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

[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. ]

[zauneyete]

[ Where did Zenith fail, it was a presumption, but one that hit Silco a little to close, close to a wound that festered even now. ]

They haven't. Our goals are aligned, I am happy to say. Where Meridian wants to bring our worlds Back, Zenith would have their sacrifices hold purpose. Allow them to motivate us further, and push us toward something greater, and grander than we could imagine.

Supposedly. I only wish for what is left to...

[ A smile, here, sharp, almost too indulgent. ] Find itself at the bottom of the well, with the rest of our dead worlds. They deserve little better.

[ That they exist? Continue to do so? Silco holds such contempt for those that have what he does not, apparently. ]

[dawnlord]

[ Were Bondrewd anyone else, with machinations hidden behind his good intent, he might say what he does slyly, as if prodding at an injury in order to direct the mind to the places where it was failing. But, he is not. He is a man known to his world for terribly, nightmarish deeds and monstrous treatment of his fellow kin, but he is not conniving. In a way, he is upright, honest. A genteel, calm man who draws himself up, takes note of Silco's response and declares: ] How convenient.

[ If a toneless hum could sound happy, it would. But alas, Bondrewd's tonal affects are few and far between, he is oddly mechanical, his emotions are not so much filtered as they are surgically removed. ]

I would not mind if Meridian's goal becomes true, but what you say of Zenith seeking meaning in the loss is more in line with my thoughts. My world has gone and perhaps it always was meant for that end. The ambitions of those children and my own daughter have been swallowed, but that does not mean the end of their dreams. For I live on.

[ Perhaps that is what settles it, for him. That Meridian would naturally call to the Sovereign of Dawn is one matter, but the endless slog towards progress would always call him. Falling back on a dead world would be graceless, meaningless, when he can pour himself into Kenos's mold until such a time that another new world is born. And then, he can begin all over again. The unrelenting process of exploration, of the betterment of humanity. ]

The only thing, is that I hope Zenith does not attempt to create a picture-perfect world. Nothing would be more disappointing than an existence with its teeth removed.

[zauneyete]

[ Silco's eyes are searching, at his words, but there's little expression to draw from the man's helmet, read from the emotions that do not linger in his voice. He mentions his daughter, and her dreams, and Silco's thoughts -- as they so often do -- turn toward his own, and he thinks of the most precious item he has, something that is left in his rooms even now.

He spread his hands, as he spoke. ]

Oh, don't worry. You talk to enough of us, and you will get the impression that it will be... pure chaos. With the myriad of opinions and worlds, it's unlikely that it will be "perfect".

Yima herself, of course, would be quite bored, if we made it perfect. [ A beat. ] She will proclaim that she wants to reunite our families, if you ask her. Make of that what you will, of course, or how...important it is to you that your daughter and her dreams live on.

[ It's carefully neutral, of course. Naturally. ]

[dawnlord]

[ Excellent. A world that had been perfected was a world that did not interest him. A world without mysteries and struggle, without room to explore and strive and transcend one's limitations in was nothing he wanted any part of. While he could see the merit in returning to his own world, there was a sense to him that working to bring it back would be — senseless. Not when he could carry humanity to a new dawn, as he had vowed to. ]

Oya. Oya, oya. Why would I do that?

[ Without skipping a beat, nor changing his inflection at all, he gently declines any importance concerning bringing back his daughter. The faint oh? of surprise that Silco would even bring such a thing up is the only thing that demarcates what he is feeling. How curious, that such a sharp man would even care enough about anything as to find it worthy to bring up! ]

There is no greater satisfaction than knowing she died doing what desired most. I have no need for her anymore.

[ And that, simply put, is that. The way he moves on is emotionally impossible, inhumane in its swiftness and lack of consideration for any potential grief he might be feeling over a beloved child's death, and the ability to possibly regain her in some shape or form. As if she is precious, but he has no desire to hold her once more. No desire to rescue her from her non-existence. The sheer brutality in such a casual dismissal seeps from the seams of his armor, the slow coil of his tail and the ]

Would you mind terribly, if we were to set up an appointment to visit Kowloon? With your expertise and familiarity with the location, I feel I would be able to locate a suitable 'outpost' to begin establishing myself in. Naturally, I would gladly repay you for your mentorship.

