SEPTEMBER 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.

However, for those who have attended such events in the past, they'll note a marked difference—Only newly arrived Shard-Bearers and members of the faction are welcome. If you're a member of the opposite faction, you'll be questioned and ultimately turned away. If you want to join the party, you'll have to be a little sneakier, it seems.

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.

The welcoming party is in the Seat of the Tribune, with tables draped in white-and-gold-trimmed fabrics fare filled with fare typical to Springstar's slowly fading winter -- fruits and wines, savory smoked meats and roasted vegetables, and large bowls of soups like youvarlakia and fasoalda have been lain out to encourage forum participants to snack as they speak. There are plenty of grains and other dishes that elude to an abundant harvest from Alenroux. The atmosphere is ambient with informality and friendliness, though topics will inevitably stray towards philosophic or political, Springstar's meeting grounds are decorated with handsome chaise lounges and slouching klismos chairs in small, intimate groupings. This is a forum in the classical sense, where people are encouraged to speak freely, no matter the topic. Though excitement charges the air, the gathering at the Seat is much more muted than what transpires outside the center of the city.

The mood in Springstar as a whole is jubilant, with not just a party at the seat of the tribune, but elsewhere, including the Psychagogía district. Parties line the streets, establishments that overflow with bodies, drink, and libations of all sorts. There is a sense of excitement in capturing the latest oracle, and the people seem to treat the shard-bearers of Meridian somewhat reverently, and new ones, they will pull aside and explain with excitement about how the Shard-Bearers captured the oracle (with varying degrees of accuracy) and how it is because of them that they will be seen to victory. Cyrus’s name, however, still comes with notes of disdain. It’s clear that the Tribune has not bought much good favor by their victory, and instead, if any ask, or follow the threads, they will hear the names Desmond Ó Ruadháin and Agapitos Voreen as likely successors to the Tribune. However if one asks how that happens… details become a bit more muddy. Apparently, the role of the Tribune is for life. And apparently, the denizens of Springstar trust the Shard-Bearers to see the oracles through, and still see Cyrus as a weak link in their chain.

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. Soft tunes filter over the courtyard, and if the sounds of them sound familiar – perhaps remind one of home? That’s because they are! Yima’s musicians seem to be able to pilfer strings and strands of music, and weave it all together expertly, to give both new arrivals and old friends reminders of their home.

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. Yet, as you look, you’ll see that the selection is also quite interesting. The foods and drinks on offer are from a multitude of worlds, and so you may find a new favorite! Or something not suited to your palate at all. It’s at least a chance to be adventurous. If you try something and don’t like it, might not want to say that out loud, lest you insult someone who’s from that world.

The city itself is more muted than usual. The last dregs of Highstorm’s chill summer are coming to an end, and the cold is an opportunity for Highstorm’s denizens to batter in more frequently, and the chill may have something to do with the lost oracle. Though, if asked, they’ll say nothing of the sort, of course! In opposition to Springstar’s mixed jubilation and doubt, Highstorm’s denizens seem determined that lady Yima will see them through, and that one loss is no reason to fall into despair. Though they are still disappointed, and will say so. Though blame does not seem to have a target, mere disappointment filters through the city, as they start preparing for winter. The prices seem higher, whether one is looking for potions, supplies, or even small trinkets from the The Antiques & Baubles Market. Things seem… leaner in a sense. There’s nobody starving on the streets in Highstorm, but the control of Alenroux continues to lead to tense relations, even though a compromise seems to have been recently reached between the two factions.

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 AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

Since the Blight’s conclusion, both cities have undergone a fair bit of effort to reconstruct the districts and buildings that were destroyed in the Blight, though Springstar seems a touch further along than Highstorm, due to Shard-bearer efforts. The unusual weather pockets present previously have very nearly all disappeared, though there are some patches still present, lingering in the areas still somewhat ravaged by the Blight. The pockets seem to be losing their effects now, and if one finds themself within, will experience a mild slowing down or speeding up of time. Visions still appear within the small bubbles, reflections of dear ones or important events, though they seem to be only memory, though anyone within the bubble can bear witness.

