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

BONDREWD, THE NOVEL ( definitely zenith, likely stargazer )

[dawnlord]

— BEARING FRUIT.

Aah, wonderful — ! How wonderful!

[ The moment he emerges from the ground, he is singing strange praise into the sky. Arms spread, palms cradling the air itself as he turns the glowing line of his dark helm to the body of the Tree of Life, following the colossal height of it far, far into the spread of its branches and towering crown. If he sounds as though he is a little in love with everything before him, it is not wrong; unlike the majority of Shardbearers, he arrives joyously. The calm set of his shoulders does not betray a man (?) who is upset by the dream all share, but one who instead has already assessed his situation and decided to be delighted with it.

Dirt clings to the tread of his heavy boots, into the seams of metal helm and the —

flexing, metal exoskeleton that lashes behind him. A lizard-like tail, dotted with glowing, violet lights that blur into long lines of soft neon, like he is aglow from within. The overcoat he arrives disguises the general shape of his body, the ends tattered and worn from age and use. He appears to be less a clean-cut figure, and more someone who has seen the ages pass and taken an active role in them. His voice, deep and methodical, turns from the praise he issues before the world, towards something inquisitive.

He turns upon the one who has found themselves in his vicinity. His tone is slow, low, and with no facial features to be seen, there is an element of inhumanity to him. A gentle-voiced void, creeping and catching its bearings: ] To be able to bear witness to another world is the most incredible gift, is it not?

— TWO CITIES.

[ Eventually, Bondrewd makes it to civilization. Not because he wishes to — no, he would liked to have lingered at the Tree of Life, to have taken samples from its bark and leaf, to have delved among the roots to investigate what remained of the dryad that had once lived there, but he had no instruments. Not even a notebook to jot down his errant thoughts, and thus he had to abandon scientific progress for the moment, promising the Tree of Life he would be back. He would return. Both a promise, and a threat.

Dutifully, he attends both informationals, never one to shirk his duty to adhere to method.

A. IN SPRINGSTAR, he can be observed marveling at the food. A spread unlike anything he has ever seen before, and somewhere in between his arrival and his attendance, he has managed to scrounge up a pad of paper and a pen. The platters before him remain untouched, while he feverishly sketches the still-life of their existence onto the paper, filling the page with dark-lined, foreign writing. Taking notes, perhaps, on the fare. Or worse, on all that he sees before him. ]

Excuse me.

[ He advances, frighteningly intense, upon anyone who is actually eating at Springstar's event, brandishing his pen thoughtfully as he taps it against the heavy, dark metal of his helm. ]

Would you mind describing what you eat? The texture, the taste, the degree of satisfaction you feel when it fills you — for example.

B. AND IN HIGHSTORM, he has hardly needed to speak with the Lady, to know what he wishes above all else. The knowledge that she is able to pluck important things from the flow of time itself is enticing, and how badly he wishes to strap Zenith's beautiful, mysterious leader to a cool, metal table and see exactly what grants her this power. Is it her age? Is there something to her biology? What are the properties of her Shard — if she even has one.

He even looks like he belongs, in the deep, darkened realm of Highstorm; black-and-violet in appearance, and fastidiously put together. He's shined his helm, his shoes, adjusted the dark cravat around his throat — and thrown himself into his lust for work, for information. ]

You say there was a situation, involving the — combining of souls? And the shards we have within our bodies are the embodiment of the soul? How wonderful! How clever, to prove the existence of the soul in all things by forcing it to be observable. I must wonder, oh, I must wonder then —

[ His tone twists, curious and clever: ] Does that mean those without Shards do not have souls?

— ALENROUX.

A. DAYTIME. [ By the time he reaches Alenroux, it is as a Zenith collaborator. He burns with the energy of Highstorm, and seems not at all bothered by the mistrust that Springstar's forces show to him. After all, he has made his choice, the same as anyone else before him has; there is no judgment from him, as he is urged to step away from the outpost and retreat, for he will be permitted no closer without a Meridian escort in the daylight. And at night, the guards intone, we will simply shoot you, escort or not. ]

Of course, of course! I only wished to meet with the Meridian that may be within the outpost, if you would be so kind as to let them know that 'Bondrewd' awaits them outside, and that I have queries for them — I would be grateful.

B. NIGHTTIME. [ A beast roars, somewhere in the dark. Tangled with the hostile bellow is the high shriek of another, a fearful voice that begins to scream and scream — apologies and pleas for aid, while the heavy brush and standing trees shake with the impact of whatever monster looms in the evening. It chases someone, likely a guard who has stepped but an inch too far beyond safe territory. Alenroux is a place not unlike the Abyss, to Bondrewd; beautiful, tamable, full of elements to examine and research and catalogue and understand. And it is deadly. The guard will likely die to the teeth and claws of the thing that pursues her.

In fact, she breaks the treeline, sagging and heaving for breath, moments before the monster does. It is sinuous, equipped with powerful back legs like a panther, and its muscles bunch as it slows — preparing to spring upon the guardswoman, once and for all. She is so close.

( He thinks, for a moment, to observe her death. To watch the way the monster falls upon her, how it dines and what parts of her body it will favor first as it eats her. Will it eat her? Does it only seek her body to toy with? Aah, how wonderful. )

He steps forth, a sleek figure of black and glowing, violet light that slots himself into position between the fleeing guardswoman and the encroaching beast. Steadily, he lifts his arm, cocking his elbow at the barreling monster like a rifle. Upon what appeared to be a blocky elbow pad, a pool of white-and-cornflower blue light begins to shine, and: ] Sparagmos.

