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

[zauneyete]

[ Silco's lips curled into that ghost of a smile that flickered to life, before it was swallowed yet again. ]

I bet you could.

[ That he didn't doubt. If Tezca was as powerful as Quetz, and just as deadly as to stand against her constantly, he would add a great deal of uncontrollable, incredible power, to the mix. Silco had never seen the full might of Quetz's power, and perhaps he never would. But he did know that she had it, for who else could establish a temple like she had, right outside of Highstorm? ]

Eventually, we'll be taking it to Springstar. Or rather... [ His laugh is insidious, now. Mean. ] I think they'll require us to retaliate there.

[ That's the hope, anyway. He wants to see Springstar's boots down in the depths of Kowloon, to see them attack, so he can find reason to bring it topside. ]

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca's smile doesn't waver, but it doesn't quite grow either. He's happy to hear it, of course. It's the sort of thing that's perfectly in line with his wants and his domains. He is the chaos of war that brings about change, the force that forges weak people into the strong or crushes them. What Silco wants is what Tezcatlipoca wants. Has always wanted.

Yet though he favors warmongers because of how they serve him and empower him, the mean note in that laugh is a different matter. Silco has his reasons to want this, naturally. But whatever they are, Tezcatlipoca feels certain that they're poor ones. Selfish, misguided, whatever they might be, that's where they diverge.

...Practically speaking, it doesn't matter. It's a detail that Silco is unlikely to ever notice or understand the nuance of. But it does make him unworthy of the god's blessing. Not that he's getting the impression that Silco would want it or think to ask for it, though. ]

Well, sounds like I fell into the company of the right guy! You got a grudge against Quetzalcoatl, you're tryin' to start an all-out war... Start offering hearts and I might be obliged to kiss you.

[ Is he joking? Who knows! ]

You must be popular in Kenos. [ nope, that's definitely a joke, he can tell no one likes this guy probably ]

[zauneyete]

[ Silco would never ask, Tezca is right. He's a bitter, cruel man. Perhaps there was a world where his motivations could be seen as... genuine, even philanthropic, but that was a world in which Silco was not bitter, betrayed, and so, so angry. It wouldn't even be half as mean, had Tezca shown up a month ago, half as mean if he hadn't had his most precious person just vanish. Yet Again.

He's lost his daughter, his hand... the world can burn, for all he cares. ]

Please don't.

[ He says, drily. His lips twitch, annoyed, before he shrugged, happy to diffuse that. ]

I'm not. Then again, I've never been well-liked. [ A quirk of his lips, now. ] Likely for the same reasons that war gods seem to enjoy my presence, really.

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca snickers, and it might as well be for both statements. He finds humor in both of them. ]

Well, yeah, probably. You're practically already worshiping us, and with that kinda offering? You might as well be our priest.

[ He's teasing, though. Maybe Silco could be for Set, but the impression he's gotten so far says that Silco wouldn't be suitable for him. After all, though Tezcatlipoca certainly had a large overlap with the domain of war, there was a nuance as the god of conflict that separated him. It wasn't war that he oversaw—it was the chaos and the change that came from it, and he's not sure that Silco cares about that so much.

...Plus, as far as he's concerned, that position is already filled. He doesn't think anyone would ever be able to surpass Daybit. If that's him being sentimental too, fuck it.

Though the thought makes does his smile softer, even if why is a secret. ]

You seem pretty comfortable in it, though. Not even because you've been in it a long time, but more because you don't give a shit what other people think about you. Divine stuff aside, that's just the kinda people I like to hang out with, personally. More fun that way.

[zauneyete]

[ Another of those half-present, quickfire smirks, before it's back to Silco's usual dour expression. ]

You would enjoy most people where I'm from, I think.

[ He said it with a roll of his shoulder, and he starts fishing into his coat for one of his own cigars, bereft of one for too long. He placed it between his teeth, even as he spoke. ]

The remarkable thing is that I'm not even unusual when it comes to we Zaunites. [ Two fingers of his remaining hand make a motion, that cuts the end of the cigar off, like a small slice of air, before he lit it with his fingers pressed to the end. ]

I have more important things to do, than worry about how palatable I am. If that's what war gods appreciate, then...

[ A shrug. ] Perhaps it's a shame we did not have any in Zaun, then. You all would have loved us.

the realization that tezca would use modern slang continues to be a blessing

[fursuit]

Tells me a lot about where you’re from if everyone gets their fair share of haters, yeah.