FURTHER DETAILS

OOCly, characters can still stumble into small bubbles of time, though they are fewer and far between than they were 3 months ago! These time bubbles still have some time-warping energy, and will continue to allow characters to either speed up or slow down, depending on player preference! In addition, the time bubbles are no longer bringing back remnants of Kenosians past, but there is still the chance of some memory reflections to briefly manifest in the bubble. They will come from player characters as a whole, and are purely up to whatever is fun for you! Think of it as brief flickers of memory sharing, they can be as brief or as distorted as you like! Think of this as the last gasp of the Blight, as it withers away thanks to the concentrated efforts of all shard bearers!

CHECKS AND BALANCES

Alenroux continues to improve, and with the new balance between both Springstar and Highstorm, the separate island is safer than ever! The tensions between both factions seem to have reduced over the island, thanks to the efforts of several shard bearers, and the populace seems to be warming to both factions once again.

FURTHER DETAILS

After the resolution of the first Kenos Ambassador agreement, the balance of power in Alenroux is already starting to shift. The island already has a much more evenly-matched number of military forces from both Springstar and Highstorm, the number of troops in the area has reduced significantly. The number of monsters does not seem to have increased at this time, which bodes well for the area. The uptick of Highstorm locals has certainly led to more food flowing into Highstorm than had before, and the people seem pleased with the arrangement – for the moment! The small murmurs of discontent and unrest seem to have alleviated at this time. Though some still seem uncomfortable with the amount of troops, they seem less willing to say that out loud. Though nights in Alenroux will possibly never be wholly safe, the threats seem more manageable, though nobody will ever turn down Shard-Bearer assistance in a pinch!

TO INFINITY – AND BEYOND

Rumbling about temples being erected in the Beyond, which lies outside of Highstorm’s city limits, close to another that had been erected previously. Not one shrine out there, but two it seems. It shines like the sun when the moonlight catches it just right, and it’s visible over the line of trees that marks the edge of the Beyond. The more brave and curious of Highstorm’s denizens have started making more treks into the Beyond for both shrines, and the fact that most come back unharmed seems to encourage others to follow. And for those that may not be able to make the trek safely, there's an opportunity to make a bit of money by leading the way to the shrines and offering the curious pilgrims protection from the Beyond's dangers. There’s rumbling amongst them – Quetzalcoatl – Set – the names of gods of worlds long past, and though there are not many that will stray from Highstorm’s resident deified figure – Lady Yima – there are enough that it’s easy to catch pilgrimages out to the temple, and to visit them yourselves, as well!

FURTHER DETAILS

Quetzalcoatl erected a bright and gigantic temple right next to Set's in the Beyond! Right next to Highstorm! I'm sure that's fine and will not have any diplomatic consequences in the future! Both gods have been drawing in new curious individuals – some who may be worshippers with time – and it's drawn the curiosity of many.

SMALLER CHANGES

GRAND LARCENY

An uptick in crime between both Springstar and Highstorm has both the Legion and Yima’s own private guard scrambling as they struggle to find rhyme or reason behind the latest crime spree taken up in both cities. Though there doesn’t seem to be a specific source, local chatter suggests that it might be coming from a mysterious underground, though most can’t say where... there’s vague gestures, and remarks about Below, without any concrete details. Those who are familiar with – or find out about – Kowloon, may find plenty of stolen items within Kowloon’s markets, though if asked, the keeper will simply shrug and say they retrieved it from a reputable source. Who? Well, they don’t know, they don’t remember their face. I’m sure this is fine and won’t lead to trouble later down the line!

Completely unrelated, those who are known to be or obviously affiliated with Springstar continue to encounter difficulty in Kowloon. It’s become a touch more brazen – more pickpocketing, even higher prices, or even some outright derisiveness from some businesses, although they seem to be centered more around Draumahol, and the further one gets from the business in the underground city (or as far as one can get) the more willing businesses seem to engage with those from Springstar, and the more… apologetic they are about higher prices, though they do still seem to be across the board.

