EVENT #15: THE NETHER - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #15 - The Nether

OOC event plotting | settings info

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After a Conclave vote earlier this month, you're prepared to accept the formal request from the Nether for your assistance. By now, you'll know who the delegates are and that the dragons have suffered an illness from the rifts that opened this summer, due to the unfortunate actions of one of your fellow Summoned. Whether or not you agree with your Conclave's majority rule, the decision has been made.

The expedition will begin on October 16 and last 10 days. If you need to return home sooner, you can activate your portal stone at any point during the trip, but there's no going back once you do.

Though mysterious, the Draconae - or daemons, as others call them - are not elusive like the Fey. Anyone who's been to Nocwich will have seen a handful of them amongst the population, and some reside in the Free Cities or the outskirts of Thorne. The only nation they aren't found in is Solvunn.

Into the Heart

Your arrival to the Nether is a frosty one. The northern island is barren, save for a thick layer of snow, a few birds, and some hardy insects. Massive skeletal remains can be seen as you walk over the ice. Every few minutes, the ground trembles. The Draconae warriors greet you at the base of the volcano, including Orion, The Warden herself. Though they appear intimidating, they're grateful you're here and will clap you heartily on the back.

Entering the Obsidian Heart requires nerves of steel, but appearances aside, the narrow walkway is sturdy. As long as you're brave, you'll make it down without a problem. The less sure-footed are encouraged to ask for a hand. If they do, they'll be assigned a Draconum warrior who will cheerfully carry them down the winding path. You can also help each other, of course! Any Summoned who are capable can carry their friends, too.

As you venture down, the oppressive heat intensifies...until suddenly it stops. The moment you reach the fiery gates, the smell of brimstone fades from the air and the temperature eases into that of a pleasant summer's day. If asked, the Draconae will tell you this is how it is - a blessing from the two remaining dragons. Without them, the air would suffocate all life within.

Although the main purpose is to aid the dragons, the Draconae will invite characters to take breaks, participate in recreational activities, and explore the Nether. They want their guests to be comfortable, especially as the Summoned have arrived to help.

Around the City

At the center of the volcano lies the Obsidian Heart, where the Draconae reside. Made of stacking homes and stone bridges that spiral downward, it's a wonder how anyone finds their way. There are no maps, signage, or any form of direction. Their ability to navigate appears inherent. The most dangerous beasts lurk beneath the lava, so unless you intend to go swimming, you're unlikely to run into anything aggressive.

Doors and furniture are heavy and are made of iron, bronze, or steel. You might need to push or pull furnishings and doors with both hands and extra effort. Luckily, citizens are happy to help - as long as you ask. If you don't, they won't interfere out of respect for your autonomy. In fact, if they see you huffing and puffing, they might stop to watch and will sincerely cheer for you should you accomplish your objective by yourself.

Watch your sticky fingers. While petty theft is a minor offence in other places, the Draconae are highly protective of their belongings and treasures. Hands and heads have been lost over stolen trinkets.

The Hieran Wing

As a guest, you'll be invited to stay at the Hieran Wing. Named after Hierus, the oldest living dragon, the Hieran Wing is located in the eastern section of the Citadel. The rest of the Citadel is under heavy guard and inaccessible.

◎ The rooms are carved into the stone itself. Bedding is comfortable, if simple, with room to store your belongings. A curved stairwell grants you privacy even though many rooms have curtains rather than doors. The few rooms that have doors contain no locks. Your safety is assured, but if you're nervous, you can ask for a guard to watch you at night.

◎ The dining area consists of open-fire grills, pots, and raw ingredients - including spices and fiery hot peppers. As great believers in self-sufficiency, the Draconae will leave you to make meals to your taste and liking. You can hunt and fish your meat, as well. There are numerous lava pools where one can net jumbo shrimp, crabs, and flaming fish. For larger game, you can go after the Erymaes Boar or Petran Bison. Feel free to share your catch with your friends or offer to cook for the culinarily challenged.

◎ The library contains only fiction. You'll recognize several titles from your faction or Nocwich, suggesting they've brought back their favorite stories to read. Other titles are new, written by the Draconae. Novels and poetry span all genres, but the most common ones seem to be adventure, horror, and erotic romance - some of which contain surprisingly detailed illustrations.

Magma Pools

Outside the Hieran Wing, unusual cerulean magma pools are provided for bathing. Despite how they look, temperatures are equivalent to that of a steaming hot spring. The magma bubbles naturally from within the volcano and provides soothing effects. No soap or cleaning agents are required. These magma pools contain tiny frogs that leap and jump around. The Draconae consider them a tasty live snack. Don't be surprised if you see a local munching on them.

The Foundry

The Foundry has expanded over the past two centuries. A marketplace now circles the ancient forge. Observing the tradespeople inside and their secrets are off-limits. However, you can browse a selection of tools, clothes, accessories, and potions. Healing potions are common due to the Draconae's lack of healing magic.

You'll have the chance to request custom-made jewelry and purchase glass ornaments that are blown for you on the spot. Merchants won't sell the large weapons on display, but daggers and other small weapons are available. They'll also modify any pieces you own by adding jewels, altering the fit, or repairing nicks and faults...for a price. The Draconae deal in Abraxan currency if you have any, but they'll accept a vial or two of blood or saliva as payment.

Negotiations & Meetings (Rank 5+)

The first order of business is to present your Conclave's terms to the Inner Sanctum, the Draconae's governing body. If you've been voted as a delegate, you'll be greeted by the NPC meeting you (and your partner, if you have one). If you haven't been selected, you can still speak to some of the NPCs available.

A Place at the Table

Negotiations will take place in The Solar on the second day, a hall lit with a fiery orb of light. This is where the Inner Sanctum conducts all of its business. Tightly guarded, you're the first outsiders allowed inside in centuries. Here, you'll have the chance to present your terms and convince the Draconae to accept. You'll also have the first day of your arrival to gather a few details about the NPC you'll be meeting.

Only one meeting is required. The Nether will give you their final answer the following day.

Be sure to reply with the terms before starting the thread. Mods will approve or ask for revisions, so try to submit your points by OCTOBER 17.

Once approved, please TAG IN with your character under the correct faction heading.

Meeting the Inner Sanctum

Members of the Inner Sanctum who are not involved in diplomatic affairs are Aster, The Guardian and Anneth, The Flame. Additional descriptions about the two NPCs and where they can be found will be in their character comments below.

Characters who are Rank 5+ (negative or positive) and who are not acting as delegates can speak with one of the two NPCs above.

To do so, TAG IN with your character under the NPC you want to meet.