[ That, and Silco’s fondness for Kowloon. It’s not a place where many people would feel comfortable, but Silco is perfectly at ease here. Part of that is probably Silco’s influence in the area, sure, but he also has the ease of someone who has always lived in places like this. ]

Well, if nothing else, I’ll be making up for lost time from the sounds of it! ‘Course, I’m a tough love kinda guy, but I have a feeling that’s suitable too. I want people to be strong, but you don’t get stronger without trials to overcome, yeah?

[ He grins again, but now that they’re heading down into Kowloon proper on its main “street”, his eyes are drawn upwards as he looks at the tall, ramshackle buildings that line it. He repeats a phrase that he likes, since it’s the easiest way to sum up what he’s all about. ]

Putting it another way, I’m the god of all who strive to survive. So, this place? It’s perfect for me. Way better than those orderly cities upstairs. Gotta give my thanks that you brought me here. Would have made it eventually, I'm sure, but nothing like getting the grand tour from someone who knows it well.

ohhhh my god i love him

[zauneyete]

[ The god of all those who strove to survive.

Silco's lip curled up, just another flicker, but it lasted long enough to give the impression of a man who was pleased with that. He had never heard of gods that favored struggle. Most of them were filled with that faux kindness that Silco rejected so much. Set had been the only other, but that was a given, just as much as Silco was one of Set's; Tezca and Set were still similar enough as well, for it to be logical.

His hand spread out, as if gesturing to himself. ]

I think as much as you enjoy Kowloon, you would find the undercity better. All we do is struggle to survive, it's what we've done for ages, and it has made us... unique. Kowloon is close, but...

[ He looked around this place, his mismatched gaze trailing the structure and the hallways. He shook his head. ] It is still a pale imitation, at best.

It's a shame I've provided you with second best, but unfortunately, destruction came well before you did.

[fursuit]

It makes you strong. [ He adds his own interpretation, since that’s what he’d prefer over “unique”, even if he’d said as much. ] Maybe not the kinda warrior-strong that’s really my preference, but I’ve relaxed my standards in the modern era. You don’t exactly get as many people you can easily call warriors when things have advanced enough that you’re not having to kill for your meals.

[ But unlike some gods, the advancements of the modern world hadn’t bothered him too much. It’s the way things go, since mortal societies just worked that way. They might die and even die easily, so progress is the only thing that truly survives. Plus, just personally speaking? He digs the modern world of the Fifth Sun. As is evident by just the contrast in how he chooses to dress versus Quetzalcoatl. ]

But anyways. I’ll take second best. No problem for me. Whatever Kowloon has lacking in the survival part is going to be more than made up by the actual war goin’ on.

[ He peeks at a shop that catches his attention, but doesn’t stop walking or talking. It’s likely to catch Silco’s attention, though. It’s one of the smaller stands that’s essentially a grab-and-go for basic drugs that are fairly easy to find up in the cities above too. ]

How’s Kowloon feel about all that, anyways?

[zauneyete]

[ Silco's eyes do track Tezca, and what his eyes light on, though that's enough of an indication that he'll lead him through winding hallways toward Draumahol, if drugs were what he was interested in, then perhaps Silco's place of business would be more of interest to him than he thought. Then again, with the way he'd sounded interested in shimmer... Well.

That would be a sight. Watching Tezca and Set fight on shimmer would be... incredible, actually. Powerful. ]

The possibility of war? [ He looked up, considering. ]

Kowloon has been stuck in this holding pattern for what seems like ages. The dark secret that Springstar has hidden away from the world, where they toss their criminal and unsavory elements. They want the advantage that Kowloon's dark secrets bring them, all while leaving us down in the dark to rot.

[ Well, he was at least good at this. ] They dwell in the dark, to support Meridian's light? [ A scoff. ] Please. They deserve better, and they are aware of such.

[fursuit]

[ IT WOULD BE A PROBLEM SILCO, ]

Ah, so that’s one part of how they handle crime? Interesting. Was kinda curious about that, since both cities seemed pretty chill, so far as things go. Granted, could be because I don’t have the sense for it I usually do, but I can usually sense that kinda thing. Drawn to it like a moth to flame, considering.

[ He gives Silco a nod, since he doesn’t think it needs elaborating. The god of conflict, drawn to crime? Truly a shocker. ]

So they want acknowledgement. Not so much going back up there, presumably.

[zauneyete]

Correct. They want legitimacy.