FAE MISCHEIF

It’s not just the underground that seems to be reeling from a spike of theft, though this one seems more obvious – and innocuous! Faeries from the Greenwood Yard seem to still be reeling from recent Shard-Bearer intrusions, so bearers new and old may find small items of varying importance are missing. They’ll generally come with a calling card; a small note that is part threat and part invitation for a game, to come find them within the Greenwood Yards. After hearing about the issue, a certain potion shop owner sets up a small stall by the yards, and will offer to help the shard bearer with their predicament – for a price, of course! Better have a few gold coins on you!

The owner will offer bearers a round-trip to tiny town yet again, to retrieve whatever was stolen, though this time it comes with no visions, and generally the fairies will consider things to be even, if bearers come to retrieve it with politeness and a request for it to be returned. If a bearer threatens them… well. Let’s hope you brought a friend along to help with this fae threat, then!

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.

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

[fursuit]

[ He’s recognized the temple right away, and that was enough to tell him exactly who else was present here, or maybe once had been, But hearing from Silco’s mouth is the first time he actually hears his name, so Tezcatlipoca laughs first. He can’t help it, since it’s a hell of an introduction. He’s amused enough to drop some of the pretense here, though he’s also personally to arrogant to lie and hide behind pseudonyms. ]

—Well, can confirm one thing for you. He ain’t lying. I don’t think Quetzalcoatl can even lie. [ Tezcatlipoca taps his temple with his unoccupied hand ] Not enough going on upstairs for that.

[ There’s also a smoothness with how Tezcatlipoca says the name that most probably stumble over that’s subtle, but noticeable. It’s not only that it’s familiar to him, but it’s his mother tongue, and probably only Quetzalcoatl herself says it in precisely the same way.

He turns slightly as his attention drifts away from the temple and more to SIlco himself. It’s still casual, nothing too sharp and focused, but it’s clear from the gaze behind his (very much unnecessary) sunglasses that Silco has caught his interest. ]

Worth, though. That’s an interesting thing to be peddling.

[zauneyete]

[ Silco snorted. That's what she wants you to think, is obvious on his face. After all, unless he had been severely mistaken, she had already deceived this man, given what he was calling her. His lips only quirk into a brief, albeit sharp ghost of a smile, before it vanishes again. ] That stupid, hm? Certainly seems like her.

[ Well, he thought it was Still pretense. Still a lie. Of course he did. To think otherwise would be to backtrack through a lot of very... unwise decisions he made. He has the wisdom score of a goldfish, and therefore is not self-aware enough to reflect on that.

It's all a lie! Obviously. ]

You know her, I assume? Don't tell me you follow that stain on our fine city.

[ He's still mad about the hand. ]

[fursuit]

Ha— Fuck no.

[ The profanity flows out of him with a laugh, because imagine! Him, following Quetzalcoatl! No, if anything, it’s the other way around. Quetzalcoatl is a piece of him, even if that aspect definitely got further away than most. ]

No, Birdie and I go waaay back, but we fucking hate each other. We had a kinda truce thing going on, but. [ He gestures out to the skyline, but it’s not just Highstorm he’s referring to. It’s the whole world. ] I’d call that done with now that our world is toast. New world, new fight. Same as always.

[ It doesn’t seem to be a prospect he’s bothered by, considering his toothy smile. It’s just enough to show sharper teeth, but unlike Quetzalcoatl’s shark-like teeth, Tezcatlipoca’s are distinctly more feline. ]

We’re brothers, to put it simply. So, yeah. I know Quetzalcoatl.

[zauneyete]

Birdie.

[ He says, with an ironic little twist in his tone. He is going to call Quetz that at some point now. Maybe when he kills her. This won't be the first time he kills someone called Birdie

He doesn't actually get the nickname, really. He doesn't know it's a bird, he doesn't know any of that. He's from such an odd reality where things are so alien, that he's used to it now. He just accepts these odd turns of phrase or nicknames and moves on. Instead, he eyed his teeth, and took a long pull of his cigar, and blew yet another ring into the air. ]

New world, new fight, hm?

[ A beat, then. ]

I've killed your... brother, then. I thought you should know.

She came back, but I did it all the same.

