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SEPTEMBER TDM + SETTING UPDATES
BEARING FRUIT (NEW CHARACTERS ONLY)
It starts out as a pleasant dream. You’re in your favorite place, with your favorite people. It’s a moment of idyllic comfort.
The light starts to fade, but only in time to see as the leaves cradling you immediately start to soften and crumble, and with it comes a torrent of dirt. Soft, loamy soil starts to fill the space around you in the dark as you’re buried. Or, rather, you already were. You reach out through the dirt desperately, and your hands finds a root, so you pull while you clutch that precious crystal so close that it almost feels like it sinks into you (in your panic, you don’t notice that it does). You reach out again, and this time, your hand hits open air and plenty of sturdy roots around to grab.
From a seed you’re born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.
And once you’ve clawed your way out of the soft earth and the roots, nearby, you see the soil shift. Another hand comes up to grasp desperately for something, anything, just as you had been.
You wake with a start, cradled by soft, velvety plants, and sticky with a sap that smells faintly of honey and iron. You can see the veins of the leaves that hold you, lit warmly and gently by what looks like a crystal embedded above you. Yet, it’s odd, because that crystal calls to you. When you reach out to touch it, it’s warm. Familiar. Important. You don’t know why, but you know you must hold onto this, because now it feels wrong for it to be suspended in these leaves. So, you pull it out.And then, it goes wrong.
The sky turns dark above, and as you look up, you see the black expanse of space spotted with faraway pinprick lights of stars. Yet, they’re not stars. You’re certain. They’re watching you. A billion eyes all looking down, and they spill forth as if sky itself was a dam holding back those dark waters. You reach back to the people you’re with, but they’re frozen in place. Their eyes are black, reflecting only the expanse of dark eyes.
So you run, even though you know you won’t escape it. You glance back and see it not overtaking, but consuming. The landscape around you is being devoured, and you can see it cracking apart. The world itself is breaking, and it cracks under your feet. You fall, and the billion eyes chase after you until the darkness swallows you whole. There’s agony as if you’re being ripped apart, and then—
You cannot see. You cannot feel. You simply are. Yet even so, impossibly, a woman’s voice speaks gently.
I’m sorry it couldn’t be saved. But, come, it’s time to wake.
The light starts to fade, but only in time to see as the leaves cradling you immediately start to soften and crumble, and with it comes a torrent of dirt. Soft, loamy soil starts to fill the space around you in the dark as you’re buried. Or, rather, you already were. You reach out through the dirt desperately, and your hands finds a root, so you pull while you clutch that precious crystal so close that it almost feels like it sinks into you (in your panic, you don’t notice that it does). You reach out again, and this time, your hand hits open air and plenty of sturdy roots around to grab.
From a seed you’re born, and like a sprout, you make your way out of the ground.
And once you’ve clawed your way out of the soft earth and the roots, nearby, you see the soil shift. Another hand comes up to grasp desperately for something, anything, just as you had been.
TWO CITIES, ALIKE IN DIGNITY
With the new Shard-Bearers present or en route, it is Kathova and Cetina that approach the established ones, requesting that they form mentorships with the new souls to assist them with the integration process. To this end, they have both provided a centralized zone in both Highstorm and Springstar for a small, casual meet-and-greet to be held before the new Shard-Bearers are unleashed upon Kenos as a whole.
Additionally, as Springstar and Highstorm are holding their events on different days, it is possible for the knowledge-hungry to participate in both informational sessions -- the tones and opinions held by both cities are doubtless to differ, and some Shard-Bearers who have chosen to harmonize with either faction may even find their way to the opposing faction's session as well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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kenoslogs.
Karlach Cliffgate » Baldur's Gate 3
[ Karlach's rebirth is fittingly for her, fraught with struggle and violence. As she comes back up into consciousness, she shoves herself upwards through the earth, struggling, kicking, clawing at anything she can to try and break free and be reborn, to crack the shell of the new egg that contains her.
