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

[thedevilwhorose]

[The furry bugger to his face is more surprising than any of this, but it's short-lived with Istredd's expected arrival, and Lucifer sweeps backwards two steps into a defense stance by Istredd.] Water boy, really?

[Yeah that's where his offense is being thrown down.

He watches the shield shimmer.

He makes to readjust his mask with an air of annoyance, but sorry Nero, he ain't hurt, and your flames are adorable.] Not very clever either, are you?

[That's not helping. Sorry, Istredd. Ugh.] Dose the flames man, seriously. The show's got some decent attention but an audience can turn any minute. [And this is just sad, he barely manages to hold back.]

[ofthesword]

The nerd backup. [Is his response to Rocket, which puts it succinctly enough. See what he gets? Save a guy from being choked out by a princess and he still gets in the way.

Maybe Ciri had the right idea. (It's an uncharitable thought, sure, but he's indulging it now.)]

Real easy to talk a big game when your water boy's got you behind a shield you couldn't make yourself, huh? Why don't you step out and let me make it more personal? 'Cause the way it sounds, the fey'll be just as thrilled to watch me scrape that ugly mask off your uglier mug.

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ The shield holds with a shimmer, much stronger than Nero's fists can do at this point. At least until they get more serious about it. He recognizes him too, of course, how could he not considering his words and general behavior? Istredd appreciated his help in the Pit but this is entirely different, and he's going to protect Lucifer from anyone. Of course he's still calling him water boy.
]

You threw the first punch.

[ He does not say Nero's name in case he's not interested in being outed, even if his words are very clearly at him. Even now that's where his mind is at. ]

Learn to control your damn temper.

[ Istredd turns his head to look at Lucifer and even through his costume he can probably feel the withering glare. Stop it, he tells him on their bond, although not out loud. He turns his head back to Nero.]

This is over. Walk away.

[ofthesword]

[If Istredd thinks that shield can hold him back, let alone for long, then he's got another thing coming. The only thing stopping him from going full out is that turning into a goddamn demon in the middle of this party is just gonna make it all even worse.

It's tempting as hell, though. But that isn't what that power's for.

Nero slams his other fist into the shield. It does nothing to his knuckles, but the he can push it enough to make the magic crack.

And here he was trying to keep it civil. In that it would only be between them. Now things've changed, and Istredd's just one more fucking obstacle. Now he really gets why Ciri tried to choke him out -- he sticks his nose into shit that isn't his problem.]

Maybe if you get your boyfriend to sew his fuckin' mouth shut, he won't be getting punched.

[gynvael]

[ The brewing scuffle caught his attention some thirty seconds back. Geralt's kept one eye on it—not interested in getting involved, but resigned that he may have to. Somehow, Nero feels like his responsibility.

When flames erupt, he finally sets down his wine cup and strides over. There's a furry creature perched on Nero's shoulder (what the fuck), Istredd is now interfering, and the Fey have started chittering in their strange tongue. (It sounds like approval. No surprises there.)

Geralt rests a firm hand on Nero's unoccupied shoulder. His gaze flicks to the other figure (Lucifer? Must be, from the scent and Istredd's appearance), then to Istredd. The shield hums.

He resists the urge to sigh. ] Not here. You can kill him later.

[thedevilwhorose]

[He's got his gloved hands up as a... well, it's not a surrender gesture. A 'chill out' gesture perhaps. This is him being good, Istredd, because he really does want to take the guy up on his taunts and leave the shield.

He can fight his own battles, he just doesn't have to anymore.

Geralt isn't trying hard enough for Lucifer not to make the leaps and bounds to figure him out though and he can't help the wry comment.] We really gotta stop meeting like this. [Geralt with some tainted being holding them back, in a space that could cause an incident, with Lucifer making a Particular Comment and the other person wanting violence.

At some point someone is going to see Lucifer as the common denominator in these situations.

He does then actually wave his hands, focused on Geralt, a small head shake. It's his way of saying he's done. Really.]

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ Istredd feels genuine relief when Geralt shows up because he knows that he's close with Nero and can probably diffuse the situation. He is trying to stop the conflict in large part because he is aware that the two of them are far more powerful than any of the Fey probably can guess at. And the level of violence this could get to would go from funny to them to something more serious.

He tips his head in gratitude to Geralt since his face is covered, but he knows that his identity is fairly obvious to anyone paying attention. Istredd puts a hand on Lucifer's back and gestures to the other side of the room. ]

Let's get some space, alright?

Please. [ He says directly to Lucier telepathically, keeping the shield up not because of Nero, who is more inclined to attack people directly, but because he doesn't know Rocket well enough to guess what he's capable of. ]

[ofthesword]

[Any other hand might not be attached to an arm right now, but he knows it's Geralt before he even says anything. An aura, maybe. While he's got a lot of questions why Geralt knows this guy -- and apparently they recognize each other through the masks -- the Witcher is still about the only person who could make him pause.] Tch. Fine. [Nero shakes out his hands as the flames sink into nothing, his skin remarkably unharmed.