[ Phantom fingers tighten in his pocket. There is no hand there, but he almost can feel his fingers drag against one another, as if he could imagine it happening. ]

[fursuit]

[ As Silco takes his draw from the cigar, Tescatlipoca taps the ashes off his cigarette off the balcony. It doesn’t have much left on it, but he’ll finish it and… maybe get another. Funny thing about a human body, you get a nicotine addiction real easy. But as he brings it back to his mouth to take another drag, Silco says something, well. Incredible.

Tezcatlipoca looks surprised first, but then barks out a laugh as his smile twists cruelly. ]

Yeah, no shit? No offense, but wouldn’t have pegged you for a god killer.

[ He just didn’t look capable of it, honestly. In Tezcatlipoca’s mind, that’s not even an insult, because there are few people capable of it. It tells him something important, though. Quetzalcoatl is weakened here too. Unless this guy is packing some serious weaponry (that, if so, Tezcatlipoca would absolutely murder him to steal—), there’s no way he’s a full Divine Spirit. Since he keeps referring to him as “she” as well, sounds like he might have gotten stuck in a more human body too. ]

Well, too bad it didn’t stick, but that’s how it goes for us gods. I’ve made my attempts a few times, so you’ve got one up on me there. Gonna take a guess that you don’t need to hear it from me, but good job.

[ There is the smallest bit of respect he can extend for managing a feat like that, since he’ll take Silco at his word. It’s a bit too grand to be a lie, after all. He pops the remainder of the cigarette between his lips to free his hands, then offers it out for a handshake. It’s ironic, considering why Silco is withdrawn and hiding his, but Tezcatlipoca is looking for something specific. More ironic still that technically, he’d find a mark on Silco’s hand if he could see it… Just not the kind he’s looking for. ]

Tezcatlipoca. I can go through the whole spiel if you want it, but I like to keep things simple.

[zauneyete]

[ Silco only offered him a brief smirk, a ghost of humor before it's quickly smothered and swallowed as always, and he took another long drag of his cigar to mask the sour look on his face, and he pulled on it sourly for a moment. This Tezcatlipoca does not know of the missing hand in his pocket, or their recent altercation. His face contorts briefly, before he nodded in acceptance. ]

Probably would have to, if Quetzalcoatl is your match, hm?

[ Another beat, and then: ]

It was enjoyable at the moment, I will admit. I never thought of gods as anything more than myth as it is — so killing one was not on my list of possible things to do until I arrived here.

Though, if you want pointers for the next time you try...

[ It's said with another twist of his lips, an amused joke there. ]

I'd ask you to make it a little more permanent if you try again, but... [ Well. He wanted to do that himself. ]

[fursuit]

[ No handshake, huh. Noted. Tezcatlipoca doesn’t seem to be bothered by the refusal and withdraws his hand as he relaxes to lean against the railing of the balcony. ]

More like fated enemies than a match, but yeah, close enough. It gets kinda- [ He takes his cigarette from his lips as he motions vaguely with his hand. Yet, the meaning is clear enough through the gesture. Things with gods get weird and esoteric is what he means. ] —but even when I try, it’s not gonna stick in the grand scheme of things. But no need to get into family drama.

[ He pauses, takes the last drag of his cigarette, then casually flicks it off the balcony. He does look to see if it hits any of the people on the street below, but alas. No such luck. ]

Hey, but next time you try, smash her hip bones first. It’s a little bit of a throwback, but she’ll know what it means.

[ It’s how Tezcatlipoca had ended her reign as the sun, after all. They might not be able to kill each other, but he could be petty. And whether Silco does it or not, it’s a little bit pleasing just for someone to know. He looks back to Silco, and though he’s tempted to chainsmoke, he at least holds out for now. ]

What’s your name, god-killer?

[zauneyete]

[ One hand means Silco's tacit refusal looks mysterious, which he will take, though he notes that he doesn't seem offended.

Good. ]

Her hip bones, hm? I'll give that a try.

[ Silco does not want to touch her any more than he had to, but he will send goons after her to crack those hips if at all possible, and he hopes that she would know what it means. ] It occurs to me that you may help me decipher some of her little mysteries, too. I may have to ask you about them later.