[ Silco understands it, or rather — Silco has certainly been nudging things on the council toward this end. Springstar pretended that they did not know that Kowloon existed, but they were still beneath them, and pretending that they did not exist had presented an opportunity for the former revolutionary. It's easy to draw the parallels to his own struggles, after all, though they did not work the mines for Springstar, they certainly kept the problems out. ]

After all, any deal darker than a few... mild drugs topside, or harmless larceny runs through here. We're the grease that moves between the two cities, furthering everything from entertainment to scientific discovery. We should have that all to ourselves, and the pressure of Springstar's boot prevents us from truly making Kowloon the best it could be.

The people agree with me, imagine that.

[ For as petty and acerbic as Silco is, roiling with irrational anger and rage, he was an eloquent man. A bully, for certain, but when it came to this, it came out, what Zaun actually had seen in him as a leader.

Then again, Zaun always respected its bullies. ]

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca can tell that there’s likely more to this story than what Silco explains here. Probably a hell of a lot more, and it’s something he’ll be taking a look at for sure when he has the time. This seems like the place he’s more likely to call “home” for the time being, so it’s best to know what its deal is. Especially if he gets into something like making guns, since he imagines that could only be done down here.

But that amounts to professional curiosity. Tezcatlipoca is a careful, meticulous planner, though he doesn’t give of that impression. Personally speaking? He looks satisfied by Silco’s explanation. ]

You got a way with words, bossman.

[ He can see people being easily taken in by the guy, but whether that’s for their benefit or detriment…? Well, doesn’t matter, actually. It’s conflict either way. ]

We’ll talk business and scientific discovery once I get settled. I have a feeling that Kowloon would be considered legit if they got a solid little arsenal in their hands. And I’m getting fond enough of the place already that you’re more likely to receive my “blessing”.

[ He snickers, since the air quotes around blessing are clear. It’s not something divine. It’s just guns. ]

But for now! Tell me about the entertainment! Everything else, that makes sense, but this is the party scene too, huh?

[zauneyete]

[ The subject is... oddly? Something Silco is fond of? The way his lips curl, the tip of his head. He doesn't look like a party animal — and he isn't — but he seems to be the sort to enjoy something about it. Frankly, it's the energy of it. Entertainment, partying, a thriving nightlife thrumming with indulgence and energy is truly the sort of thing that Silco feels most at home with.

And Tezca showing interest just makes him all the more interested in what he can offer. He is, after all, clearly interested in Kowloon. Having a god on their side?

Even better. ]

Correct. For what drugs are permissible topside, there are others that still are not. They have regulations that do not exist here. Drinks that they will not serve, unspoken rules that must be followed. Here, there are no limits. It was inevitable, that it would be inviting to more than simply a drink, or a bachelorette party here and there.

Our casinos will take more than money to barter against others. Our bars, like mine, serve enough variety that even those who experience nothing can find something to soothe whatever ails their minds.

It is wild and free. The way entertainment should be.

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca laughs a bit at the last statement, but it’s definitely in the way of someone being amused at a private joke. It amounts to just being too much to have to explain, but he agrees, thought it’s a bit hypocritical of him. “Do as I say, not as I do,” he’d joke, because the Aztecs were actually pretty stringent when it came to the kind of entertainment that Silco is selling. It wasn’t something he’d personally advocated, but. As the almighty Tezcatlipoca, the assumption would be that it was his directive.

Instead, though, he nods. ]

Then sounds like one stop’s gotta be your place. You’re a connoisseur, so you’ve got the best, right?

[ …Also because Tezcatlipoca will never set foot in a casino. He knows his luck. ]

I’m trying to live it up while I can. This place seems practically like a vacation, for one—

[ As he continues he taps his chest ]

And two, with the circumstances that led to me getting summoned, I’ve got a human body for once. No divinity to get in between me and getting absolutely fucked up out of my mind on the finest booze and drugs you’ve got.

[zauneyete]

Hm, that's interesting.

[ Is Quetzalcoatl the same way, he wonders? A human body? He had been able to kill her during the Blight, but Set had interfered with anything further. (He curses him for that, but Set is oddly forgivable in Silco's eyes for most crimes.) ]

Well, if you're looking to indulge, Draumahol is the place. My personal project is shimmer, of course, but we're fortunate enough to have production of most other drugs from across the known worlds that have touched Kenos. [ And enough labs to make more. ]

Though I don't know about connoisseurs, I don't indulge myself. [ A curl of his lips. ] You live in the muck long enough, you learn not to show weak spots. Get too high, and you're liable to get a knife in the belly, hm?

[fursuit]

Can guess what you’re thinking, and nah, Birdie’s body ain’t human, I’m sure. She’s probably the typical Servant, if I had to guess.

