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

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.

[gynvael]

[ It isn't a shock that Alucard's spent his days happily searing meat and fish. Geralt, too, does not find providing for himself a bother. He's used to it. He is also much more of a hunter than a chef. Cooking is a necessity, not a pleasure.

So when someone's willing to take the time to grill and season the meat for him, he'll take advantage.

He finds Alucard in the Wing, as expected. In his hands is a tin bucket of crabs he's fished from the molten lakes. They're still alive, crawling and pinching the edges of the pail. He could toss everything over a fire for a decent meal, but the dhampir will make something genuinely appetizing.

That's the basis of their friendship. He brings the meat and fish. Alucard turns it into supper. ]

Room for more?

[cryptsleeper]

Of course.

[Alucard takes a glance at the bucket of crabs, considering the options. Being from the molten lakes makes this an interesting thought exercise.]

Any requests, or is this a display of trust?

[gynvael]

[ The bowl of chili is in Geralt's hands in the time it takes for Alucard to set the crab bucket down. Chili was only introduced to him upon his arrival in Abraxas, and he's come to appreciate its hearty simplicity. Nothing speaks to him more than a bowl filled with stewed meat. ]

Just don't poison me.

[ Or brew him a plate of hot peppers. Geralt possesses an exceptional tolerance for those, but that's all it is. A tolerance, the same way he can swallow his scorching elixirs without flinching. As part of a dish, he just...isn't accustomed to a high level spice, though he'll eat it without complaint if that's what's available.

He suspects it won't be a concern with Alucard. They both hail from similar corners of the world, even if their realms are entirely separate. ]

Spotted you with Himeka earlier.

[cryptsleeper]

What, and deal with Jaskier yelling at me? The bat situation was bad enough.

[Alucard turns to his work counter, starting to shuffle around possibilities. Onions, chilis, oils, a few vegetables. He could do something light, but the flour and the cooling condiments catch his eyes as well. Oh, he has options.]

Himeka and I could do an entire exploration of this place focused solely on the food culture here.

[They're living their best lives.]

[gynvael]

[ He makes a soft noise. ] Jaskier would yell the sun for being too bright.

[ He's only saying. He has a great appreciation for Jaskier, but that appreciation means sometimes his best friend is prone to dramatics. Though he supposes they should've locked the door. He'd say next time they would, but Geralt does not wish there to be a next time.

He sticks a spoonful in his mouth. He'll assist with the work if Alucard asks, but Geralt has learned not to interfere with the dhampir's kitchen activities. ]

Perhaps they'll let you return to explore the culinary arts.

[ He may have created some sort of cooking monster by introducing (reintroducing?) Himeka and Alucard a few weeks ago, but it's resulted in him dining well in the Nether. ]

[cryptsleeper]

While you're not wrong, I don't understand why he keeps forgetting I can become bats.

[How many other friends does the have that can be bats?! He is just saying.

Alucard very much does not ask for help. He is still contemplating, and he picks a crab up from behind in order to get a sense of the weight. Conversation continues, because it is a totally normal thing to keep talking and gesturing with a crab every so often.]

We could live in hope. Unlike Nocwich, I don't think trade is an option here, nor can I blame them. Between this and the fae, I wonder how many other parts of the world are holding themselves aloof.

[gynvael]

[ Geralt snorts. Frankly, he's not certain Jaskier forgets so much as he does not think when confronted with multiple bats in his doorway. In Jaskier's defence, there was no reason for Alucard to be bats while visiting their home.

Except for those specific circumstances. Which. Will not happen again.

He sits back, enjoying the crackle of fire while Alucard fusses with the crabs. It's warm in the Nether, but not scorching hot under a bright sun like the desert. In fact, the steam from the magma has done some good for the ache in his bones. ]

They seem to visit the Cities often enough. [ The Fey, on the other hand, remain as elusive and isolated as ever. For how long, he has to wonder. What would it take to drive them back into the world? ] Word has it the neighbouring village hasn't opened its gates to a soul.