[ The precise beam slices through the foreleg of the monster, severing it and sending it stumbling with a howl of shock. But, not pain. Despite that it stumbles, the monster seems to try to continue putting weight on a limb that no longer exists, confused and briefly distracted by the strangeness of it. ]

Oya oya, [ Bondrewd purrs in the interim, looking back to the guardswoman — and the one who has just joined him, in kind. ] Go to safety, little one. We will handle this matter on your behalf.

[ WILL WE? ]

— OOC.

[ Bondrewd is a guy who has Literally Sacrificed his Humanity and he vibes with Literally Anything and Everything, so don't even second guess that intensive or wacky idea you have. He's definitely going to join the Zenith faction, and may be a Stargazer in aspect, so pretend like he is atm. Here is a sneak peek at what he's like (pax that's just music — YEAH, YEAH HIS THEME SONG FUCKS). Think Shou Tucker, but actually a REALLY GREAT DAD!

You can find me on cryptids or at PAX#8074 for questions or plotting. ]

Highstorm!!

[zauneyete]

[ You can always notice the people that remind you of those you once knew. There was something about the guy, maybe it was the curious way he spoke about the soul and shards, or maybe it was the fact that he was also dressed to impress at the event. (Cravat Samesies!) Though his tone makes Silco think of Singed, and that draws him into the conversation more than anything else.

Not that he doesn't think Sebastian isn't capable, but... Silco has particular needs, and particular inquiries, and he does intend to invest heavily if he sees the potential. The near-philosophical question coupled with the man's demeanor is enough for Silco to approach, and speak up. You may have a lizard tail and a helmet, but Silco has a cigar and an eye that stared at him for a long, long time. The other eye blinked! Fun! ]

I think there's a bit of a debate about that. Is the presence of our shards merely that only we have souls, or is the fact that we have crystalline versions of our souls mean something different? Perhaps it's merely an indicator of our power, rather than our souls.

[ A shrug. ]

But what do I know?

[dawnlord]

[ Cravat samesies!

The contemplative atmosphere becomes electrically-charged in moments, as his peculiar line of conversation is snagged upon by another. Someone who is not shy about discussing the subject, or at least clueing Bondrewd in to the current state of affairs. Ah, how wonderful — to hear that there are unknown frontiers and things to experience in this new world. He is already enamored with it, in the way that someone might be enamored with a dying star, or the death throes of an animal.

Without eyes or expression, it is difficult to parse Bondrewd's sincerity, though his voice drips with black honesty, unwavering and without reservation. It is also hard to tell if he looks Silco over or simply accepts the man's appearance — likely the latter, should Silco come to know of those who dwell and research the Abyss. ]

Wonderful. [ A purring hum. ] You know enough to pique my interest, sir. A question asked is a question that must be answered. Why do some wear their souls manifest, and some do not? Does the vulnerability of the soul counterbalance the degree of power a Shardbearer is afforded? What properties does the soul have, how many things to ask!

[ Elated, enthused. This is a dangerous man, even for Zenith's standards, one who questions and pursues answers with an unwavering devotion to scientific progress. And well, like calls to like. Silco to Bondrewd, easily, readily. ]

My apologies, I am easily drawn to the unknown. The more questions there are, the more I wish to seek their answers. I forget my manners.

[ He offers a hand, not an inch of skin visible upon him, less a man and more a figure, the advancing prow of a steamship or icebreaker seeking to destroy all walls that were in his way. ]

My former titles would mean nothing due to my young presence among you all, and how exciting that is! Here, I am called only Bondrewd. It is my pleasure to meet you.

[zauneyete]

[ He's tall. Far taller than Silco, and it's a little like --

His lips twitch, and he took the extended hand in his own. His face may be exposed, but similarly, Silco wears gloves at all times these days, he's covered from head to toe. His diminutive frame -- compared to Bondrewd -- was emphasized by the large coat -- and large flaps -- that left him looking slightly larger than he was. Like a lizard's frill, although it does little next to the other man, who is... startlingly large. There's a ghost of a smile, before he shook his hand once and returned it to his pocket. ]

Yes, a pleasure. You can call me Silco. [ They also share a penchant for single-word names. ]

You seem passionate. About the souls in general, or is it the novelty of the subject? Some of us are rather used to it, and it becomes... about as normal as anything else after a short while. I've had my shard for... nearly a year's time now -- at least from my world's time -- and it does not seem to pique the same amount of curiosity.

[ A beat. ] That being said, have you spoken to Lady Yima? She knows quite a bit about them.

arms out icons x2

[dawnlord]

Silco.

[ He repeats it, and even in his infinite calm, makes it sound like a death knell. Deep and slow, as he folds both of his hands around Silco's and shakes it, just the once. A firm, methodical motion. Like he's operating on a script: first, introductions, then, handshakes. Precise, efficient. ]

All things of this realm are novel to me. I hail from a world passionate about exploration and discovery, where those with the greatest will pour themselves into a geographical anomaly known as 'the Abyss'. The soul, of course, is a subject I have spent a great deal of time examining in the world I survived. My own, included. To arrive in this realm, where such a topic remains bountiful? How lucky I am.

[ Even-keeled, he slides his hands behind his back, into the small of his spine above the steady, ribbon-like flow of his tail. It lashes, lapping at the air like waters against the shore, as much a marker of interest as his conversational ease. He seems to care not a whit whom he speaks with, not the way they look, nor the topics they bring. ]

I have yet to speak with the Lady of Highstorm, though at recommendation, I shall endeavor to move it to the top of my list. It was she who took us all from the ruins of our former worlds, was it not? I must thank her for allowing me to continue advancing.

