cause them to rot or degrade rapidly (such as a piece of metal rusting within hours) but is able to infect living things as well. Most notably, the Blight is infecting plants and animals in the two cities. Plants both decorative and necessary will wither and die, and small animals grow sick and die seemingly of old age. This has been seen in small amounts throughout the past month OOC but is greatly increased in frequency in March and beyond.

FURTHER DETAILS

• Within the NPC populace, there’s a low-grade fear of the Blight intensifying and being able to infect larger animals/the people. There’s no evidence of this yet, but Shard-Bearers that were on the Scorching Isles will know this is possible.
• Some characters will be aware that the rare, blue flowers that grow in the barren portions of World’s End (February’s event location) seem to reduce the effects of the detrimental effects of the Oracle and the Blight. Because of some drops of characters that knew this information, you can assume that characters are able to learn this information if they’re interested enough to dig into it.
• Dr. Julia Melnik of Springstar is openly researching cures for the Blight and will recruit anyone interested to be research assistants to test formulations of cures on afflicted plants/creatures. You can handwave these interactions and use them for prompt(s), if you’d like!
• Finally, if curing the Blight is something your character would specifically be interested in, please note it in your Character Survey so that the Loremasters will be able to help you pursue this organically.

THE OCCUPATION OF ALENROUX

As mentioned above, Meridian has launched a surprise invasion and occupation of Alenroux. Because Meridian was able to successfully keep their efforts a secret throughout the months (!) they’ve been planning this, Zenith will not be able to repel their advances… Immediately, at least. After roughly a week OOC from this log’s posting, the Meridian outposts in Alenroux will be stable and will change the island in the following ways:

FURTHER DETAILS

• Outposts have been established in well-chosen, defensible locations throughout the island of Alenroux. They’re clustered more heavily closer to the Cornerstone and are non-existent in the more dangerous Northern portion of the island where little farming is done anyways.
• Meridian soldiers will be always staying in the camps and outposts. For now, they’re a more supervisory force that are protecting the farmlands of Alenroux. During the day cycle, the military will respond with hostility to anyone that threatens the farms. If your character would antagonize or outright fight Meridian military, please contact a Loremaster, since this will have repercussions! Otherwise, the soldiers will assist workers and visitors to Alenroux in a professional manner.
• During the night cycle, the military will defend their outposts from monsters and make occasional offensive excursions to reduce the threat of monsters. The secondary goal of the Meridian military is also to make Alenroux a place that people can live, though this is a longer term effort.
• Meridian Shard-Bearers will be strongly encouraged to assist with the effort. “Assist” is purposefully defined broadly so that characters can help in whatever way suits them. Scouting, building, monster killing, or just morale improving are all valid ways that will gain favor with their faction and may lead to further opportunity. For now, abstaining will not have consequences, but may in the future.
• Zenith Shard-Bearers will be treated with suspicion in Alenroux and are not allowed to approach any of the Meridian outposts, or at least not without triggering a fight. The military will not outright attack Zenites (unless provoked) and essentially encouraged to move along. However, they may wish to gather information about the outposts and Meridian forces to attempt to push back against the occupation.
• Unharmonized Shard-Bearers are not treated with hostility, but similar to Zeniths will not be allowed to enter any of the encampments.
• If your character has an interest in continuing or stopping the occupation, please note it in your Character Survey so that Loremasters will be able to help you pursue this organically.

If Zenith would like to repel these advances, this is a response that will be purely in player hands (but will be assisted by Zenite NPCs, of course!). If they want to reclaim Alenroux, they can, or they can simply let Meridian continue. It’s up to you! This is something that Zenite players should discuss both IC and OOC, and if this plot develops further, Loremasters will help facilitate the ongoing conflict as a part of our changing game environment.

SMALLER CHANGES

HIGHSTORM: GREENWOOD YARDS

Considering the affliction that threatens the well-being of flora and small fauna alike, the greenhouses are far more discerning with those who are permitted inside its gates, afraid of the contagion affecting the precious, invaluable greenery of long-dead worlds. After the occupation of Alenroux, Meridian will be outright turned away, and while Zenith possesses no formal military or police, the greenskeepers appear to be prepared to defend their property with physical force should it come to that. Unharmonized are still allowed inside. The rest of the Yard beyond the greenhouses are still open to all factions.

