EVENT #13: FEYWILDS - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #13 - Feywilds

OOC event plotting | feywilds setting | NPCs | bestiary

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On June 10, a few days before the portals open, the Summoned will receive invitations delivered to their doors. The ink on the magic scroll reveals itself as you unroll the parchment.

◎ The scroll invites you to The Vermilion Court, to join the Fey during their Masquerade celebration and to meet the King and Queen. They've heard of the exploits of the Summoned, as well as your unique connection to the Singularity, and wish to host you as guests.

◎ An accompanying letter from your nation's officials assures you all details have been closely examined. Their advice is for you to accept the invitation, to prevent any political fallout, but suggest you bring a personal weapon or defensive spells - which the Fey will allow - and to take the provided portal stone that will let you portal immediately back home in an emergency.

◎ The letter also requests you to bring back information you can obtain or observe - anything at all. The Feywilds are unknown, and officials would be immensely grateful if you could help gather details. They stress that you should avoid offending or stealing from the Fey as that could be critically dangerous.

To prepare, local services in all factions such as tailors, seamstresses, jewelry makers, and similar, are instructed to provide a discount to ensure you arrive looking your best and at your finest. Even Solvunn will do away with their plainer styles to help you piece together more detailed clothes for the week.

Although very little is known about the Fey, one thing that precedes their reputation is their elaborate appearances.

The Vermilion Court

The Vermilion Court resulted from the union of the Seelie Court and the Unseelie Court after the Fey emerged from hiding. The palace and most of the Fey reside in the City of the Vermilion Court. It's here you'll be staying while you're a guest of the Fey.

The Fey's isolation means their home isn't designed for outsiders. Doorways are low. Be sure to duck if you're taller than 5'6", or you'll smack yourself stepping inside. Ceilings, while also low, will allow someone of average human height to stand straight, though if you're much taller than 6'0", you'll need to be careful not to bump your head against any hanging lights.

As for furniture, fortunately, the Fey prefer to use stumps, rocks, and the ground itself as seating, so chances are you won't have to squeeze into any too-small chairs or embarrass yourself when you break their stool. Just pick a boulder and sit! Beds, however, are on the smaller side.

Making an impression with the Fey is key! Doing so will grant you some IC rewards that'll help your character with their Masquerade outfit, plus contribute to how receptive the Fey will be towards the Summoned in the future.

Further, characters will have a chance to meet two NPCs after the welcoming ceremony.

Welcoming

As the very first guests of the Vermilion Court in history, your welcome will contain a bit of fanfare. Admittedly, things do seem very structured and flashy, as though the Fey are demonstrating only what they want you to see. Nonetheless, there are no signs of maliciousness afoot. Rather, the Fey don't want to reveal all their secrets yet.

Royal Procession

You'll gather in the courtyard of the Vermilion Palace. Here, the same floating lights seen last month will announce the arrival of King Jaqod and Queen Rekhantra - current rulers of the Vermilion Court. Fey archers stand on opposing sides to create a pathway, then draw back their intricately carved bows - demonstrating incredible accuracy as arrows strike each other mid-air to form blooming fireworks that fill the sky.

Behind the archers are the disciples of Faerie, the faith followed by the Vermilion Court and upheld by the High Priestesses. Dressed in ceremonial garb, their illusory wings glow and shimmer as they perform an enchanting whirling dance. Each one carries an orb of light in their palms. The orbs resemble the full moon and are used as a prop to create shapes and designs through the air as they move.

At last, the King and Queen will arrive to welcome their guests. They assure you they're delighted that you've accepted their invitation and promise a week full of wonders - culminating in the Masquerade.

At the end of the procession, you'll have the opportunity to greet one of the following NPCs:

• The High Priestess Lady Cospraila, who is devoted to the Faerie ways
• Mestr Lord Kythros, who has a thorough knowledge of the Vermilion Court tracing back several kings

To have a short interaction, reply here to the NPC you wish to meet.

The Fey aren't aware of, and thus don't recognize, any influence characters might have throughout Abraxas or their respective nations - so there is no rank requirement.

The Cascading Boughs

Once the ceremony concludes, Fey guides will lead you to The Cascading Boughs, so named for the waterfalls that spill over its branches. High above the ground, The Boughs is one of the few locations where the sunlight is more substantial.

◎ Room Assignment

The Fey do love a good trick. Before you enter, the only thing they'll tell you is that the rooms will choose you. What does that mean? Step through and find out as the whirling portal door spits you out into a random room. Your roommate will follow through with no choice of their own.

You can somewhat fool the door in return by stepping through together initially, forcing it to assign you and your companion to a room together. Otherwise, you'll have to get along with whomever The Boughs has chosen to room with you. Switching is not possible - there's only one entrance into the lodgings wing, so what you get is where you're staying.