[zauneyete]

[ The touch is quick, brief. Just long enough but does not linger, and in that is something that Silco appreciates, even if he does not speak it. With his gloved hand efficiently shook, he took to pulling a cigar out of his coat, instead of placing his hands elsewhere. It should not be surprising that Silco moves to do so, but with a quick clip, and a small burs of life, he listened and brought his cigar to life.

Thus, it took him a few moments to get his cigar lit, and the foul stench wafted overhead as he considered. This man seemed a scientist, down to the way he spoke about his world, and discovery.

Thankfully, Silco knew how to handle these types. It's mostly let them talk, and show interest. Like most people, maybe, but scientists did like sharing their discoveries. ]

Mm, I'm sure you'll have a fruitful conversation with her. She does enjoy the subject. Particularly when it is of use to Zenith.

[ She had, obviously, asked him to make Monsters. He thinks then, that this man may wish to as well. ]

What sorts of discoveries did you pursue, in your land? I may not be well-educated myself, but I've been known to keep up when necessary.

[ You spend like six years developing drugs with Singed, and you pick up a bit. ]

[dawnlord]

You keep regular counsel with her?

[ The question could be an innocent one. Far from the type of individual to leverage his weight against others to glean their secrets, Bondrewd preferred to ensure his understanding of the world, the future, the broad picture. It is why he has yet to align his interests with either side — but will, easily once he knows where best his work will fit in, and the future that may be sought for all. Whether his mask functions as a rebreather ( likely! ) alongside protection, or not, he does not appear bothered by the noxious plume of smoke. Worse things have been found in the Abyss, and he has created far worse than a cheap cigar. ]

One does not need to be formally educated to be possessed of a mind. I, certainly, was not. I found my own way, and in my former world, I was one of the individuals who defined history itself.

[ He touches his hand briefly to his own chest, just below the edge of the eerie whistle around his throat. As he speaks, there is nothing boastful about the simple statement of fact. There is a sense of authority to him, without senseless pride or the desire to stop, simply because he reached a pinnacle of expertise. ]

Aah, you ask a broad question that requires a complex answer. What mattered to those who studied the Abyss was not the type of discovery, but the authority of the one who discovered it. None but White Whistles were capable of surviving the deepest regions of the Abyss, and none but White Whistles were believed when they sent word to the surface of their discoveries.

[ Pausing for a moment, he gestures. Open-handed and considering. ]

I was a White Whistle. One of but a handful. My discoveries range from archaeological to botanical, biological to alchemical. Physical, to metaphysical. The last thing I was examining was a phenomena referred to as the Curse of the Abyss, which impacts those who attempt to ascend within the Abyss. I had uncovered the manner in which one might escape the burden of the Curse, and transform it into a Blessing.

[zauneyete]

We talk occasionally.

[ He said, with a somewhat tight smile. He knew what kind of person Yima was, and she knew what kind of person he was. Accepted him, even. Allowed him to make monsters and let him run free. He did not know if that sort of thing would be allowed of most, but she knew of Silco's convictions to burn it down, and how desperately he wished to.

The first time he said the phrase "white whistle", Silco can do little more than look at the whistle at his chest. Clearly an artifact of status, then? When he explained it, Silco nodded, but his eyes remained affixed to the thing that he kept. ]

Your abyss was...underground, then? [ He asked, his tone curious, but he couldn't help it. Silco was a man who had been made for living within the fissures and in the undercity. It was perhaps not strictly as underground as he may often say it is, but when he says "ascend", Silco can only think of his world, and his deep cavernous fissures, a world that's seen as dark, dank, and unwelcoming to most. ]

It sounds as though you have learned to adapt to what you needed to, to get where you were. I have not heard of many "blessings" in my own undercity, but perhaps we did not go deep enough, hm?

I think if you have so many avenues of interest, you'll be popular. Do come see me first, before you start aiding any other endavors though, will you? I should like to see you at work.

[dawnlord]

And what do you make of her, then?

[ Asked, not as someone who is weighing his options, but as someone who simply interrogates the world. Eternally, ruthlessly, and with great joy. The leaders of the factions appear to him as a White Whistle might: authoritative, informative, relying on subordinates to examine the world and the way forth using the resources available. To ensure his understanding of Kenos's social structure is complete, he simply must ask questions of opinion.

He does reach for the string of the whistle, tugging it free of his neck with a delicate jerk of his wrist. It is of no value to anyone, not even himself, anymore. A symbol of status in a world that has crumbled into ruin, that he will build upon. If anything, it is nostalgic to carry it — the last proof of who he was, before becoming what he is. Bondrewd cups it in his palm, and offers it to Silco. To touch it would be akin to touching something deeply unsettling, even now; like holding the essence of something, though no matter what was done with it, it would produce no actual sound. ]

You are correct, Mister Silco. On both accounts.

[ He does incline his head, agreeably, at Silco's assessment of the Abyss and of his 'adaptation'; of the things he needed to do, to get to where he was. ]

I was not born into money, nor status. I made my own way, by any and all means. The world did not condone me, but they accepted that I was quite necessary for the future of all humanity. [ Simply put. ] Now, I am once more a nobody and my work on that world has brought me here. It is exciting, to be unknown and without all my former prospects — and already, to receive as endearing an invitation from someone as you. What is it you do? I may be of service, depending.

[zauneyete]

[ Silco's lips quirk, this time into a smile. That this Bondrewd wasn't condoned or liked by his world, but tolerated -- Silco understood the experience. He was barely tolerated, even by those whom he'd worked with for ages. Perhaps it would have been different, perhaps if things had not ended up how they were, but the undercity was a blight underneath Piltover, something dirty, dank and dark. Something that was to be used and ignored, not something to be acknowledged.

