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Entry tags:
MARCH TDM + SETTING UPDATES
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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: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.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.
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
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kenoslogs.
no subject
...diluc has never seen this man in his entire life.
(the smell of cigars, though, sparks a memory of his own father. the whiskey, too. but wowee is that where the similarities stop.)
he nods in greeting and takes a sip from his juice. he knows how this works, though he'd never go as far as what kaeya does to get information.
and he doesn't even know the half of it - all he knows is that kaeya flirts and plies his marks with alcohol.form a rapport, then give and take whatever intel they have. even if he has NO idea what this man wants from him, which is a problem of its own. especially with such a friendly but deadly tone. what the hell is this guy's beef...]Yes, I arrived not too long ago. I'm afraid there's been a lot to take in, though. [he turns his body toward the stranger, open to conversation but still wary of what unknown baggage he may have.] Especially concerning the factions.
no subject
It's quite a bit, yes. If you're lucky, you'll find familiar faces to guide you toward the right choice.
[ Like Kaeya, he thinks, but Diluc had already been slotted into a different position. He suspected, based on nothing more than a moment of shared trauma with Kaeya -- a moment of forced memories of brotherly betrayal -- that Diluc would not choose Zenith, because...well. Just like he and Kaeya were discarded, there were the men that discarded them, and they were similar in kind. (They may actually not be, but Silco is not always a fully rational man in how he categorizes people.)
What is accurate, is that he sees Diluc as a threat. To what? Nothing, don't worry about it. ]
If not, well. You still get the opportunity to make a choice. Not many people are presented with that sort of option. You could consider yourself fortunate.
no subject
and this guy seems to be insinuating something with his pointed words and equally pointed stare. is he perhaps already acquainted with kaeya? it wouldn't surprise him with how kaeya likes to know everyone and their intentions in his own method of staying safe and vigilant.
he hums in thought, taking another sip.]
Are we not all fortunate in that regard? Or have some people been stripped of making their choice.
no subject
[ He says it as a matter of fact, and without little emotion, although it's constructed in the way he does it, clearly this isn't a subject most people would be emotionless about, and there's a quick dart of his eyes, the way he dipped his gaze slightly, that perhaps conveys a touch of that restraint. Silco was, after all, a man of extreme restraint.
That he was approaching Diluc, in general, meant that either he saw him as a Very distinct threat, or something else.
But really, it's that he's a threat. ]
Really, until you awoke, you were in the same boat. Subject to the will of those that were already here. I'd consider myself lucky if I were you.
[ Very lucky, he thinks but does not say, thinking of Kaeya, and a night when he'd dipped him into icy water, to help him move past what had transpired between him and this man. ]
no subject
maybe it's just the intense gaze from that unblinking eye that seems to shake him.
he takes a careful, measured sip of his grape juice, evaluating the man before him with seemingly deadpan and emotionless eyes.]
You insist that I should consider myself fortunate, and I have to wonder if there's more to that statement than what you're saying. [he sets the glass down with an audible click of glass against wood.]
Get to the point. Why did you approach me? Or is this a hobby of yours?
no subject
[ He replied, smoothly. He would not just give up the secret, what had transpired between he and Kaeya so easily. Silco was a man of secrets and hard won trust -- or rather "trust" as the man didn't really know the definition of the word or believed in it -- but he would not use Kaeya's name so readily.
This was, as one would say, a "fishing" expedition. Testing the waters, really. ]
I noticed you when I walked in, and decided that since I saw you at the gathering, I should approach, and see which way you lean. [ A shrug. ]
If you find intention with that, I'm all ears.
[ He intentionally blinked (only one eye) for good measure. ]
no subject
he crosses his arms over his chest.]
A recruiter, then. [the opposite of what diluc wants. but maybe he can still glean interesting information. not that he's gotten any so far.]
They should hire someone else, because you've yet to give your pitch.
no subject
[ He says, as if that justifies it. Is Silco actually a recruiter? Hell no. But, driving Diluc toward Meridian would count as good of a win as getting him to Zenith, since... in his mind, it would be better for Kaeya if the man was elsewhere, and not within Zenith's ranks.
He spread his hands. ]
I also don't just come in with a pitch out of nowhere, personally. I don't know about you, but starting off with a pitch and little conversation often seems to put people off as well. [ A sarcastic little scoff. ] I suppose there is no winning, is there?
Very well, let me ask you then -- your world is gone, and you now reside here.
What do you plan to do, with the ashes of your world?
no subject
There is little more important to me than my country.
[which more or less answers silco's question, if indirectly as hell.]
But I refuse to join another corrupt organization that cares only for itself and reputation. [now it's diluc's turn to stare pointedly. you get his drift? he wants the lowdown, the dirty secrets. the stuff only people in the shadows would know.]
no subject
[ He asked, his tone dismissive, almost derisive. Silco, obviously, thought the worst of most organizations, and anything that wasn't his. Though he did...