Runaway at Pyritean's Rack

Abraxan outsiders will whisper that Pyritean's Rack is a nefarious torture device created by the Draconae for their victims. This is true if the victim in question is delicious meat. The Rack, in other words, is a giant cooking area filled with grilling racks and pits. Shelves of ingredients and spices line the perimeter. Its most striking feature is the primary heat source, which uses magma rather than fire. Ingredients and meat unique to the Nether result in dishes and flavors not found elsewhere. Hot peppers are a popular feature.

The Draconae cook and share their food each night at the Rack. The station is always occupied. Locals take turns hunting and fishing, preparing ingredients, and cooking. Consequently, food is provided without cost. You only need to lend a hand.

Not everything goes smoothly, though. An escaped hatchling has infiltrated the Rack, and Khloris, the baby dragon, is eager to snatch and steal food throughout the week.

Earning the Torch

Impromptu competitions are frequent. They usually begin when one cook sees another outdoing them and makes a challenge. You can either issue a challenge or receive a challenge. Challenges can be between you and the natives, or you can face off with another Summoned. Judging is done by the crowd, which can be chaotic.

Not to worry! There's no downside to losing except your pride. Though the competition can grow fierce and heated in the moment - including vulgar insults and much jeering - once all is said and done, there are no grudges when the food hits the table. Sore losers are looked down on as being thin-skinned.

Winners will receive a jar of spice mix or marinating sauce from one of the many talented cooks. We won't be modding this aspect, so just be realistic with your character's cooking skills. Be sure to work things out with your thread partner if the competition involves another player character!

Escaped Hatchling

One young dragon has escaped its sanctuary at Dragon's Glass. Curious, it's drawn to the smell of food at Pyritean's Rack. As a result, it's disrupting competitions, breaking equipment, and stealing ingredients or even chunks of meat off people's plates. Desperate to get the dragon back before it causes more trouble - or worse, injures itself - the Draconae have asked you to catch the hatchling.

Of course, you'll need to contend with the dragon's unique abilities.

Khloris, the runaway in question, leaves behind small patches of grass. Its pollen dust coats nearly everything it goes near. When eaten or touched, the pollen causes flowers to sprout in your hair for a day or two. It can't fly far or very high, but it's prone to swooping down to snatch meat off the grill. The Flame informs you the dragon can be lured with gold trinkets or bright colors like red and yellow.

To see if your character can catch the dragon, submit for a roll HERE. Submissions will close October 18 at 11:59 ET. Results will be posted on October 19 so players can account for their success or failure.

Ailing Dragons

The two ailing dragons are Hierus, the Obsidian Drake, and Kruos, the Glass Serpent. Mated to each other, they're the only remaining adult dragons in the Nether and have been for decades. When you visit them at Dragon's Glass, their condition is worrisome. The dragons' scales have lost their luster and are grown over with painful white patches. They appear lethargic.

Those researching can offer the dragons healing potions or ointment to aid their symptoms while a cure is worked on. If you're not much of a healer or a scientist, you can feed them or simply spend time with them. The dragons are intelligent and appear capable of understanding you, though they can't communicate directly.

Characters have 3 avenues of participation, depending on their interests and strengths: gathering ingredients, researching the cure, and looking after the baby dragons and eggs. They'll have time to do all three throughout the 10-day excursion.

Finding a Cure

At first, you aren't sure where or how to start. The Draconae suggest the Ashlands may be a place to explore. It's dangerous, they warn, but they have a potion that'll help keep you safe. Due to the hazards, you're told not to go alone. As you travel through the deadened land, you notice an odd phenomenon: where you walk, the air around you clears, and the ground beneath your feet springs to life. You realize you don't need the potion to protect you.

The changes are temporary, fading behind you as you walk. Curiously, the effect you exhibit is similar to what the Draconae claim their dragons are capable of - though to a much smaller degree. Still, you have to wonder if you and the dragons share a similar magical connection to the Singularity. You can't help but notice that those of you who regularly interact with the Horizon and have been doing so for a while seem to affect your environment more. Your aura may be a little larger and the vicinity restored around you lasts a bit longer rather than melting away immediately - maybe even up to a minute or two.

Restoration and Gathering

Your ability to restore the land has unlocked a vital element. Ingredients once thought lost can now be gathered by the Summoned such as yourself, and they may hold the key to curing the dragons. Bring back these ingredients to your peers waiting at Dragon's Glass. The more you gather, the more they'll be able to research and experiment, so don't be shy about making multiple trips.

There are three sections for you to explore. Each one has its dangers and a specific ingredient to collect.

Due to its circumstances, Aetherie is only available on Day 9 of the event, shortly before the cure is finalized. The Draconae will seal the area once more when they realize what's happening. Cinder's Core and Featherhive are open for the full duration of the event.

◎ Cinder's Core

Filled with petrified trees and fossilized bones, the area that restores around you demonstrates its previous life as a flourishing rainforest: the humidity grows, the grass turns lush, and tropical flowers sprout under your fingertips. Although its sulfuric air won't affect you, you'll need to brave dangerous heights to reach the tops of trees and dried-up waterfall cliffs to retrieve the kydros fruit. The fruit smells like citrus and is surprisingly light despite its size.

Vines brought back to life can help you climb, forming ropes for you to climb and bridges that weave beneath your feet. They'll wither once more behind you, so you'll want to move quickly to avoid losing your footing. Height isn't the only danger - the ground below is littered with sharp skeletal protrusions and jagged trees. Beware of dangerous thorn bushes that will come to life in your presence and try to crush you in their spiny embrace as you ascend.

◎ Featherhive

The air here is too toxic for the Draconae to breathe in for long. Luckily you're unaffected. Scattered across the ground are the remaining husks of birds' nests. A dragon's skeleton curls under a rocky overhang. Use your restorative ability to journey deep into Featherhive's heart. Pushing aside the thick overgrowth reveals a small clearing covered in bright crystals for you to harvest.

Although Featherhive poses no physical danger, the land is haunted by shadow birds, ethereal spirits connected to the dragons - and you. As you pass through, they flutter around you and parrot familiar lines to each other. Their movements are jerky and strange. Quickly, you realize the birds are mimicking your memories. They might replicate an entire scene or echo a phrase or two that's plagued you all your life. Or, if you're lucky, they're merely repeating your grocery list. Shooing them will cause them to dissipate into smoke, but they'll soon return.

◎ Aetherie

The loss of a dragon released a noxious gas through this village without warning. Escaping villagers were forced to leave behind those they could not save and seal the doors. The Oblivion is a painful moment in history for many, and none have set foot near the area since. Near the end of your stay, the Draconae request you use your ability to venture where they can't and gather Anoix pods, powerful healing seeds from a plant that only grew in Aetherie. They believe the abandoned huts will contain pouches of the pods on shelves and cabinets.

