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

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! ]

drive-by, I'm very sorry this is your roommate...

[nomnoms]

[ Nanaue is not here to cook. He would much rather eat the ingredients as they are - it means no waiting!

Fortunately for him, he ambles on over to the rack as things have already started cooking, and the manshark spots a new but familiar face amongst the chefs.

Without a word he takes the entire plate from the Doctor, and swallows it whole. Plate and all. ]

Goooood! [ He announces! With a burp in between.

He then wanders off to the next person offering him a plate... but he will return for more later. ]

[thedreamer]

[ Oh good! Leave no waste behind, the Doctor always says. While he certainly hadn't expected that level of enthusiasm, his roommate is clearly a satisfied customer, which is all that he truly cares about. ]

Hurry back! Making a special sauce for the next batch.

[assembles]

[ While Steve is no cook, not even close, he does make his way to Pyritean's Rack at some point when exploring the Obsidian Heart. He's mainly drawn in by the delectable smells and the chatter about how the Draconae do their grilling in a unique way. He can't help but be curious, and if he ends up having a meal shoved his way, he won't turn it down. (Or so he thinks.) He doesn't want to be completely useless, so he might need to look into hunting to do his part, but that will have to wait until tomorrow.

Grilling with magma seems all kinds of dangerous, but it's clearly commonplace here, and Steve watches as a number of skilled chefs hold a grilling rack with butchered meat directly over a pool of magma. Sometimes the meat even catches flame, ending up with a nice char to it.

No doubt Sam is going to love this place and fit right in, especially with the emphasis on using spices. With that in mind, Steve's pretty sure he doesn't need to worry about going hungry while here.

As he continues to wander, he's suddenly assaulted by a plate of food delivered by an excitable British man. Steve blinks down, taking the plate if only because he doesn't know what else to do. He glances over his shoulder, wondering for a moment if the stranger was talking to someone else.

Because they definitely don't know each other. But also, no one else is in the immediate vicinity, so... ]

For me?

[ Steve glances down at the plate, and what he sees doesn't look all that appetizing, if he's honest. It's an odd combination of ingredients, but maybe the magma grilling will give it a unique taste? Either way, this guy is clearly another Summoned, so Steve can't help but be a little apprehensive. ]

[thedreamer]

[ The Doctor has witnessed nearly every possible method of cooking in the known (and even unknown) universe, but this particular style is utterly unique. And all the more thrilling for him, naturally. He doesn't fear the unknown, doesn't second-guess grilling with magma on the chance he might be injured, he only welcomes the joy of doing something he's never done before. Either it turns out beautifully or it's absolutely dreadful. Either way, he's learned something!

He doesn't miss the seemingly perplexed look on the other man's face and he doesn't offer much in the way of explanation, apart from a cheerful smile and a little nod as the plate is taken. ]

You, naturally.

[ The meat is nicely charred — not burnt, more caramelized. It might almost be appetizing if it weren't for the strange combination of spicy, salty, and (for some reason) cloyingly sweet flavors not working at all together in harmony. Unless one has a taste for the unusual, it's more than likely going to be off-putting. The Doctor, at least, will take any brutal honesty in stride, if not tease about it. He does wait expectantly, almost hopefully, though, for a bit of feedback. ]

Worst thing you've ever had, best thing you've ever had? Don't ever work up a plate of food for me again, Doctor — what am I dealing with here?

we can adventure later i need this

[pathologise]

( she'd been passing to get some fruit, a brief interlude before getting back to trying to 'study' the herbs when he'd stopped her, pushing a plate of food to her. she's startled at first and then-- slightly unimpressed? oh... strange museum man )

What exactly is it?

( and why does it smell like that? weird and not so appetising )

GOOD

[thedreamer]

[ She doesn't have that hopeful look he was really going for, and it knocks the wind out of his sails a bit, but he bounces back quickly. Naturally. ]

They handed me a few lovely ingredients. I put those together. Voila! [ Unfortunately, it's about as much as she'll get in the way of an explanation. ]

Rest assured, if you like good food, I'd never give you anything but.

[ #NailedIt. ]

open ► gathering

[thedreamer]

[ The elusive rope-like vines make all this adventuring through Cinder's Core a bit more precarious, though the Doctor finds it rather thrilling. The nature of this place alone is something that fascinates him, imagining what was here once. The life that blooms beneath his fingertips is enough to enthrall him longer than it should, and they have work to do, he knows, so he does his best not to be too easily distracted. Quite the feat for him!