[ Just in time for him to come looking for Tezca for him to have disappeared, of course! ]

You may call me Silco. [ A touch of a laugh. ] Though since she came back, I do not think god-killer applies quite yet. God-dissipater, perhaps?

[fursuit]

Mysteries, huh? Sounds weird to hear it put that way, since she’s about as subtle as a brick, but yeah, sure. I can elaborate.

[ Probably, anyways. He has a guess that there’s stuff that even he might not know, like why she’s she in this case, but. Most of it is probably straightforward enough. He doesn’t really mind if Silco feels like asking now, but he won’t push it either. If he wants later, then later it’ll be.

So, in retrospect, this will all be incredibly fitting and make him laugh. It won’t be his choice, but it fits perfectly in line with a trickster god like him. ]

I’ll remember you, Silco. [ It’s perhaps a weird way to put it, but words do hold more weight for gods. It’s nothing that Tezcatlipoca draws any special attention to, but it’s notable to be recognized in this way. ] But sure, god-dissipater, but it doesn’t quite have the same ring to it. Though I guess that’s probably fitting, considering. I heard about the dissipation thing, and I was surprised, gotta admit. Pretty generous of what makes the people here to give some of ‘em a way to cheat death.

[zauneyete]

[ Silco is going to be kicking himself for not asking later, when Tezca is gone. But this is funnier so I'm not going to have him ask it, because Silco should suffer at all times.

Though the way this man (god?) says that he will be remembered certainly does feel like weight, of a sort. Silco has encountered enough gods or godlike beings now, that he understands this. He felt the weight of the Innocent's gaze upon him, and their intention against his person. He has felt the weight of he and Set's pact, the weight of a Demon's bond still weighs heavily upon the the surface of his gloved hand. He has even felt the very palpable weight of Quetz's godhood, pressed and forced against his very real mortality.

He Knows that this weight means something. It is present and real. Though if he were to put it into words, he could not. he could only watch Tezca, and understand that this was Something. ]

What good would it do, to make us so fervent toward our causes and then watch us die against another just as fervent? This serves to allow us to continue to fight, I would think.

[ That's how Silco sees it, of course. It is something he understands from Horos, and being that he's been in this Struggle for over a year now... ]

I suppose I am used to it now, even though where I am from, death is as permanent as a tattoo.

It must be quite the shock for newcomers. Even those who are gods, hm?

[fursuit]

You bet. Considering death is one of the things I kinda have dominion over, it was a real shock to hear. Not that I’d have those duties here, of course, but you know how it goes. Old habits and all.

[ Though it’s probably funny to hear Tezcatlipoca speak of it that way. Much more than, well… Likely any of the godly beings that Silco has encountered, he seems much more human, even when he’s talking about impossible things like having dominion over death itself. The strange, alien point of view is still there, of course, but he just perceives humanity more as individuals than as a whole like his brethren tend to. ]

But from the sounds of it, it’s close enough that I don’t have to be worried about this being a fake war. If it’s got no casualties at all, it’s not worthy of my notice, but I can at least count this dissipation thing as a halfway effort. [ …Though he’d prefer the real thing, so. ] And having a Shard, it ain’t exactly common, right? So most of the people still have to deal with war the old-fashioned way.

[zauneyete]

Right. Old habits.

[ He says, like he understands. He doesn't of course, he's not a god, and Silco was the sort of man who went right back to the sorts of behaviors he had before. He doesn't understand not having those duties because.

Well.

Look at Kowloon, look at Silco, and say that he wasn't about to do the same thing all over again? He can, however, play along. He's pretty good at that. ]

You're correct, about the effects. The Blight itself took plenty, and well, some of us were more devoted to saving the...leftovers than others. If they are strong enough to survive, they will find a way, I think. Perhaps they'll find their own way to what they seek. I even hear there are plenty of fake... attempts at shards for the locals.

[ A laugh. ] I suppose having a shard is godlike, in its own way. At least to the rest of them.