That Silco wanted to force them to do so -- had made the council investigate him more than once -- it was enough to make him a thorn in their sides. They didn't want him to exist, but he did. They needed Zaun to stay fat and happy, so they tolerated him because they could do nothing else.

Or hadn't been able to. Silco had been looking forward to watching them finally have to deal with that reality. But that was neither here nor there. He looked the whistle in his hands over, and then picked it up, turned it over, as if he were inspecting it. One unblinking eye examined it, until he set it back into Bondrewd's hand. He did not try to blow it. ]

I think you will find this world... both more and less easy to work within, if you were once... put up with. [ His tone, suggests, with an icy bite, that he knows what that is like. ] Lady Yima is the type to accept those who follow her, any and all who wish to find their way to Zenith's goals. She is... accepting, of the ways that many of us are -- and will give you purpose if you struggle to find it on your own.

[ A quirk of his lips. ] I, on the other hand, run an... entertainment establishment. Drugs, actually, and I'm often looking for... new ways to entice clients.

[ A beat, and then: ] We even have outposts. For experimentation.

[ Someone who was seen as "necessary" likely had little qualms about drugs, he thought. Even if he did... what was he going to do? They were legal in Kowloon. ]

[dawnlord]

[ In contrast to Silco, Bondrewd speaks of his near-pariah status without any ego at all. He understands why the world beyond the Abyss had disavowed him, sent bounty hunters and spies and kept their record of his crimes and sins. One day, the Abyss's secrets would be laid bare before the eyes of humanity, and he would no longer be their necessary evil - on that day, the world itself would go to every length and all pains to wipe the stain that was the Sovereign of Dawn from the annals of history.

A required evil, and their proverbial scapegoat. ] Should she prove to be, I believe the two of us will have much to speak about. I have known many who accept the difficulties of progress as fact, and embrace - rather than resist - my methodology. Does Meridian not embrace such values, then? I had considered what they offered, after their informational.

[ While his choice is all but made, the result of his own earlier investigations of both sides and their long, storied histories, the fact that he was the lightbringer to the Abyss meant that some part of him sung in the presence of the Meridian's light. To challenge the end of the world itself would be as novel as exploring the one he was in, as entering a new world - unknown and unsullied.

Although... ] Oh. [ Oya. ] Such a serendipitous meeting, Mister Silco. I believe we may have more in common than not.

[ Drugs. Illicit materials. Experimentation. Bad men, doing bad things. ]

[zauneyete]

[ A soft chuff, that could almost be called laughter. ]

Yes, I think we do.

You'll find that whatever the opinions of the Meridian's leadership, her people would be your foible more than anything else. Perhaps they are just as dedicated as Yima is to her cause -- they did just recently take Alenroux after all -- but I find that they speak too much of "right" and walking in the light for my tastes. That being said, the shard-bearers would do anything they could to stop you, should they find that your methods are too distasteful.

[ Said with a twist of his lips. ]

They found the way I spoke to be too much for their delicate sensibilities, let alone anything else. I should think that if you choose to join them, you'll be hamstrung, if not by leadership, then by those that serve them.

[ A smile, and he clasped his hands together. ]

In opposition to them, we who have chosen Zenith have far fewer qualms with such things.

[dawnlord]

In fact, that is why I am drawn to them. [ The righteousness, the light. ]

I do not mind a challenging atmosphere. The things I do are for the betterment of all, no matter how they may come to view me. Freedom is made by those who pursue it, not given to us as scraps of permission.

[ After all, the things he worked to do in the Abyss were horrific. Crimes that had long since established him as an individual that was necessary, but who would be eliminated the moment he finished his work. The entire world would embrace his accomplishments, and scrub the stain of him from them with his death, his disavowment.

There is a real sense that though Silco bucks under propriety and righteousness, they are — inconsequential, to Bondrewd. It's certainly not enough to turn him from Meridian, the way it might turn others. In fact, he asks easily: ] And where does Zenith fail you?

[ If Meridian is so repugnant, and this is how Silco prefers to speak of them, he expects an equally sour opinion of Zenith. ]

:florshed: (alenroux, b)

[cutlery]

[ Lady Yima’s instructions had been clear enough for Sebastian. She hadn’t wanted bloodshed in return, so that was both easy and fair enough. Sebastian was just as well suited to subterfuge as wicked displays of violence, so he had no problem languidly watching as Meridian made their advances. Like many in Highstorm, he thought that Meridian was maybe not unwise… But short-sighted. It was perfectly mortal of them, really.

So, as evening fell in Alenroux, he had decided to take a more innocuous form that most of the creatures tended to ignore. A crow in the eaves of the branches pretending to be asleep wasn’t out of place in the slightest. It was only the creatures that could sense that there was something far more than a crow in the branches that bothered him.

For example, a certain, panther-like creature that had scrambled up the trees after him. With the avian equivalent of a sigh, he had simply taken flight to find a new perch to watch over the encampment, but a guard was unlucky enough to be nearby. The creature may have wanted to pursue Sebastian, but there was far easier, less mobile prey below. So, it pursued.

Sebastian had quickly found another perch to just watch since naturally, he had no intentions of helping. Only Silco knew the extent of how Sebastian could control his form, so there was no reason to. Watching a human get murdered meant nothing to him. However… A sleek figure that steps forward gets Sebastian to cock his head lightly, and he hops further down the branch to get a better look at this odd figure. He’s quick to return to something human, though still perched nimbly and far too lightly on the branch. He simply doesn’t want to give away his disguise.

However, he gets more than he expected. Sebastian makes a lightly impressed noise first, and though it’s light, it’s probably enough to be heard. But what makes him smile is the word itself. Possessing perfect, ancient knowledge of language, its meaning isn’t missed. ]

Ah, we…?