It'd be real great if he could actually control that.

Nero gives a glance to Rocket on his shoulder, then rolls his eyes at the caped wizard. He gives Mothman one final standing show of his middle finger and steps back, leaving the shimmering shield between them.] Later it is, then.

[Yeah, that's a whole new grudge goin' on the list. And who the fuck is that guy, anyway? Why should he even have an inkling of what he is?

Nero moves back with Geralt, holding up a fist to Rocket on his shoulder. Now that he's not seeing red as much, he can recognize what the creepy human-masked shit did. And this was after they weren't exactly warm and fuzzy with each other.] Thanks, Rocket.

[respiting]

What, that's it?

[ It's muttered, almost mumbled as the heat of the fight quickly extinguishes, leaving a bunch of people-looking figures slowly loosening the tension in their shoulders and the powers in their fingers.

And honestly? Rocket's a little disappointed. Maybe he'd wanted an escalation in violence, to finally let loose all of the frustration and fear and other complicated gross emotional stuff he would never deal with through talking or (eugh) hugging it out since he arrived here — a kind of outlet to work through it, as it were. Selfish? Yeah, maybe. But Rocket's never really advertised himself as anything other than what he is. And if that's selfish and kind of an asshole — well, so be it.

Still. It's probably a good thing not to get all these fey to zero in on his newfound blood-bro. He doesn't know 'em and as such he doesn't know whether to trust 'em, and until he does, maybe it's smarter to make a few less waves.

Fine.

(Quill would be proud.)

As the crowd disperses and the party slowly begins to pick up its pace again, Nero lifts a fist to Rocket and Rocket in turn bumps it with one of his own. ] Well, I wasn't gonna let that guy mess around with you. [ In other words, yeah, no problem. You're welcome.

He hops back down to the floor with light feet and readjusts his mask. Currently it reads with a neutral expression. ] What'd he say anyway?

[ofthesword]

Until part two. [He shrugs. Believe him, he's the same way. If it was at home, or in Solvunn, he wouldn't have even hesitated. Nero knows that shield wouldn't have lasted long enough, if he was determined enough.

And he was. It was the perfect release of all this tension and bullshit he's had in his head. Sometimes a guy just has to tear things apart.

(Maybe that's the demon in him.)]

Pretty generous of you. [And totally unexpected. Nero and Rocket hadn't been close up until this moment -- and mostly he just lets the guy stick around because Himeka and Wanda like him, and it's their tree as much as it's his.

It's just one of those things that happens. That changes his mind about someone. And maybe he's a weird talking raccoon, but now he's a weird talking raccoon with values.

Nero hates the mask, though.]

He -- [He pauses, scratching the back of his neck. He looks at Geralt, then back down to Rocket.] Said some shit about what I am. [Nero's fingers curl into fists, but at least they don't burst into flames again.] Something he shouldn't fuckin' know. [And the only reason Rocket gets anything more is he had nothing to win by helping him. Besides, he's a talking raccoon, who fuckin' cares at this point?] I'm not entirely human.

[And there it is. That simple. Back to Geralt.] You know that asshole?

drive-by

[carmesi]

[do you ever feel like something in the shadows is watching you? the altercation between half-demon, raccoon, the devil and a mage is hard to ignore. especially when the first two of that quartet are exceptionally loud. familiarly loud. she cannot actually see them, but the skull mask's focus coming from the veil of smoke seems to just be staring at both nero and rocket.

just......staring....

at least they're bonding? well, don't mind if she hovers around for a bit. geralt is an absolute hero for pulling them away, so he does not receive the end of wanda's, er, rusalje's attentions.

they'll talk about this at home.]

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ Istredd feels eyes on the situation outside of the obvious attention and once he manages to lead Lucifer away from the fight, he reaches out through his bond with Wanda. He recognizes psychic energy and he is not really here to guess identities. He feels anxious and relieved Geralt stepped in. That was about to get tense.

Like usual Istredd respectfully 'knocks' on her mind before speaking.]

Can you have a second pair of eyes on Nero? Geralt isn't going to watch him forever. Lucifer said something rude to him.

[ Unsurprising! ]

[gynvael]

[ Someone has pinpointed Lucifer as a common denominator, and that someone is Geralt. This is the fourth fucking time Lucifer's been present when an alteracation is involved.

He gives Istredd a brief glance, then takes Nero to the side as the Fey disperse—disappointed or still amused, he can't tell. Doesn't particularly care. He's not interested in starting a diplomatic incident over petty insults. They can fight each other in the woods of Nocwich or in the Horizon. ]

Yeah. [ Geralt's expression is vaguely disgruntled behind the mask. ] We've traded blows. [ An understatement. ] He isn't worth your time.