◎ Amenities

Luckily, The Boughs have plenty of communal spaces to spend time together: lush gardens, beautiful ponds, and an array of food and drink for guests to enjoy every hour of the day.

Need to freshen up? The baths offer warm waters which give your hair a temporary luxurious shimmer while your skin takes on a healthy, sparkling glow.

For a meditative space, you can visit The Listening Tree. Said to hear your deepest thoughts and feelings, The Listening Tree seems to be constantly humming in a low tone. The sound is soothing and almost mournful, like the call of a great whale. Speak to it if you wish, out loud or in your mind. Though it does not answer in words, you sense that it understands in its own unique way. When you leave, you'll feel surprisingly refreshed and calm, a feeling that will leave you in a gently pleasant mood for the rest of the day.

Exploring

The Feywilds is vast, but much of it contains dense woods, twisting vines, and towering mushroom caps. Lakes, ponds, and rivers run through the territory, while jagged mountains stand tall in the east.

Only within the City of the Vermilion Court will you discover more to explore: shops, taverns, and eateries populate the largest town in the Feywilds. Compared to other Abraxan cities, though, it's notably smaller - closer to a village than a city. Shops don't have prices displayed anywhere. Some citizens seemingly receive goods for free. Others receive them in exchange for an agreed-upon favor you can't understand. Theirs is an isolated society, firmly entrenched in ways that are much different than the outside world where, despite established borders, intermingling between cultures often occurs.

Nonetheless, the Fey are welcoming and curious. Some are hesitant, including the children, while others want to know who you are. Though mischievous, the Fey don't intend any harm. They'll be pleased to show you the sights: glittering lakes, beautiful gardens, many strange oversized creatures with an unusual amount of teeth, and The Duskwoods.

Shopping & Currency

Unlike the rest of Abraxas, the Fey don't accept gold or silver. Instead, they've declared that there's a unique currency you must use to make purchases. Not all of the Fey seem to participate in this type of currency. You have to wonder if they're playing a trick, but if you want to buy something, you'll have to do as you're told. To the Fey's credit, they're happy to make a fair exchange in return.

Currency options are:

◎ Candied honey pellets from the hives of a giant bee creature. They can be smoked out or put to sleep, but have a vicious sting that will itch fiercely for 12 hours.

◎ Sparkling pearls, easily obtained where they wash up on the shores of lakes and ponds, but cause you to forget one memory while they're in your possession. You must spend (or discard) all pearls to regain the memory. The memory is typically minor like forgetting your favorite food or that time you fell down the stairs, but some may find themselves forgetting a major event or even their own name.

◎ Something only the character can give. This can be anything, but characters should give genuine thought when making an offer. It could be a lock of hair, a feather from a pet, a kiss, or a valuable possession. They might have to try a few offers before one is accepted.

Each shop will want a particular currency from the list above. It might change from shop to shop, or even from hour to hour within the same shop - so act quickly! If you're having trouble getting the currency by yourself, you can grab a friend to help you with the task. Try to strike a bargain if you want. You could get them to lower the price or change to a type more suited to your skills.

As for the shops, there are boutiques with unique stained glass ornamentation for masks and attire that offer special glamours such as fine sparkling dust or a glowing aura. You can obtain last-minute additions to masquerade outfits with various shimmering enchantments. Small trinket-like weapons can be purchased, such as a pretty glass knife. You can also get larger prop-style weapons meant to accompany a costume. However, genuine weapons are off-limits. No matter what currency you arrive with, shopkeepers insist your money is no good here.

The Duskwoods

The Duskwoods refer to the deepest parts of the surrounding overgrown woods. A thick canopy of trees shadows much of the forest in a perpetual dusk-like state, lending to its name - though sunlight does stream through rare spots between the leaves. At once beautiful and foreboding, the Duskwoods encompass the aura of the Fey: mysterious, full of hidden secrets and dangers, and yet wonderfully rewarding for those who respect it and its inhabitants.

Here, you'll find berries and mushrooms, large insects to collect, and creatures to hunt. Nothing in the woods is off-limits. Hunting is a favorite pastime of the Fey, especially their foot soldiers, and you're invited to participate. Just be sure you know the way. The Fey won't be there to guide you, so you're on your own if you get lost in the tangled maze-like forest. Heavy mists and darkened trees can trick you into going dangerously off-path if you aren't careful.

Though the Fey prefer to hunt by bow and arrow or with a spear, you can take your personal weapon into the woods. Note that firearms will be frowned upon and are likely to get you removed from the area due to the excessive noise. The Fey won't tolerate anything that disturbs the natural state of their home.