[cryptsleeper]

--Is that so?

[Alucard puts the crab back in the bucket, realizing that while he could just put it over the open flame, it would be cruel. So instead he fusses with getting another pot out and filling it with water, intending to steam the crabs for the time being.]

I admit, I've really been focused on the culinary arts here. I don't think I can do another round of politics.

[gynvael]

[ Mm. Geralt is loath to dip into more fucking politics, but he can't ignore the significance of what's happening, either. Eventually, he'll find himself speaking to both Claude and Nadine—and Yennefer.

For now, he can eat in peace. ]

It's out of our hands now.

[ They've sent their representatives to the table. And while Geralt is not eager to align themselves with the Free Cities authority, there isn't much to be done about it at this juncture. ]

[cryptsleeper]

That it is.

[Alucard pauses, walking off only to return a few moments later with a giant pot. The crabs are dumped in rather unceremoniously. There's the bang of the lid as metal contacts metal, and the whole thing goes over the fire.]

If nothing else, I can appreciate the novelty of something wholly new and alien to home. Including the dragons, so far as I know.

[gynvael]

[ Crabs in a pot makes for an efficient method of cooking them. It's what he'd do, though crab was a rarity until he arrived in Cadens. He didn't often go near the coast back home. Aquila brings plenty of crabs and squid to the Cadens market, though, and along with things like dates and olives, it's been...unique.

Not as unique as crabs fished out of a magma lake. Wonder if they taste any different. ]

No dragons in yours? [ Is Alucard's world simply vampires and night creatures? He takes a chunk of bread. ] I met one once. They're rare.

[ Almost as rare as the ones in the Nether. ]

[cryptsleeper]

If there are, I've yet to meet one.

[Alucard moves onto mincing some ginger next, wondering faintly if living in a magma lake will impact the crabs' ability to survive in a pot. He'll check in about ten minutes.]

But you saw it. What was communication like?

[gynvael]

Until that moment, I assumed all dragons were only beasts. No different than a bear or a wolf.

[ Not the fearsome fire-breathing monsters people saw them as, but not exactly sentient. Just another creature on the Continent, roaming the earth, surviving as best it can in the face of greater and greater threats. ]

I believe many are regardless. But...the one I met, he had a name. He took the form of a man. I helped save his egg. Never saw him again.

[ That isn't all that happened up on the mountains of Caingorn, but the rest is. Complicated. ]

[cryptsleeper]

--I've never heard of one that could shapeshift. [Alucard perks a little, intrigued and aware that there are crabs rattling about in the pot behind him.

Ginger's done. Moving onto scallions.]

Some of this must smack of the familiar then.

[gynvael]

He may have been the last.

[ Geralt knows better than to open the pot while Alucard is cooking, but he does steal some braised fish in a finished pan. The fish and meat here has a distinct flavour he isn't sure is from the spices or just the land itself. ]

Some. [ Sure. The dragons, but also being of a dying breed. A home that dwindles with each passing year. He came for a reason, and it isn't to do with whatever vote the Conclave passed. ] I'd like to think we'll do more good than harm here.

[ Who can say? The involvement of each ruling body leaves something to be desired. ]

[cryptsleeper]

[It is hard for Alucard not offer a sad, sympathetic look at the comment about being the last of one's kind. It is a heavy thing, being that rare.]

I hope that his egg has hatched and lifted some of that weight.

[Alucard's tone makes it sound more like a prayer than simple words.

The scallions are done, he moves onto two medium chilis that have been smoked and dried, then placed into a sauce. He's going to be bringing so many home with him.]

It's more straight forward than the adventures we had with the fae, that much is a simple truth. I'd be curious to know the specifics of how the holes in the singularity resulted in this, if only to continue to understand how that rock works. That said, it also seems painfully rude.

[gynvael]

[ To say he dislikes the Fey is inaccurate, but Geralt is not fond of court bullshit, and the week he spent in their home was, in its essence, exactly that. How many presented the information requested afterwards? How many were expected to because of how they've positioned themselves?