And though it may seem an odd place for such a gathering, the indoor bathhouse at the far end of the Yards appears to be gaining popularity for mysterious reasons; if asked, none of the locals will explain the abrupt uptick in visitation. But should you investigate yourself, the reason why becomes apparent through experience: the tea served by the attendants here has changed properties. Should you be a Zenite, you will be served a cup that decreases your body's natural need for food and drink for 24 hours - an effort to test a concoction to relieve the need to deplete resources and lessen the city's reliance on Alenroux. Should you be a Meridian, the tea you're served will increase your appetite a considerable degree even if you normally do not require sustenance, and you will find yourself unfulfilled even if you are unwise and eat yourself to the point of illness; this lasts for 24 hours. The Unharmonized will find the tea might make them vaguely woozy, and either cause mild increase or decrease in appetite.

KOWLOON: DRAUMAHOL (cw: drugs)

Those that frequent Kowloon may have heard about the sudden disappearance of the former owner and operator of the drug den Draumahol, though it was only really noted because of the business being closed for a few days. Practically unheard of, since the desperate of Highstorm and Springstar come to Draumahol for their various fixes that are a little more taboo on the surface. But, never fear. After a brief closure, Draumahol reopens.

While it may not be obvious early in the month, it'll be increasingly so that Draumahol is under new management. Those that frequent the business enough will be able to figure out that the new owner is Silco (or, if you personally know him, it's fairly obvious). If you would like to plot anything regarding Draumahol, we encourage reaching out to Silco's player, Jill!

SPRINGSTAR: THE CHURCH

After the loss of the first Oracle, the Church of Heliopolis has been busy tending to its flock as the numbers coming to seek comfort swell. The gatherings aren't formal "services" so much as they're chances for people to come together and inspire each other with their homes and dreams of home. One formal process that does stick out though is that with each "service" one member will tap into the world shown in their sunbeam and open their minds to Communion. Anyone that wishes to can also experience this member's home, see their friends, loved ones, and the sights. It's a intimate bonding activity, but seems to be very cathartic for those that partake.

Additionally, those that come by the Church frequently enough to be known faces at the "services" may also be approached by priests and priestesses and invited to join in smaller ceremonies. Always taking place during Springstar's dawn or dusk, these ceremonies have a markedly different vibe and are lead by Hieropoios Natalia herself. Attending these ceremonies is an exclusive honor that will reduce attendees' Discord and has a subtly addictive quality that will encourage them to return. Hm!

OOC NOTES

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

As a note primarily for current players, closed toplevels/prompts are not allowed in this log. If you would like to interact with the setting changes in a way that isn't open to all characters (new and old), we ask that you instead make a log in kenoslogs.

As a general reminder, any new characters that choose Zenith will receive a bonus 2 AC token reward, which is a purely OOC incentive. Our factions are a bit imbalanced at the moment, so we'd appreciate more Zenites!

FOR NEW PLAYERS:

When characters emerge from their cocoon/the ground, they may be wearing their normal clothes or nude. Up to you!

At some point in the days after leaving the Tree of Life, new Shard-Bearers will have a dream, even if they're usually not capable of sleeping. All new players should read this post since this details how they'll learn about both factions and their goals and should help them make a decision about which Faction they'd be drawn to.

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 freed from their rather harrowing ordeal at the Tree of Life. For prompt ideas and any general information about the cities and what you can find there, please see the Navigation page and check out the locations!

New characters will not have access to any canon abilities on the TDM until they Harmonize, AKA make a choice of which faction they choose to support. For some characters, this may be an easy decision, but it make take others time. We just ask you keep this in mind!

CODING

Comments

quetzalcoatl (rider) ; fate grand order ; meridian stargazer

[muchalucha]

I. BEARING FRUIT (NEW)

[ As you’re crawling your way out of the ground, a hand suddenly, strongly grabs onto your wrist to help pull you the rest of the way out. The dirt may be soft and hard to find grips in, but luckily the person that made it out a little bit before you is able to handle helping you out. As the dirt clears from your face and you look upon your savior, they are—!!

…A very tall, very ripped, and very naked woman. Congrats?

She’s still covered in dirt herself but doesn’t seem to mind it. Far from it since she instead looks deeply relieved that you’ve made it out. ]

Ahhh, good! You’re alive! It’s one thing to be crawling out of the dirt, but seeing the hands sticking out, ay— What a rude summoning!