For a list of wildlife found in the Duskwoods, see the Bestiary.

One or two personal weapons are allowed in the Feywilds, but don't overdo it and show up with an arsenal. Flora and wildlife should not be removed from the area.

Making an Impression

Unused to outsiders and isolated for centuries, the Fey are watching you closely to determine whether they wish to pursue continued contact. Some preferences can't be helped - they're wary of anyone large in stature, as most have never encountered individuals much taller or larger than they are, but the Fey are drawn to animal-like traits such as wings, horns, or sharp teeth. Other aspects, however, are in your hands, and you'll be able to show off a bit.

You won't be told upfront, so it's up to you to observe what's around you and use social instincts you possess to impress - if that's your goal. On occasion, if a Fey happens to see something they like from you, they'll give you a useful item.

To earn an item, submit a thread of your character performing the tasks below for approval. Threads can be in pairs or groups of any size. Threads do not need to be completed, but should contain a couple of tags from you before submission.

Once approved, we'll RNG from 1 of 3 items for each favor a character earns and provide you with the result. You can use the items to enhance your character's disguise for the upcoming Masquerade. All 3 items can be earned if you submit 3 example threads.

• A transformation potion that will grant and/or remove up to 2 appendages of your choice, such as horns, tails, or wings. For example, you could remove your horns and add wings, add a tail and hooves, or so forth.


• A perfume that hides your scent with delicate floral notes and provides you with a light charm that enhances your ability in one aspect you aren't normally good at. For example: words, confidence, musical talent, mimicking accents, or dancing.


• A powerful dye that will turn one feature of your choosing a different color. The dyes are only available in rainbow pastels or bright shades such as pinks, greens, purples, or metallics like gold and silver. They can be applied to your skin (become pink or blue!), hair, or eyes.

Tasks

The Fey can be difficult to win over, but they have a range of interests and love a good show! You'll have several chances and methods to make a good impression, even if you may stumble in other areas.

◎ Hunting Skill

Hunting is a vital aspect of life. Their hunters prefer bows and arrows, but they'll be pleased to see a skilled demonstration of hunting using any method, including magic. The Gargantuan Viper Hydra is tough to fight one-on-one. Attempting to kill one alone will surely draw the attention of onlookers. Meanwhile, the Daggermaw Slug nests in dangerous areas in the Duskwoods full of poisonous flora and toxic spores. Successfully retrieving a handful of these toothy (and tasty!) critters will prove your competence in navigating the most treacherous of environments.

◎ Physical Uniqueness

You might notice the tamed creatures around the city have decorative jewelry or painted designs on their horns or tails. If you possess horns, claws, tails, or wings, you can impress the Fey by enhancing these elements on yourself with similar delicate gold chains or paint. If you have bright, colorful hair, you can achieve a similar effect by styling it in special ways, for example by adding flowers or beads.

◎ Mount Handling

The Fey have a few peculiar mounts they use. They'll be happy to teach you how to handle one or even all of them - and the quicker you learn, the more they'll acknowledge your talent. Mounts include:

• The Pearl-Eyed Leaper, an oversized lizard ideal for moving through dense treetops. It leaps from branch to branch at great heights, so handling the Leaper requires a solid grip and a steely stomach. Additionally, the Leaper can sense nervousness and will slap you with its sticky tongue if your approach lacks confidence.


• The Luminous Greatshell, a massive snail that travels quickly over flat ground and across lakes, leaving behind a slick shimmer. Its intense speed makes handling difficult. Greatshell races through the winding Misty Rivers are an excellent chance to prove yourself. Just be careful to navigate obstacles, or the snail will stop abruptly and send you flying off.


• The Grinning Longhorn is the most challenging to mount. You must be swift and agile getting on, or else it may kick, gore, or bite from impatience. Wooden replicas are available for practice, but if you're bold, you can greatly impress the Fey by forgoing any practice. Once mounted, the Longhorn is the most versatile and easiest to direct, following your wishes through an unexplained intuition. They can traverse steep, near-vertical surfaces.

◎ Magical Demonstration

The Fey love flashy magic. Show off your spells all you want, deliberately or as a part of your daily life. Conjure items, use magic as a tool to accomplish a task such as hunting or combat, or put on a fun show to entertain the Fey children. The more flash and color you include, the more the Fey will enjoy it.

◎ Consuming Food & Drink

Some dishes in the Feywilds are familiar, but others can be more unusual. The insect-like Daggermaw Slug is a delicacy, for instance, roasted over a fire or poached in citrus-scented leaves. Large bugs can feature in many meals served, while the liquor is exceptionally potent. If you clean your plates or drain your cups, the Fey will be pleased.