[ Sebastian speaks lightly since he wasn’t really trying to hide, but clearly, he’s been picked out. So, with a genial laugh that doesn’t fit the situation, he hops down from his perch. He looks to Bondrewd with a curiosity that he doesn’t bother to hide, then to the monster that’s still struggling with now one less limb. ]

Well, I would offer my apologies for not intervening, but you seemed to have it quite handled on your own.

cw brief body horror

[dawnlord]

[ The guardswoman commits herself to fleeing, a scramble of tired limbs and frightened expression — her mind slowly beginning to catch up with her near-miss with certain death, the foolishness with which she had interacted with a world that did not desire her demise, but would not regret it. Kenos's wildernesses remind him easily of the Abyss, sans the Curse that ran throughout the depths of it — there is more freedom of movement, ascending and descending, that sometimes he forgets that the simple act of cresting a low hill will not reduce other people to vomiting up their own teeth, multiplied into the hundreds.

The Curse had no hold on him, however. Functionally, it only impacted those ripe with humanity — and Bondrewd, Sovereign of the Dawn, had shed his in the name of progress. All the same, humankind ( life itself, he would say, to be properly inclusive of all the different types of entities in Kenos ) was beloved by him, and to spend the cost of the guardswoman's life so soon was not advised. There was no theorem in place to test her death against, and so he would intervene to spare her. Another time.

While the pantherine creature rocks and recovers, he takes the moment to turn the soft glow of his helm upon the one who has joined him. By the time it labors into motion, on three legs now instead of two, Bondrewd is speaking once more. Nonplussed, as he nimbly lurches to his left and slips below the sprawling limbs, his tone that of a man who will not wind easily. Or be perturbed. He's not even in the least bit apologetic! ]

Perhaps so, but I fear if I continue to deal with this creature alone, I will cause more damage than I wish to.

[ What. ]

I would like it as whole as possible, in death. That way, I am able to sample and catalogue every inch of it. I am the one who must apologize for volunteering you for such a duty when I assume you would rather reman anon, though I am perfectly willing to keep pace with you, for equity's sake. Set it, sir, and I will follow.

[ Even as he says it, he's emerging from the tangle of limbs, one hand reaching up to grapple the flow of the beast's tail and dig his heels in, to halt its momentum. Ah ah, there are two gentleman predators here now — ignore the guardswoman, she will soon be safe. ]

me still like TEETH? (anyways cw more gore)

[cutlery]

[ It’s immediately clear that this new stranger has no problem with the situation at hand, and so Sebastian just takes an easy step out of the way. He watches and listens, but his curiosity turns a bit sharper as he does. He’s deft at navigating the monster’s blows, almost preternaturally so, and that fact combined with his appearance, well.

Bondrewd isn’t the only sleek and black monster here, is he? Sebastian just takes on a form that’s more agreeable to interact with. ]

Very well. Simply hold it there for but a moment, if you would?

[ Sebastian’s words are light and polite in return to Bondrewd’s good manners, naturally. But if there’s an efficient way to get his own kind (or something similar) to reveal themselves, it’s little displays of power. Words, wits, or in this case, brutally efficient violence.

Bondrewd has the creature held more or less in place by its tail, so that’s good enough. With elegant ease, Sebastian surges forward to meet it without so much as a glimmer of hesitation or fear. What he does isn’t immediately obvious with the creature’s body now in between them, but Bondrewd will at least be able to see one sign of it: his tea-colored eyes now glow with an unnatural red light instead.

Unseen, his hands shift to indeed become a sleek, black carapace because it’s much more capable of the brutal precision he needs than his human hands. The creature may not be familiar, but biology was at least consistent. He has to use his brutish strength, but there’s a sickening sound as he slips his hand into flesh and through the space in between its large ribs. It cries out in pain, but it becomes a wheezed cry as his claws delicately cut into lung on the way to his real target. He can feel the thrum of its large heart, but though it would be quicker to crush it… That’s not what this person requested. So, instead, those sharp claws clip through an artery to slice it open.

One brutal wound turns into two fatal ones delivered with surgical precision. And as it tries to bear down and bite and claw at the demon, he slips his hand out with graceful ease. One large paw is caught in one hand, and his other grabs at the creature under its chin so that it simply can’t fight back. It’s bleeding out, rapidly, and now it’s held in place by two monsters to suffer through it. ]

cw and depiction of a dying animal

[dawnlord]

But, of course.

[ He seizes the tail of the creature in both hands, working firmly to subjugate it by forcing it to stretch to its furthest capacity. The lengthening of its spine between them means that it will not be able to bunch its abdominal muscles, and thus its strong thighs and calves will be unable to find purchase in the ground below it. Already, he has rendered it off-kilter by regretfully divesting it of a limb, and now it stretches thin like the wing of an insect pinned at tip and root.

The brief shine of the man's eyes, before his figure is swallowed up behind the strong body of Alenroux's monster, is intriguing. Alas, it must go on his list of things to explore and investigate, desirable but organized by categorical interest; it fits under the realm of "biological differences between Shard-bearers of differing worlds", above which is the heavily, delightfully singular category of SOUL?. The beast's existence belongs in a category below Shard-bearers, slid into mental place among the conglomeration of Kenos-related topics regarding world structure. There is so much to do.

And he has all the time he could desire, to do all of it.

Finally, he begins to feel the muscles of the monster's tail weaken, the thrash he fought to pin in place steadily slackening to a twitch. A tremble. The slosh of blood upon the ground and the lethargic slump of its body as it stumbles on its paws, its drive to live betrayed by the slow, encroaching knowledge of its death. Able to release its tail, he ducks the sudden, adrenaline-filled kick of its back feet and begins to round the heaving side of it. ]

It dies the same as many a beast I knew. How interesting, that a world unlike the Abyss would create biological life that experiences a similar sense of demise. Could we surmise then, that death is universal in form?