Entering the village, you expect a tragic scene of corpses. Instead, you find something far worse. The dead have mutated into grotesque arachnids, limbs fused to bulbous abdomens. They show no signs of recognition or awareness and attack you on sight. Hidden in the depths of the purple haze, rat-sized spiders scurry forth. Their venom causes painful sores that will fester and spread if left untreated. Multiple bites may result in temporary blindness or paralysis of a limb. Luckily, this will clear up within 24 hours to a few days, depending on the severity.

Grab the pods if you can or flee if you're overwhelmed. When word reaches The Warden, she'll rapidly send her people to reseal the abandoned village and come to aid any who need it. If you're injured, The Flame and her apprentices will tend to you at Dragon's Glass.

Research and Magic

Dragon's Glass is a glass-domed temple said to be forged from the fires of Kruos. It's located in the Spiral, which is outside the Obsidian Heart. Here, the two remaining dragons reside while ill, along with their clutch of eggs and a few precious hatchlings.

Anneth, The Flame, will invite you into the temple's alchemy labs, where you can apply your skills and knowledge to create the healing elixir that cures the dragons. Doing so requires you to experiment with key ingredients found in the Ashlands. You'll have access to basic alchemy books and apprentices at the temple. Use any additional tools, supplies, and knowledge you possess, and take advantage of the resources donated by the factions.

How you approach your research is up to you, but each ingredient comes with a set of risks - so be careful while you work!

◎ The kydros fruit contains seeds that will explode when heated, causing a chain reaction like popped popcorn. The explosions aren't large, but they might scorch your supplies. Crushing them in the open air results in a similar chemical reaction. However, soaking them in water makes them soften into mush, allowing you to turn the seeds into a paste that could be useful. The fruit is similar to grapefruit and is excellent for a sore throat.

◎ The crystals come in three colors: red, blue, and black. Extended contact will dye your skin that color. The stains are extraordinarily stubborn, so your clothes may not recover. These crystals resonate with a strange hum that suggests they respond well to magic spells. Combining them with a liquid will give off a foul-smelling smoke, so you may need to find ways to neutralize the stench before combining it into an elixir.

◎ The Anoix pods must be used sparingly, as no more can be gathered from Aetherie. They possess strong healing properties, but each pod is very delicate and must be split open with care so as not to damage the soft seeds inside. In addition to researching the cure, you can also attempt to help the Dracaone grow new Anoix plants using the preserved seeds.

The final cure will use all 3 key ingredients. Don't worry too much about continuity! As long as your character participated, you can assume they made a valuable contribution.

However, to assist with coordination, we've provided a RESEARCH DISCOVERY section where you can present any findings your character would share with others in-game.

Hatchlings and Eggs

While curing the adult dragons is a priority, the hatchlings and eggs aren't to be neglected. Baby dragons are active troublemakers, and without their parents to keep them in line, they've become especially unruly. The apprentices at the temple can only do so much. The Keeper has even made rare appearances in Dragon's Glass to lend his assistance.

Meanwhile, the eggs are beginning to show signs of affliction. The shells are beginning to weaken, and the feathery growths appearing on them will suffocate the hatchling inside if left untreated.

Babysitting the Dragons

If you have a spare moment, you can look after the baby dragons. Keep them out of trouble by reading their favorite stories, singing songs, and playing with them. They'll also need to be fed, watered, and their bedding changed or fluffed. The hatchlings are mischievous but friendly. They're eager to bond with the Summoned for reasons unexplained, as if they feel something resonating within you.

Many are attracted to shiny objects and bright colors and will attempt to steal them. Conversely, they might gift you a trinket that they've pilfered from someone else. The local Draconae would appreciate it if you returned any missing tools or jewels.

Hatchlings you'll encounter in Dragon's Glass are:

◎ Okenus spouts water instead of flame. Bearing fins instead of wings, this sea dragon is vital to bringing lakes and rivers back to the Nether. Currently, it can only make tiny puddles and rainclouds. Watch that your belongings don't get wet. Standing near the dragon might cause a small storm cloud to spawn over you and rain down on your head. A simple spell will make the cloud disappear, but if you don't have any magic, you might have to bring an umbrella.

◎ Epeius can form miniature gusts of wind beneath its wings, but it doesn't have firm control and frequently spawns them when excited. These small dust devils and whirlwinds will follow you around. Though they aren't powerful, they can be a nuisance, knocking over cups, blowing away hats, and sending papers flying. The other hatchlings will find your misfortune a source of amusement.

◎ Ledas can help salt deposits form in the shape of large salt crystals. Salt is important to the Draconae, which the hatchling is aware of and thus takes great pride in its abilities. The crystals can be eaten as is or crushed into granules. Ledas will strive to impress you with the largest crystals that it can make...which occasionally results in the structure collapsing, littering the ground with salt. You might find yourself sweeping often around this dragon, but at least you'll never be short on seasoning.

◎ Anthusa is a very special hatchling that creates bioluminescent algae. The algae grow on its scales, forming a symbiotic relationship. Unfortunately, without a proper habitat for this algae in the Nether, its glow has dimmed in recent years and the hatchling has become languid and sickly despite its youth. Nonetheless, Anthusa is friendly and curious even if it struggles to keep up with its siblings. You can help Anthusa play by lifting it to heights it can't reach, and carrying it back when the dragon is too tired to walk.

Weakened Eggs

As noted, the eggs demonstrate signs of suffering, too. Three eggs are waiting to be hatched. Whether all of the eggs survive is dependent on the decision that each faction Conclave made regarding resources found, as well as the help provided by you and your fellow Summoned.

The eggs can't be cured until the dragons are cured, but you can help slow the growths by gently scraping them off and wiping the eggs regularly with a clean cloth. They must also be kept heated, so check the magma frequently and refill any magma basins. The growths can be donated to those researching for additional study if you wish.

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Comments

NEGOTIATIONS

[abraxasmods]

When your terms have been approved, reply to your faction scenario below. Once each delegate has replied, we will respond with the NPC. The meeting takes place on the second day of your arrival. Conclave delegates from the other factions will have the same meeting simultaneously.

If, at any point, you would like your turn in the thread to be skipped, reply with a blank comment labeled SKIP in the subject line.

THORNE

[abraxasnpcs2]

Located in the imposing Citadel, The Solar is where the Inner Sanctum governs the people. The circular hall is lit with a fiercely glowing orb.

Within the hall are four guarded rooms. Sharp-eyed and committed to maintaining a standard of etiquette, Ermis, The Keeper, waits for you inside the West Chamber where he's seated at a round stone table. One of his apprentices will lead you in. They'll make the appropriate introductions, guide you to your seat, and serve you some mead before they depart.