◎ Conversational Storytelling

As a close-knit community, the Fey love to chatter and love even more someone who can spin an entertaining yarn. These tales are conversational - anecdotes that arise naturally when having a drink or a meal. They're less interested in stories that feel rehearsed or stiff. If you like to be at the center of attention at a party and know how to embellish, you can win over some of the Fey listening.

The Masquerade

The Masquerade takes place on the final night. By now, you're expected to have your costumes and masks prepared. Spend the afternoon adding any last touches before the big event. Carriages arrive once the sun goes down, and they won't wait long for any stragglers.

This part of the event involves two aspects: a guessing game to try and identify your dance partners and the opportunity to meet one of several mysterious NPCs whose identity you won't know.

There's also a maze to enjoy for guests who want a break from dancing. The food and wine might be a bit strange, though not necessarily unpleasant.

Preparation

It's not taboo to be seen by a select few! You're welcome to choose a close friend or two who can help you get ready for the night. The expectation is that you won't be participating in the guessing game amongst each other.

If you're particularly secretive, private enchanted dressing rooms will be provided to truly obscure your identity.

Outfits & Glamours

In the days leading up to the Masquerade, you'll see shops with masks, outfits, and accessories. Examine what's popular among the Fey to build your look to fit!

The Fey prefer avant-garde fashion, elaborate hairstyles, and intricate accessories. Where a simple ball elsewhere might involve a flowing dress and a tiara, the Fey attending the masquerades will adorn themselves with detailed headpieces, overly stylized hair, and thematic costumes.

Seelie magic has an equally important role. Illusions are used for more than changing one's hair or eye color. The Fey will cast transformative effects that alter the shape and look of their very physical forms. They might add additional limbs, give themselves tails or horns, or elongate their already spindly bodies into something insect-like.

Don't be afraid to get weird. While beauty is an aspect, the Masquerade is also about transformation. Characters are welcome to play it safe if that's what they prefer, but those who break the mold will best catch the eyes of the Vermilion Court.

Masquerade Night

Outside the Cascading Boughs, golden carriages await at sunset. Climb on in. The ride is less than an hour long, and you'll have the opportunity to meet your mysterious companions on the way to the Vermilion Palace. Small refreshments of berries and sparkling wine are available inside the carriage.

Upon entering each carriage, you'll be handed three butterfly pins, to be pinned on guests whose identities you uncover during the masquerade's guessing game.

The Vermilion Palace

As the carriages draw near, the whimsical spires of the Vermilion Palace tower over you. Some stand tall and sturdy; others twist like tree branches, adorned with windows or small balconies throughout. The palace shimmers a faint silver in the moonlight. A light reddish mist hangs low on the grounds, giving the palace its name. The mist is cool and refreshing to walk through, and leaves no stains or traces on clothing.

The stairs leading up to the main entrance appear carved from geodes. At the top, two-story tall doors inlaid with the same silvery filigree give the palace its shine. As you walk through the doors, the red mist surrounds you for a split second. Then you're instantly deposited into the main ballroom.

A disembodied voice announces you based on your chosen pseudonym or title and your appearance rather than your true name. Though you're positive you just walked into the palace, you can't tell whether you're inside or outside. The domed glass ceiling floats above the dance floor. The walls appear to be halved or missing entirely, leading to a sprawling landscape of forests and gardens. Don't stare at the ceiling for too long - you might give yourself vertigo or a falling sensation.

The Ballroom

The ballroom consists of the main dance floor. It's flanked by several seating areas with tall tables and chairs, each with a different flower motif tying them together. The lighting is gentle as the moon's glow filters through the ceiling, broken into a colorful prismatic effect. A masked orchestra plays on a rotating stage throughout the evening, playing the most popular songs in the Feywilds. As one piece flows into the next, the colors of light shift with the changes in key, pulling excited cheers from the Fey guests in attendance.

Attendants carry bottles of Full Moon Wine. The Fey never turn down a refill, and there is an expectant air that the Summoned should also accept. Strangely, the wine's taste changes after each glass. The flavor seems to be entirely dependent upon the recipient and varies from a sweet soda pop-like mixture to bubble gum left for several weeks under a table. But it would be rude to make a face if it's not to your liking, wouldn't it?

Food is much more familiar. Hors d'oeuvres make their way around on platters, and full meals are available upon request. Unlike typical hors d'oeuvres, which are small dishes meant to be eaten in a bite or two, the Fey's version is notably large. Further, no matter what you partake in, the item appears ever so slightly ... off. A deviled egg with a blue yolk, a cracker that is delicious but weirdly mushy when you bite into it, a vegetable skewer that tastes like a sweet dessert instead of savory. Like the wine, the Fey watch expectantly to make sure their guests are enjoying the cuisine.