[ Tezcatlipoca shrugs, since he (very incorrectly) assumes that Quetzalcoatl has explained what that means. At least if Silco is curious he can get explanations that aren’t shit from Tezcatlipoca… ]

But anyways, that depends on if you’re a dick, doesn’t it?

[ He laughs because he sure can guess that Silco is more at threat than others. ]

Nah, I get what you mean. I prefer stuff that doesn’t totally take me out. I’ll be having my fun nice and early before I piss people off.

[zauneyete]

Hm.

[ He grunted. He doesn't really know what that means, no. Quetz had tried to explain some things to him, but Silco had filed those away and then decided that it didn't matter what she was, other than dead. Besides, a servant was a servant. That wasn't really a word that needed definition, right?

Right?

Maybe in a kenosian month or two he'll look back at this, and come to a different conclusion. Perhaps. Once Silco learns that Static Truths may be different for some people and places. Maybe once he realizes that souls have actual values or something. Maybe then he will have something that is closer to self-reflection.

Maybe.

It is Silco, though, and that man has not given a good look inward in uh. Ages. ]

Smart. [ He finally says, after a long pause, and a single-eyed blink. ] Draumahol, thankfully, has plenty of security, so even if you encounter a particularly foolish local, you should feel... [ He spread his hands. ] Perhaps not safe, but... less at risk.

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca nods, since a “hm” isn’t exactly a confirmation of anything, but hey, if he’s not going to ask, he’s not going to just get into it unprompted. That’s just not how trickster gods work, sorry Silco, but this is something Tezcatlipoca will get a good laugh about later. ]

Oh, I’m not too worried about it, honestly. Like, the security is probably going to be called on me. Eventually, anyways. Not because I’m going to go out of the way to trash your place, but I don’t tolerate disrespect.

[ He’s still incredibly casual as he says it, but there’s a small undercurrent in his words of something sharper. It’s not a threat, exactly. He’d consider it more as fair warning. He knows himself. ]

But anyways, what’s your poison of choice, then? You can’t be a guy running a place down here and not at least partake in something, even if it’s just liquor. You've got the cigars obviously, but that can't be it.

[zauneyete]

If you get into a fight over disrespect, it's what they deserve. [ Silco's laugh is a half-wheezed chuff of air. ]

No, it is not just cigars. I enjoy liquor, of course. [ He raised a hand, with one finger extended, as if to punctuate a point. ] I am not one for over-indulging, however. I'm afraid I'm long past those days.

[ Admittedly, he is over forty. And look at him. A stiff breeze could probably blow him over. He's just... a little guy.

And also he won't share his little shimmer routine because well. Nobody needs to know about his Very Medicinal Drug Use. ]

cw: casual... suicide mention... shakes my head.......

[fursuit]

[ See, that’s what he likes to hear. Largely because he will be causing problems, almost certainly. Perhaps Silco will regret giving Tezcatlipoca this kind of implicit permission… But probably not. His soft spot for the chaotic types means his (theoretical) business insurance is high. And with two chaotic war gods in his retinue? That (still theoretical) premium is about to go up. ]

Used to be past those days. If these Shards work the way I’ve heard, then fuck it, just off yourself when you feel something starting to go. It’s like a factory reset, right?

[ He laughs merrily, even if he knows that the assumption might not be entirely correct, considering Silco’s lack of hand... Doesn’t mean he won’t give it a try, though. He has flippancy and fatalism in spades, and it’s also a very useful thing to know, though he’s being casual about it and how he’ll learn. If a death gets him whole again, that’s a great boon when using the greatest of his power is dependent on sacrificing his own organs. Without Daybit to patch him up, he needs another method, and this one is crude, sure, but effective.

At this point, they’re approaching Draumahol, and the signage immediately catches Tezcatlipoca’s attention just for the simple fact that it stands out. But seeing the eye… ]

That’s gotta be your place, right?

[ He’s pretty sure it is, but. If it’s not, it’s a good joke, c’mon. ]

cw: casual............suicide.................contemplation, i guess????

[zauneyete]

Hm.

[ Tezca will learn Silco's mannerisms soon enough (with a... slight delay) and that "hm" seemed to mean everything from an acknowledgment to deep thought. As it was, he was actually considering the prospect for a brief moment. The cruelty of what Quetz had done was that she'd removed his hand, but hadn't bothered just killing him over it. Of course, she wouldn't because why would she do anything that would be seen as kindness to Silco? (Silco, no)

Though he dismissed it out of hand, for there was no guarantee that the tree would work a second time, would it? There was no reason for him to believe in that, because Silco didn't trust the tree like others did. After all, what was it that the tree had done? Tricked he and Jinx, taken her away from him twice? No, he did not trust that it would do him the kindness of resurrection again.