As they work their way up to collect some of the kydros fruit, the Doctor has positioned himself behind his companion; a measure of protection in some way, should they lose their footing. ]

Oh, well done, nearly there —

[ Anything he's about to say next is suddenly cut short as he notices something over his shoulder, one of the thorn bushes seeming to come to life and reach for them. They'll have to move faster, somehow, though he's keeping a careful eye on it as they take their next steps. ]

Not to alarm you — strange phrase, isn't it? It does invite alarm. Never mind! Forget I said it, keep going, everything's fine.

[hatejakku]

[ You can't just say that and expect a guy like Finn to forget it, not in this particular situation. He's not exactly a person who's afraid of heights or anything, but he can't really call himself a fan either.

Regardless, coming here with this man who calls himself 'The Doctor' had been a great idea up until now. The other was great at keeping calm, making light of everything, moving the pace of their adventure along effortlessly. But right now- Right now- ]

Too late! I'm alarmed! What's wrong?

[ And yet, he begins to move faster, trying his absolute best to be just as careful. Whatever he shouldn't be alarmed about sounds like it's something Finn wants to get away from very quickly. ]

[thedreamer]

[ Despite his words and the very real threat looming ever more as the seconds tick by, the Doctor does remain remarkably calm. There's more urgency in the tone of his voice and in the way that he moves, but he still absolutely believes they'll be fine.

If not potentially looking a little worse for wear. ]

Before I answer — ah, and do keep moving quickly. Faster than quickly, actually!

[ He glances over his shoulder again, and the thorn bush is rapidly coming closer. ]

Two points: one, you'll be safe, don't worry, it'll hit me first and I'm impenetrable. Well, nearly. [ Well, not really. But it sounds good! ] Two, just how fast can you move? There's a thorn bush and it's...quite large. Growing larger.

[aquilus]

[It doesn't occur to Altaïr that the Doctor might be slightly below him out of concern; it doesn't occur to him that falling is even an option, though he's very aware that pride goeth before a fall. Still, he's climbed more treacherous places than the Cinder's Core, though the tone of his companion's voice makes him wonder if there's more to worry about than he thought.]

I'm difficult to alarm. What did you see?

[He's assuming something specifically prompted the change in demeanor and not that, say, the man suddenly very much needs to relieve himself.]

[thedreamer]

[ As a general rule, he doesn't default to doubting the skills and expertise of those he travels with unless such skills are called into question for any reason. He does worry, though, and certainly has a pattern of insisting others stay behind while he goes on ahead. Not really possible here. Admittedly, he's grateful not to be alone right now, but he still has a duty of care (in his mind) and he's a bit harder to injure than others here. So, he'll stay right where he is; a decision further reinforced by the thorn bush seemingly stalking them now. ]

Have you ever walked past a big, beautiful, flowering bush with pretty roses and thought, oh, that's lovely, wouldn't harm a fly, I'll stand here and admire it? Well, this is the opposite of that and we won't be admiring this one. Keep going and tread carefully, these vines are unpredictable. Apart from that, we've got this sorted easily, I have no doubt!

[ Just...yes, keeping a close watch as the thorn bush seems to be coming closer to them the higher they go. ]

[carmesi]

[wanda can’t believe she got roped into joining the doctor on this little expedition, but part of her was utterly convinced at the idea that this is just like exploring the garden in her horizon. for whatever reason, that comparison convinced her? and so, she’s giving this a go and all seems fine, until—]

Huh—?

[should she be alarmed?

she turns her head back around towards him, moving her body along and nearly losing her footing. she grabs onto him arm, tightly, shoots him a glare.]

You can’t just say something like that! Woah—

[okay, her footing is not entirely great yet.]

[thedreamer]

[ There are times even the Doctor doesn't quite know how he manages to talk others into joining him for one adventure or another, but he's grateful all the same. Even if this isn't quite the adventure he might have had in mind. ]

Words are funny things, aren't they? One stray word here or there and you've gone from hopeful to alarming in a matter of seconds.

[ If it seems like he's delaying an answer, he is. But when she grabs onto him, the Doctor is quick and careful to keep her steady. ]

Steady on — these vines, they're not to be trusted. Careful with your footing, they seem to disappear on a whim. We'll forget the other thing for now.