Rose Garden Maze

Want to do more than dance? Stepping outside into the greenery will send you into a rose garden maze. Filled with the same red mist, the rose garden maze is as beautiful as it's disorienting. No dangers lurk to hinder you, though giant butterflies flutter and overgrown lizards scale the hedge walls. Their sticky tongues might steal a piece of your outfit or any food you're holding, so be careful!

Finding your way out is a bit tricky, but not overly difficult. Small orbs of light will guide you from point to point if you're feeling especially lost. The Fey like a bit of mischief, but they don't want anyone to be miserable at their grand party. You might even run into some of your mysterious companions. Maybe you can finish the maze together? Be sure to keep up your hidden identities while you do!

Completing the maze will lead you back to the ballroom as if you had never left, and you'll have the bonus of smelling like a bunch of fresh roses.

Guessing Game

Socializing with other guests is a game from the start. Fully masked and disguised, you never know just who you are talking to.

Remember those butterfly pins given to you in the carriage? Hold onto them since getting rid of all 3 is the goal! Talk to your mysterious companions, ask them questions, and deflect their suspicions yourself. Any guest you can "pin down" receives a butterfly pin from you placed on their costume.

Although concealing your identity is important, the masquerade is equally about having fun. Provide a few bizarre clues or lean into your costume (maybe you'll only communicate in a single word or a howl!) if you want to help your partner slowly figure out who you are...if they can!

Of course, if you're not very good at it, that's alright, too. It might just be obvious you're you in a mask, and you'll end the night with many pins in you. The point is to enjoy yourself. As long as you're having a grand time of it alongside the Fey and you're giving it your best efforts, your hosts will approve.

Getting rid of all 3 pins will earn your character a glowing orb activated by moonlight. During clear nights when the moon is bright, set it on a windowsill to watch a beautiful scattering of lights cast over the walls and ceiling.

Mysterious Meetings (NPCs)

During the night, you might find yourself with a dance partner or a companion who isn't one of the invited Summoned. Who are they? Well, that remains to be seen. You probably won't find out right there, though you can make your guesses. Maybe you'll get it right!

To receive a brief interaction with a mysterious NPC, fill out the form here and reply with a link to your character's top level in the event.

Only one character per player can sign up. Dances are short, so there won't be a lot of time to chat. Give your questions or responses some thought!

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Comments

viktor | death | free cities

[techmaturgy]

i. exploring and shopping

[Every new place is an opportunity, now even moreso without the specter of illness and death hanging over him. Viktor takes to the new sights and sounds with some measure of excitement—this isn’t a land of technological prowess, but he’s sure there are things to learn here, regardless. He comes armed with notebooks and pens, eager to observe and record as always.

And maybe shop a little, though the currency itself is an interesting puzzle, one he doesn’t have much success with, right away.]

I’m not used to being refused at a shop.

[Especially in Cadens, where barring money, he can easily trade his skills, barter materials, or build something. Things work differently here, of course, and Viktor quickly decides that the buddy system is probably for the best, sidling up to the nearest available Summoned as he makes his way through the marketplace.]

Have you had any luck?

ii. making an impression

[It becomes apparent fairly quickly that Viktor does not have much to offer the Fey. He’s not going hunting, and the last time he rode a horse, it didn’t end well (for either him or the horse). Part of him wonders why they need to impress their hosts in the first place—surely they’re impressive enough, to be invited to this reclusive place, though he knows enough about social mores to understand he needs to play along.

So he’s not going to ride anything, but he does admit the Leaper in particular catches his interest (possibly he likes lizards and amphibians). The Fey handler, seemingly recognizing that any attempt of his to actually mount the creature will probably go poorly, indulges him regardless, and he can be found observing and sketching with a fond look on his face. (Perhaps tinkering, too—he’ll turn the Fey on to technology yet).

When someone with a bit more prowess comes along (you, presumably), Viktor steps aside with a nod.]

You have my moral support, if you’d like to give it a try.

iii. masquerade

[There’s a robot here. Well. Sort of.

Lacking advanced magic and many of the things that would receive a boon from the Fey, Viktor relies on what he knows best—that is, technology. He does, at least, make some attempts to match the aesthetic, though he can’t quite escape his general philosophy that form follows function, and those who know him well might recognize some of the utilitarian design hallmarks. What might give one pause in the guessing game, however, is that in addition to his intimidating stature, he’s walking unaided.