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca listens with interest, but Silco will probably recognize the unique feeling of his attention by now. It’s not for familiarity with Tezcatlipoca, but with another god of war and conflict. His eyes are sharp and focused even behind his sunglasses (perhaps that’s why he wears them…?) and show someone listening more intensely than their disposition might suggest. Perhaps it’s something about gods. Or perhaps it’s just the influence of the things they hold domains over. Even they likely wouldn’t know with any certainty. ]

Not to you, though?

[ He questions with genuine curiosity. The distinction that Silco sets is clear, after all. ]

Actually, call me curious. From the way you talk, I’m assuming you were just a regular guy before all this, so that’s the kinda person I’m more interested in. What’s it like, to get one of these Shards? Does it feel like you have more strength?

[zauneyete]

[ His lips quirked at the question. "Not you though?" Silco couldn't help it, that ghost of a nasty little smile probably said it all. The way it danced on his face, before it vanished as sure as most others did on his face, left with that same strained, pinched look. Like this place, these people, all of it was a foul odor that he wanted to wash away. ]

I do. I am able to survive near-death, or what I would have called certain-death, after all. In addition, I have... Abilities.

Powers.

It's unlike anything I've seen in my world. Where I am from, the most we can hope for is drugs that warp our bodies, and I don't know about you, but that couldn't do me any further favors, hm?

[ That's why he micro-doses! Obviously! ]

It is like winning the lottery of birth, something I would not have dared to hope for. I would do anything to keep it.

[fursuit]

[ It’s interesting, and that’s why Tezcatlipoca had asked. There was some amount where humanity could better themselves and become stronger, but it was still a hard, concrete limit at some point. Even those who were gifted with the power to wield magecraft did so at considerable cost to themselves. Humanity was just kind of meant to be weak, in a way. Wasn’t anything personal, but it was the set of cards they were dealt. So, here, where they were able to suddenly ascend…

It's a bit strange. But it’s not something he dislikes, exactly. Some other gods might take offense to it and want to put humans back in their “place”, but that’s just not the kind of god he is. He may not be a pure ally of humanity like Quetzalcoatl was… But he wasn’t their enemy either. He just tended to take on people of a particular character, which is why he nods in understanding. ]

So, huge change. You’ve got the world at your disposal all of the sudden. Pretty literally, if you go with Zenith’s side of things.

[ His phrasing is neutral, implying that he hasn’t picked a side yet, and it’s true. He hasn’t. But he’s also sure that so long as the Quetzalcoatl is here, obviously he’d have to be opposed to her. They might have been on the same side if things were different back on Earth, but… Doesn’t seem like a bad bet to look ahead, in his opinion. Fuck all the Alien God shit. Let’s start anew for the sixth time around. He gets it. ]

Ain’t a bad gig, all things considered. So, you should hold onto it. Not that you need to hear it from a stranger, most likely, but that kinda power is all that matters in war. Weapons are a tool to survive, whether it’s powers or something as crude and simple as a gun. [ He shrugs ] That’s how I see it, at least.

[zauneyete]

It's how I see it as well, and always have.

[ He agreed with Tezca, obviously, and from the sound of it, it was deeper than mere agreeance. It was philosophy. He would have rubbed his fingers together — but they were gone thanks to Tezca's sibling — and he tipped his head toward him. ]

It is those who know to find it, grasp it, and keep it who will utilize it properly. I am from a world where far too many of us are powerless, but even there, we find...

Ways in which to manifest it, and use it as weapons. [ A curl of his lip, then. ]

Perhaps with time, you'll get to see how some of us use this power as weapons, hm? It might even be a good show.

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca’s gaze is sharp and attentive, but it’s not because Silco is saying anything he finds disagreeable. Quite the opposite. It’s an intense gaze because for all his immediate impressions that this place was nearly pitiful in what it considered war… It sounds like there are at least sparks here. It just needs the right kind of tinder.

He hums out a thoughtful noise like he’s considering what to say, but with a bit of a lopsided smirk, he just ends up laughing. It’s not at Silco’s words at all. ]

I see why you and Birdie don’t get along. Talking like that, she might’ve guessed that you’d already gotten my blessing. Hell, wish I could give you one now, but— [ He gives a playful waggle of his hand. ] Fresh out. Still gotta pick a side, right?