[ Thoughtfully, he examines the way it sags. The way it weakens and trembles and cannot hold itself up, as it bleeds within more than without, an unseen wound that must cause it such grief. Such confusion. Perhaps that is why Bondrewd relocates towards its head, stepping past Sebastian who holds its chin in order to gather the monster's great skull between his arms and guide it, low, lower. To the ground where he sits with it half-drawn into his arms and lap and strokes the fur just under its eye. ]

There, there. [ He murmurs, flat and calm.

It suffers, even under the ministrations of the armored man, laboring as he strokes it and gazes into the hollowing, dying depths of its eye. Bondrewd will not expedite its death to spare it pain, instead cataloguing the twitch of its muscles and the creeping demise. Even when it thrashes between the two monsters, spurred on by a burst of adrenaline, the urge of the brain that does not know it is already dead, he holds it in place with Sebastian. ]

— your surgical precision is noted, and you have my gratitude, sir. To be able to witness the progress of somatic death in the extant life here is of great value to my research.

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian’s firm grip loosens as the creature struggles and dies since it’s simply not necessary to exert himself so at a certain point. It’s a simple, impassive act for him, and he treats this killing with no regard. His assistance had been asked for (essentially), so he had provided it, if only for his own curiosity. His unspoken question therefore gets its answer as Bondrewd moves to cradle the creature. It’s something Sebastian acquiesces to easily, even assists in guiding the creature down with strength that doesn’t fit his more lithe frame.

Clearly, this person wasn’t a demon. He feels sure of that as he watches Bondrewd soothingly tend to it. It’s good to know and it relaxes him a bit, for dealing with his own kind is something troublesome. Though it also makes this man much more curious. ]

You are welcome, of course. It was no trouble.

[ He answers the thanks politely, though it’s accompanied by sharp flicks of his wrist to dislodge as much blood and gore from his hand and arm as possible. It also stays in its real form, though the point where it shifts from the pitch-black carapace back to something more human is hidden under the sleeves of his jacket. ]

Things here at least perish as you would expect, I shall say. There are occasionally oddities of anatomy that require some care or may be placed in odd locations, shall we say… But indeed, I would say all creatures die. It is just more difficult for some than for others.

[ A matter he had further thoughts on, naturally… But he keeps those to himself for now. Though he has a first impression that it may not be unwelcome, they might as well ease into such morbid conversation topics. It’s impolite, he thinks to himself with a little amusement as he draws a handkerchief from his coat to neatly clean his hands. There’s plenty he wants to ask, as he’s already deeply curious about this odd individual, but he settles on the one he had brought up himself. ]

Ah, but if I may, what sort of research do you do? A zoologist or biologist, perhaps?

[dawnlord]

Oh? You have knowledge, then. I would further appreciate it, were you willing to share. My interests are vast and varied, and I have yet found reason to hone my attentions upon a precise subject. This world of Kenos is beautiful and new, and I find all of it very promising.

[ How unfortunate, to not have the thrumming minds of his Umbra Hands to lend themselves to the harvesting of the monster that had been felled. Many hands made light work, and the work was always completed per his precise desires. It left him able to direct and float, to dally in other matters while entrusting that progress would be made. Now, he is as alone as he was when he first began to dive into the Abyss, forced to triage his interests for the moment. The future would change, inevitably, pressed and guided into his favor — it always had been.

As the monster continues to slip into unconsciousness, its body trembling as its breathing picks up — urgently trying to circulate oxygen in blood that has escaped the most vital systems, he tucks its head onto the ground and rises from the position he had taken at its head. It will not go anywhere, but the precision of his strange, new companion begs a closer look. Investigation, as well. In silence, he turns his head so very subtly to the appearance of Sebastian's hand.

Comparatively, it does not resemble the other. This is curious to him, enough so to draw his attention in for the moment. ]

A scientist. Of 'what', precisely, requires an explanation of the world I came from.

[ The monster on the ground will keep. Conversation is always a priority, to him. ]

The world at large was inconsequential to me. What mattered was a geographic phenomena called 'the Abyss'. It took the form of a colossal pit with a known depth of 20,000 meters; the allure of it was inescapable, for within it one would find foreign ecosystems, remnants of ancient civilizations, powerful artifacts and treasures beyond imagination. I made my home in the fifth layer of the Abyss, the Sea of Corpses, where I studied all that I could set my gaze upon. All things are novel to me, and deserving of exploration — all things to guide humanity forward, unto the approaching dawn.

[ He gestures, light with his hands. Something about his motions is tightly controlled, lacking theatricality. Efficient, to an obsessive degree, unlike the swift fluidity he had displayed when threading through the monster's limbs. ]

The last topic I was examine was the Curse, a series of symptoms affecting the human body when ascending while inside the Abyss. The deeper one goes, the worst the affects are. So, in a sense, as the Abyss is gone — you may now think of me a scientist of opportunity, and call me Bondrewd.

[cutlery]

Well, I am certainly working on becoming learned, I shall say. I have been here but a few months, so not all of Kenos’s mysteries are known to me, but. I do try to be helpful where I can.

[ He gives a little inclination of his head to the creature as a joke mostly to himself. Information is more along the usual lines of what he provides. People come to Kenos with questions, and so if he can answer them and be helpful, it cultivates a more positive reputation. It’s an important currency for his needs, no matter how far down the line he believes he may need to use it.