Just a little experiment, perhaps. Braces and orthopedic scaffolding, built into the costume, enchanted to provide support and aid movement in clever, hidden ways, with the added effect of giving his limbs the look of metal replacements. Suffice to say he’s not the friendliest looking person in the room, something that’s confirmed if and when he ends up in someone’s path, offering little more a low noise from the back of his throat when bodies collide and drinks jostle. It’s possible this metal man is a bit…clumsy?

He is also, apparently, looking for someone, the sharp glowing gaze of the mask scanning the room with intent. Perhaps that gaze settles on you. It’s rude to stare.]

iv. masquerade, later - rose garden maze

[The technology is imperfect, as many first iterations often are, or perhaps it’s just that Viktor does not necessarily have the stamina for parties like this. There’s dancing, and mingling, and other socially exhausting activities, to say nothing of the fact that an enchanted metal exoskeleton is not a long-term replacement for the things that he needs. Viktor steals away at some point during the night, finding the maze the most suitable reprieve from the party itself, even if it’s not ideal.

Just a few turns (he counts them, keeping track so that he can retrace his steps late) before he figures he’s deep enough in to not be bothered, finding a seat on a gnarled stump-like protrusion from one of the bushes. Viktor sets about tooling with one of the metal embellishments on his right leg, letting out a hiss of pain (or relief), when a bolt loosens—and he’s interrupted.

He looks surprised, which is a feat, considering the masks.]

I didn’t mean to startle you.

[He imagines he’s not the most comforting thing to see, rounding the corner of an otherwise frivolous hedge labyrinth, and offers a gesture further into the maze. Away from him, and his current activities, even if part of him knows he won’t be so lucky.]

Continue on, if you like.

v. Wildcard

[Anything you want! Viktor is going by The Machinist because he’s bad at this. Here are some additional vibes (though he is currently using a combination of magic and clever engineering to replace his mobility devices). Hit me up on plurk at whitticus or whitticus on discord!]

drive-by masquerade

[nomnoms]

Bat-man?

[ The deep, rumbly voice comes from someone dressed up like a massive bipedal shark with a fine handlebar mustache and spectacles painted over his eyes.

He's pointing at you as he makes his (confused) pronouncement, and immediately gets distracted by something else to wander off. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Close enough.]

Wildcard

[cryptsleeper]

How is it coming along?

[After an inital exploration of the woods in the Feywilds, Alucard had realized that simple pencil and pen drawings in noteboks would not provide a full record of the place. It was among, so many other things, a riot of colors, and it felt important to capture that fact. So he had gone out to find a small set of watercolor paints and brushes (paid for with some of the honey pellet things, Alucard immediately felt his defenses rise at the idea of pieces of himself as bartering fodder) and...promptly realized he needed help.

Out of everyone he knew, it was Viktor he suspected would understand the purpose and why it wouldn't be shown to the officials of the Free Cities. If he could apply color was an unknown, but at least Viktor could look at a technical drawing (the pen lines in one of three notebooks Alucard has right now) and at least try.

The part of the woods they're in now is full of deep lapis lazuli blues and warm, impossible golds. The mist around their feet curls but never goes anywhere, and if there are creatures about, they've given the two a wide berth.

Curious, Alucard looks up from his own painting of the forest to look over Viktor's shoulder.

It is deeply weird doing this seated atop an oversized mushroom.]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor is not an artist, really. He has an eye and hand for schematics, but more organic or freeform drawing is not necessarily in his wheelhouse. So it surprised him, a little, when Alucard brought this up, but since he's otherwise not going out into the woods by himself, he looks at this as a good opportunity to see some new things.

He still approaches the artistic practice like a scientist. No watercolors for him, just technical pencil and copious notes in the margins as he details some of the flora and fauna. Alucard coming up behind startles him slightly, but he's quick to turn over his sketchbook and give him a look.]

I don't know. You tell me.

[Not that he'll be offended, if Alucard tells him his drawing is bad--this is more to keep a record of the experience, than anything else.]

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard looks. And indeed, as a technical drawing, it appears spot on. Damn good, although Viktor probably already knows that.]

Have you tried applying any of the colors yet?

[techmaturgy]

I thought I might leave that for the more artistically-inclined.

[Meaning Alucard, of course. Viktor is mostly here to record what he's seeing in the absence of photographs, though, so perhaps he has a point. It's possible, however, that he's slightly intimidated by the paints.]

My usual subjects are a bit more...technical.

[His usual subjects are the inner workings of machines and their disparate parts.]

[cryptsleeper]

Well, I can't paint everything.

[He knows what Viktor means. And that there's a little nudge needed.]