This wasn't really what was supposed to happen, was it? There was supposed to be something else, after, right? A place to rest? A place to drift in quiet? She hadn't been ready to go yet, the Gods know. She'd raged and wept against the injustice of it all right up to the end--
One fist, than another bursts up into the open air and then a horned head, spattered in dirt. She coughs, gasps, looks around for the nearest face-- ]
Hey! Give me a fucking hand, will you?
Two Cities - Springstar
[ Springstar seems like a perfect fit for the reborn Karlach, all things considered. There's a youthful exuberance, a sense of renewed life to her that simply exudes from her at all times as she can be found poking her head into taverns, wandering the streets, going from party to party and lending a helping hand with whatever she can--she's the sort who doesn't ever seem to stop, even if she runs smack into a stranger on her way somewhere, a half-empty drink still in hand. She laughs and gives whoever it is a hefty pat on the shoulder, a rueful expression on her face. ]
Sorry, soldier. I didn't spill anything on you, did I? Had a few already.
Two Cities - Highstorm
[ Highstorm, on the other hand, is really not her scene. She seems prickly, a little on edge with the way that everyone seems so focused on regimented, proper behavior. She's usually exuberant, overflowing with energy. She's also getting used to no longer being her own space heater, which has made bundling up a little more necessary to keep out the chill. Standing at one of the tables, she picks at a plate of foods, face screwed up in a sour expression. ]
Don't these people know how to fucking relax?
[ Muttered to her nearest neighbor. ]
Wildcard
[ Something else you want with Karlach? Hit me up! ]
Highstorm
Still, she won’t complain about free food and a chance to chat up new people. Seems like this time, she might’ve stumbled onto a kindred spirit. She glances the other woman’s way, crocodile tail in a slow and idle sway behind her.]
I ask myself that all the time. [A sigh.] They really oughta loosen up. It’ll do ‘em some good.
Re: Highstorm
Really doesn't hurt to cut loose, especially at a party, am I right? Not sure I really fit in here, tellin' the truth.
[ She looks around awkwardly for a moment, as if worried that alone might get her kicked out. ]
You also a Shard what's-it?
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Oh, Shard-bearer? Yeah, I am. Been around for… a while now, I guess. Easy to lose track after so long.
[At least she’s had plenty to keep her busy, so it ain’t all bad. Gavial nabs a morsel off of her own plate, thoughtfully chewing for a moment as she gives the other woman a more appraising glance. She’s still got half a mouthful as she continues.]
Sounds like you’re one of the new ones? Think I woulda remembered seeing you around before.
[Because she looks strong, and that's one thing Gavial always takes note of.]
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[ Karlach shrugs and pops another hors d'oeuvre into her mouth to chew. ]
Mmyeah. Crawled up out of the fucking ground at this tree? Wild shit.
[ Sigh. ]
Better'n some places I've been.
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Highstorm
My money’s on “no.” I’ve attended wakes livelier than this.
[Despite her complaint, her manner is easy and unconcerned. Evidently the austere mood hasn’t put a damper on her ability to amuse herself. Looking up at Karlach, she produces a small flask in one clawed hand, as if from thin air.]
Do you think anyone would even appreciate it if I “improved” the punch a little?
Re: Highstorm
Right? Wouldn't kill them to smile or even laugh a little.
[ Her eyes flick to the flask. ]
I would appreciate it. Don't know if any of them would.
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Perhaps the guests at this particular gathering won’t look kindly on discovering that an extra ingredient has been added to the bowl of punch sitting in the middle of the buffet table, but that just makes Nyskie want to add it all the more. At worst, she and her new friend will get to sample the goods before her mischief is discovered. At best, they might get to see some of these sobersides cut loose.
After a moment, the flask disappears back from whence it came — a sleeve, perhaps, or a hidden pocket. It’s difficult to tell. Regardless, she grins broadly, displaying a mouth full of sharp, shark-like teeth.]