[ Lucifer is a nuisance of a menace, the sort who enjoys sowing chaos and watching others rise to the bait. He isn't fond of the man, but they're not sworn enemies. Geralt finds Lucifer more exhausting than anything. Would rather have fuck all to do with him if he could.

Speaking of masks. His attention turns to the...he doesn't know. The tail resembles that of a wolverine's. Frankly, the mask is what's truly disconcerting. Geralt studies the small furry form for a moment, then looks back at Nero. Then back again. ]

A friend? Or just eager for a fight?

[ofthesword]

[Nero stiffens when he turns to see a floating face staring at them over his shoulder. Somehow he knows -- it's his past history of getting caught with his proverbial hand in the cookie jar and he could nail down Credo shooting daggers from his eyes half a mile away.

Nero gives Wanda a shrug and turns back.

Maybe he's better at this mask thing than he figured he'd be.]

Seriously? And he's not dead? [Excuse Nero if he seems disappointed to realize that. 'Cause the guy's got super bad vibes, and if he picked a fight with Geralt -- than fuck him entirely.]

Oh. Yeah. Rocket, Geralt. Geralt, Rocket. [Whatever, he's ruining both their costumes. Get pins or whatever.] He's, uh... a new roommate?

[That's one way to put it. "Suddenly one of the coolest little dudes I've ever met" feels like it'd come off strong, but seriously. Nero's not exactly used to anyone giving a shit enough to stick up for him. It's... new. Even Credo wasn't that warm and fuzzy. (Not literally speaking.)] He's new. [In explanation to Geralt.] Met Geralt a while ago. We hunt the same... game. [That totally nails it down for Rocket.] You know I'm totally gonna cream that guy later on, right? You know his name?

[respiting]

[ Arms crossed, Rocket mildly takes note of the ominous (but awesome) presence of Wanda (???) hovering somewhere a little too close for comfort in their proximity, the big beefy guy who probably did in fact save their asses from getting personally banned from this place, and then finally to Nero who introduces him to said beefy guy 'Geralt', and Geralt to him.

Rocket nods the affirmative in being called 'new' because there ain't a point in denying the fact, and then raises an eyebrow in response to the more vague description of the big guy (hunting the same game? what?), and with all that said and done, they can move on to bigger and more important matters at hand.

Like, yeah.

When they're gonna get another round with this guy. (Though for the record, he is definitely a combination of: new, possibly a friend, definitely a roommate, and also yes, very much eager for a fight.) ]

And I'm guessing he's one of us, one of the Summoned. [ Or whatever. He's still getting used to the casual jargon of this place. ] So he lives in one of the towns, and knows that galaxy-guy, the one you — [ to Nero ] — called 'Water Boy'. And by the way, if you ain't all human, what's the other part of you? Because if you say 'Celestial'—

[gynvael]

[ Geralt decides not to specify that Lucifer is alive because one, it was the Horizon where no death is permanent; and two, because Lucifer...killed him first. It's fine. He recovered. Obviously. He's only mildly irritated by the entire incident—largely at the strange affliction that left him not quite himself and too easily baited.

His gaze flicks to Rocket. Unfortunately, Geralt is not in the habit of clarifying others' lacking introductions so "the same game" is all Rocket will get for now. He lifts a hand in a haphazard greeting. Yes. That's him. One of the Summoned, regrettably familiar with the astral form that is Istredd. (He doesn't dislike Istredd, in the strictest sense, but he is certainly too often exasperated by the damn mage.) ]

His name is Lucifer. [ If that means anything to Nero. It doesn't to Geralt, but he's aware others share a similar dogma across certain spheres. ] And you will not. Leave it be. He's a princeling brat and a waste of your efforts.

[ They may not know each other, but the look he gives Rocket suggests that he would prefer no one support Nero in his endeavour to pursue a second round with Lucifer. Here or in the Horizon. Or anywhere. ]

[ofthesword]

[It probably says enough that Nero didn't even consider whether the guy was a Summoned or not. In the moment -- hell, even now -- it doesn't really matter. If any Abraxan wants to get involved in his shit, they should learn the consequences.

And to act indignant afterwards. Fuck, that pisses him off more. Asshole's probably gloating, thinking he won. Like he made a point just because his boyfriend was there to save him.]

The hell is a Celestial? [If that's like an angel or something, man. He's barking up the wrong tree.] But yeah, that's the jist. Istredd's the other guy. I know him from the pit.

[Fuck, he's gonna have to explain the pit later, huh? Look. Nero's pretty easy when it comes to most things. Earlier he might've told Rocket to fuck off, but considering the guy just punched some dude for him for absolutely no reason, they have a certain understanding now. The understanding that guys who wanna punch guys have. So he'll explain the pit, 'cause he might as well know. Later. In case he starts thinkin' he can trust people in Solvunn.