He doesn’t miss the eyes on his hand, and he considers having it simply return to its human appearance as a flourish to draw further question, but it’s quickly forgotten. He gives a little nod as Bondrewd calls himself a scientist, but the further explanation is far, far beyond what he expects. Sebastian has heard of many worlds here in Kenos at this point, chatting with people who lived among the stars or in places where magic was even more commonplace than here. But this story—It’s both fantastic and familiar.

He breathes out a soft laugh that’s lightly incredulous, but there’s a simple, delighted surprise in the notes of it. ]

My, my. With a tale like that, here I was briefly worried that I should perhaps be meeting Master Alighieri himself.

[ A demon’s joke, and one he doesn’t explain since it’s not really necessary. He’s sure he’ll explain it further if the reference is missed. Inferno may be more a work of (delightful) pettiness than truth, but its influence had been felt all the way down in the Hell it inaccurately described. Of course demons found it delightful, and so they had reshaped the realm in part to match. The creativity of humanity was truly the best at such things, after all.

…It also makes him sure that this person was mortal. There’s another thrill in this story too, something more visceral that he can piece together. There’s desire. Ambition. It doesn’t matter what form it takes for Bondrewd in particular, but any person that would seek out such things, seek out a curse…

He believes the next time he speaks to Lady Yima, he’ll have to compliment her on either her good luck or her good taste. ]

Well, it is a pleasure, Mr. Bondrewd. I am Sebastian Michaelis. [ He pulls the handkerchief away now that he finds his dark hand properly cleaned, but as he does so, his hand has return to its previous quality with no further flourish than the quickness of it. Perfectly human, if gloved in leather and still spotted with some viscera. ] And do forgive me for laughing. It was not at your expense! I was merely very surprised to hear something familiar, in a way. It is... rather complicated, I shall put it simply, but my home was a place that bears some resemblance to your Abyss by the sounds of it. Though I can say it is but one of the many sorts of delightful coincidences you will stumble upon here in Kenos.

[dawnlord]

A tale, you say. Then, you are not of the same world as me. However, the Abyss — as a concept — exists in your own.

[ Enticing. He would not have thought of himself as a man interested in matters beyond the Abyss, yet here he was, examining multiple worlds of differing structures, with intriguing similarities — and, the fact they had all been destroyed. Eyes in the dark, the sky pouring down ( and yet, there was no sky in the Abyss! ), ending, dying. And those who arrived in this world of Kenos, plucked from the wreckage of what was and replanted in the soil below what he now knew of as the Tree of Life.

He is soon corrected, by Sebastian's own admission. ]

As a home. Then, that would be one explanation for your adorable traits. A pity I did not acknowledge them sooner, you seem to have grown shy while waiting for me to address you. Aah, I am often carried away by one topic before the next, for to jump from thought to thought is more difficult here, without my dutiful, diligent followers.

[ Were he capable of sounding disappointed, he might just be. Observing the change in Sebastian's hand from something sleek and dark, to the near-match of the other is interesting, but oh, he had wanted to lay hands upon him in the same way that he had laid hands upon the now-dead monster, resting still and steadily-stiffening upon the ground. The guardswoman would not return for some time, and when she did, Bondrewd knew it would be to check out the situation and determine if the beast was dead, or the stranger who had stepped in on her behalf.

He'd like very much to be respectful of Sebastian's desire for anonymity. ] Mister Michaelis, may I?

[ With a broad hand of his own, he gestures, palm flat and fingers straight, to the other man's hand. ]

You are an efficient killer of strong monsters, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the very things about you that proved helpful to me.

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian nods first with a correction on his tongue that he fully believed what Bondrewd explains. It’s a lead in to explain those delightful coincidences since they are something Sebastian is quietly fascinated by, but instead, he’s taken aback. ]

I— Adorable?

[ SHY???? Sebastian loves compliments and praise, true, but this shade of them is not one he receives… Ever. Especially not after revealing parts of his demonic nature. His surprise is so genuine that he’s about as close to flustered as he gets, and it has him raising his (clean) hand to cough a gentle little ahem into it as a gentleman regaining his composure. ]

It is not shyness, exactly. More practicality, for it is something that tends to be… disagreeable, I shall put it politely.

[ It’s the sort of sight that was nothing short of horrific in the mortal realm he visited, since it was otherwise so normal that Sebastian’s existence being proven at all was something that could drive men mad. It wasn’t so in Kenos, but still, it was generally better for him to keep his fully human appearance. He supposes he shouldn’t be surprised, considering Bondrewd’s own, but… Adorable, really?

Not that he has a problem with allowing the curiosity, even so. As Sebastian holds his hand out to Bondrewd, it shifts back to the clawed appearance. His palm is also up because the claws are razor-sharp and he’s careful with them. Under closer scrutiny, its oddity is also much more apparent. It’s smooth and firm like a carapace, and even has a light shine to it like one, but it moves as if it were leather. Though humanoid, his long, elegant fingers are just a little too thin and taper into claws that look to be the same material but are sharp enough to cut through things even unintentionally, hence his care. It’s not biologically based at all. It’s something impossible and ethereal, inherently. ]

Considering your area of research, I suppose it should not be, but interest is simply not the reaction I am used to in the slightest.

[dawnlord]

Of course. Simply adorable in functionality and design. [ It's a compliment of the highest order!

That he is permitted to see Sebastian's curious biology once more is of great interest to him, because this time he is able to witness the change of structure — from cloth glove and the suggestion of flesh-and-bone below, to the off-putting and unique appearance he witnessed but moments before. As he steps towards Sebastian, driven and relentless, his armor rattles softly and his hands curve towards the presented limb. He pauses, only briefly, as if to give the other room to deny him, before taking the liberty to support Sebastian's elbow in the flat of one palm and examine him with the other.