II. BEARING FRUIT (OLD)

[ Once several people have started to make their way out of the roots of the Tree, other Shard-Bearers start to show up to help out the newly arrived ones. So, as soon as someone that’s not covered in dirt appears, Quetzalcoatl absolutely shamelessly heads their way with an enthusiastic wave. ]

¡Hola! It doesn’t look like you were just underground, so! [ She laughs cheerfully as she gestures to her. Totally naked self. Help, ] Do you have some extra clothes? Or just some cloth? I’ll even just take the shirt off your back! Getting summoned isn’t that strange, but usually it’s the other person that’s naked.

[ welcome to the fun game of “what the fuck are you talking about Quetzalcoatl” ]

III. SPRINGSTAR ; COLISEUM

[ A forum to exchange ideas? When there’s a coliseum in the city? Well. You can guess where the newest fight-happy god immediately ended up. She’s absolutely forgoing the forum completely in favor of a day of her particular flavor of fun!

While Quetzalcoatl is raring and ready to get in the ring herself, there’s a certain level of respect that she gives to the fights taking place. Also, it’s good to get a sense of how seriously she’ll be able to take it when she does decide to participate! Humans were great! …But also really easy to break. So! It’s best to scope out the people that can take her punches and fight them instead!

However, she’s also quick to fully get into the fervor of the matches. She’d started out watching politely and curiously but seeing that the fighters were actually quite good and varied in their skill level, she’d made her way down to some of the lower, rowdier seats. Maybe you’ve just gotten here and are trying to make it to a less rowdy spot, or maybe you’re just as inclined to be in the rowdy section yourself. Either way, the tall, blonde woman is enthusiastically shouting down to the fighters with nothing short of glee on her face. She’s having fun! ]

¡Fuera, fuera! Come on, break the rudo’s back!

[ Maybe a little too much fun?! No, it’s fine, she’s probably not literal. But as the “face” does an especially showy move, she cheers, then looks to you with delight. ]

Wow, they’re so good…!! Ah, I was worried Meridian wouldn’t have any fun warriors, but I’m so happy to be wrong! Can anyone fight? I want to go next!

IV. HIGHSTORM ; PARTY CRASHER

[ Quetzalcoatl does not do subterfuge. The very idea is laughable, to be honest, but especially so in Highstorm. Where Highstorm was a dark, rather dour city, Quetzalcoatl is tall, imposing, and above all, colorful! If there’s someone that looks very obviously to be an out of place Meri, it’s her.

However.

It doesn’t stop her from coming to partake of free food. Her appetite is near bottomless without a Master to supplement her Mana, and she is curious about this other side that she’ll apparently be fighting against. Everything about them reminds her of her brother and rival, so it prompts a spirit of competition, but also a certain softness. It would be one thing to be trading blows with Tezcatlipoca, but these were people, after all. So, she’s curious.

There’s a (comically full) plate of food in her hands, but when she sees an opportunity to start a conversation, she’ll do so without any hesitation. ]

So, are you Zenith? Or considering it?

V. ALENROUX

[ For a goddess of the Morning-star (and who had been the sun for a time, but), there was no choice with which faction to pick, really. Meridian may be a strange name for it, but when Quetzalcoatl had held her sunbeam in her hands, she had felt it with certainty: the warmth of the sun, the warmth of her own divinity. Her duty as a goddess was to the sun and to be sure its light always touched her people, that Coyolxauhqui, the moon, would never win her war against Huitzilopochtli, the sun.

So, an invasion doesn’t bother her. She accepts the logic easily and without question. You have to fight to protect your people. It’s obvious! So, the newest god that’s pledged themselves to Meridian’s cause is enthusiastic in her help. ]

A – DAYTIME

[ Quetzalcoatl is a little disappointed that things aren’t quite as contentious once she actually gets to Alenroux since she may have been looking for a bit of a fight, so she’s taking it a bit easy for now. She’s strong, absurdly so, but not so great at building… In fact, she’s more likely to fuck it up, terribly. She knows herself, so she’ll take a more casual, protective role as one of the larger outposts is built. It doesn’t quite seem like it though since the outpost on top of a hill overlooks a field of hay about ready for harvest. She’s looking over the scenery with a warm, thoughtful smile and seems to be enjoying the view and its peace. Probably ironic, considering what’s being built so close by, but. That’s easy for a god to brush away.

