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

[heavymetals]

[ It's not the first time Erik's gotten that reaction here. Honestly, it's refreshing, almost freeing in a way. Erik has always been proud to be a mutant, but back in his world, calling oneself a mutant would be enough to make most people take a step back. There's some sense of acceptance, thanks mostly to Charles's work over the years, but that sense of suspicion and concern is still there.

But not here. Here, people show interest, they want to see what he can do, they want to know more. It's... strange, but it feels good. Like true acceptance. ]

I'm sure there are one or two mutants who are powerful enough to once have been considered gods, but mankind knows better now. [ For better and worse, but at least they won't be getting another En Sabah Nur anytime soon. ] And we're certainly not aliens. I was born in Dusseldorf, to human parents.

so sorry for the delay! feel free to drop if you need to

[assembles]

[ Mankind knows better? That sounds ominous, but Steve is pretty sure that he can fill in the gaps there. Worshipping someone like a god when they're just a human with powers is going to cause a lot of problems, to say the least. And it's not like he's unfamiliar with humans who have strove for that sort of power, either. Schmidt still comes to mind, even now.

His eyes flicker with recognition at "Dusseldorf." ]

From Earth, then. But probably a different Earth than mine. There... seem to be a lot of us, all from different versions of it.

[ Still, similar enough, if they both have powered people and Dusseldorf.

Steve makes a gesturing motion toward Erik. ]

So it's not a genetic thing, then? Your parents didn't have powers?

It's alright, I'm in no rush

[heavymetals]

[ Not really ominous, just a statement of fact. People aren't so easily deceived now. It's for the better. Granted that Erik has taken some amount of satisfaction from knowing he could instill fear in some humans, people who treated mutants poorly, who wanted nothing but their extermination. It was personal. But all he ever wanted for his kind was acceptance. It was all that he ever wanted to fight for: a right to live free. ]

If you're from anywhere past the 1960's and you haven't heard of mutants, then we're definitely not from the same Earth. [ It's not a concept that particularly confuses Erik. He may not be a scientist but he's not stupid. He understands how alternate universes work in theory.

He never thought he'd see proof of it in person, admittedly. ]

They didn't. [ His lips press thinly, jaw tight. ] But my children would.

[ He pushes past the quiet ache behind those words, then continues. ] The mutation is not just a random occurrence. We are the next evolutionary step.

[assembles]

[ The 1960's? So it sounds like they're from a similar timeline, even. Steve had already gathered that they had to be from different Earths, but that definitely cinches it. Still, there are enough similarities that he can't help but want to know more.

There seems to be a moment of hesitation from Erik about his parents and about any future children. Steve knows it could be any number of things, and he isn't going to pry too much. They've only just met. But he does make a note of it all the same.

He can't stop the way his gaze sharpens at those words: the next evolutionary step. It sounds like something that Ultron or Red Skull would say, but he's going to take the words at face value here. ]

And something in the '60's happened that triggered this next step?

[ He crosses his arms, frowning to himself. Does that mean eventually Erik's world would be populated by only mutants? Even now, people like Steve are a very small minority. It's hard to imagine. ]

[heavymetals]

[ Erik doesn't expect most strangers to pry. It's a way to cut the topic short, but even if it hadn't worked, he would have been clearer about not wanting to talk about it. His parents are a source of pain for him, and his daughter as well. He has no desire to talk about either with a virtual stranger. ]

Events occurred in such a way that our existence could no longer be kept a secret. [ Through no fault of his own... alright, absolutely through every fault of his own. Details. ] Not that it should need to be a secret. It's how we were born, there is nothing wrong with it. We have a right to exist as we are, just as everyone else.

[ But he understands now why some people might wish to live in the safety of that secrecy. He has always known conflict, never shied away from it, but all mutants should be allowed a choice in leading a perfectly normal, peaceful life. He just doesn't believe that choice should be dependant on the acceptance of all the other baseline humans. They hold no right to supremacy. ]

[assembles]

[ That response is almost suspiciously vague. Events occurred? What events? Steve figures that it might just be too much to get into, again. He knows how that is, when any one of the Avengers' conflicts with otherworldly forces would take an entire afternoon to explain.

Nor does he disagree with Erik's sentiment. Still, Steve can already guess at the issues that this secret being revealed might have brought about.

He starts walking through the market, hands shoved in his pockets, mainly just because it helps him to think. He can't help but reflect on the mess brought about by the Accords, and the events that led to them being proposed in the first place — and that was just with a small group of enhanced people. ]

I'm guessing it wasn't that simple, though. Even with just a few of us, there were issues. People had to adjust to the fact that people with incredible powers existed, and not everyone trusted us to use those powers responsibly.