[ The...thorn bush. Yes, just totally forget it for now. ]

[thepath]

[ Scaling cliffsides and vines in the pursuit of important objects? This is Cal's wheelhouse. He doesn't appear to be bothered at all by the sheer climb or the precariously shifting vines, finding hand- and footholds with practiced ease as the two of them collect kydros fruit.

He's shifting his weight to his next foothold when his companion—well, causes alarm. ]

Really doesn't sound like everything's fine.

[ It takes a second for him to adjust his balance so he doesn't fall, but he stops and glances down at his partner in this endeavor, not noticing the thorns (yet). ]

What's wrong?

sorry for the delay on this one!

[thedreamer]

[ They've been successful so far, on the whole, a job well done. Provided they make it back, of course. The Doctor, being the optimist that he is, doesn't doubt they'll make it back with their bounty and help to contribute to the cause for finding a cure. It's just the thorn bush that seems to have other plans, stalking them the higher they go. ]

What gave it away — my tone, was it? Have to work on that. Not now, of course, no, we've got — [ He tips his head downward a little. ] The last few moments, every time we make a move, that thorn bush down there seems to grow, coming closer. How good are you at ducking and running?

closed ► julia

[thedreamer]

Shortly after their arrival here, the Doctor was quick to visit the ailing dragons and assess their well-being himself. Lacking his usual resources and by no means an expert on dragons, he was under no delusion of being able to miraculously heal them; rather, he'd wanted to just see them, comfort them if a moment allowed it. He's also never seen dragons at all, so the visit had proven to be both wondrous and upsetting. The Doctor never has been and never will be anyone capable of sitting idly by and doing nothing, so he'd leapt at the opportunity to journey to the Ashlands. Don't go alone, they'd warned. He'd considered it, though, even knowing his own propensity for far worse things happening whenever he's done anything alone.

At the thought of someone with him on the journey, his thoughts had turned to Julia, this most recent connection he'd come to value immensely. They could understand each other already, it seemed, and she'd want to help, he was sure. Neither of them could be sure what to expect, but there's strength in numbers. The path they follow is littered with empty birds' nests, a dragon's skeleton, and the Doctor is about to remark on what they've just seen when a few birds fly past them; seemingly innocuous until some unfortunately familiar phrases are called out in the air around them.

"Oh, Doctor. My lonely Doctor. Doctor. Doctor who? It's more than just a secret, isn't it? There comes a time, Time Lord, when every lonely little boy must learn how to dance."

The Doctor suddenly slows and stops abruptly, watching the birds tensely, a deeply troubled look in his eyes. He remembers — Reinette, who had seen things in his mind she was never supposed to see. Not ever. How could —

"That's not —"

He starts to try and shoo the birds away, surprised when they disappear into smoke, and glancing quickly at Julia. He means to say something, to explain, to pre-empt whatever she might say or ask, but then the birds appear again.

"I walked away from the last Great Time War. I marked the passing of the Time Lords. I saw the birth of the universe and I watched as time ran out, moment by moment, until nothing remained. No time. No space. Just me. I walked in universes where the laws of physics were devised by the mind of a mad man. I've watched universes freeze and creations burn. I've seen things you wouldn't believe. I have lost things you will never understand."

It's little comfort when the birds disappear again, the Doctor already unsettled by what's been shared aloud, and how. How could they know, how could they — he starts walking briskly again now, not looking at Julia at first, distracted, far away from this moment. It suddenly clicks a moment later he's not keeping pace with her anymore.

"Sorry, we should keep going before they come back. Distractions, that's all they are." Currently attempting to ignore what just happened!

[divinityfrompain]

Julia has become a regular babysitter of the hatchlings but she too visited the dragons pretty quickly. She tried to use her substantial healing to help them, and it did seem to give them temporary relief. She doesn't have any potions so it was the best she could do, but they seemed to look at her with gratitude. The hatchlings have enjoyed crawling all over her which has been strange but cute, outside of getting some claw marks all over her clothes.

Since she doesn't know potions or the kind that would help with a cure, she's taken to going out for ingredients, and so the Doctor looking to do the same was a no-brainer. They've already bonded and she was glad to see him here too, since they only have Nocwich usually to meet up. She hasn't created her Horizon domain yet so she hasn't really been able to meet anyone there.

The area seems creepy but the bright crystals at least are eye-catching. She looks startled when strange birds start flying around, mostly because she doesn't feel any life energy from them. They seem more like shades. She jumps a little when one of them seems to speak, pausing to look at them.