Though, as she realizes someone is nearby, her little reverie is broken, and she laughs bashfully as she gives a little wave. ]

You caught me zoning out! Ah…

[ She laughs, then as she lowers her hand to her side, it’s to then produce a bottle of what is probably liquor but there is also no label on it, so. Hm! ]

Well, come join me! I got this little gift and shouldn’t drink it all by myself! We’ll celebrate their harvest soon!

B – NIGHTTIME

[ With the night comes creatures that need slaying, and Quetzalcoatl is all to happy to oblige. Whether you’re needing assistance or doing fine on your own, she’ll butt in all the same. Armed with her macuahuitl and chimalli, Quetzalcoatl appears with nothing short of a delighted laugh and catches the creature in the neck with her sword. Its tough enough to not immediately fall at her heavy blow, so she holds up the shield defensively as she pushes back harder. But, while she does, she gives a glance to you. ]

Sorry, sorry, I was almost late!

WILDCARD

[ The usual of “you have another idea, hit me”. Additionally, beyond the super obvious ones, you can rollover the Spanish words for a translation! Quetz peppers Spanish into her speech very liberally, so. Similarly, if you’d rather me forgo the Spanish, just let me know and I’ll indicate things she says in Spanish like this. ]

V - A

[wolof]

Celebrating early, are we?

[ Akua herself had been spending Very little time idle since the invasion began. How could she not, given that this was exactly the sort of thing that she was invested in. She had just moved away from a few builders, after giving them a few ideas about the fortifications -- dig deep, she'd advised -- before her head tipped to the unfamiliar woman who was... day drinking.

Ah, some things never changed, and someone day drinking was not as offensive a thing as most would find. In fact, with a look toward the builders, and deciding that her advice was done, Akua moved to join her. ]

I didn't mean to catch you unaware. What do you have?

[ She eyed the bottle curiously. It wasn't labeled, so of course her first thought was that it was poison.

That's because Akua is a Very Normal Person. ]

[muchalucha]

Mm, I don’t know about celebrating! Just enjoying a little time to rest.

[ She laughs cheerfully and grins as she gestures for Akua to come join her on the log she’s taken as her seat. Eventually, this will become a part of a rampart or something like that, but for now, it’s a perfect little spot to sit. At least, so far as Quetzalcoatl is concerned. ]

And farmers’ hard work, sí? I helped someone move a heavy cart, so he gave me this as a thank you! It’s funny, it tastes a bit like sotol, but it doesn’t look like that would grow around here at all! It’s so…

[ She laughs thoughtfully as she hands over the bottle for Akua to inspect and/or take a swig of. ]

It’s cute, right? It’s such cute farmland!

[wolof]

It's certainly cuter than the farmland I'm used to.

[ She said, with a soft laugh, since her farmland was... well. A lot different. She did take the bottle, and offered it a sniff, and a shake, before she decided to take a long drink of it. It was...not unlike some spirits they had in Praes, from the sorts of hardy plants that they grew there, but not quite. Then again, most things in Kenos were just shy of something familiar. It made sense, didn't it? Being an amalgamation of many lands, and they were all tempered by the melting pot that was each of their individual experiences. ]

Grateful farmer, too. Very kind of them. Do you have much experience with farmers, or is this... all new?

IV. Highstorm ❖ Party Crasher

[sharethememory]

[ What a veritable maelstrom of color that glides effortless around the Highstorm gathering. Zhongli has always been drawn to those full of life and boundless energy and Quetz is no exception. He watches with a raised eyebrow and gaining interest as she piles more and more food upon her plate until it's a miracle that gravity does not send at least portions of it toppling to the stone path below.

Ah, she must live a very active lifestyle to require that much food.

However, while musing upon this, Zhongli blinks and then Quezt is right there in front of him, question already sent like an arrow in mid-flight between them. He blinks again, mulling over how to answer before pretends to look aghast at the question. Unfortunately, his face might just a liiiiittle too stoic to make it appear like actual teasing. ]

I might be. I may be. What happens next if either statement turns out to be true?

[muchalucha]

Then I’ll ask you a bunch of questions!

[ Her response is immediate and cheerful as she laughs, though there is a pause as she takes the time to take a bite from her plate. It also comes with a happy little noise and a quiet “deliciosa”, but her attention stays focused and friendly. ]

It was a very easy choice for me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to learn more about it. “Meridian”, “Zenith”, they’re strange words for things, but they’re just the sun and the moon, yes? [ well, no, it’s more complicated than that, but this is how she chooses to simplify it in her brain… ] So I want to know what gets people to pick the moon over the sun!