A good thing he wasn't drinking anything, 'cause he would've spit it all over both of them.] Lucifer? His name is fucking Lucifer? I have to beat his face in for that edgelord shit alone. [Oh, he's absolutely a brat. He picked the wrong guy to try to push around. And Lucifer -- fuck, even hearing it makes him want to laugh -- isn't, he can guess, someone who'll keep it to himself.] Why're you protecting him? Why is Istredd protecting him? He's a dick.

nerd squad off on their own

[thedevilwhorose]

[Yeah, yeah, he's going, relax. He even turns his back and trusts the shield to be there just a bit longer in case there's a stray attack still to come.

At least Lucifer doesn't say 'he started it.' Even if arguably it's true. Even before a punch was thrown!! Sure, Lucifer dropped the D-word, but Lucifer was just matching the guy's tone. It's not his fault that he expected it to go over far more mildly than some unhinged barely-a-demon demon punching him.

He'd wanted to fight though, towards the end. He kept decorum but it was such a near thing. He's been holding out..... fine at the party with enough dancing to ignore his Bad Shopping Trip earlier, but. Well.

They all want to blow off steam, it seems.] ... That was unexpected. [He Speaks!!]

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ Istredd's main concern was stopping the actual fight from happening. If they kept going it would have gotten bad, and he knows Lucifer's temper was not going to stay under control for long. It wouldn't be hard to consider how easy taking sides would have happened before a real brawl began.

Once they are out of easy attack range and it seems they're staying on their side, Istredd drops the shield, having almost snapped a blowback spell at Nero for pushing on it. That would be the opposite of calming everyone down. He didn't realize how tightly wound he'd been until he could relax his shoulders. ]

Nero's got a quick temper but whatever you said must have triggered an issue.

[ Istredd says his name with some familiarity so it acknowledges they know each other, as if the water boy nickname wasn't obvious enough. He walks them pretty much as far as they can get from Nero for now, just to be safe, to a back wall for now. ]

You're alright?

[ He can tell Lucifer is physically alright, he's just worried about his mental state. He was getting angry, he could tell that much. ]

[thedevilwhorose]

[Lucifer scoffs.] He's a loud yapping whelp. [Translation: Lucifer's fine.] He said I wasn't his type. I said I wasn't into demons. [The 'watered-down' was complimentary.] And he got offended! What kind of demon takes offense to that!

[Probably the watered-down kind.]

[magicalarchaeologist]

I don't know, maybe that's a grave insult where he's from, or he is unhappy about being one so he's defensive. Or your tone was insulting to him. He's an aggressive person.

[ Who knows! Istredd for certain doesn't know what it could be, although if Nero is that sensitive about it, it must be a problem for him. And that's where the problem came in. And Lucifer is an asshole so the way he said it was probably not complimentary.]

He'll cool off with Geralt. [ They both recognized him so it's no secret. ] I have no idea who the little creature was.

[thedevilwhorose]

I matched his tone. Don't throw it if you can't take it. [Which is now much closer to him saying 'he started it.' Now it's definitely implied.] Freakish masquerade mask, but the lil bugger is closer to a raccoon than the winged garbage-eating monstrosity that was roaming the castle when Jack was here. I ate bugs with him. [And then the guy tried to punch him. Well! Fine.] ... The raccoon, not Jack.

[magicalarchaeologist]

It wasn't your fault. The reaction to someone being rude shouldn't be violence, especially not in this situation.

[ They're guests! And while the Fey clearly didn't mind a fight, that could just as easily have been not true. It could have deeply offended them, none of them knew. Although he knows Lucifer's answer to rudeness is also violence sometimes, but he's always disapproved of the idea.]

Solvunn people stick together. It's a smaller community. I'll deal with Nero later. [ Istredd pauses, before sighing, and adding. ] He more or less saved my life in the Pit. He's an asshole to still use that nickname for me, but we went through it down there.

[ He saved Istredd from Ciri, and she probably would have stopped, but he doesn't know for sure. ]

[thedevilwhorose]

['It wasn't your fault.'

Mm. Indulgence. The accuracy doesn't matter; Istredd didn't have to say the words, that's the indulgence. He likes the words just as much as Istredd likes hearing he's right.] You and your pit friends.

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ Istredd smiles behind his mask because he knows Lucifer likes that. Indulgences all around. He shrugs at the next part, although it's barely seen in the costume. ]

Yes, me and my pit friends.

[ It's a bond that wouldn't be broken over something so shallow as this which is why he probably will talk to Nero at a later date. Even if neither of them were particularly fond of each other, it's just a thing. He longs to touch Lucifer right then so he does, reaching out to snag his hand briefly. The soft fabric of the cloth underneath the illusion squeezes his fingers. ]

Are you jealous?