The Doctor seems shaken after that first one and she looks at him right as he glances at her, their eyes meeting. She starts to say something too but then the birds are back and speak a little longer. Julia feels like they are saying things that aren't meant for other people to hear, at least not like this. By the time she turns to him again, he's already walking away, and she hurries to catch up.

"Hey." Julia reaches out to touch his arm, not something she often does with strangers, but they're not that anymore. A brief touch and then gone. "Consider it forgotten. Unless you don't want it to be." She means that she's going to ignore it as he didn't choose to share, but if he does want to share, he can. Otherwise they can look for the crystals.

When birds appear again, Julia's eyes start to glow and she punches the air at them, bright light shooting toward them to cause them to dissipate before they can share anything else. At least right now. They probably won't be dissuaded forever.

[thedreamer]

Lonely Doctor. It's a fact of his life, but something he doesn't care to be reminded of, certainly not out loud, certainly not here. The crushing weight of memory engulfs him for a moment, those first days with Amy. You're lonely. That's it? Just that? Yes, yes, that was it. And what had he done? What has he always done because of his loneliness? Stolen everyone away, over and over. Selfish. And look what happened to them. The memory of their loss is still fresh, and though he's grateful the birds didn't parrot any of those memories back at him, they resurface nonetheless.

At the touch to his arm, the Doctor does pause and spare her another glance. He's quiet, strangely so, considering her words, grateful for them. Forgotten, unless he doesn't want it to be. The offer is kind, though he won't trouble her. At least, not now. He's tense when the birds appear again, then distracted by the light she shoots at them. Dead and haunting this land, they can't be harmed seemingly, though he would always wish and seek to understand, even a creature that causes distress in some way or another.

"They're doing what they do, those birds. What they know, with whatever afterlife they're leading. Unpleasant, unsettling. They shouldn't be able to get in here, nothing should," he taps the side of his head briefly. "For me or for you."

He looks around them briefly, anticipatorily. "If I could work out the mechanism, how they're doing it." He shakes his head a little. "Not the time, not now." Then he nods to Julia for a moment. "That doesn't harm you, does it, when you use magic like that?"

closed ► hilda

[thedreamer]

[ Though he tends to think of most people he's had positive interactions with as friends, there are notable people here with whom he's genuinely grown close, enough that he would seek them out for company or bother them more than he does most people. Hilda happens to be one such person and she's gained even more favor in his eyes since bestowing him with the most wonderful bow tie. Really, what a friend!

He's also felt unsettled with how very not forthcoming she'd been after her recent injuries. Hiding the extent of what she's gone through is unfortunately a familiar coping tactic, something he's employed far too often. It just drives him mad when others do it. He wants to help, of course!

As if there isn't enough occupying their time spent in the Nether, the Doctor charges himself with fussing over Hilda in some way, even if he has to get a bit creative about it. She may not be willing to actually be honest with him about how she's doing, but he'll make his presence known and perhaps when she's ready to talk, she'll at least know she's got a friend. He doubts he'll catch her when she's around and though he could make it a point to be near when she is, he decides just leaving a few small care packages along with a note for her should suffice. Bundled up in whatever he could find that was loosely passing for parchment or wrap of some kind are a few questionable food items, a mix of savory and sweet that might either be strangely pleasant or utterly horrid depending on one's tastebuds.

Having knelt to "expertly" perch the items against her door and thinking it's all well and good that he's simply left it all there, he's not expecting said door to suddenly open and for the two of them to be thrust into each other's faces. Again. Accidentally, this time. ]

[theidlemaiden]

[ When Hilda darts out of her room that day in an attempt to leave behind her embarrassing, cackling roommates turned hyenas the last thing she expects to see is the Doctor. That isn't to say that she hoped she wouldn't see him. Sure he spoke a mile a minute, had sniffed her, called her out on her injury, and then asked her in a very roundabout way to make him a bowtie - but it was all endearingly amusing in a weird sort of, "Why are you like this?" way. Rather, she had been hellbent on getting out as quickly as she could for any new experience that the Nether could provide her.

But first she has to get through the obstacle currently blocking her path. The obstacle being one gangly Time Lord with a deep rooted love of bowties.