[sharethememory]

Then I shall do my best to provide you with answers.

[ If Zhongli wasn't always a stickler for posture, this is when he would visibly relax. Alas. Though there is a small twitch of her smile as she eats. The food here is quite good, and he's pleased to see her enjoying it. ]

I suppose for myself it is not a question of the sun versus the moon, though I'm curious to understand why you view it as such.

[ The moon where he's from is unfortunately the remnants of a tragic tale and a dead god. ]

I suppose the choice for me was do you think it is possible to chase the past without sacrificing the future? That answer was what ultimately led me to my decision.

[ Which is probably an ironic question to ask a Servant, but here they are. ]

III

[kinaesthesia]

[Oh, now this is what Gavial’s talking about. When she heard there was a place in town all about reveling in the thrill of a fight, she knew she had to drop everything and check it out. Forget the headache of figuring out this strange new world for now—that could be dealt with later, after a little bit of fun.

And damn, the place sure doesn’t disappoint. Gavial’s right at home amongst the rowdier crowds, cheering on every move and counterplay, laughing and hollering with the rest of the audience from one match to the next. It almost feels a bit like being back at home, cheering on sparring matches with the rest of the Tiacuah. She’s already naturally inclined to yearn for a good, friendly fight, but that little twinge of homesickness sure drives up that desire further.

So when she hears someone beside her in the crowd clamoring for a turn in the arena, Gavial immediately turns to get a look, an excited glint dancing in her eyes. The woman at her side has been loving every minute of the fights, and now that she’s getting a good look at her, she can already tell with that build of hers that she’s a strong one.

Hell yes.]

Hey, if you’re itching for a fight, I’m game!

[She’s grinning up at the taller woman now, unabashedly just as eager to get down in there and have a good time.]

We can’t let them have all the fun, right?

[muchalucha]

[ Ah, be still her heart…!! Quetzalcoatl looks nothing short of delighted as her fellow fan is just as quick to be excited to jump into the right as she is. Her already sunny expression lights up further. ]

Ahhh, mucho, mucho! [ She even gives a happy little clap of her hands like they’ve just agreed to something much cuter than probably bone breaking… ] I would love to fight if you do too! It’d be so nice, almost like stretching my legs after a long nap!

[ Since that’s… kind of what waiting to be summoned is like… Or how she thinks of it, at least! ]

Do we just go down to the ring? Or just hop over the barrier?! That would make the fight even more exciting to have surprise challengers!

[kinaesthesia]

[Oh, now this is definitely a woman after her own heart. There’s nothing more rejuvenating than a good ol’ tussle, and she’s so glad to have found a kindred spirit who understands exactly that.

Gavial sure doesn’t know the rules in a place like this, but the thought of just dropping in to join in the fun of the fight in progress feels so much like being right back home in Acahualla that she doesn’t even want to question it. Grinning widely, she gives an enthusiastic fist pump at the thought of it.]

Well, I say if folks are here looking for a good show, then we should make it an exciting one!

[Yep, totally flawless logic.]

C’mon, let’s get in there!

COLLIDES WITH PROMPT III but wildcardy

[redsoil]

[ Despite the slow intensification of his Discord over the month, Set remains stable enough to attend to his own "work". The Coliseum pays him for his presence, to strut and preen and issue derisive challenges to the face-type heroes that inhabit the battlefield as well. Despite the theatrics of his particular role, the fights are real. Blood scatters across the ground when the old veteran backhands him with her broken hand, managing to rake the fullness of her blow from his ear to his nose, leaving him wobbling on his toes for the longest time. His nose bleeds, a gout of blood that paints his mouth crimson and runs down the length of his chin and throat, thinning the further down it tumbles.

( She has been trying to take revenge upon him since the day he arrived, the story goes. An excited fan cheers with Quetzalcoatl at every meaty blow, excitedly explaining her reasons for rooting for the heel-type and how the story is one she always favors: a retired veteran, rising from the ashes to take vengeance upon the new, villainous arrival for the way he had humiliated and crippled her favorite disciple. Whether there was really a disciple or not doesn't matter, for Set had laid waste to many a body months back.