He did understand Diluc's focus on his country. Silco, too, loved his city, Zaun, more than
almostanything. He would givealmostanything to ensure her freedom and safety. Silco, of course, has not been asked for the one sacrifice that would be unconscionable yet, and therefore, has not had to make the one choice that would amend that thought.Instead, he has the destruction of his world itself, and the proposition: recreate those he hated, those he wanted to rend and tear, just to see his city whole, or fight for them to come out the other end, in a new world, that would allow them the freedom to perhaps, for once in their lives, be wild and free in a way they'd never been allowed before.
That being thought, he does pick up what Diluc is putting down, and his scarred lips quirked into an over-confident, and fake smile. ]
Oh? Did you want me to spill the secrets of my faction? I'm more harmonized than most, but part of choosing one over the other is: do you agree with their coreeverything that your world was? Including all of the flaws, strife, and suffering?
Or do you wish to tear it all down, and make something with the remains? At the core, these principles, are the same. They are what you must choose.
no subject
still, he wants to know exactly what those corruptions are. money laundering? abducting children? blackmailing? bribing? there are all kinds, and some rank higher than others in terms of shittiness and things diluc won't stand for. and how high up does the corruption go? little lackeys he can easily take out? or is it at the very top, too hard to reach for diluc to reach easily.
unfortunately, normally, it's at the very top where it starts.
he twitches at the thought of "making something of the remains." how disrespectful to those who were not fortunate enough to have this second chance.]
I suppose if that's what it comes down to, then the rest doesn't matter. [he'll just extract the corruption with his own hands.] You're right, after all. No organization is without its flaws. The only question is what to do with it.
[he's still not gonna tell silco what faction he's going with, but it's likely easy to guess.]
Thank you, kind sir.
no subject
[ He said, with a hand to his heart, as if that were the truth. Really, to Silco, it was, but he would not be of this man's people. He'd already put together, just based on viewing a single memory, what Diluc would be choosing. He knew, and it's like with another person in his life -- he knew his own once brother turned betrayer would choose Meridian -- and he knew Diluc would too. Well, thought he knew, but Silco was a man bound to his own impressions of people.
Few had surprised him. ]
Depending on who you choose, though, you will be cementing both allies and enemies. It's quite the choice to make, so young in the world. [ A beat. ] Well, I chose Zenith on the first day, but others are not quite so... determined to achieve only one goal, I suppose.
Some take longer, but they make the decision all the same, and few have changed, once it happens.
[ That sounded. Pointed. ]
no subject
yeah, only one faction aligns with diluc's goals so it is a no-brainer on that front. unfortunately, he is unknowingly playing right into silco's assumptions of him, but diluc's never been a contrarian in that regard. he'll just have to prove that he isn't a betrayer - and he'll prove that to kaeya and only kaeya.]
Hmph. [this man assumes diluc's gonna be licking meridian's ass. no way no how... the faction will be diluc's pawn, not the other way around.]
Of course, one should not waver in their beliefs, no matter who is on the other side. Still, too much focus on unrelated things can warp those beliefs. [such as the tribalism between zenith and meridian. he sees too much of it already, and it leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. it's like when people get too passionate about teams in sports... diluc should know, seeing people play windtrace on his winery grounds every year.]
no subject
[ He asked, that single eye narrowed as he appraised him, watched him. Had he put it together? Not likely, given that Silco hadn't said who he was, or even what he knew. He doubted Kaeya had spoken to Diluc about him, certainly. Since the event on the way to Kowloon, the... The conversation they'd had, they hadn't really spoken.
It's hard to, when Kaeya finds out just where Silco's priorities lie, and how much he desperately placed one person above all else. And to be set aside like that, over someone he didn't know...well.
Maybe Silco had used inexact words, he thought, to drive a wedge so thoroughly between he and the boy, but he would not do so again. It had been desperation, that had drove him to keep his daughter close, and... she'd left anyway.
His lips quirked, into a smile. It isn't pleasant. ]
I think you doubt the fervency of those who believe in Zenith and Meridian. "Unrelated things" are difficult to come by, as most roads lead right back to the war between the two.
Unless, of course, you have some things in particular that you can think of.
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guess they're just two kaeya-harmers having a standoff in a seedy bar.]
Perhaps I do. I am quite new, after all. But I believe there is little to be gained in the "us versus them" mentality. This place may prove me wrong, but I highly doubt that.
[not to mention that too much loyalty to the faction may lead to losing sight of the actual goal of that faction. but he doesn't voice this, as he gets that feeling silco may be one of those people.]
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I've never lived in anywhere that did not operate on such a mentality. It is a given. Here, wherever you're from, and even my world. There are always enemies.
Just be sure you know where they are, and who they are. Personally, I like to get a good sense of mine early, before things go too awry.