[ Not that he would have one to give one he Harmonized, exactly. If they were in the Mictlan of the Lostbelt, then maybe, since it was a place where even restricted, he could impose his Authority. That’s all a blessing was, after all—a god bending the world itself to your favor. Here, though? He’ll be lucky to get some of the Servant shit out of Harmonizing. Ah, well. ]

But give me a half-decent show, and I’ll do everything I can to support it, since the god stuff is kinda old-fashioned, honestly. I consider myself more like an arms dealer nowadays. [ He shrugs, and that smile becomes a bit toothier. ] So, whatever weapons you got? Look forward to seeing ‘em. And I’ll put weapons in the hands of anyone on my side that’s halfway serious.

[zauneyete]

I've killed her once without it.

[ He says, with a soft, unamused laugh. It's more for show than anything, to express the good humor that he should feel at the words — and would normally — but since there was nothing to smile about in his life... it's false.

Still, with his head tipped back slightly, he focused his unblinking eye on Tezca, and he gestured out at the mansion's grounds. ]

You'll enjoy them, I think. We were on the verge of war with them, where I'm from. Perhaps it will find its intended purpose here, instead.

I think you'll find it... intriguing, at least. [ He hoped to go to war here, too, but that was a slow process. It always was, if one wished to end up the victor. He'd taken years to get to the point where Shimmer might be used. Over ten years, really, so it should be no surprise that he would take his time here. ] I'll make sure you have a front-row seat, hm?

[fursuit]

[ What a serious guy. Tezcatlipoca wants to tease him about it, but that can wait, he decides. He’s already interested in him, and if he’s a bit of a warmonger like it sounds, they’re going to be close, whether as enemies or allies. Still. Silco can probably see that Tezcatlipoca has that sort of impulse just from his expression, since he doesn’t bother to hide it. He’s probably also used to seeing it from another god of conflict and chaos, honestly… ]

Music to my ears. You really know how to wine and dine a god of conflict.

[ This is a comment that Tezcatlipoca will look back on and laugh about if he ever does learn that Silco has already been “chosen” by Set, but for now? He means it perfectly sincerely, even if his phrasing is playful. ]

But, from the sounds of it, you’ve got a good lay of the land in this place. [ Would have to by necessity is more Tezcatlipoca’s logic. ] I’m not going to be heading over for a family reunion until I reclaim my power, but I’m not exactly in a rush for that either. There’s benefits to keeping a low profile.

[ And he’s sure that as soon as he reclaims his power, it might as well be a flare to let Quetzalcoatl know he’s here. Its logic like this that qualifies him for “Assassin”, so far as the Servant classifications go. ]

So. Consider me on a tour. Where would you send a guy like me next?

[zauneyete]

[ Silco didn't know if he understood — or agreed — the sentiment of remaining powerless, but gods were gods, and they all had such odd ways of thinking, odd logic, inhuman. They had no worries about their long-term mortality because it had never been a concern to them. It was similar to Sebastian. Silco had spent a long time considering gods — and not just because he hated Quetz — but the real answer to why they were like that was simple.

They simply had little to prove to mortals, did they?

So he could only ignore such a statement, about not opting for power yet, though his eyes do stare right at Tezca when he does, as if he were considering. ]

Hm, perhaps it is because I've known little other than conflict my entire life.

[ It's idle, before he turned his attention toward Highstorm, and then nodded out toward the rest of the land. ]

I would send you to Springstar.

Oh, no, not the city itself, with their revelry and... [ Ugh ] Light, but if you find the sewers there, you could find a true gem underneath the city. Kowloon, the city beneath Springstar in the below.

The trip there is dire, and I would suggest that you tread carefully, given your...condition. Only those that know the way can find it.

It is... much more lively than either here or Highstorm, and I mean that in the best of ways.