As they approached, and Tezca asked, Silco's winding thoughts came to a halt, and he looked up at it, before he turned to look at Tezca with his mismatched gaze. ]

Noticed the resemblance, did you?

🤝 normal

[fursuit]

[ Tezcatlipoca is at least well-used to people of few words at this point. Daybit was probably the least talkative guy that he’d ever met, after all, and he’s got Silco far beat in that regard. Made sense, though, considering his whole deal, so it’d never bothered Tezcatlipoca. Much in the same way, Tezcatlipoca can fill that conversational void without a problem.

He grins with a little delight that it is actually Silco’s, and he ends up laughing. ]

Hard to miss. You’re not a guy that blends into a crowd, exactly.

[ And now that it’s confirmed, Tezcatlipoca does take a look at the people around them with idle curiosity. He’s interested in the clientele, sure, but he’s also interested to see how people react to Silco. What kind of recognition does he get in person, or is he a behind the scenes guy? ]

I like it. It’s got style.

[zauneyete]

[ Silco's thin lips form a smile. ]

Mm, it is a burden I have learned to live with.

[ He nods toward the place, as an invitation for Tezca to follow him, and observe, should he choose to.

It is interesting, there's no...overt shows of deference, but there wouldn't be. A few eye him with a hunger that's obvious, the eyes of those who had a need that they couldn't quite afford to fulfill. The addicts lurked close, to see if they could beg a hit or two off the proprietor since shimmer was not quite to liquid form yet. They knew what he had as much as what he owned.

Hungry eyes from the ones who couldn't afford it, and the rest made sure they were out of his way as he entered. The doors opened for him, of course, the security more than happy to make sure he didn't have to lift a finger. Then again, he had half as many. ]

It's been through a bit of a... renovation since I took over. I think this is a bit more...fitting for the crowd. [ Though it's hard to hear him over the music, and the lights are already going. It might be somewhat early in the day, but not so early that the club is dead. There are already people indulging, crowding, having a good time. Gregór catches Silco's eye from the bar and nods, but his eyes drag toward two in particular, who look like they're waiting for something. Silco acknowledged it with a half-nod, that they'll get what they want soon enough today. ]

[fursuit]

[ He absolutely follows, and Tezcatlipoca doesn’t hide his sharp gaze at all. He’s taking in everything, and it’s in a way that’s probably a bit familiar to Silco at this point, though Tezcatlipoca is certainly more brazen in it. Much like a certain demon, Tezcatlipoca is taking in everything he sees like he’s studying it to remember it. There’s a lot to see and hear, and it’s all illuminating about Kowloon, the place itself, and of course, Silco.

Though at least unlike that demon, there’s part of his sharp attention that’s also just to get the lay of the land for more practical reasons. Without some big goal on the horizon like giving ORT a nice little wake-up snack, a friendly place to come indulge is a good place to know. Though just from the hunger he sees in a few of those eyes, he can tell that it’s a place where he’ll have to stay on his toes a little.

Good. ]

Oh, yeah?

[ Tezcatlipoca raises his voice to carry through the music, and he seems just at ease here as he has everywhere else so far. A bit loud for his tastes, sure, but his senses are just a little bit sharper thanks to his divinity, human body or no. ]

This place boring before you? [ He asks as he reaches into his jacket to pull out his cigarettes, but he gives a nod towards the pair that Tezcatlipoca similarly hadn’t missed attention being drawn to. ] But I’m not keepin’ ya from work, am I?

[zauneyete]

[ Gregor's somewhat scarred and rippled face broke into a grin at something a patron said, and he leaned in to talk to them. Silco lifted his (only real) eyebrow, and then turned to Tezca. ]

They will wait.

[ He said with certainty. After all, there were only limited slots of the shimmer at the (this) moment, and thus they were contingent on Silco. These two had won the lottery, and were given the chance to obtain the hit they craved so much. A lottery, just for the chance to indulge in shimmer. It was almost funny, how desperate they were, but Silco understood it well, given where he was from. he knew the power that shimmer had, and what it had always promised. ]

Before me, Draumahol was closer to what you would find in Highstorm. A bit too much class, and not enough life. Not really the sort of place I would run, so alas, I had to change it.

[ Now it's just a fucking nightclub. How someone like Silco — who for the most part looked like he belonged in a classy club — felt more at home here than the old Draumahol was certainly a... question for the ages. ]