It's not the empty hallway she had expected and her knee connects with something that soft and fleshy instead of air. There's probably some sort of equation someone more mathematically inclined than Hilda could use to calculate how hard her knee rams into his face, but for the sake of keeping things simple, let's just say that she effectively and very accidentally knees the Doctor in the face just as he's getting up from leaving his well intentioned care package. She lets out a yowl of pain. Pinpricks of pain jolt through her knee and into the rest of her leg, forcing her to buckle - right on top of the Doctor. ]

[thedreamer]

[ One can only imagine the sight the pair of them make in the corridor, a mess of limbs, an assortment of pained sounds varying in intensity. Certainly, being met with a sturdy knee to the face isn't the most pleasant sensation and does elicit a mild jolt of pain, but he's sure it's far worse for Hilda and really, he feels absolutely terrible. He'd mucked things up enough in their last encounter, now this.

When he'd...meant well. Completely well. So terribly well.

Now, he's acting quickly to keep her from falling any further, hoping his body mostly shields her from actually hitting the ground when she falls on top of him and he subsequently falls himself. He attempts to grip lightly at her arm to keep her steady. ]

Oh! Ow! Yes, that's...an interesting way to say hello! Spirited, certainly, which I appreciate. Suppose my own technique needs work by comparison.

[ He attempts to move now and help her up, slowly and gently. ]

You okay, Hilda? There was an ow, a very loud, very pronounced ow closer to a yelp, and it's got me worried, frankly.

closed ► geralt

[thedreamer]

[ As the long day wanes and the Doctor's thoughts circle back in a continuous loop over recent events in the Ashlands, he's eager to keep himself busy wherever his hurried and restless steps carry him. Unless he finds something to focus on or someone to speak with, it's rare that he stays in one place for long, a bit of a blur in and out of various areas since their arrival here.

He'd spent time with Hierus and Kruos, offering what little comfort he could give, and it was a selfish want as much as a selfless act. Dragons! Dragons here, up close, able to be seen and heard and tended to. He had to see them. They're more beautiful than any image his mind could have conjured, and in their presence for a moment he had simply been still in reverence, a well of emotion swelling up in him at the knowledge of their suffering and the very real fact that there may soon be none of their kind left. He knows far too much about that, too, but anytime those thoughts arise, he bundles them up in a neat little box with a messy bow and tucks them far away with the other things he doesn't think about. To forget, to avoid being the living embodiment of a raw wound like he was in his last life. No, he needs to be of use, be the optimist, the bringer of hope, to help where he can; and where he can help now seems to be with the smaller hatchlings.

He's heard of others tending them and expects to see a large crowd — who wouldn't want to care for baby dragons, after all — but he's surprised to be alone with them for the time being. Between the Doctor and the hatchlings, it's clear their energies all match each other, though even the mad Time Lord must admit that as the minutes pass, it proves to be difficult keeping an eye on the most rambunctious of them. He's only too grateful when another draws near. Whether planning to stop or only intending to pass through and quickly leave, they've caught the Doctor's attention regardless. ]

Oh, hello! You make quite the entrance, has anyone told you? Impeccable timing. Here exactly when needed most.

[ It might sound like mere baseless flattery from anyone else, but the Doctor means it genuinely, leveling a warm smile at the man approaching. It doesn't occur to him perhaps the other didn't want to be volunteered for this particular undertaking. Okenus is happily perched on his left shoulder and Anthusa is held carefully close to him, clearly more tired than the others, but the Doctor needs his hands free briefly and so he holds Anthusa out to the other man. ]

Mind holding this little one a moment? I've lost sight of the other two. Or vice versa, if you want to have a look for them.

[gynvael]

[ Said entrance consists of him walking across the temple floor towards the exit. He'd arrived here to speak to Yennefer after a trip into Cinder's Cove, followed by an encounter with one of the delegates (Claude) and a hatchling or two. It's been a long day. He's managed less sleep than he intended, and he still has a headache from the squawking birds of the previous day. All that's to say, when the man catches sight of him, Geralt is:

- carrying his sheathed sword loosely in one hand, tiny teeth marks imprinted on the leather;
- covered in a dusting of salt crystals;
- marked with several thorny scratches over his forearms;
- tired

Now he finds himself with an armful of dragon. He squints at the man before him. Fuck. At this rate, he'll never escape Dragon's Glass. Though frankly, looking after wayward dragons isn't too different from herding his similarly unruly brothers over the winter months. Down to the casting of annoyingly disruptive magic.

Anthusa clamps its teeth over his wolf head medallion and tugs on it with clear desire. He sighs but allows it. Since no one else is about the place, he can't exactly let the dragons run loose. Only five remain as it is, and there's already one causing havoc around the city. He's just gotten rid of the damn petals in his hair. ]

Where did you last see the other two?