If you get the chance to ask around on the first day before entering, you'll learn that Ermis has never left the Nether, and has been a Keeper since his youth. He's held the position for the past 30 years. Part of his role is keeping the Nether's historical records, which are stored and under guard in the Citadel. His dedication to protecting the dragons - and thus, his people - is fierce, and his broken horn indicates he's not as passive as first impressions give off. However, his limited contact with outsiders, and his subsequent suspicion of them, can make him an unyielding negotiator.

The Draconae respect his commitment and his goals, but some believe he might be too inflexible for the changing times. A few joke that he needs to "go on vacation" outside the Nether for once.

NPC MEETINGS

[abraxasmods]

Characters who are Rank 5+ (negative or positive) and who are not acting as delegates can speak with one of the two NPCs available below. There is no restriction on characters per player. As long as your character meets the rank requirement, they can chat with a member of the Inner Sanctum.

New responses close after October 23. Please tag in before then if you'd like a thread.

ASTER, THE GUARDIAN

[abraxasnpcs2]

Mated to the Overseer and bearing an equivalent rank to him, you might be surprised that Aster isn't part of the negotiations. When you observe them flitting around the Obsidian Heart, though, you'll realize Aster is more interested in governing the Draconae's day-to-day life than the wider picture of politics - which they're more than happy to leave to Charis.

Aster's hobby is crafting. Unlike most of the Draconae, they use precious wood imported from Nocwich to make wood and string instruments. Their instruments are some of the finest in the Nether, but their skill at playing music can be described as enthusiastic as opposed to talented. Their pure joy makes it difficult for anyone to criticize too harshly, and the children are at least entertained by the simple songs.

Speaking to Aster will provide you the most insight into the Draconae and their relationship with both the dragons and the outside world. You'll find Aster at the following places below, where they'll greet you cheerfully:

◎ Pyritean's Rack, judging challenges or participating in the grilling
◎ Playing their favorite lyre for Draconae children
◎ Hunting to provide for the elderly Draconae population and the dragons who currently can't hunt for themselves

RESEARCH DISCOVERY

[abraxasmods]

Dean Winchester | The Lovers

[righteously]

( closed starters below; reach me at paingravy or righteously for plotting or questions! )

ᴍɪᴄʜᴀᴇʟ

[righteously]

—FEATHERHIVE

( Over the course of the week, Dean has — somewhat reluctantly — started to reform his opinion about the dragon situation. It's just... it's hard to stay wary about them when the baby dragons are so freakin' cute. Plus, seing the devastation across this landscape, the crushing of the local climate, all apparently to do with the dragons going extinct? It's a rough pill to swallow.

So, yeah. Okay. Sue him, he's leaning team dragon now, and he's helping get the stupid cure crap.

In this case, it's wandering through crappy terrain to get his hands on some weird magical crystals like this is World of Warcraft or something. He's content to do it alone, too — so of course the universe doesn't let him. He emerges from the overgrowth into a clearing more or less the same time as another figure does.

Before he can help himself, he's already muttering: )

Ah, crap.

( No offense or anything, just... you know. Not exactly his preferred company. )

Kyle | Thorne | Open + Closed starters

[ushiri]

( plotting comment, Kyle is a negotiator for Thorne )

Around the City (cw: description of scars) OPEN

[ushiri]

[ Kahlil appears to take their strange accommodations in stride, but to those who are familiar with him (and those expert at reading people) he might seem a bit tense in those first couple of days before the negotiations.

He can be found wandering the marketplace within the Foundry, admiring the wares. A dagger with an obsidian blade catches his attention, and he has an animated conversation with the seller: a tall, well-muscled Draconae with curled horns and deep purple skin.

Although he seems wary about the magma pools, he eventually takes a dip after returning from the Ashlands the first time. Anyone who has seen him in the baths at Thorne or Oleuni Square might already know that his body is map of scars, many of them seem to have been made by the same, razor sharp implement - though you might also spot at least one that looks suspiciously like a bullet wound on his shoulder. His second most recent wound, what appears to have been made with a blade straight through his middle, is now accompanied by a nearly matching one from his recent dance of near-death with the Anomalous Beast, Faust. On his chest to one side is a faded tattoo, the dotted form of a red serpent or dragon.

He's relaxing there, minding his own business, when he feels something slimy land on his arm - ]

Shi - [ an undignified yelp, and he's flailing, splashing whomever is nearby.

No one warned him about the frogs. ]

Jonathan Crane | Free Cities

[restingstitchface]

[Plotting comment. Open and closed starters below.
Questions? Find me at safekeeping.]

Rooms / Open

[restingstitchface]

[Crane fingers his hair while tapping his feet. His concentration lapses for a moment - eyes straining to focus before darting to his associate. Their chatter snaps him into the present and he parts his fingers to brush away his fringe.

Fatigue muddles his brain and loosens every muscle. But sleep is the last thing on his mind: he rubs his eyes and nods. But is he listening?]

Would you repeat that?

[One finger rubs below his nose. He feels a personal sort of embarrassment for his current state.]

Eddie Munson | Solvunn

[satanicpanics]

{ Plotting | muttonchops | poultrylegs @ discord
Starters to follow... }

around the city; OTA

[satanicpanics]

library;

[ In their time in the Nether, Eddie quickly becomes a mainstay in the library. After learning that the books housed there are nothing but fiction, he makes it a point to devour every single one he can. He barely looks at titles, doesn’t ask questions, just grabs something that looks interesting and devours it. He can usually be found in the evenings curled up in a chair or even on the floor.

Whatever he finds one evening gets a reaction out of him, though. ]

Oh shit.

[ He tries his best not to burst into laughter, stifling his giggles with the back of his until his shoulders shake. ]

That one, uh…has some pretty explicit pictures.


dining area;

[When it comes to meals, Eddie is not much of a cook. Truth be told, he still yearns for a meal as easy as a box of cereal to walk back into his life, but he’ll eat pretty much whatever gets offered to him in Solvunn.

You won’t catch him dead grilling, but at the same time, something gets into his head to give fishing a try. His uncle dragged him on a trip or two when he was a kid, and as an adult, Eddie is convinced his only catches were due to Wayne switching their poles when he wasn’t looking. Turns out, his skills haven’t improved much. He’s too fidgety and impatient, and he’s clearly about to give up three minutes in.

Later on, he manages to snag one of the hot peppers from someone’s cooking station and gently elbows the person nearest to him. ]

Hey. Dare me to eat this?

hilda goneril | free cities

[theidlemaiden]

( plotting comment | i'm at  timescars or cardialloyed @ discord! | closed starters ↓ )

— geralt

[theidlemaiden]

[ With no potion making skills to speak of and finding the prospect of research positively boring, ingredient gathering is the only option left for Hilda should she want to contribute something to the dragon's cure.