When engaged, he is deathly silent.

Rather than speak, he catalogues and comprehends. His fingers tap briefly upon the surface ( firm, an exoskeleton? ), before smoothing his thumb along to test the texture, finding the catch against the familiar material of his own gloves, his head tipping from side to side. The violet light from his helm casts rich shadows where it touches, and Bondrewd shifts the questing hand to the ends of Sebastian's claws, pressing the pad of one of his fingers to it until

slice,

cleanly through the material of his glove. The vague scent of blood wells up immediately following it, staining the tidy edges of his glove, and he rubs his thumb across the gap and nods. Something confirmed. Heedless of his injury, he urges Sebastian to bend his wrist backwards, thumbing across the palm and methodically testing the flexibility and rotation of wrist, of knuckles — each in kind. At one point, he even grips Sebastian's hand in the facsimile of a handshake, squeezing down with higher-than-average strength of his own. Relinquishing with a faint oh, when he discerns whatever he's investigating. ]

— that is understandable. The nature of the Abyss demands that those who venture into it be possessed of greater curiosities than they are fear, and so you will not find me someone who is daunted by new things, however strange or 'disagreeable' others find them.

[ He slips his hands away from Sebastian's person, with great reluctance. ]

You mentioned you came from a place similar to the Abyss. Is your body's structure that of predator, or prey?

[cutlery]

[ He’s still a bit stuck on the choice of word, but it’s at least just general bafflement more than pride…

Once Bondrewd begins his examination it’s easy to let go, since in a way, Sebastian is just as curious. Being studied is something new. There have been humans in his existence that have been interested in him, certainly, but it tended towards the more philosophical than scientific. He held sought after answers for the divine, for mortality, for death itself, so he was almost more like a concept made real than a living thing in their eyes as well as being closer to how he thought of himself. It’s therefore unusual to be treated so.

It's also not as if he’s uninterested in whatever insight Bondrewd might give. He has a deep appreciation for mortal discoveries and creativity, and he’s enthusiastically followed the advancements of biologists and anatomists as they discovered more about their own forms. For each little detail about the human body that was discovered, it was something Sebastian had to endeavor to understand, for he needed to recreate it when in his form. So, what would they say of him? Is there even anything to be said? His existence is so far outside the possibilities of mortality that he doesn’t know.

…Though, it does also make the process of examination somewhat inscrutable. By the time Bondrewd draws his own blood (a good thing to know that he has it), Sebastian’s head cants to the side lightly, almost bird-like in how he expresses curiosity. As Bondrewd draws away, Sebastian flexes his hand lightly in response. He’s strong (also good to know), but he’s also not quite sure what it was meant to pick out. ]

Predator. [ The response is at least immediate. There’s absolutely no question of it whatsoever, and he says it with the smoothness of certainty rather than an arrogance of ego. ] Apex, if you were to be more particular about it.

[ He makes a thoughtful noise as he considers his answer, or rather, how much of it to give. He decides to simply stick to what is already fairly obvious. ]

Though I shall note that I am not restricted to form in the slightest. It is a matter of convenience to take on a human appearance. My realm was one very much separate from humanity, so when I would visit their world, it was best to blend in. It would have caused quite the commotion to appear anything but…

[ Well. Not completely true, since there are some limitations, but those are ones he feels imposed by Kenos and therefore don’t “count” in this explanation. It also feels strange to talk about so… without preconception. It has him abandoning the usual build-up he might give the information, but it also feels like it might not be necessary regardless. ]

…Though it feels as if I am stepping around simply saying it. I know not all that come to Kenos are, but my kind do tend to be rather consistent as at least concepts across the worlds. So, to be simple about it as it may help the explanation, I am a demon.

god do they ever stop talking

[dawnlord]

[ The methodical, entirely visual examination that he bestows upon Sebastian bears with it the faint spark of what it means to be a Stargazer, to gladly linger in a moment with no care or consideration towards what the past spoke of or the future might bring. There is a single-mindedness to his curiosity, a distinct purity in the precision, and the suggestion of more to come — after all, would he be an accomplished researcher were he only given to visual examinations of the surface? If so, he ought to have stayed above the Abyss for all his life, instead of making his home within the 5th Layer. ]

I must say, it is pleasant meeting as articulate and welcoming a being such as yourself. While I do not doubt the unique dangers you present, it is a far cry from my usual anatomical research —

[ At that, he glances over his shoulder towards the deceased monster on the ground and trails off, to allow Sebastian to complete the rest of the thought for himself. Unfortunate, that he could not capture and study it alive. Each and every Alenroux beast was unique, they formed their own invasive ecosystem and to be able to examine their nature while alive was as important as gross anatomical structure and further. ]

And further enriched by the being themselves.

[ He rubs his thumb and forefinger together again, pressing hard for a moment. Despite his mental wandering, he never mutters nor withholds thought, uttering a brief: Non-venomous, then, as if pricking himself on the ends of Sebastian's claws was rote investigation into whether he might be compromised by those claws, perhaps any secretions upon them. How charming! ]

'Not restricted to form', by which you mean that you are amorphous in your most true sense of self? We are possessed of the word 'demon' in my world, though I do not know if its etymology would be the same. For example, we have a native species of actinopterygii referred to as 'demonfish'. I, myself, have even been referred to in statements as 'a demon', although we are not at all the same species. How curious. Should you be agreeable to it, I would hear more about you.

[ A pause, and. ]

Although, I would also enjoy studying you independent of your personal knowledge. We all are limited in our understanding of ourselves, always. And such things can always be rectified.