Some people had been severely injured, but that was what it was like in the Coliseum. Sanctioned bloodsport, in the end. )

— while the veteran fighter advances on Set, he runs his fingers through the blood on his chin, smearing it down along the line of his jaw and throat like warpaint. Where it has touched the Coliseum's sand-slick floor, there is a brief spark and something grows in loops and dripping intensity. Extreme heat turns the sand glassy, and a spark of lightning forces it into little clumps of fused debris. In between the showmanship, Set loses his temper. Explosive, he lunges for the larger woman and sinks claws into her bad knee, hooking his arm into the crook of her inner thigh to lift her up, over his head in a swift display of strength —

to the tune of the woman in the crowd screaming to snap her back,

and he considers it,

before wielding her like a club against the Coliseum floor itself, bouncing her back and shoulders and head against the ground below once. Lifting her, for a second battering that finally lays her out cold, bleeding from her own nose — and perhaps not in the healthiest way, as the announcer calls for a win to Set, the Coliseum's own god of violent revelry! and summons medical to scrape the old veteran off the floor. It leaves the redhead to turn towards the new voice, the loud one with violence beautifully writ into her tone, and take one step, two. Leaping from the Coliseum ground into the stands, to alight before her with a twisted expression.

Like he can't believe what his nose is smelling. The distant scent of divinity. ]

— don't give anyone else the time. Pick me.

[ Fight HIM. ]

1/2

[muchalucha]

[ It’s a delight to watch the fight, and Quetzalcoatl is impressed by both combatants’ skill as she watches and cheers them both on, essentially. While only just learning the stories of the matches, it’s harder to pick a favorite! The tenacity of the veteran and how she gets in her solid strikes despite her injuries is impressive, but…

She’s already Harmonized (something that was near immediate as soon as she felt the warmth of a sunbeam in her hands), so she feels it. There’s a little tickle in her senses that keeps her eyes on the (pretty!) red-headed man. Like how Set smells it in the air, she can simply feel divinity from him. Only a little, though! He’s certainly not one of her family members, so he has to be divine creature from a distant land. And indeed, when his victory is announced with his name, her delight only increases. How fun! She knows enough about his pantheon thanks to the Throne, so she’ll have to go say hi when he’s all done, she decided. But as his match finishes, he takes it into his own hands.

There’s a little clamor from the crowd as people scramble away from Set (whether out of fear or just not wanting to get blood on them), but Quetzalcoatl stands there firmly, unmoved. Though her reaction is… Probably not what Set is expecting. ]

Oh…!! Wow, wow, you picked me right out!

[ She laughs with easy warmth like she’s bashful, even bringing a hand to her face delicately like a true blushing maiden. ]

[muchalucha]

[ She lowers her hand quickly, though, still laughing. The cute reaction quickly gets a little bit of an edge to it, though it’s not outright vicious. Just a little bit more serious since, well…! If she’s right, she might get to have a good fight. One where she doesn’t have to worry so much about things like breaking backs and crushed heads and having to revive people after they’re not so good at staying alive! ]

Well, when you ask so nicely, I have to, right?

[ She makes a happy, affirmative little noise as she quickly spins to give him a kick that’ll send him back into the arena. Or even if it doesn’t hit, it’ll force him back, which is more the point! She leaps after him regardless with an intensity that Set is probably only used to seeing in himself. Even other creatures he’s met here in Kenos wonder who aren’t so immediately and enthusiastically intense as this. And, also, you know, ignoring the rules set out in the coliseum as the announcer quickly stumbles to try and figure out how to deal with this. ]

Let’s have fun, colibrito!!

V.b

[warmare]

[When Hayame had sent the injured scout back to the outpost with a snarl for them to send back-up, she hadn't known whether it would be a new shard-bearer or Springstar troops. Ideally, she would have defeated the monster on her own, but...

Unfortunately, this one has a bony carapace around it's body that is proving rather difficult to penetrate.

Her swift legs have kept her from being caught in the things claws as she dodges about behind stone and tree to take her shots, wearing it down, but suddenly... someone else is there. Someone loud, and laughing?, and even though that detail is bizarre there's no time to be annoyed by it. Instead, she gallops past to take advantage of its targetting of the new woman on the scene (vaguely recalling her from the earlier days of the occupation), firing off an arrow mid-stride that lodges in the thing's brow-bone.

Tch, so godsdamn close--]

Aim for the eyes or under the throat!

[Where where are gaps in the bone-like overlap of the thing's natural armor.]

[muchalucha]

¡Gracias! I’ll be your pareja!