And she does, to be clear. While most of her decision to vote against the Free Cities providing further support purely had to do with her uncertainty around its leaders, she would be lying if she said that it also included some fear in regards to the creatures they were trying to save. Near death experiences by the claws of one would do that to a person. But in the end, she hadn't wanted to see any harm to the dragons which is why there isn't too by way of complaint from her as she sets out that day.

...That also may have to do with the person she managed to convince to come along for the task. She knows her strengths and navigation definitely isn't one of them (but neither is walking long distances or lifting heavy things or, well you get the idea). Thankfully with Geralt's skills they manage to stay par for the course they're meant to go with little trouble. Vines burst from beneath their feet, spreading out and over a giant crevasse. Darkness yawns into the void below them and Hilda can't help but look a little bit skeptically at the greenery twisted into a path forward for them. ]

If we run over this do you think it'll hold? [ Her foot goes to cautiously tap the vines. ] Because I don't think there's any way I'm walking over this.

claude von riegan | free cities

[godshattering]

( open & closed starters below | action, prose, and wildcards all welcome | plotting comment or find me at indech! )

hatchlings — open

[godshattering]

a. telling stories

[ As if getting to spend time with baby dragons wasn't irresistible enough, finding out that they enjoy being read stories or hearing new ones means that one man named Claude intends on putting his flair for the dramatic to good use.

Though he's in and out to help with feeding and watering them as needed, and there's plenty of playing to go around, it's the storytelling part he really appreciates. It means he can usually be found with a hatchling curled up in his lap napping away while another one might be listening - and providing plenty of comments as the story goes on, something which never fails to bring a grin to his face - or occasionally, acting out the story.

It's in the midst of crouching down to act out the particularly harrowing part of his escape from one rather stern church official named Seteth on a night when he'd decided to sneak into the dining hall for a late snack that the reason there's a hatchling perched on his shoulder becomes apparent. And it wasn't for the hatchling's comfort; suddenly, right as he's heading into the part about scaling a wall to make it back to the dorms unseen, there's a tug at the circle of beads around his neck in a failed attempt at stealth. ]

Whoa, hey, I need to hold onto that! [ Exclaimed with a hand clapped over the necklace he's taken to wearing regularly in the past few months, and this being the shiny trinket Epeius was after the whole time. For his teasing scold he's given a grumble that sounds too familiar and it's enough for Claude to laugh openly as the other hatchlings do their version of a grin. Mischievous, indeed. ] Nice try, but I'm impervious to that after growing up with wyverns and now having a baby one. Not all that much bigger than you, really. I'm sure you two would be friends.

[ Unless he's interrupted, he's going to keep right on talking to whichever baby dragons are still listening. ]

b. dragon herding

Alright, everyone back to where they're supposed to be! [ Which is, in fact, not scattered around Dragon's Glass. The scolding is feigned at best since Claude's entirely too cheerful over his fate of moving them back into their space rather than being scattered about. There's a cry at his feet and he looks down to see Anthusa sitting there, resulting in him immediately bending down to scoop up that baby. ] Come on, little one, we'll lead everyone back together.

[ But in the short instant it takes him to pick up Anthusa (and for a good cuddle when said baby tucks its face against his neck), Claude looks back to find the other hatchlings that'd been there a second ago? Now all gone as if they've teleported away. ]

Oh, I see how it is. I'm onto all of you.

[ Sort of; there's still that there's only so fast he can move while gladly carrying the baby dragon in his arms and that he actually doesn't know which direction they went. But there is one clue: a trail of shattered salt crystals leading off to one side from Ledas, and so to whoever he makes eye contact with first: ]

Ever wanted to play hide and seek with a dragon? Now's our chance if we see where this goes.

yennefer of vengerberg | thorne

[vixening]

[ plotting comment | disarmingly | disarmingly @ disco ]

featherhive. {ota}

[vixening]

[ yennefer arrives in the nether with the rest of the summoned, taken down the long spiraling staircase and into the obsidian heart. it's quite a spectacle, to her - watching the lava flow and the chaos inherent in the structures and pathways. it's a strange feeling to her, making her way into the nether and realizing she doesn't have any sort of schedule to adhere to - no meetings, no overall direction to prepare for. what yennefer feels with this realization is a kind of freedom that feels good, that feels light, almost exciting.

which also means that it doesn't take her long before she is asking after the dragons and the cure, what can be done and where to start. seeing hierus and kruos lights a sort of fire within her, and while she does volunteer the healing potions she's brought with her from thorne - she is also quick to ask about what else can be done.

that leaves her headed towards the ashlands, particularly the featherhive. and while yennefer is focused and somewhat intense, she also isn't rude to whoever else might be coming along with her. the bright colors and dark rocks cause something of a stunning view, but yennefer has a job to do, and that is enough to keep her focused as she heads down into the depths of the heart of featherhive and leaving green, lush footsteps in her wake.

the shadowbirds catch her attention for a brief moment at first, but she shrugs them off as nothing more than nuisances, and returns to the harvesting of the crystals - content to completely ignore any and all comments that might make their way through the air.

it's hard to tell, but there will be a couple of comments parroted through the air that will cause yennefer to stutter in her work - sometimes the best thing a flower can do for us is die or how much for a pig? or sometimes, you have to compromise in order to survive. if caught, yennefer will shake her head, mutter some kind of it's nothing and continue on her way.

it won't be until the birds speak again, in the same tone of voice as before, that yennefer stops in her tracks. the words are soft, otherwise unassuming, a quiet sort of your pain is my pain but yennefer is frozen - hands still around the crystals as she harvests, tears springing to her eyes.

she'll collect herself in a moment. ]

sam wilson | free cities

[falcony]

[ plotting comment | disarmingly @ disco | disarmingly ]

pyritean's rack. {ota}

[falcony]

[ it does not take very long before sam hears word of pyritean's rack; the nefarious torture device of phenomenal food and friendly competition. he will watch the first day's events if only because he wants an idea of what he's getting himself into - but after that? there isn't anything anyone can do to keep sam away.

more often than not he will simply be cooking, finding familiar grounds with the hot peppers and selection of seafood at his disposal. chances are if you are the type to go hunting, or fishing, or are just looking for something to do - sam will send people off to bring him food without hesitation. he wants to try a little of everything, wants to learn and apply where he can.

it's only a matter of time before someone challenges him, and sam won't hesitate for even a moment before agreeing. he will probably show off a bit too, but lucky for him, he grew up learning to cook at wilson family reunions. if you think this is chaotic, you have no idea what those sunday afternoons were like.

so yeah, this? this is sam's element. with an ale in one hand and a large iron fork in the other, sam is officially the grilling dad here in the nether - and it's about time some of the locals got to try some of the meals he's most proud of. you too, if you come wandering by. ]

Hey! [ does sam know you? well, it won't really matter if he does. ] You have to try this- here. [ yes, he's already making you a plate. hope you're hungry! ]

james t. kirk (mirrorverse) — free cities — the tower

[invicto]

— open prompts below
— hit me up @ extreminator if you'd like me to type up a top level involving a different prompt, I'm open to whatever!