[ His tone becomes tighter as he explains. The wounds are fairly old now, but they're still there. ]

[heavymetals]

[ Erik sees no reason to be anything other than vague. The man is barely an acquaintance at the moment, so it's not like he feels particularly inclined to share his whole personal history, or the history of his own worlds. So yes, events occurred. ]

Of course it wasn't, [ He mutters, tired and not ever surprised by people's capacity for intolerance and hatred. ] People always fear what they don't understand.

[ And they saw mutants as a danger, as a sign of their own extinction. Erik will admit now that he was often among those who gave them all the more reason to fear, but then he didn't throw that first stone. He simply stood for his cause. ]

When you say 'us', what do you mean?

[ Not mutants, but something else? Powered people, in some form or another. Whatever it is, Erik is evidently interested. ]

[assembles]

[ People always fear what they don't understand.

It's true, and it's something that's been proven time after time throughout history. Steve doesn't think that he needs to make that point to Erik. That tiredness is coming through loud and clear.

Steve heaves out a sigh. He could ask what happened as a result of that fear, but he has a pretty good guess, and he's already been bombarding Erik with questions. It's time to answer some. ]

People who are enhanced, in some way. In my case, I was given a serum that made me... more than the average human. Stronger, faster, more resilient. [ He glances over to Erik with a one-armed shrug. It's the easiest place to start. ] Others were exposed to... to keep it simple, magical space rocks, and those gave them abilities. [ He doesn't touch on Thor, mainly because he already discussed gods earlier. ] Then we had other people who didn't have powers, but just had enough skill, intelligence, or resources to take on the different threats to our Earth.

[ He pauses for a moment, wondering if Erik will find this odd or relatable. But he might as well give full context. His jaw tilts up slightly as he finishes: ] We were a team.

[heavymetals]

[ Steve isn't wrong, Erik does find it relatable. Well, to a certain degree. It seems that all of the people Steve mentions had their powers granted to them at some point in their lives, an external factor that caused those changes in them. In that point, mutants are different. But the mention of a team does get a glint of recognition in his eyes. ]

I see. [ A pause, as he considers sharing more. ] There's also a team of mutants in my reality that fight with that same goal in mind. To protect others from threats.

[ And in part, to work towards mutant acceptance, to show the world that they don't have to be feared. That they can be allies, rather than be made enemies. Erik may not agree with Charles's methods, mainly because time and again he has been proven otherwise, but he does respect him. His ideals, his goals. That at least will never change. ]

You said you were a team. Not anymore?

[assembles]

[ Steve isn't all that surprised to hear that a similar concept to the Avengers exists in Erik's world. Even if mutants may come about their powers differently, it's still the same basic principle. If someone finds themselves with special abilities that allow them to do incredible things, the instinct seems to be to use those abilities to make a difference.

And most of the time, Steve still believes, to do good. To help.

His expression flickers with a smile, hearing that, and he nods firmly. ]

I'm glad to hear it.

[ At the question about his use of the past tense, Steve suddenly averts his gaze and heaves out a sigh. ] Well, there were some disagreements. About how the team should be managed — if oversight was needed. But we still came back together when a more universal threat reared its head.

[ He glances back then, not sure he wants to dig into the can of worms that's Thanos right now. ] Are you part of it? This team?

[heavymetals]

[ It really all comes down to how selfless people are. Whether they want to use their powers to change the world, to help others, or themselves. Or if they simply want to live their lives as though they don't have those powers at all.

Erik has gone back and forth between all those options, admittedly. Right now he's come to a more balanced approach, where he really doesn't want to get involved in the issues plaguing the world, but he also isn't going to deny his own powers anymore. He's as close to feeling at peace as he has in a while, despite the recent losses and the grieving that has come with it.

There's an air of tired recognition as Steve mentions oversight. He nods. ] Same in my world. Various governments certainly tried to keep a hold over us, in some form.

[ Charles works with them now, but frankly, Erik could never bring himself to trust them. One wrong move, and they will again be labeled the enemy in the public eye. Mutants, a constant danger and threat to mankind as they know it. ]

At one point, I... was with them. At the beginning. [ The pause isn't hesitance so much as him reminiscing. ] I have helped on a few other occasions, but you could say we don't often see eye to eye.

[assembles]

Why am I not surprised.

[ Steve shakes his head, a slow back and forth. He's not so much frustrated as resigned to the fact that this is how it's always going to go, and in some ways he can't even be that upset about it. Of course when there's a group of people with incredible powers running around, those in charge are going to get nervous.