[ There’s little further direction needed than that! With a grin that widens into something excited because this is a woman that enjoys a battle more than it being some practical, she yells out a general affirmative noise before spinning to deliver a kick to the creature’s chest. It’s immediately clear from the sound of the impact that she’s strong but it also sends the creature stumbling a few steps back with a cry. It’s just to give Quetzalcoatl a little distance to work, though.

Her (surely oddly shaped, to Hayame’s eyes) sword is held up low as she bears the shield forward, but she rushes closer and swings up in a practiced, elegant arc. It also makes the mechanics of the odd sword clearer. Blunt as it looks, it’s the shards of rock that form the blade, and they’re razor sharp. Her strength and their sharpness pushes through the thick, bony carapace, and she pushes up with a grunt to hold the creature up in place and use its weight to drive it down further onto her blade as she holds it up from its forelegs. It gives Hayame a much steadier target to shoot at in turn, even if the wound Quetzalcoatl has just created would be a more difficult shot. ]

II

[fishfearme]

[Even though Byleth acknowledged that the chances were slim, he still went to the Tree of Life to see if any of the new arrivals were Jeralt - not that he got a chance to hunt for him, since he was almost immediately accosted by a naked buff woman. She all but demanded attention in both volume and presence.]

Oh, yes, you must be cold like that.

[That's what you focus on Byleth? He was entirely unbothered by the sight before him, his gaze only dipping low briefly to check that, yep, she didn't have a stitch of clothing on her. Not even socks...]

...here. [He unlatched his cloak from around his shoulders, shrugged his arms out of its sleeves, and held it out.] You may borrow this until you find clothes of your own. Please return it afterwards.

[muchalucha]

[ She laughs pleasantly as she takes the cloak since what a nice young man! She puts it around her shoulders with a slightly showy flourish, but… That’s definitely just her personal showmanship showing and something she just rarely turns off. Once she’s able to manifest her clothes, she’ll definitely have a cape as part of the fit, after all. ]

Of course, of course! I hopefully won’t need it too long, but ay, this is really some kind of summoning! Does everyone show up this way?

[ Before even giving the chance for an answer, she has another question though. She looks at Byleth curiously, but her smile is no less sunny. ]

Oh, wait, are you a Servant? Or a master, maybe? I assume that's what this is, at least!

III

[hauntedking]

[ Dimitri is mostly at the coliseum for his own education on how people are training, but he can't deny there's something exuberant in watching a pair of people give it their all. So he can't really fault the woman for getting into it. Although she definitely draws a lot of attention to herself and not the fight. He starts as she looks at him and then laughs. ]

...I think they'll accept entrants, yes. But I haven't tried myself. As for warriors... well. There are quite a few of us.

[ He's not shy to say. ]

I'm one myself, although I'm just watching today.

[muchalucha]

[ Quetzalcoatl makes a delighted, happy noise as Dimitri confirms that they do indeed accept entrants. Even better when he confirms that he’s a warrior himself! ]

Ah, you are?! Wonderful, wonderful! Have you ever participated before? Is it fun? Oh, oh, and what kind of weapons do you like to fight with?

[ Her enthusiasm is… a lot. However, it’s totally, 100% earnest in its sunny warmth. Even if the topic is, uh, bloodsport, she seems to have a deep appreciation for fighting indeed! ]

II

[goldendeceiver]

[ ¡Hola! Ernesto's ears are perking up at that one, and if it weren't for the fact that the dirt encrusted woman in front of him weren't so-- well, in need of coverage at the moment, he might actually ask more about that greeting which has a strange ring of familiarity that has become also foreign over the past year (or more, given that time as he understood it seems so different now).

Those perked ears are also fast to pin back at her question. He'd come to help out new arrivals when he'd heard whispers from people that a hand might be needed, having stumbled out of the tree with Miss Akua and not a soul in sight to explain things at first, but he didn't exactly have the income for extra supplies.

What he can do is shrug off the light jacket he's wearing, and offer it to the naked lady who seems to be taking all of this in stride. ]

Aha, sorry, did I hear that right? You're used to this kind of thing?