— hunting

[invicto]

[ James isn't a cook, not by a long shot. He'd probably do more harm than good trying to cook anything, so he feels frustratingly useless in that regard. So, because he wants to not starve while he's here, he sticks to getting the animals needed for said cooking.

He does fairly well with hunting, a couple of knives all he really needs to get some of the smaller game. It takes a few tries, but he's skilled at throwing them, and eventually he manages to hit a few of them.

Making sure to finish the job, he grabs the animals and hauls them back to the dining area, unceremoniously dropping them onto one of tables where the food's being prepared. ]

You know how to cook this?

[ Asked without so much as a 'hi' to the Summoned taking up said cooking station. ]

erik lehnsherr — solvunn — the hermit

[heavymetals]

— open prompts below
— hit me up @ extreminator if you'd like me to type up a top level involving a different prompt, I'm open to whatever!

— into the heart

[heavymetals]

[ The descent is of no concern to Erik, mainly because he doesn't actually have to walk his way down. Magnetic fields seamlessly carry him down the way, and to the nearby observer, it will just look like he's flying, not losing his poise or balance for even an inch.

He will slow down or even stop mid-air if he sees someone struggling, though, a genuine offer as he stretches out a hand. ]

Can I help?

Finn | Strength

[hatejakku]

[ If you have ideas you wanna run by me first, you can PM me here or find me on Discord at .jay.bee or at linatrinch ♥ Here's his plotting comment. ]

The Hieran Wing - Locked to James, Rey, and Cal

[hatejakku]

[ While he was told that they needed to share rooms, Finn hadn't put much thought into it until they were there already. And instead of looking for a roommate right off the bat, he instead checks out the dwelling first, claiming a room for the sake of it.

Cozy. Spacious. Plenty enough for at least three people, easily more, and he already has some names in mind. So, he picks a bed, puts his things away, and goes out in search for his friends.

They could either have followed him already, which he'll be plenty happy about, or he'll find them lingering somewhere and invite them to stay. Either way, he has a few names at the top of his list. ]

Sandor Clegane | Strength

[dogmeats]

( closed starters below; reach me at paingravy or righteously for plotting or questions! )

ɢᴇʀᴀʟᴛ

[dogmeats]

— FEATHERHIVE

( Sandor Clegane hates this city more than any other place he's ever fucking been. More than King's Landing, which is a bloody accomplishment all on its own. There's lava everywhere, everything's on fucking fire, and he's been severely tempted to just turn the fuck around and leave everyone else to it. Doesn't matter that some insane fools literally bathe in the magma, that it's apparently touchable. You won't catch him within a dozen paces of it. Fuck that.

Featherhive, by comparison, is largely a relief. Nothing appears to be smoking, or smoldering, or blazing. Just rocks and overgrowth. He can live with that.

Nobody warned him about the fucking birds. He paid them no mind at first, as they took to landing on perches just overhead and out of reach. Ignored them, the way he's steadfastly ignoring the presence of another person a few meters away moving through the brush like a giant stalking cat.

But then the fucking things open up their beaks and begin to talk.

A melodic, proper Lord's speech rolls out of the first, "I owe you my life, ser."
Followed by a slightly squawkier version of his own, "I'm no ser."

An only slightly more feminine voice, "I have no wish to kill you, ser."
His own voice again, "I'm not a knight."

He stops in his tracks, staring. How the fuck are they doing that?

A very gentle, very sad lady's voice, "Please, ser-"
Himself again, "Ser?! I'm a dog, remember? The king's dog."

Joffrey's voice follows with a quick flurry of, "Come, dog. Away with you, dog, you're scaring my lady. Good dog. Dog, I command you to go back out there and fight!"

In a flash of ire, he ducks down to snatch up a rock and hurls it at the beast. )

Fuck off, you stupid whore!

Alucard | Free Cities | The Hierophant

[cryptsleeper]

HIERAN WING - Open

[cryptsleeper]

[Needing to cook rather than have meals provided is not something Alucard would ever consider a problem. He has enough skills to make the set up work for himself, and the option to experiment with new ingredients is in fact his definition of a great time. Standing beside a cooking station at one of the open fire grills, carefully de-seeding a pepper, he looks entirely at home. Every so often he shifts back to the grill pot itself, rotating what looks to be several large steaks of a critter, and for the life of him, this may be the happiest he's been.

Every so often, he places a large pot or plate at the end of his cooking station. Grilled shrimp served with bread and a stack of charred peppers. A large medium-rare bison steak with a salsa beside it. A whole bowl of chunky boar chili with a pot of rice beside it. He doesn't care who takes it, and if anyone asks, he doesn't bother turning around. He only waves a hand, lazy and content.]

If no one's claimed it, go right ahead.

Wylan Van Eck | Free Cities | The Magician

[demoexpert]

[ open and closed starters below, will match prose or brackets, wildcards welcome. plotting comment or reach me at courtings. ]

--Around the City | Open

[demoexpert]

The Foundry

Wylan finds himself strolling through the marketplace in the Foundry pretty early on. Markets in different cities and countries have always fascinated him, you can learn a lot about a culture from just browsing their markets. He browses everything but keeps his eyes peeled for new things he can use in his experiments and also maybe small trinkets he can pick up for his friends. The glass blowing is especially interesting to watch and he finds himself lingering around those stalls to see what they create.

The Hieran Wing

Wylan probably should have known that just because he was good at chemistry did not automatically mean he would be good at cooking. Because he is not. He finds himself in the dining area in front of a large pot that's contents have turned somewhat black and the fumes coming up from it are making his eyes water and burn. Too much spice? Probably. Someone should probably stop him before he makes something explode.

diana prince | dceu | the empress | free cities

[monomachy]

[top levels below. my ooc plotting comment is here! feel free to comment there, pm me, or add me on plurk at watchet for any closed starters!
i will match tagging style.]

around the city | open

[monomachy]

The architecture of the Nether's capital is breathtaking. Though it seems harsh at first glance, everything is as practical as it is beautiful. Parts of it remind Diana of the palace on Themyscira, except for the actual pits of lava peppering the city, of course.