[zauneyete]

Hm.

[ He said, in response, to anything about his child. How different was he, from this man, who saw his child's death in the destruction of realms -- an assumption Silco may be making, no transposign from his own -- and thought that it was a sacrifice with meaning. He had no motivation to bring her back, or allow her to flourish in a new world? Perhaps they were different in more ways than one, but Silco does not speak on this, for few even knew he was a parent, few even knew his daughter had been here.

he instead nodded along with the second question, happy to move that along, happy to change the subject back to something more important, and interesting to the man. ]

Oh, I think we can arrange a time, yes. I have now achieved control of... multiple outposts recently. I'm sure we could find one that would work for you. Some are even close to a location called Ryad, where all manner of violence and power is permitted freely. It can be useful, if you use any sorts of stimulants to alter the body chemistry of an individual.

[ A beat, and a placid smile. ]

Not that I would know anything about that.

[dawnlord]

[ Where Silco plays off his experience with illicit substances, Bondrewd feels no shame or regret towards his own role in synthesizing various drugs, selling them off to the countries of the world in exchange for funding, for resources, for materials he would inevitably need to ensure his work continued on. He was a hydra, a man with numerous heads — and more grew, whenever the surface world had tried to cut him off. Eventually, the bounty hunters they'd thrown at him dwindled. The record of his crimes was kept, added to with miserable sighs as his list of achievements swelled alongside it.

He had no doubt that the moment he was through with his research, confidently able to ensure humanity's future, the world would unleash everything they had in their arsenel against him. Intent upon burying him, burying the shame they felt for condoning his actions with their own inaction, for allowing him to continue his work because it benefitted them. ]

My, you would have been a marvelous politician, Mister Silco. You say so little, and claim you do not truly mean what one might infer from it. I will be frank, in exchange: I have done a great number of things to ensure I pleased my sponsors and benefactors. Many things they feel great shame and guilt over, despite making great use of my findings.

[ He touches a hand to his chest, fingers brushing along the bone-pale whistle as he finally pinned it back upon his lapel. Like a gruesome boutonniere, praying furiously with its fingers clasped. ]

I do not like to languish in inactivity. Should you like me to assist you in your own endeavors, in exchange for becoming my sponsor in these early days — I will gladly provide you a detailed record of my achievements in my former world. Altering body chemistry is among the least that I am skilled in, and I have no qualms doing such things again. I simply wish to be able to pursue my research, to the betterment of all humanity.

[zauneyete]

You would think I would, wouldn't you? [ He said, with a laugh. It's a touch bitter, borne from the fact that he would have never been allowed to be a politician, given the standing he held. That he was a big fish in a small aquarium was as powerful as Silco would have ever gotten. Even leading Zaun, he was not thirsty for more -- or had not been, before he arrived here.

But that was not here, and here he had an offer, to sponsor someone early, and perhaps gain advantage from such a thing. While Sebastian would assist with recreating Shimmer, there was no guarantee that he would stay, or even that...they would always be working together. Silco was no fool, and he was paranoid above all things. ]

You ask for sponsorship, and I can offer you that. Perhaps more, in terms of supplies, and... subjects if you need them.

[ A Smile. ] We have some who cannot pay their bills, who would subject themselves to experiments, if it means a new fix, after all.

[ Yeah, Silco has no qualms about human experimentation. ]

[dawnlord]

It is why I said so.

[ Without hesitation, he confirms his prior statement. There is a lack of dishonesty to this man, who speaks elegantly but with a brutal directness, as if there is no room to hesitate or waver from the truth. Silco would, doubtlessly, be an excellent politician. He is, however, a man of business — as he, himself, declared. If only everyone were afforded every opportunity to become what they desired to, the world would be filled not with broken dreams, but the passions of people pursuing their greatest desires. Not to say that every passionate person was the proper fit for a role, though. Why, some were simply not smart enough for their work.