[muchalucha]

¡Gracias! Though, hm—

[ Quetzalcoatl takes the jacket gratefully, but she does look it over for a moment because it is definitely... too small for her. She is a large woman and there is simply not enough fabric to cover both halves, so. There's a choice to be made here. With an affirmative little nod and a quiet apology, she starts to tie the jacket at her hips to at least make it into a skirt, of sorts. ]

Oh, well! Used to it, I don't know about that... It's always a little strange! But most of the time when someone summons me, it's a naked priest so it's totally different. Or maybe a cute little Master, but...! I assume that's not you, is it? —Ah, there really is dirt everywhere...

[ Which, she pulls some of her hair over her shoulders to (slightly) cover the tits but mostly to start brushing dirt out... ]

Vb i was so tempted to go with the naked prompt but i restrained myself

[comelately]

[ he doesn't need assistance (or at least he wouldn't say he needs assistance), but her close save is most certainly appreciated. Johnny's on horseback, naturally, doing his best to hunt down any critters out in the woods that need slaying. The problem is that he's more of a ranged fighter, and horses aren't suited well to this kind of terrain. When his shot didn't kill the beast - some sort of hippo-like bull-lizard with much thicker armor than he'd anticipated - he'd been forced to hope Slow Dancer would be able to outpace it, even through the trees.

No need to worry about that anymore. The crazy barbarian-looking woman who just jumped in with no armor and medieval weaponry, though - he's a little worried about her instead. ]

Th -- thanks?! [ bewildered; his horse shakes her head, slowing to an anxious trot in a half-circle as Johnny tries to get a bead on some more vulnerable part of the beast. ] Be careful - its hide is tough as nails!

[muchalucha]

Ah, then thank you again for the tip!

[ With a cheerful little laugh like she’s enjoying herself (disclaimer: she is), Quetzalcoatl springs after the creature completely without fear. It bears down to try and headbutt her away, but she nimbly and strongly leaps up to land forcefully on its head. It’s clear that just the force of that isn’t insignificant with how it cries out, but she takes a few quick, running steps down its back before pivoting to try and plant her sword into its neck. ]

I’ll be the distraction, you hit it from back there, sí? Let's just punch a hole right through the hide!

5A!

[gravings]

[ Helping with the construction of the outposts has been nice for Gray. Given clear, straightforward tasks, it's easy for her to make herself useful; she pours her not inconsiderable magical energy into helping with the heavy lifting, slicing down trees and lugging timber for some time before taking a break to recoup her energy.

That's how she finds herself wandering the outpost in search of a nice spot to lounge around at. In the process she begins to sense a presence — one that isn't wholly unfamiliar, as it's been in the outpost for some time just as Gray has been, but which she's been too timid to approach until now. More importantly, the presence is overflowing with magical energy. After Faker, Mordred, and Ashiya Douman, Gray is beginning to become very familiar with this sort of presence... but this one might be more pure than all of them, elevated in perhaps the same sense as Set. It might be better for Gray to steer clear, but even she's prone to curiosity. As scary as Servants can be, they're a link to the world she knew, the world her mentor lived in.

To her surprise, what she finds is a beautiful woman with a thoughtful smile as warm as sunshine directed over the farmlands. Gray ends up staring from a distance for longer than intended, and she's mortified to realize it as she's caught in the act. An apology is loaded on her lips when the woman (Servant?) quickly laughs it off and offers an invitation. Gray's eyes instantly lock onto the unlabeled bottle. ]

Ah... no thank you. I don't drink.

[ Not even 17 and already sober for the rest of her life... Still, she slowly makes her way closer to the woman like a woodland creature coming out of the bushes for a treat, her wariness present but retreating in small pieces. ]

The farmers gave that to you?

[muchalucha]

Not at all? No fun, no fun!!

[ But clearly, she doesn’t mind that much since her laugh is warm and clear even if she’s teasing a little. With just as much open warmth, she beckons Gray closer, then gestures to the seat next to Quetzalcoatl on the log she’s taken up as her perch for now. It really is a lovely, scenic view, and it makes sense that someone would be sitting and enjoying it.

…Just, you know. Slightly suspicious from a Servant because they’re usually insane. But, ]

But sí, they did! [ She laughs a bit more as she shrugs ] They got a little ambitious with the load in their cart and the horses couldn’t quite manage to pull it… Luckily, that’s no problem for me! This was just a little gift of their thanks.

[ She shakes the bottle as if to demonstrate, then with a more mischievous little laugh, takes a healthy swig of it. ]

Mm, and farmers make the best stuff too! Well, not that it matters so much for you if you don’t drink, but think of it as a fair warning from a big sister! It’s strong stuff!