Are you feeling like punch? I do believe I’m a little thirsty.
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[ Karlach's return grin is wide, toothy, and enthusiastic. She offers out a hand to shake after a moment, as if suddenly remembering that that's something she can do. ]
Nice meeting you. I'm Karlach, Karlach Cliffgate. If you're sharing drinks, then I'm your pal.
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bearing fruit;
...You do appear...to be wedged in...a bit tight...down there...
[ There is a stress-vein appearing on his forehead as he uses all his muscles to try and tug her free until the soil finally gives away and he's able to help her at least sit up in the dirt. Sure, he's left wheezing for his efforts, but at least she didn't suffocate down there. ]
Are you all right? Though that does seem a foolish question to ask, considering we both arose from what appear to be our graves.
Re: bearing fruit;
[ Karlach says, reaching out to grab hold of the offered hands and trying to kick her way free. She grunts, wrenching herself around when she finally flops out onto the surface of the earth, still covered in soil and panting for breath. ]
I wasn't planning on waking up out of a grave anytime soon.
[ Muttered more than said. She presses a hand to her chest for a moment. Blinks. ]
The fuck?
[ She looks down at her chest, tugs her shirt a little further open as if she's looking for something. Sorry if you get a flash of nip, Joshua. ]
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Have you lost something? I too found myself missing everything but the clothes I had last worn. I would hazard to guess whatever enchantment brought us here was not sophisticated enough to include anything more sophisticated than basic textiles and jewelry.
[ Which may also account for his own missing eikon and the alleged god that had been trapped imprisoned inside of him. He sincerely hopes that the latter of those two isn't running around anywhere unsupervised, or the two of them (and anyone else in this land) are going to have a very bad time. ]
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[ Karlach taps her chest with one hand, looking strangely relieved. ]
Used to have an infernal engine in my chest instead of a heart. It was burning me up, being outside the hells and all...
[ She trails off for a moment, grins. ]
Dunno what waking up here is all about but it looks like I'm back to bloody normal. No more engine! Just a heart! It's a fucking relief, you know?
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highstorm
Amos is just barely skirting the line of dressing formally — as long as you're wearing all black then that's formal, right; the relatively nice leather jacket meant more for dealing with the cold doesn't hurt his case, either — and is fairly casual as he peruses a buffet table, drink in hand. Is this his scene? Not quite entirely, but he's been living here for the better part of a year now and there are plenty of new faces around, so it'd be a dick move for him to not show.
And, speaking of new faces! He looks over at Karlach as she speaks up; mid-drink, he laughs into it. ]
It's usually not like this. This is more a special occasion kind of thing. [ Why that means it's time to play dress-up is beyond him, but hey, when in Rome. ] There are bathhouses on the other end of the city, though. You want to talk relaxing? That'd be where I'd go after all this.
Re: highstorm
[ That fashion is Karlach's first concern is perhaps a little surprising, but she's not one to shy away from wanting to look good. An eyebrow shoots up at the mention of bathhouses. An enthusiastic nod accompanies her response. ]
Now that sounds properly relaxing. Might have to go give those a look when this thing finishes up. Or if I can make an excuse to get out of here sooner.
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Friend got it for me a little while back. I'm not sure where, but there're probably more somewhere out there in the market.
[ Since Highstorm may not offer the variety of wares that Springstar does, but they tend to be of higher quality!
That nod is encouraging, though. Amos takes a quick look out at the rest of the session behind them, the mingling and the formalities and...
Back to Karlach, light grin on his face. ]
If you wanted to go now, you probably could. If you want company, then shit, I wouldn't say no to tagging along. I mean, this is supposed to be informational, right? I've been here long enough; I can answer any questions. No reason why it can't be somewhere else.
[ With that he throws back the rest of his drink and sets his glass down on the nearest table. And, offering a hand for her to shake, ] Name's Amos.