Every so-called diplomatic visit feels rife with pittraps. ]

I doubt they know themselves. [ The Netherfolk, he means. ] Tears in time and space don't seem to be a common occurrence.

[ Aside from the summoning rituals. And yet here they are, with more arrivals despite the rifts only weeks ago. If there's a lesson to be learnt, it seems none have taken note. ]

[cryptsleeper]

Is it reductive and cynical of me to simply blame the giant rock?

[There. The crab pot is silent now. Alucard lets it go for a few minutes more, and in the mean time takes a large wok-shaped cooking vessel and puts it to the flame, waiting to add in oil.]

Because I don't think the summonings and the rock aren't unrelated.

[gynvael]

No. [ Not at all. He stretches out his left leg, resting it. His thumb idly rubs a spot in the middle of his thigh. ] If they've nothing to do with each other, then I'm a fucking mermaid.

[ He'd like to hear who hasn't made that connection. To him, it seems obvious, though perhaps that's to do with his knowledge of Ciri and the monoliths on the Continent. The way they can be used to open doors to other realms.

And that monsters and people can walk through those doors. Against everything he once knew. What they all once knew. The more their spheres bleed into each other—memories, beasts, magic—the more he worries that another Conjunction lies in their future. ]

[cryptsleeper]

As much as I'd like to see you with fins and a fish tail, I think I'll settle for being correct but disappointed.

[Alucard's gotten the gist of Ciri's rock situation, but he also feels it is a fairly obvious thing at this point. What comes through the rifts? Summoned. And things from their homes.

He opens up the pot to test a crab, shoving a long set of tongs down to check. He pulls one out and yes, it is very much cooked. It goes down onto the cutting board, and Alucard grabs a knife.

For a moment, his eyes alight on the spot Geralt's rubbing at. While he doesn't ask if it is okay, he does make a little huffy noise that pairs with raised eyebrows.]

If I bring any of the spices back with me, do you have special requests?

[gynvael]

Sorry to disappoint. [ He does not think he needs to grow any new appendages. The claws and teeth are plenty.

Alucard's noise is not ignored, exactly, but Geralt makes another sound of his own that suggests he isn't interested in discussing it. He removes his hand in favour of taking a crab leg. The shell cracks easily. ]

You should know better than to seek my culinary opinions. [ Still, Geralt considers. ] Bring whatever Ciri likes best.

[ That seems the simplest option. Or Jaskier, but he assumes Jaskier has no problem making demands of Alucard as he wishes. ]

Will you miss the cooking here?

[cryptsleeper]

I think Jaskier would be more disappointed. I only wanted the novelty.

[Alucard pauses, waiting to see what the meat looks like as Geralt cracks the leg. It seems familiar enough, but is it cooked through.]

Yet I still ask. When you do have suggestions, they end up being quite good you know. [What Ciri likes best is a default. Alucard can accept it, and he moves on. Time for some oil to make a dressing.]

Mm, I suspect I will. There's a focus on the culinary arts as their own independent thing from other forms of expression that I've yet to see elsewhere. I appreciate it, and I appreciate being challenged to learn to cook with new things.

[gynvael]

Nothing new. [ Jaskier is persistently disappointed in the Witcher and all the things he is unwilling to do.

And all right, he'll accept that. The pierogies did result in something fairly good with the smoked cheese. Perhaps later, he'll approach Alucard with a flavour he does prefer.

He hums. The Lunae reminded him of the Skelligans, and the Draconae are much the same. No wonder they apparently reside in Nocwich when they leave their volcanic home. He appreciates their desire to remain independent, but without avoiding existing in the world amongst others. ]

You'll owe me another dinner with all that you've learnt here.

[cryptsleeper]

Is it really owing if I usually offer to do it without being asked?

[He makes a grabby hand for the crab leg once it is cracked. The meat looks done, but he needs a little chef snack to confirm that it'll work for what he intends to do.]

Although I think I do need to offer something more elaborate after the bat incident. Ciri is like getting hit by a cart, by the way.