It's a debate he's had so many times, both within his own head and with others, that thinking about it in a whole other context with Erik's world just makes him tired.

It sounds like maybe some of these issues are what has kept Erik from being a permanent member on his world's version of the Avengers, too. ]

I guess that principle applies here too, right? [ He makes a gesture around them with one hand. ] We're all Summoned here, and a lot of us have abilities or enhancements or... mutations. [ Still getting used to that term, but. ] Doesn't mean we're gonna agree on everything.

[ Even the nature of their visit here came down to a vote, and not everyone agreed. Steve had been unsure about working with the governments because of everything he just explained, but ultimately majority rule won out. Which he isn't going to dig his heels in about in this case, but the point stands. ]

[heavymetals]

I imagine because people will always be the same, regardless of the world.

[ More inclined towards fear, hatred and intolerance than any form of acceptance. In the case of Erik's own world, the fear that they would be wiped out by the mutants, as though they were out to kill all baseline humans they crossed paths with.

Not that Erik has helped much in that regard. But to him, fighting back seemed like the better option. The only option. Under similar circumstances, he would not hesitate to do the same. He would rather be labeled a monster than turned into a victim again. ]

That's true. We had similar goals, but our methods tend to be different. Different beliefs on how to approach the issue.

[ Which shouldn't have even been an issue to begin with. Erik has not created the problem, he simply believes in a different way of handling it. ]

It may yet become a problem here as well, although so far, Summoned seem to support one another, even in different factions. I've heard much about the tensions between the natives, but not much in terms of serious conflict among the Summoned.

[assembles]

[ Erik's right that there seems to be something to human nature and all the forms it takes. Humans can be stronger than just about anyone, with wills made of steel; but they can also do terrible, ugly things.

And it does seem to come down to approach, even when the ultimate goal is the same.

It makes Steve wonder what Erik's methods had been, to put him so at odds with the rest of the mutant team, but he realizes that's a pretty invasive question.

The observation about the Summoned is also spot-on, and Steve nods. Right now they're mainly surrounded by Draconae, but it doesn't take him long to spot some familiar faces of Summoned in the distance as they also explore the forge. Some are from the Free Cities, yes, but there are some from the other factions too. ]

I think most of us are sensitive to being manipulated into siding with any one faction against the others. I think we're tied close together because all of us were brought here without even being asked for permission. [ His tone tightens at that, because even all this time later, it's still a sore spot.

Then he heaves out a sigh, his expression shifting to something more tired. ] And, well, some of us went through a pretty harrowing situation together, and that affected Summoned in every faction. I don't know if you were told about the abductions.

[heavymetals]

I have been told, [ he confirms. ] Actually, I was about to say that would be pretty good reason for any of us not to wish to get too closely involved with any of the factions.

[ It's just one minor example, but it's a bad omen. There will always be the risk that the people here will turn against them, whether it's the ruling government or another group of natives. They are unprotected, their rights mean little to the people of this world. They can sign all the pretty agreements they want, Erik will never trust any of it. He has been on this end of similar situations before, he knows better. ]

I would say it's wise of us all to trust only other Summoned, and even then— [ He pauses, just for emphasis. (And dramatic effect.) ] We all should be careful on who we choose to rely on. Not everyone can be trusted, even those in a similar predicament.

[ Every person has their own personal end goals, and different lengths they are willing to go to achieve them. ]

🎀 wrapping, thanks for keeping up with it for so long!

[assembles]

[ Steve nods, because while it may not have been a faction that was directly involved, what happened with Josselyn's cult was still proof of how some of the natives view the Summoned. As a power source to be used, as an oddity to experiment on, as a piece on a board to be moved.

It's why he would have preferred they didn't come here as representatives from the factions, and had voted the other way, but he does understand why some people weren't willing to take the risk of doing it on their own with these dragons' lives hanging in the balance. ]

You're right. And while I've tried to be careful with where I put my trust, there are Summoned I've met who've more than earned it.

[ Erik is newer, so maybe he doesn't feel that yet. Trust takes a wild to build up, and yet when Steve thinks about someone like Claude or Geralt, he doesn't feel a shred of doubt about them.

As for Erik, it remains to be seen if trust can exist between them, but they certainly have a lot of common ground to commiserate about. Steve pauses then, noticing the angle of the sun in the sky as he takes a look around the forge. ]

Well, it was nice to meet you, Erik. [ Steve holds out his hand. ] Thanks for putting up with all my questions. I have to go meet a friend, so I'll let you go.