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sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssspringstar
im just gonna say he harmonized because human form is funnier][ The hand she clasps down on in dressed in what could only be called "local rich garb" for Springstar, and certainly stands out in the masses around whatever location Karlach is drinking in. It's so easy to be mistaken for a local like this — and by the nine hells, wasn't that the point — so when blue eyes sweep a somewhat familiar face, his lips quirk into a smile.
Well... well. ]
Over-indulging? [ Musical tones ask, pleasant, though... well. There's always a certain undercurrent to those from the hells, if one knows what to listen for. Karlach, obviously, would. ]
I'm surprised it took you this long, I suppose. Having fun?
YESSSSS; trying to decide if it's funnier if she's canonically done House of Hope already.
[ The response is immediate, snapped as soon as that familiar deep voice hits her ears. She looks at Raphael for a moment, now finally recognizing a familiar voice to go with that voice. Her expression twists into a glare. ]
None of my friends are here, but you are? Just my fucking luck!
[ Though Raphael would likely be the first to notice that instead of the glow of an infernal engine, she has a pretty distressingly normal looking torso. ]
she could remember his musical stylings if she did ;)
[ He says, although his eyes do flick to the space where her engine (maybe?) runs cool. How odd, that it is not running here, but perhaps it is the changes this Kenos inflicts upon them? Raphael does had not had a part in that installation, but he certainly had been expecting things to still be chugging along as normal.
Not so, it seems, under the influence of this Meridian. ]
I could be a different dvil, you know. [ Zariel he implies, without uttering her name. ] Instead, you get an... occasional ally.
I would be thanking Avernus itself, if I were you.
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bearing fruit
More shard-bearers are blooming, so he is wandering carefully through the soil with clinical curiosity; he does remember what it was like having come to in a grave. Very fitting for him.
A pair of leather-covered arms sink down into the dirt and the fingers get a good hold of her arms and shoulders. For a pale, gothic-looking young man, he's pretty fucking strong? (Just vampire things.) After a few tugs, he ends up pulling her completely out of the ground with his own strength like she's a winter vegetable.
He doesn't say anything as he gives her time to get her feet and bearings so he can let go.]
Re: bearing fruit
Thanks, soldier.
[ Phew. ]
What's your name? I'm Karlach.
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While she gets herself together, he stands there like a black marble statue. He regards her a bit clinically. The equivalent to Infernal for him is basically just demon. He at least doesn't look put-off by the fact he just plucked someone who looks like her out of the ground.]
D. [This is truly all he gives her to work with.] Did you have a dream?
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highstorm
Yet, on the other, less practical part of things... He enjoys a soiree. It brings out such an interesting character in people that few other situations do! He's perfectly at ease and comfortable here, a figure dressed elegantly in the dark colors that suit Highstorm best, but that's not the case for everyone.
...Such as the very tall, very red woman that sticks out rather like a sore thumb. She's very hard to miss, and that's reason enough for Sebastian to want to come chat. It's just in time to catch that little muttering, and though he's the sort of prim and proper that would seem offended, no. He laughs. ]
Ah, well— [ And from accent alone from that little start, Karlach is likely to get a distinct impression from his very posh accent, and especially so as he continues with formality. At least what he says is more relaxed than that. ] Different forms of relaxation, I suppose. Were you to head to the Tomes or to the bathhouse, quite so. But at a party? Rarely so, I admit. The dance of social graces is a dreadfully rigid affair.
Re: highstorm
Parties are supposed to be fun. A time to let loose. Not to be even more uptight than usual, you know?
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[ It also makes him sound like a stuck-up bore, so with a little more of a wry smile, he gives her a nod. ]
But it is not to say I dislike the rowdier sort. It is just not the style of how Zenith welcomes any would-be newcomers. Nor Springstar, really, now that I consider it… I suppose neither city considers a raucous party to be the welcoming sort!
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