[ And with that! Silco stood, to move away from the bar. ]
I'll be interested to see how... magnanimous you remain, as things escalate.
[ He doesn't think he will, of course, but Silco thinks the worst of everyone. ]
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it's the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object, the way diluc steadily meets silco's gaze.
he wonders if this man is the very enemy he's talking about.]
You seem certain an escalation is going to happen.
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Meridian just invaded parts of Alenroux, boy. Of course it is.
[ Yima had a soft side that she presented, but Silco knew the truth. She had asked them, that first day, when he'd emerged from his coffin shaking, wet, and still naked -- he'd charged right to her, and made his way to ask her the questions that he'd needed answering, but more than that --
She'd given him a challenge. Make her monsters, she'd asked. Oh, of all the people to ask that of, because Silco knew them so well, and while Yima had a soft face, and kind actions to most, he could recognize a beast under the skin, just like he had. She wouldn't let this stand, not without retaliation. If the Zenites didn't do it themselves. ]
One side already took that step. Do you think that it won't continue? That each side will start cutting away at the other, bit by bit, by bit? They have already made the first move, it's only a matter of when now, not if.
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he can't say he understands the occupation or the reasoning behind it yet. as of now, he agrees that its purpose is seemingly only to provoke. but then again, he's been here only a scant few days. and his lack of knowledge is precisely why he's here in the first place.
still, he presses just enough to draw out answers, careful not to hit any landmines that might land him in a situation he doesn't want to be in.]
They're not obstructing access in any way, so the Meridians have said. Is that not the case? Is their mere presence such an offense to you and yours?
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[ His tone was sharp, like the snap of a wire going taut. Oh yes, he'd heard that excuse plenty of times. Oh technically, the Zuanites were allowed free welcome to Piltover, but show up looking like they did, and one was practically kicked off the streets, mocked, or told to go beg down in the Undercity. The sharpness to his eyes, the bite in tone... It's pretty clear Diluc may have said precisely the wrong thing.
The attempt to not hit landmines is, unfortunately... not successful. ]
We are welcome to go, but if we try to claim our own land, what do you think would happen? If we tried to havest what they have claimed, have they not posted guards? Are not your fellow shard-bearers involved?
A claim like this is toothless. Nice words to cover the rot that they spread.
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luckily, he's been taking silco's barbed words like a champ, as much as he wants to punch the guy.
even more luckily, they are at least cut from the same dramatic cloth, even if they express it in different ways.]
You are correct- such a claim is at best idealistic. At worst manipulation to deter any opposition. [you won't catch diluc defending the decision, as much as he will benefit from it eventually.]
Still. I'd like to believe they will keep their promises. [or at least they better lest they face his blade in the shadows.]
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Keep their promises.
[ He repeated it like it was an odd little joke, something to be mocked, something that wasn't even all that funny, for all the irony that it held. He wanted nothing more than to throw that in his face, as much a barb as the words were insult to him. ]
And what will you do, when you find that they do not?
[ He asked, a note of mockery still there, threaded through his words. ] Will you reject them, or continue to support them, regardless of their lies? Complacent.
[ He just expected it, honestly. He, however, was less focused on lies, and more focused on what he was going to do to them all. ]
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buuuuut he's not about to tell this man that once again. he's just way too sussy... be less sussy silco.]
Perhaps fixing the issue would be the best solution. [by prying out the rot. even if that rot includes cyrus.] In this hypothetical situation.
Must the options be black or white?
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He sneered, his lip curled, a full picture of scarred face, misshapen teeth, and an unblinking eye that regarded him cooly, darkly. He blinked with his single eye, and shook his head. ]
Did you know, that those in Meridian have instigated every major, unprovoked act of violence upon us? Discounting the Scorching Isles, they have murdered us in the street, threatened us during what should have been spirited but friendly debate, and now they take parts of Alenroux to themselves.
[ Had most of these happened to Silco? Yes. Did he deserve them? Also yes. Will he admit that? No, absolutely not.
Though he tipped his head back, and smiled. ]
I think you'll find soon enough that those in Meridian only hold themselves to such high pedestals until it becomes inconvenient. It is not a matter of black and white, but of who is right, and who is wrong.
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[diluc does not smile, not even a pixel. his expression remains resolutely passive. deadpan as always. he stands up, now, towering over silco but not like, in a purposefully intimidating way. more like it's just that he's naturally taller than this manlet kinda way.]
Though I do not discount that they might be, simply that I wish to see this for myself. A reasonable man such as yourself must surely understand. [because literally no one else has said this about meridian, so he has a feeling it's just kinda bias...]
It was a pleasure to meet you, but I must take my leave, now. [god he cannot even pretend to smile after this strange encounter. at least he can lie through his teeth.] I hope you will forgive my sudden departure. [he feels that silco will not forgive him of anything considering how hostile he's been, but maybe he's just Like That (he doesn't know that it's a little bit of column a and a little bit of column b).]
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