And then, there were men like Bondrewd. Men who ensured they were perfect for the role. ]

I present myself to you as a candidate for sponsorship, if you would like the formality of it. I am willing to subject myself to any test you see fit, if you would like to ensure that we are compatible.

[ He does not shy away from Silco's mention of subject, nor the idea that some pursuits require the use of human bodies. Of human minds and emotions, of the ability to listen to their reactions and thoughts as they bear the brute force of scientific progress. In silence, he proves he does not have any capacity to care for such a blatant disregard of innate dignity, a display of sheer unethical behavior.

He does, however, state warmly ( as warmly as he is capable of ): ] That is excellent to hear. Should my research come to require such resources, I will make fine use of them. It did in the world that I came from, most regrettably, though I will exhaust every scientific avenue beforehand. I do not like to waste, if I do not have to.

[ It is not that he cares, no. He simply prefers to stick to the precision required of the scientific method. Question, research, hypothesis, experiment, data, conclude. On, and on, relentlessly. ]

Why, as a Shard-bearer, I may be best suited for testing upon. The Abyss no longer recognized me as a human, but this is a world where 'human' appears to be among the myriad of unique species and origins. Wonderful, this is beyond wonderful. I have so many things to do.

[zauneyete]

[ Silco really does just somehow find guys like this. First Singed and Jinx, then Aetós, and now Bondrewd. Truly, his cup runneth over for the number of wild individuals who loved science in his life. Silco was truly the most blessed of individuals, wasn't he? Well, he probably wouldn't think of it like that, but he doesn't get much of a say in this. ]

Hm, I could think of a way to test you.

[ he said, running a finger down his face, across his lips. It's the sort of motion that indicates that he's thinking his way through the statement, considering what he could do. ]

Perhaps. There is something that I would like you to do. Do that, and I shall be more than happy to sponsor you.

[ A beat. ]

It's rather simple, as well. I would like you to pick out the chemicals in a compound.

[ Specifically: Shimmer. He's holding onto the remnants of that vial Yima gave him, careful not to dole out too much to Sebastian. ]

[dawnlord]

A straightforward task.

[ Whether that compound is naturally-occurring or synthetic, he does not need to know. He will uncover which it is, and then pick it apart down to the elements themselves; perhaps, even, there may be native resources — natural or man-made — that can be utilized to make a derivative. Honestly, he would not hesitate to do such a thing, for his own curiosity as well as to present it to Silco. ]

Should you allow me to make use of one of those locations you mentioned, so that I might convert it into a functioning facility — I will be more than able to do this for you. It is one of my skills, after all.

[ And if they end up sold off, he will benefit by having a sponsor! Hurrah, this is WAY easier than what he had to do to get the Ido Front off the ground back home. ]

[zauneyete]

[ Silco did love it, when a plan started coming together. ]

Oh, I have no worry about that. I can offer you such a place, certainly. Subjects, if you need them as well, as I said. I have a... wealth of resources at my disposal these days, and I would hate to let them go to waste without helping my fellow shard-bearer with what they want to accomplish.

[ At least, if they were Zenith, he mentally corrects. Then, at least, he had the benefit of a shared goal, and Silco would work with anyone (almost) to get there. ]

It is a deal, then? Perhaps we can reconvene once you've... settled in, hm?

[dawnlord]

[ Oh, he'll be Zenith all right. Meridian has a particular allure, but it will never triumph over what the Lady Yima and Zenith will be able to offer him; however, he will not be one to deny Meridian the benefit of his labor. After all, they are part of those he wishes to deliver to the dawn, although they will not be his priority. ]

Simply tell me where I may call upon you, Mister Silco.

[ And so, the pact is sealed.................. ]

[zauneyete]

Why don't you come by Draumahol sometime. In Kowloon.

[ It's partly a challenge, to this man. Though Silco thinks he will dance through it with flying colors and little effort. ]

I'll look forward to seeing you down there.