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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.
me still like TEETH? (anyways cw more gore)
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
[ 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.
no subject
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?
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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
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.
absolutely not
…How bold, though, to prick his finger not knowing whether it was venomous. There are little details here where he’s getting quite the impression of this person. The fearlessness, the manners, to be called a demon by others… There’s a picture coming together, and it’s very interesting indeed. ]
Largely, yes. There is a form I consider my “truest” one, though mentioning it I shall say you must forgive me, for I shall not reveal it. It is something of a secret, essentially. But beyond that, I am able to shape my form to my will freely. I would not know what to call it without slipping to the philosophical, but I am made of something beyond flesh and blood, though I can mold it to fit the conventions and limitations that flesh present.
[ It’s the most straightforwardly he’s explained it, though still cagey. From how he talks about demons, it sounds like a similar case to Silco’s world. Demons may be present, but perhaps merely as concepts or stories and lacking the context that his own human realm held. After all, without context, the value behind Sebastian’s true appearance is lost. It’s something to be intensely protected, because a clever or well-read person could figure out his name. And that was dangerous to him. Sticking to rationality is far easier and safer than delving into the arcane, as a result. ]
Though I am also limited by my own knowledge, I shall admit. To replicate form, I must know how it works, and the more scrutiny it is placed under, the further I am sure there would be gaps. In terms of technology, the world I came from seems to be “behind” most here, and as such, I am limited by the pace of scientific progress, essentially. It is very interesting, though! I may have a practical interest, but I do not tire of how humanity ceaseless pushes forward for the sake of discovery and invention.
[ And, as if he’s just realized he’s been talking for a bit and about such odd matters, he laughs charmingly as he gives a little shrug. ]
…All to say that I am agreeable to it, yes.
no subject
[ Bondrewd takes no issue with keeping secrets, provided they do not hamper scientific progress. Sebastian's anatomical structure and physiology is a personal matter, although he could readily see how knowledge of it would be of great benefit to Kenos. Particularity those who might find themselves ill-prepared to deal with an entity of his kind. For the right price, and without an agreement, that information could be exchanged for resources, access, even for someone to look the other way, in a pinch.
So, he asks. Because he is a newcomer, and must rebuild connections, resources. Everything that he formerly had, in the Abyss. To tread on the toes of another without truly needing to was not a sound decision, not an efficient use of his time. One Oracle had already been obtained. If he wanted to make any headway in this world before it, too, potentially met its end - he would need allies, not enemies. ]
In fact, I have a proposal. I wish to study this beast, and a few others I have been observing. While the death of this one has come at a most un-ideal time, I will make do with what I have. [ Field-stripping it and examining it in Alenroux is what he must do. ] Do you know of a place I may establish a research station of my own? Should I accomplish that, you will be welcome to visit under proper scientific conditions, and I will show you - the ceaseless progress of humanity you seem to enjoy.
no subject
[ Since Bondrewd seems to be done in his examination, he pulls his hand back and reshapes it to something human, though that’s more for his own benefit at this point. He’s not immune to those sharp claws, after all!
But, the question itself gets Sebastian to laugh. He rubs his fingertips together as if testing how clean his gloves remain, but gives Bondrewd a sly glance as he can’t help but tease first. ]
Oh? Now, how cruel! I would hope that you would not assume that I would know of such things simply because of what I am…
[ He doesn’t think that at all, of course. Bondrewd seems to be more divorced from his own mythologies, though the overlap is certainly there. He gives a playful shrug before Bondrewd can answer, though it comes with a light nod. ]
But I may indeed, yes. I will have to speak with someone about it, but I do know of such opportunity and perhaps someone willing to be a patron of sorts. [ …And considering Bondrewd’s interests, Sebastian thinks that having him under Silco’s purview rather than Aetós’s directly would suit their purposes better. He has no doubts that he would end up on Aetós’s radar eventually with interests such as these. ] Though in the meantime, I can at least tell you that you will find it in Kowloon under Springstar. It is a city worth exploring.
no subject
[ As winsome as Bondrewd's tone is, there is something about the way he pays great, rapt attention to others. The way that he methodically works to strip away their layers, until he might find the seam of their shell and pry it open; it is all done with exceptional patience, and an ego so far divorced from himself that even if he is wrong, he will have learned something from it.
He will have to repair his glove, however. Having spent some time at the Tree of Life, rooting around among its - well, roots - he had come to conclude that although he was rescued from the end of all things, it had come at the cost of Zoaholic and his host of assistants. Were he to perish, he was reliant on the graces of others to bring his Shard back to the Tree, unharmed, if he wished to return to full form.
It made him want to study the Shards even more, hungry for all the new knowledge and unexplored elements of Kenos in its entirety. Aspects? Check. Harmony and Discord? Check. Shards? Double check. All else was for his own pleasure of exploration, including his curiosity into Sebastian's form. ]
The name 'Kowloon' is familiar to me. [ Silco likely mentioned it, since the two of them were talking at the informational party, long before he set food on Alenroux. ]
At your recommendation, I will spend some time exploring it. I am looking to find my place in this world, after all.
[ WOE BE TO KENOS ONCE HE FINDS IT ]
no subject
Seamlessly, he focuses on the practical first, and gives a general gesture towards Bondrewd as he explains. ]
That saves partial explanation, then. In Kowloon, there is a district known simply as Ryad. In short, it is an area where taboos and transgressions are simply overlooked with the idea that entering the area is a tacit agreement that you may be someone’s prey. I heard about it from vampires, people that feed on human blood as their sustenance, since while they can find willing volunteers, some do enjoy the hunt itself.
[ A sentiment Sebastian can sympathize with perfectly. A meal lacking in such excitement may serve its purpose and stave off hunger… But where’s the fun in it? ]
If you are interested, I can show you the way sometime, as it is not the easiest place to find. It is not where I do my hunting, mind, but it is an adequate place to explain what my prey is.
no subject
[ Bondrewd, you have no idea. Nor, actually, would he earnestly mind ( or likely be of any threat! ) to the relationship between Sebastian and Silco. He simply has no qualms at all, and the generosity of the two Zenith is something he will readily repay. Silco had mentioned outposts, buildings where he might be able to set up his research station away from prying eyes and judgmental minds. Now, Sebastian echoes the sentiment, ever-so informative.
Bondrewd is truly #winning the Kenos lottery. ] By all means, I would benefit from your knowledge. The quicker I am able to establish myself, the sooner I may begin to work.
no subject
[ He laughs, and it’s absolutely genuine, though the difference is imperceptible. He finds it fitting that Silco has already run into Bondrewd and suggested the very same sort of thing that Sebastian was about to get into. No need, then. His own “pitch” was for Silco’s sake, so if his master was already working that angle, then he could just support the effort. ]
Regardless, do drop me a line sometime soon, so to speak. It would be my pleasure to show you around the city a bit. Kowloon is a fascinating little place, but it does take a guide to truly see it. It is a quality I find most charming now, but was very annoying when I had first found it.