Have you colored your own works before?

exploring & shopping

[theidlemaiden]

[ The odd form of currency definitely throws Hilda for a bit of a loop. Their hosts seem mildly more inclined to give her a few pointers of what is acceptable in terms of currency however which she suspects has to do with her unusual (at least by Summoned standards) colouring - but she's not one to complain. Besides, she's not about to gatekeep any of that knowledge, especially when some of the Summoned seem to be in the same boat of trying to puzzle out what constitutes acceptable currency. ]

Well, they said that I could give them a kiss or cut some of my hair off so...

[ With all of her hair still shaped and twisted artfully into fox-like ears, it should be obvious which option she chose. A triumphant smile blooms on her face, as she holds up a bag containing her prize: several pieces that Viktor had tasked her with finding so they could complete some key pieces for their costumes that evening. She'd take one of the team if it meant getting them what they needed. ]

If we want to get some of the other supplies though, I think might have to tame some bees to get some honey pellets, or collect pearls. Any preference?

[techmaturgy]

I don't think they want any of that from me.

[Then again, he hasn't exactly asked, so it's possible he's just trying to avoid it. He has other talents he could potentially offer, but it all seems very last-resort like. Suffice to say he's quick to buddy up with Hilda--she's probably better at haggling than he is, if the shopping bag is any evidence.

He's quick to take a look inside, nodding in approval.]

It feels unfair to make you do all the work. Collecting pearls sounds a bit safer, yes?

[Viktor is not confident in his bee-taming abilities.]

[theidlemaiden]

I'm sure if you wanted to give them either of those things they'd be more than happy to receive them from you, Vikky.

[ Hilda would be lying if she said she could see Viktor being so inclined to give those things in exchange for whatever he's buying, but never say never! She gives him some light reassurance all the same.

Her eyes immediately go doe-eyed at what he says; at this point her dislike of work is no secret but that doesn't mean she's going to skip out on a chance for some dramatics. A hand dramatically clutches her heart. ]

Ugh, Jayce really is the luckiest. It sounds safer and much more up my alley. I think there's a lake where they wash up on the shore pretty frequently. [ She tilts her head in the general direction. As they begin to to make their way there casts a sidelong glance towards him. ]

What do you make of all of this so far? It's so different than the Free Cities, isn't it?

1/2

[techmaturgy]

[He makes this face.]

[techmaturgy]

[--and then he raises his eyebrows in response to her dramatics, shaking his head as if trying to dismiss all of this. He knows he's right, though, that the pearls are the safer bet (mostly because he doesn't want to put himself into a situation with bees), so as soon as she's in agreement, off they go.

A lakefront is also not a location that's very conducive to him as a person, but at least they're aren't bees. He proceeds slowly, appreciative of the fact that Hilda keeps pace with him--it gives them plenty of time to talk about the current situation.

Of course, he has many opinions.]

Different in that they don't take money? Yes.

[He might be joking, though of course he's feeling the general lack of technology, with magic as a replacement. Viktor wonders if this is what going to Thorne might be like.] I'm unfamiliar with most supernatural creatures. It's difficult, not to be a bit suspicious.

[Solvunn's cult wanted the summoned for their unique connection to the Singularity. Who is to say the fae are any different?]

ii. making an impression.

[boltaction]

[ vash flashes viktor a perky smile when he makes room for him, but immediately shows him his hands. ]

Oh, no, don't mind me. I'm not here for the-- Leaper? Was it?

[ he nods his chin to indicate to another set of stables down the way-- the ones that house the fractious grinning longhorn. ]

I wanted to try the Longhorn. But uh-- [ he sheepishly scratches at his cheek with one finger. ] I was trying to sneak a peek at what you were drawing. Sorry. I should've just asked instead of trying to be shifty about it.

[techmaturgy]

[Yeah, Viktor has bypassed the deer-like creature, not that he has plans to get on any of them, anyway. That one in particular seems...hazardous, so he gives the newcomer a quick look up and down, mostly because Vash is not a face that he's seen before. He lingers briefly on the arm, an obvious prosthetic, but the glance lasts only a moment before he shrugs and offers better look at what he's doing.]

I'm just taking notes.

[But there are little sketches, here and there, accompanying them. It seems that, in the absence of photography, he's trying to record as much about this visit as possible, because who knows if they'll ever be invited to return?]

Are you newly arrived?

[boltaction]

[ vash is happy when viktor tilts the book in his direction, bright blue eyes skimming the neat script of his handwriting and lingering on the sketches in the margins, larger ones being used as visual diagrams.

he lifts his gaze to address the leaper, pointing at one of the pages. ]

It looks just like you.

[ the leaper blinks asynchronously.

by now vash is used to that question, so he simply nods in affirmation. ]

I arrived earlier this month in Solvunn. [ he offers viktor a hand-- the flesh one. ] I'm Vash.