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca listens with interest, and it’s clear that right away, Silco has made a good recommendation, or at the very least one that’s intriguing. After all, the name rings a bell for Tezcatlipoca. It’s nothing he’s intimately familiar with, as it’s far, far from the lands that were considered “his”, but he still listened for pockets of what called to his nature. What could do so better than a tiny city of anarchy? ]

Interesting name for the place. Never went there myself, but there was a place by that name in my world. If the one here is anything like the one I know, then you’re spot on. That’s my kinda place.

[ His kind of people, more importantly. No one was more determined to survive than those that were desperate and downtrodden, save for perhaps a warrior in the midst of a battle. He’s getting a better idea of which one Silco was too. It’s why he’s bold enough (curious enough) to ask: ]

Any way I could convince you to show me the way down there?

[zauneyete]

Oh, you've heard of it?

[ Genuinely surprised, actually. He tipped his head to regard Tezca with a little more care than he had before, as if the fact that Kowloon would have been similar to another world's city hadn't even occurred to him. After all, if it was pulled from another world, then why not —

Ah, of course. Because it couldn't be something that Silco was familiar with. (He took this personally. Against whom? The universe, of course. ]

I am familiar enough that I could show you the way, yes. [ He says. As if he is only vaguely familiar. ] I'm curious if it has any relation to the one of your world, now. I'll admit, I thought it was something only of this place.

[fursuit]

Well, I'll give you my review, in that case. Consider that payment.

[ Tezcatlipoca laughs, since he's joking, and clearly so. That's not much in the way of payment, but it's more that he doesn't have a problem sharing. He knows how to talk to people like Silco, though. ]

But in my world, it was a little city of anarchy. Told the government to fuck off, and no one felt like doing anything for a long time. Pretty fun story. Shame I didn't get to see it before they bulldozed it, since anyone that lives in a place like that is probably my kinda people.

[ He'll just share the thought after all. It could be construed as Tezcatlipoca trying to endear himself to Silco, but it doesn't come off that way. Compared to Sebastian who is mostly beguiling words, Tezcatlipoca doesn't seem to use that kind of method. He seems straightforward. In truth, he just considers it beneath him.

He gives another glance to Quetzalcoatl's temple on the horizon, then looks back to Silco with a little grin. ]

Well, I'm tired of staring at Quetzalcoatl's temple at this point. If it ain't a problem for you, I'm free to go check it out.

[zauneyete]

It was destroyed, was it?

[ Up until that, Silco was thinking that the Kowloon he'd seen was exactly the same, and Silco liked that. What was better than city of Anarchy, after all? That was exactly what Zaun was — should be — where the strong could find what they needed and wanted, and the weak were culled from the pack so that as a whole, they were powerful. Strong.

Sure, there were chembarons to keep things in... relative direction, but otherwise? Zaun, Kowloon, all of it was becoming such a similar beast in his mind. Pure, unadulterated anarchy. Perfect in how it thrived in chaos. ]

Ah, yes. Why don't I take you over, then? We'll need to take a quick detour through Springstar, but we'll just have to hope your sibling remains at their temple, hm?

[ Like hell he was giving someone he just met sight of his personal cornerstone. ]

[fursuit]

Yep. Bulldozed by the government around the place, essentially. Not even a trace of the place left, which is a damn shame, but eh, not surprising. That’s how things go.

[ He shrugs, since he thinks of it on a larger scale than Silco might, unsurprisingly. It’s a small example of how civilization cycles. You have the boom of it growing and even growing to something impressive, but eventually, there’s a bust, and it’s all going to be gone with barely being a footnote in history. Every civilization is destined to just become a curiosity of the past.

Of course, the one here isn’t, or not yet, so! Rather than share any of that fatalistic thinking (it’s boring conversation anyways), Tezcatlipoca nods as he shoves his hands in his pockets. It’s a gesture for Silco to lead the way, since he continues the conversation with a short laugh. ]

Yeah, that’s my hope until I get around to Harmonizing or whatever. At least I can take a guess and say that Kowloon ain’t a place she’s gonna be. [ another laugh ] If she even knows about it. Also seems like the kinda place she’d wanna flatten if it’s got the same kinda character as the one from our world.