Her room is sparse but comfortable, perfect for a short stay. It's obvious that the Draconae don't mind people carrying around their own weapons, so Diana keeps her sword slung across the baldric at her back, and a smaller dagger at her hip. It feels... good to be able to carry her own weapons around without receiving skeptical glances every time she turns a corner. It's just another thing that reminds her of home. That, and the magma pools, which are not so unlike the hot springs beneath Themyscira. The small frogs are definitely a delight, and while she won't try to eat them as the locals do, she will try to catch them for sport.

Sooner rather than later, hunger starts to gnaw at her, and she's directed towards the local fishing grounds. Diana catches a few fish in short order, but is less than enthused when she arrives in the dining hall to find that she is expected to cook for herself. She's used to patronizing local cafés and taverns, and had expected the same to be the case here. But as things stand, she'll linger in front of one of the cooking stations, wondering if there's a place where she can just build a fire to skewer the fish over.

Once she makes it to the library, she wastes no time before investigating what is on the shelves. It does catch her attention that there are no tomes on history or even flora and fauna of the Nether--everything she pulls from the shelf seems to be fictitious accounts of adventures or meant to terrify the reader. Eventually, she does flip open one of the erotic novels, and it definitely holds her attention longer than any of the other books. She takes a seat at one of the tables, the book lying open before her, and she studies some of the illustrations with a keen eye.

When not actively aiding in resource-gathering efforts, Diana spends most of her time at the marketplace around the foundry. While she glances over the jewelry, the majority of her attention is directed towards the daggers for sale at every other stall. She'll hold them up close to her face, scrutinizing the impeccable craftsmanship, and even test the balance of a few on her fingers.

Garrus Vakarian | Mass Effect | Justice | Free Cities

[thearchangel]

[ Open toplevels below! Plotting | redfirelight

AROUND THE CITY

[thearchangel]

POOLS & LIBRARY
This place is better than the others by virtue of the fact it's warmer than the other places they've trekked out to. It's called The Citadel too. Of all the things. It definitely made him laugh a bit. He'll take his time exploring, getting the lay of the land - so to speak. And eventually ends up in the Library, browsing. The last time he was in one of these, he'd found the same book over and over again. Only in this library, he finds one that's...

... what is that? In the library, he's turning the book over in his hands, squinting at it. What the heck is he looking at? Garrus sure doesn't know.

Or maybe later, he's liable to be spotted sunk up to his chin in the Magma Pools. There's a frog on his head. And Garrus doesn't seem to notice at the moment.

FOUNDRY
While he's not a big one for jewelry, the glass blowing and glass working is more interesting. They're doing good work here, from what he can see. So maybe... You can overhear him asking the various glass blowers about their work. Specifically:

"Can you do anything with eyepieces? Like - say, a telescoping one?"

Oh. So that's why he's got his crossbow with him.

Adora | Strength

[youmiscalculated]

[ top levels below. adora's plotting comment. ]

☼ 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠

[youmiscalculated]

[ This is all Adora's wanted, a good distraction that she can dive into head first. She isn't done exploring all of Thorne yet, but now there's somewhere even newer that's caught her (and everyone else's) attention, and something like a terrifying path or walkway isn't going to stop her. She won't let it stop anyone else either. Before stepping through the portal she uses her magic to summon She-Ra, which means once the warm, lightning-quick flash of light that surrounds her fades, she's a jacked eight-foot-woman who is more than capable of carrying anyone with her. That's why, once she's out of the portal, she looks at the person next to her regardless of their size. With a quirk of an eyebrow, there's a small smile tugging at her lips. ]

Need a lift?

geralt of rivia — ◈ free cities | hanged man

[gynvael]

— starters below —
plot comment | discontinued | quantifies @ discord

— ◈ dean.

[gynvael]

[ The Netherfolk assured him that no monsters lurk in these parts. (Geralt's slung his sword over his back just in case.) True to their word, the land isn't filled with anything except withered husks and jagged fossils. Not a single stir. He's passed through villages consumed by plagues, but even then, one could hear the call of the birds, the buzzing flies, dogs barking. This is an eerie void absent the barest hint of life.

Except where they step, that is. The air grows sticky, dampening his hair, his clothes. The rough cartilage cliffs become slippery and wet with green when he climbs. That may be why he proceeds a little slower than Dean might be accustomed to seeing. The real reason is not one he's spoken of yet to his friend.

He keeps a steady pace even so, grasping a thin, dried vine that revitalizes under his fingers to haul himself up the edge. Bright indigo flowers burst under his palm, then fade as he stands and steps forward.

He scans the high ridges stretching towards the nonexistent sky. Whatever Dean happens to be saying to him, it receives a vague grunt. ] I'm not sure that's what it's meant for.

[ They might've had a similar conversation, in the past. ]

haelva lueltar (dark urge) | solvunn | the magician

[durge]

open and closed starters
💀
plotting comment; please mind her warnings.

OPEN ➞ featherhive

[durge]

( It is not in her nature to fear the lands on which death has staked its claim -- not as a necromancer and not as... whatever she is. The Shadow Cursed lands had been full of a different kind of darkness, a strange undeath, and here is far too familiar to that to make her want to spend any longer than she must be. She thought herself done with that nonsense.

But there's something that makes her long for the unearthly silence of the Shadow Cursed lands, and that's the thrice-damned birds. )

"Bhaal doesn't need us to think. He needs us to kill." ( Says one, and Haelva tugs on the magic at her fingers in an attempt to send the thing crumbling into dust. It doesn't, just simply puffs into whispers of smoke. One more appears behind her, hopping along the ground before it calls once more. ) "You're not supposed to be here, special one."

( Haelva does not roar, but she does turn whip-quick, lashing out with the stave she'd taken to carrying -- sending the bird into another plume of smoke. )

Wretched things, leave me be.

the doctor | free cities | the fool

[thedreamer]

[ open/closed starters below & anything goes! | geekorthodox | witcheryofliving @ discord | plotting comment | I have no preference for prose vs. brackets so please feel free to use any format you prefer ♥ ]

open ► pyritean's rack

[thedreamer]

[ In his younger days, the Doctor wasn't particularly talented with cooking, though he mostly likes to say that so he can insist he's gotten better with age. He did however once win a cooking contest in Prague, locked in a battle for the fate of the Earth with everything hinging on the perfect balance of garlic, olive oil, paprika, and a healthy dose of salt. He couldn't have done it without Sarah Jane. He couldn't have done so many things without his friends.

He fancies himself a decent chef now when times call for it, enough that he's more than willing to volunteer his "talents" to feeding others with his somewhat peculiar combinations. Though not seeking a competition, he'll agree to one if challenged. The act of grilling itself is fun for him, and not the sort of thing he's really done very often so it would be clear to anyone passing by that he is both enjoying himself immensely and learning quickly as he goes. ]

Oh, good, you're just in time! [ A plate of food is handed to you if you happen to be passing by, and the Doctor smiles broadly. ]

There's plenty more where that came from.