[techmaturgy]

[That gets a little laugh out of Viktor, mostly because he seems to be fond of the creature. Not enough to attempt to ride it, but hanging out seems to suffice. Besides, there's pleasant enough company now, and worse comes to worse he'll watch Vash's attempt.

And heckle a little, maybe. Moral support. At the mention of Solvunn and the introduction, he nods.]

Viktor. [He'll reach out to return the handshake, though he doesn't get up from his seat to do so--explained easily by the crutch he has resting within arm's reach.] Of the Free Cities.

[abraxasfey]

[ An invitation is offered.

The offerer stands before him, hand extended. Their costume is a bit more practical than many others, less reliant on magic. Their voice is cheerful. ]

Would you do me the honor?

[techmaturgy]

[The less ostentatious nature of the costume is appreciated, especially by someone whose general philosophy is 'function over form'. Already slightly overwhelmed by the party, Viktor manages not to balk, helped in part by the fact that the figure in front of him seems fairly practical.

An honor, however, might be a bit of a stretch.]

I'll make an attempt. [He gets to his feet, slowly. It's possible the joints that encase his knees make a metallic screeching as that happens.] But you may need to be patient with me.

thank you for your patience

[abraxasfey]

Patience, I have in spades. We can go as slowly as you need.

[ They guide him to the edge of the dance floor, walking at a steady yet even pace. Through their mask, they do seem to be watching him carefully, to make sure he is all right. The dance steps they choose are slow and easy. ]

Tell me about your costume. I've never seen such pieces before.

[techmaturgy]

I appreciate that.

[Which sounds sincere, at least, even if the metal hinges betray some amount of discomfort. Viktor's version of dancing mostly involves stepping carefully and slowly, following the lead of his partner.

What he is good at, is talking about his work.]

I'm an engineer. I work with what I know--in this case, machinery.

Masquerade - dance

[blackeyedprince]

[Kell spots the metal man from across the room. He stands out so much among all the other outfits, it makes him impossible to miss. At first, he thinks of Jayce...but then the walking armour moves, and it's clearly out of practice. Or a prototype. He guesses the second is a more plausible explanation. And if it is, in fact, a prototype there can possibly be only one person wearing it.

He leaves his empty glass on the table, and makes his way across along the edges of the ballroom. A tall lady in a flowing blue dress wearing a bird mask. Kell wonders if Viktor will be able to recognize him. Something tells him that he just might.]

May I steal you for a dance?

[The question being delivered with a graceful curtsy.]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor, despite having what is possibly the most obvious costume and alias in the universe, seems rather oblivious to the fact that the people who know him well might pick up on it. It's possible that he's looking at this more as a way to test-run experimental technology than an actual venue in which to disguise himself, leaving him open to certain vulnerabilities, which Kell is here to capitalize on.

But here is something Kell perhaps does not know: Viktor is impervious to the advances of women.

There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is his tendency to make valiant attempts to work himself to death and avoid everything else. Right now, he's working--that is, testing out his new braces, and that has most of his focus when he's approached.

His eyes aren't visible, just the yellow glow of the mask, but rest assured they're blinking. Processing. After a moment he seems to understand.]

Ah. [He should refuse, maybe, because there are other, more important things going on, but he also doesn't want to be caught in a position where he offends one of their hosts inadvertently.] "Steal" implies that you're doing this against my will. Is that the impression you wish to make?

[Also he can't dance.]

[blackeyedprince]

Not at all.

[Look, he's not a monster. He can recognize the absent - well, not look, Viktor's eyes are not visible, but the general aura. Like he's interrupting the man in his work.]

That was merely a figure of speech.

[Kell's mask covers only the upper part of his face, so the smile - a totally, non-shy court lady, but very Kell's own smile, is fully visible.]

I must admit, I was using the dance as pretext to ask about your costume. It's the most original thing out of all I've seen here. Would you be so kind and tell me how did you come up with this idea?

[Kell is not going to blow-up his cover willingly, so there's some act in how he says it, if not what he says. He's genuinely interested. As he always is when it comes to all Viktor's projects.]

[techmaturgy]

Mmn.

[Viktor makes an affirmative noise that is nonetheless suspicious. If he knows it's Kell, he does his best not to let it show, but it's hard to be certain when all he can see is the bottom half of his dance partner's face.

He'll let Kell lead, mostly because he doesn't like to dance and doesn't really know what he's doing, but he'll give it his best effort. Viktor is not surprised that his costume has gathered some attention, given how against the general motif of the evening it is, but he also knows he's supposed to be at least a little discreet. Aware that all of this is a game, and that people will be trying to puzzle him out in turn.]

I'm not sure I should be very specific. It might give you too much of a hint.