[ ooc: The Doctor gets carried away mashing ingredients together that don't typically go together, so feel free to have your character react accordingly! ]

Arthur Hastings | Solvunn | OTA

[smilefornow]

Around the City

Arthur's entire response to essentially taking a holiday to Hell has been 'this may as well happen'. Why not? He's already in magic fairy tale land, living with a nice magic Viking family, why not a group field trip to the fiery depths of the earth? It's still probably better than Wellington Wells.

And it is. Arthur finds himself pleasantly surprised. Alright, so he has a great deal of trouble opening doors. He keeps having to throw his shoulder into it and sometimes scramble a little, his feet sliding on the ground. What can be expected? He's only been eating well in the last couple of weeks and he's just gotten over scurvy. And if just asks for a hand, one of the burly demon people seem happy to. At least his height isn't out of place!

He can often be found in The Heiran Wing, initially sticking close to the areas that have been clearly designated as spaces for the Summoned. This is a whole new...well...species of people, let alone culture! All he can see are all the ways he could do something wrong. Normally a terrible offense, but in this case, potentially cataclysmic. He will not cause a diplomatic incident because he accidentally picks up the High Lord Dragonman's Sacred Spatula. That's just the sort of thing that would happen to him.

Luckily there's plenty to keep him busy. The dining hall fascinates him. This is the sort of cooking that is considered positively heathen by Wellie standards. It's also the exact sort of cooking he'd been doing in the Garden District. Only this is real food. Some of which he can't even identify. Well. This is...certainly an adventure. He can be found sitting in front of a pot, sniffing various ingredients and frowning thoughtfully before either tossing it in or putting it back. Occasionally he sniffs something too spicy, and sneezes so hard he looks like he's going to fall backwards.

The library is also of interest. One of the greatest parts of this world is that books aren't heavily censored. They aren't all silly comedies and twee romances or silly and twee romantic comedies. They're proper books! Find him marveling over various titles with an expression of wonder.

"Oh..." you may hear him utter. "This one's sad! And this one's frightening! Oh this one's full of inappropriate material!"

He sounds downright delighted by this.


Magma Bathing Pools

Arthur does not trust the magma pools.

They may be uniquely colored magma, but they're still magma. It's right there in the name. He is a very fragile human being, highly flammable. And no soap? Really? Soap is one of life's great luxuries, and one he never intends to take for granted again. How is he expected to bathe without soap?

He can handle that they take the wild and wooly beatnik approach and that bathing is communal. Odd, but perfectly acceptable. It's just like skinny dipping when you were kids, only everyone's an adult and also you're in Hell so you're expected to bathe in liquid magma.

Those frogs look highly suspect, too.

So you may find Arthur standing by the pools, his plain brown tunic and trousers with braided leatherwork identifying him as hailing from Solvunn, suspiciously eyeing the blue...liquid? Occasionally he takes a cautious step closer. A very cautious step.

It can't be safe!


Pyritean's Rack

It's taken Arthur at least an hour. Carefully selecting ingredients, meticulously preparing them, waffling over exactly which alien but delicious smelling spice or vegetable to add. And then the cooking itself...painstakingly timed to the exact second, mouth watering all the while, resisting the urge to snatch up the artfully crafted kabob he's put so much time and effort into.

This is a luxury. A miracle, really. Just a giant place full of food and cooking! Granted, it's essentially in Hell - Arthur knows this is not, actually, Hell, but it's the underground fireland where the demon people live - but that's the beautiful thing about miracles. They can happen absolutely anywhere. And now...now it's finished. Oh god, it's a thing of beauty! Juicy, seared, aromatic...Arthur takes a moment just to appreciate it, holding his stick of meat and veg with a proud and pleased expression.

This was his mistake.

Before he can take his first bite, a small blur of wings and teeth snatches it right out of his hand.

"Hey!" He leaps to his feet, shocked, offended. "That's mine! Somebody stop that scaly little thief!"

Wildcard

[OOC: Arthur will be all over, including participating in ingredient gathering, feel free to toss a starter at me if none of the above appeal!]

Featherhive - Closed to Nero

[smilefornow]

Arthur is well aware of his strengths and weaknesses. He can throw together a quick and dirty chem mix when he needs to, but the lab is not the place for him. He'd be utterly useless trying to help develop any sort of cure. That was all Sally's bag.

No, he'd best just go and gather things. It's almost impossible to mess that up, and he'd gotten very used to being told to go and collect things by other people. It's nice and familiar.

This...er...realm? however, is not. It's so terribly desolate. A line of old poetry occurs to him and he speaks without thinking. "What are the roots that clutch, what branches grow out of this stony rubbish? The dead tree gives no shelter..."

Yes, this is indeed a waste land. Is this the future he'd left behind, a dead and used up land? No, he's not going to think about that. He is here to look for crystals using some strange innate magic he apparently has. That isn't very strong, but he's quite new. He's simply ambling along, trying to remember more T S Eliot, when he hears it. Out of nowhere.

"...sure to smile at just how lucky we are to be in Wellington Wells! Where there are always rainbows after the rain, and the bobbies always smile, and no one ever feels hungry or sad. It's good to smile as early as possible in the morning. That way you know you've had enough Joy! Remember, happiness is a choice. And we all want to be happy!"

Arthur freezes, dropping his bag, eyes darting this way and that. It's impossible. They can't have Uncle Jack's shows here! They just can't! It's not real, he's...he's having an episode of some kind, that's what they call it in the books.

This is the absolute worst place for a break with reality!

clive rosfield | thorne

[flagrates]

( open starters to follow! discord is rmnoffs, plurk is florescentia, feel free to hit me up either place for plotting. )

open - dragon babies

[flagrates]

[ Maybe it's the older brother instinct in him. Maybe it's just his natural desire to help, but Clive finds himself more often than not in the company of the babies, and he's made it a point to sit down with at least two of them at a time to read them a(n appropriate) book he's grabbed from the library. He's more into it than the dragonettes are; he's even doing voices and making grand gestures.

It only keeps their attention for so long, however, and he soon finds himself being dragged along by Ledas so it can show him it's salt crystals. He stands and watches, Anthusa in his arms, both of them curiously watching as Ledas spins up a rather large salt crystal that makes it's way up to Clive's thigh—

Only for the crystal to collapse under it's own weight. Ledas heaves a sigh, and Clive reaches out to pat its head, settling Anthusa around his neck as he looks up and tries to catch the eye of someone passing by. ]

Have you seen a broom?